Abstract: Recombinant DNA vectors that encode a thermostable DNA polymerase are useful in the recombinant production of thermostable DNA polymerase. The recombinant thermostable polymerase is preferred for use in the production of DNA in a polymerase chain reaction. Especially useful vectors encode the .about.94,000 dalton thermostable DNA polymerase from thermus aquaticus.

Abstract: Non-A, Non-B hepatitis virus genome RNA is disclosed along with cDNA and virus antigen protein.

Abstract: An assay for the determination of the presence or absence of E. histolytica and for differentiation of these from other types of amoebae, as well as for the determination of whether the E. histolytica belongs to a symptomatic or asymptomatic strain, is carried out by means of a DNA-probe adapted to selectively hybridize only to the DNA of the amoeba tested. The probes being used selectively hybridize with, and thus diagnose the presence of, symptomatic (pathogenic) and asymptomatic (non-pathogenic) strains, respectively.

Abstract: This invention provides DNA probes which are useful for the detection of Haemophilus ducreyi. This invention also provides a method of detecting in a subject the presence of H. ducreyi which comprises obtaining a suitable sample from the subject, denaturing the DNA in the sample so as to produce single stranded DNA molecules, contacting the single stranded DNA molecules so obtained with a single stranded oligonucleotide probe, under suitable conditions which permit hybridization of complementary single stranded molecules, and detecting the presence of hybridized molecules, whereby the presence of H. ducreyi in the subject is detected. This invention further comprises a kit which is useful for the detection of H. ducreyi.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for determining the sex of Bovine embryos and fetuses employing male-specific oligonucleotides in nucleic acid probe hybridization assay methods to assay the genomic DNA of embryonic or fetal cells for the presence of male-specific sequences.

Abstract: In the process according to this invention, an amplification procedure is performed on a first sample in which one or more of the four normal ribonucleoside triphosphates (rNTPs) or deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates (dNTPs) is replaced with an exo-sample nucleotide. After amplification, any contaminating amplified product that may be remaining is subjected to a physical, chemical, enzymatic, or biological treatment which renders nucleic acid containing the exo-sample nucleotide substantially unamplifiable. The treatment may be done as a separate step or it may be done in the presence of a second sample containing nucleic acid sequences to be amplified. The amplified nucleic acid sequences derived from the first sample which contaminate the second sample are not further substantially amplified during amplification of nucleic acid sequences of the second sample.

Abstract: There is provided by the present invention, a method for detecting the presence of Branhamella catarrhalis, said method comprising; depositing and fixing on an inert support a sample containing DNA fragments in substantially single stranded form, contacting said fixed single stranded genetic material with a labelled probe consisting of a fragment of B. catarrhalis chromosomal DNA, identified as ATCC 53879, being capable of hybridizing with B. catarrhalis DNA in the sample, said contacting being under hybridizing conditions at a pre-determined stringency; and detecting duplex formation on said support by means of said label.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing single stranded non-self-complementary nucleic acid probes, and for treating target DNA for use therewith. Probe is constructed by treating DNA with a restriction enzyme and an exonuclease to form template/primers for a DNA polymerase. The digested strand is resynthesized in the presence of labeled nucleoside triphosphate precursor. Labeled single stranded fragments are separated from the resynthesized fragments to form the probe. Target DNA is treated with the same restriction enzyme used to construct the probe, and is treated with an exonuclease before application of the probe. The method significantly increases the efficiency and specificity of hybridization mixtures by increasing effective probe concentration by eliminating self-hybridization between both probe and target DNAs, and by reducing the amount of target DNA available for mismatched hybridizations.

Abstract: A high density-having, granular, concentrated detergent composition comprises a detergent component(s) and clathrate granules of a perfume-clathrate compound comprising a perfume and a compound having a clathration capability. The clathrate granules have an average size of 100 to 1500 micrometers.

Abstract: A stripping composition which does not contain methylene chloride. Equal parts methylethyl ketone, methanol, toluene, and acetone are mixed together to form the preferred composition. The stripping composition may be packaged in aerosol form using a isobutane and propane mixture as a propellant. In the aerosol formulation, a thickening agent such as Cab-o-sil EH-5, silica and a water washing agent such as Solemulose B ethoxylated emulsifier are added to the formulation.

Abstract: X-ray crystalline sodium silicates having a sheet structure and an SiO.sub.2 :Na.sub.2 O molar ratio of 1.9 to 3.5 are prepared by dissolving an X-ray crystalline sodium silicate having a sheet structure and an SiO.sub.2 /Na.sub.2 O molar ratio of 1.9:1 to 3.5:1 in water and evaporating the solution at temperatures of 20.degree. to 445.degree. C.For the preparation of detergents or cleaners, a mixture of surfactants and builders, which may also contain fillers, bleaching agents, bleach activators and enzymes, is made into a paste with water, mixed with an X-ray crystalline sheet sodium silicate having an SiO.sub.2 /Na.sub.2 O molar ratio of 1.9:1 to 3.5:1, mixed thoroughly and then spray-dried.

Abstract: Compositions for cleaning hard surfaces, which are formulated to leave on the surface simultaneously with the cleaning thereof a protective barrier layer which serves to protect the surface against further soil deposition, comprising: (A), as cleaning agents, from one to two nonionic surfactants and an amphoteric surfactant; (B), as protective barrier components, lecithin and an aminofunctional polydimethylsiloxane copolymer; (C), as solvency and grease cutting agents, from one to two glycols; and (D) water.

Abstract: Composition for removing coatings from surfaces consisting essentially of at least one dibasic ester, water, and at least one thickening agent. The composition contains sufficient water and thickening agent to allow it to wet out and adhere to vertical surfaces for a sufficiently long period to insure that the dibasic ester component will have sufficient duration of contact with the coating to allow easy removal of same.