Abstract: The present disclosure provides DNA-guided CRISPR systems; polynucleotides comprising DNA, RNA and mixtures thereof for use with CRISPR systems; and methods of use involving such polynucleotides and DNA-guided CRISPR systems.

Abstract: Various embodiments include devices and methods for controlling a robotic vehicle. Each electronic speed controller (ESC) of the robotic vehicle may receive open loop flight control information from a flight controller or another processing device of the robotic vehicle. In some embodiments, each ESC may store the provided open loop flight control information in a memory. In response to detecting a loss of control signals from the flight controller, each ESC may access the stored open loop flight control information and perform control of a motor associated with each ESC based on the open loop flight control information. The open loop flight control information may be a sequence of motor control instructions to be performed over a period of time, or parameterized information or vehicle state information that enables each ESC to generate a sequence of motor control instructions.

Abstract: A controller for removing deposits in a vehicle is disclosed. The controller includes at least one processor and a memory storing instructions therein that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to: determine an amount of deposits accumulated in the vehicle based on an amount of time; determine a combustion target for the vehicle in response to determining that the amount of deposits exceeds a deposit threshold; and modulate a fluid flow of the vehicle based on the determined combustion target.

Abstract: The present specification discloses engineered Type II CRISPR-Cas9 systems comprising split-nexus Cas9-associated polynucleotides (sn-casPNs), including systems comprising three split-nexus Cas9-associated polynucleotides (sn1-casPN/sn2-casPN/sn3-casPN) and systems comprising two split-nexus Cas9-associated polynucleotides (sn1-casPN/sn2-casPN). Together with a Cas9 protein, the sn-casPNs facilitate site-specific modifications, including cleavage and mutagenesis, of a target polynucleotide in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the engineered Type II CRISPR-Cas9 systems comprising sn-casPNs are useful in methods of regulating expression of a target nucleic acid. Methods are described herein for the creation of a variety of engineered Type II CRISPR-Cas9 systems comprising two or more sn-casPNs. Polynucleotide sequences, expression cassettes, vectors, compositions, and kits for carrying out a variety of methods are also described.

Abstract: A new CRISPR-associated (Cas) protein, termed “CasM,” is described, as well as polynucleotides encoding the same and methods of using CasM for site-specific genome engineering.

Abstract: A door closer, including: an anchor assembly, including: a frame mounting plate which is fixable relative to a door frame; and an adjustor plate; and an actuator assembly for mounting within the thickness of a door leaf to move the door leaf between open and closed configurations relative to the door frame, the actuator assembly including an operating member coupled by a link to the adjustor plate and mounted for a range of movements between a fully retracted position, in which the anchor assembly is held adjacent the actuator assembly when the door leaf is in the closed configuration, and an extended position, in which the anchor assembly is in spaced relation to the actuator assembly when the door leaf is in the open configuration, the link being configured to extend from the adjustor plate along a first axis, wherein the frame mounting plate is provided with one or more slot(s), the or each slot being elongated along a second axis, the second axis being generally orthogonal to the first axis.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses are provided for increasing exhaust gas temperature. A system includes a valve and a controller coupled to the valve. The controller is structured to determine that a plurality of cylinders of an engine are active; compare an exhaust aftertreatment temperature to an exhaust aftertreatment temperature setpoint; and in response to the comparison, adjust an effective flow area for exhaust gas from the plurality of cylinders of the engine to increase an exhaust gas temperature.

Abstract: Fluid path assemblies for drug delivery devices and methods of establishing a fluid flow path for drug delivery devices are described that include a needle shield valve member that couples to a reservoir having a needle mounted thereto. The needle shield valve member includes an internal barrier that protects the needle and/or contains a drug within the reservoir until activation of the drug delivery device. Upon activation, there is relative movement between the reservoir and needle shield valve member until the needle pierces the barrier to establish a fluid flow path from the reservoir through the needle shield valve member.

Abstract: Various embodiments include methods and vehicles, such as an autonomous vehicle, a semi-autonomous vehicle, etc., for collaboratively directing one or more headlights among vehicles traveling in a platoon. Various aspects may include transmitting, by a first vehicle processor of a first vehicle traveling in the platoon, a collaborative lighting plan to a second vehicle traveling in the platoon, wherein the collaborative lighting plan may direct the second vehicle to direct one or more headlights of the second vehicle in a direction other than a direction of travel of the platoon. The first vehicle processor may then direct one or more the headlights of the first vehicle in accordance with the collaborative lighting plan.

Abstract: Various embodiments include methods and vehicles, such as an autonomous vehicle, a semi-autonomous vehicle, etc., for collaboratively directing or configuring one or more headlights of a vehicle to avoid visually interfering with operation of an oncoming vehicle. Various embodiments may include receiving, by a first vehicle processor, a first collaborative lighting message from a second vehicle, wherein the first collaborative lighting message requests that the first vehicle direct one or more headlights of the first vehicle to avoid visual interference with operation of the second vehicle and directing one or more the headlights of the first vehicle in accordance with the collaborative lighting plan. Directing the headlights to avoid visual interference with operation of the second vehicle may include switching the headlights to a low-beam configuration.

Abstract: Various embodiments include methods and vehicles, such as an autonomous vehicle, a semi-autonomous vehicle, etc., for collaboratively directing one or more headlights by two or more vehicles. Various aspects may include receiving, by a first vehicle processor, a first collaborative lighting message from a second vehicle, in which the first collaborative lighting message may request the first vehicle direct one or more headlights of the first vehicle, in collaboration with the second vehicle directing one or more headlights of the second vehicle according to a collaborative lighting plan, and directing, by the first vehicle processor, one or more of the headlights of the first vehicle in accordance with the collaborative lighting plan.

Abstract: Various embodiments include methods and vehicles, such as an autonomous vehicle, a semi-autonomous vehicle, etc., for collaboratively directing one or more headlights by two or more vehicles. Various aspects may include receiving, by a first vehicle processor, a first vehicle collaborative lighting message from a second vehicle, in which the first vehicle collaborative lighting message requests that the first vehicle direct one or more headlights of the first vehicle to illuminate a target area of uncertainty that is disposed, relative to the first vehicle, in a direction other than a direction of travel of the first vehicle. The first vehicle processor may direct one or more the headlights of the first vehicle to illuminate the target area in accordance with the first vehicle collaborative lighting message.

Abstract: A method tests the state of an internal reinforcement element connecting two opposed walls of a liquid tank including an initial amount of liquid measurable by a level sensor. The method includes: a) determining a first threshold based on the initial amount of liquid and an initial internal pressure of the liquid tank; b) monitoring a level sensor output and a pressure sensor output; c) if the pressure sensor output is above the first threshold, determining a second threshold and a third threshold; d) comparing the level sensor output to the second and third thresholds; e) if the level sensor output is above the second threshold, sending a first predetermined signal indicating that the internal reinforcement element is broken, and/or if the level sensor output is below a third threshold, sending a second predetermined signal indicating that the internal reinforcement element is broken.

Abstract: A new CRISPR-associated (Cas) protein, termed “CasM,” is described, as well as polynucleotides encoding the same and methods of using CasM for site-specific genome engineering. CasM proteins are capable of targeting and cleaving single-stranded RNA.

Abstract: A method tests the state of an internal reinforcement element connecting two opposed walls of a liquid tank including an initial amount of liquid measurable by a level sensor. The method includes: determining a first threshold based on the initial amount of liquid and an initial internal pressure of the liquid tank; monitoring a level sensor output and a pressure sensor output; if the pressure sensor output is above the first threshold, determining a second threshold and a third threshold; comparing the level sensor output to the second and third thresholds; if the level sensor output is above the second threshold, sending a first predetermined signal indicating that the internal reinforcement element is broken, and/or if the level sensor output is below a third threshold, sending a second predetermined signal indicating that the internal reinforcement element is broken.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for robotic navigation are described. A robotic device such as a robotic vacuum or a robotic assistant may navigate a first surface. In some cases, navigating the first surface may include removing debris from the first surface. The robotic device may identify a location of a track that connects the first surface to a second surface that is vertically displaced from the first surface. The robotic device may engage the track based at least in part on the identified location. The robotic device may ascend to the second surface by activating an actuator and navigate the second surface (e.g., may remove debris from the second surface, may map the second surface, etc.).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides engineered Class 2 CRISPR-Cas-associated discontinuous first-stem nucleic-acid targeting nucleic acids, nucleoprotein complexes comprising these nucleic acids, and compositions thereof. Nucleic acid sequences encoding the Class 2 CRISPR-Cas-associated discontinuous first-stem nucleic-acid targeting nucleic acids, as well as expression cassettes, vectors and cells comprising such nucleic acid sequences, are described. Also, methods are disclosed for making and using the Class 2 CRISPR-Cas-associated discontinuous first-stem nucleic-acid targeting nucleic acids, nucleoprotein complexes comprising such nucleic acids, and compositions thereof.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses are provided for increasing exhaust gas temperature. A system includes a valve and a controller coupled to the valve. The controller is structured to determine that an exhaust manifold pressure does not meet an exhaust manifold pressure setpoint and in response, cause an adjustment of an effective flow area of exhaust gas from an engine. The adjustment of the effective flow area is structured to increase an exhaust gas temperature.

Abstract: A method includes receiving an execute packet that includes a first instruction and a second instruction and executing the first instruction and the second instruction using a pipeline. Executing the first and second instructions includes storing a result of the first instruction in a holding register; determining whether an event that interrupts execution of the execute packet occurs prior to completion of the executing of the second instruction; and based on the event not occurring, committing the result of the first instruction after completion of the executing of the second instruction.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides DNA-guided CRISPR systems; polynucleotides comprising DNA, RNA and mixtures thereof for use with CRISPR systems; and methods of use involving such polynucleotides and DNA-guided CRISPR systems.