Abstract: An environment warping approach is implemented to improve a robustness of contact-aware robot trajectory optimization by a change of coordinates from an ambient space to a flat space. The disclosed method warps the ambient space of a curved terrain to a warped space with a flat terrain using a optimized mapping function. A contact-aware trajectory optimization procedure is then formulated in the warped space under a set of geometrical and physical constraints with decision variables pulled back from the ambient space to the warped flat space. The decision variables are parameterized using high-order spines with a set of control parameters which are optimized in the warped space in order to generate the gait trajectory in the ambient space. For example, an objective function and constraint functions from the ambient space are pushed back to the warped space while force and rotational variables are pushed forward from the warped space to the ambient space.

Abstract: A surface cleaning device includes a nozzle and an odor dial assembly. The nozzle includes a nozzle housing and a dirty air passageway. The odor dial assembly include a fragrance member and a dial body configured to be removably coupled to the nozzle housing. The dial body at least partially defines a fragrance cavity configured to at least partially receive the fragrance member and a fragrance passageway extending therethrough. The odor dial assembly is configured to transition between a plurality of user-selectable positions to adjust an amount of fragrance particles released by the fragrance member into the dirty air passageway.

Abstract: In a method, a visual hull is generated based on intersections of first 3D primitives of a plurality of first silhouettes with a bounding box of a 3D model. The first silhouettes are generated by projecting the 3D model onto planes perpendicular to a number of selected view directions of the 3D model. Each of the first 3D primitives is obtained by extruding a connected loop of a respective first silhouette along a view direction of the number of selected view directions that is associated with the respective first silhouette. A carved mesh is be generated based on subtractions of second 3D primitives derived from positive parts of the 3D model to carve out redundant structures from the visual hull. The positive parts are obtained based on fitting planes that slices the 3D model. A low-poly mesh sequence is generated based on progressive simplifications of the carved mesh.

Abstract: Disclosed are nucleic acid oligomers, including amplification oligomers, capture probes, and detection probes, for detection of Zika virus nucleic acid. Also disclosed are methods of specific nucleic acid amplification and detection using the disclosed oligomers, as well as corresponding reaction mixtures and kits.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes, but is not limited to, methods and systems for pooling or combining multiple samples together. Particularly, this disclosure relates to pooling and combining samples in a process and system that combines samples in a way that allows targets in the pooled sample to be analyzed/detected with a similar sensitivity and specificity as for analysis/detection of targets from the individual samples of the pool. Specifically, in some embodiments, methods herein avoid a dilution effect found in commonly used sample pooling methods that can reduce their sensitivity and limit the number of samples that can be pooled. In some embodiments, methods herein include processes to de-convolute the pool down to individual samples. Methods herein may be applicable to creating and testing pooled/combined samples for target molecules and de-convoluting pooled samples to identify an individual sample in a pool containing the target.

Abstract: Disclosed are nucleic acid oligomers, including amplification oligomers, capture probes, and detection probes, for detection of Zika virus nucleic acid. Also disclosed are methods of specific nucleic acid amplification and detection using the disclosed oligomers, as well as corresponding reaction mixtures and kits.

Abstract: Disclosed are nucleic acid oligomers, including amplification oligomers, capture probes, and detection probes, for detection of Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) nucleic acid. Also disclosed are methods of specific nucleic acid amplification and detection using the disclosed oligomers, as well as corresponding reaction mixtures and kits.

Abstract: The medical field of COVID-19 diagnosis relates to methods for detecting SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acids in a sample as well as combinations of oligomers for determining the presence or absence of SARS-CoV-2 in a Sample.

Abstract: Disclosed are nucleic acid oligomers, including amplification oligomers, capture probes, and detection probes, for detection of Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) nucleic acid. Also disclosed are methods of specific nucleic acid amplification and detection using the disclosed oligomers, as well as corresponding reaction mixtures and kits.

Abstract: Disclosed are nucleic acid oligomers, including amplification oligomers, capture probes, and detection probes, for detection of Zika virus nucleic acid. Also disclosed are methods of specific nucleic acid amplification and detection using the disclosed oligomers, as well as corresponding reaction mixtures and kits.

Abstract: Nucleic acid oligomers specific for human parvovirus genomic DNA. An assay for amplifying and detecting human parvovirus genotypes 1, 2 and 3 nucleic acid in biological specimens. Compositions for amplifying and detecting the presence of human parvovirus genotypes 1, 2 and 3 genomic DNA in human biological specimens.

Abstract: This disclosure provides oligomers, compositions, and kits for detecting and quantifying Hepatitis B virus (HBV), including different genotypes and variants thereof, and related methods and uses. In some embodiments, oligomers target the P and/or S open reading frames of HBV and are configured to provide substantially equivalent quantification of different genotypes and variants of HBV.

Abstract: Nucleic acid oligomers specific for human parvovirus genomic DNA are disclosed. An assay for amplifying and detecting human parvovirus genotypes 1, 2 and 3 nucleic acid in biological specimens is disclosed. Compositions for amplifying and detecting the presence of human parvovirus genotypes 1, 2 and 3 genomic DNA in human biological specimens are disclosed.

Abstract: Various aspects of the invention relate to compositions and methods of analyzing blood plasma, blood serum, and manufacturing pools of plasma-derived products wherein an anionic surfactant is added to an aliquot of the blood plasma, blood serum, or manufacturing pool prior to analysis, and the counterion of the anionic surfactant is not sodium ion. The anionic surfactant may be, for example, lauryl sulfate. The counterion of the anionic surfactant may be, for example, lithium ion.

Abstract: This disclosure provides oligomers, compositions, and kits for detecting and quantifying Hepatitis B virus (HBV), including different genotypes and variants thereof, and related methods and uses. In some embodiments, oligomers target the P and/or S open reading frames of HBV and are configured to provide substantially equivalent quantification of different genotypes and variants of HBV.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are lysis reagents for lysing red blood cells, thereby releasing an analyte, such as RNA from a host or pathogen, in a form suitable for analysis. The reagent includes at least a buffer, a detergent and one or both of a chloride containing salt and an anti-coagulant. The reagent serves to lyse blood cells, protect the released analyte from degradation in the lysate, and is compatible with subsequent steps for analysis of the analyte such as target capture, amplification, detection, or sequencing.

Abstract: The invention provides a lysis reagent for lysing red blood cells, thereby releasing a target, such as RNA from a parasitic organism, in a form suitable for analysis. The reagent includes at least ammonium chloride and an anionic detergent, and may include an anti-coagulant. The reagent serves to lyse red blood cells, protect the released target from degradation in the lysate, and is compatible with subsequent steps for analysis of the target such as target capture, amplification, detection, or sequencing.

Abstract: Disclosed are nucleic acid oligomers, including amplification oligomers, capture probes, and detection probes, for detection of Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) nucleic acid. Also disclosed are methods of specific nucleic acid amplification and detection using the disclosed oligomers, as well as corresponding reaction mixtures and kits.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are lysis reagents for lysing red blood cells, thereby releasing an analyte, such as RNA from a host or pathogen, in a form suitable for analysis. The reagent includes at least a buffer, a detergent and one or both of a chloride containing salt and an anti-coagulant. The reagent serves to lyse blood cells, protect the released analyte from degradation in the lysate, and is compatible with subsequent steps for analysis of the analyte such as target capture, amplification, detection, or sequencing.

Abstract: The invention provides a lysis reagent for lysing red blood cells, thereby releasing a target, such as RNA from a parasitic organism, in a form suitable for analysis. The reagent includes at least ammonium chloride and an anionic detergent, and may include an anti-coagulant. The reagent serves to lyse red blood cells, protect the released target from degradation in the lysate, and is compatible with subsequent steps for analysis of the target such as target capture, amplification, detection, or sequencing.