Abstract: An intervertebral scaffolding system is provided having an expandable frame operable for a reversible collapse from an expanded state into a collapsed state, the expandable frame having a stabilizer, one or more tensioners, or a combination of the stabilizer with one or more tensioners. The stabilizer slidably engages with the distal region of the expandable frame and both the stabilizer and the one or more tensioners are configured for retaining the expandable frame from a lateral movement that exceeds the expanded state, and the stabilizer can include a locking element that engages with the expansion member to lock the expansion member to the stabilizer when the expansion member is fully inserted into the frame. The expanded state, for example, can be configured to have an open graft distribution window that at least substantially closes upon the reversible collapse.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided herein for locating and monitoring subcutaneous target sites. A device as described herein may comprise a base layer configured to attach to a portion of a subject's body in proximity to the target site; and a plurality of transducer elements on the base layer, wherein the plurality of transducer elements are configured to (1) transmit a set of signals that penetrate beneath the skin of the subject and (2) receive a set of reflected signals associated with underlying anatomical structures, the underlying anatomical structures comprising the target site and bodily tissue surrounding the target site, wherein the set of reflected signals is used to identify a location of the target site while the device is placed in situ on the subject's body, without having to physically move the device over the portion of the subject's body to search for the target site.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods of and systems for modifying the transcriptional regulation of stem or progenitor cells to promote their differentiation or reprogramming of somatic cells. Further, the labeling and editing of human genomic loci in live cells with three orthogonal CRISPR/Cas9 components allow multicolor detection of genomic loci with high spatial resolution, which provides an avenue for barcoding elements of the human genome in the living state.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes a Cas9 nickase which nicks a flanking target sequence to a duplicated gene sequence (e.g., a retroviral LTR). This nicking causes a genomic collapse of the sequence between the nick and the LTR, thereby deleting the sequence from the genome. Because the nickase does not introduce mutations at the target site, this method can be repeated maximize the efficiency (e.g., 100% of retroviral genome excision. For example, this method is useful to delete all PERVs within a pig genome intended for human transplantation. Further, such PERV-free cells can then be used to clone PERV-free pigs. Furthermore, this method is useful to remove amplified gene repeats in cancer cells.

Abstract: An intervertebral scaffolding system is provided having an expandable frame operable for a reversible collapse from an expanded state into a collapsed state, the expandable frame having a stabilizer, one or more tensioners, or a combination of the stabilizer with one or more tensioners. The stabilizer slidably engages with the distal region of the expandable frame and both the stabilizer and the one or more tensioners are configured for retaining the expandable frame from a lateral movement that exceeds the expanded state, and the stabilizer can include a locking element that engages with the expansion member to lock the expansion member to the stabilizer when the expansion member is fully inserted into the frame. The expanded state, for example, can be configured to have an open graft distribution window that at least substantially closes upon the reversible collapse.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a composition that includes a compound having the structure R1O—(CH2O)n—R2 and a cetane number between about 65 and about 100, where n is between 1 and 10, inclusively, R1 includes a first alkyl group, and R2 includes a second alkyl group.

Abstract: A method of leveraging a dialogue history of a conversational computing interface to execute an updated dialogue plan. The method comprises maintaining an annotated dialogue history of the conversational computing interface. The annotated dialogue history includes a plurality of traced steps defining a data-flow including input data used to execute a context-dependent operation and output data recorded from a previous execution of the context-dependent operation. The method further comprises recognizing an updated dialogue plan including a prefix of executable steps and an updated executable step following the prefix. The method further comprises automatically computer-recognizing that the prefix of executable steps of the updated dialogue plan matches a corresponding prefix of traced steps in the annotated dialogue history. The method further comprises re-using the data-flow from the prefix of traced steps in the annotated dialogue history to automatically determine input data of the updated executable step.

Abstract: A method includes receiving an utterance at a computerized automated assistant system, and detecting, via a date/time constraint module of the computerized automated assistant system, one or more constraints in the utterance associated with a date or time. The utterance is associated with a domain. The method further comprises generating, via the date/time constraint module, a periodic set for each of the one or more constraints associated with the date or time, and combining, via the date/time constraint module, the one or more periodic sets. The method further comprises processing, via a dialogue manager module of the computerized automated assistant system, the combined periodic sets to determine an action, and executing the action at the computerized automated assistant system.

Abstract: An intervertebral scaffolding system is provided having a laterovertically-expanding frame operable for a reversible collapse from an expanded state into a collapsed state, the laterovertically-expanding frame having a stabilizer, one or more tensioners, or a combination of the stabilizer with one or more tensioners. The stabilizer slidably engages with the distal region of the laterovertically-expanding frame and both the stabilizer and the one or more tensioners are configured for retaining the laterovertically-expanding frame from a lateral movement that exceeds the expanded state, and the stabilizer can include a locking element that engages with the expansion member to lock the expansion member to the stabilizer when the expansion member is fully inserted into the frame. The expanded state, for example, can be configured to have an open graft distribution window that at least substantially closes upon the reversible collapse.

Abstract: A therapeutic support device includes a bladder having one or more independently inflatable compartments, each including a plurality of inflatable cells. When inflated, each inflatable cell forms a contact node that may support a user or another object disposed thereon. The inflatable compartments can be alternately inflated and deflated such that contact pressure can be applied to and relieved from corresponding portions of the user's body in an alternating manner.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a pressurized atmosphere to a patient including one or more flat sheets of plastic arranged in an envelope and sealed around the periphery to form an airtight container. The helmet has an airtight collar that is configured to accommodate a patient's neck and form an airtight seal. An intake port is integrated into the helmet and receives pressurized air. An exhaust port is integrated into the helmet near the patient's mouth when the helmet is in use. Additional ports can be added to the helmet to provide more functionality such as feeding or supplemental oxygen.

Abstract: Described herein are devices and methods for the efficient and economic generation of lignin monomers from biomass. The provided devices and methods utilize reductive catalytic fractionation with an organic solvent to extract high-quality lignin from biomass and cleave specific lignin bonds to generate valuable lignin monomers with a relatively narrow product slate. Advantageously, the devices and methods described herein utilize solvent recycling, multiple solvolysis chambers with multiple biomass beds and/or physical agitation (e.g., use of a screw extruder) to reduce the amount of solvent required and increase economic efficiency and monomer yield.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a composition that includes a compound having the structure R1O—(CH2O)n—R2 and a cetane number between about 65 and about 100, where n is between 1 and 10, inclusively, R1 includes a first alkyl group, and R2 includes a second alkyl group.

Abstract: A matchmaking service can match a satellite owner/operator with antennas that are available and capable of servicing a communication request from the satellite owner/operator (e.g., to exchange data with the satellite owner/operator's satellite). The communication request may be received at a ground station service, and information included therein may be compared to capabilities of antennas registered with the ground station service to determine antennas that are compatible with the request. The ground station service may reserve a time slot for a selected compatible antenna to service the request and control the selected compatible antenna (e.g., to track and communicate with the satellite) during the time slot. In some embodiments, the matchmaking of satellite owners/operators to antennas uses models to determine communication parameters for a communication request and to determine capabilities of antennas registered with the ground station.

Abstract: A method comprising recognizing a user utterance including an ambiguity. The method further comprises using a previously-trained code-generation machine to produce, from the user utterance, a data-flow program including a search-history function. The search-history function is configured to select a highest-confidence disambiguating concept from one or more candidate concepts stored in a context-specific dialogue history.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a pressurized atmosphere to a patient including one or more flat sheets of plastic arranged in an envelope and sealed around the periphery to form an airtight container. The helmet has an airtight collar that is configured to accommodate a patient's neck and form an airtight seal. An intake port is integrated into the helmet and receives pressurized air. An exhaust port is integrated into the helmet near the patient's mouth when the helmet is in use. Additional ports can be added to the helmet to provide more functionality such as feeding or supplemental oxygen.

Abstract: A matchmaking service can match a satellite owner/operator with antennas that are available and capable of servicing a communication request from the satellite owner/operator (e.g., to exchange data with the satellite owner/operator's satellite). The communication request may be received at a ground station service, and information included therein may be compared to capabilities of antennas registered with the ground station service to determine antennas that are compatible with the request. The ground station service may reserve a time slot for a selected compatible antenna to service the request and control the selected compatible antenna (e.g., to track and communicate with the satellite) during the time slot. In some embodiments, the matchmaking of satellite owners/operators to antennas uses models to determine communication parameters for a communication request and to determine capabilities of antennas registered with the ground station.

Abstract: A method, comprising recognizing a user utterance for processing. The method further comprises using a previously-trained code-generation machine to generate, from the user utterance, a data-flow program configured to produce a return value upon successful execution. The method further comprises beginning execution of the data-flow program. Responsive to reaching an error condition resulting from execution of the data-flow program, the method further comprises, prior to the data-flow program producing the return value, suspending execution of the data flow program. The method further comprises using the previously-trained code-generation machine to generate an error-handling data-flow program, wherein the error-handling data-flow program is configured to produce the return value; beginning execution of the error-handling data-flow program to produce the return value; and outputting the return value.

Abstract: The present invention provides a Cas9 platform to facilitate single-site nuclease gene editing precision within a human genome. For example, a Cas9 nuclease/DNA-targeting unit (Cas9-DTU) fusion protein precisely delivers a Cas9/sgRNA complex to a specific target site within the genome for subsequent sgRNA-dependent cleavage of an adjacent target sequence. Alternatively, attenuating Cas9 binding using mutations to the a protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) recognition domain makes Cas9 target site recognition dependent on the associated DTU, all while retaining Cas9's sgRNA-mediated DNA cleavage fidelity. Cas9-DTU fusion proteins have improved target site binding precision, greater nuclease activity, and a broader sequence targeting range than standard Cas9 systems. Existing Cas9 or sgRNA variants (e.g., truncated sgRNAs (tru-gRNAs), nickases and FokI fusions) are compatible with these improvements to further reduce off-target cleavage.