MetaLogo: a generator and aligner for multiple sequence logos

Sequence logos are used to visually display sequence conservations and variations. They can indicate the fixed patterns or conserved motifs in a batch of DNA or protein sequences. However, most of the popular sequence logo generators can only draw logos for sequences of the same length, let alone for groups of sequences with different characteristics besides lengths. To solve these problems, we developed MetaLogo, which can draw sequence logos for sequences of different lengths or from different groups in one single plot and align multiple logos to highlight the sequence pattern dynamics across groups, thus allowing users to investigate functional motifs in a more delicate and dynamic perspective. We provide users a public MetaLogo web server (http://metalogo.omicsnet.org), a standalone Python package (https://github.com/labomics/MetaLogo), and also a built-in web server available for local deployment. Using MetaLogo, users can draw informative, customized, aesthetic, and publishable sequence logos without any programming experience.

Sequence Isomerism in Uniform Polyphosphoesters Programmes Self-Assembly and Folding

<p><b>Non-natural sequence-defined polymers have the potential to recapitulate the unique structures and functions of proteins. To achieve this goal requires not only high-efficiency synthesis platforms, but also an understanding of the relationship between sequence and folding/self-assembly. In a step towards that goal, we have here exploited the high-yielding solid phase phosphoramidite synthesis commonly used to make DNA, and generated two sequence-isomeric polymers which display sequence-programmed folding and self-assembly. These findings open up possibilities for more sophisticated sequence/structure relationships using the same synthetic platform.</b></p>

Sequence Isomerism in Uniform Polyphosphoesters Programmes Self-Assembly and Folding

<p><b>Non-natural sequence-defined polymers have the potential to recapitulate the unique structures and functions of proteins. To achieve this goal requires not only high-efficiency synthesis platforms, but also an understanding of the relationship between sequence and folding/self-assembly. In a step towards that goal, we have here exploited the high-yielding solid phase phosphoramidite synthesis commonly used to make DNA, and generated two sequence-isomeric polymers which display sequence-programmed folding and self-assembly. These findings open up possibilities for more sophisticated sequence/structure relationships using the same synthetic platform.</b></p>

Sequence Isomerism in Uniform Polyphosphoesters Programmes Self-Assembly and Folding

<p><b>Non-natural sequence-defined polymers have the potential to recapitulate the unique structures and functions of proteins. To achieve this goal requires not only high-efficiency synthesis platforms, but also an understanding of the relationship between sequence and folding/self-assembly. In a step towards that goal, we have here exploited the high-yielding solid phase phosphoramidite synthesis commonly used to make DNA, and generated two sequence-isomeric polymers which display sequence-programmed folding and self-assembly. These findings open up possibilities for more sophisticated sequence/structure relationships using the same synthetic platform.</b></p>

Impact of vertical sequence on consumers' choice between hedonic and utilitarian products

Given that display patterns greatly impact consumers' product evaluations and choices, we investigated how vertical sequence influences consumers' self-control behavior regarding choosing between hedonic and utilitarian products. We first conducted a pretest to examine whether or not vertical display sequence influenced product preference when the products presented belonged to the same category. In Study 1, we then tested the basic effect of vertical sequence on the choice between hedonic and utilitarian products. Finally, we conducted Study 2 to examine the underlying mechanism of the impact of vertical sequencing on the choice between hedonic and utilitarian products. Results showed that when hedonic and utilitarian products were jointly presented and when the hedonic (vs. utilitarian) product was placed at the top (vs. bottom), consumers were more likely to realize the difference in experiential benefits between the hedonic and utilitarian products and, thus, were more likely to choose the hedonic (vs. utilitarian) product.

EssC is a specificity determinant for Staphylococcus aureus type VII secretion

ABSTRACTThe Type VII protein secretion system (T7SS) is found in actinobacteria and firmicutes, and plays important roles in virulence and interbacterial competition. A membrane-bound ATPase protein, EssC in Staphylococcus aureus, lies at the heart of the secretion machinery. The EssC protein from S. aureus strains can be grouped into four variants (EssC1-EssC4) that display sequence variability in the C-terminal region. Here we show that the EssC2, EssC3 and EssC4 variants can be produced in a strain deleted for essC1 and that they are able to mediate secretion of EsxA, an essential component of the secretion apparatus. They are, however, unable to support secretion of the substrate protein EsxC, which is encoded only in essC1-specific strains. This finding indicates that EssC is a specificity determinant for T7 protein secretion. Our results support a model where the C-terminal domain of EssC interacts with substrate proteins whereas EsxA interacts elsewhere.