bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ agonist pioglitazone reduces the development of cartilage lesions in an experimental dog model of osteoarthritis: In vivo protective effects mediated through the inhibition of key signaling and catabolic pathways
Authors: Boileau Christelle , Martel‐Pelletier Johanne , Fahmi Hassan , Mineau François , Boily Martin , Pelletier Jean‐Pierre
Published: June 2007

Objective

Emerging evidence indicates that peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ (PPARγ) may have protective effects in osteoarthritis (OA). The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vivo effect of a PPARγ agonist, pioglitazone, on the development of lesions in a canine model of OA, and to explore the influence of pioglitazone on the major signaling and metabolic pathways involved in OA pathophysiologic changes.

Methods

OA was surgically induced in dogs by sectioning of the anterior cruciate ligament. The dogs were then randomly divided into 3 treatment groups in which they were administered either placebo, 15 mg/day pioglitazone, or 30 mg/day pioglitazone orally for 8 weeks. Following treatment, the severity of cartilage lesions was scored. Cartilage specimens were processed for histologic and immunohistochemical evaluations; specific antibodies were used to study the levels of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP‐1), ADAMTS‐5, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), as well as phosphorylated MAPKs ERK‐1/2, p38, JNK, and NF‐κB p65.

Results

Pioglitazone reduced the development of cartilage lesions in a dose‐dependent manner, with the highest dosage producing a statistically significant change (P < 0.05). This decrease in lesions correlated with lower cartilage histologic scores. In addition, pioglitazone significantly reduced the synthesis of the key OA mediators MMP‐1, ADAMTS‐5, and iNOS and, at the same time, inhibited the activation of the signaling pathways for MAPKs ERK‐1/2, p38, and NF‐κB.

Conclusion

These results indicate the efficacy of pioglitazone in reducing cartilage lesions in vivo. The results also provide new and interesting insights into a therapeutic intervention for OA in which PPARγ activation can inhibit major signaling pathways of inflammation and reduce the synthesis of cartilage catabolic factors responsible for articular cartilage degradation.
Interferon‐γ protects against the development of structural damage in experimental arthritis by regulating polymorphonuclear neutrophil influx into diseased joints
Authors: Williams Anwen S. , Richards Peter J. , Thomas Eleri , Carty Sara , Nowell Mari A. , Goodfellow Rhian M. , Dent Colin M. , Williams Bryan D. , Jones Simon A. , Topley Nicholas
Published: June 2007

Objective

Local interaction between soluble mediators within the inflamed synovium is a key factor that governs the pathologic outcome of inflammatory arthritides. Our aim was to investigate the interplay between the Th1 lymphokine interferon‐γ (IFNγ) and pivotal cytokines that drive rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pathology (interleukin‐1β [IL‐1β] and tumor necrosis factor α [TNFα]) in modulating inflammation and arthritis in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

Monarticular antigen‐induced arthritis (AIA) was initiated in IFNγ‐deficient (IFNγ−/−) mice and age‐matched wild‐type (IFNγ+/+) mice. Joint swelling was measured and histologic analysis was performed in order to assess changes in both inflammatory and degenerative parameters in vivo. In vitro, the influence of IFNγ in regulating IL‐1β– and TNFα‐driven CXCL8 and CCL2 production was quantified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

In murine AIA, both inflammatory and degenerative arthritis parameters were significantly exacerbated in the absence of IFNγ. IFNγ appeared to be a crucial factor in regulating CXCR2+ neutrophil influx in the joint. In in vitro studies using RA fibroblast‐like synoviocytes, IFNγ modulated both IL‐1β– and TNFα‐driven chemokine synthesis, resulting in the down‐regulation of CXCL8 production.

Conclusion

IFNγ exerts antiinflammatory, chondroprotective, and antiosteoclastogenic effects in murine AIA through a mechanism that involves the regulation of chemokine synthesis and local neutrophil recruitment. These studies suggest a potential therapeutic role of modulating IFNγ signaling in the treatment of inflammatory arthritides.
Steroid injection for osteoarthritis of the hip: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Lambert Robert G. W. , Hutchings Edna J. , Grace Michael G. A. , Jhangri Gian S. , Conner‐Spady Barbara , Maksymowych Walter P.
Published: June 2007

Objective

To determine the efficacy of fluoroscopically guided corticosteroid injection for hip osteoarthritis (OA) in a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial.

Methods

Fifty‐two patients with symptomatic hip OA were randomly allocated to receive placebo (10 mg bipuvicaine, 2 ml saline) (n = 21) or corticosteroid treatment (10 mg bipuvicaine, 40 mg triamcinolone hexacetonide) (n = 31). Patients were followed up for 1, 2, 3, and 6 months. The primary outcome measure was the pain improvement response, defined as a 20% decrease in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities OA Index (WOMAC) pain score (on 5 100‐mm visual analog scales [VAS]) (WOMAC20) from baseline to 2 months postinjection. Secondary outcomes were a 50% decrease in the WOMAC pain score (WOMAC50), changes in other WOMAC subscale scores, patient's global assessment of health (on a 100‐mm VAS), and Short Form 36 (SF‐36) quality of life indices. Analyses were based on the intent‐to‐treat principle.

Results

The mean WOMAC pain score fell 49.2% (decreasing from 310.1 mm to 157.4 mm) at 2 months postinjection in patients receiving corticosteroid, compared with a decrease of 2.5% (from 314.3 mm to 306.5 mm) in the placebo group (P < 0.0001). The proportion of WOMAC20 responders at 2 months' followup was significantly higher in the corticosteroid group (67.7%) compared with the placebo group (23.8%) (P = 0.004); similar proportions of WOMAC50 responders were observed between groups (61.3% in the corticosteroid group versus 14.3% in the placebo group; P = 0.001). Response differences were maintained at 3 months' followup (58.1% responders in the corticosteroid group versus 9.5% responders in the placebo group; P = 0.004). Significant differences in the WOMAC stiffness and physical function scores (P < 0.0001), patient's global health scores (P = 0.005), and SF‐36 physical component scores (P = 0.04) were observed, with patients in the corticosteroid group showing greater improvements. There were no differences in the frequency of adverse events between groups.

Conclusion

This placebo‐controlled trial confirms that corticosteroid injection can be an effective treatment of pain in hip OA, with benefits lasting up to 3 months in many cases. Future studies should address questions related to the benefits of repeated steroid injection and the effects of this treatment on disease modification.
Evidence of potential interaction of chemokine genes in susceptibility to systemic sclerosis
Authors: Lee Eun Bong , Zhao Jinying , Kim Jeong Yeon , Xiong Momiao , Song Yeong Wook
Published: June 2007

Objective

To examine genetic polymorphisms in the chemokine pathway, and to assess their interactions in relation to susceptibility to systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Methods

To identify the risk of SSc conferred by genetic polymorphisms in the chemokine pathway, 10 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 8 candidate genes were studied in 99 patients with SSc and 198 age‐ and sex‐matched controls in a Korean population. SNPs were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism or sequence‐specific primer methods. Genetic associations between each SNP and SSc risk, calculated as odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals, were estimated using chi‐square tests. Haplotypes for the 2 polymorphisms in the gene CCL5 (RANTES) were constructed, and their associations with SSc were tested. Gene–gene interactions were investigated using a recently described novel method, and the results were confirmed by conditional logistic regression. Adjustment for multiple testing was based on Bonferroni correction.

Results

There was significant evidence of gene–gene interaction between polymorphisms in the genes CXCL8 (interleukin‐8) and CCL5, and both of these were associated with an increased risk of SSc. This SNP–SNP interaction was confirmed by 2 independent statistical methods. The associations remained significant after Bonferroni adjustment for multiple testing. No significant association between each individual SNP or haplotype and the risk of SSc was found.

Conclusion

Crosstalk between the 2 chemokines CXCL8 and CCL5 may contribute to the susceptibility to SSc.
A computer analysis of library postcards (CALP)
Authors: Stevens Norman D.
Published: June 2007

A description of a sophisticated application of computer techniques to the analysis of a collection of picture postcards of library buildings in an attempt to establish the minimum architectural requirements needed to distinguish one style of library building from another and to assist in the description of the ideal library building. The objectives of the program, the techniques utilized, the past history of the project, and the results to date are described. A number of side benefits of the program are also described.
Circulation dynamics: A planning model
Authors: Rouse William B.
Published: June 2007

A mathematical model is presented that can be used to predict a library's circulation. Variables considered include changing user population, decreasing demand for older items in the collection, purchasing and circulation policies, weeding and other losses, and inflation. The model requires little data other than what libraries normally collect. An example of applying the model to a particular library is discussed. Possible extensions of the model are noted.
Sublanguage grammers in science information processing
Authors: Sager Naomi
Published: June 2007

This paper presents the results of an investigation into information structures in natural language science texts. A novel hypothesis was tested; namely, that the literature of a science subfield has characteristic restrictions on lanugage usage which can be used to develop information formats for text sentences in the subfield. The formats provide a standard representation of the specific types of information found in sentences of subfield articles, though a priori semantic categories are not used. The method of sublanguage grammars for obtaining information formats is described. Illustrations are drawn from a sublanguage grammar written for a subfield of pharmacology. Parts of the procedure are computerized or are being implemented.
Curricula in information science: Four year progress report
Authors: Belzer Jack , Williams James , Kronebusch John , Gupta A. B.
Published: June 2007

This is our second study of curricula in information science. It provides a basis for comparison of the 1968 curricula with those of 1972, observing trends in the educational system in information science. Since this study solicited information on all three educational levels, the statistics describing all programs are given; comparisons are made at the MS level only, using the 1968 data. These indicate a curriculum shift from traditional librarianship to an emphasis on computerization and automation. This trend appears to encompass theory as well as technology.

The most frequently offered course “Introduction to Information Science,” exposes students to a new way of looking at library and information problems. Programming, theories of information content identification, library automation and some basic mathematics has increased. If the trend continues, libraries may be turning into Community Information Centers utilizing telecommunication for their information needs.

Deans, faculty, professional society and industry representatives reviewed the questionnaire analysis results in Workshop III and made recommendations for educational goals and curricula on three levels, i.e., the bacculaureate, masters and doctorate.
Structure, effectiveness and benefits of LEXtractor, an operational computer program for automatic extraction of case summaries and dispositions from court decisions
Authors: Borkowski Casimir , Sperling Martin J.
Published: June 2007

A computer program for automatic extraction of case summaries and dispositions from the decisions of legal courts is now operational. The level of performance of this program known as LEXtractor is high. In a recent computer run, LEXtractor scanned the full texts of 249 reported cases (some 650,000 words of text) and extracted correctly 92% of case summaries (15 false drops occurred) and 93% of case dispositions (no false drops occurred).

This paper outlines the structure of LEXtractor, describes and analyzes its cost and performance, and discusses some relevant issues in text editing.
Comparison of checksum procedures by simulation
Authors: Carroll John M. , Cakarnis John
Published: June 2007

Appending a checksum (also known as checkring] digit[sl, or control digit[s] /sum) to a lengthy non‐mnemonic number sequence represents one technical control over transcription errors. Different checksum procedures are used by different nations (e.g., France, Denmark, Canada) for their personal identifiers (The U.S. does not use a checksum). This study reflects an attempt to discover the most effective procedure.
Optimal resource allocation in library systems
Authors: Rouse William B.
Published: June 2007

A procedure is developed for optimal allocation of resources among the many processes of a library system. Queueing theory is used to model processes as either waiting or balking processes. The optimal allocation of resources to these processes is defined as that which maximizes the expected value of the decision‐maker's utility function. An application of the procedure to a specific library system is discussed.
Lotka's Law and Map Librarianship
Authors: Schorr Alan Edward
Published: June 2007

Lotka's Law states that given the number of authors who have written one article, the number writing multiple articles can be predicted. Though Lotka's Law was based on a study of the chemistry and physics literature, interest has recently developed as to its possible application to the humanities. A test of this general law for the field of map librarianship is discussed, illustrating that Lotka's Law is valid for this discipline.
Explicit and implicit variables in information retrieval (IR) systems
Authors: Robertson Stephen E.
Published: June 2007

Cleverdon's “inverse relationship between recall and precision” and other relationships between the measures of performance of retrieval systems, arise from variations in other (independent) system variables. This paper explores the properties of these independent variables, and defines a class of basic variables named M‐factors. The “inverse relationship” is generated by variations in a single M‐factor, but does not always obtain if more than one M‐factor is allowed to vary.

A number of examples are discussed in the light of this analysis. The possibility is suggested that all variables affecting the performance of retrieval systems can be decomposed into M‐factors. The implications of these ideas for laboratory tests on retrieval systems are discussed. A mathematical treatment of the ideas is also given.
Relative effectiveness of titles, abstracts, and subject headings for machine retrieval from the COMPENDEX services
Authors: Byrne Jerry R.
Published: June 2007

We have investigated the relative merits of searching on titles, subject headings, abstracts, free‐language terms, and combinations of these elements. The COM‐ PENDEX data base was used for this study since it contained all of the data elements of interest. In general, the results obtained from the experiments indi‐ cate that, as expected, titles alone are not satisfactory for efficient retrieval. The combination of titles and abstracts came the closest to 100% retrieval, with searching of abstracts alone doing almost as well. Indexer input, although necessary for 100% retrieval in almost all cases, was found to be relatively unimportant.
An acquisitions decision model for academic libraries
Authors: Depew John N.
Published: June 2007

A decision model for book acquisitions has been developed to simulate the intellectual processes used in acquiring these materials in academic libraries. It consists of a flow chart, weighted inputs and an equation, which when solved indicates whether a library should add the title to its collection, refer it to a cooperative group, defer the decision or drop it altogether. Inputs to the model need further study and development, but the model is a step in defining and quantifying the decision process.
The consumers of new information technology: A survey of the utilization of MEDLINE
Authors: Tagliacozzo Renata
Published: June 2007

Technical innovation in the field of information includes the design and implementation of large on‐line automated systems for the retrospective search of scientific literature. An example of such technology is the MEDLINE bibliographic service of the National Library of Medicine which, with its 200 terminals, serves the biomedical scientific and professional community throughout the country.

In the initial phase of the MEDLINE development, users of seven MEDLINE information centers were investigated in terms of characteristics, motivations, purposes and expectations in using the service. The study attempts to clarify the role of MEDLINE in basic and clinical research, and in the education and training of biomedical personnel. Some of the factors involved in the adoption of an innovation are analyzed.
An approach to associative retrieval through the theory of fuzzy sets
Authors: Sachs Wladimir M.
Published: June 2007

The theory of fuzzy sets is used to provide a rigorous formulation of the problem of associative retrieval. This formulation suggests the idea of using fuzzy clustering to organize data for retrieval.
The biblio‐profile—a two‐in‐one package of information: Its preparation, production, marketing, uses
Authors: Lunin Lois F.
Published: June 2007

This paper describes the Biblio‐Profile, which is a brief state‐of‐the‐art report on a specific topic followed by a comprehensive bibliography. The Biblio‐Profile was devised as a combination package to meet varying information needs. The profile part of the package provides a brief introduction to a field, a brief assessment of the state of research on a specific topic, and an indication where gaps in knowledge exist; the comprehensive bibliography may contain both current and older, classic citations. An information package of this type has other features as well. For example, with small modification, the profile can be recorded on audio‐tape for use in a dial‐access information system where message length is brief. The companion bibliography can be mailed to any‐one who requests this supplementary information. Biblio‐Profiles also have the added advantage of being separates so that they can be published quickly; they do not require page charges; and they provide recognition for authors. However, they require marketing and promotion since no encompassing medium, such as a journal, carries them. Publication of Biblio‐Profiles in a journal is, however, certainly possible.

The preparation, production, marketing and potential uses of this multi‐purpose document are described in this article. The Information Center's experience in user acceptance and sales of this kind of document is discussed and compared with the Center's bibliographies.
Pragmatic expansion of an enumerative classification scheme
Authors: Davis Charles H.
Published: June 2007

Negative numbers are suggested as a means through which one enumerative classification can be expanded. An extension of the Dewey Decimal notation is described as it has been used for computar‐based SDI and implications for other automated systems are noted. A mirrorimage universe of unused notation is postulated for such classifications.
A fuzzy set characterization of interaction in scientific research
Authors: Jones Warren T.
Published: June 2007

There is increasing interest in an empirical analysis of the system of scientific literature with a view toward improved information retrieval systems and science policy development. Many studies have sought to identify various aspects of the developmental structure of science via this system. The research has relied heavily on the citation or referencing structure with little attention directed toward the study and formalization of the citation relation itself. Fuzzy set theory is shown to be an appropriate approach to the formalization of this relation. The set of references is viewed as a static, partial representation of the total collection of eligible entities and individuals which were involved in the socio‐intellectual interactions that contributed to the development of the paper. It is also shown that fuzzy sets of journals can be derived.
An experiment in networking: The LHNCBC experimental CAI network, 1971–1975
Authors: Wooster Harold
Published: June 2007

This is an administrative history of an information network. In somewhat less than four years, the Lister Hill National Center for Biomedical Communications of the National Library of Medicine built this network, demonstrated a substantial demand for its services, encouraged it to become self‐sustaining, and transferred support and operation to a user consortium. The paper is concerned with the process, and some of the problems, of innovation rather than the product, biomedical computer‐assisted instruction.
A policy for science information activities in small countries: The case of Israel
Authors: Keren Carl
Published: June 2007

During the past few years the National Center of Scientific and Technological Information (COSTI) in Israel, has made an effort to plan the national information services. This planning activity has required the formalization of a science information policy as a background for its development. Following a short description of present COSTI activities, some policy considerations specific to Israel are elaborated upon and their application to future planning is discussed.
Assessing the impact of computer technology on the performance of interlibrary loan networks
Authors: Rouse William B. , Rouse Sandra H.
Published: June 2007

Performance of interlibrary loan networks in terms of probability of success and average time to satisfy a request is enhanced when location and availability information can be accessed. Existing computer technologies such as shared cataloging networks and automated circulation systems can be of use in obtaining this information. A procedure is presented for quantitative assessment of the impact of these technologies and their various combinations on interlibrary loan activities. As an example, the procedure is utilized for predicting the impact of these computer technologies on the Illinois Library and Information Network (ILLINET). Results show that the value of location information as obtained from a shared cataloging network or similar technology is highly dependent on the information being specific enough to free the lending library from searching their own main catalog. The value of availability information is shown to be related to the processing time that can be avoided by having prior information about the circulation status of the desired item. These results are dependent on the policies employed in Illinois. However, the assessment procedures presented here have general applicability to interlibrary loan networks.
Expanding the categories of feedback
Authors: Fedanzo Anthony J.
Published: June 2007

The contention of this paper is that feedback is a genus of information categories that should be expanded to include, in addition to positive and negative feedback, what is here termed mnemonic or structure‐continuing feedback. An informal argument is first advanced to establish a view of information generally as an active agency in the functioning of systems. The informal argument is next complemented by a set of formal expressions for the views advanced. Both formal and informal considerations are supported by numerous illustrations from biological and computer sciences as well as by more general observations from the philosophy of science.

Since the overriding intent is to present the thesis that each systemic element of a system's structure has information value in its own right and in a decidedly nontrivial sense, it endeavors to solidify the reasons for regarding this thesis as sound, but does not employ the thesis outside the bounds of theory. In this sense the discussion is purely theoretical although it intends as much to unify the observations of several fields as to advance an expanded conceptualization of feedback suitable to both information and systems theory.
Toward a national information system for social science data files
Authors: White Howard D.
Published: June 2007

Despite a breakthrough in library cataloging of files of machine‐readable social science data (directions are expected in the next Anglo‐American Cataloging Rules), the U.S. system for delivering information about data files still needs strengthening. While descriptive cataloging of locally held files by research libraries should prove helpful, suppliers' restrictions on “rediffusion” of data reduce the value of a national union catalog. Subject cataloging is also a problem, although a new form heading for data files would improve the usefulness of the Library of Congress Subject Headings. The greatest improvement would be inclusion of abstracts and indexing of the files in a national bibliographic service with on‐line search capability, especially one that could provide the codebooks required by those wanting to reuse others' data. With NTIS furnishing a prototype, ERIC is here proposed as a model of what is needed. ERIC has many desirable features as a “data information system” that would not disrupt present economic arrangements for delivering the files themselves.
Automatic ranked output from boolean searches in SIRE
Authors: Noreault Terry , Koll Matthew , McGill Michael J.
Published: June 2007

This study examined the effectiveness and efficiency of employing a fully automatic algorithm for ranking the results of Boolean searches of an inverted file design document retrieval system. The study indicated that with minor modification of file designs, such as those implemented in the Syracuse Information Retrieval Experiment (SIRE), document retrieval systems could efficiently provide users with output lists on which the rank order of a document is a good indicator of its probable relevance to the user's information need. The study found that relevant documents were ranked significantly higher than nonrelevant documents in the set of documents retrieved in response to a Boolean query. By utilizing an augmented inverted file design the variable incremental cost for ranked output was only ten cents per query. There was no increased user effort.
A threshold rule applied to the retrieval decision model
Authors: Kraft Donald H.
Published: June 2007

The retrieval decision problem is considered from the viewpoint of a decision theory approach. A threshold rule based on a suggested rule for indexing is considered and analyzed for retrieval decisions. The threshold rule is seen as a good descriptive measure of what a reasonable retrieval system should be able to accomplish. A retrieval mechanism of randomly drawing documents is analyzed to determine the relative strength of the threshold rule. The Neyman‐Pearson lemma is shown to yield a better a priori decision rule for retrieval; maximize precision subject to a fixed level of recall, instead of setting a lower limit upon precision, as does the threshold rule. The threshold rule is seen as a necessary, but not sufficient, condition for effective retrieval. A sufficient condition for the threshold rule illustrates the relationship between it and the rule derived from the Neyman‐Pearson lemma. Finally, a new measure of information retrieval system performance is presented, based on the threshold rule.
Automatic text analysis based on transition phenomena of word occurrences
Authors: Pao Miranda Lee
Published: June 2007

A method of selecting index terms directly from a word frequency list is described. The original idea was suggested by Goffman who reasoned that the most content‐bearing words of a given text would occur at the transition region at which Zipf's First Law of words of high frequency of occurrences begins to take on properties of words of low frequency of occurrences. Word frequencies of two articles were analyzed. Results seem to indicate that the automated selection of index terms from a frequency list holds some promise for automatic indexing.
Cliqueing‐a technique for producing maximally connected clusters
Authors: Gerson Gordon M.
Published: June 2007

A technique is demonstrated whereby a large data base may be automatically classified into maximally connected clusters. These are called cliques. The data base is initially clustered by MacQueen's “k‐means” algorithm. These clusters are then subjected to an enrichment process whereby through a transposition of the basic properties matrix, two‐directional connections may be shown. These are employed to the fullest extent with all connections being completed and references appearing in all cliques with which common or related references appear. The data base employed is a selection of US patents.
A relationship between two forms of Bradford's law
Authors: Hubert John J.
Published: June 2007

If g(x) is the number of journals having x references, we speak of a size‐frequency relationship. If f(r) is the number of references in a journal of rank r, we speak of a rank‐frequency relationship. In the former we can estimate the number of journals, given the number of references; in the latter we can estimate the number of references given the rank of the journal. In this paper we prove a statistical relationship which links these two types of productivity distributions.
Opinion paper: Design criteria for documentation retrieval languages
Authors: Gebhardt Friedrich , Stellmacher Imant
Published: June 2007

Query languages for document retrieval systems should be simple and easy to learn for the casual user; they should provide all conceivable facilities for the experienced user. These goals comprise the most serious contradictions that evolve between all the design criteria collected, compared, and evaluated in this paper. The proposed solution or, at least, relief to this conflict is to provide the user with a simple, clearly designed subset of the language that nevertheless includes all important query functions, while the additions to modify, shorten, improve, and extend it are left to the experienced user. It is stressed that the simple data formats available with most systems are insufficient; the need for more elaborate structures is substantiated. A point is made for a formal rather than a natural language for document retrieval.
Estimating the demand for library service: Theory and practice
Authors: Casper Cheryl A.
Published: June 2007

Issues related to the demand for library service are not new to library administrators and other information scientists. However, formal economic analysis of that demand is just beginning. This paper has two objectives: to explain the theoretical links between the demand for library service and key economic variables and to describe how demand was estimated in one specific experimental context: the demand for library service of institutional users of the Cleveland Health Sciences Library. This study is cited to illustrate some problems that are likely to arise in attempting to estimate statistically the parameters of library demand functions. The need for more precise economic analysis of library demand has grown as forms of information that have traditionally been provided free to users begin to acquire explicit price tags. This trend is likely to continue. Most economic models for setting library user fees require specific inputs about the demand for information and the sensitivity of demand to changes in economic variables. Even in situations where user fees are not applicable, an understanding of the demand function can be useful in predicting how the amount of library service demanded might change if underlying economic or noneconomic variables change. As more complete data become available, economic analysis of library demand will be employed more frequently as a policymaking tool.
Cross‐national information flows in basic research: Examples taken from physics
Authors: Frame J. Davidson , Baum John J.
Published: June 2007

Cross‐national information flows are investigated for three energy‐related fields of physics using the referencing data appearing in physics journals. In all three fields, U.S. research appears to be the most heavily referenced research in the world, with Soviet research coming in second. An examination of “balance of information” flows shows that the U.S. consistently experiences a negative balance. That is, foreign scientists reference U.S. work more frequently than do U.S. scientists reference foreign work. In contrast, the USSR consistently experiences a positive balance of information flow. An examination of cross‐national information flows shows that there are marked disparities in the extent to which the research produced in different countries is referenced. These disparities may be accounted for by cultural, ethnocentric, and linguistic factors; by the varying quality of research performed in different countries; and by simple ignorance of research that is being undertaken in locales out of the research mainstream.
On optimal storage of books by size
Authors: Radhakrishnan T. , Venkatesh K.
Published: June 2007

In an earlier paper by Gupta and Ravindran a network model was proposed to determine the optimum number of shelves to minimize the shelving cost of a given collection of books. In this paper, it is shown that the above method does not always yield the optimal value. Further, some underlying assumptions in the earlier model that may not be practical are pointed out. Also a brute‐force algorithm is presented for the same problem which gives a better solution.
The wrong way to go
Authors: Wright H. Curtis
Published: June 2007

Librarianship and science are antithetical as knowledge systems because the substance of the former is instrumental to the latter and vice versa. This is revealed by the diametric oppositions of (a) their objects and methods of study, and (b) their objects and means of mastery. The resulting differences between them may be summarized as follows: (1) The object of study in science is matter; in librarianship it is form. (2) The method of study is empirical in science; in librarianship it is rational. (3) The object of mastery is the physics of experience in science; in librarianship it is the metaphysics of thought. (4) The means of mastery is formal in science; in librarianship it is material.
Performance assessment model for academic libraries
Authors: Bommer Michael R. , Chorba Ronald W. , Grattidge Walter
Published: June 2007

Academic libraries are facing increased difficulties in carrying out their functions by traditional means. The continuing explosion of information coupled with spiraling costs are challenging library managers to accommodate these trends with little or no increase in funding. To meet this challenge, library managers must utilize and allocate resources in a more institutionally effective manner. Effective decision‐making and planning, however, require appropriate management information. This article describes a conceptual framework for the development of a management information system including performance assessment components for linking institutional goals, library performance, and library management decision‐making. The operational methodology required to evaluate resource allocations consistent with aggregate user needs and delineated organizational objectives is outlined. The resultant system would continuously monitor user needs, document availability, service utilization, and user productivity as means both to identify problems and opportunities and to assess the consequences of management decisions.
Utility‐theoretic indexing
Authors: Wilson Patrick
Published: June 2007

Utility‐theoretic indexing as presented by Cooper requires prediction of the consequences of each indexing decision. Cooper appears to think that this is the most rational way of indexing and can be known a priori to be preferable to alternatives. But its practical success is not guaranteed in advance; its claim to superior rationality rests only on its appeal to the consequences of decisions. One may rationally choose either individual actions or rules and policies for action: the requirements of rationality do not exclude action according to nonpredictive rules. Areas of choice are known in which predictive rules are inferior to nonpredictive rules. If Cooper's rule is practically superior to others, this cannot be known without appeal to experience.
A sociological approach to the design of information systems
Authors: Swift Donald F. , Winn Viola A. , Bramer Dawn A.
Published: June 2007

Conventional information systems, founded on objectivist assumptions, are inappropriate for social scientists. Starting from a sociological standpoint, this article proposes an alternative type of system, developed during research with a group of subject specialists.
A method for partitioning the journal literature
Authors: Servi Patricia N. , Griffith Belver C.
Published: June 2007

Citation databases can be readily partitioned by examining the extent to which journals “feed back” to one another. A method has been developed to divide large files into clusters of journals without requiring the use of arbitrary starting points. Results are discussed relative to biomedical literature, and these findings are shown to be subsumed under a more general hypothesis regarding the structure of scientific literature.
A technique for evaluating automatic term clustering
Authors: Dillon Martin , Caplan P.
Published: June 2007

This study reexamines the feasibility of automatic thesaurus generation by establishing a framework for analyzing the degree of correspondence between automatically generated thesauri and a thesaurus of the same terms constructed by a team of subject specialists. In order to test the evaluative procedure, a series of thesauri are generated using the same clustering algorithm and three different measures of association. By comparing the relative effectiveness of the generated thesauri to the human standard, it is determined that substantial differences exist among them.
Education and training for computer‐based reference services: A case study
Authors: Robinson Jo
Published: June 2007

This article discusses a training program for on‐line searching that was used by the University of California's Computerized Information Services (CIS). After giving an overview of the training program as a whole, it concentrates on database training. One form of intensive database training is the database workshop, presented by the database supplier staff (often in conjunction with search service staff). A second form is the database seminar, where searchers investigate topics on diverse databases and systems and then report to each other in an informal setting. This proved to be a popular and cost‐effective training technique, especially for search strategy. The two kinds of database training seem to complement each other.
Microcomputer‐generated graphic displays as an aid in string indexing
Authors: Craven Timothy C.
Published: June 2007

Error rates in indexing using string index languages such as NEPHIS might be reduced at relatively low cost by having the indexer enter strings via a microcomputer system which could provide simple validation, and feedback in the form of graphic displays of concept links.
Rationalization of secondary services: Measurement of coverage of primary journals and overlap between services
Authors: Brittain J. Michael , Roberts Stephen A.
Published: June 2007

Some of the problems involved in the study of journal and journal article overlap of secondary services are discussed in the context of the results of an investigation of overlap in the field of criminology. The use of citation data to form clusters of journals is explored in the design and rationalization of secondary services. Clusters of journals obtained from a study of citations in the field of criminology are compared with the measures of overlap patterns. Conclusions are drawn about the ways in which secondary services can be improved.
Mysteries of the deep: Models of the universe of knowledge
Authors: Neill S. D.
Published: June 2007

Evidence of the use, by scholars and others, of mental constructs or models of spatial and temporal relationships is presented to illustrate a nonverbal knowledge structure. The relationship of this kind of structure to efforts to construct models of the universe of knowledge is stated, noting the danger in such models.
Directions in library networking
Authors: Avram Henriette D. , McCallum Sally H.
Published: June 2007

Bibliographic control before and after MARC is reviewed. The capability of keying into online systems has brought an interdependence among libraries, the service centers that mediate between them, and the large utilities that process and distribute data. From this has developed the basic network structure among libraries in the United States. The independent development of major networks has brought problems in standardization and coordination. The authors point out that while technology has led toward centralization of automated library services, new developments are now pushing toward decentralization. Coordination is a requirement to avoid fragmentation in this new environment.
Lifetime‐citation rates: A mathematical model to compare scientists' work
Authors: Geller Nancy L. , de Cani John S. , Davies Robert E.
Published: June 2007

Under reasonable assumptions a formula is derived to project the number of citations the usual type of scientific research paper will receive. This projection, the paper's life‐time‐citation rate, is based on the paper's past citations and the regularity of citation patterns. Hypothesis tests of equality of expected lifetime‐citation rates per paper and multiple comparisons are also derived. With appropriate precautions comparisons may then be made of the work of scientists in similar fields who have been publishing for different lengths of time. The method is applied to the publications of members of a university department and validated in two ways.
The use of queuing networks and mixed integer programming to allocate resources optimally within a library layout
Authors: Smith J. Macgregor
Published: June 2007

Queuing networks, mixed integer programming, and expected utility theory are combined together to model effectively the library building programming problem. The model is utilized with empirical data to allocate activities, equipment, and staff optimally within a library layout.
Improving keyword indexing
Authors: Olsgaard John N. , Evans John Edward
Published: June 2007

This communication examines some of the most frequently cited criticisms of keyword indexing. These criticisms include (1) absence of general subject headings, (2) limited entry points, and (3) irrelevant indexing. Some solutions are suggested to meet these criticisms.
Characterization of databases in the agricultural sciences
Authors: Longo Rose Mary Juliano , MacHado Ubaldino Dantas
Published: June 2007

This study compares three databases in the agricultural sciences‐AGRICOLA, AGRIS, and CAB‐using as a basis the entire range of periodical titles indexed by each. It proposes to orient the users of these bases in their use and acquisition. The duplication rates of periodical titles among the three bases and in combinations of two by two were analyzed and the results revealed a duplication rate of 10.01% among the three. Other results bring into focus the distribution of periodical titles by countries and by continents in addition to demonstrating the best combinations of bases two by two in determined regions of the world. With respect to the documentation generated in the underdeveloped countries, the participation rate in the bases is low. It was concluded that the logical sequence for acquisition of the databases one at a time is CAB, AGRICOLA, and AGRIS, in this order.
The success‐breeds‐success phenomenon and bibliometric processes
Authors: Tague Jean
Published: June 2007

Success‐breeds‐success phenomenon is described by single‐and multiple‐urn models. It is shown that these models lead to a negative binomial distribution for the total number of successes and a Zipf‐Mandelbrot law for the number of sources contributing a specified number of successes.
The adequacy of the science citation index (SCI) as an indicator of international scientific activity
Authors: Carpenter Mark P. , Narin Francis
Published: June 2007

The adequacy of the Science Citation Index (SCI) as a data source for developing indicators of international scientific activity was tested by comparing country‐by‐country journal counts based on the SCI with British Library Lending Division country‐by‐country journal counts, and with country‐by‐country counts of papers in other abstracting services, and by looking at the patterns of references from key journals. While the SCI appears to be an excellent, internationally balanced data source for the core of the physical and biological sciences, particularly for the English‐speaking countries, there still are significant differences between the SCI and other sources in national coverage of fields with a more dispersed literature, especially in the case of journals from countries with non‐Roman alphabets. In particular, SCI coverage of the Soviet literature appears incomplete, especially in the biological and medical sciences.
Automatic Nephis coding of descriptive titles for permuted index generation
Authors: Craven Timothy C.
Published: June 2007

Simple automatic coding of most descriptive titles generates NEPHIS (NEsted PHrase Indexing System) input strings of sufficiently good quality for permuted index production. The coding algorithm is based on assumptions about three ranks of delimiter, and about phrase‐element dependency, in title language; NEPHIS facilitates human recoding of the few titles violating these assumptions. Initially implemented in DECsystem‐10 DPL, but applicable also to microcomputer systems, the algorithm requires only brief lists of delimiters plus an input set containing one or more titles; stoplisting is optional.
The state of secondary access services: Social sciences
Authors: Freides Thelma
Published: June 2007

Secondary access services available to American social scientists include bibliographies for the academic disciplines and a large variety of specialized services for subdisciplines and interdisciplinary fields. Nearly all originated during three decades of intensive development between 1950 and 1980. Coverage of journal literature is more extensive than coverage of monographs and data sources. Clearer differentiation among services in overlapping fields is needed. The transition from paper‐based to computer‐based services offers many possibilities for improved access to the literature, but difficulties attributable to intellectual and organizational characteristics of the social sciences may be relatively unaffected by technological change.