Abstract: The invention induces an increase in the resistance of potato plants, without apparent toxicity for the plant. Preliminary experiments indicate that the increase in metabolism of plants efficiently fosters (above 60%) the reduction of the development of the pathogenic phytobacteria, Erwinia carotovora, one of the principal agents in causing diseases in potatoes.

Abstract: A device and method for detecting the presence of hemoglobin in a biological sample, more particularly, the presence of blood in a fecal sample as an indicator of upper or lower gastrointestinal tract bleeding.

Abstract: The invention provides a nucleotide sequence that encodes an HIV-1 gag protein or fragment thereof containing a gag epitope and a second HIV antigen or a fragment encoding an epitope of said second HIV antigen, operably linked to a heterologous promoter. Preferred polynucleotide sequences further encodes nef or a fragment thereof and RT or a fragment thereof.

Abstract: A process for producing a 2-alkylcysteinamide, which comprises hydrolysis of a 4-alkylthiazolidine-4-carboxamide represented by the general formula (2) or a salt thereof: wherein R represents a lower alkyl group having 1–4 carbon atoms; and each of R1 and R2 independently represents hydrogen or a lower alkyl group having 1–4 carbon atoms, or R1 and R2 are linked together to form an alicyclic, structure having 4–7 carbon atoms, excluding the case where both R1 and R2 are hydrogen, to give a 2-alkylcysteinamide represented by the general formula (1) or a salt thereof wherein R represents a lower alkyl group having 1–4 carbon atoms. Cells of a microorganism or treated products thereof having activity of stereoselective hydrolysis of a 2-alkyl-L-cysteinamide are allowed to act on the compound represented by the general formula (1) to yield a 2-alkyl-L-cysteine.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to imparting stress resistance to plants. This can be achieved by applying a hypersensitive response elicitor in a non-infectious form to plants or plant seeds under conditions effective to impart stress resistance to plants or plants grown from the plant seeds. Alternatively, transgenic plants or plant seeds transformed with a DNA molecule encoding the elicitor can be provided and the transgenic plants or plants resulting from the transgenic plant seeds are grown under conditions effective to impart stress resistance to plants or plants grown from the plant seeds.

Abstract: A disposable, dry chemistry analytical system is disclosed which is broadly useful for the detection of a variety of analytes present in biological fluids such as whole blood, serum, plasma, urine and cerebral spinal fluid. The invention discloses the use of the reaction interface that forms between two liquids converging from opposite directions within a bibulous material. The discovery comprises a significant improvement over prior art disposable, analytical reagent systems in that the detectable reactant zone is visually distinct and separate from the unreacted reagents allowing for the use of reaction indicators exhibiting only minor changes as well as extremely high concentrations of reactants. In addition, staged, multiple reagents can be incorporated. Whole blood can be used as a sample without the need for separate cell separating materials.

Abstract: A method of reducing or eliminating off-flavor in water or fish by controlling cyanobacteria or algae in the water wherein cyanobacteria or algae produce agents that cause the off-flavor. The cyanobacteria or algae are susceptible to a new Bacterium NRRLB-30043 which heretofore has not been identified or recognized as a useful agent in controlling cyanobacteria or algae. By simply treating a body of water having an off-flavor with Bacterium NRRLB-30043, the off-flavor is reduced or eliminated. Commercial fisheries or nurseries which produce channel catfish for human consumption will benefit from using this environmentally friendly Bacterium NRRLB-30043 to reduce or eliminate off-flavor in the catfish.

Abstract: Substantially pure glycosidases capable for cleaving selected glycosidic bonds have been described including glycosidases isolated from Xanthomonas and recombinant glycosidases. Substrate specificity of isolated enzymes have been identified for GlcNac&bgr;1-X, Gal&agr;1-3R, Gal&agr;1-6R, Gal&bgr;1-3R, Fuc&agr;-2R, Fuc&agr;1-3R, Fuc&agr;1-4R, Man&agr;1-2R, Man&agr;1-3R, Man&agr;1-6R, Man&bgr;1-4R, Xyl&bgr;1-2R, Glc&bgr;1-4R, and Gal&bgr;1-4R providing improved capability for selectively cleaving a glycosidic linkage in a carbohydrate substrate and for forming modified carbohydrates.

Abstract: A new recombinant bacteria for the production of exopolysaccharides is disclosed as well as a method for making the recombinant bacteria and making an exopolysaccharide from the bacteria by submerged aerobic fermentation of the bacteria utilizing a sugar substrate. The exopolysaccharides obtained from the inventive bacteria exhibit improved, more desirable or different properties from the exopolysaccharide produced by the non-recombinant bacteria from which the recombinant bacteria was derived. In addition, the present invention provides a method of producing bacterial exopolysaccharides by fermentation from sugar substrates that the bacteria which the exopolysaccharides are native to cannot utilize.

Abstract: A recombinant bacteria for the production of exopolysaccharides is disclosed as well as a method for making the recombinant bacteria and making an exopolysaccharide from the bacteria by submerged aerobic fermentation of the bacteria utilizing a sugar substrate. In addition, the present invention provides a method of producing bacterial exopolysaccharides by fermentation from sugar substrates that the wild-type bacteria for producing the exopolysaccharide cannot utilize.

Abstract: A method for controlling Poa trivialis using a bacterium which is a Xanthomonas campestris pathovar which produces a wilt in the weed grass is described. In particular, the use of a Xanthomonas campestris which infects the Poa trivialis types to suppress or kill this weed grass is described. The method allows non-weedy grasses to develop without interference from Poa trivialis to improve lawns, golf courses and the like.

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 a novel ice nucleation active Xanthomonas strain and a bacterial ice nucleator comprising the ice nucleation active microorganism which can be applied for food processing and artificial snow making. The present inventors have screened ice nucleation active microorganisms from leaves of crops and plants, and investigated their ice-nucleation activities. As a result, the inventors discovered that a novel microorganism belonging to Xanthomonas campestris has a superior ice-nucleation activity than those of the conventional ice nucleation active microorganisms. Accordingly, the ice nucleation active microorganism of the invention can be used as a potent bacterial ice nucleator for food processing and artificial snow making.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of textile printing using microorganisms with less limitation to dyes with less damage on base materials, and with less blurring of color borders. The method is capable of producing a complex, fine pattern; capable of realizing colored discharge printing with brilliant colors; and capable of readily producing an ombre pattern. The invention also provides a microorganism for decolorization of azo-system dye and use in the textile printing method.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new ice nucleus-forming bacterium strain, Xanthomonas campestris INXC-1 (FERM BP-4191), a process for the cultivation of the new ice nucleus-forming bacterium, an ice nucleus-forming substance containing the ice nucleus-forming bacterium, and the uses of the ice nucleus-forming substance. Further, a method for lyophilizing a food using the strain as an ice nucleus-forming substance is disclosed; wherein the method is carried out by adding the strain to the food, thereby freezing the food, and then vaporizing moisture from the frozen food to effect drying. The food types which may be lyophilized using the method include tea extracts, fruit juices, soy sauce, sauces, drippings, soups fermented soy bean paste and agar.

Abstract: Purified N-acetylglucosaminidase and .alpha.1-3,6 Galactosidase endogenous to Xanthomonas have been described. Substrate specificity of isolated enzymes have been identified from GlcNAc.beta.1-x and Gal.alpha.1-3R, Gal.alpha.1-6R, providing improved capability for selectively cleaving a glycosidic linkage in a carbohydrate substrate and for forming modified carbohydrates.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for the production of .delta.-decalactone by the microbial reduction of massoia lactone, characterized in that a bacterium having the ability to reduce massoia lactone is used as the microorganism. The .delta.-decalactone produced according to this process has a highly tastable, mild creamlike scent and flavor, and is hence suitable for use in flavor compositions.

Abstract: Heteropolysaccharide biopolymers well adopted as thickening agents are improvedly produced by microbially fermenting a carbohydrate nutrient medium, said nutrient medium comprising an oil-in-water emulsion of a discontinuous oily phase dispersed within a continuous aqueous phase.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for preparation of trans-4-hydroxy-L-proline which comprises either culturing Xanthomonas maltophilia NA-62 (FERM BP-4479), Xanthomonas maltophilia JCM No.3807 (FERM BP-4474) or Xanthomonas sp. JCM No.3857 (FERM BP-4475) in a nutrient medium containing collagen or gelatin or a partial hydrolyzate of collagen or gelatin, or contacting culture cells of the above microorganism with collagen or gelatin or a partial hydrolyzate of collagen or gelatin in an aqueous medium, and recovering trans-4-hydroxy-L-proline formed; and a process for preparation of an amino acid mixture which comprises contacting culture cells, fractured cells before or after removal of the broken pieces of the cells, or a crude enzyme obtained by subjecting the fractured cells after removal of the broken pieces of the cells to salting-out or solvent precipitation, from Xanthomonas maltophilia NA-62 (FERM BP-4479), Xanthomonas maltophilia JCM No.3807 (FERM BP-4474) or Xanthomonas sp. JCM No.

Abstract: A xanthan gum-containing fermented solution is subjected to an enzyme treatment for solubilizing the microbial cells present in the fermented solution. While the fermented solution having undergone the enzyme treatment is maintained at a temperature of 50.degree. C. to 80.degree. C., and xanthan gum is precipitated by adding an hydrophilic organic solvent incapable of dissolving xanthan gum to the fermented solution. When a rotary turbine is used, the precipitate can be cut with a shearing cutter to recover a finely-divided fibrous product.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new ice nucleus-forming bacterium strain, Xanthomonas campestris INXC-1 (FERM BP-4191), a process for the cultivation of the new ice nucleus-forming bacterium, an ice nucleus-forming substance containing the ice nucleus-forming bacterium, and the uses of the ice nucleus-forming substance. In particular a method for freezing a substance is disclosed wherein the strain FERM BP-4191 is incorporated into an ice nucleus forming substance and added to a food substance. For example, the addition is conducted by contacting the surface of the substance or by blending, or by pouring thereon the ice nucleus forming substance onto the substance to be frozen.

Abstract: Polysaccharide biopolymers, e.g., xanthan gum, are produced by the aerobic microbial fermentation of a carbohydrate in an aqueous nutrient medium containing starch as a source of carbon, and wherein the fermentation is carried out in the presence of a saccharide-specific amylolytic enzyme.

Abstract: The process includes 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.

Abstract: New protozoan derived microbial consortia and method for their isolation are provided. Consortia and bacteria isolated therefrom are useful for treating wastes such as trichloroethylene and trinitrotoluene. Consortia, bacteria isolated therefrom, and dispersants isolated therefrom are useful for dispersing hydrocarbons such as oil, creosote, wax, and grease.

Abstract: The present invention relates toa mutant strain of Xanthomonas campestris;a method of preparing xanthan by fermentation of said strain; anda non-viscous xanthan capable of being obtained by said method.

Abstract: Phthalyl amidase is an enzyme previously unknown in the art that catalyzes removal of the phthalyl moiety from phthalyl-containing amides. The current invention provides 2 phthalyl amidase, 2 method for producing it by culturing the natural organism from which the activity was identified, and methods for using the phthalyl amidase to remove the phthalyl moiety from phthalyl-containing amides. The ezyme is isolated from Xanthobacter agilis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new ice nucleus-forming bacterium strain, Xanthomonas campestris INXC-1 (FERM BP-4191), a process for the cultivation of the new ice nucleus-forming bacterium, an ice nucleus-forming substance containing the ice nucleus-forming bacterium, and the uses of the ice nucleus-forming substance.

Abstract: An isolated sorbitol oxidase from Xanthomonas maltophilia FERM BP-4512 is disclosed. The oxidase catalyzes the reaction of D-sorbitol+O.sub.2 .fwdarw.D-glucose+H.sub.2 O.sub.2, has a substrate specificity for D-sorbitol, D-mannitol, D-xylitol, and D-arabitol, has an optimum pH of 6.5 to 7.5, and has a molecular weight of 54 kD as determined by gel filtration or 43 kD as determined by SDS-PAGE. The enzyme can be used for measuring a polyol in a sample and as a reagent in a kit used for determining the presence of D-sorbitol.

Abstract: A method of increasing xanthan gum production, comprising culturing a Xanthomonas campestris strain having a xanthan-increasing modification in a culture medium, wherein the modification is selected from the group consisting of (1) a mutation causing rifampicin-resistance; (2) a mutation causing bacitracin-resistance; or (3) exogenous genetic information controlling the synthesis of xanthan; and separating xanthan from the culture medium, is provided along with specific DNA sequences and Xanthomonas campestris strains showing increased xanthan gum production. The strain is preferably ATCC 55429.

Abstract: A process using Xanthomonas campestris pv capestris to obtain desired heterologous extracellular recombinant products is provided. According to the process, the desired heterologous extracellular recombinant products can be stabilized by xanthan gum secreted into the extracellular medium.

Abstract: A process for biologically preventing dicotyledonous plant diseases which comprises: cutting a seedling of a dicotyledon which includes the seedling between a cotyledon and less than three leaves at a growth stage; immersing the upper portion of the cut seedling into a symbiotical bacteria suspension having antifungal and antibacterial activities and induced resistance to plant pathogens in order to inoculate the symbiotical bacteria into interior tissues in the vessel and intercellular space of the dicotyledonous plants; cutting the seedlings in a nursery bed or directly planting them in a field for further association of the symbiotical bacteria; and preventing dicotyledonous plant diseases of the dicotyledonous plants.

Abstract: An isoamylase, useful in the field of starch saccharification, having a molecular weight of about 105,000, an isoelectric point of 6.4, an optimum pH of 3.0 to 5.0, an optimum temperature of about 50.degree. C. and exhibiting temperature stability at 45.degree. C..times.10 minutes and pH stability at pH 3.5 to 6.0, and a process for producing the same comprising cultivating an isoamylase-producing strain belonging to the genus Xanthomonas and recovering the enzyme produced.

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 new heteropolysaccharide S-657, prepared by fermentation of a new strain of Xanthomonas campestris, ATCC 53159, has valuable properties as a thickening, suspending and stabilizing agent in aqueous solutions and is especially valuable for use in well treating fluids.Heteropolysaccharide S-657 is composed principally of carbohydrate, about 12% protein and about 7% (calculated as O-acetyl) acyl groups, the carbohydrate portion containing about 19% glucuronic acid, and the neutral sugars rhamnose and glucose in the approximate molar ratio of 2:1.

Abstract: A method for controlling weed grasses using a bacterium which is a Xanthomonas campestris pathovar which produces a wilt in the weed grass is described. In particular the use of a Xanthomonas campestris which infects Poa annua types to suppress or kill this weed grass is described. The method allows non-weed grasses to develop without interference from weed grasses to improve lawns, golf courses and the like.

Abstract: A biological inoculant is disclosed for facilitating and fostering the growth of edible corn plants. The inoculant includes biologically pure cultures of bacterial strains, including Bacillus circulans, a yet unidentified bacterial strain, and Xanthomonas maltotphilia.

Abstract: Process for obtaining a mass of polysaccharide-producing microorganisms, consisting in conducting the growth of the microorganisms in a medium containing an enzyme which hydrolyzes the formed polysaccharide.Application in a process for the production of polysaccharide in two stages, in which the growth stage takes place in the presence of an enzyme, particularly for the production of scleroglucane using sclerotium type fungi.

Abstract: A polysaccharide polymer is disclosed which is a better viscosifier of water than xanthan gum. The polysaccharide polymer and its non-acetylated form, are comprised of glucose and mannose moieties in a ratio of about 2:1. The invention also discloses Xanthomonas mutants which produce the polysaccharide polymer but which do not produce xanthan gum. Methods of preparing the polysaccharide polymers and of their use are also described.

Abstract: Cloning and expression vector of a heterologous gene in a yeast, characterized in that it comprises at least; all or part of DNA of the plasmide k.sub.1 of Kluyveromyces lactis, a DNA segment incorporating the heterologous gene as well as the sequences providing the expression of said gene in said yeast.

Abstract: Ice nucleation bacteria are modified in vitro to confer an ice nucleation deficient phenotype. Modification is accomplished by deletion, substitution, insertion, inversion, or transversion of a DNA segment within the gene locus responsible for the INA phenotype. By limiting such mutations to the particular gene locus, the modified microorganisms are genetically stable and free from random mutations which might adversely affect their competitive fitness. The modified microorganisms are useful for prevention of frost damage to susceptible plant hosts.

Abstract: Process for preparing Xanthomonas heteropolysaccharide from Xanthomonas campestris NCIB 11854 and use of the latter, e.g. as viscosity modifier in an aqueous solution, and in a drilling fluid and use in connection with well treatments, and enhanced oil recovery.

Abstract: Method of improving the filterability of a microbial broth containing microbial cell matter resulting from the breaking down of cells, which comprises contacting that broth with one or more enzymes having nuclease activity; use of the method for improving the flow of a microbial polysaccharide containing fluid displacement solution which is applied in enhanced oil recovery.

Abstract: Xanthan gum can be produced by culturing a Xanthan gum producing microorganism of genus Xanthomonas under aerobic conditions in an aqueous culture medium. The medium contains an assimilable carbon source and at least one additive selected from the group consisting of pantothenic acid, thiamine, and derivatives thereof including salts and esters.

Abstract: Polysaccharides are produced by single stage continuous culture of Xanthomonas bacteria, especially of the Xanthomonas campestris group in a chemically-defined culture medium. Cultures have been run for over 2,000 hours without reduction in the polysaccharide yield. The physical and chemical properties of the product can be controlled by selection of the growth limiting substrate (limiting nutrilite) in the culture medium to give a range of polysaccharides suitable for various applications.

Abstract: Polysaccharides, such as xanthan gum, are produced by culturing microorganisms, e.g. of the Xanthomonas genus, in a two stage process. In the first stage, growth of the microorganism is favored, e.g. by using a predetermined quantity of a carbon-containing nutrient which does not support biosynthesis of the polysaccharide. In the second stage, the conditions are such that biosynthesis of the polysaccharide takes place with substantially no growth of the microorganism, e.g. by adding carbohydrate in the absence of nutrient required for polysaccharide growth.By this process, the requirement for oxygen is greatly reduced at the time when the culture medium has its highest viscosity, thereby minimizing problems of low oxygen transfer capability in viscous media.

Abstract: In the aerobic culture of microorganisms of the Xanthomonas genus in fermentation media, the use of water-in-oil emulsions in the media minimizes viscosity problems and enhances yields of Xanthomonas biopolymers. Preferably, the emulsion is formed with a surfactant and the microorganism is Xanthomonas campestris.

Abstract: Glycosylation or transglycosylation of a specified guanine derivative, namely 9-substituted or non-substituted guanine of formula [I] with a 3-deoxyribose donor such as 3'-deoxyadenosine in the presence of a nucleoside phosphorylase source such as of microorganism origin is disclosed. The nucleoside phosphorylase source is specified.

Abstract: A novel restriction endonuclease designated XcyI recognizes and cleaves the sequence 5'-C.dwnarw.CCGGG-3', where the arrow indicates the cleavage site. The enzyme may be obtained from Xanthamonas cyanopsidis.Xanthamonas cyanopsidis strain 13D5 was deposited at the American Type Culture Collection on Jan. 20, 1984, and granted accession No. 39587.

Abstract: Aqueous media, e.g., potable waters, are treated/purified by flocculation utilizing, as the flocculant therefor, that flocculating adjuvant adapted for ready dispersion/dissolution in such media comprising intimate admixture of a water soluble gum, polymer or biogum heteropolysaccharide, a dispersion/dissolution enhancing amount of a water donor material, and, advantageously, an anionic and/or nonionic surfactant.

Abstract: In a polymer flood, where bacterial contamination frequently causes a loss in viscosity of the polymer, the viscosity of the polymer solution is maintained by the use of a xanthan polymer modified by methylation of a portion of the subunit sugar residues of the xanthan base.