Expanding the diversity of mycobacteriophages: Insights into genome architecture and evolution

Mycobacteriophages are viruses that infect mycobacterial hosts such as Mycobacterium smegmatis and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. All mycobacteriophages characterized to date are dsDNA tailed phages, and have either siphoviral or myoviral morphotypes. However, their genetic diversity is considerable, and although sixty-two genomes have been sequenced and comparatively analyzed, these likely represent only a small portion of the diversity of the mycobacteriophage population at large. Here we report the isolation, sequencing and comparative genomic analysis of 18 new mycobacteriophages isolated from geographically distinct locations within the United States. Although no clear correlation between location and genome type can be discerned, these genomes expand our knowledge of mycobacteriophage diversity and enhance our understanding of the roles of mobile elements in viral evolution. Expansion of the number of mycobacteriophages grouped within Cluster A provides insights into the basis of immune specificity in these temperate phages, and we also describe a novel example of apparent immunity theft. The isolation and genomic analysis of bacteriophages by freshman college students provides an example of an authentic research experience for novice scientists. © 2011 Hatfull et al

Rapid manufacturing of automotive polymer series parts: A systematic review of processes, materials and challenges

Additive manufacturing (AM) is moving towards series manufacturing applications across a variety of industries. However, take-up for series production in the automotive industry is still slow and limited to very few materials. Therefore, this review assesses compatibility of polymer AM processes and materials and provides a method to check their formal applicability for automotive series part production. The proposed material and process selection method applies basic automotive requirements derived from the VDA 232-201 industry standard and an interior part case study. Materials and processes in AM are put into context via material selection charts and a process compatibility index. This graphical analysis enables first judgement about applicability and subsequent pre-selection of materials and processes. Insights may help users, equipment manufacturers and material developers in the fields of AM to match automotive requirements and reduce barriers for adoption of AM in series part manufacturing