Abstract: A vertical sealer apparatus includes at least one conveyor for receiving objects to be wrapped in a vertical orientation with films from two film sources and for conveying the objects in a downstream direction from before and after they are wrapped along a conveying path, as well as an over for shrinking the films onto the objects. Methods of vertically sealing objects using such apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for screening antimicrobial agents that make use of mutated microbial polypeptides. Because these polypeptides have biological activity and result in increased antimicrobial drug resistance, candidate compounds that specifically target these polypeptides provide therapeutics or therapeutic lead compounds for treating infections caused by drug resistant microbial pathogens.

Abstract: Improved vectors and related materials and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided herein is a novel and useful method for determining whether an exogenous DNA molecule encodes for a natural product having bioactivity, or a protein having bioactivity. Also provided is a method for separating environmentally derived DNA molecules that encode a natural product having bioactivity or a protein involved in the production of a bioactive molecule from environmentally derived DNA molecules that do not, and a heretofore unknown promoter.

Abstract: An in vitro assay method permits the identification of a test substance which inhibits the mutual association of two molecules. The method includes the steps of providing two components capable of mutual association, one of said components bearing a covalently linked fluorophore; preparing a mixture containing the two components and at least one test substance; irradiating the mixture with polarized light of a suitable wavelength permitting excitation of the fluorophore as indicated by emission of polarized light; measuring the degree of polarization of the emission, and determining the effect of the presence or concentration of the test substance in decreasing the observed emission polarization of a mixture of the two components alone. Inhibitory activity of the test substance correlates with decreased depolarization values.