Abstract: A process for removing ions of dissolved heavy metals and complex heavy metals comprises provides a treatment zone in which is contained an extraction material having an activated surface that has an affinity for heavy metal ions and complex heavy metal ions. The activated surface is the reaction product of a polyamine with a covalently anchored trifunctional hydrocarbyl silyl that yields non-crosslinked amino groups to which functional chelator groups can be covalently attached. The activated surface of the extraction material is formed by first hydrating the extraction material surface and then silanizing the hydrated surface with a short chain trifunctional silane having a hydrocarbon substituent containing 1-6 carbon atoms and a terminal leaving group, and then reacting a polyamine with the hydrocarbylsilyl from the silanization of the hydrated surface so as to form an aminohydrocarbyl polymer covalently bound to the extraction material surface.

Abstract: A mixture of sucrose, an acid catalyst such as citric acid, and a natural or synthetic polymer such as a polysaccharide, starch or cyclodextrin is heated to generate a fructose oxocarbonium ion and transfer this ion from the sucrose to the polysaccharide, starch or cyclodextrin to form useful and novel fructofuranosyl substituted polysaccharides, starches and cyclodextrins.

Abstract: Compositions containing hemicelluloses in combination with polyphenols, methods of preparing the compositions, and methods of treating humans or animals with the composition are provided. Also provided is a method for increasing growth rate, improving feed efficiency and decreasing scour after weaning in an animal by administering an effective amount of the composition to the animal. The hemicelluloses preferably are not consumed by human alimentary enzymes or harmful bacteria, such as putrefactive or pathogenic bacteria, in the gastrointestinal tract, and are consumed by beneficial bacteria, such as bifidobacteria, in the gastrointestinal tract. The polyphenols preferably decrease the amount of harmful bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. The compositions can optionally contain a carrier or be used as a feed addition and are administered to humans or other animals in an amount sufficient to treat the gastrointestinal disorder.

Abstract: A caramel having a high content of fructose oligosaccharides is produced by mixing sucrose and an acid and pulverizing as in a ball mill for approximately 0.5 to 4 hours, then heating at a temperature of 130.degree.-160.degree. C. for 0.5 to 30 minutes, and cooling quickly to produce the caramel product. The pulverizing step intimately mixes the sucrose and organic acid and lowers the thermolization temperature. The caramel process is carried out under substantially anhydrous conditions. The product contains a high proportion of fructose oligosaccharides (D.P. .about.2-10).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the treatment and prevention of diarrhea comprising administering to humans a sugar selected from the group consisting of a caramel composition comprising a high content of fructose oligosaccharides, termed sucrose thermal oligosaccharides (STO), a composition comprising sucrose thermal kestoses, and fructoglucan polymers. The sugars are a natural product and greatly speed recovery from diarrhea and reduce the recurrence of diarrhea.

Abstract: A method for producing caramel having a high content of fructose oligosaccharides and caramel product produced thereby is disclosed which comprises mixing sucrose and an organic acid in a ball mill for approximately 0.5 to 4 hours, heating to a temperature of 130.degree.-160.degree. C. for 0.5 to 15 minutes and cooling quickly to produce a caramel product. The ball milling reduces crystallinity and intimately mixes the sucrose and organic acid, lowering the thermolization temperature. The product contains a high proportion of fructose oligosaccharides (D.P. .about.3-10).

Abstract: Sucrose is treated with an acid catalyst to form an amorphous sucrose anhydrous melt. Heating of the anhydrous melt at 80.degree.-100.degree. C. forms three known kestoses and the novel products, viz. .alpha.-fructosylsucrose anomers of 6-kestose, neokestose, and 1-kestose. Heating of the anhydrous melt at 125.degree.-175.degree. C. produces a fructoglucan sucrose polymer having a molecular weight of about 2,000 to 10,000 Daltons. All of these products are useful as sweeteners, food additives, additives for animal food, and bulking agents.

Abstract: Three ribonucleotidyl terminal transferase enzymes are disclosed which modify the 3'-termini of ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecules by the addition of ribonucleotide units using ribonucleoside triphosphates as substrates. These terminal transferase activities are distinguishable by the specific ribonucleotide (e.g. AMP, CMP, or UMP) transferred to the 3'-hydroxyl terminus of an RNA primer. Also provided is a method for the 3'-terminal modification of RNA molecules by these enzymes and sequencing of RNA from its 3'-termini. The methods provide a convenient and efficient procedure for 3'-terminal modification (homopolymer tailing) of RNA required for synthesis of complete complementary DNA (cDNA) copies or double-stranded DNA gene copies by retrovirus-associated reverse transcriptase. Using the enzymes of the invention, RNA can also be radiolabelled to very high levels for molecular hybridization.