Abstract: A system for plant parameter detection, including: a plant morphology sensor having a first field of view and configured to record a morphology measurement of a plant portion and an ambient environment adjacent the plant, a plant physiology sensor having a second field of view and configured to record a plant physiology parameter measurement of a plant portion and an ambient environment adjacent the plant, wherein the second field of view overlaps with the first field of view; a support statically coupling the plant morphology sensor to the physiology sensor, and a computing system configured to: identify a plant set of pixels within the physiology measurement based on the morphology measurement; determine physiology values for each pixel of the plant set of pixels; and extract a growth parameter based on the physiology values.

Abstract: A method for wet processing of hemp fibers for commercial use is provided. The method includes steps of loading raw hemp fibers with water into a vessel and heating the contents of the vessel. The method also includes the addition of a sequence of certain chemical compounds, which include a scouring agent, a wetting agent, a caustic compound, an acidic compound, a lubricant, and a softening agent. The water may be heated to boiling during the process to aid in opening up the fibers during processing. Peroxide is not utilized in the process. The process produces commercially viable quantities of hemp fibers that are soft, clean, and easily spinnable while maintaining fiber burst strength.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and compositions for producing reduced cholesterol animal foodstuffs and products by feeding livestock and other food-producing animals with feed supplemented with microbial cultures containing hypocholesterolemic compounds produced by microorganisms comprising said microbial cultures. The invention provides low cholesterol poultry, eggs, meat, whole milk, and dairy products.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the manufacture of MPA by fermentation under optimal fermentation parameters using a new strain of Penicillium arenicola.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel microorganism and a method for producing fructooligosaccharides and neofructooligosaccharides. More particularly, the present invention relates to Penicillium citrinum KCTC 10225BP of soil origin which produces fructosyl transferase and hydrolyzes sucrose into fructooligosaccharides of the following formula I: in which n is integer of 1 to 5, G represents glucose and F represents fructose, and neofructooligosaccharides of the following formula II: in which n is integer of 1 to 5, G and F are defined as above, at the same time using the fructosyl transferase, and to a method for producing simultaneously fructooligosaccharides and neofructooligosaccharides using said microorganism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel microorganism and a method for producing fructooligosaccharides and neofructooligosaccharides. More particularly, the present invention relates to Penicillium citrinum KCTC 10225BP of soil origin which produces fructosyl transferase and hydrolyzes sucrose into fructooligosaccharides of the following formula I: in which n is integer of 1 to 5, G represents glucose and F represents fructose, and neofructooligosaccharides of the following formula II: in which n is integer of 1 to 5, G and F are defined as above, at the same time using the fructosyl transferase, and to a method for producing simultaneously fructooligosaccharides and neofructooligosaccharides using said microorganism.

Abstract: The invention relates to an isolated Penicillium strain capable of eliminating a nitroaromatic compound by mineralization and a microbiological method for eliminating a nitroaromatic compound present in a solution or in a soil.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for the microbial oxidation of 2-methylquinoxaline to 2-quinoxalinecarboxylic acid which comprise contacting 2-methylquinoxaline with a microorganism, or a suitable mutant thereof, and incubating the resulting mixture under conditions sufficient to yield an amount of said 2-quinoxalinecarboxylic acid. The present processes optionally further comprise the isolation and purification of 2-quinoxalinecarboxylic acid.

Abstract: An iron cyanide complex is biodegraded by growing a fungus selected from Fusarium solani, Trichoderma polysporum, Penicillium miczynski, Fusarium oxysporum, and Scytalidium thermophilum in a medium containing the iron cyanide complex.

Abstract: A method of inducing accelerated and increased mold yields from Artemesia and similar high temperature water extracts thereof in very thin shallow standing planar solution layers exposed to daylight; in particular, molds yielding Pennicillium rinseseum and/or Penicillium allorenses.

Abstract: A process for the microbiological or enzymatic hydrolytic resolution of racemic trans-2-(alkoxycarbonylethyl) lactams of the formula I: ##STR1## wherein R is C.sub.1 -C.sub.7 alkyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl or methoxyethoxyethyl and R.sup.1 is hydrogen or a protecting group is disclosed, whereby an optically enriched compound of the formula Ib or IIa: ##STR2## is obtained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides having mutanase activity and isolated nucleic acid sequences encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences as well as methods for producing the polypeptides. The present invention further relates to oral cavity compositions and methods for degrading mutan.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides having mutanase activity and isolated nucleic acid sequences encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences as well as methods for producing the polypeptides. The present invention further relates to oral cavity compositions and methods for degrading mutan.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward efficient, high-yield processes for making ascorbic acid, 2-keto-L-gulonic acid, and esters of 2-keto-L-gulonic acid. The processes comprise reacting the appropriate starting materials with a hydrolase enzyme catalyst such as a protease, an esterase, a lipase or an amidase.

Abstract: Nucleic acid probes and primers are described for detecting fungi that cause disease in humans and animals, as well as spoilage of food and beverages. These probes can detect rRNA, rDNA or polymerase chain reaction products from a majority of fungi in clinical, environmental or food samples. Nucleic acid hybridization assay probes specific for Acremonium sp., Aspergillus clavatus, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus glaucus, Aspergillus nidulans, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus ochraceus, Aspergillus terreus, Aspergillus unguis, Aspergillus ustus, Beauveria sp., Bipolaris sp., Blastoschizomyces sp., Blastomyces dermatitidis, Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida guilliermondii, Candida kefyr, Candida krusei, Candida lusitaniae, Candida parapsilosis, Candida tropicalis, Chrysosporium sp., Cladosporium sp., Coccidioides immitis, Cryptococcus neoformans var gattii serotype B, Cryptococcus neoformans serotype A, Cryptococcus laurentii, Cryptococcus terreus, Curvularia sp., Fusarium sp.

Abstract: A novel microorganism, Penicillium adametzioides and a process of using the microorganism to produce compactin, the process consisting of fermentation in a nutrient medium.

Abstract: The invention relates to .alpha.-L-rhamnosidase, which catalyzes the cleavage of the bond between terminal rhamnose and the aglycone of rhamnose-containing glycosides, a process for preparing it by biotechnological means, and its use for preparing L(+)-rhamnose (6-deoxy-L-mannose).

Abstract: Methods and compositions for increasing the availability of soluble phosphate and fixed nitrogen for legume:Rhizobium symbioses involving co-inoculating legume seeds with a phosphate-solubilizing soil fungus, Penicillium bilaii, and Rhizobium spp. prior to planting. The two types of microorganisms do not appear to compete for nutrients in the rhizosphere of legumes and the P. bilaii provides a source of available phosphorus for use by the plant without adversely affecting the nitrogen fixation ability of the Rhizobium spp.; and indeed such ability is enhanced. The invention is used to increase the efficiencies of nodulation, nitrogen fixation and legume crop production.

Abstract: A process for the cultivation in continuous culture of a filamentous microorganism in a culture medium to which are supplied sources of carbon and other appropriate nutrients. The carbon or another nutrient source is supplied in an amount limiting to the growth of the culture and constitutes a limiting nutrient thereto. The development of an unwanted variant of the filamentous microorganism is restricted or delayed by supplying a first nutrient source to the culture as a limiting nutrient, and thus changing the nutrient supply to the culture in a manner such that a second nutrient source replaces the first nutrient source as the limiting nutrient.

Abstract: Penicillium cultures capable of producing 10-member ring lactones.It is possible with the aid of Penicillium strains to prepare new 10-membered ring lactones having a pharmacological action.

Abstract: The invention relates to .alpha.-L-rhamnosidase, which catalyzes the cleavage of the bond between terminal rhamnose and the aglycone of rhamnose-containing glycosides, a process for preparing it by biotechnological means, and its use for preparing L(+)-rhamnose (6-deoxy-L-mannose).

Abstract: An enantiomeric mixture of a 3-chloro-1-(substituted) phenyl-1-propyl ester of a saturated or unsaturated aliphatic acid is treated with an enzyme which can asymmetrically hydrolyze the mixture, for example, a lipase originating in a microorganism of the genus Pseudomonas, Aspergillus, Candida or Chromobacterium to form a mixture of an optically active 3-chloro-1-(substituted) phenyl-1-propanol with an optically active 3-chloro-1-(substituted) phenyl-1-propyl ester of a saturated or unsaturated aliphatic acid, and the optically active 3-chloro-1-(substituted) phenyl-1-propanol or a derivative thereof and the optically active 3-chloro-1-(substituted) phenyl-1-propyl ester of a saturated or unsaturated aliphatic acid or a derivative thereof are each separately recovered from the mixture. The process allows simple and easy preparation of the above optically active compounds having a high optical purity, thus being extremely industrially advantageous.

Abstract: There is provided a regio-selective method for the resolution of carbohydrate monoester mixtures, by treating such mixtures with one or more selective enzymes. The resolution of such mixtures results in monoesters comprising significantly purer isolates of one desired isomer.

Abstract: A compound of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is hydrogen or a hydrocarbon residue which may be substituted; R.sup.2 is oxo or hydrogen plus hydroxy which may be acylated; R.sup.3 is hydrogen or hydroxy which may be acylated; at least one of the dotted lines represents a single bond, or a salt thereof, produced from Penicillum thomii has potent RA-89 muscarinic receptor blocking activity and is of value as therapeutic agent for parkinsonism, ulcer, etc. or as mydriatics.

Abstract: The compound of the formula ##STR1## and its tautomer are obtained from cultures of Eupenicillium sp. The compound has antifungal activity.

Abstract: A glyceride produce free from triglycerides and containing mostly monoglycerides is made by mixing glycerol and fatty acids with a lipase which is isolated from Penicillium cyclopium ATCC 34613.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions of particulate citric acid or an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salt thereof prepared by an improved method and an improved method of preparing a detergent builder composition. The method of preparing particulate citric acid or salts thereof involves spray granulating citric acid or a salt thereof from its partially purified fermentation broth to form granules which are freer flowing and less inclined to fracture than is citric acid or its salts prepared by crystallization techniques which properties render the material prepared by the present method suitable for handling in bulk. The same properties may be imparted to detergent builder compositions by adding detergent builders to the partially purified fermentation broth or by introducing a detergent builder solution into a fluidized bed reactor together with appropriate seed particles to thereby form granules which include such detergent builders.

Abstract: A novel colorimetric method for beta-lactamase assay and its applications are disclosed. The novel assay method for beta-lactamase is based on the discovery described in this invention. The chromophore formed by oxidation of either the N-alkyl derivative of p-phenylenediamine or the 3,3',5,5'-tetraalkyl derivative of benzidine can be decolorized by the open beta-lactam ring end product resulting from the hydrolysis of a penicillin in the presence of a mercury-containing compound. The same chromophore can be decolorized by the open beta-lactam ring end product resulting from the hydrolysis of a cephalosporin in either the presence or the absence of the mercury-containing compound. None of the intact beta-lactam antibiotics can decolorize the chromophore in either the presence or the absence of the mercury-containing compound. The final concentration of the mercury-containing compound in the decolorization mixture ranges from approximately 0.

Abstract: A process is provided for solubilizing phosphate from phosphate containing ore by treatment with microorganisms which comprises forming an aqueous mixture of phosphate ore, microorganisms operable for solubilizing phosphate from the phosphate ore and maintaining the aqueous mixture for a period of time and under conditions operable to effect the microbial solubilization process. An aqueous solution containing soluble phosphorous can be separated from the reacted mixture by precipitation, solvent extraction, selective membrane, exchange resin or gravity methods to recover phosphate from the aqueous solution.

Abstract: A process for modifying fats and oils which comprises applying partial glyceride lipase to fats and oils containing partial glycerides and fatty acids to synthesize triglycerides from the partial glycerides by esterification.The lipase is preferably an immobilized lipase and this process is preferably carried out under a water concentration of 1500 ppm or less.By using partial glyceride lipase according to the present invention, there can be obtained modified fats and oils having a low content of diglycerides without changing triglyceride composition.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved method for preparing a particulate citric acid or an alkali metal alkaline earth metal salt thereof. The method involves spray granulating citric acid or a salt thereof from its partially purified fermentation broth to form granules which are freer flowing and less inclined to fracture than is citric acid or its salts prepared by crystallization techniques which properties render the material prepared by the present method suitable for handling in bulk.

Abstract: Paraherquamide and dihydroparaherquamide, known compounds, are disclosed as having antiparasitic activity. The compounds are fungal metabolites isolated from the known fungus Penicillium paraherquei, and from a newly isolated strain of Penicillium charlesii. Compositions including paraherquamide and dihydroparaherquamide as the active ingredient thereof for antiparasitic uses against endo and ecto parasites are also disclosed, as well as processes for the preparation of paraherquamide from the newly isolated fungus.

Abstract: A fungal biocontrol preparation for control or prevention of plant fungal diseases comprises sporulated fungal biomass, a carrier and acid. The carrier preferably is vermiculite. The biocontrol preparation is resistant to bacterial proliferation in storage and handling and is effective in controlling damping-off diseases caused by soilborne fungal pathogens.

Abstract: A feedstock containing a biomass such as lignocellulosic materials, e.g. forest biomass; agricultural residues; or manures, is pretreated and thereafter is fractionated into cellulose, lignin and hemicelluloses. New mutants are disclosed which include Chaetomium cellulolyticum IAF-101 (NRRL 18756), Aspergillus sp. IAF-201 (NRRL 18758), Penicillum sp. IAF-603 (NRRL 18759), and Trichoderma reesei QMY-1. With these new mutants and also known fungi including Pleurotus sajor-caju and other Pleurotus spp. unfractionated predetermined biomass is converted into feed. The same treatment can also be applied to hemicelluloses, and cellullose. Cellulose can also be hydrolyzed by means of a cellulase-system prepared from cellulose and Tricoderma reesei to prepare glucose which can be converted to alcohol with Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Kluyveromyces spp. and Zymomonas mobilis. The residual microbial biomass of these microorganisms from alcohol fermentation broth is also used as feed.

Abstract: A method and composition for increasing the amounts of phosphorus and/or micronutrients available for uptake by plants from the soil. The invention involves introducing an inoculum of the fungus Penicillium bilaji into (or onto) the soil. This has the effect of increasing the solubility of phosphates and micronutrient sources which may be either native to the soil or added to it, e.g. in the form of insoluble rock phosphate or manufactured phosphate fertilizer. The invention can be used to increase the health, growth rates and yields of plants, especially crop plants grown on nutrient-deficient soils, while eliminating or minimizing the need for expensive manufactured fertilizers.

Abstract: A drug resistant strain of P.chrysogenum has said drug resistance conferred by heterologous DNA, in particular a heterologous gene(s) under the control of a Penicillium control sequence(s). Drug resistance is especially to sulfonamides, or to trimethoprim or methotrexate by a gene derived from plasmid R388. A vector capable of conferring resistance to methotrexate or sulfonamide on P.chrysogenum, comprises at least one said resistance gene under the control of trpC controlling sequences.

Abstract: Lipase isolated from Penicillium characterized by the following properties:(1) Efficiently hydrolyzes triglycerides of fatty acids having 4-18 carbon atoms;(2) Hydrolysis of such triglycerides with such lipase produces at least 5 moles of glycerol per 100 moles of fatty acid;(3) Optimal pH range for said hydrolysis 5-7;(4) Stable in the pH range of 4.5-6;(5) Optimal temperature range for activity 35.degree.-40.degree. C.;(6) thermal stability up to about 35.degree. C.;(7) Activated by surface-active agents, but not substantially inhibited by such surface-active agents in concentration up to 5%;(8) Molecular weight about 1000,000 to 120,000;(9) Isoelectric point about pH 3.84.

Abstract: A novel bilirubin oxidase is provided having a substrate specificity for bilirubin but not to, at least, biliverdin, catechol and hemin and which catalyzes the enzyme reaction between two moles of bilirubin and one mole of oxygen to yield two moles of biliverdin and two moles of water. A process is also provided for the production of said novel bilirubin oxidase, which comprises cultivating a bilirubin oxidase-producing fungus of the genus Penicillium in a culture medium and collecting the bilirubin oxidase from the culture mixture. A method of determining the content of bilirubin in a sample to be analyzed is further provided which comprises contacting the sample with the bilirubin oxidase to convert bilirubin in the sample into biliverdin and determining the amount of biliverdin formed or the amount of oxygen consumed therefor, as well as a method for removing bilirubin contained in a sample to be analyzed, which comprises contacting the sample with said novel bilirubin oxidase.

Abstract: The invention deals with a process for the preparation of C.sub.5 to C.sub.10 aliphatic methyl ketones by the aerobic biotransformation of C.sub.6 to C.sub.11 fatty acids with spores of filamentous fungi of the genus Amastigomycota. The process is carried out in an inert organic solvent with a partition coefficient between water and octane superior to 4, advantageously in a C.sub.8 to C.sub.20 aliphatic hydrocarbon or a mixture of such hydrocarbons, containing at most 20% of water.The obtained methyl ketones may be used to strengthen taste or a flavoring agents.

Abstract: 4-Diazo-3-methoxy-2,5-cyclohexandien-1-one, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, are antibiotics having antibacterial activity against a variety of gram positive and gram negative bacteria, particularly against anaerobic bacteria. The compound can be prepared by culturing aerobically Penicillium funiculosum A.T.C.C. No. 20783 in a culture medium containing assimilable sources of carbohydrates and nitrogen.

Abstract: A process for preparing optically active 2-halo-1-phenyl ethanol having the general formula [I*]: ##STR1## wherein X is a halogen atom, by asymmetrically reducing 2-halo-acetophenone having the general formula [II]: ##STR2## wherein X is as above, to give optically active 2-halo-1-phenyl ethanol, (R)-form or (S)-form, employing the microorganism. ##STR3## According to the present invention, optically active 2-halo-1-phenyl ethanol can be prepared with a good optical purity and yield in a simple process.

Abstract: L-malic acid is produced in a concentration of 170 to 400 g per liter and high yield by biotechnical conversion of fumaric acid neutralized with ammonium hydroxide in nutrient-free solution or suspension. Pure L-malic acid can be obtained economically therefrom with high efficiency in a quality suitable for food and pharmaceutical use. The fermentation can be carried out in simple vessels under non-sterile conditions. The conversion rate of the fumarate and the attainable concentration of L-malate are promoted by the ammonium ions.

Abstract: A novel antibiotic compound 3-(6-isocyano-3,7-dioxatricyclo[4.1.0.0.sup.2,4 ]hept-4-yl)propenoic acid is produced by a newly isolated microorganism belonging to the genus Penicillium.

Abstract: A process is disclosed in which an optically active monoalkyl ester of .beta.-(S)-aminoglutaric acid is prepared by subjecting a dialkyl ester of .beta.-protected aminoglutaric acid to the action of a culture broth, cells, or treated cells of a microorganism capable of stereoselectively hydrolyzing only one of the ester groups in the above-mentioned dialkyl ester to produce an optically active monoalkyl ester of .beta.-protected (S)-aminoglutaric acid, and then removing the amino-protecting group from the product. An optically active monoalkyl ester of .beta.-(S)-aminoglutaric acid is useful as a starting material for synthesizing .beta.-lactam antibiotics of carbapenem type such as thienamycin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing 1.alpha.-hydroxydehydroepiandrosterone by fermenting or reacting dehydroepiandrosterone or a derivative thereof with microorganisms of the species Penicillium oxalicum or Aspergillus terreus or mycelium or extracts therefrom obtained when the microorganisms are in a stationary phase of growth. The invention process produces steroid compounds which are pharmacologically valuable substances.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a textured protein-containing material in which an amylolytic fungus is grown on a moist starch based substrate which includes a nitrogen source assimilable by the fungus the substrate being provided in the form of small, partially gelatinized particles. During growth, the fungus degrades and utilizes a large proportion of the starch, resulting in a dense matrix of closely interwoven mycelia, randomly dispersed with substances containing the residual starch or starch degradation products. On the denaturation of the fungal mycelium, the product assumes a tough but resilient texture and when diced or minced has a similar appearance to meat.

Abstract: Glycerol oxidase II is an oxidizing enzyme of glycerol characterized by its ability to oxidize glycerol in the presence of oxygen to form hydrogen peroxide and glyceraldehyde. This action of the present enzyme is the same as that of the enzyme glycerol oxidase I disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 897,695 filed on Apr. 19, 1978. However, this enzyme has characteristic properties in substrate specificity, optimum and stable pH, optimum temperature for action, substrate affinity (Michaelis constant glycerol). This enzyme is produced by culturing a microorganism belonging to the genus Penicillium.

Abstract: A new .beta.-galactosidase is now provided which is highly effective to digest lactose and stable at acidic pH values and thermally stable. The .beta.-galactosidase is produced by Penicillium multicolor in high yield and is isolated from the culture medium of this microorganism in an inexpensive and easy way.

Abstract: The invention concerns a fermentation process for the production of (+)-2-(5.beta.-n-butyl-4.beta.-hydroxy-2-oxo-tetrahydrofuran-3.beta.-yl)-2 .alpha.-methylacetic acid, which compound has useful ulcer-healing properties. The process is characterised by cultivating an organism known to produce dihydrocanadensolide, such as Penicillium canadense, under generally conventional conditions and then extracting the culture filtrate at a pH in the range pH 3.0-7.0 with a suitable solvent, such as ethyl acetate, and then evaporating the extract to dryness. In a preferred embodiment the extraction is carried out on the culture filtrate at pH 4.0-4.5.