Abstract: A potential equalization system for a modular multi-level converter. The converter has a plurality of converter modules and each of the modules has a direct current source. The potential equalization system includes pole contacts, which are each electrically connected to one pole of a direct current source, and at least one electrically conductive contacting element, which can be moved between a first end position in which the contacting element is electrically isolated from the converter modules and a second end position in which the contacting element contacts pole contacts of different direct current sources and can be put on ground potential.

Abstract: A potential equalization system for a modular multi-level converter. The converter has a plurality of converter modules and each of the modules has a direct current source. The potential equalization system includes pole contacts, which are each electrically connected to one pole of a direct current source, and at least one electrically conductive contacting element, which can be moved between a first end position in which the contacting element is electrically isolated from the converter modules and a second end position in which the contacting element contacts pole contacts of different direct current sources and can be put on ground potential.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions, vaccine compositions and pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment, amelioration and/or prevention of dengue fever. The compositions, vaccine compositions and pharmaceutical compositions of the invention comprise a virus-like particle of an RNA bacteriophage and at least one antigen, wherein said at least one antigen is a dengue antigen. When administered to an animal, preferably to a human, said compositions, vaccine compositions and pharmaceutical compositions induce efficient immune responses, in particular antibody responses, wherein typically and preferably said antibody responses are directed against dengue virus, preferably against dengue virus of any one of serotypes 1 to 4. Thus, the invention further provides methods of treating, ameliorating and/or preventing dengue virus infection by way of active immunization against domain III of the dengue virus envelope protein E, or against antigenic fragments thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is in the fields of medicine, public health, immunology, molecular biology and virology. The invention provides composition comprising a virus-like particle (VLP) linked to at least one antigen of the invention, wherein said antigen of the invention is CCR5 of the invention, gastrin of the invention, CXCR4 of the invention, CETP of the invention or C5a of the invention. The invention also provides a process for producing the composition. The compositions of this invention are useful in the production of vaccines, in particular, for the treatment of diseases in which the antigen of the invention mediates, or contributes to the condition, particularly for the treatment of AIDS, gastrointestinal cancers, coronary heart diseases or inflammatory diseases. Moreover, the compositions of the invention induce efficient immune responses, in particular antibody responses.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the fields of molecular biology, virology, immunology and medicine. The invention provides a modified virus-like particle (VLP) comprising a VLP which can be loaded with immunostimulatory substances, in particular with DNA oligonucleotides containing non-methylated C and G (CpGs), and particular HIV peptides linked thereto. Such CpG-VLPs are dramatically more immunogenic that their CpG-free counterparts and induce enhanced B and T cell responses. The immune response against HIV peptides optionally coupled, fused or attached otherwise to the VLPs is similarly enhanced as the immune response against HIV peptides are especially directed to the Th1 type. Antigens attached to CpG-loaded VLPs may therefore be ideal vaccines for prophylactic or therapeutic vaccination against allergies, tumors and other self-molecules and chronic viral diseases.

Abstract: A method for isolating the DNA encoding an enzyme is presented. The DNA is contained within a support to which the enzyme is linked, wherein the enzyme is further linked to a substrate. When the enzyme reacts with the substrate, the product remains linked to the enzyme. The product linked to the enzyme which is linked to the support containing the DNA encoding the enzyme is isolated, thereby isolating the DNA encoding the enzyme. In this manner an expression library of enzymes produced by mutagenesis can be screened for mutated active enzyme, and thereby obtain the mutated DNA encoding the mutated active enzyme.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of isolating an enzyme having a desired chemical or biological activity, the method comprising linking the enzyme to a substrate for the enzyme, reacting the enzyme and substrate such that a product is produced which remains linked to the enzyme and isolating the enzyme by selectively isolating the product linked to the enzyme.