Abstract: A method for processing a nucleic acid, in which the nucleic acid is exposed to an aqueous medium which includes a polyol in sufficient proportion for at least a portion of the nucleic acid to enter or remain in an extra-solution phase. Thus, a polyol may be used to bind a nucleic acid which is in solution to a solid support or to wash a nucleic acid on a solid support whilst maintaining it on the support. The polyol may for example be a C2-C10 alkanediol.

Abstract: The invention provides a hairpin polynucleotide, having a loop and a stem region, characterised in that a sulfur-based nucleophile is attached to an internal nucleotide in the hairpin through a linker to enable binding to a solid support.

Abstract: There is described a feed mechanism for a feed table for translating sheet metal blanks from as automatic notching curling and beading machine to a bodymaker in the process of tin box manufacture. The mechanism comprises a pair of reciprocally drives longitudinal feed bars provided with spring loaded pawls in their upper surfaces which engage behind the edges of the blanks during a forward motion and slide beneath the blanks during a reverse motion. The difficulty of altering the lateral displacement of the respective feed bars to allow the table to transfer blanks of different sizes is overcome by using a telescopic fixing member which can be extended to an infinitesimal degree and then secured. In practice, both the longitudinal feed bars are secured to a reciprocally driven transfer table within the stationary feed table, and it is the connection of the feed bars to this table that is achieved with telescopic fixing members.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (2) for providing at least a bead (4) on a side wall portion (10) of a metal container (8). The apparatus includes a mandrel (16) over which side wall portions (10) of the container are disposed. The mandrel (16) has reaction members (20) with reaction surfaces for supporting the side wall portion internally and a plurality of forming members (18) surrounding the mandrel having forming surfaces being substantially parallel with the reaction surfaces but separated therefrom to define a gap between the surfaces which receives the side wall portion (10). The reaction members (20) and forming members (18) are capable of displacement towards and away from one another such that the gap between the reaction surfaces and forming surfaces can effectively expand and contract. The reaction surfaces and forming surfaces are provided with complementary formations thereon to deform the side wall portion therebetween and form a bead (4) therein.