Abstract: The invention is a tool for use by fisherpersons to remove a split shot weight from a fishing line. The tool includes a finger sheath, a finger retainer and curved blade attached to the finger sheath. In one preferred embodiment the finger sheath and finger retainer are a sewing thimble. The tool may also include a “U” shaped clip for crimping a split shot closed.

Abstract: The invention is a tool for use by fisherpersons to remove a split shot weight from a fishing line. The tool includes a finger sheath, a finger retainer and curved blade attached to the finger sheath. In one preferred embodiment the finger sheath and finger retainer are a sewing thimble. The tool may also include a “U” shaped clip for crimping a split shot closed.

Abstract: A photoactivatible nucleoside analogue is disclosed, comprising a coumarin moiety linked through its phenyl ring to the 1-position of a ribose or deoxyribose sugar moiety. The resulting nucleoside analogue is typically used as a photocrosslinking group when inserted into a polynucleotide as a replacement for one or more of the complementary nucleoside bases present in a probe used in a hybridization assay.

Abstract: A reaginic agglutination test for syphilis-associated antibodies is disclosed. The test uses an antigen reagent that comprises a buffered aqueous suspension of cardiolipin antigen ionically coupled to latex particles via a polypeptide bridge. Positive sera react with the antigen reagent and yield an agglutination pattern characterized by medium to large aggregates. Negative sera yield no agglutinated particles.

Abstract: Novel methods and reagents for determining the presence of specific nucleic acid base sequences by employing crosslinking reactions of unique molecules capable of forming covalent bonds which are bonded with various labels or ligands for amplication.Single stranded nucleic acid probes are employed which contain complementary base sequences to nucleic acid target molecules. By first hybridizing and then forming covalent bonds between the probe and target the amount of label in the crosslinked hybrid can be measured as an extremely sensitive method for assaying for specific nucleic acid sequences.

Abstract: An immunologic assay for determining the presence of one or more phospholipids in a biological fluid. The method includes adding an ethanolic solution of diacylphosphatidylcholine or alkyltrimethylammonium halide and cholesterol to the biological fluid forming a macromolecular aggregate complex suspension. To the macromolecular aggregate complex solution is then added either an additional quantity of the biological fluid or a buffer reagent. The product of the reaction is then added to antibody molecules to the phospholipid and examined to determine the presence of the phospholipids.The method is particularly useful in determining the presence of phosphatidylglycerol in a sample of amniotic fluid.

Abstract: An immunologic assay for determining the presence of one or more phospholipids in a biological fluid. The method includes adding an ethanolic solution of diacylphosphatidylcholine or alkyltrimethylammonium halide and cholesterol to the biological fluid forming a macromolecular aggregate complex solution. To this solution is added antibody molecules to the phospholipids in an aqueous buffered medium causing an agglutination reaction. The product of the reaction is then examined to determine the presence of the phospholipids.The method is particularly useful in determining the presence of phosphatidylglycerol in a sample of amniotic fluid. Thus, the assay may be used in evaluating fetal lung maturity.