bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
STUDIES ON THE POLYPHENOL–POLYPHENOLOXIDASE SYSTEM OF WHEAT STEM RUST UREDOSPORES
Authors: Farkas G. L. , Ledingham G. A.
Published: February 2010

The presence of a polyphenoloxidase in wheat stem rust uredospores has been demonstrated. The enzyme was released by the germinating spores together with phenolic substrates, resulting in the formation of phenol oxidation products in the surrounding medium. The substrate specificity of the enzyme was investigated, and gallic acid was found to give an unusually high oxidation rate. Pyrogallic acid and catechol were also rapidly oxidized. Toxicity tests have been carried out with phenol oxidation products on germinating spores and it has been shown that toxicity depends on the stage of oxidation. Short-term oxidations led to the formation of highly toxic compounds; longer periods of oxidation converted these into harmless products, whereas very long periods of oxidation resulted again in the production of toxic substances. The spores also contained a quinone reductase which apparently holds the phenolics in a reduced state until they are released during germination or during the infection process. The possible role of the phenol – phenoloxidase – quinone reductase system in the host–parasite relations of the wheat – stem rust complex is discussed.
AN INTERPRETATION OF THE EFFECTS OF SALTS ON THE LACTIC DEHYDROGENASE OF HALOBACTERIUM SALINARIUM
Authors: Baxter R. M.
Published: February 2010

The lactic dehydrogenase of Halobacterium salinarium is unstable and inactive at low solute concentrations. The irreversible loss of activity at low solute concentrations is a first-order reaction, the rate of which decreases with the second or third power of the salt concentration. The enzyme is protected to varying degrees by a variety of inorganic salts and by glycerol or glucose. Potassium chloride and glycerol also protect the enzyme against inactivation by urea.The enzyme is most active in the presence of potassium chloride, but several other salts are effective to varying degrees as activators. The activation is of the third or fourth order with respect to sodium or potassium chloride concentration. Potassium chloride decreases the affinity of the enzyme for its substrate. Glycerol does not activate the enzyme, but increases its activity in the presence of potassium chloride.It is suggested that this enzyme differs from enzymes of non-halophilic organisms in being less firmly held in its native catalytically active conformation. At low salt concentrations the electrostatic repulsion between ionized groups on the enzyme expands it to a form which is not catalytically active and which can readily expand further to an irreversibly denatured form.
INITIATION OF THE RHIZOSPHERE EFFECT
Authors: Rouatt J. W.
Published: February 2010

Microbiological analyses were conducted on unsterilized ground wheat seed, on the emerging primary root, 3 days following planting in soil and at 3-day intervals thereafter for a period of 17 days. By the third day following planting there were more than twice as many bacteria in the rhizosphere soil as in the control soil. Qualitative differences were apparent at this time also in that methylene-blue-reducing bacteria, ammonifiers, denitrifiers, gelatin-liquefying and starch-hydrolyzing types were preferentially stimulated. Studies with individual isolates obtained from samples taken even on the third day showed that rhizosphere population was more active than the soil population in regard to growth rate in different media. All effects mentioned were maintained and in some cases exaggerated with growth of the plant.
A METHANOL-UTILIZING BACTERIUM: I. DESCRIPTION AND NUTRITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Authors: Kaneda T. , Roxburgh J. M.
Published: February 2010

A Pseudomonas isolated from soil, capable of growing on a medium containing methanol as the only carbon source, is described. Biotin or one of a few closely related compounds is required in very low concentrations as a growth factor. It is shown that the ability to use methanol is an adaptive system and that the biotin is incorporated in the cell, but is recoverable on acid hydrolysis.
MICROBIAL PENTOSANASES: III. SOME FACTORS AFFECTING THE PRODUCTION OF PENTOSANASES BY ASPERGILLUS NIGER AND TRICHODERMA VIRIDE
Authors: Simpson F. J.
Published: February 2010

Of a number of carbohydrates tested, holocellulose from wheat straw and L-arabinose were the better substrates for production of pentosanase by Trichoderma viride. D-Xylose did not induce synthesis of the enzyme by the fungus. Production in a synthetic medium was increased by the addition of malt sprouts, distillers' dried solubles, or glutamic acid.Under the same conditions the production of pentosanase by Aspergillus niger was favored by the water-soluble pentosan of wheat flour, holocellulose, and wheat bran. Both D-xylose and L-arabinose induced synthesis of enzyme. In the synthetic medium the addition of yeast extract, corn steep liquor, malt sprouts, or a number of other nitrogenous adjuncts increased the yield of pentosanase. A medium containing 3% bran ground to pass a 20-mesh sieve, 3% corn steep liquor neutralized with ammonium hydroxide, and 1% calcium carbonate was developed for the production of pentosanase by A. niger. Maximum yield was obtained in 60 hours. The pentosanase had an optimum pH of 5.0 and was stable for 30 minutes at 30 °C between pH 4.0 and 5.8. The pentosanase could be precipitated from the culture filtrates with 76% ethanol and when stored as a dry powder at 2 °C was stable for at least 1 year.
THE STRUCTURE AND MANNER OF DIVISION OF THE NUCLEI IN THE VEGETATIVE MYCELIUM OF GELASINOSPORA TETRASPERMA DOWD.
Authors: Bakerspigel A.
Published: February 2010

The nuclei in the vegetative mycelium of Gelasinospora tetrasperma do not divide in a manner directly comparable to ordinary mitosis. They divide without the aid of a spindle and individually recognizable chromosomes do not appear to align themselves on a metaphase plate. It is suggested that the dividing central body may function as a mechanical device to separate the divided chromatin and that the densely stained granule present in the chromatin of these nuclei is important to the division of both the chromatin and the central body.
OBSERVATIONS ON THE AMINO ACID POOL AND CELLULAR LEAKAGE IN INTACT CELLS OF RHIZOBIUM MELILOTI
Authors: Jordan D. C.
Published: February 2010

Cells of Rhizobium meliloti contained an intracellular pool of amino acids. The passage of C14-histidine or C14-glutamate into this pool apparently occurred against a concentration gradient and was energy dependent, being inhibited by azide and dinitrophenol. An internal bound form of C14, containing a number of radioactive amino acids, was synthesized at the expense of radioactive pool components. This bound C14consisted predominantly of several proteins whose syntheses were inhibited by chloramphenicol. Added histidine was not incorporated directly into this protein since the protein histidine was nonradioactive. When C14-labelled cells were suspended in glucose-containing basal medium there was an efflux of pool amino acids into the extracellular environment. This leakage presumably was the result of simple diffusion since it was energy independent, occurred with the concentration gradient, and was appreciable at 5 °C. Rapid leakage occurred at 30 °C in the presence and absence of dinitrophenol for an initial period of 6 hours, after which time growth occurred in the absence of this inhibitor. During growth leakage ceased, and a considerable quantity of material passed back into the cells and was incorporated into a bound form. In the presence of dinitrophenol no growth occurred, and the outflow continued after the 6th hour, but at a much reduced rate. X irradiation increased the efflux of pool constituents, but the reason for this is conjectural.
THE RELATION OF SELF-INHIBITION OF GERMINATION TO THE OXIDATIVE METABOLISM OF STEM RUST UREDOSPORES
Authors: Farkas G. L. , Ledingham G. A.
Published: February 2010

Studies were made on the oxidative metabolism of stem rust uredospores under self-inhibited conditions and when self-inhibition was removed. The oxidative metabolism of self-inhibited spores is characterized by the following features: the oxygen uptake declines rapidly; the respiration is mainly based on a fatty acid oxidation apparently bypassing the Krebs cycle (malonate insensitivity); and the enzymes of carbohydrate breakdown are more or less inactive. Compounds that are able to overcome self-inhibition stimulated oxygen consumption. Simultaneously an intensified utilization of endogenous fatty acids was initiated and also an increased malonate sensitivity. Longer incubation periods with stimulants resulted in germination and in a concomitant activation of carbohydrate metabolism. The catalytic effect of pelargonaldehyde or other stimulants in overcoming self-inhibition was reproduced by the administration in substrate concentrations of suitable respiratory material such as butyrate and propionate. The stimulated respiration induced by these substances appears to be a prerequisite for germination.The possible significance of the above findings from the point of view of host–parasite relations is discussed.
THE METABOLISM OF YEAST SPORULATION: III. RESPIRATION OF SPORULATING AND GROWING CELLS
Authors: Miller J. J. , Hoffmann-Ostenhof O. , Scheiber Eszter , Gabriel O.
Published: February 2010

Cells from growth medium had a strong endogenous respiration under aerobic conditions with a respiratory quotient of approximately unity. In M/300 glucose, their oxygen uptake was somewhat greater than the endogenous, but the aerobic carbon dioxide output was approximately twice the oxygen uptake. When such cells were incubated in buffer no change in their respiration in glucose was noted in 2 days, but when incubated in 0.3% acetate the respiratory quotient declined to 1.3–1.5. This decline was evident within six hours of the time the cells were placed in acetate. Glucose (0.1%) also depressed the respiratory quotient. With two other sporulation substrates, sodium pyruvate (0.13%) and lactic acid (0.1%), the effect was not so pronounced, and a fifth, dihydroxyacetone (0.1%), seemed to have little or no effect. Spores developed more rapidly and became more abundant in the acetate than in any of the other compounds. The changes in the respiratory quotient did not show a clear correlation with either the amount or the rapidity of sporulation in the five sporulation substrates. When cells were incubated in acetate or in glucose for a day under anaerobic conditions their respiratory quotient did not decline. Some success was obtained in separating sporulated from non-sporulated cells by centrifuging. No difference was noted in the respiration of sporulated and non-sporulated cells. The respiratory quotient of cells from sporulated cultures returned to values characteristic of growing cells after 2 to 4 hours in growth medium.
β-D-1, 3 GLUCANASES IN FUNGI
Authors: Reese Elwyn T. , Mandels Mary
Published: February 2010

β-D-1,3 Glucanases are of common occurrence in fungi, being detected in the culture nitrates of 96% of the organisms tested in shake flasks and in the sporophores of six basidiomycetcs. The enzyme is constitutive. Basidiomycete QM 806 and Sporotrichum pruinosum QM 826 are excellent sources of β-D-1,3 glucanase of the exo-type giving glucose as the sole reducing product of laminarin hydrolysis. Rhizopus arrhizus QM 1032 produces a β-D-1,3 glucanase of the endo-type giving laminaribiose and higher oligosaccharides as the products of hydrolysis of β-D-1,3 glucans. By controlling the conditions of growth β-D-1,3 glucanases can be produced free of β-1,4 glucanase (cellulase).
A METHANOL-UTILIZING BACTERIUM: II. STUDIES ON THE PATHWAY OF METHANOL ASSIMILATION
Authors: Kaneda T. , Roxburgh J. M.
Published: February 2010

Two simultaneous pathways for the fixation of carbon from one-carbon compounds by a Pseudomonas sp. (PRL-W4) are postulated. Carbonate and formate form parts of one pathway and methanol and formaldehyde the other. It is presumed that both the formate and formaldehyde are incorporated as serine by the organism. The energy necessary for the incorporation of carbonate carbon can be supplied by the oxidation of methanol or of formate but not formaldehyde. No formaldehyde dehydrogenase activity was found.
A RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE FREE AMINO ACID POOL, DIPICOLINIC ACID, AND CALCIUM FROM RESTING SPORES OF BACILLUS MEGATERIUM
Authors: Young I. Elizabeth
Published: February 2010

All of the free amino acids and calcium dipicolinate are released from disrupted spores of Bacillus megaterium to a hot water extract. Chromatographic resolution of the extract reveals six free amino acid spots and the dipicolinate running as a two-limbed band through the chromatogram. Overlapped by the alanine spot, the dipicolinate area can be recognized by its strong absorption in the ultraviolet region and the slow development of a permanent blue color with ninhydrin. Acid hydrolysis of an eluate from the ultraviolet-absorbing area releases five other amino acids. These can be separated chromatographically from the dipicolinate which now no longer migrates as a band but moves as a discrete spot. Calcium appears to be essential for the maintenance of this "complex" between dipicolinate and amino acids. The possible significance of such a combination in the spore is discussed.
OBSERVATIONS ON THE USE OF TETRAZOLIUM SALTS IN THE VITAL STAINING OF BACTERIA
Authors: Eidus L. , Diena B. B. , Greenberg L.
Published: February 2010

Studies on the vital staining of bacteria were carried out to determine the concentrations of tetrazolium salts required for optimal staining, and the amounts which could cause complete inhibition of bacterial growth. Four salts were studied: neotetrazolium chloride (NTC), triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC), blue tetrazolium (BT), and nitro-blue tetrazolium (NBT). Evidence has been presented to show that only living, actively metabolizing cells can reduce neotetrazolium to formazan.
IDENTIFICATION OF SERRATIA OCCURRING IN MAN AND ANIMALS
Authors: Fulton MacDonald , Forney Clare E. , Leifson Einar
Published: February 2010

Cultures of Serralia even when unpigmented can be identified by their flagella which have an unusual coiled shape. Serratia cultures isolated from clinical materials are lactose negative, imvic − − + +, sulphide negative, anerogenic, and have a distinctive pattern of fermentative abilities. A different Serratia, not so far encountered in clinical materials, is also described. The literature on isolation of Serralia from man and animals is summarized.
STUDIES WITH KANAMYCIN AGAINST MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS
Authors: FitzPatrick Florence K.
Published: February 2010

The original Japanese observations on kanamycin are confirmed as to activity in vitro and in mice. They are extended to include: (a) cross-resistance studies, (b) experiments with kanamycin A and B singly and together, (c) combined therapy experiments with other tuberculostatic agents.Samples of kanamycin A and A plus B were of the same order of activity as streptomycin in vitro and in mice, and were effective against streptomycin-resistant organisms. Kanamycin B did not increase mouse survival when tested at a level that with kanamycin A gave good prolongation of life. When mice were treated with combinations of kanamycin plus streptomycin, or dihydrostreptomycin, or neomycin, the survival increases obtained were greater than were to be expected from the mere sum of the effects of the individual antibiotics.
IDENTIFICATION OF AN ALKALINE-DEPENDENT STREPTOMYCES AS STREPTOMYCES CAERULEUS BALDACCI AND CHARACTERIZATION OF THE SPECIES UNDER CONTROLLED CONDITIONS
Authors: Taber W. A.
Published: February 2010

The identity of the Streptomyces which produces the new crystalline antibiotic, caerulomycin, was determined. The distinctive characteristics of the culture are: produces a blue-to-red indicator pigment; requires a neutral or alkaline reaction for growth; bears oblong to cylindrical spores in straight and flexuous chains; is not chromogenic on peptone media but produces hydrogen sulphide on iron-peptone agar; and does not grow on unbuffered potato or carrot plugs, Difco litmus milk, ASA agar, or Pridham and Gottlieb's synthetic agar medium. The culture readily utilizes glucose, fructose, galactose, mannitol, sucrose, xylose, starch, and maltose but does not utilize, or utilizes to a limited extent, mannose, i-inositol, adonitol, lactose, ribose, raffinose, and cellulose.A direct comparison with authentic cultures of Streptomyces coelicolor and Streptomyces caeruleus proved the unknown to be qualitatively indistinguishable only from the latter. A literature survey did not reveal other species resembling the unknown, which was therefore concluded to be a member of Streptomyces caeruleus Baldacci.The original description of S. caeruleus is amended and some characteristics of the culture grown under reproducible conditions are reported.
STUDIES ON HAEMOBARTONELLA INFECTION IN THE RAT
Authors: Ford Jr. Arthur C. , Murray T. J.
Published: February 2010

An organism which answers the published descriptions of Haemobartonella muris was isolated from Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats had either been splenectomized or were under other forms of stress. The organism was grown in a serum–tryptone medium which had been used successfully in the cultivation of Bartonella bacilliformis. The cultivated organism was infective for non-carrier Sprague-Dawley rats under different forms of stress; Wistar rats were not carriers and infections could not be induced.The effects of protein intake and tumors on the development of infection are also discussed. Rats fed a diet of 12% casein while carrying Flexner-Jobling tumors were more susceptible to infection than were those on diets of 0, 6, or 18% casein. Neither diets alone nor tumors alone placed sufficient stress on the animals for the development of symptoms.
THE EFFECTS OFD-AMINO ACIDS ON ALCALIGENES FECALIS
Authors: Lark Cynthia , Lark K. G.
Published: February 2010

D-Amino acids have been found to induce protoplast-like forms (crescents) in Alcaligenes fecalis strain LB. This induction is similar in most respects to that by penicillin with the exception of the effects produced in tryptone. D-Amino acids appear to act synergistically with penicillin. The amino acid composition of cell walls of D-amino acid and penicillin-induced crescents as well as of normal cells has been examined by column chromatography. The main difference between normal and crescent cell walls consists of a reduction in the amount of the basic peptide unit of the phenol-insoluble fraction. These results are discussed in relation to the induction of protoplast-like forms.
STUDIES ON THE ANTIGENIC STRUCTURE OF TRICHINELLA SPIRALIS LARVAE
Authors: Labzoffsky N. A. , Kuitunen E. , Morrissey L. P. , Hamvas J. J.
Published: February 2010

By means of physical and chemical procedures seven antigenic fractions have been isolated from Trichinella spiralis larvae, as determined by complement fixation. Some evidence is presented to indicate that at least some of the isolated fractions are antigenically distinct and that antibodies in Trichinella-infested rabbit develop at different times for different fractions. Importance of using a properly selected antigen in serodiagnosis of trichinosis is discussed.
NITRIFICATION IN NUTRIENT SOLUTIONS WITH LOW LEVELS OF POTASSIUM
Authors: Welch L. F. , Scott A. D.
Published: February 2010

An active culture of nitrifying bacteria was established by adding moist garden soil to a high-K nutrient solution and incubating the system at room temperature with adequate aeration. By a succession of transfers into a low-K nutrient solution the soil particles were eliminated and the K level reduced to 0.40 p.p.m. Inoculum from this soil-free, low-K nitrifying culture was then used to study nitrification in buffered nutrient solutions that contained even less K.When the nutrient solutions contained 0.40 p.p.m. K or more, there was no effect of the K level on the nitrification of NH4 added as (NH4)2SO4. Nitrification was impaired, however, when the K level was less than 0.35 p.p.m. In a solution that contained virtually no K there was negligible nitrification after a second transfer was made to eliminate the K added by the original inoculum. Under these conditions, the number of nitrifying bacteria apparently decreased, but some of them persisted for at least 48 days. Upon the addition of K, nitrification occurred to about the same extent as if ample K had always been present.
EVALUATION OF POLIOMYELITIS ANTISERA BY PLAQUE NEUTRALIZATION TESTS
Authors: French R. C. , Armstrong R. E. , Nagler F. P.
Published: February 2010

After the reproducibility of poliovirus plaque titrations was estimated, the course of specific neutralization of virus by antiserum at 37 °C was investigated and was found to be logarithmic with respect to time and dilution of serum. A method was adopted for titrating poliomyelitis plaque neutralizing antibodies under defined test conditions. The titers obtained by this method were much more reproducible than those found by other methods in current use, but bore fairly constant relationships to the average values found in larger series of titrations by the latter methods.
STUDIES ON INHIBITORS OF INFLUENZA VIRUS HAEMAGGLUTINATION IN NORMAL RABBIT AND FERRET SERA
Authors: Furesz J.
Published: February 2010

Inhibitors of influenza virus haemagglutination were completely removed from normal rabbit and ferret sera by purified and concentrated preparations of influenza viruses. Influenza A-prime strains absorbed only the Chu inhibitor and the B/Lee virus the Francis inhibitor. The heat or periodate inactivation of the viruses did not destroy their ability to combine with the inhibitor.The practical application of these experiments in the antibody absorption test for influenza antigenic studies is discussed.
THE METABOLISM OF 2-KETO-D-GLUCONATE BY CELL-FREE EXTRACTS OF LEUCONOSTOC MESENTEROIDES
Authors: Ciferri O. , Blakley E. R.
Published: February 2010

The degradation of 2-keto-D-gluconate by Leuconostoc mesenteroides is shown to proceed according to the following pathway: 2-keto-D-gluconate → 2-keto-6-phospho-D-gluconate → 6-phospho-D-gluconate → D-ribulose-5-phosphate + CO2 → D-xylulose-5-phosphate → acetyl-phosphate + D-glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate.Cells grown on 2-keto-D-gluconate were shown previously to possess an adaptive and specific 2-ketogluconokinase. These cells also contained a reductase that reduced 2-keto-6-phospho-D-gluconate to 6-phospho-D-gluconate in the presence of DPNH or TPNH, 6-phospho-D-gluconate-dehydrogenase, phosphoketolase, D-ribulose-5-phosphate-3-epimerase, and acetokinase. The 2-keto-6-phospho-D-gluconate-reductase which was also present in cells grown on D-gluconate shows optimal activity between pH 4.5 and 6.5 and is rapidly inactivated by heat. The 6-phospho-D-gluconate-dehydrogenase specific for DPN has an optimum pH between 7.2 and 7.7 and is stable when heated to 50 °C for 5 minutes.The production of carbon dioxide or pentulose-phosphate with extracts from cells grown on 2-keto-D-gluconate proceeded more rapidly with 2-keto-6-phospho-D-gluconate as the substrate than with 6-phospho-D-gluconate. This difference in rates was eliminated if a system to recycle hydrogen such as alcohol dehydrogenase and acetaldehyde or pyruvate to couple with lactic acid dehydrogenase was provided. Thus the existence of an alternate pathway for the catabolism of 2-keto-6-phospho-D-gluconate to carbon dioxide, acetic acid, and lactic acid does not appear to exist.
TISSUE CULTURE STUDIES WITH INFECTIOUS HEPATITIS SPECIMENS
Authors: Franklin A. E. , Sinclair J. C.
Published: February 2010

Twenty-nine human adult and eight monkey tissues were studied in culture. The addition of prednisolone to growth media restricted the growth to epithelial-like cells and also provided a slight growth stimulus. Thirty-four specimens of acute hepatitis origin failed to provide indications of virus. Detroit-6 cells were cultured in synthetic media supplemented with sheep serum. Sixteen experiments were inoculated with 82 specimens of acute hepatitis origin. There were no conclusive results with this line of cells.
THE INDUCTION BY ALLYL GLYCINE OF HERITABLE RESPIRATORY DEFICIENCY IN SACCHAROMYCES AND ITS REVERSAL BY SULPHUR AMINO ACIDS
Authors: Sarachek Alvin , Fowler Gregory L.
Published: February 2010

Respiration-deficient mutants can be induced in populations of Saccharomyces growing in the presence of the cysteine antagonist, allyl glycine. Mutations occur, however, only among cells which had been cultivated anaerobically so as to be unadapted to aerobic respiration prior to exposure to the antagonist. The mutagenicity of allyl glycine is relieved by cysteine, and to a lesser extent by homocysteine, methionine, or alpha-amino-n-butyric acid. It is accentuated by homoserine. Evidence is presented indicating that the ability of allyl glycine to induce respiratory mutants is distinct from its general growth-inhibiting properties. It is concluded that the maintenance of the genetic determinant of respiration in Saccharomyces depends upon a particular metabolic function in which cysteine participates. In cells cultivated anaerobically that function is so limited that it can be rendered effectively inactive by growth in the presence of allyl glycine.
EFFECT OF ACID HYDROLYZATES OF AGAR ON THE GROWTH OF ESCHERICHIA COLI
Authors: Yaphe W.
Published: February 2010

Studies were carried out to determine the effect of the products of acid hydrolysis of agar on the growth of Escherichia coli. The inhibitory effect was associated with the degree of hydrolysis of the agar. This inhibition has been obtained at two very different levels of concentration. When the hydrolysis was complete, the inhibitory pattern was similar to that of 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furaldehyde. Under conditions of mild acid hydrolysis, the inhibitory effect was caused by a heat-labile degradation product of 3,6-anhydro-L-galactose.
MICROBIAL DECOMPOSITION OF RUTIN
Authors: Westlake D. W. S. , Talbot G. , Blakley E. R. , Simpson F. J.
Published: February 2010

A number of molds, streptomycetes, and bacteria, obtained from culture collections and by enrichment techniques, were tested for their ability to degrade rutin. The molds, particularly Aspergillus fiavus and A. niger, appeared to be more active than either the streptomycetes or bacteria. The aspergilli when grown on either rutin or quercetin produced extracellular enzymes that degraded both rutin and quercetin but not quercitrin. Rutinose, protocatechuic acid, phloroglucinol carboxylic acid, and a phloroglucmo! carboxylic acid – protocatechuic acid ester were identified by paper chromatography as the products.
OXIDATION OF METHANOL AND FORMALDEHYDE BY PSEUDOMONAS METHANICA
Authors: Harrington Alyce A. , Kallio R. E.
Published: February 2010

A methanol-utilizing organism identified as a strain of Pseudomonas methanica was isolated. Methanol oxidation by extracts of the organism was shown to involve peroxidative oxidation of the alcohol to formaldehyde. A diphosphopyridine nucleotide dependent aldehyde dehydrogenase, specific for formaldehyde and requiring glutathione for activity, was demonstrated.
IMMERSION REFRACTOMETRY OF SOME HALOPHILIC BACTERIA
Authors: Payne John I. , Sehgal S. N. , Gibbons N. E.
Published: February 2010

The solid content of several halophilic bacteria was estimated by immersion refractometry. Values for extreme halophiles ranged from 28 to 32%, and for moderate halophiles from 31 to 45%. The solid content of these organisms changed with variation in the salt content of the environment. It is thought that these differences are the result of changes in the water content of the cell. Spheres (spheroplasts) had a slightly lower solid content than the parent rods. Nuclear and other inclusion bodies, mostly of lower refractive index than the cytoplasm, were noted.
ORGANISMS RESEMBLING ALCALIGENES FAECALIS
Authors: Moore Harold B. , Pickett M. J.
Published: February 2010

Forty strains of Gram-negative rods which resembled Alcaligenes in failing to attack carbohydrates were studied. Twenty-four strains had lophotrichous flagella, three were monotrichous, three were either lophotrichous or monotrichous, six were peritrichous, and four were nonflagellated. Strains were grouped by their action on gelatin and nitrate, and by motility. Most lophotrichous and monotrichous organisms liquefied gelatin, reduced nitrate, or did both, whereas most peritrichous and nonflagellated rods failed to do either.Serological studies indicated antigenic heterogeneity, but some strains in the more homogeneous physiological groups were related, mainly through flagellar antigens. Three phages were obtained without induction but only one of these was lytic for a single heterologous strain. Inducible substances resembling bacteriocines were elaborated by several strains, and the activity was confined primarily to homogeneous physiological and serological groups. Some lophotrichous strains closely resembled but were not identical with the genus Lophomonas. The validity of the genus Alcaligenes is questioned, since few isolates resemble the original description (peritrichous flagella) and these could be included in the genus Achromobacter.
FACTORS AFFECTING THE VIABILITY OF AIR-BORNE BACTERIA: II. THE EFFECT OF CHEMICAL ADDITIVES ON THE BEHAVIOR OF AIR-BORNE CELLS
Authors: Webb S. J.
Published: February 2010

The effect on air-borne cells of single chemical compounds added to a bacterial suspension prior to atomization has been studied. It has been found that some amino acids, long chain protein degredates, some sugars and polyhydroxycyclohexanes can enhance the survival of air-borne cells. The ability of a compound to preserve viability during periods of desiccation has been found to be connected with the presence of an amino and/or secondary alcohol group. For maximal protection these groups need to be substituted onto a six-membered ring nucleus. The hydroxyl group has been found toxic if present on a benzene ring, but protective on a pyrimidine ring. Inositol was found to afford a large measure of stability to the air-borne cells and its stabilizing ability could be destroyed by urea and guanidine. It is suggested that compounds enhance survival by replacing water molecules in protein structure during desiccation through hydrogen bonding and so preserve the natural structure of the cellular proteins. Peaks in death rates at intermediate relative humidity levels have been found to be due to the presence of the added compounds.
FACTORS AFFECTING THE VIABILITY OF AIR-BORNE BACTERIA: III. THE ROLE OF BONDED WATER AND PROTEIN STRUCTURE IN THE DEATH OF AIR-BORNE CELLS
Authors: Webb S. J.
Published: February 2010

The relationship between cellular water and the death of air-borne cells, and the effect of added substances on these relationships, has been studied. The rate of death of air-stored cells has been correlated with the amount of water bonded to the cellular proteins. Refractive indices of cells, measured by light scatter and interferometry, have suggested that cells suspended in solutions of various compounds contain less water. With the exception of urea, the more able a compound is in displacing water, the less its protectiveness to air-borne cells. Inositol produced the smallest change in the water content and refractive index of cells. This is taken to indicate that, in the absence of water, this compound can form hydrogen bonds with cellular protein which are reversible with water. There appears also to be some relationship between the Gram stain reaction and aerosol stability of the cells. Ribonuclease and lysozyme treatment of air-stable cells rendered them air sensitive, whereas resistance to some antibiotics, and suspension in some antibiotics, afforded stability to air-sensitive cells. It is suggested that the site of damage is the cellular "membranes" which break down on desiccation and result in a loss of differentiation within the cell.
BACTERIOSTATIC EFFECT OF HAEMOLYMPH OF LARVAE OF VARIOUS BOTFLIES
Authors: Landi S.
Published: February 2010

Haemolymph from larvae of Cuterebra, Cephenemyia, Oestrus, and Gastero-philus inhibits the growth of several species of Sarcina and Micrococcus on nutrient media. The bacteriostatic substance in the haemolymph is thermostable and retains its bacteriostatic activity after it is diluted.
ISOLATION OF BACTERIOPHAGES FOR THE DETECTION OF CORYNEBACTERIUM INSIDIOSUM, AGENT OF BACTERIAL WILT OF ALFALFA
Authors: Cook F. D. , Katznelson H.
Published: February 2010

Two phages for Corynebacterium insidiosum, agent of bacterial wilt of alfalfa, have been isolated. One was strain-specific, the other lysed 18 out of 20 strains of this organism. One strain was resistant to both phages. The polyvirulent phage was used successfully to detect the presence of C. insidiosum in roots of wilted alfalfa plants.
EFFECT OF SOME METAL IONS ON THE GROWTH OF HALOBACTERIUM CUTIRUBRUM
Authors: Sehgal S. N. , Gibbons N. E.
Published: February 2010

Halobacterium cutirubrum, H. salinarium, and H. halobium required at least 10 p.p.m. ferrous ions for maximal growth in aerated cultures. The growth of H. cutirubrum was stimulated by 0.05 p.p.m. manganous ions but addition of divalent zinc or calcium had no effect on the growth of this organism.
THE VITAMIN REQUIREMENTS OF CORYNEBACTERIUM SEPEDONICUM (SPIEK. & KOTT.) SKAPT. & BURKH.
Authors: Lachance Robert-A.
Published: February 2010

The vitamin requirements of Corynebacterium sepedonicum (Spiek. & Kott.) Skapt. & Burkholder were studied in a medium containing vitamin-free acid casein hydrolyzate, glucose, and mineral salts. Nicotinic acid, thiamine, and biotin were found to be stimulatory. Riboflavin inhibited the growth slightly. Nicotinic acid can be replaced by nicotinamide, but Tween 80 and pimelic acid could not replace biotin.
STUDIES WITH STAPHYLOCOCCAL TOXINS: V. POSSIBLE IDENTIFICATION OF ALPHA HEMOLYSIN WITH A PROTEOLYTIC ENZYME
Authors: Robinson J. , Thatcher F. S. , Montford Jeannine
Published: February 2010

Alpha hemolysin has been separated from many of the other components present in culture filtrates of four strains of Staphylococcus aureus using a column chromatographic procedure with carboxymethyl-cellulose as the selective adsorbent, and graded levels of phosphate buffer at pH 6.0 to provide selective elution. The preparation of alpha hemolysin obtained in this manner hemolyzed rabbit and sheep erythrocytes, induced a dermonecrotic reaction in rabbits, was lethal to mice, and was proteolytic. The hemolytic activity of the preparation was stimulated by ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid, presumably by removing toxic ions from solution. Divalent cations inhibited activity of the alpha hemolysin, but stimulated the activity of a distinctive sheep hemolysin, which is shown to be a separate entity.Alpha hemolysin, obtained by the chromatographic procedure, and subjected further to resolution by zone electrophoresis retained its capacity to induce dermonecrosis, to hemolyze rabbit erythrocytes, and to hydrolyze casein. Apparent loss of the capacity of the preparation to hemolyze sheep erythrocytes was discussed.The possibility that alpha hemolysin is a specific proteolytic enzyme is suggested by the observation that under no conditions could a separation be effected between the hemolytic and proteolytic properties of the alpha hemolysin recovered from a number of different cultures.
STUDIES WITH STAPHYLOCOCCAL TOXINS: VI. SOME PROPERTIES OF A NON-HEMOLYTIC DERMONECROTIC TOXIN PRODUCED BY SOME STRAINS OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS
Authors: Robinson J. , Thatcher F. S. , Montford Jeannine
Published: February 2010

A non-hemolytic, dermonecrotic preparation with proteolytic activity was isolated from culture filtrates of some strains of Staphylococcus aureus using a chromatographic procedure with carboxymethyl-cellulose as a selective adsorbent. The preparation was resolved into components which were independently proteolytic and dermonecrotic using a zone electrophoresis procedure.The non-hemolytic dermonecrotic toxin possessed properties which characterize it as a protein. No relationship could be found between pathogenicity of the staphylococcus and its capacity to produce the toxin.The presence in some culture filtrates of the non-hemolytic, dermonecrotic toxin has been considered as a possible explanation for the lack of agreement noted by several authors between alpha hemolytic and dermonecrotic titers.
CALCIUM REVERSAL OF THE HEAT SUSCEPTIBILITY AND DIPICOLINATE DEFICIENCY OF SPORES FORMED "ENDOTROPHICALLY" IN WATER
Authors: Black Samuel H. , Hashimoto Tadayo , Gerhardt Philipp
Published: February 2010

Spores of Bacillus cereus strain terminalis formed "endotrophically" by transferring granular vegetative cells to distilled water were found to be relatively susceptible to heat and deficient in dipicolinic acid. Calcium ions alone, added in low concentration shortly after the cells were placed in water, could completely relieve these abnormalities. Although the water-formed spores were sensitive to heat, they were as fully resistant as normal spores to gamma radiation or phenol.
A HETEROTHALLIC, INOPERCULATE DISCOMYCETE: MORPHOLOGY AND DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Haskins R. H.
Published: February 2010

Studies of the fungus which produced large quantities of the recently described pigment, mycochrysone, revealed minute white apothecia which possessed a hymenial layer of slender paraphyses and inoperculate eight-spored asci. The eight ascospores of a single ascus produced four black (−) and four brown (+) colonies. Apothecia were formed in vitro, initially only along the lines of junction of these two readily distinguishable types of colonies. Phialospores and pycnidia-like structures were produced by the black (−) strain. Mycochrysone was produced only by the brown (+) strain. The various fruiting structures are described and illustrated. The organism could be a Calloria of the Helotiaceae but positive identification is not yet possible.
MICROBIAL DECOMPOSITION OF HALOGENATED PROPIONIC AND ACETIC ACIDS
Authors: Hirsch P. , Alexander M.
Published: February 2010

Microorganisms actively degrading 2,2-dichloropropionic acid have been isolated and characterized. The responsible organisms, strains of Nocardia and Pseudomonas, liberate 90 to 100% of the halogen in dichloropropionate in periods of 3 weeks. Evidence for decomposition without chloride production has been obtained. Significant differences exist between isolates in the types of halogen-containing fatty acids utilized. Studies of the effect of halogen number and position show that beta-substituted propionates are more slowly attacked than the corresponding alpha-substituted compounds.
THE PRODUCTION OF CELLULASE BY FUNGI ON MIXED CELLULOSIC SUBSTRATES
Authors: Basu S. N. , Ghose S. N.
Published: February 2010

Using jute, alkali-treated jute, holocellulose from jute, and filter paper as substrates, a total of 124 fungi were tested for production of cellulolytic enzyme capable of hydrolyzing powdered filter paper and swollen cellulose. Of these, only 15 organisms failed to produce the enzyme on any substrate, and 48 produced cellulase on filter paper, so that in most species cellulase production could be induced only by mixed cellulosic substrates. Among such species were many that are ordinarily regarded as non-cellulolytic, while on the other hand comparatively little enzyme could be detected with several well-known cellulose decomposers strongly degrading cellulose in vivo. Factors stimulating enzyme production on mixed cellulosic substrates were micronutrients and hemicellulose. For most species, excluding a few of the strong cellulose decomposers, a partial loosening of the hemicellulose seemed to favor enzyme production best. Some cellulase was produced on free hemicellulose alone, but not on starch and sugars, although in presence of cellulose these substances stimulated enzyme production by a few ordinarily weak species; on strong cellulose decomposers the effect of these additional carbon sources was opposite, possibly due to a sparing action on cellulose.
THE ISOLATION AND CULTURE OF THE NITRIFYING ORGANISMS: PART I. NITROBACTER
Authors: Gould G. W. , Lees H.
Published: February 2010

It has been found that two factors, accumulation of nitrate and inadequate aeration, seriously limit the growth of Nitrobacter under classical culture conditions. Techniques are described in which the effect of these factors is minimized and by which pure cultures of Nitrobacter, with cell densities at least 10 times the normal maximum, are easily and rapidly obtained.
ASPECTS OF DECOMPOSITION OF CELLULOSE IN CANADIAN SOILS: I. OBSERVATIONS WITH THE MICROSCOPE
Authors: Tribe H. T.
Published: February 2010

The course of cellulose decomposition in certain Canadian soils was followed by means of the microscope. Under the conditions of incubation provided, fungi initiated decomposition. Coarse mycelial forms, including a species of Rhizoctonia, were dominant. Species of Humicola and Botryotrichum and similar, sterile forms characterized by their "rooting branches" in cellulose film were subdominant. Following fungal growth, bacteria appeared and nematodes developed on both fungi and bacteria. The later stages of decomposition and disintegration of the cellulose were caused by larger fauna, including mites, collembolans, and enchytraeid worms. Nonhomogenous distribution of the various organisms in the soil samples resulted in considerable variation in rate and extent of decomposition of individual pieces of cellulose. Some pieces were entirely disintegrated, others were untouched after 5 weeks.
ASPECTS OF DECOMPOSITION OF CELLULOSE IN CANADIAN SOILS: II. NITRATE NITROGEN LEVELS AND CARBON DIOXIDE EVOLUTION
Authors: Tribe H. T.
Published: February 2010

The effect of addition of cellulose film on the level of nitrate in a mull humus soil was studied over a period of 16 weeks. During the early stages of decomposition, nitrate was taken up from the soil, leaving it deficient in nitrate for up to 7 weeks. In later stages of decomposition, some of this nitrate was released again. Carbon dioxide was produced from the cellulose film over the whole experimental period. The results were broadly correlated with previous observations on the succession of microorganisms and fauna on cellulose film. The role of the fauna in nitrogen mineralization is discussed.
STUDIES ON A SOIL ACHROMOBACTER WHICH DEGRADES 2,4-DICHLOROPHENOXYACETIC ACID
Authors: Bell Gordon R.
Published: February 2010

Cells of an Achromobacter sp. possess what appears to be an adaptive system that is capable of oxidizing 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). The 2,4-D oxidizing system was most active at 30 °C. at pH 6.0 or lower, and in barbital buffer. The organism can oxidize a wide variety of 2,4-D analogues, and 2,4-dichloroplienol without prior adaptation, making analysis of mechanisms difficult. For rates of oxidation comparable with that of 2,4-D the organism appeared to have the following structural requirements: a free ortho position and, more important, an unchlorinated ortho position; a free carboxyl group on the side chain preferably β to the ethereal linkage; a chlorine atom in the para position and no more than two chlorine atoms in the ring whether or not an ortho position is free. Proposed and established pathways for the degradation of 2,4-D are presented and a possible new pathway involving 2,4-dichloroanisole is suggested.
THE EFFECT OF PARTIAL STERILIZATION OF FIELD SOILS BY CHEMICALS UPON DIFFERENTIAL MICROBIAL COUNTS, CO2 ACTIVITY, AND RATES OF ORGANIC MATTER DECOMPOSITION
Authors: Elkan Gerald H. , Moore W. E. C.
Published: February 2010

Varying dosage rates of calcium hypochlorite, mercuric chloride, and sodium propionate were used as partial sterilization agents in field and greenhouse trials to determine the effect on soil biological activity, and thereby, organic matter decomposition rates. Application of the chemicals often resulted in the initial stimulation of respiration rates. In greenhouse and field trials this stimulation was most commonly associated with the application of sodium propionate. Fungal counts decreased and bacterial counts increased when this chemical was used. Within 4 weeks after treatment, all rates of application of the various chemicals depressed soil CO2 evolution. Thirteen months after treatment, plots treated with 100 lb of mercuric chloride per acre had one quarter as many actinomycetes and total microbes, and one third as many fungi, as did the control plots. Respiration was also considerably lower. Calcium hypochlorite treated plots retained reduced total counts and sodium propionate reduced fungal counts. Respiration in these last plots was not depressed.The changes in organic matter decomposition due to chemical treatments were not statistically significant in the greenhouse or field studies.General lack of correlation between the three measures of biological activity used in this study indicate the necessity for the further development of methods for measuring the population of microorganisms in soil.
ÉTUDE D'UNE POPULATION DE BACTÉRIES RÉDUCTRICES DU SOUFRE
Authors: Desrochers R. , Fredette V.
Published: February 2010

A study has been made of the populations of sulphur-reducing bacteria in a certain section of the Ottawa river.Not only have the numbers of these populations been determined over a 10-mile section, but also several factors such as dissolved oxygen and biochemical oxygen demand have been examined for their relation with the variations in number of these same populations.The yield of sulphate-waste liquors in numbers of population supported as well as the amount of hydrogen sulphide produced under natural conditions have also been studied.
THE CULTURE OF DUNALIELLA TERTIOLECTA BUTCHER—A EURYHALINE ORGANISM
Authors: McLachlan Jack
Published: February 2010

Dunaliella tertiolecta Butcher was found to be a euryhaline organism which grew at salinities ranging from 3.75 to 120‰. All the conservative elements of sea water, with the exception of chlorine, were found necessary for growth of the alga. The minimum requirement for sodium was much greater than that for any other element, and it was not possible to substitute other monovalent cations for the minimum requirement. Also, the alga could tolerate high concentrations of sodium chloride. The potassium and sulphur concentrations of the medium could be reduced to very low levels. Dunaliella could also tolerate high concentrations of these two elements. The addition of lithium to the medium inhibited the growth of the alga. High concentrations of sodium could partially eliminate the inhibition due to lithium. The minimum concentrations of calcium and magnesium necessary for growth approached the concentrations found in fresh waters. Calcium and magnesium were inhibitory at high concentrations, but the inhibition at high concentrations could be prevented if a Mg/Ca ratio of 4 was maintained over a wide range of concentrations in the medium.
MUTATION CONFERRING STREPTOMYCIN RESISTANCE IN XANTHOMONAS PHASEOLI
Authors: Quadling C.
Published: February 2010

Spontaneous mutations conferring resistance to the action of 500 to 2000 μg/ml streptomycin occur at an over-all rate of about 3 × 10−10per bacterium per generation in Xanthomonas phaseoli. Some mutants will not grow in the absence of streptomycin; others grow both in the presence and in the absence of the drug. In most cases resistance to high concentrations of streptomycin does not affect the virulence of this organism for bean plants.