Abstract: A peripheral device includes one or more processors and a memory storing program instructions that when executed implement an extension manager of a virtualized computing service. The extension manager establishes a secure network channel for communications between the peripheral device, which is located at a premise external to a provider network, and a data center of the provider network. The extension manager assigns a network address of the substrate network of the service to a hardware server at the external premise. The substrate address is also assigned to an extension traffic intermediary at the data center. In response to a command directed to the virtualized computing service, one or more compute instance configuration operations are performed at the hardware server.

Abstract: A tailgate enclosure for use with a vehicle can include a plurality of cross-members, a first upright, a second upright, and only one additional upright. Each of the cross-members can be vertically spaced apart from an adjacent one of the cross-members and can include a first beam, a second beam, and a central beam having a first end and a second end, the central beam positioned at least partially between the first and second beams. The first upright can secure the first beam of each of the cross-members to a first sidewall of the vehicle and the second upright can secure the second beam of each of the cross-members to a second sidewall of the vehicle. The additional upright can be positioned along the central beam of each of the cross-members between the first and second ends of the central beam.

Abstract: A retractable step and side bar assembly that can be used for raised vehicles, such as trucks. The retractable step can be configured to provide for significant reach in a deployed position to allow for a user to enter the raised vehicle. Further, in the stowed position the retractable step can be located within the side bar, thereby providing a low profile as well as an enhanced aesthetic appearance.

Abstract: At a virtualization host, an isolated run-time environment is established within a compute instance. The configuration of the isolated run-time environment is analyzed by a security manager of the hypervisor of the host. After the analysis, computations are performed at the isolated run-time environment.

Abstract: Vehicle exterior lighting systems for vehicles equipped with tailgate assemblies may be configured to provide redundant backup lighting functionality for all tailgate positions (e.g., closed, open, and removed). Exemplary systems may include both vehicle static body structure mounted backup lamps and tailgate structure mounted backup lamps for providing the backup lighting redundancy.

Abstract: A networking manager of an extension server of a virtualized computing service detects that a data link layer frame has been obtained at the extension server. The networking manager delivers at least a portion of contents of the frame to a compute instance running at the extension server in response to determining that a destination media access control (MAC) address of the frame matches a MAC address of a local-premise-access virtual network interface attached to the compute instance. The local-premise-access virtual network interface is not assigned an Internet Protocol (IP) address from a range of IP addresses managed by the virtualized computing service.

Abstract: A first service of a provider network obtains an identification of one or more substrate addressable devices included in an extension of the provider network. Based on the identification, a launch of one or more compute instances within the provider network is initiated. The one or more compute instances are to connect the provider network to the extension of the provider network across at least a third-party network by receiving a first control plane message directed to a first substrate addressable device of the one or more substrate addressable devices, by updating a message state data store based at least in part on the first control plane message, and by sending a second control plane message to the first substrate addressable device via a secure tunnel.

Abstract: An energy storage system stores power received from a power grid as potential energy in compressed earth materials. The energy storage system includes a motor-generator coupled to an anchor via a tensile member. The motor-generator is configured to apply a tensile force to the tensile member. The tensile force causes the motor-generator and the anchor to apply a compression force to the earth materials in the ground, and causes the anchor to displace, thereby storing the received power as potential energy. The energy storage system provides power to the power grid by relieving some of the tensile force on the tensile member and thereby relieving some of the compression force on the earth materials. The anchor displaces towards its original position, and thereby causes the motor-generator to generate electrical power from the stored potential energy.

Abstract: Systems and methods to improve an e-commerce platform through modifications to the checkout and fulfillment process aimed at reducing the incidence of returns. Modifications may include determining a likelihood of a return and, based on the likelihood of return, generating a staged fulfillment process in which an order is split in two linked orders that are processed serially and based on receipt of confirmation to proceed after delivery of a first one of the orders. Modifications may include determining during the checkout process that a custom return policy is to be used and generating the custom return policy based, at least in part, on one or more of a purchaser return history, the product item or items in the order, and product return history.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to RNAi agents, e.g., double stranded RNAi agents, able to inhibit xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) gene expression. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions that include XDH RNAi agents and methods of use thereof. The XDH RNAi agents disclosed herein may be conjugated to targeting ligands to facilitate the delivery to cells, including to hepatocytes. Delivery of the XDH RNAi agents in vivo provides for inhibition of XDH gene expression. The RNAi agents can be used in methods of treatment of diseases, disorders, or symptoms mediated in part by XDH gene expression, such as gout and hyperuricemia.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to RNAi agents, e.g., double stranded RNAi agents, able to inhibit xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) gene expression. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions that include XDH RNAi agents and methods of use thereof. The XDH RNAi agents disclosed herein may be conjugated to targeting ligands to facilitate the delivery to cells, including to hepatocytes. Delivery of the XDH RNAi agents in vivo provides for inhibition of XDH gene expression. The RNAi agents can be used in methods of treatment of diseases, disorders, or symptoms mediated in part by XDH gene expression, such as gout and hyperuricemia.

Abstract: Methods of making various fibers are provided including co-axial fibers with oppositely doped cladding and core are provide; hollow core doped silicon carbide fibers are provided; and doubly clad PIN junction fibers are provided. Additionally methods are provided for forming direct PN junctions between oppositely doped fibers are provided. Various thermoelectric generators that incorporate the aforementioned fibers are provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to RNAi agents, e.g., double stranded RNAi agents, able to inhibit xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) gene expression. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions that include XDH RNAi agents and methods of use thereof. The XDH RNAi agents disclosed herein may be conjugated to targeting ligands to facilitate the delivery to cells, including to hepatocytes. Delivery of the XDH RNAi agents in vivo provides for inhibition of XDH gene expression. The RNAi agents can be used in methods of treatment of diseases, disorders, or symptoms mediated in part by XDH gene expression, such as gout and hyperuricemia.

Abstract: A first block storage server virtual machine to host a first volume using one or more storage devices of a computer system is executed by the computer system. A second virtual machine having access to a virtual block storage device is executed by the computer system. A block storage client is executed by the computer system. A first block storage operation is received by the block storage client from the second virtual machine, the first block storage operation to perform on the virtual block storage device. A message is sent by the block storage client to the first block storage server virtual machine to cause the first block storage server virtual machine to perform the block storage operation with the first volume.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for a container execution environment. In one embodiment, a container is executed in a virtual machine instance running on a computing device. A container control plane is executed separately from the virtual machine instance in an off-load device operably coupled to the computing device via a hardware interconnect interface. The container is managed using the container control plane executing on the off-load device.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to compounds of formula (I), which are modulators of STING. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising compounds of formula (I) and methods of using compounds of formula (I) in the treatment or prevention of diseases ameliorated by the modulation of STING.

Abstract: Vehicle exterior lighting systems for vehicles equipped with tailgate assemblies may be configured to provide redundant backup lighting functionality for all tailgate positions (e.g., closed, open, and removed). Exemplary systems may include both vehicle static body structure mounted backup lamps and tailgate structure mounted backup lamps for providing the backup lighting redundancy.

Abstract: A first instance is caused to execute software code to perform a first portion of a workflow in response to receipt of a workflow request, and performance of the first portion results in submission of an operation request to an entity. A resume workflow request is received from the entity, where the resume workflow request includes a handle to a snapshot that corresponds to a state of execution of the software code and a response to the operation request to the entity. Using the handle to the snapshot and the response to the operation request, a second instance is caused to execute the software code from the first state to perform a second portion of the workflow. A workflow result is received from an instance that executes a last portion of the workflow, and the workflow is provided result in response to the workflow request.

Abstract: A peripheral device includes one or more processors and a memory storing program instructions that when executed implement an extension manager of a virtualized computing service. The extension manager establishes a secure network channel for communications between the peripheral device, which is located at a premise external to a provider network, and a data center of the provider network. The extension manager assigns a network address of the substrate network of the service to a hardware server at the external premise. The substrate address is also assigned to an extension traffic intermediary at the data center. In response to a command directed to the virtualized computing service, one or more compute instance configuration operations are performed at the hardware server.

Abstract: Described are RNAi agents, compositions that include RNAi agents, and methods for inhibition of a beta-ENaC (SCNN1B) gene. The beta-ENaC RNAi agents and RNAi agent conjugates disclosed herein inhibit the expression of a beta-ENaC gene. Pharmaceutical compositions that include one or more beta-ENaC RNAi agents, optionally with one or more additional therapeutics, are also described. Delivery of the described beta-ENaC RNAi agents to epithelial cells, such as pulmonary epithelial cells, in vivo, provides for inhibition of beta-ENaC gene expression and a reduction in ENaC activity, which can provide a therapeutic benefit to subjects, including human subjects, for the treatment of various diseases including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).