Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to compositions, methods and kits for amplifying target nucleic acids while reducing non-specific amplification and undesired amplification products using a dual hot start reaction mixture that comprise at least two different hot start mechanisms.

Abstract: A device may aggregate dropped connection information associated with multiple dropped network connections. The dropped connection information may include at least one of: information associated with a mobile device that experienced a dropped network connection, information associated with a user of the mobile device, information associated with an access point that experienced the dropped network connection, information associated with a network from which the mobile device was dropped, or information that identifies a location associated with the dropped network connection. The device may identify a pattern associated with the multiple dropped network connections based on aggregating the dropped connection information, and may provide reporting information associated with the pattern.

Abstract: A compact silencer (suppressor) device for a firearm comprising of multiple chambers which trap the gases from a projectile exiting the barrel of a gun to slow down the gases and reduce the temperature, sound, and flash associated with the projectile. In one embodiment, the first chamber which attaches to the barrel of the firearm comprises of sound baffling materials or gas porting baffles which vent gases from the second chamber passing rearward. The second chamber comprises of a chamber which can accommodate a retractable third chamber of the device, the second and third chamber of the device can have sound baffles to slow down the gases from the projectile.

Abstract: An autonomous accessory support and system for transporting a medical accessory for delivering therapy that is coupled to a patient via a medical line. The autonomous accessory support comprises an accessory post for supporting the medical accessory. A movement module supports the accessory post for moving the accessory post relative to the patient. A tracking module is configured to track movement of the patient or a patient support apparatus relative to the autonomous accessory support and provide a tracking input signal. A controller is in electronic communication with the movement module and the tracking module. The controller controls the movement module to reduce actual patient proximity to a target patient proximity being a distance between the accessory support and the patient or the patient support apparatus sufficient to prevent tensioning of the medical line beyond a tension threshold. The distance may be a selectable preset distance maintained by the controller.

Abstract: An approach is provided for selecting and displaying image(s). A user and user profile information corresponding to the user are identified. A sentiment of the user is identified by determining that user is in proximity to a digital picture frame in a room, receiving a measurement of ambient lighting of the room from a light sensor coupled to the digital picture frame, and determining an emotional state of the user based on the ambient lighting. Based on the user profile, an association is determined between the sentiment of the user and sentiment(s), which are determined to be conveyed by image(s). Based on the ambient lighting, the association between the sentiment of the user and the sentiment(s), and the image(s) conveying the sentiment(s), the image(s) are selected from multiple images. The selected image(s) are displayed on a display included in the digital picture frame.

Abstract: A container includes a body, a bag, and a bottom cap. The body includes a top opening, and a bottom end, opposite the top opening. The bag is positioned inside the body and includes an opening at the bottom end of the body. The bottom cap includes a hole. The bottom cap is removably connected over the opening of the bag. The hole in the bottom cap allows air in the bag to escape.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to compositions, methods and kits for amplifying target nucleic acids while reducing non-specific amplification and undesired amplification products using a dual hot start reaction mixture that comprise at least two different hot start mechanisms.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods, computer program products, and systems for leveraging social networks in physical gatherings. Embodiments of the present invention generate profiles for participants at the physical gathering. Embodiments of the present invention can enrich the participants experience at the physical gathering by providing information to the participant, based on the profile for the participant.

Abstract: A waveguide couples an acoustic source (such as an ultrasound transducer) to a custom cosmetic product (e.g., a liquid or gel-based skin care product) applied to the skin. In one exemplary embodiment, a distal surface of the waveguide is placed in contact with a relatively thin layer of skin care product that has been applied to the skin. Alternatively, the thin layer can be applied to the distal face of the waveguide, and then the waveguide placed on the skin. The custom cosmetic product has been formulated such that when ultrasound energy is directed into the custom cosmetic product via the waveguide, bubbles included or formed in the custom cosmetic product oscillate, and increase the permeability of the skin to active beneficial agents included in the custom cosmetic product.

Abstract: A compact silencer (suppressor) device for a firearm comprising of multiple chambers which trap the gases from a projectile exiting the barrel of a gun to slow down the gases and reduce the temperature, sound, and flash associated with the projectile. In one embodiment, the first chamber which attaches to the barrel of the firearm comprises of sound baffling materials or gas porting baffles which vent gases from the second chamber passing rearward. The second chamber comprises of a chamber which can accommodate a retractable third chamber of the device, the second and third chamber of the device can have sound baffles to slow down the gases from the projectile.

Abstract: An approach is provided for selecting and displaying image(s). A user and user profile information corresponding to the user are identified. A sentiment of the user is identified. Based on the user profile information, an association between the identified sentiment of the user and sentiment(s) is determined. The sentiment(s) are included in a plurality of sentiments conveyed by a plurality of images. Image(s) included in the plurality of images are determined to convey the sentiment(s). Based on the association between the identified sentiment of the user and the sentiment(s) and the image(s) conveying the sentiment(s), the image(s) are selected from the plurality of images. The selected image(s) are displayed.