Abstract: The present disclosure is generally related to modified Gram positive bacterial cells producing increased amounts of one or more protein(s) of interest and modified Gram positive bacterial cells having increased genetic competency. Thus, certain embodiments of the disclosure are directed to modified Gram positive bacterial cells expressing an increased amount of a protein of interest, relative to an unmodified (parental) Gram positive bacterial cell expressing the same protein of interest, wherein the modified bacterial cell comprises at least one mutation in a rpoC gene encoding a variant RNA-polymerase (RNAP) ??-subunit polypeptide. In certain embodiments, the rpoC gene encoding the variant ??-subunit polypeptide is integrated into the chromosome of the modified cell. In other embodiments, the rpoC gene encoding the variant ??-subunit polypeptide is comprised on an extrachromosomal plasmid introduced into the modified cell.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally related to modified Gram positive bacterial cells producing increased amounts of one or more protein(s) of interest and modified Gram positive bacterial cells having increased genetic competency. Thus, certain embodiments of the disclosure are directed to modified Gram positive bacterial cells expressing an increased amount of a protein of interest, relative to an unmodified (parental) Gram positive bacterial cell expressing the same protein of interest, wherein the modified bacterial cell comprises at least one mutation in a rpoC gene encoding a variant RNA-polymerase (RNAP) ??-subunit polypeptide. In certain embodiments, the rpoC gene encoding the variant ??-subunit polypeptide is integrated into the chromosome of the modified cell. In other embodiments, the rpoC gene encoding the variant ??-subunit polypeptide is comprised on an extrachromosomal plasmid introduced into the modified cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to nucleic acids and bacterial cells having a genetic alteration that result in increased expression of a protein of interest and methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: The present teachings provide large scale genetically engineered yeast in active dry form.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for improving the yield of microbial processes that use lignocellulose biomass as a nutrient source. The methods comprise conditioning a composition comprising lignocellulose biomass with an enzyme composition that comprises a phenol oxidizing enzyme. The conditioned composition can support a higher rate of growth of microorganisms in a process. In one embodiment, a laccase composition is used to condition lignocellulose biomass derived from non-woody plants, such as corn and sugar cane. The invention also encompasses methods for culturing microorganisms that are sensitive to inhibitory compounds in lignocellulose biomass. The invention further provides methods of making a product by culturing the production microorganisms in conditioned lignocellulose biomass.

Abstract: The application provides methods of producing a mixture of enzymes using two or more cell lines, methods of identifying or constructing cell lines for producing a mixture of enzymes, and methods of preparing a cell bank for producing a mixture of enzymes.

Abstract: A method of making a Bacillus alpha-amylase variant that increases alpha-amylase production and the alpha-amylases produced thereby. The recombinant alpha-amylases can be placed in compositions and used for purposes of laundry detergents, cleaning and dishwashing detergents, fabric desizing, starch liquefaction, cereal liquefaction, starch saccharification, biofilm removal, and starch hydrolysis in cane sugar processing.

Abstract: An artificial disk replacement device includes opposing plate members with a pivoting assembly disposed therebetween. The pivoting assembly allows the plate members to pivot relative to each other in a first direction, but inhibit movement of the plate members in a second direction. The plate members may be installed prior to installing the pivoting assembly. An installation tool for use with the artificial disk replacement device is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel variants of the enzymatic peptide pullulanase, the gene sequences encoding said novel peptides, expression vectors comprising those gene sequences as well as organisms expressing the novel pullulanase variants. The novel pullulanase variants of the present invention were made empirically by the use of codon-optimization procedures, selective truncation of “wild-type” molecules and through the replacement of selected amino acid residues. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of these novel pullulanase peptides in the textile, fermentation, food and other industries.

Abstract: An artificial disk replacement device includes opposing plate members with a pivoting assembly disposed therebetween. The pivoting assembly allows the plate members to pivot relative to each other in a first direction, but inhibit movement of the plate members in a second direction. The plate members may be installed prior to installing the pivoting assembly. An installation tool for use with the artificial disk replacement device is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel variants of the enzymatic peptide pullulanase, the gene sequences encoding said novel peptides, expression vectors comprising those gene sequences as well as organisms expressing the novel pullulanase variants. The novel pullulanase variants of the present invention were made empirically by the use of codon-optimization procedures, selective truncation of “wild-type” molecules and through the replacement of selected amino acid residues. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of these novel pullulanase peptides in the textile, fermentation, food and other industries.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel variants of the enzymatic peptide pullulanase, the gene sequences encoding said novel peptides, expression vectors comprising those gene sequences as well as organisms expressing the novel pullulanase variants. The novel pullulanase variants of the present invention were made empirically by the use of codon-optimization procedures, selective truncation of “wild-type” molecules and through the replacement of selected amino acid residues. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of these novel pullulanase peptides in the textile, fermentation, food and other industries.

Abstract: A method of making a Bacillus alpha-amylase variant that increases alpha-amylase production and the alpha-amy-lases produced thereby. The recombinant alpha-amylases can be placed in compositions and used for purposes of laundry detergents, cleaning and dishwashing detergents, fabric desizing, starch liquefaction, cereal liquefaction, starch saccharification, biofilm removal, and starch hydrolysis in cane sugar processing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for improving the yield of microbial processes that use lignocellulose biomass as a nutrient source. The methods comprise conditioning a composition comprising lignocellulose biomass with an enzyme composition that comprises a phenol oxidizing enzyme. The conditioned composition can support a higher rate of growth of microorganisms in a process. In one embodiment, a laccase composition is used to condition lignocellulose biomass derived from non-woody plants, such as corn and sugar cane. The invention also encompasses methods for culturing microorganisms that are sensitive to inhibitory compounds in lignocellulose biomass. The invention further provides methods of making a product by culturing the production microorganisms in conditioned lignocellulose biomass.

Abstract: An artificial disk replacement device includes opposing plate members with a pivoting assembly disposed therebetween. The pivoting assembly allows the plate members to pivot relative to each other in a first direction, but inhibit movement of the plate members in a second direction. The plate members may be installed prior to installing the pivoting assembly. An installation tool for use with the artificial disk replacement device is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel variants of the enzymatic peptide pullulanase, the gene sequences encoding said novel peptides, expression vectors comprising those gene sequences as well as organisms expressing the novel pullulanase variants. The novel pullulanase variants of the present invention were made empirically by the use of codon-optimization procedures, selective truncation of “wild-type” molecules and through the replacement of selected amino acid residues. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of these novel pullulanase peptides in the textile, fermentation, food and other industries.

Abstract: The invention provides an enhanced peripheral device that can connect to a computer in either in one of two modes: A PCMCIA mode and a serial mode. This allows the device to continue communicating with computer even if unplugged from the PCMCIA connector. Detection circuitry is used to determine whether the peripheral device is connected using the PCMCIA connector or the serial connector. Switching circuitry then routes data from connected connector to the various data handing units, such as UARTs present in the peripheral and the computer.