Abstract: The present application relates to highly concentrated antibody and protein formulations with reduced viscosity that are stable, relatively isotonic and are of low turbidity. The formulations are particularly suitable for subcutaneous administration. The application further describes articles of manufacture containing such formulations and method for using them to treat disorders treatable by the formulated antibody or protein.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions useful in the diagnosis and management of autoimmune diseases. In particular, the present invention provides improved methods and compositions for the diagnosis and management of Graves' disease. The methods of the present invention not only avoids the need for radioactivity and are much simpler, economical, and rapid than methods traditionally used for the diagnosis of Graves' disease, but also improve upon the sensitivity and detection abilities of previous luciferase-based autoantibody detection assays.

Abstract: Methods are provided for reducing a level of one or more antibiotics from an antibiotic-contaminated substance. An organism that can utilize the one or more antibiotics as a carbon source is cultured in the presence of the antibiotic-contaminated substance for a sufficient amount of time to reduce the level of one or more antibiotics from the antibiotic-contaminated substance.

Abstract: A Capture Carbon Storage (CCS) Process for the economical capture of carbon dioxide from coal fuel gas, and the storage of the carbon dioxide as lipid oil or the use of the environmentally begin oil for transportation. The lipid oil may be refined into gasoline, biodiesel fuel, jet fuel, ethanol, and methane which provide a renewable energy resource for the United State's future energy needs. It is a new fuel form which has been both chemically and physically altered to reduce the emissions of carbon dioxide. It is a coal cleaning/upgrading process which produces a refined fuel, Hydrogen, that may be used to produce electricity and an environmentally begin biofuel for transportation. The renewable fuel will produce no carbon foot print at the internal combustion engine's exhaust pipe. The CCS Process will produce a 100% reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions into the atmosphere and thereby, stop the Global Warming.

Abstract: A system includes a UV light source and an optical medium coupled to receive UV light from the UV light source. The optical medium is configured to emit UV light proximate to a surface to be protected from biofouling. A method corresponds to the system.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions useful in the diagnosis and management of autoimmune diseases. In particular, the present invention provides improved methods and compositions for the diagnosis and management of Graves' disease. The methods of the present invention not only avoids the need for radioactivity and are much simpler, economical, and rapid than methods traditionally used for the diagnosis of Graves' disease, but also improve upon the sensitivity and detection abilities of previous luciferase-based autoantibody detection assays.

Abstract: The present application concerns concentrated protein formulations with reduced viscosity, which are particularly suitable for subcutaneous administration. The application further concerns a method for reducing the viscosity of concentrated protein formulations.

Abstract: Provided are a nitrite-type nitrification carrier and a method for producing the same and a method and an apparatus for removing nitrogen using the same, in which the quantity of organic matter to be added can be substantially reduced to reduce running cost. A method for producing a nitrite-type nitrification carrier in which ammonia-oxidizing bacteria for nitrifying ammonium to nitrite is preferentially accumulated comprises the steps of: entrapping and immobilizing any sludge selected from sediment from a lake, a river or the sea, soil from the surface of the earth, or activated sludge from a sewage-treatment plant into a monomer or a prepolymer for immobilizing microorganisms; and then subjecting the entrapped and immobilized sludge to heat treatment at 30 to 80° C.

Abstract: Provided are a nitrite-type nitrification carrier and a method for producing the same and a method and an apparatus for removing nitrogen using the same, in which the quantity of organic matter to be added can be substantially reduced to reduce running cost. A method for producing a nitrite-type nitrification carrier in which ammonia-oxidizing bacteria for nitrifying ammonium to nitrite is preferentially accumulated comprises the steps of: entrapping and immobilizing any sludge selected from sediment from a lake, a river or the sea, soil from the surface of the earth, or activated sludge from a sewage-treatment plant into a monomer or a prepolymer for immobilizing microorganisms; and then subjecting the entrapped and immobilized sludge to heat treatment at 30 to 80° C.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improving productivity of an enzymatic method for making esterified, transesterified or interesterified products. Specifically, a method that can greatly improve the productivity of enzymatic transesterification or esterification by deodorization alone, or by deodorization and purification of the initial substrate to extend the useful life of the enzyme is disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are a nitrite-type nitrification carrier and a method for producing the same and a method and an apparatus for removing nitrogen using the same, in which the quantity of organic matter to be added can be substantially reduced to reduce running cost. A method for producing a nitrite-type nitrification carrier in which ammonia-oxidizing bacteria for nitrifying ammonium to nitrite is preferentially accumulated comprises the steps of: entrapping and immobilizing any sludge selected from sediment from a lake, a river or the sea, soil from the surface of the earth, or activated sludge from a sewage-treatment plant into a monomer or a prepolymer for immobilizing microorganisms; and then subjecting the entrapped and immobilized sludge to heat treatment at 30 to 80° C.

Abstract: The development of an in vitro regeneration system that utilizes a plant growth regulator having cytokinin activity for the induction of de novo shoots or somatic embryos on explants of phytopharmaceutical plants is provided. Transfer of the regenerated shoots or somatic embryos into a solid or liquid medium with no plant growth regulators results in the rapid and prolific growth of viable plantlets. The method and its modifications are intended for application to all phytopharmaceutical plants, in particular St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum cv. Anthos), Huang-qin (Scutellaria baicalensis), Echinacea sp., Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium), garlic (Allium sp.) and the like. Furthermore, a process for the uptake of nutrients, minerals or additives from the growth medium and accumulation of these in the consumable biomass of plants, hereafter referred to as phytofortification, is also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of purification of Hepatitis A Virus from the supernatant of an infected cell culture and production of a preparation of purified HAV antigen. The present invention is also directed to an HAV vaccine composition comprising a preparation consisting of purified mature HAV particles in an amount sufficient to induce a protective immune response in a mammal.

Abstract: A method for separating and purifying HA-positive progenitor toxin(s) (LL and/or L toxins) and HA-negative progenitor toxin (M toxin) from a Clostridium botulinum strain is provided. The method comprises applying a liquid containing both the HA-positive progenitor toxin(s) and the HA-negative progenitor toxin to a lactose column. Also provided is a method for separating and purifying neurotoxin (7S toxin) from HA-positive progenitor toxins, which comprises treating HA-positive progenitor toxins with an alkaline buffer and then applying the resulting liquid containing dissociated neurotoxin and non-toxic components to a lactose column. Activated pure HA-positive toxins (L and LL toxins) and neurotoxin are obtained by simple procedures.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the detection of adult Taenia solium and the diagnosis and treatment of T. solium infection are described. The compositions contain one or more adult T. solium polypeptides. The polypeptides are useful as diagnostic agents for the detection of adult tapeworm infection. More preferably, the polypeptides are T. solium glycoprotein antigens referred to herein as T. solium excretory/secretory (TS/ES) polypeptides. The most preferred TS/ES polypeptide has a molecular weight of approximately 33 kDa, 38 kDa, or 42 kDa as determined by SDS-PAGE analysis.

Abstract: The present invention includes a process for extracting a stereoisomer fro biomass. The method comprises providing biomass and subjecting the biomass to substantially instantaneous pressurization and depressurization to separate cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin from the biomass. The hemicellulose is hydrolyzed to form hemicellulose hydrolysates. The hydrolysates are separated using chromatography.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for detecting and enumerating Campylobacter jejuni in an environmental sample. The present invention further provides a process which can distinguish antibiotic resistant strains of Campylobacter jejuni from wild-type strains, in particular, antibiotic-resistant strains resistant to high levels of ciprofloxacin. Both processes use PCR primers which flank a target sequence unique to Campylobacter jejuni in combination with one or more dual-labeled oligonucleotide probes complementary to the target sequence wherein the dual-labeled probes enable detection of PCR amplification by fluorescence detection means.

Abstract: This document describes an optical sensor unit and a procedure for the specific detection and identification of biomolecules at high sensitivity in real fluids and tissue homogenates. High detection limits are reached by the combination of i) label-free integrated optical detection of molecular interactions, ii) the use of specific bioconstituents for sensitive detection and iii) planar optical transducer surfaces appropriately engineered for suppression of non-specific binding, internal referencing and calibration. Applications include the detection of prion proteins and identification of those biomolecules which non-covalently interact with surface immobilized prion proteins and are intrinsically involved in the cause of prion related disease.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved method for the multi-parameter analysis of cells from peripheral blood or bone marrow. The method uses a nucleic acid dye, at least two fluorescently labelled monoclonal antibodies and at least two light scatter parameters to differentiate and discriminate between and among different cells in the blood or bone marrow.

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of a target nucleic acid sequence in a sample is provided. The method comprises subjecting the sample to an amplification reaction to obtain an amplification product where the target nucleic acid sequence is present using a set of nucleotides, at least one of which is fluorescently labelled. The amplification product is contacted with a probe under conditions in which the probe will hybridise to the target sequence. The probe comprises a reactive molecule which is capable of absorbing fluorescence energy from or donating fluorescent energy to the fluorescent labelled nucleotide. The fluorescence of the sample is monitored and related to the presence of the target nucleic acid sequence. The method can be used to quantitate the amount of target nucleic acid in the sample as well as to determine sequence characteristics. Kits for effecting the method are also provided.

Abstract: Target moiety is detected by (a) providing an antibody specific to the target, (b) saturating the binding sites of the antibody with a labelled form of the target, (c) flowing a liquid containing the target past the saturated antibody, thereby (d) allowing the target to displace the labelled antigen, and (e) detecting the displaced labelled antigen with a detector for the label.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates chromophore-containing polynucleotides having at least two donor chromophores operatively linked to the polynucleotide by linker arms, such that the chromophores are positioned by linkage along the length of the polynucleotide at a donor-donor transfer distance, and at least one fluorescing acceptor chromophore operatively linked to the polynucleotide by a linker arm, such that the fluorescing acceptor chromophore is positioned by linkage at a donor-acceptor transfer distance from at least one of the donor chromophores, to form a photonic structure for collecting photonic energy and transferring the energy to an acceptor chromophore, and methods using the photonic structures.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for removing fumarase activity from a microorganism or processed product thereof having ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid ethylenediamine lyase activity, which includes treating the microorganism or processed product thereof with an aqueous alkaline solution at a pH of 8.0 to 10.5 in the presence of at least one salt with a concentration of 5 mM to 1000 mM. The salt is preferably selected from the group consisting of sodium, potassium, ammonium and C.sub.2-6 alkanediamine salts of boric acid, phosphoric acid, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, acetic acid, oxalic acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid and ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A process for producing an amide compound is described, wherein from a nitrile compound, the corresponding amide compound is produced by the action of nitrile hydratase, characterized in that the hydrocyanic acid concentration in a composition containing the nitrile compound is reduced by a chemical process, and thereafter nitrile hydratase acts on the nitrile compound. According to the invention, the decrease of the activity of the enzyme nitrile hydratase can be effectively suppressed so that an amide compound can be effectively produced from a nitrile compound.

Abstract: Non-toxigenic strains of Aspergillus such as from the species Aspirgillus oryzae and Aspergillus sojae are useful fungal biocontrol agents for preventing toxin contamination in agricultural commodities, especially those for human consumption such as peanuts and corn. These strains do not produce aflatoxin, any bis-furan ring-containing intermediates of the aflatoxin biosynthetic pathway and cyclopiazonic acid. They are also useful for controlling toxin damage to crops such as cotton. The strains include Aspergillus strains NRRL 21368, NRRL 21369, NRRL 21882, NRRL 30038, NRRL 30039 and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a purification process of K-252a, which comprises:treating microorganism cells containing K-252a represented by formula (I): ##STR1## with an alkaline solution to convert K-252a into K-252b represented by formula (II): ##STR2## or alkali salts thereof, which are then released out of the cells, methylating K-252b or alkali salts thereof to convert them into K-252a again, andisolating and collecting the resulting K-252a.

Abstract: Methods of maintaining or providing sterile or specific pathogen free environments are disclosed. The methods involve the use of semi-permeable membrane materials between the sterile or pathogen free environment and surrounding potentially hostile environments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of imparting pathogen resistance to plants. This involves applying a hypersensitive response elicitor polypeptide or protein in a non-infectious form to a plant under conditions where the polypeptide or protein contacts cells of the plant. The present invention is also directed to a pathogen resistant plant and a composition for imparting pathogen resistance to plants.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates chromophore-containing polynucleotides having at least two donor chromophores operatively linked to the polynucleotide by linker arms, such that the chromophores are positioned by linkage along the length of the polynucleotide at a donor--donor transfer distance, and at least one fluorescing acceptor chromophore operatively linked to the polynucleotide by a linker arm, such that the fluorescing acceptor chromophore is positioned by linkage at a donor-acceptor transfer distance from at least one of the donor chromophores, to form a photonic structure for collecting photonic energy and transferring the energy to an acceptor chromophore, and methods using the photonic structures.

Abstract: A process recovers organic acid and ammonia from their salts preferably obtained from microbial fermentation of a saccharide in a nutrient. The fermented materials is passed through a nanofiltration or a chelating resin ion-exchange bed or a combination of both a nanofilter and a chelating resin ion-exchange bed in order to reduce divalent or multivalent metal contaminants. Then, the filtered material is processed in a multi compartment electrodialysis containing bipolar and anion membranes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the application of robotics to screen and optimize microorganisms for their bioremediation capabilities. In particular, the present invention provides methods to screen for the ability of microorganisms to metabolize particular compounds of interest in bioremediation applications. The present invention also provides a method for discovery of microorganisms useful for bioremediation and biomining, as well as other applications where microbial metabolism is useful for catalyzing chemical biotransformations.

Abstract: A plastic is recovered from microorganisms containing it by chemically solubilising non plastic material with an oxidising agent in the presence of a chelating agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for reducing the fouling of ion-selective membranes used in the electrodialytic purification of organic acids. More particularly, the present invention relates to the use of nanofiltration and chelating agents for removal of impurities from an organic acid-containing feed material to reduce the fouling of ion-selective membranes used in electrodialysis.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates methods of decontaminating human fluids prior to processing in the clinical laboratory. The techniques handle large volumes of human serum without impairing the testing results. Novel compounds for photodecontaminating biological material are also contemplated which are compatible with clinical testing, in that they do not interfere with serum analytes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of imparting pathogen resistance to plants. This involves applying a hypersensitive response elicitor polypeptide or protein in a non-infectious form to a plant under conditions where the polypeptide or protein contacts cells of the plant. The present invention is also directed to a pathogen resistant plant and a composition for imparting pathogen resistance to plants.

Abstract: A short process is disclosed for the production of citric acid in high yield and purity. Conidia of Aspergillus niger are cultured in an aqueous solution of decationized glucose syrup in a fermentation medium whose manganese(II) concentration is 2.5 to less than 20 parts per billion and whose pH value is about 1.5 to about 3.0. The fermentation medium is maintained for about 4-7 days to form citric acid and mycelia pellets in an aqueous product broth. That broth is filtered and then electrodialyzed to form a citric acid-containing aqueous broth. That broth is decolorized and ion-exchanged to remove color and inorganic ions and form an aqueous citric acid solution in which citric acid constitutes at least 98 percent of the organic acid present.

Abstract: A plant propagation system and method are provided for promoting the growth of plant tissue into small plantlets. The plant propagation system includes sealed, semipermeable membrane vessels for completely enclosing plant material therein. The sealed vessels generally are translucent and permeable to gases and liquids while remaining impermeable to biological contaminates. Plant tissue originally extracted from a parent plant can be placed within the sealed vessels and grown heterotrophically. Once the plant material has developed the capability to photosynthesize, the sealed vessels can be transferred to a greenhouse environment for photoautotrophic growth. Once in a greenhouse environment, the sealed vessels are supported in trays and exposed to light, gases, water and a liquid nutrient solution for optimizing growth. A central controller can be included in order to automate the system for controlling the flow of fluids in and out of the vessel support trays while also monitoring system conditions.

Abstract: A method of separating a hydrophobic fermentation product selected from the group consisting of lipase, esterase, endoxylanase and an antibiotic from a mixture comprising said product and contaminants which method comprises adding to the mixture sequentially(1) 0.5 to 15% (w/v) of a nonionic surfactant,(2) 0.5 to 60 mg of a flocculating agent per gram of said mixture,(3) 1 to 20% (w/v) of an extra nonionic surfactant,(4) a suitable K, Na, NH.sub.4 or Mg salt selected from the group of chlorides, sulfates, acetates, carbonates or phosphates, whereby the concentration of the salt is chosen so as to have the surfactant layer on top and is between 2 and 30%;to obtain a three phase product mixture, separating the product mixture into liquid-liquid-solid fractions and recovering the hydrophobic fermentation product.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for inhibiting the growth of filamentous microorganisms. The method includes the steps of adding effective amounts of a biocide and an enzyme. The enzyme of the present invention enhances the leakiness of the protective sheath around the filamentous microorganisms to allow the penetration of the biocide into the cells of the filamentous microorganisms.

Abstract: Anti-fungal and anti-microbial bacterial strains of Serratia are used in the preparation and preservation of animal feedstuffs made from forage. Bacterial strains of Serratia rubidaea are particularly useful for such purposes, and permit hay to be baled at higher moisture content. Mixtures of this strain with another anti-fungal bacterial, such as Bacillus subtilis, and/or lactic acid-producing bacterial strains, such as strains of Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, Enterococcus, Lactococcus and Pediococcus are used in the preparation and preservation of silage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for inhibiting the growth of filamentous microorganisms. The method includes the steps of adding effective amounts of a biocide and an enzyme. The enzyme of the present invention enhances the leakiness of the protective sheath around the filamentous microorganisms to allow the penetration of the biocide into the cells of the filamentous microorganisms.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions of particulate citric acid or an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salt thereof prepared by an improved method and an improved method of preparing a detergent builder composition. The method of preparing particulate citric acid or salts thereof involves spray granulating citric acid or a salt thereof from its partially purified fermentation broth to form granules which are freer flowing and less inclined to fracture than is citric acid or its salts prepared by crystallization techniques which properties render the material prepared by the present method suitable for handling in bulk. The same properties may be imparted to detergent builder compositions by adding detergent builders to the partially purified fermentation broth or by introducing a detergent builder solution into a fluidized bed reactor together with appropriate seed particles to thereby form granules which include such detergent builders.

Abstract: Novel methods and compositions for detecting a member of a ligand pair on solid supports having intrinsic fluorescence are disclosed. A target member of a ligand pair is contacted with a capture member of a ligand pair, wherein the capture member is immobilized on a solid support having intrinsic fluorescence, and the contacted pair is in association with a colorimetric reporter, then the solid support is irradiated the solid support, and the resultant fluorescence is determined. Preferably, methods include hybridization assays of nucleic acid sequences on such solid supports. The extent of detecting a member of a ligand pair, preferably a nucleic acid sequence, is determined using a method or technique described throughout this document as fluorescent quenching. Methods and compositions pertaining to solid supports having their intrinsic or natural fluorescence quenched or masked are also described herein. The present invention has utility in detection assays for a member of a ligand pair.

Abstract: A reagent for proteolytic enzyme assays has the general formula ##STR1## where RCO-- is an enzyme reactive acyl, such as an amino acid, peptide or substituted amino acid or peptide. The reagent may by hydrolyzed by proteolytic enzymes and developed to form a distinctive color. The reagent may be formed by reacting RCOOH with N-hydroxysuccinimide to form the acyl N-hydroxysuccinimide ester. The ester may then be reacted to form the reagent.

Abstract: A possible counterflow of a fermenting solution (8) from a fermentation tank (1) into a heating medium supply pipe (2), which counterflow may be caused by a pressure difference arising between the inner space (7) of the tank (1) and the pipe (2) after the supply of a heating medium is finished, is prevented by making the pressure difference disappear with a check valve (6) connected to the pipe (2) in the direction from the inner space (7) of the tank (1) to the pipe (2).

Abstract: A novel fungal strain of the species Ampelomyces quisqualis has been isolated and pure cultures thereof prepared. This novel strain is termed AQ10 and has CNCM Accession Number I-807, and was found to be a hyperparasite of the causative fungi of powdery mildew. Conidia obtained from this novel strain or mutants thereof may be formulated into phytological compositions and used effectively as a biocide for controlling powdery mildew infestations.

Abstract: A bacteriocin or polypeptide (LL-2 SEQ ID NO:2) derived from Lactococcus lactis subspecies lactis NRRL-B-18809 is described. Sequenced DNA and polypeptide precursor encoded thereby (SEQ ID NO: 1) are described. Methods of use and production of the polypeptide LL-2 are described.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved method for preparing a particulate citric acid or an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salt thereof. The method involves spray granulating citric acid or a salt thereof from its partially purified fermentation broth to form granules which are freer flowing and less inclined to fracture than is citric acid or its salts prepared by crystallization techniques which properties render the material prepared by the present method suitable for handling in bulk.

Abstract: Biocatalytic oxidative processes wherein oxidizable substrates are reacted with peroxides in the presence of a peroxidase such as soybean peroxidase or another legume peroxidase; an oxidative coupling reaction for producing phenolic resins; a method for the purification of peroxidase enzyme-containing extracts generally also are described.

Abstract: A process for pigments such as the treatment of proteinic solutions containing heminic groups or chlorophylls in view of their decolorization, and products thus obtained.The proteinic solution is subjected in a first step, to a slight enzymatic hydrolysis, preferably with acid pH pepsin, and the partially hydrolyzed solution is then brought to a temperature above 60.degree. C., at an acid pH between 2 and 4.