Abstract: In one example, a method comprises: receiving an trait indicator; obtaining, based on the trait indicator, a probability distribution of embedding vectors in a latent space, the probability distribution being generated by a distribution generation sub-model of a trained generative machine learning model from an input vector representing a variant segment associated with the trait indicator, the input vector being defined in a variant segment space having a larger number of dimensions than the latent space; obtaining a sample vector by sampling the probability distribution; reconstructing, by a sequence generation sub-model of the trained generative machine learning model and based on the trait indicator, an output vector from the sample vector, the output vector being defined in the variant segment space; and generating a simulated genome sequence based on the output vector.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method comprises: storing a trained machine learning model, the machine learning model comprising a predictor sub-model and a smoothing sub-model, the machine learning model being trained based on segments of training genomic sequences that have known ancestral origins; receiving data representing an input genomic sequence of the subject, the input genomic sequence covering a plurality of segments including a plurality of single nucleotide polymorplasms (SNP) sites of the genome of the subject, wherein each segment comprises a sequence of SNP values at the SNP sites, each SNP value specifying a variant at the SNP site; determining, using the predictor sub-model and based on the data, an initial ancestral origin estimate of each segment of SNP values; and performing, by the smoothing sub-model for each segment, a smoothing operation over the initial ancestral origin estimates to obtain a final prediction result for the ancestral origin of the segment.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the present invention, three novel human reference genome sequences were developed based on the most common population-specific DNA sequence (“major allele”). Methods were developed for their integration into interpretation pipelines for highthroughput whole genome sequencing.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the present invention, three novel human reference genome sequences were developed based on the most common population-specific DNA sequence (“major allele”). Methods were developed for their integration into interpretation pipelines for highthroughput whole genome sequencing.

Abstract: Methods and procedures for designing and constructing microbes with the ability to harvest light energy are described. In certain embodiments, these methods and procedures are used to construct a photosynthetic yeast based on proteorhodopsin (PR) expression. Proteorhodopsin is a light powered proton pump used by some ocean bacteria to scavenge light energy. By illuminating single yeast cells expressing PR, controlled amounts of energy can be delivered to these cells. A light-harvesting yeast is a unique bioenergetics research platform for investigating the interplay of biofuel production, cellular ATP levels, and the proton-motive-force (pmf). Also, a strain of yeast with light-boosted biomass to biofuel conversion efficiency possesses direct industrial and commercial utility.

Abstract: An optical trap (and alignment device) having a light source for generating first and second light beams, and a pair of lenses for focusing the light beams to a trap region in a counter-propagating manner for trapping a particle in the trap region. A light source illuminates the trap region with a third beam of light, and a camera is positioned for capturing a portion of each of the first, second and third light beams. Actuators exert forces on generally rigid portions of optical fiber used to deliver the first and second light beams to the trap region, such that the generally rigid portions pivot about pivot points located at supported members from which the optical fibers extend. Position sensitive detectors measure the position of the beams leaving the optical fibers, and feed position signals back to the actuator drivers to ensure proper positioning of the beams.

Abstract: An alignment device and method for delivering a light beam to an optical application, such as an optical trap having a pair of lenses with overlapping focal regions for trapping a particle therein. The alignment device includes a light source for generating a beam of light, a support member, an optical fiber, a collimating lens, and actuators. The optical fiber includes an input end for receiving the beam of light, and a generally rigid portion extending from the support member and terminating in a delivery end for emitting the beam of light. The collimating lens collimates the emitted beam of light. The actuators exert forces on the generally rigid portion such that it pivots about a pivot point of the optical fiber at the support member. The collimated beam of light pivots about an optical pivot point as the optical fiber pivots about the pivot point.

Abstract: An optical trap and method for measuring both transverse and longitudinal forces on a trapped particle. Laser light sources generate first and second light beams that are focused to the trap region in a counter-propagating manner for trapping the particle. Detectors measure changes in power deflections of the light beams leaving the trap region, and changes in power concentrations of the light beams leaving the trap region. A processor calculates the transverse forces on the particle based upon the measured changes in the power deflections of the light beams, and calculates the longitudinal forces on the particle based upon the measured changes in the power concentrations of the light beams. A single beam optical trap and method are also disclosed, where the second optical beam is generated by a reflection of the first optical beam off of the trapped particle.

Abstract: A prosthesis device for repairing a hernia having an insertion canal made of sheet material for extending through the hernia. The insertion canal is attached at one end to a collar and at the other end to a base that is to be on the inside of the abdominal cavity. The base may be a sheet or a pouch that is to be brought to bear on the inside the wall of the abdominal cavity. The insertion canal providing a simple way of deploying the sheet or pouch against the wall of a abdominal cavity.

Abstract: A medication cartridge for use with a medication delivery pen having a cartridge body with threads at its distal end for receiving a pen-needle. The threads are either integrally molded in the cartridge or on the outer surface of a cap used to retain a septum on the distal end of the cartridge body. The cartridge body of the medication cartridge also includes threads or a snap-ring at its proximal end for attaching the medication cartridge directly to a pen body housing of the medication delivery pen without the need for a medication cartridge holder.

Abstract: A luminescence measuring system is provided for detecting luminescence at extremely low concentrations of luminescing moieties. The method employs alternating radiation at a plurality of loci of an inhomogenous solution, where the radiant power is maintained constant, and the irradiated volumes of pairs of loci are systematically varied. With the probability being very low that the same luminescence signal will be obtained in the two or more measurements, by comparing the measurements, one can detect a low luminescence signal in the presence of relatively high noise levels. Various techniques are described for modulating the irradiance and detecting changes in signal.

Abstract: A luminescence measuring system is provided for detecting luminescence at extremely low concentrations of luminescing moieties. The method employs alternating radiation at a plurality of loci of an inhomogenous solution, where the radiant power is maintained constant, and the irradiated volumes of pairs of loci are systematically varied. With the probability being very low that the same luminescence signal will be obtained in the two or more measurements, by comparing the measurements, one can detect a low luminescence signal in the presence of relatively high noise levels. Various techniques are described for modulating the irradiance and detecting changes in signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a differential image of a specimen is disclosed. The two images whose difference is used to generate the differential image are made by illuminating said specimen with polarized light, each image corresponding to illuminating the specimen with light of a different polarization. The intensity of the differential image at each point is related to the difference in intensities observed when the point in question is illuminated with light having the different polarizations divided by the sum of said observed intensities. The present invention includes a light source for illuminating the image with polarized light having a polarization which oscillates between first and second preselected states of polarization, said oscillations occurring at a predetermined frequency.