Abstract: An apparatus for automatically loading and unloading sleeves for an IC tester and then selectively reloading the sleeves after testing, which is controlled by a conventional microprocessor using sensor input and which automatically transports the IC chip containing sleeves randomly contained in a hopper to a sorter section in a correct posture by means of a timing belt having sleeve holders, to feed the chips in the sorter section, to the tester by a first transfer block, and then automatically transfer empty sleeves from an ejector section having a cam plate and an ejector through a dropping section having a pair of guide rails to an unloader section having a second transfer block, a sleeve holder, a sensor and a pushing plate, thereby permitting the sleeves to be refilled with the tester and sorted IC chips and stored in a storage box.

Abstract: Water soluble fluors useful in enhancing images obtained in autoradiography have the general formula:[F].sub.x [B].sub.y [S].sub.zF is a moiety which acts as a fluor, e.g., a dehydro derivative of a compound which is a fluor; preferred examples include 4-(2,5-diphenyloxazolyl), 1-napththylmethyl, 2-napththyl, and 4-[5-(2-phenyloxazolyl)]phenyl. S is a surfactant moiety which makes the molecule hydrophilic, e.g., dehydro derivatives of surfactants; preferred examples include polyethylene glycol derivatives, sulfonic acids or salts thereof, aryl sulfonates amines and quaternary ammonium compounds. B is a binding moiety which chemically binds the fluor moiety F with the surfactant S, and may be a chemical bond, or a disubstituted moiety such as an alkylene, e.g., methylene group. The variables x, y and z are integers which can generally vary from 1 to 10.

Abstract: A method and kit for the optical detection of proteins and nucleic acids in a matrix, such as polyacrylamide electrophoresis gels. The method comprises fixing the proteins and nucleic acids in the matrix using aromatic sulfonic acids having tertiary amines capable of forming coordination complexes with silver ion.

Abstract: Water soluble fluors useful in enhancing images obtained in autoradiography have the general formula:[F].sub.x [B].sub.y [S].sub.zF is a moiety which acts as a fluor, e.g., a dehydro derivative of a compound which is a fluor; preferred examples include 4-(2,5-diphenyloxazolyl), 1-naphthylmethyl, 2-naphthyl, and 4-[5-(2-phenyloxazolyl)]phenyl. S is a surfactant moiety which makes the molecule hydrophilic, e.g., dehydro derivatives of surfactants; preferred examples include polyethylene glycol derivatives, sulfonic acids or salts thereof, aryl sulfonates, amines and quaternary ammonium compounds. B is a binding moiety which chemically binds the fluor moiety F with the surfactant S, and may be a chemical bond, or a disubstituted moiety such as an alkylene, e.g., methylene group. The variables x, y and z are integers which can generally vary from 1 to 10.