Abstract: This invention relates to using bacterial metabolites to suppress phytopathogens, more particularly this invention relates to bacterial metabolites applied to Carya illinoensis and Prunus persica as a fungicide to suppress and inhibit Glomerella cingulata, Phomopsis sp., Phytophthora cactorum, Fusicladosporium effusum, and Monilinia fructicola.

Abstract: The invention provides certain plasmid cured strains of lactic acid bacteria modified for their capability of better acid-tolerance, a method of modifying such strains, and products containing such strains.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adjunctive agent and a method for lavaging the alimentary canal, which is able to reduce a dose of oral cleaning agent for lavaging the alimentary canal and is capable of realizing an excellent cleaning effect at the time of use of the oral cleaning agent. The adjunctive agent comprises butyric acid bacterium (for example, Clostridium butyricum and the like) and/or lactic acid bacterium (for example, species belonging to the genus Lactobacillus and the genus Bifidobacterium).

Abstract: The invention relates to a microorganism growth substrate which comprises a sterile nutrient composition derived from the biomass of a culture of bacteria including methanotrophic bacteria and further containing at least one sterile nutrient. A preferred biomass material is that derived from a microbial culture comprising Methylococcus capsulates (Bath) (strain NCIMB 41526), Ralstonia sp. DB3 (strain NCIMB 41527) and Brevibacillus agri DB5 (strain NCIMB 41525), optionally in combination with Aneurinibacillus sp. DB4 (strain NCIMB 41528).

Abstract: Use of bacterial cells of the genus Tenacibaculum, from the crude cellular extract or from its cultivation supernatants, capable of degrading N-acyl homoserine lactones, for quorum quenching, for treatment of infectious bacterial illnesses or to inhibit formation of biofilms.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of isolating ferritin from plant and animal material. The isolated ferritin can be administered to humans or animals in need of iron, and can be used to treat or supplement iron deficiency. The isolated ferritin can be used in industrial applications, such as increasing the iron content in heat-processed food or beverages. The methods of the invention also include quantitation of iron derived from plant or animal ferritin.

Abstract: Disclosed is an isolated bacterium strain Candidatus Brocadia caroliniensis, having Accession Deposit Number NRRL B-50286. The strain is capable of oxidizing ammonium and releasing di-nitrogen gas.

Abstract: A stable continuous method for producing ethanol from the anaerobic bacterial fermentation of a gaseous substrate containing at least one reducing gas involves culturing in a fermentation bioreactor anaerobic, acetogenic bacteria in a liquid nutrient medium; supplying the gaseous substrate to the bioreactor; and manipulating the bacteria in the bioreactor by reducing the redox potential, or increasing the NAD(P)H TO NAD(P) ratio, in the fermentation broth after the bacteria achieves a steady state and stable cell concentration in the bioreactor. The free acetic acid concentration in the bioreactor is maintained at less than 5 g/L free acid. This method allows ethanol to be produced in the fermentation broth in the bioreactor at a productivity of greater than 10 g/L per day. Both ethanol and acetate are produced in a ratio of ethanol to acetate ranging from 1:1 to 20:1.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions containing a proanthocyanidin polymer composition which are useful for the treatment and prevention of secretory diarrhea are provided. The invention specifically relates to pharmaceutical formulations of a proanthocyanidin polymer composition which has been isolated from a Croton spp. or a Calophyllum spp. In particular, the invention relates to a formulation of a proanthocyanidin polymer composition which protects the composition from the effects of stomach acid after oral administration, particularly to those formulations which are enteric coated. The invention also relates to methods of producing a directly compressible proanthocyanidin polymer composition, as well as compositions containing the directly compressible proanthocyanidin polymer composition.

Abstract: A plant disease controlling agent containing a lactic acid bacterium which is capable of controlling plant disease and a plant disease controlling method which comprises treating a plant and/or soil with the above-mentioned lactic acid bacterium. By using the lactic acid bacterium seemingly advantageous to human health, an agricultural crop can be safely and stably produced. As the lactic acid bacterium as mentioned above, use may be favorably made of a microorganism belonging to the genus Pediococcus such as Pediococcus pentosaceus or a microorganism belonging to the genus Lactobacillus such as Lactobacillus plantarum.

Abstract: It is intended to establish a technology of controlling Gramineous plant seed-borne disease that avoids the danger of development of resistant pathogeus, being highly safe to environment and stable. There is provided a fungus having activity of controlling fungal disease and bacterial disease occurring during the raising of rice plant seedling, and are further provided, using the fungus as an active ingredient, a controlling agent, method of controlling and biological material.

Abstract: Crude solid vanillin-containing material is precipitated from a solution obtained by biotransformation, and purified by a process comprising contacting it with a purification fluid selected from (a) a liquefied gas whose pressure exceeds its critical pressure and whose temperature is below its critical temperature; (b) a supercritical fluid; (c) a gas. The fluid is preferably liquid carbon dioxide. The temperature is maintained below 25° . The product may be further purified by treatment with CO2 in a fluid bed drier. The crude material is preferably one precipitated from a solution resulting from biotransformation of ferulic acid. A new strain of Amycolatopsis capable of generating high concentrations of vanillin with minimal odoriferous by-products (e.g. guaiacol) is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of controlling foam in a manure pit. In the method, one or more Bacillus strain(s) is administered in an effective amount to animals whose manure is stored in the manure pit. Also provided is a method of controlling foam in a manure storage unit. In the method, one or more Bacillus strain(s) is administered in an effective amount to the manure storage unit.

Abstract: A microbial pesticide which is safe for the environment, fast-acting and excellent in an insecticidal effect in case of spray treatment for eggs and larvae of a pest is required. The invention provides a method for controlling at least one pest selected from the group consisting of whiteflies, aphid, spider mites, thrips, rust mites, leaf miners, pyralidae, cabbage moths and longhorn beetles, with Lecanicillium muscarium strain V-5 (deposition number: FERM BP-11135); and a microbial pesticide comprising the strain.

Abstract: Problem: To provide a microorganism with an ability to produce deoxy polyol dehydrogenase. Means for Resolution: A microorganism belonging to genus Enterobacter with an ability to produce a dehydrogenase for deoxy polyol of the same structure at the positions C2 and C3 as that of ribitol or L-iditol. The bacterial cell IK7 of the genus Enterobacter (accession No. NITE P-271). A method for producing deoxy ketose comprising allowing a culture containing the deoxy polyol dehydrogenase obtained by the culturing of the microorganism of the invention or allowing the deoxy polyol dehydrogenase to react with a solution containing deoxy polyol of the same structure at the positions C2 and C3 as that of ribitol or L-iditol to oxidize deoxy polyol to produce the corresponding deoxy ketose and then collecting the deoxy ketose. The deoxy polyol is 1-deoxy-D-allitol, while the corresponding deoxy ketose is 1-deoxy-L-psicose.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and compositions of endophytic fungi that confer stress tolerance in inoculated plants, including both monocots and dicots. In particular, Curvularia species, isolated from a host grass Dichanthelium languinosum growing in the geothermal zones of Lassen Volcanic and Yellowstone National Parks, confers such stress tolerance. Upon inoculating a target plant or plant part with endophytic fungi, the resulting plant shows stress tolerance, particularly drought and thermal tolerance.

Abstract: An improved ethanol production process providing novel stillage treatment is disclosed wherein the stillage is separated into four value added product streams that are subjected to drying conditions reducing or eliminating volatization of any VOC's in the product streams.

Abstract: A culture method of a fruiting body of Antrodia camphorata is provided, which includes: (a) fermenting a culture medium containing yeast at 5-35° C. for 3-30 days; (b) adding wood flour to the fermented culture medium with stirring; (c) placing the wood flour and the culture medium into a vessel; (d) sterilizing the vessel containing the wood flour and the culture medium; (e) inoculating Antrodia camphorata strains into the sterilized vessel containing the wood flour and the culture medium, and culturing at 5-35° C., to form mycelia; (f) inoculating the wood flour containing Antrodia camphorata mycelia into a wood segment; (g) placing the wood segment inoculated with Antrodia camphorata mycelia in an environment where the temperature is 5-35° C. and the humidity is 65-85%, and culturing for a period of time; and (h) removing the wood flour remained on the wood segment, then placing the wood segment in an environment where the temperature is 15-35° C.

Abstract: A microorganism having an ability to oxidize sulfur even at high chloride ion concentration is provided. Specifically, a microorganism belonging to the genus Acidithiobacillus having the ability to oxidize sulfur even at high chloride ion concentration is provided. A method for bacterial leaching of copper sulfide ores and a method for improving alkaline soil using the microorganism are also provided.

Abstract: A conformable tissue implant is provided for use in repairing or augmenting a tissue defect or injury site. The tissue implant contains a tissue carrier matrix comprising a plurality of biocompatible, bioresorbable granules and at least one tissue fragment in association with the granules. The tissue fragment contains one or more viable cells that can migrate from the tissue and populate the tissue carrier matrix. Also provided is a method for injectably delivering the tissue implant.