Abstract: Oligomer compositions comprising first and second oligomers are provided wherein at least a portion of the first oligomer is capable of hybridizing with at least a portion of the second oligomer, at least a portion of the first oligomer is complementary to and capble of hybridizing to a selected target nucleic acid, and at least one of the first or second oligomers has a non-linear secondary structure or is part of a multiple oligomer assembly. Oligonucleotide/protein compositions are also provided comprising an oligomer complementary to and capable of hybridizing to a selected target nucleic acid and at least one protein comprising at least a portion of an RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC), wherein the oligomer has has a non-linear secondary structure or is part of a multiple oligomer assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides modified oligomeric compounds for use in the RNA interference pathway of gene modulation. The modified oligomeric compounds are each prepared having a 5′-phosphate precursor which can be modulated to provide a 5′-phosphate group under selected conditions. In another embodiment of the invention the 5′-phosphate precursor is labile inside a target cell thereby providing an oligomeric compounds having a 5′-phosphate intercellularly.

Abstract: Oligomer compositions comprising first and second oligomers are provided wherein at least a portion of the first oligomer is capable of hybridizing with at least a portion of the second oligomer, at least a portion of the first oligomer is complementary to and capble of hybridizing to a selected target nucleic acid, and at least one of the first or second oligomers has a non-linear secondary structure or is part of a multiple oligomer assembly. Oligonucleotide/protein compositions are also provided comprising an oligomer complementary to and capable of hybridizing to a selected target nucleic acid and at least one protein comprising at least a portion of an RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC), wherein the oligomer has has a non-linear secondary structure or is part of a multiple oligomer assembly.

Abstract: 2′-O-modified ribosyl nucleosides and modified oligonucleotides containing such nucleotides are disclosed. Oligonucleotides are disclosed that have increased binding affinity as shown by molecular modeling experiments. The 2′-O-modified nucleosides of the invention include ring structures that position the sugar moiety of the nucleosides preferentially in 3′ endo geometries.

Abstract: A device for augmenting the control of a forced air furnace includes a heat probe which is located in association with a furnace heat exchanger so as to sense the air temperature of air passing across the heat exchanger. The probe is connected via a buffer to an optical controlled switch. A latch is associated with both the probe and the switch such that in response to a high temperature turn off point the optical coupled switch shuts off the furnace solenoid associated with the furnace and maintains the solenoid in an off position until the probe senses a low temperature turn on point. Upon sensing the low temperature turn on point the solenoid is turned back on and is maintained in the on position by the latch until the high temperature point is again reached.