Abstract: Enantioselective total syntheses of the anticancer isocarbostyril alkaloids (+)-7-deoxypancratistatin, (+)-pancratistatin, (+)-lycoricidine, and (+)-narciclasine are described. Our strategy for accessing this unique class of natural products is based on the development of a Ni-catalyzed dearomative trans-1,2-carboamination of benzene. The effectiveness of this dearomatization approach is notable, as only two additional olefin functionalizations are needed to construct the fully decorated aminocyclitol cores of these alkaloids. Installation of the lactam ring has been achieved through several pathways and a direct interconversion between natural products was established via a late-stage C-7 cupration. Using this synthetic blueprint, we were able to produce natural products on a gram scale and provide tailored analogs with improved activity, solubility, and metabolic stability.

Abstract: Enantioselective total syntheses of the anticancer isocarbostyril alkaloids (+)-7-deoxypancratistatin, (+)-pancratistatin, (+)-lycoricidine, and (+)-narciclasine are described. Our strategy for accessing this unique class of natural products is based on the development of a Ni-catalyzed dearomative trans-1,2-carboamination of benzene. The effectiveness of this dearomatization approach is notable, as only two additional olefin functionalizations are needed to construct the fully decorated aminocyclitol cores of these alkaloids. Installation of the lactam ring has been achieved through several pathways and a direct interconversion between natural products was established via a late-stage C-7 cupration. Using this synthetic blueprint, we were able to produce natural products on a gram scale and provide tailored analogs with improved activity, solubility, and metabolic stability.

Abstract: In a system for video data capture and sharing client devices may include one or more video cameras and sensors to capture video data and to generate associated metadata. A cloud-based component may receive metadata from the client devices and requests for sharing video data captured by other client devices. The system can be used to implement a ridesharing method to connect a rider to a driver. Information about the driver and rider is accessed when a driver accepts a ridesharing request. Camera devices in the pickup area can detect the license plate of the driver's vehicle to confirm its arrival and a client device in the vehicle can facially recognize the driver at the wheel. Similarly, the location of the rider in the pickup area can be verified, for example through a face recognition scan.

Abstract: The present invention is a new type of scrub sponge which includes a soft sponge portion and an abrasive pad. According to one embodiment of the invention, the abrasive pad is bonded to the sponge in a recess formed in the sponge so that during normal use, only the surface of the soft sponge will contact the surface of the item being cleaned. Should, during cleaning, the user require a more aggressive scrubbing action, the user may press into the upper side of the soft sponge on an upper side to force the abrasive pad out from its protective recess on the opposing side. The now protruding abrasive pad will contact the surface of the item being cleaned. The action of pushing out the abrasive pad is intuitive to the user since the user will typically push hard on any cleaning implement when they need more aggressive scrubbing action. With the present invention, as the user pushes hard, the more abrasive pad will reveal itself and offer its scrubbing texture to help in the cleaning process.

Abstract: A modular VR system is provided with features that are specifically beneficial to public venues. The system includes a mask unit that is preferably custom fit to the user, and a modular, selectively-connectable viewing unit. The viewing unit houses all the required virtual reality optics and may be selectively secured to the mask unit. The mask unit includes an electrical memory which is electrically connected to the viewing unit when the two are connected. The viewing unit includes activatable covers to automatically protect the lenses whenever the viewing unit is disconnected from the mask unit. The viewing unit further includes a system to automatically adjust the distance between the lenses to match the interpupillary distance of the user. The viewing unit also includes an integral payment device and a handle.

Abstract: Rideshare cars operate within a network and each includes a car-camera device which allows each car driver to communicate with each other. The car-camera device uses object and facial recognition software to locate objects, people, sounds, QR codes and gestures, inside and outside the car and responds accordingly, providing a corrective action. The car-camera devices perform functions to ensure that both riders and drivers of rideshare services and drivers of car-share services are safe and can communicate with each other, before, during, and after a ride or drive.

Abstract: In a system for video data capture and sharing client devices may include one or more video cameras and sensors to capture video data and to generate associated metadata. A cloud-based component may receive metadata from the client devices and requests for sharing video data captured by other client devices. The system can be used to implement a ridesharing method to connect a rider to a driver. Information about the driver and rider is accessed when a driver accepts a ridesharing request. Camera devices in the pickup area can detect the license plate of the driver's vehicle to confirm its arrival and a client device in the vehicle can facially recognize the driver at the wheel. Similarly, the location of the rider in the pickup area can be verified, for example through a face recognition scan.

Abstract: A modular VR system is provided with features that are specifically beneficial to public venues. The system includes a mask unit that is preferably custom fit to the user, and a modular, selectively-connectable viewing unit. The viewing unit houses all the required virtual reality optics and may be selectively secured to the mask unit. The mask unit includes an electrical memory which is electrically connected to the viewing unit when the two are connected. The viewing unit includes activatable covers to automatically protect the lenses whenever the viewing unit is disconnected from the mask unit. The viewing unit further includes a system to automatically adjust the distance between the lenses to match the interpupillary distance of the user. The viewing unit also includes an integral payment device and a handle.

Abstract: The present storage management system, described in detail in the following specification and accompanying drawings, includes an active (self-powered) Bluetooth® BLE transceiver beacon (hereinafter referred to as “beacon”), which, according to a preferred embodiment has a thin flat form factor with a self-adhesive-backing. A beacon is secured to each storage box and continuously transmits an “advertisement packet” to the surrounding area. A user's smart device (e.g., a smart phone) picks up the different signals sent by each beacon and is able to communicate with select ones. A software application allows a user to catalog items to be stored so that each is effectively “linked” to a particular storage box. At a later time, any of the catalogued items may be selected and the corresponding storage container in which the item resides is instructed to notify its location within the storage area using light and sound.

Abstract: A system for protecting electronic headset components from sunlight is provided. The headset is secured to a user's head for use and includes an electronic display, a lens, and a battery all secured to a frame structure. The frame structure includes a mask portion which is sized and shaped to fit snugly against the user's face, and a strap for holding the mask to the face. According to the invention, a moveable shield is mounted to a portion of the frame structure, either directly or indirectly, and is designed to move between a stowed position, wherein light from the display may pass freely through the lens to the user's eyes, during use, and a blocking position, wherein sunlight is prevented from passing through the lens and reaching, and damaging, the delicate electronic display. The shield may be sized and shaped to fit both lenses, or each lens, and may pivot or slide between positions, either automatically, or manually.

Abstract: Described herein is the development of an arenophile-mediated, nickel-catalyzed dearomative trans-1,2-carboamination protocol. A range of readily available aromatic compounds was converted to the corresponding dienes using Grignard reagents as nucleophiles. This strategy provided products with exclusive trans-selectivity and high enantioselectivity was observed in case of benzene and naphthalene. The utility of this methodology was showcased by controlled and stereoselective preparation of small, functionalized molecules. A concise synthesis of (+)-pancratistatin and (+)-7-deoxypancratistatin from benzene using an enantioselective, dearomative carboamination strategy has been achieved. This approach, in combination with the judicious choice of subsequent olefin-type difunctionalization reactions, permits rapid and controlled access to a hexasubstituted core. Finally, minimal use of intermediary steps as well as direct, late stage C-7 hydroxylation provides both natural products in six and seven operations.

Abstract: The present invention is a new type of scrub sponge which includes a soft sponge portion and an abrasive pad. According to one embodiment of the invention, the abrasive pad is bonded to the sponge in a recess formed in the sponge so that during normal use, only the surface of the soft sponge will contact the surface of the item being cleaned. Should, during cleaning, the user require a more aggressive scrubbing action, the user may press into the upper side of the soft sponge on an upper side to force the abrasive pad out from its protective recess on the opposing side. The now protruding abrasive pad will contact the surface of the item being cleaned. The action of pushing out the abrasive pad is intuitive to the user since the user will typically push hard on any cleaning implement when they need more aggressive scrubbing action. With the present invention, as the user pushes hard, the more abrasive pad will reveal itself and offer its scrubbing texture to help in the cleaning process.

Abstract: A modular VR system is provided with features that are specifically beneficial to public venues. The system includes a mask unit that is preferably custom fit to the user, and a modular, selectively -connectable viewing unit. The viewing unit houses all the required virtual reality optics and may be selectively secured to the mask unit. The mask unit includes an electrical memory which is electrically connected to the viewing unit when the two are connected. The viewing unit includes activatable covers to automatically protect the lenses whenever the viewing unit is disconnected from the mask unit. The viewing unit further includes a system to automatically adjust the distance between the lenses to match the interpupillary distance of the user. The viewing unit also includes an integral payment device and a handle.

Abstract: Described herein is the development of an arenophile-mediated, nickel-catalyzed dearomative trans-1,2-carboamination protocol. A range of readily available aromatic compounds was converted to the corresponding dienes using Grignard reagents as nucleophiles. This strategy provided products with exclusive trans-selectivity and high enantioselectivity was observed in case of benzene and naphthalene. The utility of this methodology was showcased by controlled and stereoselective preparation of small, functionalized molecules. A concise synthesis of (+)-pancratistatin and (+)-7-deoxypancratistatin from benzene using an enantioselective, dearomative carboamination strategy has been achieved. This approach, in combination with the judicious choice of subsequent olefin-type difunctionalization reactions, permits rapid and controlled access to a hexasubstituted core. Finally, minimal use of intermediary steps as well as direct, late stage C-7 hydroxylation provides both natural products in six and seven operations.

Abstract: A virtual reality system is provided which allows a computer to take control of a user's avatar within a virtual environment whenever the avatar's user leaves the game. The computer follows prescribed instructions to control the avatar. A photosensor is provided within the user's VR headset to detect any ambient light reaching inside the headset, which indicates that the headset is not being worn by the user. In such instance, the computer converts the user's avatar to a substitute avatar within the virtual environment and begins to control the avatar until a prescribed time period has passed, or until the user returns to the game.

Abstract: The present storage management system, described in detail in the following specification and accompanying drawings, includes an active (self-powered) Bluetooth® BLE transceiver beacon (hereinafter referred to as “beacon”), which, according to a preferred embodiment has a thin flat form factor with a self-adhesive-backing. A beacon is secured to each storage box and continuously transmits an “advertisement packet” to the surrounding area. A user's smart device (e.g., a smart phone) picks up the different signals sent by each beacon and is able to communicate with select ones. A software application allows a user to catalog items to be stored so that each is effectively “linked” to a particular storage box. At a later time, any of the catalogued items may be selected and the corresponding storage container in which the item resides is instructed to notify its location within the storage area using light and sound.

Abstract: A system for protecting electronic headset components from sunlight is provided. The headset is secured to a user's head for use and includes an electronic display, a lens, and a battery all secured to a frame structure. The frame structure includes a mask portion which is sized and shaped to fit snugly against the user's face, and a strap for holding the mask to the face. According to the invention, a moveable shield is mounted to a portion of the frame structure, either directly or indirectly, and is designed to move between a stowed position, wherein light from the display may pass freely through the lens to the user's eyes, during use, and a blocking position, wherein sunlight is prevented from passing through the lens and reaching, and damaging, the delicate electronic display. The shield may be sized and shaped to fit both lenses, or each lens, and may pivot or slide between positions, either automatically, or manually.

Abstract: A cable for transmitting a transmissible element, such as power or data, from a source to a device, the cable includes at least a first plug configured to mate with at least one of the source and the device, and an audio player for playing back audio recording.

Abstract: A gaming device includes a cabinet having a front surface, wherein at least a portion of the front surface includes an optically restrictive material. The gaming device also includes at least one indicator positioned with respect to the optically restrictive material, wherein the at least one indicator is configured to display an event indication through said optically restrictive material when illuminated by light.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a verbal communication between a speaker and at least one listener, where the speaker and the at least one listener are spatially separate from each other, the apparatus provides the listener with a sensory output associated with the identity of the speaker, the apparatus including an identification device including a vibration sensor for detecting vibrations associated with speech of the speaker, is configured to store identification data representative of the identity of the speaker or the identification device, is associable with the identity of the speaker, and, in response to detecting vibrations, transmits an identification signal comprising or generated from the stored identification data, and a display device operable to receive the identification signal and to generate from the received identification signal a sensory output indicating the identity of either or both of the speaker and the identification device.