Abstract: An auto-seek operating mode for an electric vehicle adjusts the vehicle using a vehicle power steering system and a vehicle traction motor to move the vehicle toward a target connector for a utility power grid to charge a vehicle traction battery. If needed, vertical vehicle position adjustments may be made using a controllable vehicle suspension system.

Abstract: The cellular binding proteins present in membranes of fleas, especially those which are present in the digestive tract, are useful as screening tools for systemic anti-flea reagents and in the design of vaccine formulations. Particularly useful is the .alpha.-subunit of (Na.sup.+ /K.sup.+)ATPase. The .alpha.-subunit of this protein expressed in recombinant host cells in the presence of the .beta.-subunit is distributed on the membrane and the recombinant cells can thus be used to screen candidates for ability to bind the cells. Secondary screens are used to determine the specificity of the candidate reagent for flea protein as compared to a corresponding protein derived from other sources.