Abstract: A channel graphical user interface (GUI) of a content sharing platform is provided for presentation to a channel owner. A request is received, via the channel GUI, to enable an online community option that (i) facilitates an online conversation between the channel owner and a subset of viewers of the channel of the channel owner on the content sharing platform, and (ii) allows the channel owner to control viewer responses that are permitted during the online conversation. In response to the request of the channel owner to enable the online community option, the online community option is associated with the channel in a data store, and the channel GUI is modified, the modified channel GUI presenting an online community GUI element representing the online community option.

Abstract: A power tool extension handle apparatus for temporarily securing an extension handle on a power tool, the apparatus comprising a clamp assembly comprising a clamp body having a first leg and an offset second leg, the first leg having a first pivot and a first retainer and the second leg having a second retainer, the clamp body further having a handle receiver, and a strap assembly comprising a strap body having a pivot end and an opposite retainer end, the strap assembly further comprising a pivot buckle secured on the pivot end of the strap body and pivotally engaged with the first pivot for selective engagement with the first retainer and a retainer clip at the retainer end of the strap body for selective engagement with the second retainer so as to secure the strap assembly on the clamp assembly and thereby mount the apparatus on the power tool.

Abstract: A power tool extension handle apparatus for temporarily securing an extension handle on a power tool having a neck, the apparatus including a handle receiver with a receiver threaded hole formed therein, the handle receiver being installed on the power tool for selective receipt of the extension handle, thereby enabling increased reach with the power tool through engagement of the extension handle with the handle receiver.

Abstract: A method for reducing non-specific binding in an assay is provided herein. The method includes (a) providing a reaction mixture, which includes or is suspected to include a first component and a second component capable of binding to each other in a specific binding reaction, and (b) adding non-physiological amounts of at least one additive to the reaction mixture before, during or after binding in a sufficient amount to reduce non-specific binding in the reaction mixture. The method further includes (c) monitoring or measuring the presence and/or concentration of at least one of the first and second components after step (b).

Abstract: A method of lowering the rate of a specific binding reaction in an assay for the detection and/or measurement of an analyte of interest is provided herein. In particular, the method includes providing a fluorescent conjugate of the analyte; a component capable of specifically binding to the analyte and its fluorescent conjugate; and a sample, which includes or is suspected to include the analyte. The method also includes allowing the specific binding component to interact simultaneously or at different times with the fluorescent conjugate of the analyte and the analyte in the sample, thereby forming a detectable complex due to the reaction between the fluorescent conjugate of the analyte and its specific binding component, wherein the reaction is performed in the presence of non-physiological amounts of at least one additive. The method further includes monitoring for the rate of change of the concentration of the detectable complex as a function of the amount of analyte in the sample.

Abstract: A method of lowering the rate of a specific binding reaction in an assay for the detection and/or measurement of an analyte of interest is provided herein. In particular, the method includes providing a fluorescent conjugate of the analyte; a component capable of specifically binding to the analyte and its fluorescent conjugate; and a sample, which includes or is suspected to include the analyte. The method also includes allowing the specific binding component to interact simultaneously or at different times with the fluorescent conjugate of the analyte and the analyte in the sample, thereby forming a detectable complex due to the reaction between the fluorescent conjugate of the analyte and its specific binding component, wherein the reaction is performed in the presence of non-physiological amounts of at least one additive. The method further includes monitoring for the rate of change of the concentration of the detectable complex as a function of the amount of analyte in the sample.

Abstract: A method for reducing non-specific binding in an assay is provided herein. The method includes (a) providing a reaction mixture, which includes or is suspected to include a first component and a second component capable of binding to each other in a specific binding reaction, and (b) adding non-physiological amounts of at least one additive to the reaction mixture before, during or after binding in a sufficient amount to reduce non-specific binding in the reaction mixture. The method further includes (c) monitoring or measuring the presence and/or concentration of at least one of the first and second components after step (b).

Abstract: A device, kit and method for detecting oral bacteria are provided. The device is a tube, which includes on its inside surface a coating of an agar medium selective for growing gram-positive bacteria. The device is particularly suitable for detecting the extent of growth of mutans streptococci, which provides an indication of the susceptibility of a patient to dental caries.