Abstract: Assay for detection of a form of diamine oxidase which is present only in amniotic fluid and, more especially, for detection of amniotic membrane rupture by detection of the amniotic fluid diamine oxidase. The assay includes the steps of detecting the amniotic fluid diamine oxidase and distinguishing that from another form of diamine oxidase found in serum. The assay may be carried out on a sample of vaginal fluid from a pregnant female wherein the sample is subjected to the assay to detect the leakage or presence of amniotic fluid diamine oxidase. Purified forms of amniotic fluid diamine oxidase and serum diamine oxidase which is different from amniotic fluid diamine oxidase and found in serum are also described, together with a method of purifying both forms of diamine oxidase.

Abstract: This invention relates to an article of manufacture and a method for making same, such as an artificial bird body used in taxidermy and essentially made to represent a plucked bird body using a polyurethane foam casting of the plucked carcass. The final foam casting is made in a two (2) step process. The first step consists of plucking the feathers from a bird so that the skin, muscles, connecting tissue and bones are intact in the bird body. Next, a casting is made using a specific procedure so that the bird is cast in the final pose desired. Special slots are made to insert the tibia and the tail portions of the bird. An additional provision is made for the insertion of a heavy wire for giving structural strength to the bird body and for mounting the neck and/or head of the bird. A second casting is then made of the reconfigured first casting and the second casting used for the final product.