Abstract: A computer-implemented method of valuing a resource using a computer comprising a processor and a memory storing processor readable instructions, the method comprising: storing in the memory a model representing a relationship between the economic value of the resource, a rate of extraction of the resource and a parameter indicative of a property of the resource; processing, by the processor, the model to generate an economic value of the resource, the model; wherein the model stored in the memory and processed by the processor represents variation of the property of the resource with respect to a parameter based upon a quantity of the resource.

Abstract: Methods and systems for electronics assembly system consultation and sales build upon an approach to modeling and simulation of such systems in which the system is modeled at a preselected level of abstraction, which in the preferred embodiment of the invention is the material flow level of abstraction. Models capable of producing accurate results, but that avoid predicting system events at too low a level of detail, in turn permit the generation of configuration options for a customer, along with substantiated performance predictions, within a comparatively short period of time, one that permits various assembly system configurations to be proposed and evaluated within the course of a particular customer visit.

Abstract: Methods and tools for quickly and accurately performing complex customer benefit modeling for an electronic components assembly system are disclosed. In one embodiment, predefined user interfaces allow a consultant, customers, salespersons, or line designers to input a line configuration by selecting from a list predefined objects that represent specific line components. In addition, the user inputs other line configuration data specific to the line being configured. The information contained in the user interface is extracted for use a discrete event simulator. Templates for simulation objects may be created in advance and populated with data from the input interface. A simulation is built and run. Simulation results may be exported to an output means, which may allow for custom generated reports. The reporting means may include a means for allowing customer specific information and data to be inputted.

Abstract: Methods and systems according to the present invention permit a manufacturer, supplier or other purveyor of electronics assembly system equipment, solutions or the like, to market and to sell their offerings based on a customer benefit sharing approach. The purveyor's incentives are therefore aligned with the customer's and superior performance, if achieved, will not only benefit the customer, but may also redound to the financial benefit of the purveyor. Various such customer-benefit sharing approaches, including performance guarantees and the setting of prices to be paid by customers based upon actual performance of the system(s) and/or solutions(s) purchased, are described, as are the underlying methods and tools that permit the customer benefit sharing approach to be done in a practicable fashion. The purveyor's ability to offer such arrangements turns on its ability to accurately and efficiently model the customer's system under various scenarios, according to principles of the present invention.

Abstract: Methods and tools for quickly and accurately performing complex customer benefit modeling for an electronic components assembly system are disclosed. In one embodiment, predefined user interfaces allow a consultant, customers, salespersons, or line designers to input a line configuration by selecting from a list predefined objects that represent specific line components. In addition, the user inputs other line configuration data specific to the line being configured. The information contained in the user interface is extracted for use a discrete event simulator. Templates for simulation objects may be created in advance and populated with data from the input interface. A simulation is built and run. Simulation results may be exported to an output means, which may allow for custom generated reports. The reporting means may include a means for allowing customer specific information and data to be inputted.

Abstract: Methods and systems for electronics assembly system consultation and sales build upon an approach to modeling and simulation of such systems in which the system is modeled at a preselected level of abstraction, which in the preferred embodiment of the invention is the material flow level of abstraction. Models capable of producing accurate results, but that avoid predicting system events at too low a level of detail, in turn permit the generation of configuration options for a customer, along with substantiated performance predictions, within a comparatively short period of time, one that permits various assembly system configurations to be proposed and evaluated within the course of a particular customer visit.

Abstract: A method for determining whether a selected nucleic acid molecule differs by one or more nucleotides from a desired sequence (the desired sequence may be defined to be either a native (e.g., wild type) or non-native (e.g., mutant) nucleotide sequence). The potential difference between the selected nucleic acid molecule and the desired nucleic acid sequence may be due to a germ or somatic mutation and may be, for example, a substitution, deletion addition or transversion of one or more nucleotides. Thus, for example, the method is useful for detection of mutations in oncogenes or mutations in other genes of interest, such as the transmembrane conductance regulator gene, which is implicated in cystic fibrosis.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for detecting a target nucleic acid which comprises forming a reaction mixture which includes the target nucleic acid and an amount of a complementary single-stranded nucleic acid probe which is greater than the target molecule, under conditions which allow the probe and the target nucleic acid to hybridize to each other and form a double stranded target-probe complex, nicking the hybridized probe at least once within a predetermined sequence so as to form at least two probe fragments hybridized to the target nucleic acid, resulting in the probe fragments to become single-stranded and allowing the target nucleic acid to become hybridized to another probe; and identifying probe fragments, thereby detecting the target nucleic acid. This invention also provides a method for detecting a target nucleic acid.

Abstract: A synthetic, non-naturally occurring molecule having the structure:[NA.sub.1 --S--NA.sub.2 ].sub.nwherein NA.sub.1 and NA.sub.2 are noncomplementary nucleic acid sequences;wherein --S-- is a scissile linkage; andwherein n is an integer from 1 to 4.Variations of this molecule and methods for using the molecules for detecting nucleic acid sequences are provided.