Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include methods and compositions related to catabolic conversion of cellulosic biomass to glycolic acid using molybdenum-containing acidic catalysts. The invention includes the use of heteropoly and isopoly acids and salts as the molybdenum-containing multi-functional catalysts for biomass conversion. In embodiments of the invention, the reactions employ successive hydrolysis, retro-aldol fragmentation, and selective oxidation in a noble metal-free system.

Abstract: A ketosis-treating agent comprising, as an active ingredient, at least one amino acid selected from valine, isoleucine, serine, glutamine and glutamic acid, or a peptide or protein comprising at least one amino acid selected from valine, isoleucine, serine, glutamine and glutamic acid; a method for treating or preventing ketosis, comprising administering to a human or animal an effective amount of the above agent; and a method for treating or preventing symptoms relating to ketone bodies, comprising administering to a human or animal an effective amount of the above agent.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of racemic amino acids, characterized in that an acylamino acid of the formula R1—CH(NH—CO—R2)COOH wherein R1 is hydrogen, a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl that has from 1 to 7 carbon atoms and that may contain substituents such as a hydroxyl, alkyloxy or alkylthio group; and R2 is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl having from 1 to 3 carbon atoms; is heated in the presence of water, in a pressure-resistant vessel, to a temperature in the range from 110° C. to 220° C. and is hydrolyzed.

Abstract: L-arginine found essential to enhance the glomerular function of the kidneys is used &phgr; formulate a low viscosity, calorie-dense, nutritional product for a person having renal failure. In a product free of citric acid or citrates, for oral ingestion, the taste of arginine is counteracted by lactic, malic or adipic acid; in a formulation for tube-feeding, citric acid and citrates in a specified ratio controls the product's stability. The ratio of calcium to phosphorus is controlled, as is the caloric distribution and water content; the amounts of vitamins and minerals included provide a nutritionally complete formulation.

Abstract: A biocompatible emulsifier for forming stable emulsions is disclosed. The emulsifier is particularly useful for emulsions of biological fluids, such as artificial blood, and for emulsions as drug delivery vehicles.

Abstract: A method for recovering amino acids, which comprises supplying a mixed solution containing inorganic acid salts, amino acids and non-electrolytes such as saccharides to a first-step resin layer comprising an Na type or K type strongly acidic ion exchange resin; separating an effluent into at least a first fraction containing coloring matters, acidic amino acids and ashes, a second fraction containing neutral amino acids and saccharides, and a third fraction containing betaines; supplying the second fraction to a second-step resin layer comprising at least one resin selected from the group consisting of NH4 type, Ca type and Mg type strongly acidic ion exchange resins, and optionally further supplying it to a third-step resin layer comprising an Mg type or Ca type strongly acidic ion exchange resin different from the resin of the second-step resin layer, thereby recovering various kinds of amino acids contained in an effluent.

Abstract: An organic liquid source of nutrition for plants includes a liquid mixture made from animal-derived raw materials decomposed naturally through the autolysis of cells, separated by addition of hydrochloric acid into a first liquid consisting primarily of fatty acids to which alcohol is added, and a second liquid consisting primarily of soluble protein to which surfactant is added, and a sugar-containing liquid mixed and agitated with these liquids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the method and composition for use of diet supplements by athletes and bodybuilders. A first supplement comprising, the amino acid acetyl-L-Carnitine, in conjunction with a series of nutritionally essential branched-chain amino acids, zinc, OKG, taurine, in conjunction with two other independently administered supplements: a fat burning agent and a creatine synthesizer.

Abstract: The invention relates to new acylamino acids obtained by acylation of hydrolysates of proteins containing, essentially, fibroin and sericin as, for instance, silk.The invention provides also various compositions containing the said acylamino acids, for use in the cosmetic, hygienic, therapeutic and agricultural fields.

Abstract: N-acylated derivatives of amino acid mixtures from cereal protein hydrolysates as well as their salts are useful in cosmetic and detergent compositions.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of amino acids by hydrolysis of proteins such as pig bristles. Said process comprises the charging into a vat of a solution of sulphuric acid at least 12N, heating the solution to at least 100.degree. C., adding simultaneously the proteins to be hydrolyzed and a complementary amount of sulphuric acid corresponding to the neutralization of the amine functions of the amino acids, maintaining the hydrolysis conditions in 12N medium and at 100.degree. C., stopping the reaction by addition of water and removing the acid in excess. Thereby, a mixture of amino acids is obtained with a good yield and without degradation.

Abstract: Hydrolyzable substrates comprise blocked dye moieties which, when cleaved from the substrate during hydrolysis, provide fluorescent dyes having maximum absorptions above about 530 nm and maximum emissions at least about 580 nm at physiological pH. These substrates can be used in analytical determinations of hydrolytic substances including hydrolytic enzymes or biological cells containing such enzymes.

Abstract: Acetic acid is obtained by heating methyl formate in the presence of soluble rhodium salt catalyst and halogen promoter and sufficient carbon monoxide to convert said rhodium salt into at least a monocarbonyl compound.

Abstract: The separation of constituents is carried out in such a way that a mixed amino acid sample is supplied to a separation column packed with a cation exchange resin and that, during the analysis of the single sample, five sorts of elutes of different compositions are supplied to the separation column in succession and by stages. The pH of the elute at the second stage is held higher than that of the elute at the first stage, and the pH's of the elutes at the third to fifth stages are held successively higher. However, the pH of the elute at the third stage is held lower than that of the elute at the second stage. On the other hand, the concentrations of counter ions contained in the elutes at the first to fifth stages are held successively higher inversely to the order in which the elutes are supplied. Notwithstanding that the pH of the elute at the third stage is lowered, the broadening of a component peak can be prevented by the increase of the counter ion concentration.