Abstract: A dust-reducing composition for treating dry soil that includes a hygroscopic compound together with a hydrophobic compound in relative amounts sufficient to form a water-repellant surface on the soil. Also, a process for treating dry soil to reduce dust generation due to movement of traffic or air thereover. This process includes applying onto the soil a hygroscopic compound and subsequently applying a hydrophobic compound onto the hygroscopic compound containing soil. Alternatively, the process includes applying onto the soil an aqueous solution of a mixture of a hygroscopic compound and a hydrophobic compound. In either case, the hygroscopic and hydrophobic compounds are applied in relative amounts sufficient to form a water-repellant surface on the soil.

Abstract: A substrate treatment method for imparting hydrophobicity to a substrate or for rendering the substrate hydrophobic. This method includes the step of treating an agricultural soil substrate by applying an aqueous solution that preferably includes a mixture of sodium and/or potassium methylsiliconate and sodium and/or potassium silicate. The method imparts hydrophobicity to the substrate and renders it hydrophobic.

Abstract: A substrate treatment composition of an aqueous solution for imparting hydrophobicity to a substrate or for rendering the substrate hydrophobic. This solution preferably includes sodium and/or potassium methylsiliconate and sodium and/or potassium silicate. Also, the use of this composition for the treatment of a substrate to impart hydrophobicity or to render the substrate hydrophobic.

Abstract: A dust-reducing composition for treating dry soil that includes a hygroscopic compound together with a hydrophobic compound in relative amounts sufficient to form a water-repellant surface on the soil. Also, a process for treating dry soil to reduce dust generation due to movement of traffic or air thereover. This process includes applying onto the soil a hygroscopic compound and subsequently applying a hydrophobic compound onto the hygroscopic compound containing soil. Alternatively, the process includes applying onto the soil an aqueous solution of a mixture of a hygroscopic compound and a hydrophobic compound. In either case, the hygroscopic and hydrophobic compounds are applied in relative amounts sufficient to form a water-repellant surface on the soil.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a composition intended for the protection of a solid substrate against environmental attack. The composition includes at least one biocidal component and a hydrophobing agent. The composition is in the liquid phase, and the liquid is a common solvent for the hydrophobing agent and the biocidal component(s).

Abstract: A substrate treatment composition of an aqueous solution for imparting hydrophobicity to a substrate or for rendering the substrate hydrophobic. This solution preferably includes sodium and/or potassium methylsiliconate and sodium and/or potassium silicate. Also, the use of this composition for the treatment of a substrate to impart hydrophobicity or to render the substrate hydrophobic.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a composition intended for the protection of a solid substrate against environmental attack. The composition includes at least one biocidal component and a hydrophobing agent. The composition is in the liquid phase, and the liquid is a common solvent for the hydrophobing agent and the biocidal component (s).

Abstract: Compositions for application to a soil for retaining water in the soil for plants are prepared by applying an aqueous solution containing sodium and/or potassium methylsiliconate to a substrate so that the siliconate applied is in an amount of between 180 g and 1,000 g per m.sup.3 substrate and then, the treated substrate is allowed to dry at ambient temperature. The substrates employed include tree bark, sawdust, compost and vegetable mould and also gravel and sand. Additionally, porous articles prepared for containing plants also may be treated for improving retention of water.

Abstract: Coffee grounds containing diterpenes are added together with and heated with phosphoric acid, hydrochloric acid, or sulfuric acid at a temperature of between 80.degree. C. and 100.degree. C. for a time to degrade the diterpenes, and the product so treated is dried and may be used as a part of an animal food.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a composition which, in a liquid carrier, contains a polymeric hydrogen siloxane (or (H) siloxane) corresponding to the following general formula ##STR1## in which n is a number of from 1 to 70 andR is an alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, aminoalkyl, haloalkyl or aryl radical.The liquid carrier is, for example, water or dichloromethane.

Abstract: Chlorohydrins are eliminated from protein hydrolysates by countercurrent liquid/liquid extraction using 1-butanol, 2-butanol, isobutanol, or methyl ethyl ketone as a solvent.

Abstract: A double sulfate salt of 1-desoxy-(5-hydroxytryptamino)-D-fructose (DFS) and 1-methylhydantoin-2-imide (creatinine) is prepared by adding creatinine to an aqueous solution of DFS containing sulfuric acid having a pH of approximately 3. The double salt may be isolated by crystallizing it in the presence of a water-miscible solvent such as ethanol. DFS may be prepared by glycosylation of 5-hydroxytryptamine with D-glucose and then adding an excess of calcium hydroxide to the glycosylation reaction medium for precipitating DFS.CA(OH).sub.2 from which the DFS may be isolated for preparing the double salt as described above. Recycling and treatment of mother liquors enables yields to be increased.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a composition based on a finely divided active principle sparingly soluble in water and intended to be dispersed in water without forming a deposit. The active principle is mixed in a quantity of from 0.4 to 10% with non-fat milk solids, preferably skimmed milk powder, and the particles of said mixture are subjected to movement at a temperature above 40.degree. C., but at a temperature at which the non-fat milk solids do not burn, for a time sufficient for at least partially encapsulating the particles with the non-fat milk solids.

Abstract: Melatonine is obtained by methylating N-acetyl serotonine in the 5-position. Mexamine is obtained by de-acetylating melatonine in a hot alkaline solution containing a water-insoluble alcohol and acidifying the alcohol phase with hydrochloric acid.

Abstract: A process for the purification of caffeine which comprises carrying out the following steps in any order;(a) recrystallization of caffeine from an aqueous alkaline solution of caffeine containing a reducing agent and(b) extraction of the caffeine from an aqueous alkaline solution of caffeine with a substantially water-immiscible solvent which is liquid under the conditions of the process.

Abstract: A process for treating soil which comprises applying to the soil an aqueous solution of a formaldehyde-based pre-condensate containing a condensation initiator in an amount sufficient for condensation to be completed within a predetermined period of time not exceeding 24 hours. Preferably a urea-formaldehyde pre-condensate is used. Advantageously the solution also contains a polysaccharide (alginic acid, alginate, low methoxyl pectin, gum karaya, gum arabic) which is capable of forming a gel with divalent metal cations, particularly calcium, present in soil.The treated soil has improved erosion resistance.

Abstract: A double sulfate salt of 1-desoxy-(5-hydroxytryptamino)-D-fructose (DSF) and 1-methylhydantoin-2-imide (creatinine) represents a new solid crystalline phase of unit composition, pharmaceutical quality and remarkable stability.It is prepared by glycosylation of serotonin with D-glucose, formation of the double salt by addition of sulfuric acid and creatinine and crystallization of the double salt in the presence of ethanol.The DFS is preferably isolated from the reaction medium by way of the addition complex DFS.Ca(OH).sub.2 which is precipitated by the addition of calcium hydroxide. The calcium hydroxide is then eliminated by addition of sulfuric acid and the double salt is crystallized as described above.DFS is the active principle of a medicament effective, in particular, in the treatment of leprosy.

Abstract: A new betaine salt corresponding to the formula ##STR1## is disclosed. It is obtained in pure crystalline form by preparing a starting aqueous solution containing the ions ##STR2## Na.sup.+ and Cl.sup.- whose composition, as illustrated in a ternary diagram of betaine--NaCl--water shown in the drawing, is situated in an area between two lines diverging from a common point T and passing through the points I and II, adding to the starting solution betaine, sodium chloride and water in molar proportions of 1:1:2 or betaine hydrochloride, sodium hydroxide and water in molar proportions of 1:1:1, and thereafter separating the double betaine salt by crystallization at a temperature below 50.degree. C. The double betaine salt is useful as a seasoning.

Abstract: A process for the removal of nitrate and nitrite ions from a plant material containing such ions which comprises treating the plant material at a temperature of at least 70.degree. C. with a food acceptable ferrous salt in an aqueous acid medium having a pH no greater than 3.

Abstract: A process for the purification of caffeine which comprises carrying out the following steps in any order;(a) recrystallization of caffeine from an aqueous alkaline solution of caffeine containing a reducing agent and(b) extraction of the caffeine from an aqueous alkaline solution of caffeine with a substantially water-immiscible solvent which is liquid under the conditions of the process.