Abstract: Devices, systems, and their methods of use, for generating and collecting droplets are provided. Devices use flow focusing arrangements of channels to produce droplets. The invention further provides multiplex devices that increase droplet formation.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and their methods of use, for generating and collecting droplets are provided. The invention provides multiplex devices that increase droplet formation in a limited area.

Abstract: A method for eliminating acoustic reverberation in an audio signal. First and second level measurements are performed on the audio signal. The first level measurement uses a first attack parameter and a first decay parameter to measure a first attack time and a first decay time. The second level measurement uses a second attack parameter and a second decay parameter to form a second attack time that is identical to the first attack time and a second decay time that is longer than the first decay time. A difference between the first and second level measurements is calculated. The difference and the second level measurement are used to estimate a reverberation interference level, and the first level measurement and the reverberation interference level are used to ascertain a gain parameter for the audio signal.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions, methods, systems, and devices for polynucleotide processing and analyte characterization. Such polynucleotide processing may be useful for a variety of applications, including analyte characterization by polynucleotide sequencing. The compositions, methods, systems, and devices disclosed herein generally describe barcoded oligonucleotides, which can be bound to a bead, such as a gel bead, useful for characterizing one or more analytes including, for example, protein (e.g., cell surface or intracellular proteins), genomic DNA, and RNA (e.g., mRNA or CRISPR guide RNAs). Also described herein, are barcoded labelling agents and oligonucleotide molecules useful for “tagging” analytes for characterization.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, compositions, and systems for multiplexed analysis of individual cells or cell populations. Cells encapsulated in beads and/or biomolecules are sequentially co-partitioned, allowing for analysis of two different types of biomolecules (e.g., RNA and DNA). The present invention leverages different polymer dissociation mechanisms, accompanied with barcoding of biomolecules (e.g., nucleic acid molecules) for multiplexed measurements in single cells. Sequential co-partitioning and barcode technology enables identification and quantitation of DNA and RNA from single cells.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and systems for sample preparation and/or analysis. Samples may be cells, or may be derived from one or more cells. Sample preparation may comprise conducting one or more reactions on a target. Such reactions may be conducted in one or more partitions. One or more reactions may be performed in one or more successive operations.

Abstract: A method for directional signal processing for a hearing aid includes generating first and second input signals from an ambient sound signal using first and second input transducers of the hearing aid and forming first and second directional signals based on the input signals. The directional signals have relative attenuations in directions of first and second useful signal sources. First and second amplification parameters for amplification of first and second useful signals of the signal sources are ascertained. A reference directional characteristic is defined for a reference directional signal.

Abstract: A method for directional signal processing of signals of a microphone array, including first and second microphones generating first and second input signals from an ambient sound, uses the first input signal to form a reference signal transformed into the frequency domain, thereby generating a frequency-space reference signal. The first and second input signals are transformed into the frequency domain, and a first frequency-space directional signal is formed in the frequency domain using the transformed first and second input signals. A frequency-resolved comparison of the frequency-space reference signal with the first frequency-space directional signal or signal derived therefrom in the frequency domain, is used to generate frequency-dependent first gain factors to generate a time filter in the time domain. The reference signal is filtered by the time filter and an output signal is generated from the reference signal filtered by the time filter.

Abstract: A method for processing an input audio signal includes using a first analytical filter bank to divide the input audio signal in a first frequency splitting process into a plurality of first frequency bands. The first frequency bands of a first subgroup are divided in a further frequency splitting process by a further analytical filter bank into a plurality of frequency subbands. The divided input audio signal is frequency-selectively processed or amplified. The divided and processed input audio signal is then combined again into an output audio signal. A prediction is applied to the first frequency bands of the first subgroup and/or the frequency subbands derived therefrom, to compensate for latency differences between the first frequency bands and the frequency subbands as a result of the or each further frequency splitting process. A device or hearing aid for carrying out the method is also provided.

Abstract: A hearing system assists the hearing of a user and has a hearing instrument worn in or on the ear of the user. In operation, a sound signal from surroundings of the hearing instrument is received by an input transducer and modified in a signal processing step. The modified sound signal is output by an output transducer. A first signal component and a second signal component are derived from the received sound signal, wherein these signal components chronologically overlap. In the first signal component, the ego voice of the user is emphasized over the ambient noise, while in the second signal component, the ambient noise is emphasized over the ego voice of the user. The first signal component and the second signal component are processed in different ways in the signal processing step and combined after this processing to generate the modified sound signal.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, compositions, and systems for multiplexed analysis of individual cells or cell populations. Cells encapsulated in beads and/or biomolecules are sequentially co-partitioned, allowing for analysis of two different types of biomolecules (e.g., RNA and DNA). The present invention leverages different polymer dissociation mechanisms, accompanied with barcoding of biomolecules (e.g., nucleic acid molecules) for multiplexed measurements in single cells. Sequential co-partitioning and barcode technology enables identification and quantitation of DNA and RNA from single cells.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and their methods of use, for generating droplets are provided. The devices, systems, and methods may include transporting a first liquid through an outlet of a channel and causing relative motion of the outlet and an interface of a second liquid to produce droplets of the first liquid in the second liquid. The devices, systems, and methods may also include illuminating a portion of the liquid as the liquid exits from an outlet. The invention also provides methods, devices, and systems for changing the size of a droplet and for eliminating a droplet from a plurality of droplets.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for supporting a plant to be grown in the ground. More particularly, the invention relates to a drill head, a drilling apparatus and a system for planting a plant. Also disclosed are methods for planting a plant.

Abstract: A microfluidic system includes a microfluidic chip having a plurality of fluid channels, each fluid channel having an opening providing access to an interior of the fluid channel, and a gasket disposable on the microfluidic chip in an aligned configuration, the gasket including a first side configured to face the microfluidic chip in the aligned configuration, a second side opposite the first side, and an aperture extending through the gasket from the first side to the second side, the aperture being sized and positioned to allow a communication of pressure from the second side of the gasket to the openings of at least two fluid channels when the gasket is in the aligned configuration.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for sample preparation techniques and sequencing of macromolecular constituents of cells and other biological materials.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions, methods, systems, and devices for polynucleotide processing and analyte characterization. Such polynucleotide processing may be useful for a variety of applications, including analyte characterization by polynucleotide sequencing. The compositions, methods, systems, and devices disclosed herein generally describe barcoded oligonucleotides, which can be bound to a bead, such as a gel bead, useful for characterizing one or more analytes including, for example, protein (e.g., cell surface or intracellular proteins), genomic DNA, and RNA (e.g., mRNA or CRISPR guide RNAs). Also described herein, are barcoded labelling agents and oligonucleotide molecules useful for “tagging” analytes for characterization.

Abstract: A microfluidic emulsion droplet generation system and methods of use thereof are provided. The system may include a microfluidic substrate having a flow path configured and arranged for emulsion droplet generation, at least one textured surface in the flow path configured and arranged for inducing surface-mediated coalescence of emulsion droplets; and at least one channel junction in the flow path for emulsion droplet formation.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices, systems, kits, and methods for controlling liquid flow and, e.g., in particular, for forming droplet having substantially uniform droplet-to-droplet content. The devices, systems, and kits may include a first channel including a funnel or may include a first channel and a first-side channel, the first channel being in fluid communication with a droplet formation region. The devices, systems, and kits may further include a second channel fluidically connected to the first channel or the first side-channel. Funnels and/or side-channels may be used to enhance the control over particle spacing in the channels, thereby providing superior control over the number of particles of the same kind in formed droplets. The devices, systems, and kits of the invention may further include a mixer downstream of a channel intersection. Mixers can be used to reduce localized pockets of high concentration of dissolved ingredients.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and systems for nucleic acid processing. A method for preparing a sequencing set may include providing a template nucleic acid and amplifying the template nucleic acid to provide a complementary nucleic acid. Next, the complementary nucleic acid may be fragmented and barcoded to produce a first set of barcoded fragments comprising a plurality of first barcoded fragments. Next, the plurality of first barcoded fragments may be fragmented to yield a second set of barcoded fragments comprising a plurality of second barcoded fragments.

Abstract: A microfluidic system includes a microfluidic chip having a plurality of fluid channels, each fluid channel having an opening providing access to an interior of the fluid channel, and a gasket disposable on the microfluidic chip in an aligned configuration, the gasket including a first side configured to face the microfluidic chip in the aligned configuration, a second side opposite the first side, and an aperture extending through the gasket from the first side to the second side, the aperture being sized and positioned to allow a communication of pressure from the second side of the gasket to the openings of at least two fluid channels when the gasket is in the aligned configuration.