We present a simple black box that takes a priority queue Q which supports find-min, insert, and delete in x-time at most t. Here x-time may be worst-case, expected, or amortized. The black-box transforms Q into a priority queue Q* that supports find-min in constant time, insert in constant x-time, and delete in x-time O(t). Moreover, if Q supports dec-key in constant time, then so does Q*.

Neural stem cells may present an ideal route for gene therapy as well as offer new possibilities for the replacement of neurons lost to injury or disease. However, it has proved difficult to express ectopic genes in stem cells. We report methods to introduce genes into adult neural stem cells using viral and nonviral vectors in vitro and in vivo. Adenoviral and VSV-G-pseudotyped retroviral vectors

Emission source functions are extracted from correlation functions constructed from charged pions produced at midrapidity in Au+Au collisions at s(NN)=200 GeV. The source parameters extracted from these functions at low k(T) give first indications of a long tail for the pion emission source. The source extension cannot be explained solely by simple kinematic considerations. The possible role of a

We present the first systematic investigation of shifts in the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) shielding constant due to hydrogen bonding using either the series of wave function based methods, Hartree-Fock (HF), second-order Moller-Plesset perturbation theory (MP2), Coupled Cluster Singles and Doubles (CCSD) and CCSD extended with an approximate description of triples (CCSD(T)), or Density Funct

Some patients with colonic diverticula suffer recurrent abdominal pain and exhibit visceral hypersensitivity, though the mechanism is unclear. Prior diverticulitis increases the risk of being symptomatic while experimental colitis in animals increases expression of neuropeptides within the enteric nervous system (ENS) which may mediate visceral hypersensitivity. Our aim was to determine the expres

Since the cloning in 1990 of complementary DNA corresponding to messenger RNA transcribed at the blood group ABO locus, polymorphisms and phenotype-genotype correlations have been reported by several investigators. Exons 6 and 7, constituting 77% of the gene, have been analyzed previously in samples with variant phenotypes but for many subgroups the molecular basis remains unknown. This study anal

With the objective to correlate clonogenicity, gene expression and phenotype during differentiation, human bone marrow CD34+ cells were cultured in vitro to stimulate erythroid or neutrophil development, and sorted into five subpopulations according to their surface expression of CD15/CD33 and blood group antigen A/CD117 respectively. Sorted cells were cultured in methylcellulose and analysed by r

The chronic active inflammation caused by Helicobacter pylori is dominated by neutrophils, macrophages, lymphocytes and plasma cells. Several interleukins are involved in the inflammatory process. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of astaxanthin on gastric inflammation in patients with functional dyspepsia. Forty-four consecutive patients were included, and biopsies were examined

Background Cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction is associated with increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). This population-based study explored whether low FEV(1) or low vital capacity (VC) is associated with autonomic dysfunction, as measured by the spontaneous heart rate variability (HRV) and systolic BP variability (SBPV). Methods SBPV and HRV were recorded during 5 min of control

Due to the clinical findings in a single patient's case, formaldehyde was suspected to be present in clinically relevant levels in reusable protective gloves. Therefore, 9 types of gloves were investigated with the semi-quantitative chromotropic acid method. It was found that 6/9 gloves emitted some formaldehyde and that 4/9 gloves emitted ≥40 µg of formaldehyde. Most of the formaldehyde was found

The objective was to investigate definitions of frailty used in studies of multi-component health promotion and disease-preventive (HPDP) intervention programmes for community-dwelling frail elderly persons and to review the content, organisation and effects of HPDP interventions. A systematic review of 19 articles was made, and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Healt

Metal electrode structures for biosensors with a high spatial density and similar to85 nm gaps have been produced using focused megaelectronvolt (MeV) proton beam writing of poly-(methyl methacrylate) positive resist combined with metal lift-off. The minimal proximity exposure and straight proton trajectories in (similar to100 nm) resist layers for focused MeV proton beam writing are strongly indi

The preganglionic nerves of the rat urinary bladder were cut. The decentralized bladders gained markedly in weight. Both one and four weeks post-operatively, transmural nerve stimulation evoked contractile responses of the muscle strips of the decentralized bladders, that were of the same magnitude as those of the control bladders. However, four weeks post-operatively, the atropine resistant fract

Background: Multimorbidity and illness will become more common due to increased life expectancy. Purpose: This study describes various combinations of diseases and symptoms and explores implications for survival in a sample of 80 year-olds followed up to 95 years of age. Furthermore, reported subjective health, coping, and life satisfaction is explored. Method: 212 persons, born in 1908, were cl

An ab initio quantum-classical mixed scheme for the time evolution of electrode-device-electrode systems is introduced to study nuclear dynamics in quantum transport. Two model systems are discussed to illustrate the method. Our results provide the first example of current-induced molecular desorption as obtained from a full time-dependent approach and suggest the use of ac biases as a way to tail

Introduction: Monitoring of serial 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings is the accepted requirement for prehospital data acquisition in patients with chest pain. The purpose of this study was to determine whether waveforms and clinical triage decisions are similar for EASI-derived ECGs and paramedic-acquired 12-lead ECGs using Mason-Likar limb lead configuration when compared with standard 1