Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing tryptophan by transforming a host microorganism belonging to the genus Corynebacterium or Brevibacterium with a recombinant DNA of a DNA fragment containing a gene involved in the biosynthesis of tryptophan and a vector DNA, culturing the transformant in a nutrient medium, accumulating tryptophan in the culture medium and recovering tryptophan therefrom.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing L-arginine by transforming a host microorganism belonging to the genus Corynebacterium or Brevibacterium with a recombinant DNA of a DNA fragment containing a gene involved in the biosynthesis of L-arginine and a vector DNA, culturing the transformant in a nutrient medium, accumulating L-arginine in the culture medium and recovering L-arginine therefrom.

Abstract: A peptide can be produced in a high yield by culturing a microorganism containing a recombinant DNA comprising a eukaryotic gene coding for the peptide, a vector and a promoter which is capable of producing the peptide in a medium at a temperature 10.degree. to 25.degree. C. lower than the optimum growth temperature for the microorganism.The invention is advantageously applicable to the production of peptides such as interferon.

Abstract: A level gauge for liquid helium suitable for use under a higher vapor pressure comprising a sensing element in the form of a ribbon wire made of superconductive alloys and a tube supporting the sensing element which tube is inserted into liquid helium upon measurement. Chemical composition of the superconductive alloys are represented by a formula, Zr.sub.100-x (Ru.sub.1-y Rh.sub.y).sub.x, in which x represents a content of Ru and/or Rh in atomic % and in a numerical value of 17.0.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.22.5 and y represents a numerical value of .ltoreq.y.ltoreq.1. The alloys are made of an amorphous phase obtained by rapid quenching of a molten alloy material and have a superconducting transition temperature, Tc, of 4.5.degree. to 5.2.degree. K.

Abstract: A vertical magnetic recording medium comprising a substrate and a magnetic layer formed on the substrate and having a magnetic anisotropy in the direction vertical to the surface of the substrate is described. The magnetic layer is composed substantially of a metal selected from cobalt and/or iron, and an oxide of the metal. The metal and metal oxide consist of columnar structures oriented in the direction vertical to the surface of the substrate and spaced from one another through fine voids throughout the magnetic layer. The columnar structures have a diameter of 100 to 1000 .ANG. and the magnetic layer have a void ratio of to 56%.

Abstract: Disclosed are recombinant plasmid vectors constructed of a plasmid autonomously replicable in cells of microorganisms belonging to the genus Corynebacterium or Brevibacterium and a DNA fragment containing a gene expressible by said microorganisms. The recombinant vector plasmids are autonomously replicable in glutamic acid--producing microorganisms and are useful to clone desired DNA fragments in such microorganisms.

Abstract: Recombinant vector plasmids containing a DNA fragment coding for human interferon-.beta. inserted downstream from a tryptophan promoter are useful for transformation of microorganisms such as Escherichia coli which transformants produce human interferon-.beta..

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for transformation of microorganisms belonging to the genera Corynebacterium and Brevibacterium whereby a foreign DNA may be introduced into a host cell and autonomously replicated.

Abstract: A novel lysozyme-sensitive microorganism belonging to the genus Corynebacterium or Brevibacterium and having a sensitivity to lysozyme at a concentration of less than 25 .mu.g/ml is provided from selected mutants. This novel microorganism is especially suitable for use in recombinant DNA technology.

Abstract: A level gauge for liquid helium comprising a sensing element in the form of a ribbon wire made of superconductive alloys and a tube supporting the sensing element, which tube is inserted into liquid helium upon measurement. The superconductive alloys are represented by a formula Zr.sub.100-x.(Ru.sub.y.Rh.sub.1-y).sub.x in which x represents contents of Ru and/or Rh in atomic % and in a numerical value of 22.5.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.27.5 and y represents a numerical value of 0.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.1. The alloys are made of an amorphous phase obtained by rapid quenching a molten alloy material and have a superconducting transition temperature, Tc, of 4.2.degree. to 4.5.degree. K. When the level gauge is immersed in liquid helium, a portion of the sensing element below the level of the liquid helium has a zero electric resistance because of the superconductivity of the alloy, so that the level of the liquid helium can be detected by a variation in resistance of the sensing element.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel plasmids which can replicate autonomously in microorganisms belonging to the genus Corynebacterium or Brevibacterium and which carry a gene for resistance to streptomycin and/or spectinomycin. The plasmids are useful as a cloning vector.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel vector, plasmid pCG2, and a process of producing plasmid pCG2 from Corynebacterium glutamicum.

Abstract: A new antibacterial compound, DC-11 is produced by fermentation of a microorganism belonging to the genus Micromonospora. The antibiotic is accumulated in the culture medium and is isolated therefrom.

Abstract: The antibacterial compounds 7-deazaadenosine and 7-deazinosine are produced by fermentation of a new microorganism of the genus Micromonospora. At least one of the active substances is isolated from the culture medium.

Abstract: A novel antibacterial compound, XK-99, is produced by fermentation of an organism belonging to the genus Micromonospora. The compound is isolated from the microbial cells and culture liquor.