Abstract: A vector for high-level expression of a heterologous gene in Bacillus, including a DNA sequence which encodes all or part of the structural gene and contains the promoter and ribosome binding site of a Bacillus coagulans amylase gene; within or immediately downstream of the structural gene is a site for insertion of heterologous DNA; when inserted, the heterologous DNA is in the same translational reading frame as the amylase gene; the heterologous DNA thus is under control of the B. coagulans amylase gene regulatory elements and expressed at high levels. A signal-encoding sequence may be inserted independent of, or along with, the heterologous DNA leading to authentic secretion of the heterologous protein.

Abstract: Novel benzimidazol-2-ones of the formula ##STR1## wherein R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl of 1 to 5 carbon atoms, cycloalkylalkyl of 4 to 7 carbon atoms, alkenyl and alkynyl of 3 to 5 carbon atoms with the multiple bond not between the carbons .alpha.- and .beta.- to the nitrogen and aralkyl of 7 to 12 carbon atoms optionally substituted with at least one member of the group consisting of halogen and alkyl and alkoxy of 1 to 5 carbon atoms and R.sub.1 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, --OH, alkoxy of 1 to 5 carbon atoms, phenoxy and phenylalkoxy of 7 to 9 carbon atoms and their non-toxic, pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts having dopaminergic, antiulcerous, and antihypertensive and vasodilatatory activity.