Abstract: Monatin and certain stereoisomers of monatin, such as R,R monatin and S,R monatin, as well as salts thereof, are produced using polypeptides and biosynthetic pathways. These polypeptides and biosynthetic pathways are also useful in the production of R-2-hydroxy-2-(indoly-3-ylmethyl)-4-keto glutaric acid, an intermediate that is formed in certain monatin synthesis pathways, including some biosynthetic pathways.

Abstract: Described herein are microorganisms that produce methionine and related products from endogenous genes in a transsulfuration pathway, as well as from exogenous genes providing a direct sulfhydrylation pathway. Novel genes that are useful for methionine and SAMe production are disclosed.

Abstract: An electronic assembly comprises a housing, a cover for the housing, a printed circuit board receivable in the housing, and a compliant pin header assembly. The compliant pin header assembly is moimtabie in the housing by inter-engaging features on the header assembly and the housing. The compliant pin header assembly has compliant pins for engaging corresponding features on the printed circuit board to connect the compliant pin header assembly electrically to the printed circuit board. The cover, when the electronic assembly is assembled, engages the housing and also engages the printed circuit board at a location spaced from an outer periphery of the printed circuit board.

Abstract: An equipment for the automatic assessment of road signs and panels, the equipment performing, for the purpose, a retroreflection measurement of the white element of the signs or panels, and a measurement of the contrast between the white element of the sign or panel and a characteristic element of same (borders or text) in order to ensure a particular level of legibility. To this end, a vehicle (1) is equipped with a pulsed infrared illumination system (3), a system of stereoscopic cameras (2), a GPS (11), an odometer (12), a computer (5) mounted on an industrial rack, a data storage system (8), an event keyboard (7), and a TFT monitor (6) for viewing results. The infrared illumination system (3) is synchronized with the cameras (2). In this way, the infrared illuminator (3) illuminates the road area in alternate images, thereby providing illuminated road images and non-illuminated road images.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for increasing the specific activity of myo-inositol oxygenase. The method includes incubating a mixture including myo-inositol oxygenase and a non-sulfur containing reductant under conditions effective to increase the specific activity of the myo-inositol oxygenase. Also disclosed are methods for producing D-glucuronic acid and glucurono-?-lactone comprising incubating a mixture including myo-inositol, myo-inositol oxygenase, and oxygen under conditions effective to form 5 grams D-glucuronic acid per liter of the mixture to 400 grams D-glucuronic acid per liter of the mixture. Glucurono-?-lactone can be produced from the D-glucuronic acid product. Also disclosed are organisms and nucleic acids suitable for use in such methods.

Abstract: The invention provides for isomerase (e.g., racemase) and epimerase polypeptides and nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides. Also provided are methods of using such isomerase (e.g., racemase) and epimerase nucleic acids and polypeptides.

Abstract: Methods and systems for increasing the production of equilibrium reactions are described. In some embodiments, a method comprises removing enzymes from a reaction mixture once equilibrium is achieved, selectively re-adding enzymes and reactants for driving the product-forming reaction to product, and optionally recycling stabilized intermediates, by-products and/or co-products back into the reaction mixture. In some embodiments, a method comprises purifying the desired product from a reaction mixture and selectively recycling one or more components of the reaction mixture, such as original reactants, intermediates, co-products or by-products back into the reaction mixture as desired to improve titer. Systems for implementing the methods are also provided. In some embodiments the methods and systems are implemented for increasing the production of monatin and monatin derivatives, produced in multi-step equilibrium pathways.

Abstract: The invention provides for aminotransferase and oxidoreductase polypeptides and nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides. Also provided are methods of using such aminotransferase and oxidoreductase nucleic acids and polypeptides.

Abstract: Methods of producing fatty acid esters, such as fatty acid ethyl esters, from genetically engineered microorganisms are described.

Abstract: The invention provides a fermentation and recovery process for the production of biodiesel of commercial grade quality according to commercial and environmental standards (e.g., ASTM ANP, or EPA trace elements and emissions standards), by fermentation of carbohydrates using a genetically modified microorganism. The process provides a direct route for the production of fatty esters, without the need for producing oils which are later chemically transesterified with the concomitant production of large quantities of glycerin and other undesirable side-products.

Abstract: A vehicle ignition system includes a fob for transmitting an identification code. The fob includes a low frequency transceiver circuit and low frequency antenna. An ignition module is provided including, a housing, switch contacts and a push button slidably mounted in the housing and arranged so that pushing of said button closes said switch contacts. A LF coil is provided and is axially stationary within the housing and is located inside of the push button. An ignition module circuit provides power to the fob and establishes low frequency communications with the fob via the LF coil. An immobilizer circuit is operatively coupled to the ignition module for permitting or preventing actuation of the ignition system in response to the low frequency communications with the fob and the ignition module.

Abstract: Monatin and certain stereoisomers of monatin, such as R,R monatin and S,R monatin, as well as salts thereof, are produced using polypeptides and biosynthetic pathways. These polypeptides and biosynthetic pathways are also useful in the production of R-2-hydroxy-2-(indoly-3-ylmethyl)-4-keto glutaric acid, an intermediate that is formed in certain monatin synthesis pathways, including some biosynthetic pathways.

Abstract: There are provided bioproducts and methods of improving production of the bioproducts from engineered microbial cells, the methods comprising: providing a fermentation broth comprising a crude carbon source; inoculating said fermentation broth with said microbial cells; and incubating the inoculated fermentation broth; wherein said bioproduct is a hydrophobic solvent immiscible with said fermentation broth, and wherein a toxic side product present in said crude carbon source is soluble in said hydrophobic solvent. Also, provided are kits for practicing the methods of improving production of bioproducts.

Abstract: Monatin and certain stereoisomers of monatin, such as R,R monatin and S,R monatin, as well as salts thereof, are produced using polypeptides and biosynthetic pathways. These polypeptides and biosynthetic pathways are also useful in the production of R-2-hydroxy-2-(indoly-3-ylmethyl)-4-keto glutaric acid, an intermediate that is formed in certain monatin synthesis pathways, including some biosynthetic pathways.

Abstract: Methods and systems for increasing the production of equilibrium reactions are described. In some embodiments, a method comprises removing enzymes from a reaction mixture once equilibrium is achieved, selectively re-adding enzymes and reactants for driving the product-forming reaction to product, and optionally recycling stabilized intermediates, by-products and/or co-products back into the reaction mixture. In some embodiments, a method comprises purifying the desired product from a reaction mixture and selectively recycling one or more components of the reaction mixture, such as original reactants, intermediates, co-products or by-products back into the reaction mixture as desired to improve titer. Systems for implementing the methods are also provided. In some embodiments the methods and systems are implemented for increasing the production of monatin and monatin derivatives, produced in multi-step equilibrium pathways.

Abstract: Monatin and certain stereoisomers of monatin, such as R,R monatin and S,R monatin, as well as salts thereof, are produced using polypeptides and biosynthetic pathways. These polypeptides and biosynthetic pathways are also useful in the production of R-2-hydroxy-2-(indoly-3-ylmethyl)-4-keto glutaric acid, an intermediate that is formed in certain monatin synthesis pathways, including some biosynthetic pathways.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for increasing the specific activity of myo-inositol oxygenase. The method includes incubating a mixture including myo-inositol oxygenase and a non-sulfur containing reductant under conditions effective to increase the specific activity of the myo-inositol oxygenase. Also disclosed are methods for producing D-glucuronic acid and glucurono-?-lactone comprising incubating a mixture including myo-inositol, myo-inositol oxygenase, and oxygen under conditions effective to form 5 grams D-glucuronic acid per liter of the mixture to 400 grams D-glucuronic acid per liter of the mixture. Glucurono-?-lactone can be produced from the D-glucuronic acid product. Also disclosed are organisms and nucleic acids suitable for use in such methods.

Abstract: A dynamic profile anode whose shape can be varied to optimize the current distribution to a substrate during highly controlled electrodeposition. Enhanced control of the process provides for a more uniform deposit thickness over the entire substrate, and permits reliable plating of submicron features. The anode is particularly useful for electroplating submicron structures. The anode is advantageously able to use metallic ion sources and may be placed close to the cathode thus minimizing contamination of the substrate. The anode profile may be varied during the deposition process. The anode may consist of multiple concentric regions, each of which may be operated at independent voltages and currents.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a metal plating apparatus and method, particularly suitable for autocatalytic (i.e., electroless) plating, comprising a pressurized sealable vessel for disposing a substrate to be plated and for the circulation of plating solutions wherein temperatures and pressure are highly controllable.

Abstract: Methods and compositions that can be used to make monatin or salt thereof from glucose, tryptophan, indole-3-lactic acid, indole-3-pyruvate, and 2-hydroxy 2-(indol-3-ylmethyl)-4-keto glutaric acid, are provided. Methods are also disclosed for producing the indole-3-pyruvate and 2-hydroxy 2-(indol-3-ylmethyl)-4-keto glutaric acid intermediates. Compositions provided include nucleic acid molecules, polypeptides, chemical structures, and cells. Methods include in vitro and in vivo processes, and the in vitro methods include chemical reactions.