Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the preparation of D(-) mandelic acid by the acid hydrolysis of the corresponding carbamate in an aqueous environment at a temperature of between 40.degree. and 100.degree. C. and at a pH of between 1 and 3.5.The invention also relates to a process for the enzymatic hydrolysis of racemic 5-substituted 2,4-oxazolidinediones to give only one of the two possible optical isomers, i.e., the D-carbamyl-.alpha.-hydroxy acid. The free D-.alpha.-hydroxy acid can be obtained from the optically active carbamyl derivative by simple hydrolysis. Of particular interest is the case in which the D-.alpha.-hydroxy acid is D(-)mandelic acid. The enzymatic activity required for preparing the carbamyl derivative of D(-)mandelic acid has been found both in homogenised veal liver and in a series of microorganisms, including Agrobacterium radiobacter, Bacillus brevis, Bacillus stearothermophilus, Pseudomonas sp., Pseudomonas desmolytica, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Pseudomonas putida.

Abstract: A description is given of the use of agricultural waste in the form of chemically treated cereal straw or fruit plant prunings together with the liquid residue from sugarbeet molasses in the production of balanced feedingstuffs suitable for feeding polygastric animals. The final useful mixture contains the agricultural waste as its main component and up to 60% of sugarbeet pulp, the remainder consisting of conventional additives.

Abstract: Compositions are disclosed, which are adapted to depollute fresh and sea water bodies from crude oil and petroleum product pollution by microbial action. The growth of micro-organisms capable of metabolizing hydrocarbons is exalted by certain combination of nutrients, such as lecithin as a phosphorus source, hydantoins, amides allophanates, polyamines, acyl-ureas and esters of the hydantoic and allantoic acids as the nitrogen sources. Ureido-derivatives of amides are also contemplated as additional nutrients.

Abstract: It has been found that highly active uricase can be produced by fermentation from the microorganism Micrococcus roseus NRRL B 12196. The optimum activity of this microorganism is close to the pH values of the physiological liquors. The uricase so produced can be exploited in the clinical diagnostics for determining uric acid.

Abstract: The enzyme cholesterol esterase is produced by cultivating a strain of the Achromobacter delicatulus type, isolated from vegetable debris and identified by the symbol NRRL B-12115. Under the described culture conditions, the enzyme is exocellular and therefore does not require extraction from the cells.In addition, the micro-organism has a duplication time less than that of moulds and Actinomycetes. Cholesterol esters of fatty acids can be hydrolysed by adding them to the culture medium before inoculating the strain.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for preparing carbamyl derivatives of .alpha.-hydroxy acids by the hydrolysis of 5-substituted 2,4-oxazolidinediones.The carbamyl derivatives can be further hydrolyzed to .alpha.-hydroxy acids.The invention also relates to a process for the enzymatic hydrolysis of racemic 5-substituted 2,4-oxazolidinediones to give only one of the two possible optical isomers, i.e. the D-carbamyl-.alpha.-hydroxy acid. The free D-.alpha.-hydroxy acid can be obtained from the optically active carbamyl derivative by simple hydrolysis. Of particular interest is the case in which the D-.alpha.-hydroxy acid is D(-)mandelic acid. The enzymatic activity required for preparing the carbamyl derivative of D(-)mandelic acid has been found both in homogenized veal liver and in a series of microorganisms, including Agrobacterium radiobacter, Bacillus brevis, Bacillus stearothermophilus, Pseudomonas sp., Pseudomonas desmolytica, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Pseudomonas putida.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing D-aminoacids from racemic mixtures of N-carbamoyl derivatives of such acids or from the corresponding hydantoins wherein the racemic compounds are subjected to the enzymic and microbiological action of an enzymic complex prepared from microorganisms of the Agrobacterium genus, more particularly the NRRL B 11291 strain.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the production of fructose and syrups containing fructose and glucose, comprising the step of contacting a solution of glucose with a micro-organism of the genus Streptomyces sp. and more particularly of the strains NRRL 11.120 and NRRL 11.121, as designated by the Northern Regional Research Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Peoria, Ill.

Abstract: For removing potassium salts from distiller's wash, an acid the potassium salts of which are poorly soluble and an organic solvent are added to the wash, whereafter the precipitated salts are collected on a filter and the solvent is recovered by distillation.

Abstract: Enzymic complexes deriving from micro-organisms belonging to the Bacillaceae family using an hydantoin or a derivative thereof as inductor of the enzymic activity are used for hydrolysing racemic hydantoins into optically active aminoacids. The method of preparation is an enzymic hydrolysis fostered by the enzyme deriving from such special micro-organisms. The hydrolysis can be effected at a comparatively high temperature, which can reach even 60.degree. C.

Abstract: A method and a few compositions are disclosed, which are adapted to depollute fresh and sea water bodies from crude oil and petroleum product pollution by microbial action. The growth of micro-organisms capable of metabolizing hydrocarbons is exalted by certain combination of nutrients, such as lecithin as a phosphorus source, hydantoins, amides allophanates, polyamines, acyl-ureas and esters of the hydantoic and allantoic acids as the nitrogen sources. Ureido-derivatives of amides are also contemplated as additional nutrients.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for converting racemic hydantoins into optically active aminoacids, wherein microorganisms of the Pseudomonas genus are used to hydrolyze the hydantoins into derivatives of D,L-aminoacids.Comparatively high temperatures and a definitely basic pH are favorable factors.

Abstract: A method is disclosed, for depolluting fresh and sea waters from hydrocarbonaceous pollutants, the improvement consisting in that the usual microorganism cultures used for oxidizing the hydrocarbons are integrated by lipophilic and floating compounds which contain slow-release nitrogen in a form which can be assimilated by such micro-organisms. Ureidic derivatives of higher aldehydes are the preferred compounds. Inert supports can be used, if necessary, and still better results are achieved when using also nonionic dispersants and freeze-dried hydrocarbon-oxidizing microorganisms.

Abstract: Oily hydrocarbons which pollute the surface of water are removed therefrom by scattering over the polluted surface solid particles of nutrient salt containing nitrogen and phosphorous in a form that is readily assimilable by aqueous microorganisms capable of metabolizing hydrocarbons. The particles of nutrient salt are given a surface pretreatment with paraffine so that they are buoyant and only slowly soluble in water and lipophilic.

Abstract: L-malic acid is prepared from fumaric acid through a microbiological fermentation process employing a microbial strain of the Paracolobactrum genus having the number 743, 745 or 746.

Abstract: Novel derivatives of 3H-1,5-benzodiazepine and of their salts of addition with acids, including their quaternary ammonium salts, having the general formula: ##EQU1## are provided. Such compounds are effective therapeutically against a large spectrum of gram positive bacteria and APR8 influenza virus. The invention also provides a novel method of preparing compounds having the formula: ##EQU2## wherein R and R' are the same as above, by reacting orthophenylenediamine with a benzoyldithioacetic acid having the formula: ##EQU3## wherein R and R' are as defined above.