Abstract: This invention relates to the expression of improved polynucleotide and polypeptide sequences encoding for eukaryotic enzymes, particularly oxidase enzymes. The enzymes are advantageously produced in conventional or facile expression systems. Various methods for directed evolution of polynucleotide sequences can be used to obtain the improved sequences. The improved characteristics of the polypeptides or proteins generated in this manner include improved expression, enhanced activity toward one or more substrates, and increased thermal stability. In a particular embodiment, the invention relates to improved expression of the galactose oxidase gene and galactose oxidase enzymes. GAO mutants that are highly active and/or thermostable are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to the expression of improved polynucleotide and polypeptide sequences encoding for eukaryotic enzymes, particularly oxidase enzymes. The enzymes are advantagoeusly produced in conventional or facile expression systems. Various methods for directed evolution of polynucleotide sequences can be used to obtain the improved sequences. The improved characteristics of the polypeptides or proteins generated in this manner include improved expression, enhanced activity toward one or more substrates, and increased thermal stability. In a particular embodiment, the invention relates to improved expression of the galactose oxidase gene and galactose oxidase enzymes. GAO mutants that are highly active and/or thermostable are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a neural network for computer-assisted knowledge management, based on a neural network (1) that is formed by a computer in its memory location. The invention method and neural network are especially for use in a decentralized, computer-assisted patent system that can be used via the Internet system, in the broad sense. The neural network (1) forms a system of artificial intelligence (KI), covering a fundamental knowledge base in the form of computer-readable texts. The neural network (1) consists of elements (2) that are associated with each other and weighted in relation to each other so that the sets of knowledge available can be managed and analyzed in relation to each other by computer means.

Abstract: A channel waveguide switch, driven by liquid crystal thermo-optic elements, suitable for use in integrated optic applications. Two trenches, one on either side and parallel with the core region of a channel waveguide Y-branch, are filled with a liquid crystal material possessing positive birefringence. When a given trench is held at a temperature a few degrees below the clearing point, the liquid crystal is in its nematic phase with its director aligned along the long direction of the trench so that both polarizations of the guided mode are loaded by the liquid crystal's ordinary refractive index. When the trench is held at a temperature a few degrees above the clearing point, both polarizations of the optical mode are loaded by the liquid crystal's isotropic index. By holding the temperature of the second trench at the alternate temperature, the differential loading on the Y-branch causes the guided mode to be switched into the path loaded by the liquid crystal's isotropic index.

Abstract: A method and system of an automated computer video display driver management system in setting up a video driver for a corresponding video display controller adapter is disclosed. The process including the steps of verifying motherboard chipset, removing pre-existing driver files, and installing appropriate driver files for the video display controller adapter installed in the computer system.

Abstract: A method for constructing a stable bioactive mammalian embryonic kidney is described herein. A kidney so constructed requires no artificial support, nor porous man made membranes or tubing to effectuate its biological function of filtering body fluids. A single donor embryonic kidney, or fragment thereof, can produce a great number of functional kidneys suitable for treating subjects with various kidney disorders. It is anticipated that said in vitro produced kidney would be less, or not at all, antigenic when transplanted into a subject, because of its embryonic character and artificial propagation in culture. This method of producing a functional organ can be useful in cloning other organ structures containing inducible epithelial tissues.

Abstract: A P-wave sensing apparatus including a printed circuit board having mounted thereon from one to three orthogonally disposed miniature sensors that function as inertia monitoring devices with respect to motion of the external supporting structures, a plurality of amplifying and filtering circuits for amplifying and filtering the outputs generated by the sensors, and a central processing unit responsive to the amplified signals and operative to generate output signals which can be used to drive optical and audible annunciators, automated data recording systems, or other device actuating systems. Each sensor is formed by a thin piezo-electric film sandwiched between two metallization layers and is laminated to a small rectangular sheet of polyester mounted in cantilever fashion with one edge thereof firmly affixed to a supporting circuit board or clamped between two flat, solid layers (such as miniature circuit boards) and then firmly affixed to the main supporting circuit board.

Abstract: A water absorbing and drying cleaner comprises a washing apparatus and a drying apparatus, wherein the washing apparatus and the drying apparatus are mounted in the casing of the water absorbing and drying cleaner, a drying inlet in the drying apparatus and a washing inlet in the washing apparatus are provided at the bottom of the water absorbing and drying cleaner along the progressive direction in washing, and the drying inlet is located behind the washing inlet. The invention has the features of novel in structure, clean in washing and fast in drying, can kill the acarids and other bacteria on the carpet or wooden floor to perform sterilization.

Abstract: A motorboat engine cover made from a metal panel having a plurality of air passages cut therethrough, wherein the air passages are formed such that the panel has no air pockets on its underside, and wherein the metal panel is configured to be mounted horizontally above a motorboat engine such that substantially unrestricted airflow occurs between the metal panel and the motorboat engine.

Abstract: A six-element cinema projection lens is described in front of which an aspherized plane-parallel plate is positioned on the screen side. This arrangement permits the cost-effective design of a cinema projection lens with a relative aperture of 1:1.7 having very good image-forming properties. The high relative aperture increases the light utilization and therefore leads to savings in energy and costs. Furthermore, the projection lens can be used both for cinemascope format and for widescreen format, the differences in brightness being compensated by a variable diaphragm.

Abstract: A microelement device has a plurality of microelements, which may be configured as microelectrodes, arranged on a substrate and adapted for making contact to cells present in a liquid environment. The cells are guided onto the microelectrodes, are isolated or are mechanically attracted to the microelectrodes. A negative-pressure force or a hydrodynamic force may be applied on the cells. Also described are a method for making contact to the cells, and a method for manufacturing the microelement device is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for diagnosing and treating individuals with insulin resistance.