Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel laccase enzyme obtainable from the strains of genus Thielavia. The invention relates also to the nucleic acid sequence encoding the enzyme, a recombinant host into which the nucleic acid sequence has been introduced and a method for the production of the enzyme in a recombinant host. The enzyme of the invention is suitable for several applications, in particular for increasing the lightness of denim.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a recoverable block of function (RBF) system for controlling transgene escape and transgene containment in plants. The RBF-system comprises at least one blocking construct (BC), wherein the BC comprises as the blocking gene a nucleotide sequence or crtB gene encoding phytoene synthase, which is used alone or in combination with other BCs. The crtB gene expresses under the control of a germination specific promoter or a promoter constitutively repressed by a Recovering construct (RC) and blocks the germination of a transgenic seed. The blocked germination is recoverable by a user controlled intervention including addition of an effective amount of gibberellin and sugar and may involve so called recovering constructs (RCs), wherein the recovering gene may encode ent-copalyl diphosphate synthase or ent-kaurene synthase.

Abstract: An improved method for diagnosing autoimmune or genetic diseases is provided in this disclosure. In particular, a method to diagnose diseases affecting the tissues of organs selected from the group of spleen, brain, heart, kidney, thyroid, eye, skin, intestine, liver, pancreas, adrenal gland, prostate and lungs or from the tissues selected from the group of muscles and bones or other tissues. More specifically, the present invention provides an improved method for diagnosing diseases affecting neuromuscular junctions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel laccase enzymes obtainable from the strains of the genus Thielavia or from the strains of the genus Chaetomium. The invention relates also to nucleic acid sequences encoding the enzymes, recombinant hosts into which the nucleic acid sequences have been introduced and to methods for the production of the enzymes in recombinant hosts. The enzymes of the invention are suitable for several applications, for example for treating denim and for strain removal.

Abstract: A genotyping method and a prepared oligomicroarray as device is to determine single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and mutations are provided. The method uses two specific APEX-2 primers per each SNP or mutations to be determined. The same primers are used in amplification phase (primer extension and PCR with universal primer) and in the single base extension phase on an array. All SNP-containing sequences can be genotyped and amplified in one reaction tube and visualized on a microarray.

Abstract: A novel gene isolated from Deschampsia antarctica coding for a lipase like protein is disclosed. A system for production of recombinant enzyme is also disclosed as well as use for the enzyme in sunscreen.

Abstract: Genetic mechanisms for mitigating the effects of introgression of a genetically engineered genetic trait of a cultivated crop to an undesirable, interbreeding related species.

Abstract: The invention relates to isolated DNA sequences encoding MF3 polypeptides that induce multiple resistance in plants toward a variety of viral and microbial infections and against pests and a method of obtaining transgenic plants expressing MF3 polypeptides. The invention also relates to a method of isolating and purifying an MF3 polypeptide from bacterial cells expressing the polypeptide and its use as a plant protectant with or without carrier agent.

Abstract: An improved double Recoverable Block of Function (RBF) system for transgene containment with enhanced reliability is disclosed. The system includes two blocking constructs (BCs) at the opposite sides of a transgene of interest (TGI). The system comprises means for recovery of the function blocked by expression of the blocking genes of the BCs. The invention is also related to a kit comprising a cloning vector having the BCs and TGI or alternatively a place for TGI to be inserted in. Segregating (two-insert) and inducible (one-insert) types of double RBF are disclosed. The two BCs are either similar or different in their DNA and RNA structures. The two BCs may encode same protein but promoters driving the blocking genes are different and/or the coding sequence of the blocking genes is modified by codon preference change. A system comprising two BCs having different blocking genes is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus to analyze fast and accurately biological samples. The method includes prior mapping of the DNA chip with a CCD camera, addressed excitation of samples, and recording of fluorescence spectra via ultra-fast spectrometer.

Abstract: The present invention is related to novel bioactive pentapeptides, pentarphins, the main indication of which is enhancing phagocytic activity of macrophages against microbes. In particular, the cyclopentapeptide, cyclo(Val-Lys-Gly-Phe-Tyr), termed cyclopeptarphin, was 100 times more active than tuftsin. Cyclopentarphin was non-toxic even at concentrations 1000 times higher than the minimum active dose, while being non-immunogenic. Furthermore, cyclopentarphin is more stable to enzymatic cleavage in vitro as compared to linear pentarphin and tuftsin and, hence, its life span in vivo is also larger than that of linear peptides. High efficacy and safety of cyclopentarphin enable elaboration of novel drugs that enhance the resistance of human and animal organisms to microbes and micro particles.

Abstract: A method to linearly measure the flow of a gas in ducts, and a gas flow sensor using such a method are disclosed. In order to obtain a linear ratio between the differential pressure and the volumetric flow of a gas, a rectangular section elbow and a rectangular flexible plate located inside the elbow are used. When the flow goes through the duct linearization is obtained by combining the resistance of the duct and a variable-area obstruction caused by the plate. With linearization, it is possible to expand the measurement range of the gas flow in one duct. The sensor developed is used especially for the measurement of respiratory flow in medical applications.

Abstract: This invention constitutes a lightweight wheeled chair forming a companion rider device formed of hollow tubular frame members. A tow bar can be attached to the tow bar attachment with a pin coupling assembly. The tow bar attachment is mountable to the front ends of the lower side frame of the chair or it may also be permanently fixed there. The tow bar is downwardly curved from its middle and it has a feet rest. The height of the wheelchair may be adjusted by mounting the back wheels and the castor wheels in different adjusting holes provided in the chair frames and in castor wheel attachement. The present invention is to provide a lightweight wheelchair that can be used as a standalone wheelchair, as well as for a recreational use coupled to a motorized vehicle, such as an electric wheelchair.