Abstract: A method is described for automatically correcting metadata errors in a k-mer database. A k-mer database having a self-consistent taxonomy based on genome-genome distance was constructed from a set of sample and reference genomes whose metadata included taxonomic labeling from a reference taxonomy (the standard NCBI taxonomy), which is not based on genetic distance. As a result, genomes of a given taxonomic ID of the self-consistent taxonomy could be separated into clusters based on the differences in the metadata. Genomes of the clusters less than a minimum cluster size Cmin were removed and profiled against the remaining genomes, correcting metadata automatically for those genomes that could be mapped back. The resulting k-mer database showed improved specificity for genetic profiling. Another method is described for identifying and handling chimeric genomes using the self-consistent taxonomy. Another method is described for correcting a classification database.

Abstract: For each unique pair of a complete set of data items, a computing device determines a distance between the data items of the unique pair. The computing device repeats the following until no data items remain in the complete set. For each data item remaining in the complete set, the computing device determines a similarity subset including each other data item that the distance between the data item and the other data item is less than a target difference threshold. The computing device moves a selected data item from a largest similarity subset to a reference database that is a subset of the complete set. The computing device removes each data item from the complete set that the distance between the selected data item and the data item is less than the threshold. A new data item can be classified using the reference database.

Abstract: A method of integrating a cryptographically secured digital asset into a digital video game application includes receiving a digital asset identification (ID) code representative of cryptographically secure digital asset. The digital asset ID code exists together with a unique owner ID code on a distributed blockchain ledger, and includes a code string segmented into a series of code subsets. A first plurality of the code subsets includes data indicative of a plurality of attributes of the digital asset. The digital asset ID code is provided to a virtual object generator, which returns a virtual object constructed from the first plurality of the code subsets of the unique owner ID code, and where the virtual object further including a plurality of object attributes. At least one of the character attributes is then modified according to at least one of the object attributes.

Abstract: A hydraulic radial piston device includes a housing, a pintle having a pintle shaft, a rotor mounted on the pintle shaft and defining a plurality of cylinders, and a plurality of pistons displaceable in the cylinders. The radial piston device further includes a piston ring that provides an interface for the pistons. The radial piston device includes various configurations for improving the performance and efficiency of the device.

Abstract: A method of event-based distribution of a cryptographically secured digital asset includes receiving, from a computing device associated with a user, an indication that the computing device is located at a predetermined venue within a predetermined window of time, receiving an indication that a conditional triggering event has occurred during the predetermined window of time, receiving, from the computing device, a unique owner identification (ID) code associated with the user, and transmitting a request to record a transfer of the cryptographically secured digital asset to the user on a distributed blockchain ledger. The request comprises both a unique digital asset ID code and the unique owner ID code, and transmitting the request to record the transfer of the cryptographically secured digital asset on the distributed blockchain ledger occurs only after the indication is received that the conditional event has occurred.

Abstract: A clip for fixation of a medical implant to tissue is disclosed, having a delivery shape and a relaxed shape, comprising a proximal cylindrical portion to be arranged in a tubular lumen of a catheter, and first and second resilient legs having respective proximal ends attached to the cylindrical portion, the proximal ends being separated by a width of a bridging section of the cylindrical portion, the proximal ends being connected in an inward direction, extending from each of the proximal ends to the central longitudinal axis of the cylindrical portion, the bridging section together with the first and second legs forming an opening to receive an annuloplasty implant, each of the first and second legs having a distal portion to pierce said tissue, and wherein in said relaxed shape each of the distal portions are curved to deflect from the central longitudinal axis. A related method is disclosed.

Abstract: Aspects described herein may allow for receiving, by a detection server, a plurality of configuration parameters, wherein each configuration parameter includes a type of a risk and an associated level of the risk, with a corresponding automated remediation action for each configuration parameter. A remediation management framework authenticates the detection server for access to the remediation management framework and initiates a scanning of a system of interest, based on the plurality of configuration parameters, by the detection server, to identify one or more risk findings. The remediation management framework receives the identified one more risk findings; and matches each of the one or more risk findings with the plurality of configuration parameters, which then triggers by the remediation management framework, the corresponding automated remediation action associated with each of the one or more risk findings.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems for securing a bend stiffener to a riser in an offshore energy production facility. In one system, the lower end of the bend stiffener has a magnet that repels a magnet in a clamp on the riser a distance below the bend stiffener. The magnets repel one another with a force during operation to decelerate falling and prevent contact between the clamp and the bend stiffener. Methods are provided for retrofitting a riser system by adding the magnets. In another system, the riser has an upper portion and a tapered portion immediately below the upper portion. The outer diameter of the tapered portion increases such that the tapered portion can be friction fit into the lower end of the bend stiffener in the event that the bend stiffener is forced down or free falls onto the riser.

Abstract: A method of event-based distribution of a cryptographic digital asset includes receiving, from a computing device associated with a user, an indication that the computing device is located at a predetermined venue within a predetermined window of time; receiving a unique owner identification (ID) code associated with the user; receiving a unique code acquired by the user; determining a unique digital asset ID code corresponding to the received unique code, the unique digital asset ID code being representative of the cryptographic digital asset; and transmitting a cryptographic block to a distributed blockchain ledger to record transfer of the cryptographic digital asset to the user, the cryptographic block comprising both the unique digital asset ID code and the unique owner ID code.