Abstract: The present technology is directed to the nucleic acid molecule encoding novel fluorescent proteins, in particular, green fluorescent proteins (GFPs), such as those that may be isolated from an organism of genus Rhacostoma, as well as compositions comprising the same and methods for analyzing a physiologically active substance in a cell wherein the fluorescent proteins are expressed in the cell.

Abstract: The present technology is directed to the nucleic acid molecule encoding novel fluorescent proteins, in particular, green fluorescent proteins (GFPs), such as those that may be isolated from an organism of genus Rhacostoma, as well as compositions comprising the same and methods for analyzing a physiologically active substance in a cell wherein the fluorescent proteins are expressed in the cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and an apparatuses for determining protease activity. The compositions of the invention contain a reporter protein fused to at least one protease cleavage sequence, and a linker for attaching the protease cleavage sequence to a solid support. Methods for determining protease activity and characterizing proteases are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is a kit and method for purifying a protein of interest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and an apparatuses for determining protease activity. The compositions of the invention contain a reporter protein fused to at least one protease cleavage sequence, and a linker for attaching the protease cleavage sequence to a solid support. Methods for determining protease activity and characterizing proteases are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and an apparatuses for determining protease activity. The compositions of the invention contain a reporter protein fused to at least one protease cleavage sequence, and a linker for attaching the protease cleavage sequence to a solid support. Methods for determining protease activity and characterizing proteases are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is a kit and method for purifying a protein of interest.

Abstract: Green fluorescent protein (GFP) polypeptides from Renilla reniformis and Renilla kollikeri are disclosed. The amino acid sequence of R. reniformis GFP and back-translated nucleotide sequences of nucleic acids encoding the R. reniformis GFP are also disclosed. These isolated polypeptides, along with the pertinent amino acid and nucleotide sequence information, are useful in a variety of applications for which GFPs from other sources (e.g., Aequoria) are currently employed. Techniques for using the Renilla GFPs are disclosed, along with advantages of Renilla GFP as compared with currently available GFPs.

Abstract: Novel methods of detecting fluorescent proteins are described. The methods result in vastly improved signal-to-noise ratios in assays measuring fluorescence of a fluorescent protein specifically by employing a unique trapping step to microconcentrate the fluorescent protein and by using improved optical techniques. The trapping step may be a chemical or physical process or a combination thereof leading to substantial microconcentration of the fluorescent protein with concomitant removal of contaminants or interfering compounds. The methods are readily adaptable to high throughput screening and can be engineered for use with a wide variety of assays currently using microplate readers. Green fluorescent protein and fluorescent coral proteins are among preferred fluorescent proteins for the methods.

Abstract: A pre-coelenterazine peptide comprising a modified A. victoria GFP having an amino acid sequence in which Ser.sup.65 is replaced with Tyr. There is further provided a polynucleotide encoding the pre-coelenterazine peptide, allowing synthesis of large, pure amounts of coelenterazine.

Abstract: A latch member of a case or similar container blow-molded from thermoplastic material is pivotally and permanently secured to the case by a bearing formed substantially simultaneously with and from the same thermoplastic material as the body of the case. Formation of a permanent bond between the bearing member and the latch member is avoided by employing a latch member formed of material having a higher melt temperature than the material used in the formation of the main body of the case and the bearing member, and also by effecting relative movement between the latch member and the bearing member while the thermoplastic material forming the bearing member is still in a heated condition. Apparatuses for positioning the latch member within the mold are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a drawer divider system for dividing a drawer in a tool chest or the like into a plurality of compartments. The divider elements comprise one-piece plastic strips having integrally formed resilient arms at both ends for engaging the opposed sidewalls of the drawer. The divider is provided with a plurality of upwardly facing recesses in the form of inverted sawteeth along its length so that the recesses of adjacently positioned dividers may support articles therein.

Abstract: A plastic container includes a hinge on one side thereof for hingedly joining the base and cover parts of the container. A latch structure is located on a container side opposite the hinge. The latch structure includes a buckle that is pivotally journaled in undercuts on the cover. The buckle is adapted to bridge the confronting edges and to pivot into and out of releaseable securement with the base.

Abstract: Rigid containers, such as metal cans, for use in hermetically packaging roasted coffee products are coated internally with an aroma solvent (e.g. glycerides, waxes, silicones, etc.) which is effective to dissolve and partition a broad range of aromatics. This effects an aroma partition between the headspace in the sealed, coffee-containing can and the coating which retards staling and/or oxidation of the coffee aroma within the sealed can. The pick-up of aroma by the coating may also increase the amount of aroma retention within the opened container during an extended in-use period.