Abstract: Use of the ssrA gene or tmRNA, an RNA transcript of the ssrA gene, or fragments thereof as target regions in a nucleic acid probe assay for the detection and identification of prokaryotic and/or eukaryotic organisms is described. Nucleotide sequence alignment of tmRNA sequences from various organisms can be used to identify regions of homology and non-homology within the sequences which in turn can be used to design both genus specific and species specific oligonucleotide probes. These newly identified regions of homology and non-homology provide the basis of identifying and detecting organisms at the molecular level. Oligonucleotide probes identified in this way can be used to detect tmRNA in samples thereby giving an indication of the viability of non-viral organisms present in various sample types.

Abstract: Use of the ssrA gene or tmRNA, an RNA transcript of the ssrA gene, or fragments thereof as target regions in a nucleic acid probe assay for the detection and identification of prokaryotic and/or eukaryotic organisms is described. Nucleotide sequence alignment of tmRNA sequences from various organisms can be used to identify regions of homology and non-homology within the sequences which in turn can be used to design both genus specific and species specific oligonucleotide probes. These newly identified regions of homology and non-homology provide the basis of identifying and detecting organisms at the molecular level. Oligonucleotide probes identified in this way can be used to detect tmRNA in samples thereby giving an indication of the viability of non-viral organisms present in various sample types.

Abstract: The present invention use of to a portion of the RPS7 gene or its corresponding mRNA in a diagnostic assay for fungal and yeast species and sequences for use in such assays and methods.

Abstract: A method for the detection of all strains of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) (Streptococcus agalactiae) in a mammal comprises isolating nucleic acid from a biological sample obtained from the mammal, detecting in the isolated nucleic acid a specific target region of GBS ssrA gene or tmRNA, an RNA transcript of the GBS ssrA gene, which is indicative of the presence of GBS. The isolated nucleic acid can be contacted with at least one oligonucleotide complementary to the specific target region of the GBS ssrA gene or tmRNA allowing a probe assay to be performed directly on the biological sample. Alternatively, the isolated nucleic acid can be amplified with at least one primer complementary to a specific target region of the GBS ssrA gene or tmRNA in a PCR-based assay.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of commerce and in particular to a method of transferring funds using a payment card. Existing funds transfer systems suffer from a number of problems including for example lengthy delays associated with their delivery, high processing costs and high administrative costs. To alleviate these difficulties the present invention provides a method of transferring funds from a first payment cardholder to a second payment cardholder comprising the steps of; receiving an indication from the first cardholder that a transfer of funds is required to the second cardholder, generating a first payment card transaction between a first merchant and the first cardholder for a negative amount associated with the value of funds to be transferred, and generating a second payment card transaction between a second merchant and the second cardholder for a positive amount associated with the value of funds to be transferred.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of computers and in particular to methods and systems for processing tax refunds. Existing VAT refund systems are either expensive or overly cumbersome with paperwork. The present invention provides a solution to these problems by providing a tax claim system comprising a payment card system 1 suitable for accepting payment card transactions at a point of sale, the payment card system comprising a display for displaying information to a payment card system terminal user. The tax claim system further includes at least one data capture device for receiving card details from a payment cardholder and an indication receiving element for receiving an indication that a tax refund claim is required for a transaction. The system further provides a claim generation module for generating a tax refund claim in response to a received indication that a tax refund claim is required for a transaction and communicating this generated claim to an associated printer device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to card payment systems. In particular, the present invention relates to systems and methods for processing payment card transactions in a dynamic currency conversion and/or multi-currency scheme. To operate correctly, ghost transactions are used. However to prevent duplication of debits against the Card Holder, these “ghost copy” transactions must not be processed into the card schemes with the normal transactions. Thus the Acquirer's and/or third parties host systems have to be amended, in addition to modifications to the related accounting thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of e-commerce and in particular to making purchases on-line using payment card, for example debit, charge or credit cards. The concept of the present invention adopts an alternative approach to security methods presently employed to protect cardholders. The concept obviates the need for a cardholder to transmit Card Numbers along with other purchasing details at the time of purchase and couples this with the use of a password feature. This renders the transaction akin to a Bank Cash withdrawal that Bank/card Schemes are totally happy with from a security point of view but are reluctant to allow e-commerce and/or any others access to their “network” to ensure Security.