Abstract: The present invention relates generally to materials and methods for detection of bacteria, and for testing and determination of antibiotic susceptibility of bacteria in specimens of bodily fluid and other samples. The invention also relates to materials and methods for monitoring the physiological response of bacteria to antimicrobial agents, and for reducing background and increasing sensitivity of assays that involve the detection and/or measurement of RNA, such as rRNA. The invention provides kits comprising an RNase packaged for use in the methods described herein.

Abstract: In a side (or heel seat and side) lasting machine, opposite side portions of the upper are clamped against the last, by means of clamp pads arranged in two rows one at each side of the last, prior to the lasting margin being wiped over corresponding marginal portions of the insole. To ensure that the upper lies snugly against the last prior to the in-wiping operation, the most heelwardly disposed pad of each row is so mounted that, as it is moved inwardly towards the last, it engages the upper at a position spaced from the feather line thereof, continued inward movement thereafter causing the pad to move towards the feather line, thereby causing an upward drafting of the upper. Said pads may be mounted to pivot or to be deflected to effect such upward draft. If desired, adjacent pads may be similarly mounted.

Abstract: A shoe side or combined heel seat and side lasting machine has two side lasting assemblies, each comprising wiping elements mounted for pivotal movement, independently of adjacent elements, about first and second axes extending respectively transversely and lengthwise of the last bottom. For providing a substantially continuous wiping surface, the first axis lies in the plane of the work-engaging surface of its associated element, along the longitudinal center line thereof, when said surface lies horizontally. Also each shoe lasting assembly can pivot bodily about an axis adjacent the edge of the work-engaging surface of the most heelwardly disposed element, in the plane of its work-engaging surface. Associated with each pair of wiping elements is a clamp pad, said pad being caused clampingly to engage the shoe, while the inwiping movement of the elements continues, by operation of a common piston-and-cylinder arrangement.