Enterovirga aerilata sp. nov. and Knoellia koreensis sp. nov., isolated from an automobile air conditioning system.

Two strictly aerobic and rod-shaped bacteria, labelled as DB1703T and DB2414ST, were obtained from an automobile air conditioning system. Strain DB1703T was Gram-stain-negative, while strain DB2414ST was Gram-stain-positive. Both strains were catalase-positive and oxidase-negative. Strains DB1703T and DB2414ST were able to grow at 18-42 °C. Strain DB1703T grew within a NaCl range of 0-3 % and a pH range of 6.0-8.0; while strain DB2414ST grew at 0-1 % and pH 6.5-8.5. The phylogenetic and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strains DB1703T and DB2414ST belonged to the genera Enterovirga and Knoellia, respectively. Strain DB1703T showed the closest phylogenetic similarity to Enterovirga rhinocerotis YIM 100770T (94.8 %), whereas strain DB2414ST was most closely related to Knoellia remsis ATCC BAA-1496T (97.7 %). The genome sizes of strains DB1703T and DB2414ST were 4 652 148 and 4 282 418 bp, respectively, with DNA G+C contents of 68.8 and 70.5 mol%, respectively. Chemotaxonomic data showed Q-10 as the sole ubiquinone in DB1703T and ML-8 (H4) in DB2414ST. The predominant cellular fatty acid in DB1703T was summed feature 8 (C18 : 1 ω7c and/or C18 : 1 ω6c), whereas iso-C16 : 0, C17 : 1 ω8c, and iso-C15 : 0 were dominant in DB2414ST. Overall, the polyphasic taxonomic comparisons showed that strains DB1703T and DB2414ST were distinct from their closest taxa and represent novel species within the genera Enterovirga and Knoellia, respectively. Accordingly, we propose the names Enterovirga aerilata sp. nov., with the type strain DB1703T (=KCTC 72724T=NBRC 114759T), and Knoellia koreensis sp. nov., with the type strain DB2414ST (=KCTC 49355T=NBRC 114620T).

Variability in the serial interval of COVID-19 in South Korea: a comprehensive analysis of age and regional influences.

Introduction: Quantifying the transmissibility over time, particularly by region and age, using parameters such as serial interval and time-varying reproduction number, helps in formulating targeted interventions. Moreover, considering the impact of geographical factors on transmission provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of control measures. Methods: Drawing on a comprehensive dataset of COVID-19 cases in South Korea, we analyzed transmission dynamics with a focus on age and regional variations. The dataset, compiled through the efforts of dedicated epidemiologists, includes information on symptom onset dates, enabling detailed investigations. The pandemic was divided into distinct phases, aligning with changes in policies, emergence of variants, and vaccination efforts. We analyzed various interventions such as social distancing, vaccination rates, school closures, and population density. Key parameters like serial interval, heatmaps, and time-varying reproduction numbers were used to quantify age and region-specific transmission trends. Results: Analysis of transmission pairs within age groups highlighted the significant impact of school closure policies on the spread among individuals aged 0-19. This analysis also shed light on transmission dynamics within familial and educational settings. Changes in confirmed cases over time revealed a decrease in spread among individuals aged 65 and older, attributed to higher vaccination rates. Conversely, densely populated metropolitan areas experienced an increase in confirmed cases. Examination of time-varying reproduction numbers by region uncovered heterogeneity in transmission patterns, with regions implementing strict social distancing measures showing both increased confirmed cases and delayed spread, indicating the effectiveness of these policies. Discussion: Our findings underscore the importance of evaluating and tailoring epidemic control policies based on key COVID-19 parameters. The analysis of social distancing measures, school closures, and vaccine impact provides valuable insights into controlling transmission. By quantifying the impact of these interventions on different age groups and regions, we contribute to the ongoing efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic effectively.

Sphingomonas flavescens sp. nov., isolated from soil.

An aerobic bacterium, designated as PT-12T, was isolated from soil collected from agriculture field, and its taxonomic position was validated through a comprehensive polyphasic methodology. The strain was identified as Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, rod-shaped, and catalase- and oxidase-positive. The yellow-colored colonies showed growth ability at temperature range of 18-37 °C, NaCl content of 0-1.0% (w/v), and at a pH of 6.0-8.0. The 16S rRNA gene and phylogenetic analysis showed that strain PT-12T affiliated with the genus Sphingomonas in the family Sphingomonadaceae, and displayed the highest 16S rRNA nucleotide sequence similarity with Sphingomonas limnosediminicola 03SUJ6T (98.4%). The genome size of strain PT-12T was 2,656,862 bp and the DNA G + C content estimated from genome was 63.5%. The highest values of average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) were observed between strain PT-12T and Sphingomonas segetis YJ09T, accounting to 76.2% and 20.2%, respectively. In addition, both ANI and dDDH values between strain PT-12T and other phylogenetically related neighbors ranged between 69.6% and 76.2% and 18.4% and 20.2%, respectively. Chemotaxonomic features exhibited Q-10 as the only ubiquinone; homospermidine as the major polyamine; summed feature 8 (C18:1ω7c and/or C18:1ω6c), C16:0, and 10-methyl C18:0 as the notable fatty acids; and phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, and sphingoglycolipid as dominating polar lipids. Overall, the comprehensive polyphasic data supported that strain PT-12T represents a novel bacterial species within the genus Sphingomonas. Accordingly, we propose the name Sphingomonas flavescens sp. nov. The type strain is PT-12T (= KCTC 92114T = NBRC 115717T).

Paenibacillus silvisoli sp. nov. and Paenibacillus humicola sp. nov., isolated from forest soil.

During the study of microbial ecology of forest soil, two circular, white-colored bacterial colonies were isolated and labeled as strains TW38T and TW40T. Both strains were catalase positive and oxidase negative. Strains TW38T and TW40T demonstrated growth within a temperature range of 10-37 °C and 18-37 °C, respectively, and thrived within a pH range of 5.5-9.0 and 6.0-8.0, respectively. Both strains grew at 0-2.0% (w/v) NaCl concentrations. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that strains TW38T and TW40T affiliated to the genus Paenibacillus, with the closest neighbors being Paenibacillus montanisoli RA17T (98.6%) and Paenibacillus arachidis E3T (95.4%), respectively. In both strains, the sole respiratory quinone was MK-7, the signature fatty acid was antiso-C15:0, and the major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, and phosphatidylcholine. The digital DNA-DNA hybridization and the average nucleotide identity values between TW38T, TW40T, and closest reference strains were < 29.0% and < 85.0%, respectively. The DNA G+C content of TW38T and TW40T was 54.5% and 57.1%, respectively. In general, the phylogenetic, genomics, chemotaxonomic, and phenotypic data support the differentiation of TW38T and TW40T from other closest members of the genus Paenibacillus. Thus, we conclude both strains TW38T and TW40T represent novel species of the genus Paenibacillus, for which the name Paenibacillus silvisoli sp. nov. and Paenibacillus humicola sp. nov. are proposed, respectively. The type strain of Paenibacillus silvisoli is TW38T (= KCTC 43468T = NBRC 116015T) and type strain of Paenibacillus humicola is TW40T (= KCTC 43469T = NBRC 116016T).

Paenibacillus caseinilyticus sp. nov., isolated forest soil.

A milky-white-coloured, aerobic, Gram-stain-positive, rod-shaped and motile bacterial strain (GW78T) was isolated from forest soil. GW78T was catalase-positive and oxidase-negative. The strain was able to grow optimally at 37 °C and at pH 7.0 in Reasoner's 2A media. The phylogenetic and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis of GW78T showed its affiliation with the genus Paenibacillus. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of GW78T revealed 98.3 % similarity to its nearest neighbour Paenibacillus mucilaginosus VKPM B-7519T. Its chemotaxonomic properties included MK-7 as the sole menaquinone, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine and phosphatidylethanolamine as major polar lipids, and anteiso-C15 : 0, C16 : 1 ω11c and anteiso-C17 : 0 as predominant fatty acids. Digital DNA-DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity results with its closest relatives were <74.0 % and <14.0 %, respectively. Overall, 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons, phylogenetic and genomic evidence, and phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data allow the differentiation of GW78T from other members of the genus Paenibacillus. Thus, we propose that strain GW78T represents a novel species of the genus Paenibacillus, with the name Paenibacillus caseinilyticus sp. nov. The type strain is GW78T (=KCTC 43430T=NBRC 116023T).

Novel Cu(II) complexes as DNA-destabilizing agents and their DNA nuclease activity.

Here, we report a series of four novel Cu complexes, namely 2-(piperidin-1-ylmethyl)quinoline copper(II) nitrate, [LACu(NO3)2] (Cu1), 4-(quinolin-2-ylmethyl)morpholine copper(II) nitrate, [LBCu(NO3)2] (Cu2), 4-(quinolin-2-ylmethyl)morpholine copper(II) chloride, [LBCuCl2] (Cu3), and 2-(piperidin-1-ylmethyl)pyridine copper(II) chloride, [LCCu(µ-Cl)Cl]2 (Cu4). X-ray diffraction studies revealed that the geometry around the Cu(II) center could be best described as distorted octahedral in Cu1 and Cu2, whereas Cu3 and Cu4 showed distorted tetrahedral and square pyramidal geometries, respectively. DNA binding studies showed that Cu complexes Cu1-3 containing quinoline interacted via minor groove binding, whereas the Cu4 complex containing pyridine interacted via intercalation. All Cu complexes containing quinoline and pyridine caused destabilization of DNA at specific homogeneous G-C regions. The Cu1-3 complexes as groove binders destabilized the DNA structure much more than the Cu4 complex as an intercalator. Regarding groove binders, the Cu2 complex containing quinoline and morpholine caused the highest distortion and destabilization of the DNA structure, leading to high DNA cleavage efficiency.

Comprehensive Understanding of Self-Propelled Janus Pt/Fe2O3 Micromotor Dynamics: Impact of Size, Morphology, and Surface Structure.

The increasing use of plastics has led to the accumulation of plastic waste in the oceans, resulting in significant global environmental challenges associated with microplastic pollution. Micromotors, capable of capturing and removing microplastics from aquatic systems, have emerged as a promising solution to addressing this problem. This research aims to analyze the factors affecting the speed of micromotors, including size, morphology, and surface structure, while elucidating the underlying mechanisms governing micromotor propulsion to develop efficient and ecofriendly micromotors. In this study, we systematically manipulate various parameters by modifying the synthesis method of hematite-based micromotors, subsequently comparing their propulsion speeds and uncovering the precise role of these parameters in determining the micromotor performance. Furthermore, we shed light on the intricate interplay between drag force and propulsive force, demonstrating how these forces vary under different H2O2 conditions. These findings provide valuable insights into the design of efficient micromotors tailored for dynamic aquatic environments.

Polyether-based waterborne synergists: effect of polymer topologies on pigment dispersion.

Control of polymer topologies is essential to determine their unique physical properties and potential applications. The polymer topologies can have a critical effect on pigment dispersion owing to their unique architectures; however, studies using polymer topologies on pigment dispersion in aqueous systems are scarce. Thus, this study proposes various topologies of polyether-based waterborne synergists, such as linear, hyperbranched, and branched cyclic structures. Specifically, we applied branched types of polyglycidols (PGs) as a synergist to provide polymer topology-dependent dispersibility for the surface-modification of Red 170 particles through adsorption and steric hindrance. The topology-controlled PG synergists (PGSs) were successfully prepared by post-polymerization modification with phthalimide and benzoyl groups. Particularly, the branched types of PGSs, branched cyclic PGS (bc-PGS), and hyperbranched PGS (hb-PGS) exhibited improved dispersibility through adsorption on top of the pigment, interaction between dispersant (BYK 190) and pigment, and steric effect. Surprisingly, hb-PGS conferred the Red 170 pigment particles with superior storage stability than that of bc-PGS despite their similar structural features. This study suggests the widespread potential application of PGSs as waterborne synergists for various dispersion applications.

Paenibacillus agricola sp. nov., isolated from agricultural soil.

A white-coloured, rod-shaped, motile, aerobic, and Gram-stain-positive bacterial strain S3N08T was isolated from agricultural soil. The strain grew at temperature 10-40 °C, at 0-1.0% (w/v) NaCl concentration, and at pH 6.5-8.0. Catalase was negative and oxidase was positive. The phylogenetic analysis inferred that the strain S3N08T belonged to the genus Paenibacillus, with the closest relative being Paenibacillus periandrae PM10T (95.6% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity). The only menaquinone was MK-7 and the major polar lipids were phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, and phosphatidylethanolamine. The predominant fatty acids were antiso-C15:0, C16:0, and iso-C15:0. The DNA G + C content was 45.1%. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between strain S3N08T and with closest members were < 72.0% and < 19.0%, respectively. Altogether, the phylogenetic, genomics, phenotypic, and chemotaxonomic evidence illustrated in this study suggested that strain S3N08T represents a novel species of the genus Paenibacillus, for which the name Paenibacillus agricola sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is S3N08T (= KACC 19666 T = NBRC 113430 T).

Thiophene-Derived Schiff Base Complexes: Synthesis, Characterization, Antimicrobial Properties, and Molecular Docking.

Novel thiophene-derived Schiff base ligand DE, where DE is (E)-N1,N1-diethyl-N2-(thiophen-2-ylmethylene)ethane-1,2-diamine, and the corresponding M(II) complexes, [M(DE)X2] (M = Cu or Zn, X = Cl; M = Cd, X = Br), were prepared and structurally characterized. X-ray diffraction studies revealed that the geometry around the center of the M(II) complexes, [Zn(DE)Cl2] and [Cd(DE)Br2], could be best described as a distorted tetrahedral. In vitro antimicrobial screening of DE and its corresponding M(II) complexes, [M(DE)X2], was performed. The complexes were more potent and showed higher activities against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, fungi Candida albicans, and protozoa Leishmania major compared to the ligand. Among the studied complexes, [Cd(DE)Br2] exhibited the most promising antimicrobial activity against all the tested microbes compared to its analogs. These results were further supported by molecular docking studies. We believe that these complexes may significantly contribute to the efficient designing of metal-derived agents to treat microbial infections.

Sinomonas terrae sp. nov., Isolated from an Agricultural Soil.

While searching for the bacteria which are responsible for degradation of pesticide in soybean field soil, a novel bacterial strain, designated 5-5T, was isolated. The cells of the strain were Gram-staining-positive, aerobic and non-motile rods. Growth occurred at 10-42oC (optimum, 30oC), pH 5.5-9.0 (optimum, pH 7.0-7.5), and 0-2% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 1%). The predominant fatty acids were C15:0 anteiso, C17:0 anteiso, and summed feature 8 (C18:1 ω7c and/or C18:1 ω6c). The predominant menaquinone was MK-9 (H2). Diphosphatidylglycerol, glycolipids, phosphatidylinositol, and phosphatidylglycerol were the major polar lipids. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain 5-5T is a member of the genus Sinomonas and its closest relative is Sinomonas humi MUSC 117T, sharing a genetic similarity of 98.4%. The draft genome of strain 5-5T was 4,727,205 bp long with an N50 contig of 4,464,284 bp. Genomic DNA G+C content of strain 5-5T was 68.0 mol%. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) values between strain 5-5T and its closest strains S. humi MUSC 117T and S. susongensis A31T were 87.0, and 84.3 % respectively. In silico DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain 5-5T and its closest strains S. humi MUSC 117T and S. susongensis A31T were 32.5% and 27.9% respectively. Based on the ANI and in silico DNA-DNA hybridization analyses, the 5-5T strain was considered as novel species belonging to the genus Sinomonas. On the basis of the results from phenotypic, genotypic and chemotaxonomic analyses, strain 5-5T represents a novel species of the genus Sinomonas, for which the name Sinomonas terrae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 5-5T (=KCTC 49650T=NBRC 115790T).

Synthesis and Characterization of Zinc(II), Cadmium(II), and Palladium(II) Complexes with the Thiophene-Derived Schiff Base Ligand.

Zn(II), Pd(II), and Cd(II) complexes, [L TH MCl 2 ] (M = Zn, Pd; X = Br, Cl) and [L TH Cd(µ-X)X] n (X = Cl, Br; n = n, 2), supported by the (E)-N 1,N 1-dimethyl-N 2-(thiophen-2-ylmethylene)ethane-1,2-diamine (L TH ) ligand are synthesized and structurally characterized. Density functional theory (DFT) electronic structure calculations and variable-temperature NMR support the presence of two conformers and a dynamic interconversion process of the minor conformer to the major one in solution. It is found that the existence of two relevant complex conformers and their respective ratios in solution depend on the central metal ions and counter ions, either Cl- or Br-. Among the two relevant conformers, a single conformer is crystallized and X-ray diffraction analysis revealed a distorted tetrahedral geometry for Zn(II) complexes, and a distorted square planar and square pyramidal geometry for Pd(II) and Cd(II) complexes, respectively. It is shown that [L TH MCl 2 ]/LiO i Pr (M = Zn, Pd) and [L TH Cd(µ-Cl)Cl] n /LiO i Pr can effectively catalyze the ring-opening polymerization (ROP) reaction of rac-lactide (rac-LA) with 94% conversion within 30 s with [L TH ZnCl 2 ]/LiO i Pr at 0 °C. Overall, hetero-enriched poly(lactic acid)s (PLAs) were provided by these catalytic systems with [L TH ZnCl 2 ]/LiO i Pr producing PLA with higher heterotactic bias (P r up to 0.74 at 0 °C).

Effects analysis of reward functions on reinforcement learning for traffic signal control.

The increasing traffic demand in urban areas frequently causes traffic congestion, which can be managed only through intelligent traffic signal controls. Although many recent studies have focused on reinforcement learning for traffic signal control (RL-TSC), most have focused on improving performance from an intersection perspective, targeting virtual simulation. The performance indexes from intersection perspectives are averaged by the weighted traffic flow; therefore, if the balance of each movement is not considered, the green time may be overly concentrated on the movements of heavy flow rates. Furthermore, as the ultimate purpose of traffic signal control research is to apply these controls to the real-world intersections, it is necessary to consider the real-world constraints. Hence, this study aims to design RL-TSC considering real-world applicability and confirm the appropriate design of the reward function. The limitations of the detector in the real world and the dual-ring traffic signal system are taken into account in the model design to facilitate real-world application. To design the reward for balancing traffic movements, we define the average delay weighted by traffic volume per lane and entropy of delay in the reward function. Model training is performed at the prototype intersection for ensuring scalability to multiple intersections. The model after prototype pre-training is evaluated by applying it to a network with two intersections without additional training. As a result, the reward function considering the equality of traffic movements shows the best performance. The proposed model reduces the average delay by more than 7.4% and 15.0% compared to the existing real-time adaptive signal control at two intersections, respectively.

Gender differences in pulmonary function, physical activity, and quality of life of patients with COPD based on data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2015 to 2019 from the Perspective of Pulmonary Rehabilitation.

The prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is increasing worldwide, with the fourth highest mortality rate. This study aims to analyze pulmonary function, physical activity, and quality of life (QoL) between genders from the perspective of pulmonary rehabilitation in Korean patients with COPD. This study investigated raw data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2015 to 2019 and included 151 COPD patients (men: 66.55 ±â€…10.07 years, women: 65.21 ±â€…11.73) out of 39,759 participants. Pulmonary function, such as forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), and frequency of physical activities (e.g., physical activity for work and leisure, strengthening exercise, and sitting time a day) and QoL by using EQ-5D-3L, were compared between genders in patients with COPD. Smoking status differed in health-related characteristics between genders (P < .001). In pulmonary function, the FVC (men: 3.48 ±â€…0.98ℓ, women: 2.53 ±â€…0.56ℓ, P < .05), FEV1 (men: 2.13 ±â€…0.93 ℓ, women: 1.88 ±â€…0.53 ℓ, P < .001), FEV6 (men: 3.16 ±â€…1.00ℓ, women: 2.46 ±â€…1.56ℓ, P < .001) and peak expiratory flow (men: 5.61 ±â€…2.44ℓ/s, women: 4.68 ±â€…1.53ℓ/s, P < .05) was higher in men, however, predicted FEV1 (men: 66.03% ±â€…23.13%, women: 79.95% ±â€…18.45%, P < .05) and predicted FEV1/FVC ratio (men: 59.67% ±â€…15.02%, women: 74.10% ±â€…10.49%, P < .001) in women. The frequency of strengthening exercise was higher in men (P < .05). QoL of patients with COPD was not significantly different between genders. To provide correct interventions and pulmonary rehabilitation to patients with COPD, gender differences, including physiological and psychological differences, must be considered.

Hot Electron Phenomena at Solid-Liquid Interfaces.

Understanding the role of energy dissipation and charge transfer under exothermic chemical reactions on metal catalyst surfaces is important for elucidating the fundamental phenomena at solid-gas and solid-liquid interfaces. Recently, many surface chemistry studies have been conducted on the solid-liquid interface, so correlating electronic excitation in the liquid-phase with the reaction mechanism plays a crucial role in heterogeneous catalysis. In this review, we introduce the detection principle of electron transfer at the solid-liquid interface by developing cutting-edge technologies with metal-semiconductor Schottky nanodiodes. The kinetics of hot electron excitation are well correlated with the reaction rates, demonstrating that the operando method for understanding nonadiabatic interactions is helpful in studying the reaction mechanism of surface molecular processes. In addition to the detection of hot electrons excited by a catalytic reaction, we highlight recent results on how the transfer of the hot electrons influences surface chemical and photoelectrochemical reactions.

Analysis of trunk muscles activity during horseback riding machine exercise in children with spastic cerebral palsy.

Appropriate trunk muscle activity is needed to perform functional activities in cerebral palsy, this study analyzed the activity of trunk muscles during horseback riding machine exercise in children with spastic cerebral palsy. 10 children with spastic cerebral palsy were participated, the activity of the trunk muscles, including both sides of the rectus abdominis, external oblique, latissimus dorsi, and erector spinae in sitting posture and during horseback riding machine exercise were evaluated using a surface electromyography. The activity of bilateral rectus abdominis, external oblique, latissimus dorsi, and erector spinae increased during horseback riding machine exercise than quiet sitting posture. Moreover, there were significant differences in activities of the trunk muscles between the sitting posture and horseback riding machine exercise, with the exception of the left external oblique and the left latissimus dorsi. Horseback riding machine exercise provides more opportunities to use the trunk muscles for children with spastic cerebral palsy than general sitting posture. In future, it will be of use to investigate the effect of horseback riding machine exercise in patients with cerebral palsy.

Catalytic performance of tridentate versus bidentate Co(ii) complexes supported by Schiff base ligands in vinyl addition polymerization of norbornene.

A series of Co(ii) complexes supported by Schiff base ligands, LA-LC, where LA, LB, and LC are (E)-3-methoxy-N-(quinolin-2-ylmethylene)propan-1-amine, (E)-N 1,N 1-dimethyl-N 2-(pyridin-2-ylmethylene)ethane-1,2-diamine, and (E)-N 1,N 1-dimethyl-N 2-(thiophen-2-ylmethylene)ethane-1,2-diamine, respectively, were designed and synthesized. Structural studies revealed a distorted trigonal bipyramidal geometry for [LBCoCl2] and a distorted tetrahedral geometry for [LCCoCl2]. After activation with modified methyl aluminoxane (MMAO), all the Co(ii) complexes catalyzed the polymerization of norbornene (NB) to yield vinyl-type polynorbornenes (PNBs) with activities of up to 4.69 × 104 gPNB mol Co-1 h-1 at 25 °C. High-molecular-weight (M n of up to 1.71 × 105 g mol-1) soluble PNBs with moderate molecular-weight distributions (MWD) were obtained. The activity of the Co(ii)/MMAO catalytic system is influenced by the steric hindrance and electronic properties of the ligands.

Metallococcus carri gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel member of the family Dermacoccaceae isolated from an automotive air conditioning system.

Strain designated DB0510T was isolated from an automobile evaporator core collected in Korea. Cells are gram-stain-positive, aerobic, and coccoid. The strain grew at 15-45 â„ƒ, pH 5.0-8.5 and 0-8.0% (w/v) NaCl. Growth occurs on R2A, trypticase soy agar, Luria-Bertani agar, and nutrient agar. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the strain belongs to the family Dermacoccaceae and strain DB0510T was distinctly separated from validly named genera of this family. Signature nucleotides in 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that the strain contained the Dermacoccaceae family-specific 16S rRNA signature nucleotides patterns. The major fatty acids were C17:0 and C17:1 cis-9. The only menaquinone was MK-8 (H4). The polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol mannoside, and two unidentified lipids. The diagnostic cell-wall amino acid at position 3 of the peptide subunit was found to be lysine. The cell-wall peptidoglycan contained alanine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, glycine, lysine, and serine and thus the peptidoglycan type was concluded to be of A4α type with Lys-Gly-Ser-Asp interpeptide bridge. The genome size was 3.49 Mbp and G + C content of the genome DNA was 69.4 mol%. On the basis of the phenotypic, genomic, and chemotaxonomic characteristics, strain DB0510T is considered to represent a novel genus and species within the family Dermacoccaceae, for which the name Metallococcus carri gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Metallococcus carri is DB0510T (= KACC 19663 T = NBRC 113349 T).

Massilia aromaticivorans sp. nov., a BTEX Degrading Bacterium Isolated from Arctic Soil.

A novel BTEX degrading bacterial strain, designated ML15P13T, was isolated from Arctic soil at the Svalbard Islands, Norway, using an enrichment culture technique. This isolate is Gram-negative, aerobic, motile with multiple flagella at one polar end, and rod-shaped. Growth was observed at 4-35 °C, pH 6.0-8.0, and 0-0.5% (w/v) NaCl. According to 16S rRNA gene analysis, strain ML15P13T was grouped with members of the genus Massilia and closely related to Massilia atriviolacea SODT (98.4%), Massilia violaceinigra B2T (98.3%), Massilia eurypsychrophila B528-3T (97.7%), Massilia glaciei B448-2T (97.7%), and Massilia psychrophila B115-1T (96.6%). Average nucleotide identity, digital DNA-DNA hybridization, and average amino acid identity between genome sequences of strain ML15P13T and the closely related species ranged from 75.8 to 84.3%, from 19.6 ± 1.0 to 21.6 ± 0.3%, and from 68.8 to 71.0%, respectively. The major fatty acids were C16:0, summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω6c and/or C16:1 ω7c), and summed feature 8 (C18:1 ω7c and/or C18:1 ω6c). Q-8 was the major ubiquinone. The polar lipid profile showed the presence of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, one unidentified phospholipid, and five unidentified polar lipids. The G + C content of the genomic DNA was 64.2 mol%. Based on the results for genotypic and phenotypic study, we conclude that strain ML15P13T represents a novel species of the genus Massilia, for which the name Massilia aromaticivorans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is ML15P13T (= KACC 21773T = JCM 34089T).

Aquabacterium terrae sp. nov., isolated from soil.

A yellow-colored bacterial strain, designated S2T was isolated from soil in South Korea. Cells of strain S2T were strictly aerobic, Gram-stain-negative, motile with single polar flagellum, rod-shaped, oxidase and catalase-negative. Growth occurs at 10-37 °C (optimum, 28 °C), pH 5.0-9.0 (optimum, pH 6.5-7.0) and 0-3% NaCl (w/v). Strain S2T consisted of summed feature 3 (iso-C15:0 2-OH and/or C16:1 ω7c), C16:0 and summed feature 8 (C18:1 ω7c and/or C18:1 ω6c) as major fatty acids. The sole respiratory quinone was Q-8. The polar lipid profile consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine and an unidentified lipid. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain S2T is phylogenetically closest to Aquabacterium pictum W35T (98.4% sequence similarity). The genome of strain S2T was 8,039,486 bp with 56 scaffolds. The genome consisted of 10 putative biosynthetic gene clusters that are responsible for various secondary metabolites. Genomic DNA G + C content of strain S2T was 69.4%. The average nucleotide identity and in silico DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain S2T and phylogenetically related taxa were ≤ 77.9 and ≤ 21.4%, and respectively. The results of genotypic and phenotypic data showed that strain S2T could be distinguished from its phylogenetically related species and represents a novel species in the genus Aquabacterium, for which the name Aquabacterium terrae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is S2T (= KCTC 72741 T = NBRC 114609 T).