Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for predicting reward liability data of reward programs. A method includes accessing, by a server system, historical reward related data associated with one or more reward programs administered by a reward program provider of reward program providers. The historical reward related data includes past redeemed reward points for each reward program aggregated on a particular time basis. Method includes identifying first seasonality patterns and second seasonality patterns associated with the historical reward related data. Method includes training a reward liability prediction model based on first and second seasonality patterns, wherein the trained time-series prediction model is configured to predict future reward liability data associated with the one or more reward programs.

Abstract: To optimize front-end operations performed on virtual machines, a storage tiering module preemptively guides the placement of virtual volumes in storage tiers within a storage system. Upon detecting a front-end operation request, the storage tiering module identifies a storage requirement, such as an expected provisioning activity level during the front-end operation. Based on the identified storage requirement, the storage tiering module selects an appropriate storage tier. Subsequently, in preparation for the front-end operation, the storage tiering module places the virtual volume at the selected storage tier. Because the storage tiering module places the virtual volume in a tier that reflects the resource consumption expected during the front-end operation, the storage system does not incur the performance degradation that often precedes tier movement in conventional, reactive approaches to storage tiering.

Abstract: In general, techniques for sharing of network session data are described. The techniques may enable security devices to leverage application classification information in a federated manner. An example security device includes a memory and one or more processors. The processor(s) are configured to receive data representative of an application classification for a first packet flow from a second security device, to receive data of a second packet flow, and, when the second packet flow corresponds to the first packet flow, to monitor the data of the second packet flow based on the application classification for the first packet flow without determining an application classification for the second packet flow.

Abstract: In general, techniques for sharing of network session data are described. The techniques may enable security devices to leverage application classification information in a federated manner. An example security device includes a memory and one or more processors. The processor(s) are configured to receive data representative of an application classification for a first packet flow from a second security device, to receive data of a second packet flow, and, when the second packet flow corresponds to the first packet flow, to monitor the data of the second packet flow based on the application classification for the first packet flow without determining an application classification for the second packet flow.

Abstract: To optimize front-end operations performed on virtual machines, a storage tiering module preemptively guides the placement of virtual volumes in storage tiers within a storage system. Upon detecting a front-end operation request, the storage tiering module identifies a storage requirement, such as an expected provisioning activity level during the front-end operation. Based on the identified storage requirement, the storage tiering module selects an appropriate storage tier. Subsequently, in preparation for the front-end operation, the storage tiering module places the virtual volume at the selected storage tier. Because the storage tiering module places the virtual volume in a tier that reflects the resource consumption expected during the front-end operation, the storage system does not incur the performance degradation that often precedes tier movement in conventional, reactive approaches to storage tiering.

Abstract: To optimize front-end operations performed on virtual machines, a storage tiering module preemptively guides the placement of virtual volumes in storage tiers within a storage system. Upon detecting a front-end operation request, the storage tiering module identifies a storage requirement, such as an expected provisioning activity level during the front-end operation. Based on the identified storage requirement, the storage tiering module selects an appropriate storage tier. Subsequently, in preparation for the front-end operation, the storage tiering module places the virtual volume at the selected storage tier. Because the storage tiering module places the virtual volume in a tier that reflects the resource consumption expected during the front-end operation, the storage system does not incur the performance degradation that often precedes tier movement in conventional, reactive approaches to storage tiering.

Abstract: To optimize front-end operations performed on virtual machines, a storage tiering module preemptively guides the placement of virtual volumes in storage tiers within a storage system. Upon detecting a front-end operation request, the storage tiering module identifies a storage requirement, such as an expected provisioning activity level during the front-end operation. Based on the identified storage requirement, the storage tiering module selects an appropriate storage tier. Subsequently, in preparation for the front-end operation, the storage tiering module places the virtual volume at the selected storage tier. Because the storage tiering module places the virtual volume in a tier that reflects the resource consumption expected during the front-end operation, the storage system does not incur the performance degradation that often precedes tier movement in conventional, reactive approaches to storage tiering.

Abstract: Methods for expanding regulatory T cells in vitro are provided. It has been discovered that regulatory T cells can be expanded in vitro by culturing a mixed population of lymphocytes on planar cell culture substrates, for example cell culture dishes, coated with binding partners for TCR complex and CD28. Remarkably, culturing mixed populations of lymphocytes on planar substrates coated with anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 antibodies induced apoptosis of effector T cells. It is believe that this is the first cell culture technique that expands regulatory T cells while inducing the apoptosis of effector cells in the mixed lymphocyte population using binding partners for cell surface proteins immobilized on planar substrate. Because effector T cells are typically present in mixed populations of lymphocytes, effector T cells compete with regulatory T cells and typically overtake the cell culture.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for treating autoimmune diseases such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and other conditions involving undesired immune responses such as allergies, including food allergies, and graft-versus-host disease. In one embodiment disclosed, regulatory/suppressor T cells are selected or expanded in culture using a phospholipase D (PLD) inhibitor to prevent growth of effector T cells and a growth factor to stimulate the regulatory cells. Antigen-specific regulatory/regulatory T cells can be produced by this method. The regulatory T cells can then be administered to a patient in need of suppressive immunotherapy. In another embodiment, PLD inhibitor, growth factor, and an antigen for which antigen-specific suppressive immunotherapy is desired are administered to a patient via injection, oral or topical administration, or other means known to the art.