Abstract: The invention provides a genetically modified bacterial cell capable of improved iron-sulfur cluster delivery, characterized by a modified gene encoding a mutant Iron Sulfur Cluster Regulator (IscR) as well as one or more transgenes encoding polypeptides that enhance the biosynthesis of either biotin, lipoic acid or thiamine. The invention provides a method for producing either biotin, lipoic acid or thiamine using the genetically modified bacterium of the invention; as well as for the use of the genetically modified bacterial cell for either biotin, lipoic acid or thiamine production.

Abstract: The invention provides a genetically modified bacterial cell capable of improved iron-sulfur cluster delivery, characterized by a modified gene encoding a mutant Iron Sulfur Cluster Regulator (IscR) as well as one or more transgenes encoding polypeptides that enhance the biosynthesis of either biotin, lipoic acid or thiamine. The invention provides a method for producing either biotin, lipoic acid or thiamine using the genetically modified bacterium of the invention; as well as for the use of the genetically modified bacterial cell for either biotin, lipoic acid or thiamine production.

Abstract: The invention relates to a genetically modified prokaryotic cell capable of improved iron-sulfur cluster delivery, characterized by a modified gene encoding a mutant Iron Sulfur Cluster Regulator (IscR) and one or more transgenes or upregulated endogenous genes encoding iron-sulfur (Fe—S) cluster polypeptides or proteins that catalyze complex radical-mediated molecular rearrangements, electron transfer, radical or non-redox reactions, sulfur donation or perform regulatory functions. The prokaryotic cells are characterized by enhanced activity of these iron-sulfur (Fe—S) cluster polypeptides, enhancing their respective functional capacity, and facilitating enhanced yields of compounds in free and protein-bound forms, including heme, hemoproteins, tetrapyrroles, B vitamins, amino acids, ?-aminolevulinic acid, biofuels, isoprenoids, pyrroloquinoline quinone, ammonia, indigo, or their precursors, whose biosynthesis depends on their activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a regulatable gene expression construct comprising a nucleic acid molecule comprising two or more regulation sequences encoding respective RNA molecules comprising a riboswitch responsive to an effector compound, said riboswitch being operably linked to a respective coding region which encodes a respective modulator compound for modulating the action of a respective growth regulator compound and each said riboswitch in each regulation sequence being selected be responsive to the same effector compound to trigger expression of its respective modulator compound. The invention also relates to a method of using the regulatable gene expression construct for selecting from a metagenomic library a primary modulator compound which effects a chemical transformation of a substrate into said effector compound or transports said effector compound into a micro-organism comprising the regulatable gene expression construct.

Abstract: The invention provides a genetically modified bacterium for production of thiamine; where the bacterium is characterized by a transgene encoding a thiamine monophosphate phosphatase (TMP phosphatase having EC 3.1.3.-) as well as transgenes encoding polypeptides that catalyze steps in the thiamine pathway. The genetically modified bacterium is characterized by enhanced synthesis and release of thiamine into the extracellular environment. The invention further provides a method for producing thiamine using the genetically modified bacterium of the invention; as well as the use of the genetically modified bacterium for extracellular thiamine production.

Abstract: The invention provides a genetically modified bacterium for production of thiamine; where the bacterium is characterized by a transgene encoding a thiamine monophosphate phosphatase (TMP phosphatase having EC 3.1.3.-) as well as transgenes encoding polypeptides that catalyze steps in the thiamine pathway. The genetically modified bacterium is characterized by enhanced synthesis and release of thiamine into the extracellular environment. The invention further provides a method for producing thiamine using the genetically modified bacterium of the invention; as well as the use of the genetically modified bacterium for extracellular thiamine production.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a regulatable gene expression construct comprising a nucleic acid molecule comprising two or more regulation sequences encoding respective RNA molecules comprising a riboswitch responsive to an effector compound, said riboswitch being operably linked to a respective coding region which encodes a respective modulator compound for modulating the action of a respective growth regulator compound and each said riboswitch in each regulation sequence being selected be responsive to the same effector compound to trigger expression of its respective modulator compound. The invention also relates to a method of using the regulatable gene expression construct for selecting from a metagenomic library a primary modulator compound which effects a chemical transformation of a substrate into said effector compound or transports said effector compound into a micro-organism comprising the regulatable gene expression construct.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for disposing wastes comprising the steps of conducting a hydrothermal decomposition reaction of the wastes, separating the products into a solid fuel and waste water, combusting the solid fuel, scrubbing the combustion gas, generating steam using the heat generated by the combustion, and purifying the waste water, exhibit a high energy-efficiency, while exhibiting a high removal rate of the pollutants generated during the combustion.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for disposing wastes comprising the steps of conducting a hydrothermal decomposition reaction of the wastes, separating the products into a solid fuel and waste water, combusting the solid fuel, scrubbing the combustion gas, generating steam using the heat generated by the combustion, and purifying the waste water, exhibit a high energy-efficiency, while exhibiting a high removal rate of the pollutants generated during the combustion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photopolymerizable composition comprising a polymerizable, polyethylenically unsaturated compound, benzil and/or fluorenone, a specific biphenyl ketone such as para-phenyl benzophenone, and a reducing agent such as a tertiary amine. The present composition permits rapid and complete curing. Moreover, in the photopolymerization of compounds sensitive to air inhibition non-tacky surfaces are obtained. The effect observed is based on a synergism between the present photoinitiators. The advantages of the invention are most manifest in curing relatively thick layers of materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photopolymerizable composition comprising a polymerizable, polyethylenically unsaturated compound, benzil and/or fluorenone, a specific biphenyl ketone such as para-phenyl benzophenone, and a reducing agent such as a tertiary amine. The present composition permits rapid and complete curing. Moreover, in the photopolymerization of compounds sensitive to air inhibition non-tacky surfaces are obtained. The effect observed is based on a synergism between the present photoinitiators. The advantages of the invention are most manifest in curing relatively thick layers of materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photopolymerizable composition comprising a polymerizable, polyethylenically unsaturated compound, benzil and/or fluorenone, a specific biphenyl ketone such as para-phenyl benzophenone, and a reducing agent such as a tertiary amine. The present composition permits rapid and complete curing. Moreover, in the photopolymerization of compounds sensitive to air inhibition non-tacky surfaces are obtained. The effect observed is based on a synergism between the present photoinitiators. The advantages of the invention are most manifest in curing relatively thick layers of materials.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the preparation of polymers and copolymers of yl choride, which comprises polymerizing vinyl chloride or copolymerizing vinyl chloride and monomers copolymerizable therewith in the presence of a peroxide having the general formula ##SPC1##Wherein R represents an alkyl- or an alkoxy-group having from 1-6 carbon atoms as an initiator. The initiator is used in an amount of 0.01 to 1.0% by weight, calculated on the monomer or monomer mixture. The foregoing peroxide may be used in combination with another structurally similar peroxide or with other peroxides also capable of polymerizing or copolymerizing vinyl chloride in an amount of 0.01 to 0.1% by weight, calculated on the monomer or monomer mixture.

Abstract: A polymer initiator composition and method for its production are provided, the composition being non-separating and stable and including a substantial amount of a dibenzoyl peroxide and an effective amount of a hydrophobic alkyl group-containing silica in an amount sufficient to prevent the composition from physically separating into its components.