Abstract: The invention provides a method of inhibiting a bacterial RNA polymerases. The invention has applications in control of bacterial RNA polymerase activity, control of bacterial gene expression, control of bacterial growth, antibacterial chemistry, and antibacterial therapy.

Abstract: The present invention is a new additive material that is physically blended with polymeric material to create at least a partially biodegradable product.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a preparation of metabolically active bacteria, compositions comprising such a preparation, e.g., probiotic supplements or animal feeds, and to uses thereof, for example in the treatment of diseases affecting the intestinal microbial balance. Also described are a growth substrate for microorganisms comprising a mixture of complex and simple sugars and a process for the manufacture of preparations of metabolically active microorganisms using this growth substrate.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a supercooling promoting agent comprising a tannin for producing practical water which does not freeze. As the tannin, a hydrolyzable tannin such as 2,3,6-tri-O-galloyl-?,?-D-hamamelose, 1,2,6-tri-O-galloyl-?-D-glucose, and a vitrification liquid, each of which contains the supercooling promoting agent are useful as a solution or the like for storing a biological material at low temperature.

Abstract: A process for fermenting syngas is provided which is effective for decreasing an amount of time needed to inoculate a main reactor. The process includes propagating a culture of acetogenic bacteria to provide an inoculum for a main reactor and fermenting syngas in the main reactor.

Abstract: Bifidobacterium strain AH121A is significantly immunomodulatory following oral consumption. The strain is useful as an immunomodulatory biotherapeutic agent.

Abstract: According to the present invention, an anti-allergic agent is provided which includes a polysaccharide comprising galactose, glucose and rhamnose as constituents, or includes a microorganism belonging to a genus Bifidobacterium and extracellularly producing the polysaccharide. The anti-allergic agent of the present invention can be used in oral compositions and compositions for external application, and is suitable for use in products such as food products, pharmaceutical products, and cosmetics.

Abstract: A bioreactor is provided that includes a main reactor having a configuration selected from the group consisting of stirred and unstirred tank reactor, trickle bed reactor (TBR), cocurrent contactor (CCC), moving bed bioreactor (MBBR), and a bubble column reactor. The bioreactor also includes a growth reactor continuous with the main reactor and having a configuration selected from the group consisting of stirred and unstirred tank reactor, trickle bed reactor (TBR), cocurrent contactor (CCC), moving bed bioreactor (MBBR), and a bubble column reactor. A method is also provided where acetogenic bacteria are contacted with syngas in a growth fermentor section of a reactor vessel that is continuous with a main fermentor section of a reactor vessel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compounds of formulae (I) and (II) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof that are useful in the treatment and/or prevention of human and animal bacterial infections and associated diseases and conditions; compositions containing such compounds; derivation of such compounds by fermentation and isolation, partial synthesis and total synthesis; methods of inhibiting bacterial growth; methods of treating, preventing or controlling bacterial infection; biologically pure cultures of bacterial strains from which such compounds may be produced; and processes for preparing compositions containing such compounds.

Abstract: To provide a DNA damage repair promoter for oral application and an elastase activity suppressor for oral application. The invention provides a DNA damage repair promoter and an elastase activity suppressor for oral application each containing, as an active ingredient, a bacterium belonging to the genus bifidobacterium.

Abstract: New strains of Lactobacillus that have been selected for their capability of improved reduction the number of Streptococcus mutans in the mouth of mammals through inhibiting activity in combination with better binding to the oral mucins and dental plaque, thereby preventing, reducing or treating dental caries, and products derived from said strains, including agents for treatment or prophylaxis of caries for administration to humans.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention preferably relate to a method and apparatus for a two-stage membrane-based production of gas, preferably hydrogen gas or the like, from solid biological materials, preferably organic waste materials or the like, comprising anaerobic hydrolysis and fermentation and photofermentation using microorganisms.

Abstract: The invention discloses an Ochrobactrum sp. for degrading TBBPA and its application in environmental remediation. An Ochrobactrum sp. for degrading TBBPA was isolated from the sludge in a high risk area of electronic waste in the invention. The strain is named as Ochrobactrum sp. T, which has been deposited in China Center for Type Culture Collection (CCTCC) on Oct. 28, 2009 with an accession number of CCTCC M209246. Ochrobactrum sp. T obtained in the invention has high degradation capability to TBBPA in environment. The degradation efficiency of the strain achieves 96.2%. The strain could be applied to degrading TBBPA in environmental remediation.

Abstract: The subject invention includes methods and plants for controlling lepidopteran insects, said plants comprising Cry1Fa and Cry1Da core toxin containing proteins in combination to delay or prevent development of resistance by the insect(s).

Abstract: A method for aiding an ecosystem in recovering from the effects of exposure to radiation, comprising introducing microorganisms into the ecosystem, the microorganisms preferably replacing native microorganisms destroyed, killed, or reduced in number by the exposure to radiation. A method for aiding an ecosystem in recovering from the effects of exposure to radiation by, prior to the ecosystem being exposed to radiation, cataloging the microorganisms in the soil of the ecosystem; after the ecosystem being exposed to radiation, cataloging the microorganisms in the soil of the ecosystem; and introducing into the ecosystem microorganisms before and/or after the ecosystem has been exposed to radiation. The microorganisms introduced into the ecosystem are microorganisms present in the ecosystem prior to exposure to radiation or microorganisms equivalent to the microorganisms present in the ecosystem prior to exposure to radiation.

Abstract: A process for separation of a mixture containing a microbial substance and a liquid using deformable filter is provided.

Abstract: A method for producing bacteria belonging to the genus Bifidobacterium having excellent viability even under various conditions with different environmental factors, novel bacteria belonging to the genus Bifidobacterium obtained by the method, and a method for detecting the bacteria are provided. By subculturing and storing bacteria belonging to the genus Bifidobacterium alternately in systems under conditions with different environmental factors, the bacteria belonging to the genus Bifidobacterium exhibiting excellent viability under all the conditions used for the alternate subculturing and storing can be produced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bacteria of a genus Lactococcus having bacteriological properties of: (1) fermentability which curdles a 10% (W/W) reconstituted skim milk medium when cultivated at a temperature of 25° C. to 37° C. for 16 hours; (2) Bifidobacterium longum growth-promoting properties which lead to a viable count of Bifidobacterium longum of 5×108 CFU/g or more, when co-cultivated with Bifidobacterium longum in the 10% (W/W) reconstituted skim milk medium, until the pH thereof is 4.4 to 4.6; and (3) Bifidobacterium longum survivability-improving properties during storage, which lead to a survival rate of Bifidobacterium longum of 30% or more, after co-cultivation with Bifidobacterium longum in the 10% (W/W) reconstituted skim milk medium until the pH thereof is 4.4 to 4.6, rapid cooling, and two weeks storage at 10° C.

Abstract: Bacterial compositions effective for inhibiting fungal diseases of potatoes and/or potato sprouting are produced by co-culture of two or more of Pseudomonas fluorescens (NRRL B-21133), Pseudomonas fluorescens biovar (NRRL B-21053), Pseudomonas fluorescens (NRRL B-21102) and Enterobacter cloacae (NRRL B-21050). Compositions produced by co-culture of these bacteria together in the same culture medium are significantly more effective for inhibiting fungi-induced diseases of potatoes and/or inhibiting sprouting of potatoes, than blends or mixtures of the same bacteria cultured separately.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods involing riboswitches and RNA motifs. For example, disclosed are compositions and methods involving glutamine-responsive riboswitches, S-adenosylmethionine-repsonsive riboswitches, S-adenosylhomocysteine-repsonsive riboswitches, glutamine riboswitches, SAM/SAH riboswitches, glnA riboswitches, Downstream-peptide riboswitches, crcB riboswitches, pfl riboswitches, yjdF riboswitches, manA riboswitches, wcaG riboswitches, epsC riboswitches, ykkC-III riboswitches, psaA riboswitches, psbA riboswitches, PhotoRC-I riboswitches, PhotoRC-II riboswitches, and psbNH riboswitches.

Abstract: This invention relates to new fluorescent chemical entities, including fluorescent molecules that comprise a carboxyl or carbonyl functionalized pyridine moiety. This invention also relates to the corresponding reactive versions of such molecules. This invention also relates to the corresponding conjugates with moieties such as peptides, proteins, various biomolecules, carbocyclic and heterocyclic compounds, sugars, and their uses thereof.

Abstract: A vaccine is disclosed that is protective against pathogenic bacterial species, typically staphylococcal species, and includes methods to prepare said vaccine and to culture pathogenic bacteria.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting and/or identifying Escherichia coli (E. coli) in a biological sample, that comprises inoculating the biological sample liable to contain E. coli on a detection medium that comprises tryptophan and a substrate for an enzyme A, expressed by the majority of E. coli, in order to obtain bacterial colonies; detecting the colonies expressing the activity of the enzyme A and identifying them as being E. coli; and detecting the colonies that do not express the activity of the enzyme A, carrying out an indole test, and identifying the colonies having a positive indole test as being E. coli.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the novel Sporolactobacillus vineae SL153 strain (Accession No: KCTC 11493BP) having probiotic activity, precisely Sporolactobacillus vineae SL153 having antimicrobial activity against Vibrio genus pathogenic microorganisms and other pathogens. The Sporolactobacillus vineae SL153 strain of the present invention has excellent intestinal adherence and growth inhibitory effect on pathogenic microorganisms including Vibrio genus microorganisms, so that it can be effectively used as a composition for the prevention and treatment of disease caused by pathogenic microorganisms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a probiotic composition which is tailored based on the spectrum of bifidobacteria found in the intestine of at least one individual with non-secretor blood group phenotype. The present invention further relates to a method of tailoring a probiotic composition based on the bifidobacteria found from the intestine of at least one non-secretor individual.

Abstract: Disclosed is a microorganism that belongs to the genus Leptothrix and is capable of producing iron oxide that has a ferrihydrite or lepidocrocite structure and has a form of aggregates of ferrihydrite nanoparticles or lepidocrocite nanoparticles; a bacterium that is capable of producing an iron oxide that has a ferrihydrite or lepidocrocite structure and has a form of aggregates of ferrihydrite nanoparticles or lepidocrocite nanoparticles; a culture medium for use in screening a bacterium that is capable of producing a metal oxide; a method for screening a bacterium that is capable of producing a metal oxide; a culture medium for culturing a bacterium that is capable of producing a metal oxide; a method for culturing a bacterium that is capable of producing a metal oxide; a method for producing a metal oxide; and iron oxide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of obtaining Z. mobilis mutant strains that are more tolerant to one or more inhibitors or more capable of efficiently fermenting one or more carbohydrates. Such inhibitors include ethanol, aliphatic acids, such as acetic acid, formic acid; furan derivatives, such as 2-furaldehyde, 2-furoic acid; and phenolic compounds, such as vanillin and hydroxybenzoic acid. Such carbohydrates may include xylose, arabinose, mannose and mixtures thereof. These mutant strains may be employed to, for example, effectively and efficiently prepare ethanol from biomass.

Abstract: A compressible bioreactor for cultivating photosynthetic microorganisms, the bioreactor comprising a feeder trough, a collection trough, a growth fabric, and a barrier layer, where the bioreactor has a compressed mode and an extended mode, the growth fabric is coupled to the feeder trough and the collection trough, the growth fabric is substantially extended in the extended mode of the bioreactor, the growth fabric is substantially compressed in the compressed mode of the bioreactor and the barrier layer is coupled to the feeder base and the collection base that encases the growth fabric in a substantially airtight environment

Abstract: Strict anaerobic thermophilic bacterium belonging to the group of Thermoanaerobacter italicus subsp. marato subsp. nov. and mutants and derivatives thereof. The bacterium is particularly suitable for the production of fermentation products such as ethanol, lactic acid, acetic acid and hydrogen from lignocellulosic biomass.

Abstract: A strain of Francisella species wherein a gene which encodes for part of the glutamate metabolic pathway has been inactivated, and which is able to produce a protective immune response in an animal, for use as live prophylactic or therapeutic vaccine against infection by said Francisella species. Particularly effective strains include those where the capB gene is deleted. Other embodiments of the invention describe strains which comprise a further genetic mutation wherein a gene which encodes for another component of the cell is also inactivated. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising said strains, together with methods which utilize such strains are also described and claimed.

Abstract: Compositions of peptides and surface-active agents are described, as are methods of making and using such compositions. The compositions are capable of affecting metabolic rates in biological systems, and to accelerate nutrient uptake without a concomitant increase in biofilm production.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for inducing desired activity in enzymes or microorganisms capable of producing the enzymes. The invention is further directed to methods of stabilizing activity in microorganisms. In specific embodiments, the invention provides methods for inducing and stabilizing nitrile hydratase activity, amidase activity, and asparaginase I activity. The invention further provides compositions comprising enzymes or microorganisms having induced and/or stabilized activity.

Abstract: A method to prevent contamination of feed line(s) and nutrient feed reservoirs(s) is disclosed. In this method the growth medium which flows from the nutrient feed reservoir through the feed line to the bioreactor contains at least one nutritional component supplied at a concentration which is inhibitory to cell growth. The inhibitory nutritional component in the growth medium prevents back growth of cells from the bioreactor into the feed line(s). The growth medium with inhibitory nutritional component is diluted prior to or at entering the bioreactor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microbial or probiotic composition which is tailored based on the spectrum of bifidobacteria found in the intestine of at least one individual with secretor blood group phenotype but not commonly found in individuals of non-secretor blood group phenotype. The present invention further relates to a method of tailoring a microbial or probiotic composition based on the bifidobacteria found in the intestine of at least one individual with secretor blood group phenotype but not commonly found in individuals non-secretor blood group phenotype.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to isolated bacterial strains producing polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), microbial consortia including such strains, and cultures of such strains and microbial consortia. In particular, the present disclosure relates to compositions including such strains, microbial consortia, and cultures and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bacterial cell with texturizing property, starter cultures comprising the cell, and dairy products fermented with the starter culture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to enzymes and processes. In particular, there is described an isolated polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence corresponding to Citrobacter freundii phytase or a homologue, a modified form, a functional equivalent or an effective fragment thereof. There is also described a host cell transformed or transfected with a nucleic acid encoding a bacterial phytase enzyme or a modified form as well as the use of such a phytase or modified form in food or animal feed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solid culture medium for the detection and/or discrimination, among glycopeptide-resistant enterococci, of the groups of species E. faecalis and/or E. faecium belonging to the groups of resistance to the VanA/VanB glycopeptides, and E. gallinarum/E. casseliflavus belonging to the group of resistance to the VanC glycopeptides, wherein said medium comprises, in a culture medium selective for enterococci, at least one chromogenic substrate for ?-glucosidase and at least one activator of a colored reaction, chosen from methyl-?-glucoside and glucosyl-?-glucoside, or polymers thereof.

Abstract: Provided herein are improved copy number plasmids, particularly those plasmids capable of replication in a bacterial cell. The improved copy number plasmid contain a deletion, insertion, or substitution in the replication control region, particularly a Pseudomonas-specific replication control region, that results in an increase in plasmid copy number in comparison to a control plasmid. Also provided are host cells containing the improved copy number plasmids, as well as methods of using the improved copy number plasmids for the recombinant production of a protein of interest. Further provided are methods for generating plasmids with improved copy number. The methods disclosed herein involve the reiterative selection of improved copy number plasmids by the growth and selection of plasmids capable of growth under increasing selective pressure, wherein the selective pressure is applied utilizing a selection agent to which the control plasmid confers resistance.

Abstract: Oxygen is delivered into a liquid contained within a vessel. Oxygen-rich gas is introduced at an inner mixing region of a vessel toward an agitating element for dissolving some of the oxygen into the liquid. Air is introduced to the liquid at a location different from where the oxygen-rich gas is introduced, minimizing coalescing of bubbles of the oxygen-rich gas and air bubbles. Running the agitating element in the vessel may induce mixing of the liquid and improve oxygen dissolution. Movement of the air bubbles can also generate a mixing effect on the liquid, yet independent from mixing caused by the agitating element. In some embodiments, currents produced by the agitating element are asymmetric with respect to a vertical axis of the vessel. Air bubbles may also form an asymmetric configuration of bubbles about the vertical axis.

Abstract: A method to prevent contamination of feed line(s) and nutrient feed reservoirs(s) is disclosed. In this method the growth medium which flows from the nutrient feed reservoir through the feed line to the bioreactor contains at least one nutritional component supplied at a concentration which is inhibitory to cell growth. The inhibitory nutritional component in the growth medium prevents back growth of cells from the bioreactor into the feed line(s). The growth medium with inhibitory nutritional component is diluted in the bioreactor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel strains of lactic acid bacteria, Lactobacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum PM-A0087 deposited as NRRL accession number B-50523, Bifidobacterium longum PM-A0101 deposited as NRRL accession number B-50525, and Bifidobacterium bifidum PM-A0218 deposited as NRRL accession number B-50524.

Abstract: Biological liquid substances in a disposable bioreactor or a disposable fermentor is enriched with a dissolved gas such as oxygen. The gas is provided to the liquid in meeting growth needs of biomass within the disposable vessel. The liquid is processed through a bubble forming element such as a supersonic mixer, a membrane sparger, or the like, to form a gas-liquid dispersion. The dispersion has a high interfacial surface area for facilitating gas dissolution in the liquid. Receptacles of the disposable vessel may be coupled (e.g., magnetically) to one or more processing devices (e.g., motors, pumps, gas sources) outside of the disposable vessel so that components within the disposable vessel are able to perform functions suitable for furthering reaction and/or fermentation processes.

Abstract: Several bacterial species were isolated from marine segment obtained from seabed sediment at depths exceeding 1700 feet. At least four of the bacteria produced a compound that showed antibacterial activity against one or more multiple-drug-resistant (MDR) bacteria isolated from hospitals and clinics. One isolate, SJCH-12, exhibited a broad range of activity against MDR strains tested, including methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Abstract: Isolated and/or purified polypeptides and nucleic acid sequences encoding polypeptides from Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius are provided. Further provided are methods for transporting sugars across cell membranes using isolated and/or purified polypeptides and nucleic acid sequences from Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the use of Rhodococcus equi antigens to manufacture a composition for administration to an animal, to elicit in the animal an immune response directed against Rhodococcus equi bacteria, which composition is in a form suitable for rectal administration.

Abstract: Chemically reactive carbocyanine dyes incorporating an indolium ring moiety that is substituted at the 3-position by a reactive group or by a conjugated substance, and their uses, are described. Conjugation through this position results in spectral properties that are uniformly superior to those of conjugates of spectrally similar dyes wherein attachment is at a different position. The invention includes derivative compounds having one or more benzo nitrogens.

Abstract: Disclosed are quick dissolve tablets, each including freeze dried lysate of Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus plantarum, Llactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidium, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium infantis or Bifidobacterium breve and N-acetyl-glucosamine (NAG), as well as excipients, for oral mucosal administration, for improving the quality of life of Hepatitis C patients. Any formulation suitable for oral mucosal administration can be employed for administering the active ingredients in a sufficient dosage for therapeutic effect, one such formulation being: four parts of bacterial lysate and one part of N-acetyl D-glucosamine. Excipients can include one or more of, maltodextrin; xanthan gum; acesulfam K; lemon powder and a flavoring, e.g., juice; Mannitol TL-32-04, Microcrystalline Cellulose and Carrageenan, Fructose, PVP-XL TL-11-04, Gellan Gum, Citrus TL 1-04, Orange TL 19-04, Sucrolose TL-13-04, and Mg ST TL-13-04.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a novel gluconacetobacter strain having cellulose producing activity. Specifically, the present invention relates to a novel gluconacetobacter strain producing nano-structured cellulose in a highly efficient manner. The cellulose produced by the strain, due to its superb thermodynamic properties, can be characterized as nano-structured bacterial cellulose and therefore utilized as a bio-nano-fiber. Particularly, the cellulose can be impregnated with a resin to form a cellulose-based resin which can be effectively adapted for a substrate for a liquid crystal display (LCD).