Abstract: Disclosed herein are glucosyltransferases with modified amino acid sequences. Such engineered enzymes exhibit improved alpha-glucan product yields and/or lower leucrose yields, for example. Further disclosed are reactions and methods in which engineered glucosyltransferases are used to produce alpha-glucan.

Abstract: A foldable children's playhouse having a box beam integral with one or two roof panels is disclosed. The box beam has a U-shaped cross section, with the integral panels being foldable along a line extending longitudinally at the open end of the box beam. In a preferred embodiment, walls of the playhouse are made up of two units, each including a rectangular side wall and an end wall having a rectangular bottom portion and a triangular gable portion that folds along the top of the bottom portion. The roof is attachable to the walls by placing it in alignment over the walls and engaging top edges of the walls with channels on the underside of the roof so as to obtain a force fit. Means such as Velcro fasteners are provided on overlapping surfaces for securing the wall units to one another. A rail for strengthening the roof is disposed around the edges of and underneath the roof, the rail being obtained by folding over of edge regions to provide a support member having a triangular cross section.