Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to determining a next vehicle task for a vehicle of a fleet. Vehicle data from the vehicle, charger data about at least one charger, and demand data may be received and used to determine the next vehicle task. The vehicle may be directed to the next vehicle task. Determining a next vehicle task may further be based on predictions made using the vehicle data, the charger data, and the demand data. Heuristics may also be used in determining a next vehicle task.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to processing and executing digital asset transfers between two users. An example method includes receiving a data object defining a digital asset transfer, and the data object may be a query from the first user to initiate an outbound transfer to a second user or an approval of a request for digital asset units from the second user. The method further includes retrieving account balance data objects associated with the digital asset accounts for the first and second users. The method further includes, responsive to determining that the digital asset transfer satisfies one or more transfer conditions, executing the digital asset transfer by executing a closed-loop debit from the first user and executing a closed-loop credit to the second user. The method further includes updating the account balance data object to reflect the resulting balances of each digital asset account.

Abstract: Methods for managing non-player characters and power centers in a computer game are based on character hierarchies and individualized correspondences between each character's traits or rank and events that involve other non-player characters or objects. Players may share power centers, character hierarchies, non-player characters, and related quests involving the shared objects with other players playing separate and unrelated game instances over a computer network, with the outcome of the quests reflected in different the games. Various configurations of game machines are used to implement the methods.

Abstract: A treatment apparatus which uses thermal or non-thermal plasma to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) by destroying bacteria. The apparatus comprises an elongate probe that includes a coaxial cable for conveying radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic (EM) energy and/or microwave EM energy, a probe tip connected at the distal end of the coaxial cable for receiving the RF and/or microwave EM energy, and a gas conduit for conveying gas to the probe tip. The probe tip comprises a first electrode connected to the inner conductor of the coaxial cable, and a second electrode connected to the outer conductor of the coaxial cable, and wherein the first electrode and second electrode are arranged to produce an electric field from the received RF and/or microwave EM energy across a flow path of gas received from the gas conduit to produce a thermal or a non-thermal plasma.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to anti-cancer compounds derived from a payload which binds to poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and a nuclear steroid-targeting epitope (B of Formula I), which components are covalently linked via a linker, to products containing the same, as well as to methods of their use and preparation.

Abstract: An anti-theft device for securing an article of merchandise against unauthorized removal from a display counter. The anti-theft device includes a plurality of arms slidingly disposed within the housing. Grips are disposed on proximal ends of the arms and are configured to receive and secure edges of an article of merchandise. A locking mechanism is disposed within the housing of the anti-theft device. The locking mechanism involves an actuator that presses a locking component to engage at least one of the arms. The arms have a first set of teeth disposed thereon, such that, when the locking component engages at least one of the arms, the first set of teeth interlocks with a second set of teeth. The arms cannot slide relative to the housing while the first set of teeth and the second set of teeth remain interlocked.

Abstract: Surgical tools and assemblies are employed for use in minimally invasive surgical (MIS) procedures. A surgical tool assembly includes a handle assembly and a frame assembly. The handle assembly and frame assembly are designed and constructed to have an articulation input joint and a grounding joint between them. A pitch rotational degree of freedom and a yaw rotational degree of freedom are provided by way of the articulation input joint. The handle assembly is translationally constrained relative to the frame assembly by way of the grounding joint. Intermediate bodies and joints can be provided in certain surgical tool assemblies and architectures.

Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus comprising an electrosurgical forceps instrument that combines la robust jaw opening mechanism with an a microwave energy delivery mechanism. The instrument includes a rigid bracket mounted at a distal end of a flexible shaft, wherein a pair of jaws are pivotably mounted on the rigid bracket. The instrument includes an energy delivery structure comprising a flexible dielectric substrate having a first electrode and an second electrode formed on one of the pair of jaws, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are arranged to emit microwave energy. The electrosurgical apparatus may also comprise a handpiece that combines rotation control of an electrosurgical instrument with both power delivery and end effector actuation (e.g. jaw closure, blade retraction or the like).

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to arranging a pickup between a driverless vehicle and a passenger. For instance, dispatch instructions dispatching the vehicle to a predetermined pickup area in order to pick up the passenger are received by the vehicle which begins maneuvering to the predetermined pickup area. While doing so, the vehicle receives from the passenger's client computing device the device's location. An indication that the passenger is interested in a fly-by pickup is identified. The fly-by pickup allows the passenger to safely enter the vehicle at a location outside of the predetermined pickup area and prior to the one or more processors have maneuvered the vehicle to the predetermined pickup area. The vehicle determines that the fly-by pickup is appropriate based on at least the location of the client computing device and the indication, and based on the determination, maneuvers itself in order to attempt the fly-by pickup.

Abstract: Techniques for implementing and/or operating a pipe handling system that includes an inboard bore plug assembly and an outboard bore plug assembly, which facilitate plugging a pipe bore in a flexible pipe. The inboard bore plug assembly includes a first inflatable plug having a first inflatable bladder that defines a first fluid cavity and a first inflation port opening and a first inflation fluid port secured within the first inflation port opening. The outboard bore plug assembly includes a second inflatable plug having a second inflatable bladder that defines a second fluid cavity, a second inflation port opening, and a bore port opening, a second inflation fluid port secured within the second inflation port opening, and a bore fluid port secured in the bore port opening to enable the pipe bore in the flexible pipe to be pressurized to an elevated fluid pressure.

Abstract: An electrical assembly includes a metallic component having a bottom portion that is buried in the earth, a top portion that is above the earth, and an outer surface. A water-impermeable electrically-conductive covering is applied to the outer surface at the bottom portion and is in electrical contact with the earth. The covering includes a water-impermeable polymeric matrix that protects the metallic component from corrosion, and a particulate carbonaceous material that is dispersed in the polymeric matrix and that allows for the metallic component to be electrically grounded.

Abstract: A system includes a memory device and a processor, operatively coupled with the memory device, to perform operations including receiving, from a device via a brokering agent, a request to provide an encrypted version of a set of secrets data corresponding to a target state of the device, determining whether to authorize the request in view of the brokering agent, and in response to authorizing the request, providing the encrypted version of the set of secrets data and permission to transition to the target state.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device that includes an irregular network of interconnected ridges in physical contact with a planar substrate and a perovskite layer, where the planar substrate include a support layer and a first charge selective contact layer, the first charge selective contact layer is positioned between the support layer and the interconnected ridges, each ridge includes a second charge selective contact layer and an insulating layer, the insulating layer is positioned between the first charge selective contact layer and the second charge selective contact layer, and the perovskite layer substantially covers the plurality of interconnected ridges and the underlying planar substrate.

Abstract: Methods and systems for content optimization are described. A computing device may determine a predictability score that indicates a probability that a device will access a first content item. The computing device may send a second content item associated with the first content item. The second content item may be based on the predictability score, and the predictability score may be modified. Additional content consumption and/or recommendations may be adjusted based on the predictability score.

Abstract: A system and method for magnetic latching that can include a male fastener and a female fastener. The male fastener and female fastener can have lateral motion restrictors that restrict motion of the male and female fasteners relative to each other when the fasteners are latched together. At least one magnet in each fastener can provide attractive force that latches the two fasteners together.

Abstract: An example of a pixel module comprises a module substrate having light emitters disposed on a light-emitter surface and a controller disposed on a controller surface opposed to the light-emitter surface. At least one module electrode is electrically connected to the controller and at least one module electrode is electrically connected to each light emitter. An example of a pixel-module wafer comprises a module source wafer comprising sacrificial portions and module anchors, each sacrificial portion laterally separated from an adjacent sacrificial portion by a module anchor and a pixel module disposed entirely over each sacrificial portion. At least one module tether physically connects each of the pixel modules to at least one of the module anchors. An example of a pixel-module display comprises a display substrate, pixel modules disposed on the display substrate and display electrodes disposed on the display substrate, each display electrode electrically connected to a module electrode.

Abstract: The invention provides a compound of formula (0): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, N-oxide or tautomer thereof; wherein: n is 1 or 2; X is CH or N; Y is selected from CH and C—F; Z is selected from C—Rz and N; R1 is selected from: -(Alk1)t-Cyc1; wherein t is 0 or 1; Optionally substituted C1-6 acyclic hydrocarbon groups R2 is selected from hydrogen; halogen; and C1-3 hydrocarbon groups optionally substituted with one or more fluorine atoms; R3 is hydrogen or a group L1-R7; R4 is selected from hydrogen; methoxy; and optionally substituted C1-3 alkyl; and R4a is selected from hydrogen and a C1-3 alkyl group; wherein Rz, Alk1, Cyc1, L1 and R7 are defined herein; provided that the compound is other than 6-benzyl-3-{2-[(2-methylpyrimidin-4-yl)amino]pyridin-4-yl}-7,8-dihydro-1,6-naphthyridin-5(6H)-one and 3-{2-[(2-methylpyrimidin-4-yl)amino]pyridin-4-yl}-7,8-dihydro-1,6-naphthyridin-5(6H)-one and salts and tautomers thereof.

Abstract: One or more active components can be strand mounted within a cabinet that also has passive optical components. Certain types of strand mounts are slidable relative to the cabinet to enhance access to the components. Each component may be independently slidable.