Abstract: The disclosed embodiments disclose techniques for accessing a scale-out block interface in a cloud-based distributed computing environment (CBDCE). During operation, an instance of a block device service (BDS) receives a data request from a client. The BDS instance translates the data request into a set of data block accesses, and then sends the translated data request to a data processing layer service (DPL). The DPL instance services the data request using a set of data operations that leverage one or more of a distributed cache, a distributed database, and a cloud storage system. The BDS service leverages the DPL instance to provide to the client an abstraction of a highly-available block storage device with unlimited storage space via the scale-out block interface.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments disclose techniques for managing a distributed cache in a cloud-based distributed computing environment (CBDCE). During operation, an instance of a data processing layer service (DPL) receives a data request from a client that specifies an address and an operation for a target data block. The DPL instance uses these to determine a first cache instance of the distributed cache that is assigned to cache a metadata entry that links the address with a data block fingerprint for the target data block. The DPL instance then uses the data block fingerprint and the cache mapping to determine a second cache instance that is assigned to store the target data block, and then accesses the second cache instance to complete the operation for the target data block.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for super-resolution imaging of extended objects utilize a scanned illumination source with a small spot size. Sub-images composed of highly-overlapping point spread functions are captured and each sub-image is iteratively compared to a series of brightness combinations of template point spread functions in a dictionary. The dictionary is composed of highly-overlapping point spread functions. Each sub-image is associated with a best-match template combination solution, and the best-match reconstructions created by best-match solutions are combined into a super-resolution image of the object.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments disclose techniques for journaling data received in a cloud-based distributed computing environment (CBDCE). Multiple services simultaneously execute on the CBDCE compute nodes, with each service comprising multiple service instances that simultaneously execute on multiple, distinct compute nodes of the CBDCE. The CBDCE includes a distributed database that enables coordination between the service instances of services that execute in the CBDCE; this distributed database also includes multiple distributed database instances that simultaneously executing on multiple different CBDCE compute nodes. During operation, a service instance executing on one of these compute nodes receives a client request. The service instance submits this client request to a distributed database instance and, in parallel, also submits the client request and its associated user data to a distributed journaling service.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments disclose techniques for managing a cloud-based distributed computing environment (CBDCE) that comprises multiple geographically-distributed compute nodes. Multiple services simultaneously execute on the CBDCE compute nodes, with each service comprising multiple service instances that simultaneously execute on multiple distinct compute nodes of the CBDCE. During operation, the system uses a distributed database to track the status of the CBDCE to ensure the ongoing stability and scalability of the CBDCE. Upon receiving a request that is associated with the configuration of the CBDCE, a service accesses CBDCE status information from the distributed database to respond to the request.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments disclose techniques for managing cloud-based storage using a time-series database. A distributed cloud data management system (DCDMS) manages objects stored in a cloud storage system. The DCDMS leverages a distributed time-series database to track objects accessed via the DCDMS. During operation, the DCDMS receives a request to access an object using a path identifier and an object identifier. The DCDMS determines from the path identifier that the request is associated with one of its supported extended capabilities, and uses the previously tracked object operations that are stored in the time-series database to determine the actual target bucket in the cloud storage system that contains the requested object; the target bucket that contains the object may be different from the bucket identified in the path identifier that is received. The object identifier is then used to access the requested object from the target bucket to service the request.

Abstract: A method for fixture shape optimization design of a space membrane structure for inhibiting wrinkling, and solves the problem that the space membrane structure is easy to generate a wrinkling phenomenon under the stretching effect of a traditional fixture. By optimizing the shape of the fixture and changing the loading boundary conditions, the minor principal stress of the unit in the membrane region is maximized and the distribution of the principal stress of the membrane is regulated. A global optimization algorithm is used to find a global optimal design, and then novel fixture forms with “arch” and “convex” boundaries are obtained, to achieve the purpose of completely simulating the wrinkling. The present invention not only inhibits the generation of the wrinkling in the membrane, but also avoids cutting the membrane and ensures that the membrane has large enough working area.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for equipment networking, and equipment. Equipment acquires at least one of first information indicating a state of the equipment or second information indicating a state of peer equipment. The equipment determines whether a pre-set condition is met by at least one of the first information or the second information. When the pre-set condition is met by at least one of the first information or the second information, the equipment forms a group with the peer equipment. The equipment monitors data characterizing a signal transmitted by the peer equipment. When a first pre-set condition is not met by the data characterizing the signal transmitted by the peer equipment, the equipment quits the group formed with the peer equipment.

Abstract: Mutant mammalian RPE65 proteins and portions thereof, and nucleic acids encoding the mutants, for use in treating a condition related to retinal degeneration in a subject, the mutant mammalian RPE65 proteins or portions thereof having isomerohydrolase activity. A gene therapy method of treating a condition related to retinal degeneration in a mammalian subject in need of such treatment, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically-effective amount of a vector comprising a nucleic acid encoding a mutant mammalian RPE65 protein or a portion thereof. A method of treating a condition related to retinal degeneration in a subject in need of such treatment, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically-effective amount of at least one of a mutant mammalian RPE65 protein or a portion thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for equipment networking, and equipment. Equipment acquires at least one of first information indicating a state of the equipment or second information indicating a state of peer equipment. The equipment determines whether a pre-set condition is met by at least one of the first information or the second information. When the pre-set condition is met by at least one of the first information or the second information, the equipment forms a group with the peer equipment. The equipment monitors data characterizing a signal transmitted by the peer equipment. When a first pre-set condition is not met by the data characterizing the signal transmitted by the peer equipment, the equipment quits the group formed with the peer equipment.

Abstract: Compositions containing a phenylquinoline derivative compound having peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor a (PPAR?) agonistic activity, and methods of their use in enhancing PPAR? activity in retinal cells, and in treating ocular disorders or conditions, such as but not limited to retinal inflammation, retinal neovascularization, retinal vascular leakage, retinopathy of prematurity, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic macular edema are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for equipment networking and outputting by equipment, and equipment. Equipment acquires at least one of first information indicating a state of the equipment or second information indicating a state of peer equipment. The equipment determines whether a pre-set condition is met by at least one of the first information or the second information. When the pre-set condition is met by at least one of the first information or the second information, the equipment forms a group with the peer equipment.

Abstract: A method, article of manufacture, and apparatus for protecting data. In some embodiments, this includes receiving a changed block, reading a previous backup to get a file list in change block tracking, checking a file in a modified master file table list for a reference flag, wherein the modified master file table list is based on the changed block, and modifying a database entry based on the reference flag.

Abstract: A method, article of manufacture, and apparatus for protecting data. In some embodiments, this includes taking a snapshot of a virtual machine, parsing the virtual machine to determine a header section and a file system, indexing the virtual machine based on the parsing, storing the index in a storage device, and storing the snapshot in a deduplicated data storage device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for providing a failover of storage for media content, including media content used for broadcasting in cinema. One embodiment of the invention stores copies of digital cinema packages (“DCPs”) to both a central storage facility as well as a local storage facility. When a server module reading DCPs in central storage module encounters abnormalities, it switches reading operations to the local storage module, at the same frame location from which interruption occurred. The present invention provides a multi-layered storage system for cinema broadcasting of a movie to decrease likelihood of interruptions during a broadcast that may be caused by failure of the central storage facility.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for super-resolution imaging of extended objects utilize a scanned illumination source with a small spot size. Sub-images composed of highly-overlapping point spread functions are captured and each sub-image is iteratively compared to a series of brightness combinations of template point spread functions in a dictionary. The dictionary is composed of highly-overlapping point spread functions. Each sub-image is associated with a best-match template combination solution, and the best-match reconstructions created by best-match solutions are combined into a super-resolution image of the object.

Abstract: A method, article of manufacture, and apparatus for protecting data. In some embodiments, this includes taking a snapshot of a virtual machine, parsing the virtual machine to determine a header section and a file system, indexing the virtual machine based on the parsing, storing the index in a storage device, and storing the snapshot in a deduplicated data storage device.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for enhancing data protection is disclosed. The method starts with monitoring an operating status of a storage volume at a primary storage of a storage system, where the storage volume is allocated to one or more applications. The method continues with determining whether the operating status of the storage volume satisfies a predetermined condition and notifying a backup application to trigger a backup of the storage volume of the primary storage to a backup storage upon determining that the operating status of the storage volume satisfies the first predetermined condition.

Abstract: Data protection is disclosed. A directory is used to identify keys in a key value database. Each identified key is walked through to identify values and a file is identified based on the walk through. The identified file is restored to a storage device.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for equipment networking and outputting by equipment, and equipment. Equipment acquires at least one of first information indicating a state of the equipment or second information indicating a state of peer equipment. The equipment determines whether a pre-set condition is met by at least one of the first information or the second information. When the pre-set condition is met by at least one of the first information or the second information, the equipment forms a group with the peer equipment.