bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An historical perspective on the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act
Authors: Govekar Paul L.
Published: June 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an historical perspective to help understand the forces that resulted in the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act. It aims to provide an historical vindication of the taxonomy developed by Charles Conrad in 2003.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper applies a framework developed by Charles Conrad in 2003 to explain the events that led to the corporate meltdown in 2002‐2003 and compare it to a similar scandal in the insurance industry at the beginning of the twentieth century.

Findings

A number of parallels were found between the two incidents. Additionally, the framework developed by Charles Conrad in 2003 was vindicated by the historical comparison. Lessons for practicing managers, domestic and international, are presented along with avenues for possible future research.

Practical implications

Recent changes in the political landscape, particularly in the USA, may indicate that Sarbanes‐Oxley will, indeed, be with us for a longer, rather shorter time. However, the real lesson for managers and scholars of management may be to concentrate on the three trends that foreshadow scandals and meltdowns to prevent similar problems, with their inevitable legal backlash in the future.

Originality/value

This paper uses the framework developed by Charles Conrad in 2003 to explore to different corporate meltdowns separated by a century in the USA. Lessons learned from these incidents as well as a perspective on the probable effective life of the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act are suggested.
The Fred Taylor baseball myth: a son goes to bat for his father
Authors: Taylor Shannon G. , Bedeian Arthur G.
Published: June 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to refute allegations from various sources that, as a pitcher for the Phillips Exeter Academy baseball team, Frederick W. Taylor cheated by using an illegal overhand delivery.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on archival research, including a recently discovered letter by his son, Robert, this paper dispels the “myth” surrounding Taylor's alleged cheating as a member of the Phillips Exeter Academy baseball team.

Findings

This research suggests that the “myth” of Fred's purported cheating may be traced to a January 1934 Esquire Magazine article by American Novelist John R. Dos Passos.

Originality/value

As a consequence, of the information only a son could have provided, this paper sets the record straight concerning Taylor's alleged cheating, and in doing so, demonstrate how a reliance on “myth” rather than “fact” stands in the way of capturing the elusive past.
F.W. Taylor's lecture on management, June 4, 1907: an introduction
Authors: Wrege Charles D.
Published: June 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce Frederick W. Taylor's lecture on his “task” system of management, given at his home in “Boxley” in 1907.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper summarizes the lecture's contents, and details its background.

Findings

The paper emphasizes the critical importance of primary sources to the work of management scholars, not just management history.

Originality/value

The paper provides further evidence of the import that needs to be attached to sound historical method as a basis for scholarship in management in general, and management history, in particular.
Report of a lecture by and questions put to Mr F.W. Taylor: a transcript
Authors: Taylor F.W.
Published: June 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a transcript of Fredrick W. Taylor's 1907 lecture on his “task” system of management.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper shows its advantages over traditional personal initiative styles, suggesting that managers should not allow employees to think for themselves but make sure they simply carry out tasks as instructed. Demonstrated this by using as an example pig‐iron handlers at Bethlehem Steel Company. Relates how he established scientific principles to ascertain the maximum load a man could carry and the optimum wage.

Findings

Instead of asking if workers felt able to move heavier loads, by telling them he only employed “high‐priced men”, he found plenty of willing employees.

Originality/value

The paper offers an example of how primary sources can be of critical importance to management scholars, not just management historians.
The association of worker productivity and mental health: a review of the literature
Authors: Burton Wayne N. , Schultz Alyssa B. , Chen Chin‐Yu , Edington Dee W.
Published: June 2008

Purpose

Depression and other mental health disorders have a large impact on the quality of life and productivity of millions of individuals worldwide. For employers, mental health disorders are associated with increased health care costs as well as productivity losses in the form of absenteeism, short‐term disability absences and reduced on‐the‐job productivity‐known as presenteeism. The purpose of this paper is to review the association of worker productivity and mental health.

Design/methodology/approach

This review summarizes the literature on the prevalence of mental health conditions among working adults, and the association between these disorders and productivity. Finally, the impact of interventions or workplace policies on the productivity of those suffering with mental health conditions is covered and recommendations for employers are suggested.

Findings

Depressive disorders are relatively common in most workforces compared to other mental health conditions. The majority of studies on mental health and productivity have been conducted as part of nationwide surveys or in patient populations rather than worksites. The majority of studies show associations between mental health conditions and absenteeism (particularly short‐term disability absences). When presenteeism is measured by a validated questionnaire, results show that depression significantly impacts on‐the‐job productivity (presenteeism). Studies also indicate that the treatment expenditures for employees with depression may be offset by reductions in absenteeism, disability and on the job productivity losses.

Originality/value

Workplace policies and benefits which support employees suffering with mental health disorders and provide access to evidenced‐based care adhering to best practice guidelines may improve the quality of life of employees and lead to reduced absenteeism, disability and lost productivity.
Employer integration of health promotion and health protection programs
Authors: Goetzel Ron Z. , Ozminkowski Ronald J. , Bowen Jennie , Tabrizi Maryam J.
Published: June 2008

Purpose

The paper seeks to describe the evolution of an integrated approach to health and productivity management that combines the disciplines of worksite health promotion and occupational safety and health, and to offer advice on how to implement such an integrated approach.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of a review of the literature, focusing on the psychological, organizational, and human capital models that must be integrated for successful health and productivity management.

Findings

The first integrated health, safety, and productivity model was presented by DeJoy and Southern in 1993. However, occupational safety and health and worksite health promotion professionals view the workplace in different ways (from psychological and public health orientations, respectively) that may result in siloed work environments. Better communication and collaboration across these disciplines is essential for success. That can be fostered by adopting a human capital framework that views the health and safety of employees as essential ingredients for a healthy and productive work force. A practical approach for successful health and productivity management uses integrated data to investigate where challenges to worker health and safety can be found. This is followed by strategic and tactical planning to address these challenges. Programs that address problems at all levels (individual, organizational, environmental) are then adopted, followed by formal, rigorous, and continuous monitoring and evaluation.

Originality/value

The concept of integrated health and productivity management is new but is now being adopted by many organizations. Worksite health promotion and occupational safety and health professionals can work together to make substantial improvements to the quality of employees' lives and the economic and social health of the organizations where they practice.
Health and productivity management in Europe
Authors: Kirsten Wolf
Published: June 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an overview of the major health‐related challenges facing the European workplace and a summary of emerging research in the workplace health management field. Specific health and productivity strategies and outcome variables are also discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

Numerous current resources were used in order to craft a comprehensive overview: European Union and World Health Organization statistics, surveys and research briefs, research studies, technical reports, political briefs and green papers, scientific theories and models, internal corporate reports and personal interviews.

Findings

While a growing number of studies and programs are addressing the mounting workplace health challenges in Europe, only a small number of initiatives are systematic and evaluated. The case for enhanced data collection and integrated programs targeting lifestyles as well as the psychosocial working environment with productivity as an outcome variable is made. Two key strengths of the field in Europe are a salutogenic approach focusing on health potential and the social capital concept.

Originality/value

The paper provides a unique interdisciplinary perspective and a current review of health and productivity management in Europe.
Islamic banking: the case of Algeria
Authors: Benamraoui Abdelhafid
Published: June 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a detailed analysis of the Islamic banking in Algeria following the financial liberalisation initiated in the 1990 s. It seeks to examine the performance of the sole bank offering Islamic financial products in Algeria, Banque Al Baraka d'Algérie. The study also aims to analyse the methods adopted by the bank to improve the allocation of its financial resources and to boost its earnings.

Design/methodology/approach

Interviews were conducted to learn about the performance and risks associated with Banque Al Baraka d'Algérie operations. All interviews were held one‐to‐one with each respondent in Algeria. Statistical data and financial ratio analyses are also used to support the arguments made in this study. Analyses are carried out on major factors affecting the bank operations.

Findings

The study reveals four key findings: Banque Al Baraka d'Algérie offers only a few Islamic financial products to its customers; most of the instruments are geared towards short‐term financing; the bank's overall performance has improved since its operations in Algeria; and credit risk remains the main obstacle facing the bank.

Research limitations/implications

This research uses a single country case study. The study also refers to the case of one Islamic bank with no competition from other Islamic finance providers.

Practical implications

The analyses presented in this research can be used by policymakers and managers as a guide to developing the existing Islamic banking practices in Algeria.

Originality/value

The study makes a contribution to the literature on Islamic banking in Algeria. It is the first study to particularly investigate the issue of Islamic banking performance in Algeria. The findings achieved in this research will be of interest for practitioners and academics concerned with developments of the Algerian banking industry.
Understanding the objectives of Islamic banking: a survey of stakeholders' perspectives
Authors: Wajdi Dusuki Asyraf
Published: June 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to survey the viewpoints of various stakeholder groups on the philosophy and objectives of Islamic banking, particularly in a dual banking environment, as in the case of Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents primary data collected by self‐administered and postal questionnaires involving a sample of 1,500 respondents representing seven stakeholder groups, namely customers, depositors, local communities, Islamic banking managers, employees, banking regulatory officers and Shariah advisers. An exploratory factor analysis is employed to examine the respondents' perceptions towards various objectives of Islamic banking.

Findings

This paper reveals that respondents regard Islamic banking as an institution that should uphold social objectives and promote Islamic values towards their staffs, clients and the general public. Other factors perceived to be important include contributing to the social welfare of the community, promoting sustainable development projects and alleviating poverty.

Practical implications

The empirical evidence of this paper affects two aspects; first Islamic banks must not be solely profit‐driven entities; rather they must aim at promoting Islamic norms and values to achieve the economic objectives as prescribed by Shariah (Islamic Law). Second, true success for Islamic banking participants depends on the extent to which they can integrate social goals with the mechanics of financial innovation. This research will be of interest to both incumbent and potential entrants into this niche market.

Originality/value

The paper reports findings from the first nation‐wide survey of diverse stakeholder groups in the area of Islamic banking and finance.
Employees' perceptions of supervisory facets
Authors: El‐Kot Ghada , Leat Mike
Published: June 2008

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to explore the supervision facets from the employees' perception in Egypt. Another aim is to explore the relationships between the supervisors' facets and their satisfaction level.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the aims of this research, the researchers collected data from different employees in deterrent organizations in Egypt (n=272). Validity and reliability tests were computed for the measures used in the research. Descriptive statistics, inter‐correlations were computed for the variables used in this research to test the research hypothesis.

Findings

The similarities with the non‐western contest were found in some facets of supervisors, while others are not. Significant relationships were found between supervisors' facets and employees' satisfaction from their supervisors.

Practical implications

Some practical conclusions which would lead to effective and successful organizations in the Egyptian context are: creating a positive environment by focusing on the social relationships between employees and their supervisors and developing a clear job description to help employees understand what they have to do, along with allowing some real participation by the employees in making decisions.

Originality/value

Investigating such concepts will provide the basic information needed to develop a clear understanding for supervisory‐employees relationships in a non‐Western context, which is not available currently.
Analysis of exercise‐induced Na+–K+ exchange in rat skeletal muscle in vivo
Authors: Murphy K. T. , Nielsen O. B. , Clausen T.
Published: June 2008

We aimed to quantify the Na+–K+ exchange occurring during exercise in rat skeletal muscle in vivo. Intracellular Na+ and K+ content, Na+ permeability (22Na+ influx), Na+–K+ pump activity (ouabain‐sensitive 86Rb+ uptake) and Na+–K+ pump α2 subunit content ([3H]ouabain binding) were measured. Six‐week‐old rats rested (control animals) or performed intermittent running for 10–60 min and were then killed or were killed at 15 or 90 min following 60 min exercise. In the soleus muscle, intracellular Na+ was 80% higher than in control rats after 60 min exercise, was still elevated (38%) after 15 min rest and returned to control levels after 90 min rest. Intracellular K+ showed corresponding decreases after 15–60 min exercise, returning to control levels 90 min postexercise. Exercise induced little change in Na+ and K+ in the extensor digitorum longus muscle (EDL). In soleus, the exercise‐induced rise in Na+ and reduction in K+ were augmented by pretreatment with ouabain or by reducing the content of muscular Na+–K+ pumps by prior K+ depletion of the animals. Fifteen minutes after 60 min exercise, ouabain‐sensitive 86Rb+ uptake in the soleus was increased by 30% but was unchanged in EDL, and there was no effect of exercise on [3H]ouabain binding measured in vitro or in vivo in either muscle. In conclusion, in the soleus, in vivo exercise induces a rise in intracellular Na+, which reflects the excitation‐induced increase in Na+ influx and leads to augmented Na+–K+ pump activity without apparent change in Na+–K+ pump capacity.
Contractile dysfunctions in ATP‐dependent K+ channel‐deficient mouse muscle during fatigue involve excessive depolarization and Ca2+ influx through L‐type Ca2+ channels
Authors: Cifelli Carlo , Boudreault Louise , Gong Bing , Bercier Jean‐Philippe , Renaud Jean‐Marc
Published: June 2008

Muscles deficient in ATP‐dependent potassium (KATP) channels develop contractile dysfunctions during fatigue that may explain their apparently faster rate of fatigue compared with wild‐type muscles. The objectives of this study were to determine: (1) whether the contractile dysfunctions, namely unstimulated force and depressed force recovery, result from excessive membrane depolarization and Ca2+ influx through L‐type Ca2+ channels; and (2) whether reducing the magnitude of these two contractile dysfunctions reduces the rate of fatigue in KATP channel‐deficient muscles. To reduce Ca2+ influx, we lowered the extracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]o) from 2.4 to 0.6 mm or added 1 μm verapamil, an L‐type Ca2+ channel blocker. Flexor digitorum brevis (FDB) muscles deficient in KATP channels were obtained by exposing wild‐type muscles to 10 μm glibenclamide or by using FDB from Kir6.2−/− mice. Fatigue was elicited with one contraction per second for 3 min at 37°C. In wild‐type FDB, lowered [Ca2+]o or verapamil did not affect the decrease in peak tetanic force and unstimulated force during fatigue and force recovery following fatigue. In KATP channel‐deficient FDB, lowered [Ca2+]o or verapamil slowed down the decrease in peak tetanic force recovery, reduced unstimulated force and improved force recovery. In Kir6.2−/− FDB, the rate of fatigue became slower than in wild‐type FDB in the presence of verapamil. The cell membrane depolarized from −83 to −57 mV in normal wild‐type FDB. The depolarizations in some glibenclamide‐exposed fibres were similar to those of normal FDB, while in other fibres the cell membrane depolarized to −31 mV in 80 s, which was also the time when these fibres supercontracted. It is concluded that: (1) KATP channels are crucial in preventing excessive membrane depolarization and Ca2+ influx through L‐type Ca2+ channels; and (2) they contribute to the decrease in force during fatigue.
High extracellular [Mg2+]‐induced increase in intracellular [Mg2+] and decrease in intracellular [Na+] are associated with activation of p38 MAP kinase and ERK2 in guinea‐pig heart
Authors: Kim Shang‐Jin , Lee Sei‐Jin , Kim Jin‐Shang , Kang Hyung‐Sub
Published: June 2008

High extracellular Mg2+ concentrations ([Mg2+]o) caused a remarkable concentration‐dependent and reversible increase in intracellular Mg2+ concentrations ([Mg2+]i) in beating and quiescent guinea‐pig papillary muscles, accompanied by a definite decrease in intracellular Na+ concentrations ([Na+]i). A change in 1 mm[Mg2+]o evoked a direct change in 0.0161 mm[Mg2+]i and an inverse change in 0.0263 mm[Na+]i. Imipramine completely abolished the high [Mg2+]o‐induced decrease in [Na+]i and remarkably diminished the high [Mg2+]o‐induced increase in [Mg2+]i in papillary muscles. High [Mg2+]o also produced a significant activation of p38 mitogen‐activated protein (MAP) kinase and extracellular signal‐related kinase 2 (ERK2) that was inhibited by pretreatment with imipramine. These results suggest that the high [Mg2+]o‐induced increase in [Mg2+]i could be coupled with the decrease in [Na+]i, which might involve activation of the reverse mode of Na+–Mg2+ exchange, accompanied by activation of p38 MAP kinase and ERK2 in the guinea‐pig heart.
In vivo vitamin E administration attenuates interleukin‐6 and interleukin‐1β responses to an acute inflammatory insult in mouse skeletal and cardiac muscle
Authors: Huey K. A. , Fiscus G. , Richwine A. F. , Johnson R. W. , Meador B. M.
Published: June 2008

Antioxidants are associated with reduced pro‐inflammatory cytokine expression in immune cells and isolated tissues; however, no studies have examined whether short‐term vitamin E administration is associated with reduced lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced cytokine expression in mouse skeletal and cardiac muscle, in vivo. These experiments tested the hypothesis that vitamin E administration attenuates nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB), IL‐6, IL‐1β and tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα) responses in skeletal and cardiac muscle to an inflammatory challenge induced by systemic LPS. We compared IL‐6, IL‐1β and TNFα mRNA and protein, activated NF‐κB and total oxidized proteins in skeletal and cardiac muscle 4 or 24 h after saline or LPS injection in mice receiving vitamin E or placebo for 3 days prior to the insult. Skeletal and cardiac IL‐6 mRNA and protein were significantly elevated by LPS in both groups, but responses were significantly lower in vitamin E‐ compared with placebo‐treated mice. In skeletal and cardiac muscle, LPS increased IL‐1β mRNA and protein in placebo‐ but not vitamin E‐treated mice. Lipopolysaccharide‐induced levels of cardiac IL‐1β mRNA and protein and skeletal IL‐1β mRNA were lower with vitamin E than placebo. Lipopolysaccharide‐induced NF‐κB activation and increases in total oxidized proteins were attenuated with vitamin E compared with placebo in both tissues. Vitamin E decreased LPS‐induced increases in plasma IL‐1β but not IL‐6 compared with placebo. The major results provide the first in vivo evidence that short‐term vitamin E administration reduces IL‐6 and IL‐1β responses to LPS in skeletal and cardiac muscle and prevents LPS‐induced increases in NF‐κB activation and total oxidized proteins.
Opposed effects of prostaglandin E2on perfusion of rat renal cortex and medulla: interactions with the renin–angiotensin system
Authors: Bądzyńska Bożena , Sadowski Janusz
Published: June 2008

While prostaglandin E2(PGE2) is an established renal vasodilator, studies of prostaglandin EP receptors suggest that it also has vasoconstrictor potential. Prostaglandin E2is much more abundant in the medulla than in the cortex, yet likely differences in effects between zones have not been defined. This study is focused on different vascular effects in the cortex and medulla and interaction with the renin–angiotensin system (RAS). In anaesthetized rats, the effects of cyclo‐oxygenase blockade and of PGE2infused into the renal artery or renal interstitium were examined. Total renal blood flow was measured by ultrasonic renal artery probe, and local perfusion, separately, of the superficial cortex, outer‐ and inner medulla, as laser‐Doppler fluxes. Indomethacin (5 mg kg−1i.v.) increased cortical perfusion (by ∼10%) and decreased medullary perfusion (by ∼20%). Renal artery infusion of PGE2(15–30 μg kg−1h−1) increased cortical and medullary perfusion only transiently. Previous inactivation of the RAS using losartan or captopril, and background infusion of exogenous angiotensin II, prevented the transient increase and enhanced the subsequent stable decrease in perfusion. Prostaglandin E2infused into the medullary interstitium (7–22 μg kg−1h−1) increased medullary perfusion by 13%, while cortical perfusion decreased by 6%. Misoprostol, an agonist of constrictor EP3receptors, decreased perfusion of the cortex and medulla, with both renal artery and medullary interstitial infusion. In conclusion, in rat renal cortex the dominating stable PGE2effect is vasoconstriction, most probably mediated by EP3receptors and unrelated to activation of the RAS. Prostaglandin E2applied to the cortical or medullary interstitium, a natural route for paracrine agents, induces medullary vasodilatation.
Integration of Metabolic Modeling and Phenotypic Data in Evaluation and Improvement of Ethanol Production Using Respiration-Deficient Mutants of
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Dikicioglu Duygu , Pir Pinar , Onsan Z. Ilsen , Ulgen Kutlu O. , Kirdar Betul , Oliver Stephen G.
Published: June 2008

Flux balance analysis and phenotypic data were used to provide clues to the relationships between the activities of gene products and the phenotypes resulting from the deletion of genes involved in respiratory function in
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
. The effect of partial or complete respiratory deficiency on the ethanol production and growth characteristics of
hap4
Δ
/hap4
Δ,
mig1
Δ
/mig1
Δ,
qdr3
Δ
/qdr3
Δ,
pdr3
Δ
/pdr3
Δ,
qcr7
Δ
/qcr7
Δ,
cyt1
Δ
/cyt1
Δ, and
rip1
Δ
/rip1
Δ mutants grown in microaerated chemostats was investigated. The study provided additional evidence for the importance of the selection of a physiologically relevant objective function, and it may improve quantitative predictions of exchange fluxes, as well as qualitative estimations of changes in intracellular fluxes. Ethanol production was successfully predicted by flux balance analysis in the case of the
qdr3
Δ
/qdr3
Δ mutant, with maximization of ethanol production as the objective function, suggesting an additional role for Qdr3p in respiration. The absence of similar changes in estimated intracellular fluxes in the
qcr7
Δ
/qcr7
Δ mutant compared to the
rip1
Δ
/rip1
Δ and
cyt1
Δ
/cyt1
Δ mutants indicated that the effect of the deletion of this subunit of complex III was somehow compensated for. Analysis of predicted flux distributions indicated self-organization of intracellular fluxes to avoid NAD
+
/NADH imbalance in
rip1
Δ
/rip1
Δ and
cyt1
Δ
/cyt1
Δ mutants, but not the
qcr7
Δ
/qcr7
Δ mutant. The flux through the glycerol efflux channel, Fps1p, was estimated to be zero in all strains under the investigated conditions. This indicates that previous strategies for improving ethanol production, such as the overexpression of the glutamate synthase gene
GLT1
in a
GDH1
deletion background or deletion of the glycerol efflux channel gene
FPS1
and overexpression of
GLT1
, are unnecessary in a respiration-deficient background.
Simple Method for Plating
Escherichia coli
Bacteriophages Forming Very Small Plaques or No Plaques under Standard Conditions
Authors: Łoś Joanna M. , Golec Piotr , Węgrzyn Grzegorz , Węgrzyn Alicja , Łoś Marcin
Published: June 2008

The use of low concentrations (optimally 2.5 to 3.5 μg/ml, depending on top agar thickness) of ampicillin in the bottom agar of the plate allows for formation of highly visible plaques of bacteriophages which otherwise form extremely small plaques or no plaques on
Escherichia coli
lawns. Using this method, we were able to obtain plaques of newly isolated bacteriophages, propagated after induction of prophages present in six
E. coli
O157:H
−
strains which did not form plaques when standard plating procedures were employed.
The Porous Surface Model, a Novel Experimental System for Online Quantitative Observation of Microbial Processes under Unsaturated Conditions
Authors: Dechesne Arnaud , Or Dani , Gülez Gamze , Smets Barth F.
Published: June 2008

Water is arguably the most important constituent of microbial microhabitats due to its control of physical and physiological processes critical to microbial activity. In natural environments, bacteria often live on unsaturated surfaces, in thin (micrometric) liquid films. Nevertheless, no experimental systems are available that allow real-time observation of bacterial processes in liquid films of controlled thickness. We propose a novel, inexpensive, easily operated experimental platform, termed the porous surface model (PSM) that enables quantitative real-time microscopic observations of bacterial growth and activity under controlled unsaturated conditions. Bacteria are inoculated on a porous ceramic plate, wetted by a liquid medium. The thickness of the liquid film at the surface of the plate is set by imposing suction, corresponding to soil matric potential, to the liquid medium. The utility of the PSM was demonstrated using
Pseudomonas putida
KT2440 tagged with
gfp
as a model bacterium. Single cells were inoculated at the surface of the PSM, and the rate at which colonies expanded laterally was measured for three matric potentials (−0.5, −1.2, and −3.6 kPa). The matric potential exerted significant influence on colony expansion rates, with a faster rate of spreading at −0.5 than at −1.2 or −3.6 kPa (diameter increase rate, ca. 1,000, 200, and 17 μm h
−1
, respectively). These differences can be attributed to cell motility, strongly limited under the most negative matric potential. The PSM constitutes a tool uniquely adapted to study the influence of liquid film geometry on microbial processes. It should therefore contribute to uncovering mechanisms of microbial adaptation to unsaturated environments.
Differences in Survival among 13Listeria monocytogenesStrains in a Dynamic Model of the Stomach and Small Intestine
Authors: Barmpalia-Davis Ioanna M. , Geornaras Ifigenia , Kendall Patricia A. , Sofos John N.
Published: June 2008

ThirteenListeria monocytogenesstrains were compared for the ability to survive in a dynamic gastrointestinal model. Strains displayed various degrees of susceptibility to gastric acidity; however, strain-to-strain variations became evident mainly after 90 min of exposure (pH 2.0). Cell levels transferred to the intestine depended on initial populations, while reductions during intestinal exposure were relatively small for all strains.
Characterization of
Salmonella enterica
serovar Heidelberg from Turkey-Associated Sources
Authors: Kaldhone Pravin , Nayak Rajesh , Lynne Aaron M. , David Donna E. , McDermott Patrick F. , Logue Catherine M. , Foley Steven L.
Published: June 2008

Salmonella enterica
serovar Heidelberg strains are frequently associated with food-borne illness, with recent isolates showing higher rates of resistance to multiple antimicrobial agents. One hundred eighty
S. enterica
serovar Heidelberg isolates, collected from turkey-associated production and processing sources, were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility and compared by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and plasmid profile analysis. The potential for the transfer of resistance between strains was studied by conjugation experiments. PFGE analysis using XbaI digestion identified eight clusters (based on 90% similarity), with the largest containing 71% of the isolates. Forty-two percent of the isolates were resistant to at least 1 of the 15 antimicrobial agents tested, and 4% of the isolates were resistant to 8 or more antimicrobial agents. Resistances to streptomycin (32%), tetracycline (30%), and kanamycin (24%) were most commonly detected. Interestingly, the XbaI PFGE profiles of selective multidrug-resistant strains (
n
= 22) of
S. enterica
serovar Heidelberg from turkey-associated sources were indistinguishable from the predominant profile (JF6X01.0022) detected in isolates associated with human infections. These isolates were further differentiated into seven distinct profiles following digestion with the BlnI enzyme, with the largest cluster comprising 15 isolates from veterinary diagnostic and turkey processing environments. Conjugation experiments indicated that resistance to multiple antimicrobial agents was transferable among strains with diverse PFGE profiles.
Improved Inactivation of Nonenveloped Enteric Viruses and Their Surrogates by a Novel Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer
Authors: Macinga David R. , Sattar Syed A. , Jaykus Lee-Ann , Arbogast James W.
Published: June 2008

Norovirus is the leading cause of food-related illness in the United States, and contamination of ready-to-eat items by food handlers poses a high risk for disease. This study reports the in vitro (suspension test) and in vivo (fingerpad protocol) assessments of a new ethanol-based hand sanitizer containing a synergistic blend of polyquaternium polymer and organic acid, which is active against viruses of public health importance, including norovirus. When tested in suspension, the test product reduced the infectivity of the nonenveloped viruses human rotavirus (HRV), poliovirus type 1 (PV-1), and the human norovirus (HNV) surrogates feline calicivirus (FCV) F-9 and murine norovirus type 1 (MNV-1) by greater than 3 log
10
after a 30-s exposure. In contrast, a benchmark alcohol-based hand sanitizer reduced only HRV by greater than 3 log
10
and none of the additional viruses by greater than 1.2 log
10
after the same exposure. In fingerpad experiments, the test product produced a 2.48 log
10
reduction of MNV-1 after a 30-s exposure, whereas a 75% ethanol control produced a 0.91 log
10
reduction. Additionally, the test product reduced the infectivity titers of adenovirus type 5 (ADV-5) and HRV by ≥3.16 log
10
and ≥4.32 log
10
, respectively, by the fingerpad assay within 15 s; and PV-1 was reduced by 2.98 log
10
in 30 s by the same method. Based on these results, we conclude that this new ethanol-based hand sanitizer is a promising option for reducing the transmission of enteric viruses, including norovirus, by food handlers and care providers.
Bacillus subtilis
Spores Germinate in the Chicken Gastrointestinal Tract
Authors: Cartman Stephen T. , La Ragione Roberto M. , Woodward Martin J.
Published: June 2008

A number of poultry probiotics contain bacterial spores. In this study, orally administered spores of
Bacillus subtilis
germinated in the gastrointestinal (GI) tracts of chicks. Furthermore, 20 h after spores were administered, vegetative cells outnumbered spores throughout the GI tract. This demonstrates that spore-based probiotics may function in this host through metabolically active mechanisms.
Identification of a Gene Encoding a Transporter Essential for Utilization of C
4
Dicarboxylates in
Corynebacterium glutamicum
Authors: Teramoto Haruhiko , Shirai Tomokazu , Inui Masayuki , Yukawa Hideaki
Published: June 2008

The
Corynebacterium glutamicum
R genome contains a total of eight genes encoding proteins with sequence similarity to C
4
-dicarboxylate transporters identified from other bacteria. Three of the genes encode proteins within the dicarboxylate/amino acid:cation symporter (DAACS) family, another three encode proteins within the tripartite ATP-independent periplasmic transporter family, and two encode proteins within the divalent anion:Na
+
symporter (DASS) family. We observed that a mutant strain deficient in one of these genes, designated
dcsT
, of the DASS family did not aerobically grow on the C
4
dicarboxylates succinate, fumarate, and malate as the sole carbon sources. Mutant strains deficient in each of the other seven genes grew as well as the wild-type strain under the same conditions, although one of these genes is a homologue of
dctA
of the DAACS family, involved in aerobic growth on C
4
dicarboxylates in various bacteria. The utilization of C
4
dicarboxylates was markedly enhanced by overexpression of the
dcsT
gene. We confirmed that the uptake of [
13
C]labeled succinate observed for the wild-type cells was hardly detected in the
dcsT
-deficient mutant but was markedly enhanced in a
dcsT
-overexpressing strain. These results suggested that in
C. glutamicum
, the uptake of C
4
dicarboxylates for aerobic growth was mainly mediated by the DASS transporter encoded by
dcsT
. The expression level of the
dcsT
gene transiently increased in the early exponential phase during growth on nutrient-rich medium. This expression was enhanced by the addition of succinate in the mid-exponential phase and was repressed by the addition of glucose in the early exponential phase.
Engineering
Pseudomonas putida
S12 for Efficient Utilization of
d
-Xylose and
l
-Arabinose
Authors: Meijnen Jean-Paul , de Winde Johannes H. , Ruijssenaars Harald J.
Published: June 2008

The solvent-tolerant bacterium
Pseudomonas putida
S12 was engineered to utilize xylose as a substrate by expressing xylose isomerase (XylA) and xylulokinase (XylB) from
Escherichia coli
. The initial yield on xylose was low (9% [g CDW g substrate
−1
], where CDW is cell dry weight), and the growth rate was poor (0.01 h
−1
). The main cause of the low yield was the oxidation of xylose into the dead-end product xylonate by endogenous glucose dehydrogenase (Gcd). Subjecting the XylAB-expressing
P. putida
S12 to laboratory evolution yielded a strain that efficiently utilized xylose (yield, 52% [g CDW g xylose
−1
]) at a considerably improved growth rate (0.35 h
−1
). The high yield could be attributed in part to Gcd inactivity, whereas the improved growth rate may be connected to alterations in the primary metabolism. Surprisingly, without any further engineering, the evolved
d
-xylose-utilizing strain metabolized
l
-arabinose as efficiently as
d
-xylose. Furthermore, despite the loss of Gcd activity, the ability to utilize glucose was not affected. Thus, a
P. putida
S12-derived strain was obtained that efficiently utilizes the three main sugars present in lignocellulosic hydrolysate: glucose, xylose, and arabinose. This strain will form the basis for a platform host for the efficient production of biochemicals from renewable feedstock.
Sequence Diversity ofBacillus thuringiensisFlagellin (H Antigen) Protein at the Intra-H Serotype Level
Authors: Xu Dong , Côté Jean-Charles
Published: June 2008

InBacillus thuringiensis, thehaggene encodes flagellin, the protein responsible for eliciting the immunological reaction in H serotyping. Specific flagellin amino acid sequences have been correlated to specificB. thuringiensisH serotypes, H1 to H67. Ten H serotypes, however, contain three or more antigenic subfactors, labeled a, b, c, d, or e, and have been subdivided into 23 serovars. In the present study, we set out to analyze the sequence diversity of flagellins among serovars from the same H serotypes. We studied thehaggenes in 39B. thuringiensisstrains representing the 23 serovars from the 10 H serotypes mentioned above. A serovar and a biovar from an 11th H serotype were also included. Thehaggenes were amplified and cloned and their nucleotide sequences were determined and translated into amino acid sequences, or the sequences were retrieved directly from GenBank when available. Strains of the H3 serotype contained two or three copies of theflagene, an ortholog of thehaggene. Strains of the H6 serotype contained three copies. Strains of all other H serotypes each contained a single copy of thehaggene. Alignments of amino acid sequences from all copies in all strains of the H3 serotype revealed short signature sequences, GGAG and SGG, GPDPDDAVKNLT, and DITTTK, that appeared to be specific to the H3c, H3d, and H3e antigenic subfactors, respectively. Similar short signature sequences, GDIT, AFIK, TSAGKA, and SAPSKG, were revealed for H8b, H8c, H20b, and H20c, respectively. Amino acid sequences in the flagellin central variable region were highly conserved among serovars of the H3, H5, H11, and H20 serotypes and much more divergent among serovars of the H4, H10, H18, H24, and H28 serotypes. Two bootstrapped neighbor-joining trees were respectively generated from the alignments of the amino acid sequences translated from all copies of thehaggenes in theB. thuringiensisstrains of the H3 and H6 serotypes. Sequence identities and relationships were revealed. A third bootstrapped neighbor-joining tree was generated, this one from the alignment of the flagellin amino acid sequences from all theB. thuringiensisstrains in the study. Eight clusters, I to VIII, were revealed. Although most clusters contained strains and serovars from the same H serotype, clusters VII and VIII contained serovars from different H serotypes.
Phylogenetic Diversity of Sequences of Cyanophage Photosynthetic Gene
psbA
in Marine and Freshwaters
Authors: Chénard C. , Suttle C. A.
Published: June 2008

Many cyanophage isolates which infect the marine cyanobacteria
Synechococcus
spp. and
Prochlorococcus
spp. contain a gene homologous to
psbA
, which codes for the D1 protein involved in photosynthesis. In the present study, cyanophage
psbA
gene fragments were readily amplified from freshwater and marine samples, confirming their widespread occurrence in aquatic communities. Phylogenetic analyses demonstrated that sequences from freshwaters have an evolutionary history that is distinct from that of their marine counterparts. Similarly, sequences from cyanophages infecting
Prochlorococcus
and
Synechococcus
spp. were readily discriminated, as were sequences from podoviruses and myoviruses. Viral
psbA
sequences from the same geographic origins clustered within different clades. For example, cyanophage
psbA
sequences from the Arctic Ocean fell within the
Synechococcus
as well as
Prochlorococcus
phage groups. Moreover, as
psbA
sequences are not confined to a single family of phages, they provide an additional genetic marker that can be used to explore the diversity and evolutionary history of cyanophages in aquatic environments.
Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis as a Tool To Determine Batch Similarity of Probiotic Cultures of Porcine Cecal Bacteria
Authors: Hume Michael E. , Scanlan Charles M. , Harvey Roger B. , Andrews Kathleen , Snodgrass James D. , Nalian Armen G. , Martynova-Van Kley Alexandra , Nisbet David J.
Published: June 2008

A continuous-flow porcine cecal bacterial culture has been used experimentally as treatment against enterotoxigenicEscherichia coliin weanling pigs. Periodically, the cultures must be started from frozen stock. Our results indicate that denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis can be applied as an indirect indication of culture similarity for each new batch generated from frozen stock.
Isolation of Surfactant-Resistant Bacteria from Natural, Surfactant-Rich Marine Habitats
Authors: Plante Craig J. , Coe Kieran M. , Plante Rebecca G.
Published: June 2008

Environmental remediation efforts often utilize either biodegradative microbes or surfactants, but not in combination. Coupling both strategies holds the potential to dramatically increase the rate and extent of remediation because surfactants can enhance the bioavailability of contaminants to microbes. However, many surfactants permeabilize bacterial cell membranes and are effective disinfectants. An important goal then is to find or genetically modify microorganisms that possess both desirable degradative capabilities and the ability to thrive in the presence of surfactants. The guts of some marine invertebrates, particularly deposit feeders, have previously been shown to contain high levels of biosurfactants. Our primary aim was to mine these natural, surfactant-rich habitats for surfactant-resistant bacteria. Relative to sediment porewaters, the gut contents of two polychaete deposit feeders,Nereis succineaandAmphitrite ornata, exhibited a significantly higher ratio of bacteria resistant to both cationic and anionic surfactants. In contrast, bacteria in the gut fluids of a holothuroid,Leptosynapta tenuis, showed surfactant susceptibility similar to that of bacteria from sediments. Analyses of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the majority of surfactant-resistant isolates were previously undescribed species of the genusVibrioor were of a group most closely related toSpongiobacterspp. We also tested a subset of resistant bacteria for the production of biosurfactants. The majority did produce biosurfactants, as demonstrated via the oil-spreading method, but in all cases, production was relatively weak under the culture conditions employed. Novel surfactant-resistant, biosurfactant-producing bacteria, and the habitats from which they were isolated, provide a new source pool for potential microorganisms to be exploited in the in situ bioremediation of marine sediments.
Glutamylation on α-Tubulin Is Not Essential but Affects the Assembly and Functions of a Subset of Microtubules in
Tetrahymena thermophila
Authors: Wloga Dorota , Rogowski Krzysztof , Sharma Neeraj , Van Dijk Juliette , Janke Carsten , Eddé Bernard , Bré Marie-Hélène , Levilliers Nicolette , Redeker Virginie , Duan Jianming , Gorovsky Martin A. , Jerka-Dziadosz Maria , Gaertig Jacek
Published: June 2008

Tubulin undergoes glutamylation, a conserved posttranslational modification of poorly understood function. We show here that in the ciliate
Tetrahymena
, most of the microtubule arrays contain glutamylated tubulin. However, the length of the polyglutamyl side chain is spatially regulated, with the longest side chains present on ciliary and basal body microtubules. We focused our efforts on the function of glutamylation on the α-tubulin subunit. By site-directed mutagenesis, we show that all six glutamates of the C-terminal tail domain of α-tubulin that provide potential sites for glutamylation are not essential but are needed for normal rates of cell multiplication and cilium-based functions (phagocytosis and cell motility). By comparative phylogeny and biochemical assays, we identify two conserved tubulin tyrosine ligase (TTL) domain proteins, Ttll1p and Ttll9p, as α-tubulin-preferring glutamyl ligase enzymes. In an in vitro microtubule glutamylation assay, Ttll1p showed a chain-initiating activity while Ttll9p had primarily a chain-elongating activity. GFP-Ttll1p localized mainly to basal bodies, while GFP-Ttll9p localized to cilia. Disruption of the
TTLL1
and
TTLL9
genes decreased the rates of cell multiplication and phagocytosis. Cells lacking both genes had fewer cortical microtubules and showed defects in the maturation of basal bodies. We conclude that glutamylation on α-tubulin is not essential but is required for efficiency of assembly and function of a subset of microtubule-based organelles. Furthermore, the spatial restriction of modifying enzymes appears to be a major mechanism that drives differential glutamylation at the subcellular level.
Microtubule Motor Protein Kar3 Is Required for Normal Mitotic Division and Morphogenesis in
Candida albicans
Authors: Sherwood Racquel Kim , Bennett Richard J.
Published: June 2008

The kinesin-related protein Kar3 is a minus end-directed molecular motor that plays a multifunctional role in microtubule-directed nuclear movement. Previously, it was shown that
Candida albicans
Kar3p is critical for nuclear fusion during mating as
kar3
mutants were defective in karyogamy. In this study, we confirm that Kar3p is required for nuclear congression in mating but that neither Kar3p nor the dynein motor protein Dyn1p is required for nuclear migration in the mating projection prior to cell fusion. In addition, we show that
C
.
albicans
Kar3p plays an important role in the cell and colony morphology of mitotically dividing cells, as evidenced by diminished filamentation of
kar3
cells on Spider medium and an increased tendency of mutant cells to form pseudohyphal cells in liquid culture. Loss of Kar3p also led to defects in nuclear division, causing cells to grow slowly and exhibit reduced viability compared to wild-type cells. Slow growth was due, at least in part, to delayed cell cycle progression, as cells lacking Kar3p accumulated in anaphase of the cell cycle. Consistent with a role in mitotic division, Kar3 protein was shown to localize to the spindle pole bodies. Finally,
kar3
cells exhibited unstable or aberrant mitotic spindles, a finding that accounts for the delay in cell cycle progression and decreased viability of these cells. We suggest that the altered morphology of
kar3
cells is a direct consequence of the delay in anaphase, and this leads to increased polarized growth and pseudohypha formation.