Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a method for preparing a light-colored seasoning liquid, characterized by comprising koji-making by the employment of a raw material mixture containing soybeans or a similar material in an amount of 0-40% and, in an amount of 100-60%, raw material consisting of, on a dry weight basis, 25-100% gluten and 75-0% wheat, and subjecting a resultant koji product and 7-24% salt water to fermentation in a conventional manner. The invention provides a seasoning liquid which assumes a light color (JAS color code #35 or a lighter color), darkens slowly, provides a remarkable umami taste, and is endowed with excellent aroma.

Abstract: A method of measuring a concentration and a molecular weight distribution of glue or gelatin contained in an electrolyte, which comprises high performance liquid chromatography combined with column switching.

Abstract: Provided are a composting accelerator which comprises a mixture obtained by mixing (A) an organic matter having an arabinoxylan content of 10 wt. % or greater and (B) heat-resistant bacteria for assimilating an organic material, and optionally a humic acid and has a pH adjusted within a range of from 6.0 to 8.5; a composting accelerator comprising a mixture obtained by mixing the above-described organic matter (A) and calcium silicate (C) at a weight ratio ranging from 50:50 to 95:5; and a process for producing an organic fertilizer by using each of the above-described composting accelerators.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composting accelerator for a plant-derived material, which accelerator comprises wheat bran and/or low-grade flour powder and an organic waste matter and/or organic fertilizer, and optionally a specific composting assistant; and a compost producing process comprising adding, to a plant-derived material, wheat bran and/or low-grade flour powder and an organic waste matter and/or organic fertilizer and optionally a specific fertilization assistant and carrying out composting.

Abstract: A novel Pseudomonas fluorescens is disclosed which has an antagonist property against pathogenic fungi of the genera Pythium, Rhizoctonia, Sclerotinia and Gaeumannomyces and which has a DNA that forms a PCR product band at about 800 bp when replicated and amplified by PCR using a primer DNA having the base sequence of 5'-GGCAACTGCACAAGCGCCA (SEQ ID NO: 1) and a primer DNA having the base sequence of 5'-GCCAATCACGCCCTCAAGCT (SEQ ID NO: 2) and then electrophoresed on agarose gel. This microorganism can also promote the growth of plants. A material for controlling pathogenic fungi of plants, particularly, lawn grass, a plant growth promoting material and a compost comprising the microorganism are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a clear liquid skin cosmetic composition (e.g., a lotion) in which one or more oily substances (such as oil-soluble perfumes, hormones and the like) are solubilized in water with the aid of a solubilizing agent comprising an 18.alpha.-glycyrrhizin (18.alpha.-glycyrrhizic acid sodium salt, potassium salt or ammonium salt) that is a novel compound derived from a conventional glycyrrhizin (i.e., any form of 18.beta.-glycyrrhizin extracted from licorice root) or a glycyrrhizin composition consisting of an 18.alpha.-glycyrrhizin and an 18.beta.-glycyrrhizin. This skin cosmetic composition is not irritative to the skin as contrasted with skin cosmetic compositions prepared by using a synthetic surface-active agent as the solubilizing agent, and is not subject to gelation in a slightly acidic to acidic pH range as contrasted with skin cosmetic compositions prepared by using an 18.beta.-glycyrrhizin alone as the solubilizing agent.

Abstract: Disclosed is a creamy or milky skin cosmetic composition which contains an emulsifying agent comprising an 18.alpha.-glycyrrhizin (18.alpha.-glycyrrhizic acid or its sodium, potassium or ammonium salt) that is a novel compound derived from a conventional glycyrrhizin (i.e., any form of 18.beta.-glycyrrhizin extracted from licorice root) or a glycyrrhizin composition consisting of an 18.alpha.-glycyrrhizin and an 18.beta.-glycyrrhizin. This skin cosmetic composition causes no irritation to the skin and hence has great safety for the skin, as contrasted with skin cosmetic compositions using synthetic emulsifiers. Moreover, it exhibits very good emulsion stability and storage stability and presents a very attractive appearance (fine texture and good gloss) owing to the unique effects of the 18.alpha.-glycyrrhizin. In particular, this skin cosmetic composition is characterized in that the difficulties inherent in the use of an emulsifying agent comprising an 18.beta.-glycyrrhizin alone (i.e.

Abstract: This invention relates to 18 .alpha.-glycyrrhizinic acid having the structural formula, ##STR1## and salts thereof as well as a method for the production thereof.