Elevated intracellular Na+ and osmolarity stimulate catalytic activity of the ubiquitin ligase Nedd4-2.

Regulation of catalytic activity of E3 ubiquitin ligases is critical for their cellular functions. We identified an unexpected mode of regulation of E3 catalytic activity by ions and osmolarity; enzymatic activity of the HECT family E3 Nedd4-2/Nedd4L is enhanced by increased intracellular Na+ ([Na+]i) and by hyperosmolarity. This stimulated activity is mediated by activation of p38-MAPK and is inhibited by WNKs. Moreover, protease (Furin)-mediated activation of the epithelial Na+ channel ENaC (a bona fide Nedd4-2 substrate), which leads to increased [Na+]i and osmolarity, results in enhanced Nedd4-2 catalytic activity. This enhancement is inhibited by a Furin inhibitor, by a protease-resistant ENaC mutant, or by treatment with the ENaC inhibitor amiloride. Moreover, WNK inhibition, which stimulates catalytic activity of Nedd4-2, leads to reduced levels of cell-surface ENaC and reduced channel activity. ENaC activity does not affect Nedd4-2:ENaC binding. Therefore, these results demonstrate activation of a ubiquitin ligase by Na+ and osmotic changes. Importantly, they reveal a negative feedback loop in which active ENaC leads to stimulation of catalytic activity of its own suppressor, Nedd4-2, to protect cells from excessive Na+ loading and hyperosmotic stress and to protect the animal from hypertension.

Identifying potential drug targets for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a mendelian randomization study based on the druggable genes.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic fibrotic interstitial lung disease characterized by progressive dyspnea and decreased lung function, yet its exact etiology remains unclear. It is of great significance to discover new drug targets for IPF. METHODS: We obtained the cis-expression quantitative trait locus (cis-eQTL) of druggable genes from eQTLGen Consortium as exposure and the genome wide association study (GWAS) of IPF from the International IPF Genetics Consortium as outcomes to simulate the effects of drugs on IPF by employing mendelian randomization analysis. Then colocalization analysis was performed to calculate the probability of both cis-eQTL of druggable genes and IPF sharing a causal variant. For further validation, we conducted protein quantitative trait locus (pQTL) analysis to reaffirm our findings. RESULTS: The expression of 45 druggable genes was significantly associated with IPF susceptibility at FDR < 0.05. The expression of 23 and 15 druggable genes was significantly associated with decreased forced vital capacity (FVC) and diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLco) in IPF patients, respectively. IPF susceptibility and two significant genes (IL-7 and ABCB2) were likely to share a causal variant. The results of the pQTL analysis demonstrated that high levels of IL-7 in plasma are associated with a reduced risk of IPF (OR = 0.67, 95%CI: 0.47-0.97). CONCLUSION: IL-7 stands out as the most promising potential drug target to mitigate the risk of IPF. Our study not only sheds light on potential drug targets but also provides a direction for future drug development in IPF.

Chelatococcus albus sp. nov., a bacterium isolated from hot spring microbial mat.

A Gram-stain-negative, non-endospore-forming, motile, short rod-shaped strain, designated SYSU G07232T, was isolated from a hot spring microbial mat, sampled from Rehai National Park, Tengchong, Yunnan Province, south-western China. Strain SYSU G07232T grew at 25-50 °C (optimum, 37 °C), at pH 5.5-9.0 (optimum, pH 6.0) and tolerated NaCl concentrations up to 1.0 % (w/v). Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain SYSU G07232T showed closest genetic affinity with Chelatococcus daeguensis K106T. The genomic features and taxonomic status of this strain were determined through whole-genome sequencing and a polyphasic approach. The predominant quinone of this strain was Q-10. Major cellular fatty acids comprised C19 : 0 cyclo ω8c and summed feature 8. The whole-genome length of strain SYSU G07232T was 4.02 Mbp, and the DNA G+C content was 69.26 mol%. The average nucleotide identity (ANIm ≤84.85 % and ANIb ≤76.08  %) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (≤ 21.9 %) values between strain SYSU G07232T and the reference species were lower than the threshold values recommended for distinguishing novel prokaryotic species. Thus, based on the provided phenotypic, phylogenetic, and genetic data, it is proposed that strain SYSU G07232T (=KCTC 8141T=GDMCC 1.4178T) be designated as representing a novel species within the genus Chelatococcus, named Chelatococcus albus sp. nov.

Ferviditalea candida gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel member of the family Paenibacillaceae isolated from a geothermal area.

OBJECTIVE: The family Paenibacillaceae is linked to the order Caryophanales. Paenibacillaceae members residing in compost or soil play crucial roles in nutrient recycling and breaking down complex organic materials. However, our understanding of Paenibacillaceae remains limited. METHODS: Strain SYSU GA230002T was conclusively identified using a polyphasic taxonomic approach frequently utilized in bacterial systematics. Standard microbiological techniques were employed to characterize the morphology and biochemistry of strain SYSU GA230002T. RESULTS: An anaerobic and gram--negative bacterium, designated SYSU GA230002T, was isolated from geothermally heated soil of Tengchong, Yunnan Province, south-west China. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences and genomes showed that strain SYSU GA230002T belongs to the family Paenibacillaceae. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (<94.0 %), ANI (<71.95 %) and AAI values (<58.67 %) between strain SYSU GA230002T with other members of the family were lower than the threshold values recommended for distinguishing novel species. Growth was observed at 30-45 °C (optimum, 37 °C), pH 7.0-8.0 (optimum, pH 7.5) and in 0-3.0 % (w/v) NaCl concentrations (optimum, 0 %). The major fatty acids detected were anteiso-C15:0, iso-C16:0 and iso-C17:0. The polar lipids included diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, one unidentified phospholipid, one unidentified aminolipid and two unidentified glycolipids. The respiratory quinone was MK-7. The DNA G + C content of strain SYSU GA230002T was 49.87 %. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of morphological, physiological properties, and chemotaxonomic characteristics, this strain is proposed to represent a new species of a new genus Ferviditalea candida gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain of the type species is SYSU GA230002T (=KCTC 25726T = GDMCC 1.4160T).

Clostridium caldaquaticum sp. nov., a thermophilic bacterium isolated from a hot spring sediment.

A novel anaerobic bacterium, designated SYSU GA19001T, was isolated from a hot spring sediment sample. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the isolate belongs to the genus Clostridium, and showed the highest sequence similarity to Clostridium swellfunianum CICC 10730T (96.63 %) and Clostridium prolinivorans PYR-10T (96.11 %). Cells of strain SYSU GA19001T were Gram-stain-positive, spore-forming, rod-shaped (0.6-0.8×2.6-4.0 µm) and motile. Growth was observed at pH 5.0-9.0 (optimum, pH 7.0), 37-55 °C (optimum, 45 °C) and in NaCl concentrations of 0-2.0 % (optimum, 0 %). The genomic DNA G+C content was 31.62 %. The major cellular fatty acids of strain SYSU GA19001T were C14 : 0, iso-C15 : 0, C16 : 0 and summed feature 8. The prominent polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol. Meso-diaminopimelic acid was the diamino acid in peptidoglycan. Based on the results of phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic and phenotypic analyses, strain SYSU GA19001T represents a novel species of the genus Clostridium, for which the name Clostridium caldaquaticum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of the proposed novel species is SYSU GA19001T (=NBRC 115040T= CGMCC 1.17864T).

Thermomonas flagellata sp. nov. and Thermomonas alba sp. nov., two novel members of the phylum Pseudomonadota isolated from hot spring sediments.

Two novel species, designated strains SYSU G04041T and SYSU G04536T, were isolated from hot spring sediments collected in Yunnan, PR China. Phenotypic and chemotaxonomic analyses, and whole-genome sequencing were used to determine the taxonomic positions of the candidate strains. Phylogenetic analysis using 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain SYSU G04041T showed the highest sequence similarity to Thermomonas haemolytica A50-7-3T (97.5 %), and SYSU G04536T showed the highest sequence similarity to Thermomonas hydrothermalis SGM-6T (98.2 %). The strains could be differentiated from other species of the genus Thermomonas by their distinct phenotypic and genotypic characteristics. Cells of strains SYSU G04041T and SYSU G04536T were aerobic, motile and Gram-stain-negative. Growth both occurred optimally at 45 °C and pH 7.0 for SYSU G04041T and SYSU G04536T. In addition, the predominant respiratory quinone in both isolates was ubiquinone Q-8. The major fatty acids (>10 %) of strain SYSU G04041T were C16 : 0, iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0, while the major fatty acids (>10 %) of strain SYSU G04536T were iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0. The main detected polar lipids in strains SYSU G04041T and SYSU G04536T included phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylglycerol. The G+C contents of the genomic DNA of strains SYSU G04041T and SYSU G04536T based on draft genomic sequences were 72.5 and 68.3 %, respectively. On the basis of phenotypic, genotypic and phylogenetic data, strains SYSU G04041T and SYSU G04536T represent two novel species of the genus Thermomonas, for which the names Thermomonas flagellata sp. nov. and Thermomonas alba sp. nov. are proposed, with the type strains SYSU G04041T (=CGMCC 1.19366T=KCTC 92228T) and SYSU G04536T (=CGMCC 1.19367T=KCTC 82839T), respectively.

Rhodoflexus caldus gen. nov., sp. nov., a new member of the phylum Bacteroidota isolated from a hot spring sediment.

A thermophilic bacterium, designated strain SYSU G04325T, was isolated from a hot spring sediment in Yunnan, China. Polyphasic taxonomic analyses and whole-genome sequencing were used to determine the taxonomic position of the strain. Phylogenetic analysis using 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain SYSU G04325T shows high sequence similarity to Thermoflexibacter ruber NBRC 16677T (86.2%). The strain can be differentiated from other species of the family Thermoflexibacteraceae by its distinct phenotypic and genotypic characteristics. Cells of the strain SYSU G04325T were observed to be aerobic, Gram-stain negative and filamentous. Growth was found to occur optimally at 45 ºC and pH 7.0. In addition, the respiratory quinone was identified as menaquinone-7, while the major fatty acids (> 10%) were identified as iso-C15:0, iso-C17:0 and Summed Feature 9 (iso-C17:1ω9c). The polar lipids detected included phosphatidylethanolamine, three unidentified phospholipids, one unidentified glycolipid, five unidentified aminolipids and four unidentified polar lipids. The G + C content of the genomic DNA was determined to be 47.6% based on the draft genome sequence. On the basis of phenotypic, genotypic and phylogenetic data, strain SYSU G04325T is concluded to represent a novel species of a novel genus in the family Thermoflexibacteraceae, for which the name Rhodoflexus caldus gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Rhodoflexus caldus is SYSU G04325T (= MCCC 1K06127T = KCTC 82848T).

Genome-based reclassification of the genus Meiothermus along with the proposal of a new genus Allomeiothermus gen. nov.

Phylogenomic analyses were performed on the nine species of the genus Meiothermus and four species of the genus Calidithermus. Phylogenetic analysis, low values of genomic relatedness indices and functional diversity analysis indicated that Meiothermus silvanus should not be classified within the clades for Meiothermus and Calidithermus but instead be reclassified as a new genus, for which we propose the name Allomeiothermus gen. nov., with Allomeiothermus silvanus comb. nov. as type species. In addition, the species Meiothermus cateniformans Zhang et al. (Int J Syst Evol Microbial 60:840-844, 2010) should also be reclassified as a later heterotypic synonym of Meiothermus taiwanensis Chen et al. (Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 52:1647-1654, 2002) emend. Raposo et al. (2019). This reclassification is based on the high genomic relatedness indices (98.8% ANI; 90.2% dDDH; 99% AAI) that are above the threshold values necessary for defining a new species, as well as on the observation of overlapping functions on Principal Coordinate Analysis plot generated from Clusters of Orthologous Genes.

Deinococcus aestuarii sp. nov. and Deinococcus aquaedulcis sp. nov., two novel resistant bacteria isolated from pearl river estuary.

Two novel species of the genus Deinococcus, designated SYSU M49105T and SYSU M42101T, were isolated from freshwater samples of the Pearl River estuary in Guangdong, China. Phylogenetic analysis using 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strains SYSU M49105T and SYSU M42101T showed the highest sequence similarities to Deinococcus aetherius JCM 11751 T (93.6%) and Deinococcus multiflagellatus NBRC 112888 T (97.3%), respectively. Cells of both strains were Gram-staining positive, aerobic, coccus-shaped, oxidase-negative and non-motile. The cell wall contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as their diagnostic diamino acid. MK-8 was the predominant respiratory quinone for both strains. The polar lipid profile of SYSU M49105T contained two unidentified phosphoglycolipids, nine unidentified glycolipids, and five unidentified polar lipids. SYSU M42101T had one unidentified phosphoglycolipid, nine unidentified glycolipids, one unidentified aminophospholipid and four unidentified polar lipids. The major fatty acids of strains SYSU M49105T and SYSU M42101T were summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω7c and/ or C16:1 ω6c) and C16:0. The G + C contents of the novel isolates based on genomic DNAs were 69.6% and 67.4%, respectively. On the basis of phenotypic, genotypic and phylogenetic data, strains SYSU M49105T and SYSU M42101T should be considered to represent two novel species in the genus Deinococcus, for which the names Deinococcus aestuarii sp. nov. and Deinococcus aquaedulcis sp. nov. were proposed with the type strains SYSU M49105T (= KCTC 43258 T = CGMCC 1.18609 T) and SYSU M42101T (= KCTC 43257 T = CGMCC 1.18614 T), respectively.

Oceanobacillus saliphilus sp. nov., Isolated from Saline-Alkali Soil in Heilongjiang Province, China.

A novel bacterium, designated strain APA_H-1(4)T, was isolated from the saline-alkaline soil, Zhaodong, Heilongjiang Province, China. Phenotypic and chemotaxonomic analyses, and whole-genome sequencing were used to determine the taxonomic position of the strain. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the isolate belongs to the genus Oceanobacillus, and showed the highest sequence similarity to O. damuensis KCTC 33146T (98.35%, similarity) and 'O. massiliensis' DSM 24644 (98.32%). The average nucleotide identity values between strain APA_H-1(4)T and other members of the genus Oceanobacillus were lower than 82% recommended for distinguishing novel prokaryotic species. The digital DNA-DNA hybridization values of strain APA_H-1(4)T with O. damuensis KCTC 33146T and 'O. massiliensis' DSM 24644 were 13.60 and 17.60%, respectively. Cells of strain APA_H-1(4)T were Gram-staining positive, motile, aerobic, spore-forming rods (0.5-0.7 × 1.8-2.6 µm) with flagella. The growth was found to occur optimally at 37 °C. The whole-cell hydrolysate contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic cell wall diamino acid. The main detected polar lipids consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, an unidentified phospholipid and an unidentified polar lipid. The predominant respiratory quinone was identified as menaquinone-7 (MK-7). The major cellular fatty acid (>10%) was anteiso-C15:0. The G + C content of the genomic DNA was determined to be 38.4% based on the draft genome sequence. Based on the comparative analysis of polyphasic taxonomic data, strain APA_H-1(4)T represents a novel species of the genus Oceanobacillus, for which the name Oceanobacillus saliphilus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is APA_H-1(4)T (=GDMCC 1.2239T = KCTC 43254T).

Identification of testicular Foxq1 as a critical modulator of lactate metabolism in mouse Sertoli cells.

Postmeiotic germ cells require the lactate produced by the adjacent Sertoli cells (SCs) as their sole energy fuels. Lactate production in SCs is elaborately regulated by monitoring the transcription of the lactate dehydrogenase A (Ldha) gene. However, the transcription factors that are responsible for the control of Ldha transcription in SCs remain ill defined. Herein, the expression of forkhead box Q1 (FOXQ1), a central modulator of glucose metabolism in liver, was demonstrated in mouse testis throughout postnatal development, with maximum levels in adult specimens. At this age, FOXQ1 was immunolocalized in the nuclei of the functionally mature SCs. Testicular levels of FOXQ1 were overtly modulated by germ cells (GCs)-derived IL-1α, in a dose- and time-dependent manner. To further clarify the biological functions of FOXQ1, we disrupted the mouse Foxq1 gene using a Cas9/RNA-mediated gene targeting strategy. Foxq1-/- males were subfertile and showed oligoasthenozoospermia due to lactate deficiency. Moreover, we provided the molecular evidence that FOXQ1 may regulate lactate production by directly targeting the transactivation of the Ldha gene in SCs. From a functional standpoint, overexpression of the exogenous Ldha ameliorated Foxq1 deficiency-impaired lactate synthesis in the SCsFoxq1-/- cells. Thus, these findings collectively underscore a reproductive facet of this recently characterized transcription factor, which may operate as a novel transcriptional integrator linking energy homeostasis and nursery function in SCs.

Roseomonas ponticola sp. nov., a novel bacterium isolated from Pearl River estuary.

A novel species of the genus Roseomonas, designated SYSU M41301T, was isolated from water sample of the Pearl River estuary in Guangdong, China. Polyphasic, taxonomic and phylogenomic analyses were used to determine the taxonomy position of the strain. Phylogenetic analysis using 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain SYSU M41301T showed the highest sequence similarity to Roseomonas stagni KCTC 22213T (97.9 %) and Roseomonas riguiloci KCTC 23339T (96.4 %). The novel species could be differentiated from other species of the genus Roseomonas by its distinct phenotypic and genotypic characteristics. The isolate was Gram-staining-negative, aerobic, short rod-shape, oxidase-positive and non-motile. The predominant respiratory quinone was ubiquinone 8 (Q-8). The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, and one unidentified polar lipid. The major fatty acids (>10 % of total) were 11-methyl C18 : 1 ω7c, summed feature 3 (C16 : 1 ω7c and/ or C16 : 1 ω6c) and summed feature 8 (C18:  :1 ω7c and/or C18 : 1 ω6c). The G+C content of the novel isolate based on genomic DNA was 72.0 mol%. On the basis of phenotypic, genotypic and phylogenetic data, strain SYSU M41301T should be considered to represent a novel species in the genus Roseomonas, for which the name Roseomonas ponticola sp. nov. is proposed with the type strain SYSU M41301T (=KCTC 72726T=CGMCC 1.18613T).

Agilicoccus flavus gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel member of the family Dermatophilaceae isolated from the Pearl River.

A novel actinobacterium, designated strain SYSU M44304T, was isolated from freshwater samples in the Pearl River Estuary. The isolate was Gram-stain-positive, aerobic, coccus-shaped, oxidase-positive and motile. The cell wall contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as its diagnostic diamino acid. The predominant menaquinone was MK-8. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylethanolamine and seven unidentified phospholipids. The major fatty acids were C16 : 0 and C16 : 1. The G+C content based on genomic DNA was 73.2 mol %. The nearest phylogenetic neighbours to the novel strain were Mobilicoccus pelagius NBRC 104925T and Mobilicoccus caccae YIM 101593T. On the basis of chemotaxonomic and physiological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis, strain SYSU M44304T should be considered to represent a novel species of a new genus in the family Dermatophilaceae, for which we propose the name Agilicoccus flavus gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain of Agilicoccus flavus is SYSU M44304T (=NBRC 114808T=CGMCC 1.18608T).

Thermaurantiacus tibetensis gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel moderately thermophilic bacterium isolated from hot spring microbial mat in Tibet.

Two bacterial strains SYSU G02173T and SYSU G03142 were isolated from hot springs in Tibet, China. Based on the results of nearly full-length 16S rRNA gene sequences and phylogenetic analyses, strains SYSU G02173T and SYSU G03142 were assigned to the family Sphingosinicellaceae, and were closest to Sandaracinobacter sibiricus RB16-17 T (96.04% and 96.12% similarity, respectively). Cells of the both new strains were observed to be motile rod-shape, Gram-staining negative. Growth occurred at pH 6-8 (optimal: pH 7.0) and 37-55 °C (optimal: 45 °C) with 0-1.0% (w/v) NaCl in T4 broth. The cells were found to be positive for oxidase and catalase activities. The major respiratory ubiquinone was Q-8. The major fatty acids were identified as summed feature 8 (C18:1 ω7c and/or C18:1 ω6c), C16:0, C14:0 2-OH. The major polar lipids were found to consist of sphingoglycolipid, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, one unidentified phospholipid, one unidentified glycolipid, three unidentified aminolipids and two unidentified polar lipids. The DNA G + C contents of strains SYSU G02173T and SYSU G03142 were 71.8%. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) value between strain SYSU G02173T and SYSU G03142 was 99.98%. The amino acid identity (AAI) values between them and their closely related species were below 66.14%. The isolates are characterized by aerobic growth, a yellow endocellular pigment and a higher optimum growth temperature. The results showed that strains SYSU G02173T and SYSU G03142 represent a novel species of a novel genus in the family Sphingomonadaceae, and thus the name Thermaurantiacus tibetensis (type strain SYSU G02173T = KCTC 72052 T = CGMCC 1.16680 T) is proposed.

Rhabdaerophilum calidifontis gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel bacterium isolated from a hot spring, and proposal of Rhabdaerophilaceae fam. nov.

A novel thermotolerant bacterial strain was isolated from a hot spring in a Tibetan geothermal field. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence of the novel strain showed that it belongs to a distinct lineage far from any known taxa. The new isolate shared the highest pairwise sequence identity with Phreatobacter cathodiphilus S-12T (92.8 % similarity) according to the 16S rRNA gene sequences. Cells were Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped and formed white round colonies. The strain grew at the ranges of 28-45 °C (optimum, 37 °C), pH 5.0-7.0 (optimum, pH 6.0) and 0-2 % NaCl. The strain was positive for catalase and oxidase. The major respiratory quinone was ubiquinone Q-10. Polar lipids consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylcholine. The major fatty acids were summed feature 8 (C18 : 1 ω7c and/or C18 : 1 ω6c). The DNA G+C content was 68.3 mol%. Based on these distinguishing properties, this strain is proposed to represent a new species of a new genus Rhabdaerophilum calidifontis gen. nov., sp. nov., within a new family Rhabdaerophilaceae fam. nov. The type strain of the type species of Rhabdaerophilum calidifontis is SYSU G02060T (=KCTC 72351T=CGMCC 1.17070T).

Rhodobacter flagellatus sp. nov., a thermophilic bacterium isolated from a hot spring.

A thermophilic bacterium, designated SYSU G03088T, was isolated from Moincer hot spring, Tibet, PR China. Polyphasic taxonomic analyses and whole-genome sequencing were used to determine the taxonomic position and genomic profiles of the strain. Phylogenetic analysis using 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that SYSU G03088T showed highest sequence similarity to Rhodobacter blasticus CGMCC 1.3365T (96.0 % sequence identity). The strain could be differentiated from most recognized species of the genus Rhodobacter by its slightly purple colony colour, distinct phenotypic characters and low ANI values. Cells were Gram-staining negative, and oval-to-rod shaped. Poly-ß-hydroxybutyrate and vesicular intracytoplasmic membrane structures were formed inside cells. Growth occurred optimally at 45 °C and pH 7.0. Ubiquinone 10 was the only respiratory quinone. The major fatty acids (>10 %) were C18 : 0, C18 : 1ω7c 11-methyl and summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω7c and/or C18 : 1ω6c). The detected polar lipids of SYSU G03088T included diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylmethylethanolamine. The DNA G+C content of SYSU G03088T was 67.7 % (genome). On the basis of the differences in the phenotypic characteristics and phylogenetic analyses, SYSU G03088T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Rhodobacter, for which the name Rhodobacter flagellatus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SYSU G03088T (=CGMCC 1.16876T=KCTC 72354T).

Microvirga arsenatis sp. nov., an arsenate reduction bacterium isolated from Tibet hot spring sediments.

Two novel Gram-stain negative, moderately thermophilic, aerobic, rod-shaped strains, designated 3D203T and 3D207, were isolated from hot spring sediment samples collected from Tibet, western China. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities showed that two isolates belonged to the genus Microvirga and were most closely related to Microvirga makkahensis SV1470T (98.5% and 98.4%, respectively) and two strains had 99.8% similarity to each other. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) based on whole genome sequences of two strains and M. makkahensis SV1470T was 80.8% and 80.78%, respectively. Optimum growth was observed at 45 °C, pH 7.0 and 0.5% NaCl. They both could tolerate to high concentration arsenic. Ubiquinone 10 (Q10) was their predominant quinone. The differences of strains 3D203T and 3D207 were phosphatidyl dimethyl ethanolamine, phosphatidyl-N-methylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, unidentified glycolipids and unidentified lipids. The major fatty acids (> 5%) were identified C18:1ω7c and/or C18:1ω6c, C18:0 and C16:0. The genomic DNA G + C contents of strain 3D203T and 3D207 based on whole genome sequences were 64.8% and 64.7%, respectively. Phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, phylogenetic and genomic analyses suggested that two strains represent a novel species of the genus Microvirga, for which the name Microvirga arsenatis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 3D203T (= CGMCC 1.17691T = KCTC 72653T).

Rhabdothermincola sediminis gen. nov., sp. nov., a new actinobacterium isolated from hot spring sediment, and emended description of the family Iamiaceae.

One thermophilic bacterium, designated strain SYSU G02662T, was isolated from hot spring sediment sampled in Tibet, PR China. Polyphasic taxonomic analyses and whole-genome sequencing were used to determine the taxonomy position of the strain. Phylogenetic analysis using 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain SYSU G02662T showed the highest sequence similarity to Actinomarinicola tropica SCSIO 58843T (95.1 %). The strain could be differentiated from other species of the family Iamiaceae by its distinct phenotypic and genotypic characteristics. Cells of strain SYSU G02662T were aerobic, Gram-staining-positive and short rodshaped. Growth occurred optimally at 45 °C and pH 7.0. In addition, meso-diaminopimelic acid was the diagnostic diamino acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan. The respiratory quinone was MK-9 (H8), while the major fatty acids (>10 %) were C16 : 0, C17 : 0, C18 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0. The detected polar lipids included diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol mannoside and phosphatidylinositol. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 70.5 % based on the draft genomic sequence. On the basis of phenotypic, genotypic and phylogenetic data, strain SYSU G02662T represents a novel species of a novel genus in the family Iamiaceae, for which the name Rhabdothermincola sediminis gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of the proposed novel species is SYSU G02662T (=CGMCC 4.7688T=KCTC 49500T).

A new model for dynamic mapping of effective connectivity in task fMRI.

Whole-brain dynamic functional connectivity is a growing area in neuroimaging research, encompassing data-driven methods for investigating how large-scale brain networks dynamically reorganize during resting states. However, this approach has been rarely applied to functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data acquired during task performance. In this study, we first combined the psychophysiological interactions (PPI) and sliding-window methods to analyze dynamic effective connectivity of fMRI data obtained from subjects performing the N-back task within the Human Connectome Project dataset. We then proposed a hypothetical model called Condition Activated Specific Trajectory (CAST) to represent a series of spatiotemporal synchronous changes in significantly activated connections across time windows, which we refer to as a trajectory. Our finding demonstrate that the CAST model outperforms other models in terms of intra-group consistency of individual spatial pattern of PPI connectivity, overall representational ability of temporal variability and hierarchy for individual task performance and cognitive traits. This dynamic view afforded by the CAST model reflects the intrinsic nature of coherent brain activities.