Abstract: Compositions having pesticidal activity and methods for their use are provided. Compositions include isolated and recombinant polypeptides having pesticidal activity, recombinant and synthetic nucleic acid molecules encoding the polypeptides, DNA constructs and vectors comprising the nucleic acid molecules, host cells comprising the vectors, and antibodies to the polypeptides. Polynucleotide sequences encoding the polypeptides can be used in DNA constructs or expression cassettes for transformation and expression in organisms of interest. The compositions and methods provided are useful for producing organisms with enhanced pest resistance or tolerance. Transgenic plants and seeds comprising a nucleotide sequence that encodes a pesticidal protein of the invention are also provided. Such plants are resistant to insects and other pests. Methods are provided for producing the various polypeptides disclosed herein, and for using those polypeptides for controlling or killing a pest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling fungal phytopathogens using Galla chinensis preparations, and to a fungicidal composition comprising Galla chinensis in combination with at least one phytologically acceptable adhesive.

Abstract: A heat exchanger having a heat transfer surface provided with hyperthermophilic bacteria. The hyperthermophilic bacteria can be from the genera Archaea. The hyperthermophilic bacteria can further be from the genus Sulfolobus, and the hyperthermophilic bacteria can further be from the species Sulfolobus solfataricus. The heat exchanger can be adapted to pool-boiling heat transfer.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an Alcaligenes faecalis strain capable of degrading ethylene oxide and uses thereof. The deposit number of the strain is CGMCC No. 18435. This strain can be used in pollution treatment, for example, to treat industrial sewage or wastewater containing ethylene oxide, which greatly improves the decontamination ability of ethylene oxide in manufacturing industries. The present disclosure also provides a degradation agent for degrading ethylene oxide and a method for biodegrading ethylene oxide.

Abstract: Compositions having pesticidal activity and methods for their use are provided. Compositions include isolated and recombinant polypeptides having pesticidal activity, recombinant and synthetic nucleic acid molecules encoding the polypeptides, DNA constructs and vectors comprising the nucleic acid molecules, host cells comprising the vectors, and antibodies to the polypeptides. Polynucleotide sequences encoding the polypeptides can be used in DNA constructs or expression cassettes for transformation and expression in organisms of interest. The compositions and methods provided are useful for producing organisms with enhanced pest resistance or tolerance. Transgenic plants and seeds comprising a nucleotide sequence that encodes a pesticidal protein of the invention are also provided. Such plants are resistant to insects and other pests. Methods are provided for producing the various polypeptides disclosed herein, and for using those polypeptides for controlling or killing a pest.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for conferring pesticidal activity to bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues and seeds are provided. Compositions comprising a coding sequence for a toxin polypeptide are provided. The coding sequences can be used in DNA constructs or expression cassettes for transformation and expression in plants and bacteria. Compositions also comprise transformed bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues, and seeds. In particular, isolated toxin nucleic acid molecules are provided. Additionally, amino acid sequences corresponding to the polynucleotides are encompassed, and antibodies specifically binding to those amino acid sequences. In particular, the present invention provides for isolated nucleic acid molecules comprising nucleotide sequences encoding the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:4-7, or the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1, 2, or 3, as well as variants and fragments thereof.

Abstract: The present application relates generically to compositions used for controlling agricultural pests and, in a particular, to compositions usable for combating nematodes. The application presents a feasible alternative to the use of nematotoxic compounds that are harmful to the environment and that may damage human health. This alternative includes a nematotoxic composition for controlling nematodes that may be used on plants, parts of plants and on the soil. The respective technology results from unexpected results achieved from experiments carried out with extracts of the plant Canavalia ensiformis, resulting in an unheard-of nematotoxic composition comprising a specific combination of substances that are naturally found in the extract and that act synergistically.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method which can be used for producing an organic substance effectively from a synthesis gas obtained from a waste incinerator. The apparatus 1 for producing an organic substance from waste, comprises a synthesis gas generation furnace 11, a fermenter 13, and a nutrient feeder. The synthesis gas generation furnace 11 generates a synthesis gas by partial oxidation of waste. The fermenter 13 contains a microorganism which produces an organic substance from the synthesis gas. The nutrient feeder 12 feeds a solid or liquid nutrient to the fermenter 13 when an amount of the synthesis gas supplied to the fermenter 13 is insufficient.

Abstract: Compositions having pesticidal activity and methods for their use are provided. Compositions include isolated and recombinant polypeptides having pesticidal activity, recombinant and synthetic nucleic acid molecules encoding the polypeptides, DNA constructs and vectors comprising the nucleic acid molecules, host cells comprising the vectors, and antibodies to the polypeptides. Polynucleotide sequences encoding the polypeptides can be used in DNA constructs or expression cassettes for transformation and expression in organisms of interest. The compositions and methods provided are useful for producing organisms with enhanced pest resistance or tolerance. Transgenic plants and seeds comprising a nucleotide sequence that encodes a pesticidal protein of the invention are also provided. Such plants are resistant to insects and other pests. Methods are provided for producing the various polypeptides disclosed herein, and for using those polypeptides for controlling or killing a pest.

Abstract: The present invention includes novel chemical formulations having antimicrobial activity and their methods of use thereof. In some embodiments, the formulation further comprises at least one fungus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for increasing the vigor and/or crop yield of agricultural plants under essentially non-existent pathogen pressure, wherein the plants, the plant propagules, the seed of the plants and/or a locus where the plants are growing or are intended to grow are treated with an effective amount of a composition comprising a Bacillus subtilis strain with Accession No. NRRL B-21661, a mutant of the strain having all the identifying characteristics of the strain, or a cell-free extract thereof; wherein the vigor and/or crop yield of agricultural plants under essentially non-existent pathogen pressure is increased and the increase in vigor is characterized by less fertilizer needed.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is provided which are effective for improving CO mass transfer. The process includes introducing syngas into a reactor vessel through a gas sparger located below a liquid level in the reactor vessel. The syngas being introduced at a flow rate effective for maintaining a pressure inside of the reactor vessel of at least about 1 psig. An agitation energy of about 0.01 to about 12 kWatts/m3 medium is provided. The process is effective for providing a volumetric CO mass transfer coefficient of about 100 to about 1500 per hour.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of eliciting plant immune responses based on seed priming by using the heat (high temperature)-treated culture solution of Bacillus spp, and the high pressure-sterilized culture solution of Bacillus sp. strains PB69 and 1628 which have been selected in the present invention exhibits an activity of eliciting induced systemic resistance similar to BTH, and also has an effect for inducing promoted plant growth and controlling plant diseases, and thus it is expected to contribute to enhance the crop productivity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mutant strain of Bacillus subtilis SFA-H31 and includes an optimized method for producing of acetoin using this strain. The advantage of this method to produce acetoin has been defined by its high-yield without mixture with diacetyl or 2,3-butanediol, both of which are usually accompanied with acetoin in other strain. This Bacillus subtilis mutant strain has been deposited in China General Microbiological Culture Collection (CGMCC) and the accession number is CGMCC No. 1869, in which the process of fermentation for acetoin production is composed of (1) strain activation, (2) seed culture, (3) fermentation, (4) quantification of substrates and products. Based on current method, the concentration of acetoin in the ferment broth can reach to 35-55 g/L and the conversion rate of glucose to acetoin is in the range of 40-50%.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to controlling pest infestation by inhibiting one or more biological functions in an invertebrate pest. The invention discloses methods and compositions for use in controlling pest infestation by feeding one or more different recombinant double stranded RNA molecules to the pest in order to achieve a reduction in pest infestation through suppression of gene expression. The invention is also directed to methods for making transgenic plants that express the double stranded RNA molecules, and to particular combinations of transgenic pesticidal agents for use in protecting plants from pest infestation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are microbiocidal compositions that include spore-forming strains of Bacillus. The compositions may be utilized to treat or prevent disease in aquatic animals such as farmed fish or crustaceans.

Abstract: Biologically pure cultures of Bacillus subtilis were isolated from the pericarp of nixtamalized corn. The Bacillus microorganisms were characterized and found to produce novel peptides which have antimicrobial activity. The Bacillus microorganisms are active against Gram-positive bacteria and may be used as an agent to prevent spoilage in foods. The Bacillus microorganisms may be included in probiotic food compositions to help maintain healthy gastrointestinal flora and modulate animal digestion.

Abstract: The invention provides a culture plate made from a polymer incorporating a culture component releasable into culture media in the well, methods of culturing a microorganisms in the culture plate, and a methods of making the culture plate.

Abstract: Methods for aiding in the diagnosis of disorders including, but not limited to, PDDs (Pervasive Development Disorders), Dysautonomic disorders, Parkinson's disease and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). In one aspect, a diagnosis method comprises analyzing a stool sample of an individual for the presence of a biological marker (or marker compound) comprising one or more pathogens, which provides an indication of whether the invidual has, or can develop, a disorder including, but not limited to, a PDD, Dysautonomia, Parkinsons disease and SIDS. Preferably, the presence of one or more pathogens is determined using a stool immunoassay to determine the presence of antigens in a stool sample, wherein such antigens are associated with one or more pathogens including, but not limited to, Giardia, Cryptosporidium, E. histolytica, C. difficile, Adenovirus, Rotavirus or H. pylori.

Abstract: A method for controlling nematodes in or on a plant, a plant part, and/or a locus for plant growth is provided, the method comprising applying to a plant, plant part, or locus for plant growth in need of protection from said nematodes an effective amount of Bacillus pumilus, a mutant of Bacillus pumilus, or at least one metabolite of Bacillus pumilus. In particular, the Bacillus pumilus strain may be strain QST2808.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods to identify novel bacteria and metabolites derived therefrom. More specifically, the invention describes a novel method to isolate bacteria producing metabolites of interest from environmental samples. Particularly, the invention discloses a method to select rare antibiotic producing bacteria. The invention can be used from any sample and allows the isolation of bacteria having e.g., pharmaceutical or agrochemical interest.

Abstract: A composition is provided that includes Bacillus subtilis 2084 (NRRL B-50013) or a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of the Bacillus subtilis 2084 (NRRL B-50013), B. subtilis 27 (NRRL B-50105) or a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of the B. subtilis 27 (NRRL B-50105), and B. licheniformis 21 (NRRL B-50134) or a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of the B. licheniformis 21 (NRRL B-50134). Animal bedding that includes the Bacillus strains is also provided, as well as a method of making the animal bedding. Also provided are methods of controlling odors from animal waste. A method of making a composition including the Bacillus strains is also provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for inducing cell death in a gram positive bacterium and methods for reducing the proliferation of a gram positive bacterium that include contacting a gram positive bacterium with a dye (e.g., an azo dye) and a TarO inhibitor. Also provided are methods of treating a subject having a gram positive bacterial infection that include administering to a subject having a gram positive bacterial infection a dye (e.g., an azo dye) and a TarO inhibitor. Also provided are compositions containing a dye (e.g., an azo dye) and a TarO inhibitor, and kits containing at least one of these compositions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a sterilization agent for livestock bedding or a composting accelerator for organic waste or livestock bedding, comprising at least one Bacillus coagulans thermophilic bacterium or a combination of the at least one Bacillus coagulans thermophilic bacterium and at least one Bacillus subtilis mesophilic bacterium, as an active ingredient, wherein the Bacillus coagulans thermophilic bacterium as a preferable bacterium is viable at a temperature of 40 to 60° C. and the Bacillus subtilis mesophilic bacterium is viable at a temperature of 30 to 50° C., and the mesophilic bacterium also has a sterilizing effect on harmful bacteria in bedding; and to a method for sterilizing livestock bedding or a method for accelerating composting of organic waste or livestock bedding by using these agents each as an active ingredient.

Abstract: The present invention is a bacteria and nutrient delivery composition containing bran. The subject composition is preferably made in the form of a tablet that is structurally stable without being excessively hard. The tablets preferably have a configuration that reduces the likelihood of premature shearing in tableting presses or jamming in feeder devices for biomass generators. Methods of manufacturing the bacterial delivery composition in a structurally stable form that maintains bacterial viability are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to malodor controlling bacteria and related methods and compositions for the control and prevention of malodor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing biosurfactants, such as surfactin, comprising culturing at least one biosurfactant-producing microbe in a liquid culture medium comprising vinasse as a carbon source. Methods of using the crude biosurfactant containing culture broth in tertiary oil recovery and as antibacterial compositions in tertiary oil recovery are also described. Methods of using the culture broth residue after isolation of the biosurfactants as fertilizer and compositions for this use are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of improving the environment within a poultry farming facility including reducing ammonia production in a poultry facility, inhibiting urease enzymes in poultry litter, reducing levels of pathogenic bacteria in poultry litter, improving productivity of poultry farms, reducing or preventing pododermatitis in poultry reared in mass production poultry facilities and controlling pests in poultry litter. Compositions, suitable for use in such methods, comprising at least one microorganism of the genus Bacillus and at least one biosurfactant wherein the biosurfactant is present in an amount of 2 mg/L to 7000 mg/L are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to natural crude salt formulations arid their cost-effective preparation. In particular, the invention discloses the fractionation of seawater into three fractions which can thereafter be suitably combined to reconstitute seawater in its pristine form for its various applications such as growth of marine microbes, flora and fauna in a marine environment, especially where such environments have to be created in locations far removed from the sea and/or where there is a requirement to modify the composition of seawater to better its performance. The fractions can also be blended appropriately to exclude the major constituent, namely sodium chloride, and thereby be useful for mineralization/re-mineralization of waters which are deficient in mineral nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, sulphate and bicarbonate including rain water and desalinated waters obtained through thermal/RO desalination.

Abstract: A bacillus composition characterized by fast germination and outgrowth in bile salts (simulated gut environment) and by producing a compound of interest. The bacillus composition may be used as supplement in animal feed where it has a probiotic (health promoting) effect and increases the digestion and availability of nutrients from animal feeds.

Abstract: [Object] To obtain natto having reduced viscosity and natto odor. [Solving Means] Provided are Bacillus subtilis AZ-5512 strain (FERM P-22135) and natto produced by using the strain.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention relates to novel Bacillus strains ENV 734 (NRRL B-50800), ENV 735 (NRRL B-50801), ENV 736 (NRRL B-50802), and ENV 737 (NRRL B-50803). These strains possess a high degree of homology with both Bacillus simplex and Bacillus butanolivorans, but unexpectedly exhibit desirable high salt tolerance as well as low temperature growth and urease production. In another aspect, the present invention relates to compositions comprising at least one of such strains and an acceptable carrier, and methods of preparing the compositions. Such compositions are suitable for use in industrial, agricultural, aquacultural, environmental, wastewater treatment and/or probiotic applications. Methods for enhancing the growth of a plant propagative material and methods for treating wastewater are also provided.

Abstract: The present application relates to a method for inducing germination of a spore forming bacterium, specifically, a method for inducing germination of a spore forming bacterium, comprising: using one or more compounds having a phenolic backbone to induce germination of a spore forming bacterium selected from the group consisting of the genus Bacillus, the genus Geobacillus, and the genus Aeribacillus; to a germination inducer for a spore forming bacterium; and to a kit for use in germination of a spore forming bacterium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new bacteriocin, to microbial strains which can produce it and to uses of the bacteriocin and the strains. The bacteriocin is effective against Clostridium difficile and Listeria monocytogenes amongst other organisms.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for enhancing or promoting germination of bacterial spores, and yeasts are disclosed herein. The composition of the present invention comprises an extract obtained from banana or any member belonging to the genus Musa that may be used alone or in a growth medium to promote and enhance germination of bacterial spores, growth of bacterial, yeast, and fungal cell cultures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel bacteria strains that can be used in biological control against mosquito larvae (Culex spp.). The protein obtained from a novel B. sphaericus spp. isolates with the invention is used as larvicide, the step of isolating the protein at product obtaining stage is eliminated. By means of the invention, thee bacterial strains (MIB 5,6,7) investigated for biological control of mosquitoes are effective in both polluted and fresh water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thrombolytic enzyme referred to as Thrombinase having a molecular weight of 31,000 to 32,000. Such a thrombolytic enzyme can be used for dissolving blood clots. The process comprises culturing a filtrate of Bacillus sphaericus sero type H5a 5b, removing the cell, subjecting the cell supernatant to filtration, salting out the retentate, subjecting the precipitate to dialysis, reprecipitating the precipitate and then reconstituting in buffer and finally decolorizing, purifying and dialyzing.

Abstract: The present invention describes compositions and methods for inhibiting microbial infections associated with the use of sanitary products, such as diapers, bandages, sanitary napkins, tampons, and the like. The present invention comprises providing for use a sanitary product containing an effective amount of a viable, non-pathogenic, lactic acid-producing bacteria, such as Bacillus coagulans, or an extracellular product thereof, useful for inhibiting growth of parasites and pathogens on the epithelial tissue in contact with the sanitary product during use of the product. The present invention also provides for enhancing biodegradation of sanitary products after use and disposal. Also described herein are methods using the product and systems containing the compositions.

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: An aqueous composition is disclosed, comprising at least one strain of Class 1 Bacillus bacterial spores, selected from Bacillus Cirulans, Bacillus Megaterium, Bacillus Licheniformis, Bacillus Pumilus, Bacillus Sphaericus, Bacillus Subtilis sub species 10144 and Bacillus Subtilis sub species 8646, a terpene and one or more surfactants. The terpene is preferably d-limonene. A method for cleaning surfaces is also disclosed, which method comprises deploying an aqueous composition comprising at least one strain of Class 1 Bacillus bacterial spores, selected from Bacillus Cirulans, Bacillus Megaterium, Bacillus Lichenforms, Bacillus Pumilus, Bacillus Sphaericus, Bacillus Subtilis sub species 10144 and Bacillus Subtilis sub species 8646, a terpene and one or more surfactants to a surface.

Abstract: The subject invention relates in part to the surprising and unexpected discovery that insects that are resistant to Bacillus thuringiensis Cry toxins have measurably altered alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity as compared to insects that are susceptible to Cry toxins. This and other surprising discoveries reported herein have broad implications in areas such as managing and monitoring the development of insect resistance to B.t. toxins. For example, the subject invention provides a simple and fast assay (enzymatic or otherwise) for detecting ALP activity levels and thereby monitoring the development of resistance by insects to crystal protein insect toxins. There was no prior motivation or suggestion to go about resistance monitoring using this simple and easy approach.

Abstract: Some HBL and NHE enterotoxins are known to cause food-borne diseases in humans. Enterotoxin-deficient mutants of member strains of the Bacillus cereus group that do not produce HBL, HBLa1, HBLa2, or NHE enterotoxins are disclosed. Enterotoxin-deficient mutants are suitable for use as biocontrol agents. Methods for making the mutants and for using the mutants are described.

Abstract: A bacillus composition characterized by fast germination and outgrowth in bile salts (simulated gut environment) and by producing a compound of interest. The bacillus composition may be used as supplement in animal feed where it has a probiotic (health promoting) effect and increases the digestion and availability of nutrients from animal feeds.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a dried intimate mixture comprising a bacteria spore and a germinative compound, and methods for preparing the intimate mixture. In another aspect, this invention is directed to a composition comprising such an intimate mixture. The invention also relates to methods for increasing the germination, growth, metabolism, and/or enzyme activity of a bacteria spore comprising preparing an intimate mixture of a bacteria spore and a germinative compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of biotechnology, and particularly relates to a bionematicide composition broad spectrum action on phytopathogenic nematodes which comprises one or more bacterial strains isolated from Chilean soil belonging to the genus Bacillus, and the method of use of this composition for the protection of plants against nematode attack.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for the use of oil-containing materials as feedstocks for the production the bioproducts by biofermentation. In one preferred embodiment, surfactants are not used in compositions and the methods of the invention. In one preferred embodiment the oil-containing feedstocks are the by-products of other industrial processes including microbial, plant and animal oil processing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of artificially repressing gene expression, which is simpler to design than conventional methods (the RNAi, ribozyme and antisense methods) and which allows for easier confirmation of the effect. A method of inhibiting the translation reaction of a target gene, comprising cutting out a part of the poly(A) tail and/or 3?-terminal sequence of the target mRNA is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the Bacillus sp. strains AT-332 (NITE BP-1095) and AT-79 (NITE BP-1094) isolated from nature; and a plant disease control agent, a nematode control agent and a plant growth promoter containing the strains as active bacteria. The Bacillus sp. strains AT-332 and AT-79 strain are effective in controlling both a wide range of various plant diseases and nematode-damage and capable of promoting the growth of useful plants, due to a culture containing a secondary metabolite of the strains or cultivated and isolated live bacteria of the strains being introduced to a plant body or to the culture soil.

Abstract: Designed to afford a novel microorganism promoting gastric juice secretion and having platelet increasing activity, and to afford a pharmaceutical agent composed of a product secreted by the novel microorganism. The novel microorganism, international deposit number: NITE BP-295, belongs to the species Bacillus pumilus, and is characterized by taking either form of coccus and bacillus, and makes figure-eight movement. The novel microorganism of the present invention is the novel microorganism having the gene represented by SEQ ID No: 1, and an object of the present invention is to afford the microorganism and a gastric juice secretion-promoting composition composed of the product secreted by the novel microorganism.

Abstract: A biosorbent for removing cationic and/or anionic metals from aqueous solutions, and a process for the production of the biosorbent. The biosorbent includes bacterial aggregates of Bacillus sp. VCHB-10, deposited as NRRL-B-30881, and treated with polyethyleneimine and glutaraldehyde. Among the metals in their cationic form, the following are considered: cations of Ag, Al, Au, Co, Cd, Cu, Cr, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Pd, Pt, U, Th and Zn. Among the metals in their anionic form, the following are considered: anions of As, Cr and Mo. Removal or recovery of metals from wastewater using the biosorbent is also described.