Abstract: Compositions of bacteria which are effective for the nitrification of wastewater, particularly at low temperatures, are described. The compositions are comprised of 35 strains or populations of at least partially characterized isolated bacteria. These compositions may be used to treat wastewater contaminated with animal fecal waste and/or ammonia. In use, wastewater is contacted with the bacterial composition of the invention under aerobic conditions and for a period of time effective to oxidize ammonia therein.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel method for preventing or treating respiratory infections and acute otitis media in infants. The method comprises the administration of a therapeutically effective amount of a Bifidobacteria strain and an adherence-promoting probiotic, such as LGG, to the infant.

Abstract: A biological soil nutrient system that combines beneficial soil fungi and bacteria in a growth promoting nutrient medium, embedded in an inorganic porous ceramic particle for direct delivery during soil aerification to the rhizosphere of adventitious plants, including sports turf, landscape and agricultural applications.

Abstract: This invention provides devices and methods that enable co-incubation of microorganisms. Also provided are methods of making such devices for co-incubation of microorganisms, and various applications of such devices.

Abstract: Methods for increasing methane emitted from organic waste and for collecting methane and other gaseous bi-products. A gas collection unit collects gas in a first separation tank, wherein the gas is separated into methane and other components. The methane is collected, and other components are diverted. A second separation tank receives diverted components combined with an acidic solution and further separates the components into carbon dioxide and other compounds. The carbon dioxide is collected for reuse in a variety of applications.

Abstract: Selective growth media N4 agars that include a combination of high levels of yeast extract, possibly higher levels of protein, elevated levels of sugar and reduced levels of sodium chloride. The combination of ingredients provides the ability to detect Salmonella spp. and Shigella spp. with almost identical sensitivity while alleviating false-negative and false-positive problems commonly encountered with the presence of Proteus spp. and Citrobacter spp.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of preventing or treating a gastrointestinal condition in a subject, that includes administering one or more branched chain fatty acid to the subject under conditions effective to prevent 5 or treat the gastrointestinal condition in the subject. The present invention is also directed to methods of promoting gastrointestinal health in a subject and propagation of probiotic organisms. Also disclosed is a formulation which includes one or more branched chain fatty acid and an aqueous phase emulsified with the one or more branched chain fatty acids, where the formulation includes 10 over 25 wt % of the one or more branched chain fatty acid.

Abstract: In combination, an aerobic microbial biomass and viability supporting container therefore. The aerobic microbial biomass is composed of microorganisms extracted from a tea composition and stored as a liquid or applied to a stabilizing medium for storage as a solid. The aerobic microbial biomass is stored in a container which is characterized as being oxygen permeable to the extent of maintaining at least approximately 5.5 ppm oxygen in the aerobic microbial biomass wherein less than approximately 10% of the microorganisms are maintained in an active state and over a period of at least twelve months, a minimum of at least 50% of the extracted microorganisms are maintained as viable.

Abstract: The present invention provides an enzymatically active composition for suppressing sulfide generation. The composition is free from sulfur dehydrogenase and comprises at least one enzyme having sufficient sulfide-production inhibiting activity in an acidic medium to at least inhibit biogenic sulfide production, and an oxidized nitrogenous inorganic salt present in an amount sufficient to act as an electron acceptor for the enzyme. The oxidized nitrogenous inorganic salt preferably is selected from an alkali metal nitrite, an alkaline earth metal nitrite, an alkali metal nitrate, an alkaline earth metal nitrate, or a mixture of two or more of the foregoing salts. The enzymatically active composition is free from viable bacteria and is non-toxic (i.e., has an oral LD50 in rats greater than 1000 mg/Kg of body weight at a concentration of about 25,000 parts per million (ppm) in water).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition including a microbial component and a foaming component, wherein the composition can be used to prevent the proliferation, or otherwise competitively exclude the continued growth of, undesirable microbes. The present invention also includes a method of using this composition.

Abstract: A method for monitoring cleaning of a surface includes applying an amount of transparent indicator material to an area of a surface and measuring the amount of transparent indicator material remaining on the surface. The transparent indicator material may be fixed on the surface by drying and, when a fluorescent material, may be measured through exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: Enriched steady state microbial consortiums for microbial enhanced oil recovery and in situ bioremediation of hydrocarbon-contaminated sites, under anaerobic denitrifying conditions, are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for monitoring cleaning of a surface includes applying an amount of transparent indicator material to an area of a surface and measuring the amount of transparent indicator material remaining on the surface. The transparent indicator material may be fixed on the surface by drying and, when a fluorescent material, may be measured through exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: The invention relates to Streptococcus suis infection in pigs, vaccines directed against those infections and tests for diagnosing Streptococcus suis infections. The invention provides an isolated or recombinant nucleic acid encoding a capsular gene cluster of Streptococcus suis or a gene or gene fragment derived thereof. The invention further provides a nucleic acid probe or primer allowing species or serotype-specific detection of Streptococcus suis. The invention also provides a Streptococcus suis antigen and vaccine derived thereof.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of a fermented milk product comprising Bifidobacteria and Streptococcus thermophilus bacteria, wherein the Streptococcus thermophilus bacteria improve the growth of the Bifidobacteria during the fermentation.

Abstract: A probiotic composition including the bacilli (1) Bacillus subtilis, (2) Bacillus coagulans, and (3) Enterococcus faecium. The composition may further include a carrier medium, such as fructo-oligo-saccharides (FOS), as incorporated in a dose form such as a pill, capsule, powder or sachet. The compositions of the invention may be usefully employed as health or nutritional supplements, food additives, or therapeutic agents for combating a wide variety of physiological disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome, autism, and fibromyalgia.

Abstract: Described are strains including Enterococcus faecium strain 8G-1 (NRRL B-50173), Enterococcus faecium strain 8G-73 (NRRL B-50172), Bacillus pumilus strain 8G-134 (NRRL B-50174) and strains having all of the identifying characteristics of each of these strains. One or more of the strains can be used to treat or prevent acidosis. They can also be used to improve other measures of ruminant health and/or performance. Methods of using the strains, alone and in combination, are described. Methods of making the strains are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of enhancing oil recovery from a subterranean hydrocarbon reservoir, said method comprising injecting into said reservoir through a matrix injection section of a well a microorganism capable of digesting oil, and recovering oil from an oil receiving section of a production well, where said injection section is in said production well or is in an injection well and is above or adjacent said oil receiving section, and wherein microorganism injection is preceded by another oil extraction enhancing procedure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel bacterial consortium comprise bacterial strains useful for effectively treating endocrine disrupters and a method for treating endocrine disrupters using the same. The invention provides a method for biologically restoring soils, wastes and water, etc. which are polluted with chlorinated compounds such as polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs), dioxin, pentachlorophenol (PCP), perchloroethylene (PCE), trichloroethylene (TCE) and 1,1,1-trichloroethane (1,1,1-TCA), etc., polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and petroleum-tar acids, and toluene which are all known as representative endocrine disrupters.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is directed to the use of a novel competitive exclusion bacterial composition to prevent or reduce Salmonella or Campylobacter colonization in poultry.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an environment friendly, safe, and efficient four-step method of bio-bleaching Kraft pulp using the following strains of bacteria: (a) Serratia marcescens, MTCC 5094, (b) Pseudomonas aeruginosa, MTCC 5095, (c) Providencia rettgeri, MTCC 5096, (d) Pseudomonas aeruginosa, MTCC 5098. The present invention also provides a microbial consortium comprising a synergistic mixture of ligninolytic bacterial isolates Serratia marcescens, MTCC 5094, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, MTCC 5095, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, MTCC 5098, or comprising bacterial strains Providencia rettgeri, MTCC 5096, Serratia marcescens, MTCC 5094, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, MTCC 5095, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, MTCC 5098, and a process for preparing an inoculum of the bacterial isolate Providencia rettgeri, MTCC 5096.

Abstract: An isolated and purified bacterium is provided which was isolated from a high-level radioactive waste site of mixed waste. The isolate has the ability to degrade a wide variety of organic contaminants while demonstrating high tolerance to ionizing radiation. The organism is uniquely suited to bioremediation of a variety or organic contaminants while in the presence of ionizing radiation.

Abstract: An additive for feeds is provided which is efficacious in preventing and ameliorating digestive disorders such as diarrhea occurring as the side effects of the administration of antibiotics and a feed containing same. More specifically, an additive for feeds which comprises (A) Lactobacillus equi cells and (B) cells of at least one bacterium selected from the group consisting of Lactobacillus salivarius, Lactobacillus crispatus and Lactbacillus johnsonii.

Abstract: Acetyl esterase producing bacterial strains or functional mutants thereof and methods of using acetyl esterase producing bacterial strains as forage additives are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for monitoring cleaning of a surface includes applying an amount of transparent indicator material to an area of a surface and measuring the amount of transparent indicator material remaining on the surface. The transparent indicator material may be fixed on the surface by drying and, when a fluorescent material, may be measured through exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: Beneficial virus, such as phage, is used in fermentation methods and other techniques for producing biofuels. The beneficial virus (e.g., phage) may be targeted toward microorganisms (e.g., bacteria, etc.) that undesirably affect the fermentation or biofuel production process. Beneficial virus targeted toward microorganisms that undesirably affect the product or by-product of such a process, further processing, or the results of such further processing may also be incorporated into the fermentation or biofuel production process. Compositions that include beneficial viruses, such as phage, that are useful in such processes are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a mixture of lactic bacteria for yeasting of gluten-free baked products. Particularly, the invention concerns the use of “natural yeast” based on selected lactic bacteria as yeasting agent for the production of gluten-free bread, with improved sensory and nutritional property, designed for celiac patients feeding.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the field of bacterial biocontrol. More precisely, the invention relates to the identification of chemicals which promote the growth of bacteria inactivating NAHL, such as gamma-caprolactone (GCL) and 4-heptanolide (HTN) and their use in soil additives.

Abstract: A bioremediation method for accelerated biological degradation of petroleum hydrocarbons in a sea ice-covered polar region comprising contacting the petroleum hydrocarbons with an inoculum. The inoculum includes a bacterial mixture, nutrients, and an environmentally friendly carrier material. The bacterial mixture includes a plurality of cold-adapted autochthonous bacterial strains, wherein each of the bacterial strains are active at an ambient temperature of ?3° C., and wherein each of the bacterial strains has a different temperature tolerance range, a different salinity tolerance range, a different degradation spectrum, and a different potential to emulsify oil. Bacteria of the bacterial strains are immobilized on the environmentally friendly carrier material.

Abstract: The invention relates to foods, such as infants and children's food and dietary supplements for infants and children. The invention provides a composition comprising a lipid source, a carbohydrate source and a protein source, characterized in that the composition further contains the B. lactis strain deposited under ATCC number 27536 and the L. casei strain deposited under ATCC number 55544. Such a composition contributes to the general resistance, in particular with respect to undesired passage of pathogens and the incidence of respiratory diseases in children.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation of universal inactivated vaccines and their use in preparing compositions for the prophylaxis and therapy of dermatomycosis. Vaccines according to the present invention have the advantage of conferring immunity against all important causes of dermatomycosis in animals and are characterized by stable immunogenic properties, easy preparation, high content of microconidia and lack of side reactions in animals.

Abstract: A mixed culture of Dehalococcoides species is provided that has an ability to catalyze the complete dechlorination of polychlorinated ethenes such as PCE, TCE, cDCE, 1,1-DCE and vinyl chloride as well as halogenated ethanes such as 1,2-DCA and EDB. The mixed culture demonstrates the ability to achieve dechlorination even in the presence of high source concentrations of chlorinated ethenes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vector comprising sequences that permit direct transfer of the vector from one prokaryotic cell to another, such as by intergeneric conjugation. The invention also relates to methods of making and using the vector.

Abstract: Three choline utilizing strains of microorganisms isolated from the anthers of wheat, Aureobasidium pullulans strain AS 55.2, Arthrobacter species strain OH 221.3, and Pseudomonas species strain AS 64.4, are superior antagonists of F. graminearum. These microorganisms are effective for suppression and control of FHB in cereals, particularly in wheat and barley.

Abstract: This invention provides a polypeptide consisting essentially of all or a portion of the cytoplasmic domain of RAGE. This invention further provides a polypeptide consisting essentially of a portion of Diaphanous that binds to the cytoplasmic domain of RAGE. Additionally, this invention provides related nucleic acids, vectors, cells and methods.

Abstract: A differential extraction system is directed to a microfluidic-based integrated cartridge to automate differential extraction of specific cell types within a mixed sample. The integrated cartridge includes a sonication module for selective cell lysis, separating means to eliminate centrifugation, high surface area pillar chip modules to purify DNA from a cell lysate, and microfluidic circuitry to integrate the steps in an automated platform.

Abstract: Described herein are nitrite-oxidizing bacteria. Particular bacteria of the present invention are tolerant of saltwater environments, saltwater environments, or both. Furthermore, in various embodiments, various bacteria of the present invention are capable of surviving a freezing or freeze-drying process, and may remain viable thereafter. Methods for preventing or alleviating the accumulation of nitrite in aqueous environments are also provided, using the nitrite-oxidizing bacteria of the present invention. Methods for detecting the bacteria of the present invention are also provided. Compositions comprising the nitrite-oxidizing bacteria of the present invention and, inter alia, ammonia-oxidizing bacteria, are also provided.

Abstract: Lactobacillus bacteria having enhanced tolerance to butanols have been isolated. The bacteria are useful for the fermentive production of butanol. New methods for the isolation of butanol tolerant Lactobacillus are also provided.

Abstract: A sonication apparatus is directed to a microfluidic-based system to automate differential extraction of specific cell types within a mixed sample. The microfluidic-based system includes a sonication module for selective cell lysis, separating means to eliminate centrifugation, high surface area pillar chip modules to purify DNA from a cell lysate, and microfluidic circuitry to integrate the steps in an automated platform.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an enhanced fertilizer. In particular, the invention relates to an enhanced fertilizer comprising fertilizer particles, lactic acid bacteria and bacteria of the Baciliaceae family. The present invention also relates to an enhancer for a fertilizer and a soil additive to enhance plant growth. Also described herein are methods for increasing growth, development or yield of a plant and methods of enhancing a soil for increasing growth, development or yield of a plant. Methods for producing the enhanced fertilizer are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a glucosidase II mutation to increase protein secretion in yeast cells. The invention relates further to the use of yeast cells, comprising a mutant glucosidase II gene, possibly in combination with the expression of a recombinant ?-1,2-mannosidase gene and/or a recombinant N-acetylglucosaminyl-transferase gene, as a host for protein secretion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to human, rat and mouse stem cell-derived neuron survival factor polypeptides (SDNSF), a process for producing them, cDNA encoding SDNSF, a vector comprising the cDNA, host cells transformed by the vector, an antibody against SDNSF, pharmaceutical compositions containing SDNSF or the antibody, a method of assaying SDNSF, a reagent for assaying SDNSF, and a screening method using SDNSF. The polypeptides are effective in the survival of nerve cells and, therefore, efficacious in treating injury to the central nerve system caused by brain infarction, brain hemorrhage, spinal cord injury, etc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gene encoding a catalase and use thereof, in particular, a brewery yeast having high sulfite-producing capability, alcoholic beverages produced with said yeast, and a method for producing said beverages. More particularly, the present invention relates to a yeast, whose capability of producing sulfite, that contribute to stability of flavor in products, is enhanced by amplifying expression level of CTA1 gene encoding a catalase Cta1p, especially non-ScCTA1 gene or ScCTA1 gene specific to a lager brewing yeast, and to a method for producing alcoholic beverages with said yeast.

Abstract: A lactic bacteria strain that is exogenous to the oral microflora is selected for its ability to adhere the pellicle of the teeth and to produce a growth inhibition factor. This strain is used for the preparation of a composition intended for reducing dental plaque and for treating or preventing root caries and other diseases related to Actinomyces naeslundii in mammals.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composition for decomposing a majority of food waste into water and carbon dioxide comprising an effective combination of at least two species of microorganisms chosen from bacillus, lactobacillus, burkholderia, yeast fungus, eumycetes or any combinations thereof. A preferred embodiment comprises a combination of four different species of microbes having DNA sequences that correspond to SEQ ID Nos. 5-8 and which were deposited with the Korean Collection for Type Cultures (KCTC) on Mar. 8, 2007, and designated KCTC11085BP; KCTC11086BP; KCTC11087BP; KCTC11088BP, respectively. Also, presented by this invention is a device and methods for decomposing a majority of food waste into water and carbon dioxide using the microbial compositions presented herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microbial consortium containing three hyperthermophilic, barophilic, acidogenic, anaerobic bacterial strains for enhanced oil recovery from oil reservoirs where temperatures range from 70° C. to 90? C. The said microbial consortium is unique in producing a variety of metabolic products mainly CO2, methane, biosurfactant, volatile fatty acids and alcohols in the presence of specially designed nutrient medium. These metabolic products increase sweep efficiency of crude oil from oil bearing poles of rock formation. The present invention also provides a process for enhancing the oil recovery by in situ application of the said microbial consortium.

Abstract: Disclosed is an antioxidant fermenting microorganism agent and a polyurethane foam including the same. The antioxidant fermenting microorganism agent is used to generate a substance that is capable of reducing an amount of volatile organic compounds generated from the polyurethane foam and has an antimicrobial ability. The polyurethane foam containing the antioxidant fermenting microorganism according to the present invention can be used as the material for the interior of a vehicle to protect humans from noxious substances causing sick car syndrome.

Abstract: A microbial composition for concurrent dechlorination of a mixture of chlorinated ethanes and chlorinated ethenes includes a isolated consortium of bioremediative microorganisms comprising strains of microorganism comprising Clostridium, Acetobacterium, Dehalobacter, Bacteroides, and Proteobacteria. The composition may also include Methanomicrobia.

Abstract: Disclosed is an active, isolated ?-secretase enzyme in purified and recombinant form. This enzyme is implicated in the production of amyloid plaque components which accumulate in the brains of individuals afflicted with Alzheimer's disease. Recombinant cells that produce this enzyme either alone or in combination with some of its natural substrates (APP and APPsw) are also disclosed. These compositions are useful for use in methods of selecting compounds that modulate ?-secretase. Inhibitors of ?-secretase are implicated as therapeutics in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides a seeding material for accurate and reproducible monitoring of BOD load of pulp and paper wastewater, wherein the bacteria are isolated from various locations in India and comprise Micrococcus sp., Staphylococcus sp., Kurthia zopfii, Alcaligenes faecalis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the microbial composition being capable of exerting an appropriate BOD for pulp and paper industrial wastewater due to the specificity of bacterial strains present therein towards the refractory organic compounds found in these effluents.