A double facade with photovoltaic (PV) panels is being built on the campus of the Norwegian Unive... more A double facade with photovoltaic (PV) panels is being built on the campus of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim. The double facade is a closed glass box on an existing office building. It consists of an outer glass wall -"the Solar Skin", a cavity, and a roof and a bottom that can be opened for ventilation. The BP-Amoco Solar Skin combines two contemporary building concepts; the use of double facades in renovation projects, and the use of building integrated photovoltaics. A new external glass facade on an old building will reduce the heat losses in the winter and give shading and extra ventilation in the summer. When the PV-panels are located in the outer skin of a double facade, good ventilation is achieved at the back of the PV cells. This is important for achieving high efficiency of the electricity generation. The BP-Amoco Solar Skin has clear glass windows located in front of the existing windows, and PV-panels located in front of...
Arctic wetland soil. The strain was isolated from soil harvested in July 1996 close to the settle... more Arctic wetland soil. The strain was isolated from soil harvested in July 1996 close to the settlement Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard, Norway (78°56N, 11°53E), and described as a novel species in 2006. The genome includes pmo and pxm operons encoding copper membrane monooxygenases (Cu-MMOs), genes required for nitrogen fixation, and the nirS gene implicated in dissimilatory nitrite reduction to NO but no identifiable inventory for further processing of nitrogen oxides. These genome data provide the basis to investigate M. tundripaludum SV96, identified as a major player in the biogeochemistry of Arctic environments.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY, 2006
A Gram-negative, rod-shaped, non-motile, non-spore forming bacterium (SV96 T ) was isolated from ... more A Gram-negative, rod-shaped, non-motile, non-spore forming bacterium (SV96 T ) was isolated from wetland soil near Ny-Å lesund, Svalbard. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, strain SV96 T was shown to belong to the Gammaproteobacteria, related to Methylobacter psychrophilus Z-0021 T (99?1 %), Methylobacter luteus ATCC 49878 T (97?3 %), Methylobacter marinus A45 T (97?0 %) and Methylobacter whittenburyi ATCC 51738 T (95?8 %); the closest related species within the genus Methylomicrobium with a validly published name was Methylomicrobium album ATCC 33003 T (95?0 %). Chemotaxonomic data (including the major fatty acids: 16 : 1v8, 16 : 1v7 and 16 : 1v5t) supported the affiliation of strain SV96 T to the genus Methylobacter. The results of DNA-DNA hybridization, physiological and biochemical tests allowed genotypic and phenotypic differentiation of strain SV96 T from the four Methylobacter species mentioned above. Strain SV96 T therefore represents a novel species, for which the name Methylobacter tundripaludum sp. nov. is proposed (type strain SV96 T =DSM 17260 T = ATCC BAA-1195 T ).
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY, 2006
A Gram-negative, rod-shaped, non-motile, non-spore-forming, pink-pigmented bacterium, SV97 T , wa... more A Gram-negative, rod-shaped, non-motile, non-spore-forming, pink-pigmented bacterium, SV97 T , was isolated from a wetland soil near Ny-Å lesund, Svalbard Islands, Norway (786 N). On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, strain SV97 T was shown to belong to the Alphaproteobacteria and was highly related to a number of non-characterized Methylocystis strains with GenBank accession nos AJ458507 and AJ458502 (100 %) and AF177299, AJ458510, AJ458467, AJ458471, AJ431384, AJ458475, AJ458484, AJ458501 and AJ458466 (99 %). The most closely related type strains were Methylocystis parvus OBBP T (97?2 %) and Methylocystis echinoides IMET 10491 T (97 %). The closest related recognized species within the genus Methylosinus was Methylosinus sporium NCIMB 11126 T (96?0 % similarity). Chemotaxonomic and phenotypic data (C 18 : 1 v8 as the major fatty acid, non-motile, no rosette formation) supported the affiliation of strain SV97 T to the genus Methylocystis. The results of DNA-DNA hybridization and physiological and biochemical tests allowed genotypic and phenotypic differentiation of strain SV97 T from the two recognized Methylocystis species. Strain SV97 T therefore represents a novel species, for which the name Methylocystis rosea sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain SV97 T
A new method for isolation of methane oxidising bacteria (methanotrophs) is presented. Soil sampl... more A new method for isolation of methane oxidising bacteria (methanotrophs) is presented. Soil samples from a wetland area and a landfill were plated on polycarbonate membranes, which were incubated in a methane^air atmosphere using a non-sterile soil suspension as the medium. The membrane acted as a permeable growth support. The membrane method resulted in selective growth conditions, which allowed isolation of methane oxidising bacteria. The method resulted in isolation of both type I and type II methanotrophs from natural wetland and landfill soils. The isolates obtained from the landfill were dominated by type II methanotrophs and included several isolates carrying the gene for soluble methane monooxygenase (sMMO). Repetitive element sequence-based PCR fingerprinting documented genotypic diversity at the strain level. The presented method is a promising tool for easy and rapid isolation of different indigenous methanotrophs from an environment of interest.
The methanotrophic community in arctic soil from the islands of Svalbard, Norway (78 degrees N) w... more The methanotrophic community in arctic soil from the islands of Svalbard, Norway (78 degrees N) was analysed by combining group-specific PCR with PCR of the highly variable V3 region of the 16S rRNA gene and then by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). Selected bands were sequenced for identification. The analyses were performed with DNA extracted directly from soil and from enrichment cultures at 10 and 20 degrees C. The two genera Methylobacter and Methylosinus were found in all localities studied. The DGGE band patterns were simple, and DNA fragments with single base differences were separated. The arctic tundra is a potential source of extensive methane emission due to climatic warming because of its large reservoirs of stored organic carbon. Higher temperatures due to climatic warming can cause increased methane production, and the abundance and activity of methane-oxidizing bacteria in the arctic soil may be important regulators for methane emission to the atmosphere.
Bricks can be regarded as an environmentally beneficial building material only over the whole lif... more Bricks can be regarded as an environmentally beneficial building material only over the whole life cycle. Its high durability fulfils the demand for environmental payback. However, since a long component lifetime also implies different uses, the design and construction should enable the potential for reuse. This Norwegian study investigates how component design and different construction methods influence the salvageability for
With the advent of molecular biological techniques, especially next-generation sequencing and met... more With the advent of molecular biological techniques, especially next-generation sequencing and metagenomics, the number of microbial biogeography studies is rapidly increasing. However, these studies involve the synthesis of data generated by different laboratories using different protocols, chemicals, etc., all with inherent biases. The aim of this study was to assess inter-as well as intralaboratory variations in microbial community composition when standardized protocols are applied to a single soil sample. Aliquots from a homogenized soil sample from a rice field in Italy were sent to five participating laboratories. DNA was extracted by two investigators per laboratory using an identical protocol. All DNA samples were sent to one laboratory to perform DNA quantification, quantitative PCR (QPCR), and microarray and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analyses of methanotrophic communities. Yields, as well as purity of DNA, were significantly different between laboratories but in some cases also between investigators within the same laboratory. The differences in yield and quality of the extracted DNA were reflected in QPCR, microarray, and DGGE analysis results. Diversity indices (Shannon-Wiener, evenness, and richness) differed significantly between laboratories. The observed differences have implications for every project in which microbial communities are compared in different habitats, even if assessed within the same laboratory. To be able to make sensible comparisons leading to valid conclusions, intralaboratory variation should be assessed. Standardization of DNA extraction protocols and possible use of internal standards in interlaboratory comparisons may help in rendering a "quantifiable" bias.
A prototype solar façade system has been constructed on an existing building at the Norwegian Uni... more A prototype solar façade system has been constructed on an existing building at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim, Norway. The façade produces both electricity and heat and is suitable for existing and new buildings. The system is based on a combination of a double skin facade and building integrated PV façade cladding, where the PV cells are integrated in the outer glass skin. The cells are laminated in glass, and placed in façade sections that are not in front of the ordinary windows. The performance characteristics of the two combined façade concepts are complementary –the systems help each other if controlled properly. The 455m 2 prototype façade is financed mainly by BP Norway and developed in cooperation with BP Solar. It has been monitored for a year with satisfactory results. The PV system generated 6600 kWh this year, and the heating demand for the building behind the new façade was reduced with 7-8%. The offices on the top floor of the buildin...
A double facade with photovoltaic (PV) panels is being built on the campus of the Norwegian Unive... more A double facade with photovoltaic (PV) panels is being built on the campus of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim. The double facade is a closed glass box on an existing office building. It consists of an outer glass wall -"the Solar Skin", a cavity, and a roof and a bottom that can be opened for ventilation. The BP-Amoco Solar Skin combines two contemporary building concepts; the use of double facades in renovation projects, and the use of building integrated photovoltaics. A new external glass facade on an old building will reduce the heat losses in the winter and give shading and extra ventilation in the summer. When the PV-panels are located in the outer skin of a double facade, good ventilation is achieved at the back of the PV cells. This is important for achieving high efficiency of the electricity generation. The BP-Amoco Solar Skin has clear glass windows located in front of the existing windows, and PV-panels located in front of...
Arctic wetland soil. The strain was isolated from soil harvested in July 1996 close to the settle... more Arctic wetland soil. The strain was isolated from soil harvested in July 1996 close to the settlement Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard, Norway (78°56N, 11°53E), and described as a novel species in 2006. The genome includes pmo and pxm operons encoding copper membrane monooxygenases (Cu-MMOs), genes required for nitrogen fixation, and the nirS gene implicated in dissimilatory nitrite reduction to NO but no identifiable inventory for further processing of nitrogen oxides. These genome data provide the basis to investigate M. tundripaludum SV96, identified as a major player in the biogeochemistry of Arctic environments.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY, 2006
A Gram-negative, rod-shaped, non-motile, non-spore forming bacterium (SV96 T ) was isolated from ... more A Gram-negative, rod-shaped, non-motile, non-spore forming bacterium (SV96 T ) was isolated from wetland soil near Ny-Å lesund, Svalbard. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, strain SV96 T was shown to belong to the Gammaproteobacteria, related to Methylobacter psychrophilus Z-0021 T (99?1 %), Methylobacter luteus ATCC 49878 T (97?3 %), Methylobacter marinus A45 T (97?0 %) and Methylobacter whittenburyi ATCC 51738 T (95?8 %); the closest related species within the genus Methylomicrobium with a validly published name was Methylomicrobium album ATCC 33003 T (95?0 %). Chemotaxonomic data (including the major fatty acids: 16 : 1v8, 16 : 1v7 and 16 : 1v5t) supported the affiliation of strain SV96 T to the genus Methylobacter. The results of DNA-DNA hybridization, physiological and biochemical tests allowed genotypic and phenotypic differentiation of strain SV96 T from the four Methylobacter species mentioned above. Strain SV96 T therefore represents a novel species, for which the name Methylobacter tundripaludum sp. nov. is proposed (type strain SV96 T =DSM 17260 T = ATCC BAA-1195 T ).
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY, 2006
A Gram-negative, rod-shaped, non-motile, non-spore-forming, pink-pigmented bacterium, SV97 T , wa... more A Gram-negative, rod-shaped, non-motile, non-spore-forming, pink-pigmented bacterium, SV97 T , was isolated from a wetland soil near Ny-Å lesund, Svalbard Islands, Norway (786 N). On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, strain SV97 T was shown to belong to the Alphaproteobacteria and was highly related to a number of non-characterized Methylocystis strains with GenBank accession nos AJ458507 and AJ458502 (100 %) and AF177299, AJ458510, AJ458467, AJ458471, AJ431384, AJ458475, AJ458484, AJ458501 and AJ458466 (99 %). The most closely related type strains were Methylocystis parvus OBBP T (97?2 %) and Methylocystis echinoides IMET 10491 T (97 %). The closest related recognized species within the genus Methylosinus was Methylosinus sporium NCIMB 11126 T (96?0 % similarity). Chemotaxonomic and phenotypic data (C 18 : 1 v8 as the major fatty acid, non-motile, no rosette formation) supported the affiliation of strain SV97 T to the genus Methylocystis. The results of DNA-DNA hybridization and physiological and biochemical tests allowed genotypic and phenotypic differentiation of strain SV97 T from the two recognized Methylocystis species. Strain SV97 T therefore represents a novel species, for which the name Methylocystis rosea sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain SV97 T
A new method for isolation of methane oxidising bacteria (methanotrophs) is presented. Soil sampl... more A new method for isolation of methane oxidising bacteria (methanotrophs) is presented. Soil samples from a wetland area and a landfill were plated on polycarbonate membranes, which were incubated in a methane^air atmosphere using a non-sterile soil suspension as the medium. The membrane acted as a permeable growth support. The membrane method resulted in selective growth conditions, which allowed isolation of methane oxidising bacteria. The method resulted in isolation of both type I and type II methanotrophs from natural wetland and landfill soils. The isolates obtained from the landfill were dominated by type II methanotrophs and included several isolates carrying the gene for soluble methane monooxygenase (sMMO). Repetitive element sequence-based PCR fingerprinting documented genotypic diversity at the strain level. The presented method is a promising tool for easy and rapid isolation of different indigenous methanotrophs from an environment of interest.
The methanotrophic community in arctic soil from the islands of Svalbard, Norway (78 degrees N) w... more The methanotrophic community in arctic soil from the islands of Svalbard, Norway (78 degrees N) was analysed by combining group-specific PCR with PCR of the highly variable V3 region of the 16S rRNA gene and then by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). Selected bands were sequenced for identification. The analyses were performed with DNA extracted directly from soil and from enrichment cultures at 10 and 20 degrees C. The two genera Methylobacter and Methylosinus were found in all localities studied. The DGGE band patterns were simple, and DNA fragments with single base differences were separated. The arctic tundra is a potential source of extensive methane emission due to climatic warming because of its large reservoirs of stored organic carbon. Higher temperatures due to climatic warming can cause increased methane production, and the abundance and activity of methane-oxidizing bacteria in the arctic soil may be important regulators for methane emission to the atmosphere.
Bricks can be regarded as an environmentally beneficial building material only over the whole lif... more Bricks can be regarded as an environmentally beneficial building material only over the whole life cycle. Its high durability fulfils the demand for environmental payback. However, since a long component lifetime also implies different uses, the design and construction should enable the potential for reuse. This Norwegian study investigates how component design and different construction methods influence the salvageability for
With the advent of molecular biological techniques, especially next-generation sequencing and met... more With the advent of molecular biological techniques, especially next-generation sequencing and metagenomics, the number of microbial biogeography studies is rapidly increasing. However, these studies involve the synthesis of data generated by different laboratories using different protocols, chemicals, etc., all with inherent biases. The aim of this study was to assess inter-as well as intralaboratory variations in microbial community composition when standardized protocols are applied to a single soil sample. Aliquots from a homogenized soil sample from a rice field in Italy were sent to five participating laboratories. DNA was extracted by two investigators per laboratory using an identical protocol. All DNA samples were sent to one laboratory to perform DNA quantification, quantitative PCR (QPCR), and microarray and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analyses of methanotrophic communities. Yields, as well as purity of DNA, were significantly different between laboratories but in some cases also between investigators within the same laboratory. The differences in yield and quality of the extracted DNA were reflected in QPCR, microarray, and DGGE analysis results. Diversity indices (Shannon-Wiener, evenness, and richness) differed significantly between laboratories. The observed differences have implications for every project in which microbial communities are compared in different habitats, even if assessed within the same laboratory. To be able to make sensible comparisons leading to valid conclusions, intralaboratory variation should be assessed. Standardization of DNA extraction protocols and possible use of internal standards in interlaboratory comparisons may help in rendering a "quantifiable" bias.
A prototype solar façade system has been constructed on an existing building at the Norwegian Uni... more A prototype solar façade system has been constructed on an existing building at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim, Norway. The façade produces both electricity and heat and is suitable for existing and new buildings. The system is based on a combination of a double skin facade and building integrated PV façade cladding, where the PV cells are integrated in the outer glass skin. The cells are laminated in glass, and placed in façade sections that are not in front of the ordinary windows. The performance characteristics of the two combined façade concepts are complementary –the systems help each other if controlled properly. The 455m 2 prototype façade is financed mainly by BP Norway and developed in cooperation with BP Solar. It has been monitored for a year with satisfactory results. The PV system generated 6600 kWh this year, and the heating demand for the building behind the new façade was reduced with 7-8%. The offices on the top floor of the buildin...
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