The Scout Report

November 14, 1997

A Publication of the Internet Scout Project
Computer Science Department, University of Wisconsin

A Project of the InterNIC

The Scout Report is a weekly publication offering a selection of new and newly discovered Internet resources of interest to researchers and educators, the InterNIC's primary audience. However, everyone is welcome to subscribe to one of the mailing lists (plain text or HTML). Subscription instructions are included at the end of each report.

Scout Report for Science & Engineering
http://scout.cs.wisc.edu/scout/report/sci-engr/
The fifth issue of the Scout Report for Science and Engineering is available. It annotates over twenty new and newly discovered Internet resources in the physical and life sciences and engineering. The In the News Section annotates nine resources concerning the biology of aging. [JS]
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KEGG: Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes Release 4.0
http://www.genome.ad.jp/kegg/
Numerous genome sequencing projects for different organisms have produced catalogs of genes and related products. However, the functional application of this information is often not available or is not well organized. Led by Minour Kaneshia, the KEGG Project is an attempt to bridge the gap between the genes and their functional implications. This site contains a searchable database of computerized information pathways that consist of interacting genes or molecules. KEGG provides links for regulatory and metabolic pathways, molecular catalogs, and gene catalogs produced by the various genome projects. Students and professionals in genome research will find useful information at this growing site. [DF]
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Discovering Online Resources Across the Humanities: A Practical Implementation of the Dublin Core
http://ahds.ac.uk/public/metadata/discovery.html
This report, provided by the Arts and Humanities Data Service (UK) and the UK Office For Library and Information Networking (UKOLN), "contains detailed recommendations regarding metadata which [the authors] feel will support genuine cross-domain resource discovery." These recommendations are based mostly on the Dublin Core metadata standard. The report contains chapters on unifying resource discovery metadata, and systems architecture for cross-domain discovery, among others; it is highlighted by several resource discovery case studies. The report discusses complex but important concepts in resource description that may possibly shape the future of resource discovery in the networked environment not only in the humanities, but in all subjects. [JS]
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US Pharmacopeia
http://www.usp.org/
United States Pharmacopeia, an organization that is over 170 years old, "promotes the public health by establishing and disseminating officially recognized standards of quality and authoritative information for the use of medicines and other health care technologies by health professionals, patients, and consumers." The site contains information on standards development for drugs and dosage (including a searchable USP Reference Standards Catalog), a practitioners reporting network including information on medication errors and drug quality reports, and information about USP products and publications. USP is highlighted, however, by its Drug Information section, which contains: Standard Elements, a searchable and browsable database of descriptions, precautions, and side effects of over 750 generic drugs; medication counseling behavior guidelines; Quality Review, a bimonthly case studies review; and Just Ask!, a set of consumer brochures on proper medicine use, accidental poisoning, and understanding medications. [JS]
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Museo Picasso Virtual
http://www.tamu.edu/mocl/picasso/
This site, provided by Enrique Mallen, Professor of Modern and Classical Languages at Texas A&M University, is a Picasso wellspring. In addition to a briefly annotated chronology of the great painter's life, a chronology of his works, studies of the artist and specific works (in several languages), and an enormous bibliography, there are the Halls. It is in the Halls, arranged chronologically and unadorned by anything but title and year, that the art resides. The Works section offers visitors a little more context pertaining to featured pieces. Though the site could benefit from a little more overall description, the amount of material available is astonishing. [JS]
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Dairy Cattle Nutrition--PSU
http://www-das.cas.psu.edu/dcn/
The Pennsylvania State University Department of Dairy and Animal Science provides this site, which contains over 20 full text extension publications (circulars, charts, and tables) in the areas of dairy cattle nutrition, feed management and forage quality. Pertinent slide shows, fourteen nutritional value of forage and concentrate tables, and a growth chart and weight table populate this site. On the lighter side, visitors can download cow images (with explanations of how to turn them into computer wallpaper), and interactive "cow cards" to send to their friends. This is an excellent resource for agricultural extension faculty or agents. [JS]
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Sociological Research Online
http://www.socresonline.org.uk/
This UK based quarterly refereed journal concentrates on "theoretical, empirical and methodological discussions." Articles are organized chronologically by issue, and recently SSR has also begun to arrange them thematically, in an attempt to foster online scholarly debate. In addition, SSR provides a Pinboard section, which contains conferences and calls for papers, a bulletin board, and a reports section where interested users are encouraged to file short reports summarizing conferences attended. [JS]
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Bach Bibliography
http://www.music.qub.ac.uk/~tomita/bachbib.html
Yo Tomita, Research Fellow at Queens University, Belfast, UK, maintains this bibliography of over 14,000 items (scholarly books, articles, dissertations, and conference papers) on Johann Sebastian Bach. The somewhat cryptic interface allows for both simple and complex searches, with the complex search allowing users to specify type of music, general theme, language, and publication type. Users can consult a list of related journals and their abbreviations. Recent updates to the database, as well as new and forthcoming items, are also available. [JS]
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Pumas (Practical Uses of Math and Science)--JPL [.pdf]
http://pumas.jpl.nasa.gov/
The heart of this National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Jet Propulsion Laboratory site, is, at present, the twelve short examples of "how math and science topics taught in K-12 classes can be used in interesting settings, including everyday life." Interestingly, the examples are written mostly by scientists and engineers, and illustrate what they feel are practical applications of math and science. Although there is a search capability, the amount of examples makes browsing (search by header field) the easiest way to access the lessons. Each example is a short (one to two page) Adobe Acrobat [.pdf] file. Comments on the lessons are solicited at the site. [JS]
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Microsoft, Department of Justice, etc.
Department of Justice Charges Against Microsoft: Press Release
http://www.usdoj.gov/atr/public/press_releases/1997/1235.htm
Justice Department Petition
http://www.usdoj.gov/atr/cases/f1200/1236.htm
Memorandum of the US in Support of the Petition
http://www.usdoj.gov/atr/cases/f1200/1237.htm
Microsoft Memorandum in the US DC District Court
http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/11-10filing.htm
Appraising Microsoft Conference
http://www.appraising-microsoft.org/
From Microsoft Word To Microsoft World: How Microsoft is Building a Global Monopoly--NetAction
http://www.netaction.org/msoft/world/
Bill Gates' Op Ed Piece in the Wall Street Journal
http://www.microsoft.com/billgates/columns/OpEd/11-10WSJOpEd.htm
The issue of whether or not Microsoft engages in monopolistic practices has again emerged. The US Justice Department filed charges against Microsoft in the District Court of the District of Columbia on October 20, 1997. Details can be found in a DOJ press release. The DOJ site also provides the petition and a memorandum in support of the petition. Microsoft responded on November 10, 1997, by filing a memorandum in the District Court. The memorandum, along with affidavits in support of it from both Microsoft and third parties, are available at the Microsoft Corporate Information site. On another front, a conference organized by consumer advocate Ralph Nader was held November 13-14, 1997 in Washington DC. Information about the conference, including a speakers list, is available at the conference site. The objectivity of this conference depends, of course, on one's point of view, as is aptly pointed out in a letter from Microsoft Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Bob Herbold to Nader. Finally, Nathan Newman, Project Director of NetAction, an organization that advocates the use of information technology for community organizing, has recently published a White Paper that can be seen as an excellent example of the Microsoft as monopoly point of view. Microsoft's response to that view is characterized by a recent Op Ed piece by Bill Gates in the Wall Street Journal, and Setting the Record Straight, a page that addresses what Microsoft feels are five myths about its alleged anti-competitive behavior. [JS]
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The George Bush Presidential Library
http://www.csdl.tamu.edu/bushlib/
The George Bush Presidential Library and Museum was recently opened at Texas A&M University. The site is similar to many other US presidential library sites in that it describes its subject (and his wife), provides information about the museum, and features a photo gallery. What distinguishes this site from other presidential library sites is the availability of hundreds of searchable and browsable presidential papers, organized chronologically at this time. Transcripts of press conferences and State of the Union Addresses are available. By providing this glimpse into a presidency, the Bush Library site becomes a model that other Presidential sites would do well to emulate. [JS]
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Race in America--Atlantic Unbound Roundtable
http://www.theatlantic.com/unbound/forum/race/intro.htm
The Atlantic Monthly, as an enhancement to its 140th Anniversary issue, has posted a roundtable discussion on race in America between Nicholas Lemann, a national correspondent for the magazine, and a panel of distinguished commentators (Dinesh D'Souza, Christopher Edley Jr., and Glenn C. Loury). The first round consists of introductory remarks by Lemann and answers and responses to three questions on race relations in America. Readers are encouraged to join in the debate in the Community & Society forum of Post & Riposte. In the next several weeks (the Roundtable runs through the first week of December) readers' comments will be highlighted in the margins of the Roundtable, and in Round Two (to be posted November 26) the panelists will respond. [MD]
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World Bank Annual Report 1997
http://www.worldbank.org/html/extpb/annrep97/
The 1997 edition of this report, which chronicles the activities of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA) for the last fiscal year, discusses Bank programs, operations, financial highlights, and approved projects. Central to this report are the detailed regional progress reports. The full report, excluding the financial statements, is available in HTML. The full report with financial statements can be obtained in Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) format (250 pages, arranged in sections). Interested users may refer to the 1996 Annual Report (discussed in the December 20, 1996 Scout Report). [JS]
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SOHO Solar Oscillations Investigation News Release [QuickTime]
http://soi.stanford.edu/press/ssu11-97/
Recent images taken by instruments aboard the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) show a transfer of magnetic energy from the Sun's surface to the corona. This "magnetic carpet" may solve the 55 year old riddle of why the corona is so much hotter than the surface. The SOI Investigation site is maintained by the Solar Oscillations Investigations group at Stanford University. The site contains links to the full text of the press release from November 5, 1997 by the Goddard Space Flight Center which controls the spacecraft. It also contains QuickTime movies and still images, and offers explanatory text. Background information, authors and contacts for further information on SOHO are available. [KH]
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Star Wars: The Magic of Myth--Smithsonian Institution [RealPlayer]
http://www.nasm.edu/StarWars/
In honor of the 20th anniversary of the movies that captivated the nation, the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum has launched this companion site to an exhibit that opened October 31, 1997, and is scheduled to run for one year. Interpreting the Star Wars Trilogy as a Joseph Campbell story (Hero With a Thousand Faces), the virtual exhibit is composed of seventeen "chapters" across the three movies, including The Call to Adventure, Into the Labyrinth, The Dark Road of Trials, The Path to Atonement, The Hero's Return, The Final Victory, and the Journey's End. Users can follow the exhibit movie by movie or via a clickable gallery map. Artwork from the movie (concept drawings, story boards, paintings, and photographs), and artifacts (models and costumes) are featured. The exhibit is accompanied by selected RealPlayer narration by James Earl Jones. Whether you adhere to the SI interpretation of the films or not, the site is great fun, though probably only a fraction of the fun of the actual exhibit. [JS]
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WineKey.com
http://www.winekey.com/
Whether one wants to find out the particulars of wine fermentation procedures or how to decipher a wine label, this new user-friendly guide to Italian and California wines has something for everyone. The site is divided intro three sections. The Italian section provides background on winemaking in Italy, a guide to the grapes and regions, and an overview and introduction to zones and regulations. The California section offers a wine geography lesson, a guide to grapes and wine styles, and an explanation of California appellations (the geographic source of the grapes used in a particular wine). Under Winemaking, users can learn about the entire process, from crushing to bottling and stabilization. Additional features at this site include an index of wine definitions, and wine trivia. [MD]
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Research Challenges for the Next Generation Internet--CRA [.pdf, 78p.]
http://www.cra.org/Policy/NGI/research_chall.pdf
Adobe Acrobat Reader
http://www.adobe.com/prodindex/acrobat/readstep.html
This report (Adobe Acrobat [.pdf] format only), produced as a result of the Computing Research Association Workshop on Research Directions for the Next Generation Internet, held May 12-14, 1997, is highlighted by reports from six Workshop groups: applications, middleware, quality of service, Internet traffic engineering, security and architecture. An exciting part of the report, from the perspective of educational end users, is the applications section, which provides a brief roadmap to some of the types of applications that NGI could offer in the future, including searching of large, complex databases; audio/video; distributed computing; and tele-immersion. [JS]
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HotSeat: Listening in on Technology's Buzz--HotWired [RealPlayer]
http://hotwired.lycos.com/synapse/hotseat/
This fascinating corner of HotWired contains a weekly RealPlayer interview on various technology related topics. Interviews concern such topics as Gates v. Reno, filtering software in libraries, and medical information on the web, among many others. Text transcripts are also available. [JS]
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The Style-o-Mattic--A Cascading Style Sheets Tool
http://builder.cnet.com/Authoring/CSS/ss12.html
Web Development for 4.0 Browsers - Get Started with Cascading Style Sheets
http://builder.cnet.com/Authoring/CSS/index.html
The Style-o-Mattic was created at CNET by Matt Rotter. It is a great tool for those unfamiliar with using Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) (discussed in the September 5, 1997 issue of the Scout Report). Users simply enter text and choose values under the various properties, such as font, background, and text, then view the source code. The Style-o-Mattic is part of an informative tutorial, Web Development for 4.0 Browsers - Get Started with Cascading Style Sheets, by Matt Rotter and Charity Kahn. It discusses the basics of CSS and positioning. Examples allow users to see the code in action. This code is not currently universal; therefore, web pages need to be tested in both Netscape Navigator 4.0 and Internet Explorer 4.0. [TB]
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Volume 1, Number 29: The Scout Report for November 11, 1994
http://scout.cs.wisc.edu/scout/report/archive/11-11-94.html
Pathfinder
http://www.pathfinder.com/welcome/
Pathfinder Network Guide
http://pathfinder.com/pathfinder/guide/index.html
When Time Warner's Pathfinder site first came online, it was remarkable in that it included full text articles from an amazing three magazines. Pathfinder truly lived up to its name as a pioneer in providing full text of print publications. The site has evolved into the largest conglomeration of popular print magazine content on the Internet. It also contains much non-print material in the 96 sites that it hosts at present. To see the whole list of sites, which includes AllPolitics, Ask Dr. Weil, CNNSI, CNNfn, Fortune, Entertainment Weekly Online, People Online, and This Old PC, as well as good old Time, see the Pathfinder Network Guide. [JS]
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Copyright Susan Calcari, 1994-1997. Permission is granted to make and distribute verbatim copies of the Scout Report provided the copyright notice and this paragraph is preserved on all copies. The InterNIC provides information about the Internet to the US research and education community under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation: NCR-9218742. The Government has certain rights in this material.

Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Wisconsin - Madison, the National Science Foundation, AT&T, or Network Solutions, Inc.

The Scout Report (ISSN 1092-3861) is published weekly by Internet Scout

Susan Calcari
Jack Solock
Jeannine Ramsey
Teri Boomsma
Michael de Nie
David Flaspohler
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The Scout Report - November 14, 1997

The Scout Report

November 14, 1997

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