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: A device for placement of effluent comprises a substrate positioner, a deposition conduit, and a conduit positioner. The substrate positioner supports and positions a substrate on which effluent exiting from the deposition conduit is to be deposited. The conduit positioner moves an exit end of the deposition conduit relative to the substrate.

Abstract: A fluid treatment device is disclosed for mixing first and second fluids. The first fluid may be a treatment liquid that is contained in a container and that is used to change a property, such as the pH, density or ionic strength, of the second fluid. In some illustrative embodiments, the fluid treatment device is used to create an effluent by adding a buffer material and/or a matrix material to an analyte for subsequent MALDI MS analysis of the effluent. A mixing space is defined in a container between ends of first and second conduits. In some embodiments, a junction member couples together the ends of the first and second conduits. The junction member has a main passage that receives the ends of the first and second conduits. The junction member has at least one opening that provides fluid communication between an interior region of the container and the mixing space.

Abstract: A device for placement of effluent comprises a substrate positioner, a deposition conduit, and a conduit positioner. The substrate positioner supports and positions a substrate on which effluent exiting from the deposition conduit is to be deposited. The conduit positioner moves an exit end of the deposition conduit relative to the substrate.

Abstract: A fluid treatment device is disclosed for mixing first and second fluids. The first fluid may be a treatment liquid that is contained in a container and that is used to change a property, such as the pH, density or ionic strength, of the second fluid. In some illustrative embodiments, the fluid treatment device is used to create an effluent by adding a buffer material and/or a matrix material to an analyte for subsequent MALDI MS analysis of the effluent. A mixing space is defined in a container between ends of first and second conduits. In some embodiments, a junction member couples together the ends of the first and second conduits. The junction member has a main passage that receives the ends of the first and second conduits. The junction member has at least one opening that provides fluid communication between an interior region of the container and the mixing space.