Abstract: It is intended to provide a noninvasive method of conveniently detecting mild impaired glucose tolerance and/or insulin hyposecretion at the early stage with the use of an enzyme. Namely, mild impaired glucose tolerance and/or insulin hyposecretion at the early stage are detected by quantifying myoinositol secreted into the urine before loading glucose and after loading glucose for a definite period of time with the use of a reagent and comparing the increase (or the increase ratio) in the myoinositol content thus measured with a characteristic level which has been preliminarily determined in normal subjects.

Abstract: The invention relates to a xylanase originating from a Bacillus strain. This xylanase is active over a wide range of acid and basic pH. The invention also relates to new strains of microorganisms producing this xylanase and to methods for preparing this xylanase. The invention also relates to a DNA molecule and to an expression vector or an integration vector containing this DNA molecule. The invention also relates to uses of the latter and to compositions containing it.

Abstract: A microorganism capable of degrading an estrogenic substance contained in wastewater and the like; a method for the simple and effective degradation of an estrogenic substance contained in domestic wastewater, wastewater discharged from a livestock farm, or the like by using the microorganism; and an apparatus for achieving the degradation are provided. An estrogenic substance-degrading microorganism which belongs to the genus Pseudaminobacter, Gordonia, Nocardia, Zoogloea, Pandoraea, Cryptococcus or Trichosporon and has an ability to degrade an estrogenic substance; a method for the degration of an estrogenic substance by using the microorganism; and an apparatus for achieving the degradation are provided.

Abstract: A recycling facility includes a receptacle for receiving the ammunition to be cleaned, a gas tank for receiving a pressurized gas and coupled to the receptacle, for supplying the pressurized gas to the receptacle, and a heater coupled between the gas tank and the receptacle, for preheating the pressurized gas before the pressurized gas flowing into the receptacle, and for melting and removing the TNT material from the ammunition. The receptacle includes a control valve coupled between the heater and the receptacle, and a control valve coupled between the heater and the gas tank. A collecting casing may be coupled to the receptacle, and coupled to the gas tank via a filter.

Abstract: A method of biotreating a solid material to remove an undesired compound using a nonstirred surface bioreactor is provided. According to the method, the surface of a plurality of coarse substrates is coated with a solid material to be biotreated to form a plurality of coated coarse substrates. The coarse substrates have a particle size greater than about 0.3 cm and the solid material to be biotreated has a particle size less than about 250 ?m. A nonstirred surface reactor is then formed by stacking the plurality of coated coarse substrates into a heap or placing the plurality of coated coarse substrates into a tank so that the void volume of the reactor is greater than or equal to about 25%. The solid material is biotreated in the surface bioreactor until the undesired compound in the solid material is degraded to a desired concentration.

Abstract: Method of modeling the biodegradation of hydrocarbons trapped in an oil reservoir or trap through the action of the bacterial population in an underlying aquifer.

Abstract: A 10,000 gallon sequencing batch reactor tank for the on-site bio-degradation of oily sludge. Bacteria already present in and adapted to oily sludge degrade the hydrocarbons found in oily sludge within two weeks from 20,000 ppm to less than 100 ppm. A degradation cycle requires 5 days. After five days a recirculation pump and aeration system are turned off and solids are allowed to settle to the bottom of the tank. An ultrafiltration unit connected to the tank requires approximately 16 hours to process the contents of the reactor tank.

Abstract: A process for the removal of mercury from coal prior to combustion is disclosed. The process is based on use of microorganisms to oxidize iron, sulfur and other species binding mercury within the coal, followed by volatilization of mercury by the microorganisms. The microorganisms are from a class of iron and/or sulfur oxidizing bacteria. The process involves contacting coal with the bacteria in a batch or continuous manner. The mercury is first solubilized from the coal, followed by microbial reduction to elemental mercury, which is stripped off by sparging gas and captured by a mercury recovery unit, giving mercury-free coal. The mercury can be recovered in pure form from the sorbents via additional processing.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method to isolate, separate, enrich or amplify a targeted nucleotide polymer such as mRNA through selective reverse transcription of the targeted polymer into cDNA from a sample comprising of chemically identical or similar polynucleotide polymers such as rRNA. The enrichment of the targeted nucleic acid such as mRNA is accomplished by blocking the reverse transcription of undesired rRNA while allowing unrestricted reverse transcription of the targeted polymer. The invention also embodies that the cleavage of the non-targeted nucleic acid such as rRNA bound to an oligonucleotide through enzymatic activity (RNase H).

Abstract: A novel gene isolated from Deschampsia antarctica coding for a lipase like protein is disclosed. A system for production of recombinant enzyme is also disclosed as well as uses for the enzyme.

Abstract: The present invention discloses mannosyl-glycoprotein endo-beta-N-acetylglucosamidase (E.C.3.2.1.96, endo-N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase acting on the di-N-acetylchitobiosyl part of N-linked glycans) from filamentous fungi such as Trichoderma reesei.

Abstract: The pack, made of biodegradable, hygienically non-stabilized, i.e. potentially unhealthy substrate, is placed into a space separated from the surrounding atmosphere and put through aerobic fermentation involving the step of exposing the whole volume of the pack at the same time to the temperature of 70°-80° C. for 30-60 min. With an advantage, the temperature of the pack is controlled during the fermentation by the amount of externally supplied air and by intensity of restacking of the pack. The product of the aerobic fermentation is hygienically stabilized, i.e. unobjectionable product, suitable for further processing without the necessity of any special hygienic means such-as composting or processing into fuel.

Abstract: A method of biotreating a solid material to remove an undesired compound using a nonstirred surface bioreactor is provided. According to the method, the surface of a plurality of coarse substrates is coated with a solid material to be biotreated to form a plurality of coated coarse substrates. The coarse substrates have a particle size greater than about 0.3 cm and the solid material to be biotreated has a particle size less than about 250 ?m. A nonstirred surface reactor is then formed by stacking the plurality of coated coarse substrates into a heap or placing the plurality of coated coarse substrates into a tank so that the void volume of the reactor is greater than or equal to about 25%. The solid material is biotreated in the surface bioreactor until the undesired compound in the solid material is degraded to a desired concentration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the treatment of waste with organic components, whereby in standardized method steps, various material solubilisers, for dissolving the organic material in a solvent and various reactors for carrying out a hydrolysis and/or a wet fermentation are used depending on the particle size and suitable solubilisers and reactors. A suitable waste treatment plant is also disclosed.

Abstract: Liquid chemical compositions are disclosed for anaerobic biodegradation, detoxification, and transformation of toxic organic and inorganic compounds in a contaminated geologic media under reducing conditions, including, but not limited to, denitrifying, manganese-reducing, iron-reducing and sulfate-reducing conditions. One such liquid chemical composition includes sodium nitrate in the range of one-fifth (0.2) to four (4) pounds per gallon of the chemical composition; sodium hexametaphosphate or other biologically hydrolyzable ring or linear polyphosphate in the range of one twentieth (0.05) to five (5) pounds per gallon of the chemical composition; a surfactant in the range of 0.01% to 10% by volume of the chemical composition; and a diluent in the form of water.

Abstract: Methods for inhibiting chlorine dioxide associated corrosion in industrial equipment by treating industrial equipment (e.g., pipes, washers and other metallic, e.g., stainless steel surfaces) or process streams in contact with industrial equipment with one or more haloperoxidases, preferably, a chloroperoxidase, in an amount effective to reduce chlorine dioxide associated corrosion.

Abstract: Compositions of vinyl acetate polymers such as polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) are rendered compostable by a monomeric adduct of an organotitanate or zirconate as a prodegradant. PVAc sheets and composites are compostable in landfills.

Abstract: A microbiological culture for triggering microbiological processes in bodies of water, soils, sediments, and/or muds contains chemo-lithoautotrophic bacteria that are immobilized. The bacteria are immobilized in a matrix having the form of capsules, gels, or gel spheres. The matrix material is selected from a wide range of natural and synthetic polymers.

Abstract: A lytic virus specific for a target strain of a microorganism and substantially free of undesirable genes may be utilized in processes including control of populations of microorganisms. The virus may include a host-range mutant, or “h-mutant.” A method for generating virus includes growing virus-resistant variants of a target strain of a microorganism in the presence of viruses that are specific for the target strain. Only h-mutant viruses will proliferate. Wild-type virus-resistant and virus-resistant variants of a microorganism are also disclosed, as are methods generating such variants. Methods for controlling target strain microorganisms include introducing virus into a treatment site where control of a population of a target strain microorganism is desired or introducing virus-resistant variants of a microorganism into treatment sites where the presence of the microorganism is desired.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel hyperthermophile, in particular, to a hyperthermophile belonging to a novel genus isolated from compost by fermenting organic wastes at a temperature of 85° C. or more which is capable of growing at 80° C. or more (Caldothrix satsumae). The hyperthermophile of the present invention does not multiply at 50° C. or below, but grows and multiplies vigorously at 70 to 85° C. It is non-spore forming, gram-negative, and an absolutely aerobic rod. The hyperthermophile is useful as a fermenting microbe when organic wastes are fermented at high temperatures to produce compost. Further the hyperthermopile can be utilized for the production of heat resistant enzymes.

Abstract: The invention publishes a reactor and method for the culture, biooxidation of cations in solution and/or large-scale propagation of jointly isolated microorganisms, with or without native microorganisms that are useful in sulfide metal ore bioleaching. The invention particularly publishes a reactor for the large-scale culture and/or propagation of an association of Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans Licanantay DSM 17318 isolated microorganisms jointly with Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans Wenelen DSM 16786 with or without the presence of other microorganisms.

Abstract: The invention publishes the use of mining products and sub-products that contain pyrite, such as copper concentrates, and waste from the process in which these concentrates are obtained, known as scavenger tail, as an energy source for the large-scale culture of an association of microorganisms that are useful for ore bioleaching, and that includes both isolated microorganisms, and native microorganisms from the worked ores. In particular, the invention publishes the use of mining waste known as scavenger tail from the flotation process, in the culture of an association of isolated microorganisms of the Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans y Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans type together, with or without other native microorganisms from the worked ores.

Abstract: This invention is a system and method for bioremediation of hydrocarbon and organic pollution in fresh and salt water. Hydrocarbon and organic pollution digesting microbes are placed in a floating carrier where the microorganisms are exposed to the pollution and the pollution is digested. The floating element may be a block of polymeric foam. The microbes may be supported on powder such as clay minerals, and the powder may be formed into pellets held in slits in the foam.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for remediating sulfur-containing pollutants with a hydrocarbon that is used to stimulate the growth of hydrocarbon-utilizing bacteria. The hydrocarbon is preferably an alkane such as butane. The sulfur-containing pollutant may comprise sulfate, sulfite, sulfide, disulfides, mercaptans, alkanesulfonates, dialkyl sulfides, thiosulfate, thiofurans, thiocyanates, isothiocyanates, thioureas, thiols, thiophenols, thioethers, thiophene, tetrathionate, dithionite, dialkyl disulfides, sulfones, sulfoxides, sulfolanes, sulfonic acid, dimethylsulfoniopropionate, sulfonic esters, hydrogen sulfide, sulfate esters, sulfur dioxide and any other sour gases, elemental sulfur and any other sulfur-containing material considered to be a contaminant or pollutant.

Abstract: A microorganism which belongs to the genus Rhizobium and has the ability of degrading an aromatic polyester, and a method of degrading an aromatic polyester by using the microorganism. According to this method, the aromatic polyester can be degraded safely and relatively swiftly at a low cost.

Abstract: A method is disclosed relating to the treatment of a hydrocarbon well, which method comprises administering down a bore hole thermophilic microorganisms capable of generating a well treatment chemical, in particular wherein the bore hole is a producer bore hole and the well treatment chemical is a peptide such as polyAsp; further aspects include thermophilic microorganisms which have been genetically engineered to produce a well treatment chemical and bioreactors in which microorganisms generate well treatment chemicals for application to a down hole environment.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method of efficiently leaching copper from copper sulfide ores containing chalcopyrite at room temperature. A method of recovering copper from copper sulfide ores, characterized by comprising: using a sulfuric acid solution having a chloride ion concentration adjusted to 6 g/L or more but less than 18 g/L and a pH adjusted to 1.6 or more but less than 2.5 as a leaching solution; and carrying out copper leaching with the addition of a chloride ion-resistant sulfur-oxidizing bacterium to the leaching solution, when recovering copper from copper sulfide ores containing chalcopyrite, is provided.

Abstract: Integrated systems including a photobioreactor system designed to contain a liquid medium comprising at least one species of phototrophic organism therein, and a facility associated with extracting and/or processing oil extracted from mixtures of oil and solid material, such as an oil sands facility, are described. Processes for using a photobioreactor system as part of a gas-treatment process and system able to at least partially remove certain undesirable pollutants from a byproduct gas stream produced by an oil sands facility are also described. Examples of such pollutants that may be removed include compounds contained within combustion gases, e.g., CO2 and/or NOx. These pollutants processed with the photobioreactor system, and, in some embodiments, biomass produced with the photobioreactor system may be utilized to produce a fuel source (e.g., biodiesel) and cutting stock for further operation of or use in the oil sands facility.

Abstract: This invention is referred to a new bacterial strain of Bacillus sp., to be applied in a metal biosorption process, which was deposited in the Agricultural Research Culture Collection (NRRL) International Depositary Authority, 1815 N. University Street, Peoria Ill. 61604, USA, having an accession number NRRL-B-30881. It is described, also, a sporulated and non-sporulated industrial inoculant of said bacterium, a method to produce said inoculant, and a process to remove metals by said bacterium.

Abstract: A multi-stage process and system for treating organic waste materials includes steps of hydrolyzing the materials in an anaerobic vessel, transferring the liquid product of hydrolysis to an anaerobic digester, and further decomposing the waste materials under aerobic conditions to yield a compost product usable as a soil amendment. Biogas produced by digestion of the hydrolysis liquid product may be burned to generate electricity or heat, and the liquid digester product may be recirculated for use as an inoculant to aid hydrolysis of subsequently processed batches of waste materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides in one aspect for a method for controlling odor associated with spills of organic material which can cause odors on carpets. The method comprises applying to the carpet a preparation of dormant bacteria, which when activated are effective to control odors. The dormant bacterial preparation is allowed to become associated with the carpet, such that when the carpet is exposed to organic material which can cause odors, the bacteria are capable of becoming active and digesting the organic material. The formulation may contain other agents such as odor neutralizing or masking agents, enzymes, foaming or anti-foaming agents.

Abstract: Methods for reducing or inhibiting deposition on or within press felts to increase the effective life of the press felt and reduce or eliminate the need for batch cleaning are disclosed. The methods disclosed treat press felt while paper is being produced with compositions containing at least one enzyme. Additionally, the enzymes can be applied in combination with other non-enzymatic felt conditioning products either by blending and applying at the same application point or by applying the enzyme and the non-enzymatic felt conditioning product at two different locations along the felt. The treatments are applied continuously or intermittently.

Abstract: A process for rendering a polyamine-epihalohydrin resin storage stable, is described. The process entails treating a polyamine-epihalohydrin resin composition, where the resin is formed in a reaction having a molar ratio of epihalohydrin to secondary amine group of less than about 0.5 and where the composition has a solids content of at least 15 wt % and includes CPD-forming species, with at least one enzymatic agent under conditions to inhibit, reduce or remove the CPD-forming species to obtain a gelation storage stable reduced CPD-forming resin so that the composition containing the reduced CPD-forming polyamine-epihalohydrin resin when stored for 24 hours at 50° C. and a pH of about 1.0 releases less than about 100 ppm dry basis of CPD.

Abstract: A transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) agent is inactivated by exposing the TSE agent to a thermostable proteolytic enzyme at elevated temperature and at acid or alkaline pH. Following this step, or separately, presence of TSE infectivity is detected by detection of dimers of prion protein.

Abstract: Recombinant fragments of Factor C are disclosed. These proteins and peptides show great potency in recognizing, binding to, neutralizing and removing endotoxin. These molecules can thus be used for anti-microbial, anti-endotoxin, and anti-sepsis therapy. SSCrFCES is a 38 kDa protein representing the LPS-binding domain of Factor C. The ability of SSCrFCES to bind lipid A was analyzed using an ELISA-based assay as well as surface plasmon resonance. Surface plasmon resonance similarly carried out for SSCrFC-sushi-1,2,3-GFP, SSCrFC-sushi-1GFP, and SSCrFC-sushi-3GFP confirmed their superior affinity for endotoxin. The 50% endotoxin-neutralizing concentration of SSCrFCES against 200 EU of endotoxin is 0.069 ?M, suggesting that SSCrFCES is an effective inhibitor of LAL coagulation cascade. Although partially attenuated by human serum, as low as 1 ?M of SSCrFCES inhibits the LPS-induced secretion of hTNF-? and hIL-8 by THP-1 and human pheripheral blood mononuclear cells with a potency more superior than polymyxin B.

Abstract: A thermostable glycosidase enzymes derived from various Thermococcus, Staphylothermus and Pyrococcus organisms is disclosed. The enzymes are produced from native or recombinant host cells and can be utilized in the food processing industry, pharmaceutical industry and in the textile industry, detergent industry and in the baking industry.

Abstract: The invention relates to glycosidases and to polynucleotides encoding the glycosidases. In addition methods of designing new glycosidases and method of use thereof are also provided. The glycosidases have increased activity and stability at increased pH and temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pectate lyases comprising the amino acid sequence Asn Leu Asn Ser Arg Val Pro (NLNSRVP) (amino acids 236-242 of SEQ ID NO: 2) belonging to Family 1 of polysaccharide lyases have good performance in industrial processes under neutral or alkaline conditions such as laundering and textile processing. The pectate lyase may be derivable from Bacillus species.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a yeast which is tolerant to copper and which can incorporate copper at a high concentration, and also a method of removing or recovering copper from extracellular solution. The present invention is copper-tolerant yeast and the pectinases produced by the yeast. Particularly, the present invention is copper-tolerant yeast Cryptococcus sp. N6 strain isolated from deep-sea sediments and the pectinases produced by the yeast.

Abstract: A method for killing or inactivating spores, by contacting the spores with a haloperoxidase, a source of hydrogen peroxide and a source of iodide ions. The spores may additionally be contacted with a haloperoxidase enhancing agent.

Abstract: This method facilitates the cost effective treatment of liquid, hazardous, and solid waste in a landfill or composting site or any other containment facility. The ability to distribute the oxygen to the waste, facilitate aerobic degradation, and remove the spent waste are the focal points of the process. This invention can digest any size landfill or treat any size green waste pile. Waste moisture content is increased, eliminating fires and the aerobic degradation halts the production of harmful greenhouse gases and odors. Liquid is oxygen-supplemented and added to the waste to maintain aerobic degradation. Temperature increases with the availability of the dissolved and released oxygen. The bacteria break down the solids and liquid waste. The digested material is available for release, cover or agricultural uses. Facility space is recovered, odors are minimized, and environmental risk is minimized.

Abstract: Unhydrolyzed and hydrolyzed jojoba protein having high simmondsin concentration are provided. These jojoba proteins may be in the form of an aqueous dispersion containing a mixture of amino acids, peptides, and/or protein fractions derived from the extraction and hydrolysis of naturally occurring jojoba protein, or dried into a powder.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel microorganisms that directly biodegrade polylactide resins and plastics containing the same as well as a method therefor. Specifically, the present invention provides a method for degrading polylactide resins, wherein the polylactide resins are degraded by an actinomycete belonging to the genus Saccharothrix, Streptoalloteichus, Kibdelosporangium, Lentzea, Actinokineospora, Saccharomonospora, Saccharopolyspora, or Actinopolyspora.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a near-universal non-corrosive, non-toxic, environmentally safe and user friendly decontaminant capable of detoxifying organophosphorus (OP)-based G-type, V-type neurotoxic chemical warfare, sulfur-mustard, and related OP based hazardous industrial materials in a dry powder form. The decontaminant contains OPH enzyme, OPAA enzyme, DFPase enzyme, dehalogenase enzyme, quaternary ammonium salt, a pH control reagent, a fire-fighting agent, and a foaming agent. The decontaminant is mixed with available water for use.

Abstract: The invention includes methods for (1) extracting metals from soil by the use of plants that extract and accumulate the metal and adding bacteria to the soil that enhances the ability of the plants to extract the metal, and (2) preparing soil for extraction of a metal by plants by adding bacteria to the soil that enhances the ability of plants to extract the metal. It is preferred that the plants be planted in the soil as seeds and that the bacteria added to the soil is also added to the seeds prior to planting.

Abstract: An organic waste material treatment process comprising subjecting the organic waste material to conditions under which anaerobic digestion occurs followed by conditions under which aerobic composting occurs. Preferably, the organic waste material is pre-conditioned before anaerobic digestion by subjecting the organic waste material to aerobic composting conditions to facilitate a rise in temperature of the organic waste material. The treatment process is conducted in a single vessel, wherein air and water are evenly distributed to the contents of the vessel. A plurality of vessels may be interconnected, such that water may be extracted from one vessel, whose contents have undergone anaerobic digestion, then recirculated to an interconnected vessel to facilitate conditions for anaerobic digestion of the contents of the interconnected vessel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel process of neutralizing textile industrial wastewater by a bacterial strain isolated in India. The isolated bacterial strain is capable to bring down the pH of wastewater from 12.00 to 7.00 units within two hours. The neutralization of alkaline textile industrial wastewater by such biotechnological process is highly effective and economical as compared to conventional neutralization by chemical means. This biotechnological process may find wide commercial application in textile industries emanating alkaline wastewater.

Abstract: Processes for rendering a polyamine-epihalohydrin resin storage stable, including processes that prepare a storage stable resin and/or processes that treat resins. A composition containing a polyamine-epihalohydrin resin which includes CPD-forming species can be treated with at least one agent under conditions to at least one of inhibit, reduce and remove the CPD-forming species to obtain a reduced CPD-forming resin so that a composition containing the reduced CPD-forming polyamine-epihalohydrin resin when stored for 2 weeks at 50° C., and a pH of about 2.5 to 3.5 contains less than about 250 ppm dry basis of CPD. The invention is also directed to a gelation storage stable reduced CPD-forming resin so that a composition containing the reduced CPD-forming polyamine-epihalohydrin resin, when stored at pH 1 for 24 hours at 50° C. and measured at 24 hours, produces less than about 1000 ppm dry basis of CPD.

Abstract: This invention is a system and method for bioremediation of hydrocarbon and organic pollution in fresh and salt water. Hydrocarbon and organic pollution digesting microbes are placed in a floating carrier where the microorganisms are exposed to the pollution and the pollution is digested. The floating element may be a block of polymeric foam. The microbes may be supported on powder such as clay minerals, and the powder may be formed into pellets held in slits in the foam.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a process for decomposing vegetable waste materials easily, which solves problems such as the problem of treatment costs, the problem of energy, an environmental problem and the problem of time for treatment which are difficult to be solved by prior art. The present invention provides an agent for decomposing plant fibrous materials, which contains plant fibrous materials decomposing enzymes derived from a microorganism, but not the microorganism. In addition, the present invention provides a process for treating vegetable waste materials comprising allowing the agent for decomposing plant fibrous materials to act on vegetable waste materials.