Abstract: Cells collected from bladder washings or urine may be analyzed by in situ hybridization. Such analysis includes detection of bladder cancer or carcinoma-in-situ.

Abstract: A consensus DNA sequence has been determined for the BRCA1 gene. As has been seven polymorphic sites and their rates of occurrence in normal BRCA1 genes. The consensus gene BRCA1.sup.(omi) and the seven polymorphic sites will provide greater accuracy and reliability for genetic testing. One skilled in the art will be better able to avoid misinterpretations of changes in the gene, determine the presence of a normal gene, and of mutations, and to classify tumors.

Abstract: Positive selection cassettes are disclosed which contain a lethal gene, a promoter, a repressor sequence overlapping the promoter, and a cloning site between the promoter and the lethal gene. Insertion of a foreign nucleic acid sequence into the cloning site prevents expression of the lethal gene. Expression of the lethal gene under nonrepressed conditions kills a host organism containing a positive selection cassette which does not contain the foreign nucleic acid sequence.

Abstract: A process for the production of a halogenated 2,2-bis(trihaloalkyl)-1, 3-dioxolane of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.f is perhaloalkyl comprising a 2,2-bis(trihaloalkyl)-1,3-dioxolane in the presence of at least one of La, Ni, Sn, Zn Fe, Co or Cu is disclosed.A process for the production of a halogenated 2,2-bis(trihaloalkyl)-1,3-dioxolane of the formula ##STR2## wherein X is Cl and each Y is independently Cl or F and wherein at least one Y is F, comprising fluorinating a halogenated 2,2-bis(trifluoromethyl)-4,4,5,5-tetrachloro-1,3-dioxolane in the presence of a catalyst which is preferably Cr.sub.2 O.sub.3 is disclosed.A process for the production of a 2,2-bis(trihaloalkyl)-1,3-dioxole of the formula ##STR3## comprising dehalogenating substantially only a corresponding trans-2,2-bis(perhaloalkyl)-4,5-difluoro-4, 5-dichloro-1,3-dioxolane is disclosed.

Abstract: Polymer reagents containing reactive functional groups are crosslinked by reacting them with compounds (crosslinking agents) which contain complimentary functional groups and have large nonlinear polarizability. The resulting polymer reagents, after poling, are useful for nonlinear optic applications. Also disclosed are the mixture which react to form the crosslinked polymer and novel crosslinking agents.

Abstract: A europium-doped barium fluorohalide photostimulable phosphor comprises an amount of oxygen sufficient to create a concentration of anion vacancies effective to substantially increase the stored photostimulable energy, compared to a non-oxygen-treated phosphor.

Abstract: A process for the production of a halogenated 2,2-bis(trihaloalkyl)-1,3-dioxolane of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.f is perhaloalkyl comprising a 2,2-bis(trihaloalkyl)-1,3-dioxolane in the presence of at least one of La, Ni, Sn, Zn, Fe, Co or Cu is disclosed.A process for the production of a halogenated 2,2-bis(trihaloalkyl)-1,3-dioxolane of the formula ##STR2## wherein X is Cl and each Y is independently Cl or F and wherein at least one Y is F, comprising fluorinating a halogenated 2,2-bis(trifluoromethyl)-4,4,5,5-tetrachloro-1,3-dioxolane in the presence of a catalyst which is preferably Cr.sub.2 O.sub.3 is disclosed.A process for the production of a 2,2-bis(trihaloalkyl)-1,3-dioxole of the formula ##STR3## comprising dehalogenating substantially only a corresponding trans-2,2-bis(perhaloalkyl)-4,5-difluoro-4,5-dichloro-1,3-dioxolane is disclosed.

Abstract: A vial for housing hygroscopic materials such as tableted chemicals contains a desiccant canister secured to the inside at its base. The desiccant canister is punctured immediataly prior to use. The vial containing hygroscopic materials is sealed with a lid that resists the entrance of water vapor into the vial.