Abstract: Compounds having activity as PKM2 activators are disclosed. The compounds have the following structure (I): including stereoisomers, tautomers, pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 are as defined herein. Methods associated with preparation and use of such compounds, as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Computer implemented methods, and systems performing such methods for processing signal data from analytical operations and systems, and particularly in processing signal data from sequence-by-incorporation processes to identify nucleotide sequences of template nucleic acids and larger nucleic acid molecules, e.g., genomes or fragments thereof.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for performing intermittent detection during analytical reactions are provided. Such methods facilitate collection of reaction data from disparate reaction times. Further, such methods are useful for reducing photo-induced damage of one or more reactants in an illuminated analytical reaction at a given reaction time. In preferred embodiments, the reaction mixture is subjected to at least one illuminated and non-illuminated period and allowed to proceed such that the time in which the reaction mixture is illuminated is less than a photo-induced damage threshold period.

Abstract: An interactive education system includes a database storing a common question database and a plurality of user-specific question inventories, a memory storing computer instructions, and a processor configured to execute the computer instructions to perform operations including presenting a game environment between a first user and a second user where the first and second users can throw questions from their respective question inventories or common question database at each other with or without offensive power-ups, and answer the questions thrown by each other with or without defensive power-ups; rewarding the first and second users with credits and points when the first and second users answer the questions correctly; determining which one of the first and second users wins the game based on the respective total number of points achieved by the first and second users; and enabling the first and second users to purchase additional offensive or defensive power-ups with their respective credits.

Abstract: A computing device can obtain information about how the device is held, moved, and/or used by a hand of a user holding the device. The information can be obtained utilizing one or more sensors of the device independently or working in conjunction. For example, an orientation sensor can determine whether a left hand or a right hand is likely rotating, tilting, and/or moving, and thus holding, the device. In another example, a camera and/or a hover sensor can obtain information about a finger position of the user's hand to determine whether the hand is likely a left hand or a right hand. In a further example, a touch sensor can determine a shape of an imprint of a portion of the user's hand to determine which hand is likely holding the device. Based on which hand is holding the device, the device can improve one or more computing tasks.

Abstract: Systems and approaches are provided to allow for rendered audiovisual communication. An electronic device can be used to capture image information relating to physical features of a user. A model can be generated from the image information, and the model may be used to render audiovisual communication information from image and audio captured in real time. The rendered audiovisual communication data can simulate live video conferencing with substantial performance gains over conventional approaches to video conferencing. When the image capturing component of the electronic device is capable of depth imaging, stereo imaging, or other imaging techniques, the rendered audiovisual communication can be further enhanced with 3-D rendering of the user. Other aspects of audiovisual data, such as speech, background, and lighting conditions can also be rendered or synthesized to improve audiovisual communication.

Abstract: A computing device can implement one or more variable tactile elements (e.g., inflatable buttons/keys) overlaying a touchscreen of the device. The tactile elements can cause distortion to a view of content being displayed on the touchscreen underneath the tactile elements, which can decrease visibility of the content to a viewer (e.g., a user of the device). The device can receive information about the sizes, shapes, and/or locations of the tactile elements. Based on this information, the device can render the content in a manner so as to reduce the distortion caused by the tactile elements. In some embodiments, the device can also determine the device's orientation relative to the user (e.g., using head and/or facial feature tracking, etc.) and render the content to appear substantially undistorted while changes occur to the user's point of view with respect to the device and/or to the device's orientation relative to the user.

Abstract: A finger of a user detected within a predetermined range from a surface of a display screen can be used to navigate through and select content in accordance with various embodiments. In response to detecting the finger within the predetermined range, a selection element can be positioned offset from the finger. The offset positioning keeps the selection element from being obscured by the finger and, thus, enabling it to remain visible to the user. In response to detecting the user's finger approaching the surface of the display screen, the selection element becomes fixed in its current location when the finger reaches a threshold distance from the surface. Accordingly, as the finger gets closer to the surface, it starts to converge with the selection element. Finally, the finger converges with the selection element when the finger reaches the surface of the display screen to select the desired content.

Abstract: A user attempting to obtain information about an object can capture image information including a view of that object, and the image information can be used with a matching or identification process to provide information about that type of object to the user. In order to narrow the search space to a specific category, and thus improve the accuracy of the results and the speed at which results can be obtained, the user can be guided to capture image information with an appropriate orientation. An outline or other graphical guide can be displayed over image information captured by a computing device, in order to guide the user in capturing the object from an appropriate direction and with an appropriate scale for the type of matching and/or information used for the matching. Such an approach enables three-dimensional objects to be analyzed using conventional two-dimensional identification algorithms, among other such processes.

Abstract: The determination of a gaze direction or field of view of a user with respect to a computing device can control aspects of the device, such as to reduce power or resource consumption. A computing device can include an imaging element and software for locating aspects of a user's facial features relative to the device, such that an orientation of the user's features relative to the device can be determined. Various actions on the device can be executed based at least in part upon a determined gaze direction of the user. In some embodiments, a display element of the device can turn off, and one or more inputs can be disabled, when the user is not looking at the device.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for performing intermittent detection during analytical reactions are provided. Such methods facilitate collection of reaction data from disparate reaction times. Further, such methods are useful for reducing photo-induced damage of one or more reactants in an illuminated analytical reaction at a given reaction time. In preferred embodiments, the reaction mixture is subjected to at least one illuminated and non-illuminated period and allowed to proceed such that the time in which the reaction mixture is illuminated is less than a photo-induced damage threshold period.

Abstract: A feeder is disclosed for dissolving a chemical and mixing it with a liquid. The feeder includes a hopper adapted to hold the chemical, a nozzle located in the hopper, and a supply of the liquid to the nozzle to dissolve the chemical on contact with the liquid from the nozzle to form a solution. A solution basin is disposed under the hopper and a drain is provided from the hopper into the solution basin. An outlet from the solution basin has an outlet valve which opens when a solution level in the solution basin rises.

Abstract: Computing devices can collaborate in order to take advantage of various components distributed across those devices. In various embodiments, image information captured by multiple devices can be used to identify and determine the relative locations of various persons and objects near those devices, even when not every device can view those persons or objects. In some embodiments, one or more audio or video capture elements can be selected based on their proximity and orientation to an object to be captured. In some embodiments, the information captured from the various audio and/or video elements can be combined to provide three-dimensional imaging, surround sound, and other such capture data.

Abstract: Data provided on a first computing device is represented by a graphical object displayed on a screen. A user can initiate an “attach event” with a gesture to enable the graphical object to be associated and/or virtually attached to the user and/or a user's hand/fingers. An image capture component can view/track user movements. Based on the viewed/tracked movements, the graphical object representing the data on the first computing device can be moved on a screen of the first computing device to correspond to the movement of the user's hand/finger. The graphical object also can be moved to a position on a screen of a second computing device when the user moves a hand/fingers to an area corresponding to the position. A user may initiate a “release event” with a gesture and can end the association and enable the data to be sent to the second computing device.

Abstract: Image capture can be improved by capturing a sequence of images and analyzing the images to select the image with the least blur and/or an acceptable amount of blur. Gradients can be calculated for at least a portion of the images, and gradient histograms generated. Two or more component curves can be fit to each histogram, such as by using a Gaussian mixture model, and the curves can be compared to determine an amount of variation between the curves. The image with the smallest differences between component curves, or with differences less than a specified blur threshold, can be selected as a sufficiently sharp image and provided for viewing, processing, or another intended purpose of the image to be captured.

Abstract: A processing device receives, from a user device, image information associated with an image, the image information providing an indication of an application installed on the user device or a second electronic device. The processing device determines a descriptor associated with the application based on analyzing the image information. The processing device compares the descriptor to one or more stored image descriptors associated with each of a plurality of known applications. Based at least in part on the comparing, the processing device determines identifying information associated with the application. The processing device sends the identifying information to the user device.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a facility wide sorting and/or sequencing system for improving product processing operations and, more particularly, to a facility wide system and related functionality for simultaneously sorting and sequencing mixed mail pieces such as, for example, flats and letter mail pieces. The flats and letter mail pieces are placed in frames so that all types of mail pieces can be sorted and/or sequenced simultaneously through merging and diverting a stream of filled trays into and out of different streams at a full or substantially full transport speed.

Abstract: An inflatable mobility assistant is an inflatable cushion that starts flat and inflates into in the shape of a wedge, giving a user, such as a senior, enough upward and forward momentum and/or movement to stand up on their own. Variations can be used for exiting a bed, sitting down, or assisting in any movements of persons or objects.

Abstract: Computer implemented methods, and systems performing such methods for processing signal data from analytical operations and systems, and particularly in processing signal data from sequence-by-incorporation processes to identify nucleotide sequences of template nucleic acids and larger nucleic acid molecules, e.g., genomes or fragments thereof.

Abstract: Devices and methods for enhancing electrical safety are provided herein. Devices testing the safety of light fixtures are provided. Also provided are a variety of testing tools for improving electrical safety. The devices are generally capable of wirelessly communicating with a computer, particularly a hand-held device such as a smart-phone or tablet. Methods for using the devices are also provided.