Abstract: A novel antibiotic C-14482 A.sub.1 is produced by cultivating a microorganism belonging to the genus Nocardia and capable of producing Antibiotic C-14482 A.sub.1 in a culture medium, whereby Antibiotic C-14482 A.sub.1 is elaborated and accumulated in the culture medium, and recovering the same antibiotic.Antibiotic C-14482 A.sub.1 is useful as a germicide or disinfectant.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a special protein-free nutrient medium having unexpected efficiency in the propagation of Leptospira. The process comprises strategically admixing a modified or detoxified polysorbate fatty acid to a preformed mixture containing vitamin B.sub.12, vitamin B.sub.1, soluble manganese, magnesium and ammonium salts, and a buffer, in a water diluent adjusted to pH 6.5 to 8.5. The polysorbate fatty acid is modified or detoxified by admixture with activated charcoal followed by settling, decantation, centrifugation and filtration to remove all charcoal particles.

Abstract: A controlled atmosphere apparatus comprising a rigid base and a transparent plastic hood is disclosed. The apparatus is suitable for use as an anaerobic incubator and is provided with a docking mechanism to receive a transport unit. A transport unit suitable for the transport of anaerobes and method of transporting anaerobes from remote locations to a controlled atmosphere apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for optical resolution of DL-lysine alkyl ester or acid-addition salts thereof by contacting an aqueous solution of the ester or salts thereof with a non-specific protease obtained by culturing bacteria belonging to the genus Streptomyces, e.g. St. griseus, at weakly acidic pH and a temperature not exceeding 60.degree. C until 60 - 90% by weight of L-lysine ester or acid-addition salts thereof takes part in a reaction, and recovering L-lysine or acid-addition salts thereof thus produced by a conventional manner. The protease may be immobilized on an insoluble carrier in advance.

Abstract: A method and device for determining the specific gravity or osmolality of a liquid containing a nonionic, ionizable solute are disclosed. The method comprises contacting the liquid with an ionizing agent, thus converting the solute to ionized species in the liquid, and contacting the liquid with test means capable of producing a detectable response, such as a color response, dependent upon the specific gravity or osmolality of the ionized liquid. The composition comprises an ionizing agent capable, upon contact with the liquid, of ionizing the solute therein, and a test means capable, upon contacting the liquid containing the solute in ionized form, of producing a detectable response which is a function of the specific gravity or osmolality of the liquid. The device comprises a carrier matrix incorporated with the test means and the ionizing agent.