Abstract: Solution of a problem of determining values of a set of N problem variables xi makes use of a quantum processor that has a limited number of hardware elements for representing quantum bits and/or limitations on coupling between quantum bits. A method includes accepting a specification of the problem that includes a specification of a set of terms where each term corresponds to a product of at least three variables and is associated with a non-zero coefficient. A set of ancilla variables, each ancilla variable corresponding to a pair of problem variables, is determined by applying an optimization procedure to the specification of the set of the terms. The accepted problem specification is then transformed according to the determined ancilla variables to form a modified problem specification for use in configuring the quantum processor and solution of problem.

Abstract: Solution of a problem of determining values of a set of N problem variables x, makes use of a quantum processor that has a limited number of hardware elements for representing quantum bits and/or limitations on coupling between quantum bits. A method includes accepting a specification of the problem that includes a specification of a set of terms where each term corresponds to a product of at least three variables and is associated with a non-zero coefficient. A set of ancilla variables, each ancilla variable corresponding to a pair of problem variables, is determined by applying an optimization procedure to the specification of the set of the terms. The accepted problem specification is then transformed according to the determined ancilla variables to form a modified problem specification for use in configuring the quantum processor and solution of problem.

Abstract: Provided herein are modified Rubisco large subunit proteins and nucleid acids encoding such proteins, as well as photosynthetic organism transformed with said nucleic acids and expressing said proteins. In certain embodiments, photosynthetic organisms containing said modified Rubisco large subunit proteins exhibit increased biomass production.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for facilitating the sharing of digital imaging effects from an image originator to an image recipient. A digital imaging effect is the result of a processing technique that is applied to a digital image in a way that produces a particular visual effect. The processing techniques that underlie digital imaging effects such as these can be defined by parameters that establish how the individual pixels comprising the image are manipulated to achieve the desired visual effect. In certain embodiments such defining parameters can be incorporated into a digital image file that thus contains not only data defining the image itself, but also parameters that define one or more effects that may have been applied to the image. This advantageously allows a recipient of the digital image file to not only view the image, but also to use the incorporated parameters to apply the effect to other images.

Abstract: A multi-merchant portal that enables a user to access e-commerce stores is provided. Each e-commerce store has respective merchant categories browsable by the user at a customer device through the portal, each merchant category comprising products available for purchase from a respective merchant. In response to receiving a request from the customer device to switch access of the user browsing a selected merchant category of the first merchant in a first e-commerce store, to a second e-commerce store, the portal determines a system category corresponding to the selected merchant category using mapping data mapping merchant categories to system categories and then determines a destination merchant category of the second merchant in the second e-commerce store corresponding to the determined system category using mapping data mapping the system categories to the merchant categories. The portal switches user's access to the destination merchant category in the second e-commerce store.

Abstract: An approach for creation of an electrical vault cover that is able to generate power that is stored in a battery for use by a heater to maintain the temperature above a minimum in a utility vault.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method finds an optimal set within collected data objects, each having a score and a list of incompatible objects. The method can include initializing a plurality of sets. Each set has compatible data objects. The method further includes raising the score of the plurality of sets by repeatedly adding compatible subsets of data objects to the plurality of sets. The plurality of sets have a higher score after adding the compatible subsets. The compatible subsets are created by (a) at each of multiple processors, generating a list of subsets of the collected data objects by loading the list of sets from a memory and testing data objects of the subsets for compatibility for each set, and (b) calculating a score for each subset in the list, each processor calculating the score for a particular subset in the generated list in parallel. The method further includes selecting a group of subsets having a highest score.

Abstract: A musical sound generator is provided including a tube defining a resonant cavity, the tube having a plurality of sound producing chimes configured to produce an audible sound when at least one object impacts on at least one of the chimes; a reservoir configured to hold a number of objects; and a transfer mechanism configured to transfer the objects from the reservoir to an elevated position within the resonant cavity, wherein the objects fall down from the elevated position within the resonant cavity by gravity after being transferred by the transfer mechanism, to strike the plurality of sound producing chimes; and wherein the position of the reservoir is configured to be moved depending on the level of the objects held in the reservoir.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for facilitating the sharing of digital imaging effects from an image originator to an image recipient. A digital imaging effect is the result of a processing technique that is applied to a digital image in a way that produces a particular visual effect. The processing techniques that underlie digital imaging effects such as these can be defined by parameters that establish how the individual pixels comprising the image are manipulated to achieve the desired visual effect. In certain embodiments such defining parameters can be incorporated into a digital image file that thus contains not only data defining the image itself, but also parameters that define one or more effects that may have been applied to the image. This advantageously allows a recipient of the digital image file to not only view the image, but also to use the incorporated parameters to apply the effect to other images.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for facilitating the sharing of digital imaging effects from an image originator to an image recipient. A digital imaging effect is the result of a processing technique that is applied to a digital image in a way that produces a particular visual effect. The processing techniques that underlie digital imaging effects such as these can be defined by parameters that establish how the individual pixels comprising the image are manipulated to achieve the desired visual effect. In certain embodiments such defining parameters can be incorporated into a digital image file that thus contains not only data defining the image itself, but also parameters that define one or more effects that may have been applied to the image. This advantageously allows a recipient of the digital image file to not only view the image, but also to use the incorporated parameters to apply the effect to other images.

Abstract: A musical sound generator is provided including a tube defining a resonant cavity, the tube having a plurality of sound producing chimes configured to produce an audible sound when at least one object impacts on at least one of the chimes; a reservoir configured to hold a number of objects; and a transfer mechanism configured to transfer the objects from the reservoir to an elevated position within the resonant cavity, wherein the objects fall down from the elevated position within the resonant cavity by gravity after being transferred by the transfer mechanism, to strike the plurality of sound producing chimes; and wherein the position of the reservoir is configured to be moved depending on the level of the objects held in the reservoir.

Abstract: An approach for creation of an electrical vault cover that is able to generate power that is stored in a battery for use by a heater to maintain the temperature above a minimum in a utility vault.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method finds an optimal set within collected data objects, each having a score and a list of incompatible objects. The method can include initializing a plurality of sets. Each set has compatible data objects. The method further includes raising the score of the plurality of sets by repeatedly adding compatible subsets of data objects to the plurality of sets. The plurality of sets have a higher score after adding the compatible subsets. The compatible subsets are created by (a) at each of multiple processors, generating a list of subsets of the collected data objects by loading the list of sets from a memory and testing data objects of the subsets for compatibility for each set, and (b) calculating a score for each subset in the list, each processor calculating the score for a particular subset in the generated list in parallel. The method further includes selecting a group of subsets having a highest score.

Abstract: Solution of a problem of determining values of a set of N problem variables x, makes use of a quantum processor that has a limited number of hardware elements for representing quantum bits and/or limitations on coupling between quantum bits. A method includes accepting a specification of the problem that includes a specification of a set of terms where each term corresponds to a product of at least three variables and is associated with a non-zero coefficient. A set of ancilla variables, each ancilla variable corresponding to a pair of problem variables, is determined by applying an optimization procedure to the specification of the set of the terms. The accepted problem specification is then transformed according to the determined ancilla variables to form a modified problem specification for use in configuring the quantum processor and solution of problem.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for mechanically attached connections of conduits may include a conduit gripping member, a drive member, and a seal member, the drive member causing axial movement of the conduit gripping member to indent into an outer surface of the conduit when the assembly is pulled-up, the drive member causing the seal member to form a zero clearance seal at a location that is axially spaced from the conduit gripping member. The zero clearance seal may comprise a face seal arrangement including a gasket, and the conduit gripping member may be a ferrule, ring or other device that can grip and optionally seal against the conduit outer surface. The assembly may include a sensing function for detecting or sensing a characteristic or condition of an assembly component or the fluid or both. In one embodiment, a body coupling member has a two piece construction of a main body and a conduit socket insert. A flared fitting embodiment is also provided.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for facilitating the sharing of digital imaging effects from an image originator to an image recipient. A digital imaging effect is the result of a processing technique that is applied to a digital image in a way that produces a particular visual effect. The processing techniques that underlie digital imaging effects such as these can be defined by parameters that establish how the individual pixels comprising the image are manipulated to achieve the desired visual effect. In certain embodiments such defining parameters can be incorporated into a digital image file that thus contains not only data defining the image itself, but also parameters that define one or more effects that may have been applied to the image. This advantageously allows a recipient of the digital image file to not only view the image, but also to use the incorporated parameters to apply the effect to other images.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and compositions for high throughput screening of genetically modified photosynthetic organisms for plasmic state. The present invention provides methods of producing one or more proteins, including biomass degrading enzymes in a plant. Also provided are the methods of producing biomass degradation pathways in alga cells, particularly in the chloroplast. Single enzymes or multiple enzymes may be produced by the methods disclosed. The methods disclosed herein allow for the production of biofuel, including ethanol.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for mechanically attached connections of conduits may include a conduit gripping member, a drive member, and a seal member, the drive member causing axial movement of the conduit gripping member to indent into an outer surface of the conduit when the assembly is pulled-up, the drive member causing the seal member to form a zero clearance seal at a location that is axially spaced from the conduit gripping member. The zero clearance seal may comprise a face seal arrangement including a gasket, and the conduit gripping member may be a ferrule, ring or other device that can grip and optionally seal against the conduit outer surface. The assembly may include a sensing function for detecting or sensing a characteristic or condition of an assembly component or the fluid or both. In one embodiment, a body coupling member has a two piece construction of a main body and a conduit socket insert. A flared fitting embodiment is also provided.

Abstract: Mechanically attached connections for conduits may include a conduit gripping member and first and second connection members. The first and second connection members may be, for example, a nut member and a body member where the connection members cause axial movement of the conduit gripping member to grip and seal the conduit when the assembly is pulled-up. The mechanically attached connection may include a sensing function for detecting or sensing a condition or characteristic of at least one of the following: the mechanically attached connection, one or more of the connection members, the fluid contained by the mechanically attached connection, or a combination thereof. The sensing function may be, for example, a sensor that is integrated with at least one of the nut member and the body member.