bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biological Properties of α-Toxin Mutants of
Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: McClatchy J. K. , Rosenblum E. D.
Published: January 2020

McClatchy
, J. K. (The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas),
and
E. D.
Rosenblum
. Biological properties of α-toxin mutants of
Staphylococcus aureus
. J. Bacteriol.
92:
575–579. 1966.—Twenty nonhemolytic mutants of
Staphylococcus aureus
were isolated after treatment of a hemolytic strain with ultraviolet light or nitrous acid. Thirteen strains isolated were completely lacking in the synthesis of α toxin or immunologically related proteins, presumably the result of a single mutational event. Although the strains were nonhemolytic on rabbit blood-agar plates, six of them retained the dermonecrotic and lethal activities usually associated with staphylococcal α toxin, as well as slight hemolytic activity for rabbit erythrocyte suspensions. The active mutants and one inactive mutant produced a protein that reacted immunologically with antibody to α toxin. Mutations which alter the α toxin molecule can effect the lethal, dermonecrotic, and hemolytic activities separately or in varying ratios.
Metabolic Characterization of the GenusBrucellaV. Relationship of Strain Oxidation Rate ofi-Erythritol to Strain Virulence for Guinea Pigs
Authors: Meyer Margaret E.
Published: January 2020

Meyer, MargaretE. (University of California, Davis). Metabolic characterization of the genusBrucella. V. Relationship of strain oxidation rate ofi-erythritol to strain virulence for guinea pigs. J. Bacteriol.92:584–588. 1966.—Strain rate of oxidation ofi-erythritol and strain virulence were studied to determine whether or not the two characteristics were related within the speciesBrucella abortus, B. suis, andB. melitensis. The oxidation rate ofi-erythritol was determined manometrically, and strain virulence was assessed by injecting groups of guinea pigs and then recording counts of organisms recovered on culture from spleens 21 and 42 days after inoculation. The range in oxidative rates characteristic of virulent strains in each species was established, and strains displaying oxidative rates representative of the full array of values within the rate ranges were virulence-tested. In addition, a mutant that was capable of oxidizingi-erythritol, obtained from a strain that did not oxidize this substrate, was assessed simultaneously to detect any alterations in virulence of the mutant. The data presented herein warrant the conclusion that strain rate of oxidation ofi-erythritol is unrelated to the virulence of the strain for guinea pigs in the speciesB. abortus, B. suis, andB. melitensis.
Relation of Polysaccharide Content to Some Biological Properties of Endotoxins from Mutants ofSalmonella typhimurium
Authors: Kessel R. W. I. , Freedman Henry H. , Braun Werner
Published: January 2020

Kessel, R. W. I. (Rutgers, The State University, New Brunswick, N.J.),Henry H. Freedman, and Werner Braun. Relation of polysaccharide content to some biological properties of endotoxins from mutants ofSalmonella typhimurium. J. Bacteriol.92:592–596. 1966.—Endotoxins were extracted by the phenol-water procedure from a variety ofSalmonella typhimuriummutants with known differences in the composition of their cell wall polysaccharides. The lethality of these preparations for mice proved to be correlated with the complexity of the polysaccharide: endotoxin from the smooth parent strain and from rough strains with several sugars attached to the heptose-phosphate backbone were of high toxicity, whereas endotoxin from a mutant possessing only glucose attached to the heptose-phosphate backbone was less toxic, and endotoxin from a mutant possessing the backbone only was least toxic. All of these mutants yielded endotoxins that were equally capable of protecting mice against subsequent challenge withPseudomonas aeruginosa. Material obtained from a heptoseless mutant by the phenol-water method proved to be neither toxic nor protective. The apparent dissociation of biological properties that can be achieved with the aid of endotoxin preparations from certain mutants is discussed in terms of possible mechanisms.
Effect of Gene Position on the Timing of Enzyme Synthesis in Synchronous Cultures of Yeast
Authors: Tauro Patric , Halvorson Harlyn O.
Published: January 2020

Tauro, Patric
(The University of Wisconsin, Madison),
and Harlyn O. Halvorson
. Effect of gene position on the timing of enzyme synthesis in synchronous cultures of yeast. J. Bacteriol.
92:
652–661.—In synchronously growing cultures of
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
, enzyme synthesis is periodic. The effect of various factors on the timing of α-glucosidase synthesis has been investigated. The period of the cell cycle during which α-glucosidase is synthesized is unaffected by the method employed to induce synchrony, as well as other environmental conditions. However, a definite relationship exists between the number of nonallelic structural genes present for α-glucosidase and the number of periods of synthesis during the cell cycle. It is concluded that the periodic synthesis of enzymes observed in synchronously growing cultures of yeast is probably the result of an ordered process of transcription of the various structural genes.
Binding of Homologous Polymerized Deoxyribonucleic Acid by
Streptomyces griseus
Authors: Germaine G. R. , Anderson D. L.
Published: January 2020

Germaine
, G. R. (University of Minnesota, Minneapolis),
and D. L. Anderson
. Binding of homologous polymerized deoxyribonucleic acid by
Streptomyces griseus
. J. Bacteriol.
92:
662–667. 1966—An irreversible
P
32
deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) binding system is described for
Streptomyces griseus
S104. The 69% guanine plus cytosine (GC)
S. griseus
DNA was bound by late exponential –early stationary phase cultures. Simultaneous addition of deoxyribonuclease with the
P
32
-DNA to maximally receptive cultures reduced the uptake by 98%. Saturation of the binding ability occurred after 20-min incubation of cells with
P
32
-DNA. Preparative cesium chloride density gradient centrifugation of the
P
32
-DNA revealed that 98% of the label banded in the position expected for
S. griseus
DNA. Sedimentation of the
P
32
-DNA at both 23 and 37 μg/ml indicated a molecular weight of 10.8 million. Attempts to transform
S. griseus
S104 auxotrophs to prototrophy by use of immediate and delayed selective procedures were unsuccessful.
Mechanism of Pock Formation by Shope Fibroma Virus on Monolayers of Rabbit Cells
Authors: Israeli Ella
Published: January 2020

Israeli, Ella
(Rambam Hospital, Haifa, Israel). Mechanism of pock formation by Shope fibroma virus on monolayers of rabbit cells. J. Bacteriol.
92:
727–732. 1966.—The mechanism of pock formation by the Shope fibroma virus (SFV) on rabbit cultures in vitro was studied with the use of
p
-fluorophenylalanine, 5-bromodeoxyuridine, and 5-iododeoxyuridine. The inhibitors were used to inhibit, and to initiate, virus replication at different times after infection. It was shown that pock formation required virus replication to a threshold value of 25 plaque-forming units per pock area, and that this amount of virus can be accumulated during a period about 3 days less than that required for pock formation. Inhibition of virus growth, and of cell multiplication, after this threshold has been reached, did not prevent pock development. A delay in the onset of virus growth required to reach the threshold virus content, caused an about equivalent delay in the time of pock formation. In the absence of inhibitors, pocks were not formed after infection of 84 rabbit embryo clones, or five mixtures of clones containing five to seven clones each. The results indicate that pock formation by SFV in vitro was the result of cell aggregation, and not of cell multiplication, in special types of cells.
Respiration of Mengovirus-infected L-929 Cells
Authors: Iglewski W. J. , Ludwig E. H.
Published: January 2020

Iglewski
, W. J. (The Pennsylvania State University, University Park),
and E. H. Ludwig
. Respiration of mengovirus-infected L-929 cells. J. Bacteriol.
92:
733–738. 1966.—Polarographic techniques were employed to study the oxidative metabolism of L-929 cells during a one-step mengovirus growth cycle. Virus maturation began 3.5 hr after infection and was complete with 7 hr. Virus maturation was accompanied by a decreased rate of endogenous respiration and an increased rate of oxidation of succinate and α-glycerophosphate by L-929 cells. The rate of glucose uptake was the same for mengovirus-infected and control L-929 cells. However, there was a decreased oxidation of glucose to carbon dioxide and a decreased production of lactic acid by L cells infected with mengovirus under aerobic conditions. Mengovirus was produced equally well under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. The implications of the alterations in metabolism with respect to virus synthesis are discussed.
Isolation and Morphology of Temperate
Agrobacterium tumefaciens
Bacteriophage
Authors: Zimmerer Robert P. , Hamilton Robert H. , Pootjes Christine
Published: January 2020

Zimmerer, Robert
P. (The Pennsylvania State University, University Park),
Robert H. Hamilton, and Christine Pootjes
. Isolation and morphology of temperate
Agrobacterium tumefaciens
bacteriophage. J. Bacteriol.
92:
746–750. 1966.—Lysogeny was detected in 14 strains of
Agrobacterium tumefaciens
among 130 bacterial strains tested with strain B-6 used as the host. Partial lysis was observed with 13 additional bacterial strains. Morphological studies of five strains showed that the phage had similar features. A typical phage (Lv-1) had a polyhedralshaped head, approximately 71 by 63 mμ, and a tail, approximately 211 mμ by 9.5 mμ. The phage nucleic acid was found to be deoxyribonucleic acid. The bacteriophage have been designated L (for lysogenic) followed by the bacterial strain designation in lower case letters.
Elevated Cell Wall Serine in Pleiotropic Staphylococcal Mutants
Authors: Korman Ruth Z.
Published: January 2020

Korman, Ruth
Z. (Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y.). Elevated cell wall serine in pleiotropic staphylococcal mutants. J. Bacteriol.
92:
762–768. 1966.—Physically purified cell walls were prepared from two staphylococcal strains and from pleiotropic variants derived from them. The quantitative amino acid and amino sugar content of these walls is reported. The pleiotypes, which are identified culturally by their failure to elaborate coagulase, their resistance to bacteriophage, and their sensitivity to mannitol, have altered molar ratios of amino acids and amino sugars in their cell walls. In comparison with lysine content, the serine content of the mutant wall is elevated and the glycine content is reduced. The glucosamine content is reduced also. It is postulated that the pleiotropic mutants possess an altered cell wall biosynthetic pathway.
Cumulative Hemagglutination by
Mycoplasma pneumoniae
and Other Agglutinins
Authors: John T. Jacob , Stahl Marlene , Fulginiti Vincent A.
Published: January 2020

John, T. Jacob
(University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver),
Marlene Stahl, and Vincent A. Fulginiti
. Cumulative hemagglutination by
Mycoplasma pneumoniae
and other agglutinins. J. Bacteriol.
92:
1002–1004. 1966.—The phenomenon of cumulative hemagglutination, or hemagglutination by two agglutinins, each in subagglutinating concentration, was demonstrated by use of four different systems, namely, horse serum and
Mycoplasma pneumoniae
, horse serum and measles antigen,
M. pneumoniae
and measles antigen, and parainfluenza 2 virus and
M. pneumoniae
. Cumulative hemagglutination appears to be the mechanism by which a horse-serum diluent causes high hemagglutination titers of
M. pneumoniae
, since both contain hemagglutinins against vervet erythrocytes. It was also shown that antibodies against either one of the two antigens may cause inhibition of such hemagglutination.
Nephelometric Assay of Staphylococcal Coagulase
Authors: Stutzenberger Fred J. , Clemente Charles L. San , Vadehra Dharam V.
Published: January 2020

Stutzenberger, Fred
J. (Michigan State University, East Lansing),
Charles L. San Clemente, and Dharam V. Vadehra
. Nephelometric assay of staphylococcal coagulase. J. Bacteriol.
92:
1005–1009. 1966.—Clotting of fibrinogen by staphylococcal coagulase was accompanied by an increase in light scattering; this property was used as a basis for a new nephelometric method. Reaction rates, which were now easily and precisely measured, were found to be directly proportional to coagulase concentration, when optimal conditions were maintained. These conditions included
p
H and concentrations of fibrinogen, coagulase-reacting factor, and sodium chloride in the reaction mixture. A standardized procedure for the assay is outlined, and a unit for the expression of activity is proposed.
Methionine Metabolism of the Myxomycete
Physarum polycephalum
Authors: Daniel John W. , Babcock Karlee
Published: January 2020

Daniel, John
W. (University of Wisconsin, Madison),
and Karlee Babcock
. Methionine metabolism of the myxomycete
Physarum polycephalum
. J. Bacteriol.
92:
1028–1035. 1966.—Previous studies have shown that
Physarum polycephalum
requires exogenous methionine for growth, but not cysteine, folic acid, or vitamin B
12
. Methionine can also serve as the sole source of sulfur for all cellular requirements, without limiting the growth rate.
S
-methyl-
l
-cysteine, 2-hydroxy-4-methiol butyric acid,
S
-adenosyl-
l
-methionine, and methionine peptides were the only compounds supporting growth, when substituted for methionine. Other methionine analogues, methyl donors in combination with homocysteine, and intermediates of the cystathionine pathway were not active. Ethionine and
S
-ethyl cysteine were good methionine antagonists. This myxomycete is apparently unable to synthesize the methyl or
S
-methyl group, although it still appears able to transmethylate, at least from
S
-methyl cysteine, and probably from
S
-adenosyl methionine, which can also serve as a source of adenine.
Biochemical and Genetic Characterization of a Mutant of
Escherichia coli
with a Temperature-Sensitive Valyl Ribonucleic Acid Synthetase
Authors: Böck August , Faiman Lia Eidlic , Neidhardt Frederick C.
Published: January 2020

Böck, August
(Purdue University, Lafayette, Ind.),
Lia Eidlic Faiman, and Frederick C. Neidhardt
. Biochemical and genetic characterization of a mutant of
Escherichia coli
with a temperature-sensitive valyl ribonucleic acid synthetase. J. Bacteriol.
92:
1076–1082. 1966.—To test our conclusion that
Escherichia coli
mutant I-9 possesses a valyl soluble ribonucleic acid (sRNA) synthetase that functions in vivo at 30 C but not at 37 C, measurements were made by use of the periodate method, of the level of charged valyl sRNA in this strain. A shift of temperature from 30 to 40 C resulted in a rapid discharging of valyl sRNA coordinate with the cessation of protein synthesis; at the same time, other species of sRNA, such as those for leucine, became fully charged. Identical results were obtained with a derivative of I-9 with relaxed ribonucleic acid (RNA) control. When P1 phage were grown on wild cells and then used at low multiplicities of infection to transduce temperature-resistant growth into I-9, complete cotransduction of normal valyl sRNA synthetase occurred. By means of the interrupted-mating technique, the structural gene for valyl sRNA synthetase was located on the
E. coli
chromosome map and found to be near
thr
, one-fifth of the length of the chromosome removed from the structural genes for the isoleucine-valine biosynthetic enzymes. Therefore, (i) the major valyl sRNA synthetase activity of I-9 appears to be temperature-sensitive in vivo, (ii) relaxed amino acid control over RNA synthesis does not appear to be a consequence of a normal charging of sRNA with a substitute molecule, and (iii) one structural gene for valyl sRNA synthetase is located on the
E. coli
chromosome not closely linked to the cistrons for the valine-biosynthetic enzymes.
Location of the Maltose A and B Loci on the Genetic Map of
Escherichia coli
Authors: Schwartz Maxime
Published: January 2020

Schwartz, Maxime
(Institut Pasteur, Paris, France). Location of the maltose A and B loci on the genetic map of
Escherichia coli
. J. Bacteriol. 92:1083–1089. 1966.—All of the mutations impairing maltose metabolism that have been found in
Escherichia coli
map in one of the two loci,
malA
and
malB
. The position of
malA
in relation to the streptomycin, diaminopimelic acid + homoserine, and glycerol D loci were established both by sexual crosses and by P1 transduction. A new biotin marker was also shown to be located in this region. The position of
malB
was studied in relation to the loci for arginine F, methionine A, ultraviolet radiation A, and the origin of transfer of Hfr P10.
Cytotoxic Effects In Vitro of Highly Purified Streptolysin O on Mouse Macrophages Cultured in a Serum-Free Medium
Authors: Fauve Robert M. , Alouf Joseph E. , Delaunay Albert , Raynaud Marcel
Published: January 2020

Fauve, Robert
M. (Institut Pasteur, Garches (Hauts de Seine), France),
Joseph E. Alouf, Albert Delaunay, and Marcel Raynaud
. Cytotoxic effects in vitro of highly purified streptolysin O on mouse macrophages cultured in a serum-free medium. J. Bacteriol.
92:
1150–1153. 1966.—After the addition of highly purified streptolysin O to mouse macrophages cultured in medium 199 containing albumin, the following cellular alterations were observed. The disappearance of the stellate shape of the cells and the formation of bleb-like vesicles extruding from the cytoplasmic membrane occurred within a few minutes. Later, massive degranulation and formation of cytoplasmic vesicles were followed by cell death.
Cell Wall Replication in
Escherichia coli
, Studied by Immunofluorescence and Immunoelectron Microscopy
Authors: Beachey Edwin H. , Cole Roger M.
Published: January 2020

Beachey, Edwin
H. (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, Md.),
and Roger M. Cole
. Cell wall replication in
Escherichia coli
, studied by immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy. J. Bacteriol. 92:1245–1251. 1966.—Cell wall components of four different strains of
Escherichia coli
(B; B/r, try
−
; O5; and O86:B7) were labeled with homologous fluorescent antibodies (FLG); the way the label was dispersed on further growth in media free of antibody was followed by fluorescence microscopy. Fluorescence diminished diffusely along longitudinal wall but remained bright at cell poles (or cross walls); newly formed cross walls did not fluoresce. In agreement, reverse labeling (preincubation in unlabeled antibody, followed by staining on the slide with homologous FLG) showed that stainability of longitudinal wall increased gradually and diffusely with increased time of incubation, whereas polar wall remained nonfluorescent or stained only faintly; newly formed poles (or cross walls), on the other hand, stained brightly. These observations were confirmed by electron microscopy, after immunoferritin labeling. Although the mode of cross-wall formation remained unclear, our findings refuted reported ideas of segmental or polar growth of cell wall in
E. coli
and supported the idea of wall replication by diffuse intercalation, as described for
Salmonella
.
Multiple Forms of Bacterial Hydrogenases
Authors: Ackrell B. A. C. , Asato R. N. , Mower H. F.
Published: January 2020

Ackrell
, B. A. C. (University of Hawaii, Honolulu), R. N.
Asato, and H. F. Mower
. Multiple forms of bacterial hydrogenases. J. Bacteriol.
92:
828–838. 1966.—Extracts of certain bacterial species have been shown by disc electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gel to contain multiple hydrogenase systems. The hydrogenase enzymes comprising these systems have different electrophoretic mobilities and produce a band pattern that is unique for each bacterial species. Of 20 bacterial species known to possess hydrogenase activity and which were examined by this technique, only the activities of
Clostridium tetanomorphum
and
C. thermosaccharolyticum
could be attributed, at
p
H 8.3, to a single hydrogenase enzyme. This multiplicity of hydrogenase forms was found both in bacteria which contain mostly soluble hydrogenases and in those where the hydrogenase is predominantly associated with particulate material. When solubilization of this particulate material could be effected, at least two solubilized hydrogenases were released, and, of these, one would have the same electrophoretic properties (i.e.,

R
F

) as one of the soluble hydrogenases already present in small amounts within the cell. Different growth conditions for various types of bacteria, such as the nitrogen source, the degree of aeration, and photosynthetic versus aerobic growth in the dark, as well as the conditions under which the cells were stored, markedly affected the hydrogenase activity of the cells, but not their hydrogenase band pattern. The disc electrophoresis technique proved to be 10 times more sensitive than the manometric technique in detecting hydrogenase activity.
Fractionation and Partial Characterization of the Products of Autolysis of Cell Walls of
Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Young Frank E.
Published: January 2020

Young, Frank
E. (Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio). Fractionation and partial characterization of the products of autolysis of cell walls of
Bacillus subtilis
. J. Bacteriol.
92:
839–846. 1966.—Autolysis of the cell wall of
Bacillus subtilis
by an indigenous autolytic enzyme results in solubilization of 90% of the cell wall. The solubilized cell wall (supernatant fraction) was fractionated by the combination of ion-exchange chromatography on diethylaminoethyl cellulose and gel filtration on Sephadex G-25 into polysaccharides (composed of
N
-acyl glucosamine and
N
-acyl muramic acid), mucopeptides, peptides, and teichoic acid. The chemical composition of the products of autolysis confirms the proposed mechanism of autolysis and establishes the autolytic enzyme as an
N
-acyl muramyl-
l
-alanine amidase. The heteropolymers in the cell wall are linked by peptide bridges. Two peptides which account for 70% of the peptides of the cell wall have a molar ratio of 1.0:0.9:1.3 for diaminopimelic acid, glutamic acid, and alanine, respectively. Other minor peptides contain diaminopimelic acid, glutamic acid, and alanine in molar ratios of 1.0:0.9:1.5, 1.0:0.5:1.0, and 1.0:1.5:1.7, respectively. The procedures employed in this study should be applicable to the fractionation of heteropolymers in cell walls of other gram-positive organisms and thereby aid in the study of the structure of antigenic determinants and endotoxins.
Alteration and Restoration of Endotoxin Activity after Complexing with Plasma Proteins
Authors: Rudbach Jon A. , Johnson Arthur G.
Published: January 2020

Rudbach, JonA. (The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor),and Arthur G. Johnson. Alteration of endotoxin activity after complexing with plasma proteins. J. Bacteriol.92:892–898. 1966.—A substantial decrease in the ability of endotoxin to be precipitated by homologous antiserum and to cause fever occurred after incubation with human plasma or human plasma, Cohn fraction IV-1. The endotoxin, thus altered, also displayed decreased lethality for rabbits. These alterations in endotoxin activity could be restored when the endotoxin-plasma protein mixture was treated with a proteolytic enzyme, and the endotoxin was precipitated with ethyl alcohol. Inactivation of the antigenic and toxigenic properties of the endotoxin molecule by plasma is discussed as resulting from complexing with plasma proteins rather than from enzymatic degradation.
Membrane-associated Sulfur Oxidation by the Autotroph
Thiobacillus thiooxidans
Authors: Adair Frank W.
Published: January 2020

Adair, Frank
W. (Rutgers, The State University, New Brunswick, N. J.). Membrane-associated sulfur oxidation by the autotroph
Thiobacillus thiooxidans
. J. Bacteriol.
92:
899–904. 1966.—Washed cell wall-membrane fragments derived from sulfur-grown cells of the strictly autotrophic bacterium,
Thiobacillus thiooxidans
, oxidized elemental sulfur to sulfate without the addition of cofactors. The oxidation was optimal at
p
H 7.0 and was increased by the presence of wetting agents. Oxygen uptake was inhibited by cyanide, azide, and thiol-binding agents. Sulfite was also oxidized, and both the sulfur- and sulfite-oxidizing systems were heat-labile. Neither thiosulfate nor tetrathionate was oxidized by soluble or membrane preparations. The fragments fixed C
14
O
2
in the presence of ribose-5-phosphate, Mg
++
, and adenosine triphosphate. Sulfur oxidation did not provide energy for C
14
O
2
fixation in this system.
Aging of
Escherichia coli
Authors: Clifton C. E.
Published: January 2020

Clifton
, C. E. (Stanford University, Stanford, Calif.). Aging of
Escherichia coli
. J. Bacteriol.
92:
905–912. 1966.—The rates of endogenous and exogenous (glucose) respiration decreased much more rapidly than did the viable count during the first 24 hr of aging of washed, C
14
-labeled cells of
Escherichia coli
K-12 suspended in a basal salt medium devoid of ammonium salts. The rates of decrease of respiration and of death approached each other as the age of the cells increased, but death was not the only factor involved in decreased respiratory activity of the suspensions. The greatest decrease in cellular contents with aging was noted in the ribonucleic acid fraction, of which the ribose appeared to be oxidized, while uracil accumulated in the suspension medium. The viable count and respiratory activities remained higher in glucose-fed than in nonfed suspensions. Proline-labeled cells fed glucose tended to lose more of their proline and to convert more proline into C
14
O
2
than in unfed controls. On the other hand, uracil-labeled cells fed glucose retained more of the uracil than did nonfed cells, but glucose elicited some oxidation of uracil. An exogenous energy source such as glucose aided in the maintenance of a population, but it was not the only factor needed for such maintenance.
Transformation of Pneumococcal M Protein
Authors: Feingold David S. , Austrian Robert
Published: January 2020

Feingold, David
S. (The University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia),
and Robert Austrian
. Transformation of pneumococcal M protein. J. Bacteriol.
92:
952–955. 1966.—Antisera prepared with vaccines of noncapsulated pneumococci of a given M protein type and absorbed with organisms of heterologous M protein type agglutinated specifically the homologous organisms. Specific anti-M protein sera can be used as selective reagents to permit isolation of organisms of heterologous M protein type from mixed populations. This capacity of anti-M protein sera was employed to facilitate recovery of intraspecific M protein transformants of pneumococcus. Attempted interspecific transfer of group A β-hemolytic streptococcal M protein to pneumococcus by means of transformation reactions, however, was not accomplished.
Autochthonous Intestinal Bacterial Flora and Cholesterol Levels in Specific Pathogen-free Swine Fed High-Lipid and High-Sucrose Diets
Authors: Graber C. D. , Moore R. W. , Suzuki M. , Redmond W. E. , O'Neal R. M. , Lockhart B. M.
Published: January 2020

Graber
, C. D. (Baylor University College of Medicine, Houston, Tex.). R. W.
Moore, M. Suzuki, W. E. Redmond, R. M. O'Neal, and B. M. Lockhart
. Autochthonous intestinal bacterial flora and cholesterol levels in specific pathogen-free swine fed high-lipid and high-sucrose diets. J. Bacteriol.
92:
1290–1297. 1966.—Thirty-two specific pathogen-free (SPF) and conventional swine fed high fat, high sugar, and a standard ration were cultured for intestinal flora, and their blood cholesterol levels were measured. The diets, whether sterilized or not sterilized, fed
ad libitum
or restricted, did not alter bacterial flora greatly or influence blood cholesterol levels. Anaerobes outnumbered aerobes by several logs. Four autochthonous bacteria, lactobacilli,
Escherichia coli
, enterococci, and gram-variable, nonspore-forming anaerobes (GVNSA; a type of bacteroides), were shown to be constantly present in all animals regardless of dietary conditions. From the duodenum and jejunum of 14 pigs, GVNSA and
Bacteroides nigrescens
were cultured in rather large numbers, a finding not previously reported in swine or in most other mammals. This finding may have special significance in reference to bile acid and cholesterol metabolism.
Antigenic Structure of
Brucella suis
Spheroplasts
Authors: Baughn Robert E. , Freeman Bob A.
Published: January 2020

Baughn, Robert
E. (University of Tennessee, Memphis),
and Bob A. Freeman
. Antigenic structure of
Brucella suis
spheroplasts. J. Bacteriol.
92:
1298–1303. 1966.—Immunoelectrophoresis was used to differentiate between the antigenic mosaics of normal cells of
Brucella suis
and of spheroplasts prepared by treatment with penicillin, glycine, and a combination of these agents. Smooth cells possessed at least 13 antigens, 10 of which were precipitated with homologous antiserum. Three additional antigens were visualized by reaction with spheroplast antisera. Spheroplasts induced with glycine were the least complex, with only six antigens. Penicillin-glycine spheroplasts were similar, but possessed one additional antigen. Penicillin spheroplasts were the most complex, with eight antigens. Although there appeared to be quantitative differences between the antigens of spheroplasts and normal cells, no completely new antigens were detected in spheroplasts. Serum absorption studies indicated that four antigens were associated with the surface of normal
B. suis
, none of which occurred in spheroplasts.
Enzymatic Studies of Pure Cultures of Rumen Microorganisms
Authors: Joyner A. E. , Baldwin R. L.
Published: January 2020

Joyner
, A. E.,
Jr.
(University of California, Davis),
and R. L. Baldwin
. Enzymatic studies of pure cultures of rumen microorganisms. J. Bacteriol.
92:
1321–1330. 1966.—The activities of enzymes representing the major pathways of carbohydrate metabolism and anaerobic electron transport in cell-free extracts of whole rumen contents have been reported. The effects of diet upon the activities of several enzymes suggested that enzymatic measurements might prove useful for the study of rumen metabolism. In the present study, the distribution and characteristics of aldolase, succinate dehydrogenase, glutamate dehydrogenase, lactyl-coenzyme A dehydrase, lactate dehydrogenase, and other enzymes were measured in cell-free extracts of pure cultures of
Ruminococcus flavefaciens, R. albus, Bacteroides succinogenes, B. ruminicola, B. amylophilus, Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens, Peptostreptococcus elsdenii, Streptococcus bovis
, and
Selenomonas ruminantium
. Some enzymes were widely distributed (aldolase, glutamate dehydrogenase), whereas others were observed in one or two species (lactyl-coenzyme A dehydrase). The cofactor requirements and kinetic characteristics of enzymes varied considerably with species. Enzymes that vary with species might be employed as indices for estimating the activities of various groups of microorganisms in whole rumen contents.
Cystathionine as a Precursor of Methionine in
Escherichia coli
and
Aerobacter aerogenes
Authors: Balish Edward , Shapiro Stanley K.
Published: January 2020

Balish, Edward
(Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, Ill.),
and Stanley K. Shapiro
. Cystathionine as a precursor of methionine in
Escherichai coli
and
Aerobacter aerogenes
. J. Bacteriol.
92:
1331–1336. 1966.—Cystathionine has been shown to be a precursor of methionine biosynthesis in
Escherichia coli
and
Aerobacter aerogenes
. A double enzyme assay was developed to show the formation of homocysteine from cystathionine. The results obtained support the concept that cystathionine serves as a precursor of methionine via the intermediate formation of homocysteine. The latter compound is methylated by the homocysteine methyltransferase of these microorganisms. Sulfhydryl and keto acid assays were used to demonstrate cystathionase activity. Methionine represses both homocysteine methyltransferase formation and cystathionase formation. However, the presence of methionine in reaction mixtures resulted in product inhibition of homocysteine methyltransferase activity, but not of cystathionase activity.
Interaction of Mutations Affecting Growth Rate and Resistance to Streptomycin in Pneumococci and Streptococci
Authors: Krauss Marjorie R. , King James C. , Cox Rody P.
Published: January 2020

Krauss, Marjorie
R. (New York University Medical Center, New York, N.Y.),
James C. King, and Rody P. Cox
. Interaction of mutations affecting growth rate and resistance to streptomycin in pneumococci and streptococci. J. Bacteriol.
92:
1337–1344. 1966.—A strain of
Streptococcus
(Viridans group) was shown by transformation reactions to be the carrier of two interacting mutations. One produced resistance to streptomycin and a slow rate of growth; the only effect of the second was an increase in growth rate when it was added by transformation to streptococcal strains that had already been transformed to bear the first. Similar modifying mutations were observed in strains of streptococci and pneumococci into which the first mutation had been introduced by transformation.
Conditions Affecting Transformation of a Group H Streptococcus
Authors: Schlissel Harvey J. , Sword C. P.
Published: January 2020

Schlissel, Harvey
J. (The University of Kansas, Lawrence),
and C. P. Sword
. Conditions affecting transformation of a group H streptococcus. J. Bacteriol.
92:
1357–1363. 1966.—A defined transforming medium (DTM) containing buffer and 5 to 10 μg per ml of deoxyribonucleic acid was developed to study the physical and chemical requirements for optimal transformation in streptococcal strain SBE. Optimal transformation in DTM occurred at
p
H 7.5 and 7.0 in 0.07
m
sodium phosphate buffer and 0.05
m
tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane buffer, respectively. In the presence of either a monovalent or a divalent cation, transformation was stimulated maximally by Mn
+2
(10
−3
m
) and K
+
(0.05
m
). Other cations tested (Na
+
, Mg
+2
, Ca
+2
) were less stimulatory. A mixture of K
+
and Mn
+2
stimulated transformation to a level higher than either cation alone. Kinetic studies showed that the stimulating effect of cations was greatest during the early part of the transformation reaction and decreased with time. Transformation was inhibited by Cu
+2
(10
−5
m
) and Mn
+2
(10
−2
m
). Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) inhibited transformation at 10
−5
m
. The inhibition by EDTA could be overcome by Mn
+2
during the early part of the transformation reaction.
Transfer and Incorporation of Genes Controlling β-
d
-Galactosidase Synthesis from Hfr and F′ Donors of
Escherichia coli
Authors: Ganesan Ann K. , Rotman Boris
Published: January 2020

Ganesan, Ann
K. (Syntex Institute of Molecular Biology, Palo Alto, Calif.),
and Boris Rotman
. Transfer and incorporation of genes controlling β-
d
-galactosidase synthesis from Hfr and F′ donors of
Escherichia coli
. J. Bacteriol.
92:
1378–1382. 1966.—Comparisons were made between Hfr
1
and F
13
donors with respect to the frequency of transfer and incorporation of genes controlling β-
d
-galactosidase synthesis. The Hfr
1
donor transfers these genes as part of the chromosome, and the F
13
donor transfers them by F-duction. The criterion used for gene transfer was the acquisition by recipient cells of the ability to synthesize the enzyme, β-
d
-galactosidase, measured by fluorogenic assays at the single-cell level. The criterion for incorporation was the formation of
lac
+
recombinant colonies. It was found that the two types of donor showed the same frequency of gene transfer, but the probability of incorporation was 10-fold higher in F
13
matings than in Hfr
1
matings. In the former, between 46 and 97% of the merozygotes produced recombinant colonies; in the latter, 2 to 6% did so.
Nutritional Requirements for Germination, Outgrowth, and Vegetative Growth of Putrefactive Anaerobe 3679 in a Chemically Defined Medium
Authors: Fujioka Roger S. , Frank Hilmer A.
Published: January 2020

Fujioka, Roger
S. (University of Hawaii, Honolulu),
and Hilmer A. Frank
. Nutritional requirements for germination, outgrowth, and vegetative growth of putrefactive anaerobe 3679 in a chemically defined medium. J. Bacteriol.
92:
1515–1520. 1966.—A chemically defined medium was used to study the nutritional requirements for germination, outgrowth, and vegetative growth of putrefactive anaerobe 3679. Vegetative growth required arginine, cysteine, phenylalanine, threonine, valine, tryptophan, K
2
HPO
4
, and Na
+
; was markedly stimulated by isoleucine, tyrosine, nicotinic acid, and
p
-aminobenzoic acid; and was stimulated slightly by alanine, biotin, pyridoxamine, glucose, and salts (MgSO
4
, FeSO
4
, MnSO
4
). Growth occurred over an initial
p
H range of 6.0 to 8.2, and at incubation temperatures ranging from 20 to 45 C. No autolysis occurred during vegetative growth, although loss of motility and cell settling were observed upon prolonged incubation. Vegetative growth was inhibited completely by aerobic conditions. Completion of spore germination was inhibited at
p
H 4.8, outgrowth was inhibited at
p
H 8.5 and higher, and germination was inhibited at 9.0 and higher. Slow germination, but no outgrowth, was observed at 8 C; at 47 and 52 C, spore inocula germinated only partially. Under aerobic conditions, all inoculated spores germinated completely, and one-half of these also emerged. Alanine was considered the primary germinant in the chemically defined medium, and arginine and mineral salts (MgSO
4
, FeSO
4
, MnSO
4
, and NaCl), as secondary germinants. During outgrowth of germinated spores, cysteine and K
+
were required for emergence, Na
+
for elongation, and arginine and valine for division of the elongated cell.
Interaction of Vi Antigen with Proteins
Authors: Whiteside Roberta E. , Baker Edgar E.
Published: January 2020

Whiteside, Roberta
E. (Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Mass.),
and Edgar E. Baker
. Interaction of Vi antigen with proteins. J. Bacteriol.
92:
1597–1603. 1966.—Purified Vi antigen (Vi) mixed in equal amounts with bovine serum albumin (BSA) or human γ globulin (HGG) at
p
H values above 4.7 formed a complex which was not precipitated by trichloroacetic acid or tungstic acid. At
p
H values below 4.7, the interaction between Vi and either BSA or HGG produced insoluble complexes except when excess Vi antigen was present. When sufficient Vi was present at the lower
p
H values, the soluble complex was not precipitated by trichloroacetic acid. Other acid polysaccharides tested did not form trichloroacetic acid-soluble complexes with BSA. When subjected to immunoelectrophoresis, the Vi-BSA complex migrated in agar at a rate different from that of either BSA or Vi alone. The complex reacted with both Vi and BSA antiserum. The addition of either BSA or Vi antiserum to a Vi-BSA complex resulted in dissociation of the complex and precipitation of either Vi or BSA, depending upon the antiserum used. Vi antigen mixed with purified O antigen from
Salmonella typhosa
formed a complex which migrated in agar at a rate different from that of either component alone when subjected to immunoelectrophoresis.
Effect of the Normal Microbial Flora on the Resistance of the Small Intestine to Infection
Authors: Abrams Gerald D. , Bishop Jane E.
Published: January 2020

Abrams, Gerald
D. (The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor),
and Jane E. Bishop
. Effect of the normal microbial flora on the resistance of the small intestine to infection. J. Bacteriol.
92:
1604–1608. 1966.—Mucosal structure in the small intestine is known to be influenced by the normal microbial flora. This suggests that mucosal resistance to invasion by enteric pathogens might also be affected by the flora. To assess this possibility, germ-free and conventional mice were challenged with
Salmonella typhimurium
, and both the growth of organisms within the intestinal lumen and the translocation to mesenteric lymph nodes were studied quantitatively. There were significantly more organisms 24 hr after intragastric challenge in the mesenteric nodes of germ-free animals than in those of conventional ones. However, since intraluminal growth in the intestine was also greater in germ-free animals, no conclusion could be drawn about mucosal resistance per se. Results were similar when the challenge was intraduodenal. However, when intestinal emptying was prevented by ileal ligation before challenge, both intraluminal growth and translocation of
S. typhimurium
were equal in the two groups of mice. It is concluded from these data, as well as from preliminary dye studies of intestinal motility, that the normal flora does not influence mucosal resistance directly, but may alter enteric infection by affecting intestinal emptying.
Effect of Teichoic Acid on Resistance to the Membrane-lytic Agent of
Streptococcus zymogenes
Authors: Davie Joseph M. , Brock Thomas D.
Published: January 2020

Davie, Joseph
M. (Indiana University, Bloomington),
and Thomas D. Brock
. Effect of teichoic acid on resistance to the membrane-lytic agent of
Streptococcus zymogenes
. J. Bacteriol.
92:
1623–1631. 1966.—The resistance of
Streptococcus zymogenes
to its own lytic agent has been shown to be due to the production of a specific, inhibitory teichoic acid. A survey of streptococcal strains showed that only strains resistant to the lytic agent produced the specific inhibitor. In addition, the inhibitor can be removed from spheroplasts of resistant strains, thereby making them sensitive to the lysin. Throughout the early part of the growth cycle, the inhibitor is associated with the cell and cannot be found in the medium. During late logarithmic phase, however, the inhibitor is released into the medium by the cells, and therefore is a contributing factor to the apparent lability of the lytic agent. The purified, inhibitory teichoic acid contains ribitol, phosphate, glucose, and
d
-alanine. The alkaline lability of the biological activity of the teichoic acid was correlated with the hydrolysis of the
d
-alanine. A streptococcal strain which is sensitive to the membrane-lytic agent produced an inactive ribitol teichoic acid which lacks the ester-linked
d
-alanine, whereas a lysin-resistant mutant of this strain produces a teichoic acid which contains
d
-alanine and which has inhibitory activity.
Enhancement of Rhinovirus Plaque Formation in Human Heteroploid Cell Cultures by Magnesium and Calcium
Authors: Fiala Milan , Kenny George E.
Published: January 2020

Fiala, Milan
(University of Washington, Seattle),
and George E. Kenny
. Enhancement of rhinovirus plaque formation in human heteroploid cell cultures by magnesium and calcium. J. Bacteriol.
92:
1710–1715. 1966.—A reproducible macroplaque assay for six M and three H strains of rhinoviruses has been developed in several human heteroploid cell lines. Plaques were produced only with suitable solidifying agents: purified agar (Ionagar, Agarose) or methylcellulose. Plaque development was greatly enhanced by increasing Mg
+2
to 30 to 40 m
m
. Diethylaminoethyl (DEAE) dextran also increased plaque sizes, and the effects of Mg
+2
and DEAE dextran were additive. In addition, Ca
+2
substituted for Mg
+2
. The suitability of human heteroploid cell lines for rhinovirus plaque assay varied greatly, ranging from insensitivity through partial to complete sensitivity. This assay was six to seven times more sensitive than an end point tube assay. These results indicate that potentiation of plaque formation by Mg
+2
known for some enteroviruses can also be extended to the rhinovirus group of picornaviruses.
Characterization of Bacteriophage gh-1 for
Pseudomonas putida
Authors: Lee Lucy F. , Boezi J. A.
Published: January 2020

Lee, Lucy
F. (Michigan State University, East Lansing),
and
J. A.
Boezi
. Characterization of bacteriophage gh-1 for
Pseudomonas putida
. J. Bacteriol.
92:
1821–1827. 1966.—Bacteriophage gh-1 of
Pseudomonas putida
A.3.12 was isolated and purified by differential centrifugation and diethylaminoethyl (DEAE) cellulose chromatography. An electron micrograph of the phage stained with uranyl acetate revealed a regular hexagonal outline about 50 mμ across with a short wedge-shaped tail attached at one corner of the head. The phage formed 10% as many plaques on
P. putida
C1S as on
P. putida
A.3.12, the organism used in the isolation procedure. No plaques were formed on
P. fluorescens
(ATCC 9712) or
P. aeruginosa
. The latent period of the infectious cycle was 21 min, and the average burst size was 103. The nucleic acid component of gh-1 is double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), with a base composition of 57.0% guanine plus cytosine (G + C) as determined by chemical analysis. The per cent G + C of
P. putida
A.3.12 DNA measured in a similar manner was 63.7%. The buoyant density of phage gh-1 measured by cesium chloride equilibrium centrifugation was 1.45 g/cm
3
, whereas that of gh-1 DNA, heat-denatured gh-1 DNA, and
P. putida
A.3.12 DNA was 1.716, 1.730, and 1.722 g/cm
3
, respectively. The per cent G + C of gh-1 DNA and
P. putida
A.3.12 DNA calculated from the buoyant densities was 57.1 and 63.3%, respectively. The sedimentation coefficients,
S
50
20,w
, of gh-1 and the phenol-extracted gh-1 DNA, measured by the boundary sedimentation velocity method, were 460 and 18.9, respectively. The molecular weight of phenol-extracted gh-1 DNA, calculated by use of the equation of Burgi and Hershey, is 6 × 10
6
.
Serological Activity of Staphylococcal Polysaccharide
Authors: Daugharty Harry , Shriver Mary , White Arthur
Published: January 2020

The polysaccharide from cell walls of coagulase-positive staphylococci coated both latex particles and tanned red cells for agglutination by human sera and by specific staphylococcal antisera. Treatment with trypsin or autoclaving destroyed the capacity of polysaccharide to coat particles but did not affect precipitation of antibody. Periodic acid destroyed both properties. The teichoic acid portion of the staphylococcal polysaccharide displayed precipitin activity similar to polysaccharide, but it did not coat either latex particles or tanned red cells. Teichoic acid did, however, inhibit specific agglutination of polysaccharide-coated particles or cells.
Transaminase Activity and Other Enzymatic Reactions Involving Pyruvate and Glutamate in
Chlamydia
(Psittacosis-Trachoma Group)
Authors: Weiss Emilio
Published: January 2020

The agents of meningopneumonitis (MN) and of trachoma (TR) purified from chick embryo allantoic fluids and yolk sacs, respectively, were shown to produce CO
2
from the C
1
positions of pyruvate and glutamate, but not from the other carbon atoms. The reaction with pyruvate did not require did not require the addition of cofactors, but was stimulated to a small extent by α-lipoic acid and, in the case of TR, also by diphosphothiamine, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). The reaction of MN with glutamate was greatly stimulated by the addition of NAD and pyruvate, and resulted in the accumulation of alanine. The reaction of TR with glutamate was also greatly enhanced by added NAD, but was not affected by added pyruvate. When eight intermediates of the citric acid cycle were added to MN cells incubated with glutamate-C
14
, plus NAD and pyruvate, they reduced to varying degrees the evolution of C
14
O
2
. It was shown by chromatography that the C
14
label extended to α-ketoglutarate and succinate, but not to fumarate and malate. A net gain in adenosine triphosphate could not be demonstrated in MN cells incubated with combined glutamate, pyruvate, oxaloacetate, and various cofactors. These results furnish additional examples of real or apparent gaps in enzyme sequences in
Chlamydia
.