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A novel esterase, EstCS3, was isolated from a metagenomic library constructed from a compost. The EstCS3, which consists of 409 amino acids with an anticipated molecular mass of 44 kDa, showed high amino acid sequence identities to predicted esterases, serine hydrolases and β-lactamases from uncultured and cultured bacteria. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that EstCS3 belongs to family VIII of lipolytic enzymes. EstCS3 had catalytic Ser78 residue in the consensus tetrapeptide motif SXXK, which is characteristic of family VIII esterases. Two conserved YXX and W(H or K)XG motifs in an oxyanion hole of family VIII esterases were also present in EstCS3. EstCS3 demonstrated the highest activity toward p-nitrophenyl butyrate (C4) and was stable up to 70 °C with optimal activity at 55 °C. EstCS3 had optimal activity at pH 8 and maintained its stability within pH range of 7–10. EstCS3 had over 70% activity in the presence of 20% (v/v) methanol and DMSO and hydrolyzed sterically hindered tertiary alcohol esters of t-butyl acetate and linalyl acetate. EstCS3 hydrolyzed ampicillin, cephalothin and cefepime. The properties of EstCS3, including moderate thermostability, stability against organic solvents and activity toward esters of tertiary alcohols, indicated that it has the potential to be used in industrial applications.

A Gram-stain-negative, non-flagellated, non-gliding, non-spore-forming bacterial strain, designated YKTF-3T, was isolated from a tidal flat on the Yellow Sea, South Korea. Strain YKTF-3T grew optimally at 30 °C and in the presence of 2.0-4.0 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain YKTF-3T fell within the clade comprising the type strains of Tenacibaculumspecies. The novel strain exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values of 97.22-98.34 % to the type strains of Tenacibaculum gallaicum, Tenacibaculum ascidiaceicola, Tenacibaculum litoreum, Tenacibaculum discolor, Tenacibaculum aestuarii and Tenacibaculum lutimaris, and of 95.08-96.95 % to the type strains of the other Tenacibaculum species. Strain YKTF-3T contained MK-6 as the predominant menaquinone and iso-C15 : 0, summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c) and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH as the major fatty acids. The major polar lipids of strain YKTF-3T were phosphatidylethanolamine, one unidentified lipid, one unidentified aminophospholipid, one unidentified glycolipid and one unidentified aminolipid. The DNA G+C content was 32.3 mol% and its mean DNA-DNA relatedness values with the type strains of the six phylogenetically closely relatedTenacibaculum species were 10-27 %. Differential phenotypic properties, together with phylogenetic and genetic distinctiveness, revealed that strain YKTF-3T is separate from other recognized species of the genus Tenacibaculum. On the basis of the data presented, strain YKTF-3T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Tenacibaculum, for which the name Tenacibaculum sediminilitoris sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YKTF-3T (=KCTC 52210T=NBRC 111991T).

A Gram-stain-negative, motile, aerobic and rod-shaped bacterium, designated HJM-18T, was isolated from the place where the ocean and a freshwater lake meet at Hwajinpo, South Korea, and subjected to a taxonomic study using a polyphasic approach. Strain HJM-18T grew optimally at 30 °C, at pH 7.0–8.0 and in the presence of 1.0–3.0 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain HJM-18T belonged to the genus Marinobacter. Strain HJM-18T exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values of 97.05–98.22 % to the type strains of Marinobacter algicola, Marinobacter flavimaris, Marinobacter adhaerens, Marinobacter salarius, Marinobacter salsuginis, Marinobacter guineae and Marinobacter gudaonensis and of 93.21–96.98 % to the type strains of the other species of the genus Marinobacter. Strain HJM-18T contained Q-9 as the predominant ubiquinone and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c), C16 : 0 and C18 : 1ω9c as the major fatty acids. The major polar lipids detected in strain HJM-18T were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and one unidentified aminophospholipid. The DNA G+C content was 58 mol% and the mean DNA–DNA relatedness values with the type strains of the seven phylogenetically related species of the genus Marinobacter were 10–27 %. Differential phenotypic properties, together with phylogenetic and genetic distinctiveness, revealed that strain HJM-18T is separated from recognized species of the genus Marinobacter. On the basis of the data presented, strain HJM-18T represents a novel species of the genus Marinobacter, for which the name Marinobacter confluentis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is HJM-18T ( = KCTC 42705T = NBRC 111223T).

A self-assembling peptide (27PEP) was isolated from an open reading frame (ORF). The ORF consisted of an unknown functional domain and a catalytic (lipolytic and phospholipolytic) domain (MPlaG) on metagenomic fosmid clone. This extension of 27 amino acids prior to the N-terminus of the catalytic domain (27PEP-MPlaG), starting at Met261, produced an aggregate of high molecular weight (> 700 kDa). Compared with MPlaG, 27PEP-MPlaG showed the same temperature and pH effect for maximum activity but was stable in the presence of inhibitors such as EDTA and PMSF. The 27PEP-MPlaG exhibited lower specific activity than that of MPlaG, but when pre-incubated for 30 min at temperatures between 4 and 100 °C, its activity increased at temperatures greater than 40 °C under alkaline conditions and eventually reached the specific activity level of MPlaG at 60 °C. We experimentally determined that the aggregate caused by 27PEP was dissociated at elevated temperatures resulting in an active catalytic monomer. The 27PEP-indued aggregation may be attractive as application tool for improving or engineering of biocatalysts and biomaterials.

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-flagellated, non-gliding and ovoid or rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain W-BA8T, was isolated from a brown algae reservoir on the South Sea, South Korea, and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic approach. Strain W-BA8T grew optimally at 25 °C, at pH 7.0–7.5 and in the presence of 1.0–2.0 % (w/v) NaCl. Neighbour-joining and maximum-parsimony phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain W-BA8T clustered with the type strains of species of the genus Lacinutrix. Strain W-BA8T exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values of 94.9–96.5 % to the type strains of Lacinutrix species and of less than 95.8 % to the type strains of other recognized species. Strain W-BA8T contained MK-6 as the predominant menaquinone and iso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 1 G, iso-C15 : 0 3-OH and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH as major fatty acids. The polar lipid profile of strain W-BA8T contained phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified lipids and one unidentified glycolipid as major components. The DNA G+C content of strain W-BA8T was 35 mol%. Differential phenotypic properties, together with phylogenetic distinctiveness, revealed that strain W-BA8T is separated from other species of the genus Lacinutrix. On the basis of the data presented, strain W-BA8T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Lacinutrix, for which the name Lacinutrix undariae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is W-BA8T ( = KCTC 42176T = CECT 8671T).

A Gram-stain-negative, flagellated, aerobic and rod-shaped or ovoid bacterial strain, designated HJTF-7T, was isolated from a tidal flat on the South Sea of South Korea, and its taxonomic position was investigated using a polyphasic approach. Strain HJTF-7T grew optimally at 25 °C, at pH 7.0–8.0 and in the presence of 2.0 % (w/v) NaCl. Neighbour-joining, maximum-likelihood and maximum-parsimony phylogenetic trees, based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, showed that strain HJTF-7T joined the cluster comprising the type strains of species of the genera Spongiibacter and Zhongshania . Strain HJTF-7T exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of 90.4–92.5 % to the type strains of species of the genera Spongiibacter and Zhongshania and of less than 91.5 % to the type strains of other recognized species. Strain HJTF-7T contained Q-8 as the predominant ubiquinone. The major fatty acids were iso-C17 : 1ω9c, iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0, iso-C11 : 0 3-OH and C17 : 1ω8c and the major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol. The fatty acid and polar lipid profiles of strain HJTF-7T were distinct from those of members of the genera Spongiibacter and Zhongshania . The DNA G+C content of strain HJTF-7T was 55.9 mol%. The phylogenetic data and differential chemotaxonomic and other phenotypic properties revealed that strain HJTF-7T represents a novel genus and species within the class Gammaproteobacteria , for which the name Litorivivens lipolytica gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Litorivivens lipolytica is HJTF-7T ( = KCTC 42157T = CECT 8654T).

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-flagellated and rod-shaped or ovoid bacterial strain, designated GJSW-36T, was isolated from seawater at Geoje island in the South Sea, South Korea. Strain GJSW-36T grew optimally at pH 7.0–8.0, at 25 °C and in the presence of 2 % (w/v) NaCl. A neighbour-joining phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain GJSW-36T fell within the clade comprising the type strains of species of the genus Thalassotalea and Thalassomonas fusca . Strain GJSW-36T exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values of 94.2–96.0 % to the type strains of species of the genus Thalassotalea and Thalassomonas fusca and of 93.8–94.5 % to the type strains of the other species of the genus Thalassomonas . Strain GJSW-36T contained ubiquinone-8 (Q-8) as the predominant ubiquinone and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c), C17 : 1ω8c and C16 : 0 as the major fatty acids. The major polar lipids of strain GJSW-36T were phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. The DNA G+C content of strain GJSW-36T was 45.1 mol%. Differential phenotypic properties, together with the phylogenetic distinctiveness, demonstrated that strain GJSW-36T is separated from species of the genus Thalassotalea and Thalassomonas fusca . On the basis of the data presented, strain GJSW-36T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Thalassotalea , for which the name Thalassotalea ponticola sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is GJSW-36T ( = KCTC 42155T = CECT 8656T). From this study, it is also proposed that Thalassomonas fusca should be reclassified as a member of the genus Thalassotalea and the description of the genus Thalassotalea is emended.

A Gram-stain negative, aerobic, motile and rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated J-MY2(T), was isolated from a tidal flat sediment of the South Sea, South Korea. Strain J-MY2(T) was found to grow optimally at 30 °C, at pH 7.0-8.0 and in the presence of 2.0 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain J-MY2(T) forms a cluster with the type strains of Simiduia species. Strain J-MY2(T) exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values of 97.62-98.77 % to the type strains of four Simiduia species and of

A Gram-negative, aerobic, non-flagellated and rod-shaped or ovoid bacterial strain, designated DSSK2-3(T), was isolated from the junction between the ocean and a freshwater spring at Jeju island, South Korea. Strain DSSK2-3(T) was found to grow optimally at 30 °C, at pH 7.0-8.0 and in the presence of 2.0-3.0% (w/v) NaCl. Neighbour-joining and maximum-likelihood phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain DSSK2-3(T) joins the cluster comprising the type strains of Pacificibacter maritimus and Roseovarius marinus, with which it exhibited the highest sequence similarity values of 96.04 and 95.75%, respectively. Sequence similarities to the type strains of other recognized species were95.74%. Strain DSSK2-3(T) was found to contain Q-10 as the predominant ubiquinone and C(18:1) ω7c as the major fatty acid. The polar lipid profile of strain DSSK2-3(T) was found to contain phosphatidylglycerol, an unidentified lipid and an unidentified aminolipid as major components, which distinguished the strain from those of phylogenetically related taxa. The DNA G+C content of strain DSSK2-3(T) was determined to be 60.8 mol%. On the basis of the phylogenetic data and the chemotaxonomic and other phenotypic properties, strain DSSK2-3(T) is considered to represent a new genus and species within the class Alphaproteobacteria, for which the name Aquimixticola soesokkakensis gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of A. soesokkakensis is DSSK2-3(T) (=KCTC 42137(T) = CECT 8620(T)). In this study, it is also proposed that R. marinus should be reclassified as a member of the genus Pacificibacter and the description of the genus Pacificibacter is emended.

A Gram-negative, aerobic, non-flagellated and rod-shaped bacterial strain able to move by gliding, designated TYO-10(T), was isolated from an oyster collected at Tongyoung on the South Sea, South Korea. Strain TYO-10(T) was found to grow optimally at 30 °C, at pH 7.0-8.0 and in the presence of 2.0 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain TYO-10(T) joined the cluster comprising the type strains of Mariniflexile species. Strain TYO-10(T) exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values of 95.4-95.7 % to the type strains of Mariniflexile species and of less than 95.4 % to the type strains of other recognized species. Strain TYO-10(T) was found to contain MK-6 as the predominant menaquinone and iso-C15:0, iso-C15:1 G, anteiso-C15:0, iso-C17:0 3-OH and iso-C15:0 3-OH as the major fatty acids. The major polar lipids of strain TYO-10(T) were identified as phosphatidylethanolamine and an unidentified lipid, which is similar to those of the type strains of Mariniflexile species, but different from those of other phylogenetically related species. The DNA G+C content of strain TYO-10(T) was determined to be 35.9 mol%. The differential phenotypic properties, together with the phylogenetic distinctiveness, revealed that strain TYO-10(T) is separated from other Mariniflexile species. On the basis of the data presented, strain TYO-10(T) is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Mariniflexile, for which the name Mariniflexile ostreae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is TYO-10(T) (= KCTC 42113(T) = CECT 8622(T)).

A Gram-negative, aerobic, non-motile and ovoid or rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated YM-20(T), was isolated from a tidal flat of the Yellow Sea in South Korea. Strain YM-20(T) was found to grow optimally at 30 °C, at pH 7.0-8.0 and in the presence of 2.0-3.0 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain YM-20(T) clustered consistently with the type strains of 'Roseovarius marisflavi' and Roseovarius lutimaris, with which it exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of 99.86 and 98.71 %, respectively. Strain YM-20(T) was found to contain Q-10 as the predominant ubiquinone and C18:1 ω7c as the predominant fatty acid. The major polar lipids of strain YM-20(T) were identified as phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, one unidentified aminolipid and one unidentified lipid. The DNA G+C content of strain YM-20(T) was determined to be 60.9 mol% and its DNA-DNA relatedness values with the type strains of 'R. marisflavi', R. lutimaris and Pelagicola litorisediminis were 53 ± 7.1, 22 ± 5.5 and 13 ± 4.7 %, respectively. The differential phenotypic properties, together with the phylogenetic and genetic distinctiveness, revealed that strain YM-20(T) is separated from 'R. marisflavi', R. lutimaris, the other Roseovarius species and P. litorisediminis. On the basis of the data presented, strain YM-20(T) is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Roseovarius, for which the name Roseovarius gaetbuli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YM-20(T) (= KCTC 32428(T) = CECT 8370(T)).

A Gram-stain-negative, non-spore-forming, strictly aerobic, non-flagellated, non-gliding, rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated SMS-12T, was isolated from marine sand in a firth on the western coast of South Korea. Strain SMS-12T grew optimally at 25 °C, at pH 7.0–7.5 and in the absence of NaCl. Phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain SMS-12T fell within the clade comprising species of the genus Mucilaginibacter , forming a coherent cluster with the type strain of Mucilaginibacter lappiensis , with which it exhibited the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity value of 97.5 %. Levels of sequence similarity to the type strains of the other species of the genus Mucilaginibacter and the other species used in the phylogenetic analysis were 93.3–96.4 % and T contained MK-7 as the predominant menaquinone, and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or iso-C15 : 0 2-OH), iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH as the major fatty acids. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine and one unidentified aminophospholipid; sphingolipids were present. The DNA G+C content was 41.8 mol% and the mean DNA–DNA relatedness with M. lappiensis KACC 14978T was 13 %. Differential phenotypic properties, together with phylogenetic and genetic distinctiveness, revealed that strain SMS-12T is separate from other species of the genus Mucilaginibacter . On the basis of the data presented, strain SMS-12T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Mucilaginibacter , for which the name Mucilaginibacter sabulilitoris sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SMS-12T ( = KCTC 32111T = CCUG 62214T).

A Gram-staining-variable, motile, endospore-forming and rod-shaped bacterial strain, IDS-20T, was isolated from a marine solar saltern in Korea and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic investigation. Strain IDS-20T grew optimally at 37 °C, at pH 7.5–8.0 and in the presence of 4–5 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain IDS-20T belongs to the genus Virgibacillus. Strain IDS-20T exhibited 93.4–96.6 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to the type strains of species of the genus Virgibacillus. Strain IDS-20T had MK-7 as the predominant menaquinone and a cell-wall peptidoglycan based on meso-diaminopimelic acid. The major fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0 and anteiso-C17 : 0 and major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and two unidentified phospholipids. The DNA G+C content was 39.5 mol%. The phylogenetic distinctiveness and differential phenotypic characteristics of strain IDS-20T demonstrated that this strain can be distinguished from recognized species of the genus Virgibacillus. On the basis of the data presented, strain IDS-20T represents a novel species of the genus Virgibacillus, for which the name Virgibacillus campisalis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is IDS-20T ( = KCTC 13727T = CCUG 59308T).

Background: Open reduction and internal fixation of a displaced unstable fracture of the lateral condyle of the humerus in a child usually produces a good result. Only a few reports have focused on closed reduction and internal fixation of these fractures. We prospectively studied closed reduction and internal fixation to determine its usefulness as the initial treatment for displaced unstable fractures of the lateral condyle of the humerus. Methods: We classified lateral condylar humeral fractures into five groups according to the degree of displacement and the fracture pattern as determined on four radiographic views and created an algorithm for the treatment of these fractures on the basis of this classification system. We prospectively treated sixty-three unstable fractures (in forty-two boys and twenty-one girls) and assessed the quality of closed reduction. Results: Thirteen of seventeen stage-3 fractures were reduced to ≤1 mm of residual displacement. Thirty of forty stage-4 fractures and three of six stage-5 fractures were reduced to ≤2 mm of displacement. In ten of forty stage-4 fractures and three of six stage-5 fractures, closed reduction to within 2 mm failed and open reduction and internal fixation was performed. There were no major complications such as osteonecrosis of the trochlea or capitellum, nonunion, malunion, or early physeal arrest. Conclusions: Closed reduction and internal fixation is an effective treatment for unstable displaced lateral condylar fractures of the humerus in many children. If fracture displacement after closed reduction exceeds 2 mm, open reduction and internal fixation is recommended. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-spore-forming, non-flagellated and coccoid, ovoid or rod-shaped bacterial strain, DSSK2-12T, was isolated from the place where the ocean and a freshwater spring meet at Jeju island, South Korea. Strain DSSK2-12T grew optimally at 30 °C, at pH 7.0–8.0 and in the presence of 2.0 % (w/v) NaCl. The neighbour-joining phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain DSSK2-12T fell within the clade comprising the type strains of species of the genus Alteromonas. Strain DSSK2-12T exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values of 97.2–98.1 % to the type strains of Alteromonas litorea, Alteromonas marina, Alteromonas hispanica and Alteromonas genovensis and of 95.39–96.98 % to those of other species of the genus Alteromonas. Strain DSSK2-12T contained Q-8 as the predominant ubiquinone and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c), C16 : 0 and C18 : 1ω7c as the major fatty acids. The major polar lipids of strain DSSK2-12T were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and one unidentified aminolipid. The DNA G+C content of strain DSSK2-12T was 48.6 mol% and its mean DNA–DNA relatedness values with the type strains of A. litorea, A. marina, A. hispanica and A. genovensis were 9–21 %. The differential phenotypic properties, together with phylogenetic and genetic distinctiveness, revealed that strain DSSK2-12T is separated from other species of the genus Alteromonas. On the basis of the data presented, strain DSSK2-12T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Alteromonas, for which the name Alteromonas confluentis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is DSSK2-12T ( = KCTC 42603T = CECT 8870T).

A Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, aerobic and ovoid or rod-shaped bacterium, designated GYSW-22T, was isolated from seawater off Geoje Island in the South Sea, South Korea. Strain GYSW-22T grew optimally at 25 °C, at pH 7.0–8.0 and in the presence of 1.0–2.0 % (w/v) NaCl. Neighbour-joining, maximum-likelihood and maximum-parsimony phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain GYSW-22T and the type strains of Roseovarius crassostreae, Roseovarius halocynthiae and Roseovarius sediminilitoris form a coherent cluster, independent of phylogenetic lineages or clusters comprising the type strains of other species of the genus Roseovarius. Strain GYSW-22T exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of 97.2, 96.6 and 96.3 % to R. halocynthiae MA1-10T, R. crassostreae CV919-312T and R. sediminilitoris M-M10T, respectively, and of 92.6–94.7 % to the type strains of other species of the genus Roseovarius. Strain GYSW-22T contained Q-10 as the predominant ubiquinone and C18 : 1ω7c as the major fatty acid. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, one unidentified aminolipid and one unidentified lipid. The DNA G+C content of strain GYSW-22T was 59.0 mol% and its mean DNA–DNA relatedness value with R. halocynthiae MA1-10T was 15 %. On the basis of the data presented, we propose strain GYSW-22T represents a novel species of a new genus, Aliiroseovarius pelagivivens gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain of the type species is GYSW-22T ( = KCTC 42459T = CECT 8811T). In this study, it is also proposed that Roseovarius crassostreae, Roseovarius halocynthiae and Roseovarius sediminilitoris be reclassified into the new genus as Aliiroseovarius crassostreae comb. nov. (type strain CV919-312T = ATCC BAA-1102T = DSM 16950T), Aliiroseovarius halocynthiae comb. nov. (type strain MA1-10T = KCTC 23462T = CCUG 60745T) and Aliiroseovarius sediminilitoris comb. nov. (type strain M-M10T = KCTC 23959T = CCUG 62413T), respectively.

A Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, aerobic, ovoid or rod-shaped bacterium, designated AH-MY3T, was isolated from a tidal flat on Aphae island of the south-western sea, South Korea, and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. Strain AH-MY3T grew optimally at 35 °C, at pH 7.0–8.0 and in the presence of 2.0–3.0 % (w/v) NaCl. A neighbour-joining phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain AH-MY3T joined the cluster comprising the type strains of Yeosuana aromativorans, Snuella lapsa and Meridianimaribacter flavus, showing sequence similarities of 93.9, 93.7 and 92.6 %, respectively. Strain AH-MY3T exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values of 94.0–94.7 % to the type strains of ‘Aestuariibaculum scopimerae’, Winogradskyella aquimaris, Winogradskyella poriferorum and Gaetbulibacter aestuarii. Strain AH-MY3T contained MK-6 as the predominant menaquinone. The fatty acid and polar lipid profiles of strain AH-MY3T could be distinguished from those of the type strains of phylogenetically related taxa. The DNA G+C content of strain AH-MY3T was 37 mol%. The phylogenetic data and differential chemotaxonomic and other phenotypic properties revealed that strain AH-MY3T represents a novel genus and species within the family Flavobacteriaceae, for which the name Aestuariivivens insulae gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Aestuariivivens insulae is AH-MY3T ( = KCTC 42350T = NBRC 110723T).

A Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, aerobic and pleomorphic bacterium, designated BS-W13T, was isolated from a tidal flat on the South Sea, South Korea, and its taxonomic position was investigated using a polyphasic approach. Strain BS-W13T grew optimally at 25 °C, at pH 7.0–8.0 and in the presence of 1.0–2.0 % (w/v) NaCl. Neighbour-joining and maximum-parsimony phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain BS-W13T clustered with the type strain of Seohaeicola saemankumensis , showing the highest sequence similarity (95.96 %) to this strain. Strain BS-W13T exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values of 95.95, 95.91, 95.72 and 95.68 % to the type strains of Sulfitobacter donghicola , Sulfitobacter porphyrae , Sulfitobacter mediterraneus and Roseobacter litoralis , respectively. Strain BS-W13T contained Q-10 as the predominant ubiquinone and C18 : 1ω7c as the major fatty acid. The polar lipid profile of strain BS-W13T, containing phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, one unidentified aminolipid and one unidentified lipid as major components, was distinguishable from those of some phylogenetically related taxa. The DNA G+C content of strain BS-W13T was 58.1 mol%. The phylogenetic data and differential chemotaxonomic and other phenotypic properties revealed that strain BS-W13T constitutes a novel genus and species within family Rhodobacteraceae of the class Alphaproteobacteria , for which the name Pseudoseohaeicola caenipelagi gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is BS-W13T ( = KCTC 42349T = CECT 8724T).

A Gram-negative, aerobic, non-flagellated and coccoid, ovoid or rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated SSK1-4T, was isolated from the junction between the ocean and a freshwater spring at Jeju island, South Korea. Strain SSK1-4T was found to grow optimally at 30 °C, at pH 7.0–8.0 and in the presence of 2.0 % (w/v) NaCl. In the neighbour-joining, maximum-likelihood and maximum-parsimony phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, strain SSK1-4T was found to form an evolutionary lineage independent of those of other genera within the family Rhodobacteraceae. Strain SSK1-4T exhibited the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values to the type strains of Ruegeria lacuscaerulensis (94.99 %), Ruegeria atlantica (94.98 %) and Rhodovulum marinum (94.97 %). Sequence similarities to the type strains of other recognized species were less than 94.87 %. Strain SSK1-4T was found to contain Q-10 as the predominant ubiquinone and C18:1 ω7c and cyclo-C19:0 ω8c as the major fatty acids. The polar profile of strain SSK1-4T was found to contain phosphatidylglycerol, sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerol, an unidentified lipid and an unidentified aminolipid as major components, which distinguish it from those of the phylogenetically related taxa. The DNA G+C content of strain SSK1-4T was determined to be 58.4 mol%. On the basis of the phylogenetic data and the chemotaxonomic and other phenotypic properties, strain SSK1-4T is considered to represent a new genus and species within the class Alphaproteobacteria, for which the name Confluentimicrobium lipolyticum gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of C. lipolyticum is SSK1-4T (=KCTC 42136T = CECT 8621T). In addition, an emended description of Actibacterium mucosum Lucena et al. 2012 is also proposed.

A Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, aerobic, curved-to-spiral-rod-shaped bacterium, designated AH-MY2T, was isolated from a tidal flat on Aphae island in the sea to the south-west of South Korea, and its taxonomic position was investigated using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. Strain AH-MY2T grew optimally at 30 °C, at pH 7.0–8.0 and in the presence of 2.0 % (w/v) NaCl. Neighbour-joining, maximum-likelihood and maximum-parsimony phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain AH-MY2T clustered with the type strain of Terasakiella pusilla and that this cluster joined the clade comprising the type strains of species of the genus Thalassospira . Strain AH-MY2T exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values of 90.6 % to the type strain of Terasakiella pusilla and of less than 91.0 % to the type strains of other species with validly published names. Strain AH-MY2T contained Q-10 as the predominant ubiquinone and C18 : 1ω7c as the major fatty acid. The major polar lipids detected in strain AH-MY2T were phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified aminolipids and one unidentified glycolipid. The DNA G+C content of strain AH-MY2T was 56.0 mol%. The phylogenetic data and differential chemotaxonomic and other phenotypic properties revealed that strain AH-MY2T represented a novel genus and species within the family Rhodospirillaceae of the class Alphaproteobacteria , for which the name Aestuariispira insulae gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Aestuariispira insulae is AH-MY2T ( = KCTC 32577T = CECT 8488T).

A Gram-staining-negative, non-flagellated, non-gliding, aerobic, rod-shaped bacterium, designated DPS-8T, was isolated from coastal sediment of Geoje island in the South Sea, South Korea, and subjected to a polyphasic study. Strain DPS-8T grew optimally at 30 °C, at pH 7.0–7.5 and in the presence of 2 % (w/v) NaCl. A neighbour-joining phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain DPS-8T joined the clade comprising the type strains of Winogradskyella species with a high bootstrap resampling value of 93.5 %. Phylogenetic trees constructed using maximum-likelihood and maximum-parsimony algorithms revealed that strain DPS-8T belonged to the genus Winogradskyella . Strain DPS-8T exhibited 94.1–96.5 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to the type strains of species of the genus Winogradskyella . Strain DPS-8T contained MK-6 as the predominant menaquinone and iso-C15 : 1 G, iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and C16 : 1ω7c and/or iso-C15 : 0 2-OH as the major fatty acids. The major polar lipids of strain DPS-8T were phosphatidylethanolamine and two unidentified lipids. The DNA G+C content of strain DPS-8T was 34.7 mol%. Differential phenotypic properties, together with its phylogenetic distinctiveness, revealed that strain DPS-8T is separate from recognized species of the genus Winogradskyella . On the basis of the data presented, strain DPS-8T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Winogradskyella , for which the name Winogradskyella litorisediminis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is DPS-8T ( = KCTC 32110T = CCUG 62215T).

A Gram-staining-negative, non-spore-forming, aerobic, non-flagellated, non-gliding and rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated M-M3(T), was isolated from marine sand on the southern coast of South Korea and subjected to a polyphasic study. Strain M-M3(T) was observed to grow optimally at 25-30 °C, at pH 7.0-8.0 and in the presence of 2 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain M-M3(T) fell within the clade comprising Nonlabens species, joining the type strain of Nonlabens ulvanivorans, with which it exhibited the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity value of 99.4 %. Sequence similarity to the type strains of the other Nonlabens species was 93.0-95.2 % and92.2 % to those of other species used in the phylogenetic analysis. Strain M-M3(T) was found to contain MK-6 as the predominant menaquinone and iso-C15:0 and iso-C17:0 3-OH as the major fatty acids. The major polar lipids were determined to be phosphatidylethanolamine, five unidentified lipids and one unidentified aminolipid. The DNA G+C content of strain M-M3(T) was determined to be 38.2 mol% and its DNA-DNA relatedness values with N. ulvanivorans DSM 22727(T) was 42 ± 6.2 %. Differential phenotypic properties, together with the phylogenetic and genetic distinctiveness, revealed that strain M-M3(T) is separate from other Nonlabens species. On the basis of the data presented, strain M-M3(T) is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Nonlabens, for which the name Nonlabens arenilitoris sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is M-M3(T) (=KCTC 32109(T) = CCUG 62919(T)).

A Gram-staining-negative, non-spore-forming, aerobic, non-flagellated, non-gliding, rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain T-y7T, was isolated from seawater collected in an oyster farm in the South Sea, South Korea, and subjected to a polyphasic study. Strain T-y7T grew optimally at 25 °C, at pH 7.0–8.0 and in the presence of 2 % (w/v) NaCl. In phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, strain T-y7T fell within a clade comprising Bizionia species. It formed a coherent cluster with the type strains of Bizionia algoritergicola , B. argentinensis , B. echini and B. myxarmorum , with which it exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of 97.4–98.9 % and mean DNA–DNA relatedness values of 11–27 %. Strain T-y7T had MK-6 as its predominant menaquinone and iso-C15 : 1 G, summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or iso-C15 : 0 2-OH), iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH as its major fatty acids. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, one unidentified aminolipid and one unidentified lipid. The genomic DNA G+C content was 37.1 mol%. Its phylogenetic and genetic distinctiveness and differential phenotypic properties revealed that strain T-y7T does not belong to any established Bizionia species. On the basis of the data presented, strain T-y7T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Bizionia , for which the name Bizionia hallyeonensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is T-y7T ( = KCTC 23881T = CCUG 62110T).

The bentonite-based material being evaluated in several countries as potential barriers and seals for a nuclear waste disposal system is of mostly sodium type, whereas most bentonite available in Korea is known to be of calcium type. In order to investigate whether local Korean bentonite could be useful as a buffer or sealing material in an HLW repository system, raw bentonites sampled from the south-east area of Korea were examined in terms of their physicochemical properties such as surface area, CEC, swelling rate, and distribution coefficient. The diffusion behavior of some radionuclides of interest in compacted bentonite was also investigated. Considering that HLW generates decay heat over a long time, the thermal effect on the physicochemical properties of bentonite was also included. Four local samples were identified as Ca-bentonite through XRD and chemical analysis. Of the measured values of surface area, CEC and swelling rate of the local samples, Sample-A was found to have the greatest properties as the most likely candidate barrier material. The distribution coefficients of Cs-137, Sr-85, Co-60 and Am-241 for Sample-A sample were measured by the batch method. Sorption equilibrium was reached in around 8 to 10 days, but that of Sr was found to be reached earlier. Comparing the results of this study with the reference data, domestic bentonite was found to have a relatively high sorption ability. For the effect of varying concentration on sorption, the values of Kd peaked at 10(-9)-10(-7) mol/l of radionuclide concentration. In XRD analysis, the (001) peak of Sample-A was fully collapsed above 200 degrees C. The shoulder appearing at about 150 degrees C in the DSC curve was found to be evidence that Sample-A is predominated by Ca-montmorillonite. The loss of swelling capacity and CEC of Sample-A started at about 100 degrees C. The swelling data and the (001) peak intensity of the heat-treated sample showed that they were linearly interrelated. The measured Kd values of Co-60, Cs-137 and Am-241 for the samples heat-treated at various temperature showed that the domestic bentonite still retained sorption capacity below 100 degrees C. In addition to such findings of thermal effects, it was found that the presence of calcium in bentonite may help to assure long-term stability under the expected thermo-hydro conditions. The Da values of Sr-85, Cs-137, Co-60, Am-241 and Cl-36 were measured to be 1.073 x 10(1), 6.705 x 10(-1), 1.226 x 10(-1), 1.310 x 10(-2) and 9.490 x 10(1) microns 2/sec, respectively, which could be arranged with the magnitude of their distribution coefficients, i.e. ClSrCsCoAm. As the as-pressed density of bentonite increasing from 1.8 to 2.0 g/cm3, the Da-value of Cs-137 decreased by 25%. From the analyses of the diffusion mechanism of radionuclides in compacted bentonite, the surface diffusion due to the concentration gradients of radionuclide sorbed on the bentonite particles was found to be a dominating transport process of radionuclides in compacted bentonite with 1.8 g/cm3. Bases on these results, it was identified that domestic bentonite has potential as a chemical barrier material in a repository system. Some data obtained in the results could contribute to the engineering parameters to design a waste package and engineered barrier or to develop an appropriate disposal concept satisfying the safety requirements.