No abstract

The Environmental Sample Processor (ESP) is a device that allows for the underwater, autonomous application of DNA and protein probe array technologies as a means to remotely identify and quantify, in situ, marine microorganisms and substances they produce. Here, we added functionality to the ESP through the development and incorporation of a module capable of solid-phase nucleic acid extraction and quantitative PCR (qPCR). Samples collected by the instrument were homogenized in a chaotropic buffer compatible with direct detection of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and nucleic acid purification. From a single sample, both an rRNA community profile and select gene abundances were ascertained. To illustrate this functionality, we focused on bacterioplankton commonly found along the central coast of California and that are known to vary in accordance with different oceanic conditions. DNA probe arrays targeting rRNA revealed the presence of 16S rRNA indicative of marine crenarchaea, SAR11 and marine cyanobacteria; in parallel, qPCR was used to detect 16S rRNA genes from the former two groups and the large subunit RuBisCo gene (rbcL) from Synecchococcus. The PCR-enabled ESP was deployed on a coastal mooring in Monterey Bay for 28 days during the spring-summer upwelling season. The distributions of the targeted bacterioplankon groups were as expected, with the exception of an increase in abundance of marine crenarchaea in anomalous nitrate-rich, low-salinity waters. The unexpected co-occurrence demonstrated the utility of the ESP in detecting novel events relative to previously described distributions of particular bacterioplankton groups. The ESP can easily be configured to detect and enumerate genes and gene products from a wide range of organisms. This study demonstrated for the first time that gene abundances could be assessed autonomously, underwater in near real-time and referenced against prevailing chemical, physical and bulk biological conditions.

Mr. O' Brien. The directorate and chief mechanical engineer of a railway company change infrequently, and the policy is continuous. The problems connected with the generation of electricity are mainly mechanical ; the chief mechanical engineer is usually a man of broad views and wide experience, and in the ordinary operation of his department he has the assistance of experts in each particular branchelectricity, marine engineering, cranes, stationary boiler plant, etc. He is therefore eminently fitted to deal with the problems of a power station. The railway will already possess a staff for dealing with coal analyses and purchase properties of oils, and water, etc., and for testing purposes, and hence a generating station can be operated with an economy unknown among municipalities or in most companies. I do not dispute Mr. Baker's contention that the 50 generating stations in London are wasteful and that it , is a problem to know what to do with them ; on the contrary , I am pleased that he should have adduced this argu-Mr. o Brien ment to prove the wisdom of the policy adopted by the London & NorthWestern and London & SouthWestern Railways. It is of course a matter for regret that there is not a central supply authority for the whole of London ; as soon as such an authority is in being no doubt the railway companies will be in no two minds about purchasing their current. I should like to say further in answer to Mr. Baker that in my opinion in order to get the best results in a very large organization like a railway company it is essential that the whole of the mechanical engineering and transport problems should be grouped under one authority. Many hard things have been said recently about the Great Eastern Railway, but the Company has shown very great wisdom in appointing an engineer as general manager, who will be able to coordinate the various mechanical problems now divided between departments.