Abstract: A method of processing a solution comprising aromatic compounds. The method includes culturing a first microorganism in the solution for a time sufficient to reduce an amount of an aromatic compound and thereby generate a processed solution. The culturing may remove an aromatic compound deleterious to growth of a second microorganism without substantially reducing fermentable sugars, thereby permitting enhanced growth of the second microorganism in the processed solution. The culturing may additionally or alternatively convert an aromatic compound into a commodity chemical. The methods of the present invention are advantageous for processing lignocellulosic biomass for upgrading to biofuel or for generating commodity chemicals therefrom.

Abstract: A method of processing a solution comprising aromatic compounds. The method includes culturing a first microorganism in the solution for a time sufficient to reduce an amount of an aromatic compound and thereby generate a processed solution. The culturing may remove an aromatic compound deleterious to growth of a second microorganism without substantially reducing fermentable sugars, thereby permitting enhanced growth of the second microorganism in the processed solution. The culturing may additionally or alternatively convert an aromatic compound into a commodity chemical. The methods of the present invention are advantageous for processing lignocellulosic biomass for upgrading to biofuel or for generating commodity chemicals therefrom.

Abstract: The physiological response of a phototroph to singlet oxygen is altered by modulating the interaction between an anti-sigma factor, ChrR, and a sigma factor, ?E, or by altering expression of a gene product required for viability in the presence of singlet oxygen.

Abstract: Devices and methods for generating electricity utilizing a light-powered microbial fuel cell that includes a light-admitting reaction chamber containing a biological catalyst, such as a photosynthetic bacteria, in a growth medium, an anode and cathode disposed upon or within the reaction chamber, and a conductive material in electrical communication between the anode and cathode. The anode includes an oxidation catalyst, while the cathode includes a reduction catalyst that is accessible to oxygen gas. Preferably, the devices and methods utilize a single light-admitting chamber within which both cathodic and anodic reactions take place.

Abstract: The physiological response of an organism to singlet oxygen is altered by modulating the interaction between an anti-sigma factor, ChrR, and a sigma factor, ?E, or by altering expression of a gene product required for viability in the presence of singlet oxygen.

Abstract: Devices and methods for generating electricity utilizing a light-powered microbial fuel cell that includes a light-admitting reaction chamber containing a biological catalyst, such as a photosynthetic bacteria, in a growth medium, an anode and cathode disposed upon or within the reaction chamber, and a conductive material in electrical communication between the anode and cathode. The anode includes an oxidation catalyst, while the cathode includes a reduction catalyst that is accessible to oxygen gas. Preferably, the devices and methods utilize a single light-admitting chamber within which both cathodic and anodic reactions take place.

Abstract: A conditioner disk for use on a polish pad in chemical mechanical polishing process includes a base structure a plurality of curved blades supported by the base structure. The blades radiate outwardly from a center region of the base structure and curve in a common direction.

Abstract: A cool air inhaler for use in treating croup, having a body having at least one side wall and a bottom wall forming an enclosed space open at an upper portion of the body wherein the upper portion of the body is adapted to generally conform to contours of a lower part of a patient face. An air chamber is formed in an upper part of the body and has an exhaust vent for exhausting the patient's exhaled air to an exterior space while an ice reservoir is formed in a lower part of the body to contain ice and meltwater from the ice and an air passage is connected from the exterior space and passing through the ice reservoir to conduct air to the air chamber.

Abstract: A retaining ring for use on a carrier head in a chemical mechanical polishing apparatus has a bottom surface, an inner surface and an outer surface, and a plurality of recesses on the bottom surface. Each recess can include an inner trailing surface and a slurry capture area. A channel can connect the slurry capture area to the inner surface. The inner trailing surface can be configured for fastening thereon an insert tool having a contact edge for abrasively contacting a polishing pad.

Abstract: A conditioner disk for use on a polish pad in chemical mechanical polishing process includes a base structure a plurality of curved blades supported by the base structure. The blades radiate outwardly from a center region of the base structure and curve in a common direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the disengagement of a workpiece from a polishing head is provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus generally includes a polishing head and a detector. The polishing head has a fixed portion and a first portion. The detector is adapted to provide a metric indicative of relative motion between the fixed portion and the first portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the disengagement of a workpiece from a polishing head is provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus generally includes a polishing head and a detector. The polishing head has a fixed portion and a first portion. The detector is adapted to provide a metric indicative of relative motion between the fixed portion and the first portion.

Abstract: A polishing media magazine for improved polishing. The polishing media magazine may include a conditioning element for rapid, uniform conditioning and cleaning of the polishing media. The polishing media magazine may include polishing media having sections of raised elevation to contain the fluid and may include a polishing support platen having features adapted to urge the edges of the polishing media upwards. The polishing media may be roll fed from a supply roll across a support platen and onto a take-up roll.

Abstract: Environmental formaldehyde can be detected and remediated in a biological system that incorporates a bacterial cell containing suitable genetic sequences encoding a formaldehyde-inducible regulatory system. The system includes a transcriptional promoter that can be specifically induced in the presence of formaldehyde to transcribe an operably linked gene.

Abstract: Environmental formaldehyde can be detected and remediated in a biological system that incorporates a bacterial cell containing suitable genetic sequences encoding a formaldehyde-inducible regulatory system. The system includes a transcriptional promoter that can be specifically induced in the presence of formaldehyde to transcribe an operably linked gene.

Abstract: Environmental formaldehyde can be detected and remediated in a biological system that incorporates a bacterial cell containing suitable genetic sequences encoding a formaldehyde-inducible regulatory system. The system includes a transcriptional promoter that can be specifically induced in the presence of formaldehyde to transcribe an operably linked gene.

Abstract: A phospholipid mixture, rich in N-acylphosphatidylserine (NAPS), is produced by growth of certain bacterial cultures in media containing effective amounts of tris (hydroxymethyl) aminomethane. NAPS may be isolated in high purity by chromatographic techniques.