Abstract: Methods of identifying regions of a nucleic acid sequence suitable for use as probes in nucleic acid arrays, as well as compositions of matter for practicing such methods, are provided. The subject methods include: (a) providing a set of known, undesirable probe sequences; (b) comparing a nucleic acid sequence to each member of the set; and (c) identifying regions of the nucleic acid sequence that substantially match a sequence of a member of the probe set as undesirable regions. The subject methods also include marking the undesirable regions of the nucleic acid sequence to identify regions of the nucleic acid sequence that are suitable for use as probes in a nucleic acid array. The subject invention also includes an algorithm and kits for carrying out the subject methods. Also provided are nucleic acid arrays produced with the identified suitable probes, and methods for using the same.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing programmatic queries about molecular and biomolecule information. The methods comprise creating one or more databases of molecular data formatted or conditioned according to a directory service protocol, forming, by a user, a query based on a molecular identifier or other molecular indicia, submitting the query to a name server, performing a lookup in the databases based on the molecular name or identifier, retrieving a query result or results from the databases, and returning the query results to the user.

Abstract: An extensible, generalized architecture, an application programming interface, software and methods for building data overlays, as well as software, a system, methods and interface for building specific data overlays, with particular relevance to biological data.

Abstract: Systems and methods for array design that allow users or customers of arrays to input various selectable array design parameters that are usable by a specialized array designer or vendor for preparation of completed array designs or fabricated array chips. The methods comprise selecting at least one array design parameter by an array customer, transferring or providing the selected array parameter to an array vendor, determining, by the vendor, one or more additional array design parameters, and completing an array design or designs according to the customer selected array parameter and vendor provided array parameter. The systems comprise one or more data processors having stored programming configured to allow an array customer to enter or input selectable array parameters, view selected array parameters and, if desired, revise the selected array parameters.

Abstract: A system and method for performing domain-specific knowledge based metasearches. A metasearch engine is provided for accessing a searching text-based documents using generic search engines while simultaneously being able to access publication based databases and sequence databases as well as in-house proprietary databases and any database capable of being interfaced with a web interface so as to produce search results in text format. A data mining module is also provided for organizing raw data obtained by unsupervised clustering, simple relevance ranking, and categorization, all of which are done independently of one another. The system is capable of storing previous search data for use in query refinement or subsequent searches based upon the stored data. A search results collection browser may be provided for analyzing current browsing patterns of the user for developing weighting factors to be used in ordering the results of future searches.

Abstract: A folding firearm comprises a stock supporting a receiver, the receiver defining a bore for receiving a first end of the firearm barrel. A forearm is operably pivotally connected to the stock. The forearm includes a barrel securing mechanism having a securement member. The firearm barrel has a surface adjacent to the first end for engaging the securement member. The securement member is matingly engageable with the surface of the barrel. The securement member, in response to pivotal movement by the forearm, moves into engagement with the surface to urge the first end of the barrel into the bore of the receiver when the firearm is pivoted into a firing position. The firearm also includes a locking mechanism capable of selectively locking the forearm in the firing position.

Abstract: A shoplifting system includes a first and second post-like housings positioned in a store on opposite sides of the doorway. The first housing includes an electronic receiver for receiving a wireless signal transmitted by a hand-held transmitter unit that is actuatable by a store employee who notices shoplifting activity by a shopper. The receiver causes actuating of an alarm device which issues an audible alarm sound in response to a signal received from the hand-held transmitter unit. The second housing is a "dummy" housing containing no detection circuitry. However, the second housing and first housing each have an appearance which suggests that both housings contain detection circuits that cooperate to detect the presence of detectable tags attached to products on sale in the store. A warning sign is placed on one of the housings.