Abstract: Substantial degradation of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) mixtures is carried out using the white rot fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium, under nutrient, carbon and nitrogen source rich, non-ligninolytic conditions. The PCBs with various numbers of ortho, meta, and para chlorines were extensively degraded, indicating relative nonspecificity for the position of chlorine substitutions on the biphenyl ring. Maximal degradation of PCBs in a mixture was observed in malt extract medium (18.4% on a molar basis), in which most of the individual PCBs were degraded.

Abstract: Sprouting in stored potatoes is suppressed with sprout control agents of bacterial origin. These agents are typically applied to the potato surfaces as whole culture broths and they prevent softening and necrosis of the tuber. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, selected isolates also have the secondary effect of Fusarium dry rot control.

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: This invention relates generally to in vitro methods for inducing or enhancing expression of enteric bacterial antigens and/or virulence factors thereby producing antigenically enhanced enteric bacteria, to methods for using antigenically enhanced enteric bacteria and to vaccines comprising antigenically enhanced enteric bacteria. A Shigella bacterium having enhanced antigenic property is disclosed. A culture medium useful for culturing the Shigella comprises 0.05% to 3% bile or 0.025% to 0.6% of one or more bile acids or salts. In addition a divalent cation chelator can also be included in the culture medium. The bacteria culture is in a growth phase at early log phase and between early log phase and stationary phase. The enhanced antigenic property is a higher level of an immunogenic antigen when compared to the antigenic property of the same bacteria grown on brain heart infusion broth. Also, antibodies to Shigella bacteria or Shigella bacteria in samples are detected by immunoassays.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bacterial microorganism, Ochrobactrum anthropi, having the ability to degrade or detoxify moniliformin or structurally related mycotoxins. The present invention further provides a method for detoxification of grain pre- or post-harvest using Ochrobactrum anthropi having the ability to degrade or detoxify moniliformin or derivatives or analogs of moniliformin.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process of decontaminating, by composting under specific conditions, soil and/or sediments containing toxic contaminants of PCB. The process is carried out by converting the contaminants into harmless materials. The process includes the step of affecting a solid compost mixture during composting with a redox potential below negative 200 mV (millivolts). Further, the process includes several steps which are repeated until complete degradation is achieved. Other processes for degrading compounds such as chlordane, dieldrin, toxaphene, aldrin, endrin, and heptachlorepoxide as well as polychlorinated benzenes are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses enzymes having xylanase activity. The xylanases are characterized in that they are active at a temperature of 80.degree. C. or higher. The enzymes are obtainable from anaerobic thermophilic bacteria. The enzymes are suited for use in paper and pulp production processes. The invention also describes cloning and expression of genes having xylanase activity obtained from the deposited strains.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for removing perchlorate and/or nitrate from contaminated material utilizing perc1ace bacteria under anaerobic conditions. Perc1ace is a gram-negative, curved rod, facultative anaerobe which is deposited with the American Type Culture Collection under ATCC No. 202172. Perc1ace may be used as a substitute for anaerobic bacteria which are presently being used in biological systems for removing perchlorate and/or nitrate from water and other contaminated materials, such as soil.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to in vitro methods for inducing or enhancing expression of enteric bacterial antigens and/or virulence factors thereby producing antigenically enhanced enteric bacteria, to methods for using antigenically enhanced enteric bacteria and to vaccines comprising antigenically enhanced enteric bacteria. A Campylobacter bacterium having enhanced antigenic property is disclosed. A culture medium useful for culturing the Campylobacteria comprises 0.05% to 3% bile or 0.025% to 0.6% of one or more bile acids or salts. In addition a divalent cation chelator can also be included in the culture medium. The bacteria culture is in a growth phase at early log phase and between early log phase and stationary phase. The enhanced antigenic property is a higher level of an immunogenic antigen when compared to the antigenic property of the same bacteria grown on brain heart infusion broth. Also, antibodies to Campylobacter bacteria or Campylobacteria in samples are detected by immunoassays.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid compounds encoding HI1146 of Streptococcus pneumoniae. Also provided are vectors and transformed host cells for expressing the encoded protein, and a method for identifying compounds that bind and/or inhibit said protein.

Abstract: A novel process for the fermentation of phytosterol compositions to androstenedione (androst-4-ene-3,17-dione, AD) and/or androstadienedione (androsta-1,4-diene-3,17-dione, ADD) is disclosed. The process utilizes the micro-organism Mycobacterium MB 3683, and selected suitable solubilizing agents such as polypropylene glycol or silicone for solubilizing the phytosterol compositions at high concentrations in the nutrient medium. The innoculum of Mycobacterium MB 3683 is grown in a nutrient medium comprising Refiners molasses and inorganic salts.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid compounds encoding Era of Streptococcus pneumoniae. Also provided are vectors and transformed host cells for expressing the encoded protein, and a method for identifying compounds that bind and/or inhibit said protein.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid compounds encoding dpj of Streptococcus pneumoniae. Also provided are vectors and transformed host cells for expressing the encoded protein, and a method for identifying compounds that bind and/or inhibit said protein.

Abstract: A process for the enzymatic production of vitamin B.sub.6 which includes incubating 1-deoxy-D-threo-pentulose and 4-hydroxy-L-threonine with an enzyme system that is cell free or essentially cell free and prepared from the cells of a microorganism belonging to the genus Rhizobium, Sinorhizobium, Flavobacterium, Chryseobacterium, Lactobacillus, Arthrobacter, Bacillus, Klebsiella, Escherichia, Pseudomonas, Stenotrophomonas, Enterobacter, Serratia, Corynebacterium, Brevibacterium, Exiguobacterium, Saccharomyces, Yamadazyma, Pichia or Candida, in the presence of NADP.sup.+, NAD.sup.+, ATP. Manganese and magnesium ions stimulate the above reaction. This process affords high yields of vitamin B.sub.6, a vitamin essential for the nutrition of animals, plants and microorganisms, and which is also useful as a medicine or food additive. In addition, an enzyme reaction system for producing vitamin B.sub.6 and a process for making the enzyme reaction system are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for enhanced bioremediation of hydrocarbons removed from a contaminated object comprising: (a) a basin for cleansing said hydrocarbon-contaminated object, said basin having a means for introducing a recycling bioremediating cleaning solution (NATURES WAY PC.TM.) for washing said object, a means for draining said solution from said basin into a biochamber reservoir and a means for screening particles from said solution upon entry into said reservoir; and (b) said reservoir having a means for temperature control between 90.degree. to 112.degree. F., means for aerating said solution, means for agitating said solution, an outlet means to a plurality of filters for filtering said solution, an inlet means from said filters and means for removing filtered sediments.

Abstract: Methods using in vitro processes are disclosed for inducing or enhancing expression of enteric bacterial antigens or virulence factors. The methods, therefore, produce antigenically enhanced enteric bacteria. Also methods for using the antigenically enhanced bacteria are also disclosed, as well as vaccines containing the enteric bacteria. Specifically a whole enteric bacterium or components thereof are provided by Helicobacter species. Also there are other enteric bacteria which are useful for the disclosed invention; such as Campylobacter jejuni.

Abstract: The present invention relates to growing and testing microorganisms in a multitest format which utilizes a gel forming matrix for the rapid screening of clinical and environmental cultures. The present invention is suited for the characterization of commonly encountered microorganisms (e.g., E. coli, S. aureus, etc.), as well as commercially and industrially important organisms from various and diverse environments (e.g., the present invention is particularly suited for the growth and characterization of the actinomycetes and fungi). The present invention is also particularly suited for comparative analysis of phenotypic differences between cell types, including strains of microorganisms that have been designated as the same genus and species, as well as other cell types (e.g., mammalian, insect, and plant cells).

Abstract: A process for preparing .alpha.-hydroxy acids represented by the general formula (II): RCH(OH)COOH (wherein R represents a hydrogen atom, an optionally substituted C1-C6 alkyl group, an optionally substituted C2-C6 alkenyl group, an optionally substituted C1-C6 alkoxy group, an optionally substituted aryl group, an optionally substituted aryloxy group, or an optionally substituted heterocyclic group) by allowing a microorganism to act on .alpha.-hydroxy nitriles (I): RCH(OH)CN (wherein R is as defined above) to hydrolyze and convert the .alpha.-hydroxy nitrites to .alpha.-hydroxy acids (II), wherein the .alpha.-hydroxy acids (II) are produced and accumulated in an aqueous solvent by a microorganism having the concentration resistance to the .alpha.-hydroxy nitrites (I) and/or .alpha.-hydroxy acids (II) and durability preferably in the presence of a cyanide, and harvested. According to this process, the use of the microorganism having the concentration resistance to the .alpha.-hydroxy nitriles (I) and/or .

Abstract: A process of decontaminating soil containing pentachlorophenol (PCP) contaminant comprising admixing an organic nutrient material into soil in an amount of about 10% to 95% by weight of the soil mixture. The soil mixture forms a compost mixture. Composting the compost mixture at a temperature in the range of 20 to 65 degrees celsius. The water content of the compost mixture is maintained in a range of 40% to 100% water holding capacity (WHC). The redox potential level during the composting is below negative 200 mV to achieve partial degradation of the PCP contaminant. After composting, the compost mixture is oxygenated to raise the redox potential to positive 100 mV to further degrade the contaminant; and the steps are repeated until the PCP contaminant is present in an amount less than 140 ppm per ton of soil. The organic nutrient material comprises agricultural waste and municipal waste.

Abstract: Bacterial complexes are provided which may be used in the digestion and decomposition of residues of biological origin in the form of biomass, and the transformation of these residues into non-polluting organic compounds. Also provided are the applications of these bacterial complexes to the treatment of waste of biological origin such as excrement (pig, ruminent, equid, or poultry litter), liquid manures, corpses, and stagnant waters. In these applications, this waste is converted into compost or other stable, biodegradable, and non-polluting nitrogenous compounds. The bacterial complexes essentially contain at least one non-pathogenic Bacillus and at least one non-pathogenic Lactobacillus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of cellulosic material which comprises culturing a cellulose-producing bacterium while maintaining the internal pressure within the fermentation tank at about 1.1 kg/cm.sup.2 A or more, preferably at about 1.2 kg/cm.sup.2 A or more, more preferably at about 1.5 kg/cm.sup.2 A or more, generally in the later stage of the cultivation (the growth decline phase and stationary phase), namely, at the stage where a concentration of the cellulosic material in a culture medium reaches about 10 g/L or more, preferably about 12 g/L or more; at the culturing stage where an apparent density of the culture medium at 10 rad/s or 1 l/s reaches about 10 Pa.s or more; at the culturing stage where the K value (consistency index) reaches about 10 Pa.s.sup.n or more considering that rheology follows the Power law model; or at the stage where the oxygen-demand of the culture medium reaches about 35 mmol/L.hr or more.

Abstract: A process for remedying an environment contaminated with an aliphatic organochlorine compound which includes the use of Pseudomonas cepacia strain KK01 (FERM BP-4235) or Corynebacterium species (FERM BP 5102) and Renobacter species (FERM BP-5353). The first two microorganisms are capable of introducing an oxygen atom into the aliphatic organochlorine compound in order to convert the aliphatic compound to an epoxide. During protonization the epoxide is converted into a chlorinated organic acid. Renobacter species strain FERM BP-5353 decomposes chlorinated organic acids to substances naturally existing in nature. The chlorinated and/or halogenated acids include chloroacetic acid, dichloroacetic acid, trichloroacetic acid and dichloropropionic acid, etc. The polluted environments in which the processes may be carried out include the soil, ground water and waste water.

Abstract: A method is provided for enhancing oxidation of methyl bromide during agricultural fumigations of fields using a fumigant containing methyl bromide. The method comprises adding a methylotrophic bacterium to the soil in an amount effective to provide bacterial oxidation of the methyl bromide. The bacterium preferably comprises a bacterium isolated from agricultural soil, and, in a specific embodiment, comprises a 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequence in the Alpha subgroup of Proteobacteria designated strain IMB-1 (ATCC 202197). The fumigant also includes chloropicrin in an amount reduced to a level which permits said bacterial oxidation but while still enables the chloropicrin to serve as a warning agent for excessive release of methyl bromide from the soil. The soil can be pretreated with methyl iodide. The bacterium is applied to the soil as freeze-dried bacterial cells during the fumigation operation.

Abstract: A media additive for the promotion of the growth of anaerobic and aerobic bacteria is presented. The additive comprises lyophilized microorganisms exposed to ionizing radiation. The microorganisms are Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Escherichia coli ATCC 110303. Such microorganisms are incapable of multiplication, yet retain many of their metabolic pathways, enzymes, and biologically active compounds, permitting them to be utilized by the bacteria to be cultured.

Abstract: A bacterium strain JM1 (FERM BP-5352) capable of degrading organic compounds without inducers is disclosed. Further, methods for degrading organic compounds and remedying an environment using the bacterium strain are also disclosed. The microorganism is brought into contact with the environment under conditions which stimulates the organism to degrade the organic compounds and thus, remedying the environment of pollutants. A kit and method for selectively detecting the strain expressing oxygenase from a sample containing strain J1 FERM BP-5102 is also disclosed. The latter strain expresses oxygenase when induced, however, strain JM1 FERM BP-5352 does not require induction. In addition, a process for obtaining strain JM1 FERM BP-5352 is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process of decontaminating, by composting under specific conditions, soil and/or sediments containing toxic contaminants of TNT, HMX and RDX. The process is carried out by converting the contaminants into harmless materials. The process includes the step of affecting a solid compost mixture during composting with a redox potential below negative 200 mV (millivolts). Further, the process includes several steps which are repeated until complete degradation is achieved. Other processes for degrading compounds such as chlordane, dieldrin, toxaphene, aldrin, endrin, and heptachlorepoxide as well as polychlorinated benzenes are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a novel process for directly producing N-acetyl-D-glucosamine from chitin. More particularly, this invention pertains to a novel process for producing N-acetyl-D-glucosamine utilizing an ensemble of the chitinase family of enzymes to hydrolyze chitin of crustacea shells. The invention includes a process for producing N-acetyl-D-glucosamine by enzymatically hydrolyzing chitin with an ensemble of chitinolytic enzymes, including chitinase and chitobiase. In particular, using a two-stage chitin-hydrolysis reactor.

Abstract: Agricultural methods of biological control and organisms useful in such methods are disclosed, such as novel endophytic symbiotic Bacillus subtilis and methods of biologically controlling fungal diseases of plants. These strains are useful vectors for the delivery of their beneficial gene products to plants.

Abstract: Xanthan gum is purified by heat-treating a xanthan gum fermented broth, and consecutively treating the broth first with alkaline protease and then with lysozyme or in reverse order, and thereafter recovering xanthan gum from the treated broth. A clear aqueous solution of xanthan gum may be obtained without complex procedures. The xanthan gum is separated and purified and 0.3% aqueous solution of the purified xanthan gum has a transmittance of at least 80%.

Abstract: The present invention relates to DNA segments isolated from Sphingomonas sp. and involved in the biosynthetic production of sphingan polysaccharides to increase the production of the polysaccharide in engineered microorganisms. The present invention also relates to methods of engineering strains of Sphingomonas to produce bacteria which are hyperproducers of sphingan, methods of identifying and utilizing DNA fragments useful to enhance production of sphingan in bacteria and the hyperproducer bacteria.

Abstract: An anaerobic process of desulfurizing a sour natural gas stream wherein a selected consortium of chemoautotrophic bacteria converts H.sub.2 S and other sulfur species into elemental sulfur, which is recovered as a product. The process is conducted at pressures of up to 1000 psi and temperatures up to 140.degree. F. (10.degree. C. to 60.degree. C.), and mitigates up to 10,000 ppm H.sub.2 S to pipeline standards of .ltoreq.4 ppm and up to 10% CO.sub.2 to .ltoreq.2% CO.sub.2.

Abstract: A rapid and simple method and kit for the analysis of Porphyromonas gingivalis in a sample. A sample suspected of containing P. gingivalis is assayed for enhanced proteolytic, amidolytic, or esterolytic activity in the presence of a specific enhancer compound. Specifically, the enhancer is a mono- or di-peptide containing glycine, or an amide or ester thereof.

Abstract: Methods using in vitro processes are disclosed for inducing or enhancing expression of enteric bacterial antigens or virulence factors. The methods, therefore, produce antigenically enhanced enteric bacteria. Also disclosed are methods for using the antigenically enhanced bacteria, as well as vaccines containing the enteric bacteria. Specifically, a whole enteric bacteria or components thereof are provided by Campylobacter species. In addition to this species there are other enteric bacteria, such as Yersinia spp., Bacteroides spp., Klebsiella spp., Gastrospirillum spp., Enterobacter spp., Salmonella spp., Aeromonas spp., Vibrio spp., Clostridium spp., Enterococcus spp., and Escherichia coli, which are useful for inducing or enhancing expression of enteric bacterial antigens and/or virulence factors.

Abstract: Process for making polyamine-epihalohydrin resin products having very low levels of epihalohydrin or epihalohydrin hydrolyzates, particularly useful in papermaking, which includes, amongst other features, producing a polyamine-epihalohydrin polymer in aqueous solution, terminating the reaction by cooling, adjusting the pH of the polyamine-epihalohydrin solution to from about 7.5 to about 11 and concurrently heating the solution to about 35 to about 50.degree. C., and contacting the aqueous solution with selected microorganisms or an enzyme, and deactivating or removing the enzymes or microbes, cooling to about 20.degree. C. and stabilizing the composition by adjusting the pH to about 2.0 to 5.0 by the addition of acid.

Abstract: A process for the aerobic biological break-down of substances having low water solubility in an aqueous medium, and a microorganism, Bacillus thermoleovorans strain DSM 10561 and an enzyme obtained therefrom are disclosed. The microorganism is suitable for use in the disclosed process wherein the bioavailability of the substances to be broken down is raised by setting the temperature of the aqueous medium to 45 degrees Celisus and higher. The microorganism is used to break-down the substances having low water solubility.

Abstract: Strains of Aureobasidium pullulans (de bary) Arnaud can be used for the commercial production of gluconic acid by fermentation in aqueous liquid containing sugar, which in continuous culture from glucose form greater than or equal to 90% and greater than or equal to 90% molar selectivity. The process is conducted with an Fe and Mn optimized medium with a nitrogen-independent (N-independent) ion concentration. The iron (Fe) concentration with 3 g/l NH.sub.4 Cl is greater than or equal to 0.5 mM, and the manganese (Mn) concentration with 3 g/l NH.sub.4 Cl is greater than or equal to about 0.5 mM manganese (Mn). The pH is regulated between about 4.5 and about 8, in particular at 6.5-7, and the temperature between 24 and 32.degree. C., in particular at 29-30.degree. C. Particularly successful strains are Aureobasidium pullulans (de bary) Arnaud with the registration numbers DSM 7085, DSM 7086, DSM 7087, and DSM 7088.

Abstract: Thermostable transaminase and aminotransferase enzymes derived from various ammonifex, aquifex and pyrobaculum organisms are disclosed. The enzymes are produced from native or recombinant host cells and can be utilized in the pharmaceutical, agricultural and other industries.

Abstract: A highly efficient process for the production and recovery of pure succinic acid from a succinate salt that involves minimal use of additional reagents, and produces virtually no waste by-products, and permits internal recycle of the base and acid values, is provided. The method involves the formation of diammonium succinate, either by using an ammonium ion based material to maintain neutral8 pH in the fermenter or by substituting the ammonium cation for the cation of the succinate salt created in the fermenter. The diammonium succinate can then be reacted with a sulfate ion, such as by combining the diammonium succinate with ammonium bisulfate and/or sulfuric acid at sufficiently low pH to yield succinic acid and ammonium sulfate. The ammonium sulfate is advantageously cracked thermally into ammonia and ammonium bisulfate. The succinic acid can be purified with a methanol dissolution step. Various filtration, reflux and reutilization steps can also be employed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the preparation of a composition comprising natural vitamin B12, wherein said process comprises the steps of:a) obtaining microbial cells containing natural vitamin B12,b) causing opening of the microbial cells such that at least part of the soluble content of the cells comprising vitamin B12 is released in a liquid in which the cells are contained,c) separating the opened cells and the liquid comprising the vitamin B12,d) preparing a mixture of the vitamin B12 and at least a part of the opened cells, wherein the mixture has a vitamin B12 concentration on dry matter in excess of 0.1% (w/w).

Abstract: Water-soluble polysaccharide polymers are provided including a polymer composed of repeating pentamer units having a D-glucose:D-mannose:D-glucuronic acid ratio of about 2:2:1, and a polymer composed of repeating tetramer units having a D-glucose:D-mannose:D-glucuronic acid ratio of about 2:1:1. The D-glucose moieties are linked in a beta-?1,4! configuration. The inner D-mannose moieties are linked in an alpha-?1,3! configuration, generally to alternate glucose moieties. The D-glucuronic acid moieties are linked in a beta-?1,2! configuration to the inner mannose moieties. The outer mannose moieties are linked to the glucuronic acid moieties in a beta-?1,4! configuration. Also an isolated acetylase deficient mutant of Xanthomonas is used in a process to produce the polysaccharide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing pure lactic acid or a salt thereof by fermentation. The preparation process comprises bioreactor refreshing cycle and a lactic acid production cycle, wherein during the production cycle a solution comprising substantially pure feedstock is recycled through a bioreactor containing refreshed microorganism cells, the lactic acid produced being neutralized by adding an alkali, and the recycling is discontinued when the alkali consumption is substantially diminished, and during the refreshing cycle the microorganism cells are refreshed by recycling through the bioreactor a carbohydrate solution enriched with nutrients, thus replenishing the capacity of the microorganisms to produce an acid, and recovery of lactate or conversion thereof into lactic acid or other salt.

Abstract: The method comprises (1) a carboxylic acid salt providing step comprising permitting a strain of microorganism or a preparation derived from the microorganism to act upon a nitrile to thereby (a) provide at least the corresponding amide which is then hydrolyzed in the presence of a base to provide a salt of the corresponding carboxylic acid or (b) provide a salt of the corresponding carboxylic acid and (2) an electrodialysis step comprising subjecting the carboxylic acid salt provided in the step (1) to electrodialysis to provide the corresponding carboxylic acid and base. Carboxylic acids can be produced without formation of ammonium hydrogen sulfate and other byproducts. The microorganism includes microorganisms of the genera Pantoea and Gordona. The ammonia formed in the step (1) can be reused as a nitrogen source in a nitrile production line.

Abstract: An enzyme capable of catalyzing the removal of nitrite from pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) is provided. The enzyme (known as PETN reductase enzyme) is produced by culturing a novel strain of the Enterobacter cloacae bacterium isolated from nature. The strain designated PB2 has been deposited as NCIMB 40718. The amino acid sequence of the enzyme and the genetic sequence which encodes for this enzyme have also been determined. A PETN reductase enzyme encoded by the on gene is provided. A method for producing PETN reductase enzyme in large quantities and methods of bioremediation using the enzyme so produced are also provided. Additionally there is provided a method of detecting the presence of PETN in a sample together with a biosensor for use in such a method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of degrading organic sulfur compounds, in which organic sulfur compounds are decomposed by a microorganism belonging to the genus Paenibacillus and having the ability to decompose organic sulfur compounds. Heterocyclic sulfur compounds can be decomposed by specifically cleaving their C--S bonds under high-temperature conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a Bifidobacterium strain isolate that is incorporated into food, beverages, animal feeds, and/or dietary supplements. It can be used to provide a healthful bacteria to human adults and non-human mammals. The bacterium acts as a probiotic. For example, the bacterium assists newborns in producing protective acetic acid and lactic acid, as well as antimicrobials and vitamins. The bacterium can also be used to reseed bacteria levels caused by diarrhea, chemotherapy, advancing age, antibiotics, or other causes.

Abstract: A process for producing d-biotin comprises cultivating a microorganism of the genus Kurthia and which is resistant to biotin antimetabolites and capable of producing d-biotin in a medium under aerobic conditions, and separating the resulting d-biotin from the fermentation broth. The cultivation medium suitably contains an assimilable carbon source, a digestible nitrogen source, inorganic salts and other nutrients necessary for the growth of the microorganism at a pH of about 5-9, temperature of about 10-40.degree. C. and for a duration of about 1-10 days. The preferred microorganism are Kurthia sp. 538-KA26, 538-17H4, 538-51F9 and 538-2A 13 (DSM No. 10609, 10608, 10610 and 10607, respectively), which are also new, and as such represent a further aspect of the present invention. The so-produced d-biotin is one of the essential vitamins for the nutrition of animals, plants and microorganisms, and is important as a medicine or food additive.

Abstract: Decompression from dives using nitrogen or hydrogen as a dilutent gas are celerated by introducing into the large intestine an enzyme or, preferably non-toxic bacteria from the group that metabolizes hydrogen or from the group that metabolizes nitrogen. The bacteria are encouraged to multiply and feed on the hydrogen or nitrogen (dependent on the gas mixture used in the dive) by metabolizing the diluent gas released into the large intestine and the new product is vented from the large intestine. The metabolism of the hydrogen or nitrogen causes a reduction of the partial pressure of the metabolized gas in the large intestine thereby increasing the diffusion of the metabolized gas from the blood and surrounding tissues into the intestine. The delivery of the bacteria is accomplished by any one of several means with packaging of the enzyme or bacteria in enteric coatings for oral ingestion as a prefered means.

Abstract: A process for the microbiological or enzymatic hydrolytic resolution of racemic trans-2-(alkoxycarbonylethyl) lactams of the formula I: ##STR1## wherein R is C.sub.1 -C.sub.7 alkyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl or methoxyethoxyethyl and R.sup.1 is hydrogen or a protecting group is disclosed, whereby an optically enriched compound of the formula Ib or IIa: ##STR2## is obtained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an amylase from the genus Pyrodictium, specifically to an amylase from Pyrodictium abyssi and more specifically to an amylase from Pyrodictium abyssi, DSM 6158, which has amylase activity optimum at temperatures in the range 110-120.degree. C., determined at pH 5.5 with starch as a substrate.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for aerobically cultivating yeast or bacteria in a culture medium of fed-batch, continuous or cell-recycling continuous cultures, wherein the carbon source concentration in the culture medium is maintained at a constant low level of under g/l. The carbon source concentration is maintained by measuring the carbon consumption of a culture of the yeast or bacteria in a preliminary experiment. The rate is determined between the time the culture is started and a time when the carbon source is exhausted. A feeding time is then determined wherein the activity of the yeast or bacteria in the presence of the carbon source does not change and a volume of the carbon source to be used in a first feeding (So) is set as So=.nu..times.T. Then, in a main culture, a first feeding of a volume of the carbon source (So) is added for the time (T), and the exhaustion of the carbon source is detected as an increase in pH or an increase in concentration of oxygen dissolved in the culture medium.