bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Isolation of the crude oil degrading marine Acinetobacter sp. E11
Authors: Razak C. N. A. , Wang W. F. , Rahman S. H. S. A. , Basri M. , Salleh A. B. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe Acinetobacter sp. E11, isolated from Port Dickson Beach, Malaysia, was able to grow in media containing crude oil as the sole carbon and energy source. Substrate specificity studies showed that the bacterium exhibited substrate preference as growth was observed only in media containing aliphatic hydrocarbons, while aromatic and cyclic hydrocarbons inhibited growth. With the aliphatic hydrocarbons, growth was seen only in the long‐chain alkanes tested (pentadecane, dodecane and hexadecane). No growth was recorded in the short‐chain alkanes (pentane, hexane and heptane) tested. With complex hydrocarbons, only crude oil and 4T SHELL engine oil supported growth. No growth was observed in kerosene and PETRONAS gasoline. The isolate could grow in up to 10% and 20% [v/v] of the crude oil and alkanes tested, respectively. Among the long‐chain alkanes tested, hexadecane was the most preferred, followed by pentadecane and dodecane. Nitrogen and phosphorous supplements were essential for growth and the best growth was achieved with 3% nitrogen/phosphorous additions. Microscopic observation revealed that the bacterium adhered to the hexadecane and crude oil droplets. GC analysis showed that the bacterium was able to degrade more than 60% of the hydrocarbons in the crude oil in 15 days at 37°C compared to the uninoculated media.
Bioremediation of oil contaminated beach sediments using indigenous microorganisms in singapore
Authors: Mathew M. , Obbard J. P. , Ting Y. P. , Gin Y. H. , Tan H. M. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe potential of using indigenous microorganisms in beach sediments to degrade petroleum hydrocarbons emanating from marine oil spillages in the Straits of Singapore was investigated. A field trial was conducted using oil contaminated beach sediments from Pulau Semakau – a small island 15 km south of Singapore. The results clearly show that the addition of inorganic nutrients to beach sediments significantly enhanced the activity of indigenous microorganisms (measured using the dehydrogenase enzyme assay and viable cell count techniques), as well as the removal of total recoverable petroleum hydrocarbons (TRPH) over a 50‐day study period (with up to 44% in the case of nutrient addition). The potential of exploiting in‐situ bioremediation techniques for oil spill clean‐up operations in tropical marine environments is discussed.
Studies on α‐amylase production by Bacillus licheniformis MIR‐61
Authors: Castro G. R. , Baigorí M. D. , Sin̄teriz F. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractAn acid α‐amylase hyperproducing strain, designated as MIR‐61, was isolated in a screening procedure from South American soil samples. MIR‐61, a 60°C thermoresistant strain, was identified using 98 biochemical and morphological tests and characterized as Bacillus licheniformis by numerical taxonomy. Batch cultures of B. licheniformis MIR‐61 showed extracellular α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase activities during the exponential growth phase.The production of α‐amylase was studied at free and constant pH values at 37 and 45°C. Maximum α‐amylase activity (4,767 kU/dm3 in a liquid medium) was detected at 45°C at a constant pH (7.0) in the late exponential phase. The α‐amylase production by B. licheniformis MIR‐61 is 10 to 300 times higher than the enzyme production reported in strains of the same species.Optimum α‐amylase activity was found at 50 to 67°C in an acid pH range from 5.5 to 6.0. These properties would allow its use in starch industry processes.
In vivo decolourization of the polymeric dye poly R‐478 by corncob cultures of Phanerochaete chrysosporium
Authors: Couto S. Rodríguez , Rivela I. , Sanromán A. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractIn this paper, the in vivo decolourization of the polymeric dye Poly R‐478 by semi‐solid‐state cultures of Phanerochaete chrysosporium BKM‐F‐1767 (ATCC 24725) was investigated, employing corncob as a support. In order to stimulate the ligninolytic system of the fungus, the cultures were supplemented with veratryl alcohol (2 mM) or manganese (IV) oxide (1 g/l).Maximum manganese‐dependent peroxidase (MnP) and lignin peroxidase (LiP) activities of around 2,000 U/l and 400 U/l were attained by the former, whereas the activities reached by the latter were of about 1,500 U/l and 200 U/l, respectively. Furthermore, laccase activity (around 150 U/l) was only detected in manganese (IV) oxide supplemented cultures.The polymeric dye Poly R‐478 (0.02 w/v) was added to three‐day‐old cultures. A percentage of biological decolourization of about 85% was achieved using cultures supplemented with veratryl alcohol, whereas MnO2 cultures showed a rather lower percentage of around 58% after nine days of dye incubation. Moreover, a correlation between MnP activity and Poly R‐478 decolourization could be observed, indicating that this enzyme is mainly responsible for dye degradation.In the present work, the in vivo decolourizing capability of the ligninolytic complex secreted by P. chrysosporium was investigated under the above‐mentioned cultivation conditions, employing a model compound, such as the polymeric dye Poly R‐478.
Socio‐ecological strategies for future sustainability a review of an internet conference
Authors: Doelle H. W. , Foo E.‐L. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe recent upsurge in information technology has provided the international community with an easy access to professional journals (e.g. Electronic Journal of Biotechnology at http://www.ejb.org; etc.), discussion groups (e.g. bioenergy@cret.org; digestion@crest.org; etc.) and recently to electronic international conferences (e.g. ICIBS; http://www.cid.harvard.edu/cidbiotech, etc.) as well as a series of biotechnological information material (e.g. http://www.psrast.org, etc.) to stay in contact and receive up‐to‐date information in biotechnology. There is no doubt that this new technology will be more cost effective in future and reach more people in communities around the globe.This review reports on one such an electronic conference aiming at bridging the communication gap between developed and developing countries. This conference dealt with integrated biosystems and has provided an excellent forum for more than 100 active participants from all regions of the world. As has been demonstrated in this review, the conference was able to show the very different approaches towards the use of biotechnology in developed and developing countries, cold and tropical climate regions owing to their different ecological, economical and societal problems. It also demonstrated very clearly that the field of molecular genetics and/or genetic engineering is not a priority issue in developing countries, but rather the need for clean technologies, multiproduct formation through socio‐economic integrated biosystems, e.g. incorporating microbial waste management into agro‐industries, in human activities and their roles in creating better health conditions, a better environment and sustain development.It is hoped that this review will lead to a greater use of the electronic facilities available to inform and educate both the northern and the southern communities more readily of their needs and requirements to improve understanding and efforts for a sustainable future.
Biotechnological applications in the oil industry
Authors: Hamer G. , Al‐Awadhi N. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractDuring the 20th century, important relationships developed between the oil industry and both microbiological and biotechnological research. Basic microbiological research has played an important role in both the exploration and production sectors of the oil industry, but as the maturity of the industry has progressed, such contributions have been relegated with respect to their importance. With respect to refining and petrochemicals manufacture, process routes have been extensively researched, but only rarely have the biotechnological solutions developed satisfied the economic criteria that resulted in major investment. In fact, situations exist where investment has occurred, but project life was unrealistically short, suggesting a need for extreme caution when evaluating biotechnological processes for the oil industry. However, as far as engineered processes for both biotreatment and bioremediation are concerned, the fundamental research that has underpinned other areas of hydrocarbon microbiology will finally prove to be of both technical and economic value, in ensuring that the essential needs of treatment, rather than disposal, and restoration, rather than environmental destruction, can be satisfied by the oil and other industries involved in both geochemical manipulation and natural resource exploitation.
The influence of growth rate and growth‐limiting factors on the production of ice nuclei in Pseudomonas syringae CCM 4073 in continuous culture
Authors: Sikyta B. , Spilková J. , Dušek J. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe influence of different growth‐limiting factors – namely the sources of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus and the dilution (growth) rate – on the ice‐nucleation activity of Pseudomonas syringe CCM 4073 was studied. A higher ice‐nucleation activity was observed at a lower dilution (growth) rate (D = 0.1 h−1) than at a higher dilution (growth) rate (D = 0.3 h−1). Remarkable differences in ice‐nucleation activity were found in its dependence on the growth‐limiting factor. The highest ice‐nucleation activity was observed under carbon limitation (T90 = −2.7°C), a medium activity under nitrogen limitation (T90 = −5°C) and lowest activity under phosphorus limitation (T90 = −12.3°C). After the addition of excess nitrogen or phosphorus to steady‐state cultures, the ice‐nucleation activity was restored.
Polymers and composites
Authors: Mark Hermann 
Published: December 2004

AbstractSignificant advancement in science and technology may come from various sources, but mainly from two:

the accidental and unexpected discovery of new phenomena e.g. electricity, radioactivity, superconductivity, disintegration (splitting) of the atomic nucleus
the formulation and development of new principles which guide us to the synthesis and application of new and particularly useful polymeric systems.
Along the lines of the second source, interesting and significant progress has been made during the last two decades. This brief introduction attempts to sketch the origin and development of this progress.
The transduction of host‐guest interactions into electronic signals by molecular systems
Authors: Reinhoudt David N. , Sudhölter Ernst J. R. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractSynthetic receptor molecules that selectively bind charged guests can store chemical information. The transduction of this information into electronic signals connects the chemical and electronic domains. Field effect transistors (FETs) are attractive transducing elements because these microdevices are able to register and amplify chemical changes at the gate oxide surface of the semiconductor chip.Integration of molecular receptors and field effect transistors into one chemical system gives a device that can communicate‐changes of substrate activities in aqueous solution. Simulations of a system in which the receptor molecules are directly attached to the FET gate oxide indicate serious limitations with respect to sensitivity, dynamic range and extreme requirements for complex stability. Therefore we have concentrated on the integration of covalently attached thin membranes.The problem of the thermodynamically ill‐defined oxidemembrane ipterface has been solved by applying a covalently linked hydrophilic polyhydroxyethylmethacrylate (polyHEMA) gel between the sensing membrane and the silylated gate oxide. A buffered aqueous electrolyte solution in the hydrogel renders the surface potential at the gate oxide constant via the dissociation equilibrium of the residual silanol groups. The subsequent attachment of a polysiloxane membrane that has the required dielectric constant, glass transition temperature Tg, and receptor molecule, provides a stable chemical system that transduces the complexation of cationic species into electronic signals (CHEMFET).The response to changing K⊕ concentrations in a solution of 0.1 M NaCl is fast (<1 sec) and linear in the concentration range of 10−5–1.0 M (55–58 mV /decade). A reference FET (REFET) based on the same technology is obtained when the intrinsic sensitivity to changes in ion concentration is eliminated by the addition of 2.10−5 mol g−1 of didodecyldimethyl ammonium bromide to the ACE membrane. Differential measurements with a REFET/CHEMFET combination showed excellent linear K⊕ response over long periods of time.All chemical reactions used are compatible with planar IC technology and allow fabrication on wafer scale.
Surface modification with lasers
Authors: Comita Paul B. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractLaser‐induced processing has been widely exploited in the microelectronics industry, to produce deposits with well‐controlled chemical composition, feature size, and morphology. A brief survey of the most commonly used techniques for laser patterning of materials on surfaces is presented. The issues which are key to continued progress in the field of surface modification with lasers are examined, including laser heating of surfaces, the role of mass transport in the kinetics of deposit growth, the study of the surface reactions involved in laserinduced processes, and some aspects of materials properties which are important in surface modification techniques.
Charting cation migration in a nickel exchanged zeolitic catalyst: An in situ rietveld X‐ray study
Authors: Couves John W. , Jones Richard H. , Thomas John M. , Smith Barnaby J. 
Published: December 2004

X‐ray diffractograms of an active zeolite catalyst (see figure) can yield information concerning the distribution of metal cations within the framework of the catalyst. When thse measurements are carried out during catalysis, the migration of the ions can be followed and the occupation of various sites examined.
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Layered Lead Cuprates: Promising high‐ Tc superconductors
Authors: Raveau B. , Michel C. , Hervieu M. , Groult D. , Provost J. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractLayered lead cuprates belong to the structural family [ACuO3−α]m (A′O)n which are characterized by the intergrowth of oxygen deficient perovskite layers and rock salt type layers. Located in the rock salt type layers, lead sometimes exhibits the divalent state and sometimes the tetravalent state. A feature of some of these oxides is the disproportionation of Cu(II) to Cu(III) and Cu(I), which up to now has only been observed in YBa2Cu3O7−δ. The superconducting properties of these phases are very promising with the Tc ranging from 40 to 100 K, but the materials also show broad resistive transitions due to oxygen inhomogeneity. The dramatic influence of the method of synthesis on these properties is studied. The issue of the incommensurability of several of these structures is discussed.
Superconducting hollow and solid fibers and thin films of YBa2Cu3OX from a polymeric precursor
Authors: Chien James C. W. , Gong Ben Ming , Yang Yingsong , Cabrera Ivan , Effing Jochem , Ringsdorf Helmut 
Published: December 2004

Superconducting hollow fibers of YBa2Cu3Ox (see figure) can be prepared via the supramolecular organization of polymer‐metal complexes. Solid fibers and oriented thin films have also been prepared. The ability to form the superconducting material into different shapes can provide a basis for innovative applications, for instance, the hollow fibers may be used as high‐Tc superconducting lenses.magnified image
A conducting thallium salt of 2,5‐dimethyl‐N, N′‐dicyanoquinone‐diimine, [2,5‐DMe‐DCNQI]2Tl: Comparison with other related radical anion salts
Authors: Hünig Siegfried , Meixner Hubert , Metzenthin Tobias , Langohr Uwe , von Schütz Jost Ulrich , Wolf Hans‐Christopf , Tillmanns Ekkehart 
Published: December 2004

A radical anion salt based on thallium (see figure, where M = Tl) has been prepared. It is found to be the only such conducting compound, except the copper analogue, which shows a positive NMR knight shift indicating an electronic interaction between the central atom and the ligand.magnified image
Molecular materials for chemical and physical switching IV: Photomodulation of electric current by light‐sensitive electron‐transfer compounds—aryl/dihydroazulene‐conjugates
Authors: Daub Jörg , Fischer Christian , Salbeck Josef , Ulrich Karl 
Published: December 2004

Bichromophoric compounds containing the dihydroazulene ⇄ vinyl heptafulvene couple (see figure) with arenoid “R” groups which act as electron‐transfer groups can be triggered by visible light to produce an electric current. They are therefore of use as molecular switches. A number of different arenoid substituent have been employed and the compounds examined.magnified image
Preformed polymers for Langmuir–Blodgett films– molecular concepts
Authors: Embs Frank , Funhoff Dirk , Laschewsky André , Licht Ulrike , Ohst Holger , Prass Werner , Ringsdorf Helmut , Wegner Gerhard , Wehrmann Rolf 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe use of preformed polymers for the preparation of Langmuir‐Blodgett (LB) multilayers is reviewed. Principles for polymer self‐organization are outlined and the appropriate molecular designs are discussed. Recent developments in the different classes of polymers for LB multilayers are presented, and their outstanding properties highlighted.
A novel Langmuir–Blodgett film of a dibenzylideneacetone–Pd(0) complex and its use for preparation of catalytically active substrates
Authors: Tieke Bernd , Zahir Sheik A. , Mathieu Hans‐J. 
Published: December 2004

Communication: The precise control of the amount of catalytic palladium deposited on a substrate as an ultrathin film can be achieved if the films are prepared using the Langmuir–Blodgett technique. The high solubility of the dibenzylideneacetone derivative shown in the figure facilitates this approach, producing films stable at room temperature but which decompose depositing metallic palladium at the melting point of the complex, 165°C.magnified image
DCNQIs—new electron acceptors for charge‐transfer complexes and highly conducting radical anion salts
Authors: Hünig Siegfried , Erk Peter 
Published: December 2004

Review: Organic conducting materials show potential for applications in, for example, electrostatic shielding or in pressure sensing. In the past, research aimed at the optimization of the properties of these materials e.g. the charge‐transfer (CT) complex tetrathiafulvalene/tetracyanoquinodümine (TTF/TCNQ, see figure) have concentrated mainly on varying the structure of the donor (TTF). Here, in contrast, the recent progress made in the identification, synthesis, and characterization of new acceptors suitable for use in CT complexes, the N,N'‐dicyanoquinonediimines (DCNQIs) is reviewed.magnified image
Mixed semiconductor component quantum supralattices: Silver, sodium chloro, iodo‐sodalites
Authors: Stein Andreas , Meszaros Michele , Macdonald Peter M. , Ozin Geoffrey A. , Stucky Galen D. 
Published: December 2004

Communication: Resonant tunneling quantum dot transistors or high‐gain heterojunction multiple quantum dot laser arrays are two potential applications of the title compounds. The new materials are composed of periodic arrays of all‐space filling β‐cages containing atomically precise, organized assemblies of single‐size and shape M4X clusters, (see figure).
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Towards a planar, double‐stranded polymer
Authors: Godt Adelheid , Schluter Arnulf‐Dieter 
Published: December 2004

Communication: Unsaturated ladder polymers consisting of a perfect sequence of all‐carbon six‐membered rings (polycatafusenes) are predicted to exhibit intrinsic electrical conductivity and high optical nonlinearity. One step towards this goal, the chemically induced unfolding of a coiled ladder polymer (see Figure), where the geometries of the carbons marked “B” regulates the overall structure, is reported.magnified image
Polymer‐mediated crystallization of inorganic solids: Calcite nucleation on poly(organosiloxane) surfaces
Authors: Brisdon Brian J. , Heywood Brigid R. , Hodson Annabelle G. W. , Mann Stephen , Wong Kim K. W. 
Published: December 2004

The controlled deposition of inorganic crystalline solids at polymeric surfaces is of considerable technological and biological interest. Advantages of such inorganic–polymeric metrices are their enhanced thermal and chemical stability, an important factor in the future design of polymer–ceramic composites. The coral‐like growths of calcium silicate shown in the Figure overgrow deposited calcite at high catalyst concentrations. magnified image
A model for the successful growth of polycrystalline films of CuInSe2 by multisource physical vacuum evaporation
Authors: Klenk Reiner , Walter Thomas , Schock Hans‐Werner , Cahen David 
Published: December 2004

Solar cells based on CuInSe2 polycrystalline thin films (see Figure) are one of the few realistic alternatives to polycrystalline Si for practical conversion of solar energy into electricity. A model explaining the important role of the secondary copper chalcogenide phases in the deposition of the CuInSe2 films by physical vacuum evaporation is presented. magnified image
Optically transparent nanometal composite membranes
Authors: Foss Colby A. , Hornyak Gabor L. , Stockert Jon A. , Martin Charles R. 
Published: December 2004

Small metal particles embedded in an optically transparent matrix result in a composite material which can be transparent in the infrared and into the visible (metals are usually optically opaque). The nanoparticles of the metal are produced by the “template” method, where the material is synthesized within the pores of a nanoporous membrane (see Figure). magnified image
Morphological and molecular processes observed using scanning tunneling microscopy on organic conductors
Authors: Magonov Sergei N. , Bar Georg , Gorenberg Arkadij Y. , Yagubskii Eduard B. , Cantow Hans‐Joachim 
Published: December 2004

Step‐by‐step surface layer restoration in organic superconducting salts has been observed using STM. The Figure shows a step, approximately 1.8 nm in height, with an uneven boundary. Over a period of time the step edge is seen to “heal” under positive tip bias, where the current flows from the tip to the sample. Under reversed bias the degradation of the surface has been observed. magnified image
Generation of optical evanescent waves in vacuum‐deposited thin films of α‐oligothiophenes
Authors: Knobloch Harald , Fichou Denis , Knoll Wolfgang , Sasabe Hiroyuki 
Published: December 2004

The performance of oligothiophene‐based field‐effect transistors is thought to be dependent on the nature of the metal/semiconductor/insulator interfaces. The observation of evanescent optical waves in thin films of, for example, α‐6T (see Figure) provides a non‐destructive probe of the charge transfer processes taking place at these interfaces. magnified image
Conducting polymers—materials of commerce
Authors: Miller Joel S. 
Published: December 2004

Conducting‐polymer‐based poducts that are commercially available are the topic of this second part of a two‐part article (the first half appeared last month). Many people are not aware that conducting polymers have reached the marketplace in the form of “coin”‐shaped batteries (see Figure). 3.5.″ floppy disks, and electrostatic loudspeakers, as well as being available for commercial processes and as raw materials. magnified image
Template‐directed nucleation and growth of inorganic materials
Authors: Heywood Brigid R. , Mann Stephen 
Published: December 2004

A new way to tailor the crystal chemistry of inorganic solids involves molecular recongnition between two‐dimensional organic templates and embryonic inorganic aggregates. Langmuir monolayers adopted as model surfaces offer opportunities for molecular engineering of the template. The Figure shows one example of oriented nucleation of vaterite under octadecylamine monolayers. magnified image