Showing papers by "Yahoo! published in 2000"

Content distribution system for operation over an internetwork including content peering arrangements

Abstract: In a network interconnecting a plurality of content providers and a plurality of clients, each of the content providers is coupled to at least one content distribution network of a plurality of content distribution networks, wherein the client is coupled to at least one of the plurality of content distribution networks and a request for the content is sent from the client to a redirector node that receives requests, wherein a redirector at the redirector node provides an address for a server available to serve the requested content. When the client's content distribution network (CDN) is a primary CDN for the content provider providing the requested content, redirecting the client to a server within the client's content distribution network. When the client's CDN is not a primary CDN for the content provider but the client's CDN has a content peering relationship with a primary CDN for the content provider, redirecting the client to a server within the client's CDN. When the client's CDN is not a primary CDN for the content provider and the client's CDN does not have a content peering relationship with a primary CDN for the content provider, redirecting the client to a server outside the client's CDN.

Link prediction and path analysis using Markov chains

Abstract: The enormous growth in the number of documents in the World Wide Web increases the need for improved link navigation and path analysis models. Link prediction and path analysis are important problems with a wide range of applications ranging from personalization to Web server request prediction. The sheer size of the World Wide Web coupled with the variation in users' navigation patterns makes this a very difficult sequence modelling problem. In this paper, the notion of probabilistic link prediction and path analysis using Markov chains is proposed and evaluated. Markov chains allow the system to dynamically model the URL access patterns that are observed in navigation logs based on the previous state. Furthermore, the Markov chain model can also be used in a generative mode to automatically obtain tours. The Markov transition matrix can be analysed further using eigenvector decomposition to obtain `personalized hubs/authorities'. The utility of the Markov chain approach is demonstrated in many domains: HTTP request prediction, system-driven adaptive Web navigation, tour generation, and detection of `personalized hubs/authorities' from user navigation profiles. The generality and power of Markov chains is a first step towards the application of powerful probabilistic models to Web path analysis and link prediction.

Comparison of antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of tilia (Tilia argentea Desf ex DC), sage (Salvia triloba l.), and black tea (Camellia sinensis) extracts.

Abstract: The antioxidant activity of the water extract of Tilia argentea Desf ex DC was determined by the thiocyanate method. The antioxidant activity of the water extract increased with the increasing amount of lyophilized extract (50-400 microg) added into the linoleic acid emulsion. Statistically significant effect was determined in 100 microg and higher amounts. Antioxidant activities of water extracts of tilia (Tilia argentea Desf ex DC), sage (Salvia triloba L.), and two Turkish black teas commercially called Rize tea and young shoot tea (Camellia sinensis) were compared. For comparison studies, 100 microg portions of extracts were added into test samples. All samples were able to show statistically significant antioxidant effect. Both of the tea extracts showed highest antioxidant activities, nevertheless, differences between tilia and sage and tilia and tea were not statistically significant (for both cases p > 0.05). Like antioxidant activity, the reducing power of water extract of Tilia argentea Desf ex DC was also concentration dependent. Even in the presence of 50 microg of extract, the reducing power was significantly higher than that of the control (p 0.05). From these results, we could suggest that although the reducing power of a substance may be an indicator of its potential antioxidant activity, there may not always be a linear correlation between these two activities. In addition, antimicrobial activities of each of the above extracts were studied by disk diffusion methods on different test microorganisms. None of the extracts showed antibacterial activity on the studied microorganisms.

Multiplier method for predicting limb-length discrepancy.

Abstract: Background: In patients with a congenital or developmental limb-length discrepancy, the short limb grows at a rate proportional to that of the normal, long limb This is the basis of predicting limb-length discrepancy with existing methods, which are complicated and require multiple data points The purpose of our study was to derive a simple arithmetic formula that can easily and accurately predict limb-length discrepancy at skeletal maturity Methods: Using available databases, we divided the femoral and tibial lengths at skeletal maturity by the femoral and tibial lengths at each age for each percentile group The resultant number was called the multiplier Using the multiplier, we derived formulae to predict the limb-length discrepancy and the amount of growth remaining We verified the accuracy of these formulae by evaluating two groups of patients with congenital shortening who were managed with epiphysiodesis or limb-lengthening We also calculated and compared the multipliers for other databases according to radiographic, clinical, and anthropological lower-limb measurements Results: The multipliers for the femur and tibia were equivalent in all percentile groups, varying only by age and gender Because congenital limb-length discrepancy increases at a rate proportional to growth, the discrepancy at maturity can be calculated as the current discrepancy times the multiplier for the current age and the gender This calculation can be performed with use of a single measurement of limb-length discrepancy For progressive developmental (noncongenital) discrepancies, the discrepancy at skeletal maturity can be calculated as the current discrepancy plus the growth inhibition times the amount of growth remaining The timing of the epiphysiodesis can also be calculated with the multiplier The predictions made with use of the multiplier method correlated well with those made with use of the Moseley method as well as with the actual limb-length discrepancy in both the limb-lengthening and epiphysiodesis groups The multipliers derived from the radiographic, clinical, and anthropological measurements of femora and tibiae were all similar to each other despite differences in race, ethnicity, and generation Conclusions: The multiplier method allows for a quick calculation of the predicted limb-length discrepancy at skeletal maturity, without the need to plot graphs, and is based on as few as one or two measurements This method is independent of percentile groups and is the same for the prediction of femoral, tibial, and total-limb lengths The multiplier values are also independent of generation, height, socioeconomic class, ethnicity, and race We verified the accuracy of this method clinically by evaluating patients who had been managed with limb-lengthening or epiphysiodesis The method was also comparable with or more accurate than the Moseley method of limb-length prediction

Experience with personalization of Yahoo

Abstract: COMMUNICATIONS OF THE ACM August 2000/Vol. 43, No. 8 35 In this artcle, we concentrate on three examples of personalization: My Yahoo!, Yahoo! Companion, and Inside Yahoo! Search. My Yahoo! (my.yahoo.com) is a customized personal copy of Yahoo!. Users can select from hundreds of modules, such as news, stock prices, weather, and sports scores, and place them on one or more Web pages. The actual content for each module is then updated automatically, so users can see what they want to see in the order they want to see it. This provides users with the latest information on every subject, but with only the specific items they want to know about. An example of a My Yahoo! page (with Yahoo! Companion) is shown in the accompanying figure. Space limitations prevent us from describing its many features; instead, we mention a few general issues:

Web site activity monitoring system with tracking by categories and terms

Abstract: A traffic monitor provides statistics of traffic using an activity input for receiving data related to activity on a server system. Events being monitored are binned by topic or term, where the terms are associated with categories. The categories can be a hierarchy of categories and subcategories, with terms being in one or more categories. The categorized events include page views and search requests and the results might be normalized over a field of events and a result output for outputting results of the normalizer as the statistical analyses of traffic.

Reliability and interobserver variability in radiological patellar height ratios.

Abstract: This study evaluated the reliability and interobserver variability of five patellar height ratios as measured by two examiners on standard radiographs: Insall-Salvati (IS), modified Insall-Salvati (MIS), Blackburne-Peel (BP), Caton-Deschamps (CD), and Labelle-Laurin (LL). Plain lateral radiographs with a knee flexion angle of 20° for IS, MIS, BP, and CD ratios and 90° for the LL method of 22 knees of 21 patients with varying pathological knee conditions were analyzed. Statistical results revealed a low interobserver variability with high correlation coefficients (0.86 for IS, 0.82 for MIS, 0.86 for BP, 0.92 for CD, and 0.81 for LL; P > 0.3) and low mean interobserver errors. However, regarding the reliability of the radiographic results of the different methods for patella alta, baja, or norma we found varying results in 68% of the patients. In two patients the patellar height was classified as alta, norma, or baja depending on the ratio used. Regarding the definitions of patellar height used by the authors of these methods, we found the lowest number of normal patellae with the IS ratio and no patella alta for the CD ratio. The LL method revealed the highest number of patella alta. The BP ratio showed intermediate results for both patella alta and baja, being the most moderate method. This study showed that there was a good interobserver reliability for the evaluation of patellar height according to the common radiological ratios. However, the high frequency of differing results between the different radiographic ratios showed that patellar height classification as “alta,”“norma,” or “baja” depends heavily on the chosen index. The differing results were due mainly to the normative patellar height data and to anatomical differences. Based on these findings we recommend a ratio using the articular surface of the patella in relation to the joint line. We recommend the BP method because it revealed the lowest interobserver variability and discriminated best among the groups alta, norma, and baja.

Internet radio and broadcast method

Abstract: Using a large database (160), users may indicate their general or specific preferences with regards to song, artist, or albums. A playlist is created that combines all of the user's preferences as well as any applicable statuatory regulations. The user is then able to enjoy music generally of his or her choosing, while additionally being exposed to new music. Every individual then is like the manager of his or her own radio station.

System and method for personalized information filtering and alert generation

Abstract: A search engine that forms a compact representation of a plurality of user queries to efficiently find desired information in an information network (100). The search engine (102) comprises a profile processor having logic to receive the queries from the users (110) and a search module. The search module is coupled to the profile processor and has logic to receive the information content, to combine the user queries into a master query, and to match the master query with the information content to determine matching content. The search engine also includes logic to analyze the matching content to determine if any of the queries has been satisfied.

Auction redemption system and method

Abstract: An electronic auction system (112) provides auction services and related functionalities that permit users to conduct auction transactions with various payment units such as incentive points and credits as well as money. The system comprises a web server (137) which interfaces with a database server (136), a messaging server (138) and the Internet (150) for performing various functions. The database server (136) serves an auction database (130), a merchandise database (131), a seller database (132), a bidder database (133), an account database (134), and a bid database (135). The system reserves the bid amount associated any new valid bid in bidders' account and unreserves those bid amounts that were previously reserved but are no longer the winning bid or otherwise displaced from the top bid positions.

Food habits and livestock depredation of two Iberian wolf packs (Canis lupus signatus) in the north of Portugal

Abstract: Two Iberian wolf Canis lupus signatus packs were studied in the north of Portugal during spring and summer 1996. The study areas are located in two mountainous areas close to the Spanish border. Both regions presented a very low density of wild ungulates and intensive livestock production. The food habits and the livestock depredation of the wolves were considered. The study material included 87 dropping samples, interviews with shepherds, carcass investigation and government reports of livestock depredation. Prey preference was measured in both areas. Wolves fed exclusively on livestock, especially goats. Wolf attacks on goats affected mostly large flocks of > 100 heads, but where there were horses, wolves preyed preferentially on horses. In both study areas, sheep was recorded as a regular prey by the government reports but never appeared in the scat analysis results. This apparent contradiction will be discussed. The wolf's dependence on livestock can be explained by the scarcity of wild prey and the high density of livestock. Conservation of wolves in such impoverished areas depends on an efficient livestock depredation management plan and the reintroduction of native prey species.

Focused Abdominal US in Patients with Trauma

Abstract: PURPOSE: To evaluate the accuracy of focused abdominal ultrasonography (US) in detecting abdominal injuries that require in-hospital patient treatment in the setting of blunt abdominal trauma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One thousand ninety patients with blunt abdominal trauma were assessed with focused abdominal US within 30 minutes of arrival at the hospital. Focused abdominal US results were positive if intra- or retroperitoneal fluid was detected. Patients with negative US results and no other major injuries were observed in the emergency department for 12 hours before discharge. Patients who deteriorated clinically after negative initial US underwent repeat US and/or emergency abdominopelvic computed tomography (CT). Patients with positive or indeterminate US results underwent emergency abdominopelvic CT. RESULTS: Nine hundred seventy-four (89%) patients had negative focused abdominal US results; eight of these underwent CT. Sixty-six (6%) had positive US results. Four (0.4%) had false-negative and 19 (1....

Photodynamic therapy of choroidal hemangioma: two case reports.

Abstract: Background: Photocoagulation, cryotherapy and radiotherapy have been used to treat angiomatous lesions. Depending on the location of the angioma, these treatments can cause additional, significant functional damage. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) however, allows a selective occlusion of vascular lesions without damaging adjacent retinal structures. Methods: Two patients with isolated choroidal hemangiomas involving the posterior pole were treated with PDT. Treatments were performed using a diode laser at 692 nm, a light dose of 100 J/cm2 and 6 mg/m2 body surface area verteporfin (BPD-MA). PDT was applied in two courses in one eye and in four in the other eye at 1–4 months intervals. Patients were followed up for 9–12 months with visual acuity measurements and dilated ophthalmoscopy. Ultrasound, indocyanine green angiographic and fluorescein angiographic images were evaluated at each visit. Results: Tumor heights were 3.3 and 4.6 mm on pretreatment ultrasound. After therapy, patients with isolated choroidal hemangioma showed total regression of the lesion and improved visual acuity due to resorption of retinal edema. Serous retinal detachment and cystoid macular edema resolved. Ultrasound demonstrated a progressive decrease in tumor height after each PDT application, with complete disappearance of the lesion. Retinal vessels were not affected by the treatment, and retinal function recovered in areas with previous tumor involvement. Conclusion: PDT allows selective treatment of large intraocular angiomatous lesions.Without optimized parameters, complete regression of choroidal hemangiomas, resolution of secondary complications and improvement of visual acuity were documented.

Systems and methods for identifying and extracting data from HTML pages

Abstract: Systems and methods for analyzing HTML formatted web pages to automatically identify and extract desired information. A computer algorithm identifies and extracts different pieces of information from different web pages automatically after minimal manual setup. The algorithm automatically analyzes pages with different content if they have the same, or similar, formats.

Fungemia with Saccharomyces cerevisiae in two newborns, only one of whom had been treated with ultra-levura.

Abstract: Ultra-Levura (Upsamedica, Spain) is a yeast (Saccharomyces boulardii) widely used as a biotherapeutic agent. To date, few adverse effects have been reported, although fungemia with Saccharomyces cerevisiae can occur in weak and immunosuppressed patients. Reported here are two cases of fungemia with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. One patient had been treated with Ultra-Levura and the other contracted the infection from the first. This is the first report of infection with Saccharomyces boulardii (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) in a patient who was not being treated with the agent.

Electronic commerce system for referencing remote commerce sites at a local commerce site

Abstract: According to the present invention, an electronic commerce method and system for referencing remote merchant sites at a local commerce site is provided. The local commerce site may also be a remote merchant integration server (RMIS). The remote commerce site may also be a remote merchant site. The remote merchant site may be a website of a merchant. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electronic commerce method and system for referencing remote merchant sites at a local commerce site includes the following: session managing a client request from a user client and a cookie stripped merchant response, where the session managing includes generating a processed remote merchant integration server (RMIS) response related to a merchant cookie and to the cookie stripped merchant response; traffic relaying the client request and a content transformed merchant response, where the traffic relaying includes generating a processed client request related to the client request, removing the merchant cookie from the content transformed merchant response, and generating the cookie stripped merchant response related to the content transformed merchant response; service integrating the processed client request; and content transforming a merchant response from the remote merchant site, where the content transforming includes generating the content transformed merchant response related to the merchant response.

Thermally boosted pumping of neodymium lasers

Abstract: Pumping at 885 nm from thermally excited ground-state levels directly to the Nd:YAG upper lasing level is experimentally demonstrated by use of a Ti:sapphire pump laser. This approach utilizes thermal energy contained within the laser medium to provide part of the pump energy required to achieve population inversion. Slope efficiency increased by 12% compared with traditional pump band excitation (λpump = 808 nm) and by 7% compared with ground-state direct pumping (λpump = 869 nm). The combined transition from the first and second thermally excited Stark components of the ground state (4I9/2) to the upper lasing level (4F3/2) has characteristics that make thermally boosted pumping a suitable candidate for use with diode lasers: reasonable absorption (1.8 cm-1) and bandwidth (2.7 nm FWHM). A model suggests that, compared with traditional 808-nm pumping, heat could be reduced by 40% by use of thermally boosted pumping.

Subcutaneous adipose tissue expression of tumour necrosis factor-alpha is not associated with whole body insulin resistance in obese nondiabetic or in type-2 diabetic subjects.

Abstract: BACKGROUND An association with subcutaneous adipose tissue TNFalpha expression and insulin resistance has been suggested in obesity/type-2 diabetes, but this has not been examined directly. In the first part of the study we investigated whether this association is present in 7 lean, 10 obese nondiabetic and 9 type-2 diabetic men. In the second part of the study we examined the relationship between adipose tissue TNFalpha mRNA levels and BMI in 81 nondiabetic subjects spanning a wide range of BMIs. METHODS Subcutaneous adipose tissue TNFalpha mRNA levels and insulin sensitivity were determined with quantitative RT-competitive PCR and hyperinsulinaemic clamp, respectively. RESULTS Subcutaneous adipose tissue TNFalpha mRNA levels were similar in 7 lean and 10 obese nondiabetic and 9 type-2 diabetic men (P = 0.68), and did not change in response to 240-min hyperinsulinaemia. TNFalpha mRNA levels and insulin sensitivity were not correlated. Unexpectedly, no correlation between TNFalpha mRNA and BMI was found. The relationship between adipose tissue TNFalpha mRNA and BMI was examined further in 31 male and 50 female nondiabetic subjects. The subcutaneous adipose tissue TNFalpha mRNA level correlated with BMI in all subjects (rS = 0.32, P < 0.01), and in a subgroup analysis in men (rS = 0.55, P < 0.01) but not in women (rS = - 0.08). The correlation in men was dependent on a fourfold higher TNFalpha mRNA level in 5 morbidly obese men while there was no difference in TNFalpha mRNA levels in lean or obese men. CONCLUSIONS Subcutaneous adipose tissue TNFalpha expression does not correlate with insulin sensitivity in nondiabetic or type-2 diabetic men; is not regulated by acute hyperinsulinaemia; and is increased only in morbidly obese men.

Hydrogeological framework of the Deccan basalt groundwater systems, west-central India

Abstract: Deccan basalts of west-central India are hydrogeologically inhomogeneous rocks A proper understanding of the physical framework of the basalts within which groundwater resides and moves is a key to the hydrogeology of these rocks Two types of basalt, the vesicular amygdaloidal basalt and the compact basalt, occur as alternate layers in the volcanic pile Although the rocks are generally inhomogeneous, structures in the basalt, such as sheet joints and vertical joints, serve as zones of groundwater flow In the shallow subsurface, two groundwater systems are operative Groundwater system A consists of a vesicular amygdaloidal basalt underlain by a compact basalt, whereas groundwater system B consists of a vesicular amygdaloidal basalt overlain by a compact basalt Groundwater system A has a better developed network of openings and, as a consequence, this system has a higher transmissivity and storage coefficient than groundwater system B Wells tapping groundwater system A have higher yields on average and irrigate more hectares of cropland than do wells tapping groundwater system B This simple systems concept offers a practical methodology for understanding the geometry of the physical framework that contains groundwater in the Deccan basalts The efficacy of the concept is in its widespread utility for the region The concept may also be extrapolated to help understand the hydrogeology of deeper Deccan basalt groundwater systems

A temporal model for multi-level undo and redo

Abstract: All of these systems rely on an explicit model of history, which can be scanned to support search or “navigation” over a timeline, and all allow their timelines to be “traversed” to move the application’s state to other points in its history. However, as powerful as these applications are, their timeline representations are for the most part exceedingly simple. They typically support only linear, not branching timelines (GINA and Timewarp are exceptions, however); the “nodes” in a timeline must represent atomic operations with side effects that are well understood at the time the application is created; and, typically, the timeline of the entire application must be navigated or traversed as a whole—it is impossible to have a portion of the timeline exist in a “bubble” that can be manipulated separately.

Processing of unsolicited bulk electronic mail

Abstract: The present invention involves detecting unsolicited electronic mail distributed in bulk. In one embodiment, a method for automatically processing electronic mail loads an electronic mail message. Non non-textual information is removed from the electronic mail message. A first portion from the electronic mail message is located and a first code smaller than the first portion and indicative of the first portion is generated. A second portion from the electronic mail message is located and a second code smaller than the second portion and indicative of the second portion is generated. The first code and the second code are stored.

Infection in the elderly what is different

Abstract: Infectious diseases are a common cause of increased morbidity and mortality in elderly patients and present a frequent problem in the geriatrician's daily practice. Infections in the elderly are quite different from infections in a younger population. These differences are due to Age-related alterations in immunology Different epidemiology and bacteriology Increased morbidity and mortality Altered clinical presentation Concommittant disability and comorbidity in many older patients Different approaches to therapy. This article is an attempt to discuss these various aspects of infectious disease in the elderly. The most important infections in the elderly are caused by bacteria. Incidence and bacterial spectrum depends on the site of infection and whether the patient is hospitalized, living in a nursing home or in the community. Pneumonia, UTI and pressure ulcer infections are more frequent in patients living in nursing homes than in community dwelling older people. Infections are a frequent cause of hospitalization in elderly people and hospitalization on the other hand is a risk factor for life-threatening nosocomial infections, caused by invasive diagnostic procedures and frequent use of urinary and venous catheters. Infections in the elderly are often accompanied by serious complications as bacteriemia (pneumonia), frequent recurrence (UTI), perforation and abscess (abdominal infections) and severe disability (pressure ulcer infections). Because of these serious and frequent complications mortality of infections is higher in older patients than in younger people. Elderly patients with infectious disease often present in the same way as younger patients do. Many elderly however present with non-specific clinical symptoms and non-specific functional decline which makes an accurate diagnosis difficult and may lead to a life-threatening delay of diagnosis and therapy. In older patients with unexplained functional decline, physicians must be aware of the possibility of a serious infection. Moreover, the physician can not rely on typical signs of infections as fever. In the elderly the fever response is often blunted even in the presence of bacteremia. Leokocytosis may be absent and elevation of acute phase protein is a more reliable marker of infection than elevation of erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Clinical suspicion of bacterial infection in elderly patient should prompt Careful anamnesis and clinical investigation Hospitalization if necessary Diagnostic procedures without delay including blood cultures Immediate empiric antibiotic therapy taking into account the site of infection, if the infection is community acquired or nosocomial and the most likely bacterial spectrum and local resistance factors. The use of broad spectrum antibiotic substances with a low side effect profile and pharmacokinetic properties which are suitable for elderly patients.

Method for initiating internet telephone service from a web page

Abstract: A direct telephone dialing scheme for initiating internet telephone service from a web page is provided The scheme allows a caller, using an internet telephone service, to place telephone call to a telephone number appearing on any web page directly from that web page In one embodiment, a caller navigates to a desired web page on the internet and the caller dials a telephone number on that web page directly to initiate a two-way audio communication with the destination telephone number using an internet telephone service The direct telephone dialing scheme of the present invention improves the accessibility and ease of use of internet telephone services Furthermore, the direct telephone dialing scheme can be used with video, data, and fax a communications which are supported by the VoIP data communication standard

Persistent acquired lobar overinflation complicating bronchopulmonary dysplasia

Abstract: Persistent acquired lobar overinflation (PALO) may complicate bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). From infants admitted to the regional neonatal intensive care unit or who had been followed up at the chronic lung disease clinic in Liverpool over a 6.5-year period, 11 children with BPD and PALO were identified and details of their neonatal and subsequent outcome obtained. Their median gestational age was 29 weeks (range 24–33) and median birth weight was 1317 g (range 676–1968 g). All had received ventilatory support for severe neonatal respiratory distress syndrome for a median of 26 days (range 5–86). The median age the acquired lobar overinflation was detected was 82 days (range 45–424 days). Nine patients required continued neonatal or paediatric intensive care re-admission for deteriorating respiratory function. Six children have subsequently died at a median age of 9.5 months (range 6.5–20). Five patients underwent bronchoscopy, four suggesting the presence of bronchomalacia. Three patients had ventilation-perfusion scans all showing that the overinflated lobe had no mismatch defect unlike other areas of the lung.

A Theory of Bilateral Oligopoly

Abstract: In horizontal mergers, concentration is often measured with the Hirschmann-Herfindahl Index (HHI). This index yields the price-cost margins in Cournot competition. In many modern merger cases, both buyers and sellers have market power, and indeed, the buyers and sellers may be the same set of firms. In such cases, the HHI is inapplicable. We develop an alternative theory that has similar data requirements as the HHI, applies to intermediate good industries with market power on both sides, and specializes to the HHI when buyers have no market power. The more inelastic is the downstream demand, the more captive production and consumption (not traded in the intermediate market) affects price/cost margins. The analysis is applied to the merger of the California gasoline refining and retail assets of Exxon and Mobil.

Artemether, an effective new agent for chemoprophylaxis against shistosomiasis in China: its in vivo effect on the biochemical metabolism of the Asian schistosome.

Abstract: Conventional drug chemotherapy against human schistosomiasis currently relies on treatment with praziquantel to eliminate adult schistosome worm pairs. The use of praziquantel for control purposes is limited, however, by high rates of post-treatment re-infection with subsequent parasite egg deposition and host end-organ damage. Artemether, a methyl ether derivative of the anti-malarial drug quinghaosu, was discovered recently to also have anti-schistosomal properties. Because artemether selectively targets the larval migratory stages of the parasite, known as schistosomulae, it blocks the development of ovipositing adult schistosome worm pairs in the vasculature. On this basis, we have since shown in clinical trials conducted in China that artemether has proven benefit as an agent for chemoprophylaxis. In vivo studies using laboratory animals suggest that artemether causes damage to the tegument and musculature of schistosomulae. Artemether may exert its helminthotoxic effect through synergy with hemin or related heme-containing compounds. Schistosomes recovered from artemether treated laboratory animals have increased glycogen phosphorylase activity, but decreased glucose uptake. These findings may account for their decreased glycogen content, relative to schistosomes recovered from untreated laboratory animals. The artemether-damaged schistosomes also have decreased activities of a number of enzymes and enzyme systems, including glycolysis. This might suggest common pathways by which artemether may target human parasites that live in the bloodstream.

Transmission of multicast media between networks

Abstract: A multicast media system includes a network access facility that directly interconnects a second multicast-enabled network to a first multicast-enabled network. The network access facility is configured to pass a requested multicast data stream from the first multicast-enabled network to a terminal in the second multicast-enabled network that request receipt of the multicast data stream. The direct peering of multicast media can be scaled to accommodate large numbers of users.

Method and apparatus for re-formatting web pages

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to selectively display a pre-determined set of contents for a specific class of devices. The apparatus includes an image generator, a section identifier and a section manipulator. The image generator generates an image of a pre-determined rendition of the set of contents; the section identifier identifies a section in the contents based on a preference of the provider of the set of contents; and the section manipulator re-formats the identified section to generate a new rendition, depending on a characteristic of the specific class of devices and a preference of the provider. After the re-formatting, the new rendition is displayed on the specific class of devices.

Composite surfaces after finishing and polishing techniques.

Abstract: Purpose To evaluate the effect of finishing and polishing techniques on surface roughness of resin-based composites (RBCs). Materials and methods Forty specimens of each material were cured under Mylar strips and immersed in artificial saliva for 1 wk. Samples were tested with a profilometer to obtain baseline average surface roughness (Ra). Specimens of both RBCs were then finished and polished according to four techniques: (1) Sof-Lex disks; (2) Sof-Lex disks followed by Prisma Gloss; (3) Enhance points; (4) Enhance points followed by Prisma Gloss application. New readings of the roughness pattern were carried out and the difference of post-polishing and baseline values were analyzed. Results ANOVA test (alpha = 0.05) did not show differences between materials (P = 0.9393) nor interaction effects (P = 0.3094), but significant difference among the finishing/polishing techniques were detected (P = 0.0157). Tukey's test showed that the smoothest surface was obtained when the specimens were treated by Sof-Lex followed by Prisma Gloss polishing paste; and the worst results were obtained after using Enhance points alone.

Mycoses in the transplanted patient.

Abstract: The incidence of invasive fungal infection (IFI) has increased considerably over the past 20 years, and transplant recipients are at especially high risk for fungal infections owing to their overall immunosuppressed condition. Organ transplantation procedures were incorporated as a therapeutic option for many patients who lacked the normal functions of organs such as the heart, liver, kidney, lung, pancreas and small bowel. The prevalence of IFI in solid organ transplant (SOTR) patients ranges from 5 to 50% in kidney and liver transplants, respectively. In bone marrow transplant (BMT) patients, IFI are major causes of morbidity and mortality due to the protracted neutropenic period and graft-versus-host disease. Candida spp. and Aspergillus spp. account for >80% of fungal episodes in both SOTR and BMT. The development of new immunosuppressive agents, new prophylaxis strategies (as pre-emptive therapy) and the improvement in surgical techniques led to increase survival of transplant recipients. In this session, a clear and concise update of the recent advances in the laboratory diagnosis of candidiasis and aspergillosis in this kind of patients was presented. However, we still need to establish more rapid, sensitive and specific methods for IFI diagnosis. Representatives of the 'Subcomision de Infecciones en el Paciente Neutropenico y Transplantado (SIPNYT)' de la Sociedad Argentina de Infectologia (SADI), presented the results of an unusual multicenter study both retrospective and descriptive studies of IFI in SOTR and BMT patients in Argentina. In addition, a study of IFI in 1,861 SOTR patients from four centers and the analysis of IFI in 2,066 BMT patients from all 12 BMT centers from Argentina was presented. From these studies it can be concluded that 'all transplant recipients are not the same' and that they should be stratified according to their different risk degrees in order to determine the best prophylaxis and treatment strategies.