Abstract: A computer supported method, computer system and computer program product for exploring and producing a subsurface heterogeneous hydrocarbon source and generating a predictive production map of an area under investigation, based on microbial prospecting. Microbial data representative of microbial activity attributable to hydrocarbon microseepage and hydrocarbon productivity data of a plurality of geographic locations are retrieved and correlated by the computer in a data correlation algorithm, providing a threshold hydrocarbon productivity quantity and a truncated set of the retrieved microbial data. The set identifies individual types of the microorganisms and corresponding individual weighting factors computed by the data correlation algorithm, for distinguishing prospective hydrocarbon productivity quantities from non-prospective hydrocarbon productivity quantities.

Abstract: A biologically pure isolate of a selected bacterium derived from Clostridium autoethanogenum is described which has improved efficiency in the production of ethanol by anaerobic fermentation of substrates comprising carbon monoxide. The bacterium can produce ethanol and acetate at an ethanol to acetate ratio of at least 1.0 and has a productivity of at least 1.2 g of ethanol/l of fermentation broth per day. The bacterium is also characterized in that it has substantially no ability to sporulate.

Abstract: A process for the utilization of the methane produced by enteric fermentation, specifically to a process that utilizes methane produced by ruminant animals through enteric fermentation as a source of carbon and/or energy for the directed production of methane-based goods or processes is provided.

Abstract: A process for the utilization of the methane contained within ruminant animal exhalation, specifically to a process that utilizes the methane contained within ruminant animal exhalation as a source of carbon and/or energy for the production of methane-utilizing microorganisms in a microorganism growth-and-harvest apparatus.

Abstract: A kit containing the reagents necessary for the qualitative or quantitative demonstration of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections. A immunohistochemical staining procedure is employed which utilizes a primary monoclonal mouse antibody that selectively binds to EGFR. The primary antibodies bound to tissue antigens are detected using a peroxidase labeled polymer that is conjugated with secondary anti-mouse immunoglobulin antibodies. The enzymatic conversion of the subsequently applied chromogen results in formation of a visible reaction product at the site of the EGFR antigen. Following development of the chromogen, specimens may then be counterstained and coverslipped. Results are interpreted using a light microscope or other optical imaging device. The detection system is adapted for both manual and automated staining.

Abstract: A high growth methanotrophic bacterial strain capable of growth on a C1 carbon substrate has been isolated and characterized. The strain has the unique ability to utilize both methane and methanol as a sole carbon source and has been demonstrated to possess a functional Embden-Meyerhof carbon flux pathway. The possession of this pathway conveys an energetic advantage to the strain, making it particularly suitable as a production platform for the production of biomass from a C1 carbon source.

Abstract: A rapid method for modifying a viral capsid or envelope protein with a polyethylene glycol (PEG) is described. Also provided are methods of delivering a molecule using the PEG-modified viruses of the invention. Compositions containing the PEG-modified viruses of the invention, are characterized by improved gene expression, reduced neutralizing antibody and CTL production. Also provided are viral compositions having enhanced physical stability, in which the viruses are lyophilized in a formulation having a 1:1 ratio of sucrose and mannitol are provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to an isolated and purified DNA encoding an amino acid sequence which comprises SEQ. ID. NO:3.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for degradation of a halogenated hydrocarbon compound such as trichloroethylene (TCE) which utilizes a soluble methane monooxygenase or a bacterium comprising the monooxygenase. Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b is a soluble methane monooxygenase-producing bacterium which when cultivated by continuous culturing comprising exposing the bacterium to a continuous-flow gas mixture of air and methane in a ratio of about 25:1-1:20, respectively. Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b is capable of degrading TCE at rates from about 500-10,000 micromoles per hour per gram cells. The present method is useful to degrade halogenated hydrocarbon compounds such as TCE at initial concentrations up to 10,000 micromoles/l.

Abstract: A microbial cleaner comprising at least one hydrocarbon-ingesting microbe strain and a biocatalyst transforms hydrocarbons into nontoxic substances. The biocatalyst includes a nonionic surfactant, a chlorine-absorbing salt, at least one microbe nutrient, and water. The cleaner can be used in virtually any situation requiring the removal of hydrocarbon, including cleaning contaminated soil and treating oil spills on soil and water.

Abstract: DNA constructs which inhibit ethylene production in plants comprise a transcriptional initiation region operative in plants for transcribing a DNA sequence encoding an RNA sequence (which may be inverted) complementary to a substantial run of bases showing substantial homology to an mRNA encoding an enzyme involved in ethylene biosynthesis: also plant cells comprising such constructs and plants derived therefrom showing reduced ethylene production.

Abstract: A method and system for enhancing the motility of microorganisms by placing an effective amount of chlorinated hydrocarbons, preferably chlorinated alkenes, and most preferably trichloroethylene in spaced relation to the microbes so that the surprisingly strong, monomodal, chemotactic response of the chlorinated hydrocarbon on subsurface microbes can draw the microbes away from or towards and into a substance, as desired. In remediation of groundwater pollution, for example, TCE can be injected into the plume to increase the population of microbes at the plume whereby the plume can be more quickly degraded. A TCE-degrading microbe, such as Welchia alkenophilia, can be used to degrade the TCE following the degradation of the original pollutant.

Abstract: A process for producing optically active R-(+)-2,3-dichloro-1-propanol, which comprises cultivating an S-(-)-2,3-dichloro-1-propanol-assimilating strain belonging to the genus Alcaligenes in a culture medium containing racemate 2,3-dichloro-1-propanol, and recovering optical isomer R-(+)-2,3-dichloro-1-propanol from the culture broth and a pure culture of an S-(+)-dichloro-1-propanol-assimilating strain belonging to the genus Alcaligenes.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a process for the preparation of L-amino acids of general Formula I ##STR1## wherein A means the residue of an amino acid molecule, from D,L-aminonitriles of general Formula II ##STR2## wherein A has the meaning given above, characterized by fermenting the .alpha.-aminonitriles with a culture of Actinetobacter calcoaceticus DSM 3875 and reacting the thus-obtained D,L-amino acid amides of general Formula III ##STR3## wherein A has the meaning given above, with a culture of a microorganism containing amino acid amide racemases and L-amino acid amide amidases.

Abstract: Methylotrophic and heterotrophic microorganisms are supported on a rigid substrate bed. Oxygen, such as from air, and a low-molecular-weight alkane, such as methane, flow through the bed. Organic compounds in contaminated water processing through the bed are biodegraded by the microorganisms. The bed may be formed of manufactured particlate material, such as of activated carbon. These bed-forming materials may be preloaded with organic carbon materials to provide a nutrient source for the microogranisms. The biological reactor may continuously treat effluent from, for example, an industrial plant, in either a batch or continuous process. A water solids removal subsystem may be positioned upstream of the biological reactor to remove organic carbon compounds and various solids from the contaminated water prior to treatment. Optional bed cleaning mechanisms may also be included in the biological reactor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for dehalogenating and further biodegrading organic compounds, including halogenated organic compounds, present in an aqueous mixture, the mixture comprising the waste effluent produced in a continuous high flow rate by an industrial plant such as a bleach pulp or paper mill using chlorine and chlorine compounds. The aqueous mixture is passed through at least one combination of a first oxygen-enriched liquid zone and a second zone containing a mixed population of methylotrophic and heterotrophic microorganisms supported on a substrate bed. A first gas including oxygen is flowed through the first zone and second gas consisting substantially of a low-molecular-weight alkane is flowed through the second zone as the aqueous mixture passes through the first and second zones.

Abstract: The present invention relates a method for reactivating or regenerating the methane oxidizability of a methane-utilizing bacteria which have partly or wholly lost its methane oxidizability by culturing said methane-utilizing bacteria in a specified condition, and further relates to a method for continuous production of oxides by bringing a methane-utilizing bacteria in contact with alkanes, alkenes or cyclic compounds.

Abstract: A method for culturing microorganisms belonging to the genus Pseudomonas or the genus Escherichia and having tolerance to an organic solvent such as any one of hydrocarbons, alcohols, ethers, ketones and their derivatives or their mixture in a medium containing the organic solvent in a concentration of 0.3% or more. The present method can be widely utilized in the fields of bioreactor, liquid-waste treatment, protein engineering, etc.

Abstract: A process for carrying out enzymatic oxidations is described.

Abstract: It is possible to efficiently obtain D-(31)-tartaric acid in high yield and to supply DL-tartaric acid of high concentration to the culture medium by cultivating a microorganism which belongs to the genus Pseudomonas, Cryptococcus, Tricosporon or Klebsiella and has an ability to assimilate L-(+)-tartaric acid and does not assimilate substantially D-(-)-tartaric acid in a culture medium containing DL-tartaric acid.

Abstract: Material which contains water, or is accompanied by an aqueous phase, notably biological cells, cell components or cell aggregates, or differentiated biological tissue is preserved by dispersion in an oil medium and under-cooling the dispersion, preferably to a temperature in the range -20.degree. C. to -40.degree. C. The oil medium is characterized by the absence of surfactant which can catalyze ice formation and is an immobile gel at the storage temperature. The preferred oil 10 medium is paraffin oil, or oil plus paraffin wax.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns a novel plasmid and its use in a microbial host to degrade a variety of organic compounds. Some of these compounds, such as ethylene dichloride, are undesirable waste products found in various dump sites. The invention also concerns a novel microbe hosting the novel plasmid. The novel plasmid has been shown to encode the gene(s) responsible for the degradation of the organic compounds. Thus, microbes hosting this plasmid, denoted pEDC, can be used to degrade ethylene dichloride, and other compounds.

Abstract: Contaminating amounts of certain halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbons are degraded and removed from water such as drinking water and industrial waste water, by treatment of the water with a microorganism that is effective to metabolize gaseous hydrocarbons by the action of monooxygenase enzyme.

Abstract: A hair tonic composition containing, as an effective ingredient, a product obtained from the interaction of a vegetable or animal fat or oil with a microorganism belonging to Staphylococcus capitis. This hair tonic composition can effectively prevent the generation of dandruff and itching and can also effectively accelerate the growth of hair.

Abstract: Novel yeasts are disclosed including Pichia pastoris NRRL Y-11430, yeasts having the characteristics of Pichia pastoris NRRL Y-11430, mutants of Pichia pastoris NRRL Y-11430, and strains derived therefrom. Also disclosed are methods of culturing the strains, and biochemical conversions employing the strains.

Abstract: Disclosed are newly discovered and isolated methylotrophic microorganism strains and their natural and/or artificial mutants which grow well under aerobic conditions in a culture medium in the presence of methane as the major carbon and energy source. The methane-grown microbial cells possess a high content of protein and can be utilized as such as feedstuffs. The methane-grown microbial cells or enzyme preparations thereof are also useful in converting C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkanes to alcohols, particularly methane to methanol, C.sub.3 -C.sub.6 alkanes to the corresponding C.sub.3 -C.sub.6 sec. alcohols and methyl ketones, C.sub.3 -C.sub.6 sec. alcohols to the corresponding methyl ketones, cyclic hydrocarbons to cyclic hydrocarbyl alcohols (e.g., cyclohexane to cyclohexanol) C.sub.2 -C.sub.4 alkenes selected from the group consisting of ethylene, propylene, butene-1 and butadiene to 1,2-epoxides, styrene to styrene oxide, and converting other oxidizable substrates to oxidized products.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the epoxidation of lower .alpha.-olefins dienes or vinyl aromatic compounds by contacting said compounds, under aerobic conditions in the presence of microorganisms, genetically engineered organisms thereof or enzyme preparations derived from said microorganisms. The microorganisms, genetically engineered organisms, or enzyme preparations derived therefrom are preferably those microorganisms which are known as methylotrophs particularly those which have previously grown under aerobic conditions in a nutrient medium containing methane.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the microbiological epoxidation of C.sub.2 -C.sub.4 n-alkenes, dienes and vinyl aromatic compounds by contacting, under aerobic conditions, in an aqueous medium containing microorganisms or enzyme preparations derived therefrom, wherein the microorganisms have been aerobically cultivated in a nutrient medium containing methane. The microorganisms used are newly isolated methane-utilizing obligate and facultative methylotrophs.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the microbiological production of ketones from C.sub.3 -C.sub.6 alkanes by contacting C.sub.3 -C.sub.6 alkanes under aerobic conditions with resting microbial cells derived from a methylotrophic microorganism or enzyme preparation derived from said cells, wherein the microorganism has been previously grown under aerobic conditions in a nutrient medium containing methane or dimethyl ether.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the microbiological production of ketones from C.sub.3 -C.sub.6 secondary alcohols by contacting C.sub.3 -C.sub.6 secondary alcohols under aerobic conditions with resting microbial cells derived from a microorganism of enzyme preparation derived from said cells, wherein the microorganism has been previously grown under aerobic conditions in a nutrient medium containing a methyl-radical donating compound. Typical methyl-radical donating compounds are: methane, methanol, dimethyl ether, methylamine, methyl formate, methyl carbonate, ethanol, propanol, butanol, etc. Isolation and purification of a novel C.sub.3 -C.sub.6 secondary alcohol dehydrogenase enzyme is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a newly-discovered and isolated enzyme which is a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD.sup.+)-linked C.sub.3 -C.sub.6 secondary alcohol-specific dehydrogenase. This enzyme, in the presence of oxygen and NAD, is capable of converting C.sub.3 -C.sub.6 secondary alcohols to the corresponding methyl ketones. The purified enzyme has a molecular weight of 95,000 .+-. 3,000 dalton as determined by acrylamide gel electrophoresis and contains two zinc atoms per molecule of protein. Primary alcohols are not oxidized by this enzyme.