Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to an Internet search engine with e-commerce functionality (“e-commerce search engine”). In one embodiment of the present invention, users can use the e-commerce search engine to locate retail items by typing in a key-word search. The search results displayed by the e-commerce search engine are vendor-website listings for vendors that sell retail items related to search terms. Some vendor-website listings may contain quick links through which a user can shop for, and purchase, retail items from the vendor through the e-commerce search engine, without being re-directed to the vendor's website. Transaction information is later relayed from the e-commerce search engine to the vendor. The vendor can then confirm the order and the shipping information with the user and complete the transaction.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for determining the presence of immobilized nucleic acid employing unsymmetrical cyanine dyes that are derivatives of thiazole orange, a staining solution and select fluorogenic compounds that are characterized as being essentially non-genotoxic. The methods comprise immobilizing nucleic acid, single or double stranded DNA, RNA or a combination thereof, on a solid or semi solid support, contacting the immobilized nucleic acid with an unsymmetrical cyanine dye compound and then illuminating the immobilized nucleic acid with an appropriate wavelength whereby the presence of the nucleic acid is determined. The cyanine dye compounds are typically present in an aqueous staining solution comprising the dye compound and a tris acetate or tris borate buffer wherein the solution facilitates the contact of the dye compound and the immobilized nucleic acid.

Abstract: In one embodiment is provided a new class of biotin recognition sensors which comprise a biotin recognition compound (containing a biotin binding moiety), a fluorescent donor moiety, and an acceptor moiety. These compounds are useful for detecting biotin in a sample or on a carrier molecule. In addition to compounds, the invention also provides methods and kits for detecting the presence of biotin in a sample or on a carrier molecule.