Abstract: The invention provides methods for determining aneuploidy and/or fetal fraction in maternal samples comprising fotal and matemal cfDNA by massively parallel sequencing. The method comprises a novel protocol for prepering sequencing libraries that unexpectedly improves the quality of library DNA while expediting the process of analysis of samples for prenatal diagnoses.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate to an applicator for an adhesive primer. The applicator includes a tank configured to hold the adhesive primer. The applicator also includes a peristaltic pump, having an inlet and an outlet, and a spray nozzle. A first conduit extends from an interior of the tank to the inlet of the peristaltic pump, and a second conduit extends from an outlet of the peristaltic pump to the spray nozzle. Embodiments of the present disclosure also relate to a method of applying adhesive primer to a road surface using the applicator. In the method, the adhesive primer is pumped from the tank containing the adhesive primer through the peristaltic pump to the spray nozzle. Further, the adhesive primer is sprayed from the spray nozzle onto the road surface while the applicator moves across the road surface.

Abstract: An outdoor cable pathway splice comprises a splice tape comprising a first adhesive layer and a reinforcing layer disposed on one major surface of the adhesive layer. The first adhesive layer is capable of adhering to a concrete or asphalt surface. The splice tape is configured to join first and second distribution cabling tapes in an end-to-end manner when deployed. Each distribution cabling tape includes a continuous lengthwise channel configured to receive at least one distribution cable, wherein the at least one distribution cable is covered by the splice tape when deployed.

Abstract: A method for selecting a preferred robotic grasp of an object-of-interest using pairwise ranking includes: identifying a robotic candidate grasp usable to grasp the object-of-interest, the object-of-interest situated in an environment; receiving a grasp preference for a preferred candidate grasp of the object-of-interest; calculating a heuristic to describe a relationship of the candidate grasp to one or more of the object-of-interest and the environment; and using the heuristic and using the grasp preference, computing a pairwise ranking of two candidate grasps to determine an ordering of the at least two candidate grasps.

Abstract: This invention relates to a Nanostructured Lipid Carrier (NLC) particle comprising a therapeutic agent encapsulated therein for ocular delivery of the therapeutic agent, wherein the Nanostructured Lipid Carrier comprises: (i) a solid outer shell comprising a solid lipid, and (ii) a liquid core comprising a liquid lipid; and wherein the core comprises the therapeutic agent. Compositions of the NLC particles, use of the NLC particles, methods of treatment or prevention of an eye disorder and an eye drop dispenser are also provided.

Abstract: When a client device loads a resource, a request for a first content item for a first content item slot is transmitted to a content item selection system. The content item selection system uses a predictive model to determine a predicted content item slot based on a document object model position of the first content item slot and a URL of the resource or a publisher identifier. Parameters for the predicted content item slot are used to select a subsequent content item for the predicted content item slot. The first content item and the subsequent content item are transmitted to the client device responsive to the request. The subsequent content item includes metadata indicative of the parameters of the predicted content item slot to be matched to a subsequent content item slot of the resource.

Abstract: A puller spacer has a cylindrical and elongated body. The puller spacer has a slot formed in a side of the body. The slot extends from a center bore of the puller spacer to an exterior of the puller spacer. Wires that extend out of a steering column are routed through a bottom of the puller spacer and into a center bore of the puller spacer, with an end of each of the wires extending out of the slot formed in a side of the puller spacer. The puller spacer is positioned between a distal end of a center threaded member of a steering wheel puller and the top of the steering column. The steering wheel puller engages the steering wheel and the center threaded member of the steering wheel puller is advanced to pull the steering wheel away from the steering column.

Abstract: A suture passer which is sized and shaped to be inserted through the femoral notch during a meniscal repair. The suture passer includes upper and lower jaws that may be straight or that may have an angled offset in relation to the common axis of the suture passer in order to gain an indirect access to meniscal tissue in a constricted space. The jaws of the suture passer may be angled, either to the left or to the right, up to 45 degrees from the central axis of the shaft. The suture passer is also able to grasp meniscal tissue prior to suture passing. A nitinol needle housed within one of the jaws can then be deployed to pass a preloaded suture through the tissue to be captured on the opposite side of the tissue.

Abstract: Methods and systems of treating sleep disordered breathing in a patient suffering therefrom by activating one or more infrahyoid strap muscles are provided. Activation of one or more infrahyoid muscles can be accomplished by stimulating an ansa cervicalis, including one or both of the superior root and the inferior root of the ansa cervicalis, alone or in combination with stimulating the hypoglossal nerve.

Abstract: A means of selecting digital content from a broadcast network, such as a digital media streaming service, without searching, browsing or missing out on the selection process by having content chosen for the consumer by the network. This is accomplished by simplifying the selection implementation, deliberately restricting the number of choices, and making content readily available during the selection process and immediately once a choice has been made by the consumer. The invention is predicated on the idea that if the consumer relies on the material itself to identify its own source, type or other characteristics, either implicitly or explicitly, then consuming becomes selecting. By eliminating searching, browsing and other metadata interference, the discovery and enjoyment of digital content is enhanced.

Abstract: A broadcast network designed to deliver a unique musical experience for consumers by receiving and processing elemental musical events that accurately describe an artist's performance or composition but contain no information about the actual sound or light at the originating location, and broadcasting these events in the form of musical commands to a number of listeners, who each experience these performances through artificial sound and images generated at their own location.

Abstract: This application describes methods of treating alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) comprising administering Compound I, a deuterated derivative thereof, and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The application also describes pharmaceutical compositions comprising Compound I, a deuterated derivative thereof, and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Abstract: A method for selecting a preferred robotic grasp of an object-of-interest using pairwise ranking includes: identifying a robotic candidate grasp usable to grasp the object-of-interest, the object-of-interest situated in an environment; receiving a grasp preference for a preferred candidate grasp of the object-of-interest; calculating a heuristic to describe a relationship of the candidate grasp to one or more of the object-of-interest and the environment; and using the heuristic and using the grasp preference, computing a pairwise ranking of two candidate grasps to determine an ordering of the at least two candidate grasps.

Abstract: This invention relates to a Nanostructured Lipid Carrier (NLC) particle comprising a therapeutic agent encapsulated therein for ocular delivery of the therapeutic agent, wherein the Nanostructured Lipid Carrier comprises: (i) a solid outer shell comprising a solid lipid, and (ii) a liquid core comprising a liquid lipid; and wherein the core comprises the therapeutic agent. Compositions of the NLC particles, use of the NLC particles, methods of treatment or prevention of an eye disorder and an eye drop dispenser are also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composition for ophthalmic delivery of a therapeutic agent, the composition comprising an oil-in-water (o/w) microemulsion comprising a fatty acid, or fatty acid ester, as the oil phase; an aqueous phase; a surfactant; and a co-surfactant, and wherein the composition further comprise a suspension of therapeutic agent-loaded nanoparticles. Use of the composition for the treatment or prevention of an eye disorder, a method of treatment or prevention of an eye disorder and an eye drop dispenser are also provided.

Abstract: A method for selecting a preferred robotic grasp of an object-of-interest using pairwise ranking includes: identifying a robotic candidate grasp usable to grasp the object-of-interest, the object-of-interest situated in an environment; receiving a grasp preference for a preferred candidate grasp of the object-of-interest; calculating a heuristic to describe a relationship of the candidate grasp to one or more of the object-of-interest and the environment; and using the heuristic and using the grasp preference, computing a pairwise ranking of two candidate grasps to determine an ordering of the at least two candidate grasps.

Abstract: A method of forming a board into a curved panel, including: providing a cutting tool having a support portion and a cutting portion, the cutting portion having a first cutting edge, and a plurality of second cutting edges disposed adjacent each other and recessed relative to the first cutting edge by a defined offset dimension; placing a corrugated board on the support portion such that a b-facing-layer is disposed facing the support portion, and an a-facing-layer is disposed facing the cutting portion; advancing the cutting portion toward the board such that the first cutting edge cuts completely through both the a-facing-layer and the b-facing-layer of the board, and the plurality of second cutting edges cut completely through the a-facing-layer, but not completely through the b-facing-layer; and, retracting the cutting portion away from the support portion and removing the panel to facilitate further manipulation of the panel into the curved panel.

Abstract: A method for selecting a preferred robotic grasp of an object-of-interest using pairwise ranking includes: identifying a robotic candidate grasp usable to grasp the object-of-interest, the object-of-interest situated in an environment; receiving a grasp preference for a preferred candidate grasp of the object-of-interest; calculating a heuristic to describe a relationship of the candidate grasp to one or more of the object-of-interest and the environment; and using the heuristic and using the grasp preference, computing a pairwise ranking of two candidate grasps to determine an ordering of the at least two candidate grasps.

Abstract: A kit is used for the modular configuration of a medical pump device for delivering a medical fluid. Such a medical pump device can be used in infusion therapy.

Abstract: A puller spacer has a cylindrical and elongated body. The puller spacer has a slot formed in a side of the body. The slot extends from a center bore of the puller spacer to an exterior of the puller spacer. Wires that extend out of a steering column are routed through a bottom of the puller spacer and into a center bore of the puller spacer, with an end of each of the wires extending out of the slot formed in a side of the puller spacer. The puller spacer is positioned between a distal end of a center threaded member of a steering wheel puller and the top of the steering column. The steering wheel puller engages the steering wheel and the center threaded member of the steering wheel puller is advanced to pull the steering wheel away from the steering column.