We present a model independent method of reconstructing the Lagrangian for the k-essence field driving the present acceleration of the universe. We consider the simplest k-essence model for which the potential is constant. Later we use three parametrizations for the Hubble parameter H(z), consistent with recent the SN1a data, to yield the Lagrangian F . Our reconstruction program does not gener...

In most industries, ranging from information systems development to construction, an overwhelming proportion of projects are delayed beyond estimated completion time. This fact constitutes somewhat of a puzzle for existing theory. The present paper studies project delays and optimal contracts under moral hazard in a setting with time to build. Within this setup, project delays are found to be m...

Set theoretic essences of knowledge and of its associatedness are considered. A concept of microset is being used for this purpose and levels of microelements that appear in different directions are being considered. Associatedness of knowledge is defined on the basis of the associatedness of sets. It is demonstrated that associations of knowledge create equivalence classes in the semantic syst...

The idea that aging is a purposeful, programmed series of events is intuitively appealing based on its many conserved aspects and the demonstrated feasibility of modifying life span by manipulating single genes or pathways. Yet, the case for a nonadaptive basis of aging is strong and now all but generally accepted in the field. Here, we briefly review why the case for programmed aging is weak, ...

Programming languages serve a dual purpose: to communicate programs to computers, and to communicate programs to humans. Indeed, it is this dual purpose that makes programming language design a constrained and challenging problem. Inheritance is an essential aspect of that second purpose: it is a tool to improve communication. Humans understand new concepts most readily by first looking at a nu...

Meridian essence has been investigated through anatomy, electrophysiology, biophysics, and biochemistry. Various hypotheses of meridian essence exist, but no hypothesis can truly reflect the internal character of Chinese medicine (CM). The research of meridian essence requires a holistic viewpoint and innovative awareness. Initially, any hypothesis regarding meridian essence should begin with o...

We analyze the implications of having a divergent speed of sound in k-essence cosmological models. We first study a known theory of that kind, for which the Lagrangian density depends linearly on the time derivative of the k-field. We show that consistency requires that the potential of the k-field be of the inverse square form. Then, we review the known result that the corresponding power-law ...

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are an abundant form of genome variation, distinguished from rare variations by a requirement for the least abundant allele to have a frequency of 1% or more. A wide range of genetics disciplines stand to benefit greatly from the study and use of SNPs. The recent surge of interest in SNPs stems from, and continues to depend upon, the merging and coincident...

Almost half a century after the first reports describing the limited replicative potential of primary cells in culture, there is now overwhelming evidence for the existence of "cellular senescence" in vivo. It is being recognized as a critical feature of mammalian cells to suppress tumorigenesis, acting alongside cell death programs. Here, we review the various features of cellular senescence a...