Abstract: A system and associated methodology for predictive construction cost estimation. Path data, extracted from a vector-based data source, is decoded and correlated into a point-map-to-line-segment array providing the ability to predictively snap a cursor on a user interface to points and/or line segments illustrated in the vector-based data source. Once identified and committed to by the user, the invention thereafter links additional snapped points/line segments/polylines enabling the user to quickly and efficient move throughout the data source crating a timely and accurate construction estimation.

Abstract: The presently disclosed technology is directed to maximizing cleanliness, reliability, and space efficiency within a jukebox-style HDD, while minimizing overall cost of the HDD. In an effort to reduce the movement of a robotic arm assembly, cassettes within a jukebox-style HDD may be configured to be magnetically repositionable to replace some of the movement of the robotic arm assembly, without adding another significant source of potential mechanical failure within the HDD enclosure. Further, the overall number of moving parts is reduced, which may improve reliability of the HDD, as well as cleanliness within the HDD enclosure.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to headset virtual presence techniques. For example, a participant of a communication session may not have an associated video feed, for example as a result of a user preference to disable video communication or a lack of appropriate hardware. Accordingly, a virtual presence may be generated for such a non-video participant, such that the non-video participant may be represented within the communication session similar to video participants. The virtual presence may be controllable using a headset device, for example such that movements identified by the headset device cause the virtual presence to move. In some instances, user input may be received to control emotions conveyed by the virtual presence, for example specifying an emotion type and/or intensity.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems, and computer-readable media are provided for generating and/or adapting automated assistant content according to a distance of a user relative to an automated assistant interface that renders the automated assistant content. For instance, the automated assistant can provide data for a client device to render. The client device can request additional data when the user relocates closer to, or further from, the client device. In some implementations, a request for additional data can identify a distance between the user and the client device. In this way, the additional data can be generated or selected according to the distance in the request. Other implementations can allow an automated assistant to determine an active user from a group of users in an environment, and determine a distance between the active user and the client device in order that any rendered content can be tailored for the active user.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning networks for predicting or determining demand metrics across multiple channels. An analytics platform can receive channel events from multiple channels corresponding to geographic areas, and channel features related to demand conditions in the channels can be extracted from the channel events. During a training phase, the channel features can be accumulated into one or more training datasets for training one or more demand prediction models. The one or more demand prediction models can be trained to predict or determine demand metrics for each of the channels. The demand metrics can indicate or predict demand conditions based on the current conditions in the channels and/or based on future, predicted conditions in the channels. Other embodiments are disclosed herein as well.

Abstract: A ball cap with a concealed opening that allows for a greater variety of hairstyles to be worn while simultaneously retaining the general shape, appearance, and functionality of a typical ball cap. The concealed opening is hidden in a default configuration of the hat, but it can be selectively opened to allow for hair such as a ponytail to pass through. The ball cap can include a protective coating on the sweatband to prevent makeup, sweat, and dirt from soiling the sweatband.

Abstract: This disclosure provides methods and pharmaceutical compositions for reducing or eliminating cardiotoxicity, particularly cardiotoxicity induced by a cancer treatment or other therapy. In some cases, the methods and compositions prevent or reduce cardiotoxicity caused by anthracycline treatment. The methods provided herein often comprise administering a protective agent such as myricetin, tricetin, robinetin, ficetin, vitexin, quercetin, dihydrorobinetin, kaempferol, 7,3?,4?,5?-tetrahydroxyflavone, and myricitrin in conjunction with the administration of a cancer drug or other treatment. They may comprise administering a protective agent in combination with dexrazoxane. The compositions provided herein include co-formulations of a protective agent with a different protective agent or with a cancer treatment (e.g., anthracycline drug).

Abstract: An optical device with a variable index of refraction is formed by exposing a film to an energy gradient. The optical device has angular selectivity. The optical device can be used as an output coupler for a waveguide used in a virtual-reality and/or augmented-reality apparatus.

Abstract: Systems or methods for collective purchasing by controlled-environment facility residents may employ a plurality of controlled-environment facility resident communication and/or media devices, each associated with a respective controlled-environment facility resident. These devices, disposed within one or more controlled-environment facilities, may each present an interface for purchasing goods and/or services via the device. The devices may each offer, via the interface, an option to collectively purchase a single good or service by a number of controlled-environment facility residents and may accept an indication of partial payment from the resident associated with the device.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for producing elevated blood levels of ketone bodies and modifying metabolic function in a mammal. Compositions include at least one ester of S-beta-hydroxybutyrate and/or a mono- or di-ester of S-1,3-butanediol and at least one ketone body component. The ketone body component includes beta-hydroxybutyrate, acetoacetate, or both. The beta-hydroxybutyrate is R-beta-hydroxybutyrate, S-beta-hydroxybutyrate, or both. When the ketone body component is S-beta-hydroxybutyrate, the 1,3-butanediol is R-1,3-butanediol, S-1,3-butanediol, or both. Compositions may comprise a keto stack of multiple forms of ketone bodies.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides improved methods for calibrating the zero position of at least one drive member of an injector system is disclosed. Automated methods of position calibration of the drive member of a fluid injector are disclosed. These methods address sources of error in positional accuracy and fluid delivery inaccuracies, such as disposable syringe tolerance and injector wear over time. According to other embodiments of the present disclosure, methods and fluid injector systems for determining and correcting for the amount of slack in a fluid injection apparatus are described. An understanding of the calibration and the amount of slack in a fluid injection system allows a processor to correct for the slack, thereby ensuring more accurate fluid delivery to the patient and more accurate imaging processes.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including a method for updating user consent in a verifiable manner. In some aspects, a method includes receiving, from a client device, a request including an attestation token. The attestation token includes a set of data that includes at least a user identifier that uniquely identifies a user of the client device, a token creation time that indicates a time at which the attestation token was created, user consent data specifying whether one or more entities that receive the attestation token are eligible to use data of the user, an action to be performed in response to the request. The attestation token also includes a digital signature of at least a portion of the set of data, including at least the user identifier and the token creation time. An integrity of the request is verified using the attestation token.

Abstract: Lane configuration of a lane on which an ADV is driving and a current speed of the ADV are determined. A nudge space is determined based on the lane configuration, the current speed, and a vehicle width of the ADV. Path planning is performed to generate a path to nudge an obstacle, in response to the determining that the nudge space is greater than a predetermined threshold nudge space. The ADV is controlled to drive autonomously according to the planned path to nudge the obstacle.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems, and articles of manufacture to perform computer-based monitoring of audiences of network-based media using information theory to estimate intermediate level unions are disclosed. An example apparatus to determine a deduplicated, census-based audience metric of media includes panel union calculator circuitry to calculate a threshold statistic corresponding to an intermediate union of a panel hierarchy, and census union calculator circuitry to calculate a deduplicated audience value corresponding to the intermediate union of the census hierarchy based on the threshold statistic.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for recirculation of an engine exhaust gas. The system includes an engine, an exhaust system configured to channel exhaust gas from the engine to an outlet, an aftertreatment device, an exhaust recirculation system configured to divert at least some of the exhaust gas as recirculated exhaust gas from a first position in the exhaust system downstream of the aftertreatment device, through a buffer tank, and to a second position in the exhaust system upstream of the aftertreatment device, wherein the recirculated exhaust gas is combined with the exhaust gas at the second position, a controller configured to, by a processor, selectively operate the exhaust recirculation system to control the exhaust recirculation system to divert the exhaust gas and thereby cause the recirculated exhaust gas to be treated with the aftertreatment device more than once with sequentially increased catalyst temperatures.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to the secure storage of security questions through an immutable log, such as a blockchain. The security questions may be stored in a centralized location, accessible from an application or browser tab running on the user's device. When a security question is required, such as to perform a password reset on a website, the website may interact with the application or browser tab, which retrieves the question(s) from the blockchain. The user may enter their answers to the question(s), which may be hashed by the application or tab. The hashed answers may be entered into the original requesting website, which may verify with the blockchain that the correct answers have been provided. Thus, the requesting website sees neither the questions nor the answers. Additional security features may include logging requests for questions, so that a user can determine if a security question may have been compromised.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon isomerization system for an iC4 feed stream that provides for removal of C3s from an isomerization reactor feed stream by the addition of a depropanizer column to remove C3s from the reactor effluent stream after it has passed through a stabilizer column. This configuration prevents a buildup of C3s in the system and provides significant savings by reducing the size of the chloride treaters that are used to remove chlorides from off gas, increasing chlorides recovered to the hydrocarbon feed stream for use in combination with the isomerization catalyst. Significant utility savings are provided as well as a reduction in the amount of perchloroethane (PERC) and adsorbent that are required.

Abstract: A method of protecting against impact between a vehicle and a physical structure of a facility having an opening for the vehicle to pass through includes defining a monitored plane relative to an edge of the opening, the monitored plane defined by a plurality of baseline measurements, wherein each of the plurality of baseline measurements: 1) corresponds to a distance between a sensor spaced apart from the edge and one of a plurality of virtual ends of the monitored plane, and 2) is identified by an angle parameter. The method also includes obtaining a subsequent measurement; evaluating the subsequent measurement relative to a corresponding baseline measurement to determine if a criterion indicative of an intrusion of the monitored plane is satisfied; and activating an alarm when the criterion is satisfied.

Abstract: A computer system includes a baseboard management controller (BMC) configured to manage values of a plurality of variables stored in a flash via firmware. Managing the values of the plurality of variables includes generating a capsule containing a request for reading a value of a variable among the plurality of variables or overwriting the value of the variable with a new value. The capsule is then sent to the firmware, causing the firmware to access the flash to read the value of the variable or overwrite the value of the variable with the new value, and cause the value or the new value to be transmitted to the BMC. In response to receiving the value or new value of the variable, the BMC passes the value or the new value of the variable to a second computer system over an out-of-band network.