Abstract: A method of introducing a property of a particular yeast strain, based on a recessive allele, into the genetic background of an industrial baker's yeast; as well as yeast strains obtainable according to the method. In particular, a method is disclosed to introduce an lti-property into the genetic background of industrial baker's yeast. The novel strains obtained according to the method may be used for the preparation of a dough and for the manufacture of baked products therefrom, such as on an industrial scale.

Abstract: There is disclosed a fermentation process for producing glutathione which comprises (a) the obtainment of a biomass pre-culture by pre-cultivating, in aerobic conditions, a strain of a glutathione producing yeast wherein the glutathione content per biomass unit is higher than 1.2% w/w; (b) the cultivation, in aerobic conditions, of the resulting biomass pre-culture such that the resulting biomass density is higher than 50 g/l; (c) the activation of the cultured biomass; and (d) the recovery of the cultured biomass, extracting glutathione at a pH equal to or lower than 6 and purifying the resulting glutathione. The process allows to obtain glutathione with high yields and relatively low costs.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of remediating sewage matter, reducing the amount of sludge in sewage and reducing odor-causing matter in sludge. The invention is further directed to compositions having specific genetic characteristics useful in bioremediation of sewage matter and methods of producing same.

Abstract: A flocculent Saccharomyces cerevisae strain (BPSC-15) produces higher yields of ethanol in fermentations of fermentable sugar or fermentable starch/enzyme.

Abstract: The present invention provides biological fertilizer compositions that comprise yeast cells that have an enhanced ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, decompose phosphorus minerals and compounds, decompose potassium minerals and compounds, decompose complex carbon compounds, over produce growth factors, and over produce ATP. The biological fertilizer composition of the invention can replace mineral fertilizers in supplying nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to crop plants. Methods of manufacturing the biological fertilizer compositions and methods of uses are also encompassed.

Abstract: A method for detecting protein-protein interactions is provided, in which two fusion proteins are prepared and allowed to interact with each other. The interaction between the two fusion proteins leads to protein trans-splicing, generating an active and detectable reporter.

Abstract: The present invention provides biological fertilizer compositions that comprise yeast cells and garbage. The yeast cells of the invention have an enhanced ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, decompose phosphorus minerals and compounds, decompose potassium minerals and compounds, decompose complex carbon compounds, overproduce growth factors, overproduce ATP, decompose undesirable chemicals, suppress growth of pathogenic microorganisms, or reduce undesirable odor. The biological fertilizer composition of the invention can replace mineral fertilizers in supplying nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to crop plants. Methods of manufacturing biological fertilizer compositions, and methods of uses are also encompassed.

Abstract: The present invention provides biological fertilizer compositions that comprise yeast cells and sludge. The yeast cells of the invention have an enhanced ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, decompose phosphorus minerals and compounds, decompose potassium minerals and compounds, decompose complex carbon compounds, overproduce growth factors, overproduce ATP, decompose undesirable chemicals, suppress growth of pathogenic microorganisms, or reduce undesirable odor. The biological fertilizer composition of the invention can replace mineral fertilizers in supplying nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to crop plants. Methods of manufacturing biological fertilizer compositions, and methods of uses are also encompassed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to yeast cells containing the SRB1/PSA1 gene and/or the PKC1 gene or functional derivatives thereof operatively linked to a heterologous inducible promoter and also to methods of regulating yeast cell lysis and flocculation and methods of fermentation using such yeast cells.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a plurality of yeast cells, wherein said plurality of yeast cells are characterized by their ability to enhance the immune system (e.g., increase the activity of T and B lymphocytes and natural killer cells) in a mammal, said ability resulting from their having been cultured in the presence of an alternating electric field having a specific frequency and a specific field strength. Also included are methods of making and using these compositions.

Abstract: By using a medium containing an ingredient for activating brewer's yeast, a brewer's yeast cell body is immersed in the medium in the presence of an added inorganic salt; and the immersion is stirred at a predetermined temperature to concurrently carry out an aerobic activation treatment, resulting in the formation of a brewer's yeast cell body containing a high ribonucleic acid content comprising 10% by weight or more of ribonucleic acid based on the weight of the cell body.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a plurality of yeast cells, wherein said plurality of yeast cells are characterized by their ability to improve kidney functions (e.g., restoring urine secretion and/or lowering blood urea nitrogen, serum proteinuria, and/or serum creatinine levels) in a subject as a result of having been cultured in the presence of an alternating electric field having a specific frequency and a specific field strength. Also included are methods of making such compositions.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a plurality of yeast cells, wherein said plurality of yeast cells have been cultured in the presence of an alternating electric field having a specific frequency and a specific field strength for a period of time sufficient to increase the capability of said plurality of yeast cells to improve the memory of a mammal. Also included are methods of making such compositions.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a plurality of yeast cells, wherein said plurality of yeast cells are characterized by their ability to normalize the serum level of GPT, AP and/or LDH-5 in a mammal, said ability resulting from their having been cultured in the presence of an alternating electric field having a specific frequency and a specific field strength. Also included are methods of making and using these compositions.

Abstract: A yeast fermentation medium that does not contain yeast cell extract but is comprised of a mixture of oleic acid, lactic acid and palmitic acid. Using this fermentation medium yields of factor XIII were increased 250%.

Abstract: A process of making a fuel or chemical from a biomass hydrolyzate is provided which comprises the steps of providing a biomass hydrolyzate, adjusting the pH of the hydrolyzate, contacting a metal oxide having an affinity for guaiacyl or syringyl functional groups, or both and the hydrolyzate for a time sufficient to form an adsorption complex; removing the complex wherein a sugar fraction is provided, and converting the sugar fraction to fuels or chemicals using a microorganism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the storage of proteins in an aqueous solution. The addition of cysteine delays the temporal decrease in the effective concentration of the protein. The process is suitable for use in the production of heterologous proteins in microorganisms.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a plurality of yeast cells, wherein said plurality of yeast cells are characterized by their ability to treat male hormone deficiency in a subject as a result of having been cultured in the presence of an alternating electric field having a specific frequency and a specific field strength. Also included are methods of making such compositions.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a plurality of yeast cells, wherein said plurality of yeast cells are characterized by their ability to treat hyperlipemia (e.g., regulate triglyceride and/or beta-lipoprotein levels) in a subject as a result of having been cultured in the presence of an alternating electric field having a specific frequency and a specific field strength. Also included are methods of making such compositions.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a plurality of yeast cells, wherein said plurality of yeast cells are characterized by their ability to increase secretion of gastric juice or alleviate gastric ulcer in a mammal, said ability resulting from their having been cultured in the presence of an alternating electric field having a specific frequency and a specific field strength. Also included are methods of making and using these compositions.

Abstract: Methods and materials are provided for stably introducing any gene into a specific locus in the genome of a microorganism such as yeast without the addition of any drug resistance genes. Specifically provided herein are new genetically engineered inositol-overproducing Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains obtained by using a novel set of yeast integration plasmids that allow the safe, stable, and controlled introduction of homologous as well as heterologous genes into the host genome. In particular, specific loci of the S. cerevisiae yeast genome can be targeted with single or multiple copies of a specific gene that is desired to be expressed or a given set of specific genes that the host can use without the addition of any drug resistance genes. The principles of this new methodology can also be used for the construction of other recombinant yeast and bacterial strains as well as higher eukaryotic cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides biological fertilizer compositions that comprise yeast cells and poultry manure. The yeast cells of the invention have an enhanced ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, decompose phosphorus minerals and compounds, decompose potassium minerals and compounds, decompose complex carbon compounds, overproduce growth factors, overproduce ATP, decompose undesirable chemicals, suppress growth of pathogenic microorganisms, or reduce undesirable odor. The biological fertilizer composition of the invention can replace mineral fertilizers in supplying nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to crop plants. Methods of manufacturing biological fertilizer compositions, and methods of uses are also encompassed.

Abstract: The present invention solves the need for non-toxic forms of selenium which is an essential part of the human diet. This invention provides novel dried-yeast products containing selenium as well as a method of producing the dried yeast products. The method uses selenium having high biological activity but low toxicity. The invention also provides nutritional supplements containing the novel selenium containing dried yeast products and methods of administering these products and supplements to improve human health. The invention also provides a practically non-toxic yeast selenium product having increased intracellular selenium concentrations and methods to reduce tumor cell growth by administration of a selenium yeast product in combination with chemotherapeutic agents. In particular, selenium yeast product of strain ATCC 74366.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transgenic knockout yeast which has a disruption in the gene encoding for a yeast ADP-ribosylation factor-like protein.

Abstract: The present invention discloses high density antagonistic microbe base materials and a method of producing the same, more particularly, a method for preparing high density antagonistic microbe base material comprising the steps of: inoculating a mixture of native microbes as main components to organic medium to obtain crude bacteria by subculture; and further inoculating the obtained crude bacteria in a culture medium consisting of crushed soil from volcanic rocks mineral, combined nutrients and water, culturing and then being subjected to air ventilation under agitating the cultured material along the rise in temperature.

Abstract: The invention provides (1) yeasts with high leavening ability enough for bakery in an ultra-high sugar range and with high sugar tolerance (osmotic pressure tolerance), and (2) yeasts with high leavening ability enough for bakery in an ultra-high sugar range and with high sugar tolerance (osmotic pressure tolerance) and high freezing tolerance which characteristically exert sufficient leavening ability of dough blended with sugar above 40 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of flour, to enable the production of high-quality bread items including white bread in a low sugar range to sweet roll items or fermented confectioneries in a high sugar range, irrespective of the bakery process.

Abstract: The invention discloses a Gram-positive microorganism, Bacillus megaterium that effectively and efficiently degrades fats, oils and grease. A composition comprising said microorganism and a method for degrading fatty acids and grease are also disclosed. Availability of glycerol to the biodegrading microorganism was discovered to enhance biodegradation.

Abstract: A subject of the invention is a modified yeast strain in which the acetyl-CoA pregnenolone acetyltransferase (APAT) activity is eliminated by altering the gene coding for this activity with resultant stabilization of 3&bgr;-hydroxysteroids.

Abstract: A gene which contains the nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:1 from nucleotide 671 to nucleotide 6295 or a nucleotide sequence which can be obtained therefrom by substitution, insertion or deletion of up to 30%, preferably up to 10%, particularly preferably up to 20%, especially preferably up to 5%, of the nucleotides, and whose gene product has the enzymatic activity of an adenylate cyclase, and its use.

Abstract: A method for treating silage to enhance aerobic stability by inhibiting growth of yeast strains associated with spoilage of silage is disclosed. The method comprises treating silage or feed with a composition comprising killer yeast strains, or the antimicrobial components produced thereby. According to the invention, strains of Saccharomyces exiguus have been purified and isolated which are nontoxic, safe, do not assimilate lactate and which improve aerobic stability of silage, are disclosed. Portions of these strains have been sequenced to further characterize the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to aprotinin variants having improved enzyme-inhibitory, immunological and pharmacokinetic properties and their preparation.

Abstract: A flocculent Saccharomyces cerevisae strain (BPSC-15) produces higher yields of ethanol in fermentations of fermentable sugar or fermentable starch/enzyme.

Abstract: The present invention provides a human polypeptide homolog of human tankyrase protein (THP) and polynucleotides which identify and encode THP. In addition, the invention provides expression vectors, host cells and methods for its production. The invention also provides methods for the identification of THP agonists/antagonists, useful for the treatment of human diseases, such as human cancer and age related diseases.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a plurality of yeast cells, wherein said plurality of yeast cells have been cultured in the presence of an alternating electric field having a specific frequency and a specific field strength for a period of time sufficient to substantially increase the capability of said plurality of yeast cells to suppress the growth of pathogenic microbes. Also included are methods of making such compositions.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a plurality of yeast cells, wherein said plurality of yeast cells have been cultured in the presence of an alternating electric field having a specific frequency and a specific field strength for a period of time sufficient to substantially increase the capability of said plurality of yeast cells to convert biologically available phosphorus in a culture medium into their own biomass. Also included are methods of making such compositions.

Abstract: A functional mammalian growth factor receptor/yeast histidine kinase chimera in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In a preferred embodiment, the extracellular domain of the human epidermal growth factor receptor has been fused to the intracellular kinase domain of the SLN1 gene. The SLN1 gene encodes the plasma membrane sensor kinase of the yeast high osmolarity/glycerol response MAP kinase pathway. The chimeric protein is almost completely nonfunctional because the EGFR ECD is not capable of dimerization in the absence of ligand. In the presence of ligand, however, the chimeric kinase is activated and phosphorylation through the pathway is quantitatively repressed. This measure of pathway activity can be utilized to identify agonists and antagonists of the EGFR and other tyrosine kinase growth factor receptors in yeast cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to aprotinin variants having improved enzyme-inhibitory, immunological and pharmacokinetic properties and their preparation.

Abstract: The present invention provides biological fertilizer compositions that comprise yeast cells and garbage. The yeast cells of the invention have an enhanced ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, decompose phosphorus minerals and compounds, decompose potassium minerals and compounds, decompose complex carbon compounds, overproduce growth factors, overproduce ATP, decompose undesirable chemicals, suppress growth of pathogenic microorganisms, or reduce undesirable odor. The biological fertilizer composition of the invention can replace mineral fertilizers in supplying nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to crop plants. Methods of manufacturing biological fertilizer compositions, and methods of uses are also encompassed.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a plurality of yeast cells, wherein said plurality of yeast cells have been cultured in the presence of an alternating electric field having a specific frequency and a specific field strength for a period of time sufficient to substantially increase the capability of said plurality of yeast cells to convert bio-available nitrogen in a culture medium into their own biomass. Also included are methods of making such compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the gene CYP76B1 of a cytochrome P450 which has been isolated from Helianthus tuberosus tuber. The expression of this gene in yeast has shown that it encoded an enzyme very actively catalysing the O-dealkylation of various exogenous molecules with a high efficiency, such as phenylureas. The expression of CYP76B1 is strongly induced in plants brought into contact with certain exogenous metals or organic compounds. This induction may be exploited for the detection of environmental pollutants. CYP76B1 can be also used to alter the resistance of plants sensitive to this family of herbicides and for soil and groundwater bioremedation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for stabilizing the flavor of a fermented malt beverage, most particularly a beer, by the addition of one or more inhibitors, blockers, reducing agents or binding agents that inactivate one or more Maillard reaction intermediates that induce staling of the flavor of fermented malt beverages. In preferred such methods, the agents used are reductase enzymes, especially aldehyde reductases, carbonyl reductases, aldose reductases, oxoaldehyde reductases and most particularly oxidoreductases produced by yeasts such as isozymes of Old Yellow Enzyme (e.g., OYE1, OYE2 and OYE3). The invention is also directed to the fermented malt beverage prepared by such a method, and to the use during the brewing process of reductase enzymes from naturally occurring sources, including those produced by yeasts, to stabilize the flavor of the resulting beer product and to produce a beer having a stable flavor.

Abstract: The invention relates to the preparation of baker's yeast having both freezing tolerance and drying tolerance, which comprises drying pressed raw yeast suitable to baking from frozen dough, and screening it for instant dry yeast not interfering with its aptitude for frozen dough. Using the instant dry yeast, prepared is an instant-type, dry yeast composition of which the yeast activity is lowered little in the baking process from frozen dough that comprises freezing and storing dough and thawing the frozen dough. When the dry yeast is mixed with side materials in preparing dough and the dough is frozen and stored for a certain period of time and thereafter thawed, it still maintains its good baking capabilities. The dry yeast has the significant advantage of maintaining its original baking capabilities even in frozen and thawed dough. In particular, strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae P-572, FERM BP-6148.

Abstract: The yeast, Saccharomyces boulardii, has been used to invent a non-toxic selenium-germanium yeast product. Culture growth conditions can influence the biosorbent selenium and germanium uptake capacity. The invention involves assimilation of selenium and germanium by the yeast under optimal conditions of incubation time, biomass concentration, reaction pH, reaction medium, and feed rate. This yeast can assimilate higher intracellular selenium and germanium by either a one-step continuous feed-batch fermentation or a two-step continuous and semi-continuous feed-batch fermentation. The invention additionally involves the novel germanium and selenium-containing yeast.

Abstract: The invention relates to low-molecular weight, metabolism-activating mixtures of active ingredients from yeast fungi of the order Saccharomycetes and is characterized in that they are obtained from yeasts of the said order of Saccharomycetes, which are cultivated for some hours at temperatures starting at 37° C., are heated to a maximum of 45° C. and, following cooling, are subsequently processed in a manner known per se.

Abstract: An improved method for reducing colony forming units bacteria in yeast is disclosed. The method involves contacting the yeast with a hop acid in an amount sufficient to give a final concentration of the hop acid of at least about 40 ppm.

Abstract: Disclosed are the dbp gene and dbp-derived nucleic acid segments from Borrelia burgdorferi, the etiological agent of Lyme disease, and DNA segments encoding dbp from related borrelias. Also disclosed are decorin binding protein compositions and methods of use. The DBP protein and antigenic epitopes derived therefrom are contemplated for use in the treatment of pathological Borrelia infections, and in particular, for use in the prevention of bacterial adhesion to decorin. DNA segments encoding these proteins and anti-(decorin binding protein) antibodies will also be of use in various screening, diagnostic and therapeutic applications including active and passive immunization and methods for the prevention of Borrelia colonization in an animal. These DNA segments and the peptides derived therefrom are contemplated for use in the preparation of vaccines and, also, for use as carrier proteins in vaccine formulations, and in the formulation of compositions for use in the prevention of Lyme disease.

Abstract: Mediating the effects of alcohol consumption by orally administering an active dry yeast containing alcohol dehydrogenase to a person prior to or simultaneously with consumption of an alcohol-containing beverage to oxidize a portion of the alcohol while it is still in the stomach of the person is described.

Abstract: The invention relates to multilayer tablets which are constructed of two, three or more layers, one layer containing probiotic microorganisms, while the other layers contain foodstuff ingredients valuable in nutritional physiology, such as vitamins, minerals, etc. The tablets are distinguished by a high stability or activity over a long period with respect to the microorganisms used and are thus very well suited for keeping in storage.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated yeast cells which comprise a mutation in an endogenous yeast CAV1 gene, which exhibit increased signaling via the pheromone response pathway. In a preferred embodiment, the cav1 mutant yeast cells of the invention also express a heterologous G protein coupled receptor that functionally couples to the pheromone response pathway. The instant yeast cells display enhanced sensitivity to ligand induced stimulation of heterologous G protein coupled receptors and, therefore, show improved properties in drug screening assays.

Abstract: The present invention solves the need for non-toxic forms of bioactive chromium which is an essential part of the human diet. This invention provides novel dried-yeast products containing chromium as well as a method of producing the dried yeast products. The method uses organochromium complexes comprised of trivalent chromium, nicotinate, and glycine having high Glucose Tolerance Factor chromium activity. The invention also provides nutritional supplements containing the novel chromium-containing dried-yeast products and methods of administering these products and supplements to increase glucose uptake and insulin binding.