Abstract: Compositions useful in the treatment of dietary disorders, and as dietary additives to provide a source of fiber and of short chain fatty acids, to reduce the level of serum cholesterol, increase HDL cholesterol levels and as bulking agents in humans and animals, as well as methods of use therefor are described. The compositions and methods are based on whole .beta.-glucans.

Abstract: A novel kinase has been identified which phosphorylates I.kappa.B. Reagents which inhibit this kinase can be used as therapeutic tools to inhibit inflammation. The kinase can also be used as a target for drug screening to identify anti-inflammatory compounds.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a method for incorporating into double stranded DNA and RNA base pairs composed of pairing units that fit the Watson-Crick geometry in that they involve a monocyclic six membered ring pairing with a fused bicyclic heterocyclic ring system composed of a five member ring fused with a six membered ring, with the orientation of the heterocycles with respect to each other and with respect to the backbone chain analogous to that found in DNA and RNA, but with a pattern of hydrogen bonds holding the base pair together different from that found in the AT and GC base pairs (a "non-standard base pair").

Abstract: A sensitive, yeast-based genetic system for identifying agents causing double-strand DNA damage is described. The system comprises a yeast strain containing either chromosomes having divergent (homeologous) DNA sequences, a single nonhomologous chromosome or a single artificial chromosome with suitable genetic markers so that double-strand damage leading to the loss of such chromosome due to the inability to undergo recombinational repair with a homolog is detected.

Abstract: A process of producing 2-keto-L-gulonic acid by fermentative conversion of L-sorbose utilizing a fermentation system composed of component produced from a microorganism having the identifying characteristics of strain DSM No. 4025 and a yeast component.

Abstract: A process for preserving the phosphorylating activity of brewer's yeast by means of the intracellular immobilization of the glycolytic enzymes by glutaraldehyde. The process provides the following steps:permeabilization of the cell wall by the combined effect of temperature and the osmotic shock caused by the addition of a concentrated solution of dextrose and phosphates;immobilization of the glycolytic enzymes by cross-linking with intracellular proteins;protection of the SH groups against possible oxidation by the addition of deproteinized yeast extract.

Abstract: The property of phagocyte cells to show chemiluminescence when activated by certain chemical or immunological agents is used for a qualitative and quantitative analysis of such agents in biological fluids. A variety of factors such as opsonizing anti-bodies, complement, inhibitors, membrane-specific anti-bodies, and their antigens, membrane-specific lectins, lymphokines, endotoxins, toxic substances and others can be analyzed in this way. The new method finds application in the biotechnical, clinical, immunological and pharmacological fields, with a special preference for toxicological screening of pharmaceuticals. The phagocyte cells needed for the analysis can be derived from a continuous phagocyte cell line and a method of producing such a cell line is provided.

Abstract: A fermentable sugar feed containing fermentable sugar oligomers is continuously converted by fermentation to dilute aqueous ethanol ("beer") in a series of agitated fermentation vessels employing at least two strains of yeast, one of which provides a relatively high rate of conversion of fermentable sugar to ethanol and the other of which provides a relatively high rate of conversion of fermentable sugar oligomer to ethanol.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a 15 .alpha.-hydroxyprostaglandin intermediate of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is phenoxymethyl, phenoxymethyl substituted on the phenyl moiety by halogen or trifluoromethyl, or alkyl of 1-5 carbon atoms, andR.sub.2 is hydrogen, acetyl, benzoyl or p-phenylbenzoyl,which comprises stereospecifically microbiologically reducing a corresponding 15-ketone of the formula ##STR2## with a strain of the microorganism Kloeckera, Saccharomyces or Hansenula.