Abstract: The method of the invention involves providing a first receptacle and a second receptacle. The first receptacle contains a sterile aqueous broth and the second receptacle contains an aqueous broth including a carbon source. The method then includes placing into the first receptacle a first support surface having a paraffin wax coating thereon and placing into the second receptacle a second support surface having a hydrophobic material coating thereon. A body specimen, such as sputum, is then introduced into each of the first and second receptacles. The presence of a nonparaffinophilic hydrophobic microorganism in the body specimen is determined by observing (i) a lack of microorganism growth on the paraffin coated material of the first support surface and (ii) a presence of microorganism growth on the hydrophobic material coating of the second support surface. The presence of the nonparaffinophilic hydrophobic microorganism can be further confirmed by performing a DNA extraction.

Abstract: An isolated substantially pure pseudomonas culture, exemplified by pseudomonas syringae MSU 16H (ATCC No. 67028), produces the substantially pure peptide pseudomycin which has broad spectrum anti-fungal characteristics.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of sewage to provide effective removal of selenium (especially the 6-valent selenium) to meet required standards for the dissolved amount of selenium, and the like, at a low cost are developed. The process and apparatus reduces selenium from the 6-valent selenium using microbiological treatment to obtain 4-valent selenium and/or simple selenium, and then provide a solid-liquid separation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing a variant of a parent lipolytic enzyme, comprising (a) subjecting a DNA sequence encoding the parent lipolytic enzyme to random mutagenesis, (b) expressing the mutated DNA sequence obtained in step (a) in a host cell, and (c) screening for host cells expressing a mutated lipolytic enzyme which has a decreased dependance to calcium and/or an improved tolerance towards a detergent or a detergent component as compared to the parent lipolytic enzyme.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 or a sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 where in, one or more amino acids are deleted, replaced or added, and the polypeptide having polyester synthase activity. A polyester synthase gene comprising DNA coding for the above polypeptide; a recombinant vector comprising the gene; and a transformant transformed with the recombinant vector is also provided.

Abstract: Saturated aliphatic halocarbons, including environmental contaminants, are degraded to innocuous, environmentally acceptable compounds by contact, either in situ or in a bioreactor, with microorganisms that produce aromatic oxygenases, preferably with use of a co-substrate, for example, phenol, toluene, benzene, ethylbenzene and xylene, including the provision of novel bacteria that produce aromatic oxygenases, and new recombinant microorganisms that contain cloned aromatic oxygenase genes, examples of saturated aliphatic halocarbon that may be degraded to innocuous compounds being chloroform; bromoform; 1,2-dichloroethane; 1,2-dibromoethane; monochloroethane and monobromoethane.

Abstract: Herein provided is a plug mixture for raising seedlings, which contains endosymbiotic Pseudomonads mutualistically colonizing in endorhizosphere, Pseudomnonas fluoresceFPT-9601 and Pseudomonas sp. FPH-9601. Using the plug mixture, soil-borne diseases of crop plants and flowering plants can be prevented, and the producibility of such plants can be increased. The plug mixture contains said two Pseudomonads in an amount of not smaller than 10.sup.5 CFU/g each, and may contain 1-?3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propanoyl!-2-piperidone in an amount of not smaller than 10 ppm. The two strains are separately added to different plug mixtures, which are then blended to give the intended plug mixture for raising seedlings. To this is optionally added 1-?3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propanoyl!-2-piperidone. The plug mixture is effective for preventing soil-borne diseases, such as bacterial wilt, fusarium wilt and late blight, of various crop plants.

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 enzyme process for the one-step conversion of cephalosporin C or a derivative thereof into 7-aminocephalosporanic acid or a corresponding derivative thereof.

Abstract: In a process for the production of a D-.alpha.-amino acid, in which an N-carbamyl-D-.alpha.-amino acid corresponding to the general formula: ##STR1## wherein R represents phenyl, hydroxy-substituted phenyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, or thienyl, is converted by a microbial enzyme in an aqueous medium to a D-.alpha.-amino acid corresponding to the general formula: ##STR2## wherein R is the same as defined above, decarbamylase produced by a microorganism of the genus Comamonas, Blastobacter, Alcaligenes, Sporosarcina, Rhizobium, Bradyrhizobium or Arthrobacter is used as the enzyme converting the N-carbamyl-D-.alpha.-amino acid to the D-.alpha.-amino acid.The conversion of the N-carbamyl-D-.alpha.-amino acids to the D-.alpha.-amino acids is carried out in a neutral to alkaline pH range.

Abstract: A strain of Pseudomonas Sp. bacterium (NRRL B-18602) has been discovered which is capable of converting oleic acid to the novel compound, 7,10-dihydroxy-8-octadecenoic acid (DOD). The production of DOD is unique in that it involves a hydroxylation at two positions and a rearrangement of the double bond of the substrate molecule. The new multifunctional, long-chain aliphatic acid has potential utility as a plasticizer and as a source of intermediates in the synthesis of specialty chemicals.

Abstract: A pure culture of Pseudomonas chlororaphis strain NCIMB 40616 is disclosed. The strain is useful for a biocontrol composition for the control of plant fungal diseases. Further, a culture broth of the strain is disclosed to be useful wherein antipathogenically active metabolites are contained in the culture broth. In addition a method of controlling the plant fungal diseases is disclosed which is carried out by the introduction of an effective dose of the strain into a plant environment infected with fungal diseases. Also carriers and additives are admixed with the strain in order to provide for the composition. The types of pathogenic fungi which may be controlled using the method and composition are of the genera Drechslera, Microdochium, Tilletia or Ustilago.

Abstract: A hydroxyalkanoic acid (PHA)is recovered from matter derived from living organisms by dissolving the PHA in a solvent which is a lower ketone, dialkyl ether or a lower alcohol or a monocarboxylic acid ester thereof, separating the solution from such matter and recovering PHA from the solution.

Abstract: The present invention provide processes for producing an optically active quinuclidinol from a quinuclidinone using an asymmetric reduction by a microorganism and enzyme with commercial advantages in simple and easy manner. In the present invention, permit a microorganism or preparation thereof to act on a quinuclidinone (3-quinuclidinone), and recover or harvest an optically active quinuclidinol produced (3-quinuclidinol). The microorganisms capable of producing an (R)-3-quinuclidinol from a 3-quinuclidinone include the genus Nakazawaea, the genus Candida and the genus Proteus. The microorganisms capable of producing an (S)-3-quinuclidinol from a 3-quinuclidinone include the genus Arthrobacter, the genus Pseudomonas and the genus Rhodosporidium.

Abstract: Methods for the enzymatic resolution of mixtures of enantiomers, such as .beta.-lactam compounds, which may be employed as intermediates in the preparation of taxanes bearing a C-13 sidechain containing a heterocyclic or cycloalkyl group, the latter useful in the pharmaceutical field.

Abstract: Described is a microbiological method for producing C.sub.9, C.sub.11 and C.sub.13 alkanols defined according to the structures: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is methyl or n-propyl using ketones defined according to the generic structure: ##STR2## as a substrate and using the microorganism: Pseudomonas cepacia ATCC 55792or mutants thereof.

Abstract: The nucleic acid and amino acid sequences for proteinaceous elicitors of the plant defense reaction known as the hypersensitive response against Pseudomonas syringae are described along with method for preparation.

Abstract: Novel microbial host strains are provided which are transformed by a vector molecule comprising a DNA fragment encoding a lipolytic enzyme and a marker for selection, capable of producing active lipase. Said DNA fragment is preferably derived from a Pseudomonas species.

Abstract: Bacteria belonging to the genus Pseudomonas, alkaline lipase produced by the bacteria and having the following properties, a method of producing the lipase, and detergent compositions containing the lipase:(1) Operating pH and optimum pHan operating pH is in the range of from 3.5 to 12 and an optimum pH is in the range of from 10 to 11 using a triolein emulsion as a substrate;(2) Operating temperature and optimum temperaturean operating temperature is in the range of from 30.degree. C. to 80.degree. C. and an optimum temperature is in the range of from 55.degree. C. to 65.degree. C. using the triolein emulsion as a substrate;(3) Molecular weighta molecular weight measured by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis is 31,000.+-.2,000; and(4) Isoelectric pointan Isoelectric point measured by isoelectric point polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis is 5.2.+-.0.5.The lipase has high stability against detergent components such as surfactants, protease, etc. and can be blended together with protease with detergents.

Abstract: Decarbamylases are provided capable of producing D-.alpha.-amino acids by hydrolysis of N-carbamyl-D-.alpha.-amino acids. A source of the decarbamylases is recombinant microorganisms produced by gene manipulation methods. Decarbamylases having improved thermostability can be obtained in which amino acids at a thermostability-related site of a natural decarbamylase have been replaced with other amino acids by mutating a DNA fragment encoding the natural decarbamylase. Recombinant DNA is obtained from a vector DNA and a DNA fragment encoding a natural decarbamylase where the nucleic acid sequence encoding an amino acid at a thermostability-related site is replaced with a nucleic acid sequence encoding another amino acid. The recombinant DNA is used to produce transformants that produce thermostable decarbamylases.

Abstract: The present invention is a biological tracer method for characterizing the movement of a material through a medium, comprising the steps of: introducing a biological tracer comprising a microorganism having ice nucleating activity into a medium; collecting at least one sample of the medium from a point removed from the introduction point; and analyzing the sample for the presence of the biological tracer. The present invention is also a method for using a biological tracer as a label for material identification by introducing a biological tracer having ice nucleating activity into a material, collecting a sample of a portion of the labelled material and analyzing the sample for the presence of the biological tracer.

Abstract: Genes encoding Class II EPSPS enzymes are disclosed. The genes are useful in producing transformed bacteria and plants which are tolerant to glyphosate herbicide. Class II EPSPS genes share little homology with known, Class I EPSPS genes, and do not hybridize to probes from Class I EPSPS's. The Class II EPSPS enzymes are characterized by being more kinetically efficient than Class I EPSPS's in the presence of glyphosate. Plants transformed with Class II EPSPS genes are also disclosed as well as a method for selectively controlling weeds in a planted transgenic crop field.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for conditioning samples (of e.g. milk or meat) containing fat globules and somatic cells and/or protein particles before they are subjected to fluorescence measurements in order to determine the bacterial content, as well as methods for performing the determination of bacterial content in such samples. The conditioning method involves the treatment of the samples with an ion-chelating agent, a proteolytic enzyme, detergent, and a bacteriologically specific fluorochrome such as ethidium bromide. Detergent is used in a concentration resulting in substantially no dissolution of the fat globules and the conditioned samples thus loses insignificant amounts of fat globules. The assessment of fluorescence is preferably performed in a conventional flow cytometer. As no separation of fat globules is necessary, the methods are simple and fast. The bacterial determinations have proved reliable when compared to standard methods.

Abstract: A microbiological assay for chemicals, which uses a cell and a reducing dye to quantitatively measure inhibition of electron transport in the cell membrane as a function of chemicals in the substance being tested, is disclosed. This assay and method is reliable, simple, fast, and inexpensive, requires a minimum amount of durable equipment, and avoids the need for the use of live animals as the indicator organisms. The assay is particularly useful for testing for toxicity in food products, environmental, medical and industrial processes, sewage treatment, effluent, agricultural wastes, and chemical dumps.

Abstract: A novel glutamate dehydrogenase is derived from the genus Pseudomonas and is specific to L-glutamic acid, requires NAD.sup.+ and NADH as coenzymes, does not act on NADP.sup.+ and NADPH, has an optimum pH 10.5-11.5 (oxidative deamination), a pH stability of 5-10 (at 25.degree. C.; 20 hours), an optimum temperature of about 60.degree. C. (oxidative deamination) and a molecular weight of about 280,000 (gel filtration) or about 41,000 (SDS-PAGE) and is not activated by ADP.

Abstract: Microorganisms of interest are capable of utilizing .alpha.-imino carboxamides, in the form of the racemate or of its optically active isomers, of the general formula ##STR1## wherein A together with --NH-- and --CH-- is an optionally substituted 5- or 6-membered saturated heterocyclic ring, as sole nitrogen source, and converting (RS)-.alpha.-imino carboxamides of Formula I into an S-.alpha.-imino carboxylic acid of the general formula ##STR2## These microorganisms are useful also for biconversion of an (RS)-.alpha.-imino carboxamide of Formula I into an S-.alpha.-imino carboxylic acid.

Abstract: A method for producing monosialoganglioside GM1 comprising the step of contacting a crude ganglioside mixture with a microorganism capable of producing a sialidase; and a bacterial strain of Pseudomonas genus capable of producing a sialidase and usable in the above method.

Abstract: Methods for the enzyme catalyzed acylation of primary and secondary alcohols using an enol ester as the acyl donor are described. The acylation occurs in organic media, and is enantioselective for racemic or prochiral alcohols. The reaction is irreversible, and produces unreactive by-products.

Abstract: L-PTC (L-phosphinothricin, L-2-amino-4-methylphosphino-butyric acid) is the active herbicidal component of D,L-PTC and can be obtained according to the invention when D,L-PTC derivatives which are N-acylated and esterified on the phosphinic acid group as well as optionally esterified or amidated on the carboxylic group, are treated with a hydrolytically active enzyme in an aqueous or aqueous-organic medium, in which process the L-PTC derivatives are selectively hydrolyzed on the N-acyl group or the modified carboxyl group, the resulting product mixture is resolved, and the desired L-PTC derivative is hydrolyzed to give the L-PTC and isolated by customary methods.

Abstract: The present invention has disclosed the amino acid sequence and nucleotide sequence of the .alpha.- and .beta.-subunits of two types of nitrile hydratase derived from Rhodococcus rhodochrous J-1. The DNA fragment encoding nitrile hydratase is inserted into an expression vector and the recombinant vector is used for transformation. The transformant contains multiple copies of the gene and can produce much higher level of nitrile hydratase compared with conventionally used microorganisms.

Abstract: A process for efficiently producing (S,S)-2-alkoxycyclohexanols in a single step by using (.+-.)-trans-2-alkoxycyclohexanols which are inexpensive and can be easily obtained. The process comprises treating a (.+-.)-trans-2-alkoxycyclohexanol with a hydrolase originating in a microorganism and being capable of esterifying stereospecifically the R-isomer in the presence of an acyl donor under such conditions that no hydrolysis occurs substantially to thereby give (S,S)-2-alkoxycyclohexanols and (R,R)-2-alkoxycyclohexanol carboxylate and then taking up the (S,S)-2-alkoxycyclohexanols.

Abstract: Microorganisms which are able to produce maltose/trehalose conversion enzyme, a novel enzyme, are cultivated in nutrient culture media with malose. During the cultivation, the microorganisms readily convert maltose into trehalose to accumulate trehalose in the cultures which yield saccharide mixtures with high trehalose contents when separated from insoluble substances. Removal of contaminant saccharides and subsequent crystallization readily yield trehalose in crystal-line trehalose hydrate or anhydrous crystalline form. The trehalose and saccharide mixture containing the same commonly bear desirable properties including mild sweetness and superior stability which render them very useful in a variety of compositions including food products, cosmetics and medicines.

Abstract: A rapid, on-site method for indicating the degree of spoilage, if any, of finfish by the level of bacteria present therein. A small quantity of flesh is cut from a representative fish and kneaded in a bacterial nutrient broth to extract any bacteria present. A triphenyl tetrazolium dye is added as an indicator reagent, followed by an anionic surfactant and a lower alkyl alcohol. The developed color, if any, is compared to a control color chart representative of acceptable and unsatisfactory degrees of bacterial contamination or spoilage.

Abstract: Compositions containing two species of indolyl-3-alkane alpha-hydroxylase (INDH) are isolated from Pseudomonas XA. An INDH1 composition contains protein subunits having molecular weights of 75,000, 34,500 and 32,500 daltons. An INDH2 composition contains protein subunits having molecular weights of 60,000, 44,000 and 42,000 daltons. Molecular weights are determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The compositions have a Specific INDH Activity of at least 10 international Units of INDH activity per milligram of protein, and contain less than 1 nanogram of endotoxin per International Unit of Specific INDH Activity. The INDH compositions may be immobilized on an insoluble matrix such as silica beads to provide at least 2.5 international Units of INDH activity per gram of Immobilized INDH composition. The INDH compositions are isolated by lysing Pseudomonas XA cells at a temperature of no more than 15.degree. C.

Abstract: The nucleic acid and amino acid sequences for proteinaceous elicitors of the plant defense reaction known as the hypersensitive response against Pseudomonas syringae are described along with method for preparation.

Abstract: A process for the production of arabinonucleotides of general formula I ##STR1## in which X represents a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom, is described, which is characterized in that an arabinonucleoside of general formula II ##STR2## in which X has the above-mentioned meaning, is fermented in the presence of an aryl phosphate of general formula III ##STR3## in which Y symbolizes a hydrogen atom or a nitro group andZ symbolizes two hydrogen atoms or two alkali metal atoms,with a microorganism that is capable of phosphorylating nucleosides.

Abstract: A process is disclosed in which a chloroorganic compound is decomposed by means of a microorganism. The relevant microorganisms are induced to do so by contact with an aromatic compound which may be extracted from a plant containing lignocellulose or may be p-coumaric acid. It is believed that these compounds stimulate the microorganism to express oxygenase, and that the presence of oxygenase in the microroganism enables it to decompose the chlororoganic compound.

Abstract: An (S)-1-phenyl-2-substituted propane derivative shown by the following formula (I) ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 represent a lower alkyl group, etc., or R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 may form together an alkylene group, etc.; R.sup.3, R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 represent a hydrogen atom, etc.; and X represents a hydroxyl group which may be protected with a protective group, or a halogen atom etc., can readily be produced (i) by permitting a microorganism belonging to the genus Torulaspora, the genus Candida, the genus Pichia or the like to act on a phenylacetone derivative and asymmetrically reducing the compound, or (ii) by sterically inverting an (R)-enantiomer. (R,R)-1-phenyl-2-?(2-phenyl-1-methylethyl)amino!ethanol derivative having a high optical purity can easily be obtained from the compound of the formula (I). The ethanol derivative is useful as an anti-obesity agent and the like.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of one or both enantiomers of 1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-chloroethanol, which comprises an enantioselective enzymatic hydrolysis of (.+-.)-.alpha.-(4-chlorophenyl)chloroethyl acetate by means of an enzyme which is horse liver acetone powder, lipase PS from Pseudomonas fluorescens, lipase AK from Pseudomonas or the lipase from Candida antarctica, to give a mixture of unhydrolysed R-(-)-.alpha.-(4-chlorophenyl)chloroethyl acetate and S-(+)-1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-chloroethanol, and optional separation of R-(-)-.alpha.-(4-chlorophenyl)chloroethyl acetate and optional hydrolysis of it to give R-(-)-1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-chloroethanol and use of the enantiomers of 1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-chlorethanol for the preparation of the enantiomers of eliprodil and of their salts.

Abstract: An improved fat splitting process which eliminates the induction period encountered during pressure splitting. A partial hydrolysis is conducted prior to pressure splitting by combining a lipase in the presence of water with the fat or oil to be hydrolyzed with added agitation. Pressure splitting of this partially split triglyceride eliminates or reduces the induction period.

Abstract: A biologically pure culture of Pseudomonas alcaligenes KB2 (Deposition No. FERM P-14644) which can decompose at least one of aromatic compounds and haloorganic compounds, and a process utilizing this strain to decompose these compounds, and a process for remedying environment polluted with these compounds utilizing this microorganism.

Abstract: A method for controlling fungal diseases in turfgrasses using a Pseudomonas aureofaciens. The Pseudomonas aureofaciens is particularly useful in inhibiting dollar spot (Sclerotinia homoeocarpa) in turfgrasses. The method is environmentally safe and economical.

Abstract: A biological degradation process is disclosed. The biological gradation process utilizes a unique thermophilic aerobic bacterial mixture capable of converting, biologically or via oxidation, aqueous and other liquid streams containing substances that are ordinarily considered toxic to conventional biological systems. Substances ordinarily considered toxic to conventional biological systems, but which nevertheless are converted by the thermophilic aerobic bacterial mixture, include aniline; benzothiazole; 5,6-dihydro-2-methyl-N-phenyl-1,4-oxathiin-3-carboxamide; lindane (technically known as 1.alpha.,2.alpha.,3.beta.,4.alpha.,5.alpha.,6.beta.-hexachlorocyclohexane) ; 2-mercaptobenzothiazole; toluene; and combinations thereof. The unique thermophilic aerobic bacterial mixture comprises relative effective amounts of Pseudomonas stutzeri, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Pseudomonas mendocina and Alcaligenes denitrificans subsp. xylosoxydans.

Abstract: Ice nucleating agents are introduced into or on invertebrates. They elevate the supercooling point of such invertebrates. Where such invertebrates are freeze-intolerant, they may be killed or made susceptible to freezing by subjecting them to temperatures at or below the elevated supercooling point. Food sources treated with ice nucleating agents can be used to introduce the agents effectively to the invertebrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing an optically active 4-hydroxy-2-ketoglutaric acid, by mixing glyoxylic acid, pyruvic acid and a microorganism to form the optically active 4-hydroxy-2-ketoglutaric acid in an aqueous medium.

Abstract: A method and compositions using a metabolite(s) produced by Pseudomonas KC (DSM 7136) to degrade aliphatic halogenated hydrocarbons. The metabolite(s) is used with an enabling microorganism to degrade the aliphatic halogenated hydrocarbons. The method and compositions are particularly useful with aquifer solutions and soils for removal of carbon tetrachloride.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing D-lactic acid and L-lactamide, comprising allowing a culture broth of a microorganism capable of asymmetric hydrolysis of DL-lactamide belonging to the genus Alcaligenes, Pseudomonas, Agrobacterium, Brevibacterium, Acinetobacter, Corynebacterium, Enterobacter, Micrococcus or Rhodococcus, the microorganism itself, a material obtained therefrom or an immobilized material thereof to act on DL-lactamide, and recovering the resulting D-lactic acid and the remaining L-lactamide. The present invention enables sufficient production of D-lactic acid and L-lactamide by the present microorganism.

Abstract: Salicylate hydroxylase isolated from Pseudomonas bacteria can be used to determine the level of salicylate in a body fluid by reacting a sample of the fluid with the enzyme and monitoring the conversion of salicylate to catechol. A method of purifying the enzyme from crude bacterial extract using a salicylate affinity column is also disclosed.

Abstract: A recombinant microorganism strain having a desired metabolic property is produced by a process which utilizes a multiple chemostat system.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a sweetener, in which sucrose is converted enzymatically into a saccharide mixture which is called "isomerized sucrose" and has a disaccharide content of more than 85% by weight, then non-isomerized remaining sucrose is removed from the latter by enzymatic and/or H.sup.+ ion-catalyzed cleavage, and this product is catalytically hydrogenated. Preferably either before or after the catalytic hydrogenation, the resulting mixture is subjected to a chromatographic separation. The sweeteners prepared by this process contain either a mixture of 10 to 50% by weight of 6-O-.alpha.-D-glucopyranosyl-D-sorbitol; 2 to 20% by weight of 1-O-.alpha.-D-glucopyranosyl-D-sorbitol; and 30 to 70% by weight of 1-O-.alpha.-D-glucopyranosyl-D-mannitol or of 5 to 10% by weight of 6-O-.alpha.-D-glucopyranosyl-D-sorbitol; 30 to 40% by weight of 1-O-.alpha.-D-glucopyranosyl-D-sorbitol; and 45 to 60% by weight of 1-O-.alpha.-D-glucopyranosyl-D-mannitol.