Vol. 59 (2009), No.4
Soichi TOKIZANE
Library and Information Science, Faculty of Letters, Aichi University
1-1 Machihata-cho, Toyohashi, Aichi 441-8522 JAPAN
Abstract: A new horizon of factual databases comes into sight. Enormous amount of data are now available in the areas such as genomic/proteomics, astronomy, and GIS. New methodologies such as XML, metadata, ontology and semantic web are being used to manipulate those data. Open access and long-term preservation of scientific data are discussed. Traditional commercial databases are also being enhanced. Small databases can be navigated using Dnavi of National Diet Library, or various portals.
Keywords: factual databases / scientific data / XML / metadata / ontology / data mining / semantic web / open access / long term preservation / commercial databases / NCBI / NIMS / CODATA / Science Commons
Hidemasa BONO
Database Center for Life Science (DBCLS), Research Organization of Information and Systems (ROIS),
Faculty of Engineering Bldg.12, The University of Tokyo, 2-11-16 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032 JAPAN
Abstract: The advent of DNA microarray and the next generation DNA sequencer has changed the lives of life scientists. They now must biologically interpret a bunch of their data making full use of what we call 'public databases'. Meanwhile, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan launched the Integrated Database Project (2006-2011) to organize central repository of database in Japan. As a central hub of the project, Database Center for Life Science (DBCLS) was established in Research Organization of Information and Systems (ROIS) as one of national center in Japan. I will introduce the project and DBCLS in this review.
Keywords: database / genome / DNA / annotation / cross search / full-text search / integrated database / movie / anatomy / creative commons
Namiko FUNATO
Japan Association for International Chemical Information
25-4 Honkomagome 6, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0021 JAPAN
Abstract: Commercial and in-house property databases are actively utilized to support R&D and corporate activities. In most cases, property data are used for reference and analytical purposes. In this paper, we studied the further application of property data by investigating the types of value-added information which can be drawn from analyzing substances with certain property data or references thereof. For this study, we used tools such as STN Express, STN AnaVist, and SciFinder. As the result, we found that characteristic structures, applications of substances, and competitive information can be found to a certain extent, despite of the limitation on types of databases and tools which can be used.
Keywords: property data analysis / structure analysis / competitive analysis / document analysis / STN / SciFinder / STN AnaVist
Masayoshi YAMAZAKI, Yibin Xu
National Institute for Materials Science Materials Database Station
2-2-54 Nakameguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-0061 JAPAN
Abstract: Material Database (MatNavi) is open public via Internet in April, 2003 by the Materials Database Station of the National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS). The registered user became about 7 times and increased in number to 42,000 persons and the number of accesses is over 1 million per month. This report introduces current status and future prospect of MatNavi and its search engine.
Keywords: materials database / structural materials datasheet / polymer database / integrated search engine / Internet / mutual link
Naoko SUZUKI, Genryou UMITSUKI
Elsevier Japan, K.K.
Higashi Azabu 1-chome Bldg., 1-9-15 Higashi Azabu, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 104-0044 JAPAN
Abstract: Reaxys is a new factual database of chemical reaction and compound which has been developed as a workflow tool for synthetic chemists. As an introduction, we would like to overview databases in chemical field. In this section, CrossFire Beilstein, CrossFire Gmelin and Patent Chemistry Database, predecessors of Reaxys, are also mentioned. To characterize the basics of Reaxys, aim and the strategy of the development is briefly discussed. An example of usage is shown in the last part.
Keywords: Reaxys / chemical database / reaction database / factual database / synthetic chemistry / organic chemistry / inorganic chemistry / organometallic chemistry
Takaya NISHIKAWA
ex. Shionogi Research Laboratories
5-9-20 Honmachi, Oji-cho, Kita-katsuragi-gun, Nara 636-0012 JAPAN
Abstract: A drug development information service, Ringdoc, was initially introduced to Japan as a manual (hand) searching tool. After batch-searching by computers, Ringdoc was searched online eventually. The history of use of Ringdoc in a pharmaceutical company is described. Meanwhile, using the knowledge gained from these experiences, the author and colleagues developed the information systems for the internal research and development. The activities of the Japan user council of Ringdoc from 1964 until early 1990 is also discussed.
Keywords: Drug research information system / manual search / batch retrieval system / online retrieval system / information system for research & development / Ringdoc Japan region