Phylogenetic analysis reveals an ancient gene duplication as the origin of the MdtABC efflux pump.

The efflux pumps from the Resistance-Nodulation-Division family, RND, are main contributors to intrinsic antibiotic resistance in Gram-negative bacteria. Among this family, the MdtABC pump is unusual by having two inner membrane components. The two components, MdtB and MdtC are homologs, therefore it is evident that the two components arose by gene duplication. In this paper, we describe the results obtained from a phylogenetic analysis of the MdtBC pumps in the context of other RNDs. We show that the individual inner membrane components (MdtB and MdtC) are conserved throughout the Proteobacterial species and that their existence is a result of a single gene duplication. We argue that this gene duplication was an ancient event which occurred before the split of Proteobacteria into Alpha-, Beta- and Gamma- classes. Moreover, we find that the MdtABC pumps and the MexMN pump from Pseudomonas aeruginosa share a close common ancestor, suggesting the MexMN pump arose by another gene duplication event of the original Mdt ancestor. Taken together, these results shed light on the evolution of the RND efflux pumps and demonstrate the ancient origin of the Mdt pumps and suggest that the core bacterial efflux pump repertoires have been generally stable throughout the course of evolution

Framing adaptation in the Victorian context: synthesis report

This synthesis report provides a summary of the research activity and conveys the key findings arising from the 18 month ‘Framing Adaptation in the Victorian Context’ project undertaken between 2010 and 2012. Due to the complex nature of climate change adaptation, the original research program was designed to better understand the conceptual underpinnings of adaptation and then to translate this academic knowledge into ‘accessible’ content that could be more effectively used by those responsible for local adaptation planning - in essence, to ‘develop and test an operational framing of adaptation which will act as a decision-making roadmap to better inform adaptation policy and practice by Victorian authorities at the local and regional levels’.The analysis on framing was sub-divided into three discrete, though complementary and overlapping, research activities, to better understand different aspects of climate change adaptation in the Victorian context:1) The development of an overarching framework that illuminates and makes sense of the many different components that influence local adaptation processes;2) The framing of current and future climate-related impacts, and adaptation, as viewed through an economic lens; and3) A bottom-up analysis of adaptation, with a particular focus on the adaptive capacity of individuals and communities, as captured by a social narrative approach.Due to the context specific nature of adaptation (influenced by both the climate-related hazard and local vulnerability) the research activity on framing was intentionally grounded in real world situations through direct engagement with a portfolio of case studies including Greater Bendigo, City of Melbourne, Greater Geelong, and Port Fairy. Therefore whilst the research findings will be of generic interest to a wide range of end-users, the focus for this particular project was on the co-generation of new knowledge with local authorities. The economic analysis was based on climate-related events that have impacted the State in the recent past.Additional papers from the \u27Framing Adaptation in the Victorian Context\u27 project can be found here

Ethnic minority entrepreneurship in Britain

Unlike the United States, most European countries have repeatedly refused to see themselves as countries of immigration. In the past half century however this has not prevented the arrival and settlement of large numbers from extra-European lands. Labour shortages and other economic factors have allowed the walls of "Fortress Europe" to be comprehensively breached. The majority of newcomers have found their initial employment in the low-wage and low-skill parts of manufacturing, and of service sectors such as office cleaning and restaurants. Just as in the United States however some migrants have begun to enter self-employment, often as a response to lack of progress as an employee. The United Kingdom is a relatively deregulated economy. There are few constraints on the economic activities of those who are legally resident (though asylum seekers are an exception). Immigrants are thus able to set up in any business for which they can raise sufficient capital or credit. With the exception of a few sectors such as pharmacy retailing, there are no regulatory constraints on the number of businesses, although all must comply with general rules relating to issues such as town planning and health and safety. Immigrants certainly do not need to obtain bureaucratic permission from government or chamber of commerce in order to start trading.entrepreneurship; ethnic entrepreneurship; ethnic minority self-employment

Gothic Tourism

From Strawberry Hill to the London Dungeon, Alton Towers to Barnageddon, Gothic tourism is a fascinating, and sometimes controversial, subject. Emma McEvoy considers some of the origins of Gothic tourism and discusses Gothic itself as a touristic mode. Through studies of ghost walks, scare attractions, Dennis Severs' House, Madame Tussaud's, the Necrobus, castles, prison museums, phantasmagoria shows, the 'Gothick' design of Elizabeth Percy at Alnwick Castle, a party at Fonthill Abbey, and a poison garden, McEvoy examines Gothic tourism in relation to literature, film, folklore, heritage management, arts programming, and the 'edutainment' business