bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dioxygenase and Co‐oxidase activities of rat hepatic cytosolic lipoxygenase
Authors: Roy Sandip K. , Kulkarni Arun P.
Published: October 2006

The role of rat liver cytosolic lipoxygenase in the metabolism of benzidine was studied using linoleic acid as a cosubstrate. Under optimum assay conditions, cytosolic dioxygenase activity in the presence of 3.5 mM linoleic acid at pH 7.2 was 74.07 ± 1.43 nmoles/min/mg protein. Benzidine was oxidized at the rate of 3.18 ± 0.13 nmoles/min/mg cytosolic protein to benzidine diimine at pH 7.2 in the presence of 3.65 mM linoleic acid. Both dioxygenase and cooxidase reactions were inhibited by nordihydroguaiaretic acid in a concentration‐dependent manner. Partially purified preparations of rat liver lipoxygenase, free of hemoglobin, exhibited a dioxygenase activity of 223.1 ± 65.9 nmoles/min/mg protein and cooxidase activity of 6.1 ± 0.5 nmoles/min/mg protein toward benzidine. These results suggest that hepatic lipoxygenase may play an important role in the metabolism of this hepatocarcinogen.
2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin (TCDD)‐induced reduction of adenosine deaminase activity in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Muralidhara  , Matsumura Fumio , Blankenship Alan
Published: October 2006

2,3,7,8‐Tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin (TCDD) is a potent immunosuppressant in several animal species. The purpose of this study was to determine if TCDD affected the activity of adenosine deaminase (ADA), a purine metabolizing enzyme that is vital to the proper functioning of the immune system. The effect of TCDD on ADA ctivity was studied in various tissues of male Balb/c mice (a TCDD‐responsive strain) and DBA/2 mice (a less‐responsive strain). Of the tissues examined after administration of TCDD in vivo (115 μ/kg, i.p.), ADA activity was found to be significantly reduced in thymic and splenic tissues of Balb/c mice at 24 hours postadministration. The enzyme activity in these affected tissues remained consistently low through 10 days postadministration. Such an effect of TCDD was both dose and time related in the thymic tissue of Balb/c mice. In contrast, no appreciable alterations in ADA activity were evident in any of the tissues of DBA/2 mice at any of the sampling intervals, indicating that such an effect of TCDD is likely to be mediated through the Ah receptor.

This in vivo effect of TCDD on thymic ADA activity was also reproducible in situ where isolated whole thymuses were directly incubated with 10 nM TCDD. In this model, TCDD's effects on ADA activity were antagonized by known protein kinase or phosphorylation inhibitors such as quercetin, genistein, tyrphostin, and neomycin. These results indicate that the effect of TCDD on ADA activity in the thymus may be related to its property to elevate protein kinase activities in this tissue. ADA activity was also reduced in 3T3 cells that were treated with 10 nM TCDD in a low (1%) serum media. In contrast, 25 ng/mL epidermal growth factor (EGF) under such conditions consistently stimulated ADA activity. Interestingly, EGF at a similar concentration failed to elicit a stimulatory effect on ADA activity when cells were pretreated with TCDD. The property of TCDD to lower ADA activity under in vivo, in situ, as well as in vitro conditions appears to be largely related to its action to modulate protein phosphorylation activities.
Urinary ascorbic acid—HPLC determination and application as a noninvasive biomarker of hepatic response
Authors: Poon R. , Chu I. , Lecavalier P. , Bergman A. , Villeneuve D. C.
Published: October 2006

A high‐performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC) procedure has been developed for the determination of rat urinary ascorbic acid, a major metabolite cf the hepatic glucuronic acid pathway. The presence of EDTA and HC1 effectively inhibited degradation of ascorbic acid during the collection of urine specimens. The reliability of the procedure was demonstrated by its high recovery (90%), specificity (characteristic absorption maximum and discrimination from iso‐ascorbic acid), and reproducibility (2–3% coefficient of variation). The usefulness of this assay as an indicator of hepatic response was demonstrated in preliminary experiments where increases in urinary ascorbic acid excretion were detected in male rats treated with PCB 126 (3,3′,4,4′,5‐pentachloro‐biphenyl) or PCB 105 (2,3,3′,4,4′‐pentachlorobi‐phenyl). The HPLC measurement also showed that the two PCB congeners differed markedly in their potency in stimulating urinary ascorbic acid excretion. For example, 10 μ/kg bw/day of PCB 126 was sufficient to cause a fourfold increase in urinary ascorbic excretion while 5000 μ/kg bw/day of PCB 105 was required for a sevenfold increase. In response to the administration of PCB 105 or PCB 126, urinary ascorbic acid appeared to increase to the same extent as increases in hepatic ethoxyresorufin O‐deethylase (EROD) and UDP‐glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) activities, and to a much higher extent than changes in liver weight and hematological and serum clinical chemical parameters. The sensitivity and specificity, the ease in obtaining timed specimens, and the noninvasive nature make this assay a useful biomarker of hepatic response in dose‐finding and various acute and chronic studies.
Hepatic oxidative stress and related defenses during treatment of mice with acetylsalicylic acid and other peroxisome proliferators
Authors: Cai Yanong , Appelkvist Eeva‐Liisa , Depierre Joseph W.
Published: October 2006

The peroxisome proliferators perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA; 0.02% w/w), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA; 0.02%, w/w), nafenopin (0.125%, w/w), clofibrate (0.5%, w/w), and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA; 1%, w/w) were administered to male C57 BL/6 mice in their diet for two weeks. Parameters for Fe3+ ADP, NADPH or ascorbic acid‐initiated lipid peroxidation in vitro were measured. Approximately a twofold increase in susceptibility to lipid peroxidation was obtained for all the peroxisome proliferators tested. Cotreatment of mice with the peroxisome proliferator ASA (1%, w/w) and a catalase inhibitor, 3‐amino‐1,2,4‐triazole (AT; 0.4%, w/w) for 7 days resulted in little inhibition of peroxisome proliferation, an elevated level of H2O2 in vivo, and total inhibition of the increased susceptibility to lipid peroxidation in vitro. No increase in lipid peroxidation in vivo was observed. Certain antioxidant enzymes (DT‐diaphorase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione transferase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase) and components (ubiquinone and α‐tocopherol) were also measured. The results showed that there was some induction of these antioxidant enzymes and components by ASA or aminotriazole, except for glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase, which were inhibited. The possible involvement of oxidative stress in the carcinogenicity of peroxisome proliferators is discussed.
The effects of hexachlorobenzene on circulating levels of adrenal steroids in the ovariectomized rat
Authors: Foster Warren G. , Mertineit Carmen , Yagminas Al , McMahon Avril , Lecavalier Pierre
Published: October 2006

Hexachlorobenzene (HCB), is a global pollutant that resists degradation and possesses a propensity to bioaccumulate. However, the effect of HCB on adrenal function remains largely unknown. Thus, circulating levels of adrenal steroids in HCB‐exposed (0.0, 1.0, 10.0, or 100.0 mg/kg/day—for 30 days by gavage) adult ovariectomized Sprague–Dawley rats (N = 32) were investigated. A terminal blood sample was collected for HCB residue analysis, and levels of circulating progesterone (P4), corticosterone (CS), and aldosterone (ALD) were quantified. Mean serum CS levels were significantly (P = 0.02) reduced by HCB exposure, starting with the lowest dose group (1.0 mg/kg/day for 30 days), whereas no differences in mean serum P4 and ALD levels were observed. Since it has been argued that the rodent possesses the ability to produce small amounts of cortisol and that levels of this glucocorticoid are altered in pathological states, serum cortisol (C) levels were also measured. Circulating levels of C were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the highest dose group compared with controls. The presence of C in serum was confirmed by reverse‐phase HPLC. These data suggest that even at the lowest dose studied, HCB exposure induces alterations in steroidogenesis of cells of the adrenal cortex inner zone.
The anticarcinogen 3,3′‐diindolylmethane is an inhibitor of cytochrome P‐450
Authors: Stresser D. M. , Bailey G. S. , Williams D. E. , Bjeldanes L. F.
Published: October 2006

Dietary indole‐3‐carbinol inhibits carcinogenesis in rodents and trout. Several mechanisms of inhibition may exist. We reported previously that 3,3′‐diindolylmethane, an in vivo derivative of indole‐3‐carbinol, is a potent noncompetitive inhibitor of trout cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A‐dependent ethoxyresorufin O‐deethylase with Ki values in the low micromolar range. We now report a similar potent inhibition by 3,3′‐diindolylmethane of rat and human CYP1A1, human CYP1A2, and rat CYP2B1 using various CYP‐specific or preferential activity assays. 3,3′‐Diindolylmethane also inhibited in vitro CYP‐mediated metabolism of the ubiquitous food contaminant and potent hepatocarcinogen, aflatoxin B1. There was no inhibition of cytochrome c reductase. In addition, we found 3,3′‐diindolylmethane to be a substrate for rat hepatic microsomal monooxygenase(s) and tentatively identified a monohydroxylated metabolite. These observations indicate that 3,3′‐diindolylmethane can inhibit the catalytic activities of a range of CYP isoforms from lower and higher vertebrates in vitro. This broadly based inhibition of CYP‐mediated activation of procarcinogens may be an indole‐3‐carbinol anticarcinogenic mechanism applicable to all species, including humans. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Heparan sulfate regulates the anabolic activity of MC3T3‐E1 preosteoblast cells by induction of Runx2
Authors: Jackson Rebecca A. , Murali Sadasivam , van Wijnen Andre J. , Stein Gary S. , Nurcombe Victor , Cool Simon M.
Published: October 2006

The transcription factor Runx2 can be controlled by a number of upstream regulators involved in intracellular signalling, including the activation ERK1/2 signaling by fibroblast growth factor‐2 (FGF‐2). FGFs interact with their cell surface receptors (FGFRs) through an obligate cross‐binding interaction with heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG) co‐receptors; exogenous HS sugar chains have been shown to potently modulate changes in cell phenotype depending on the stage of tissue differentiation when the HS is harvested, suggesting that HS chain structure and function varies depending on the stage of cell maturity. This study examined the potential of bone‐derived heparan sulfate (HS), harvested from differentiating osteoblasts, for the enhancement of preosteoblast growth and differentiation. HS was harvested from conditioned media, cell surface and matrix compartments of postconfluent (differentiating) MC3T3‐E1 osteoblasts and dosed back onto preconfluent MC3T3‐E1 cells. We show that HS can increase the expression Runx2, ALP, and OPN in preosteoblast cells, suggesting the potential for exogenous HS to shift cells from proliferative to differentiative phenotypes. In line with their structural differences, only HS released into the media was found to co‐stimulate the mitogenic effect of FGF‐2, whilst exogenous application of all the HSs together with FGF‐2 served to increase the expression of OPN. Only the application of cell surface‐derived HS triggered a synergistic increase in FGFR1 expression together with FGF‐2, although all three HS preparations could trigger transient increases in PI3K, ERK1/2, and stat3 phosphorylation levels. These findings demonstrate that the compartmentally distinct HS species expressed by differentiating MC3T3‐E1 cells act in complex ways to coordinate the extracellular conditions that lead to osteoblast differentiation, with the cell surface species coordinating the FGF response. J. Cell. Physiol. 210: 38–50, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification of unstable metabolites of Lonafarnib using liquid chromatography‐quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry, stable isotope incorporation and ion source temperature alteration
Authors: Tong Wei , Chowdhury Swapan K. , Su Ai‐Duen , Feng Wenqing , Ghosal Anima , Alton Kevin B.
Published: October 2006

Structural characterization of unstable metabolites and other drug‐derived entities poses a serious challenge to the analytical chemist using instrumentation such as LC‐MS and LC‐MS/MS, and may lead to inaccurate identification of metabolite structures. The task of structural elucidation becomes even more difficult when an analyte is unstable in the ion source of the mass spectrometer. However, a judicious selection of the experimental conditions and the advanced features of new generation mass spectrometers can often overcome these difficulties. We describe here the identification of three drug‐derived peaks (A, B and C) that were detected from a Schering–Plough developmental compound (Lonafarnib) following incubation with cDNA‐expressed human CYP3A4. Definitive characterization was achieved using (1) accurate mass measurement, (2) stable isotope incorporation, (3) reduced ion source temperature, (4) alkali ion attachment and (5) MS/MS fragmentation studies. The protonated ions of compounds A and B fragmented almost completely in the source, yielding ions of the same mass‐to‐charge ratio (m/z) as that of protonated C (CH+). Fortunately, the presence of Na+and K+adducts of A and B provided information crucial to distinguishing AH+and BH+from their fragment ions. Metabolite A was shown to be an unstable hydroxylated metabolite of Lonafarnib. The metabolite C was shown to be a dehydrogenated metabolite of Lonafarnib (Lonafarnib‐2H), unstable in the presence of protic solvents. Finally, B was artifactually formed most likely from C by the solvolytic addition of methanol during sample preparation. MS/MS fragmentation experiments assisted in identifying the site of metabolism in A and chemical modification in B. A and C readily interconvert through hydration/dehydration, and B and C through addition/elimination of methanol present in the sample‐processing solvents. Finally, NMR experiments were performed to confirm the structures of A and C. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bayesian change‐point analysis of heat spell occurrences in Montreal, Canada
Authors: Khaliq M. N. , Ouarda T. B. M. J. , St‐Hilaire A. , Gachon P.
Published: October 2006

Positive/upward shifts in the rate of occurrence of heat spells can considerably impact socioeconomic sectors. Particularly, populous urban areas and centers of regional socioeconomic activities are more vulnerable to the enhanced activity of heat spells. In this study, 24 time series of annual counts of summer‐season (June–August) heat spells are derived from homogenized records of daily minimum and maximum temperatures (i.e. Tmin and Tmax) observed at McTavish station, located in the center of Montreal (Canada), over the period 1896–1991. Twelve of these time series, which fulfill the assumption of the Poisson process for heat spell occurrences, are examined for abrupt changes in the rate of occurrences using hierarchical Bayesian change‐point approach. In these analyses, a heat spell is defined as an extreme climate event with Tmin and Tmax simultaneously above selected thresholds and a duration ≥ 1‐day. The results of the Bayesian change‐point analyses suggest structural inhomogeneities within the heat spell observations, i.e. the results do not support abrupt changes for all time series of annual counts of heat spells; this may not have been possible to detect by studying heat spells defined on the basis of just a single combination of Tmin and Tmax thresholds. Furthermore, the overall results of the Bayesian change‐point analyses and those of commonly employed nonparametric trend detection and estimation techniques, when applied to change‐point free smaller samples, suggest that there is inadequate evidence in favor of increased activity of heat spells in Montreal during the third last and second last decades (i.e. 1970s and 1980s) of the 20th century, which are the most recent decades of the observation period analyzed. Copyright © 2006 Royal Meteorological Society
Fast detection and identification of counterfeit antimalarial tablets by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: de Veij Marleen , Vandenabeele Peter , Hall Krystyn Alter , Fernandez Facundo M. , Green Michael D. , White Nicholas J. , Dondorp Arjen M. , Newton Paul N. , Moens Luc
Published: October 2006

During the last decade there has been an apparent increase in the prevalence of counterfeit medicines in developing as well as developed countries. The pivotal antimalarial artesunate has been counterfeited on a large scale in SE Asia. In this work, the possibilities of Raman spectroscopy are explored as a fast and reliable screening method for the detection of counterfeit artesunate tablets. In this study, 50 ‘artesunate tablets’, purchased in SE Asia, were examined. This spectroscopic method was able to distinguish between genuine and counterfeit artesunate and to identify the composition of the counterfeit tablets. These contained no detectable levels of artesunate, but consisted mostly of starch, calcite (CaCO3), and paracetamol (4‐acetamidophenol). In one particular case an admixture of rutile (TiO2) and artesunate was detected. The results of the investigation by Raman spectroscopy were in agreement with those of colorimetric tests and of liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry on the artesunate. Moreover, principal components analysis (PCA) was combined with hierarchical cluster analysis to establish an automated approach for the discrimination between different groups of counterfeits and genuine artesunate tablets. These results demonstrate that Raman spectroscopy combined with multivariate analysis is a promising and reliable methodology for the fast characterization of genuine and counterfeit artesunate antimalarial tablets. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diagnostic imaging of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with cirrhosis before liver transplantation
Authors: Taouli Bachir , Krinsky Glenn A.
Published: October 2006

Key Concepts:

1. The lack of whole-liver explant correlation has led to an overestimation of the sensitivity of imaging tests for the diagnosis of HCC in the radiological literature.

2. Ultrasound is insensitive for the diagnosis of HCC in the cirrhotic liver and should not be used for the detection of focal liver lesions in this setting.

3. Although magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is more sensitive than multidetector 3-phase computed tomography (CT) for the diagnosis of regenerative and dysplastic nodules it is probably no better than CT for detection of HCC and has a lower false-positive rate.

4. Approximately 10–30% of nodules measuring <2 cm seen only on the hepatic arterial phase at CT or MR imaging represent small HCC and vigilant surveillance imaging is required as interval growth is the best indicator of malignancy. Liver Transpl 12:S1–S7, 2006. © 2006 AASLD.
Budd-Chiari syndrome: Radiologic findings
Authors: Kamath Patrick S.
Published: October 2006

Key Concepts:

1. Diagnosis of Budd-Chiari syndrome can be made on the basis of radiological imaging alone without the need for liver biopsy.

2. Ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging all show various degrees of occlusion of the hepatic veins and/or inferior vena cava. Hypertrophy of the caudate lobe may also be seen.

3. Computed tomographic and magnetic resonance imaging give a better idea of hepatic perfusion. Image reconstruction of the inferior vena cava is also possible.

4. Hepatic venography demonstrates a spiderweb pattern diagnostic of Budd-Chiari syndrome.

5. Pressure measurements in the portal vein and infrahepatic inferior vena cava are necessary to determine whether a surgical portosystemic shunt will be successful.

6. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt provides definitive treatment in many patients; this is not discussed. Liver Transpl 12:S21–S22, 2006. © 2006 AASLD.
Management of Budd-Chiari syndrome
Authors: Klein Andrew S.
Published: October 2006

Key Concepts:

1. Medical therapy alone is rarely sufficient for long-term management of patients with hepatic vein thrombosis.

2. Enthusiasm for intravascular stents (transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt [TIPS] or vena caval stents) for the management of Budd-Chiari syndrome must be tempered by the limited interval of expected utility, the likelihood of stent occlusion/revisions, and the potential complications that stent migration would impose upon a subsequent liver transplant.

3. Both decompressive shunts and liver transplantation provide excellent long-term survival for patients with the Budd-Chiari syndrome. The determination of which surgical procedure is most appropriate is aided by assessment of the etiology of hepatic vein thrombosis, hepatic reserve, liver histology, and splanchnic venous anatomy.

4. Progressive hepatic damage may develop in patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome who have patent surgical shunts or TIPS. Lifelong follow-up and tracking of hepatic function are indicated. Some patients with shunts will require salvage with liver transplantation.

5. Long-term anticoagulation should be considered after transplantation, even in patients who do not have an identifiable coagulation disorder. Liver Transpl 12:S23–S28, 2006. © 2006 AASLD.
Early recurrence of hepatitis C virus infection after liver transplantation
Authors: Petrovic Lydia M.
Published: October 2006

Key Concepts:

1. Early recurrence of hepatitis C is universal.

2. Typical histopathologic features of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and acute allograft rejection (AAR) exist.

3. Early recurrent HCV may be differentiated from AAR.

4. Liver biopsy plays a role in diagnosing HCV and AAR.

5. Risk factors for recurrent HCV should be known.

6. The natural history of recurrent HCV should be known.

7. The future role of ancillary studies beyond liver biopsy is assessed. Liver Transpl 12:S32–S37, 2006. © 2006 AASLD.
Acute rejection in HCV-infected liver transplant recipients: The great conundrum
Authors: Burton James R. , Rosen Hugo R.
Published: October 2006

Key Concepts:

1. In hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients, treatment of acute rejection is associated with worse outcomes (increased risk of allograft cirrhosis and mortality).

2. Whether patients with HCV are at higher risk for rejection remains controversial.

3. The mechanisms mediating acute rejection and recurrence of HCV are distinct, and as such, it should be possible to develop techniques based on these molecular differences that are diagnostically useful.

4. Liver biopsy is considered the gold-standard for diagnosing acute rejection and recurrent HCV; however, given histopathological similarities between the two conditions, discrimination can be extremely difficult.

5. At the present time, there are no reliable, noninvasive tools available to distinguish between HCV recurrence alone and acute rejection plus HCV recurrence.

6. Mild rejection per se is not associated with graft loss and treatment of rejection with steroids and OKT3 is associated with worse outcome in HCV; thus, it seems logical that we should no longer treat mild rejection. Liver Transpl 12:S38–S47, 2006. © 2006 AASLD.
Recurrent primary sclerosing cholangitis: Clinical diagnosis and long-term management issues
Authors: Gordon Fredric
Published: October 2006

Key Concepts:

1. Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) in the nontransplant setting is a chronic, progressive liver disease characterized by diffuse stricturing of the biliary tree, cholestatic liver enzymes, and a compatible liver biopsy.

2. Cholangiography reveals irregularity of the bile duct wall, strictures, beading, and diverticula.

3. The typical biopsy reveals inflammation and fibrosis of the interlobular and septal bile ducts, often with obliteration or biliary-type cirrhosis.

4. The precise pathogenetic mechanism remains elusive but is assumed to be an autoimmune phenomenon.

5. For patients with end-stage complications of PSC, such as liver failure, recurrent bacterial cholangitis, and intractable pruritus, liver transplantation is an acceptable treatment option. Liver Transpl. 12:S73–S75. 2006. © 2006 AASLD.
Examining design threads: Issues in Web design across student populations
Authors: Stefl‐Mabry Joette , Druin Allison , Bilal Dania , Radlick Michael , Mackey Thomas , Doll Carol , Nahl Diane
Published: October 2006

This session relates directly to this year's conference theme Sparking Synergies: Bringing Research and Practice Together as it brings together researchers from different disciplines (information science and educational technology) to discuss current issues and trends related to Web usage across student populations. “Complex design problems require more knowledge than any single person possesses” (Arias, Eden, Fischer, Gorman, and Scharff, 2000, p. 84), thus each panelist will contribute highlights of his or her current research regarding the design, information, and pedagogical, needs of specific student populations (K‐12 to higher education). After the panelists have presented their findings Diane Nahl will intertwine the threads of the panelists' conversations and, with the audience's assistance, begin to weave a fabric to uncover common usability issues.
A perfect storm for intranet search: How one company navigates
Authors: Moxness J. Gregory , Lynch Kevin J. , Anderson Breanna , Loring Beth , Connors Christine , Zacher Jule , Kapikian Manya
Published: October 2006

A “perfect storm” has formed in the intranet search space, where information is doubling yearly, no usable metadata exists, and search users' expectations continue to increase. New information repository types, collaboration methods, and security protocols complicate the design of a comprehensive solution. Over the past two years, the moderator and participants collaborated to lead the successful design, development, and deployment of intranet search and browse capabilities for a large manufacturing organization. Significant lessons learned inform researchers and implementers of behind‐the‐firewall intranet search capabilities, and have implications for information retrieval, recommendation systems, and designs for next‐generation digital workspaces. We attribute success to a focus on user‐centered design, vendor selection and participation, and the diversity of backgrounds of the team responsible for design and deployment. Panel members consist of representative stakeholders of all development groups who participated. Still, significant obstacles to continued success remain, and panel members have differing perspectives on how best to proceed.
Ontology‐driven knowledge organization — enhancing UDDI Web services in Korea using topic maps
Authors: Oh Sam Gyun , Lee Eun Chul , Park Oknam , Yi Myongho
Published: October 2006

Effective and efficient publishing and searching for Universal Description, Discovery and Integration (UDDI) Web services is important for the success of Web services. Traditional approaches such as index, thesaurus, and classification have historically dominated information representation and organization; however, they have some limitations. Ontology‐driven knowledge organization [An ontology‐driven knowledge organization approach] is considered one of keys to the next generation of knowledge management applications because ontology provides structure and meaning to data. This research examines how ontology‐driven knowledge organization could provide benefits to current UDDI Web services.
The moral legitimacy of intellectual property and copyright as policy and code: Librarians, pirates, and the myth of the intellectual commons
Authors: Kemp Randall B. , Shachaf Pnina , Himma Kenneth Einar , Caldera Cavinda , Clodfelter Kathryn
Published: October 2006

Purely intra‐disciplinary discussions about the legitimacy of intellectual property rights (e.g., a purely legal discussion or a theoretical discussion from within just one discipline) tend to provide an incomplete picture of the current research on this important ethical issue. This panel will address both research and practice by showcasing a triangulated approach to current thoughts on ethical issues of intellectual property rights. One approach, from philosophy, critiques the argument that intellectual property rights are illegitimate because they deplete the information commons and finds this view wanting. A second approach addresses the ethics of intellectual property infringement from the point of view of the digital pirate, asking if an ethic exists for virtual property. The third member of the panel surveys libraries and library association ethics codes that actually reference copyright and intellectual property responsibilities for the librarian. The final presentation illustrates a practitioner's approach of technical writers and web designers to intellectual property. These four views in conjunction present a holistic picture of research and practice of the ethics of intellectual property policies from philosophical, legal, and professional communities.
Evaluating success in search systems
Authors: Rasmussen Edie , Toms Elaine G. , Jansen Bernard J. , Muresan Gheorghe
Published: October 2006

The focus of this panel is on methodologies and measures for evaluating information retrieval (IR) systems from a human‐centred perspective. Current research especially with regard to search engines is challenged by “Internet time” – the need for near instantaneous results that are also reliable and valid. The session will begin with an assessment of the current status of IR evaluation, followed by presentations on emerging methods used in recent evaluations, as well as on types of data collected and the measures used for analysis. A discussion among the panelists and the audience will critique current methods, and suggest how those methods may be enhanced. The outcome from this panel will be a fresh critical examination of IR evaluation methods.
The angiosperm phylogeny Website ‐ a tool for reference and teaching in a time of change
Authors: Stevens Peter F. , Davis Hilary M.
Published: October 2006

Repositories of biological information should include up‐to‐date, cumulative research as well as address issues affecting the scholarly community at‐large. Because of the dynamic and interdisciplinary nature of research in today's biological “infosphere,” it is becoming increasingly difficult to produce stable and useful monographic treatments with the timeliness and impact that biodiversity issues deserve.

The Angiosperm Phylogeny Website (“APweb”) is a biological information resource that has had far‐reaching impact in the botanical community. The APweb represents a culmination of information developed by botanical researchers, presented in a user‐friendly, hierarchical and intuitive format meant for all levels of interest in the botanical sciences. It is innovative in its field in that the content is dynamic, reflecting up‐to‐date research in the evolutionary relationships of flowering plants.

This poster will discuss the significance, use and function of the APweb in its role as a teaching and reference tool as well as design, collaboration and technical issues encountered in its development. Of particular relevance to library and information science practitioners, the APweb may serve as an example of how a simple design can be used to present a wealth of information for plant bioinformatics and education.
Seattle public library as place: Nonparametric analyses of community perceptions and attitudes
Authors: Edwards Phillip M. , Saxton Matthew L. , Fisher Karen E. , Mai Jens‐Erik
Published: October 2006

In an attempt to characterize the role(s) – social, political, cultural, or informational – of an individual library in the lives of community members, we conducted 226 interviews among people within and nearby the newly‐constructed Central Library building of the Seattle Public Library. This poster presents the results of exploratory and nonparametric quantitative analyses of coded qualitative data to reveal potentially fruitful associations between the participants' characteristics and their perceptions and attitudes toward the Central Library as a physical or symbolic space. While not attempting to generalize beyond our sample, these associations may nevertheless be useful to guide future studies on the roles of libraries in society.
Engaging the user: Co‐browsing at the reference desk
Authors: Stern Richard E.
Published: October 2006

Current configurations reference desk computers in academic libraries do not maximize student learning. To more fully engage students at the reference desk requires greater recognition that the computer is an integral part of the interaction between student and librarian. A functional reference desk should provide both students and librarians with the tools to collaborate on searching. These include continuous and unobstructed views of the computer monitor and individual possession of keyboard and mouse. Such a system is in place at Seton Hall University and in the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing.
Genre as Web search descriptor
Authors: Rosso Mark A.
Published: October 2006

With the advent of large, digital collections of heterogenous documents (namely the World Wide Web, and large sub‐collections thereof), attention to the prospect of using document genre to constrain document search has increased. A major issue to be resolved in this endeavor is the identification of what document categories should be used as the genres. As genre is a “folk typology”, document categories must enjoy widespread recognition by their intended user groups, in order to qualify as genres. This poster briefly describes a series of user studies aimed at developing a set of web page categories that are widely recognized as genre. Results showed that, on average, over 70% of one study's 257 participants agreed on the genre of the 55 webpages shown to them, having chosen from a typology of 18 genres. In addition, to determine this genre typology's usefulness in the context of search, users were asked to judge the usefulness of genre‐annotated (vs. non‐annotated) webpage summaries in a series of simulated search tasks. Although results were inconclusive regarding the effect on the speed or accuracy of users' relevance judgements, many users reported a preference for the genre‐annotated webpage summaries when evaluating search results.
Measuring the global research environment: Information science challenges for the 21st century
Authors: Anderson Caryn , Bammer Gabriele
Published: October 2006

“What does the global research environment look like?” This paper presents a summary look at the results of efforts to address this question using available indicators on global research production. It was surprising how little information is available, how difficult some of it is to access and how flawed the data are. The three most useful data sources were UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Research and Development data (1996–2002), the Institute of Scientific Information publications listings for January 1998 through March 2003, and the World of Learning 2002 reference volume. The data showed that it is difficult to easily get a good overview of the global research situation from existing sources. Furthermore, inequalities between countries in research capacity are marked and challenging. Information science offers strategies for responding to both of these challenges. In both cases improvements are likely if access to information can be facilitated and the process of integrating information from different sources can be simplified, allowing transformation into effective action. The global research environment thus serves as a case study for the focus of this paper — the exploration of information science responses to challenges in the management, exchange and implementation of knowledge globally.
Beyond ‘needy’ individuals: Conceptualizing information behavior
Authors: Olsson Michael
Published: October 2006

Understanding information users and their behavior is a question of central importance for information research and practice. The paper challenges several aspects of existing approaches to understanding information behavior, including: the focus on individual cognition at the expense of social and affective factors; the construction of information users as defined by their areas of ignorance and uncertainty, rather than their expertise; and the focus on purposive rather than non‐purposive information behavior. It argues that only by addressing these weaknesses and developing new research strategies and theoretical frameworks which focus attention on the social processes and relationships which underpin users' information behavior can we hope to develop a truly holistic understanding of the relationship between people and information. The paper uses the author's study of information behavior researcher's constructions of an author (Brenda Dervin) to illustrate how a social constructivist approach can both build on existing approaches to information behavior research and address some of their weaknesses. It argues that social constructivist approaches provide a theoretical lens through which information researchers can gain a clearer picture of information users not as ‘needy’ individuals to be ‘helped’, but as social beings, experts in their own life‐worlds.
Long‐range JCH heteronuclear coupling constants in cyclopentane derivatives. Part II
Authors: Lacerda Valdemar , da Silva Gil V. J. , Tormena Cláudio F. , Williamson R. Thomas , Marquez Brian L.
Published: October 2006

Here we report the detailed measurement of long‐range heteronuclear spin–spin coupling constants, especially 2, 3JCH spin–spin couplings for eight different cyclopentane derivatives. These 2, 3JCH constants were shown to be a useful tool in the determination of the relative stereochemistry in these rings. The coupling constant measurements reported here are based on two different experiments: a 2D heteronuclear correlation experiment named G‐BIRDR, X‐CPMG‐HSQMBC and the 2D‐coupled gHSQC {1H‐13C} experiment Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Total Lagrangian Reissner's geometrically exact beam element without singularities
Authors: Mäkinen Jari
Published: October 2006

In this paper, we introduce a new Reissner's geometrically exact beam element, which is based on a total Lagrangian updating procedure. The element has the rotation vector as the dependent variable and the singularity problems at the rotation angle 2π and its multiples are passed by the change of parametrization on the rotation manifold. The beam formulation has several benefits such as all the unknown vectors belong to the same tangential vector space, no need for secondary storage variables, the path‐independence in the static case, any standard time‐integration algorithm may be used, and the symmetric stiffness. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Release of heptapeptide toxin (microcystin) during the decomposition process of Microcystis aeruginosa
Authors: Watanabe Mariyo F. , Tsuji Kiyomi , Watanabe Yasunori , Harada Ken‐Ichi , Suzuki Makoto
Published: October 2006

The decomposition process of toxic blue‐green alga (cyanobacteria), Microcystis aeruginosa, under dark and aerobic condition was investigated in relation to the change of the amounts of heptapeptide toxins (microcystins YR and LR) by two experiments: one with Microcystis cells and the other with two purified microcystins. In the experiment with Microcystis cells, an increase of heterotrophic bacteria observed from the beginning of the experiment, was followed by decomposition of the algal cells and the subsequent release of microcystins into the filtrate fraction. The amounts of the toxins initially present in the cells were quantitatively detected in the filtrate fraction on the 35th day. The decomposition of microcystin YR began on the 42nd day. The decomposition rate of the two toxins was different. The decomposition rate of purified microcystins YR and LR, compared in distilled water and culture medium, respectively, indicated clearly that microcystin YR was more labile to decomposition than microcystin LR in the culture medium. At the end of the experiment (45th day) microcystin YR decreased to 58.6%, while 86.2% of microcystin LR remained. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Poisoning by Coprinus atramentarius
Authors: Michelot Didier
Published: October 2006

The ink cap—Coprinus atramentarius (Bulliard ex Fries) Fries—is responsible for poisoning when ingested with alcohol. The investigation of the “Coprinus syndrome,” although a minor poisoning incident, stimulated numerous research programs because the results were expected to yield a novel drug useful during the treatment of alcoholism. This work led to the identification of the active principle—coprine—and to an explanation of its mode of action; nevertheless, detailed toxicology investigations have shown that the mutagenic and gonadotoxic properties of this compound made it unsuitable for therapeutic use. Our current knowledge of the poisoning, the chemistry of the toxin, and its mode of action are here reviewed. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Alkaloid toxins in endophyte‐infected grasses
Authors: Powell Richard G. , Petroski Richard J.
Published: October 2006

Grasses infected with clavicipitaceous fungi have been associated with a variety of diseases including classical ergotism in humans and animals, fescue foot and summer syndrome in cattle, and ryegrass staggers in sheep. During the last decade it has been recognized that many of these fungal infections are endophytic; a fungal endophyte is a fungus that grows entirely within the host plant. Inspection of field collections and herbarium specimens has revealed that such infections are widespread in grasses. The chemistry associated with these grass‐fungal interactions has proved to be interesting and complex, as each grass‐fungal pair results in a unique “fingerprint” of various alkaloids, of which some are highly toxic to herbivores. In many cases the presence of an endophyte appears to benefit the plant by increasing drought resistance, or by increasing resistance to attack by insects, thus improving the overall survivability of the grass. This review will focus on alkaloids that have been reported in endophyte‐infected grasses. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ecology, metabolite production, and substrate utilization in endophytic fungi
Authors: Petrini Orlando , Sieber Thomas N. , Toti Luigi , Viret Olivier
Published: October 2006

Endophytic fungi are a taxonomically and ecologically heterogenous group of organisms, mainly belonging to the Ascomycotina and Deuteromycotina. The isolation methods affect the species composition of the endophyte assemblage in a given host. The number of endophyte taxa isolated from a host species is usually large; however, only few, normally host specific species or strains are dominant. Endophyte assemblages are specific at the host species level, but species composition and frequencies are significantly affected by site‐specific conditions. Moreover, the relative importance and number of endophytic species vary among individuals within sites. In some cases, each individual could be considered a separate ecosystem. In general, however, 40 individuals with 30 to 40 sampling units per organ and individual should be enough to detect 80% of taxa present in a given host at one site. Endophytes usually produce the enzymes necessary for the colonization of plant tissues. Substrate utilization studies and isozyme analysis have demonstrated that most endophytes are able to utilize most plant cell components. The production of growth promoting factors and of metabolites useful in the pharmaceutical and agricultural industry is widespread among endophytic fungi. The usefulness of endophytes in agricultural and pharmaceutical research is briefly discussed. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A preliminary investigation on renal and hepatic toxicity in rats fed purified fumonisin B1
Authors: Voss Kenneth A. , Chamberlain William J. , Bacon Charles W. , Norred William P.
Published: October 2006

Fumonisins are metabolites of Fusarium moniliforme and other Fusarium spp. Fumonisin B1 (FB1) was hepatocarcinogenic (50 ppm, ⩾ 90% purity) when fed to male rats; however, neither the effects of FB1 on females nor the relationship between dietary FB1 levels and toxicity in rats has been reported. Male and female rats (three per sex per group) were fed diets fortified with 0, 15, 50 or 150 ppm FB1 (⩾ 99% purity) for 4 weeks. There were no differences in general appearance or behavior among groups and significant differences in weight gain or food consumption were not found. Histopathological examinations and serum chemical profiles, including significant increases in triglycerides, cholesterol, and alkaline phosphatase, confirmed that 150 ppm FB1 was hepatotoxic to both sexes. Cortical nephrosis was found in males fed ⩾ 15 ppm and females fed ⩾ 50 ppm FB1. Both hepatic and renal lesions were consistent with those found in rats consuming F. moniliforme‐infected com. Thus, highly purified FB1 is unequivocally capable of inducing the subchronic liver and kidney lesions attributed to F. moniliforme. Published 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A sensitive fluorogenic enzyme linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of Vipera russelli venom
Authors: Bhatti Abdul R. , Wong Jonathan P. , Siddiqui Yunus M. , Siddiqui Shahnaz
Published: October 2006

A highly sensitive fluorogenic enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (FELISA) has been adapted for the detection of Vipera russelli venom. The assay sensitivity was observed to be 0.1 pg/ml (1 × 10−13 g/ml). Venoms from snakes of the Vipera group exhibited a high degree of cross‐reactivity when tested with the antibody raised against V. russelli venom. With the exception of venom from Naja naja, all the tested venoms from unrelated families also showed cross‐reactivity. This procedure is useful for detecting snake venom or its components in biological samples. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
“Lupinosis”‐Like lesions in mice caused by ustiloxin, produced by Ustilaginoieda virens: A morphological study
Authors: Nakamura Ken‐Ichi , Izumiyama Naotaka , Ohtsubo Koh‐Ichiro , Koiso Yukiko , Iwasaki Shigeo , Sonoda Ryouichi , Fujita Yoshikatsu , Yaegashi Hiroshi , Sato Zenji
Published: October 2006

A crude toxin, obtained by methanol‐extraction of a water extract of false smut balls (INA‐KOUJI in Japanese) caused by Ustilaginoidea virens on rice panicles, was injected into mice intraperitoneally. Single injection of 100 or 200 mg/kg body weight of the extract was not lethal but caused acute, occasional necrosis of hepatocytes and renal tubular cells, followed by increased number of mitotic figures with occasional multinucleargiant cells. Erosions and ulceration of the forestomach and atrophy of the thymus were observed a week later. Repeated intraperitoneal injection of the crude toxin at the levels of 12 and 25 mg/kg body weight induced more severe necrosis of the liver and kidneys, with delayed occurrence of mitosis. Forestomach erosion also occurred. Serial injection for 10–12 days of either 3 or 6 mg/kg of the crude extract or 400 μg/kg of ustiloxin A, using the purified crystals, caused relatively mild but definite liver and kidney lesions similar to those described above. The lesions in the liver and kidney were quite similar to those observed in lupinosis caused by phomopsin A, a mycotoxin produced by Phomopsis leptostromiformis. Isolation of the toxic substance indicates that the contaminated rice panicles may cause toxicosis of cattle, although no field outbreaks have occurred yet. © 1994 wiley‐Liss, Inc.