Abstract: The disclosure provides genetically engineered microorganisms and methods for improved biological production of ethylene glycol and precursors of ethylene glycol. The microorganism of the disclosure produces ethylene glycol or a precursor of ethylene glycol through one or more of 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate, oxaloacetate, citrate, malate, and glycine. The disclosure further provides compositions comprising ethylene glycol or polymers of ethylene glycol such as polyethylene terephthalate.

Abstract: A telescopic lifting column for height adjustment of elevatable tables (1) consists of a stationary rectangular profile (2), which at the bottom rests against a floor, and of a sliding quadrangular profile (3), which slides inside the stationary profile (2) and which can be activated up or down by a linear actuator (4) and which at the top rests against a table top (7). The profiles (2, 3) each have an open side (resp. 8 and 9), and the linear actuator is embodied as a toothed rack (10), which is fastened to the internal side (3?) of the sliding profile (3) opposite the open side (9), and which is in mesh with a toothed wheel (11), which is coupled to a gear motor (12,13), which is fastened to the stationary profile (2) of the lifting column. On the side facing the open side (9), the toothed rack (10) is embodied with a guide way (18) with a width (a) in which two guide pins (19, 20)—with a mutual distance (b) and fastened to the stationary profile (2)—are in mesh.

Abstract: A telescopic lifting column for height adjustment of elevatable tables (1) consists of a stationary rectangular profile (2), which at the bottom rests against a floor, and of a sliding quadrangular profile (3), which slides inside the stationary profile (2) and which can be activated up or down by a linear actuator (4) and which at the top rests against a table top (7). The profiles (2, 3) each have an open side (resp. 8 and 9), and the linear actuator is embodied as a toothed rack (10), which is fastened to the internal side (3?) of the sliding profile (3) opposite the open side (9), and which is in mesh with a toothed wheel (11), which is coupled to a gear motor (12,13), which is fastened to the stationary profile (2) of the lifting column. On the side facing the open side (9), the toothed rack (10) is embodied with a guide way (18) with a width (a) in which two guide pins (19, 20)—with a mutual distance (b) and fastened to the stationary profile (2)—are in mesh.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleotide and amino acid sequences that identify and encode a new protein with homology to pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A). We denote this protein PAPP-A2. The cDNA encoding PAPP-A2 was derived from human placenta.

Abstract: Methods for screening for altered focal proliferation states in non-pregnant patients, which include detecting levels of pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A), are described. Methods for identifying agents that alter the protease activity of PAPP-A, and pharmaceutical compositions and medical devices that include such agents also are described.