Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for identifying agents that alter mitochondrial membrane permeability transition. The screening methods generally detect agents that alter the interaction between the mitochondrial adenine nucleotide translocator and cyclophilin D. Such agents may be used, for example, in the treatment of a variety of conditions associated with altered mitochondrial function.

Abstract: A bypass channel (C) for fish extends along line one side of a river, for the full length of a section of the river in which reservoirs (22, 24, 26, 28) have been created by dams (14, 16, 18, 20). The channel (C) follows the grade of the natural river. It includes an inner wall (34) that varies in height so that it is always higher than the water level in any of the reservoirs. It also includes an outer wall (36) and a bottom wall (38) which are formed on the natural terrain that borders the river and reservoirs. In at least its taller regions, the inner wall (38) may be braced by a diagonal member or a system of member (40). Water flow into the channel (C) maybe regulated by horizontal and/or vertical gates (50, 52) or some other structure for changing the cross sectional area of the channel (C).

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for identifying agents that alter mitochondrial membrane permeability transition. The screening methods generally detect agents that alter the interaction between the mitochondrial adenine nucleotide translocator and cyclophilin D. Such agents may be used, for example, in the treatment of a variety of conditions associated with altered mitochondrial function.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved diagnostic methods for early detection of a risk for developing type 2 diabetes mellitus in humans, and screening assays for therapeutic agents useful in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, by comparing the levels of one or more indicators of altered mitochondrial function. Indicators of altered mitochondrial function include enzymes such as mitochondrial enzymes and ATP biosynthesis factors. Other indicators of altered mitochondrial function include mitochondrial mass, mitochondrial number and mitochondrial DNA content, cellular responses to elevated intracellular calcium and to apoptogens, and free radical production. Methods of treating, and of stratifying, human patients as such methods relate to disclosed indicators of altered mitchondrial function are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for obtaining a measurement of various qualities of an electrochemical cell. The apparatus includes first and second electrodes and an excitation source for providing a time varying excitation voltage to the first electrode. The excitation voltage is switched between two voltage levels with the first and second voltages alternately applied to the first electrode for predetermined times. An external capacitance is connected between the second electrode and ground. The apparatus is capable of determining the time related rates at which electrical charge is transferred from the first electrode to charge the external capacitance. These rates, here termed Transient Immitivity Response (TIR), may be provided as a digital or analog output.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved diagnostic methods for early detection of a risk for developing type 2 diabetes mellitus in humans, and screening assays for therapeutic agents useful in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, by comparing the levels of one or more indicators of altered mitochondrial function. Indicators of altered mitochondrial function include enzymes such as mitochondrial enzymes and ATP biosynthesis factors. Other indicators of altered mitochondrial function include mitochondrial mass, mitochondrial number and mitochondrial DNA content, cellular responses to elevated intracellular calcium and to apoptogens, and free radical production. Methods of treating, and of stratifying, human patients as such methods relate to disclosed indicators of altered mitchondrial function are also provided.

Abstract: A filter and a method of using the filter for removing contaminants from liquid propane gas. The liquid propane gas enters the filter through an inlet and passes through a first filtration element where chemical contaminants are removed by a molecular sieving agent. The molecular sieving agent may be a zeolite. Subsequently, the liquid propane gas passes through a second filtration element where particulate contaminants are removed. The invention is also a method of removing contaminants from liquid propane gas including the step of routing the flow of the liquid propane gas through chemical and particulate filter elements so that chemical and particulate contaminants are sequentially removed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a robust means of adjusting the angular mounting of thrust producing devices such as airplane engines. The device provides independent adjustment of the thrust vector for each axis and offset adjustment to maintain the center line of the engine. A means of indicating the angle of adjustment is inherent in the design. The invention also provides for an opening along the centerline to accommodate power take-off shafts or to mount jet or ducted fan engines.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to mitochondria protecting agents for treating diseases in which mitochondrial dysfunction leads to tissue degeneration and, more specifically, to compounds, compositions and methods related to the same. The methods of this invention involve administration of a pharmaceutically effective amount of a mitochondria protecting agent to a warm-blooded animal in need thereof, and composition of this invention contain a mitochondria protecting agent in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent. Mitochondrial associated diseases that may be treated by the present invention include (but are not limited to) Alzheimer's Disease, diabetes mellitus, Parkinson's Disease, neuronal and cardiac ischemia, Huntington's disease and stroke.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for identifying oxidative modifications of proteins by mass spectrometric analysis, including MALDI-TOF MS, of protein and peptide fractions of biological samples to determine specific occurrences of nitrotyrosine at amino acid sequence and proteomic levels. Diagnostic methods for diseases characterized by elevated free radicals and oxidative stress, and screening assays for therapeutic agents useful in treating such diseases, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Currently migratory fisheries are impeded in their upstream and downstream movements by one or more dams across rivers. A method and structure is described that overcomes the shortcomings of currently employed methods such as fish ladders, water spilling and barging. A channel of sufficient dimensions to simulate a natural stream bed is employed to parallel the entire length of river and reservoirs and provide passage for the fish. This is accomplished without the breaching and destruction of the dams bypassed.

Abstract: Display apparatus for displaying objects includes a display panel including a panel layer formed of a penetrable, stiff material sandwiched between a layer formed of a penetrable, flexible sheet material and a layer formed of mesh material. The objects are held in position by wires looping about the objects and extending through the display panel.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for identifying agents that alter mitochondrial membrane permeability transition. The screening methods generally detect agents that alter the interaction between the mitochondrial adenine nucleotide translocator and cyclophilin D. Such agents may be used, for example, in the treatment of a variety of conditions associated with altered mitochondrial function.

Abstract: The present invention relates to genetic mutations in mitochondrial genes that segregate with diabetes mellitus. The invention provides methods for detecting such mutations, as a diagnostic for diabetes mellitus, either before or after the onset of clinical symptoms. Examples of specific mutations in the ATP synthase 8/6 sequence and tRNALys sequence are given. The invention also provides treatments for dysfunctions due to genes for mitochondrial functions that segregate with diabetes mellitus. Cybrid cell lines are described which are useful as model systems for the study of the mitochondrial metabolic disorders that are associated with diabetes mellitus, and for identifying therapeutic compounds and treatments for this disease.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods for identifying agents that affect mitochondrial functions and cell death. Such agents are useful for treating diseases associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and to methods of identifying a risk or presence of such diseases. In particular, the invention relates to the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (&Dgr;&PSgr;m) during mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) and further provides a measurable rate loss function, changes in which are useful, inter alia, for detecting agents that affect one or more mitochondrial functions, for detecting mitochondrial diseases and for studying molecular components of mitochondria that regulate MPT.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to mitochondria protecting agents for treating diseases in which mitochondrial dysfunction leads to tissue degeneration and, more specifically, to compounds, compositions and methods related to the same. The methods of this invention involve administration of a pharmaceutically effective amount of a mitochondria protecting agent to a warm-blooded animal in need thereof, and composition of this invention contain a mitochondria protecting agent in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent. Mitochondrial associated diseases which may be treated by the present invention include (but are not limited to) Alzheimer's Disease, diabetes mellitus. Parkinson's Disease, neuronal and cardiac ischemia. Huntington's disease and stroke.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to mitochondria protecting agents for treating diseases in which mitochondrial dysfunction leads to tissue degeneration and, more specifically, to compounds, compositions and methods related to the same. The methods of this invention involve administration of a pharmaceutically effective amount of a mitochondria protecting agent to a warm-blooded animal in need thereof, and composition of this invention contain a mitochondria protecting agent in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent. Mitochondrial associated diseases which may be treated by the present invention include (but are not limited to) Alzheimer's Disease, diabetes mellitus, Parkinson's Disease, neuronal and cardiac ischemia, Huntington's disease and stroke.

Abstract: Compositions and methods based on quantification of extramitochondrial DNA (exmtDNA) sequences are provided that are useful for detecting the presence of or risk for having a disease associated with altered mitochondrial function, and for identifying agents suitable for treating such diseases. The exmtDNA sequences have strong homology to authentic mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing access port includes a port and nozzle assembly where the nozzle has a plurality of radial outlets defining a pattern of dispersal for a fire extinguishing agent. According to a presently preferred embodiment, the port and nozzle assembly is dimensioned to be mounted in an existing mounting hole (e.g. a switch mounting hole) of an aircraft electrical panel with the nozzle residing in the rear of the panel and the port residing on the front of the panel. A plurality of different nozzles are provided for different electrical panels, each nozzle having a different pattern of dispersal. A fire extinguisher access port kit includes a plurality of threaded nozzles, each with different dispersal patterns, a plurality of threaded ports which mate with the nozzles, and a plurality of different length threaded tubes which mate with the nozzles and the ports.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for producing adenine nucleotide translocator (ANT) polypeptides and fusion proteins, including the production and use of recombinant expression constructs having a regulated promoter. ANT ligands and compositions and methods for identifying ANT ligands, agents that bind ANT and agents that interact with ANT are also disclosed.