Abstract: A multidimensional crossword game or puzzle has three or four functional dimensions, two physical and one or two representational, laid out on a planar board. Rules of play are applied on a two dimensional array of boards to achieve this multidimensional effect. Completion of a legal word can occur in any one of the three or four dimensions. Rules of the game may require that after the first word is played, subsequent words must contain at least one letter from a previously played word. Crossword puzzle rules and conventions can be similar to existing puzzles. Vertical stacking of pieces on one or more cells can be used to create the effect of an additional dimension on these boards.

Abstract: A layout which is practically useful for playing tic-tac-toe (TTT) in four dimensions is disclosed. The layout consists of an array of tiles, each tile containing a 5×5 array of substantially square cells, where the tiles are arrayed in a 5×5 pattern. For ease of visual interpretation, the tiles are preferably separated by approximately the width of a cell. The layout is implemented physically or as an electronic program coupled to a display. The rules are analogous to classical TTT; two variants are described.

Abstract: Polymerization of gels for electrophoresis with improved photoinitiators results in gels which are suitable for electrophoresis. The new initiator systems are much faster than current systems for making such gels. Moreover, the polymerization reaction can be conducted in the presence of oxygen, which greatly simplifies gel casting. In particular, it is possible with the invention to cast and use gels of acrylic monomers in a “submarine” mode, which was not previously possible with acrylamide gels. Continuous casting of gels is facilitated.

Abstract: Polymerization of gels for electrophoresis with improved photoinitiators results in gels which are suitable for electrophoresis. The new initiator systems are much faster than current systems for making such gels. Moreover, the polymerization reaction can be conducted in the presence of oxygen, which greatly simplifies gel casting. In particular, it is possible with the invention to cast and use gels of acrylic monomers in a "submarine" mode, which was not previously possible with acrylamide gels. Continuous casting of gels is facilitated.

Abstract: This invention provides electrophoresis gel container assemblies comprising at least a container element, a cover element, and means for releasably sealing the cover element to the container element; methods for fabricating and for using the container assemblies; and kits comprising the container assemblies with or without precast electrophoresis gels therein in combination with at least one electrophoresis auxiliary item.

Abstract: A three dimensional porous matrix, such as a reticulated open-cell foam, having within its matrix structure a mechanically-fractured hydrogel containing a network of fracture channels. The mechanically-fractured hydrogel may be a gel that has been partially dewatered by compression of the gel in situ.The porosity of the gel-in-matrix makes it useful for chromatographic applications and for immobilization of biologically-active components, where efficient, intimate contact of the hydrogel with a liquid medium is important.

Abstract: Electrophoretic resolving gel compositions, discontinuous stacking gel systems containing these and other resolving gel compositions, and kits for preparing such gel systems, comprising one or more polysaccharide hydrogels of which agarose is typical wherein at least one of the gels in the resolving gel composition has been derivatized and at least one of the gels in the resolving gel composition has been depolymerized sufficiently to reduce its casting-effective viscosity.

Abstract: Purified agarose suitable for rapid electrophoresis, characterized by a sulfate content of less than 0.2 wt % but greater than zero, a pyruvate content of 0-0.1 wt %, and a nitrogen content of 0-0.02 wt %. Gels prepared from the agarose exhibit a gel strength at 1.0 wt % concentration of at least 1200 g/cm.sup.2, substantial absence of DNA binding in 0.07 M or less tris acetate buffer, and an electroendosmosis (EEO) at 1.0 wt % concentration of 0.05 or less. Agaroses are purified to provide the low EEO material by dissolving agarose or alkali-modified agar in an aqueous medium buffered at a pH of 6.0 to 8.0 and containing no more than 2.0 nM salt as chloride, and precipitating the agarose by contact with a lower alkanol.