bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cost of privatisation versus government alcohol retailing systems: Canadian example
Authors: POPOVA SVETLANA , PATRA JAYADEEP , SARNOCINSKA‐HART ANNA , GNAM WILLIAM H. , GIESBRECHT NORMAN , REHM JÜRGEN
Published: January 2011

Introduction and Aims. Alcohol retail monopolies have been established in many countries to restrict alcohol availability and thus, minimise alcohol‐related harm. The aim of this study was to estimate the impact of the privatisation of alcohol sales on the burden and direct health‐care, law enforcement costs and indirect costs (lost productivity due to disability or premature mortality) in Canada.

Design and Methods. Simulation modelling. International Guidelines for the Estimation of the Avoidable Costs of Substance Abuse were used. All burden and costs were compared with the baseline taken from the aggregate Cost Study on Substance Abuse in Canada 2002.

Results. If all Canadian provinces and territories were to privatise alcohol sales we assume that consumption would increase from 10% to 20% based on available Canadian literature. Under the 10% scenario the costs would increase from 6% ($828 million) and under the 20% scenario costs would increase 12% ($1.6 billion). This increase is substantially greater than the tax and mark‐up revenue gained from increased sales, and represents a net loss.

Discussion and Conclusions. Alcohol‐attributable burden and associated costs will increase markedly if all Canadian provinces and territories gave up the government alcohol retailing systems. For public health and economic reasons, governments should continue to have a strong role in alcohol retailing. [Popova S, Patra J, Sarnocinska‐Hart A, Gnam WH, Giesbrecht N, Rehm J. Cost of privatisation versus government alcohol retailing systems: Canadian example. Drug Alcohol Rev 2012;31:4–12]
Individual Participation in Collective Action in the Context of a Caribbean Island State: Testing the Effects of Multiple Dimensions of Social Capital
Authors: Jicha Karl A. , Thompson Gretchen H. , Fulkerson Gregory M. , May Jonathan E.
Published: January 2011

Abstract

This article presents the findings of a case study examining the relationship between social capital and individual participation in collective action on a Caribbean island recovering from devastation inflicted by Hurricanes Ivan and Emily. Using data drawn from 114 residential surveys on the island of Carriacou, Grenada, over the summer of 2006, we empirically test social capital as a predictor of individual participation in both formal and informal civic events. In addition, we further the theoretical development of the concept of social capital by independently testing the relationships between its multiple dimensions, specifically social networks; interpersonal trust; and norms of reciprocity. We find that associational membership and age are the two strongest predictors, while interpersonal trust, gender, and marital status are also significant. Our path analysis reveals that there is not a significant direct effect between associational membership and interpersonal trust, suggesting that the two dimensions may have independent, yet complementary, influences. This study sheds light on factors influencing citizen participation in “civic” forms of collective action in a developing region of the world, while demonstrating the multidimensional nature of social capital.
Listening to Modernity: Creativity and Cultural Reproduction in American Postsecondary Jazz Education
Authors: Wilf Eitan
Published: January 2011

Keywords:
commentary, modernity, creativity, aurality, cultural reproduction, jazz music, music education
The Sound of Freedom: US Military Aircraft Noise in Okinawa, Japan
Authors: Cox Rupert
Published: January 2011

Keywords:
commentary, noise, aircraft, military, Okinawa, memory, soundscape
How Do Members Feel About Our Publications: Survey Report
Authors: Nichols Deborah , Jarvis Hugh , Orlove Ben , Schmid Oona
Published: January 2011

Keywords:
association business, AAA publications, CFPEP, AAA publication survey
Knowledge and Value in a Globalizing World: Disentangling Dichotomies, Querying Unities
Authors: Acciaili Greg , Harney Nicholas
Published: January 2011

Gustavo Lins Ribeiro and Setha Low are contributing editors of “World Anthropologies,” the AAA Committee on World Anthropologies column in Anthropology News.

Keywords:
association business, Committee on World Anthropologies
Public Policy Implications of the RACE: Are We So Different? Project
Authors: Moses Yolanda T
Published: January 2011

Pam Putenanny is contributing editor of “Views on Policy,” the AAA Committee on Public Policy column in Anthropology News.

Keywords:
views on policy, RACE, Texas child protective services, RACE Project, training program
Evaluation of Maxillary Sinus Dimensions in Gender Determination Using Helical CT Scanning
Authors: Uthman Asmaa T. , Al‐Rawi Natheer H. , Al‐Naaimi Ahmed S. , Al‐Timimi Jalal F.
Published: January 2011

Abstract:  Gender determination is an important step in identification in forensic medicine. CT measurements of maxillary sinuses may be useful to support gender identification. This study was undertaken to study the accuracy and reliability of maxillary sinus dimensions measurement in gender classification through the use of reconstructed helical CT images. Eighty‐eight patients (43 men and 45 women) with age range from 20 to 49 years were selected in this study. The width, length, and height of the maxillary sinuses in addition to the total distance across both sinuses were measured. Data were subjected to discriminant analysis for gender using multiple regression analysis. Maxillary sinus height was the best discriminant parameter that could be used to study sexual dimorphism with an overall accuracy of 71.6%. Using multivariate analysis, 74.4% of male sinuses and 73.3% of female sinuses were sexed correctly. The overall percentage for sexing maxillary sinuses correctly was 73.9%. It can be concluded that reconstructed CT image can provide valuable measurements for maxillary sinuses and could be used for sexing when other methods of sexing are not conclusive.
Comparison of Glass Fragments Using Particle‐Induced X‐Ray Emission (PIXE) Spectrometry*,†
Authors: DeYoung Paul A. , Hall Christopher C. , Mears Patrick J. , Padilla Derek J. , Sampson Richard , Peaslee Graham F.
Published: January 2011

Abstract:  A procedure has been developed to analyze the trace element concentrations in glass fragments using particle‐induced X‐ray emission (PIXE) spectrometry. This method involves using accelerated protons to excite inner‐shell electronic transitions of target atoms and recording the resultant X‐rays to characterize the trace element concentrations. The protocol was able to identify those glass fragments that originated from different sources based on their elemental analyses. The protocol includes specific approaches to calculating uncertainties and handling measurements below the level of detection. The results indicate that this approach has increased sensitivity for several elements with higher atomic number compared with X‐ray fluorescence methods. While not as sensitive as laser‐ablation or inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry methods of dissolved samples, it is entirely nondestructive and entails a much simpler sample preparation process that may be used to presort glass fragments for more comprehensive elemental analysis. As such, the technique described may have a niche role in forensic glass analysis.
Skin pattern analysis for lesion classification using local isotropy
Authors: She Zhishun , Excell Peter S.
Published: January 2011

Background/purpose: The observation that skin pattern tends to be disrupted by malignant skin lesions, but not by benign ones suggests that measurements of skin pattern disruption on simply captured white light optical clinical (WLC) skin images could be a useful contribution to a diagnostic feature set. Previous work, which generated a flow field of skin pattern using a measurement of local line direction and intensity, was encouraging. The aim of this paper is to investigate the possibility of extracting new features using local isotropy metrics to quantify the skin pattern disruption.

Methods: The skin pattern was extracted from WLC skin images by high‐pass filtering. A local tensor matrix was computed. The local isotropy was measured by the condition number of the local tensor matrix. The difference of this measure over the lesion and normal skin areas, combined with the local line direction and the ABCD features, was used as a lesion classifier.

Results: A set of images of malignant melanoma and benign naevi was analysed. A one‐dimensional scatter plot showed the potential of a local isotropy metric, showing an area of 0.70 under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. A two‐dimensional scatter plot, combined with the local line direction, indicated enhancement of the classification performance, showing an area of 0.89 under the ROC curve. A three‐dimensional scatter plot combined with the local line direction and the ABCD features, using principal component analysis, demonstrated excellent separation of benign and malignant lesions. An ROC plot for this case enclosed an area of 0.96.

Conclusion: The experimental results show that the local isotropy metric has a potential to increase lesion classifier accuracy. Combined with the local line direction and the ABCD features, it is very promising as a method to distinguish malignant melanoma from benign lesions.
Luminal Interaction of Phogrin with Carboxypeptidase E for Effective Targeting to Secretory Granules
Authors: Saito Naoya , Takeuchi Toshiyuki , Kawano Ayumi , Hosaka Masahiro , Hou Ni , Torii Seiji
Published: January 2011

Phogrin, a receptor tyrosine phosphatase‐like protein, is localized to dense‐core secretory granules (SGs) in various neuroendocrine cells. A previous report showed that the N‐terminal luminal domain mediates targeting of this protein to SGs in AtT‐20 cells. Here, we show that the luminal domain specifically interacts with carboxypeptidase E (CPE), one of the key proteins involved in peptide hormone sorting, in a weakly acidic condition. The luminal domain consists of pro‐sequence domain (pro) and subsequent N‐side mature domain and the pro domain was preferentially required for phogrin interaction with CPE and for its targeting to SGs. Small interfering RNA‐directed reduction of the CPE protein level resulted in an improper accumulation of phogrin at the trans‐Golgi network in AtT‐20 cells. This finding indicates that CPE is involved in the sorting process of phogrin to SGs. However, SG localization of CPE was hindered by overexpression of the phogrin mutants that lack the transport motif of binding to clathrin adaptor complexes. Phogrin‐depleted AtT‐20 cells also exhibited reduced CPE targeting and increased CPE degradation. Our results suggest that the luminal interaction between phogrin and CPE contributes to their targeting to SGs in a cooperative manner in neuroendocrine cells.
Ultrasonic Characterization of Lactose Crystallization in Gelatin Gels
Authors: Yucel Umut , Coupland John N.
Published: January 2011

Abstract:  Ultrasonic velocity and attenuation measurements (2.25 MHz center frequency) were used to follow bulk crystallization of lactose (43% and 46%) from gelatin (1.5% and 3%) gels at 25 °C, and compared to turbidity (500 nm) and isothermal calorimetric measurements. Ultrasonic velocity decreased slightly (approximately 0.5%) during crystallization while ultrasonic attenuation was low in the absence of lactose crystals and increased progressively during crystallization. The lag time before the onset of crystallization decreased and the maximum rate of increase in attenuation during crystallization increased with increasing lactose supersaturation but was not affected by gelatin concentration (P < 0.05). Similar results were seen in turbidity and isothermal calorimetric measurements. Ultrasonic attenuation measurements have the potential to measure crystallization kinetics in complex food matrices and to be applied on‐line.

Practical Application:  Many foods contain crystals that affect their taste and texture (for example, lactose crystals can give a grainy defect in ice cream). The formation of crystals is often hard to predict so methods to measure the development of crystals inside real foods are useful. In this study, we show that as lactose crystallizes in a gelatin gel the ultrasonic attenuation—capacity to absorb sound—increases and can be related to the amount of crystals present. Ultrasound is easier to apply in real food processing than the existing methodologies.
Rested and Stressed Farmed Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua) Chilled in Ice or Slurry and Effects on Quality
Authors: Digre Hanne , Erikson Ulf , Aursand Ida G. , Gallart‐Jornet Lorena , Misimi Ekrem , Rustad Turid
Published: January 2011

Abstract:  The main objectives of this study were to investigate (1) whether rested harvest of farmed cod was better maintained by chilling with slurry rather than by traditional ice storage, (2) whether chilling with slurry would be a feasible chilling method to assure low core temperatures (≤0 °C) at packing of gutted fish, and (3) the effects of superchilling compared with traditional ice on selected quality parameters of cod during storage. In the experiment, seawater slurry at −2.0 ± 0.3 °C was used. Anesthetized (AQUI‐S™), percussion stunned, and stressed cod chilled in slurry were compared. Cod stored on ice were used as reference group. The fish were evaluated at the day of slaughter, and after 7 and 14 d of storage according to handling stress (initial muscle pH, muscle twitches, rigor mortis), core temperatures, quality index method, microbial counts, weight changes, salt and water content, water distribution, pH, adenosine triphosphate‐degradation products, K‐value, water‐holding capacity, fillet color, and texture. Chilling cod in slurry was more rapid than chilling in ice. Prechilling (1 d) of cod in slurry before subsequent ice storage resulted in lower quality 7 d postmortem compared with both ice and continuous slurry storage. The potential advantages of superchilling became more prominent after 14 d with lower microbiological activity, better maintenance of freshness (lower total quality index scores and lower K‐values) compared with fish stored on ice. A drawback with slurry‐stored fish was that cloudy eyes developed earlier, in addition to weight gain and salt uptake compared to ice‐stored fish.

Practical Application:  Chilling is an essential operation in any fish‐processing plant. This manuscript addresses different applications of slurry ice in the processing and storage of Atlantic cod. Cod quality was assessed after 7 and 14 d of iced and superchilled storage.
Troubled youth: an island of misery in an ocean of happiness, or the tip of an iceberg of suffering?
Authors: Eckersley Richard
Published: January 2011

Aim: To critically examine the orthodox view that young people's health and wellbeing are continuing to improve in line with historic trends.

Methods: Transdisciplinary synthesis is used to analyse and integrate a wide range of evidence on young people's health and wellbeing. Synthesis seeks coherence in the overall conceptual picture rather than precision in the empirical detail.

Results: The orthodox view rests mainly on declining mortality among teenagers and young adults, and findings that most say they are healthy, happy and satisfied with life. With health improving for most, the focus of attention is on social inequalities in health. However, mortality rates understate the growing importance of non‐fatal, chronic health problems, especially mental illness; self‐reported health and happiness are flawed indicators of overall well being. Evidence suggests that rates of mental illness in young people have increased over time, and are higher than in older age groups. Explanatory factors include quite fundamental features of modern societies, which go beyond inequality and disadvantage; trends in these factors predict a deterioration in health and wellbeing.

Conclusion: Contrary to the dominant view that young people have never been healthier, their health and wellbeing may have declined over several generations. Which perspective is right has important implications for understanding and addressing youth mental health problems, implications that go well beyond medical interventions.
Forming and sustaining partnerships to provide integrated services for young people: an overview based on the headspace Geelong experience
Authors: Callaly Tom , von Treuer Kathryn , van Hamond Toni , Windle Kelly
Published: January 2011

Aim: To discuss critical considerations in the formation and maintenance of agency partnerships designed to provide integrated care for young people.

Methods: Two years after its establishment, an evaluation of the headspace Barwon collaboration and a review of the health‐care and management literature on agency collaboration were conducted. The principal findings together with the authors' experience working at establishing and maintaining the partnership are used to discuss critical issues in forming and maintaining inter‐agency partnerships.

Results: Structural and process considerations are necessary but not sufficient for the successful formation and maintenance of inter‐agency partnerships and integrated care provision. Specifically, organizational culture change and staff engagement is a significant challenge and planning for this is essential and often neglected.

Conclusions: Although agreeing on common goals and objectives is an essential first step in forming partnerships designed to provide integrated care, goodwill is not enough, and the literature consistently shows that most collaborations fail to meet their objectives. Principles and lessons of organizational behaviour and management practices in the business sector can contribute a great deal to partnership planning.
The use of e‐health applications for anxiety and depression in young people: challenges and solutions
Authors: Christensen Helen , Reynolds Julia , Griffiths Kathleen M.
Published: January 2011

Aim: E‐health applications are effective. However, challenges to their uptake amongst youth need to be investigated. This paper aims to explore the barriers to the use of these programs by young people and the methods by which these barriers might be overcome.

Methods: Qualitative review of research literature.

Results: Barriers to the use of these programs included the difficulty in engaging young people in their use, perceptions that the programs have low adherence, and clinician concerns about their value, effectivenessand safety. Evidence to date suggests that more research is needed to understand the reasons more young people do not engage with them. However, adherence rates are reasonable when properly benchmarked and the applications can be appropriately implemented in clinical and educational settings.

Conclusions: Optimal methods for implementing these applications will require further targeted research.
Diversity, transmission and persistence of Escherichia coli in a cohort of mothers and their infants
Authors: de Muinck Eric J. , Øien Torbjørn , Storrø Ola , Johnsen Roar , Stenseth Nils Christian , Rønningen Kjersti S. , Rudi Knut
Published: January 2011

Despite that Escherichia coli is one of the most important bacteria in early infant colonization and immune modulation, we have limited knowledge about diversity, transmission and persistence within human populations for this bacterium. Here we have utilized a novel, growth‐independent, direct typing approach to describe E. coli mother‐to‐child transmission and persistence within infants in a well‐defined cohort of 86 mothers and their infants in Norway. Seven gene multilocus sequence typing of 28 study isolates, three probiotic strains, eight Norwegian pathogenic isolates and the ECOR strain collection added a phylogenetic framework to the direct sequencing data. We found that a type B2 subpopulation of the maternal E. coli strains was the main group transmitted to the infants and that the proportion of children carrying their mothers' strain decreased as the children age. Using species richness estimates we also found a limited number of strains within the cohort compared with total E. coli diversity, constraints on infant colonization, and that infant strain diversity levels increased towards maternal diversity levels over time. This knowledge about inheritance and diversity forms a foundation for future understanding of E. coli in human health and disease.
Gender differences in children's problem behaviours in competitive play with friends
Authors: Ensor Rosie , Hart Martha , Jacobs Lorna , Hughes Claire
Published: January 2011

Disruptive behaviour disorders are much more common in boys than girls (Office of National Statistics, 1999); in contrast, gender differences in normative problem behaviours are poorly understood. To address this issue, 228 6‐year‐olds (134 boys, 94 girls) were each observed playing a board game with a same‐gender friend. Ratings of aggression, disruption, arousal and negativity were used to index problem behaviours. Multiple‐groups confirmatory factor analyses demonstrated that the latent factor had the same metric for boys and girls, but a mean that was approximately half a standard deviation higher for boys than girls. In addition, the association between the latent factor and teachers’ ratings of total difficulties was significantly stronger for boys than girls.
Riemannian median and its estimation
Authors: Yang Le
Published: January 2011

In this paper, we define the geometric median for a probability measure on a Riemannian manifold, give its characterization and a natural condition to ensure its uniqueness. In order to compute the geometric median in practical cases, we also propose a subgradient algorithm and prove its convergence as well as estimating the error of approximation and the rate of convergence. The convergence property of this subgradient algorithm, which is a generalization of the classical Weiszfeld algorithm in Euclidean spaces to the context of Riemannian manifolds, also improves a recent result of P. T. Fletcher et al. [NeuroImage 45 (2009) S143–S152].
Residence Time Influence on the Fast Pyrolysis of Loblolly Pine Biomass
Authors: Mayor J. Rhett , Williams Alexander
Published: January 2011

Bio-oils were produced within a fast pyrolysis microreactor at 400°C from Pinus taeda (Loblolly pine) with varying residence times. This study has considered six residence times, evaluating the products of the reaction between 10 s and 120 s. The collected bio-oils and solids were analyzed for their calorific values and yields. Heating rates greater than 100°C/s were achieved, allowing for isothermal conditions throughout the majority of the reaction despite short residence times. The predictive capabilities of thermogravimetric analysis derived Arrhenius coefficients are evaluated and a new two component degradation model is empirically derived, showing a much improved representation of the fast pyrolysis process.
Forward Displacement Analysis of a Linearly Actuated Quadratic Spherical Parallel Manipulator
Authors: Kong Xianwen , Gosselin Clément , Ritchie James M.
Published: January 2011

A quadratic parallel manipulator refers to a parallel manipulator with a quadratic characteristic polynomial. This paper revisits the forward displacement analysis (FDA) of a linearly actuated quadratic spherical parallel manipulator. An alternative formulation of the kinematic equations of the quadratic spherical parallel manipulator is proposed. The singularity analysis of the quadratic spherical parallel manipulator is then dealt with. A new type of singularity of parallel manipulators—leg actuation singularity—is identified. If a leg is in a leg actuation singular configuration, the actuated joints in this leg cannot be actuated even if the actuated joints in other legs are released. A formula is revealed that produces a unique current solution to the FDA for a given set of inputs. The input space is also revealed for the quadratic spherical parallel manipulator in order to guarantee that the robot works in the same assembly mode. This work may facilitate the control of the quadratic spherical parallel manipulator.
Effect of Biodiesel-Ethanol Blended Fuel Spray Characteristics on the Reduction of Exhaust Emissions in a Common-Rail Diesel Engine
Authors: Yoon Seung Hyun , Park Su Han , Suh Hyun Kyu , Lee Chang Sik
Published: January 2011

An experimental investigation was performed to analyze the effects of biodiesel-ethanol blended fuel spray on the combustion, and exhaust emission characteristics in a single cylinder common-rail diesel engine. In order to analyze the macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of biodiesel blended fuel spray, parameters, such as injection rate, droplet diameter, and spray tip penetration, were measured using an injection rate meter system, spray visualization, and droplet measuring system. Also, measurements of combustion, exhaust emissions, and size distributions of particulate matter were carried out under various engine operating conditions for biodiesel-ethanol blends and the results were compared with those of conventional diesel fuel. In this investigation, the measured results of biodiesel-ethanol blended fuel show that the Sauter mean diameter decreased with the increase of relative velocity between the injected fuel and the ambient gas. Comparing the combustion characteristics of diesel fuel and biodiesel-ethanol blended fuels, both diesel and blended fuel show similar trends of combustion pressure and rate of heat release. However, the combustion of biodiesel-ethanol blends indicated lower combustion characteristics, such as combustion pressures and heat release rates, than those of diesel fuel because of its lower heating value. In the case of exhaust gas recirculation, the indicated specific NOx(ISNOx) and soot concentration results showed lower emissions compared with those of conventional diesel fuel.
Exhaust Emissions and Electric Energy Generation in a Stationary Engine Using Blends of Diesel and a Fuel Obtained Through the Low Temperature Conversion Process Applied to Petrochemical Residue
Authors: Pereira Roberto G. , de Abreu Fernando L. B. , Fernandes Daniel L. T. , Romeiro Gilberto A. , de Andrade Ednilton T.
Published: January 2011

The present work describes an experimental investigation concerning the exhaust emissions and the electric energy generation using blends of diesel and an alternative fuel obtained through the low temperature conversion process applied to petrochemical residue. The alternative fuel (low temperature conversion fuel (LTCF)) was obtained in a pilot unit. The exhaust emissions (CO, CO2, O2, NO, NOx, and SO2) were also studied. The results show that the use of diesel-LTCF blends in a stationary engine is an alternative for the use of petrochemical residues. The mixture of 10 vol % of LTCF and 90 vol % of diesel is the best one concerning the exhaust emissions.
Characterization of thickness variations of thin dielectric layers at the nanoscale using scanning capacitance microscopy
Authors: Yanev V. , Rommel M. , Bauer A. J. , Frey L.
Published: January 2011

In this work, the applicability of scanning capacitance microscopy (SCM) for film thickness characterization and its sensitivity to the surface roughness on nanoscale were examined experimentally. SiO2 layers with different film thicknesses (between 5 and 19 nm) were analyzed by conventional capacitance-voltage (C-V) measurements and using SCM in the scanning capacitance spectroscopy (SCS) mode. The influence of the film thickness on the SCM signal was studied in detail by comparison of modeled data with experimental data. The dC/dV-V characteristics measured by SCS at the nanoscale could be correlated with derivatives of conventionally measured C-V curves as well as simulated C-V characteristics for the different film thicknesses. Quantitatively comparing their peak areas, it was found that the dC/dV signal of SCS correlates with the change in the insulator thickness. The sensitivity of SCM for the detection of local variations of dielectric-layer thicknesses at the nanoscale was demonstrated by SCM mapping of crystalline high-k layers, where spatial differences of the SCM signal could be directly correlated with changes in the topography caused by film thickness variations.
Surely You're Joking, Mr. Brenner
Sydney Brenner
A Biography

by Errol C. Friedberg

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, 2010. 379 pp. $39. ISBN 9780879699475.
Authors: Plasterk Ronald H. A.
Published: January 2011

This first biography of Brenner draws on its subject's personal recollections as well as correspondence and interviews with his friends and colleagues.
ESF Moves Toward Rebirth, But Change Worries Some
Authors: Clery Daniel
Published: January 2011

After 37 years of funding researchers, organizing collaborations, and convening meetings across the continent, the European Science Foundation is expected to transform into a lobbying and strategy organization this year.
Single-Cell Tech Primer
Authors: Leslie Mitch
Published: January 2011

Microfluidics, gene expression, flow cytometry, and mass spectrometry are enabling researchers to delve into individual cells.
LIFE SCIENCE TECHNOLOGIES: Glycoproteomics: The Sweet Smell Of We're-Getting-There
Authors: Perkel Jeffrey M.
Published: January 2011

Quick: What's the most abundant posttranslational modification on eukaryotic proteins? It's not phosphorylation. Some 50 percent of eukaryotic proteins, and not just those on the cell surface, are dusted with sugars like some molecular pastry. Those glycan modifications mediate inter-molecular and intercellular binding events from fertility to immunity. Yet for years, researchers in the sugar and protein communities have operated independently of one another, cataloging sugars free of protein, or proteins free of sugar, and ne'er the twain shall meet. Today, though, the two communities are bridging their technical divide. "We are in a transition now," says James Paulson, principal investigator of the Consortium for Functional Glycomics. Glycoproteomics, he says, "is becoming mainstream."
Cellodextrin Utilization by
Bifidobacterium breve
UCC2003
Authors: Pokusaeva Karina , O'Connell-Motherway Mary , Zomer Aldert , MacSharry John , Fitzgerald Gerald F. , van Sinderen Douwe
Published: January 2011

Cellodextrins, the incomplete hydrolysis products from insoluble cellulose, are accessible as a carbon source to certain members of the human gut microbiota, such as
Bifidobacterium breve
UCC2003. Transcription of the
cldEFGC
gene cluster of
B. breve
UCC2003 was shown to be induced upon growth on cellodextrins, implicating this cluster in the metabolism of these sugars. Phenotypic analysis of a
B. breve
UCC2003::
cldE
insertion mutant confirmed that the
cld
gene cluster is exclusively required for cellodextrin utilization by this commensal. Moreover, our results suggest that transcription of the
cld
cluster is controlled by a LacI-type regulator encoded by
cldR
, located immediately upstream of
cldE
. Gel mobility shift assays using purified CldR
His
(produced by the incorporation of a His
12
-encoding sequence into the 3′ end of the
cldC
gene) indicate that the
cldEFGC
promoter is subject to negative control by CldR
His
, which binds to two inverted repeats. Analysis by high-performance anion-exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection (HPAEC-PAD) of medium samples obtained during growth of
B. breve
UCC2003 on a mixture of cellodextrins revealed its ability to utilize cellobiose, cellotriose, cellotetraose, and cellopentaose, with cellotriose apparently representing the preferred substrate. The
cldC
gene of the
cld
operon of
B. breve
UCC2003 is, to the best of our knowledge, the first described bifidobacterial β-glucosidase exhibiting hydrolytic activity toward various cellodextrins.
The Multifactorial Basis for Plant Health Promotion by Plant-Associated Bacteria
Authors: Kim Young Cheol , Leveau Johan , McSpadden Gardener Brian B. , Pierson Elizabeth A. , Pierson Leland S. , Ryu Choong-Min
Published: January 2011

On plants, microbial populations interact with each other and their host through the actions of secreted metabolites. However, the combined action of diverse organisms and their different metabolites on plant health has yet to be fully appreciated. Here, the multifactorial nature of these interactions, at the organismal and molecular level, leading to the biological control of plant diseases is reviewed. To do so, we describe in detail the ecological significance of three different classes of secondary metabolites and discuss how they might contribute to biological control. Specifically, the roles of auxin, acetoin, and phenazines are considered, because they represent very different but important types of secondary metabolites. We also describe how studies of the global regulation of bacterial secondary metabolism have led to the discovery of new genes and phenotypes related to plant health promotion. In conclusion, we describe three avenues for future research that will help to integrate these complex and diverse observations into a more coherent synthesis of bacterially mediated biocontrol of plant diseases.
Detection, Isolation, and Characterization of
Helicobacter
Species from the Gastrointestinal Tract of the Brushtail Possum
Authors: Coldham Thosaporn , Rose Kerrie , O'rourke Jani , Neilan Brett A. , Dalton Helen , Lee Adrian , Mitchell Hazel
Published: January 2011

The presence of
Helicobacter
species in Australian marsupials was examined systematically using microscopy, culture, and PCR in different regions of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and in the liver of brushtail possums (BTPs) (
Trichosurus vulpecula
), a common Australian marsupial that feeds on eucalyptus leaves. The spatial distribution of
Helicobacter
species in the GIT sections also was examined microscopically in silver-stained sections and by fluorescent
in situ
hybridization (FISH) using a
Helicobacter
genus-specific probe.
Helicobacter
species were found colonizing the lower bowel of all BTPs studied. Good agreement was observed between the detection of
Helicobacter
species using culture and PCR, which was supported by the microscopic examination of silver-stained sections and FISH. The lower bowel of BTPs were colonized by one to three morphologically different (a comma-shaped species with no apparent flagella, a fusiform-shaped species entwined with periplasmic fibers and a bipolar sheathed flagella, and an S-shaped species with bipolar sheathed flagella) and potentially novel
Helicobacter
species, as well as in one case with a potentially novel
Campylobacter
species, which was a tightly coiled rod with bipolar unsheathed flagella. The isolation and characterization of these
Helicobacter
species in BTPs provides important information regarding the specific natural niche of these bacteria and their corelationship within their host, and it increases our understanding of the ecology of
Helicobacter
species.
Recovery ofBacillusSpore Contaminants from Rough Surfaces: a Challenge to Space Mission Cleanliness Control
Authors: Probst Alexander , Facius Rainer , Wirth Reinhard , Wolf Marco , Moissl-Eichinger Christine
Published: January 2011

Microbial contaminants on spacecraft can threaten the scientific integrity of space missions due to probable interference with life detection experiments. Therefore, space agencies measure the cultivable spore load (“bioburden”) of a spacecraft. A recent study has reported an insufficient recovery ofBacillus atrophaeusspores from Vectran fabric, a typical spacecraft airbag material (A. Probst, R. Facius, R. Wirth, and C. Moissl-Eichinger, Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 76:5148-5158, 2010). Here, 10 different sampling methods were compared forB. atrophaeusspore recovery from this rough textile, revealing significantly different efficiencies (0.5 to 15.4%). The most efficient method, based on the wipe-rinse technique (foam-spatula protocol; 13.2% efficiency), was then compared to the current European Space Agency (ESA) standard wipe assay in sampling four different kinds of spacecraft-related surfaces. Results indicate that the novel protocol out-performed the standard method with an average efficiency of 41.1% compared to 13.9% for the standard method. Additional experiments were performed by sampling Vectran fabric seeded with seven different spore concentrations and five differentBacillusspecies (B. atrophaeus,B. anthracisSterne,B. megaterium,B. thuringiensis, andB. safensis). Among these,B. atrophaeusspores were recovered with the highest (13.2%) efficiency andB. anthracisSterne spores were recovered with the lowest (0.3%) efficiency. Different inoculation methods of seeding spores on test surfaces (spotting and aerosolization) resulted in different spore recovery efficiencies. The results of this study provide a step forward in understanding the spore distribution on and recovery from rough surfaces. The results presented will contribute relevant knowledge to the fields of astrobiology andB. anthracisresearch.
Catalytic Properties and Classification of Cellobiose Dehydrogenases from Ascomycetes
Authors: Harreither Wolfgang , Sygmund Christoph , Augustin Manfred , Narciso Melanie , Rabinovich Mikhail L. , Gorton Lo , Haltrich Dietmar , Ludwig Roland
Published: January 2011

Putative cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH) genes are frequently discovered in various fungi by genome sequencing projects. The expression of CDH, an extracellular flavocytochrome, is well studied in white rot basidiomycetes and is attributed to extracellular lignocellulose degradation. CDH has also been reported for plant-pathogenic or saprotrophic ascomycetes, but the molecular and catalytic properties of these enzymes are currently less investigated. This study links various ascomycetous
cdh
genes with the molecular and catalytic characteristics of the mature proteins and suggests a differentiation of ascomycete class II CDHs into two subclasses, namely, class IIA and class IIB, in addition to the recently introduced class III of hypothetical ascomycete CDHs. This new classification is based on sequence and biochemical data obtained from sequenced fungal genomes and a screening of 40 ascomycetes. Thirteen strains showed CDH activity when they were grown on cellulose-based media, and
Chaetomium atrobrunneum
,
Corynascus thermophilus
,
Dichomera saubinetii
,
Hypoxylon haematostroma
,
Neurospora crass
a
, and
Stachybotrys bisbyi
were selected for detailed studies. In these strains, one or two
cdh
-encoding genes were found that stem either from class IIA and contain a C-terminal carbohydrate-binding module or from class IIB without such a module. In several strains, both genes were found. Regarding substrate specificity, class IIB CDHs show a less pronounced substrate specificity for cellobiose than class IIA enzymes. A pH-dependent pattern of the intramolecular electron transfer was also observed, and the CDHs were classified into three groups featuring acidic, intermediate, or alkaline pH optima. The pH optimum, however, does not correlate with the CDH subclasses and is most likely a species-dependent adaptation to different habitats.
Effect of Desiccation on Tolerance ofSalmonella entericato Multiple Stresses
Authors: Gruzdev Nadia , Pinto Riky , Sela Shlomo
Published: January 2011

Reducing the available water in food is a long-established method for controlling bacterial growth in the food industry. Nevertheless, food-borne outbreaks of salmonellosis due to consumption of dry foods have been continuously reported. Previous studies showed that driedSalmonellacells acquire high tolerance to heat and ethanol. In order to examine if dehydration also induces tolerance to other stressors, driedSalmonella entericaserotype Typhimurium cells were exposed to multiple stresses, and their viability was assessed. Indeed, desiccatedS. Typhimurium acquired higher tolerance to multiple stressors than nondesiccated cells. The dried cells were significantly more resistant to most stressors, including ethanol (10 to 30%, 5 min), sodium hypochlorite (10 to 100 ppm, 10 min), didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (0.05 to 0.25%, 5 min), hydrogen peroxide (0.5 to 2.0%, 30 min), NaCl (0.1 to 1 M, 2 h), bile salts (1 to 10%, 2 h), dry heat (100°C, 1 h), and UV irradiation (125 μW/cm2, 25 min). In contrast, exposure ofSalmonellato acetic and citric acids reduced the survival of the dried cells (1.5 log) compared to that of nondesiccated cells (0.5 log). Three otherS. entericaserotypes,S. Enteritidis,S. Newport, andS. Infantis, had similar stress responses asS. Typhimurium, whileS. Hadar was much more susceptible and gained tolerance to only a few stressors. Our findings indicate that dehydration induces cross-tolerance to multiple stresses inS. enterica, demonstrating the limitations of current chemical and physical treatments utilized by the food industry to inactivate food-borne pathogens.
Lambda Red-Mediated Genetic Modification of the Insect Endosymbiont
Sodalis glossinidius
Authors: Pontes Mauricio H. , Dale Colin
Published: January 2011

In the current study, we adapted and optimized the lambda Red recombineering strategy to genetically manipulate the fastidious insect endosymbiont
Sodalis glossinidius
. This work greatly facilitates the application of genetics to the study of insect symbionts and should also prove useful in the context of long-awaited paratransgenic insect control strategies.
Influence of the Host Contact Sequence on the Outcome of Competition among
Aspergillus flavus
Isolates during Host Tissue Invasion
Authors: Mehl H. L. , Cotty P. J.
Published: January 2011

Biological control of aflatoxin contamination by
Aspergillus flavus
is achieved through competitive exclusion of aflatoxin producers by atoxigenic strains. Factors dictating the extent to which competitive displacement occurs during host infection are unknown. The role of initial host contact in competition between pairs of
A. flavus
isolates coinfecting maize kernels was examined. Isolate success during tissue invasion and reproduction was assessed by quantification of isolate-specific single nucleotide polymorphisms using pyrosequencing. Isolates were inoculated either simultaneously or 1 h apart. Increased success during competition was conferred to the first isolate to contact the host independent of that isolate's innate competitive ability. The first-isolate advantage decreased with the conidial concentration, suggesting capture of limited resources on kernel surfaces contributes to competitive exclusion. Attempts to modify access to putative attachment sites by either coating kernels with dead conidia or washing kernels with solvents did not influence the success of the first isolate, suggesting competition for limited attachment sites on kernel surfaces does not mediate first-isolate advantage. The current study is the first to demonstrate an immediate competitive advantage conferred to
A. flavus
isolates upon host contact and prior to either germ tube emergence or host colonization. This suggests the timing of host contact is as important to competition during disease cycles as innate competitive ability. Early dispersal to susceptible crop components may allow maintenance within
A. flavus
populations of genetic types with low competitive ability during host tissue invasion.
Transcriptome Analysis of an Antibiotic Downregulator Mutant and Synergistic Actinorhodin Stimulation via Disruption of a Precursor Flux Regulator in
Streptomyces coelicolor
Authors: Kim Seon-Hye , Lee Han-Na , Kim Hye-Jin , Kim Eung-Soo
Published: January 2011

Through microarray analysis of an antibiotic-downregulator-deleted
Streptomyces coelicolor
Δ
wblA
ΔSCO1712 mutant, 28
wblA
- and SCO1712-dependent genes were identified and characterized. Among 14
wblA
- and SCO1712-independent genes, a carbon flux regulating 6-phosphofructokinase SCO5426 was additionally disrupted in the Δ
wblA
ΔSCO1712 mutant and further stimulated actinorhodin production in
S. coelicolor
, implying that both regulatory and precursor flux pathways could be synergistically optimized for antibiotic production.
ArcobacterPopulation Dynamics in Pigs on Farrow-to-Finish Farms
Authors: De Smet Sarah , De Zutter Lieven , Debruyne Lies , Vangroenweghe Frédéric , Vandamme Peter , Houf Kurt
Published: January 2011

Healthy pigs are an important reservoir for the emerging human pathogenArcobacterwhich can result in contamination of porcine carcasses and pork and the spread of arcobacters into the environment. Up to now, the excretion of arcobacters by pigs has been studied, but information about the transmission routes in fattening pigs is lacking. The present study aimed to elucidate theArcobacterpopulation dynamics in pigs during the fattening period on four farrow-to-finish farms. On each farm, 30 clinically healthy, 12-week-old piglets were selected. Fecal samples were collected on 10 sampling occasions until a slaughter age of 30 weeks was reached.Arcobacterspp. were isolated by a selective method and identified by multiplex PCR. The genetic diversity was examined by amplified fragment length polymorphism and enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus PCR. TheArcobacterpresence in the fecal samples on the four farms ranged from 11.3 to 50.0%, with excretion levels of up to 104CFU/g feces. The ratio in whichArcobacterspecies were isolated varied between the farms and over time. Characterization revealed a high degree of genotypic diversity among the isolates.Arcobacterstrains persisted and spread within the finishing unit during the fattening period. The occurrence of both unique and shared genotypes in pigs in adjacent and nonadjacent pens demonstrates that transmission routes other than fecal-oral transmission occur.
Thermodynamics of Microbial Growth Coupled to Metabolism of Glucose, Ethanol, Short-Chain Organic Acids, and Hydrogen
Authors: Roden Eric E. , Jin Qusheng
Published: January 2011

A literature compilation demonstrated a linear relationship between microbial growth yield and the free energy of aerobic and anaerobic (respiratory and/or fermentative) metabolism of glucose, ethanol, formate, acetate, lactate, propionate, butyrate, and H
2
. This relationship provides a means to estimate growth yields for modeling microbial redox metabolism in soil and sedimentary environments.
Ecological Aspects of the Distribution of Different Autotrophic CO
2
Fixation Pathways
Authors: Berg Ivan A.
Published: January 2011

Autotrophic CO
2
fixation represents the most important biosynthetic process in biology. Besides the well-known Calvin-Benson cycle, five other totally different autotrophic mechanisms are known today. This minireview discusses the factors determining their distribution. As will be made clear, the observed diversity reflects the variety of the organisms and the ecological niches existing in nature.