Abstract: This invention relates to a new protein L and subfragments thereof with binding activity for all classes of immunoglobulins from different species, a process for preparing the same, a reagent kit, a pharmaceutical composition and strain 312 of P. magnus. The process for preparing the protein and subfragments thereof is characterized in that the microorganism P. magnus 312 is treated with proteolytic enzymes or mutanolysin.

Abstract: A diagnostic method for neurological and psychiatric disorders utilizes the cerebrospinal fluid incubated in the presence of 32-P labelled ATP and an appropriate protein kinase. After termination of the reaction, a sample is applied to gels for electrophoresis. Subsequent autoradiography results in a disease-specific protein pattern that can be used for diagnosis of disorders such as Alzheimer disease, Huntington disease, Parkinson disease, dystonia ataxia, schizophrenia, epilepsy brain tumors, brain irradiation, head trauma, and acute and chronic encephalitic and vascular disease.

Abstract: A method for degrading linalool using Pseudomonas strains is described. Also described are novel Pseudomons putida strains which degrade linalool and in some instances geraniol and citronellol. A method for producing 6-methyl-5-heptene-2-one using certain novel strains is also described.

Abstract: A process for the separation from other cellular materials of heat agglomeration resistant water soluble nitrogen containing organic compounds such as plasmids, RNA's, mitochondrial DNA's, viral DNA's, chloroplast DNA's, other episomal DNA's and certain proteins. The process comprises heating cellular materials in a solution of lysing agent to lyse the desired cells and to agglomerate water soluble nitrogen containing compounds such as certain chromosomal DNA's which are not resistant to agglomeration; centrifuging the resulting product to remove water soluble agglomerated materials; separating the supernatant liquid and precipitating the water soluble agglomeration resistant organic compounds with a water soluble precipitant. The process also includes separating the agglomeration resistant water soluble nitrogen containing compounds from each other by means of exclusion chromotography.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a biologically active basement membrane composition. When polymerized under physiological conditions, the composition forms gel-like structures whose ultrastructure resembles interconnected thin sheets of the lamina densa zone of basement membrane. The major components of the composition include laminin, type IV collagen, heparin sulfate proteoglycan, entactin and nidogen. These components polymerize in constant proportions when redissolved and allowed to reconstitute. Molecular sieve studies on the soluble extract demonstrate that laminin, entactin and nidogen are associated in a large but dissociable complex. The reconstituted matrix is biologically active and stimulates the growth and differentiation of a variety of cells, including epithelial cells, nerve cells, hair follicles and the like. The reconstituted matrix can also be used for determining metastatic potential of tumor cells and for isolating metastatic tumor cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and equipment for carrying out the degradation of various organic products or waste in an anaerobic medium. The equipment comprises a plurality of ducts for reinjecting biogas into a fermentation vat sidewise spaced from each other and disposed at least in the major part of the vat, the duct being fed with biogas individually or in groups through independent valves so as to subdivide the fermentation vat into sectors independently fed with biogas. Preferably, a container is provided for storing biogas under pressure. These features lead to a simplification of the equipment and a decrease in the manufacturing costs.

Abstract: Enzymes from animals belonging to the order Euphausiaaceae are used for cleaning. Preferably, an enzyme mixture containing exo-and endopeptidases from krill are used. Living tissue can be cleaned or debrided with the enzyme mixture, isolation of the enzymes may be carried out by homogenizing krill and extracting with an aqueous medium. Further purification can be by gel chromatography. Enzymes from which lipids have been extracted may be lyophilized for long time storage.

Abstract: A method for degrading linalool using Pseudomonas strains is described. Also described are novel Pseudomonas putida strains which degrade linalool and in some instances geraniol and citronellol. A method for producing 6-methyl-5-heptene-2-one using certain novel strains is also described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for carrying out a degradation in an anaerobic medium, such as a methanogenesis, of organic products, by-products or waste from human, animal and/or plant origin, involving feeding said products to be degraded into a closed fermentation vessel, forcing said products to flow in a direction of circulation within said vessel and recovering the gas produced called biogas evolved above said body of degraded products, with the feeding and/or discharge of the products performed pneumatically, preferably through pneumatic thrust and, according to a preferred embodiment, by injection of gas, preferably biogas. A further improvement comprises using the biogas produced for homogenizing said body of products contained within said vessel, the pressure of injection being in relation to the actual density of the products, in the injection related section.

Abstract: An inositoltriphosphate (IP.sub.3) selected from the group consisting of D-myo-inositol-1.2.6-triphosphate, D-myo-inositol-1.2.5-triphosphate, L-myo-inositol-1.3.4-triphosphate and myo-inositol-1.2.3-triphosphate, a method for producing the same and a composition comprised of the same.

Abstract: The invention relates to the desulfurization of high sulfur coal, and specifically to the removal of pyrite from high sulfur coal via separation processes based on relative hydrophobicity. The surfaces of the pyrite particles are modified so as to be more hydrophilic by pre-conditioning of the coal with a culture of thiophilic bacteria such as Thiobacillus ferroxidans, and the coal is then subjected to the separation process. The bacterial culture is preadapted to pyrite and to the pyrite surface modification step conditions for a period of several weeks which allows the commercial preconditioning step to be accomplished in less than one hour and typically in five to fifteen minutes.

Abstract: Foam is controlled in the sugar industry and yeast industry by a process in which oxyalkylation products of the formula IR--O--(X.sub.1).sub.n --(X.sub.2).sub.m --(X.sub.3).sub.p --Zwhere R is alkyl of 6 to 22 carbon atoms or alkylphenyl where alkyl is of 6 to 12 carbon atoms, X.sub.1 and X.sub.3 are ethylene oxide units, n and p are each from 0 to 15 and the sum of n and p is not less than 2, the groups X.sub.2 are propylene oxide and/or butylene oxide units, m is from 0 to 15 and Z is straight-chain or branched alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, allyl or benzyl, having a turbidity point of <75.degree. C., are used as antifoams.

Abstract: Cellulose strands are produced by causing a growing medium containing Acetobacter xylinum to flow along a straight-line path over a growing surface. Cellulose fibrils produced by the bacteria arrange themselves in strands on the growing surface. These strands can be converted into threads and/or yarns. The cellulose fibrils produced by Acetobacter xylinum can also be converted to microcrystalline cellulose.

Abstract: This invention concerns dewatering peat by heating it and subjecting it to a surface active agent, preferably a cationic polymeric surface active agent and subsequently pressing the product to yield a peat product with lowered moisture content.

Abstract: Disclosed is hylan, a chemically modified hyaluronic acid preparation characterized by the presence of small amounts (0.005-0.05% by weight) of aldehyde cross-linking groups covalently bonded to the hyaluronic acid molecular chains. Also disclosed is a method of obtaining hylan comprising treating hyaluronic acid in situ in animal tissues containing same with a treatment mixture including a reagent (typically an aldehyde) which is reactive towards hyaluronic acid and the proteins contained in the animal tissue.

Abstract: A process for obtaining a sterile, apyrogenic product for promoting oxidative phosphorylation and suitable for therapeutic or cosmetic compositions, starting from yeast, in which any type of yeast is subjected to a process of plasmolysis, followed by treatment with proteolytic enzymes and then with diamine oxidase, after which the proteins present in the solution are precipitated by alcohols, the solution pH is stabilized, and the solution concentrated at low temperature under vacuum.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of preparing finely divided cartilage powder from raw cartilage including the steps of mechanically trimming raw cartilage from an animal body, and granulating the raw cartilage into granules having an average size of from about 4 mm to 8 mm diameter. The granules are then subjected to azeotropic extraction, the extraction conducted with an extracting agent which both forms an azeotrope with water and solubilizes fat. The granules are then separated from the extracting agent, and milled to an average size of from about 40 to 70.mu. diameter.Also disclosed is a method of separating calcium compounds from cartilage including the steps of mechanically trimming raw cartilage from an animal body, granulating the raw cartilage into granules having an average size of from about 4 to 8 mm diameter, and partially drying the granules to produce a friable calcified outer layer on each granule.

Abstract: The composition and method are for waterways, usually closed cycle, in which algae and the like is to be killed without harm to higher animal life. The composition includes a violet dye to enhance ultraviolet light penetration from the prevailing light to enter the waterway. This ultraviolet light, with reduction in visible light, causes algae death. It also increases free oxygen, neutralizes some toxins, and reduces admission of infrared radiation. The composition includes an enzyme which digests the dead algae and similar material. The products of digestion are such as to leave clean water. A blue dye may optionally be used to hide the violet color of the water in the visible part of the spectrum.

Abstract: Process for the start-up of high-temperature processes for the denitrification of tobacco materials via an anaerobic dissimilatory metabolic pathway of thermophilic organisms. The process advantageously permits the induction of denitrification activity through the use of a seed culture which, itself, is the product of a previous thermophilic denitrification treatment of the same type as that to which the start-up process is directed.

Abstract: A newly discoverd microorganism having characteristics of an Arthrobacter and having the ability to utilize peanut hull lignin as a sole source of carbon is disclosed. Peanut hulls have a higher lignin content than hardwoods and softwoods. The newly discovered microorganism makes the biodegradation of peanut hulls and other similar lignin containing biological waste products commercially feasible. Specifically, a process for converting peanut hulls and other similar lignin containing biological waste products to animal feed is disclosed.

Abstract: Process for disrupting cells of a polysaccharide-producing microorganism of the genus Pseudomonas, preferably Pseudomonas sp. NCIB 11592, which contain one or more RP4 and/or RP4::Mu.sub.ts plasmids.Pseudomonas sp. NCIB 11592 containing one or more plasmids. Process for preparing polysaccharides by cultivating the latter. Process for displacing a fluid through a well and/or a permeable subsurface formation using the polysaccharides.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for isolation of connective tissue fibers, called biomatrix, containing a significant portion of the extracellular matrix, i.e., basement membrane components and components of the ground substance. The connective tissue fibers isolated by this method provide significantly higher survival and attachment rates, and often significantly improved growth properties, for in vitro cultures of differentiated cells, especially epithelial cells, over current culture substrates which do not contain these fibers.

Abstract: Enzymatic hydrolysis of soy protein with microbial rennet to DH 0.25-2.5% to produce an egg white substitute. The soluble hydrolysate produced by treatment with Mucor miehei proteinase exhibits superior organoleptic properties.

Abstract: An improved method of reducing the nitrate, nitrite and ammonium compound content of an aqueous tobacco extract employing microorganisms is described. The nitrates, nitrites and ammonium compounds are eliminated on a continuous basis via an aerobic assimilatory metabolic pathway by introducing aqueous tobacco extract and necessary additives into a work mixture, containing suitable microorganisms, at a dilution rate which does not exceed the growth rate of the microorganisms while withdrawing a portion of the work mixture at a rate such that the volume of the work mixture remains constant. Optionally the biomass may be removed from the withdrawn mixture.

Abstract: A method and device is disclosed for the release and separation of substances such as parasites or parasite eggs from meat. In the method, meat is agitated with pepsin and filtered through a series of at least two filters, the last of which retains the parasites or parasite eggs. The device includes a reactor which tapers downwardly, and which has in its lower part an outlet valve connected via a conically widening part with a separator device. The separator device includes a cylindrical connecting piece which accepts holder rings for holding one or more filters or sieves in releasable connection.

Abstract: Enzymatically active protein-enzyme complex membranes are prepared by treating a swollen protein membrane with an aqueous solution of a compatible active enzyme. These membranes are used to effect enzymatic reactions such as hydrolyzing starch, sucrose, urea or cellulose, lysis of cells or isomerizing D-glucose.

Abstract: Yeast cells containing useful substances accumulated therein are contacted with a divalent copper ion in aqueous suspension, thereby discharging low-molecular-weight compounds in the cytoplasm out of the cells. Useful substances can be efficiently recovered both from the discharged compounds and the remaining cells.

Abstract: A bacterial method and compositions for degrading isoprenoids using selected Pseudomonas strains, particularly strains of Pseudomonas putida, are described. Plasmid pSRQ50 in the selected Pseudomonas strains was isolated from an isoprenoid rich environment. pSRQ50 is not naturally transmissible by conjugation and was found to encode for isoprenoid degradation. In addition, a method and compositions utilizing vector plasmid pRO1742 (pRO1600:Tn904) or other Tn904 containing vectors for transferring pSRQ50 and other transfer related plasmids by conjugal mating is described. Isoprenoids, such as citronellol and geraniol, from citrus wastes are degraded by the Pseudomonas strains.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of fish and/or shellfish extracts having various pharmaceutical functions is provided. The process comprises decomposing raw fish and/or shellfish at a pH of 6.0 to 7.0 with a Bacillus subtilis derived proteinase and decomposing at the same pH range with a Koji mould derived proteinase. The product extracts contain peptide amino acids each having a molecular weight of substantially less than 3000 and free amino acids. According to the invention, medicines containing the fish and/or shellfish extracts are also provided such as nutrition balancing medicines, anti-ulcer medicines, diabetes relieving medicines, antilipemic medicines and rheumatism and arthritis relieving medicines.

Abstract: A process for reducing the content of nitrate and/or nitrite salts contained in tobacco is disclosed whereby tobacco is treated, under controlled aerobic conditions, with microorganisms capable of degrading nitrates and/or nitrites to other nitrogen-containing compounds, such as proteins and amino acids.

Abstract: A strain of Erwinia herbicola identified as EHO-10 has been found to have a broad spectrum of inhibitory activity against pathogenic bacteria. Pathogenic bacteria inhibited by EHO-10 includes those from the following genera: Agrobacterium, Corynebacterium, Erwinia, Pseudomonas, and Xanthomonas. EHO-10 has inhibitory activity against Erwinia amylovora, a bacteria pathogen causing fire blight disease of pear and other trees.

Abstract: An improved process for the reduction of the nitrate content of tobacco materials via dissimilatory denitrification is disclosed wherein more rapid reduction of nitrate to nitrogen gas is effected by utilizing a vacuum during incubation. The process comprises inoculating nitrate-containing tobacco material with a microorganism capable of dissimilatory denitrification and thereafter incubating the tobacco material under conditions whereby the nitrate is reduced to nitrogen gas via dissimilatory denitrification while applying a vacuum.

Abstract: Functional protein having reduced nucleic acid content is produced without initial denaturation of the protein by contacting undenatured yeast cells with an alkaline protease at a temperature of about 20.degree. C. to 40.degree. C. for about 2 minutes to 2 hours at a pH of about 8 to 11. The yeast cells are preferably Pichia pastoris and the alkaline protease is preferably from Bacillus lichenformis.

Abstract: A process for the reduction of the nitrate and nicotine contents of tobacco by microbial treatment is disclosed wherein tobacco materials are subjected, under controlled conditions, to the action of a microorganism effective to degrade nitrates and alkaloids (nicotine) through a biochemical reaction. The microorganism is combined or grown in the presence of a nitrate containing compound in relatively small quantities. Tobacco treated in accordance with this process has a reduced nitrate and nicotine content, and when incorporated into a tobacco smoking product thereby produces a mild smoke, having reduced nitrogen oxides, hydrogen cyanide and nicotine content. However, there is no loss of desirable flavor, taste and smoking properties.

Abstract: A process for the reduction of the nitrate content of tobacco materials by microbial treatment is disclosed wherein tobacco materials are subjected, under controlled conditions, to the action of a microorganism effective to degrade nitrates through a biochemical reaction. Tobacco materials treated in accordance with this process, when incorporated into a tobacco smoking product, produce a mild smoke having reduced nitrogen oxides and hydrogen cyanide deliveries without loss of desirable flavor, taste or other smoking properties.

Abstract: A novel enzyme of bilirubin oxidase produced by a genus Myrothecium or genus Coprinus origin microorganism and a conventional enzyme of laccase are found, in the presence of a specific additive compound, e.g. a surface active agent, aromatic carboxylic acid, sulfa drug or protease, to oxidize both conjugated and unconjugated bilirubin in biological fluid to biliverdin without formation of hydrogen peroxide, such that in the case of conventional enzymatic methods of the quantitative determination of glucose, cholesterol, neutral fats, free fatty acids, phospholipids or uric acid all existing together with bilirubin in biological fluid, the usual interference with such determination, as otherwise caused by bilirubin coexisting in such fluid, can be prevented by adding such a bilirubin oxidase or laccase together with such a specific additive compound to the determinative reaction system.

Abstract: Process for disrupting cells by contacting an aqueous, cell-containing medium with a protease enzyme, wherein the enzymic contact is preceded by contact with an ionic surfactant; the polysaccharide solutions thereby produced; and a process for displacing a fluid through a well and/or a permeable subsurface formation communicating with the well, by injecting into the well an optionally diluted, aqueous solution of such a polysaccharide.

Abstract: Plants susceptible to pathogenic fungi are contacted with a mutant strain of Pseudomonas putida, particularly Pseudomonas putida NRRL-B-12537 which produces iron complexing siderophores thereby affording protection from the fungi. The Pseudomonas competes with the fungi for iron found in the soil thereby inhibiting the fungi growth. The method is particularly effective in controlling Fusarium oxysporum Sp lycopersici on tomato plants.

Abstract: A process for recovering purified vegetable protein particularly soymeal protein by enzymatic treatment to dissolve the remanence employing a novel enzyme composition agent adapted to decompose a hitherto unreported pectic-like polysaccharide capable of binding to proteins. The process can recover protein from corn gluten, cotton seed meal, sunflower meal, rape meal etc.

Abstract: Purified vegetable protein particularly from soymeal produced by enzymatic treatment to dissolve the remanence employing a novel enzyme composition agent adapted to decompose a hitherto unreported pectic-like polysaccharide capable of binding to proteins.

Abstract: Lysophosphatidic acid and the physiologically compatible salts thereof possess particularly advantageous properties as emulsifiers for use in foodstuffs and in particular exhibit unexpectedly good results when used in a process for making dough, for use in the production of farinaceous products, in which a wheat flour is mixed with 0.01 to 2.0% by weight (based on the weight of wheat flour) of lysophosphatidic acid or a physiologically compatible salt thereof.The emulsifiers of the invention comprise a mixture of phospholipids, the mixture comprising lysophosphatidic acid or a physiologically compatible salt thereof in an amount of at least 30 mol %. The emulsifiers may be prepared by treating a mixture of phospholipids with phospholipase D and phospholipase A.

Abstract: SPS--A novel pectic-like polysaccharide derived from soy plant cell walls characterized by capability to bind to proteins.SPS-ase--The carbohydrase complex capable of decomposing SPS into decomposition products incapable of attaching to protein, and method for producing SPS-ase by cultivation of an SPS-ase producing microorganism for which preferred microorganism strains are Aspergillus aculeatus CBS 101.43 and Aspergillus japonicus IFO 4408.

Abstract: Cultivation of phototrophic bacteria such as in the treatment of organic wastes is carried out in a light field substantially free from ultraviolet light having a wavelength of not more than 340 nm. This process promotes growth of the phototrophic bacteria and improves quality of the resulting bacterial cell.

Abstract: A method for reducing the sulfur content of coal wherein comminuted coal is contacted with an enrichment culture which contains acid tolerant Thiobacillus species in combination with acid tolerant hetrotrophic microorganisms in an amount effective to act in a symbotic or synergistic manner with the Thiobacillus species. The initial pH of the coal culture combination may be selected so as to enhance the development of a commercially practical rate of sulfur removal.

Abstract: The present invention prepares protein hydrolyzates by reacting selected protein material with at least one proteolytic enzyme and recovering the low molecular weight protein material by ultrafiltration while recycling the high molecular weight material and proteolytic enzyme for further hydrolysis. A series of ultrafilters of varying permeability may also be used.

Abstract: A fibrous tissue preparation suitable for homo or heterotransplantation is obtained by treating mammalian fibrous tissue with a proteolytic enzyme followed, if desired, by further treatment with a carbohydrate splitting enzyme.

Abstract: What are disclosed are a method for recovering solid matter from a salinomycin culture broth by spray drying a low-fat culture broth in the presence of a physiologically acceptable solid agent preventing agglomeration, and a solid product so prepared.

Abstract: Legumes of the genus Phaseolus, genus Soja, and genus Lens are deflatulated and the consistency and comestibility of edibles containing these legumes are improved by adding to the legumes prior to cooking an effective amount of an enzyme system found in components of plants of pineapple and papaya, said enzyme system being in a neutral enzyme state. In a preferred embodiment, the enzyme addition is made to legumes of the genus Phaseolus alone or in mixture with legumes of the genus Soja.

Abstract: Legumes of the genus Phaseolus, genus Soja, and genus Lens and products thereof are deflatulated and their digestibility is improved by adding thereto an effective amount of an enzyme system found in components of the plants of pineapple and papaya.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improvement of the floc-formation property of activated sludge contained in waste water.A waste water treatment process comprises steps culturing a novel strain-Alcaligenes faecalis HRL-1 - and adding the cultured cells to to-be-treated waste water.