Abstract: A microscope mounting system includes a sample holder shaped and configured to fit a particular horizontal microscope stage and fix one end of a soft material sample. A blade holder configured to position a cutting blade and connect directly or eventually to the particular microscope or a frame of the particular microscope. A load measurement device is configured to determine a load applied to the cutting blade. A precision adjustment assembly sets positioning of the cutting blade in the horizontal x-y plane and the z vertical plane such that a cutting edge of the cutting blade can be positioned at a focal point of the particular microscope. At least two grips are configured to grip a second end of the soft material sample at at least two discrete locations on opposite sides of the cutting blade when the blade contacts the soft material sample at the focal point. A tension mechanism can apply tension in the x-y plane to each of the at least two grips.

Abstract: The invention provides the use of tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether for adsorbing nucleic acids to solid phases such as those with silica surfaces. To this end, the invention also provides compositions comprising TDE. Methods are disclosed and claimed to purify nucleic acids from samples, as well as kits useful for performing these methods. Particularly, the invention encompasses methods for the purification of nucleic acids with low molecular weight. The nucleic acids purified by a method of the invention are suited for assays aiming at the detection of a target nucleic acid.

Abstract: The invention provides the use of tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether for adsorbing nucleic acids to solid phases such as those with silica surfaces. To this end, the invention also provides compositions comprising TDE. Methods are disclosed and claimed to purify nucleic acids from samples, as well as kits useful for performing these methods. Particularly, the invention encompasses methods for the purification of nucleic acids with low molecular weight. The nucleic acids purified by a method of the invention are suited for assays aiming at the detection of a target nucleic acid.

Abstract: A power supply module having a PFC stage has a hold-up capacitor (34) for continuing output power for a time after an ac power supply (2) stops. The hold-up capacitor is charged by a winding (40) driven magnetically from a first winding (24); the first winding (24) may be the winding used in a boost converter stage, such as commonly used in a PFC stage, or alternatively the winding in an alternative stage such as a flyback converter.

Abstract: The invention provides the use of tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether for adsorbing nucleic acids to solid phases such as those with silica surfaces. To this end, the invention also provides compositions comprising TDE. Methods are disclosed and claimed to purify nucleic acids from samples, as well as kits useful for performing these methods. Particularly, the invention encompasses methods for the purification of nucleic acids with low molecular weight. The nucleic acids purified by a method of the invention are suited for assays aiming at the detection of a target nucleic acid.