Showing papers by "Yahoo! published in 2002"

System and method for enabling multi-element bidding for influencing a position on a search result list generated by a computer network search engine

Abstract: A system and method for enabling information providers using a computer network such as the Internet to influence a position for a search listing within a search result list generated by an Internet search engine. A database stores accounts for the network information providers. Each account contains contact and billing information for a network information provider. In addition, each account contains at least one search listing having at least three components: a description, a search term comprising one or more keywords, and a bid amount. The network information provider may add, delete, or modify a search listing after authenticated login. A search term relevant to the content of the web site or other information source to be listed is first selected. A search listing includes the search term and a description. A bidding process occurs when the network information provider enters a new bid amount for a search listing. The system and method then compares the bid amount with all other bid amounts for the same search term, and generates a rank value for all search listings having that search term. The rank value determines where the listing will appear on the search results list page that is generated in response to a query of the search term by a searcher.

Lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme levels in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Abstract: Recent data from several reports indicate that free radicals are involved in aetiopathogenesis of many human pathologies including neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder etc. In the present study, we aimed at determining and evaluating levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), a product of lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity levels in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia (n = 25) and bipolar disorder (n = 23). The control group was composed of 20 healthy subjects. There was a significant increase in MDA levels of patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder compared with controls. SOD and GSH-Px activity levels were significantly higher in the schizophrenic group compared with controls. SOD activity levels in bipolar the group were significantly higher than controls whereas there were no significant changes in GSH-Px activity levels in the bipolar group and controls. Significant differences between lipid peroxidation product and antioxidant enzyme (SOD and GSH-Px) activity levels in schizophrenic and bipolar disorder patients compared with controls leads us to believe that these differences are related to the heterogenities in aetiologies of these disorders.

A Comparison of Disaster Paradigms: The Search for a Holistic Policy Guide

Abstract: The following article discusses the current emphasis and attention being given to the future of emergency management, as well as theoretical constructs designed to guide research and help practitioners reduce disaster. It illustrates that while the disaster-resistant community, disaster-resilient community, and sustainable development/sustainable hazards mitigation concepts provide many unique advantages for disaster scholarship and management, they fail to sufficiently address the triggering agents, functional areas, actors, variables, and disciplines pertaining to calamitous events. In making this argument, the article asserts that any future paradigm and policy guide must be built on—yet go further than—comprehensive emergency management. The article also reviews and alters the concept of invulnerable development. Finally, the article presents “comprehensive vulnerability management” as a paradigm and suggests that it is better suited to guide scholarly and practitioner efforts to understand and reduce disasters than the aforementioned perspectives.

System and method allowing advertisers to manage search listings in a pay for placement search system using grouping

Abstract: A system for advertisers to efficiently manage their search listings in placement database search system includes grouping means for managing multiple categories for the search listings and query means for searching search listings. The system further includes quick-fill means for modifying an attribute in plurality of search listings by specifying the modification at single location.

Method and system for managing digital content, including streaming media

Abstract: Methods and systems for uploading, managing and delivering digital content, including streaming media. The system according to one embodiment allows receives digital content from the client, assigns a stream identifier (ID) to the content and stores the content. The client is given a playlist uniform resource locator (URL) for publishing on its web site, the URL including the stream ID. Activation of the URL by an end user causes the stream to be served to the end user, without the client receiving or providing an indication of the specifics of where the content was stored. An embodiment of the present invention provides a system and method that defines one or more remote sites associated with each client.

High occurrence rate of glaucoma among patients with Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: The purpose of the current study was to reveal the occurrence rate of glaucoma among patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). All 112 patients of four nursing homes in Upper Bavaria, Germany, who met the diagnostic criteria of probable AD, were incorporated into the study. Visual field defects and/or optic disc cupping compatible with the diagnosis of glaucoma were found in 29 out of 112 patients with AD (25.9%). When compared to a control group (5.2%) and to the prevalence of glaucoma in western countries revealed in a number of glaucoma surveys (2.6-4.7%), patients with AD may have a significantly increased occurrence rate of glaucoma. In addition, ocular hypertension with normal visual fields and normal optic nerve heads was not found in patients with AD. The prevalence of ocular hypertension in the control group was 7.8% and parallels previous surveys. Therefore, we assume that the optic nerve seems to be less resistant to elevated intraocular pressure levels in AD patients.

Automatic advertiser notification for a system for providing place and price protection in a search result list generated by a computer network search engine

Abstract: A notification method in a computer database system includes receiving a notification instruction from an owner associated with a search listing stored in the computer database system, monitoring conditions specified by the notification instruction for the search listing, and sending a notification to the owner upon detection of a changed condition of the search listing.

Human Leukocyte Antigen-G Expression After Heart Transplantation Is Associated With a Reduced Incidence of Rejection

Abstract: Background— Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G, a nonclassic major histocompatibility complex class I molecule expressed in the extravillous cytotrophoblast at the feto-maternal interface, is known to protect the fetus from maternal cellular immunity. In a preliminary study, we showed that HLA-G is expressed in the hearts of some patients after heart transplantation. Methods and Results— In the present study, a larger number of patients was investigated to confirm this finding and to look for possible correlations between HLA-G expression and the number and types of rejection. Expression of HLA-G in endomyocardial biopsy specimens was investigated by immunohistochemical analysis, and detection of the soluble HLA-G in the serum was performed by immunoprecipitation followed by Western blot analysis. HLA-G was detected in the biopsy specimens and serum of 9 of 51 patients (18%). The number of episodes of acute rejection was significantly lower in HLA-G-positive patients (1.2±1.1) as compared with HLA-G-negative...

System and method for providing place and price protection in a search result list generated by a computer network search engine

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing search listings in a search database include storing one or more search listings for an advertiser. Each search listing includes an associated search term. The system receives from the advertiser identification information for a search listing and a desired rank for the identified search listing, a maximum cost per click for the search listing, or both. The system stores the desired rank and/or maximum cost per click for the search listing. The system then determines a cost per click for the identified search listing based on the desired rank and other search listings which include the search term associated with the identified search listing.

Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring in pediatric neurosurgery: why, when, how?

Abstract: Introduction. This review is primarily based on peer-reviewed scientific publications and on the authors' experience in the field of intraoperative neurophysiology. The purpose is a critical analysis of the role of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (INM) during various neurosurgical procedures, emphasizing the aspects that mainly concern the pediatric population. Original papers related to the field of intraoperative neurophysiology were collected using medline. INM consists in monitoring (continuous "on-line" assessment of the functional integrity of neural pathways) and mapping (functional identification and preservation of anatomically ambiguous nervous tissue) techniques. We attempted to delineate indications for intraoperative neurophysiological techniques according to their feasibility and reliability (specificity and sensitivity). Discussion and conclusions. In compiling this review, controversies about indications, methodologies and the usefulness of some INM techniques have surfaced. These discrepancies are often due to lack of familiarity with new techniques in groups from around the globe. Accordingly, internationally accepted guidelines for INM are still far from being established. Nevertheless, the studies reviewed provide sufficient evidence to enable us to make the following recommendations. (1) INM is mandatory whenever neurological complications are expected on the basis of a known pathophysiological mechanism. INM becomes optional when its role is limited to predicting postoperative outcome or it is used for purely research purposes. (2) INM should always be performed when any of the following are involved: supratentorial lesions in the central region and language-related cortex; brain stem tumors; intramedullary spinal cord tumors; conus-cauda equina tumors; rhizotomy for relief of spasticity; spina bifida with tethered cord. (3) Monitoring of motor evoked potentials (MEPs) is now a feasible and reliable technique that can be used under general anesthesia. MEP monitoring is the most appropriate technique to assess the functional integrity of descending motor pathways in the brain, the brain stem and, especially, the spinal cord. (4) Somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) monitoring is of value in assessment of the functional integrity of sensory pathways leading from the peripheral nerve, through the dorsal column and to the sensory cortex. SEPs cannot provide reliable information on the functional integrity of the motor system (for which MEPs should be used). (5) Monitoring of brain stem auditory evoked potentials remains a standard technique during surgery in the brain stem, the cerebellopontine angle, and the posterior fossa. (6) Mapping techniques (such as the phase reversal and the direct cortical/subcortical stimulation techniques) are invaluable and strongly recommended for brain surgery in eloquent cortex or along subcortical motor pathways. (7) Mapping of the motor nuclei of the VIIth, IXth–Xth and XIIth cranial nerves on the floor of the fourth ventricle is of great value in identification of "safe entry zones" into the brain stem. Techniques for mapping cranial nerves in the cerebellopontine angle and cauda equina have also been standardized. Other techniques, although safe and feasible, still lack a strong validation in terms of prognostic value and correlation with the postoperative neurological outcome. These techniques include monitoring of the bulbocavernosus reflex, monitoring of the corticobulbar tracts, and mapping of the dorsal columns. These techniques, however, are expected to open up new perspectives in the near future.

A simple new method to calculate small intestine absorptive surface in the rat.

Abstract: The rat is an established model for studying intestinal adaptations following abdominal surgery. In the study of functional and morphological adaptations of the small intestine, it is helpful to estimate the mucosal surface area. In order to simplify measurements and calculation we developed a new mathematical model for calculation of the mucosal surface area on histological sections. In contrast to other methods, it requires only cross-sections of small intestine and includes the measurment of only three histological parameters: length and width of villus and width of crypt. The new approach was compared with the most commonly used procedures, the Harris and the Fisher-Parsons methods, under experimental conditions. An animal study including single-pass perfusion, fixation, staining and subsequent histomorphometry of jejunum and ileum using these different methods was performed. The new method showed the least work and presented no significant differences compared with the precise Harris method. In conclusion, the method described is an adeqate tool to estimate the mucosal surface area with less work and with comparable results to established methods. The less-complex method may be a valuable tool in experimental research of small intestine adaptations in rats.

A Fast Dual Algorithm for Kernel Logistic Regression

Abstract: This paper gives a new iterative algorithm for kernel logistic regression. It is based on the solution of a dual problem using ideas similar to those of the Sequential Minimal Optimization algorithm for Support Vector Machines. Asymptotic convergence of the algorithm is proved. Computational experiments show that the algorithm is robust and fast. The algorithmic ideas can also be used to give a fast dual algorithm for solving the optimization problem arising in the inner loop of Gaussian Process classifiers.

Fuzzy relation equations (I): the general and specialized solving algorithms

Abstract: In this article, we develop a new method and an algorithm to solve a system of fuzzy relation equations. We first introduce a solution-base-matrix and then give a tractable mathematical logic representation of all minimal solutions. Next, we design a new universal algorithm to get them. Two simplification rules are found to simplify the solution-base-matrix. We show that a polynomial time algorithm to find all minimal solutions for a general system of fuzzy relation equations simply does not exist with expectation of P=N P. Hence, the problem of solving fuzzy relation equations is an N P-hard problem in terms of computational complexity. Our universal algorithm is still useful when one does not solve a large number of equations. In many real applications the problem of solving fuzzy relation equations can be simplified in polynomial time problems. In this article, we will discuss several cases of practical applications which have such polynomial algorithms.

A decade of continuous improvement in cadaveric organ donation: the Spanish model.

Abstract: Background There is an ever-increasing demand for cadaveric solid organs for transplantation all over the world. Partial strategies in many countries have resulted in small or transient increases in organ donation or even no improvement at all. In the early nineties, Spain started an original integrated approach designed to improve cadaveric organ donation. Methods In 1989 an official agency, the National Transplant Organization (ONT), and a national network of specially trained, dedicated and strongly motivated hospital physicians in charge of the whole process of organ donation, was created. The network now covers 139 hospitals. Results Cadaveric organ donors grew from 550 in 1989 to 1334 in 1999, a 142% increase, Cadaveric kidney transplants from 1021 to 2005 (96% increase), and total solid organs transplanted from 1302 to 3330 in ten years (156%). The rates of cadaveric organ donation per million inhabitants (33.6), kidney and liver transplantation (50.6 and 24.2) are the highest in the world. Conclusions Spain is the only example in the world of continuous improvement in cadaveric organ donation registered in a large country over a ten-year period. Organ shortage is not due to a lack of potential donors, but rather to a failure to turn many potential into actual donors. A proactive donor detection program performed by well trained transplant coordinators, the introduction of systematic death audits in hospitals and the combination of a positive social atmosphere with adequate economic reimbursement for the hospitals have accounted for this success. This model can be partially or totally translated to other countries if basic conditions are satisfied.

A prospective study of prolonged stay in the intensive care unit: predictors and impact on resource utilization.

Abstract: Objective. To evaluate the predictors of prolonged Intensive Care Unit (ICU) stay and the impact on resource utilization. Design. Prospective study. Setting. Adult medical/surgical ICU in a tertiary-care teaching hospital. Study participants. All admissions to the ICU (numbering 947) over a 20-month period were enrolled. Data on demographic and clinical profile, length of stay, and outcome were collected prospectively. The ICU length of stay and mechanical ventilation days were used as surrogate parameters for resource utilization. Potential predictors were analyzed for possible association with prolonged ICU stay (length of stay > 14 days). Results. Patients with prolonged ICU stay formed only 11% of patients, but utilized 45.1% of ICU days and 55.5% of mechanical ventilation days. Non-elective admissions, readmissions, respiratory or trauma-related reasons for admission, and first 24-hour evidence of infection, oliguria, coagulopathy, and the need for mechanical ventilation or vasopressor therapy had significant association with prolonged ICU stay. Mean APACHE II and SAPS II were slightly higher in patients with

Anti-epidermal growth factor receptor drugs in cancer therapy.

Abstract: The epidermal growth factor receptor is a cell membrane growth factor receptor that plays a key role in cancer development and progression. Epidermal growth factor receptor-activated signalling pathways control cell proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis and metastatic spread in the majority of human epithelial cancers. Targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor represents a valuable molecular approach to cancer therapy. Promising strategies in clinical development include monoclonal antibodies which block ligand binding and small molecule inhibitors of the tyrosine kinase enzymatic activity which prevent epidermal growth factor receptor autophosphorylation and propagation of downstream intracellular signals. Several anti-epidermal growth factor receptor agents are in clinical development for cancer therapy. Among these, IMC-225 (cetuximab), a chimeric human-mouse monoclonal IgG1 antibody, OSI-774 (Tarceva) and ZD1839 (Iressa), two small molecule epidermal growth factor receptor-selective tyrosine kinase inhibitors, are currently in Phase II and III development as single agents or in combination with conventional therapies, such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Results from Phase I - II trials in advanced cancer demonstrate that these drugs have an acceptable tolerability and an interesting clinical activity in patients with a variety of tumour types.

Management of Periocular Basal Cell Carcinoma With Modified En Face Frozen Section Controlled Excision

Abstract: Purpose To determine the rate of recurrence of basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) after modified en face frozen section-controlled excision in a high-risk population in Queensland, Australia. Methods Retrospective, noncomparative interventional case series. A review was conducted of all patients with periocular BCCs examined between 1992 to 2001 in a tertiary oculoplastics practice. Basal cell carcinomas were surgically excised, and the recurrence rates under modified en face frozen section control, Mohs micrographic surgery, and no frozen section control were documented. Epidemiologic aspects of periocular BCC in Queensland, Australia were also studied. Results In patients with primary BCCs, 0.71% (3 of 423 lesions) recurred when excised under frozen section control (mean follow-up, 2.6 years). At 5-year follow-up, the recurrence rate was 2.1% (2 of 97 lesions). Excision without frozen section control yielded a recurrence rate of 1.8% (2 of 113 lesions; mean follow-up, 2.6 years). There were 6 additional lesions, however, that were incompletely excised. At 5 years, the recurrence rate was 5%. Six patients had lesions removed with Mohs micrographic surgery. There were no recurrences after a mean follow-up of 1.7 years. Of 653 total lesions, 361 involved the right eye (55%). Most BCCs were on the lower eyelid (53%) and inner canthus (29%). Solid BCCs were the most common type (54%), followed by the infiltrative type (15%). The majority of complications were minor and caused no ocular damage. Conclusions Carefully performed, modified en face frozen section controlled excision of periocular BCCs yields cure rates comparable to Mohs micrographic surgery at 5-year follow-up. Close communication with a skilled pathologist is essential to achieve these low recurrence rates. The fact that lesions involved the right periocular region more than the left may reflect greater sun exposure on that side from driving.

Method and system of facilitating automatic login to a web site using an internet browser

Abstract: A method and system of adding functionality to an Internet browser interface. In one embodiment of the present invention, the added functionality may facilitate automatic login to a web site using an Internet browser. In another embodiment, the added functionality may enable the user to perform various tasks using the Internet browser such as, by way of non-limiting example, performing various tasks required to navigate one or more web pages, or to retrieve information desired by the user from one or more web pages or web sites.

Inevitable glutathione, then and now.

Abstract: Glutathione a predominant tripeptide thiol compound of many prokaryotes and eukaryotes, is synthesized from its precursor amino acids eg. gamma-glutamate, cysteine and glycine. It is mainly involved in detoxication mechanisms through conjugation reactions. Other functions include thiol transfer, destruction of free radicals and metabolism of various exogenous and endogenous compounds. It becomes mandatory for a cell to manage high concentration of intracellular GSH to protect itself from chemical/dug abuse. Glutathione dependent enzymes viz: glutathione-S-transferases, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and gamma-glutamate transpeptidase facilitate protective manifestations. Liver serves as a glutathione-generating factor which supplies the kidney and intestine with other constituents of glutathione resynthesis. The principal mechanism of hepatocyte glutathione turnover appears to be cellular efflux. Kidney too plays an important role in organismic GSH homeostasis. Role of GSH in organs like lung, intestine and brain has recently been described. GSH involvement in programmed cell death has also been indicated. Immense interest makes the then "thee glutathione" as "inevitable glutathione". This article describes the role of this vital molecule in cell physiology and detoxication mechanisms in particular.

Two-dimensional distribution of oscillations in a quiescent solar prominence ?

Abstract: Using time series of two-dimensional Dopplergrams, a temporal and spatial analysis of oscillations in a quiescent prominence has been performed. The presence of an outstanding oscillatory signal in the acquired data has allowed us to study the two-dimensional distribution of wave motions and, in particular, to detect the location of wave generation and the anisotropic propagation of perturbations from that place. Moreover, a strong damping of oscillations has been observed, with damping times between two and three times the wave period. The direction of propagation, wavelength and phase speed, together with the damping time and wave period, have been quantified and their spatial arrangement has been analysed. Thanks to the goodness of the observational data, the image alignment procedure applied during the data reduction stage and the analysis tools employed, it has been possible to carry out a novel and far-reaching observational study of prominence oscillations.

Effects of regular training at the same time of day on diurnal fluctuations in muscular performance.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine whether there is an effect of time of day on the adaptation to strength training at maximal effort. Fourteen participants took part in this experiment. Their peak anaerobic power (Wingate anaerobic test) and peak knee extension torque at six angular velocities (1.05, 2.10, 3.14, 4.19, 5.24 and 6.29 rad · s -1 ) were recorded in the morning (between 07:00 and 08:00 h) and in the evening (between 17:00 and 18:00 h) just before and 2 weeks after a 6 week course of regular training. Seven of them trained only in the morning and seven only in the evening. Multivariate analysis of variance revealed a significant group 2 pre-/post-training 2 time of day interaction effect for peak torque and peak anaerobic power. Before training, in both groups, peak torque and peak anaerobic power were significantly higher in the evening than in the morning. After training, there was no significant difference in peak torque and peak anaerobic power between the morning and the evening for t...

Method and apparatus for accessing targeted, personalized voice/audio web content through wireless devices

Abstract: A wireless web system allows users to navigate web pages that include links to audio content where the pages are provided over a data connection and the audio content is provided over a voice connection. An audio content reference generator generates a reference to a portion of static audio content and that audio content reference is provided to the user's wireless web client as a link on a wireless web page, or other page retrieved by the wireless web device over the data connection. The audio content reference and a telephone number of an audio server form the link on the page, so that when a user selects that link, the wireless device establishes a voice connection to the audio server using the telephone number and then provides the audio server with the audio content reference so that the user hears the specifically referenced audio content over the voice channel.

Studies on Mg/Fe Hydrotalcite-Like-Compound (HTlc)

Abstract: A Mg/Fe hydrotalcite-like-compound (HTlc) was prepared and its affinity toward the removal of SeO32− from an aqueous medium was studied as a function of pH, time, temperature, particle dose, and SeO32− concentration. The fraction of SeO32− removal increases with decrease in both pH and temperature. The adsorption data are fitted to the Langmuir adsorption isotherm in the temperature range 303–333 K, and the thermodynamic parameters viz. standard Gibbs' free energy change (ΔG°), enthalpy change (ΔH°), and entropy change (ΔS°) are calculated. The negative value of ΔH° indicates that the adsorption process is exothermic. The apparent equilibrium constants (Ka) are also calculated and found to decrease with increase in temperature.

System and method for an auction of search results on a network

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for displaying a search result list in response to a search request from a searcher using a computer network. Ranks in the search result list are auctioned for a search term for a determined display period. A database is maintained to include search listings, where the search listings are associated with a winning bidder for a specified rank in the search result list, the search term and the determined display period. The search result list displayed to the searcher includes search listings ordered in accordance with respective ranks, for the determined display period.

The effect of herbal remedies on the production of human inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines.

Abstract: Background Some herbal remedies are sold as food additives and are believed to have immune-enhancing properties. Objectives To study the effect of five herbal remedies--Sambucol Black Elderberry Extract, Sambucol Active Defense Formula and Sambucol for Kids (with known antiviral properties), Protec and Chizukit N (containing propolis and Echinacea, claimed to be immune enhancers)--on the production of cytokines, one of the main components of the immune system. Methods The production of four inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1 beta, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and IL-6 and IL-8) and one anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) was tested using blood-derived monocytes from 12 healthy donors. Results The Sambucol preparations increased the production of five cytokines (1.3-6.2 fold) compared to the control. Protec induced only a moderate production of IL-8 (1.6 fold) and IL-10 (2.3 fold) while Chizukit N caused only a moderate increase in IL-10 production (1.4 fold). Both Protec and Chizukit N caused moderate decreases in IL-1 beta, TNF alpha and IL-6 production. Lipopolysaccharide, a known activator of monocytes, induced the highest levels of cytokine production (3.6-10.7 fold). Conclusions The three Sambucol formulations activate the healthy immune system by increasing inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines production, while the effect of Protec and Chizukit N is much less. Sambucol could therefore have immunostimulatory properties when administered to patients suffering from influenza (as shown before), or immunodepressed cancer or AIDS patients who are receiving chemotherapy or other treatments.

The effect of six polishing systems on the surface roughness of two packable resin-based composites.

Abstract: Purpose To evaluate the surface roughness of two packable composites after finishing and polishing with six different systems. Materials and methods Solitaire and Alert composite samples were prepared and polished with Poli I and Poli II aluminum oxide pastes, Ultralap diamond paste, Enhance finishing points, Politip rubber polishers, fine and extra fine diamond burs, and 30-blade tungsten carbide burs according to the manufacturers' instructions. The polished surfaces were then evaluated with a profilometer and a scanning electron microscope. Results Solitaire composite resin presented the smoothest surfaces when polished with Poli I and II aluminum oxide pastes, Ultralap diamond paste, Politip finishing points and 30-blade tungsten carbide burs. The smoothest surfaces for Alert composite were evident with the 30-blade tungsten carbide burs.