Abstract: The present invention provides a composition comprising a biologically pure culture of a Paenibacillus sp. strain comprising a mutant DegU lacking a functional receiver domain or a functional DNA binding domain and/or a mutant DegS lacking a functional single binding domain or a functional ATPase domain with decreased viscosity in a liquid culture. Also provided is a method of identifying a Paenibacillus sp. mutant derivative strain with decreased viscosity in a liquid culture compared to a Paenibacillus sp. parental strain with a visual screen for mutant isolates with a non-mucoid morphology.

Abstract: The supporting members of a vehicle seat includes a molded plastic seat bottom support member and a molded plastic seat back support member. Cushion members for mounting on the support members include a cushion bun of resilient foam and a seat cover for enveloping the cushion bun. The seat cover has an opening in the underside thereof which permits insertion of the cushion bun when the cushion bun is compressed. A resilient retainer wire extends around the opening and is attached to the edges of the seat cover by J-shaped plastic hook strips so that the resilience of the foam bun exerts tension of the retainer wire. The retainer wire has a plurality of abutment structures integral therewith and adapted for mating engagement with corresponding abutments provided on the seat support members when the cushion member is forcibly stressed to flex the retainer wire.