Search

This paper documents a case study examining collaborative transdisciplinary (TD) and interdisciplinary (ID) graduate programmes at the University of British Columbia (a large, public, research-intensive university in Canada) -- serving as a model for other universities globally. TD and ID programmes in higher education can ultimately create a new generation of researchers who are capable of contending with complex problems by equipping them with a broad range of research competencies and expertise. This study used open-ended surveys and semi-structured focus groups and interviews to understand how students, faculty members, and programme coordinators experienced these programmes, focusing on specific competencies (e.g. values, knowledge, interpersonal skills). We then highlighted how programmes may be preparing students to engage in collaborative applied research (i.e., TD and ID) in real-world contexts. Our findings suggest that "breadth" programmes exposed students to a wide range of disciplinary perspectives, while "depth" programmes focused on a specific research problem in fewer disciplines. TD and ID co-supervision and thesis committee membership emerged as rich avenues for students to receive mentorship from faculty members. Lastly, respondents wanted more applied research and opportunities to connect with potential employers outside academia.

Empowering students and scholars to effectively address complex societal challenges frequently entails embracing unconventional pathways to foster transdisciplinary (TD) education. This empowerment is further facilitated by collaborative efforts supported by the TD experience. This paper examines one such initiative: a student-centered, experimental design of a TD doctoral pilot program for environmental sustainability at the University of British Columbia, a large, research-intensive public university in Canada. In this study, we documented shifts in participants' development and assessed the impact of TD collaboration conditions on the educational design process. The findings indicate that engaging in collaborative TD experiences yields substantial pedagogical benefits, introducing novel opportunities for design and experimentation. This TD space appears to offer conducive conditions for students and faculty to more effectively navigate adaptive and innovative contexts within higher education. Pedagogical experimentation of this nature provides insights that are challenging to derive from theoretical speculation alone, offering potential pathways for today's learners and educators as they confront complex societal challenges.

Background: Data from high-income countries (HICs) show a high risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) in first-episode psychosis (FEP). It is unknown, however, whether rates and associated factors differ in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Aims: We therefore aimed to compare the 2-year course of STBs and associated factors in persons with FEP treated in two similarly structured early intervention services in Chennai, India and Montreal, Canada. Method: To ensure fit to the data that included persons without STBs and with varying STBs' severity, a hurdle model was conducted by site, including known predictors of STBs. The 2-year evolution of STBs was compared by site with mixed-effects ordered logistic regression. Results: The study included 333 FEP patients (168 in Chennai, 165 in Montreal). A significant decrease in STBs was observed at both sites (OR = 0.87; 95% CI [0.84, 0.90]), with the greatest decline in the first 2 months of follow-up. Although three Chennai women died by suicide in the first 4 months (none in Montreal), Chennai patients had a lower risk of STBs over follow-up (OR = 0.44; 95% CI [0.23, 0.81]). Some factors (depression, history of suicide attempts) were consistently associated with STBs across contexts, while others (gender, history of suicidal ideation, relationship status) were associated at only one of the two sites. Conclusions: This is the first study to compare STBs in FEP between two distinct geo-sociocultural contexts (an HIC and an LMIC). At both sites, STBs reduced after treatment initiation, suggesting that early intervention reduces STBs across contexts. At both sites, for some patients, STBs persisted or first appeared during follow-up, indicating need for suicide prevention throughout follow-up. Our study demonstrates contextual variations in rates and factors associated with STBs. This has implications for tailoring suicide prevention and makes the case for more research on STBs in FEP in diverse contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background There exist few direct studies of delusional content in psychosis across geo-cultural contexts, especially those in which treatment protocols and measures are comparable. To directly examine an illness outcome that is potentially culturally mediated, this study investigated the baseline presentation and longitudinal trajectory of delusions in first-episode psychosis (FEP) across 2 similar treatment settings in Montréal (Canada) and Chennai (India). Study Design Patients entering an early intervention program for FEP in Chennai (N = 168) and Montréal (N = 165) were compared on site-level differences in the presentation of delusions across specific time points over 2 years of treatment. Delusions were measured using the Scale for Assessment of Positive Symptoms. Chi-square and regression analyses were conducted Study Results At baseline, delusions were more frequent in Montréal than in Chennai (93% vs 80%, respectively; X 2 (1) = 12.36, P <.001). Thematically, delusions of grandiosity, religiosity, and mind reading were more common in Montréal than in Chennai (all P <.001); however, these baseline differences did not persist over time. Regression revealed a significant time-by-site interaction in the longitudinal course of delusions, which differs from the trajectory of other FEP-positive symptom domains. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this is the first direct comparison of delusions in similar programs for FEP across 2 different geo-cultural contexts. Our findings support the notion that delusion themes follow consistent ordinal patterns across continents. Future work is needed to unpack the differences in severity that present at baseline and minor differences in content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Questions of equity, diversity, and inclusion in the sciences have taken center stage in light of the COVID‐19 pandemic and Black Lives Matter movement of 2020. This paper focuses on the experiences of academics engaging in such work, particularly in their roles as educators, by sharing two of the authors' experiences introducing equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives in a first‐year science course at a Canadian university. Using critical research methodologies like narrative inquiry and memory work, we look at three separate instances where complex personal, institutional and course attributes fostered, allowed, or hindered efforts to bring these initiatives into the classroom. We consider how problematic incidents and obstacles relating to the organization of content on equity, diversity, and inclusion in science cropped up during the process, how they were perceived and handled in the moment, as well as the authors' reflections, takeaways, and lessons learned from the experience. These stories suggest that efforts to center discussions about equity, diversity, and inclusion in undergraduate science classrooms can be unpredictable and complex, particularly at the day‐to‐day level; this is especially the case when handling subtler microaggressions rather than clear instances of discrimination or harassment. Our study points to the importance of creating a more permanent institutional memory for initiatives that outlive those who initiated and organized them, so that they become embedded within the culture of a course or department. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relationships, built on trust, knowledge, regard, and loyalty, have been demonstrated to be fundamental to health care delivery. Strong relationships between patients and providers have been linked to more compassionate care delivery, and better patient experience and outcomes, and may be particularly important in primary care. The rapid adoption of digital technologies since the onset of COVID-19 has led health care systems to seriously consider a "digital-first" primary care delivery model. Questions remain regarding what impact this transformation will have on the therapeutic relationship. Using a rapid ethnographic approach this study explores how patient and provider understandings of therapeutic relationships and digital health technologies may influence relationship-building or maintenance between patients with complex care needs and their care providers. Three team-based primary care sites in Toronto, Ontario, Canada were included in the study. Across the three sites 9 patients with chronic health conditions, 1 caregiver, and 10 healthcare providers (including family physicians, family medicine residents, social workers, and nurse practitioners) participated. Interviews were conducted with all participants and 8 observations of virtual clinical encounters (phone and video visits) were conducted. Using social representation theory as a lens, analysis revealed that participants' constructions of therapeutic relationships and digital technologies were informed by their identities, experiences, and expectations. For participants to see technologies as enabling to the therapeutic relationship, there needed to be alignment between how participants viewed the role of technology in care and in their lives, and how they recognized (or constructed) a good therapeutic relationship. This exploratory work suggests the need to think about how both patients' and providers' views of technology may determine whether digital technologies can be leveraged to meet patient needs while maintaining, or building, strong therapeutic relationships. • Digital health tools can both support and disrupt therapeutic relationships. • The meaning of digital tools for patients and providers plays an important role. • The Theory of Social Representation helps to understand construction of meaning. • Constructed meanings of technology and therapeutic relationships needs to align. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It is unknown whether patient disengagement from early intervention services for psychosis is as prevalent in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) like India, as it is in high-income countries (HICs). Addressing this gap, we studied two first-episode psychosis programs in Montreal, Canada and Chennai, India. We hypothesized lower service disengagement among patients and higher engagement among families in Chennai, and that family engagement would mediate cross-site differences in patient disengagement. Methods: Sites were compared on their 2-year patient disengagement and family engagement rates conducting time-to-event analyses and independent samples t tests on monthly contact data. Along with site and family involvement, Cox proportional hazards regression included known predictors of patient disengagement (e.g. gender). Results: The study included data about 333 patients (165 in Montreal, 168 in Chennai) and their family members (156 in Montreal, 168 in Chennai). More Montreal patients (19%) disengaged before 24 months than Chennai patients (1%), χ2(1, N = 333) = 28.87, p < 0.001. Chennai families had more contact with clinicians throughout treatment (Cohen's d = −1.28). Family contact significantly predicted patient disengagement in Montreal (HR = 0.87, 95% CI 0.81–0.93). Unlike in Chennai, family contact declined over time in Montreal, with clinicians perceiving such contact as not necessary (Cohen's d = 1.73). Conclusions: This is the first investigation of early psychosis service engagement across a HIC and an LMIC. Patient and family engagement was strikingly higher in Chennai. Maintaining family contact may benefit patient engagement, irrespective of context. Findings also suggest that differential service utilization may underpin cross-cultural variations in psychosis outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Varicella-zoster virus vaccination is recommended for virtually all young children in the United States, Canada, and several other countries. Varicella vaccine is a live attenuated virus that retains some of its neurotropic properties. Herpes zoster caused by vaccine virus still occurs in immunized children, although the rate is much lower than in children who had wild-type varicella. It was commonly thought that 2 varicella vaccinations would protect children against the most serious complication of meningitis following herpes zoster; however, 2 meningitis cases have already been published. We now report a third case of varicella vaccine meningitis and define risk factors shared by all 3 immunized adolescents. The diagnosis in cerebrospinal fluid in this third case was verified by amplifying and sequencing portions of the viral genome, to document fixed alleles found only in the vaccine strain. Viral antibody was also detected in the cerebrospinal fluid by confocal microscopy. When compared with the other 2 cases, remarkably all 3 were 14 years old when meningitis occurred. All 3 were treated with intravenous acyclovir, with complete recovery. The adolescent in our case report also had recurrent asthma, which was treated with both prednisone tablets and beclomethasone inhaler before onset of meningitis. When the 3 cases were considered together, they suggested that immunity to varicella-zoster virus may be waning sufficiently in some twice-immunized adolescents to make them vulnerable to varicella vaccine virus reactivation and subsequent meningitis. This complication rarely happens in children after wild-type varicella. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Views on who bears how much responsibility for supporting individuals with mental health problems may vary across stakeholders (patients, families, clinicians) and cultures. Perceptions about responsibility may influence the extent to which stakeholders get involved in treatment. Our objective was to report on the development, psychometric properties and usability of a first-ever tool of this construct. Methods: We created a visual weighting disk called 'ShareDisk', measuring perceived extent of responsibility for supporting persons with mental health problems. It was administered (twice, 2 weeks apart) to patients, family members and clinicians in Chennai, India (N = 30, 30 and 15, respectively) and Montreal, Canada (N = 30, 32 and 15, respectively). Feedback regarding its usability was also collected. Results: The English, French and Tamil versions of the ShareDisk demonstrated high test–retest reliability (r s =.69–.98) and were deemed easy to understand and use. Conclusion: The ShareDisk is a promising measure of a hitherto unmeasured construct that is easily deployable in settings varying in language and literacy levels. Its clinical utility lies in clarifying stakeholder roles. It can help researchers investigate how stakeholders' roles are perceived and how these perceptions may be shaped by and shape the organization and experience of healthcare across settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a life-shattering neurological condition that affects between 250,000 and 500,000 individuals each year with an estimated two to three million people worldwide living with an SCI-related disability. The incidence in the USA and Canada is more than that in other countries with motor vehicle accidents being the most common cause, while violence being most common in the developing nations. Its incidence is two- to fivefold higher in males, with a peak in younger adults. Apart from the economic burden associated with medical care costs, SCI predominantly affects a younger adult population. Therefore, the psychological impact of adaptation of an average healthy individual as a paraplegic or quadriplegic with bladder, bowel, or sexual dysfunction in their early life can be devastating. People with SCI are two to five times more likely to die prematurely, with worse survival rates in low- and middle-income countries. This devastating disorder has a complex and multifaceted mechanism. Recently, a lot of research has been published on the restoration of locomotor activity and the therapeutic strategies. Therefore, it is imperative for the treating physicians to understand the complex underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of SCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe aerosol optical depth (AOD) measured during the Arctic Research of the Composition of the Troposphere from Aircraft and Satellites (ARCTAS) experiment, focusing on vertical profiles, inter-comparison with correlative observations and fine-mode fraction. Arctic haze observed in <2 km and 2-4 km over Alaska in April 2008 originated mainly from anthropogenic emission and biomass burning, respectively, according to aerosol mass spectrometry and black carbon incandescence measurements. The Angstrom exponent for these air masses is 1.4 ± 0.3 and 1.7 ± 0.1, respectively, when derived at 499 nm from a second-order polynomial fit to the AOD spectra measured with the 14-channel Ames Airborne Tracking Sunphotometer (AATS-14) over 354-2139 nm. We examine 55 vertical profiles selected from all phases of the experiment. For two thirds of them, the AOD spectra are within 3% + 0.02 of the vertical integral of local visible-light scattering and absorption. The horizontal structure of smoke plumes from local biomass burning observed in central Canada in June and July 2008 explains most outliers. The differences in mid-visible Angstrom exponent are <0.10 for 63% of the profiles with 499-nm AOD > 0.1. The retrieved fine-mode fraction of AOD is mostly between 0.7 and 1.0, and its root mean square difference (in both directions) from column-integral submicron fraction (measured with nephelometers, absorption photometers and an impactor) is 0.12. These AOD measurements from the NASA P-3 aircraft, after compensation for below-aircraft light attenuation by vertical extrapolation, mostly fall within ± 0.02 of AERONET ground-based measurements between 340-1640 nm for five overpass events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the study which investigates the applicability of Hedvall effect to the reactivity of calcium silicate hydrates (CSH) with variable ratios in Canada. It evaluates the solid state reaction of silver nitrate to various CSH preparations during the crystalline transition of silver nitrate. It reveals the overall reactivity including cationic and anionic species.

At the northern Cascadia margin, the Juan de Fuca plate is underthrusting North America at about 45 mm yr[SUP-1] (ref. 1), resulting in the potential for destructive great earthquakes[SUP2,3]. The downdip extent of coupling between the two plates is difficult to determine because the most recent such earthquake (thought to have been in 1700)[SUP4] occurred before instrumental recording. Thermal and deformation studies[SUP5] indicate that, off southern Vancouver Island, the interplate interface is presently fully locked for a distance of ∼60 km downdip from the deformation front. Great thrust earthquakes on this section of the interface (with magnitudes of up to 9)[SUP4,5] have been estimated to occur at an average interval of about 590 yr (ref. 3). Further downdip there is a transition from fully locked behaviour to aseismic sliding (where high temperatures allow ductile deformation), with the deep aseismic zone exhibiting slow-slip thrust events[SUP6]. Here we show that there is a change in the reflection character on seismic images from a thin sharp reflection where the subduction thrust is inferred to be locked, to a broad reflection band at greater depth where aseismic slip is thought to be occurring. This change in reflection character may provide a new technique to map the landward extent of rupture in great earthquakes and improve the characterization of seismic hazards in subduction zones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic-related chemicals (PRCs) are commonly reported in a variety of foods as a result of (i) the initial contamination of the plant or the animal used to produce food, (ii) contamination during food processing or (iii) chemical migration from food contact materials. These contaminants may affect the organoleptic properties of the food or represent a food safety hazard for the consumers. To date, the non-targeted screening for PRCs in honey has not been reported. The aim of this study was to apply a non-targeted method to screen PRCs in honey and investigate their occurrence among honey products from the market. A total of 662 putative compounds were detected and the identification of two of these compounds, namely 2-ethyhexyladipate (DEHA) and tris (2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBOEP), was further confirmed with standards as proof-of-concept for the approach. Their concentrations and estimated daily intakes were calculated, resulting in a total of 0.001 and 0.006 μg.kg−1bw.day−1 for DEHA and TBOEP, respectively. With regards to the comparison of the chemical burden in honey samples sold in either glass or plastic jars, various data treatment approaches were used which resulted in different lists of relevant contaminants. As expected based on the low frequency of detection of the 662 potential PRCs found in honey, unique entity analysis with 100% detection and volcano plot with p < 0.05 found none and 2 compounds, respectively. When applying a data treatment approach based on the differential frequency of detection, however, the number of relevant compounds increased to 13 in glass and 40 in plastic, among which 6 were unique to honey samples sold in plastic jars and 3 were unique to honey samples sold in glass jars. The different results obtained with the various data treatment approaches suggest that the relatively low frequency of contaminants in food needs to be accounted for when selecting the appropriate data treatment tool to compare groups of samples. • a method was developed for the screening of plastic-related chemicals in honey. • The method was applied to 104 honey samples collected in Canada. • The chemical burden in honey samples sold in glass or plastic jars was investigated. • 2-ethyhexyladipate and tris (2-butoxyethyl) phosphate were identified in honey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seismic reflection techniques are, for the first time, used to image a thin, diamondiferous, kimberlite dyke from subcrop to depths greater than 1300 m. Exploration for vertical kimberlite pipes generally utilizes potential field techniques that often fail to reveal subhorizontal or shallow-dipping intrusions. In contrast, seismic reflection methods are well suited for imaging targets with this geometry. Therefore, in order to evaluate seismic reflection as a tool for subhorizontal kimberlite dyke/sill exploration and mine planning, a feasibility study and subsequent seismic survey were undertaken on the diamondiferous Snap Lake dyke (Northwest Territories, Canada). A substantial drilling program has mapped the dyke as a gently dipping sheet that averages 2–3 m in thickness. The detailed structural and composition data available at Snap Lake provides a unique opportunity to test reflection techniques on a well-sampled deposit. The feasibility study involved measuring P-velocities and densities of cores drilled from the kimberlite and host rocks. These data were used to model reflection amplitudes, evaluate resolution limitations, and determine the acquisition parameters for the reflection survey. Two 2-D lines were acquired that provide comparative datasets for different sources (explosive and vibroseis) and ground types (land and lake ice). In addition, the exploration-scale survey incorporated high fold (40–260 nominal) and long offsets (3260 m). The explosive-source profile recorded on land yielded a superb image of the dyke from depths of 60 m to more than 1300 m over a lateral distance of 5700 m. The seismic image correlates well with adjacent drill hole data and adds considerable detail to the topography of the kimberlite sheet determined by drilling. The vibroseis source also imaged the dyke, but only when sources and geophones were on land; the dyke was not imaged beneath the ice due to reverberation and attenuation effects. The frequency response and unusually strong reflection amplitudes from the dyke indicate the importance of tuning effects and multiples for this type of target and acquisition environment. Apparent correlations between reflection amplitudes and dyke structure (e.g., thickness, feathering, 3-D geometry) suggest that seismic reflection data may be valuable for guiding drilling programs. The results demonstrate that, in the appropriate situation, seismic methods have great potential for use in kimberlite exploration, subsurface mapping, and detailed imaging for mine development purposes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: As a population of non-migratory Canada geese (Branta canadensis) has been growing in residential and recreational areas, public concerns on potential acquisition of zoonotic pathogens from Canada geese and their faecal deposits have been increasing., Objectives: The main study objective was to evaluate the prevalence of zoonotic microorganisms, Campylobacter spp., Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia spp. and Salmonella spp. and antimicrobial resistant Escherichia coli in faeces of Canada geese residing in North-Central Oklahoma, United States., Methods: A total of 204 faecal samples were collected from 11 locations in North-Central Oklahoma, where public recreational areas such as lakes and ponds were located, and Canada geese were commonly inhabited. Faecal samples were examined by a centrifugal flotation to evaluate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp., Infections: A total of 180 faecal samples were grouped into 36 pooled samples and cultured using standard culture methods to detect the prevalence of Campylobacter spp. and Salmonella spp., Infections: The antimicrobial resistance profile was determined on 32 E. coli isolates recovered from the 36 sample pools, using the Kirby Bauer Disk Diffusion method., Results: The targeted zoonotic pathogens were not identified by the faecal examinations performed. Of the 32 E. coli isolates, 17 isolates (53.1%) demonstrated resistance to ≥1 antimicrobial agent., Conclusions: Targeted zoonotic pathogens were not detected among the examined resident Canada geese in North-Central Oklahoma. The findings of multiple-antimicrobial resistant E. coli infections are potentially a public health concern although the prevalence was low in this study. Further, larger scale surveys are recommended., (© 2022 The Authors. Veterinary Medicine and Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of bacterial pathogens is an emerging public health threat. This threat extends to pets as it also compromises our ability to treat their infections. Surveillance programs in the United States have traditionally focused on collecting data from food animals, foods, and people. The Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network (Vet-LIRN), a national network of 45 veterinary diagnostic laboratories, tested the antimicrobial susceptibility of clinically relevant bacterial isolates from animals, with companion animal species represented for the first time in a monitoring program. During 2017, we systematically collected and tested 1968 isolates. To identify genetic determinants associated with AMR and the potential genetic relatedness of animal and human strains, whole genome sequencing (WGS) was performed on 192 isolates: 69 Salmonella enterica (all animal sources), 63 Escherichia coli (dogs), and 60 Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (dogs)., Results: We found that most Salmonella isolates (46/69, 67%) had no known resistance genes. Several isolates from both food and companion animals, however, showed genetic relatedness to isolates from humans. For pathogenic E. coli, no resistance genes were identified in 60% (38/63) of the isolates. Diverse resistance patterns were observed, and one of the isolates had predicted resistance to fluoroquinolones and cephalosporins, important antibiotics in human and veterinary medicine. For S. pseudintermedius, we observed a bimodal distribution of resistance genes, with some isolates having a diverse array of resistance mechanisms, including the mecA gene (19/60, 32%)., Conclusion: The findings from this study highlight the critical importance of veterinary diagnostic laboratory data as part of any national antimicrobial resistance surveillance program. The finding of some highly resistant bacteria from companion animals, and the observation of isolates related to those isolated from humans demonstrates the public health significance of incorporating companion animal data into surveillance systems. Vet-LIRN will continue to build the infrastructure to collect the data necessary to perform surveillance of resistant bacteria as part of fulfilling its mission to advance human and animal health. A One Health approach to AMR surveillance programs is crucial and must include data from humans, animals, and environmental sources to be effective.

Northern lakes are ice-covered for a large part of the year, yet our understanding of microbial diversity and activity during winter lags behind that of the ice-free period. In this study, we investigated under-ice diversity and metabolism of Verrucomicrobia in seasonally ice-covered lakes in temperate and boreal regions of Quebec, Canada using 16S rRNA sequencing, metagenomics and metatranscriptomics. Verrucomicrobia, particularly the V1, V3 and V4 subdivisions, were abundant during ice-covered periods. A diversity of Verrucomicrobia genomes were reconstructed from Quebec lake metagenomes. Several genomes were associated with the ice-covered period and were represented in winter metatranscriptomes, supporting the notion that Verrucomicrobia are metabolically active under ice. Verrucomicrobia transcriptome analysis revealed a range of metabolisms potentially occurring under ice, including carbohydrate degradation, glycolate utilization, scavenging of chlorophyll degradation products, and urea use. Genes for aerobic sulfur and hydrogen oxidation were expressed, suggesting chemolithotrophy may be an adaptation to conditions where labile carbon may be limited. The expression of genes for flagella biosynthesis and chemotaxis was detected, suggesting Verrucomicrobia may be actively sensing and responding to winter nutrient pulses, such as phytoplankton blooms. These results increase our understanding on the diversity and metabolic processes occurring under ice in northern lakes ecosystems.© 2018 Society for Applied Microbiology and John Wiley & Sons Ltd., (© 2018 Society for Applied Microbiology and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Here we harnessed the power of metaproteomics to assess the metabolic diversity and function of stratified aquatic microbial communities in the deep and expansive Lower St. Lawrence Estuary, located in eastern Canada. Vertical profiling of the microbial communities through the stratified water column revealed differences in metabolic lifestyles and in carbon and nitrogen processing pathways. In productive surface waters, we identified heterotrophic populations involved in the processing of high and low molecular weight organic matter from both terrestrial (e.g. cellulose and xylose) and marine (e.g. organic compatible osmolytes) sources. In the less productive deep waters, chemosynthetic production coupled to nitrification by MG-I Thaumarchaeota and Nitrospina appeared to be a dominant metabolic strategy. Similar to other studies of the coastal ocean, we identified methanol oxidation proteins originating from the common OM43 marine clade. However, we also identified a novel lineage of methanol-oxidizers specifically in the particle-rich bottom (i.e. nepheloid) layer. Membrane transport proteins assigned to the uncultivated MG-II Euryarchaeota were also specifically detected in the nepheloid layer. In total, these results revealed strong vertical structure of microbial taxa and metabolic activities, as well as the presence of specific "nepheloid" taxa that may contribute significantly to coastal ocean nutrient cycling., (© 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)