Abstract: There is provided a method for evolving an orthogonal rRNA molecule, comprising the steps of: providing one or more libraries of mutant orthogonal rRNA molecules and introducing the libraries into cells such that the orthogonal rRNA is incorporated into ribosomes to provide orthogonal ribosomes; providing one or more orthogonal mRNA molecules which (i) are not translated by natural ribosomes, and (ii) comprise one or more orthogonal mRNA codons; assaying the translation of the orthogonal mRNA and selecting the orthogonal rRNA molecules which translate the orthogonal mRNA, wherein the assay in step (c) requires translation of one or more orthogonal mRNA codons in the orthogonal mRNA; and orthogonal ribosomes incorporating such rRNA molecules.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nucleic acid comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a tRNA orthogonal to a eukaryotic cell, said nucleotide sequence operably linked to a promoter capable of directing transcription by eukaryotic RNA polymerase III. The invention also relates to methods for incorporating unnatural amino acids in eukaryotic cells using same.

Abstract: A battery pack may supply power to a device such as a PDA, a hand-held scanner, or a laptop computer, when inserted and rotatably locked therein. The battery pack is adapted to maintain electrical connectivity with the device, once unlocked, during counter-rotation and before removal. Electrical connectivity is provided by discrete electrical contact pads on the battery pack, each of which may form various annular shapes at different radii. The electrical contact pads are detected by spring-loaded pogo pins on the device. Electrical connectivity is maintained for a battery detect pin for only approximately fifteen degrees of counter-rotation, where its disengagement warns of impending power loss, and triggers a proper shut-down sequence to save data. One contact pad is electrically coupled to a negative terminal within the battery pack, and another is electrically coupled to a positive terminal. The battery pack houses one or more rechargeable batteries, preferably lithium-ion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of modifying a specific lysine residue in a polypeptide comprising at least two lysine residues, said method comprising (a) providing a polypeptide comprising a target lysine residue protected by a first protecting group, and at least one further lysine residue; (b) treating the polypeptide to protect said further lysine residue(s), wherein the protecting group for said further lysine residues is different to the protecting group for the target lysine residue; (c) selectively deprotecting the target lysine residue; and (d) modifying the deprotected lysine residue of (c).

Abstract: The invention relates to a caged lysine, wherein the caged lysine is according to Formula (I): or salts thereof. The invention further relates to polypeptides comprising a caged lysine, and to methods of making same. The invention further relates to tRNA synthetases capable of charging tRNA with caged lysine.

Abstract: The invention relates to 16S rRNA comprising a mutation at A1196, and to 16S rRNA further comprising a mutation at C1195 and/or A1197, and to 16S rRNA which comprises (i) C1195A and A1196G; or (ii) C1195T, A1196G and A1197G; or (iii) A1196G and A1197G. The invention also relates to ribosomes comprising such 16S rRNAs and to use of same.

Abstract: The invention relates to A method of making a polypeptide comprising at least one N?-methyl-lysine at a specific site in said polypeptide, said method comprising (a) genetically directing the incorporation of R—N?-methyl-lysine into said polypeptide, wherein R comprises an auxiliary group; and (b) catalysing the removal of R from the polypeptide of (a). In particular the invention relates to such a method wherein genetically directing the incorporation of R—N?-methyl-lysine into said polypeptide comprises arranging for the translation of a RNA encoding said polypeptide, wherein said RNA comprises an amber codon, and wherein said translation is carried out in the presence of an amber tRNA charged with R—N?-methyl-lysine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tRNA synthetase capable of binding N?-acetyl lysine, wherein said synthetase comprises a polypeptide having at least 90% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of MbPyIRS, and wherein said synthetase comprises a L266M mutation.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods for generating components of protein biosynthetic machinery including orthogonal tRNAs, orthogonal aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, and orthogonal pairs of tRNAs/synthetases. Methods for identifying orthogonal pairs are also provided. These components can be used to incorporate unnatural amino acids into proteins in vivo.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making a polypeptide comprising an orthogonal functional group, said orthogonal functional group being comprised by an aliphatic amino acid or amino acid derivative, said method comprising providing a host cell; providing a nucleic acid encoding the polypeptide of interest; providing a tRNA-tRNA synthetase pair orthogonal to said host cell; adding an amino acid or amino acid derivative comprising the orthogonal functional group of interest, wherein said amino acid or amino acid derivative is a substrate for said orthogonal tRNA synthetase, wherein said amino acid or amino acid derivative has an aliphatic carbon backbone; and incubating to allow incorporation of said amino acid or amino acid derivative into the polypeptide of interest via the orthogonal tRNA-tRNA synthetase pair. The invention also relates to certain amino acids, and to polypeptides comprising same.

Abstract: A twin buckle assembly is provided with dual release positions. The buckle assembly can lockingly secure two buckle tongues. The buckle assembly includes a single, pivotal latch mechanism that can separately secure one or both of the buckle tongues. Pivotal movement of the latch occurs upon rotation of the buckle cover. Thus, one tongue is released at a first rotational position of the cover and both tongues are released at a second rotational position of the cover. The buckle assembly, thereby, allows the independent removal of lap and shoulder belts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tRNA synthetase capable of binding N?-acetyl lysine, in particular, the invention relates to a tRNA synthetase capable of binding N?-acetyl lysine wherein said synthetase comprises a polypeptide having at least 90% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of MbPy1RS. The invention also relates to a method of making a polypeptide comprising N?-acetyl lysine comprising arranging for the translation of a RNA encoding said polypeptide, wherein said RNA comprises an amber codon, wherein said translation is carried out in the presence of a polypeptide according to any of claims 1 to 11 and in the presence of tRNA capable of being charged with N?-acetyl lysine, and in the presence of N?-acetyl lysine.

Abstract: A battery pack may supply power to a device such as a PDA, a hand-held scanner, or a laptop computer, when inserted and rotatably locked therein. The battery pack is adapted to maintain electrical connectivity with the device, once unlocked, during counter-rotation and before removal. Electrical connectivity is provided by discrete electrical contact pads on the battery pack, each of which may form various annular shapes at different radii. The electrical contact pads are detected by spring-loaded pogo pins on the device. Electrical connectivity is maintained for a battery detect pin for only approximately fifteen degrees of counter-rotation, where its disengagement warns of impending power loss, and triggers a proper shut-down sequence to save data. One contact pad is electrically coupled to a negative terminal within the battery pack, and another is electrically coupled to a positive terminal. The battery pack houses one or more rechargeable batteries, preferably lithium-ion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a twin buckle assembly with dual release positions. More particularly, the invention relates to a buckle assembly that can lockingly secure two buckle tongues. The buckle assembly includes a single, pivotal latch mechanism that can separately secure one or both of the buckle tongues. Pivotal movement of the latch occurs upon rotation of the buckle cover. Thus, one tongue is released at a first rotational position of the cover and both tongues are released at a second rotational position of the cover. The buckle assembly, thereby, allows the independent removal of lap and shoulder belts.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods for generating components of protein biosynthetic machinery including orthogonal tRNAs, orthogonal aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, and orthogonal pairs of tRNAs/synthetases. Methods for identifying orthogonal pairs are also provided. These components can be used to incorporate unnatural amino acids into proteins in vivo.

Abstract: There is provided a method for evolving an orthogonal rRNA molecule, comprising the steps of: providing one or more libraries of mutant orthogonal rRNA molecules and introducing the libraries into cells such that the orthogonal rRNA is incorporated into ribosomes to provide orthogonal ribosomes; providing one or more orthogonal mRNA molecules which (i) are not translated by natural ribosomes, and (ii) comprise one or more orthogonal mRNA codons; assaying the translation of the of the orthogonal mRNA and selecting the orthogonal rRNA molecules which translate the orthogonal mRNA, wherein the assay in step (c) requires translation of one or more orthogonal mRNA codons in the orthogonal mRNA; and orthogonal ribosomes incorporating such rRNA molecules.

Abstract: A handheld data-processing device in the form of a personal digital assistant (PDA) (10) for use in an industrial environment includes an expansion module (100) arranged to be releasably fixed to a rear face of the PDA (10) and so as to be operatively coupled thereto. Each of the PDA (10) and the expansion module (100) includes a respective data communications connector (50, 150). Each connector (50, 150) is the same as the other connector (50, 150). Each connector (50, 150) includes two parallel rows of terminals (60, 70), with the terminals (60) of the first row projecting further from the remainder of the connector (50, 150) that the connectors (70) of the second row. The terminals (60) of the first row in each connector (50, 150) are for connecting with the connectors (70) of the second row in the respective other connector (50, 150) when the two connectors (50, 150) are brought together.

Abstract: A PDA (10) and an external battery pack (100) for fitting thereto. The battery pack (100) can be used to supplement an internal battery of the PDA (10). The PDA (10) has electrical contacts (40) that are for contacting electrical contacts (140) of the battery pack (100). The electrical contacts (40) of the PDA (10) are heat staked into material of a casing (20) of the PDA (10) to provide sealing therebetween. Electrical contact between the contacts (40) of the PDA (10) and a PCB (50) contained therein is provided by a respective helical spring (46) that abuts each contact (40) and the PCB (50). This helps to maintain the contact in the event that the PDA (10) is dropped. The electrical contacts (140) of the battery pack (100) are insert moulded in casing thereof to provide sealing therebetween.

Abstract: A portable electronic device comprising a casing (5); a speaker (20) mounted adjacent an orifice (10) of the casing (5); an air permeable membrane (25) sealingly mounted to the cading (5) intermediate the orifice (10) and the speaker (20), so as to form a chamber (35) between the speaker (20) and the membrane (25); wherein the membrane (25) permits the ingress and egress of air (30), into the casing (5) through the orifice (10).