title: Analysis of genes involved in methyl halide degradation in Aminobacter lissarensis CC495

authors: Warner, Karen L.

subjects: methyl chloride

abstract: Aminobacter lissarensis CC495 is an aerobic facultative methylotroph capable of growth on glucose, glycerol, pyruvate and methylamine as well as the methyl halides methyl chloride and methyl bromide. Previously, cells grown on methyl chloride have been shown to express two polypeptides with apparent molecular masses of 67 and 29 kDa. The 67 kDa protein was purified and identified as a halomethane:bisulfide/halide ion methyltransferase. This study describes a single gene cluster in A. lissarensis CC495 containing the methyl halide utilisation genes cmuB, cmuA, cmuC, orf 188, paaE and hutI. The genes correspond to the same order and have a high similarity to a gene cluster found in Aminobacter ciceronei IMB-1 and Hyphomicrobium chloromethanicum strain CM2 indicating that genes encoding methyl halide degradation are highly conserved in these strains.

text: Analysis of genes involved in methyl halide degradation in Aminobacter lissarensis CC495 Aminobacter lissarensis CC495 is an aerobic facultative methylotroph capable of growth on glucose, glycerol, pyruvate and methylamine as well as the methyl halides methyl chloride and methyl bromide. Previously, cells grown on methyl chloride have been shown to express two polypeptides with apparent molecular masses of 67 and 29 kDa. The 67 kDa protein was purified and identified as a halomethane:bisulfide/halide ion methyltransferase. This study describes a single gene cluster in A. lissarensis CC495 containing the methyl halide utilisation genes cmuB, cmuA, cmuC, orf 188, paaE and hutI. The genes correspond to the same order and have a high similarity to a gene cluster found in Aminobacter ciceronei IMB-1 and Hyphomicrobium chloromethanicum strain CM2 indicating that genes encoding methyl halide degradation are highly conserved in these strains.

year: 2006

title: Managed Aquifer Recharge in the Poverty Bay Flats

authors: Hampton, G. W.

abstract: In 2012 a report was commissioned by the Gisborne District Council (GDC) to examine groundwater resources in the Poverty Bay flats. This report found that groundwater elevations within the Makauri Gravel aquifer (the aquifer subject to the greatest groundwater abstractions), were declining at statistically significant rates, probably due to groundwater abstractions (White et al., 2012). As a result, the GDC is investigating whether managed aquifer recharge (MAR) can be used to help achieve the sustainable management of groundwater resources within the Poverty Bay flats. MAR is “the purposeful recharge of water to aquifers for subsequent recovery or environmental benefit” (Dillon et al., 2013, p. 2). Though MAR is uncommon in New Zealand, increasing pressures on groundwater may change this. GDC is investigating two different methods of MAR, well-injection (in conjunction with Golder Associates), and infiltration basins, which is the focus of this study.

text: Managed Aquifer Recharge in the Poverty Bay Flats In 2012 a report was commissioned by the Gisborne District Council (GDC) to examine groundwater resources in the Poverty Bay flats. This report found that groundwater elevations within the Makauri Gravel aquifer (the aquifer subject to the greatest groundwater abstractions), were declining at statistically significant rates, probably due to groundwater abstractions (White et al., 2012). As a result, the GDC is investigating whether managed aquifer recharge (MAR) can be used to help achieve the sustainable management of groundwater resources within the Poverty Bay flats. MAR is “the purposeful recharge of water to aquifers for subsequent recovery or environmental benefit” (Dillon et al., 2013, p. 2). Though MAR is uncommon in New Zealand, increasing pressures on groundwater may change this. GDC is investigating two different methods of MAR, well-injection (in conjunction with Golder Associates), and infiltration basins, which is the focus of this study.

year: 2015-11

title: Reconnection with DNA: Policy and issues with direct-to-consumer DNA testing for indigenous Māori identity reclamation

authors: Turanga, Karen

abstract: The disconnection of tangata whenua (indigenous people born of the land) impacts all social determinants. A clear sense of identity and connection to the land and culture is an important solution to this problem. The purpose of this research is to share a personal and whānau (family group) story of using direct-to-consumer (DTC) autosomal DNA genetic testing (GT) to determine ancestry and show others a potential path forward to identity reclamation. To fulfil this purpose and explain the policy context, the research examines historical assimilation policies of closed cross-cultural adoption, and the possibilities DNA technology offers for whakapapa (genealogy, lineage descent, family history) reconnection. This includes addressing two key research questions: How does DTC-GT facilitate reconnection to Māori identity and whakapapa for cross-cultural adoptees? What are the short, medium and long-term risks and advantages of DTC autosomal DTC-GT testing for iwi Māori? A bricolage methodology frames this research and draws on kaupapa Māori (Māori approach, principles, and ideology), autoethnography, and interpretive phenomenology, which are used to analyse academic commentary and key policy decisions. An autoethnographic layered practice approach presents insights and key findings by combining personal narratives with various media types, academic research, policy documents and popular culture. The research highlights how the implicit processes of policy-led assimilation and colonisation still need to be challenged today. Existing literature has identified the importance of giving Māori pathways to reconnect with their identity. The personal story shared explains how DNA technology offers a way to do that, but the research completed for this thesis demonstrates this approach has serious risks and limitations that require consideration before utilising this technology.

text: Reconnection with DNA: Policy and issues with direct-to-consumer DNA testing for indigenous Māori identity reclamation The disconnection of tangata whenua (indigenous people born of the land) impacts all social determinants. A clear sense of identity and connection to the land and culture is an important solution to this problem. The purpose of this research is to share a personal and whānau (family group) story of using direct-to-consumer (DTC) autosomal DNA genetic testing (GT) to determine ancestry and show others a potential path forward to identity reclamation. To fulfil this purpose and explain the policy context, the research examines historical assimilation policies of closed cross-cultural adoption, and the possibilities DNA technology offers for whakapapa (genealogy, lineage descent, family history) reconnection. This includes addressing two key research questions: How does DTC-GT facilitate reconnection to Māori identity and whakapapa for cross-cultural adoptees? What are the short, medium and long-term risks and advantages of DTC autosomal DTC-GT testing for iwi Māori? A bricolage methodology frames this research and draws on kaupapa Māori (Māori approach, principles, and ideology), autoethnography, and interpretive phenomenology, which are used to analyse academic commentary and key policy decisions. An autoethnographic layered practice approach presents insights and key findings by combining personal narratives with various media types, academic research, policy documents and popular culture. The research highlights how the implicit processes of policy-led assimilation and colonisation still need to be challenged today. Existing literature has identified the importance of giving Māori pathways to reconnect with their identity. The personal story shared explains how DNA technology offers a way to do that, but the research completed for this thesis demonstrates this approach has serious risks and limitations that require consideration before utilising this technology.

year: 2025-08-08