Abstract: In a method for determining the presence of deletions in nucleic acids, a sample suspected of containing nucleic acid of interest is contacted with reagents including those appropriate for short PCR and primers flanking the deletion sequence. The nucleic acid that has been contacted with this material is amplified and identified. Wild type nucleic acids having long sequences between the sequences that hybridize to the primers are not amplified. Mutant nucleic acids are amplified. Thus, the detection of amplicons signals the presence of nucleic acid sequences having deletions. Contacting the sample with cleavage reagent specific for the deletion sequence cleaves wt DNA but not mutant nucleic acids that do not contain the deletion sequence.

Abstract: A flat bar having a closable jaw structure at one end for grasping objects, and an arm attachment loop at an opposite end of the bar. Attached between the jaw and the arm attachment loop is a hinged hand attachment loop. A linkage rod attaches between the hinged hand attachment loop and the jaw structure. The device utilizes the action of the wrist to operate the action of the grasping jaws, completely eliminating the use of the fingers for operation. The arm and hand attachment loops provide releasable attachment of the device to the forearm of the user. The one-handed gripping aid leaves the other hand available for bracing while the user reaches for the objects.

Abstract: An analytical method for the determination of hydrogen peroxide utilizes a hydrazide or a hydrazine substituted with one or more electron withdrawing groups. The hydrazides or hydrazines react with phenolic color couplers in the presence of hydrogen peroxide and a peroxidative compound to form a dye detectable at a wavelength of 600 nm or greater. These materials can also be used to assay analytes, such as glucose and cholesterol, which can react to produce hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: Enzymes which are activated by pyridoxal phosphate are assayed in a dry analytical element which includes a high coverage of pyridoxal phosphate. The coverage of pyridoxal phosphate is such that the multiplication product of the coverage and the spreading coefficient of the element results in a reagent mixture concentration of at least about 0.9 mmole per liter when a liquid sample is contacted with the element thereby eliminating the need for a preincubation of the sample with a solution containing pyridoxal phosphate. The reactions for the determination of the enzymes are initiated by contact of the dry elements with a liquid sample.

Abstract: A troweling machine having a variable troweling diameter may be constructed by providing such a machine with adjustable length spider arms, an adjustable circumference guard ring, an adjustable length guard ring stabilizer arm and any combination of two of such adjustable features. A universal blade mounting adaptor allows the machine to accept blades of various sized as well as various specific attachment arrangements. A pivotal mount for the guard ring permits it to be swung upwardly from its normal horizontal position.

Abstract: A self-propelled vibratory plate compactor including a rotating eccentric weight and a motor for rotating the weight in a predetermined direction mounted together on a support which is mounted by means of a bearing with a vertical axis on a horizontal work-engaging compacting plate so as to be rotatable on the plate through 180.degree.. The weight provides vibratory compacting and propulsion forces to the plate. The weight causes the plate to move in the direction in which the weight is rotating, and, by rotating the support through 180.degree., the direction in which the plate is propelled is reversed.