Abstract: The present invention makes known an array of nucleotidic sequences for rapidly and simultaneously identifying the presence of certain genes that codify proteins with relevant activities in biotechnology present in a microbiological sample, and the method with which this array is used in the identification of the above mentioned genes. Specifically speaking, genes that codify for proteins relevant in the biofilm formation, in CO2 fixation, in energetic metabolism, for chemiotaxis and mobility, in iron oxidizing, in nitrogen metabolism, in sulfur assimilation, and in oxidation/reduction of sulphide compounds, are identified. This array of nucleotidic sequences is presented as a useful tool in biotechnology whenever evaluating the quality of a microbiological community is required.

Abstract: A new blood unit cooling system was designed to cool blood rapidly to about 22° C. and maintain it at about that temperature, even in ambient temperature extremes, for several hours. The system incorporating a preferred eutectic solution including 98% 1-dodecanol, 1.5% myristyl alcohol and 0.5% 1-decanol (having a melting point of about 23° C.) contained in a sealed flexible polymer layer, was used to cool whole blood-filled bags. The preferred design used double-layered transparent polyethylene, with two sealed compartments filled with the solution, separated by a flattened and sealed portion between them. One of the two sealed compartments contacts one side of the blood bag and the other compartment is folded over to contact the other side of the blood bag. The transparent compartments allows an operator to verify at any time whether the solution is in a solid state, and the flexibility of the compartments eases the proper positioning of them around a blood bag.

Abstract: A library of macrocyclic compounds of the formula (I) where part (A) is a bivalent radical, a —(CH2)y— bivalent radical or a covalent bond; where part (B) is a bivalent radical, a —(CH2)z— bivalent radical, or a covalent bond; where part (C) is a bivalent radical, a —(CH2)t- bivalent radical, or a covalent bond; and where part (T) is a -Y-L-Z- radical wherein Y is CH2 or CO, Z is NH or O and L is a bivalent radical. These compounds are useful for carrying out screening assays or as intermediates for the synthesis of other compounds of pharmaceutical interest. A process for their preparation of these compounds in a combinatorial manner, is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of the maize Ac/Ds transposable elements in vertebrates.

Abstract: The invention concerns constructs and libraries comprising antibody surrogate light chain sequences. In particular, the invention concerns constructs comprising VpreB sequences, optionally partnered with another polypeptide, such as, for example, antibody heavy chain variable domain sequences, and libraries containing the same.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an isolated genomic nucleic acid molecule fragment that encodes human RhoC, vectors and hosts containing the fragment and fragments hybridizing to noncoding regions as well as antisense oligonucleotides to these fragments. The invention is further directed to methods of using these fragments to obtain human RhoC and to diagnose, treat, prevent and/or ameliorate a pathological disorder.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for immobilizing a target protein to the surface of silicon oxide-containing substance such as glass without modifying the surface of silicon oxide-containing substance by using a protein binding strongly to silicon oxide-containing substance. A protein capable binding strongly to silicon oxide-containing substance such as glass has been found, and thus a target protein can be directly bound and immobilized to the surface of silicon oxide-containing substance via the found protein. In addition, a fusion protein of the found protein and a target protein can be bound and immobilized to silicon oxide-containing substance.

Abstract: The invention provides genes that are unique either to Ehrlichia ruminantium strain Gardel or to Ehrlichia ruminantium strain Welgevonden, or allelic couples which are present in both strains but whose sequences differ between the two strains, as genetic markers to differentiate between these two strains. The invention also provides diagnostic methods using these genetic markers.

Abstract: A series of methods that utilize the incremental truncation of nucleic acids are described to create a plurality of modified nucleic acids and hybrid polypeptides. A plurality of substantially all possible single base-pair deletions of a given nucleic acid sequence is created. A method of making shuffled incremental truncated nucleic acids, which is independent of nucleic acid sequence homology, is also described. These methods can be used in protein engineering, protein folding, protein evolution, and the chemical synthesis of novel hybrid proteins and polypeptides.