Abstract: An aqueous bath for the electroless plating of nickel is disclosed, in which nickel is utilized in the form of the tris(hydrazine carboxylato-N.sup.2,O) nickelate(1-) complex. Methods for preparing such a bath and for plating various metal surfaces in the bath are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device and method for determining the concentration of dicyanoaurate anions in a solution is disclosed. The device includes a semipermeable membrane formed from a material permeable to dicyanoaurate anions. The material may be comprised of an organopolysiloxane-polycarbonate block copolymer and a complexed salt of the dicyanoaurate anion.

Abstract: UO.sub.2 particles are brought into contact with liquid water of low pH in an oxidizing environment to dissolve uranyl hydroxide from the particle surfaces and cause more uranyl hydroxide to form and be dissolved. When sufficient uranyl hydroxide has entered the solution, the pH is raised to cause uranyl hydroxide to leave the solution and deposit on the UO.sub.2 particles. The particles are then ready for contact with an appropriate reactant to form a fugitive binder.

Abstract: The reference electrode, which is physically removed from the sensing electrode, is functionally connected by means of a Ringer's solution formulation serving as an electrolyte bridge between the reference electrode and the fluid or tissue of the patient under test.

Abstract: A combined diagnostic device/housing combination is described. In its preferred application it is adapted to the detection of biological particles by the utilization of the phenomenon by which such biological particles interact specifically either immunologically or non-immunologically. The combination comprises a tube closed at one end, means (i.e., a cap) removably engageable with the opposite end of the tube to achieve sealing thereof such as to preclude the entry of microorganisms, a rod-like member affixed at one end thereof to the sealing means so as to project therefrom and a functional test device affixed to the free end of the rod-like member. When assembled, the rod-like member and test device are disposed within the tube and the tube is sealed ready for storage, shipping and/or use. Preferably, when the test device is for testing for specific biological particle interaction, the complete structure is made of glass and/or metal.

Abstract: An in vivo specific ion sensor contains a specific ion electrode and surrounding reference half cell which has its immobilized electrolyte adjacent to and spaced from the specific ion electrode. The specific ion sensor is introduced, for example, into the blood stream by passing it through a cannula which perforates the subject's tissue and the underlying wall of the blood vessel.