Abstract: A method is provided for generating single-stranded DNA circles from a biological sample. The method comprises the steps of: treating the biological sample with an extractant to release nucleic acids, thereby forming a sample mixture; neutralizing the extractant; denaturing the released nucleic acids to generate single-stranded nucleic acids; and contacting the single-stranded nucleic acids with a ligase that is capable of template-independent, intramolecular ligation of single-stranded DNA to generate the single-stranded DNA circles. All the steps of the method are performed without any intermediate nucleic acid isolation or nucleic acid purification. The single-stranded DNA circles may be amplified and further analyzed. Also provided is a kit which comprises compositions for carrying out the novel methods.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for efficiently rendering audio. A method may include receiving a request to present a first audio track, wherein the first audio track is based on a first audio model comprising a shared model component and a first model component; receiving a request to present a second audio track, wherein the second audio track is based on a second audio model comprising the shared model component and a second model component; rendering a sound based on the first audio track, the second audio track, the shared model component, the first model component, and the second model component; and presenting, via one or more speakers, the an audio signal comprising the rendered sound.

Abstract: The embodiments generally relate to systems and methods for an online marketplace for goods and services. The systems and methods involve a hardware processor that receives attributes for a good or service from the seller terminal, generates pricing data for the good or service using a price estimator and market analyser, and processes the attributes for the good or service using a condition analyzer. The systems and methods facilitate a product or service listing using an interface between a seller terminal and at least one of a dealer terminal, and a buyer terminal to generate and provide a listing for the product or service. The systems and methods can facilitate a product or service listing using an interface between a seller terminal and at least one of a dealer terminal, and a buyer terminal with an auction/transaction conductor to list the product or service, including in an auction in some embodiments.

Abstract: An integrated circuit containing a data processing system with a number of external peripheral pins utilizes the peripheral pins for both testing the corresponding peripherals and for parallel testing of other complex functions in a MCU. The MCU has a plurality of test modes that can be selected, with different peripheral pins being connected to a test circuit depending on which test mode is selected. This allows testing of peripherals via their corresponding pins, as well as other complex functions without the necessity of having dedicated test pins.