Abstract: The present invention is related to single-chain insulin having insulin activity comprising a B- and an A-chain or a modified B- and A-chain connected by a connecting peptide of from 6-11 amino acids. The single-chain insulins will have biological insulin activity and an IGF-1 receptor affinity similar to or lower than that of human insulin and a high physical stability. The single-chain insulin may contain at least one basic amino acid residues in the connecting peptide. The single-chain insulins may also be acylated in one or more Lys residues.

Abstract: A high yield method for fermenting carbohydrate to ethanol, comprising a) treating carbohydrate with a composition containing 10-90 wt % of an aldehyde selected from the group consisting of an formaldehyde, para-formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde and mixtures thereof, 1-50 wt % of a surfactant having an I JLB from 4 to 18, 0-20 wt % of an antimicrobial terpene, or essential oils, 1-50 wt % of organic acids selected from C1-24 fatty acids, their salts, and glyceride esters thereof, and 1-50 wt % water, b) fermenting said carbohydrate in the presence of yeast in a fermentation broth, and c) isolating ethanol in a higher yield than would be obtained without step a).

Abstract: A method for the production of heparosan from fermentation culture of E. coli K5 suitable for industrial production, exhibiting superior yield and purity, smaller culture volumes, faster growth, and lower costs.

Abstract: A promoter with an organ-specific activity in plants. The promoter is characterized in that it exhibits greater activity in the storage organs of plants than in other organs of said plants and that the promoter activity is modified after the harvest of the storage organs and is greater than prior to said harvest.

Abstract: Identification of infectious pathogens, particularly viruses, bacteria and other microorganisms is effected with a method whereby pathogens of acute infections can be identified, without first culturing them in external nutrient media, by mass spectrometric measurement of their protein profiles obtained from pathogens directly precipitated from body fluid into pellets by centrifuging. With this method, pathogens which cause acute infections can be identified in less than one hour.

Abstract: This invention relates to the metabolic evolution of a microbial organism previously optimized for producing an organic acid in commercially significant quantities under fermentative conditions using a hexose sugar as sole source of carbon in a minimal mineral medium. As a result of this metabolic evolution, the microbial organism acquires the ability to use pentose sugars derived from cellulosic materials for its growth while retaining the original growth kinetics, the rate of organic acid production and the ability to use hexose sugars as a source of carbon. This invention also discloses the genetic change in the microorganism that confers the ability to use both the hexose and pentose sugars simultaneously in the production of commercially significant quantities of organic acids.

Abstract: Probiotic microorganisms are micro encapsulated by dispersing the probiotic microorganism in an aqueous suspension of a film forming protein and a carbohydrate; in an oil in water emulsion of a film forming protein and a carbohydrate and a fat; or in an oil which is subsequently dispersed in a film forming protein and a carbohydrate. The emulsion or suspension may be dried to form a powder. The probiotic may be dispersed in oil and then emulsified with the aqueous suspension and then dried to produce an encapsulated oil be dried to produce a powder. Oil suspended probiotics may be preferred where the probiotic is water sensitive. The preferred protein is casein or whey protein and the carbohydrate may be a resistant starch or a saccharide with a reducing sugar group. Where the probiotic is oxygen sensitive the protein carbohydrate is heated to create Maillard reaction products in the encapsulating film.

Abstract: The invention provides a general and facile method to obtain secondary metabolites from fungal sources. The invention is based on the discovery that the fungal gene veA and protein encoded thereby regulates the activity of multiple secondary metabolite gene clusters in fungi. Over expression of the gene veA provides increased production of secondary metabolites in engineered cells. In particular, such a method of increasing secondary metabolite production allows the production of improved yields of valuable secondary metabolite products.

Abstract: Provided are a microbial power generation device, an electrode for the microbial power generation device, preparing methods of the same, an electric power producing method using microbes and a selective culture method of the microbes used for the electric power producing method capable of improving electric power production capacity and of suppressing power generation cost. In a microbial power generation device (1), microbes (reducing microbes) that reduce graphene oxide are enriched among microbes inhabiting wastewater, slurry, activated sludge and the like. Therefore, the graphene oxide is reduced by the reducing microbes, so the graphene is produced. Electrons produced by the microbes can be transmitted to a negative electrode (14) via the produced graphene. As a result, the electric power production capacity can be improved and the power generation can be performed at a low cost.

Abstract: A method for the diagnosis of a tuberculosis infection caused by Mycobacteria belonging to the Mycobacteria tuberculosis complex group (MTC) in an animal including a human being, which comprises in vitro-detection of cell-mediated immune response to OmpAtb and/or antibodies against OmpAtb in a sample taken from that animal.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a monovalent succinate salt includes: a) fermenting a carbohydrate source to succinic acid by means of a micro-organism, b) adding a alkaline earth metal hydroxide, carbonate and/or hydrogencarbonate, the alkaline earth metal being calcium or magnesium, as neutralising agent during the fermentation in an aqueous medium and causing the formation of calcium succinate or magnesium succinate, c) reacting the alkaline earth metal succinate salt in an aqueous medium with a monovalent hydroxide, carbonate and/or hydrogencarbonate base to form an alkaline earth metal hydroxide, carbonate and/or hydrogencarbonate and a monovalent succinate salt, d) separating the monovalent succinate salt from the alkaline earth metal hydroxide, carbonate and/or hydrogencarbonate, and e) recycling the alkaline earth metal hydroxide, carbonate and/or hydrogencarbonate to step b.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions comprising one or more isolated LDH-deficient mutans streptococcus strains and one or more isolated S. oralis strains and/or one or more isolated S. uberis strains. Compositions of the invention are useful to maintain oral health, by for example treating and/or preventing one or more symptoms of dental caries, periodontitis and/or other oral cavity diseases or wounds.

Abstract: The invention provides a surfactant and/or a cleaning composition comprising a microbially produced branched fatty alcohol or a derivative thereof. The invention also provides a household cleaning composition and a personal or pet care cleaning composition comprising a microbially produced branched fatty alcohol or a derivative thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the proline rich transmembrane protein 2 (PRRT2) gene, and the identification of mutations and variations in PRRT2 that give rise to seizure and movement disorders. Accordingly, the present invention provides methods for the diagnosis or prognosis of such disorders by identifying alterations in the PRRT2 gene. Identification of alterations in the PRRT2 gene also enables the identification of subjects with an increased likelihood of having an offspring predisposed to such disorders. The present invention also provides an isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising an alteration in the PRRT2 gene, wherein said alteration produces a seizure and/or movement disorder phenotype. Also provided is an isolated PRRT2 polypeptide that comprises an alteration which produces a seizure and/or movement disorder phenotype.

Abstract: Provided herein is a non-naturally occurring microbial organism having a methanol metabolic pathway that can enhance the availability of reducing equivalents in the presence of methanol. Such reducing equivalents can be used to increase the product yield of organic compounds produced by the microbial organism, such as 1,2-propanediol, n-propanol, 1,3-propanediol or glycerol. Also provided herein are methods for using such an organism to produce 1,2-propanediol, n-propanol, 1,3-propanediol or glycerol.

Abstract: Certain embodiments disclosed relate to compositions, including therapeutic compositions, methods, devices, and systems that include modified microorganisms including at least one genetic element encoding at least one therapeutic agent or environmental treatment agent.

Abstract: The bacteriolytic effect of a bacterial cell wall lytic enzyme can be increased by the addition of a surfactant to the enzyme. As a result, the time required for lysis of cariogenic bacterium with the bacterial cell wall lytic enzyme can be shortened, and the practical utility of the bacterial cell wall lytic enzyme (such as automutanolysin) as a prophylactic or therapeutic agent for dental caries can be improved.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microbial biomass composition produced from a heterotrophic fermentation whose fatty acid profile exhibits an eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) to arachidonic acid (ARA) ratio of about 11:1 or more, an EPA to total co-concentrating fatty acid ratio of about 8:1 or more, extract compositions, and methods of producing such compositions.

Abstract: In a step of contacting an organic material including formic acid ions and a carbon source other than the formic acid ions with a microorganism having a formate dehydrogenase gene and a hydrogenase gene under an anaerobic condition, concentration of the formic acid ions in the organic material is set to be not less than 0.01 mol/L and not more than 0.5 mol/L, and concentration of the carbon source is set to not less than 0.1 mmol/L and not more than 200 mmol/L. This allows continuously producing hydrogen for a long time, without dropping the ability of the microorganism to produce hydrogen.

Abstract: The described invention provides genetically engineered microorganisms, including photosynthetic microorganisms, expressing 4-hydroxybenzoyl-CoA thioesterases and methods of using the genetically engineered microorganisms for producing free fatty acids and/or fatty acid derivatives.

Abstract: The disclosure provides culture devices and methods useful for detecting acid-producing bacteria in a sample. The devices include a nutrient medium and a pH indicator to detect and differentiate acid-producing microorganisms, such as lactic acid bacteria. Methods of use include detecting or enumerating acid-producing microorganisms. The methods further provide for the detection of gas-producing acid-producing bacteria.

Abstract: A cyanobacterial host cell, Cyanobacterium sp., that harbors at least one recombinant gene for the production of a chemical compounds is provided, as well as vectors derived from an endogenous plasmid isolated from the cell.

Abstract: The invention features plant acyl-ACP thioesterase genes of the FatB class and proteins encoded by these genes. The genes are useful for constructing recombinant host cells having altered fatty acid profiles. Oleaginous microalga host cells with the new genes or previously identified FatB genes are disclosed. The microalgae cells produce triglycerides with useful fatty acid profiles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for culturing spirochetes, in particular Borrelia burgdorferi. The present invention also provides methods of identifying spirochetes present in a biological sample. The present invention further provides methods of diagnosing diseases cause by a spirochete infection, such as Lyme disease, syphilis, and multiple sclerosis. The present invention further provides methods for identifying spirochete susceptibilities to antimicrobials and antimicrobial compositions and cocktails. The present invention also provides methods for treating subjects suspected of having a spirochete infection.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods of using compositions that include sets of magnetic particles, members of each set being conjugated to an antibody specific for a pathogen, and magnets to isolate a pathogen from a body fluid sample.

Abstract: The invention features plant acyl-ACP thioesterase genes of the FatB class and proteins encoded by these genes. The genes are useful for constructing recombinant host cells having altered fatty acid profiles. Oleaginous microalga host cells with the new genes or previously identified FatB genes are disclosed. The microalgae cells produce triglycerides with useful fatty acid profiles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nucleic acid comprises a 5? untranslated region, an NS3 protein coding region, an NS4A protein coding region, an NS4B protein coding region, an NS5A protein coding region, an NS5B protein coding region, and a 3? untranslated region of a hepatitis C virus genome, wherein the nucleic acid has nucleotide substitutions causing one or more amino acid substitutions selected from the group consisting of M(1205)K, F(1548)L, C(1615)W, T(1652)N, A(2196)T, A(2218)S, H(2223)Q, Q(2281)R, K(2520)N, and G(2374)S, as defined using the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 6 in the Sequence Listing as a reference sequence, in the NS3 protein coding region, the NS5A protein coding region, or the NS5B protein coding region.

Abstract: The invention provides nucleic acid molecules encoding FGF21 mutant polypeptides, FGF21 mutant polypeptides, pharmaceutical compositions comprising FGF21 mutant polypeptides, wherein the FGF 21 mutant polypeptides comprise two or more mutations, and methods for treating metabolic disorders using such nucleic acids, polypeptides, or pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a Thermoanaerobacter sp. bacterial strain (BKHI) isolated from a hot spring, a purified protein (bioremediase) isolated from bacterial strain BKH1, as well as concrete compositions comprising BKH1 and/or the protein, and methods of using the protein and/or composition. Also disclosed are nucleic acids encoding the protein isolated from BKHI, as well as expression vectors, host cells, cell lines, and methods for generating and purifying the bioremediase protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of increasing the lipid content in an organism, in particular a micro algae by modulating the activity of a triacylglycerol (TAG) lipase. The invention also concerns organisms produced by this method, or microalgae, with increased lipid content, as well as their use in industry and medicine; in particular to obtain omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids. The invention relates furthermore to a nucleic acid from Phaeodactylum tricornutum, which encodes a new TAG lipase, and its use in influencing the proportion of fatty acids, in particular the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids in biomass.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of a fine chemical in a non-human organism, like a microorganism, a plant cell, a plant, a plant tissue or in one or more parts thereof. The invention furthermore relates to nucleic acid molecules, polypeptides, nucleic acid constructs, expression cassettes, vectors, antibodies, host cells, plant tissue, propagation material, harvested material, plants, microorganisms as well as agricultural compositions and to their use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for fabricating a patterned substrate for a cell culture, comprising the steps of: (1) preparing a substrate; (2) depositing a plasma polymer layer by using a precursor material on the substrate; (3) placing a shadow mask having a predetermined pattern on the plasma polymer layer; (4) treating the substrate, having the shadow mask placed thereon, with a reactive gas using plasma; and (5) removing the shadow mask from the substrate, and a patterned substrate for the cell culture fabricated thereby. The invention also relates to a method for a cell culture with a pattern, comprising the step of culturing cells on the patterned substrate for the cell culture, and a patterned cell chip, and a method of screening a material having an activity of inducing or promoting angiogenesis using the patterned cell chip.

Abstract: The present invention provides a magnetic mesoporous nanoparticle that includes a mesoporous silicate nanoparticle and iron oxide. The present invention also provides a method of using magnetic mesoporous nanoparticles to sequester microorganisms from a media.

Abstract: A system of using carbonates, especially water-insoluble or sparing soluble mineral carbonates, for maintaining or increasing dissolved inorganic carbon concentrations in aqueous media. In particular, the system generates concentrated dissolve inorganic carbon substrates for photosynthetic, chemosynthetic, or abiotic chemical production of carbonaceous or other compounds in solution. In some embodiments, the invention can also enhance the dissolution and retention of carbon dioxide in aqueous media, and can produce pH buffering capacity, metal ions, and heat, which can be beneficial to the preceding syntheses.

Abstract: The present invention refers to articles for collecting samples from a surface, articles for microbiological analyses of said samples, and methods of use of said articles. The articles include sample collectors, sample housings with optional barrier layers, and sample-ready reagent strips comprising hydrophilic agents to grow and detect microorganisms. The disclosure includes methods to collect, detect, and quantify microorganisms in a surface sample.

Abstract: The invention features methods for producing isoprene from cultured cells using a feedback-resistant mevalonate kinase polypeptide, such as an archaeal mevalonate kinase polypeptide. The resulting isoprene compositions may have increased yields and/or purity of isoprene.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preserving and/or storing microorganisms which exhibit at least one nitrile hydratase or nitrilase enzyme activity, with the preservation and/or storage being effected in an aqueous medium which comprises at least one aldehyde, with the total aldehyde concentration being in a range from 0.1 to 100 mM/l.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for decreasing the fermentation inhibition in a fermentation of cellulose-derived material in a fermentor, wherein fermentation inhibitory properties of the material subjected to fermentation is decreased by an addition of at least one reducing agent to the fermentor. Further, there is provided a method of increasing the fermentability of a fermentation process comprising the steps of measuring the fermentability of the fermentation process and if the fermentability is below a reference value, then adding at least one reducing agent to the fermentation process.

Abstract: Provided is a method for culturing cells, which prevents the possibility of mycoplasma contamination by culturing the cells using biomass extract obtained by culturing a strain with amphidinol productivity, preferably a strain such as Amphidinium klebsii, Amphididinium carterae, and the like belonging to Dinoflagellates, or using a fraction obtained from the extract; and a method for removing mycoplasma contamination of the cells by culturing the cells contaminated by mycoplasma using the amphidinol derivatives. In addition, provided is a method for removing mycoplasma contamination of the cells, including a combination of single cell-isolating enzyme solution treatment and cell aggregate removal.

Abstract: Provided is a method for culturing cells, which prevents the possibility of mycoplasma contamination by culturing the cells using biomass extract obtained by culturing a strain with amphidinol productivity, preferably a strain such as Amphidinium klebsii, Amphididinium carterae, and the like belonging to Dinoflagellates, or using a fraction obtained from the extract; and a method for removing mycoplasma contamination of the cells by culturing the cells contaminated by mycoplasma using the amphidinol derivatives. In addition, provided is a method for removing mycoplasma contamination of the cells, including a combination of single cell-isolating enzyme solution treatment and cell aggregate removal.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods of treating wastewater are provided. In some aspects, a container may be provided and may include a first member, a second member spaced apart from the first member, and media supported by and extending between the first and second members. An organism may be introduced into the container and wastewater may be introduced into the container for treatment. The media may be loop cord media. In other aspects, two containers may be provided and wastewater may be initially introduced into a first container for treatment, removed from the first container, and subsequently introduced into the second container for further treatment. A first species of organism may be present in the first container and a second species of organism may be present in the second container. Methods of using these containers are also provided.

Abstract: The object is to provide a technique for modifying a bacterium belonging to the genus Kocuria through genetic engineering for industrially effectively utilizing the bacterium belonging to the genus Kocuria. The above object can be achieved by providing a cyclic plasmid, which has a replication region comprising the base sequence of a DNA-binding protein-like protein gene, the base sequence of a replicase-like protein gene, and the base sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:45, and is autonomously replicable in bacteria. As an example of the aforesaid plasmid, a plasmid containing a base sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:3 or 4 which originates in Kocuria sp. MBE131 strain (FERM P-21885) can be cited.

Abstract: A live organism product wherein the organisms are in a dormant state and are suspended in a liquid carrier which is sufficiently devoid of moisture so that the organisms will remain in a dormant state for several months. The carrier is comprised of oil. The carrier may also include an absorbent. The product is stored and shipped in a plastic bag and is sprayed onto its target host or the like. The moisture and pH then activates the organisms.

Abstract: The invention provides nucleic acid molecules encoding FGF21 mutant polypeptides, FGF21 mutant polypeptides, pharmaceutical compositions comprising FGF21 mutant polypeptides, wherein the FGF 21 mutant polypeptides comprise two or more mutations, and methods for treating metabolic disorders using such nucleic acids, polypeptides, or pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: Proteins that bind IL-1? and IL-1? are described along with their use in compositions and methods for treating, preventing, and diagnosing IL-1-related disorders and for detecting IL-1? and IL-1? in cells, tissues, samples, and compositions.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to antibodies directed to the tumor necrosis factor alpha (“TNF-?”) and uses of such antibodies, for example, to treat diseases associated with the activity and/or overproduction of TNF-?.

Abstract: A method for immobilizing living microorganisms includes a step (1) of disposing a solution containing microorganisms as an electrolyte on the surface of a substrate at least one portion of which is an electrode, and applying a constant potential to the electrode to cause at least a portion of the microorganisms to attach to the surface of the substrate. The constant potential in step (1) is greater than ?0.5 V but not greater than ?0.2 V (vs Ag/AgCl) or greater than +0.2 V but not greater than +0.4 V (vs Ag/AgCl). The electrolyte in step (1) does not contain a source of nutrition for the microorganisms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of the fine chemical in a microorganism, a plant cell, a plant, a plant tissue or in one or more parts thereof, preferably in plastids. The invention furthermore relates to nucleic acid molecules, polypeptides, nucleic acid constructs, vectors, antibodies, host cells, plant tissue, propagation material, harvested material, plants, microorganisms as well as agricultural compositions and to their use.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to method of reducing O-glycosylation levels of the insulin or insulin analog precursor molecule produced by Pichia sp. The present disclosure provides genetically engineered knock-out strains of methylotrophic yeast including Pichia and especially Pichia pastoris by disruption of Protein mannosyl transferase (PMT) genes and rendering them capable of producing heterologous proteins with reduced glycosylation. Vectors, which comprise coding sequences for PMT1, PMT2, PMT4, PMT5, and PMT6 genes, for transforming methylotrophic yeasts are contemplated by the present disclosure. PMT inactivated strains of this disclosure have been deposited at MTCC, Chandigarh. The strains are PMT1/GS115 (MTCC 5515), PMT4/GS115 (MTCC 5516), PMT5/GS115 (MTCC 5517) and PMT6/GS115 (MTCC 5518).

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method for seeding cells on to a support. In particular, the method relates to a method for seeding cells onto a porous hydrophobic support. The method utilizes centrifugal forces to uniformly guide cell seeding into the support with no loss in viability.