Aims: To complement our proteome study, whole-transcriptome analyses were utilized here to identify proteins related to degrading cis-1,2-dichloroethylene (cis-DCE). Methods and Results: Metabolically engineered Escherichia coli strains were utilized expressing an evolved toluene ortho-monooxygenase along with either (i) glutathione S-transferase and altered c-glutamylcysteine synthetase or (ii) a rationally engineered epoxide hydrolase. cis-DCE degradation induced 30 known stress genes and 32 uncharacterized genes. Because of the reactive cis-DCE epoxides formed, we hypothesized that some of these uncharacterized genes may be related to a variety of stresses. Using isogenic mutants, IbpB, YchH, YdeI, YeaR, YgiW, YoaG and YodD were related to hydrogen peroxide, cadmium and acid stress. Additional whole-transcriptome studies with hydrogen peroxide stress using the most hydrogen peroxide-sensitive mutants, ygiW and ychH, identified that FliS, GalS, HcaR, MglA, SufE, SufS, Tap, TnaB, YhcN and YjaA are also involved in the stress response of E. coli to hydrogen peroxide, cadmium and acid, as well as are involved in biofilm formation. Conclusion: Seventeen proteins are involved in the stress network for this organism, and YhcN and YchH were shown to be important for the degradation of cis-DCE. Significance and Impact of the Study: Six previously uncharacterized proteins (YchH, YdeI, YgiW, YhcN, YjaA and YodD) were shown to be stress proteins.

The correct usage of disinfectants is an important component of a successful biosecurity program. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of time, temperature, and organic matter (OM) on disinfectant efficacy. Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella Typhimurium were used to represent gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria commonly found in commercial poultry housing. The first study evaluated the effect of temperature (4, 20, 32, or 43 degrees C) and time (1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, and 30 wk) on the efficacy of disinfectants diluted to working concentrations. The second study determined the effect of OM on the efficacy of working concentrations of freshly prepared disinfectants against the bacteria. For the third study, we compared the bactericidal properties of freshly prepared disinfectants and 30-wk-old disinfectants in the presence of OM. Quaternary ammonium-, chlorhexidine-, phenolic-, and binary ammonium-based solutions represented disinfectants commonly used within the poultry industry. In the first study, all of the disinfectants were effective against S. aureus and Salmonella Typhimurium regardless of treatment. However, the phenolic compound had reduced (P

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The USA began exploiting unconventional gas resources 40 years ago, eventually leading to a domestic shale gas production increase from 4% to 56%, 2005 to 2015. Many countries and major oil and gas companies strive to match this success. Using public information to research USA key success factors helped establish a holistic framework to assess and expedite shale gas development in other countries. This framework is intended for international market experts now guiding their countries and companies toward similar success. The framework has been applied to China and Poland to provide highlights, lowlights and specific recommendations for conditions in those countries. The analysis splits six factors into two categories: 1) subsurface factors related to exploration, development, drilling and fracturing of the prolific shale-system; and 2) technical and non-technical surface factors including the involvement of the State (which has consistently directed and stimulated unconventional gas development), the roles of oil companies and service companies, the availability of required materials and water and the related logistical capability, and the gas market and infrastructure. The findings highlight the importance of abandoning conventional oil and gas mindsets and processes in favor of proven unconventional shale gas development approaches.