Abstract: A caching method, system, and computer program product include compiling a combined action of a social interaction with a sharing of an object via a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) in real-time and from an offline database, extracting semantic information from the combined action, describing the semantic information of the combined action as an embedding of the object in a general object vector space, and creating a caching policy for access to the object based on a prediction of an access time derived from the general object vector space and the description of the combined action.

Abstract: A system for adapting virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) content for learning based on a user's interests includes a personalization engine that determines a user's interests and knowledge level regarding a topic, a content modifier that modifies VR or AR content related to the topic according to the users interests and knowledge level, an object selector that selects VR and AR models used to teach the topic during a VR or AR session and modifies the VR and AR models with the modified content based on the user's interests and knowledge level; a VR engine that renders the modified VR and AR models into VR or AR images, and a VR display that displays the VR or AR images. The user's engagement is measured during interaction with the VR display and used to refine and improve an understanding of the user's interest and knowledge level regarding the topic.

Abstract: A method can include mapping a stairstepped grid to a surface where the stairstepped grid and the surface represent a discontinuity in a geologic environment; based at least in part on the mapping, adjusting properties associated with the stairstepped grid to compensate for spatial discrepancies between the stairstepped grid and the surface; and simulating flow in the geologic environment using the stairstepped grid and the adjusted properties.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present invention, a system dynamically optimizes a service workflow including one or more software services. Initially, the system receives a request to optimize a service workflow, wherein the request includes one or more service requirements and one or more performance objectives related to the one or more service requirements. The system validates service plan information associated with at least one software service plan offered by one or more service providers and generates a plurality of candidate workflows based on the service requirements and performance objectives. The system then determines an optimized workflow from the candidate workflows and executes the optimized workflow to perform operations of the software services. Embodiments of the present invention further include a method and computer program product for dynamically optimizing a service workflow including one or more software services in substantially the same manner as described above.

Abstract: A biological reaction apparatus for receiving at least one substrate having a sample located in a sample region, and a separate cover, such that a reaction chamber is formed between the cover and substrate over the sample region, wherein the apparatus includes a locating means to locate the substrate; a cover locating means for locating and moving the cover with respect to the substrate; a fluid dispensing means for dispensing fluid into the reaction chamber; and a draining mechanism; wherein the draining mechanism includes wicking means.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present invention, a system dynamically optimizes a service workflow including one or more software services. Initially, the system receives a request to optimize a service workflow, wherein the request includes one or more service requirements and one or more performance objectives related to the one or more service requirements. The system validates service plan information associated with at least one software service plan offered by one or more service providers and generates a plurality of candidate workflows based on the service requirements and performance objectives. The system then determines an optimized workflow from the candidate workflows and executes the optimized workflow to perform operations of the software services. Embodiments of the present invention further include a method and computer program product for dynamically optimizing a service workflow including one or more software services in substantially the same manner as described above.

Abstract: A biological reaction apparatus for receiving at least one substrate having a sample located in a sample region, and a separate cover, such that a reaction chamber is formed between the cover and substrate over the sample region, wherein the apparatus includes a locating means to locate the substrate; a cover locating means for locating and moving the cover with respect to the substrate; a fluid dispensing means for dispensing fluid into the reaction chamber; and a draining mechanism; wherein the draining mechanism includes wicking means.

Abstract: Processing containers include a first member having a substantially rigid body with a plurality of regions defining spaced apart workstations and a flexible barrier member sealably attached to the first member to define a closed chamber over the plurality of workstations. The flexible barrier is substantially impermeable and includes or is a manipulation tool that is sealably attached to the barrier. The manipulation tool has a first internal interface that resides in the closed chamber under the flexible barrier and a second external interface that resides outside the closed chamber. The processing containers are particularly suitable for automated processing of nucleic acids and other samples. The manipulation tool can cooperate with or include a pipette head. When the barrier is sealed, the barrier separates the contents of the container from a robotic arm or other manipulation device.

Abstract: Processing containers include a first member having a substantially rigid body with a plurality of regions defining spaced apart workstations and a flexible barrier member sealably attached to the first member to define a closed chamber over the plurality of workstations. The flexible barrier is substantially impermeable and includes or is a manipulation tool that is sealably attached to the barrier. The manipulation tool has a first internal interface that resides in the closed chamber under the flexible barrier and a second external interface that resides outside the closed chamber. The processing containers are particularly suitable for automated processing of nucleic acids and other samples. The manipulation tool can cooperate with or include a pipette head. When the barrier is sealed, the barrier separates the contents of the container from a robotic arm or other manipulation device.

Abstract: Processing containers include a first member having a substantially rigid body with a plurality of regions defining spaced apart workstations and a flexible barrier member sealably attached to the first member to define a closed chamber over the plurality of workstations. The flexible barrier is substantially impermeable and includes or is a manipulation tool that is sealably attached to the barrier. The manipulation tool has a first internal interface that resides in the closed chamber under the flexible barrier and a second external interface that resides outside the closed chamber. The processing containers are particularly suitable for automated processing of nucleic acids and other samples. The manipulation tool can cooperate with or include a pipette head. When the barrier is sealed, the barrier separates the contents of the container from a robotic arm or other manipulation device.

Abstract: Processing containers include a first member having a substantially rigid body with a plurality of regions defining spaced apart workstations and a flexible barrier member sealably attached to the first member to define a closed chamber over the plurality of workstations. The flexible barrier is substantially impermeable and includes or is a manipulation tool that is sealably attached to the barrier. The manipulation tool has a first internal interface that resides in the closed chamber under the flexible barrier and a second external interface that resides outside the closed chamber. The processing containers are particularly suitable for automated processing of nucleic acids and other samples. The manipulation tool can cooperate with or include a pipette head. When the barrier is sealed, the barrier separates the contents of the container from a robotic arm or other manipulation device.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of designing molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) which have applications in extracting bioactive compounds from a range of bioprocessing feedstocks and wastes. The present invention is further directed to MIPs designed by the methods of the present invention.

Abstract: Processing containers include a first member having a substantially rigid body with a plurality of regions defining spaced apart workstations and a flexible barrier member sealably attached to the first member to define a closed chamber over the plurality of workstations. The flexible barrier is substantially impermeable and includes or is a manipulation tool that is sealably attached to the barrier. The manipulation tool has a first internal interface that resides in the closed chamber under the flexible barrier and a second external interface that resides outside the closed chamber. The processing containers are particularly suitable for automated processing of nucleic acids and other samples. The manipulation tool can cooperate with or include a pipette head. When the barrier is sealed, the barrier separates the contents of the container from a robotic arm or other manipulation device.

Abstract: A method can include mapping a stairstepped grid to a surface where the stairstepped grid and the surface represent a discontinuity in a geologic environment; based at least in part on the mapping, adjusting properties associated with the stairstepped grid to compensate for spatial discrepancies between the stairstepped grid and the surface; and simulating flow in the geologic environment using the stairstepped grid and the adjusted properties.

Abstract: Processing containers include a first member having a substantially rigid body with a plurality of regions defining spaced apart workstations and a flexible barrier member sealably attached to the first member to define a closed chamber over the plurality of workstations. The flexible barrier is substantially impermeable and includes or is a manipulation tool that is sealably attached to the barrier. The manipulation tool has a first internal interface that resides in the closed chamber under the flexible barrier and a second external interface that resides outside the closed chamber. The processing containers are particularly suitable for automated processing of nucleic acids and other samples. The manipulation tool can cooperate with or include a pipette head. When the barrier is sealed, the barrier separates the contents of the container from a robotic arm or other manipulation device.

Abstract: A biological reaction apparatus for receiving at least one substrate having a sample located in a sample region, and a separate cover, such that a reaction chamber is formed between the cover and substrate over the sample region. The apparatus includes a substrate locator for locating the substrate; a cover locator for locating and moving the cover with respect to the substrate; a fluid dispenser for dispensing fluid into the reaction chamber; and a draining mechanism which includes a wick.

Abstract: An apparatus for transfer of a liquid using a diaphragm that separates a working fluid volume from a working air volume and can controllably induce a change pressure to draw or expel a target fluid into a tube. The apparatus is particularly suitable for automated processing of nucleic acids and other samples includes a disposable container comprising a tray and a flexible barrier. The barrier is configured to seal with a top edge of the tray, providing a closed, aseptic work area within the sealed tray. A pipette head and/or other sample manipulation device can be attached to the inside of the barrier under the diaphraghm, and the barrier can include an interface for a robotic arm or other device. When the barrier is sealed over the tray, the barrier separates the contents of the tray from the robot or other manipulation device.

Abstract: An apparatus for transfer of a liquid using a diaphragm that separates a working fluid volume from a working air volume and can controllably induce a change pressure to draw or expel a target fluid into a tube. The apparatus is particularly suitable for automated processing of nucleic acids and other samples includes a disposable container comprising a tray and a flexible barrier. The barrier is configured to seal with a top edge of the tray, providing a closed, aseptic work area within the sealed tray. A pipette head and/or other sample manipulation device can be attached to the inside of the barrier under the diaphraghm, and the barrier can include an interface for a robotic arm or other device. When the barrier is sealed over the tray, the barrier separates the contents of the tray from the robot or other manipulation device.

Abstract: A method and system for conducting a fantasy sports league. A video game provided with all of the teams and their active rosters for a particular sport and season would be used to simulate the play of the game for an actual or projected season for that sport. Team owners, coaches or managers would draft players off the active roster for that sport and matchups between the teams in the fantasy league would utilize statistics generated during the simulated play of a schedule of games to determine comprehensive performance points for each team which would be utilized to determine the winner of matchups between fantasy league teams.

Abstract: A system and method for automated processing of nucleic acids and other samples includes a disposable container comprising a tray and a flexible barrier. The barrier is configured to seal with a top edge of the tray, providing a closed, aseptic work area within the sealed tray. A pipette head and/or other sample manipulation device can be attached to the inside of the barrier, and the barrier can include an interface for a robotic arm or other device. When the barrier is sealed over the tray, the barrier separates the contents of the tray from the robot or other manipulation device. The barrier can be flexible, and allow the robotic arm to move the pipette head throughout the work area of the tray. All samples, reagents, pipette tips and other tools or devices for processing nucleic acid samples may remain within the closed compartment provided by the container during processing.