Abstract: The present invention features vectors that contain a promoter effective for expression in bacterial cells and a promoter effective for expression in insect cells. The dual promoter system allows use of the same vector in both host cell systems so that construction of only a single vector is needed to express a polynucleotide inserted at a downstream cloning site. In preferred embodiments the vector is used to derive a recombinant baculovirus that is used to infect host cells. In particular vectors the promoters are a baculovirus polh promoter and a T7lac promoter. In particular vectors the promoter effective for expression in bacteria is positioned between the promoter effective for expression in insect cells and a cloning site. The invention also features various high throughput screening methods.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for preparing a benzoylecgonine composition comprising the steps of: (a) contacting benzoylmethylecgonine and propylene glycol in the presence or absence of water to form a reaction mixture; (b) maintaining the reaction mixture at a temperature between about 50° and 100° C.; and (c) subsequently or simultaneously removing water from the reaction mixture. This invention also provides novel benzoylecgonine and methods for producing them.