Abstract: The present invention comprises a computer-implemented zero-trust authentication method that utilizes the Bitcoin Lightning Network, which is the sole protocol offering immediate, immutable, and cost-free Bitcoin settlement. A user requests access to the resource of a service provider and the user provides authentication material necessary to securely access the service provider. The service provider initiates a Hold Invoice via a cryptographic function to generate a pre-image hash, instructing the user to authorize release of Bitcoin in an amount stipulated by the Hold Invoice. Bitcoin is held in the Hold Invoice until an authentication attempt is either successful or unsuccessful. If successful, the user is issued an access token to login into the resource, the Hold Invoice is canceled and Bitcoin is released to the user. If unsuccessful, the pre-image is revealed, the user is denied access, and Bitcoin is transferred to the service provider as a settled payment transaction.

Abstract: Embodiments include methods, systems and non-transitory computer-readable computer readable media including instructions for executing a prefetch kernel that includes memory accesses for prefetching data for a processing kernel into a memory, and, subsequent to executing at least a portion of the prefetch kernel, executing the processing kernel where the processing kernel includes accesses to data that is stored into the memory resulting from execution of the prefetch kernel.

Abstract: An implantable device for estimating neural recruitment arising from a stimulus, has a plurality of electrodes. A stimulus source provides stimuli to be delivered from the electrodes to neural tissue. Measurement circuitry obtains a measurement of a neural signal sensed at the electrodes. A control unit is configured to control application of a selected stimulus to neural tissue using the stimulus electrodes; and after the selected neural stimulus, apply a probe stimulus having a short pulse width. A remnant neural response evoked by the probe stimulus is measured; and the control unit estimates from the remnant neural response a neural recruitment caused by the selected neural stimulus.

Abstract: Techniques for accurate positioning of an energy application device for neuromodulation treatment protocols are provided. A neuromodulation positioning patch is applied to a patient's skin. The energy application device is coupled to a frame of the neuromodulation positioning patch to position a transducer of the energy application device within an opening at a treatment position within the opening. The frame is also coupled to a removable dock for an imaging probe. When the frame is coupled to the removable dock the frame of the neuromodulation positioning patch, acquires image data through the opening to identify or verify the treatment position.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating at least one of updated configuration information and hardware setup recommendations to a user of an ID decoding vision system is provided. An image of an object containing one or more IDs is acquired with a mobile device. The ID associated with the object is decoded to derive information. Physical dimensions of the ID associated with the object are determined. Based on the information and the dimensions, configuration data can be transmitted to a remote server that automatically determines setup information for the vision system based upon the configuration data. The remote server thereby transmits at least one of (a) updated configuration information to the vision system and (b) hardware setup recommendations to a user of the vision system based upon the configuration data.

Abstract: A mask system and an air delivery conduit for use in the treatment of respiratory disorders. The air delivery conduit may comprise a textile having an airtight arrangement. A support structure may be provided to the conduit to provide form.

Abstract: An example method of monitoring computing resources in a cloud computing environment may include receiving a request to subscribe to a monitoring service with respect to computing resources associated with a user account, the request specifying access information for a cloud computing system comprising a plurality of virtual machines associated with the computing resources. The method may further include monitoring, using the access information, the plurality of virtual machines. The method may further include identifying, in view of the monitoring, a virus-infected application running on a virtual machine of the plurality of virtual machines. The method may further include terminating the virus-infected application. The method may further include receiving, in view of the monitoring, resource usage data reflecting types and duration of usage of the computing resources. The method may further include generating, in view of the usage data, a report reflecting usage of the computing resources.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and system involving the use of a panel for protecting fenestrations in buildings such as windows and doors, from damage caused by storms, tornadoes, hurricanes, riots, and the like. Embodiments of the present invention include a substrate panel attached to a security film providing increased protection against wind-driven missiles associated with high winds with decreased weight and mitigating improper installation.

Abstract: A system and method for sensing an edge of a region includes at least one distance sensor configured to detect a plurality of distances of objects along a plurality of adjacent scan lines. A controller is in communication with the at least one distance sensor and is configured to determine a location of an edge of a region within the plurality of adjacent scan lines. The controller includes a comparator module configured to compare values corresponding to the detected plurality of distances, and an identification module configured to identify the location of the edge of the region according to the compared values. In one example, the values corresponding to the detected plurality of distances include couplets of standard deviations that are analyzed and selected to identify the location of the edge.

Abstract: A fluid ejection device includes a plurality of fluid actuation devices, a plurality of memory cells, and a configuration register. Each memory cell of the plurality of memory cells corresponds to a fluid actuation device of the plurality of fluid actuation devices. The configuration register stores data to enable or disable access to the plurality of memory cells.

Abstract: The specification relates to spirocyclic compounds of Formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The specification also relates to processes and intermediates used for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in the treatment of cell proliferative disorders.

Abstract: A method and system for identifying scale. The method may include disposing a fluid sampling tool into a wellbore. The fluid sampling tool may comprise at least one probe configured to fluidly connect the fluid sampling tool to a formation in the wellbore and at least one passageway that passes through the at least one probe and into the fluid sampling tool. The method may further comprise drawing a formation fluid, as a fluid sample, through the at least one probe and through the at least one passageway, perturbing the formation fluid, and analyzing the fluid sample in the fluid sampling tool for one or more indications of scale.

Abstract: The present discussion relates to structures and devices to facilitate application of an ultrasound therapy beam to a target anatomic region in a replicable manner. In certain aspects, adjustable positioning structures are described that allow a general probe positioning structure to be configured for a specific patient in a manner that allows the device to be used repeatedly to target the anatomic region, even when in non-clinical settings. In other aspects, a probe positioning structure is fabricated that is specific to a respective patient anatomy, such that use of the probe positioning structure provides repeatable targeting of the target anatomic region, even when in non-clinical settings.

Abstract: A system for disinfecting an autonomous vehicle includes a light assembly having LEDs configured to emit UVC light into a passenger compartment of the autonomous vehicle. The light assembly includes a heat sink to dissipate heat generated by the LEDs. In examples, the heat sink is disposed in the path of forced air associated with a climate control system of the vehicle. The climate control system may be controlled based on a temperature proximate the LEDs and/or the heat sink. In some examples, the light assembly is integrated into the ceiling of the vehicle and can further include visible light emitters and/or other features.

Abstract: A print component includes an array of fluidic actuation structures including a first column of fluidic actuating structures addressable by a set of actuation addresses, each fluidic actuating structure having a different one of the actuation addresses and having a fluidic architecture type, and a second column of fluidic actuating structures addressable by the set of actuation addresses. Each fluidic actuating structure of the second column has a different one of the actuation addresses and has a same fluidic architecture type as the fluidic actuating structure of the first column having the same address. An address bus communicates the set of addresses to the array of fluidic actuating structures, and a fire signal line communicates a plurality of fire pulse signal types to the array of fluidic actuating structures, the fire pulse signal type depending on the actuation address on the address bus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds, compositions, and methods for the study, diagnosis, and treatment of traits, diseases and conditions that respond to the modulation of gene expression and/or activity, and/or modulate a gene expression pathway. Specifically, the invention relates to double-stranded nucleic acid molecules including small nucleic acid molecules, such as short interfering nucleic acid (siNA) molecules that are capable of mediating or that mediate RNA interference (RNAi) against target gene expression.

Abstract: A twist-tie dispenser comprises a twist-tie cluster and a base. The base includes a top portion, a rear wall extending downward from the top portion, and an open front.

Abstract: A method for determining a health indicator parameter of a fluid are described. The method can include contacting at least one first functionalized electrode included in a plurality of functionalized electrodes of a sensing unit with a fluid. The method can also include generating a first electrical signal within the fluid by the at least one first functionalized electrode. The method can further include receiving, by at least one second functionalized electrode included in the plurality of functionalized electrodes of the sensing unit, a second electrical signal in response to the first electrical signal. The sensing unit can determine a health indicator parameter of the fluid based on the second electrical signal. The health indicator parameter can be associated with an electrochemical response signal included in the second electrical signal. The sensing unit can provide the health indicator parameter to a computing device communicably coupled to the sensing unit.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling a plurality of fuel cells. The method includes coordinating a distribution of a power demand in response to a power request of a power system comprising a plurality of fuel cells, the power output of each of the fuel cells selected based on a respective efficiency of each of the fuel cells.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media for a service for managing quantum computing resources are disclosed. A task management service receives a description of a task specified by a client. From a pool of computing resources of a provider network, the service selects a quantum computing resource for implementation of the task. The quantum computing resource comprises a plurality of quantum bits. The service causes the quantum computing resource to run a quantum algorithm associated with the task. The service receives one or more results of the quantum algorithm from the quantum computing resource.