Showing papers by "Yahoo! published in 2001"

[Transobturator urethral suspension: mini-invasive procedure in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence in women].

Abstract: Transobturator tape is an artificial tape designed for urethral suspension to treat female stress urinary incontinence. This tape has two original features: its non-woven polypropylene structure is coated with silicone on the urethral surface in order to limit retraction of polypropylene and to establish a barrier to extension of periurethral fibrosis. transmuscular insertion, through the obturator and puborectalis muscles, reproduces the natural suspension fascia of the urethra while preserving the retropubic space. A preliminary study (40 implantations) confirmed the feasibility of this operation, the low morbidity (one complication: sepsis) and the encouraging results between 3 and 12 months; in the treatment of isolated incontinence (16 patients), no postoperative dysuria has been observed; 15 patients are totally continent and 1 patient is improved; in the treatment of prolapse associated with frank or potential incontinence (24 patients), transient postoperative dysuria was observed in 4 cases, with no postoperative incontinence.

Relationship discovery engine

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product discover relationships among items and recommend items based on the discovered relationships. The recommendations provided by the present invention are based on user profiles that take into account actual preferences of users, without requiring users to complete questionnaires. An improved binomial log likelihood ratio analysis technique is applied, to reduce adverse effects of overstatement of coincidence and predominance of best sellers. The invention may be used, for example, to generate track lists for a personalized radio station.

System and method to determine the validity of an interaction on a network

Abstract: The methods and systems of the invention utilize limited data to yield information about the validity of any given interaction with a website Once validity information is available, an operator can determine whether or not to continue offering interactions to a given user The determination could also relate to whether to report website interaction statistics based on undesired interactions, how to handle billing or payment for such undesired interactions, and what type of content to send to users who are interacting with the website in an undesirable manner

Targeted advertisements using time-dependent key search terms

Abstract: An advertisement generation system presents a time-dependent advertisement to a user based upon to a search term of a search query during a period of time via a communication network The system includes a search engine coupled to a web server for receiving the search query and for presenting a search results page. The search results page is accompanied with an immediate advertisement. In one embodiment, the system includes an advertisement repository to store data representing a plurality of advertisements and includes the immediate advertisement and the time-dependent advertisement. Also, the system includes a user profiler configured to communicate a plurality of search characteristics and includes a data structure to store the search characteristics. Lastly, an advertisement server is included to provide to the web server the immediate advertisement with an associated search results page and the time-dependent advertisement with a web page presented after the display of the search results page, until a period of time expires.

Online media exchange

Abstract: A data processing system (see Fig. 2) enabling a network of interconnected public access computers (250) to act as a continuous transactional exchange for electronic advertising. The system customizes paid advertising, enabling dynamic pricing and price discovery. The system provides extensive real-time tracking which supports a hybrid pay for performance model as well as a process for multi-stage optimization.

Game server for use in connection with a messenger server

Abstract: A game and messenger client-server system is provided including a plurality of game clients, a game server, a plurality of messenger clients, and a messenger server. The game server includes logic to operate a multiplayer game using inputs from and outputs to an active game set of game clients, wherein game clients other than those in the active game set can join an active game by supplying the game server with a reference to the active game. Additionally, logic is included for coupling a game client to a messenger client to allow the game client to send the messenger client data used to initiate joining a game, whereby a message sent by the messenger client includes the data used to initiate joining a game. Also, logic is included for initiating a join of a game at an invitee client, using data received in a message to the invitee.

Method and apparatus for identifying related searches in a database search system

Abstract: A method of generating a search result list also provides related searches for use by a searcher. Search listings which generate a match with a search request submitted by the searcher are identified in a pay-for-performance database which includes a plurality of search listings. Related search listings contained in a related search database generated from the pay-for-performance database are identified as relevant to the search request. A search result list is returned to the searcher including the identified search listings and one or more of the identified search listings.

Method and system of interpreting and presenting web content using a voice browser

Abstract: A highly distributed, scalable, and efficient voice browser system provides the ability to seamlessly integrate a variety of audio into the system in a unified manner. The audio rendered to the user comes from various sources, such as, for example, audio advertisements recorded by sponsors, audio data collected by broadcast groups, and text to speech generated audio. In an embodiment, voice browser architecture integrates a variety of components including: various telephony platforms (e.g. PSTN, VOIP), scalable architecture, rapid context switching, and backend web content integration and provides access to information audibly.

Hypothalamic involvement in chronic migraine

Abstract: Objectives—Chronic migraine (CM), previously called transformed migraine, is a frequent headache disorder that aVects 2%-3% of the general population. Analgesic overuse, insomnia, depression, and anxiety are disorders that are often comorbid with CM. Hypothalamic dysfunction has been implicated in its pathogenesis, but it has never been studied in patients with CM. The aim was to analyze hypothalamic involvement in CM by measurement of melatonin, prolactin, growth hormone, and cortisol nocturnal secretion. Methods—A total of 338 blood samples (13/patient) from 17 patients with CM and nine age and sex matched healthy volunteers were taken. Melatonin, prolactin, growth hormone, and cortisol concentrations were determined every hour for 12 hours. The presence of comorbid disorders was also evaluated. Results—An abnormal pattern of hypothalamic hormonal secretion was found in CM. This included: (1) a decreased nocturnal prolactin peak, (2) increased cortisol concentrations, (3) a delayed nocturnal melatonin peak in patients with CM, and (4) lower melatonin concentrations in patients with CM with insomnia. Growth hormone secretion did not diVer from controls. Conclusion—These results support hypothalamic involvement in CM, shown by a chronobiologic dysregulation, and a possible hyperdopaminergic state in patients with CM. Insomnia might be an important variable in the study findings. (J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2001;71:747‐751)

Sharing and implementing instant messaging environments

Abstract: Sharing an instant messaging environment is described. The instant messaging environment is selected from a set of stored instant messaging environments. An instant messaging environment identifier corresponding to the selected instant messaging environment is transmitted from a transmitting instant messaging application to a receiving instant messenger application. The instant messaging environment identifier is received and the stored instant messaging environment corresponding to the instant messaging environment identifier is retrieved. The instant messaging environment is activated in the receiving instant messaging application.

System and method for controlling access to digital content, including streaming media

Abstract: A system and method for controlling access to digital content, including streaming media. The system includes a web server, media server and end user processor, such as a personal computer, coupled to a network. The web server cryptographically generates a ticket in response to an end user's request for access to a file. The ticket is based, at least in part, on a time at or near when the ticket is generated. The media server generates an authorization ticket, preferably using the same cryptographic algorithm as the web server. The media server authorization ticket is based, at least in part, on a time at or near when the media server receives the request for access to the file. The media server determines whether to grant access to the file by comparing the ticket, as generated by the web server, to the ticket, as generated by the media server.

Simulation of stochastic wind velocity field on long-span bridges

Abstract: An improved algorithm is introduced in this paper for digital simulation of the stochastic wind velocity field on long-span bridges, when the cross-spectral density matrix of the field is given. The target wind velocity field is assumed to be a one-dimensional, multivariate, homogeneous stochastic process. The basic method of simulation used is the spectral representation method. It is improved by explicitly expressing Cholesky's decomposition of the cross-spectral density matrix in the form of algebraic formulas, then cutting off as many as possible of the cosine terms, so long as the accuracy of results is not affected. The fast Fourier transform technique is used to enhance the efficiency of computation. A numerical example of simulation for buffeting analysis is included in this paper to illustrate the improved method introduced. It is demonstrated that deviations between the simulated correlation functions and the target are sufficiently small and that the simulated power spectra are close to the target.

Processing of textual electronic communication distributed in bulk

Abstract: The invention relates to processing of electronic text communication distributed in bulk. In one embodiment, a process for blocking electronic text communication distributed in bulk is disclosed. In the process, a first electronic and a second electronic submission are received. A first portion is extracted from the first electronic submission and a second portion is extracted from the second electronic submission. A first code is determined for the first portion and a second code is determined for the second portion. The first code is indicative of the first portion and the second code is indicative of the second portion. After the first code is compared to the second code, the second electronic submission is filtered in response to that comparison.

Cortical excitability and sleep deprivation: a transcranial magnetic stimulation study

Abstract: The objective was to assess the changes in cortical excitability after sleep deprivation in normal subjects. Sleep deprivation activates EEG epileptiform activity in an unknown way. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can inform on the excitability of the primary motor cortex. Eight healthy subjects (four men and four women) were studied. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (single and paired) was performed by a focal coil over the primary motor cortex, at the "hot spot" for the right first dorsal interosseous muscle. The following motor evoked potential features were measured: (a) active and resting threshold to stimulation; (b) duration of the silent period; (c) amount of intracortical inhibition on paired TMS at the interstimulus intervals of 2 and 3 ms and amount of facilitation at interstimulus intervals of 14 and 16 ms. The whole TMS session was repeated after a sleep deprivation of at least 24 hours. After the sleep deprivation, the threshold to stimulation (in the active and resting muscle), as well as the silent period, did not change significantly. By contrast, the paired stimulus study showed a significant (p<0.05) reduction in both intracortical inhibition and facilitation. Thus, TMS showed that sleep deprivation is associated with changes in inhibition-facilitation balance in the primary motor cortex of normal subjects. These changes might have a link with the background factors of the "activating" effects of sleep deprivation.

Tuberculous spondylitis: analysis of 69 cases from Saudi Arabia.

Abstract: Design Retrospective chart and radiographic review of all cases admitted to the authors' hospital and diagnosed to have tuberculous spondylitis. Objective To identify the frequency, presenting features, utility of diagnostic tests, and treatment outcome of spinal tuberculosis in a tertiary care center. Methods All cases of spinal tuberculosis treated in the authors' hospital over 14 years were reviewed. Only those with histologic or microbiologic confirmation or those who responded to antituberculous spondylitis therapy were included. Outcome was assessed according to predefined criteria. Results Between 1985 and 1998, 69 cases of tuberculous spondylitis were found, i.e., 5% of all tuberculous spondylitis cases diagnosed. The mean age was 52.8 years (range, 15-80 years), and 37 (53.6%) were male. Only five patients had a history of tuberculosis. The most frequent symptoms were backache (84%) and fever (32%), and the most frequent sign was spinal tenderness (45%). Nineteen (28%) patients had paraparesis and 12 (17%) had kyphosis. Except for elevated sedimentation rate (94.5%), the laboratory workup was not helpful. Both computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were found to be helpful in diagnosis, often with complementary information. Thirty-eight patients (55%) had thoracic spine involvement and 55 patients (80%) had paraspinal abscesses. Tissue aspirates had a yield of 70%, 35%, and 57% for granulomas, acid-fast bacilli smear, and culture, respectively. Medical therapy alone was given in 37 cases (54%), whereas 32 patients (46%) required additional surgical intervention, mainly those with spinal cord compression, spinal deformity, or risk of spinal instability. There was definite improvement in 63 cases (91%). The best outcome was in those patients presenting early before the occurrence of spinal deformity or neurologic symptoms. Conclusion Tuberculous spondylitis is prevalent in the authors' hospital. Both computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are extremely helpful for diagnosis, and tissue aspirate is a good confirmatory method. A good outcome is expected if the diagnosis is made in early stages before the appearance of spinal deformity and neurologic symptoms. Surgical intervention can be avoided in these cases regardless of the presence or absence of paraspinal abscesses.

Theory of mind development in deaf children: a nonverbal test of false-belief understanding.

Abstract: Our aim in this study was to investigate whether previous findings pointing to a delay in deaf children's theory of mind development are replicated when linguistic demands placed on the deaf child are minimized in a nonverbal version of standard false-belief tasks. Twenty-four prelingually deaf, orally trained children born of hearing parents were tested with both a verbal and a nonverbal version of a false-belief task. Neither the younger (range: 4 years 7 months-6 years 5 months) nor the older (range: 6 years 9 months-11 years 11 months) children of the final sample of 21 children performed above chance in the verbal task. The nonverbal task significantly facilitated performance in children of all ages. Despite this facilitation, we observed a developmental delay: only the older group performed significantly above chance in the nonverbal false-belief task, even though the younger children were at the average age when hearing children normally pass standard false-belief tests. We discuss these findings in light of the hypothesis that language development and conversational competence are crucial to the acquisition of a theory of mind.

Scalable and programmable query distribution and collection in a network of queryable devices

Abstract: In a network, a query originator injects queries of network devices into the network at a query node using query messages. The network transports the query messages to the network devices, or to network nodes at which queries about the network devices can be answered. Query responses from the network devices or network nodes are directed through the network to a collection node or nodes. As an internal network node receives multiple query responses from network devices, the internal network node might aggregate, as needed, the multiple query responses into an aggregated query response that preferably occupies less bandwidth than the aggregated multiple query responses. Where the result desired at the collection node is a computed function of the multiple query responses, the computed function can be performed at each internal network node on the multiple query responses received at that node, thus distributing the computation needed to form a collected response to the query. Queries might request real-time or non-real-time responses and queries might request one response, periodic responses or one response for each occurrence of an event. The internal network nodes might store lookup tables, or access a centralized lookup table, that specify details of queries, thus obviating the need for each query message to carry all of the necessary details of the query.

Data list transmutation and input mapping

Abstract: A method for converting a list of data, each entry in said list having at least one alpha-numeric character, to a format suitable for display and manipulation in a limited display area. The method comprises: sorting said list based on a first of said alpha-numeric characters in each said entry in said list of data; grouping entries into a plurality of sets, each set comprising entries in said list of data having at least a common first character; generating an abbreviated list of said first characters; and linking each entry in said abbreviated list to the corresponding set of entries having said at least common first character.

Acupuncture versus ondansetron in the prevention of postoperative vomiting: A study of children undergoing dental surgery

Abstract: This study compares the anti-emetic effect of acupuncture with that of ondansetron and a placebo. Ninety children undergoing dental treatment under general anaesthesia were randomly allocated to one of the three equal groups, to receive acupuncture needle insertion, intravenous ondansetron 0.15 mg x kg(-1) or a placebo. Parental satisfaction scores and the incidence of emetic episodes were recorded. A significant difference was found in the number of patients who vomited and the total number of the emetic episodes when comparing the two treatment groups with the placebo group (p < 0.0001). A significant difference was also found between the treatment groups and the placebo group with respect to parental satisfaction score (p < 0.03). We conclude that traditional Chinese acupuncture is a valid non-pharmacological alternative anti-emetic treatment that can be recommended as a prophylactic technique in children undergoing dental surgery under general anaesthesia.

Genetic variation in stimulated GH release and in IGF-I of young dairy cattle and their associations with the leucine/valine polymorphism in the GH gene.

Abstract: Genetic variations in plasma GH concentrations before and following thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) stimulation and in IGF-I concentrations were studied in 11-mo-old Polish Friesian cattle (104 heifers and 110 bulls). A possible association between stimulated GH release, IGF-I, and the polymorphism in the GH gene causing substitution of leucine-Leu to valine-Val at amino acid position 127 of the protein was also investigated. The GH concentrations were determined in serial plasma samples collected every 15 min from 15 min before to 135 min after intravenous administration of 0.15 microg TRH/kg live weight. The analysis was performed on three variables: baseline (mean of samples at -15 and 0 min), peak (sample at 15 min after injection) and rate (peak minus sample at 60 min, divided by 45 min). The IGF-I concentrations were measured in plasma samples taken before the TRH stimulation. Additionally, first lactation records from the 75 cows earlier tested for GH release and IGF-I were used to study a possible association of milk production traits with GH genotypes. The data were analyzed by multivariate mixed linear models. The heritability of IGF-I reached a higher value (0.35) than variables baseline, peak, and rate (0.02, 0.14, and 0.14, respectively). The GH variables were positively genetically correlated with each other (0.22 to 0.93), whereas they had negative genetic correlations with IGF-I (-0.26). The Val/Val genotypes reached the highest peak value compared with other GH genotypes (P > 0.01), whereas the Leu/Leu genotypes had the highest IGF-I concentrations (P or = 0.01). We conclude that GH peak, GH rate, and IGF-I are heritable traits in young dairy cattle and are affected by the Leu/Val polymorphism in the GH gene.

Laparoscopic versus open cholecystectomy: a prospective comparative study in the elderly with acute cholecystitis.

Abstract: The aim of this prospective comparative study was to determine the feasibility and the efficacy of laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis in patients older than 75 years of age and to compare the results with those of open cholecystectomy. From January 1992 to December 1999, 139 patients older than 75 years of age underwent cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis. The two groups of patients with cholecystolithiasis included 50 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy (group 1) and 89 patients who underwent open cholecystectomy (group 2). Group 1 consisted of 30 women and 20 men, with a mean age of 81.9 years (range, 75-98). Group 2 consisted of 51 women and 38 men, with a mean age of 81.9 years (range, 75-93). There was no difference in the American Society of Anesthesiologists classification in both groups. The length of the surgery (103.3 vs. 149.7 minutes), postoperative length of stay (7.7 vs. 12.7 days), and inpatient rehabilitation (15 vs. 42 patients) were significantly shorter in group 1 than in group 2. The postoperative morbidity rate was not different between the groups. There was no mortality in group 1, but four patients died in group 2 (P = 0.29). The conversion rate was 32% (n = 16) in group 1. In summary, laparoscopic cholecystectomy in elderly patients with acute cholecystitis is safe and effective. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in elderly patients restores them to the best possible quality of life with the lowest cost to them physiologically.

Effects of lifestyle and work-related physical activity on the degree of lumbar lordosis and chronic low back pain in a Middle East population.

Abstract: The relationship between the degree of lumbar lordosis and chronic low back pain (LBP) has long been speculated. It is postulated that prolonged sitting and sedentary lifestyle might change the degree of lumbar lordosis and cause LBP. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of lifestyle, exercise, work setting, work intensity, and other demographic factors such as age, height, weight, and gender on the degree of lumbar lordosis and occurrence of LBP. Eight hundred forty subjects between ages 20 and 65 years were equally categorized into four groups: normal male, normal female, males with LBP, and females with LBP. A questionnaire was used to obtain information about the subject's lifestyle, work setting, level of exercise, and work-related physical activity. A flexible ruler was used to measure lumbar lordosis in all subjects. The average degree of lumbar lordosis for all subjects was 37 degrees +/- 13 degrees. Females had greater lumbar lordosis (42 degrees +/- 15 degrees ) than males did (32 degrees +/- 10 degrees ). There was no significant difference in the degree of lumbar lordosis in subjects with different lifestyle (p = 0.97), level of physical activity (p = 0.36), work setting (p = 0.5), and with or without LBP (p = 0.28). The degree of lumbar lordosis was positively related with the number of pregnancies (p = 0.04, r = 0.25), age (p = 0.02, r = 0.1) and height (p = 0.0001, r = 0.31) and negatively related with weight (p = 0.04, r = 0.06) of the subjects. The likelihood of developing LBP was significantly higher in the subjects who had high work-related physical activity (p = 0.03) and those who exercised less often (p = 0.008). We found no significant relationship between LBP occurrence and the degree of lumbar lordosis (p = 0.68), work setting (p = 0.15), height (p = 0.08), weight (p =0.06), and age (p = 0.67) of the subjects. The degree of lumbar lordosis was not different between normal subjects and those with LBP. Lumbar lordosis was not affected by lifestyle, level of physical activity, or type of work setting. Although these factors have not been found to affect the degree of lumbar lordosis, some affected the occurrence of LBP. This finding indicates that the effect of these factors on LBP involves mechanisms other than changing the degree of lumbar lordosis.

The use of calcium sulfate in the treatment of benign bone lesions. A preliminary report.

Abstract: Bone grafts are widely used by surgeons to correct bone defects resulting from a variety of causes, including tumors, trauma, and infection. Autogenous bone remains the ideal material for grafting because it is not antigenic and it has both osteoinductive and osteogenic properties1. The harvesting of autogenous bone, however, can be associated with substantial complications. The common problems that have been reported include pain at the donor site, palsy of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, injury of the superior gluteal artery, pelvic fracture, hematoma, infection, and gait disturbances2. Furthermore, the amount of autogenous bone graft available for harvesting is limited and may be insufficient to fill large osseous defects. The quality of the harvested autogenous bone is also variable1. Because of the complications associated with harvesting autogenous bone and its limited supply, many surgeons have sought bone-graft-substitute materials. A bone-graft substitute that has regained popularity recently is calcium sulfate, more commonly known as plaster of Paris. Plaster of Paris is derived from the common mineral gypsum, which contains calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4 • 2 H2O). Calcium sulfate was first used by Dreesman2 to obliterate bone cavities caused by tuberculosis. In 1959, Peltier3 became the first American to report on the use of calcium sulfate as a bone-graft substitute. He and Jones found that calcium sulfate is …

Financial information portal

Abstract: In a system for a financial institution or other information maintainer, has a list of its account holders that also have accounts with a portal and have agreed to link their portal account and user account with the financial institution or other information maintainer. When a user logs onto the user's portal account, the portal server can request information from the user account over a trusted link to the financial institution or other information maintainer. The portal can request data for a particular user over the trusted link or can request bulk data for all users, using portal authentication data, as opposed to user authentication data. In the preferred embodiment, the actions allowed on a user account by the portal authentication data are more restrictive than the actions allowed by the user authentication data. As an example, a brokerage house might allow the portal to read recent transaction data for the user but not to make trades on the user's account, while the brokerage house would allow the user to perform many more actions if the user logged on directly to the brokerage house's system using the user's authentication data.

Position bidding in a pay for placement database search system

Abstract: A method for a pay for placement database search system includes storing one or more search listings associated with an advertiser, each search listing including a respective bid amount and receiving a bid cap for selected search listings. The respective bid amounts are adjusted for the selected search listings according to the bid cap.

Information display system and methods

Abstract: Systems and methods for displaying real time media broadcasts with pages of related information. The systems and methods allow a user to interact with related online information while simultaneously viewing a video presentation or listening to an audio presentation. A client application executing on a client system processes a streaming data signal and displays an associated real time media presentation, live or archived, on one portion of a display. Reference data pushed to the client application in the streaming data signal identifies pages of related information. The client application retrieves the pages, e.g., via HTTP requests, and displays the pages in a data frame on a second portion of the display. The pages can be created in advance of the media presentation, and when retrieved and displayed, include current information related to the subject matter of the media presentation. Information included in the pages can include links to other related information. Upon selection of a link by a user, the link is passed to an active browser window displayed on a third portion of the display. The user may interact with information in the browser window and data frame while simultaneously viewing the real time media presentation.

Unsolicited electronic mail reduction

Abstract: The present invention involves reducing the amount of unsolicited e-mail. In one embodiment, a method for automatically detecting unsolicited electronic mail from a mailer and automatically notifying facilitators of the mailer of the unsolicited electronic mail is disclosed. In one step, an electronic mail message is received from the mailer. It is automatically determined if the electronic mail message is probably unsolicited. A check for an open relay in routing information of a header of the electronic mail message is performed. The facilitating party of the mailer is determined. Information relating to the electronic mail message is automatically reported to the facilitating party.