Genome sequences of the biotechnologically important Bacillus megaterium strains QM B1551 and DSM319.

Bacillus megaterium is deep-rooted in the Bacillus phylogeny, making it an evolutionarily key species and of particular importance in understanding genome evolution, dynamics, and plasticity in the bacilli. B. megaterium is a commercially available, nonpathogenic host for the biotechnological production of several substances, including vitamin B(12), penicillin acylase, and amylases.

Sonotubometry with perfect sequences: First results in pathological ears.

Conclusion: Sonotubometry with perfect sequences (PSEQ) was able to detect eustachian tube (ET) openings in both normal and pathological ears. Impaired ears showed ET openings in almost all cases; however, these proved to be not only less frequent, but also with lower amplitude and shorter duration.

Objectives: To investigate the function of impaired ET under physiological conditions, using a novel kind of sound stimulus for sonotubometry – the PSEQ.

Evaluation of Eustachian tube function with perfect sequences: technical realization and first clinical results.

The aim of this study was the introduction of a specific class of signals, the so-called perfect sequences (PSEQ), in a novel approach for sonotubometry of the Eustachian tube (ET). Sonotubometry using PSEQ stimuli was performed on 20 healthy subjects in order to gauge its potential for clinical applications. In a series of 320 measurements ET opening was probed, which was induced by dry and water swallowing, Toynbee maneuver, and yawning.

[Examination of the Eustachian tube activity with perfect sequences].

Introduction: Sonotubometry allows an assessment of the Eustachian tube (ET) function under physiological conditions. The application of conventional sinus signals is not reliable enough for routine clinical use. The aim of this study was to investigate ET activity with so-called perfect sequences (PSEQ).

Bacillus megaterium--from simple soil bacterium to industrial protein production host.

Bacillus megaterium has been industrially employed for more than 50 years, as it possesses some very useful and unusual enzymes and a high capacity for the production of exoenzymes. It is also a desirable cloning host for the production of intact proteins, as it does not possess external alkaline proteases and can stably maintain a variety of plasmid vectors. Genetic tools for this species include transducing phages and several hundred mutants covering the processes of biosynthesis, catabolism, division, sporulation, germination, antibiotic resistance, and recombination.