Improvements in photoelectric performance of dye-sensitised solar cells using ionic liquid-modified TiO2 electrodes.

One of the major problems in dye-sensitised solar cells (DSSCs) is the aggregation of dyes on TiO2 electrodes, which leads to undesirable electron transfer. Various anti-aggregation agents, such as deoxycholic acid, have been proposed and applied to prevent dye aggregation on the electrodes. In this study, we designed and synthesised a phosphonium-type ionic liquid that can be modified on the TiO2 electrode surface and used as a new anti-aggregation agent. Although the modification of the ionic liquid onto the electrode reduced the amount of dye adsorbed on the electrode, it showed a significant anti-aggregation effect, thereby improving the photovoltaic performance of DSSCs with N3 and J13 dyes. This finding suggests that ionic liquids are effective as anti-aggregation agents for DSSCs.

Oligosphaera ethanolica gen. nov., sp. nov., an anaerobic, carbohydrate-fermenting bacterium isolated from methanogenic sludge, and description of Oligosphaeria classis nov. in the phylum Lentisphaerae.

A mesophilic, obligately anaerobic, carbohydrate-fermenting bacterium, designated 8KG-4(T), was isolated from an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor treating high-strength organic wastewater from salted vegetable production processes. Cells of strain 8KG-4(T) were non-motile, spherical and 0.7-1.5 µm in diameter (mean, 1.0 µm). Spore formation was not observed under any culture conditions tested. The strain grew optimally at 37 °C (range for growth 25-40 °C) and pH 7.0 (range, pH 6.5-7.5), and could grow fermentatively on glucose, ribose, xylose, galactose and sucrose. The main end products of glucose fermentation were acetate, ethanol and hydrogen. Organic acids, alcohols and amino acids were not utilized for growth. Yeast extract was not required for growth. Nitrate, sulfate, thiosulfate, elemental sulfur, sulfite and Fe(III) nitrilotriacetate were not used as terminal electron acceptors. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 61.1 mol%. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that the isolate represented a previously uncultured lineage at the subphylum level within the phylum Lentisphaerae known as 'WWE2 subgroup I'. The major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C(15 : 0), iso-C(16 : 0), C(16 : 0) and anteiso-C(17 : 0). Respiratory quinones were not detected. The most abundant polar lipid of strain 8KG-4(T) was phosphatidylethanolamine. A novel genus and species, Oligosphaera ethanolica gen. nov., sp. nov., is proposed to accommodate strain 8KG-4(T) ( = JCM 17152(T) = DSM 24202(T)  = CGMCC 1.5160(T)). In addition, we formally propose Oligosphaeria classis nov. and the subordinate taxa Oligosphaerales order nov. and Oligosphaeraceae fam. nov.

Armatimonas rosea gen. nov., sp. nov., of a novel bacterial phylum, Armatimonadetes phyl. nov., formally called the candidate phylum OP10.

A novel aerobic, chemoheterotrophic bacterium, strain YO-36(T), isolated from the rhizoplane of an aquatic plant (a reed, Phragmites australis) inhabiting a freshwater lake in Japan, was morphologically, physiologically and phylogenetically characterized. Strain YO-36(T) was Gram-negative and ovoid to rod-shaped, and formed pinkish hard colonies on agar plates. Strain YO-36(T) grew at 20-40 °C with optimum growth at 30-35 °C, whilst no growth was observed at 15 °C or 45 °C. The pH range for growth was 5.5-8.5 with an optimum at pH 6.5. Strain YO-36(T) utilized a limited range of substrates, such as sucrose, gentiobiose, pectin, gellan gum and xanthan gum. The strain contained C(16 : 0), C(16 : 1), C(14 : 0) and C(15 : 0) as the major cellular fatty acids and menaquinone-12 as the respiratory quinone. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 62.4 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain YO-36(T) belonged to the candidate phylum OP10 comprised solely of environmental 16S rRNA gene clone sequences except for two strains, P488 and T49 isolated from geothermal soil in New Zealand; strain YO-36(T) showed less than 80 % sequence similarity to strains P488 and T47. Based on the phylogetic and phenotypic findings, a new genus and species, Armatimonas rosea gen. nov., sp. nov., is proposed for the isolate (type strain YO-36(T)  = NBRC 105658(T)  = DSM 23562(T)). In addition, a new bacterial phylum named Armatimonadetes phyl. nov. is proposed for the candidate phylum OP10 represented by A. rosea gen. nov., sp. nov. and Armatimonadaceae fam. nov., Armatimonadales ord. nov., and Armatimonadia classis nov.

Dermatomyositis complicated with hemorrhagic shock of the iliopsoas muscle on both sides and the thigh muscle.

A 65-year-old Japanese woman, diagnosed with dermatomyositis with myopathy and characteristic skin lesion, was intravenously administered methylprednisolone 500 mg per day for 3 days, followed by prednisolone 60 mg po per day. Four days later, she went into shock. Computed tomography of the abdomen showed hematoma in the iliopsoas muscle on both sides and a thigh muscle. Intravenously administered heparin was stopped, and 4 U of packed cells and 4 U of fresh frozen plasma were transfused. The patient subsequently developed pulmonary edema requiring assisted ventilation, and made a successful recovery, returning home after a short period of intensive rehabilitation.

Shinella yambaruensis sp. nov., a 3-methyl-sulfolane-assimilating bacterium isolated from soil.

A bacterial strain, designated MS4(T), was isolated from soil in the Ryukyu Archipelago, Japan. The bacterium grew with 3-methyl sulfolane as sole sulfur source. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences suggested that strain MS4(T) belonged to the genus Shinella; it was closely related to the type strains of Shinella granuli and Shinella zoogloeoides (16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of 98.2 and 96.7 %, respectively). Strain MS4(T) was a Gram-negative, non-motile, rod-shaped, aerobic bacterium. The major respiratory quinone was ubiquinone-10 and the predominant cellular fatty acid was C(18 : 1)omega7c. The DNA G+C content was 66.4 mol%. Based on phylogenetic and phenotypic traits, it was concluded that the organism represents a novel species in the genus Shinella for which the name Shinella yambaruensis sp. nov. is proposed; the type strain is MS4(T) (=NBRC 102122(T)=DSM 18801(T)).

Thermodesulfovibrio aggregans sp. nov. and Thermodesulfovibrio thiophilus sp. nov., anaerobic, thermophilic, sulfate-reducing bacteria isolated from thermophilic methanogenic sludge, and emended description of the genus Thermodesulfovibrio.

Four obligately anaerobic, thermophilic, sulfate-reducing bacterial strains, designated TGE-P1(T), TDV(T), TGL-LS1 and TSL-P1, were isolated from thermophilic (operated at 55 degrees C) methanogenic sludges from waste and wastewater treatment. The optimum temperature for growth of all the strains was in the range 55-60 degrees C. The four strains grew by reduction of sulfate with a limited range of electron donors, such as hydrogen, formate, pyruvate and lactate. In co-culture with the hydrogenotrophic methanogen Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus DeltaH(T), strains TGE-P1(T), TGL-LS1 and TSL-P1 were able to utilize lactate syntrophically for growth. The DNA G+C contents of all the strains were in the range 34-35 mol%. The major cellular fatty acids of the strains were iso-C(17 : 0), iso-C(16 : 0), C(16 : 0) and anteiso-C(15 : 0). Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the strains belong to the Thermodesulfovibrio clade of the phylum 'Nitrospirae'. On the basis of their physiological, chemotaxonomic and genetic properties, strains TGL-LS1 (=JCM 13214) and TSL-P1 (=JCM 13215) were classified as strains of Thermodesulfovibrio islandicus. Two novel species of the genus Thermodesulfovibrio are proposed to accommodate the other two isolates: Thermodesulfovibrio aggregans sp. nov. (type strain TGE-P1(T) =JCM 13213(T) =DSM 17283(T)) and Thermodesulfovibrio thiophilus sp. nov. (type strain TDV(T) =JCM 13216(T) =DSM 17215(T)). To examine the ecological aspects of Thermodesulfovibrio-type cells in the sludge from which the strains were originally isolated, an oligonucleotide probe targeting 16S rRNA of all Thermodesulfovibrio species was designed and applied to thin sections of thermophilic sludge granules. Fluorescence in situ hybridization using the probe revealed rod- or vibrio-shaped cells as a significant population within the sludge, indicating their important role in the original ecosystem.

Phylogenetic analysis of the gut bacterial microflora of the fungus-growing termite Odontotermes formosanus.

We constructed a bacterial 16S rRNA gene clone library from the gut microbial community of O. formosanus and phylogenetically analyzed it in order to contribute to the evolutional study of digestive symbiosis and method development for termite control. After screening by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis, 56 out of 280 clones with unique RFLP patterns were sequenced and phylogenetically analyzed. The representative phylotypes were affiliated to four phylogenetic groups, Firmicutes, the Bacteroidetes/Chlorobi group, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria of the domain Bacteira. No one clone affiliated with the phylum Spirochaetes was identified, in contrast to the case of wood-feeding termites. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that nearly half of the representative clones (25 phylotypes) formed monophyletic clusters with clones obtained from other termite species, especially with the sequences retrieved from fungus-growing termites. These results indicate that the presence of termite-specific bacterial lineages implies a coevolutional relationship of gut microbes and host termites.

Tepidanaerobacter syntrophicus gen. nov., sp. nov., an anaerobic, moderately thermophilic, syntrophic alcohol- and lactate-degrading bacterium isolated from thermophilic digested sludges.

Three anaerobic, moderately thermophilic, syntrophic primary alcohol- and lactate-degrading microbes, designated strains JL(T), JE and OL, were isolated from sludges of thermophilic (55 degrees C) digesters that decomposed either municipal solid wastes or sewage sludge. The strains were strictly anaerobic organisms. All three strains grew at 25-60 degrees C and pH 5.5-8.5 and optimum growth was observed at 45-50 degrees C and pH 6.0-7.0. The three organisms grew chemo-organotrophically on a number of carbohydrates in the presence of yeast extract. In co-culture with the hydrogenotrophic methanogen Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus, all strains could utilize ethanol, glycerol and lactate syntrophically for growth, although these compounds were not metabolized in pure culture without additional external electron acceptors. All strains could reduce thiosulphate. Quinones were not detected. The DNA G+C contents of strains JL(T), JE and OL were 38.0, 37.3 and 37.7 mol%, respectively. Major cellular fatty acids of the strains were iso-C(15 : 0), C(16 : 0) and unsaturated species of C(15 : 1). Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the strains belong to a deeply branched lineage of the phylum Firmicutes; the most closely related species was Thermovenabulum ferriorganovorum (16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of 88 %). The three strains were phylogenetically very closely related to each other (99-100 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity) and were physiologically and chemotaxonomically similar. These genetic and phenotypic properties suggest that the strains should be classified as representatives of a novel species and genus; the name Tepidanaerobacter syntrophicus gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Tepidanaerobacter syntrophicus is strain JL(T) (=JCM 12098(T)=NBRC 100060(T)=DSM 15584(T)).

Termite-regulated fungal monoculture in fungus combs of a macrotermitine termite Odontotermes formosanus.

The mechanism of the exclusive growth of Termitomyces in fungus combs with fungi-growing termites, O. formosanus was examined using laboratory scale fungus combs. In the combs without the termites, vigorous growth of unidentified fungi was observed although no significant change was found in the case of the combs with termites. In addition, these results were reproducible even when incubated in a separated dish, suggesting that the physicochemical conditions were not the reason for the growth. With the molecular based analysis for the microbial communities in the combs, monoculture of the Termitomyces in the combs with termites was confirmed while the bacterial communities were independent either with or without termites. Possible mechanism of the exclusive growth of Termitomyces, such as the selective grazing of pathogenic fungi or contribution of antifungal activity giving actinomycetes were also discussed.

Molecular phylogenetic diversity of the bacterial community in the gut of the termite Coptotermes formosanus.

The phylogenetic diversity of the bacterial community in the gut of the termite Coptotermes formosanus was investigated using a 16S rRNA gene clone library constructed by PCR. After screening by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis, 49 out of 261 clones with unique RFLP patterns were sequenced and phylogenetically analyzed. Many of the clones (94%) were derived from Bacteroidales, Spirochaetes, and low G + C content gram-positive bacteria consisting of Clostridiales, Mycoplasmatales, Bacillales, and Lactobacillales. In addition, a few clones derived from Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Planctomycetes, Verrucomicrobia, and the candidate phylum "Synergistes" were also found. The most frequently identified RFLP type, BCf1-03, was assigned to the order Bacteroideales, and it constituted about 70% of the analyzed clones. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that the representative clones found in this study tended to form some clusters with the sequences cloned from the termite gut in several other studies, suggesting the existence of termite-specific bacterial lineages.

Clostridium jejuense sp. nov., isolated from soil.

A strictly anaerobic, mesophilic, endospore-forming bacterium, designated strain HY-35-12T, was isolated from a soil sample in Jeju, Korea. Cells of this isolate were Gram-positive, motile rods that formed oval to spherical terminal spores. Strain HY-35-12T grew optimally at 30 degrees C, pH 7.0 and 0-0.5 % (w/v) NaCl. The isolate produced pyruvate, lactate, acetate, formate and hydrogen as fermentation end products from glucose. The G + C content of DNA of the isolate was 41 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the organism formed a monophyletic clade with Clostridium xylanovorans and Clostridium aminovalericum in cluster XIVa of the genus Clostridium. The closest phylogenetic neighbour was C. xylanovorans, with 96.65 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity. Several physiological and chemotaxonomic properties were identified that enable strain HY-35-12T to be distinguished from phylogenetically related clostridia. On the basis of polyphasic characteristics, it is proposed that strain HY-35-12T (= IMSNU 40003T = KCTC 5026T = DSM 15929T) represents a novel species, Clostridium jejuense sp. nov.

Characterization of Enterococcus faecium mutants resistant to mundticin KS, a class IIa bacteriocin.

The emergence and spread of mutants resistant to bacteriocins would threaten the safety of using bacteriocins as food preservatives. To determine the physiological characteristics of resistant mutants, mutants of Enterococcus faecium resistant to mundticin KS, a class IIa bacteriocin, were isolated. Two types of mutant were found that had different sensitivities to other antimicrobial agents such as nisin (class I) and kanamycin. Both mutants were resistant to mundticin KS even in the absence of Mg(2+) ions. The composition of unsaturated fatty acids in the resistant mutants was significantly increased in the presence of mundticin KS. The composition of the phospholipids in the two resistant mutants also differed from those in the wild-type strain. The putative zwitterionic amino-containing phospholipid in both mutants significantly increased, whereas amounts of phosphatidylglycerol and cardiolipin decreased. These changes in membrane structure may influence resistance of enterococci to class IIa and class I bacteriocins.

Fatty acids of astaxanthin esters in krill determined by mild mass spectrometry.

Krill is a major source of astaxanthin, which has strong antioxidant activity. Fractions with astaxanthin monoesters and diesters of Antarctic krill Euphausia superba were isolated. Astaxanthin esters were separated by C18-HPLC depending on the number of carbons and double bonds of esterified fatty acid(s). Small amounts of other lipids remained in the samples, but relative molecular masses of carotenoid esters could be measured by field desorption mass spectrometry without fragmentation and interference from contaminant lipids. The fatty acids were determined by calculation of difference between astaxanthin and astaxanthin esters. Only five kinds of fatty acids, dodecanoate, tetradecanoate, hexadecanoate, hexadecenoate and octadecenoate, were detected. Fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry and secondary ion mass spectrometry showed similar spectra. The fatty acid composition in astaxanthin esters was different from those in krill lipids. Therefore, determination of fatty acids in carotenoid esters by a combination of HPLC elution profile and mild mass spectrometry is found to be a useful tool.

A novel mechanism for the regulation of IFN-gamma inducible protein-10 expression in rheumatoid arthritis.

Chemokines play an essential role in the progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In the present study we examined the expression and regulatory mechanisms of IFN-gamma inducible protein (IP)-10 in RA synovitis. RA synovial fluid contained greater amounts of IP-10 than did synovial fluid from patients with osteoarthritis. Immunolocalization analysis indicated that IP-10 was associated mainly with infiltrating macrophage-like cells, and fibroblast-like cells in the RA synovium. The interaction of activated leukocytes with fibroblast-like synoviocytes resulted in marked increases in IP-10 expression and secretion. Moreover, induction of IP-10 was mediated via specific adhesion molecules, as indicated by the finding that both anti-integrin (CD11b and CD18) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 antibodies significantly inhibited IP-10 induction. These results suggest that IP-10 expression within inflamed joints appears to be regulated not only by inflammatory cytokines but also by the physical interaction of activated leukocytes with fibroblast-like synoviocytes, and that IP-10 may contribute to the recruitment of specific subpopulations of T cells (Th1 type) from the bloodstream into the synovial joints.

Interaction of monocytes with vascular endothelial cells synergistically induces interferon gamma-inducible protein 10 expression through activation of specific cell surface molecules and cytokines.

To further understand the regulatory mechanisms involved in the process of angiogenesis, the present study was designed to determine the expression and regulation of interferon gamma-inducible protein 10 (IP-10) in peripheral blood monocytes and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). We found that the interaction of monocytes with HUVECs resulted in synergistic increases in IP-10 expression and secretion, which consequently inhibited endothelial tube formation in vitro. Induction of IP-10 was mediated via specific cell surface molecules, as indicated by the finding that IP-10 secretion was significantly inhibited by anti-CD40 ligand antibody, and to a lesser extent by anti-CD40 antibody. Furthermore, we examined the effects of soluble mediators, such as inflammatory and immune cytokines on IP-10 secretion. Addition of interleukin (IL)-1, as well as interferon gamma, induced a marked augmentation of IP-10 secretion by unstimulated monocytes, unstimulated HUVECs, and co-cultures of the two cell types. In contrast, IL-10, recognized as an anti-inflammatory cytokine, significantly inhibited IP-10 secretion by co-cultures. Our results suggest that the interaction of monocytes with endothelial cells results in synergistic increases in IP-10 expression and secretion, which contribute to the regulation of angiogenesis and initiation of inflammatory vascular diseases.