Abstract: Solid support assays using non-standard bases are described. A capture oligonucleotide comprising a molecular recognition sequence is attached to a solid support and hybridized with a target. In some instances, the molecular recognition sequence includes one or more non-standard bases and hybridizes to a complementary tagging sequence of the target oligonucleotide. In other instances, incorporation of a non-standard base (e.g., via PCR or ligation) is used in the assay.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acid based polymerase inhibitors and methods for reducing non-specific polymerase extension and amplification in nucleic acid amplification reactions. The polymerase inhibitors provide a double stranded nucleic acid portion that is recognized by a polymerase enzyme as a template for extension but is incapable of being extended by the polymerase enzyme. The polymerase binds to the polymerase inhibitor which sequesters the enzyme until the temperature achieves a level that denatures the double stranded portion of the inhibitor after which the polymerase is released and can then catalyze nucleic acid extension.

Abstract: A method and system for administering the hedging of an employee deferred compensation plan, e.g., which employs hedging of NQDC plan liabilities using total return swaps and/or put and call options and/or forwards, for tax purposes. A plan coordinator coordinates a transfer of information between an employer/plan sponsor, a plan administrator that communicates with the employees/plan participants, and a balance sheet provider. The plan coordinator receives and reconciles data and then calculates and modifies relevant information for tax purposes and use in reports that are provided to the plan sponsor and balance sheet provider. Calculations and modifications for tax purposes allow the plan sponsor to reap tax benefits from the NQDC plan swap hedge. The reports include an upcoming transactions report, which indicates new compensation deferrals, reallocations of previously deferred compensation among specified indices, and withdrawals.

Abstract: Solid support assays using non-standard bases are described. A capture oligonucleotide comprising a molecular recognition sequence is attached to a solid support and hybridized with a target. In some instances, the molecular recognition sequence includes one or more non-standard bases and hybridizes to a complementary tagging sequence of the target oligonucleotide. In other instances, incorporation of a non-standard base (e.g., via PCR or ligation) is used in the assay.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and kits for identifying a virulent bacteria in a sample, which may include virulent bacteria belonging to the Bacillus genus (e.g., Bacillus anthracis, Bacillus cereus, and Bacillus thuringiensis). Typically, the methods include (a) reacting a mixture that includes, in addition to nucleic acid isolated from the sample, (i) at least one oligonucleotide capable of specifically hybridizing to nucleic acid of plasmid pX01; and (ii) at least one oligonucleotide capable of specifically hybridizing to nucleic acid of plasmid pX02. In addition, the mixture may include control nucleic acid. In the methods, nucleic acid of plasmid pX01 and nucleic acid of plasmid pX02 are detected, and optionally control nucleic acid is detected, thereby identifying the virulent bacteria.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acid based polymerase inhibitors and methods for reducing non-specific polymerase extension and amplification in nucleic acid amplification reactions. The polymerase inhibitors provide a double stranded nucleic acid portion that is recognized by a polymerase enzyme as a template for extension but is incapable of being extended by the polymerase enzyme. The polymerase binds to the polymerase inhibitor which sequesters the enzyme until the temperature achieves a level that denatures the double stranded portion of the inhibitor after which the polymerase is released and can then catalyze nucleic acid extension.

Abstract: Assays using non-natural bases are described. In one embodiment, the method involves contacting a sample suspected of containing the target nucleic acid with a polymerase and first and second primers; amplifying the target nucleic acid by PCR using the first and second primers to generate an amplification product having a double-stranded region and a single-stranded region that comprises the non-natural base; contacting the sample with a reporter comprising a label and a non-natural base that is complementary to the non-natural base of the single-stranded region; annealing at least a portion of the reporter to the single-stranded region of the amplification product; and correlating a signal of the label with the presence of the target nucleic acid in the sample. The invention also provides corresponding kits for use in detecting target nucleic acids in a sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acid based polymerase inhibitors and methods for reducing non-specific polymerase extension and amplification in nucleic acid amplification reactions. The polymerase inhibitors provide a double stranded nucleic acid portion that is recognized by a polymerase enzyme as a template for extension but is incapable of being extended by the polymerase enzyme. The polymerase binds to the polymerase inhibitor which sequesters the enzyme until the temperature achieves a level that denatures the double stranded portion of the inhibitor after which the polymerase is released and can then catalyze nucleic acid extension.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for hedging a deferred compensation liability. In one embodiment, the invention may provide a mechanism to hedge the compensation expense liabilities of an employer providing deferred compensation to one or more employees.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of nucleic acid detection and more specifically to the detection of human respiratory viruses in a patient sample. In some aspects, the invention relates to the detection of multiple respiratory viral groups, including rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, parainfluenza virus, influenza virus, metapneumovirus, adenovirus, coronavirus, and enterovirus.

Abstract: Assays using non-natural bases are described. In one embodiment, the method involves contacting a sample suspected of containing the target nucleic acid with a polymerase and first and second primers; amplifying the target nucleic acid by PCR using the first and second primers to generate an amplification product having a double-stranded region and a single-stranded region that comprises the non-natural base; contacting the sample with a reporter comprising a label and a non-natural base that is complementary to the non-natural base of the single-stranded region; annealing at least a portion of the reporter to the single-stranded region of the amplification product; and correlating a signal of the label with the presence of the target nucleic acid in the sample. The invention also provides corresponding kits for use in detecting target nucleic acids in a sample.

Abstract: Assays using non-natural bases are described. In one embodiment, the method involves contacting a sample suspected of containing the target nucleic acid with a polymerase and first and second primers; amplifying the target nucleic acid, if present in the sample, by PCR using the first and second primers to generate an amplification product having a double-stranded region and a single-stranded region that comprises the non-natural base; contacting the sample with a reporter comprising a label and a non-natural base that is complementary to the non-natural base of the single-stranded region; annealing at least a portion of the reporter to the single-stranded region of the amplification product; and correlating a signal of the label with the presence of the target nucleic acid in the sample. The invention also provides corresponding kits for use in detecting target nucleic acids in a sample.

Abstract: Assays using non-natural bases are described. In one embodiment, the method involves contacting a sample suspected of containing the target nucleic acid with a polymerase and first and second primers; amplifying the target nucleic acid, if present in the sample, by PCR using the first and second primers to generate an amplification product having a double-stranded region and a single-stranded region that comprises the non-natural base; contacting the sample with a reporter comprising a label and a non-natural base that is complementary to the non-natural base of the single-stranded region; annealing at least a portion of the reporter to the single-stranded region of the amplification product; and correlating a signal of the label with the presence of the target nucleic acid in the sample. The invention also provides corresponding kits for use in detecting target nucleic acids in a sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, kits and compositions for high fidelity nucleic acid amplification reactions of target nucleic acids such that specific amplification products that incorporate non-standard bases are produced. The amplification reactions can either be linear or exponential. In some embodiments, the fidelity of the amplification reaction is high enough such that a majority of the amplification products maintain non-standard bases at specific sites designated by the user after a specified number of amplification cycles. In some embodiments, the ratio of non-standard nucleoside triphosphates is greater than the amount of standard nucleoside triphosphates initially present in the reaction mixture.

Abstract: Assays using non-natural bases are described. In one embodiment, the method involves contacting a sample suspected of containing the target nucleic acid with a polymerase and first and second primers; amplifying the target nucleic acid, if present in the sample, by PCR using the first and second primers to generate an amplification product having a double-stranded region and a single-stranded region that comprises the non-natural base; contacting the sample with a reporter comprising a label and a non-natural base that is complementary to the non-natural base of the single-stranded region; annealing at least a portion of the reporter to the single-stranded region of the amplification product; cleaving, after annealing, at least a portion of the reporter to release at least one reporter fragment; and correlating the release of the at least one reporter fragment with the presence of the target nucleic acid in the sample.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, kits, and components for detecting JAK2 nucleic acids in a sample. In one aspect, the methods may be used to detect mutant JAK2 nucleic acid in a mixture of mutant JAK2 nucleic acid and wild-type JAK2 nucleic acid. The methods utilize primers and reporter molecules comprising non-natural bases. The disclosed kits may include one or more components for performing the disclosed methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acid based polymerase inhibitors and methods for reducing non-specific polymerase extension and amplification in nucleic acid amplification reactions. The polymerase inhibitors provide a double stranded nucleic acid portion that is recognized by a polymerase enzyme as a template for extension but is incapable of being extended by the polymerase enzyme. The polymerase binds to the polymerase inhibitor which sequesters the enzyme until the temperature achieves a level that denatures the double stranded portion of the inhibitor after which the polymerase is released and can then catalyze nucleic acid extension.

Abstract: Solid support assays using non-standard bases are described. A capture oligonucleotide comprising a molecular recognition sequence is attached to a solid support and hybridized with a target oligonucleotide. In some instances, the molecular recognition sequence includes one or more non-standard bases and hybridizes to a complementary tagging sequence of the target oligonucleotide. In other instances, incorporation of a non-standard base (e.g., via PCR or ligation) is used in the assay.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the detection and characterization of nucleic acid sequences and variations in nucleic acid sequences. The present invention relates to methods for forming a nucleic acid cleavage structure on a target sequence and cleaving the nucleic acid cleavage structure in a site-specific manner. For example, in some embodiments, a 5? nuclease activity from any of a variety of enzymes is used to cleave the target-dependent cleavage structure, thereby indicating the presence of specific nucleic acid sequences or specific variations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for hedging a deferred compensation liability. In one embodiment, the invention may provide a mechanism to hedge the compensation expense liabilities of an employer providing deferred compensation to one or more employees.