Abstract: Malto-oligosaccharide compositions which contain up to about 40% maltohexaose by weight are produced from starchy substrates and maltodextrins by a simple, one-step hydrolysis with certain thermostable .alpha.-amylase from Bacillus stearothermophilus. This process is particularly useful in the production of novel compositions with properties that will lead to new applications in both food and nonfood industries.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel strains of Bacillus thuringiensis var. Kurstaki, No.145, No.116 and No.161.These strains produce an insecticidal crystal toxin which is useful as an active component in a insect pest-controlling agent.

Abstract: Methods for the isolation and purification of the phytotoxin cercosporin are disclosed as well as methods for identifying microorganisms capable of degrading cercosporin. Cercosporin can be purified from members of the fungal genus Cercospora and incorporated into culture medium for selection of those organisms resistant to cercosporin. Once identified, these organisms can be used to isolate the protein and the gene responsible for conferring cercosporin-resistance. The gene can be cloned and inserted into a suitable expression vector so that the protein can be further characterized. Additionally, the DNA encoding for cercosporin-resistance can be inserted into a vector suitable for transforming an Agrobacterium and the Agrobacterium in turn used to transform plant cells normally susceptible to Cercospora infection. Plants can be regenerated from the transformed plant cells. In this way, a transgenic plant can be produced with the capability of degrading cercosporin.

Abstract: Certain known and available strains of Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t.) have been found to have activity against coleopteran pests. Previously, these strains were not known to have any insecticidal properties. The B.t.strains can be used in various environments to control coleopteran pests, e.g., the Colorado Potato Beetle.

Abstract: The novel strain JHCC 4279 of Bacillus thuringiensis and insecticidal compositions containing insecticidal protein endotoxin produced by the strain JHCC 4279 which protects plants from Diabrotica by exposing larvae to the insecticidal protein endotoxin produced by the strain. Novel genes for insecticidal proteins may be isolated from strain JHCC 4279.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns Bacillus thuringiensis isolates designated B.t. PS157C1, B.t. PS86A1, and B.t. PS75J1, which are active against aphid pests. Thus, these isolates, or variants thereof, can be used to control such pests. Further, genes encoding novel .delta.-endotoxins can be removed from these isolates and transferred to other host microbes, or plants. Expression of the .delta.-endotoxins in microbe hosts results in the control of aphid pests, whereas transformed plants become resistant to aphid pests.

Abstract: A new Bacillus species and the appropriate enzymes obtained therefrom can be used to break down phosphoglycolipid antibiotics. The breakdown products of moenomycins display antibiotic activity or can be used as building blocks for the synthetic preparation of transglycosylas inhibitors.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for producing nucleosides by carrying out the reaction of a base donor, a saccharide residue donor and a phosphoric acid donor by the use of an enzyme preparation containing nucleoside phosphorylase, thereby forming an N-glycosidic bond between the base moiety of the base donor and the saccharide moiety of the saccharide residue donor, which comprises using, as the enzyme preparation containing nucleoside phosphorylase, a preparation derived from the cells of one or more kinds of microorganisms belonging to thermophiles of the genus Bacillus and having high nucleoside phosphorylase activity per unit cell weight.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for preparing optically active 3-phenylglycidic acid ester compound, which comprises permitting a culture broth, cells or treated cells of a microorganism having an ability of stereoselectively hydrolyzing a (2R, 3S)-3-phenylglycidic acid ester compound to act on a racemic 3-phenylglycidic acid ester compound which may also have a substituent on the phenyl group, thereby hydrolyzing the (2R, 3S) optically active isomer and separating and collecting the (2S, 3R) antipode from the reaction mixture.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an isolated microbial cell wall lytic enzyme (NmCWLE) produced from alkalophilic Bacillus FERM BP-2841 which has a molecular weight of about 27,000 daltons as determined by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, an optimal pH on lytic activity being about pH 10.0, an optimal temperature on lytic acivity being about 50.degree.C., pH stability of lytic enzyme being pH 5-11, temperature stability of lytic enzyme being up to 40.degree. C. and being alkali-tolerant.

Abstract: A cellulase having the following properties: (1) an optimum pH of from 9.5 to 10.5 as measured using carboxymethylcellulose as a substrate; (2) a stable pH of from 6 to 11 as measured using carboxymethylcellulose as a substrate after treating at 30.degree. C. and for 30 minutes; (3) an optimum temperature of about 55.degree. C. as measured using carboxymethylcellulose as a substrate; (4) influence of a surfactant being such that residual activity is 90% or more after treatment at 30.degree. C. and pH of 9.0 for 2 hours in the presence of a sodium n-alkylbenzenesulfonate; (5) a molecular weight of 52,000.+-.2,000 as measured by electrophoresis on SDS-polyacrylamide gel; and (6) an isoelectric point of 4.2.+-.0.2 as measured by isoelectric electrophoresis. The cellulase is produced by Bacillus sp. SD402, its mutant strains or its genetic engineered strains. An aid for detergents and a paper treating agent, respectively, contain the cellulase as an effective ingredient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for removing heavy metals and substantially destroying indicator bacteria present in municipal sludges, which comprises: lowering, under aerobic conditions, the pH of a municipal sludge from about 7 to 8 to about 2.0 to 2.5 by adding to said sludge 10% by volume of an inoculum containing a mixture of microorganisms comprising Thiobacillus thiooxidans ATCC 55127 and Thiobacillus thioparus ATCC 55128 with 1 to 3 g per liter of sulphur, and incubating for a period of at least 40 hours where the heavy metals originally present in said sludge have been substantially solubilized and the concentration of the indicator bacteria have been lowered to a non-toxic level; and recovering the metals from the low pH treated sludge of step a).

Abstract: A (1R,2S)-2-hydroxycycloalkanecarboxylic acid ester is efficiently and selectively produced by microbial asymmetric reduction of a 2-oxocycloalkanecarboxylic acid ester with a bacterial strain or its processed material.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed are Bacillus thuringiensis isolates designated B.t. PS45B1, B.t. PS24J, B.t. PS94R3 B.t. PS17, B.t. PS62B1 and B.t. PS74G1 which are active against acarid pests. Thus, these isolates, or mutants thereof, can be used to control such pests. Further, genes encoding novel .delta.-endotoxins can be removed from these isolates and transferred to other host microbes, or plants. Expression of the .delta.-endotoxins in microbe hosts results in the control of acarid pests, whereas transformed plants become resistant to acarid pests.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing an organic compound from manure, including the steps of:i) concentrating the manure to form a vapor;ii) condensing said vapor to form a condensate;iii) adding to said condensate micro-organisms which are capable of producing the organic compound; andiv) separating from the condensate the organic compound produced by the micro-organisms.These micro-organisms comprise species of the genera Arthrobacter, Brevibacterium, Corynebacterium, Bacillus, Escherichia, Microbacterium, Micrococcus and Pseudomonas.

Abstract: Four new strains of Bacillus thuringiensis are disclosed which are active against Coleoptera. The novel strains are identified through PCR technology using mixtures of carefully selected oligonucleotide primers that aid in the prediction of insect toxicity profile for the proteins produced by the strains.

Abstract: Asporous mutants of Bacillus thuringiensis serovar. israelensis, a process for their perparation and their use for the isolation of bacterial toxins for controlling insects of the order Diptera.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel Type II restriction endonuclease obtainable from Bacillus coagulans. The endonuclease known as Bcg I, recognizes the following nucleotide sequence and has a cleavage point at both ends outside of its recognition sequence: ##STR1## to produce a 34 base pair fragment. Also described is a process for obtaining purified Bcg I from Bacillus coagulans, as well as processes for mapping chromosomal DNA and methods for reducing background in transformants with enzymes such as Bcg I.

Abstract: A mutant Bacillus sphaericus strain ATCC No. 53969 which has the property of sulfur removal and sulfur metabolism by selective cleavage of C-S bonds in organic carbonaceous materials.

Abstract: A thermostable amylase having the following properties: (1) Action: acting on raw starch to produce mainly maltose and matotriose; (2) Optimum pH: about 6.0; (3) Stable pH: after incubation at a pH of 5 to 8 for one hour at 22.degree. C., the residual activity thereof is at least 95%; (4) Optimum temperature: 70.degree. C.; (5) Thermostability: the enzyme is not substantially inactivated by incubation at 60.degree. C. or 70.degree. C. for 15 minutes; and after incubation at 70.degree. C. for one hour, the residual activity thereof is at least 90%; (6) Molecular weight: 52,000.+-.

Abstract: Novel Bacillus thuringiensis genes encoding toxins which are active against lepidopteran insects have been cloned from novel lepidopteran-active B. thuringiensis microbes. The DNA encoding the B. thuringiensis toxins can be used to transform various prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbes to express the B. thuringiensis toxins. These recombinant microbes can be used to control lepidopteran insects in various environments.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new methodology and test composition for determining the presence of theophylline in test samples. The methodology employs enzymes that utilize or recognize theophylline as a substrate to measure the concentration thereof in samples, including body fluids. This new approach utilizes enzymes as opposed to traditional methods which use antibodies for the recognition of theophylline. The enzymatic approach to theophylline determination is quick, simple and convenient and allows test systems to be made in liquid as well as in dry-chemistry formats. Various protocols, systems or methodologies may be used for assaying and relating the results to the amount of theophylline present. Methods for obtaining theophylline utilizing or recognizing enzymes are also described.

Abstract: Certain isolates of Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t.) have been found to have activity against Scarab pests. These isolates are designated B.t. PS86B1, B.t. PS43F and B.t. PS50C. These isolates, or transformed hosts containing the gene expressing a Scarab-active toxin obtained from the isolates, can be used to control Scarab-active pests, e.g., Masked Chafer, Cyclocephala sp., June Beetle, Cotinis sp., Northern Masked Chafer, Cyclocephala borealis, Japanese Beetle, Popillia japonica, and Pasedena Masked Chafer, Cyclocephala pasadenae, in various environments.

Abstract: Novel carbonyl hydrolase mutants derived from the DNA sequences of naturally-occurring or recombinant non-human carbonyl hydrolases. The mutant carbonyl hydrolases, in general, are obtained by in vitro modification of a precursor DNA sequence encoding the naturally-occurring or recombinant carbonyl hydrolase to encode the substitution of an amino acid in the amino acid sequence of a precursor carbonyl hydrolase. Such mutants have properties which are different than the precursor hydrolase.

Abstract: Purified endotoxin protein is recovered from aqueous suspensions containing lysed cells and Bacillus thuringiensis crystalline endotoxin protein in a multistep process.The aqueous suspension, e.g., a concentrated fermentation culture, is first treated under strongly basic or acidic conditions to solubilize the crystal protein and the solution is then separated from residual solids. Endotoxin protein is precipitated from the separated aqueous solution, by adjusting its pH to the isoelectric point of the protein, and recovered by centrifugation or the like.

Abstract: A thermostable lipase is produced by aerobically culturing a microorganism having the identifying characteristics of Bacillus sp.A30-1 ATCC No. 53841 on a nutrient medium under growth conditions until a recoverable lipolytic activity is detectable and thereafter isolating the thermostable lipase. The thermostable lipase has an optimum temperature of about 60.degree. C. and an optimum pH of about 9.5.

Abstract: Novel Bacillus thuringiensis genes encoding toxins which are active against lepidopteran insects have been cloned from novel lepidopteran-active B. thuringiensis microbes. The DNA encoding the B. thuringiensis toxins can be used to transform various prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbes to express the B. thuringiensis toxins. These recombinant microbes can be used to control lepidopteran insects in various environments.

Abstract: The present invention provides a recombinant DNA comprised of a vector DNA and a DNA fragment containing a gene coding for .gamma.-glutamyl transpeptidase derived from Bacillus subtilis. The invention also provides a process for producing .gamma.-glutamyl transpeptidase, which comprises culturing in a culture medium a microorganism belonging to the genus Bacillus which is carrying recombinant DNA comprised of a vector DNA and DNA fragment which contains a gene coding for .gamma.-glutamyl transpeptidase derived from the genus Bacillus, accumulating .gamma.-glutamyl transpeptidase in the culture, and recovering .gamma.-glutamyl transpeptidase therefrom.

Abstract: The invention concerns novel isolates of Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t.) which contain a toxin(s) which is active against nematodes. This B.t. toxin(s) or B.t. isolate(s) can be used to treat animals and plants hosting susceptible nematodes.

Abstract: An isolated alkaline pullulanase Y having .alpha.-amylase activity; a microorganism producing the alkaline pullulanase Y; and a process for producing the alkaline pullulanase Y are disclosed. The alkaline pullulanase Y having .alpha.-amylase activity has its optimum pH at higher alkaline range than conventional alkaline pullulanases and exhibits excellent stability in a wide pH range. Further, the alkaline pullulanase Y has strong resistance to almost all detergent components such as surfactants, chelating agents, proteases for detergents, and the like. Thus the alkaline pullulanase Y can advantageously be used as a detergent component.

Abstract: A novel alkaline pullulanase; a microorganism producing the alkaline pullulanase; and a process for producing the alkaline pullulanase are disclosed. The alkaline pullulanase of the present invention has a higher optimum pH range (pH 9.5-11) than conventional alkaline pullulanases and shows excellent stability in a wider pH range. It has also an optimum temperature of higher than 50.degree. C. and is thermally stable up to 40.degree. C. The alkaline pullulanase has also strong reistance to almost all detergent components such as surfactants, chelating agents, proteases for detergents, and the like. The alkaline pullulanase can advantageously be used as a detergent component. Also, it can be utilized for producing many kinds of oligosaccharides and also together with .alpha.-amylase for producing various monosaccharides.

Abstract: A mixture of three kinds of bacteria is disclosed which is useful for humans and animals. The symbiotic mixture contains as effective ingredients lactic acid producing bacteria, saccarificating bacteria, and butyric acid producing bacteria which are useful for human and animals. A method is disclosed for effectively cultivating a symbiotic mixture of these three kinds of bacteria by a cooperative action.

Abstract: A substantially purified proteolytic enzyme isolated from a culture of Bacillus spec. DSM 4828 which has a molecular weight of 27,000 daltons, an optimum pH of 12, an optimal temperature of 60.degree. C. and which can be used in a detergent composition.

Abstract: A method of producing algal cell wall degrading enzyme by cultivating a thermophilic, bacterial strain of an atypical Bacillus stearothermophilus e.g., W36-7-4 (NRRL B-18394) which produces the alginate lyase in a cultivation medium containing sodium alginate and tryptone, then allowing growth to take place to accumulate alginate lyase, and then recovering the enzyme from the fermentation broth. The novel alginate lyase of this invention is useful as a treatment agent for water cooling systems.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for culturing Bordetella pertussis in the presence of a cellulose and/or cellulose derivatives. The present method is useful for obtaining a mixed antigen comprising pertussis toxin and filamentous hemagglutinin in a large amount at low cost. From the antigen, there can be obtained a stable and effective pertussis toxoid to be used for a pertussis vaccine. There is also disclosed a vaccine comprising the pertussis toxoid as an active ingredient and a gelatin and/or gelatin derivatives as a stabilizing agent. The present vaccine is extremely stable and can be stored for a prolonged period of time.

Abstract: A novel hybrid B.t. toxin gene toxic to lepidopteran insects has been cloned. The DNA encoding the B.t. toxin can be used to transform various prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbes to express the B.t. toxin. These recombinant microbes can be used to control lepidopteran insects in various environments.

Abstract: Novel Bacillus thuringiensis genes encoding toxins which are active against lepidopteran insects have been cloned from novel lepidopteran-active B. thuringiensis microbes. The DNA encoding the B. thuringiensis toxins can be used to transform various prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbes to express the B. thuringiensis toxins. These recombinant microbes can be used to control lepidopteran insects in various environments.

Abstract: Reagent for analysis of triglycerides contained in blood serum is provided, which comprises lipases and monoglyceride lipases capable of acting on monoglycerides having substrate specificity and capable of catalyzing the following enzymatic reaction: monoglyceride+H.sub.2 O.fwdarw.glycerol+fatty acids. The glycerol or fatty acids are measured to learn an amount of the triglycerides or fatty acid by any known analytical method.

Abstract: Disclosed is a Bacillus thuringiensis var. donegani, pathotype C, NCIMB 42 and a preparate or a toxin obtained from it, endowed with insecticide activity against Coleoptera.

Abstract: Mersacidin, a cyclic peptide of the formula I ##STR1## has antibiotic activity.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns the use of a novel and useful bioinsecticide against the lesser mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus). The lesser mealworm is a devastating pest in the poultry industry. The bioinsecticide of the subject invention is a novel B. thuringiensis microbe referred to as B.t. PS122D3, or mutants thereof. The spores or toxin crystals of this microbe are useful to control the lesser mealworm in various environments.

Abstract: A novel cyclomaltodextrin transferase (EC. 2, 4, 1, 19) which preferentially produces .beta.-cyclodextrin from starch or partial hydrolysate thereof and produces a carbohydrate containing .beta.-cyclodextrin as the main components, and a method for preparation thereof comprising cultivating a cyclomaltodextrin glucanotransferase producing microorganism belonging to a moderate thermophile B. coagulans are provided.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns the use of a novel and useful bioinsecticide against the lesser mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus). The lesser mealworm is a devastating pest in the poultry industry. The bioinsecticide of the subject invention is a novel B. thuringiensis microbe referred to as B.t. PS86B1, or mutants thereof. The spores or toxin crystals of this microbe are useful to control the lesser mealworm in various environments.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns the use of a novel and useful bioinsecticide against the lesser mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus). The lesser mealworm is a devastating pest in the poultry industry. The bioinsecticide of the subject invention is a novel B. thuringiensis microbe referred to as B.t. PS40D1, or mutants thereof. The spores or toxin crystals of this microbe are useful to control the lesser mealworm in various environments.

Abstract: A thermostable lipase is produced by aerobically culturing a microorganism having the identifying characteristics of Bacillus sp. A30-1 ATCC No. 53841 on a nutrient medium under growth conditions until a recoverable lipolytic activity is detectable and thereafter isolating the thermostable lipase. The thermostable lipase has an optimum pH of 9.5, an isoelectric point of 5.15, a molecular weight of about 65,000 and retaining approximately 100% of its original activity upon being heated at 75.degree. C. for 30 minutes.

Abstract: The invention concerns novel isolates of Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t.) which contains a toxin(s) which is active against adult nematode worms and larvae. This B.t. toxin(s) can be used to treat animals and plants hosting susceptible nematodes.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns the use of a novel and useful bioinsecticide against the lesser mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus). The lesser mealworm is a devastating pest in the poultry industry. The bioinsecticide of the subject invention is a novel B. thuringiensis microbe referred to as B.t. MT 104, or mutants thereof. The spores or toxin crystals of this microbe are useful to control the lesser mealworm in various environments.

Abstract: Process for the production of 6-hydroxynicotinic acid from nicotinic acid. The hydroxylation is carried out enzymatically in the presence of a microorganism of the species Pseudomonas, Bacillus or Achromobacter, for example, Achromobacter xylosoxydans. Preferably the enzymatic hydroxylation is carried out at 20.degree. to 40.degree. C. and a pH of 5.5 to 9.0 under aerobic conditions. Also, preferably a 0.1 percent by weight solution up to a saturated (preferably a 0.5 to 10 percent by weight) nicotine acid solution is used.

Abstract: Proposed is a microorganism of the species Bacillus coagulans DSM 5196 as well as a method of producing L(+)-lactic acid in which said microorganism is employed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a novel monoglyceride lipase at least capable of catalyzing an enzymatic reaction of the following equation (a) and as substrate specificity, capable of acting on monoglyceride but incapable of acting on diglyceride and triglyceride:(a) Monoglyceride+H.sub.2 O.fwdarw.Glycerol+Fatty acidThe monoglyceride lipase is produced by culturing a specific monoglyceride lipase producing microorganism of Bacillus and then collecting the monoglyceride lipase from the resulting culture. A method is also disclosed for the analysis of a monoglyceride-containing sample solution. The monoglyceride lipase is caused to act on the sample solution upon measurement of the monoglyceride in the sample solution. Either one of glycerol and the fatty acid formed in accordance with the equation (a) is then measured.