Abstract: Provided herein are variant human IL18 proteins including proteins and constructs including such. Various variant IL18 proteins with modifications to reduce heterogeneity and/or reduce affinity/potency and/or improve stability and/or improve production yield are also described. Also provided are IL18-Fc fusion proteins that include an empty-Fc domain and an IL18 protein connected to another Fc domain. Also provided herein are IL18Fc fusion proteins that bind CD3 and a tumor target antigen.

Abstract: Examples described herein relate to management of concurrent audio streams from different sources. Portable playback devices, such as wearable wireless headphones and earbuds, as well as portable battery-powered speakers, may include multiple network interfaces for connection to different types of networks, such as an 802.11-compatible network interface for connection to wireless local area networks (e.g., Wi-Fi® networks) and an 802.15-compatible network interface for connection to a mobile device via a personal area network (Bluetooth®). Via such connections, the playback devices may receive two or more concurrent streams. By managing these streams according to playback policies, the portable playback devices may play the user's intended audio without necessarily requiring user input to explicitly select among the concurrent streams.

Abstract: A novel method of diluting the structures in the cell population, such that individual cells, dependent on the activity of the structures, become single measurement devices. This can be applied to all Bacterial Microcomparments (“BMCs”), organelles, and macromolecules, and could provide a universal method for the design of novel ones and understanding of the diverse structures. In one aspect the present invention provides A method of creating a bacterial strain with inducible and detectable carboxysomes. The method includes the steps of incorporating a labeled carbon-fixation enzyme into the genome of a bacterium; deleting all or a portion of the ccm operon from the bacterium; and reintroducing a ccm operon comprising an inducible promoter to create a ?ccm+ strain.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel heterodimeric antibodies.

Abstract: An automated apparatus can provide pre-analytical processing of samples, racking and forwarding to an adjacent analyzer for analysis. The apparatus may have a controller that implements an auto-learn process to teach robotic handlers the locations within the workspace(s) of the apparatus. A robotic sample handler may include a sensor configured to generate a detection signal when in a near vicinity of a fiducial beacon in the workspace of the apparatus for biological sample preparation, preprocessing and/or diagnostic assay performed by one or more analyzers of the automated apparatus. The controller may control the robotic sample handler to conduct a search pattern so that a location of the fiducial beacon may be detected and thereafter calculated to obtain a more accurate location of the beacon. The calculated positions may then serve as a basis for the controlled movement of samples by the robot to and from locations of the workspace.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides heterodimeric antibodies comprising a first monomer comprising a first heavy chain constant domain comprising a first variant Fc domain and a first antigen binding domain and a second monomer comprising a second heavy chain constant domain comprising a second variant Fc domain and a second antigen binding domain. In an additional aspect the heterodimeric antibody comprises a first monomer comprising a heavy chain comprising a first Fc domain and a single chain Fv region (scFv) that binds a first antigen, wherein the scFv comprises a charged scFv linker. The heterodimeric antibody further comprises a second monomer comprising a first heavy chain comprising a second Fc domain and a first variable heavy chain and a first light chain.

Abstract: Malicious homoglyphic domain name (MHDN) generation and associated cyber security applications are described. MHDN generation may be performed by, for example, generating, based on training data, a set of operations for use in generating the one or more potential MHDNs, wherein each operation of the set of operations may be configured to modify a base domain name according to a respective homoglyphic characteristic. The set of operations may be used to generate one or more candidate MHDN mutators. The candidate MHDN mutators may be tested for fitness values corresponding to respective likelihoods of generating an MHDN and the candidate MHDN mutators may be applied to one or more base domain names to generate potential MHDNs.

Abstract: A network system provides delivery of items using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) or drones. The network system uses an infrastructure of nodes that include landing pads to dock drones, as well as interfaces to provide and receive items from docked drones. Nodes may be stationary (e.g., fixed at a building rooftop or public transit station) or mobile (e.g., mounted to a vehicle). The network system may determine a route for delivery of an item, where a drone transports the item for at least a portion of the route. For example, the route may include multiple waypoints associated with nodes between which drones travel. For other portions of the route, the network system may request a provider to transport the item using a ground-based vehicle.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for scheduling and controlling a mobile cleaning robot based on a seasonal or environmental debris accumulation event are discussed. A mobile cleaning robot receives a seasonal cleaning schedule corresponding to a seasonal or environmental debris accumulation event. The seasonal cleaning schedule includes instructions to clean a portion of the mobile robot's environment having a debris state varied seasonally. The mobile cleaning robot executes a cleaning mission in the environment in accordance with the seasonal cleaning schedule.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composition that involves a nanopore disposed in a membrane preparation, wherein the nanopore has an outer membrane protein G (OmpG) having 8 to 22 ?-strands connected by a plurality of flexible loops on a first side of the membrane preparation and a plurality short turns on a second side of the membrane preparation, wherein a heterologous peptide is inserted within one or more of the flexible loops. Also disclosed herein is a method of detecting binding of a ligand to a target, the method involving: exposing a nanopore composition disclosed herein to a target; assessing a gating pattern of the nanopore; and detecting binding of the target to the heterologous peptide based on the gating pattern.

Abstract: Examples described herein relate to management of concurrent audio streams from different sources. Portable playback devices, such as wearable wireless headphones and earbuds, as well as portable battery-powered speakers, may include multiple network interfaces for connection to different types of networks, such as an 802.11-compatible network interface for connection to wireless local area networks (e.g., Wi-Fi® networks) and an 802.15-compatible network interface for connection to a mobile device via a personal area network (Bluetooth®). Via such connections, the playback devices may receive two or more concurrent streams. By managing these streams according to playback policies, the portable playback devices may play the user's intended audio without necessarily requiring user input to explicitly select among the concurrent streams.

Abstract: A non-crystallizing blend includes cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA). A method of forming a non-crystallizing blend of CBD and CBDA includes obtaining a CBD isolate including at least 80% by weight CBD, obtaining a CBDA isolate including at least 80% by weight CBDA, and combining and mixing the CBD isolate and the CBDA. A method of treating a condition includes administering a therapeutically effective amount of a non-crystallizing blend of CBD and CBDA to a patient in need thereof.

Abstract: A non-crystallizing blend includes cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA). A method of forming a non-crystallizing blend of CBD and CBDA includes obtaining a CBD isolate including at least 80% by weight CBD, obtaining a CBDA isolate including at least 80% by weight CBDA, and combining and mixing the CBD isolate and the CBDA. A method of treating a condition includes administering a therapeutically effective amount of a non-crystallizing blend of CBD and CBDA to a patient in need thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first terminal configured to be coupled to a substation around mat for a substation and a second terminal configured to be coupled to a safety around mat for a piece of electrical equipment powered by the substation. The system further includes at least one voltage-dependent resistance device, such as at least one metal oxide varistor (MOV) configured to be coupled between the first and second terminals. At least one circuit interruption device, such as a fuse and/or a disconnect switch may be coupled in series with the at least one voltage-dependent resistance device.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to detecting a root of a plant in soil. An exemplary system comprises a support structure configured to be at least partially disposed in the soil; an LED unit affixed to the support structure, wherein the LED unit comprises an emitter and a detector, wherein the emitter is configured to produce a plurality of outgoing light signals, wherein the detector is configured to receive a plurality of returned light signals corresponding to the plurality of outgoing light signals, and wherein each of the plurality of returned light signals comprises at least a portion of the corresponding outgoing light signal reflected from at least one of the soil and the root; and a microprocessor configured to detect a presence of the root based on the plurality of returned light signals.

Abstract: A conduit contactor for conducting chemical reactions or chemical extractions between immiscible liquids includes a conduit having a hollow interior, a first open end, and a second open end opposite the first open end; a separator in fluid communication with and proximate the second open end; and a plurality of fibers disposed within the conduit. A total surface area of the fibers per volume of the hollow interior of the conduit is from 100 cm2/cm3 to 490 cm2/cm3.

Abstract: A conduit contactor for conducting chemical reactions or chemical extractions between immiscible liquids includes a conduit having a hollow interior, a first open end, and a second open end opposite the first open end; a separator in fluid communication with and proximate the second open end; and a plurality of fibers disposed within the conduit. A total surface area of the fibers per volume of the hollow interior of the conduit is from 100 cm2/cm3 to 490 cm2/cm3.

Abstract: A set-top box (STB) receives a router reboot or reset activation code generated by an Operations Support System (OSS) that manages a first network. The STB activates a router reboot or reset function based on the received activation code, and identifies, upon activation of the router reboot or reset function, a model of a router connected to the STB. The STB generates a router reboot or reset command based on the identified model of the router and sends the generated router reboot or reset command to the router to cause the router to perform a reboot or reset process.

Abstract: A fence comprises posts and panels. Each end of a panel includes a turn-back bend that leads to a securement mechanism for securing the panel to a post, whereby the securement mechanism (e.g., screws), is hidden from the front of the fence, thereby resulting in an aesthetically appealing fence. The panel may be made from ¼-inch steel.