Abstract: A reconfigurable modular lighting assembly, including at least two tube sections, each tube section having an end cap thereon and including at least one light emitting diode light source. An interconnection unit including multiple tube section receiving locations that each physically, releasably connect one end of a first of the at least two tube sections to one end of a second of the at least two tube sections such that the tube sections are adjacent and form a positive angle between them; and provide for interchangeably electrically connecting the light sources in the tube sections to a source of electrical power. Control data paths are operatively connected to each of the light emitting diode light sources via the interconnection unit to allow for control of the light emitting diode light sources when the at least two tube sections are respectively connected to the interconnection unit at the tube section receiving locations.

Abstract: A display for an ice rink, comprising a first layer of ice within a peripheral boundary of the ice rink. An array of hermetically sealed, multiple individual organic light emitting diodes are positioned within the peripheral boundary on top of the first layer of ice. A second layer of ice on top of the array has an internal side facing the array and an external surface on a side opposite the internal side. A power source operatively connected to the array provides power to the individual organic light emitting diodes in the array. The multiple individual organic light emitting diodes are selectively controllable such that graphic images can be displayed by using specific organic light emitting diodes selected from among the individual organic light emitting diodes in the array and the graphic images will be visible through the external surface of the second layer of ice.

Abstract: A dynamic wireless network discovery system, apparatus and method are provided for users of wireless device to find, connect to, and use wireless networks in an automated manner. New gained knowledge about a wireless network is shared with a central server, which in turn aggregates knowledge about wireless networks collected from various wireless devices, and takes all this aggregated knowledge and reduces the individual data points to aggregate data that provides valuable information about the status of the networks. The central server then in turn distributes this information to a software client operating on wireless devices. Dynamically learned wireless network information is shared from one wireless device with other wireless devices through the distributed intelligence network, either through the central server or by communicating with other wireless devices, providing group-based intelligence about wireless networks to other wireless devices.

Abstract: Methods for obtaining structural data from RNA in a sample, and RNA probes for performing the same, are provided. Methods of reversibly modifying RNA is a sample, in vitro or in vivo, and reversible probes for performing the same, are provided. The RNA probes may be SHAPE probes that include aryl or heteroaryl acyl imidazoles. The RNA probes may be reversible probes that include an aryl or heteroaryl ring substituted with a hydroxyl-reactive group and an azido-containing group. Also provided are methods of comparing in vitro and in vivo RNA structural data. Also provided are methods of diagnosing a cellular proliferative disease condition, e.g., by probing HOTAIR RNA. Aspects of the invention further include compositions, e.g., probes and kits, etc., that find use in methods of the invention.

Abstract: A multi-account payment consolidation system and process, including a central computer system operatively coupled to a payment terminal through a network connection. A plurality of external financial accounts are registered and associated with a user. At least one user-defined customized rule-set for processing a payment associated with the user is stored. A request to initiate payment of a transaction is received from the payment terminal. The payment is automatically processed in accordance with the customized rule-set by accessing the external financial accounts, wherein the customized rule-set directs at least a rule that the payment of the transaction be apportioned between more than one of the external financial accounts.

Abstract: A multi-account payment consolidation system and process, including a central computer system operatively coupled to a payment terminal through a network connection. A plurality of external financial accounts are registered and associated with a user. At least one user-defined customized rule-set for processing a payment associated with the user is stored. A request to initiate payment of a transaction is received from the payment terminal. The payment is automatically processed in accordance with the customized rule-set by accessing the external financial accounts, wherein the customized rule-set directs at least a rule that the payment of the transaction be apportioned between more than one of the external financial accounts.

Abstract: A multi-account payment consolidation system and process, comprising a payment terminal at a point-of-sale. A central computer system is operatively coupled to the payment terminal through a network connection, the central computer system including at least a processor, and memory comprising program instructions. The program instructions are executable by the processor to register a plurality of external financial accounts and associate them with a user, register at least one customized rule-set for processing a payment associated with the user, authenticate the user when the user logs in at the payment terminal, automatically process the payment in accordance with the customized rule-set by accessing the external financial accounts, and receive a payment confirmation from the external financial accounts for display to the user on the payment terminal.

Abstract: Nucleoside analogs are provided; and fluorescent sensors comprising the nucleoside analogs. The sensors comprise multiple chromophores built on a DNA backbone, in which all the natural DNA bases are replaced by excimeric or exciplex-forming fluorophores, ligands, quenchers and spacers in thousands of combinations. The sensors find use in the detection and identification of target analytes by fluorescence, e.g., detection of metal ions, neutral organic compounds and anions. The sensors find use in the detection and identification of molecular species in the vapor or gaseous phase, or the liquid phase. The sensors find use in qualitative and quantitative screening and detection methods.

Abstract: Compositions and systems are provided for the high efficiency quenching small water-soluble oligomers, or oligofluors, of from about 1-10 kd in size, where the oligofluors comprise multiple excimeric or exciplex forming fluorophores arranged on a scaffold, which are efficiently quenched by a quencher entity linked to the oligomer through a cleavable moiety. Fluorophores of interest include, without limitation, aromatic fluorophores such as pyrenes, e.g. benzopyrene, perylene, pyrene, etc. In some embodiments the oligofluor/quencher combination provides for a Stern-Vollmer constant (KSV) of greater than about 106 M?1, and may be greater than about 107 M?1, greater than about 108 M?1, or more. In some embodiments of the invention, the scaffold is a phosphodiester/glycoside backbone, e.g. an analog of a polynucleotide.

Abstract: A display for an ice rink, comprising a first layer of ice within a peripheral boundary of the ice rink. An array of hermetically sealed, multiple individual organic light emitting diodes are positioned within the peripheral boundary on top of the first layer of ice. A second layer of ice on top of the array has an internal side facing the array and an external surface on a side opposite the internal side. A power source operatively connected to the array provides power to the individual organic light emitting diodes in the array. The multiple individual organic light emitting diodes are selectively controllable such that graphic images can be displayed by using specific organic light emitting diodes selected from among the individual organic light emitting diodes in the array and the graphic images will be visible through the external surface of the second layer of ice.

Abstract: A reconfigurable modular lighting assembly, including at least two tube sections, each tube section having an end cap thereon and including at least one light emitting diode light source. An interconnection unit including multiple tube section receiving locations that each physically, releasably connect one end of a first of the at least two tube sections to one end of a second of the at least two tube sections such that the tube sections are adjacent and form a positive angle between them; and provide for interchangeably electrically connecting the light sources in the tube sections to a source of electrical power. Control data paths are operatively connected to each of the light emitting diode light sources via the interconnection unit to allow for control of the light emitting diode light sources when the at least two tube sections are respectively connected to the interconnection unit at the tube section receiving locations.

Abstract: A dynamic wireless network discovery system, apparatus and method are provided for users of wireless device to find, connect to, and use wireless networks in an automated manner. New gained knowledge about a wireless network is shared with a central server, which in turn aggregates knowledge about wireless networks collected from various wireless devices, and takes all this aggregated knowledge and reduces the individual data points to aggregate data that provides valuable information about the status of the networks. The central server then in turn distributes this information to a software client operating on wireless devices. Dynamically learned wireless network information is shared from one wireless device with other wireless devices through the distributed intelligence network, either through the central server or by communicating with other wireless devices, providing group-based intelligence about wireless networks to other wireless devices.

Abstract: Probes comprising one or more selectively cleavable ?-azidoether moieties are provided; and linkers comprising the one or more selectively cleavable ?-azidoether moieties. The ?-azidoether moiety will undergo a Staudinger reaction with a suitable reducing agent, resulting in cleavage. The probes find use in a variety of detection assays, e.g. specific polynucleotide binding assays, polypeptide binding assays, etc. The cleavable linkers are suitable for synthetic reactions, e.g. to prepare probes of the invention; in the synthesis of cleavable peptide conjugates; and the like.

Abstract: A multi-account payment consolidation system and process, comprising a payment terminal at a point-of-sale. A central computer system is operatively coupled to the payment terminal through a network connection, the central computer system including at least a processor, and memory comprising program instructions. The program instructions are executable by the processor to register a plurality of external financial accounts and associate them with a user, register at least one customized rule-set for processing a payment associated with the user, authenticate the user when the user logs in at the payment terminal, automatically process the payment in accordance with the customized rule-set by accessing the external financial accounts, and receive a payment confirmation from the external financial accounts for display to the user on the payment terminal.

Abstract: A method for moving a media sheet within an imaging device includes moving a media sheet along a media path by rotating an at least one roller. While the media sheet is moving, a first sensor is activated with the media sheet and then a second sensor is activated with the media sheet. Feedback is received by a processor indicating the number of rotations of the at least one roller. A measured distance DM from the first sensor to the second sensor is calculated. An adjusted distance DA from the second sensor to a feed nip is then calculated. After activation of the second sensor, the roller continues to move the media sheet on the media path and the roller is rotated at least the adjusted distance DA. The media sheet then enters into the feed nip in a substantially deskewed alignment.

Abstract: Computer tools, processes, and systems for capturing web content are provided. A webpage is rendered on a user device. An area within the rendered webpage is selected. Metadata describing the location of the web content within the selected area of the rendered webpage is determined and persistently stored within a database. A window is provided on a user device rendering the web content corresponding to the selected area. The web content is rendered within the window in the same context as the web content was initially rendered on the user device. The rendered web content may include partial objects or elements of the web page and provide all the functionality normally associated with the web content. The web content may be shared with other users including sending a message with a link configured to render the web content corresponding to the selected area on a user device.

Abstract: A universal linker structure is provided, in which a functional group and activating leaving group are placed on a tether, allowing the placement of an electrophile at the end of any nucleic acid sequence. The electrophile on the tether can react with a second nucleic acid carrying a nucleophile when the two nucleic acids are hybridized near one another, resulting in release of the leaving group, and creation of a functional change. The linker can be designed to destabilize the ligation product without slowing the rate of reaction. This lowers product inhibition, and the target DNA or RNA can become a catalyst for isothermally generating multiple signals for detection. This enhanced signal is demonstrated in solution experiments and in solid supported assays. The universal linkers of the present invention are simple and inexpensive to prepare, and can be appended to any polynucleotide in automated steps on a standard DNA synthesizer.

Abstract: Compositions and systems are provided for the high efficiency quenching small water-soluble oligomers, or oligofluors, of from about 1-10 kd in size, where the oligofluors comprise multiple excimeric or exciplex forming fluorophores arranged on a scaffold, which are efficiently quenched by a quencher entity linked to the oligomer through a cleavable moiety. Fluorophores of interest include, without limitation, aromatic fluorophores such as pyrenes, e.g. benzopyrene, perylene, pyrene, etc. In some embodiments the oligofluor/quencher combination provides for a Stern-Vollmer constant (KSV) of greater than about 106 M?1, and may be greater than about 107 M?1, greater than about 108 M?1, or more. In some embodiments of the invention, the scaffold is a phosphodiester/glycoside backbone, e.g. an analog of a polynucleotide.

Abstract: A method to image objects from local three-dimensional parallel beam tomographic data (line integrals) over lines parallel an arbitrary curve of directions on a sphere. Such data are used in electron microscopy, SPECT (with weighted integrals), and synchrotron tomography. The algorithm is adaptable to a number of data sets including single-axis and double-axis tilt electron tomography and truly three-dimensional curves of directions. The method stably gives pictures of the internal structure of objects and does not add strong singularities or artefacts. It is less influenced by objects outside the region of interest than standard non-local methods. The algorithm is combined with an electron microscope and computer to provide computer readable files showing the pictures of small objects such as molecules.

Abstract: Nonpolar thymidine analogs are provided comprising a dihalogenated or trihalogenated base of the structure: where R1 is a sugar moiety; R2 is H or CH3; an imaging moiety or a cytotoxic moiety and X1 and X2 are independently selected from I, Cl, Br, and F, with the proviso that not more than one F will be present at these positions.