Abstract: A method includes provisioning a first Virtual Network Function (VNF) component on a first virtual machine, the first virtual machine being supported by a first physical computing system, provisioning a second VNF component directly on a second physical computing system, and using, within a telecommunications network, a VNF that includes both the first VNF component running on the first virtual machine and the second VNF component running directly on the second physical computing system. The method further includes, with a VNF manager, determining that a third VNF component should be provisioned, and in response to determining that the third VNF component is capable of utilizing a hardware accelerator associated with a third physical computing system, implementing the third VNF component on the third physical computing system.

Abstract: A method includes, with a Virtual Network Function (VNF) manager, managing a VNF that includes a plurality of VNF components running on a plurality of virtual machines, the virtual machines running on a plurality of physical computing machines, and with the VNF manager, causing a Network Function Virtualization Infrastructure (NFVI) to have a total number of virtual machines provisioned, the total number being equal to a number of virtual machines capable of providing for a current demand for VNF components plus an additional number of virtual machines equal to the highest number of virtual machines being provided by a single one of the plurality of physical computing machines.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to anti-cancer compounds derived from nuclear steroid receptor binders, to products containing the same, as well as to methods of their use and preparation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for remotely controlling the selective delivery of an associate material from a first location to a second desirable location as provided. A primary application of the method and apparatus is the remote control of the delivery of deer food by a deer feeder for the purposes of hunting deer.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to anti-cancer compounds derived from nuclear steroid receptor binders, to products containing the same, as well as to methods of their use and preparation.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to methods and systems for the automated processing of database records on a system of record based on results of a dynamic query session. More specifically, one or more templates can be defined. Each template can relate to a pre-defined condition of one or more records of the plurality of records and can define a dynamic query session related to the one or more records and one or more actions directed to the one or more records. The records can be monitored for an occurrence of the pre-defined condition on at least one record. In response to detecting the occurrence of the pre-defined condition on the at least one record, the dynamic query session related to the at least one record can be launched and the one or more actions can be initiated based on results of the dynamic query session.

Abstract: A method includes, with a Virtual Network Function (VNF) manager that manages a VNF that includes plurality of VNF components running on a plurality of virtual machines, determining that an additional VNF component should be provisioned on an additional virtual machine. The method further includes, in response to the determining that the additional VNF component should be provisioned, instructing a compute controller to provision the additional virtual machine. The method further includes instructing a Software-Defined Networking (SDN) controller to connect the additional virtual machine to a network that interconnects the VNF components, and provisioning the additional VNF component on the additional virtual machine.

Abstract: A method includes, with a Virtual Network Function (VNF) component associated with a VNF, communicating with an access network over a first physical network connected to a first physical network interface of a physical machine associated with the VNF component. The method further includes, with the VNF component, communicating with a core network over a second physical network connected to a second physical network interface of the physical machine, the second network being isolated from the first network.

Abstract: The present invention provides recombinant bacterial cells comprising at least one heterologous gene encoding at least one oxalate catabolism enzyme. In another aspect, the recombinant bacterial cells further comprise at least one heterologous gene encoding an importer of oxalate. The invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising the recombinant bacteria, and methods for treating disorders in which oxalate is detrimental, such as hyperoxaluria, using the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention.

Abstract: A fishhook removal device and method for removal of a fishhook from the mouth of a fish with minimal damage to the fish and minimal danger of the user becoming injured during removal of the fishhook, providing a fishhook removal device having a pliers body, two pliers handles, two pliers jaws, and a hooked rounded extension fixed to a pliers jaw, where, in use, the hooked rounded extension is placed into the bend of the fishhook while the fishing line is held taught from the direction generally forward of the fish, the fishhook removal device is twisted and pulled away from the fish, and the fishhook is removed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to methods and systems for customizing a workflow for processing database records. More specifically, customizing a workflow for processing database records can comprise maintaining a first set of records associated with a first entity of a plurality of entities. An administrative interface comprising one or more options for workflow configuration can be presented and selection of at least one of the one or more options for workflow configuration can be received through the administrative interface. A custom workflow for the first entity can be defined based on the received selection of the at least one of the one or more options for workflow configuration. The first set of records can then be processed using the defined custom workflow.

Abstract: Various embodiments of systems, apparatus, and/or methods are described for enhanced responsiveness in responding to an emergency situation using unmanned aerial vehicles (drones). Drones are fully autonomous in that they are operated without human intervention from a pilot, an operator, or other personnel. The disclosed drone utilizes movable access doors to provide the capability of vertically takeoff and landing. The drone also includes an emergency recovery system including a mechanism to deploy a parachute in an event of a failure of the on-board autopilot. Also disclosed herein is a drone port that provides an IR-based docking mechanism for precision landing of the drone, with a very low margin of error. Additionally, the drone port includes pads that provide automatic charge to the drone's batteries by contact-based charging via the drone's landing gear legs.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to methods and systems for the processing of database records based on results of a dynamic query session. More specifically, one or more templates can be defined. Each template can relate to a pre-defined condition of one or more records of the plurality of records and can define a dynamic query session related to the one or more records and one or more actions directed to the one or more records. The records can be monitored for an occurrence of the pre-defined condition on at least one record. In response to detecting the occurrence of the pre-defined condition on the at least one record, the dynamic query session related to the at least one record can be launched and the one or more actions can be initiated based on results of the dynamic query session.

Abstract: A method including transporting fragile fruit into a hopper. The method also includes transferring the fragile fruit from the hopper into a container that is at least partially submerged in a fluid. The method additionally includes raising the container out of the fluid while the fragile fruit are within the container. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: A method includes, with a Virtual Network Function (VNF) component associated with a VNF, communicating with an access network over a first physical network connected to a first physical network interface of a physical machine associated with the VNF component. The method further includes, with the VNF component, communicating with a core network over a second physical network connected to a second physical network interface of the physical machine, the second network being isolated from the first network.

Abstract: Various embodiments of systems, apparatus, and/or methods are described for enhanced responsiveness in responding to an emergency situation using unmanned aerial vehicles (drones). Drones are fully autonomous in that they are operated without human intervention from a pilot, an operator, or other personnel. The disclosed drone utilizes movable access doors to provide the capability of vertically takeoff and landing. The drone also includes an emergency recovery system including a mechanism to deploy a parachute in an event of a failure of the on-board autopilot. Also disclosed herein is a drone port that provides an IR-based docking mechanism for precision landing of the drone, with a very low margin of error. Additionally, the drone port includes pads that provide automatic charge to the drone's batteries by contact-based charging via the drone's landing gear legs.

Abstract: The present invention provides recombinant bacterial cells comprising at least one heterologous gene encoding at least one oxalate catabolism enzyme. In another aspect, the recombinant bacterial cells further comprise at least one heterologous gene encoding an importer of oxalate. The invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising the recombinant bacteria, and methods for treating disorders in which oxalate is detrimental, such as hyperoxaluria, using the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention.

Abstract: An artificial licking branch comprising a unitary, portable, and handheld branch body of a polymeric material and a plurality of cantilevered branch members, each projecting outwardly away from the branch body and including an absorbent textile material patch disposed along a portion of the branch member length on each of the plurality of cantilevered branch members. The absorbent textile material is designed to absorb and store natural and synthetic preorbital deer scents or lures for the purpose of indicating deer presence to other deer and for improving hunters' scouting and hunting experience upon their being able to monitor the number and type of deer that physically interact with the artificial licking branch.

Abstract: A method includes, with a Virtual Network Function (VNF) manager, managing a VNF that includes a plurality of VNF components running on a plurality of virtual machines, the virtual machines running on a plurality of physical computing machines, and with the VNF manager, causing a Network Function Virtualization Infrastructure (NFVI) to have a total number of virtual machines provisioned, the total number being equal to a number of virtual machines capable of providing for a current demand for VNF components plus an additional number of virtual machines equal to the highest number of virtual machines being provided by a single one of the plurality of physical computing machines.