Abstract: The present invention provides polypeptides having a nucleotide polymerase activity and method of enhancing polymerase activity. The polypeptides of the present invention may possess both a DNA-dependent DNA polymerase activity and an RNA-dependent DNA polymerase activity, i.e., a reverse transcriptase activity. The polypeptides of the present invention may be used in any application including, but not limited to, DNA sequencing reactions, amplification reactions, cDNA synthesis reactions, and combined cDNA synthesis and amplification reactions, e.g., RT-PCR.

Abstract: An isolated mutated green fluorescent protein (gfp) gene for chromosomal insertion into a bacterium, wherein the gene is capable of being expressed in bacteria and produce sufficient fluorescence under illumination from a UV lamp in a bacterial colony to be seen by the naked eye. A gene cassette for inserting a gene into a chromosome.

Abstract: An isolated mutated green fluorescent protein (gfp) gene for chromosomal insertion into a bacterium, wherein the gene is capable of being expressed in bacteria and produce sufficient fluorescence under illumination from a UV lamp in a bacterial colony to be seen by the naked eye. A gene cassette for inserting a gene into a chromosome.

Abstract: An isolated mutated green fluorescent protein (gfp) gene for chromosomal insertion into a bacterium, wherein the gene is capable of being expressed in bacteria and produce sufficient fluorescence under illumination from a UV lamp in a bacterial colony to be seen by the naked eye. A gene cassette for inserting a gene into a chromosome.

Abstract: A method for producing a mutant gene encoding a functional gene product comprising: (a) introducing one or more mutations into a gene to form a mutated gene; (b) providing the mutated gene to a host microorganism; (c) culturing the host microorganism containing the mutated gene under conditions which allow expression of the mutant gene product; and (d) selecting a host microorganism capable of producing a functional gene production from the mutated gene.

Abstract: The present invention provides polypeptides having a nucleotide polymerase activity and method of enhancing polymerase activity. The polypeptides of the present invention may posses both a DNA-dependent DNA polymerase activity and an RNA-dependent DNA polymerase activity, i.e., a reverse transcriptase activity. The polypeptides of the present invention may be used in any application including, but not limited to, DNA sequencing reactions, amplification reactions, cDNA synthesis reactions, and combined cDNA synthesis and amplification reactions, e.g., RT-PCR.

Abstract: Native and variant Thermococcus zilligii DNA polymerases are disclosed, as are methods for using the same for nucleic acid synthesis, DNA sequencing, nucleic acid amplification and cDNA synthesis.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for obtaining a promoter from an organism using a proteomics approach, isolated promoters from fungal species and uses of the isolated promoters.

Abstract: Alkalophilic and thermophilic cellulases having high stability to elevated temperatures and pH have been isolated from an organism of unknown species, which most closely resembles those in the Caldicellulosiruptor genus and which has been called by us, Tok7B.1, These cellulases have been cloned and expressed in a recombinant system, so that they can be produced in quantity. These are particularly useful in treating cellulosic materials including cotton-containing fabrics, as detergent additives, and in aqueous compositions. We also provide genomic DNA which can be used in recombinant expression vectors and expression systems to produce enhanced alkali and/or temperature stability properties in cellulases other than those specifically described.

Abstract: Refining elements are disclosed for use in refiners in which the refining elements comprise a refining surface with a plurality of raised bars alternating with a plurality of grooves. The raised bars at the inlet of the refining path have a first spacing and form a first angle with respect to a radius or generatrix defining the refining path and the plurality of raised bars at the outlet of the refining path have a second spacing and form a second angle with respect to the radius or generatrix, the first angle being between about 50.degree. and 85.degree. and the second angle being between about -25.degree. and +25.degree., and the first spacing being greater than the second spacing.