Abstract: A sample preparation procedure for mitochondrial (mt) DNA analysis is described. The present method for isolating mtDNA uses sedimentation techniques for separating erythrocytes from lymphocytes and platelets (crude buffy coat fraction), followed by DNA extraction from the crude buffy coat fraction by boiling in water. This approach improves the yield of mutant DNA, enhancing the sensitivity of subsequent mutation interrogation techniques and allowing for meaningful statistical treatment of the degree of heteroplasmy within the mitochondrial DNA.

Abstract: A carton for packaging one or two layers of flanged tubs. The bottom panel is formed from adhesively connected overlapping flaps which contain cutouts. Lower portions of the tubs extend through openings in the bottom panel formed by the cutouts. Tabs foldably connected to the inner overlapping bottom panel flap prevent adhesive from contacting the tubs and also strengthen the bottom panel. When two layers of tubs are packaged support flaps connected to the side panels extend between the stacked tubs of the upper and lower layers.

Abstract: A process for increasing the activity of a zeolite-containing particulate solid containing contaminants which block the pores of the zeolite and adversely affect the activity thereof wherein the contaminated zeolitic material is slurried with a liquid containing an acid, detergent or surfactant, the slurry is agitated to liberate the pore-blocking contaminants from the zeolite pores so that they are suspended in the liquid, a portion of the liquid is withdrawn from the slurry and filtered to remove the suspended contaminants, the resulting liquid is returned to the slurry, and the treated zeolite-containing particulate solid is liquid from the solution and recovered.

Abstract: Cybrid cell lines which have utility as model systems for the study of disorders that are associated with mitochondrial defects are described. The cybrids are constructed by treating immortal cell lines with an agent that irreversibly disables mitochondrial electron transport, and then transfecting the cells with mitochondria isolated from diseased tissue samples. Preferably, the immortal cell lines used are of an undifferentiated type that can be induced to differentiate, which results in the cybrids also being able to be induced to differentiate. One such cybrid was constructed using neuroblastoma cells and mitochondria from a patient suffering from Alzheimer's Disease. Methods for using such cybrids for screening drugs and therapies for utility in treating such disorders are also provided. In addition, cybrid animals, methods of producing them, and methods of using them in drug and therapy screening are also provided.

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 on clinical symptoms. Examples of specific mutations in the mitochondrial ATP synthase 8/6 gene and tRNA lysine gene are given. The invention also provides treatments for dysfunctions due to mitochondrial genes 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: A method of cleaning industrial equipment by utilizing an ebullated aqueous solution containing a surfactant and enzymes. The aqueous solution is preferably heated in a vessel, such as a batch coker fractionator in an oil refinery, to a temperature sufficient to ebullate or foam the solution and generate a substantial quantity of foam. The surfactant and enzymes are carried by the foam bubbles and transported from the vessel to a contaminated surface outside of the cascading and circulating system of the vessel where the surfactant and enzymes act to remove the contamination.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel oral pharmaceutical composition of micronized megestrol acetate at a concentration of 15 to 150 mg/mL comprising polysorbate at a concentration of 0.005% to 0.015% weight/volume and polyethylene glycol at a concentration of 5-30% weight/volume which composition forms a stable flocculated suspension in water. The invention further comprises the micronized megestrol acetate formulation described above with added preservatives, buffers, sweeteners and flavoring agents.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dehydrating waste food material. The food material is initially ground to a relatively small particle size and transferred to a porous container or basket in a cooking vessel. The vessel contains a quantity of oil, preferably waste cooking oil, and the oil is maintained at a level beneath the basket. The oil is heated and the heated oil is circulated from the lower end of the vessel and returned to the upper end of the vessel where it flows downwardly through the food material to vaporize the moisture and kill the bacteria in the food material. The circulation of the hot oil is continued for a period sufficient to fully dehydrate the food material and produce a dried product that can be used as an animal feed adjunct.

Abstract: A specimen support for optical observation or analysis. The support comprises a disc-like member composed of a rigid material and having at least one unobstructed hole extending therethrough. When analyzing a liquid specimen, the disc is dipped in the liquid and the surface tension of the liquid will cause the liquid to bridge or span the hole. The support is then placed in a tray or holder and exposed to an infrared beam to generate an infrared spectrum.

Abstract: A pantyhose or the like garment having a novel waistband construction comprising an anchor portion and an integrally knit wide band portion. The waistband is substantially wider than conventional waistbands, the anchor portion consisting of a narrow turned welt portion and a wide single ply band portion, each incorporating textured nylon and elastomer yarns.

Abstract: An electronics box includes a cover and a bottomwall spaced from the cover by opposed sidewalls of the box. A motherboard having circuit card connectors thereon is mounted in the electronics box adjacent the cover. The box further includes in-line connectors mounted adjacent the motherboard with the in-line connectors interconnected with the connectors in the motherboard. The bottomwall and sidewalls include circuit card edge guides formed therein for retaining circuit cards connected to the motherboard.The arrangement of the in-line connectors adjacent to the motherboard provides for relatively direct and short runs for the interconnecting harness cable, thereby minimizing the amount of space within the box devoted to internal interconnect cables.The in-line connectors provide for straight-line connection or disconnection, making possible direct mounting with a simple jackscrew arrangement.

Abstract: Certain N-substituted 1-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-3-pyridinyl)oximes and N-substituted 1-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-4-pyridinyl)oximes are useful as sigma binding agents for the treatment of depression, psychoses and/or inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: Tamper proof service bolts for sealing boxcars, automobile hoods, gates and other enclosures, as well as gas and electric meters, railroad switches and the like. In a first preferred embodiment the tamper proof service bolts are characterized by special head service bolts, each having a base member and a collar secured to the base member by means of a connecting bolt having a specialized head recess for receiving a corresponding tool which is required for removing the connecting bolt and the collar from the base member. In another preferred embodiment of the invention retainer clip service bolts are provided, wherein a retainer clip is adapted to mount on each base member and in the collar when the collar is fitted over the base member, to secure the collar on the base member.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for heating fluids, particularly for heating cooking oil within a deep fat fryer. A fuel-air mixture is introduced and combusted within a combustion tube, preferably of either a power burner or a pulse combustor. The flue gases are discharged from the combustion tube, into a plenum. A baffle arrangement is used to direct the flue gases from the plenum through a passageway, creating flue gas flow in one direction over a primary portion of an outer surface of the fluid container, and then in a counterflow direction over a secondary portion of the outer surface of the fluid container. The flue gases are then discharged from the passageway into a flue stack. According to the process and apparatus of this invention, flue gas temperatures are reduced to about 200.degree. F.-400.degree. F., nitrogen oxides can be reduced to 10 ppm or lower, carbon monoxide is reduced to 4 ppm or lower, and the overall thermal efficiency of the fluid heater is increased to approximately 80-85 percent.

Abstract: A gas service tee designed to facilitate tamper-proof termination of gas service to a residential or business location and/or removal of the gas meter without interruption of gas service. The gas service tee is characterized in a first preferred embodiment by a tee fitting located in the gas service line downstream from the gas meter and an adaptor having a tamper-proof adaptor stem mounted in the tee fitting, which adaptor stem can be adjusted to stop the flow of gas through the line. In a second preferred embodiment of the invention the adaptor stem is hollow and is provided with spaced stem openings and a stem grip may be provided for threadably rotating the stem inside an adaptor fitting located in the tee fitting. A tube fitting may also be provided on the stem or stem grip for receiving the hose of an auxiliary gas supply bottle and supplying gas to the residential or business location while the gas meter is being repaired or replaced.

Abstract: A tamper-proof valve which includes a valve body fitted with a transverse bore, an entry port and outlet port communicating with the transverse bore and an inner body seat for receiving a tapered inner body having a notch adapted for manipulation in alignment with the entry port and outlet port in open configuration and transverse to the entry port and outlet port, in closed configuration. A plug is provided on the top of the inner body for seating one end of a spring which is slidably encased in a collet. A square key is also slidably disposed in one end of the collet and is adapted to seat in a key seat provided in a top valve assembly which mounts on the valve body.

Abstract: An electrohydraulic servovalve comprising a torque motor which receives an electrical signal and positions a flapper between a pair of opposed nozzles to control a spool valve and a feedback spring connected to the flapper and to the spool of the spool valve. The flapper is connected to an armature of the torque motor. The joint between the armature and the flapper comprises a one part, heat cured thermosetting adhesive.

Abstract: An electrohydraulic servovalve comprising a torque motor which receives an electrical signal and position a flapper of a spring tube and flapper subassembly between a pair of opposed nozzles to control a spool valve and includes a feedback spring connected to the flapper and to the spool of the spool valve.

Abstract: Certain N-substituted 1-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-3-pyridinyl)oximes and N-substituted 1-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-4-pyridinyl)oximes are useful as sigma binding agents for the treatment of depression, psychoses and/or inflammatory diseases.