Abstract: The present application relates to a process for removing an organic compound having one or more positive charges from an aqueous solution, comprising the steps a) provision of the aqueous solution comprising the organic compound and of a hydrophobic organic solution which comprises a liquid cation exchanger, where the liquid cation exchanger is hydrophobic, and where the liquid cation exchanger has one or more negative charges and an overall negative charge, b) contacting the aqueous solution and the organic solution, and c) separating off the organic solution from the aqueous solution.

Abstract: The invention provides an isolated Boone cardiovirus, Boone cardiovirus polypeptides, polynucleotides and antibodies specific for Boone cardiovirus polypeptides. Also provided are methods for detection of Boone cardiovirus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microbial inocula and in particular to standardised inocula for producing reference cultures of microorganisms. The invention has been developed primarily for use as a solid, disc-shaped, inoculum and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use.

Abstract: A hyperbranched polymer based on one or more repeating units of an ABx type monomer, wherein A and B are functional groups and x is greater than or equal to 2, wherein A reacts with, or substantially reacts with, B, wherein B is fractionally functionlized with a plurality of functional groups comprising a first functional group comprising a C6-C30 alkyl chain attached to the repeating unit through a carbonyl group (C?O) via an ester linkage, a second functional group comprising a partially fluorinated or perfluorinated C20 alkyl chain attached to the repeating unit through a carbonyl group (C?O) via an ester linkage, and a third functional group comprising substantially one of a stabilized radical source attached to the repeating unit via a C0-C6 tether, or a 5 to 8 member chloroamide heterocycle of carbon and nitrogen that is attached to the repeating unit via a C2-C6 tether.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for preventing biofilm formation on a surface. The present invention also relates to anti-biofilm forming agents, to methods of producing and using them, and to anti-fouling coatings produced therefrom.

Abstract: Compositions and methods relating to the use of sulfonylurea-responsive repressors are provided. Compositions include polypeptides that specifically bind to an operator, wherein the specific binding is regulated by a sulfonylurea compound. Compositions also include polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides as well as constructs, vectors, prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, and eukaryotic organisms including plants and seeds comprising the polynucleotide, and/or produced by the methods. Also provided are methods to provide a sulfonylurea-responsive repressor to a cell or organism, and to regulate expression of a polynucleotide of interest in a cell or organism, including a plant or plant cell.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a microorganism which is novel at the elemental composition level, and to provide a technique for providing such a microorganism. The present inventor has succeeded in causing a microorganism to efficiently contain a non-essential element by decreasing the content of an essential nutrient source for the microorganism, a C source, an N source, a P source, or an S source, and by adding an X compound containing the non-essential element as a constitutive element in a manner to make up for the decreased amount, and then culturing the microorganism.

Abstract: Biological method for conversion of a lignocellulosic hydrolysate into a desired biochemical product. Use of a plurality of substrate-selective cells allows different sugars in a complex mixture to be consumed concurrently and independently. The method can be readily extended to remove inhibitory compounds from hydrolysate.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the field of probiotic micro-organisms, in particular to the field of non-replicating probiotic micro-organisms. Embodiments of the present invention relate to compositions comprising probiotic micro-organisms that were rendered non-replicating by extrusion. Such compositions may be used to treat or prevent disorders that are related to a compromised immune system.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are generally provided for treating metabolic disorders, e.g., obesity. One aspect discloses methods and compositions for obtaining a biological sample from the subject, evaluating the sample for the presence or absence of a genetic indicator, wherein the genetic indicator is selected from a single nucleotide polymorphism and a level of gene expression, and performing a first metabolic procedure if the genetic indicator is present, or performing an alternative second metabolic procedure if the genetic indicator is absent. One aspect discloses methods and compositions for obtaining a sample including deoxyribonucleic acids (DNA) from the subject, evaluating the DNA for an absence or presence of one or more genetic indicators and performing a first metabolic procedure or an alternative second metabolic procedure based on the absence or presence of the genetic indicator(s). Other aspects are also disclosed.

Abstract: The specification discloses modified Clostridial toxins comprising a Clostridial toxin enzymatic domain, a Clostridial toxin translocation domain, a translocation facilitating domain and an enhanced targeting domain; polynucleotide molecules encoding such modified Clostridial toxins; and method of producing such modified Clostridial toxins.

Abstract: The present invention refers to methods for selectively recognizing a base pair in a DNA sequence by a polypeptide, to modified polypeptides which specifically recognize one or more base pairs in a DNA sequence and, to DNA which is modified so that it can be specifically recognized by a polypeptide and to uses of the polypeptide and DNA in specific DNA targeting as well as to methods of modulating expression of target genes in a cell.

Abstract: The invention provides a cell for preparing competent cells, wherein the cell is capable of spontaneously accumulating self-producing trehalose therein and the cell is used for the preparation of competent cells. The invention also provides a method for preparing competent cells, including: culturing the cell for preparing the competent cell mentioned previously to obtain a cell suspension; placing the cell suspension into an ice bath; centrifuging the cell suspension to obtain a cell precipitate; mixing a transform reagent with the cell precipitate; and obtaining competent cells suspension.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of producing vaccines directed against microorganisms, with the methods comprising culturing, harvesting and/or suspending the microorganism in the presence of a radiation-protective composition and irradiating the bacteria or viruses with a dose of radiation sufficient to render the microorganism replication-deficient and/or non-infective. The radiation-protective compositions used in the methods of the present invention comprise at least one nucleoside, at least one antioxidant and at least one small peptide. The invention also provides methods of rendering bacteria in culture resistant to ionizing radiation (IR), with these methods comprising culturing the bacteria in the presence of a radiation-protective composition.

Abstract: A new culture method for producing high levels of a metabolite, such as succinic acid uses oxygen rich culture without pH adjustment to increase the biomass, acclimation in under oxygen lean conditions having <5% partial pressure of oxygen, and the production of high levels of succinate under oxygen deprived conditions. The method can be performed in a single reactor, and is amenable to efficient scale up.

Abstract: The invention is directed compositions and methods related to bacterial cells that are physically associated with ceramide-like glycolipids for use as antigen carriers for heterologous antigens. The invention further relates to methods of incorporating ceramide-like glycolipid to bacterial cell walls. The compositions and methods of the present invention are useful for the prevention and treatment of diseases.

Abstract: The invention provides a non-naturally occurring microorganism comprising one or more gene disruptions, the one or more gene disruptions occurring in genes encoding an enzyme obligatory to coupling 1,4-butanediol production to growth of the microorganism when the gene disruption reduces an activity of the enzyme, whereby the one or more gene disruptions confers stable growth-coupled production of 1,4-butanediol onto the non-naturally occurring microorganism. The microorganism can further comprise a gene encoding an enzyme in a 1,4-butanediol (BDO) biosynthetic pathway. The invention additionally relates to methods of using microorganisms to produce BDO.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for purifying bacterial minicells that involves subjecting a sample containing minicells to density gradient centrifugation in a biologically compatible medium. The method optionally includes a preliminary differential centrifugation step and one or more filtration steps. The invention also provides a method for purifying bacterial minicells in which a sample containing minicells is subjected to a condition that induces parent bacterial cells to adopt a filamentous form, followed by filtration of the sample to separate minicells from parent bacterial cells. The inventive methods optionally include one or more steps to remove endotoxin from purified minicell preparations, and/or treatment of purified minicell preparations with an antibiotic. Additionally, the invention provides purified minicell preparations, prepared according to the foregoing methods, and containing fewer than about 1 contaminating parent bacterial cell per 107, 108, 109, 1010, or 1011 minicells.

Abstract: The invention provides immunosuppressive polypeptides and nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides. In one aspect, the invention provides mutant CTLA-4 polypeptides and nucleic acids encoding mutant CTLA-4 polypeptides. Compositions and methods for utilizing such polypeptides and nucleic acids are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides an attenuated enterobacterium comprising an attenuating mutation in the fnr gene, and optionally further comprising a heterologous nucleic acid encoding a foreign antigen. Also provided are pharmaceutical formulations comprising the attenuated enterobacteria of the invention. Further disclosed are methods of inducing an immune response in a subject by administration of an immunogenically effective amount of an attenuated enterobacterium or pharmaceutical formulation of the invention.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the screening and isolation of ligand-binding polypeptides, such as antibodies. In some aspects, methods of the invention enable the isolation of intact soluble antibodies comprising a constant domain. Screening methods that employ genetic packages such as bacteria and bacteriophages enable high through-put identification of ligand binding molecules.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for continuous cell culture and other reactions are generally described. In some embodiments, chambers (e.g., cell growth chambers) including at least a portion of a wall formed of a flexible member are provided. A retaining structure can be incorporated outside and proximate to the chamber such that when liquid is added to the chamber, the flexible member is consistently and predictably deformed, and a consistent volume of liquid is added. The flexible member can be formed of, in some embodiments, a gas-permeable medium. In some embodiments, reaction chambers can be arranged in a fluidic loop, and a bypass channel can be used to introduce and/or extract fluid from the loop without affecting loop operation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing L-amino acids, such as L-arginine, L-citrulline, and L-lysine, using a bacterium of the Enterobacteriaceae family, particularly a bacterium belonging to the genus Escherichia or Pantoea, which has been modified to attenuate expression of one or more genes, such as the pepA, pepB, and pepD genes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bacterium which has an ability to produce a useful metabolite derived from acetyl-coenzyme A, such as L-glutamic acid, L-glutamine, L-proline, L-arginine, L-leucine, L-cysteine, succinate, and polyhydroxybutyrate, wherein said bacterium is modified so that activities of D-xylulose-5-phosphate phosphoketolase and/or fructose-6-phosphate phosphoketolase are enhanced. The present invention also provides a method for producing the useful metabolite using the bacterium.

Abstract: In embodiments there are disclosed culture media, compositions for supplementing culture media, and methods for culturing biological samples. In embodiments the methods are methods for detecting bacteria and in embodiments the bacteria include Salmonella spp and in embodiments include E. coli spp. In embodiments the media and compositions comprise an alkanolamine and a cobalamin compound.

Abstract: Materials and methods are described to produce xylitol from a mixture of hemicellulosic sugars by several routes. Examples include either as a direct co-product of a biorefinery or ethanol facility, or as a stand-alone product produced from an agricultural or forestry biomass feedstock including using, e.g. ethanol waste streams.

Abstract: Microbial production of pyruvate and metabolites derived from pyruvate in cells exhibiting reduced pyruvate dehydrogenase activity compared to wild-type cells. Acetate and glucose are supplied as a carbon sources.

Abstract: The invention provides biosynthetic routes to xylitol production that do not require pure D-xylose for synthesis and that can utilize inexpensive substrates such as hemicellulose hydrolysates.

Abstract: The invention features methods for producing isoprene from cultured cells using a feedback-resistant mevalonate kinase polypeptide, such as an archaeal mevalonate kinase polypeptide. The resulting isoprene compositions may have increased yields and/or purity of isoprene.

Abstract: The invention related to compositions and methods for the in vivo production of polypeptides comprising one or more unnatural amino acids. Specifically, the invention provides plasmid systems for the efficient eubacterial expression of polypeptides comprising one or more unnatural acids at genetically-programmed positions.

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: The present invention relates to the use of F4+ non-pathogenic Escherichia coli strains to promote growth in an animal. The present invention also relates to the use of such strains to homogenize growth among a herd of animals. More specifically, the animal(s) of interest in the present invention are those wherein growth promotion or growth homogenization are desired goals, such as animals reared for meat production. The present invention further relates to a method for promoting growth of an animal as well as a method for homogenizing growth among a herd of animals.

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

Abstract: Provided herein are immunoreactive peptides which can selectively bind Ehrlichia-specific anti-p120 or anti-p140 antibodies. Methods and kits utilizing the immunoreactive peptides are also provided. The immunoreactive peptides may be utilized, e.g., for determining whether or not a subject is infected with Ehrlichia chaffeensis or Ehrlichia canis. In certain embodiments, the immunoreactive peptides may be utilized in an ELISA or lateral flow assay.

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: A process is provided for producing peroxycarboxylic acids from carboxylic acid esters. More specifically, carboxylic acid esters are reacted with an inorganic peroxide, such as hydrogen peroxide, in the presence of an enzyme catalyst having perhydrolysis activity. The present perhydrolase catalysts are classified as members of the carbohydrate esterase family 7 (CE-7) based on the conserved structural features. Further, disinfectant formulations comprising the peracids produced by the processes described herein are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is an isolated polynucleotide encoding a modified Fab' antibody, which includes an Fd chain and an L chain with the Fd chain including a CH1 region and the L chain including a CL region, wherein the modified Fab' antibody further includes a cysteine for binding to a fluorescent dye, and the polynucleotide includes an Fd chain coding region and an L chain coding region linked therebetween in a manner that will allow expression of the modified Fab' antibody. Also disclosed are an expression vector containin the isolated polynucleotide, an isolated transformed host cell containing the expression vector, and a cell culture including the transformed host cell.

Abstract: The invention provides molecules useful for enhancing charge transport across membranes, such as electron transport across membranes, and methods of using such molecules, for example in improving the performance of a microbial fuel cell or in staining microbes for observation. The amphiphilic molecule comprises a conjugated core with hydrophilic groups on either end. The amphiphilic molecule inserts into the membrane of a microbe and facilitates charge transfer across the membrane of the microbe.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biologically pure isolate of the genus Salmonella having a disruption of at least one gene selected from the group consisting of aroA, rfaH, and thyA, as well as a method of treating cancer including the step of administering such a Salmonella to a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides immunosuppressive polypeptides and nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides. In one aspect, the invention provides mutant CTLA-4 polypeptides and nucleic acids encoding mutant CTLA-4 polypeptides. Compositions and methods for utilizing such polypeptides and nucleic acids are also provided.

Abstract: Compositions and methods relating to the use of sulfonylurea-responsive repressors are provided. Compositions include polypeptides that specifically bind to an operator, wherein the specific binding is regulated by a sulfonylurea compound. Compositions also include polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides as well as constructs, vectors, prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, and eukaryotic organisms including plants and seeds comprising the polynucleotide, and/or produced by the methods. Also provided are methods to provide a sulfonylurea-responsive repressor to a cell or organism, and to regulate expression of a polynucleotide of interest in a cell or organism, including a plant or plant cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bacterium having a genome that is genetically engineered to be smaller than the genome of its native parent strain. A bacterium with a smaller genome can produce a commercial product more efficiently. The present invention also provides methods for deleting genes and other DNA sequences from a bacterial genome. The methods provide precise deletions and seldom introduces mutations to the genomic DNA sequences around the deletion sites. Thus, the methods can be used to generate a series of deletions in a bacterium without increasing the possibility of undesired homologous recombination within the genome. In addition, some of the methods provided by the present invention can also be used for replacing a region of a bacterial genome with a desired DNA sequence.

Abstract: Expression systems are disclosed for the direct expression of peptide products into the culture media where genetically engineered host cells are grown. High yield was achieved with a special selection of hosts, and/or fermentation processes which include careful control of cell growth rate, and use of an inducer during growth phase. Special universal cloning vectors are provided for the preparation of expression vectors which include control regions having multiple promoters linked operably with coding regions encoding a signal peptide upstream from a coding region encoding the peptide of interest. Multiple transcription cassettes are also used to increase yield. The production of amidated peptides using the expression systems is also disclosed.

Abstract: A typhoid vaccine using heat shock protein (Hsp) of Salmonella typhi and a method for the manufacture thereof. A composition comprising an effective amount of a complex of a Hsp, in part or whole, either alone or covalently or non-covalently bound to an antigenic molecule, which when administered to a mammal elicits specific immunological responses in the host. The antigenic molecule refers to the exogenous antigens/immunogens such as viz LPS, peptide, nucleic acid or polysaccharide or antigenic/immunogenic fragments and derivatives thereof.

Abstract: A bacterial growth medium for promoting auto-induction of transcription of cloned DNA in cultures of bacterial cells grown batchwise is disclosed. The transcription is under the control of a lac repressor. Also disclosed is a bacterial growth medium for improving the production of a selenomethionine-containing protein or polypeptide in a bacterial cell, the protein or polypeptide being produced by recombinant DNA techniques from a lac or T7lac promoter, the bacterial cell encoding a vitamin B12-dependent homocysteine methylase. Finally, disclosed is a bacterial growth medium for suppressing auto-induction of expression in cultures of bacterial cells grown batchwise, said transcription being under the control of lac repressor.

Abstract: A polypeptide comprising the contiguous amino acids 1-198 of SEQ ID NO: 2; a polypeptide, which comprises a contiguous amino acid sequence that is at least about 95% identical to the contiguous amino acids 1-198 of SEQ ID NO: 2, an epitope that is immunoreactive with an antibody that specifically binds to the core protein of hepatitis C virus (HCV), and an epitope that is immunoreactive with an antibody that specifically binds to the NS4 region of HCV; a nucleic acid encoding such a polypeptide; a host cell comprising such a nucleic acid; an immunodiagnostic reagent comprising such a polypeptide; a kit comprising such an immunodiagnostic reagent; and a method of determining the presence, amount, or concentration of anti-HCV antibodies in a test sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of enteral nutrition to be administered via tube feeding. In particular, the present invention provides tube feeding modules comprising probiotic micro-organisms. Such probiotic micro-organisms may be non-replicating micro-organisms, such as bioactive heat-treated probiotic micro-organisms, for example.

Abstract: Expression systems are disclosed for the direct expression of peptide products into the culture media where genetically engineered host cells are grown. High yield was achieved with a special selection of hosts, and/or fermentation processes which include careful control of cell growth rate, and use of an inducer during growth phase. Special universal cloning vectors are provided for the preparation of expression vectors which include control regions having multiple promoters linked operably with coding regions encoding a signal peptide upstream from a coding region encoding the peptide of interest. Multiple transcription cassettes are also used to increase yield. The production of amidated peptides using the expression systems is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new bacterial strain of Samonella enterica serovar Typhimurium VNP20009 deposited in the Polish Collection of Microorganisms under access no. B/00024 and its us in the production of a vaccine, especially an anti-cancer vaccine. The present invention also relates to a method of obtaining a therapeutic vaccine vector, characterized in that a genetic modification is introduced into the vector strain specific to cancer cells, resulting in the delayed over expression of a gene encoding a protein responsible for the invasive ability of this strain.