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Phylogenetic affinity of a wide, vacuolate, nitrate-accumulating Beggiatoa sp. from Monterey Canyon, California, with Thioploca spp.

Environmentally dominant members of the genus Beggiatoa and Thioploca spp. are united by unique morphological and physiological adaptations (S. C. McHatton, J. P. Barry, H. W. Jannasch, and D. C. Nelson, Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 62:954-958, 1996). These adaptations include the presence of very wide filaments (width, 12 to 160 microm), the presence of a central vacuole comprising roughly 80% of the cellular biovolume, and the capacity to internally concentrate nitrate at levels ranging from 150 to 500 mM. Until recently, the genera Beggiatoa and Thioploca were recognized and differentiated on the basis of morphology alone; they were distinguished by the fact that numerous Thioploca filaments are contained within a common polysaccharide sheath, while Beggiatoa filaments occur singly. Vacuolate Beggiatoa or Thioploca spp. can dominate a variety of marine sediments, seeps, and vents, and it has been proposed (H. Fossing, V. A. Gallardo, B. B. Jorgensen, M. Huttel, L. P. Nielsen, H. Schulz, D. E. Canfield, S. Forster, R. N. Glud, J. K. Gundersen, J. Kuver, N. B. Ramsing, A. Teske, B. Thamdrup, and O. Ulloa, Nature [London] 374:713-715, 1995) that members of the genus Thioploca are responsible for a significant portion of total marine denitrification. In order to investigate the phylogeny of an environmentally dominant Beggiatoa sp., we analyzed complete 16S rRNA gene sequence data obtained from a natural population found in Monterey Canyon cold seeps. Restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of a clone library revealed a dominant clone, which gave rise to a putative Monterey Beggiatoa 16S rRNA sequence. Fluorescent in situ hybridization with a sequence-specific probe confirmed that this sequence originated from wide Beggiatoa filaments (width, 65 to 85 microm). A phylogenetic tree based on evolutionary distances indicated that the Monterey Beggiatoa sp. falls in the gamma subdivision of the class Proteobacteria and is most closely related to the genus Thioploca. This vacuolate Beggiatoa-Thioploca cluster and a more distantly related freshwater Beggiatoa species cluster form a distinct phylogenetic group.

Bacteria↗

Relationship of temporal and spatial variabilities of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria to nitrification rates in Monterey Bay, California.

Temporal and spatial dynamics of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) were examined using genes encoding 16S rRNA and ammonia monooxygenase subunit A (AmoA) in Monterey Bay, Calif. Samples were collected from three depths in the water column on four dates at one mid-bay station. Diversity estimators for the two genes showed a strong positive correlation, indicating that overlapping bacterial populations had been sampled by both sets of clone libraries. Some samples that were separated by only 15 m in depth had less genetic similarity than samples that were collected from the same depth months apart. Clone libraries from the Monterey Bay AOB community were dominated by Nitrosospira-like sequences and clearly differentiated from the adjacent AOB community in Elkhorn Slough. Many Monterey Bay clones clustered with previously identified 16S rRNA and amoA groups composed entirely of marine sequences, supporting the hypothesis that these groups are specific to the marine environment and are dominant marine AOB. In addition, novel, phylogenetically distinct groups of AOB sequences were identified and compared to sequences in the database. Only one cluster of gammaproteobacterial AOB was detected using 16S rRNA genes. Although significant genetic variation was detected in AOB populations from both vertical and temporal samples, no significant correlation was detected between diversity and environmental variables or the rate of nitrification.

Ammonia↗

Domoic acid-producing diatom blooms in Monterey Bay, California: 1991-1993.

During the autumn of 1991, numerous seabird fatalities in Monterey Bay, California, led to the discovery of a new domoic acid-producing diatom, Pseudonitzschia australis. Since this initial event, sizable populations of P. australis, as well as other likely toxin producers, P. pungens f. multiseries and P. pseudodelicatissima, have occurred biannually in Monterey Bay. Using the highly sensitive FMOC-HPLC method, we detected domoic acid whenever Pseudonitzschia australis was found in the plankton, even at densities as low as 4.0 x 10(3) cells/L. Based on correlations of domoic acid and P. australis abundances and the overwhelming biovolume dominance of P. australis, we conclude that P. australis has been the major domoic acid producer during the period of our study. Our study suggests that P. australis cells may always be toxic in natural populations and that toxin concentrations on a per cell basis have no statistically significant relationship to population density or to nutrient concentrations other than silicate. Cellular levels of domoic acid were positively correlated with silicate concentrations, which is at variance with reports from prior culture experiments. These conclusions must be tentative because of the limited extent of our sampling. Nevertheless, these preliminary data indicate that further investigations of environmental conditions affiliated with cell growth and toxin production in P. australis are warranted. As a practical matter, domoic acid in the pelagic environment cannot be reliably or consistently detected by monitoring domoic acid levels in intertidal mussels. Direct measurement of domoic acid using sensitive HPLC methods is probably the most cost-effective and accurate approach for an ongoing phycotoxin monitoring program.

Animals↗

Phylogenetic screening of ribosomal RNA gene-containing clones in Bacterial Artificial Chromosome (BAC) libraries from different depths in Monterey Bay.

Marine picoplankton are central mediators of many oceanic biogeochemical processes, but much of their biology and ecology remains ill defined. One approach to better defining these environmentally significant microbes involves the acquisition of genomic data that can provide information about genome content, metabolic capabilities, and population variability in picoplankton assemblages. Previously, we constructed and phylogenetically screened a Bacterial Artificial Chromosome (BAC) library from surface water picoplankton of Monterey Bay. To further describe niche partitioning, metabolic variability, and population structure in coastal picoplankton populations, we constructed and compared several picoplankton BAC libraries recovered from different depths in Monterey Bay. To facilitate library screening, a rapid technique was developed (ITS-LH-PCR) to identify and quantify ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene-containing BAC clones in BAC libraries. The approach exploited natural length variations in the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) located between SSU and LSU rRNA genes, as well as the presence and location of tRNA-alanine coding genes within the ITS. The correspondence between ITS-LH-PCR fragment sizes and 16S rRNA gene phylogenies facilitated rapid identification of rRNA genes in BAC clones without requiring direct DNA sequencing. Using this approach, 35 phylogenetic groups (previously identified by cultivation or PCR-based rRNA gene surveys) were detected and quantified among the BAC clones. Since the probability of recovering chimeric rRNA gene sequences in large insert BAC clones was low, we used these sequences to identify potentially chimeric sequences from previous PCR amplified clones deposited in public databases. Full-length SSU rRNA gene sequences from picoplankton BAC libraries, cultivated bacterioplankton, and nonchimeric RNA genes were then used to refine phylogenetic analyses of planktonic marine gamma Proteobacteria, Roseobacter, and Rhodospirillales species.

Bacteria↗

Biological marker distribution in coexisting kerogen, bitumen and asphaltenes in Monterey Formation diatomite, California.

Organic-rich (18.2%) Monterey Formation diatomite from California was studied. The organic matter consist of 94% bitumen and 6% kerogen. Biological markers from the bitumen and from pyrolysates of the coexisting asphaltenes and kerogen were analyzed in order to elucidate the relationship between the various fractions of the organic matter. While 17 alpha(H), 18 alpha(H), 21 alpha(H)-28,30-bisnorhopane was present in the bitumen and in the pryolysate of the asphaltenes, it was not detected in the pyrolysates of the kerogen. A C40-isoprenoid with "head to head" linkage, however, was present in pyrolysates of both kerogen and asphaltenes, but not in the bitumen from the diatomite. The maturation level of the bitumen, based on the extent of isomerization of steranes and hopanes, was that of a mature oil, whereas the pyrolysate from the kerogen showed a considerably lower maturation level. These relationships indicate that the bitumen may not be indigenous to the diatomite and that it is a mature oil that migrated into the rock. We consider the possibility, however, that some of the 28,30-bisnorhopane-rich Monterey Formation oils have not been generated through thermal degradation of kerogen, but have been expelled from the source rock at an early stage of diagenesis.

Biomarkers↗

Seasonal and annual distribution of organic contaminants in marine sediments from Elkhorn slough, moss landing harbor and nearshore Monterey Bay, California.

This 3-year study provides data on the spatial, seasonal and annual variability of hydrocarbons and total organic carbon present in marine sediments at three sites: Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing Harbor and nearshore Monterey Bay in the vicinity of Moss Landing, California. The study provides baseline information that could be used to evaluate the potential impacts of future fuel oil releases occuring in the Moss Landing area. Groups of hydrocarbons were chosen to represent the hydrocarbon inputs into the Moss Landing area. These included the pesticide dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), phthalic acid ester (PAE), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) and combustion PAHs (SigmaCOMBs). For SigmaDDTs, SigmaPCBs, SigmaPAEs, SigmaPAHs and SigmaCOMBs, the major sources of variability were between sites and random effects. Subsites within each site contributed little variability. No significant seasonal differences in any chemical contaminant group were found at any site. Significant seasonal differences in total organic carbon (TOC) and significant annual differences in SigmaPCBs, SigmaPAHs, SigmaCOMBs and SigmaPAEs were found at the nearshore Monterey Bay site. Significant annual differences in SigmaPAEs and TOC were found within Moss Landing Harbor, and significant annual differences in SigmaPAEs were found within the Elkhorn Slough site. Implications for future sampling designs in the Moss Landing area are that given the current baseline conditions (a stable, low rate of hydrocarbon input), a variability of 75-150 m(2) may not need to be heavily sampled. Spatial variability, not seasonal or annual variability, is the major source of hydrocarbon variability in Moss Landing sediments, although 3 years may not be long enough to establish long-term annual trends. Further research to determine the SigmaPAH spatial sampling scale for oil spills is needed.

Journal Article↗

Isolation and characterization of trypsin from pyloric caeca of Monterey sardine Sardinops sagax caerulea.

Trypsin from pyloric caeca of Monterey sardine was purified by fractionation with ammonium sulfate, gel filtration, affinity and ionic exchange chromatography. Fraction 102, obtained from ionic exchange chromatography, generated one band in sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and isoelectric focusing. The molecular mass of the isolated trypsin was 25 kDa and showed esterase-specific activity on Nalpha-p-tosyl-L-arginine methyl ester (TAME) that was 4.5 times greater than amidase-specific activity on N-benzoyl-L-arginine-p-nitroanilide. The purified enzyme was partially inhibited by the serine-protease phenyl-methyl-sulfonyl fluoride (PMSF) inhibitor and fully inhibited by the soybean trypsin inhibitor (SBTI) and benzamidine, but was not inhibited by the metallo-protease inactivator EDTA or the chymotrypsin inhibitor tosyl-L-phenylalanine chloromethyl-ketone. The optimum pH for activity was 8.0 and maximum stability was observed between pH 7 and 8. A marked loss in stability was observed below pH 4 and above pH 11. Activity was optimum at 50 degrees C and lost activity at higher temperatures. The kinetic trypsin constants K(m) and k(cat) were 0.051 mM and 2.12 s(-1), respectively, while the catalytic efficiency (k(cat)/K(m)) was 41 s(-1) mM(-1). General characteristics of the Monterey sardine trypsin resemble those of trypsins from other fish, especially trypsins from the anchovy Engraulis japonica and Engraulis encrasicholus and the sardine Sardinops melanostica.

Ammonium Sulfate↗

The Monterey County Health Initiative. A post-mortem analysis of a California Medicaid demonstration project.

Twenty months after the California State Department of Health Services turned its Medicaid program in Monterey County over to a local health care authority, the Monterey County Health Initiative (MCHI), the state terminated the pilot project in favor of a return to fee-for-service reimbursement. The MCHI, plagued from its inception with shaky provider support and a flawed program design, failed to demonstrate its anticipated cost savings. The key features of this failure were overly generous fees for primary case managers, inadequate utilization control measures, a general hesitancy to assume the necessary gatekeeper function, and a management information system that was not fully operational until well into the implementation of the program. Policy implications and recommendations for future state-sponsored Medicaid demonstration projects are discussed.

California↗

Demonstration of surgical telerobotics and virtual telepresence by Internet + ISDN from Monterey (USA) to Milan (Italy).

This paper deals with the connection which has been held on 8th July 1997 in collaboration with the JPL of the NASA, Pasadena, California, between the Eighth International Conference on the Advanced Robotics (ICAR '97) in course at Monterey, California and the Telerobotics Laboratory of Politecnico di Milano connected in a multipoint teleconference through the MCU of Rome with the Aula Magna of the same Politecnico and the Palace Business of the Giureconsulti of the Chamber of Commerce of Milan. The demonstration has allowed to telecontrol a scara robot of the Sankyo and an ABB robot, which have affected simulations of operations of biopsy to the prostate, to the liver and to the breast, a mechanical hand and a model of a car, disposed in a space destined to reproduce the Martian ground, from Monterey to Milan by means of the INTERNET+ISDN connection from. In fact the event has taken place four days after the landing on Mars happily successful of the spatial probe Pathfinder from which it has gone out the "Sojourner" robot, telecontrolled from the JPL of the NASA, which has begun to take photos of the Martian ground and also some of these images have been transmitted in the course of the connection.

Algorithms↗

Mixed-function oxidase-specific activity in wild and caged speckled sanddabs Citharichthys stigmaeus in Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing Harbor and nearshore Monterey Bay, California.

The goal of this study was to characterize the spatial, seasonal and annual hepatic activities of mixed-function oxidase (MFO) in the speckled sanddab Citharichthys stigmaeus, the most common fish in the Moss Landing area. In addition, techniques to monitor MFO activities in caged speckled sanddabs were developed and tested. Once the relationship between MFO activities in caged and wild fish populations is determined, caged fish could be used to monitor potential hydrocarbon impacts at Moss Landing, or other marine sites. During each of the spatial, seasonal and annual sediment samplings conducted in 1985-1987 as part of a separate hydrocarbon variability study at Moss Landing, 12 wild speckled sanddabs were collected from Moss Landing Harbor, Elkhorn Slough and nearshore Monterey Bay sites. In addition, four locations were chosen for a 14-day field caged fish experiment. The caged fish experiments successfully demonstrated the feasibility of using caged sanddabs as indicators of hydrocarbon exposure. The major source of variability in hepatic aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activity in wild speckled sanddabs from the Moss Landing area is due to seasonal rather than site differences. Significant relationships between caged fish MFO response and sediment hydrocarbon concentrations were found. It is possible that caged fish could be used in place of costly sediment sampling and analysis, and provide a more direct method to assess biological impacts. Many of the caging techniques demonstrated in this study can easily be transferred to other benthic flatfish, and other marine and freshwater environments.

Journal Article↗

The deep-sea as a final global sink of semivolatile persistent organic pollutants? Part I: PCBs in surface and deep-sea dwelling fish of the north and south Atlantic and the Monterey Bay Canyon (California).

The understanding of the global environmental multiphase distribution of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) as a result of the physico-chemical properties of the respective compounds is well established. We have analysed the results of a vertical transport of POPs from upper water layers (0-200 m) to the deepwater region (> 800 m) in terms of the contamination of the biophase in both water layers. The contents of persistent organochlorine compounds like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in fish living in the upper water layers of the North Atlantic and the South Atlantic, and at the continental shelf of California (Marine Sanctuary Monterey Bay and its deep-sea Canyon) are compared to the levels in deep-sea or bottom dwelling fish within the same geographic area. The deep-sea biota show significantly higher burdens as compared to surface-living species of the same region. There are also indications for recycling processes of POPs--in this case the PCBs--in the biophase of the abyss as well. It can be concluded that the bio- and geo phase of the deep-sea may act similarly as the upper horizons of forest and grasslands on the continents as an ultimate global sink for POPs in the marine environment.

Animals↗

The deep-sea as a final global sink of semivolatile persistent organic pollutants? Part II: Organochlorine pesticides in surface and deep-sea dwelling fish of the north and south Atlantic and the Monterey Bay Canyon (California).

The understanding of the global environmental multiphase distribution of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) as a result of the physico-chemical properties of the respective compounds is well established. We have analysed the results of a vertical transport of POPs from surface water to deepwater in terms of the contamination of the biota living in the respective environmental compartments. Samples were taken from the North and the South Atlantic and from the uprising water region of the continental shelf of California (Marine Sanctuary Monterey Bay and its Canyon). The contents of persistent organochlorine pesticides (DDTs, chlordanes, toxaphenes, HCHs, and HCB) in surface-living fish are compared to those in deepwater fish of the same geographic area. The deepwater biota show significantly higher burdens as compared to surface-living species of the same region. There are also indications for recycling processes of POPs of the class of organochlorine pesticides in the biophase of the abyss as well. It can be concluded that the bio- and geophase of the deep-sea may act as an ultimate global sink for persistent semivolatile contaminants in the marine environment like the soil on the continents.

Animals↗

Rheological and proteolytic properties of Monterey Jack goat's milk cheese during aging.

To enhance the understanding of the quality traits of goat's milk cheeses, rheological and proteolytic properties of Monterey Jack goat's milk cheese were evaluated during 26 weeks of 4 degrees C storage. As expected with aging, beta-casein levels decreased with concomitant increases in peptide levels and were correlated with changes in rheological properties of the cheese. Hydrolysis of the protein matrix resulted in more flexible (increased viscoelastic properties) and softer (decreased hardness, shear stress, and shear rigidity) cheeses. During the first 4-8 weeks of storage, cheese texture changed significantly (P < 0.05) and then stabilized. Characterization of rheological and proteolytic properties of the goat's milk semihard cheese during aging provided insight into the changes occurring in the protein matrix, the relationship to structure, and a shift in cheese quality.

Animals↗

Evaluation of weather conditions for methyl bromide ambient air monitoring in Monterey, Santa Cruz, and Kern Counties in the year 2000.

Weather condition is one of the most important factors affecting spatial and temporal distributions of air pollutants, especially for short-term air dispersion. Abnormal weather conditions might lead to higher or lower ambient air concentrations than they would be under normal weather conditions. Therefore, testing for normality of weather conditions during the air monitoring period is an essential step for evaluating ambient air monitoring results. In this paper, a distance method was used to select a most representative weather station from the available candidates. An array of meteorological elements were identified that affect air dispersion and transportation. A statistical method was used to determine whether the weather conditions during the air monitoring period were significantly different from that of previous years. Using methyl bromide ambient air monitoring as a case study, this paper documents the methods, procedures, and results of weather analysis for Monterey, Santa Cruz, and Kern Counties during ambient air monitoring periods for methyl bromide in the year 2000. With a few exceptions, the meteorological elements and atmospheric stability factors, such as wind speeds, wind directions, and stability classes, during the monitoring period were in the normal range. Although there were higher frequencies of stable atmospheric conditions in Monterey/Santa Cruz Counties than in Kern County, weather conditions during the monitoring period were not significantly different from normal local weather conditions of previous years. Consequently, the subchronic air concentrations observed during the ambient air monitoring periods for methyl bromide in the year 2000 was taken under typical weather conditions of those areas at that time of the year.

Air Pollutants↗

Family of MADS-Box genes expressed early in male and female reproductive structures of monterey pine

Three MADS-box genes isolated from Monterey pine (Pinus radiata), PrMADS1, PrMADS2, and PrMADS3, are orthologs to members of the AGL2 and AGL6 gene subfamilies in Arabidopsis. These genes were expressed during early stages of pine shoot development in differentiating seed- and pollen-cone buds. Their transcripts were found within a group of cells that formed ovuliferous scale and microsporophyll primordia. Expression of PrMADS3 was also detected in a group of cells giving rise to needle primordia within differentiated vegetative buds, and in needle primordia.

Journal Article↗

Photosynthesis and transpiration of monterey pine seedlings as a function of soil water suction and soil temperature.

Rates of photosynthesis, respiration, and transpiration of Monterey pine (Pinus radiata D. Don) were measured under controlled conditions of soil water suction and soil temperature. Air temperature, relative humidity, light intensity, and air movement were maintained constant. Rates of net photosynthesis, respiration, and transpiration decreased with increasing soil water suction. The decrease in the rates of net photosynthesis and transpiration as a function of the soil temperature at low soil water suctions may be attributed to changes in the viscosity of water. At soil water suctions larger than 0.70 bars rates of transpiration and net photosynthesis may be affected in the same proportion by changes in stomatal apertures.

Journal Article↗

Acoustic detection and quantification of benthic egg beds of the squid Loligo opalescens in Monterey Bay, California.

The squid Loligo opalescens is a key species in the nearshore pelagic community of California, supporting the most valuable state marine fishery, yet the stock biomass is unknown. In southern Monterey Bay, extensive beds occur on a flat, sandy bottom, water depths 20-60 m, thus sidescan sonar is a prima-facie candidate for use in rapid, synoptic, and noninvasive surveying. The present study describes development of an acoustic method to detect, identify, and quantify squid egg beds by means of high-frequency sidescan-sonar imagery. Verification of the method has been undertaken with a video camera carried on a remotely operated vehicle. It has been established that sidescan sonar images can be used to predict the presence or absence of squid egg beds. The lower size limit of detectability of an isolated egg bed is about 0.5 m with a 400-kHz sidescan sonar used with a 50-m range when towed at 3 knots. It is possible to estimate the abundance of eggs in a region of interest by computing the cumulative area covered by the egg beds according to the sidescan sonar image. In a selected quadrat one arc second on each side, the estimated number of eggs was 36.5 million.

Acoustics↗

Kraft mill residues effects on Monterey pine growth and soil microbial activity.

The production of bleached Kraft pulp generates inorganic and organic residues that are usually deposited on the soil surface or land-filled. Studies conducted to address the impact of these wastes on the environment are scarce. In this work, Monterey pine (Pinus radiata D. Don), an important tree for pulping, was evaluated for germination and development under greenhouse conditions in forest soils exposed to solid residues of the cellulose industry using the Kraft process. Soils exposed to 10 to 60% ashes, 10 to 70% fly ashes, or 10 to 30% dregs allowed substantial seed germination and seedling growth. In contrast, soils exposed to low proportions of brown rejects, grits, or a mixture of all these residues were detrimental for germination, plant growth, or both. The strongest negative effect (no germination) was observed with as low as 10% grits. The changes in pH and/or water content caused by solid wastes did not correlate with detrimental effects observed in various soil-residue combinations. No significant changes in the microbial community of soils exposed to these solid residues were observed by determination of culturable counts, or by terminal-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of the microbial community DNA. The presence of organic residues did not affect the ability of the soil microbial community to remove typical pulp bleaching chloroaromatics. However, inorganic wastes strongly decreased the removal of such compounds.

Bacteria↗