bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of isoquinoline alkaloids, diterpenoids and steroids in the Chinese herb Jin‐Guo‐Lan (Tinospora sagittata and Tinospora capillipes) by high‐performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization with multistage mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Yufeng , Shi Qirong , Shi Peiying , Zhang Weidong , Cheng Yiyu
Published: July 2006

This study sought to determine the primary components (isoquinoline alkaloids, diterpenoids and steroids) in crude extracts of the Chinese herb Jin‐Guo‐Lan, prepared from the roots of Tinospora sagittata and T. capillipes, by liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization multistage mass spectrometry coupled with diode‐array detection (LC‐DAD/ESI‐MSn). After separation on a reversed‐phase C18 column using gradient elution, positive and negative ESI‐MS experiments were performed. In positive ion mode, the three types of compounds showed very different characteristic ions: strong [M]+ or [M+H]+ ions were observed for isoquinoline alkaloids; [M+NH4]+ and/or [M+HCO2]+ for diterpenoids; [M+HnH2O]+ (n=1–3) for steroids. These adduct ions and/or fragments were used to deduce the mass and categories of known and unknown components in crude extracts, and their structures were further confirmed by ESI‐MSn in positive ion mode. Moreover, UV absorption peaks obtained from DAD provided useful functional group information to aid the MSn‐based identification. As a result, 11 compounds were unambiguously identified by comparing with standard compounds and 13 compounds were tentatively identified or deduced according to their MSn data. Two of these compounds (13‐hydroxycolumbamine and 13‐hydroxyjatrorrhizine) were found to be new compounds and another one (13‐hydroxypalmatine) was detected for the first time as a natural product. In addition, a [M·CH3H2O].+ ion in MS2 of [M]+ after in‐source collision‐induced dissociation was used to differentiate positional isomers of protoberberine alkaloids, columbamine and jatrorrhizine. Although the roots of T. sagittata and T. capillipes contain almost identical compounds, the content of the compounds in them is dramatically different, suggesting the necessity for further comparison of the bioactivities of the two species. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type Z is inactivated by ligand‐induced oligomerization
Authors: Fukada Masahide , Fujikawa Akihiro , Chow Jeremy P.H. , Ikematsu Shinya , Sakuma Sadatoshi , Noda Masaharu
Published: July 2006

Receptor‐type protein tyrosine phosphatases (RPTPs) are considered to transduce extracellular signals across the membrane through changes in their PTP activity, however, our understanding of the regulatory mechanism is still limited. Here, we show that pleiotrophin (PTN), a natural ligand for protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type Z (Ptprz) (also called PTPζ/RPTPβ), inactivates Ptprz through oligomerization and increases the tyrosine phosphorylation of substrates for Ptprz, G protein‐coupled receptor kinase‐interactor 1 (Git1) and membrane associated guanylate kinase, WW and PDZ domain containing 1 (Magi1). Oligomerization of Ptprz by an artificial dimerizer or polyclonal antibodies against its extracellular region also leads to inactivation, indicating that Ptprz is active in the monomeric form and inactivated by ligand‐induced oligomerization.
Changes in subcellular localization of fructose 1,6‐bisphosphatase during differentiation of isolated muscle satellite cells
Authors: Gizak A. , Wrobel E. , Moraczewski J. , Dzugaj A.
Published: July 2006

Subcellular localization of FBPase, a regulatory enzyme of glyconeogenesis, was examined inside dividing and differentiating satellite cells from rat muscle. In dividing myoblasts, FBPase was located in cytosol and nuclei. When divisions ceased, FBPase became restricted to the cytosolic compartment and finally was found to associate with the Z‐lines, as in adult muscle. Moreover, a 12‐fold decrease was observed in the number of FBPase‐positive nuclei associated with muscle fibres of adult rat, as compared with young muscle, possibly reflecting the reduction in number of active satellite cells during muscle maturation. The data might suggest that FBPase participates in some nuclear processes during development and regeneration of skeletal muscle.
Properties of the [NiFe]‐hydrogenase maturation protein HypD
Authors: Blokesch Melanie , Böck August
Published: July 2006

A mutational screen of amino acid residues of hydrogenase maturation protein HypD from Escherichia coli disclosed that seven conserved cysteine residues located in three different motifs in HypD are essential. Evidence is presented for potential functions of these motifs in the maturation process.
Mutations at Asp112 adjacent to the trinuclear Cu center in CueO as the proton donor in the four‐electron reduction of dioxygen
Authors: Ueki Yusaku , Inoue Megumi , Kurose Shinji , Kataoka Kunishige , Sakurai Takeshi
Published: July 2006

Asp112 adjacent to the trinuclear Cu center of a multicopper oxidase, CueO was mutated for Glu, Ala and Asn. Mutations on Asp112 affected not only spectroscopic and magnetic properties derived from the trinuclear Cu center but also enzyme activities. The uncoordinated Asp112 was found to play multiple roles to promote the binding of dioxygen at the trinuclear Cu center and to accelerate the conversion of dioxygen to water molecules by facilitating the supply of H+ to the reaction intermediates.
In vitro reconstitution of monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG) synthase regulation by thioredoxin
Authors: Yamaryo Yoshiki , Motohashi Ken , Takamiya Ken-ichiro , Hisabori Toru , Ohta Hiroyuki
Published: July 2006

Monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG), a major membrane lipid of chloroplasts, is synthesized by MGDG synthase (MGD) localized in chloroplast envelope membranes. We investigated whether MGD activity is regulated in a redox‐dependent manner using recombinant cucumber MGD overexpressed in Escherichia coli. We found that MGD activity is reversibly regulated by reduction and oxidation in vitro and that an intramolecular disulfide bond(s) is involved in MGD activation. Because thioredoxin efficiently reduced disulfide bonds to enhance MGD activity in vitro, MGD is potentially an envelope‐bound thioredoxin target protein in higher plants.
Hypoxic induction of human visfatin gene is directly mediated by hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1
Authors: Bae Soo-Kyung , Kim Su-Ryun , Kim Jong Gab , Kim Jee Yeon , Koo Tae Hyeon , Jang Hye-Ock , Yun Il , Yoo Mi-Ae , Bae Moon-Kyoung
Published: July 2006

Visfatin has been originally identified as a growth factor for early stage B cells and recently known as an adipokine. Here, we report that hypoxia induces the visfatin mRNA and protein levels in MCF7 breast cancer cells. We also demonstrate that induction of visfatin gene is regulated by hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α). Moreover, 5′‐flanking promoter region of human visfatin gene contains two functional HIF responsive elements (HREs), activating the expression of visfatin. Mutation of these HREs in the visfatin promoter abrogates activation of a luciferase reporter gene driven by visfatin promoter under hypoxia. Taken together, our results demonstrate that visfatin is a new hypoxia‐inducible gene of which expression is stimulated through the interaction of HIF‐1 with HRE sites in its promoter region.
The first N‐terminal transmembrane helix of each subunit of the antigenic peptide transporter TAP is essential for independent tapasin binding
Authors: Koch Joachim , Guntrum Renate , Tampé Robert
Published: July 2006

The heterodimeric ABC transporter TAP translocates proteasomal degradation products from the cytosol into the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum, where these peptides are loaded onto MHC class I molecules by a macromolecular peptide‐loading complex (PLC) and subsequently shuttled to the cell surface for inspection by cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Tapasin recruits, as a central adapter protein, other components of the PLC at the unique N‐terminal domains of TAP. We found that the N‐terminal domains of human TAP1 and TAP2 can independently bind to tapasin, thus providing two separate loading platforms for PLC assembly. Moreover, tapasin binding is dependent on the first N‐terminal transmembrane helix of TAP1 and TAP2, demonstrating that these two helices contribute independently to the recruitment of tapasin and associated factors.
Stimulation of arachidonic acid release by vasopressin in A7r5 vascular smooth muscle cells mediated by Ca2+‐stimulated phospholipase A2
Authors: Liu Yingjie , Taylor Colin W.
Published: July 2006

Arachidonic acid (AA) regulates many aspects of vascular smooth muscle behaviour, but the mechanisms linking receptors to AA release are unclear. In A7r5 vascular smooth muscle cells pre‐labelled with 3H‐AA, vasopressin caused a concentration‐dependent stimulation of 3H‐AA release that required phospholipase C and an increase in cytosolic [Ca2+]. Ca2+ release from intracellular stores and Ca2+ entry via L‐type channels or the capacitative Ca2+ entry pathway were each effective to varying degrees. Selective inhibitors of PLA2 inhibited the 3H‐AA release evoked by vasopressin, though not the underlying Ca2+ signals, and established that cPLA2 mediates the release of AA. We conclude that in A7r5 cells vasopressin stimulates AA release via a Ca2+‐dependent activation of cPLA2.
Reduced PDE4 expression and activity contributes to enhanced catecholamine‐induced cAMP accumulation in adipocytes from FOXC2 transgenic mice
Authors: Grønning Line M. , Baillie George S. , Cederberg Anna , Lynch Martin J. , Houslay Miles D. , Enerbäck Sven , Taskén Kjetil
Published: July 2006

Overexpression of forkhead transcription factor FOXC2 in white adipose tissue (WAT) leads to a lean phenotype resistant to diet‐induced obesity. This is due, in part, to enhanced catecholamine‐induced cAMP‐PKA signaling in FOXC2 transgenic mice. Here we show that rolipram treatment of adipocytes from FOXC2 transgenic mice did not increase isoproterenol‐induced cAMP accumulation to the same extent as in wild type cells. Accordingly, phosphodiesterase‐4 (PDE4) activity was reduced by 75% and PDE4A5 protein expression reduced by 30–50% in FOXC2 transgenic WAT compared to wild type. Thus, reduced PDE4 activity in adipocytes from FOXC2 transgenic mice contributes to amplified β‐AR induced cAMP responses observed in these cells.
Does F1‐ATPase have a catalytic site that preferentially binds MgADP?
Authors: Mao Hui Z. , Gray Wesley D. , Weber Joachim
Published: July 2006

During ATP synthesis, ATP synthase has to bind MgADP in the presence of an excess of MgATP. Thus, for efficient ATP synthesis it would be desirable if incoming substrate could be bound to a catalytic site with a preference for MgADP over MgATP. We tested three hypotheses predicting the existence of such a site. However, our results showed that, at least in absence of an electrochemical proton gradient, none of the three catalytic sites has a higher affinity for MgADP than for MgATP.
Quantitative measurement of hydroxyl radical induced DNA double‐strand breaks and the effect of N‐acetyl‐l‐cysteine
Authors: Su Meihong , Yang Yao , Yang Guoliang
Published: July 2006

Reactive oxygen species, such as hydroxyl or superoxide radicals, can be generated by exogenous agents as well as from normal cellular metabolism. Those radicals are known to induce various lesions in DNA, including strand breaks and base modifications. These lesions have been implicated in a variety of diseases such as cancer, arteriosclerosis, arthritis, neurodegenerative disorders and others. To assess these oxidative DNA damages and to evaluate the effects of the antioxidant N‐acetyl‐l‐cysteine (NAC), atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to image DNA molecules exposed to hydroxyl radicals generated via Fenton chemistry. AFM images showed that the circular DNA molecules became linear after incubation with hydroxyl radicals, indicating the development of double‐strand breaks. The occurrence of the double‐strand breaks was found to depend on the concentration of the hydroxyl radicals and the duration of the reaction. Under the conditions of the experiments, NAC was found to exacerbate the free radical‐induced DNA damage.
The non‐structural protein Nsp10 of mouse hepatitis virus binds zinc ions and nucleic acids
Authors: Matthes Nele , Mesters Jeroen R. , Coutard Bruno , Canard Bruno , Snijder Eric J. , Moll Ralf , Hilgenfeld Rolf
Published: July 2006

The non‐structural protein Nsp10 of coronaviruses is a small cleavage product of the viral replicase polyprotein that has been implicated in RNA synthesis. Nsp10 of mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) displays an apparent molecular mass of 13–16 kDa in reducing SDS–PAGE and analytical gel filtration, while dynamic light scattering suggests the existence of oligomeric forms. Atomic absorption spectroscopy reveals two metal ions per Nsp10 monomer, with a preference for Zn2+ over Fe2+/3+ and Co2+. These are probably bound by two Zn‐finger‐like motifs. Moreover, MHV Nsp10 interacts with tRNA, single‐stranded RNA, double‐stranded DNA and, to a lesser extent, single‐stranded DNA as shown by gel‐shift experiments. The K
d for tRNA is 2.1 ± 0.2 μM.
The association between birthweight and longevity in the rat is complex and modulated by maternal protein intake during fetal life
Authors: Langley-Evans Simon C. , Sculley Dean V.
Published: July 2006

Maternal protein restriction in rat pregnancy has been suggested to reduce lifespan of the resulting offspring by inducing fetal growth retardation, followed by postnatal catch‐up growth. We tested the hypothesis that lifespan could be programmed in both males and females by exposure to undernutrition at specific stages of fetal development. Protein restriction throughout gestation significantly reduced lifespan in both males and females. Low birthweight increased longevity, whilst rapid postnatal growth had a detrimental effect. There was no evidence that undernutrition programmed lifespan through oxidative processes in the major organs. Fetal programming is an important contributor to the ageing process.
Interactions between striped bass (Morone saxatilis) rebuilding programmes and the conservation of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and other anadromous fish species in the USA
Authors: Grout Douglas E.
Published: July 2006

Anadromous populations of striped bass occur along the Atlantic coast of the US from Maine to North Carolina. Recruitment overfishing and declining water quality led to substantial reductions in striped bass abundance during the 1970s and 1980s. Cooperative interstate fishery management of striped bass began in 1981, with the development of a fishery management plan by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, an organization of Atlantic coastal states. Effective fishery management and additional research and monitoring contributed to a tenfold increase in abundance of striped bass stocks by the late 1990s. This dramatic increase resulted in increased predation on a variety of anadromous fish species including American shad, blueback herring, and alewives. Predation by striped bass on Atlantic salmon smolts in North America has been documented, but the impact of this predation has not been quantified. Moderate to strong correlations were found between estimates of striped bass abundance and the return of Atlantic salmon to three of the four major New England salmon rivers. Further research is required to quantify the proportion of smolt production consumed by striped bass, particularly for salmon populations listed as endangered under the US Endangered Species Act.
Size of wild and hatchery-reared Atlantic salmon populations in the northern Baltic Sea estimated by a stratified mark-recapture method
Authors: Siira Antti , Suuronen Petri , Kreivi Petri , Erkinaro Jaakko
Published: July 2006

We estimated the total size of the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) population complex (wild and cultured) in the Gulf of Bothnia, northern Baltic Sea, using a stratified mark-recapture method. In 2001 and 2002, 1970 salmon were captured by the commercial trapnet fishery and tagged with external arrow tags. A total of 349 tagged fish was later recaptured among 65 180 salmon screened for tags. Recoveries were gathered by the commercial trapnets and by screening fish entering counting facilities in rivers and broodstock fisheries at the river mouths. In addition, tags were recovered from recreational river catches. Our estimates suggest that the total size of the migrating population in both years was about 230 000 fish. Proportions of wild and cultured salmon differed between the two years. In 2001, the proportion of wild salmon was 37%; the corresponding figure for 2002 was 62%. Based on estimates of wild salmon smolt production and the number of released smolts, the estimated proportion of cultured smolts that survived the feeding migration and returned to the Gulf of Bothnia (2–4%) was approximately 2.5–4.5 times lower than that of wild smolts (9–10%).
Otolith shape and temporal stability of spawning groups of Icelandic cod (Gadus morhua L.)
Authors: Jónsdóttir Ingibjörg G. , Campana Steven E. , Marteinsdottir Gudrun
Published: July 2006

During the past 5–10 years, studies exploring small-scale structure of cod populations have provided accumulating evidence for the existence of local populations. In Iceland, all cod have been thought to belong to a single management unit. Recent studies on genetic and life history variation have, however, indicated the existence of local populations. The main objective of this study is to explore the potential existence of local populations by use of otolith shape to discriminate between spawning groups of Icelandic cod. Otoliths were sampled from mature and spawning cod at spawning locations around Iceland in 2002 and 2003, and otolith shape was described using variables correlated with size (otolith area, length, width, perimeter, and weight) as well as shape (rectangularity, circularity, and 10 Fourier coefficients). Only standardized otolith variables were used so as to remove the effect of otolith size on the shape variables. Cod were on average larger and older south of Iceland, where ambient temperature was higher than northwest, north, and east of Iceland. Otolith shape effectively discriminated between cod north and south of Iceland, and it was also possible to discriminate among cod spawning below and above 125 m at spawning locations south of Iceland. Recent genetic and tagging studies have indicated differences between cod at these two depths. Correct classification of groups of cod at the different spawning locations ranged between 0% and 44%. Incorrectly classified cod were in most cases classified to adjacent spawning locations, and a high percentage of cod south of Iceland was classified to other southern locations and cod north of Iceland to other northern locations. The temporal stability of otolith shape was studied at seven spawning locations in two consecutive years. Otolith shape differences were greater between locations than among years within a location. The spawning groups are therefore likely to have remained separate during much of their lifetime.
Cold Intolerance of the Hand Measured By the Ciss Questionnaire in a Normative Study Population
Authors: RUIJS A. C. J. , JAQUET J-B. , DAANEN H. A. M. , HOVIUS S. E. R.
Published: July 2006

Cold intolerance has been recognized as one of the most disabling sequelae of upper extremity trauma, especially when neurovascular structures are involved. In this study, we aimed to describe cold intolerance in a normative study population, validate the Cold Intolerance Symptom Severity (CISS) questionnaire and define the threshold for abnormal cold intolerance. One hundred and eight volunteers participated in our study. In addition to the CISS score, information about age, gender and previous surgery or trauma to the upper extremity was obtained. There were no volunteers with previous peripheral nerve injury and subjects with a history of Raynaud’s disease, upper extremity injury or surgery were excluded ( n = 40). The CISS scores of the study population ( n = 68) averaged 12.9 (SD 8.2). Age and gender were not correlated with CISS score. The upper 95% confidence interval of the CISS scores for healthy subjects is about 30. We suggest this value as a threshold for pathological cold intolerance.
Focal supplier opportunism in supermarket retailer category management
Authors: Morgan Neil A. , Kaleka Anna , Gooner Richard A.
Published: July 2006

Common prescriptions for improving the performance of supermarket retailers center on using key suppliers as “category captains” and leveraging their resources and capabilities to implement effective category management that will both reduce retailer costs and provide a basis for differentiation. However, despite these widespread prescriptions, the potential for supplier opportunism means that supermarket retailers are either skeptical or have failed to make such category management relationships with key suppliers work. Drawing on agency, transaction costs, and network theory, we synthesize insights from qualitative fieldwork with retailer and supplier managers and primary data from 73 category managers in U.K. supermarket retailers to empirically examine antecedents and consequences of category‐level focal supplier opportunism. Our findings suggest that focal supplier opportunism decreases retailer category performance and increases militant behaviors among non‐focal suppliers in the category supply chain. Consistent with retailer fears, we find that focal suppliers with significant influence in retailers’ category management efforts are more likely to engage in opportunistic behavior. However, our results also reveal that retailer fears that being dependent on a focal supplier will lead to greater supplier opportunism are largely unfounded, while supplier dependence on the retailer is also unrelated to focal supplier opportunism. Finally, we find that retailers’ ability to monitor – but not to punish – its focal suppliers is negatively related to opportunistic behavior among focal suppliers.
Forecasting the macroeconomy with contemporaneous financial market information: Europe and the United States
Authors: Junttila Juha
Published: July 2006

Using Economic Tracking Portfolios (ETP), I find that it is possible to forecast future values of inflation and changes in industrial production in the United States and three core euro countries – Italy, France and Germany – utilizing only current and past financial market information. The longer the forecasting horizon, the better the forecasts based solely on financial market information compared to results from other methods. Of the countries I analyze, the overall forecasting performance of the tracking portfolios is the best for the U.S., and my method outperforms the forecasting performance of a VAR approach.
The development of description in cataloguing prior to ISBD
Authors: Bowman J.H.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to compare Anglo‐American cataloguing codes and practices for description over the past 150 years and assess the contribution that they made to International Standard Bibliographic Description (ISBD).

Design/methodology/approach

The major international codes, and those of major British libraries, are examined point by point, using as a basis the main areas of description as outlined in AACR2. Cataloguing textbooks are also referred to when appropriate.

Findings

The article finds that general order of elements has been remarkably constant throughout the period, most variation being seen in the physical description area. Primacy of the title page as a source of information is long established. Publisher's name was often of minor importance, and in public libraries physical description was greatly reduced. It is clear from wording that codes often adopted rules from one another, and evidently some libraries made a great attempt to adopt the latest thinking. Solutions to some problems evolved gradually over a long period. Even some apparently minor aspects of punctuation have a long pedigree. ISBD clearly drew on a long‐established consensus as far as possible.

Practical implications

In revising AACR2 it is important to be able to see how we have reached where we are now, and in particular to avoid repetition of past mistakes. In an increasingly international publishing environment it is vital to solve the problem of multiple places of publication.

Originality/value

This subject has never been tackled in this way before, and the findings are timely for the ongoing revision of AACR2.
Evaluating evaluation
Authors: Gildersleeves Lucy
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The aim of this article is to investigate the nature of use and impact of the Improve Your Library self‐evaluation process on school libraries and their integration into whole‐school development planning for pupil learning.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is structured in two phases. Phase one seeks to map levels, patterns and experiences of use by those responsible for the library within schools and to establish the nature of support needed for librarians from school library services and training providers. Phase two will track schools in detail to explore the extent of difference the process may have on library integration into the wider school self‐evaluation, development priorities and planning, and on library contribution to pupil reading and learning.

Findings

Preliminary investigations indicate that there is considerable diversity in current evaluation practice and in expectations of the Improve Your Library toolkits. There is a need for a national vehicle for sharing individual library experience to inform reflective practice.

Research limitations/implications

The research focused on English schools. Successful delivery of the intended case banks of practice examples is dependent on a good range of schools being willing to share their experience.

Practical implications

Training and support needs and networks will be identified for providers and practitioners. Practical experience will be made available to librarians, school management and policy‐makers.

Originality/value

This is a timely evaluation of the first unified system of library self‐evaluation across English schools within the context of a new approach to whole‐school evaluation. It will provide librarians with a means of sharing and comparing experiences in the absence of a formalised benchmarking system for school libraries and contribute to a national picture of school library activity and priorities.
Interpreting the image: using advanced computational techniques to read the Vindolanda texts
Authors: Terras Melissa
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an overview of the development of a computer system designed to aid historians in the reading of the stylus tablets from the Roman fort of Vindolanda. It proposes outlining the different stages in developing the system, and giving the preliminary results.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides a literature review regarding Vindolanda, stylus tablets, and the process of reading an ancient document. Knowledge elicitation techniques are used to model explicitly expert processes used to read an ancient document. A corpus of character forms and lexicostatistics is gathered. An advanced cognitive imaging system utilising artificial intelligence techniques is implemented to produce plausible interpretations of the document.

Findings

This paper describes the developmental stages undertaken to construct a system that can read in images of an ancient document and produce plausible interpretations of the document, to aid the historians in the lengthy process of reading an ancient text. In carrying out the development, an explicit representation of how experts approach and reason about damaged and deteriorated texts was formulated, and a large corpus of letter forms and linguistic data were captured. Preliminary results from the resulting computer system are presented which demonstrate the usefulness of the technique, although more work is needed to develop this into a stand‐alone computer system.

Research limitations/implications

The study is focused on the Roman stylus tablets from Vindolanda, near Hadrian's Wall, although the technique could be extrapolated to cover other types of ancient documents from any period.

Practical implications

It is demonstrated that using techniques from artificial intelligence and cognitive psychology can result in further explicit understanding of humanities expert processes, which allow computational systems to be constructed. The resulting computational system is a tool for the humanities expert, which carries out a task in a similar manner, allowing for faster reasoning time and quicker hypotheses development.

Originality/value

The paper presents the first known system to intake an image of an ancient text and output a plausible interpretation of the text in a reasonable time frame, assisting the papyrologist in resolving ambiguities in the damaged and abraded text.
Improving the relevance of web menus using search logs: a BBCi case study
Authors: Huntington Paul , Nicholas David
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The paper seeks to propose a method for selecting menu items based on an analysis of user‐entered search terms. Menu pages inform users what is coming next and what questions are going to be answered by an information communication technology service. Menus need to reflect user needs. The paper aims to argue that users reveal the scope of their information needs by the words used in their search expressions and these can be analysed to inform menu titles.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents an analysis and classification of user search expressions that are automatically collected by the server. The paper examines the search expressions of about 1,000 users of the BBC site related to search expressions on diabetes.

Findings

The search expressions were classified, analysed and compared with the diabetes menu of three health sites: NHS Direct (www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk); BBC health (www.bbc.co.uk); and Diabetics UK (www.diabetes.org.uk). Finally, a six‐point menu is derived.

Practical implications

The practical implication of this paper is development of relevant web menus based on user information needs as revealed in search expressions entered by users.

Originality/value

This is the first explanation of how search logs can be used to construct menu lists. Previously menus have been designed at worst to suit producers and site designers based on the information that they have available and at best on interviews with small usability or focus groups who are not necessarily users.
Three problems in logic‐based knowledge representation
Authors: Miller Rob
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to give a non‐technical overview of some of the technical progress made recently on tackling three fundamental problems in the area of formal knowledge representation/artificial intelligence. These are the Frame Problem, the Ramification Problem, and the Qualification Problem. The article aims to describe the development of two logic‐based languages, the Event Calculus and Modular‐E, to address various aspects of these issues. The article also aims to set this work in the wider context of contemporary developments in applied logic, non‐monotonic reasoning and formal theories of common sense.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applies symbolic logic to model aspects of human knowledge and reasoning.

Findings

The article finds that there are fundamental interdependencies between the three problems mentioned above. The conceptual framework shared by the Event Calculus and Modular‐E is appropriate for providing principled solutions to them.

Originality/value

This article provides an overview of an important approach to dealing with three fundamental issues in artificial intelligence.
Multi‐document summarization of news articles using an event‐based framework
Authors: Ou Shiyan , Khoo Christopher S.G. , Goh Dion H.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to develop a method for automatic construction of multi‐document summaries of sets of news articles that might be retrieved by a web search engine in response to a user query.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the cross‐document discourse analysis, an event‐based framework is proposed for integrating and organizing information extracted from different news articles. It has a hierarchical structure in which the summarized information is presented at the top level and more detailed information given at the lower levels. A tree‐view interface was implemented for displaying a multi‐document summary based on the framework. A preliminary user evaluation was performed by comparing the framework‐based summaries against the sentence‐based summaries.

Findings

In a small evaluation, all the human subjects preferred the framework‐based summaries to the sentence‐based summaries. It indicates that the event‐based framework is an effective way to summarize a set of news articles reporting an event or a series of relevant events.

Research limitations/implications

Limited to event‐based news articles only, not applicable to news critiques and other kinds of news articles. A summarization system based on the event‐based framework is being implemented.

Practical implications

Multi‐document summarization of news articles can adopt the proposed event‐based framework.

Originality/value

An event‐based framework for summarizing sets of news articles was developed and evaluated using a tree‐view interface for displaying such summaries.
Learning from a free‐access digital information kiosk in Africa
Authors: Cronjé Johannes C. , Burger Dirk
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider the type of learning that takes place if members of an under‐resourced community are exposed to a free‐to‐use computer that is connected to the internet.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative application of an instrument that was developed to evaluate the information resource for the extent to which it facilitates both objectivist and constructivist learning. Video recordings of the interactions of people at the information kiosk were viewed and transcribed, and subjected to classical analysis to answer the questions posed by the instrument.

Findings

It was found that this particular information resource contained both objectivist and constructivist elements. Furthermore, it was found that objectivism and constructivism are complementary to one another and the degree of integration varies according to certain pedagogical dimensions. An open‐access information portal affords opportunities both for direct instruction and constructivist learning.

Research limitations/implications

Based in a peri‐urban environment in South Africa with a small sample.

Practical implications

The main contribution of this study is to investigate the interaction between information, knowledge, learning and pedagogy, which will help the information designer to better understand these interactions when designing an information resource. Furthermore, the instrument developed for this study can be used to evaluate other information resources, thus ultimately improving the standard of such resources.

Originality/value

The paper proposes a solution to the age‐old objectivist/constructivist debate that prevails when considering the cognitive functioning of information users.
Corrosion study of an Al‐La alloy manufactured by directional solidification
Authors: Dzib‐Pérez L. , González‐Sánchez J. , Pérez T. , Juárez A. , Bartolo‐Pérez P.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To study the corrosion resistance of the novel alloy Al‐12.6La (wt%) manufactured using directional solidification.

Design/methodology/approach

Samples fabricated using the Bridgman growth technique at three different withdrawal velocities were subjected to total immersion tests in distilled water and in 3.5 per cent NaCl solution and to DC polarisation tests in distilled water. XPS analyses conducted on samples after polarisation indicated the presence of an La compound in the non passive corrosion products film formed.

Findings

Anodic polarisation induced dissolution of the alloy with the formation of a non passive corrosion product film. During potentiodynamic polarisation, a sudden current increment occurred at a potential value that was more positive for samples solidified at higher rates. The corrosion resistance of this Al‐12.6%La alloy decreased as the solidification rate increased.

Originality/value

The results presented in this work are an insight to the understanding of the corrosion resistance and electrochemical behaviour of this alloy for future engineering applications and development.
A novel electrochemical method for monitoring corrosion under insulation
Authors: Naing Aung Naing , Keng Wai Wong , Tan Yong‐Jun
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The objective of this work was to develop practical experimental techniques for monitoring corrosion in “difficult‐to‐test” conditions such as corrosion under insulation (CUI).

Design/methodology/approach

An electrochemically integrated multi‐electrode array namely the wire beam electrode (WBE) method has been used in combination with noise signature analysis for the first time to monitor the penetration of corrosive species under simulated corrosion‐under‐insulation conditions. Corrosion of aluminium exposed under insulation materials such as rock wool, glass wool, cotton wool and tissue paper has been successfully monitored.

Findings

A typical potential noise signature of a major potential jump from AA1100 WBE was observed which corresponded to the corrosive species reaching the WBE surface in WBE current distribution map. A good correlation between the galvanic current maps and the corroded surface was also observed.

Originality/value

The preliminary results suggest that the proposed novel electrochemical method is capable of monitoring CUI.
Introduction: Old World strategies against New World competition in a globalising wine industry
Authors: Campbell Gwyn , Guibert Nathalie
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This introductory paper aims to place the contributions to this special issue within the context of the recent impact of globalisation on the wine industry, characterised by rapidly growing and evolving international markets, the expansion of New World wines on international markets, and the response of Old World rivals to New World competition.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examines the new competitive environment in the wine industry created by globalisation and outlines the way in which the authors of the papers in this special issue have contributed to an understanding of that environment.

Findings

This paper reflects a renewed academic interest in winemaking, one of the most dynamic and rapidly developing agricultural sectors.

Originality/value

The paper hightlights how the authors of the papers in this special issue have contributed to an understanding of this new competitive environment.
The secrets of a good winery: core competences
Authors: Reynaud Emmanuelle , Simon Eric
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This article seeks to examine the ability of a French winery from Anjou (Pays de la Loire) to market its wine locally with higher value added than another local winery through the application of the concept of core competences.

Design/methodology/approach

This concept is first explained, and then the two Angevin vineyards analysed in terms of their particular core competences, using interviews.

Findings

It is demonstrated that wine quality reflects the presence of core competences and the nature of those core competences is specified.

Originality/value

The transcribed material was analysed by thematic content in order to evaluate the process for creating competences.
Wine and globalisation: changes in the international market structure and the position of Italy
Authors: Bernetti Iacopo , Casini Leonardo , Marinelli Nicola
Published: July 2006

Purpose

This paper aims to offer an insight into the fundamental structural changes that the wine sector world‐wide is undergoing as a result of globalisation and mounting international competition.

Design/methodology/approach

The most important recent trends in wine production, consumption and distribution are analysed and possible future scenarios for the wine industry outlined. The constraints and opportunities that wine operators are facing and are likely to face in the future are also examined, as is competition between Old World and New World producers. In this context, an analysis of the structure of the Italian wine industry serves to underscore the importance of the local factor and its link to quality as a competitiveness tool.

Findings

Globalisation has boosted competition between Old and New World producers. However, varying structures of production suggest the appropriateness of adopting competitive strategies shaped according to the varying relationship between different producers and their distribution (and especially major retail chain) networks, notably with respect to quality segments. For Old World producers a very important role will be played by product differentiation and the combination of tradition and innovation.

Originality/value

This paper examines the options open to such producers, notably in Italy where strategies adopted vary according to economies of scale.
Typical products and consumer preferences: the “soppressata” case
Authors: Platania Marco , Privitera Donatella
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The paper sets out to analyse consumer preferences relating to a typical product, soppressata (a traditional Calabrian salted meat with PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) certification).

Design/methodology/approach

A multivariate analysis technique (factor analysis) was used on a sample of consumers, identified by a specific market research survey. Identification of groups of homogenous purchasers, according to one or two variables, is the objective of the segmentation approach which breaks up the reference market into homogeneous subgroups as regards their expectations and purchasing behaviour. Factor analysis lends itself to this use, allowing the weight of each component extracted from the interviewee to be graded.

Findings

Soppressata is a well‐known product. The main reason for purchase is that it is very tasty. Consumers appreciated the traditional culture it represents.

Originality/value

The possible strategies for quality and development offer new opportunities for producers as they relate to changes in consumer tastes and preferences. The variety of reasons that lead consumers to purchase the typical product oblige the researcher to abandon market analysis based on a “mass marketing” logic in favour of specific strategies.
Chemical and physical characteristics of five Nigerian varieties of fresh green immature soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill)
Authors: Obatolu Veronica , Osho Sidi M.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The study aims to investigate the potential of green immature soybean among Nigeria soybean varieties as human food.

Design/methodology/approach

Five Nigeria soybean varieties were harvested at 90 days old. The fresh green immature soybean seed were evaluated for chemical composition, physical and sensory characteristics. The physical characteristics looked into seed size (breadth and length), weight, seed colour, hull thickness and percentage of hydration. The chemical composition was compared to mature soybean seeds while the sensory attributes were compared to fresh green peas.

Findings

The raw mature soybean (RMS) was significantly higher and lower in chemical composition and anti‐nutritional factors respectively. The highest moisture content ranges from 62.8 per cent in TGX 1019‐2EB to 65.4 per cent in TGX 1485‐1D. The protein content (15.3 per cent) was highest in TGX1485‐1D and lowest value in TGX1448‐2E. The level of tannin was significantly higher in TGX1448‐2E and 923‐2E while trypsin inhibitor was significantly (p<0.05) higher in TGX1440‐1E and TGX1485‐1D. TGX1485‐1D had superior physical characteristics to other immature varieties with significant (p<0.05) higher value for breadth, length and height. The hull thickness of the seeds was within 0.01 to 0.05 and the percentage of hydration ranges within 5.5 to 6.8 per cent. All varieties had a green colour for the seed coat. Overall sensory acceptability of TGX TGX1440‐1E, 1485‐1D and 1019‐2EB compared favourably well with green peas used as control for sensory evaluation.

Originality/value

This study could help to identify the potential of some Nigerian soybean cultivars for production for use as a source of vegetable in the diet and also provided valuable information for further improvement of soybean for food uses.
Development of non‐conventional thermo‐resistant chocolate for the tropics
Authors: Ogunwolu S.O. , Jayeola C.O.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Chocolates imported into Nigeria melt at tropical room temperature, causing bloom formation in storage. This situation may be responsible for the low consumption of chocolate in Nigeria. This study therefore focused on the production and evaluation of thermo‐resistant chocolate that is not heat labile at tropical ambient temperature.

Design/methodology/approach

Studies were carried out in two stages. The first stage was the incorporation of cornstarch at different percentages of 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0 per cent and the second stage was the use of gelatin at 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0 per cent.

Findings

At 10 per cent inclusions of cornstarch and gelatin, the two non‐conventional chocolates melted at temperatures between 40‐50°C, compared to that of conventional milk chocolate which melts at temperatures between 25‐33°C.

Originality/value

The two non‐conventional chocolates compared favourably with the conventional milk chocolate in terms of colour, taste, smoothness and overall acceptability. However, the non‐conventional chocolate was found to be thermo‐stable at tropical ambient temperatures. The production of these thermo‐resistant chocolates will allow the wide distribution, display and consumption of chocolate in the tropics, especially Nigeria.
Food shopping and preparation among the 30‐somethings: whose job is it? (The ASH30 study)
Authors: Lake Amelia A. , Hyland Robert M. , Mathers John C. , Rugg‐Gunn Andrew J. , Wood Charlotte E. , Adamson Ashley J.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

The paper aims to explore the food shopping and preparation responsibility in a sample of adults, average age 32.5 years.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 198 adults (81 men and 117 women) who were involved in a longitudinal dietary study self‐completed a questionnaire about their food habits. Chi‐squared analysis explored relationships between variables using SPSS (version 10). Open‐ended responses were analysed in QSR NUD*IST using a content analysis framework.

Findings

The majority of respondents were married or co‐habiting (79 per cent), 6 per cent were lone parents, 9 per cent lived alone and the remainder lived with parents and others. Significantly more women than men were responsible for food shopping and preparation (both p<0.001). Within shared households food responsibility was predominately a female dominated area, with a considerably higher proportion of women responsible for food shopping and preparation compared with men. Reasons given for this included aspects of time and work as well as women being more skilled in this task.

Research limitations/implications

The study was a relatively small and homogenous sample, not necessarily representative of the wider UK population.

Practical implications

Identifies the enduring gender divide in food responsibility. Findings will be useful to health educators, policy planners and researchers.

Originality/value

In light of the recent focus on diet and health, this paper describes the reported shopping and food preparation behaviours in a sample of adults in their 30s at the beginning of a new century.