Abstract: An administrative agent running at a virtualization host of a network-accessible virtualized computing service determines that a first virtual machine is to be instantiated. The agent initiates at least a first configuration operation to enable connectivity for at least a portion of network traffic associated with the first virtual machine. The first configuration operation is performed at least in part using a first virtualization offloading card of the virtualization host. The agent causes a virtualization intermediary process of the virtualization host to launch one or more execution threads of the virtualization intermediary process to implement the first virtual machine. The intermediary process may be swapped to persistent storage, e.g., based on an analysis of resources of the virtualization host.

Abstract: Described are RNAi agents, compositions that include RNAi agents, and methods for inhibition of an alpha-ENaC (SCNN1A) gene. The alpha-ENaC RNAi agents and RNAi agent conjugates disclosed herein inhibit the expression of an alpha-ENaC gene. Pharmaceutical compositions that include one or more alpha-ENaC RNAi agents, optionally with one or more additional therapeutics, are also described. Delivery of the described alpha-ENaC RNAi agents to epithelial cells, such as pulmonary epithelial cells, in vivo, provides for inhibition of alpha-ENaC gene expression and a reduction in ENaC activity, which can provide a therapeutic benefit to subjects, including human subjects.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a convertible sliding top assembly for use with a vehicle. The convertible sliding top assembly can create an opening on the top of the vehicle by rotating a plurality of arms and folding over a soft cover. The assembly can be designed and shaped to improve aerodynamics when the vehicle is moving and prevent the buildup of water on the soft cover.

Abstract: A compound of formula (I): which inhibits the activity of one or more KATs of the MYST family, i.e., TIP60, KAT6B, MOZ, HBO1, and MOF.

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: Integrin ligands having serum stability and affinity for ?v?6 integrins are described. Compositions comprising ?v?6 integrin ligands having serum stability and having affinity for ?v?6 integrins and methods of using them are also described.

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: A retractable vehicle step is attachable to a vehicle or truck, such as at the rear portion. The vehicle step facilitates access to a cargo hold of the vehicle. Advantageously, the vehicle step provides clearance space relative to a tailgate of the vehicle by displacing a stepping member of the vehicle step in a generally lateral direction. The vehicle step desirably has a covered and protected biasing mechanism for transitioning between retracted and extended positions of the stepping member. Another advantage is that the vehicle step is readily attachable to the vehicle using already existing connection members, thereby generally eliminating or mitigating the need for customized retrofitting and avoiding undesirable installation cost and time. Further, the vehicle step may be pulled out from under the vehicle by the foot of a user.

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: 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: Systems, methods and computer-readable media are provided for controlling environmental conditions to control latent and sensible loads in a plant grow chamber. The density of plant-0 receptacles in the grow chamber is such that, when plants are held in the plurality of plant receptacles, evapotranspiration contributes to the latent load so that the latent load exceeds a sensible load, resulting in evapotranspirative cooling. This shift in the energy balance allows for greater energy savings, as compared with conventional indoor farms that focus on removing heat from the growth environment. Environmental conditions may be controlled to achieved desired conditions, such as the optimum ratio of harvest weight yield to energy consumption under given constraints. Light modules for enabling plant growth suitable for controlled environment agriculture are also described.

Abstract: A vehicle lighting assembly installation method includes, among other things, coupling an outer panel of a vehicle to a body structure of the vehicle, biasing a lighting assembly outward away from the body structure toward the outer panel, and securing the lighting assembly to the body structure during the biasing. A vehicle assembly includes, among other things, a body structure of a vehicle, an outer panel secured to the body structure, a lighting assembly secured to the body structure, and a biasing member that biases the lighting assembly outward away from the body structure toward the outer panel when securing the lighting assembly to the body structure.

Abstract: A headlamp assembly includes, among other things, a lamp housing, a headlamp adjuster system within the lamp housing, and an access control member moveable from an accessing position to a covering position while coupled to the lamp housing. The headlamp adjustor assembly is accessible through an aperture in the lamp housing when the access control member is in the accessing position. The headlamp adjustor assembly is inaccessible through the aperture in the access control member when the access control member is in the covering position.

Abstract: An improved vehicle cargo tailgate enclosure particularly adapted for ease of installation and removal. The tailgate enclosure comprises two side walls and a rear wall. The rear wall is configured to slope upwardly and rearwardly to provide additional storage space to a cargo bed of a vehicle. The cargo tailgate enclosure further comprises tubular members which comprise a non-circular cross section which provide exceptional strength a structural stability to the cargo tailgate enclosure. The cargo tailgate enclosure further comprises a plurality of upright members. Some of the upright members are configured to attach the cargo tailgate enclosure to a vehicle and to cap the tubular members. Other upright members are configured to support the tailgate enclosure against the surface cargo bed or a tailgate of a vehicle.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to RNAi agents, e.g., double stranded RNAi agents, able to inhibit patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein 3 (PNPLA3) gene expression. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions that include PNPLA3 RNAi agents and methods of use thereof. The PNPLA3 RNAi agents disclosed herein may be conjugated to targeting ligands to facilitate the delivery to cells, including to hepatocytes. Delivery of the PNPLA3 RNAi agents in vivo provides for inhibition of PNPLA3 gene expression. The RNAi agents can be used in methods of treatment of PNPLA3-related diseases and disorders, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), hepatic fibrosis, and alcoholic or non-alcoholic liver diseases, including cirrhosis.

Abstract: A vehicle lighting assembly installation method includes, among other things, coupling an outer panel of a vehicle to a body structure of the vehicle, biasing a lighting assembly outward away from the body structure toward the outer panel, and securing the lighting assembly to the body structure during the biasing. A vehicle assembly includes, among other things, a body structure of a vehicle, an outer panel secured to the body structure, a lighting assembly secured to the body structure, and a biasing member that biases the lighting assembly outward away from the body structure toward the outer panel when securing the lighting assembly to the body structure.

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: Generally described, aspects of the present disclosure relate to a live update process of the virtual machine monitor during the operation of the virtual machine instances. An update to a virtual machine monitor can be a difficult process to execute because of the operation of the virtual machine instances. Generally, in order to update the virtual machine monitor, the physical computing device needs to be rebooted, which interrupts operation of the virtual machine instances. The live update process provides for a method of updating the virtual machine monitor without rebooting the physical computing device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for reducing latency to service requests to execute code on an on-demand code execution system by maintaining snapshots of virtual machine instances in a ready state to execute such code. A user may submit code to the on-demand code execution system, which code depends on other software, such as an operating system or runtime. The on-demand code execution system can generate a virtual machine instance provisioned with the other software, and initialize the instance into a state at which it is ready to execute the code. The on-demand code execution system can then generate a snapshot of the state of the instance, and halt the instance. When a request to execute the code is received, the snapshot can be used to quickly restore the instance. The code can then be executed within the instance, reducing the need to initialize the instance or maintain the instance in an executing state.

Abstract: A program to be executed to perform a packet processing operation on a packet associated with a resource group, as well as security settings of the resource group, are received. The program is transmitted to a set of fast path nodes which were assigned to the resource group based on the group's metadata. With respect to a particular packet, security operations based on the settings are performed and the program is executed at a fast path node. Based at least partly on the results of the program, a packet routing action corresponding to the received packet is performed.