Abstract: This disclosure provides methods for determining relative abundance of one or more non-host species in a sample from a host. Also provided are methods involving addition of known concentrations of synthetic nucleic acids to a sample and performing sequencing assays to identify non-host species such as pathogens. Also provided are methods of tracking samples, tracking reagents, and tracking diversity loss in sequencing assays.

Abstract: An abdominal-wall retractor includes a mounting armature affixed stationary relative to or near an operating table. The retractor includes an upward tensioning rail affixed to the mounting armature. An upward tension linkage can engage the upward tension rail and provide tension between the upward tensioning rail and an upward surgical tool affixed to an incision site of the patient. The mounting armature includes one or more arms to elevate and position the upward tensioning rail in a fixed position above a surgical site in order to retract an abdominal wall upward at an angle from the horizontal via the supplied tension in the upward tension linkage during a surgical procedure. A lateral retraction rail can be positioned on the mounting armature below the upward tension rail. A lateral tension linkage with a lateral surgical tool can engage the lateral retraction rail to provide lateral retraction to the abdominal wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a driverless transport device (10) for transporting objects (38), comprising: a support structure (12) having an outer contour (14); an undercarriage (16) which is secured to the support structure (12) and has at least one first wheel (18) and a second wheel (20), wherein the first wheel (18) is mounted in the undercarriage (16) so as to rotate about a first axis of rotation (D1) and the second wheel (20) is mounted in the undercarriage (16) so as to rotate about a second axis of rotation (D2); a drive unit (22) by means of which the first wheel (18) and the second wheel (20) can be driven independently of each other; and a force measuring device (56) by means of which the force acting on the support portion (39) can be determined.

Abstract: Provided is a closed-loop, referral-based, information-exchange in which end-users control, and in some cases can be rewarded for divulging, their personal information.

Abstract: This disclosure provides methods for determining relative abundance of one or more non-host species in a sample from a host. Also provided are methods involving addition of known concentrations of synthetic nucleic acids to a sample and performing sequencing assays to identify non-host species such as pathogens. Also provided are methods of tracking samples, tracking reagents, and tracking diversity loss in sequencing assays.

Abstract: A reticle has a horizontal stadia line and a vertical stadia line. A plurality of elevation subtension markings having a thickness are connected to the vertical stadia line. A plurality of fine subtension markings are positioned along the horizontal stadia line. A plurality of coarse subtension markings are positioned along the horizontal stadia line. The thickness of the coarse subtension markings is greater than the thickness of the fine subtension markings. A Christmas tree dot pattern is provided below the horizontal stadia line with a hold point feature within a lower portion of the Christmas tree dot pattern.

Abstract: A case for an optical instrument is provided. The case has a body with a bottom and two pairs of oppositely disposed side walls connected to the body forming a cavity. The case also includes a lid having a top cover and two pairs of oppositely disposed side portions, each of which corresponds with and overlaps a corresponding side wall of the body when the lid is in a closed position. A first pair of the two pairs of side walls each includes an elastic chord which connects the given side wall to the corresponding side portion of the lid.

Abstract: A viewing optic has a texture on at least a portion of the front side of the viewing optic. The texture may be further provided on a portion of at least one of the rear side, left side, right side and/or top side of the viewing optic. The texture on the front side may be the same or different than the texture provided on any other surface. The viewing optic is designed to secure to the slide of a firearm, such as a pistol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automated guide vehicle (10) for transporting objects (38) comprising a support structure (12) with an outer contour (14), a chassis (16) fastened to the support structure (12) having at least one first wheel (18) and one second wheel (20), wherein the first wheel (18) and the second wheel (20) are respectively rotatably mounted in the chassis (16) about a first axis of rotation (D1) and a second axis of rotation (D2), a drive unit (22), with which the first wheel (18) and the second wheel (20) can be driven independently from one another, a lifting mechanism (32) cooperating with the support structure (12) for lifting and lowering at least one support portion (39) which cooperates therewith to transport the objects, and a store (70) for electrical energy, which in plan view protrudes in portions beyond the outer contour (14) of the support structure (12), wherein the energy store (70) is movably fastened to the support structure (12).

Abstract: This disclosure provides methods, compositions and kits for determining if nucleic acids detected in a sample such as a clinical sample are derived from contaminant pathogens or clinically-relevant pathogens.

Abstract: This disclosure provides methods that are useful for reducing or inactivating contaminant nucleic acids.

Abstract: A case for an optical instrument is provided. The case has a body with a bottom and two pairs of oppositely disposed side walls connected to the body forming a cavity. The case also includes a lid having a top cover and two pairs of oppositely disposed side portions, each of which corresponds with and overlaps a corresponding side wall of the body when the lid is in a closed position. A first pair of the two pairs of side walls each includes an elastic chord which connects the given side wall to the corresponding side portion of the lid.

Abstract: Provided is a closed-loop, referral-based, information-exchange in which end-users control, and in some cases can be rewarded for divulging, their personal information.

Abstract: A mounting system for securing a viewing optic to a firearm utilizes an oblong dovetail connection component having a first end, a second end, and a contoured perimeter forming a dovetail profile. The viewing optic has a bottom surface comprising a mortise slot open at a first end to receive the oblong dovetail connection component and closed at a second end, the viewing optic further comprising a fastening area on a side of the viewing optic, the fastening area having a first securing structure. A fastening element having a second securing structure, wherein the first and second securing structures correspond to one another and facilitate securing the fastening element to the fastening area.

Abstract: This disclosure provides methods for determining relative abundance of one or more non-host species in a sample from a host. Also provided are methods involving addition of known concentrations of synthetic nucleic acids to a sample and performing sequencing assays to identify non-host species such as pathogens. Also provided are methods of tracking samples, tracking reagents, and tracking diversity loss in sequencing assays.

Abstract: Rangefinding methods are described herein, and more particularly to shapes superimposed on an image that enable measurement of distances with a sighting device. A reticle for an optical sight, including but not limited to a holographic sight, which allows the user to near instantaneously engage targets from multiple ranges, is described herein.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods comprising biomarker genes for identifying subjects that will respond to human MAP kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitor therapies, compositions and methods comprising biomarker genes for identifying subjects that will respond to MEK inhibitor/target of rapamycin complex (TORC) inhibitor combination therapies, and compositions and methods comprising biomarker genes for identifying subjects that will respond to MEK inhibitor/chemotherapy combination therapies.

Abstract: A reticle has a horizontal stadia line and a vertical stadia line. A plurality of elevation subtension markings having a thickness are connected to the vertical stadia line. A plurality of fine subtension markings are positioned along the horizontal stadia line. A plurality of coarse subtension markings are positioned along the horizontal stadia line. The thickness of the coarse subtension markings is greater than the thickness of the fine subtension markings. A Christmas tree dot pattern is provided below the horizontal stadia line with a hold point feature within a lower portion of the Christmas tree dot pattern.

Abstract: A mounting system for securing a viewing optic to a firearm utilizes an oblong dovetail connection component having a first end, a second end, and a contoured perimeter forming a dovetail profile. The viewing optic has a bottom surface comprising a mortise slot open at a first end to receive the oblong dovetail connection component and closed at a second end, the viewing optic further comprising a fastening area on a side of the viewing optic, the fastening area having a first securing structure. A fastening element having a second securing structure, wherein the first and second securing structures correspond to one another and facilitate securing the fastening element to the fastening area.