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.

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: A folding indoor/outdoor chair that folds in multiple directions includes a seat and backrest assembly supported by a collapsible or foldable chair support assembly. The seat portion of the seat and backrest assembly includes pivot hinges that allow the seat portion to fold in a first direction. The seat and backrest members are comprised of a flexible material or fabric that easily folds in multiple directions when the chair support assembly and seat member are folded along their pivot axes. The resulting chair folds in a compact space while providing increased support and stability to the user.

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: A manually openable closure system for a container spout. The closure is provided with a pull tab extending below the closure and adjacent the spout surface. The closure is removable from the spout without the use of any auxiliary cutting or other tools. The closure is resilient and is provided with a top portion for sealing the spout orifice and for venting the interior of the container by being deformed by an excessive internal pressure to uncover the orifice thereby venting the interior of the container via the space between the cap and the spout.

Abstract: An anti-static adapter which enhances the operation of compressed gas dust blowing devices by allowing the safe use of a radioactive source to ionize a gas stream. The adapter may be used and handled safely without special precautions on the part of the operator.

Abstract: A portable electric curling iron has a hollow handle having an open end. An electrically heated hair curling member is arranged for telescopic movement between a retracted storage position within the handle and an extended use position wherein the member projects from the handle through the open end thereof. Movable electrical connector plug means are provided on the iron for connecting the electric heating means associated with the hair curling member to a power source. Means are provided for automatically moving the connector plug means between a retracted plug position wherein the plug means is substantially entirely within the handle and an extended plug position wherein the plug projects from the handle in response to the telescopic movement of the hair curling member into and out of the handle.