Abstract: This invention relates to the use of biomarker LRG1 as a biomarker for preeclampsia for use from the first trimester. Elevated levels of leucine-rich alpha 2 glycoprotein 1 (LRG1) can predict risk for the future development of preeclampsia or other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. The predictive test will comprise the measurement of LRG1 protein, peptide fragment, DNA or RNA, from either blood, plasma, serum, urine, saliva or amniotic fluid. The invention provides a method and a test kit to assess the risk of pre-eclampsia in pregnant woman. The method or test can utilise antibodies to measure levels of LGR1 in a sample.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing a fleet of vehicles are provided. In one example embodiment, a computer-implemented method includes obtaining data representing vehicle state information associated with one or more vehicles among a fleet of vehicles at one or more times. The method includes predicting a future vehicle state associated with the one or more vehicles at one or more future times. The method includes scheduling a vehicle assignment in a predetermined set of vehicle assignments for a selected vehicle among the one or more vehicles before a first future time among the one or more future times. The method includes transmitting a command signal to a computing system associated with the selected vehicle based at least in part on the scheduled vehicle assignment.

Abstract: Methods and systems used to extract lipids suitable in production of biofuels from a fermentation broth may include using heat to pre-treat the fermentation broth in order to more easily extract a product from oleaginous microorganisms in the broth. Additionally or alternatively, a combination of enzymes including amylase, 1-4 mannosidase, and 1-3 mannosidase may be used to break down cell walls of the oleaginous microorganisms. Residual broth water may be recycled and used as imbibition water for washing a process feedstock to extract sugar.

Abstract: Methods and systems used to extract lipids suitable in production of biofuels from a fermentation broth may include using heat to pre-treat the fermentation broth in order to more easily extract a product from oleaginous microorganisms in the broth. Additionally or alternatively, a combination of enzymes including amylase, 1-4 mannosidase, and 1-3 mannosidase may be used to break down cell walls of the oleaginous microorganisms. Residual broth water may be recycled and used as imbibition water for washing a process feedstock to extract sugar.

Abstract: Embodiments of a circuit, which includes a device and a switch, which is electrically coupled to the device, to control power applied to the device, are described. This switch includes a control terminal, which controls the switch, and two other terminals, which can receive power to be applied to the device. Moreover, the circuit is configured to apply a voltage to the control terminal to ensure the switch remains open when a supply voltage is applied to one of the two other terminals while powering-up the circuit, thereby preventing spurious application of the supply voltage to the device.

Abstract: Disclosed are lacrimal inserts and their method of use for delivery of of medication to the eye. The plug includes a body portion sized to pass through a lacrimal punctum and be positioned within a lacrimal canaliculus of the eyelid. The plug may contain a core, or reservoir, at least partially within the body portion comprising a therapeutic agent that is configured to controlled release into the eye and is configured to release medication via a designated port, valve, or orifice in the insert housing and inhibits diffusion of medication via the housing itself The core may include retention features to ensure that it remains securely located within the lacrimal insert over its usable life.

Abstract: A surgical procedure according to which a cutting device is connected in a spaced relationship to an anchor, and the anchor is located over a first area of the bone. The distance between the cutting device and the anchor is adjusted so that the cutting device extends over a second area of the bone, and the anchor is driven into the first area of the bone so that the cutting device cuts into the second area.

Abstract: A surgical procedure according to which a cutting device is connected in a spaced relationship to an anchor, and the anchor is located over a first area of the bone. The distance between the cutting device and the anchor is adjusted so that the cutting device extends over a second area of the bone, and the anchor is driven into the first area of the bone so that the cutting device cuts into the second area.

Abstract: A surgical procedure according to which a cutting device is connected in a spaced relationship to an anchor, and the anchor is located over a first area of the bone. The distance between the cutting device and the anchor is adjusted so that the cutting device extends over a second area of the bone, and the anchor is driven into the first area of the bone so that the cutting device cuts into the second area.

Abstract: An surgical apparatus and method are described for manipulating one or more osteochondral plugs, including, but not limited to, extracting and/or impacting the one or more osteochondral plugs.