Abstract: Various example implementations are directed to circuits, apparatuses, and methods for providing virtual computing services. According to an example embodiment, an apparatus includes a set of computing servers configured to provide a respective set of virtual servers for each of a plurality of accounts. The apparatus also includes a processing circuit communicatively-coupled to the set of computing servers. The processing circuit is configured to determine an operating state of the respective set of virtual servers provided for each account. For each account, the processing circuit is also configured to provide an alert message to one or more users specified in a respective alert policy of the account in response to the operating state of the virtual servers satisfying a set of alert criteria indicated in the alert policy.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of selectively characterising polynucleotides of a desired property, such as length, using a nanopore, based on the translocation of the polynucleotide through or across the nanopore. Kits and systems for use in such methods are also provided. The methods of the invention are particularly suitable for sequencing polynucleotides such as DNA.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to converting between structured and tabular data formats. Data can be received in a tabular format. An array can be built for each of a plurality of objects within the data in the tabular format, each object corresponding to at least one identified header of the identified headers. A data row can be parsed using at least one of the built arrays and data within the data row can be added to the structured format in a specific location based characteristics indicated in the at least one array. Data can also be converted from the structured format into the tabular format using the built arrays.

Abstract: The invention relates to improving the movement of a target polynucleotide with respect to a transmembrane pore when the movement is controlled by a polynucleotide binding protein. The invention also relates to improved transmembrane pores and polynucleotide binding proteins.

Abstract: The invention relates to new methods of attaching one or more polynucleotide binding proteins to a target polynucleotide. The invention also related to new methods of characterising target polynucleotides.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method of moving a double-stranded polynucleotide with respect to a nanopore using a motor protein. The method allows a portion of the polynucleotide to be interrogated by the pore multiple times. Also provided are polynucleotide adapters and kits comprising such adapters. The methods find use in characterising polynucleotides, for example in sequencing.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method of characterising a target polynucleotide as it moves with respect to a nanopore using a motor protein. Also provided are polynucleotide adapters and kits comprising such adapters. The methods, kits and adapters find use in characterising polynucleotides, for example in sequencing.

Abstract: There is provided a microfluidic device comprising a first region configured to hold target cells, e.g., tumor cells, a second region configured to hold effector cells, e.g., immune cells, and an array of microstructures disposed between the first and second regions, wherein the first region is in fluid communication with the second region, and wherein the array of microstructures is configured to selectively allow movement of immune cells, from the second region to an interaction zone that is at least partially disposed within the first region, for interaction with tumor cells in the interaction zone. The array of microstructures can be an array of micropillars. Also provided is a chip comprising a plurality of the device and a method of studying interactions of a first cell type with a second cell type.

Abstract: A combination amplifier can include a “main amplifier circuit” for signal amplification, and a matching “compensation amplifier circuit” to monitor distortion in the main amplifier output signal. The compensation amplifier circuit provides a compensation signal to the main amplifier circuit to compensate for and servo out distortion therein. The compensation amplifier circuit includes a passive input network and an amplifier. The passive input network can connect to both the input and output nodes of the main amplifier circuit such that the input and output signals cancel within the passive input network, leaving only the low level distortion component introduced in the main amplifier. Thus, the compensation amplifier is then only operating on the low-level distortion introduced in the main amplifier to generate the compensation signal. Because the compensation amplifier is then only operating on the very low distortion signal, any distortion it introduces into the compensation signal is negligible.

Abstract: A request to share cloud data associated with a first account in a database system with an application is received. Based on the request, second-party application data and third-party data that is accessible by the first account is identified. The second-party application data comprises application data corresponding to a second application provided by a second-party application provider. The third-party data corresponds to a second account maintained by the database system. The second account corresponds to a third-party data provider. The application is enabled to access the cloud data associated with the first account based on the request. The cloud data comprises customer data associated with the first account, second-party application data, and the third-party data.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a streamlined process for performing operations, such as data sharing and data replication, using multiple accounts. A global identity (also referred to as an organization user) may be employed, where the global identity may have access to multiple accounts across the same or different deployments. The global identity may switch between accounts from its login session and perform various tasks in the context of different accounts without undergoing further authentication.

Abstract: An example head-mounted display device includes a light projector, an optical assembly arranged to direct light from a light projector to a user, and an actuator module. The optical assembly includes a variable focus lens assembly including a rigid refractive component, a shaper ring defining an aperture, and a flexible lens membrane between the shaper ring and the rigid refractive component and covering the aperture. The refractive component, the shaper ring, and the lens membrane are arranged along an axis. The refractive component and the lens membrane define a chamber containing a volume of fluid. The actuator module is configured to adjust an optical power of the variable focus lens by moving the shaper ring relative to the refractive component along the axis, such that a curvature of the lens membrane in the aperture is modified.

Abstract: Various example implementations are directed to circuits, apparatuses, and methods for providing virtual computing services. According to an example embodiment, an apparatus includes a data storage device and a set of computing servers communicatively coupled to the data storage device. The set of computer servers are configured to provide a respective virtual data center for each of a plurality of accounts. The respective virtual data center for each account is configured to provide virtual services specified in a respective settings file for the account stored in the data storage device. The virtual data center for at least one of the accounts includes a set of virtual desktops and a set virtual data-communications servers providing data communications services which may include Voice-over-IP (VoIP) services, and support services for each account as specified in the settings file for the account.

Abstract: An automatic animal feeder has two bowls and a base unit which accepts the bowls. Two lids are provided, one for each bowl, which may be closed to cover the bowl and prevent access to it or opened about a hinge means to allow access to the bowl. A lid control mechanism is capable of keeping either lid closed independently or opening either lid independently. A removable joining member is provided that links the two lids so that one lid cannot open unless the other lid can also open.

Abstract: Methods for monitoring, controlling and simulating a bioprocess comprising a cell culture in a bioreactor are provided. The methods comprise obtaining values of one or more process conditions for the bioprocess at one or more maturities, and determining the specific transport rates of one or more metabolites in the cell culture using the values obtained as input to a machine learning model trained to predict the specific transport rates of the one or more metabolites at a latest maturity of the one or more maturities or a later maturity based at least in part on the values of one or more process conditions for the bioprocess at the one or more preceding maturities. The methods further comprise predicting one or more features of the bioprocess based at least in part on the determined specific transport rates. Systems, computer readable media and methods for providing tools to implement such methods are also provided.

Abstract: Various example implementations are directed to systems, circuits, apparatuses, and methods for providing virtual computing services. According to an example embodiment, a system includes a set of computing servers configured to provide a respective set of virtual servers for each of a plurality of accounts. The system also includes a processing circuit communicatively coupled to the set of computing servers. For each of the plurality of accounts, the processing circuit provides a mechanism for an authorized user of the account to select options for reporting usage of the respective set of virtual servers. The processing circuit also monitors use of the respective set of virtual servers for the account and generates invoices for use of the respective set of virtual servers according to the selected options.

Abstract: Various example implementations are directed to circuits, apparatuses, and methods for providing virtual computing services. One example involves a set of computing servers communicatively coupled to the data storage device. The set of computer servers provide a respective virtual data center for each of a plurality of accounts, and the respective virtual data center for each account provides virtual services specified in a respective settings file for the account stored in the data storage device. The virtual data center for at least one of the accounts includes a set of virtual desktops and a set virtual servers, including at least one Voice-over-IP (VoIP) server. The VoIP server provides VoIP service for a plurality of users of the account.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a streamlined process for performing operations, such as data sharing and data replication, using multiple accounts. A global identity (also referred to as an organization user) may be employed, where the global identity may have access to multiple accounts across the same or different deployments. The global identity may switch between accounts from its login session and perform various tasks in the context of different accounts without undergoing further authentication.

Abstract: An absorbent article has a top sheet, a back sheet, and an absorbent assembly positioned between the back sheet and the top sheet. The absorbent article includes a fluid intake layer positioned between the absorbent assembly and the top sheet. The fluid intake layer has a rearward-facing arch located in a back portion of the fluid intake layer. The fluid intake layer has an opening. The absorbent article includes a first lateral stiffener and a second lateral stiffener extending along a majority of the longitudinal side edges of the fluid intake layer. The absorbent article includes a first flexure, a second flexure, and a third flexure in a rear portion of the absorbent article.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods related to low-noise, high-accuracy single-ended continuous-time sigma-delta (CTSD) analog-to-digital converter (ADC) are provided. An example single-ended CTSD ADC includes a pair of input nodes to receive a single-ended input signal and input circuitry. The input circuitry includes a pair of switches, each coupled to one of the pair of input nodes; and an amplifier to provide a common mode signal at a pair of first nodes, each before one of the pair of switches. The single-ended CTSD ADC further includes digital-to-analog converter (DAC) circuitry; and integrator circuitry coupled to the input circuitry and the DAC circuitry via a pair of second nodes.