Abstract: In automatic auction method which makes it unnecessary for bidders to stay before auction terminals at the time of auction and which makes possible auction transactions on an open network on which it is difficult to assure the on-line and real time properties, a plurality of auction ordering information pieces each containing a desired price, number of purchase, and a highest possible price in competition for the desired price and received from bidder terminals via on-line circuits are collected. Until an auction issue appears, the price is lowered. If there is at least one auction issue and a desired quantity which is the sum total of the numbers of purchase of the auction issues is not satisfied, then it is determined whether there is an auction issue coinciding in price by comparing the set price with (the desired price+the highest possible price in competition). Until the desired quantity is satisfied, the price is raised.

Abstract: A process for preparing optically active (R)-3-chloro-1,2-propanediol, which comprises subjecting (R,S)-3-chloro-1,2-propanediol to the reaction of a microorganism belonging to genus Serratia in a reaction mixture, and then collecting the residual (R)-3-chloro-1,2-propanediol. According to the process of the present invention, (R)-3-chloro-1,2-propanediol can be efficiently prepared starting from low cost (R,S)-3-chloro-1,2-propanediol.

Abstract: A process for preparing an optically active 3-chloro-1, 2-propanediol by employing microorganism which can selectively metabolize (R)- or (S)-3-chloro-1,2-propanediol. The decomposition rate of the substrate can be accelerated and the substrate concentration can be increased by adding a compound having SH group to the reaction solution.According to the process of the present invention, the optically active 3-chloro-1,2-propanediol can be easily prepared starting from low-cost (R,S)-3-chloro-1, 2-propanediol.

Abstract: A process of manufacturing optically active (S)-1,2-diols, wherein (R)-1,2-diols represented by the general formula [I] ##STR1## (where: R represents a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, alkenyl group, aryl group or aralkyl group) or a mixture of diols of the general formula [I] and (S)-1,2-diols represented by the general formula [II] ##STR2## (Where: R represents the same as above) having an opposite configuration to the general formula [I] is subjected to the action of a microorganism capable of selectively metabolizing the diols of the general formula [I], or capable of converting the diols of the general formula [I] into the diols of the general formula [II], or having the both capabilities, and the formed and accumulated (S)-1,2-diols of the general formula [II] is collected. According to the present invention, optically active (S)-1,2-diols can be produced commercially and advantageously.

Abstract: A process for producing D-.beta.-hydroxyalkanoic acids by utilizing microorganisms having an ability of stereospecifically converting alkanoic acids, 2-alkenoic acids or alcohols into D-.beta.-hydroxyalkanoic acids.

Abstract: A process is disclosed wherein coenzyme Q is prepared from tissues of animals and plants or microbial cells by treating a water suspension of said materials with an alkali, or with an acid and then an alkali, and by extracting the treated suspension with at least one water-immiscible organic solvent followed by recovery of coenzyme Q from the extract.

Abstract: A process is disclosed in which an optically active monoalkyl ester of .beta.-(S)-aminoglutaric acid is prepared by subjecting a dialkyl ester of .beta.-protected aminoglutaric acid to the action of a culture broth, cells, or treated cells of a microorganism capable of stereoselectively hydrolyzing only one of the ester groups in the above-mentioned dialkyl ester to produce an optically active monoalkyl ester of .beta.-protected (S)-aminoglutaric acid, and then removing the amino-protecting group from the product. An optically active monoalkyl ester of .beta.-(S)-aminoglutaric acid is useful as a starting material for synthesizing .beta.-lactam antibiotics of carbapenem type such as thienamycin.

Abstract: A process is disclosed wherein D(-)-.beta.-hydroxyisobutyric acid is produced fermentatively from isobutyric acid or methacrylic acid by the stereoselective action of microorganisms having the ability to convert isobutyric acid or methacrylic acid into D(-)-.beta.-hydroxyisobutyric acid in an aqueous medium, and D(-)-.beta.-hydroxyisobutyric acid is recovered from the aqueous medium.