Abstract: A distributed database system for handling transactions from multiple client systems. A database node receives a request to execute a transaction from a first client, involving a record modification. This record has an associated check-and-set (CAS) value that changes with modifications. The record is sent to the first client, which identifies the CAS value. Similarly, a second client sends a request for another transaction, receives the record, and identifies the CAS value. One of these clients attempts to stage a mutation based on their transaction. This includes sending the previously received CAS value. The system checks for a CAS value mismatch, indicating a conflicting mutation from another transaction. If a mismatch is detected, the transaction attempt is aborted to prevent conflicts. Otherwise, the mutation is staged, and the CAS value is updated.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to single domain antibodies (“VHHs”) against SARS-CoV-2, as well as to polypeptides comprising one or more of such VHHs. The disclosure also relates to nucleic acids encoding such VHHs and polypeptides; to methods of preparing such VHHs and polypeptides; to host cells expressing or capable of expressing such VHHs or polypeptides; to compositions comprising such VHHs, polypeptides, nucleic acids or host cells; and to uses of such VHHs, such polypeptides, such nucleic acids, such host cells or such compositions, in particular for prophylactic, therapeutic or diagnostic purposes.

Abstract: A humidification system can include a heater base, a humidification chamber, and a breathing circuit. A cartridge can be removably coupled to the heater base. The cartridge can include various sensors, probes, sensor wire connectors, heater wire connectors, and/or other features. The cartridge can include features configured to mate with corresponding features on the humidification chamber and the heater base. The cartridge includes a memory, such as an EEPROM, or other suitable storage device. When the cartridge is installed on the heater base, the memory is electrically connected to a processor and/or memory of the heater base. Various models of cartridges can be produced for use with different humidification chambers, breathing circuits, and/or therapies. A connector can be configured to couple an inspiratory conduit to an outlet port of the humidification chamber. The connector can provide a pneumatic connection to the outlet port and an electrical connection to the cartridge.

Abstract: Reagents and methods for analysis of DNA hydroxymethylation are provided. Methods comprise modification of hydroxymethylated cytosine residues with a bulky moiety to protect hydroxymethylated positions from cleavage with a DNA endonuclease. For example, methods may comprise contacting DNA with a glucosyltransferase to glucosylate hydroxymethylated DNA positions and digesting the DNA with a DNA endonuclease to cleave DNA in positions lacking hydroxymethylation. Reagents and kits for hydroxymethylated DNA analysis are also provided.

Abstract: A new variety of orchid plant of the genus Oncostele, named Oncostele Hilo Firecracker ‘New Year’, distinguished particularly by flowers of a clean and striking color of medium size that are arranged pleasingly on a raceme and growing quickly to sexual maturity.

Abstract: A new variety of orchid plant of the genus Oncidium, named Oncidium Sweet Sugar ‘Lemon Drop’, distinguished particularly by flowers of a clean & striking color of medium size that are arranged pleasingly on a raceme and growing quickly to sexual maturity.

Abstract: Reagents and methods for analysis of DNA hydroxymethylation are provided. Methods comprise modification of hydroxymethylated cytosine residues with a bulky moiety to protect hydroxymethylated positions from cleavage with a DNA endonuclease. For example, methods may comprise contacting DNA with a glucosyltransferase to glucosylate hydroxymethylated DNA positions and digesting the DNA with a DNA endonuclease to cleave DNA in positions lacking hydroxymethylation. Reagents and kits for hydroxymethylated DNA analysis are also provided.

Abstract: A system switches the display screen of an idle web video conferencing device to a digital frame. If there is no video conferencing signal coming into a VoIP phone, its display interface is used as a digital frame. The system includes a display to display the video conferencing image sent by another party over the Internet and outputting a digital frame image when it is idle; a medium processing device including an audio/video (AV) decoder for processing the video conferencing AV signals and an image decoder for processing digital pictures; a switch control device for switching between the AV decoder and the image decoder, achieving the goal of converting between the video conferencing AV and the digital frame image.

Abstract: A system switches the display screen of an idle web video conferencing device to a digital frame. If there is no video conferencing signal coming into a VoIP phone, its display interface is used as a digital frame. The system includes a display to display the video conferencing image sent by another party over the Internet and outputting a digital frame image when it is idle; a medium processing device including an audio/video (AV) decoder for processing the video conferencing AV signals and an image decoder for processing digital pictures; a switch control device for switching between the AV decoder and the image decoder, achieving the goal of converting between the video conferencing AV and the digital frame image.

Abstract: A new variety of orchid plant of the Oncidiinae Intergenerics, Beallara, named Beallara Big Shot ‘Hilo Sparkle’, distinguished particularly by a clean striking color and large star-shaped flowers that are arranged pleasingly on a raceme and growing quickly to sexual maturity.

Abstract: A new variety of orchid plant of the genus Oncidium, named Oncidium Sweet Sugar ‘Lemon Drop’, distinguished particularly by flowers of a clean and striking color of medium size that are arranged pleasingly on a raceme and growing quickly to sexual maturity.

Abstract: A new variety of orchid plant of the genus Oncostele, named Oncostele Hilo Firecracker ‘New Year’, distinguished particularly by flowers of a clean and striking color of medium size that are arranged pleasingly on a raceme and growing quickly to sexual maturity.

Abstract: A new variety of orchid plant of the genus Oncidium, named Oncidium 21st Scentury ‘Hula Girl’, distinguished particularly by flowers of a clean and striking color of compact size that are highly fragrant, that are arranged pleasingly on a raceme and growing quickly to sexual maturity.