Abstract: A joist assembly system that is structured for dynamic retrieval of components, dynamic and precise positioning and location of retrieved components, assembly of the components to form a joist, and delivery of the assembled joist. The joist assembly system has a plurality of material handling systems, a plurality of welding systems, and a rigging table system. The material handling systems are structured to load and position the components such as chords and webs onto the rigging table. The rigging table in turn supports the chords or webs. Subsequently, the plurality of welding systems weld the webs to the chords to form the joist.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antibody having specificity for an immunogenic determinant consisting of the pentasaccharide repeating unit of the Clostridium difficile glycopolymer PS-I: ?-L-Rhap-(1?3)-?-D-Glcp-(1?4)-[?-L-Rhap-(1?3)]-?-D-Glcp-(1?2)-?-D-Glcp or a fragment thereof. Said antibody is able to prevent and treat diseases caused by C. difficile. The present invention further pertains to a method of treating or preventing a disease caused by the pathogen Clostridium difficile, which comprises administering to a subject said antibody or a vaccine composition comprising said antibody.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antibody having specificity for an immunogenic determinant consisting of the pentasaccharide repeating unit of the Clostridium difficile glycopolymer PS-I: ?-L-Rhap-(1?3)-?-D-Glcp-(1?4)-[?-L-Rhap-(1?3)]-?-D-Glcp-(1?2)-?-D-Glcp or a fragment thereof. Said antibody is able to prevent and treat diseases caused by C. difficile. The present invention further pertains to a method of treating or preventing a disease caused by the pathogen Clostridium difficile, which comprises administering to a subject said antibody or a vaccine composition comprising said antibody.

Abstract: The invention relates to a synthetic oligosaccharide representing part of the repeating unit of the Clostridium difficile glycopolymer PS-I and having the sequence of the pentasaccharide a-L-Rhap-(1?3)-?-D-Glcp-(1?4)-[a-L-Rhap-(1?3]-a-D-Glcp-(1?2)-a-D-Glcp or a synthetic fragment or derivative thereof. Preferably, the claimed synthetic oligosaccharide bears at least one linker L for conjugation to a carrier protein or for immobilization on a surface. Further aspects of the invention relate to advantageous methods for synthesizing said synthetic oligosaccharide and oligosaccharide-protein conjugate as well as to uses thereof, in particular as vaccines and diagnostic tools.

Abstract: The invention relates to a synthetic oligosaccharide representing part of the repeating unit of the Clostridium difficile glycopolymer PS-I and having the sequence of the pentasaccharide a-L-Rhap-(1?3)-?-D-Glcp-(1?4)-[a-L-Rhap-(1?3]-a-D-Glcp-(1?2)-a-D-Glcp or a synthetic fragment or derivative thereof. Preferably, the claimed synthetic oligosaccharide bears at least one linker L for conjugation to a carrier protein or for immobilization on a surface. Further aspects of the invention relate to advantageous methods for synthesizing said synthetic oligosaccharide and oligosaccharide-protein conjugate as well as to uses thereof, in particular as vaccines and diagnostic tools.