Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a system for processing a query of profile data. During operation, the system obtains a set of profile fields requested in a query of profile data and one or more profile view settings associated with the query. Next, the system determines, based on the set of profile fields and the profile view setting(s), one or more downstream calls to omit from a set of downstream calls available to generate a result of the query. The system then generates one or more additional downstream calls in the set of downstream calls to resolve a parameter used to generate a result of the query. Finally, the system uses the parameter to generate the result of the query without making the downstream call(s).

Abstract: Systems and methods are for routing electronic payment transactions to PIN-less networks using payment pseudo-networks and electronic transaction simulation.

Abstract: An assembly includes a first frame rail and a second frame rail elongated along a longitudinal axis and spaced from each other along a lateral axis. The assembly includes a crossbeam extending along the lateral axis and fixed under the first frame rail and the second frame rail. The assembly includes a first support member extending transversely from the crossbeam to a first end fixed to the first frame rail. The assembly includes a second support member extending transversely from the crossbeam to a second end fixed to the second frame rail.

Abstract: A steering member has a rack portion and a screw portion. The steering member is in a steering housing and operatively connected to a tie rod. A pinion is operatively connected between the rack portion and a steering wheel. A ball nut is operatively connected to the screw portion. A power source is operatively connected to the ball nut. The power source drives the ball nut to effect linear movement of the steering member upon rotation of the steering wheel. A damper has a first connection to the tie rod and a second connection to a ground surface. The ground surface is fixed relative to the steering member. The damper is external to the ball nut.

Abstract: Embodiments of water sensors having multi-value outputs are disclosed. A water sensing circuit measures the impedance between two contacts of a water sensor and compares it with a reference signal. The impedance between two contacts varies depending on the wetness of the contacts, and so the sensing circuit may provide a measured wetness level. The water sensor may transmit measurements or other information wired or wirelessly. The water sensor may display indicia of measurements or other information via a display on a housing.

Abstract: An alternating stack of insulating layers and sacrificial material layers is formed over a substrate. A memory opening is formed through the alternating stack. An amorphous semiconductor material portion is formed at a bottom region of the memory opening. A memory film is formed in the memory opening. The memory film includes an opening at a bottom portion thereof, and a surface of the amorphous semiconductor material portion is physically exposed at a bottom of the opening in the memory film. An amorphous semiconductor channel material layer is formed on the exposed surface of the amorphous semiconductor material portion and over the memory film. A vertical semiconductor channel is formed by annealing the amorphous semiconductor material portion and the amorphous semiconductor channel material layer. The vertical semiconductor channel and contacts an entire top surface of an underlying semiconductor material portion.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a device on a network that is configured to add a service. The device includes a memory that is operably coupled to the processor. The processor is adapted to configure a service enablement policy. The processor is also adapted to receive a request to add the service from a service provider. The processor is adapted to check the service enablement policy for adding the service. The processor is also adapted to collaborate with another device to harmonize the service enablement policy and the host selection criteria. Further, the processor is adapted to send a reply to the service provider. The present application is also directed to a method for adding a service.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a system for processing data. During operation, the system obtains a set of partitions containing records spanning a time interval, wherein the records include a set of values for a metric and a set of dimensions associated with the set of values. For each dimensional subset associated with the set of dimensions, the system aggregates, based on the set of partitions, a corresponding subset of values for the metric into a distribution-based representation of the metric. The system then stores a dictionary encoding of the dimensional subset in association with the distribution-based representation of the metric. Finally, the system calculates, based on the distribution-based representation, one or more quantiles associated with the dimensional subset and outputs the quantile(s) for use in characterizing a distribution of the metric.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for partially regenerating a lean NOx trap in response to an engine shutdown request. In one example, an engine shutdown is delayed so that a low-temperature storing region of the lean NOx trap is regenerated without regenerating a high-temperature storing region of the lean NOx trap. A battery charge is replenished during the shutdown, wherein the charge may be consumed during a subsequent engine operation.

Abstract: A fluidic device comprises a first channel conduit, a valve apparatus, and an additional element adjacent to the first channel conduit. The first channel conduit transports fluid from a first fluid entrance to a fluid exit. In one embodiment, the additional element is a pump chamber that receives fluid from a second fluid entrance and pumps fluid into the first channel conduit in accordance with fluid pressure. Alternatively, the additional elements include a second channel conduit and a neck of the first channel conduit. The first channel conduit and the second channel conduit share a common wall. Fluid pressure in the first channel conduit controls a valve apparatus. The value apparatus controls a rate of fluid flow in the first channel conduit by deforming the common wall to change a cross-sectional area of the neck, which changes a rate of fluid flow in the second channel conduit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing operator-state detection including tracking position of an operator-facing camera are described. Systems and methods include receiving a first image captured by an operator-facing camera, detecting a first position of the operator-facing camera with respect to the calibration object, ascertaining the first position with respect to at least one fiducial marker within a passenger compartment of a vehicle, capturing, via controller, a second image using the operator-facing camera, determining the second image is captured by the operator-facing camera from a second position with respect to the at least one fiducial marker, and analyzing, based on determining the second image is captured by the operator-facing camera from the second position, the second image to identify facial features of the operator. The receiving, detecting, ascertaining, determining, and analyzing are performed via a controller.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a storage system having storage devices and an associated storage controller. In conjunction with initiation of a checkpoint, the storage controller sets a checkpoint started flag for the checkpoint, marks user data pages and metadata pages for write operations already entered in a write journal of the storage system as of the setting of the checkpoint started flag as checkpoint pages, and marks user data pages and metadata pages for new write operations entered in the write journal after the setting of the checkpoint started flag as non-checkpoint pages by altering information used to generate signatures for respective ones of the metadata pages. Metadata pages characterizing the same user data pages subject to write operations at different times thereby have different signatures depending on whether or not the checkpoint started flag was set when its corresponding write operation was entered in the write journal.

Abstract: A food shield pivot connection providing for adjustment of the angular orientation of a support arm, and any attached panel, relative to a food shield stand. A representative pivot connection includes a threaded shaft extending from the stand clamp, an opening extending through the panel support arm defining a pivot axis parallel to the lengthwise axis of the threaded shaft, and a plate positioned to selectively engage and disengage with the panel support arm. In this embodiment, a knob is threaded onto the threaded shaft, such that rotating the knob in a first direction drives the plate into engagement with the support arm, and rotating the pivot knob in the opposite direction allows a spring or similar mechanism positioned around the threaded shaft to bias the plate away from the support arm.

Abstract: Various embodiments of tool assemblies are provided having at least one rotary input coupling and at least one linear input coupling for allowing either a rotary output or a linear output (e.g., from a tool driver on a surgical robot) to activate at least one mechanism of the tool assembly. For example, mechanisms of the tool assembly can include a clamping assembly, a firing assembly, an articulation assembly, and a roll assembly. The clamping assembly can open and close jaws of an end effector, the firing assembly can translate a knife assembly through the end effector to fire staples and cut tissue, the articulation assembly can articulate the end effector, and the roll assembly can rotate the elongate shaft and/or the end effector.

Abstract: A side airbag assembly includes a seatback and a side airbag supported by the seatback. The side airbag has a first panel and a second panel. The first panel and the second panel have an expandable region including an inflation chamber. The first panel and the second panel are connected to each other defining a substantially non-expandable region. The first panel and the second panel are connected to each other around an opening. The opening extends through the first panel and the second panel and the opening is between and adjacent to the substantially non-expandable region and the expandable region.

Abstract: Proximity of a user/device to a designated location or other user/device can be determined and used to trigger automatic reconfiguration of a telephone ring list associated with the user/device. Accordingly, there is no need for manual reconfiguration to accommodate changes in the user's location or schedule. Specific phone numbers may be added or removed from a user's ring list based on the user's location, and the ring list may be reconfigured as the user enters or leaves a location. The user's desired phones will automatically ring for incoming calls based on the ring list and/or an identification of the incoming call.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for informing a user about the emotional response of the user to a presentation. Facial expressions of the user are monitored while the user is presented with the presentation. The facial expressions are analyzed to determine an emotion displayed at one or more specific times of the presentation. The user is provided with information about the emotion conveyed by the facial expressions of the user. The user is further provided with an opportunity to take a selected action that corresponds to the emotion conveyed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for assisting users in assessing costs of transactions. For instance, method may include: determining a cost value of at least one transaction associated with a user; classifying the user into a category, based on consumer interest characteristics of the user and consumer interest characteristics associated with the category; determining a relatable product based on the consumer interest characteristics associated with the category, the relatable product being a product purchased by a plurality of persons classified in the category; determining a relatable cost value, the relatable cost value being a representation of the cost value of the at least one transaction using a quantity of the respective relatable product; and presenting the relatable cost value to the user.

Abstract: An instrument retaining element for a surgical tray such as dental tray for use in a dental surgical procedure. The retaining element can have a first part defining a plurality of receptacles therein. The plurality of receptacles configured to receive a first shank section of a plurality of dental surgical instruments. The first part defines a first part of a channel that communicates with two or more of the plurality of receptacles. The retaining element can have a second part connected to the first part and having a U-shape in cross-section. The second part defines a second part of the channel that communicates with the first part of the channel and the plurality of receptacles. The second part of the channel can be configured to elastically expand to receive and retail a second shank section of the plurality of dental surgical instruments.

Abstract: The present technology provides a method for preparing an acid-reducing filter that includes depositing a mineral blend layer to a filter substrate, where the mineral blend layer comprises calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate at a weight ratio of about 1:10 to about 10:1, the mineral blend is free of soluble halide or hydroxide salts of alkali or alkaline earth metals, and the mineral blend layer is insoluble in water.