Showing papers by "Yahoo! published in 1999"

Web server content replication

Abstract: This invention relates to managing multiple web servers, and more particularly to a web service system and method that allows a system operator to distribute content to each web server in the web service system. In one embodiment, a method for replicating changes in a source file set on a destination file system includes identifying changes in a source file set, storing the identified changes in a modification list, and transmitting the modification list to an agent having access to a destination file system. In another embodiment, a method for replicating changes in a source file set on a destination file system includes identifying changes in a source file set, storing the identified changes in a modification list, and transmitting the modification list to a plurality of web servers. In another embodiment, a web service system includes a manager for managing the web service system, a host comprising a web server for receiving web page requests and an agent in communication with the manager, and a content distributor for providing content changes to the host. In another embodiment, a content distributor includes an identification module for identifying changes in a source file set, a modification list for storing identified changes, and a transmitter for transmitting the modification list to an agent having access to a destination file system.

Method of controlling an Internet browser interface and a controllable browser interface

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of dynamically controlling and displaying an Internet browser interface, and to a dynamically controllable Internet browser interface. In accordance with the present invention, a browser interface may be customized using a controlling software program that may be provided by an Internet content provider, an ISP, or that may reside on an Internet user's computer. The controlling software program enables the Internet user, the content provider, or the ISP to customize and control the information and/or functionality of a user's browser and browser interface.

Physicochemical Properties Related to Quality of Rice Noodles

Abstract: Eleven rice genotypes with diverse Rapid Visco Analyzer (RVA) pasting characteristics were evaluated for their physicochemical and gel textural characteristics relative to their suitability for making rice noodles. Apparent amylose content (AC) was highly correlated with swelling power (r = -0.65, P < 0.05), flour swelling volume (FSV) (r = -0.67, P < 0.05), noodle hardness (r = 0.74, P < 0.01), gumminess (r = 0.82, P < 0.01), chewiness (r = 0.74, P < 0.01), and tensile strength (r = 0.72, P < 0.05). Solubility showed an inverse relationship with the pasting parameters and noodle rehydration, and a positive relationship with cooking loss, noodle hardness, and gumminess. FSV and most of the pasting parameters were negatively correlated with noodle hardness. RVA parameters and textural parameters of gels formed in the RVA canister were well correlated with actual noodle texture and may, therefore, be used for predicting rice noodle quality during early screening of genotypes in breeding programs.

Method and apparatus for measuring similarity among electronic documents

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for determining when electronic documents stored in a large collection of documents are similar to one another. A plurality of similarity information is derived from the documents. The similarity information may be based on a variety of factors, including hyperlinks in the documents, text similarity, user click-through information, similarity in the titles of the documents or their location identifiers, and patterns of user viewing. The similarity information is fed to a combination function that synthesizes the various measures of similarity information into combined similarity information. Using the combined similarity information, an objective function is iteratively maximized in order to yield a generalized similarity value that expresses the similarity of particular pairs of documents. In an embodiment, the generalized similarity value is used to determine the proper category, among a taxonomy of categories in an index, cache or search system, into which certain documents belong.

Search engine using sales and revenue to weight search results

Abstract: A search engine (16) selects one or more search hits from among a plurality of hits, wherein a hit is a reference to a page or a site, based on a user interest, comprising an input module for accepting a query from a user, the query representing an interest of the user; a tracking module for tracking the user's navigation through the plurality of pages, including at least a destination purchase page, the destination purchase page being a page from which the user makes a purchase; a sales module which records associations between purchases and queries where the associations are provided, at least in part by an output of the tracking module; and a search module (16), which takes as its inputs at least a query and sales associations of that query provided by the sales module, and which outputs one or more search hits based on at least the query and the sales associations of that query. In some systems, instead of using sales data to alter the weights of the search results, merchant bidding is used to alter the weights of the search results, or a combination of the two is used.

General Application of Raman Spectroscopy for the Determination of Level of Acetylation in Modified Starches

Abstract: A method using Raman spectroscopy was recently developed for the determination of the degree of acetylation in modified wheat starch. In this article, we show that the method can be generalized to a wide range of starches of different botanical origin and amylose content. Calibration sets were used to develop regression equations for 11 types of acetylated starches, including cereal (rice, maize, wheat) and noncereal (potato and sweetpotato) sources. The calibration lines were then used to predict the level of acetylation of starch samples with unknown level of acetylation using their Raman spectra. In each case, R2 > 0.98 for linear regression of Raman vs. titrimetric determination of acetylation. The Raman-based calibration curves allow fast and nondestructive determination of the degree of acetylation for different types of starches.

Methods and computer-readable media for processing web-based new and used good comparison shopping

Abstract: Methods for generating comparison shopping data are provided. One example method includes receiving a request for a desired item and generating an item table for the desired item. The item table is assembled from current on-line data that includes e-commerce purchasing information. Once the item table is assembled, the item table is displayed for the requested item such that the displayed information can inform an on-line buyer of the best current purchasing alternatives for the requested item. In one aspect of this method, the desired item can be selected form a data base of classified advertising. Once the classified advertising item is selected, the item table is generated and displayed along with the selected classified advertising item. In one example, the item table can include merchant name information, price information, availability information, new and used information, tax and shipping information, prior purchaser ratings, and total cost information. The displayed information will therefore provide an on-line purchaser with a powerful array of information to enable the making of an intelligent on-line purchasing decision.

Method and apparatus for a client-server system with heterogeneous clients

Abstract: Method and apparatus to deliver an application to a client through a transmission medium. The application can be an interactive application, and the apparatus includes an appliance-specific transducer and an adaptive-transmission transducer. The appliance-specific transducer, in view of the client's request for the interactive application in the server, is configured to modify the application based on at least one characteristic of the client and at least one characteristic of the application to generate an appliance-specific output. Based on at least one characteristic of the application and at least one characteristic of the medium of transmission, the adaptive-transmission transducer is configured to modify the appliance-specific output to generate an adapted output. The output is delivered through the medium to the client, which includes a decoder and a user-interface. The decoder decodes the adapted output to produce a modified version of the interactive application to be used by a party through the user-interface. In another embodiment, the application can be a push application.

Intelligent text-to-speech synthesis

Abstract: A method and an apparatus of synthesizing speech from a piece of input text (104). In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of retrieving the input text (104) entered into a computing system, and transforming the input text (104) based on the semantics (152) of at least one word of the input text (104) to generate a formatted text (108) for speech synthesis. In another embodiment, the transformation also depends on at least one characteristic of the person listening to the speech output (118). In yet another embodiment, the transformation further depends on at least one characteristic of the hardware employed by the user to listen to the speech output (118). The transformed text can be further modified to fit a text-to-speech engine to generate the speech output (118).

Migration routes of sooty shearwaters in the Pacific ocean

Abstract: During 17 cruises, 1983 to 1991, we recorded flight directions and densities of Sooty Shearwaters (Puffinus griseus) migrating across the equatorial Pacific, between the Americas and 170°W. Sooty Shearwaters breed in New Zealand and Chile in winter (seasons given as boreal), migrate to the North Pacific during spring, and return south in autumn. A two-fold increase in numbers seen flying northwest from the Peru Current in spring compared to the number flying southeast on return in autumn, and a six-fold increase in numbers flying southwest towards New Zealand during autumn compared to the number migrating northeast during spring, indicates that many completed a figure-eight route (ca. 40,500 km) each year. This route would involve easterly flight from New Zealand to the Peru Current in winter, northwesterly flight to the western North Pacific in spring, eastward movement to the eastern North Pacific during summer, and southwest flight to New Zealand during autumn. We suggest that most shearwaters using this route are nonbreeders, possibly from both the New Zealand and Chilean populations. Many birds, probably breeders from both populations, likely use shorter routes to and from the North Pacific (ca. 28,000 to 29,000 km). Annual variation in the number of transequatorial migrants was positively correlated with a progressive, annual increase in sea-surface temperature, due to large-scale ocean warming in the eastern Pacific. A progressive increase in number of shearwaters migrating to the North Pacific mostly reflected increased migration from the Peru Current, consistent with a concurrent sharp decline of these birds in the California Current. These results indicate a distributional shift in feeding location during the nonbreeding period, from the eastern boundary currents to the central North Pacific, which has been exhibiting a cooling trend.

Neurosurgical management of brain abscesses in children.

Abstract: The authors review the management of brain abscesses (BAbs) in 59 pediatric cases. The major surgical procedure used to treat them was repeated puncture and aspiration (51 cases, or 86.44%), excision (8 cases - 13.56%) being of secondary importance. The main etiology was metastatic lesions (24 cases - 40.68%), those due to cyanotic congenital heart disease being the most frequent. Single lesions dominated (41 cases - 69.49%). Gram-positive cocci were the main bacteria involved (31 cases, 52.5%). CT scan represented the main tool in the diagnosis and follow-up. Puncture and aspiration in BAbs led to a significant decrease in mortality (7 cases - 11.86%), and the incidence of seizures and neurological deficits was also reduced. Mortality was significantly correlated with the following factors: consciousness status, multiple BAbs location and hematogenous dissemination. There were recurrences in 11 cases (18.64%), all observed after aspiration procedures. The current concepts for complex management of BAbs, as reflected in recent literature data, are reviewed, with particular emphasis on the use of real-time CT or ultrasound-guided operative techniques.

Personal communication device with bar code reader for obtaining product information from multiple databases

Abstract: A communication system including a personal communication device that allows a user to communicate over the Internet with a network of multiple remote databases and to search the databases for desired product-related information from any location The communication device includes an input mechanism, such as a bar code scanner or OCR reader, for entering product information such as product codes from product labels The communication device establishes a communication link with a communications server, and the product information is transmitted to the server, which interfaces with one or more product information libraries to determine a product identifier based on the input product information The product identifier is used by the server to search various databases over the Internet for desired product-related information in response to a search query from the user

Auctioning Entry into Tournaments

Abstract: A research tournament model with heterogeneous contestants is presented. For a large class of contests the optimal number of contestants is two. This insight makes designing the tournament easier and highlights the importance of selecting highly qualified contestants. While customary uniform-price and discriminatory-price auctions are intuitively appealing mechanisms for solving this adverse selection problem, in practice they generally will not be efficient mechanisms for selecting contestants. Instead, we propose an alternative auction format that is equally simple to implement and efficiently selects the most qualified contestants to compete, regardless of the form of contestant heterogeneity.

Human amniotic membrane in the reconstruction of the ocular surface

Abstract: We sought to determine the efficacy of amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) in the reconstruction of ocular surface. AMT was performed on 40 eyes with following indications: I, persistent corneal ulceration (n = 12); II, impending perforation (n = 6); III, persistent epithelial defect on the corneal graft (n = 6); IV, recurrent pterygia (n = 10), and V, risk of conjunctival scarring (n = 6). Amniotic membrane was prepared from a fresh placenta under sterile conditions, washed with BSS containing penicillin, streptomycin, neomycin and amphotericin B and stored at -80 degrees C in 1:1 InoSol:Glycerol solution. Donor serological test for HIV, HBV and HCV were all negative. Associated surgical procedures according to indication were performed. Healing of the corneal ulcer in Group I was obtained in 67% of eyes at 1-3 weeks after surgery, Group II: AMT was followed by 'a chaud' keratoplasty in 33% and by planned keratoplasty in 67% patients, Group III: healing of the defect in 33% of eyes in 2-5 postoperative weeks, Group IV: no recurrence of pterygium ingrowth in 70% in the follow up period of 6-14 months, and V: 84% of patients had good eye motility without any synechia formation. We concluded that AMT have shown to be effective in enhancing healing of the corneal defects, in prevention of symblepharon formation and recurrent pterygium ingrowth. In case of impending perforation, AMT alone was not a method of treatment but is useful as a first step procedure in preparing the eye for the corneal transplantation.

Physicochemical Properties of Normal and Waxy Job's Tears (Coix lachryma-jobi L.) Starch

Abstract: Physicochemical properties of starches from eight coix (Coix lachrymajobi L.) accessions were investigated. There was considerable variation in most measured traits, generally corresponding to the separation into waxy and normal amylose types. The amylose contents of five normal coix ranged from 15.9 to 25.8%, and those of three waxy coix were 0.7–1.1%. Swelling power of waxy coix starches varied between 28.6 and 41.0 g/g, generally higher than waxy maize. Normal coix starches had significantly higher gelatinization peak temperature (Tp) than the normal maize, 71.9–75.5°C. The Tp of waxy coix starches was 71.1–71.4°C, similar to waxy maize. Rapid Visco-Analyser (RVA) pasting profiles of normal coix showed little variation and closely matched the normal maize starch profile. Pasting profiles of waxy coix showed more variation and had lower peak viscosities than waxy maize starch. Waxy coix starches formed very weak gels, while the gel hardness of normal coix starches was 11.4–31.1 g. Amylose conte...

Genetic Diversity in Physical Properties of Starch from a World Collection of Amaranthus

Abstract: Physical and functional properties of starches isolated from 93 noncultivated genotypes of nine Amaranthus species from a world germ plasm collection and an additional 31 cultivated Amaranthus genotypes obtained from China were tested. A wide variation was found in the properties tested among the Amaranthus species and among genotypes within the same species. When comparing starches from cultivated and noncultivated genotypes, it was generally found that amylose was lower; starch pasting profiles were more consistent with higher peak viscosity, lower breakdown, and lower setback; the gelatinization temperature was lower; and energy of enthalpy was higher. Under cool storage, the hardness of cultivated starch pastes was lower and the adhesiveness was higher. As expected, amylose content was a primary factor affecting the physical and functional properties of Amaranthus starch. Compared with reference maize, rice, and wheat starches, Amaranthus starch tended to have lower hot paste viscosity and lo...

Removing cookies from web page response headers and storing the cookies in a repository for later use

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to handle cookies in a response Web page requested by a client. One method includes the steps of (a) generating a session id to identify a new session, (b) striping off any cookies set by an external web site from the response header of the response Web page, (c) appending the session id to all of the links embedded in the response page, and (d)sending the modified response page, with the new header, to the client.

[Dirofilariasis, an emerging and underestimated zoonoses in France].

Abstract: A total of 71 cases of dirofilariasis due to Dirofilaria repens and two cases of pulmonary dirofilariasis due to Dirofilaria have been reported in France. As a result France ranks second after Italy in the incidence of this emerging zoonoses that has been given little attention (48 p. 100 of cases in the last ten years). Most human infections (80 p. 100) have occurred in Mediterranean areas but in the last ten years a few cases have been reported in Southwestern France and at least one case was documented in a northern area (Alsace). The epidemiological profile of human dirofilariasis in France is consistent with usual data showing highest incidence in adults and no gender preference. More than 50 p. 100 of superficial nodules are located on the head with the most common site being the conjuctiva and orbit (29.4 p. 100). Nodules on the breast and male genitals as well as pulmonary nodules require differential diagnosis to rule out neoplasm. Intra-abdominal forms are usually discovered incidentally. Identification is rarely based on detection of a whole adult worm but rather on observation of a nematode segment on histological sections. In most cases it is an unexpected finding. Data concerning canine heartworm in France is available but the extent of infestation is probably underestimated and will require further study. In addition, data on other animal reservoirs should be updated.

Preliminary notes on the conservation status of Baird's tapir Tapirus bairdii in north-eastern Honduras

Abstract: Between April and August 1994, three steps were taken to assess the status of Baird's tapir Tapirus bairdii in north-eastern Honduras: (i) forest cover was mapped to estimate the amount of habitat available; (ii) interviews with local people were conducted to determine where the species occurs; and (iii) searches were made for tapir signs in several mountain ranges to corroborate interview information. Local reports and searches indicated that the species occurred in forests throughout the area. Using density estimates of 0.05–0.24 tapirs per sq km, there may be 520–2760 tapirs in the 10,400–11,500 sq km of contiguous rain forest that remains in north-eastern Honduras—a population large enough to have a good chance of long-term persistence. The main threat to the population is human colonization, which is destroying the forest along the rivers and major streams. This is fragmenting the tapii population into isolated units, which will be increasingly subject to the stochastic events that drive small populations to extinction. Hunting, which along with habitat destruction, is a major contributor to the rapid decline of tapir populations in areas of human colonization, does not appear to pose an immediate threat in the study area. However, population trend data are lacking and the impact of hunting on tapirs remains unassessed.

User interface design for the web

Abstract: In this half day tutorial, we describe a variety of user interface design principles which are characteristic of Web design. These principles have been implemented by, experimented with, and validated through the experiences of the Yahoo! design team.

The WHO simplified study protocol in practice: investigation of combined formulations supplied by the WHO.

Abstract: Setting The benefits of fixed-dose combination (FDC) formulations of rifampicin, isoniazid and pyrazinamide over individual formulations are well recognised. Objectives To evaluate the comparative bioavailability of antituberculosis drugs in FDC formulations and the same doses in separate formulations of antituberculosis drugs, using a simplified protocol developed by the World Health Organization (WHO). Methods Twenty healthy volunteers were included in the study and evaluated for bioequivalence of rifampicin in a cross-over experimental design. After administration of drugs the plasma concentration of rifampicin and desacetyl-rifampicin was measured repeatedly up to 8 hours in both plasma and urine. Various pharmacokinetic parameters of rifampicin, such as Cmax, Tmax, elimination rate constant, area under the curve (AUC) up to 8 hours and absorption efficiency were calculated. Results No significant differences were observed between the FDCs and separate formulations when Cmax, Tmax, AUC and absorption efficiencies were compared by parametric test and Hauschke's analysis. Conclusion The WHO simplified protocol is suitable for evaluating bioequivalence of antituberculosis drugs.

Paradoxical cerebral embolism complicating a major orthopaedic operation. A report of two cases.

Abstract: Thromboembolism is a frequent complication following major orthopaedic procedures. Cerebrovascular accidents, however, are less commonly seen postoperatively; their prevalence, as reported in the surgical literature, has been between 0.08 percent (twenty of 24,641 operations) and 1.1 percent (four of 354 operations in a series of patients older than sixty years of age)9,16. Paradoxical embolism, the systemic embolization of a venous thrombus through a right-to-left shunt (such as a patent foramen ovale), is an even rarer entity. We report the cases of two patients who had a paradoxical cerebral embolism and a concomitant pulmonary embolism following a major orthopaedic procedure. CASE 1. A sixty-two-year-old woman had a right hybrid total hip arthroplasty (meaning that the femoral component was inserted with cement and the acetabular component was inserted without cement) under spinal anesthesia for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Her medical history included hypertension, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, and hypercholesterolemia. She had no history of thromboembolism, cerebrovascular disease, or myocardial ischemia. A preoperative echocardiogram and a stress thallium scan revealed mild anteroseptal ischemia and septal hypokinesis. Postoperatively, the patient was neurologically intact and was managed with low-molecular-weight heparin as routine prophylaxis against thromboembolism; the first dose was administered twelve hours postoperatively, and subsequent doses were given every twelve hours thereafter. On the first postoperative day, the patient reported a loss of vision in the right visual field and was noted to have an expressive aphasia. The patient did not have shortness of breath or chest pain. Neurological examination revealed a right-sided homonymous hemianopsia and a facial droop. The remainder of the neurological and general physical examination was normal. An emergent computed tomographic scan of the brain showed an acute, nonhemorrhagic left parietal infarct. An electrocardiogram showed no interval change, and a radiograph of the chest showed that the lungs were …

In vitro versus in vivo genetic divergence in potato

Abstract: The objective of this study was to compare the genetic divergence pattern in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) under in vitro and in vivo conditions. Twenty two potato genotypes were evaluated for ten morphological characters under four in vitro conditions, and for 20 characters under four in vivo seasons. Mahalanobis’ generalized intra- and inter-group genetic distances, and the distribution of genotypes into different clusters, led to the same conclusions under both in vitro and in vivo conditions: (1) genetic diversity was not related to geographic diversity, (2) genetic distances were higher between Tuberosum and Andigena than within Tuberosum and Andigena, and (3) present-day Indian varieties have more resemblance to Tuberosum than to the Andigena group. The in vitro approach was more effective than the in vivo approach for differentiating the genotypes per se, although its effectiveness for cross prediction is known to be low.

Recycle of Cytodex-3 in Vero cell culture

Abstract: It is commonly considered not desirable to use microcarriers more than once in the cultivation of anchorage-dependent animal cells. However, our experiment contradicts this belief. The collagen-coated microcarriers, Cytodex-3, from a batch culture of Vero cells, were collected, cooled to 4, agitated in basic phosphate-buffered solution to detach the cells, and then fully washed to remove the cell debris. The microcarriers were then re-applied in cell culture. The rate of cell attachment, growth and metabolism on re-used carriers were found to be comparable to that of on new ones.

The influence of mutation rad57-1 on the fidelity of DNA double-strand gap repair in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Abstract: The role of the RAD57 gene in double-strand gap (DSG) repair has been examined. The repair of a linearized plasmid, bearing a DSG, has been analyzed in a rad57-1 mutant of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. For effective rejoining of the ends of plasmid DNA in the rad57 mutant the sequence of chromosomal DNA homologous to the DSG region is required. However, DSG repair (restoration of plasmid circularity) in rad57 cells is not accompanied by the recovery of DSGs. The DSG repair, which depends on an homologous chromosomal DNA sequence, requires the cohesive ends of DSGs. The non-cohesive-ended DSGs are repaired in rad57 cells by a pathway independent of the homologous recombination between chromosomal and plasmid DNA. We presume that the rad57-1 mutation is connected with the inhibition of DNA repair synthesis, required for filling the DSG. This situation produces a condition of “homology-dependent ligation”, the alternative minor mechanism of recombinational DSG repair, that takes place in mutant cells. A molecular model for “homology-dependent ligation” in rad57 cells is proposed.

Correlation of circulating 17β-oestradiol with haemostatic factors in healthy postmenopausal women

Abstract: The aim of the study was to evaluate any correlation between the circulating oestrogenic hormone 17β-oestradiol and haemostatic factors in healthy postmenopausal women. In keeping with this objective,

Glutathione antagonized cyclophosphamide- and acrolein-induced cytotoxicity of PC3 cells and immunosuppressive actions in mice.

Abstract: AIM: To study the antagonistic effect of glutathione (GSH) on toxicity of PC3 cell induced by cyclophosphamide (Cyc) and acrolein (Acr) and on immunosuppressive actions caused by Cyc. METHODS: Splenocyte, PC3 cell proliferation and cell protein content were measured by tetrazolium (MTT) assay and Coomassie brilliant blue assay. Serum anti-SRBC hemolysin, agglutinin, and splenocyte proliferation were measured in normal and S-180-bearing mice. Tumors were weighed. RESULTS: Pretreatment with GSH 2 mmol.L-1 reduced splenocyte proliferation inhibition from 18.64%, 49.72% to 6.78%, 18.36% (induced by Cyc 1, and 5 mmol.L-1), and PC3 cell proliferation inhibition from 27.7%, 45.3%, and 74.6% to 14.6%, 18.8%, and 49.1% (induced by Cyc 1, 3, and 5 mmol.L-1), and from 62.6%, 85.4%, and 90.6% to 41.9%, 57.7%, and 86.4% (induced by Acr 10, 25, and 50 mumol.L-1), respectively. In normal mice, s.c. GSH 75 or 150 mg.kg-1 b.i.d. x 5 d after i.p. Cyc 40 mg.kg-1, the hemolysin and the splenocyte proliferation were higher than those in normal mice i.p. Cyc 40 mg.kg-1 alone. Hemolysin, serum agglutinin, and splenocyte proliferation in S-180-bearing mice given s.c. GSH 150 mg.kg-1 b.i.d. x 10 d after i.p. Cyc 40 mg.kg-1 were also markedly higher than those in S-180-bearing mice given i.p. Cyc alone. But, according to tumor weight, GSH did not interfere the antitumor activity of Cyc in S-180-bearing mice. CONCLUSION: GSH exhibited protective effects against Cyc and Acr, but had no effect on the antitumor action of Cyc.

[Neurophysiologic Techniques in the Diagnosis of Erectile Dysfunction: Study of 105 Cases]

Abstract: Objective To present the results of the neurophysiological diagnostic evaluation in patients with erectile dysfunction. Methods 105 consecutive patients with complaints of erectile dysfunction were evaluated. The patients were divided into five groups according to their history: surgery/trauma, diabetes, vascular disease, toxicity, and no antecedents. Neurophysiological examination, laboratory tests, hormone and vascular studies were performed. Patient evaluation included neurophysiological studies on nerve conduction velocity (NCV), bulbocavernosus reflex (BCR), spinal and scalp somatosensory evoked potentials from the posterior tibial nerves (SEPt) and from the dorsal penile nerve (SEPp). In selected cases, electromyography and neuroimaging studies were done. Results 71 patients (67.62%) showed organic alterations; 57 of these patients had abnormal neurophysiological tests. Ranked in order of incidence, the tests were abnormal for NCV in 46/105 patients, SEPt 37/105, BCR 35/105 and SEPp in 30/105 patients. The incidence of BCR abnormalities was higher than that of the NCV only in the surgery/trauma group, probably due to a higher prevalence of local injuries, while NCV showed the highest incidence of abnormal results in the other groups of patients. Only 8 patients showed normal NCV with abnormal BCR, SEPp and/or SEPt (14.04% of patients had neurophysiological disturbances). Conclusion In this study, most of our patients showed vascular, neurologic or both abnormalities, and were rarely associated with other factors. In our view, NCV is the technique of choice in the assessment of neurological disorders in patients with erectile dysfunction, whereas the other less sensitive tests are considered to be indicated basically in erectile dysfunction highly suspected as having an underlying neurogenic cause.