Abstract: A system for navigating through dynamic virtual lounges comprises a processor associated with a server. The processor is configured to access a virtual environment comprising a virtual lounge and a plurality of associated virtual sub-lounges. The processor is configured to authorize an interaction session between an avatar and the virtual lounge in response to an interaction request from a user device. The processor is configured to automatically detect and authorize the avatar to enter and interact with each virtual sub-lounge of the virtual lounge. The processor is configured to conduct multiple interactions between the avatar and the virtual sub-lounges. The processor is further configured to generate corresponding interaction datasets and interaction tokens for the avatar. The processor is further configured to generate a user interaction session dataset for the avatar based on the interaction datasets and interaction tokens.

Abstract: Data can be sent from a sender to a receiver with reliability of transmission encoding data blocks into packets each having a packet header and a packet payload, a block size, a global packet sequence number that uniquely identifies the packet relative to other packets of the data, a block identifier of the data block, and an encoding identifier. The sender determines from feedback from the receiver whether packets are lost and sends repair packets as needed.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of producing, compositions comprising and uses of oligodendrogenic neural progenitor cells (o-NPCs), made using a combination of PDGFR agonist and thyroxin or a thyroxin analogue. The method includes; obtaining ventralized neural progenitor cells (NPCs), the ventralized NPCs expressing Sox2, Nkx6-1, decreased level of Pax6 compared to unpatterned NPCs, and elevated expression of HoxA4 compared to unpatterned NPCs; culturing the ventralized NPCs for about 12 to about 16 days (days 26-40 of FIG. 7; days 12 to 27 of FIG. 10) in neural expansion media (NEM) supplemented with i) PDGFR agonist for the about 12 to about 16 days and ii) thyroxine or a thyroxine analogue for the latter about 7 to about 9 days, to produce o-NPC expressing Sox2 and Nkx2.2, decreased level of Pax6 and Nkx6.1 compared to ventralized NPCs and elevated level of HoxA4 and Olig2 compared to ventralized NPCs.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a thermal conductivity vacuum gauge assembly. The assembly comprises a body defining an internal chamber for receiving working gas and a heater element disposed within the chamber. The body is defined by a wall having an outer facing wall surface and an opposing inner facing wall surface. A thermal compensation element is enclosed within the wall between the outer and inner facing wall surfaces. The present disclosure also relates to a thermal conductivity vacuum gauge including the assembly.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage medium, for controlling operations of machine tool workstations. Machine tool workstations are grouped into functional groups. Neural networks corresponding to the functional groups are trained to process respective inputs representing parts to be processed to generate respective outputs representing sequences of ordered subsets of the parts that produce a reduced setup time for workstations in the functional groups. Data representing respective collections of parts to be processed by workstations included in the functional groups is processed using the trained neural networks to generate corresponding sequences of ordered subsets of the collection of parts. Average delay times associated with the generated sequences of ordered subsets of the collection of parts are computed.

Abstract: A method of plugging a honeycomb body is disclosed herein, the method comprising: contacting a first end of the honeycomb body comprising a plurality of channels with a light curable sealing mixture such that an infiltrate of the light curable sealing mixture flows into the plurality of channels proximate the first end; emitting a light toward a first portion of the infiltrate within the plurality channels of the filter; and curing the first portion of the infiltrate within the channels with the light to form a plurality of seals.

Abstract: A computing device for processing geospatial data associated with an irrigation system comprises a processing element in electronic communication with a memory element. The processing element is configured or programmed to receive sensor data over time from a plurality of sensors associated with the irrigation system, receive or determine geolocation data, link data from each sensor with geolocation data to form geospatial data, determine trends in the geospatial data for each sensor or a group of sensors, determine changes or adjustments in an operation of components of the irrigation system based on trends determined in the geospatial data, and output an electronic signal whose analog level or digital data value varies according to the changes or adjustments in the operation of components of the irrigation system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing adaptive bitrate streaming using alternative streams of protected content in accordance with embodiments of the invention are described. One embodiment of the invention includes a processor, and memory containing a client application. In addition, the client application configures the processor to: request a top level index file identifying a plurality of alternative streams of protected content, where each of the alternative streams of protected content are encrypted using common cryptographic information; obtain the common cryptographic information; request portions of content from at least the plurality of alternative streams of protected content; access the protected content using the common cryptographic information; and playback the content.

Abstract: An electronic device with a primary functionality and a tracking functionality can be used in a centralized tracking system. A controller configures the electronic device to operate in one of a set of: an “on” mode, an “off” mode, a first standby mode, and a tracking standby mode. While configured to operate in the “on” mode, the primary and tracking functionality of the electronic device are enabled, and while configured to operate in the “off” mode, both are disabled. While configured to operate in the first standby mode, the tracking functionality is enabled and the primary functionality is limited. While configured to operate in the tracking standby mode, the primary functionality is disabled but the tracking functionality is enabled, enabling the electronic device to be located while the primary functionality is disabled and saving power relative to the first standby mode and the “on” mode.

Abstract: A tracking device can be reconfigured after an amount of operation to preserve the battery capacity of the tracking device and to ensure that the tracking device can be operated for a pre-determined threshold period of time. The tracking device can provide diagnostic information representative of a state of the tracking device, such as a current power capacity of the tracking device's battery, to a mobile device within a threshold proximity of the tracking device. The mobile device can then provide the diagnostic information to a tracking server, which in turn can provide reconfiguration instructions to the mobile device. The mobile device can then pass on the reconfiguration instructions to the tracking device, in response to which the tracking device can reconfigure itself.

Abstract: Automated migration systems and methods are described for generating guided user interfaces (GUIs) for tracking migrating legacy networked resources within a computer network environment during a technical migration. The automated migration systems and methods include loading, by a dashboard tracking application (app) implemented on a migration server according to first and second migration schema formats, into a migration database each of first and second reporting data and first and second tracking data corresponding to first and second legacy networked resources as tracked during an active migration session. The dashboard tracking app receives, during the active migration session, a dashboard request for graphical status of each of the first and second legacy networked resources, and automatically generates a tracking GUI rendering first and second statutes of the first and second legacy networked resources based on the first and second reporting data and the first and second tracking data.

Abstract: A method and system for the online vehicle rentals, such as a car share rental, allows for a customer to self-dispatch and self-return a rental vehicle without requiring special equipment in the rental vehicle or the presence of rental personnel at the dispatch or return location. At the beginning of the rental period, the customer is prompted to input to a rental management computer system, via a mobile computer device, information about the mileage and fuel level of the rental vehicle and to report existing damage to the rental vehicle. If the customer wishes to extend the rental time period, the customer is prompted to select a requested extended end time for the rental time period and to send the requested extended end time to the rental management computer system.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and software can be used to manage resource access. In some aspect, a user interface is outputted on an electronic device. The user interface includes information for resource access and a user interface object for controlling a resource access permission. A user input associated with the user interface object is received. In response to receiving the user input, the resource access permission is changed.

Abstract: A system comprising a computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program, and a computer-implemented method for enhancing and personalizing an interactive marketplace. The systems and methods provided herein may allow a user to receive search results that are tailored to the user's personal preferences based on social and purchasing information known about the user. In addition, the systems and methods provided herein may provide shipping updates to a buyer that include a personalized message based on location information provided by the package being shipped. In addition, the systems and methods provided herein allow merchants to provide incentives and rewards for shoppers by participating in interactive shopping games.

Abstract: A downhole drilling tool, forming part of a subterranean drilling system, may include at least one plate secured to an exterior of an elongate body. Electronics may be disposed between the plate and the body to be protected by the plate while still readily accessible. A dynamic element may be radially extendable from the plate to engage an inner wall of a borehole being drilled. If this radially-extendable element becomes worn or damaged from this engagement, the plate may be replaced. More expensive components of the drilling tool may be contained within the elongate body, rather than the plate, thus reducing replacement frequency. Additionally, plates including unique features may be employed at different times without altering the underlying elongate body.

Abstract: A multi-device wireless charger may include a charging surface disposed onto a housing structure, wherein the housing structure includes coils or other induction generating features and other electronic components that enable wireless charging via electromagnetic induction. Further, the housing structure may also include adjustable securing features, such that the multi-device wireless charger may be adjusted to accommodate more than one type of wirelessly chargeable mobile device. In one example, the securing features may include a tambour sliding surface disposed over the charging surface, positionable via a protruding member. In another example, the securing features may include at least pairs of cooperating sliding armatures. In another example, the securing features may include at least two spring-loaded sliding mechanisms configured to interoperate with a stabilizing member via spring mechanisms. The method may involve adjusting the securing features and then securing the device.

Abstract: A cutting element includes a body, a non-planar cutting face formed on a first end of the body, and an edge formed around a perimeter of the cutting face. The cutting face includes a central raised portion, and the edge has an edge angle defined between the cutting face and a side surface of the body. The edge angle varies around the perimeter of the cutting face and includes an acute edge angle defined by a portion of the cutting face extending downwardly from the edge to a depth from the cutting angle. The portion of the edge defining the acute edge angle may be directly adjacent: a side surface of the cutting element; a bevel of the cutting element; or a flat region at the perimeter of the cutting element or bevel.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of preparing a protein sample for proteomic analysis. In exemplary embodiments, the method comprises (a) contacting a blood sample comprising proteins with a protective agent comprising an anticoagulant (AC) and an aldehyde releaser (AR), to obtain a mixture, optionally, wherein the blood sample is added to a blood collection tube (BCT) comprising the protective agent, and (b) isolating a fraction comprising proteins or a source of proteins from the mixture to yield a protein sample or a source of a protein sample, wherein steps of the method are carried out in the absence of exogenous proteolytic enzyme inhibitors, wherein the protein sample is suitable for proteomic and peptidomic analysis.

Abstract: A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes detecting actions taken by users in a computer-implemented matching system and, for each of the detected actions, storing data indicative of the detected action. The method further includes filtering the stored data in accordance with at least one filter selected by an administrator of the computer-implemented matching system and creating a user action log from the filtered stored data. The user action log includes all of the stored data that matches the selected at least one filter. The at least one filter may include log start time, log end time, type of action, user ID, target user ID, and/or site type. The detected action may include viewing another user's profile, changing the user's own profile, sending a message to another user via the computer-implemented matching system, and/or performing a matching search using the computer-implemented matching system.

Abstract: A method for controlling access to a set of data is provided. The method includes receiving, via an interface, a request from an agent to access the set of data in a database; extracting an access criterion relating to a predefined data access constraint and a predetermined data access policy from the request; and determining whether the agent is granted access to the set of data using the criterion, where the access criterion is based on an attribute that is associated with an element within the set of data.