title: Phylogenetic analysis of actinobacterial populations associated with Antarctic Dry Valley mineral soils

authors: Babalola, Olubukola

subjects: phylogenetic analysis

abstract: Despite the apparent severity of the environmental conditions in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Eastern Antarctica, recent phylogenetic studies conducted on mineral soil samples have revealed the presence of a wide diversity of microorganisms, with actinobacteria representing one of the largest phylotypic groups. Previous metagenomic studies have shown that the majority of Antarctic actinobacterial populations are classified as 'uncultured'. In this study, we assessed the diversity of actinobacteria in Antarctic cold desert soils by complementing traditional culture-based techniques with a metagenomic study. Phylogenetic analysis of clones generated with actinobacterium- and streptomycete-specific PCR primers revealed that the majority of the phylotypes were most closely related to uncultured Pseudonocardia and Nocardioides species. Phylotypes most closely related to a number of rarer actinobacteria genera, including Geodermatophilus, Modestobacter and Sporichthya, were also identified. While complementary culture-dependent studies isolated a number of Nocardia and Pseudonocardia species, the majority of the cultured isolates (> 80%) were Streptomyces species – although phylotypes affiliated to the genus Streptomyces were detected at a low frequency in the metagenomic study. This study confirms that Antarctic Dry Valley desert soil harbours highly diverse actinobacterial communities and suggests that many of the phylotypes identified may represent novel, uncultured species.

text: Phylogenetic analysis of actinobacterial populations associated with Antarctic Dry Valley mineral soils Despite the apparent severity of the environmental conditions in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Eastern Antarctica, recent phylogenetic studies conducted on mineral soil samples have revealed the presence of a wide diversity of microorganisms, with actinobacteria representing one of the largest phylotypic groups. Previous metagenomic studies have shown that the majority of Antarctic actinobacterial populations are classified as 'uncultured'. In this study, we assessed the diversity of actinobacteria in Antarctic cold desert soils by complementing traditional culture-based techniques with a metagenomic study. Phylogenetic analysis of clones generated with actinobacterium- and streptomycete-specific PCR primers revealed that the majority of the phylotypes were most closely related to uncultured Pseudonocardia and Nocardioides species. Phylotypes most closely related to a number of rarer actinobacteria genera, including Geodermatophilus, Modestobacter and Sporichthya, were also identified. While complementary culture-dependent studies isolated a number of Nocardia and Pseudonocardia species, the majority of the cultured isolates (> 80%) were Streptomyces species – although phylotypes affiliated to the genus Streptomyces were detected at a low frequency in the metagenomic study. This study confirms that Antarctic Dry Valley desert soil harbours highly diverse actinobacterial communities and suggests that many of the phylotypes identified may represent novel, uncultured species.

year: 2009

title: Environmental determinants of landmine detection by dogs: Findings from a large-scale study in Afghanistan

authors: Sargisson, Rebecca J.

subjects: mine-detection dogs

abstract: This article’s purpose is to examine the strengths and weaknesses of mine-detection dogs in different environments. The experiments employed a total of 39 dogs in Afghanistan between October 2002 and July 2003. The results are discussed here.

text: Environmental determinants of landmine detection by dogs: Findings from a large-scale study in Afghanistan This article’s purpose is to examine the strengths and weaknesses of mine-detection dogs in different environments. The experiments employed a total of 39 dogs in Afghanistan between October 2002 and July 2003. The results are discussed here.

year: 2012

title: Taku Rāta Tūtahi (composed 28 Oct 2013)

authors: Maxwell, Te Kahautu

abstract: Taku Rāta Tūtahi is a lament dedicated to my daughter Kaaterina Ataria Ariha Maxwell who passed away suddenly on the 23 March 2013. This composition talks about the pain of a father for his daughter and how at times life is unbearable because of this undiscribable pain. This composition was performed by Ōpōtiki Mai Tawhiti Kapa Haka at the Mātaatua Kapa Haka Regional Competition. This composition placed 2nd in the Whakaeke discipline.

text: Taku Rāta Tūtahi (composed 28 Oct 2013) Taku Rāta Tūtahi is a lament dedicated to my daughter Kaaterina Ataria Ariha Maxwell who passed away suddenly on the 23 March 2013. This composition talks about the pain of a father for his daughter and how at times life is unbearable because of this undiscribable pain. This composition was performed by Ōpōtiki Mai Tawhiti Kapa Haka at the Mātaatua Kapa Haka Regional Competition. This composition placed 2nd in the Whakaeke discipline.

year: 2014