bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Start‐up and growth constraints on small‐scale trading in Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Serazul
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to ascertain the reasons for starting the new small business by the people and also to find out the difficulties they experienced at the time of and after starting their business at Pabna and Gazipur – two districts of Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

To attain the objectives, both primary and secondary data have been used. To collect the primary data, an interview schedule has been used to interview the selected 250 small entrepreneurs. For secondary sources, the journal, article, web site, textbooks, etc. have been consulted.

Findings

The paper reveals that money earning for family, self‐employment, relief from the curse of unemployment, family business tradition, previous experience of the similar or different line of business, lack of higher formal education, etc. are the broad general reasons for start‐up of new business. Shortage of fixed and working capital, lack of training and business skill, lack of collateral free institutional support, lack of experienced and reliable employees, etc. are the common factors that inhibit the entrepreneurs to start and run their business smoothly.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is limited to two districts and trading enterprises only. Owing to time and resource constraints and non‐availability of official records of the number of small‐scale traders, statistically representative sampling cannot be chosen. In order to capture a large sample size, almost all trading concerns of Pabna and Gazipur will have to be visited, which is almost impossible. However, some of the limitations are overcome by synthesizing information from a number of sources. The present paper provides a starting‐point for further research in the small‐scale trading of suburban areas of other districts.

Originality/value

The paper provides useful information about the starting of new small businesses and initial difficulties.
The transformation from entrepreneurship to technology entrepreneurship development in Malaysia
Authors: Abdullah Syahida
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss Malaysia's industrial development since achieving its independence in 1957 to 2007. The industrial development in Malaysia has gradually shifted from mere trading type of activities to technology based entrepreneurial activities.

Design/methodology/approach

The transformation of Malaysia's industrial development from entrepreneurship to technology entrepreneurship is studied by applying the World Bank framework introduced by Bessantet al.The improvised framework has eight key dimensions that are developed as the key activities of technology entrepreneurship to assess the presence of technology entrepreneurship activity during the study period.

Findings

The initiation of the government's heavy industrialization drive in the 1980s had given rise to the growth of the manufacturing sector, and consequently, the implementation of public policies and government programmes in the 1990s have led to the shift of the economy from labor intensive manufacturing to high technology with higher value added activities. The findings thus indicate that the government's effort and support through the implementation of different policies and various state‐led programmes have basically driven Malaysia's entrepreneurial activities to be technology oriented.

Research limitations/implications

As for the limitation, it is represented by the difficulties in identifying the key technology entrepreneurship activities and using them to analyze the entrepreneurship development at the macro level. Having analyzed at the macro level, this study hopes to contribute to the policy makers in drafting the government policies strategically so as to foster the growth of technology entrepreneurship in Malaysia generally, and to develop capabilities in particular industrial sectors.

Originality/value

The paper provides an overview of the industrial development in Malaysia as a background to the discussion on the transformation to technology entrepreneurship development.
Problems of small‐scale entrepreneurs in Nellore District
Authors: Lavanya Latha K. , Murthy B.E.V.V.N.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the problems faced by small‐scale entrepreneurs in Nellore District of Andhra Pradesh, India and also to study the opinions of entrepreneurs regarding what are the different factors which are helpful for success of entrepreneurship.

Design/methodology/approach

The present paper is conducted by choosing a sample size of 30 per cent (196 units) randomly from the total population of 653 units. The data are collected through a structured questionnaire, informal interview and analyzed by using mean, ANOVA and Z‐test.

Findings

It is found that high price of raw materials, lack of marketing information and marketing of products are major problems faced by the entrepreneurs, followed by competition from small industries and absenteeism of labour. The majority (about 90.3 per cent) of the respondents did not want to make any complaint to government agencies.

Originality/value

The findings help to know the problems faced by small‐scale entrepreneurs in a developing country such as India and also help the policy makers to solve these problems.
Industrial clusters and regional economic development in China: the case of “green” food
Authors: Adams John , Wang Jialiang
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to find if and to what extent industrial clusters boost the regional economy in Heilongjiang Province of China and to more clearly define the relationship between the province's economic development and its industrial cluster strategy. The case of green food is the focus of the paper.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is designed to answer a series of research questions regarding the role of the green food industry in Heilongjiang Province as an actual or potential industrial cluster and the extent to which there is export potential within this.

Findings

Although a small proportion of output is being exported, there are still some barriers that need to be overcome if the export potential is to be realized.

Research limitations/implications

The research results to date are useful but limited due to certain data issues. However, they are sufficient even at this stage to determine a number of practical implications.

Originality/value

The paper focuses on the development of industrial clusters in Heilongjiang Province with a specific analysis of the development of the “green” food industry. This is done using statistical trends, volume, varieties, and value data to examine the export potential capacity in Heilongjiang Province. These data are brought together for the first time.
Climate change mitigation through reforestation in Godavari mangroves in India
Authors: Rao Raghavendra G.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to emphasise mangrove reforestation as a countermeasure for climate change mitigation and adaptation in the Godavari Delta in India.

Design/methodology/approach

Restoration of the mangrove forest in the Godavari Delta near Kakinada town in the south‐eastern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh is carried out with participatory involvement of local communities depending for their livelihood on the mangrove forest. The extent of habitat restoration through reforestation in this area is explored. The possible contribution of restored mangroves in minimising the impacts of sea‐level rise due to climate change is highlighted. Reforestation information from 1999 to 2006 is collected from available published work and the Forest Department of the Government of Andhra Pradesh.

Findings

The positive result of reforestation since the past few years is seen as an increase in mangrove vegetation. The changing landscape due to restoration could stop erosion and salt water incursion up to some extent and help in maintaining the biodiversity of this place.

Practical implications

A long‐term monitoring with ethnobiological study is required for managing such projects in future.

Originality/value

The Godavari Delta mangroves are rich in biodiversity and offer a wide range of ecological services. Adding to habitat degradation, predicted sea‐level rise is likely to affect the local human communities. The role of mangroves as an economically viable barrier against sea‐level rise has been recognised in other Asian countries. The results from this case study too could be disseminated to various stakeholders involved in sustainable development. The focus of the paper on India is particularly relevant, as the country is going to be integral in climate change debates.
Communicating climate change in regional news media
Authors: Fugl Eskjaer Mikkel
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate regional variations in the international news coverage of climate change by comparing news reporting in two regional media systems.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study of how COP14 and a European union (EU) summit on climate change are covered by three Middle Eastern and one Danish newspaper.

Findings

The paper shows significant regional differences in the media coverage of climate change both in terms of quantity (numbers of news articles) and quality (editorial variations, sources, framing, use of graphics). Overall, the study suggests that regional differences in climate change coverage can be traced back to the financial resources, institutional practices and journalistic fields of different regional media systems.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is a pilot project designed to test the analytical significance of regional variations in international media coverage of climate change.

Originality/value

Whereas global variations in climate change coverage have mostly been documented by (quantitative) content analysis, less research has been devoted to qualitative differences on how the media approach and frame climate change. Numerical analysis only tells half the story as qualitative differences, such as editorial priorities, or journalistic practices, can either increase or decrease the significance of quantitative variations. By acknowledging the importance of regional differences in international news reporting, this paper emphasises the role and function of regional media systems in conditioning media coverage of climate change.
Shaping sustainable development strategies in Chile through CDM
Authors: Karakosta Charikleia , Doukas Haris , Psarras John
Published: October 2009

Purpose

Sustainable development (SD) in developing countries is mentioned as one of the main aims of the Kyoto protocol's clean development mechanism. However, in the present context, uncertainty prevails to whether the (CDM) is actually procuring its aims in terms of achieving SD and to what extent. Chile, which has an open market economy, could risk becoming “locked” into a carbon intensive future, due to the recently discovered coal reserves and plans of large utilities to move to coal technology and not necessarily clean‐coal technology. The aim of this paper is to assist Chile in finding ways of encouraging technology transfer of energy technologies that would contribute to a low‐carbon sustainable energy development.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to be able to identify potential CDM projects facilitating SD in developing countries, through technology transfer from developed ones and, thus, to formulate a series of possible investment strategies with a SD component, it is crucial to establish a clear understanding of the host country's needs and priorities and the suitable energy technologies to meet these needs.

Findings

This paper presents results obtained from an elaborated stakeholders' assessment on Chile's high priority energy needs, sustainable energy technologies fulfilling these needs and opportunities and barriers related with the implementation of these technologies in the particular market.

Originality/value

The paper provides useful results that could facilitate Chile's designated national authority as well as future project investors to put on the map the most suitable sustainable energy technologies, based on the country's SD needs and priorities, to transfer and implement via CDM. The above is particularly important for Chile since recent coal discoveries could risk becoming “locked” into a carbon intensive future.
Emissions trading: what makes it work?
Authors: Chevallier Julien
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to critically discuss the main advantages of introducing environmental regulation tools such as tradable permits markets.

Design/methodology/approach

Current climate policies, the negotiations under way at the international level, and past experiences with emissions trading in the USA and Europe are critically reviewed.

Findings

The creation of emissions trading schemes such as the European Union emissions trading scheme plays a key role in the preservation of the global public good that constitutes the climate.

Research limitations/implications

This paper calls for the wider development of emissions trading schemes in climate change policy, given a careful design and regulatory appraisal from past experiences.

Originality/value

This paper reveals that the introduction of a tradable permits market (such as in Europe on 1 January 2005) which provides incentives to take early abatement measures, may be seen as a decisive first step to fight climate change.
Activation of PERK kinase in neural cells by proteasome inhibitor treatment
Authors: Zhang Le , Ebenezer Philip J. , Dasuri Kalavathi , Bruce‐Keller Annadora J. , Fernandez‐Kim Sun Ok , Liu Ying , Keller Jeffrey N.
Published: October 2009

J. Neurochem. (2010) 112, 238–245.

Inhibition of the proteasome proteolytic pathway occurs as the result of normal aging, as well as in a variety of neurodegenerative conditions, and is believed to promote cellular toxicity in each of these conditions through diverse mechanisms. In the present study, we examined whether proteasome inhibition alters the protein kinase receptor‐like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK). Our studies demonstrate that proteasome inhibitors induce the transient activation of PERK in both primary rat neurons as well as the N2a neural cell line. Experiments with siRNA to PERK demonstrated that the modulation of PERK was not significant involved in regulating toxicity, ubiquitinated protein levels, or ribosome perturbations in response to proteasome inhibitor treatment. Surprisingly, PERK was observed to be involved in the up‐regulation of p38 kinase following proteasome inhibitor treatment. Taken together, these data demonstrate the ability of proteasome inhibition to activate PERK and demonstrate evidence for novel cross‐talk between PERK and the activation of p38 kinase in neural cells following proteasome inhibition. Taken together, these data have implications for understanding the basis by which proteasome inhibition alters neural homeostasis, and the basis by which cell signaling cascades are regulated by proteasome inhibition.
Mating behavior of the cabbage beetle, Colaphellus bowringi (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)
Authors: Liu Xing‐Ping , He Hai‐Min , Kuang Xian‐Ju , Xue Fang‐Sen
Published: October 2009

Abstract  Circadian mating rhythms, mating frequency, mating duration, and the effect of mating duration on fecundity and fertility in the cabbage beetle, Colaphellus bowringi were investigated in the laboratory. Mating occurred throughout the 24‐h cycle but the majority of copulations occurred in the photophase with two apparent peaks, one at 8:00 and another at 16:00. Mating frequency observations for 10 consecutive days indicated that pre‐mating period of C. bowringi was about 4 days, and pairs mated an average of 5 times per day and an average of 40 times during the first 10 days. There was a negative correlation between mating frequency and mating duration during the consecutive mating. The mean duration of the first copulation (136.24 ± 4.62 min) was significantly longer than those of the second (57.87 ± 2.03 min), third (53.05 ± 2.05 min) and fourth copulation (30.86 ± 2.98 min). Fecundity showed a slight increase with increasing mating duration but no significant difference among treatments. However, fertility was significantly influenced by the mating duration in this species. Mating of 20‐min duration did not produce viable eggs. The mean percentage of fertile eggs with completed mating duration (204.43 ± 18.96 min, 56.75% fertile eggs) was significantly higher than those with 60 min (39.55%) and 30 min (17.91%) mating duration, suggesting that the longer mating duration might be associated with transfer of more sperm that are used to increase the fertility of eggs.
Sensitivities of three bumblebee species to four pesticides applied commonly in greenhouses in China
Authors: Wu Jie , Li Ji‐Lian , Peng Wen‐Jun , Hu Fu‐Liang
Published: October 2009

Abstract  This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of four pesticides (Mosplian, Kingbo, Score and Lvrtong) applied commonly in greenhouses in China, on three bumblebee species (Bombus hypocrita, Bombus ignitus and Bombus patagiatus). The study used a contact experiment and oral toxicity LD50 values. The results showed that the mortality for B. hypocrita after contacting the four pesticides was significantly lower than B. patagiatus and B. ignitus, but there was no significant difference between B. patagiatus and B. ignitus. The oral toxicity median lethal dose (LD50) value of Mosplian to B. hypocrita (0.0028 μg active ingredient/bee) was significantly higher than that to B. ignitus (0.0023 μg active ingredient/bee) and B. patagiatus (0.0021 μg active ingredient/bee). Of the bee species, it can be concluded that B. hypocrita was the least susceptible to the four pesticides. The mortality rates of each bumblebee species after contact with Mosplian were significantly higher than for the other three pesticides and the control group. For Kingbo, the rates were significantly higher than the control group, but Score and Lvrtong exposed groups showed no significant increase in mortality relative to the control group. It can therefore be concluded that the pesticides differ in their negative influences on bumblebees, and that Mosplian is the most harmful.
Optimization of parental RNAi conditions for hunchback gene in Locusta migratoria manilensis (Meyen)
Authors: He Zheng‐Bo , Cao Yue‐Qing , Xia Yu‐Xian
Published: October 2009

Abstract  An investigation on the optimization of parental RNA interference (RNAi) conditions for hunchback (hb) gene in Locusta migratoria manilensis (Meyen) was conducted. Double stranded RNA (dsRNA) corresponding to hb gene was injected into haemocoel of female adults of L. migratoria manilensis. Embryos developed from the eggs laid by the injected adults on the 7th day after eclosion showed observable effects of RNAi for hb. The silencing effect after delivery treatment of dsRNA for hb gene was maintained for more than 21 days. A significant decrease of hb transcripts was further confirmed by Northern blot analysis. The dose of dsRNA/insect at 2 μg could trigger 96.9% RNAi effects, while silencing appeared to have no dependence on the size of dsRNA. Results suggest that parental RNAi could be employed to efficiently identify the developmental gene functions in L. migratoria manilensis.
The pulmonary system during exercise in hypoxia and the cold
Authors: Sheel A. William , MacNutt Meaghan J. , Querido Jordan S.
Published: October 2009

The demands for pulmonary O2 and CO2 transport in the exercising human are substantial. Fortunately, the regulatory and architectural limits of the pulmonary system meet the requirements of heavy exercise in most individuals. However, in some highly trained athletes the high metabolic demand of intense exercise is in excess of the capacity of the pulmonary system. Environmental considerations, in addition to those imposed by the demands of exercise, provide further physiological challenges that must be met. Winter athletes often encounter high‐altitude hypoxia and cold, either transiently during competition or repeatedly during training. In this brief review, we examine the pulmonary system during acute and chronic exercise in hypoxic and cold environmental conditions. Observations from studies conducted in humans are emphasized in order to ask questions about regulation, plasticity and the limits of human physiology. We also highlight new findings and controversial questions that would benefit from additional study.
Acute signalling responses to intense endurance training commenced with low or normal muscle glycogen
Authors: Yeo Wee Kian , McGee Sean L. , Carey Andrew L. , Paton Carl D. , Garnham Andrew P. , Hargreaves Mark , Hawley John A.
Published: October 2009

We have previously demonstrated that well‐trained subjects who completed a 3 week training programme in which selected high‐intensity interval training (HIT) sessions were commenced with low muscle glycogen content increased the maximal activities of several oxidative enzymes that promote endurance adaptations to a greater extent than subjects who began all training sessions with normal glycogen levels. The aim of the present study was to investigate acute skeletal muscle signalling responses to a single bout of HIT commenced with low or normal muscle glycogen stores in an attempt to elucidate potential mechanism(s) that might underlie our previous observations. Six endurance‐trained cyclists/triathletes performed a 100 min ride at ∼70% peak O2 uptake (AT) on day 1 and HIT (8 × 5 min work bouts at maximal self‐selected effort with 1 min rest) 24 h later (HIGH). Another six subjects, matched for fitness and training history, performed AT on day 1 then 1–2 h later, HIT (LOW). Muscle biopsies were taken before and after HIT. Muscle glycogen concentration was higher in HIGH versus LOW before the HIT (390 ± 28 versus 256 ± 67 μmol (g dry wt)−1). After HIT, glycogen levels were reduced in both groups (P < 0.05) but HIGH was elevated compared with LOW (229 ± 29 versus 124 ± 41 μmol (g dry wt)−1; P < 0.05). Phosphorylation of 5′AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) increased after HIT, but the magnitude of increase was greater in LOW (P < 0.05). Despite the augmented AMPK response in LOW after HIT, selected downstream AMPK substrates were similar between groups. Phosphorylation of p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) was unchanged for both groups before and after the HIT training sessions. We conclude that despite a greater activation AMPK phosphorylation when HIT was commenced with low compared with normal muscle glycogen availability, the localization and phosphorylation state of selected downstream targets of AMPK were similar in response to the two interventions.
Effect of Glycosylation and Additional Domains on the Thermostability of a Family 10 Xylanase Produced by
Thermopolyspora flexuosa
Authors: Anbarasan Sasikala , Jänis Janne , Paloheimo Marja , Laitaoja Mikko , Vuolanto Minna , Karimäki Johanna , Vainiotalo Pirjo , Leisola Matti , Turunen Ossi
Published: October 2009

The effects of different structural features on the thermostability of
Thermopolyspora flexuosa
xylanase XYN10A were investigated. A C-terminal carbohydrate binding module had only a slight effect, whereas a polyhistidine tag increased the thermostability of XYN10A xylanase. In contrast, glycosylation at Asn26, located in an exposed loop, decreased the thermostability of the xylanase. The presence of a substrate increased stability mainly at low pH.
Insights into the Evolution of Macrolactam Biosynthesis through Cloning and Comparative Analysis of the Biosynthetic Gene Cluster for a Novel Macrocyclic Lactam, ML-449
Authors: Jørgensen Hanne , Degnes Kristin F. , Dikiy Alexander , Fjærvik Espen , Klinkenberg Geir , Zotchev Sergey B.
Published: October 2009

A new compound, designated ML-449, structurally similar to the known 20-membered macrolactam BE-14106, was isolated from a marine sediment-derived
Streptomyces
sp. Cloning and sequencing of the 83-kb ML-449 biosynthetic gene cluster revealed its high level of similarity to the BE-14106 gene cluster. Comparison of the respective biosynthetic pathways indicated that the difference in the compounds' structures stems from the incorporation of one extra acetate unit during the synthesis of the acyl side chain. A phylogenetic analysis of the β-ketosynthase (KS) domains from polyketide synthases involved in the biosynthesis of macrolactams pointed to a common ancestry for the two clusters. Furthermore, the analysis demonstrated the formation of a macrolactam-specific subclade for the majority of the KS domains from several macrolactam-biosynthetic gene clusters, indicating a closer relationship between macrolactam clusters than with the macrolactone clusters included in the analysis. Some KS domains from the ML-449, BE-14106, and salinilactam gene clusters did, however, show a closer relationship with KS domains from the polyene macrolide clusters, suggesting potential acquisition rather than duplication of certain PKS genes. Comparison of the ML-449, BE-14106, vicenistatin, and salinilactam biosynthetic gene clusters indicated an evolutionary relationship between them and provided new insights into the processes governing the evolution of small-ring macrolactam biosynthesis.
Carboxylate Transporter Gene
JEN1
from the Entomopathogenic Fungus
Beauveria bassiana
Is Involved in Conidiation and Virulence
Authors: Jin Kai , Zhang Yongjun , Fang Weiguo , Luo Zhibing , Zhou Yonghong , Pei Yan
Published: October 2009

Beauveria bassiana
is an important entomopathogenic fungus widely used as a biological agent to control insect pests. A gene (
B. bassiana JEN1
[
BbJEN1
]) homologous to
JEN1
encoding a carboxylate transporter in
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
was identified in a
B. bassiana
transfer DNA (T-DNA) insertional mutant. Disruption of the gene decreased the carboxylate contents in hyphae, while increasing the conidial yield. However, overexpression of this transporter resulted in significant increases in carboxylates and decreased the conidial yield.
BbJEN1
was strongly induced by insect cuticles and highly expressed in the hyphae penetrating insect cuticles not in hyphal bodies, suggesting that this gene is involved in the early stage of pathogenesis of
B. bassiana
. The bioassay results indicated that disruption of
BbJEN1
significantly reduced the virulence of
B. bassiana
to aphids. Compared to the wild type, Δ
BbJEN1
alkalinized the insect cuticle to a reduced extent. The alkalinization of the cuticle is a physiological signal triggering the production of pathogenicity. Therefore, we identified a new factor influencing virulence, which is responsible for the alkalinization of the insect cuticle and the initiation of fungal pathogenesis in insects.
Investigation of Food and Environmental Exposures Relating to the Epidemiology of
Campylobacter coli
in Humans in Northwest England
Authors: Sopwith Will , Birtles Andrew , Matthews Margaret , Fox Andrew , Gee Steven , James Sam , Kempster Jeanette , Painter Michael , Edwards-Jones Val , Osborn Keith , Regan Martyn , Syed Qutub , Bolton Eric
Published: October 2009

This study uses multilocus sequence typing (MLST) to investigate the epidemiology of
Campylobacter coli
in a continuous study of a population in Northwest England. All cases of
Campylobacter
identified in four Local Authorities (government administrative boundaries) between 2003 and 2006 were identified to species level and then typed, using MLST. Epidemiological information was collected for each of these cases, including food and recreational exposure variables, and the epidemiologies of
C. jejuni
and
C. coli
were compared using case-case methodology. Samples of surface water thought to represent possible points of exposure to the populations under study were also sampled, and campylobacters were typed with multilocus sequence typing. Patients with
C. coli
were more likely to be older and female than patients with
C. jejuni
. In logistic regression,
C. coli
infection was positively associated with patients eating undercooked eggs, eating out, and reporting problems with their water supply prior to illness.
C. coli
was less associated with consuming pork products. Most of the cases of
C. coli
yielded sequence types described elsewhere in both livestock and poultry, but several new sequence types were also identified in human cases and water samples. There was no overlap between types identified in humans and surface waters, and genetic analysis suggested three distinct clades but with several “intermediate” types from water that were convergent with the human clade. There is little evidence to suggest that epidemiological differences between human cases of
C. coli
and
C. jejuni
are a result of different food or behavioral exposures alone.
Identification of Catechin as One of the Flavonoids from
Combretum albiflorum
Bark Extract That Reduces the Production of Quorum-Sensing-Controlled Virulence Factors in
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
PAO1
Authors: Vandeputte Olivier M. , Kiendrebeogo Martin , Rajaonson Sanda , Diallo Billo , Mol Adeline , El Jaziri Mondher , Baucher Marie
Published: October 2009

Quorum-sensing (QS) regulates the production of key virulence factors in
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
and other important pathogenic bacteria. In this report, extracts of leaves and bark of
Combretum albiflorum
(Tul.) Jongkind (
Combretaceae
) were found to quench the production of QS-dependent factors in
P. aeruginosa
PAO1. Chromatographic fractionation of the crude active extract generated several active fractions containing flavonoids, as shown by their typical spectral features. Purification and structural characterization of one of the active compounds led to the identification of the flavan-3-ol catechin [(2
R
,3
S
)-2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-3,4-dihydro-1(2
H
)-benzopyran-3,5,7-triol]. The identity of catechin as one of the active molecules was confirmed by comparing the high-pressure liquid chromatography profiles and the mass spectrometry spectra obtained for a catechin standard and for the active
C. albiflorum
fraction. Moreover, standard catechin had a significant negative effect on pyocyanin and elastase productions and biofilm formation, as well as on the expression of the QS-regulated genes
lasB
and
rhlA
and of the key QS regulatory genes
lasI
,
lasR
,
rhlI
, and
rhlR
. The use of RhlR- and LasR-based biosensors indicated that catechin might interfere with the perception of the QS signal
N
-butanoyl-
l
-homoserine lactone by RhlR, thereby leading to a reduction of the production of QS factors. Hence, catechin, along with other flavonoids produced by higher plants, might constitute a first line of defense against pathogenic attacks by affecting QS mechanisms and thereby virulence factor production.
Contribution of Microbial Activity to Carbon Chemistry in Clouds
Authors: Vaïtilingom Mickaël , Amato Pierre , Sancelme Martine , Laj Paolo , Leriche Maud , Delort Anne-Marie
Published: October 2009

The biodegradation of the most abundant atmospheric organic C
1
to C
4
compounds (formate, acetate, lactate, succinate) by five selected representative microbial strains (three
Pseudomonas
strains, one
Sphingomonas
strain, and one yeast strain) isolated from cloud water at the puy de Dôme has been studied. Experiments were first conducted under model conditions and consisted of a pure strain incubated in the presence of a single organic compound. Kinetics showed the ability of the isolates to degrade atmospheric compounds at temperatures representative of low-altitude clouds (5°C and 17°C). Then, to provide data that can be extrapolated to real situations, microcosm experiments were developed. A solution that chemically mimicked the composition of cloud water was used as an incubation medium for microbial strains. Under these conditions, we determined that microbial activity would significantly contribute to the degradation of formate, acetate, and succinate in cloud water at 5°C and 17°C, with lifetimes of 0.4 to 69.1 days. Compared with the reactivity involving free radicals, our results suggest that biological activity drives the oxidation of carbonaceous compounds during the night (90 to 99%), while its contribution accounts for 2 to 37% of the reactivity during the day, competing with photochemistry.
β-Lactam Resistance in
Salmonella
Strains Isolated from Retail Meats in the United States by the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System between 2002 and 2006
Authors: Zhao S. , Blickenstaff K. , Glenn A. , Ayers S. L. , Friedman S. L. , Abbott J. W. , McDermott P. F.
Published: October 2009

Ampicillin-resistant (Amp
r
)
Salmonella enterica
isolates (
n
= 344) representing 32 serotypes isolated from retail meats from 2002 to 2006 were tested for susceptibility to 21 other antimicrobial agents and screened for the presence of five beta-lactamase gene families (
bla
CMY
,
bla
TEM
, bla
SHV
,
bla
OXA
, and
bla
CTX-M
) and class 1 integrons. Among the Amp
r
isolates, 66.9% were resistant to five or more antimicrobials and 4.9% were resistant to 10 or more antimicrobials. Coresistance to other β-lactams was noted for amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (55.5%), ceftiofur (50%), cefoxitin (50%), and ceftazidime (24.7%), whereas less than 5% of isolates were resistant to piperacillin-tazobactam (4.9%), cefotaxime (3.5%), ceftriaxone (2%), and aztreonam (1.2%). All isolates were susceptible to cefepime, imipenem, and cefquinome. No
Salmonella
producing extended-spectrum beta-lactamases was found in this study. Approximately 7% of the isolates displayed a typical multidrug-resistant (MDR)-AmpC phenotype, with resistance to ampicillin, chloramphenicol, streptomycin, sulfonamide, tetracycline, plus resistance to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, cefoxitin, and ceftiofur and with decreased susceptibility to ceftriaxone (MIC ≥ 4 μg/ml). Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis results showed that several MDR clones were geographically dispersed in different types of meats throughout the five sampling years. Additionally, 50% of the isolates contained
bla
CMY
, 47% carried
bla
TEM-1
, and 2.6% carried both genes. Only 15% of the isolates harbored class I integrons carrying various combinations of
aadA
,
aadB
, and
dfrA
gene cassettes. The
bla
CMY
,
bla
TEM
, and class 1 integrons were transferable through conjugation and/or transformation. Our findings indicate that a varied spectrum of coresistance traits is present in Amp
r
Salmonella
strains in the meat supply of the United States, with a continued predominance of
bla
CMY
and
bla
TEM
genes in β-lactam-resistant isolates.
Presence and Prevalence of Viruses in Local and Migratory Honeybees (
Apis mellifera
) in Massachusetts
Authors: Welch Anna , Drummond Francis , Tewari Sunil , Averill Anne , Burand John P.
Published: October 2009

Migratory and local bees in Massachusetts were analyzed for seven viruses. Three were detected: black queen cell virus (BQCV), deformed wing virus (DWV), and sacbrood virus (SBV). DWV was most common, followed closely by BQCV and then by SBV. BQCV and SBV were present at significantly higher rates in the migratory bees assayed, bringing into question the impact that these bees have on the health of local bee populations.
Enteric Viruses in Raw Vegetables and Groundwater Used for Irrigation in South Korea
Authors: Cheong Sooryun , Lee Cheonghoon , Song Sung Won , Choi Weon Cheon , Lee Chan Hee , Kim Sang-Jong
Published: October 2009

Raw vegetables irrigated with groundwater that may contain enteric viruses can be associated with food-borne viral disease outbreaks. In this study, we performed reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) and cell culture-PCR to monitor the occurrence of enteric viruses in groundwater samples and in raw vegetables that were cultivated using that groundwater in South Korea. Samples were collected 10 times from three farms located in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. RT-PCR and cell culture-PCR were performed to detect adenoviruses (AdVs), enteroviruses (EVs), noroviruses (NoVs), and rotaviruses, followed by sequence analyses of the detected strains. Of the 29 groundwater samples and the 30 vegetable samples, five (17%) and three (10%) were positive for enteric viruses, respectively. AdVs were the most frequently detected viruses in four groundwater and three vegetable samples. EVs and NoVs were detected in only one groundwater sample and one spinach sample, respectively. The occurrence of enteric viruses in groundwater and vegetable samples was not correlated with the water temperature and the levels of indicator bacteria, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that most of the detected AdVs were temporally distributed, irrespective of sample type. Our results indicate that raw vegetables may be contaminated with a broad range of enteric viruses, which may originate from virus-infected farmers and virus-contaminated irrigation water, and these vegetables may act as a potential vector of food-borne viral transmission.
Nonfermentative Thermoalkaliphilic Growth Is Restricted to Alkaline Environments
Authors: McMillan Duncan G. G. , Keis Stefanie , Berney Michael , Cook Gregory M.
Published: October 2009

Caldalkalibacillus thermarum
strain TA2.A1 grew in pH-controlled batch culture containing a fermentable growth substrate (i.e., sucrose) from pH 7.5 to 10.0 with no significant change in the specific growth rate, suggesting that this bacterium was a facultative alkaliphile. However, when strain TA2.A1 was grown on a nonfermentable carbon source, such as succinate or malate, no growth was observed until the external pH was >9.0, suggesting that this bacterium was an obligate alkaliphile. Succinate transport and sucrose transport by strain TA2.A1 showed pH profiles similar to that of growth on these carbon sources, and the molar growth yield on sucrose was higher at pH 9.5 than at pH 7.5, despite the increased energy demands on the cell for intracellular pH regulation. Succinate transport, succinate-dependent oxygen consumption, and succinate dehydrogenase and F
1
F
o
-ATPase specific activities were all significantly lower in cultures of strain TA2.A1 grown at pH 7.5 than in those cultured at pH 9.5. No significant ATP synthesis via the F
1
F
o
-ATP synthase was detected until the external pH was >8.5. On the basis of these results, we propose that nonfermentative thermoalkaliphilic growth is specialized to function at high pH values, but not at pH values near neutral pH.
Vegetation and Soil Environment Influence the Spatial Distribution of Root-Associated Fungi in a Mature Beech-Maple Forest
Authors: Burke David J. , López-Gutiérrez Juan C. , Smemo Kurt A. , Chan Charlotte R.
Published: October 2009

Although the level of diversity of root-associated fungi can be quite high, the effect of plant distribution and soil environment on root-associated fungal communities at fine spatial scales has received little attention. Here, we examine how soil environment and plant distribution affect the occurrence, diversity, and community structure of root-associated fungi at local patch scales within a mature forest. We used terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism and sequence analysis to detect 63 fungal species representing 28 different genera colonizing tree root tips. At least 32 species matched previously identified mycorrhizal fungi, with the remaining fungi including both saprotrophic and parasitic species. Root fungal communities were significantly different between June and September, suggesting a rapid temporal change in root fungal communities. Plant distribution affected root fungal communities, with some root fungi positively correlated with tree diameter and herbaceous-plant coverage. Some aspects of the soil environment were correlated with root fungal community structure, with the abundance of some root fungi positively correlated with soil pH and moisture content in June and with soil phosphorous (P) in September. Fungal distribution and community structure may be governed by plant-soil interactions at fine spatial scales within a mature forest. Soil P may play a role in structuring root fungal communities at certain times of the year.
Resistance of
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
to High Concentrations of Furfural Is Based on NADPH-Dependent Reduction by at Least Two Oxireductases
Authors: Heer Dominik , Heine Daniel , Sauer Uwe
Published: October 2009

Biofuels derived from lignocellulosic biomass hold promises for a sustainable fuel economy, but several problems hamper their economical feasibility. One important problem is the presence of toxic compounds in processed lignocellulosic hydrolysates, with furfural as a key toxin. While
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
has some intrinsic ability to reduce furfural to the less-toxic furfuryl alcohol, higher resistance is necessary for process conditions. By comparing an evolved, furfural-resistant strain and its parent in microaerobic, glucose-limited chemostats at increasing furfural challenge, we elucidate key mechanism and the molecular basis of both natural and high-level furfural resistance. At lower concentrations of furfural, NADH-dependent oxireductases are the main defense mechanism. At furfural concentrations above 15 mM, however,
13
C-flux and global array-based transcript analysis demonstrated that the NADPH-generating flux through the pentose phosphate pathway increases and that NADPH-dependent oxireductases become the major resistance mechanism. The transcript analysis further revealed that iron transmembrane transport is upregulated in response to furfural. While these responses occur in both strains, high-level resistance in the evolved strain was based on strong induction of
ADH7
, the uncharacterized open reading frame (ORF)
YKL071W
, and four further, likely NADPH-dependent, oxireductases. By overexpressing the
ADH7
gene and the ORF
YKL071W
, we inversely engineered significantly increased furfural resistance in the parent strain, thereby demonstrating that these two enzymes are key elements of the resistance phenotype.
Distribution ofIn VitroFermentation Ability of Lacto-N-Biose I, a Major Building Block of Human Milk Oligosaccharides, in Bifidobacterial Strains
Authors: Xiao Jin-zhong , Takahashi Sachiko , Nishimoto Mamoru , Odamaki Toshitaka , Yaeshima Tomoko , Iwatsuki Keiji , Kitaoka Motomitsu
Published: October 2009

This study investigated the potential utilization of lacto-N-biose I (LNB) by individual strains of bifidobacteria. LNB is a building block for the human milk oligosaccharides, which have been suggested to be a factor for selective growth of bifidobacteria. A total of 208 strains comprising 10 species and 4 subspecies were analyzed for the presence of the galacto-N-biose/lacto-N-biose I phosphorylase (GLNBP) gene (lnpA) and examined for growth when LNB was used as the sole carbohydrate source. While all strains ofBifidobacterium longumsubsp.longum,B. longumsubsp.infantis,B. breve, andB. bifidumwere able to grow on LNB, none of the strains ofB. adolescentis,B. catenulatum,B. dentium,B. angulatum,B. animalissubsp.lactis, andB. thermophilumshowed any growth. In addition, some strains ofB. pseudocatenulatum,B. animalissubsp.animalis, andB. pseudolongumexhibited the ability to utilize LNB. With the exception forB. pseudocatenulatum, the presence oflnpAcoincided with LNB utilization in almost all strains. These results indicate that bifidobacterial species, which are the predominant species found in infant intestines, are potential utilizers of LNB. These findings support the hypothesis that GLNBP plays a key role in the colonization of bifidobacteria in the infant intestine.
Genome Shuffling in
Clostridium diolis
DSM 15410 for Improved 1,3-Propanediol Production
Authors: Otte Burkhard , Grunwaldt Eike , Mahmoud Osama , Jennewein Stefan
Published: October 2009

Several microorganisms are known for their efficient anaerobic conversion of glycerol to 1,3-propanediol, with
Clostridium diolis
DSM 15410 as one of the better performers in terms of molar yield and volumetric productivity. However, this performance is still insufficient to compete with established chemical processes. Previous studies have shown that high concentrations of 1,3-propanediol, glycerol, and fermentation side products can limit the productivity of
C. diolis
DSM 15410. Here, we describe the use of genome shuffling for improved 1,3-propanediol fermentation by the strict anaerobe
C. diolis
DSM 15410. By using chemical mutagenesis, strains with superior substrate and product tolerance levels were isolated and higher product yields were obtained. These superior strains were then used for genome shuffling and selection for 1,3-propanediol and organic acid tolerance. After four rounds of genome shuffling and selection, significant improvements were observed, with one strain attaining a 1,3-propanediol volumetric yield of 85 g/liter. This result represents an 80% improvement compared to the yield from the parental wild-type strain.
Bradyrhizobia Nodulating the
Acacia mangium
×
A. auriculiformis
Interspecific Hybrid Are Specific and Differ from Those Associated with Both Parental Species
Authors: Le Roux Christine , Tentchev Diana , Prin Yves , Goh Doreen , Japarudin Yani , Perrineau Marie-Mathilde , Duponnois Robin , Domergue Odile , de Lajudie Philippe , Galiana Antoine
Published: October 2009

In the context of an increasing utilization of the interspecific hybrid
Acacia mangium
×
A. auriculiformis
as a plantation tree in the tropical humid zone, its symbiotic characterization was carried out in comparison with that of its two parental species. Rhizobium strains of diverse geographical origins were isolated from root nodules of the hybrid and its parents. Almost all
Acacia
hybrid isolates were fast growing on yeast extract-mannitol medium, in contrast to those isolated from both parental species, which were mostly slow growing. The rhizobium strains were characterized through partial sequencing of the rRNA operon. In the phylogenetic tree, almost all strains isolated from the hybrid were grouped together in a clade close to
Bradyrhizobium japonicum
, while all strains isolated from both parental species were close to
Bradyrhizobium elkanii
. Inoculation experiments performed under in vitro or greenhouse conditions showed that all strains were infective with their original hosts but exhibited very variable degrees of effectivity according to the host plant tested. Thus, homologous strain-host associations were more effective than heterologous ones. This shows that there is still a high potential for isolating and testing new strains from hybrids to be used as inoculants in the context of large-scale afforestation programs.
Development of a Fluorescent In Situ Method for Visualization of Enteric Viruses
Authors: Rawsthorne Helen , Phister Trevor G. , Jaykus Lee-Ann
Published: October 2009

Studying the interactions between enteric pathogens and their environment is important to improving our understanding of their persistence and transmission. However, this remains challenging in large part because of difficulties associated with tracking pathogens in their natural environment(s). In this study, we report a fluorescent labeling strategy which was applied to murine norovirus (MNV-1), a human norovirus surrogate, and hepatitis A virus (HAV). Specifically, streptavidin-labeled Quantum dots (Q-Dots) were bound to biotinylated capsids of MNV-1 and HAV (bio-MNV-1 and bio-HAV); the process was confirmed by using a sandwich-type approach in which streptavidin-bound plates were reacted with biotinylated virus followed by a secondary binding to Q-Dots with an emission range of 635 to 675 nm (Q-Dots 655). The assay demonstrated a relative fluorescence of 528 ± 48.1 and 112 ± 8.6 for bio-MNV-1 and control MNV-1, respectively. The biotinylation process did not impact virus infectivity, nor did it interfere with the interactions between the virus and host cells or model produce items. Using fluorescent microscopy, it was possible to visualize both bio-HAV and bio-MNV-1 attached to the surfaces of permissive mammalian cells and green onion tissue. The method provides a powerful tool for the labeling and detection of enteric viruses (and their surrogates) which can be used to track virus behavior in situ.