Abstract: An Enterococcus faecium EF08 strain for manufacturing a feed additive is disclosed. The EF08 strain is deposited at Bioresource Collection and Research Center of Taiwan with deposit number BCRC 910525. Also, the EF08 strain is deposited at CGMCC-China General Microbiological Culture Collection with deposit number CGMCC 5549. Moreover, the EF08 strain has a 16S rDNA sequence as set forth as SEQ ID NO: 1.

Abstract: A xylanase gene, denoted xynR8, encoding a xylanase (XynR8) obtained from the unisolated rumen microorganisms is provided. The DNA sequence of the xynR8 gene, xylanase, is also provided, the enzyme is thermostable, and highly specific for xylans with high activity. Transformation of microbial hosts with the xynR8 gene is described. A method for degrading the xylan-containing structure comprises hydrolyzing the ?-1,4-glycosidic bonds of xylans by contacting xylanase is provided, and a composition employing the above-mentioned hydrolyzing method is further addressed.

Abstract: A broad-spectrum, high spatial and time resolution contact-field optical microscope comprises a fiber optical taper, a vacuum chamber, a photocathode, a magnetic lens photoelectron image enlarger, a micro-channel plate image intensifier, a phosphor screen and a CCD. Sample is placed directly in contact with a smaller sampling face of the optical taper. Light which is emitted, reflected or transmitted by the sample is launched into each of the fiber core ends on the sampling face and conveyed by the optical fibers to a larger imaging face of the optical taper, thereby presenting an enlarged image at the imaging face. The image is converted into a photoelectron image by photocathode which is deposited on the surface of the imaging face. The photoelectron image is further enlarged by magnetic lenses and intensified by micro-channel plate. The enlarged and enhanced electron image is displayed on phosphor screen and coupled through faceplate to CCD.