SapB and the rodlins are required for development of Streptomyces coelicolor in high osmolarity media

Streptomyces coelicolor produces spore-forming aerial hyphae after a period of vegetative growth. These aerial structures are decorated with a hydrophobic coating of rodlets consisting of chaplins and rodlins. Here, we show that rodlins and the surface-active peptide SapB are essential for development during growth in a medium with high osmolarity. To this end, both vegetative and aerial hyphae secrete SapB, whereas rodlins are only secreted by the spore-forming aerial hyphae.

Strain controlled fatigue behaviour of a wire + arc additive manufactured Ti-6Al-4V

This paper presents the cyclic deformation behaviour and fatigue properties of a wire + arc additive manufactured Ti-6Al-4V alloy in the as built condition under strain-controlled test condition. Higher local energy input used to build the material has resulted in a coarser primary columnar β grain structure along with a coarser α microstructure compared to Ti-6Al-4V alloys produced by other additive manufacture processes. Test specimens were manufactured in horizontal and vertical orientations with respect to the deposited layers. Isotropic fatigue property was observed at lower applied strain values. When the strain amplitude was above 0.6%, the vertical samples, where the loading axis was parallel with the primary columnar β grains, showed marginally higher fatigue life owing to the material being more ductile in this direction. Moreover, higher cyclic softening rate by a factor of two was measured in the vertical samples. No porosity defects were found in the material. Cracks were initiated from either the α laths or α/β interface due to cyclic slip localisation

Developmental delay in a Streptomyces venezuelae glgE null mutant is associated with the accumulation of alpha-maltose 1-phosphate

The GlgE pathway is thought to be responsible for the conversion of trehalose into a glycogen-like alpha-glucan polymer in bacteria. Trehalose is first converted to maltose, which is phosphorylated by maltose kinase Pep2 to give alpha-maltose 1-phosphate. This is the donor substrate of the maltosyl transferase GlgE that is known to extend alpha-1,4-linked maltooligosaccharides, which are thought to be branched with alpha-1,6 linkages. The genome of Streptomyces venezuelae contains all the genes coding for the GlgE pathway enzymes but none of those of related pathways, including glgC and glgA of the glycogen pathway. This provides an opportunity to study the GlgE pathway in isolation. The genes of the GlgE pathway were upregulated at the onset of sporulation, consistent with the known timing of a-glucan deposition. A constructed Delta glgE null mutant strain was viable but showed a delayed developmental phenotype when grown on maltose, giving less cell mass and delayed sporulation. Pre-spore cells and spores of the mutant were frequently double the length of those of the wild-type, implying impaired cross-wall formation, and spores showed reduced tolerance to stress. The mutant accumulated alpha-maltose 1-phosphate and maltose but no alpha-glucan. Therefore, the GlgE pathway is necessary and sufficient for polymer biosynthesis. Growth of the Delta glgE mutant on galactose and that of a Delta pep2 mutant on maltose were analysed. In both cases, neither accumulation of alpha-maltose 1-phosphate/alpha-glucan nor a developmental delay was observed. Thus, high levels of alpha-maltose 1-phosphate are responsible for the developmental phenotype of the Delta glgE mutant, rather than the lack of a-glucan

An investigation of pressure ulcer risk, comfort and pain in medical imaging

In this study, we investigated the interface pressure of healthy volunteers on medical imaging (MI) table surfaces to determine the risks of developing pressure ulcers (PU). We also investigated volunteers’ perception of pain and comfort while lying on the MI table surfaces. Evidence from this study will enhance the understanding of factors contributing to PU formation and help improve service delivery to patients undergoing MI procedures

'The beauteous frame' The treatment of female sexual reputation in selected prose by Eliza Haywood, Samuel Richardson and Frances Burney

SIGLEAvailable from British Library Document Supply Centre-DSC:D209261 / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreGBUnited Kingdo