Abstract: An online system receives contextual information for a goal-oriented environment at a current time and generates Q-value predictions that indicate likelihoods that one or more participants will reach the desired goal. The Q-value for a current time may also be interpreted as the value of the actions taken at the current time with respect to the desired goal. The online system generates Q-value predictions for a current time by applying an approximator network to the contextual information for the current time. In one instance, the approximator network is a machine learning model neural network model trained by a reinforcement learning process. The reinforcement process allows the approximator network to incrementally update the Q-value predictions given new information throughout time, and results in a more computationally efficient training process compared to other types of supervised or unsupervised machine learning model processes.

Abstract: A DNA extraction device may include a substrate, at least one first side channel electrode, at least one second side channel electrode, optionally, at least one elongate central channel electrode, and a voltage source connected between the electrodes. The substrate defines an elongate central channel defining a major axis. A width of the elongate central channel is greater than its depth, and its depth is less than about 15 times a diameter of a cell to be introduced in the elongate central channel. The substrate also defines first and second side channels adjacent to the elongate central channel on opposite sides of the major axis. The substrate further defines first and second trapezoidally shaped connecting channels connecting the elongate central channel and the first and second side channels, respectively. The smaller parallel sides of the first and second trapezoidally shaped connecting channels open to the respective side channels.

Abstract: A molecular filter that may include a substrate. The substrate may define a first channel, a second channel, at least one slit fluidically coupling the first channel to the second channel, at least one inlet port fluidically coupled to the first channel, at least one recovery port fluidically coupled to the first channel, at least one purge port fluidically coupled to the first channel, and at least one filtrate port fluidically coupled to the second channel. A respective cross-sectional area of each respective slit of the at least one slit in a plane perpendicular to a long axis of the respective slit is smaller than a cross-sectional area of the first channel in a plane perpendicular to a long axis of the first channel.

Abstract: A DNA extraction device may include a substrate, at least one first side channel electrode, at least one second side channel electrode, optionally, at least one elongate central channel electrode, and a voltage source connected between the electrodes. The substrate defines an elongate central channel defining a major axis. A width of the elongate central channel is greater than its depth, and its depth is less than about 15 times a diameter of a cell to be introduced in the elongate central channel. The substrate also defines first and second side channels adjacent to the elongate central channel on opposite sides of the major axis. The substrate further defines first and second trapezoidally shaped connecting channels connecting the elongate central channel and the first and second side channels, respectively. The smaller parallel sides of the first and second trapezoidally shaped connecting channels open to the respective side channels.

Abstract: A molecular filter that may include a substrate. The substrate may define a first channel, a second channel, at least one slit fluidically coupling the first channel to the second channel, at least one inlet port fluidically coupled to the first channel, at least one recovery port fluidically coupled to the first channel, at least one purge port fluidically coupled to the first channel, and at least one filtrate port fluidically coupled to the second channel. A respective cross-sectional area of each respective slit of the at least one slit in a plane perpendicular to a long axis of the respective slit is smaller than a cross-sectional area of the first channel in a plane perpendicular to a long axis of the first channel.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for the treatment, prevention, or reduction of persistent infections, such as chronic infections, latent infections, and slow infections and cancer. The methods and compositions of the invention are also useful for the alleviation of one or more symptoms associated with such infections and cancer.