Abstract: Transformed yeasts comprising DNA which include at least one copy of a fragment coding for a 1,4-.beta.-N-acetylmuramidase which is expressed in the yeasts as the corresponding active protein, and a process for preparing lysozyme by growing said transformed yeasts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for releasing into aqueous medium polypeptides produced by yeasts and localized at least partially within the periplasmic space thereof without breaking the yeast cell. The process involves treating the yeasts in aqueous medium with a neutral water-soluble mineral salt and a non-ionic water-soluble polyethoxylated alkylphenol surfactant having an HLB of between 8 and 15.

Abstract: Compositions for dispersing oil slicks on water are disclosed comprising a solution of surface-active agents in a mixture of viscosity modifier, water, and hydrocarbon solvent. The surface-active agents are a mixture of emulsifying agents and a lower amount of wetting agent. The mixture of emulsifying agents comprising two blends, A and B, of sorbitan derivatives, blend A having an HLB of about 8.5 to 9.5 and blend B having an HLB of about 8 to 10 wherein the weight ratio of blend A to blend B is between about 0.5:1 and 4:1.

Abstract: A process for preparing pigmented PVdF-based powder coating products is disclosed, which comprises the steps of (i) mixing PVdF resin with a compatible thermoplastic resin, preferably PMMA in a weight ratio of about 80:20 to 40:60, with pigments, and with a small amount of flow promoter, (ii) pelletizing the mixture of (i), and (iii) cryogenically grinding the pellets and sieving the large particles. Also disclosed is a process for coating a substrate, comprising the steps of (a) applying the above prepared powder coating product on a substrate, and (b) subjecting to a heat treatment.

Abstract: A process is described for the catalytic dehydrogenation of paraffinic hydrocarbons preferably having from 3 to 6 carbon atoms in the presence of a catalyst containing at least one metal of the platinum group, a co-catalyst and a promoter, the noble metal of the platinum group being deposited into the alumina support in two steps, the first one being followed by a calcination and a reduction, the second one being followed by a calcination.

Abstract: Promoters capable of ensuring expression in yeast of genes coding for heterologous polypeptides are disclosed, which comprise a DNA fragment or mutants or sub-fragments thereof, said promoter comprising a definite nucleotide sequence commencing with an EcoRI site and terminated by another restriction site. Also disclosed are vector plasmids containing the promoters, transformed yeasts comprising these plasmids, and a process for preparing polypeptides and especially a 1,4-.beta.-N-acetylmuramidase.

Abstract: Self polishing anti-fouling marine paint compositions, that can be prepared free of organotin, comprise: (i) at least one sparingly soluble organic compound that is an organic acid or an organic acid salt preferably selected from rosin-based compounds, metal salts of saturated fatty acids, either branched-chain or alicyclic; (ii) a copolymer prepared from at least one acrylic monomer, at least one monomer selected from C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl methacrylates and styrene, and at least one monomer selected from cyclic tertiary amides or imides having an alkenyl group; (iii) at least one sparingly soluble metalliferous pigment; (iv) at least one marine biocide which can also function as the pigment; and optionally (iv) one or more highly insoluble pigments.

Abstract: A process is described for the catalytic dehydrogenation of paraffinic hydrocarbons preferably having from 3 to 6 carbon atoms in the presence of a catalyst containing at least one metal of the platinum group, a co-catalyst and a promoter, the noble metal of the platinum group being deposited into the alumina support in two steps, the first one being followed by a calcination and a reduction, the second one being followed by a calcination.

Abstract: Transparent linear resinous conjugated diene/monovinyl-substituted aromatic block copolymers of improved properties are prepared by forming a monovinyl-substituted aromatic homopolymer block referred to as S.sub.1, followed by forming a conjugated diene homopolymer block, referred to as B.sub.1 and linked to segments S.sub.1, followed by the formation of a conjugated diene/monovinyl-substituted aromatic random copolymer block, referred to as B/S and linked to segment B.sub.1, followed by the formation of a monovinyl-substituted aromatic homopolymer block, referred to as S.sub.2 and linked to segment B/S thereby forming the block copolymer S.sub.1 -B.sub.1 -B/S-S.sub.2 wherein the molecular weight of the S.sub.2 block is significantly greater than the molecular weight of the S.sub.1 block.

Abstract: Shop primer compositions having improved properties comprise (a) fillers and pigments, at least 25 wt. % of which have conductive properties; (b) zinc powder in a weight ratio to fillers and pigments between 1:16 and 1:1; wherein the zinc, fillers and pigments are milled to a sufficient fineness; (c) anti-settling agents; (d) optionally, thickening agents; (e) a silicate-type binder, in an amount such that the weight ratio of the SiO.sub.2 content of the binder to the zinc, fillers and pigments is between 1:4 and 1:16; and (f) solvents.When using the shop primer compositions of the present invention, the welding properties are improved and the health hazards during welding are reduced, without having to remove the primer layer at the welding area. The primer coatings are compatible with the welding techniques generally used in the heavy steel construction industry, including MIG/MAG welding in 3F position.

Abstract: Vinyl aromatic-conjugated diene copolymers having polymer chains which end with an alkali metal and which are obtained by the polymerization in solution of at least one vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon and of a conjugated diene in the presence of a catalyst based on an alkali metal are decolorized by treating the copolymer with a monocarboxylic acid of general formula(Y).sub.2-n --X--(R--COOH).sub.nin which X is S, S--CH.sub.2 --S, or S--S, and Y and R are alkyl radicals having 1 to 16 carbon atoms and n is 1 or 2.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for removing arsine from a light olefin to containing hydrocarbon feedstock, said process comprising the steps of (a) passing said feedstock over an absorbent material comprising nickel deposited on a support material wherein nickel is present as both nickel oxide and metallic nickel; and (b) recovering a stream having a substantially reduced arsine content.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for eliminating waxy paraffins from hydrocarbon feedstocks having an initial boiling temperature above about 180.degree. C. and containing sulphur, by selective cracking of the straight chain paraffinic hydrocarbons, said process comprising passing said feedstock over a crystalline silica polymorph of the silicalite type under suitable operating conditions for cracking the straight chain paraffins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for removing carbonyl sulfide from a liquid hydrocarbon feedstock, said process comprising the steps of (a) passing said hydrocarbon feedstock over an absorbent material comprising nickel deposited on a support material wherein nickel is present as both nickel oxide and metallic nickel and wherein the absorbent material has been conditioned by passing an inert gas flow containing a minor amount of propylene; and (b) recovering a liquid hydrocarbon stream having a substantially reduced carbonyl sulfide content.

Abstract: Compositions for dispersing oil slicks on water comprising a solution of surface-active agents in a mixture of water and hydrocarbon solvent. The surface-active agents are a mixture of emulsifying agents and a lower amount of wetting agent. The mixture of emulsifying agents comprising two blends, A and B, of sorbitan derivatives, blend A having an HLB of about 8.5 to 9.5 and blend B having an HLB of about 8 to 10 wherein the weight ratio of blend A to blend B is between about 0.5:1 and 4:1.

Abstract: Alkynes are selectively hydrogenated in alkene rich hydrocarbon feeds, such as 1,3-butadiene-rich C.sub.4 cuts, by passing the hydrocarbon feed at least partially in liquid phase over a palladium-based catalyst in the presence of hydrogen, preferably in trickle mode, followed by passing the effluent, at least partially in liquid phase preferably containing about 300-400 ppmw alkynes, over a copper-based catalyst in the presence of hydrogen thereby producing a hydrocarbon product of significantly reduced alkyne concentration.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of a gas oil fraction to produce a lighter fraction useful as diesel fuel and/or gasoline comprising subjecting the gas oil fraction to dewaxing and mild hydracracking treatments. The dewaxing is carried out over a silicalite dewaxing catalyst. The dewaxing and mild hydrocracking treatments may be carried out sequentially or simultaneously. The gas oil feed may be passed successively through a silicalit-catalyst bed, a bed of hydrotreating catalyst and a bed of hydrocracking catalyst.

Abstract: A novel crystalline silica composition having a silica to alumina atomic ratio not lower than 80 and having a certain specific X-ray diffraction pattern after calcination in air for at least 3 hours at a temperature of at least 500.degree. C.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparing crystalline silicas having the monoclinic symmetry which comprises the step of calcining in air for at least 3 hours at a temperature of at least 500.degree. C. a crystalline silica of the silicalite type having a silica to alumina atomic ratio of at least 80.

Abstract: A process for preparing pigmented PVdF-based powder coating products is disclosed, which comprises the steps of (i) mixing PVdF resin with a compatible thermoplastic resin, preferably PMMA in a weight ratio of about 80:20 to 40:60, with pigments, and with a small amount of flow promoter, (ii) pelletizing the mixture of (i), and (iii) cryogenically grinding the pellets and sieving the large particles. Also disclosed is a process for coating a substrate, comprising the steps of (a) applying the above prepared powder coating product on a substrate, and (b) subjecting to a heat treatment.