Abstract: The present disclosure provides an Escherichia coli strain comprising at least 20 of inactivated genes from acrB, acrD, acrF, mdtF, macB, emrB, mdtL, mdtK, bcr, ydeA, mdtM, yddA, yebQ, emrE, mdtD, sugE, ynfM, emrD, ydeF, mdtJ, ydiM, mdtB, mdlA, emrY, mdfA, fsr, mdtG, mdtH, yieO, mdlB, mdtO, yojI, yajR, ydhC, and cusA. Also provided is a method for identifying a compound that is an antibacterial agent using an Escherichia coli strain disclosed herein. Further provided is a method for creating an Escherichia coli strain with one active efflux pump.

Abstract: A display system comprises a display board comprising opposed front and back surfaces; at least one elongated channel formed in the front surface; wherein each elongated channel is recessed with respect to the front surface of the display board. The elongated channel comprises a plurality of substantially parallel elongated channels vertically spaced from one another; a metal strip disposed within each elongated channel. The metal strip has a front surface recessed with respect to the front surface of the display board. The metal strip is configured to display at least one display item having a magnetic element. The magnetic element shares at least one dimension with the width of a respective metal strip. The cover layer covers the front surface of the display board and the metal strip disposed in each channel. The cover layer follows contours of the front surface of the metal strip disposed in each channel.

Abstract: A display system comprises a display board comprising opposed front and back surfaces; at least one elongated channel formed in the front surface; wherein each elongated channel is recessed with respect to the front surface of the display board. The elongated channel comprises a plurality of substantially parallel elongated channels vertically spaced from one another; a metal strip disposed within each elongated channel. The metal strip has a front surface recessed with respect to the front surface of the display board. The metal strip is configured to display at least one display item having a magnetic element. The magnetic element shares at least one dimension with the width of a respective metal strip. The cover layer covers the front surface of the display board and the metal strip disposed in each channel. The cover layer follows contours of the front surface of the metal strip disposed in each channel.

Abstract: A display system comprises a display board comprising opposed front and back surfaces; at least one elongated channel formed in the front surface; wherein each elongated channel is recessed with respect to the front surface of the display board. The elongated channel comprises a plurality of substantially parallel elongated channels vertically spaced from one another; a metal strip disposed within each elongated channel. The metal strip has a front surface recessed with respect to the front surface of the display board. The metal strip is configured to display at least one display item having a magnetic element. The magnetic element shares at least one dimension with the width of a respective metal strip. The cover layer covers the front surface of the display board and the metal strip disposed in each channel. The cover layer follows contours of the front surface of the metal strip disposed in each channel.

Abstract: A modular merchandising display system which, for example, allows for the ability to easily mount and remove samples of household hardware products (e.g. cabinet or bath hardware) and visualize the hardware mounted to e.g. kitchen or bath cabinets, by allowing a person to remove the sample hardware and hold it up to e.g. kitchen or bath cabinets. The display system includes at least one slat wall piece, at least one display channel on a first side of the slat wall piece configured for displaying at least one item and for providing interchangeability of the displayed item; and at least one frame piece framing the at least one slat wall piece.

Abstract: Systems disclosed herein provide objects that are capable of altering a configuration of touch points in contact with a surface of a touch-sensitive system. In one embodiment, an object includes an outer member, an intermediate member, and an inner member. The outer member has an opening between a top surface and a bottom surface. The intermediate member has an opening between a top surface and a bottom surface, where the intermediate member fits within the opening of the outer member. The inner member fits within the opening of the intermediate member and has a bottom surface. The bottom surface of each of the members includes a touch point. A contact with the surface for each touch point is coplanar when the members are fit together. Further, the configuration of touch points in contact with the surface defines an identifier for the object to the touch-sensitive system.

Abstract: Systems disclosed herein provide objects that are capable of altering a configuration of touch points in contact with a surface of a touch-sensitive system. In one embodiment, an object includes an outer member, an intermediate member, and an inner member. The outer member has an opening between a top surface and a bottom surface. The intermediate member has an opening between a top surface and a bottom surface, where the intermediate member fits within the opening of the outer member. The inner member fits within the opening of the intermediate member. The bottom surface of ach of the members includes a touch point. A contact point with the surface for each touch point is coplanar when the outer member, the intermediate member, and the inner member are fit together. Further, the configuration of touch points in contact with the surface defines an identifier for the object to the touch-sensitive system.

Abstract: Wild-type bacteria with polyurethanase activity, and the ability to excrete polyurethanase into a culture medium have been genetically altered to significantly increase their polyurethanase activity. Biologically pure cultures of these genetically altered are cultured in a medium containing an inducer for the production of polyurethanase. The bacteria are then removed from the culture medium to provide a preparation with a high polyurethanase activity. One useful genetically altered bacteria is a strain of Pseudomonas chlororaphis designated ATTC No. 55729. The polyurethanase-containing preparation may then be used directly to degrade polyurethane, particularly polyurethane and polyurethane-based coatings.

Abstract: Wild-type bacteria with polyurethanase activity, and the ability to excrete polyurethanase into a culture medium have been genetically altered to significantly increase their polyurethanase activity. Biologically pure cultures of these genetically altered are cultured in a medium containing an inducer for the production of polyurethanase. The bacteria are then removed from the culture medium to provide a preparation with a high polyurethanase activity. One useful genetically altered bacteria is a strain of Pseudomonas chlororaphis designated ATTC No. 55729. The polyurethanase-containing preparation may then be used directly to degrade polyurethane, particularly polyurethane and polyurethane-based coatings.