bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wintertime surface temperature in Egypt in relation to the associated atmospheric circulation
Authors: Hasanean H. M.
Published: June 2004

Mean wintertime temperatures (December, January, February) recorded during the period 1905–2000 at 18 weather stations distributed across Egypt were analysed to reveal spatial and temporal patterns of long‐term trends. The relationship between winter atmospheric circulation indices and winter temperature in Egypt is examined using correlation analysis. The atmospheric circulation is represented by four indices: the well‐known El Niño–southern oscillation (ENSO), North Atlantic oscillation (NAO) index, East Atlantic–West Russia (EAWR) index, and East Atlantic (EA) index.

Surface temperature is a stable climatic element whose coefficient of variation (COV) is lower during winter. A statistically significant relation between COV and latitude indicates that stations in the south, Upper Egypt, are more variable than stations in the north, Lower Egypt. Increasing and decreasing winter surface temperature trends were found. In general, wintertime temperature has increased (warming) at most stations. Decreasing trends (cooling) are observed mainly over Upper Egypt. The upward trends in mean winter temperature during the 1910s–30s, mid 1970s, and early 1980s–2000 and the downward trends during the 1940s and 1960s are prominent features of the temporal distributions. The warming period that occurred early in the century may be explained by changes in circulation. Striking upward trends are most remarkable during the last 20 years. This could be attributed not only to human activities, but also to atmospheric circulation changes. No detectable connection between Egypt temperature and either ENSO or EA index was found during winter. A statistically significant negative relationship between winter temperature and winter NAO index can be observed. The NAO index is more dominant in determining winter temperature than ENSO circulation. A significantly stronger negative relationship between temperature over Egypt and the winter EAWR index values is detected. Copyright © 2004 Royal Meteorological Society
Magneto-electric effect on frequency mixing in atoms
Authors: Ovsiannikov V D , Chernushkin V V
Published: June 2004

Steady electric and magnetic fields can stimulate frequency mixing of two laser waves in ensemble of free atoms. In addition to coherence conditions, the steady fields may induce additional resonance singularities essentially enhancing the cross section for scattering the sum-frequency wave. Interference between different components of the electric- and magnetic-field induced frequency summation amplitudes may cause significant effects on the efficiency of conversion. The dependence on the incident wave polarization and the atomic resonance structure is calculated analytically for the frequency mixing in atoms with a singlet structure of the ground and resonance states. Numerical estimates for the quantitative characteristics of the effect are presented for helium, alkali-earth and mercury atoms in their groundn1S0-state in the case of the two-photon resonance on excited singlet states with angular momentum 0, 1, and 2.
Thermooptical comparison of different approaches and lasers for laser
treatment of intraocular tumors
Authors: Pustovalov V K , Jean B
Published: June 2004

Investigation of laser treatment of intraocular tumors
is of great interest for laser applications in ophthalmology and
oncology. The main problem of laser treatment of tumors is to
achieve complete coagulation of tumor body (volume) while the
functioning of neighboring layers is preserved. The possible
routes of laser irradiation (transpupillar, transscleral,
endoscopic) of intraocular tumors are discussed. The investigation
and selection of most appropriate wavelengths of laser radiation
was made on the base of analysis of optical characteristics of
pigmented and nonpigmented tumor tissues taking into account
optical parameters of tumors, blood, melanin, water and results of
computer modelling. It was established that radiation spectral
interval between 1 and 1.3 μm (diode lasers with wavelengths
between 1.0 - 1.3 μm and Nd – Yag laser 1.064, 1.318 μm) is appropriate for these goals.
Modelling the behaviour of RC beams retrofitted with CARDIFRC®
Authors: Karihaloo B. L. , Alaee F. J.
Published: June 2004

A new retrofitting technique based on a material (CARDIFRC®) compatible with concrete has been developed at Cardiff University. It overcomes some of the problems associated with the current techniques based on externally bonded steel plates and FRP (fibre‐reinforced polymer) laminates which are due to the mismatch of their tensile strength and stiffness with that of the concrete structure being retrofitted.

CARDIFRC® is a high‐performance steel‐fibre reinforced cementitious composite characterized by high tensile/flexural strength and high energy‐absorption capacity (i.e. ductility). The special characteristics of CARDIFRC® make it particularly suitable for repair, remedial and upgrading activities (i.e. retrofitting) of existing concrete structures. It has been shown that damaged reinforced concrete beams can be successfully strengthened and rehabilitated in a variety of different retrofit configurations using pre‐cast CARDIFRC® strips adhesively bonded to the prepared surfaces of the damaged beams. To predict the moment resistance/load carrying capacity of the beams retrofitted in this manner two analytical models are described in the present paper. The results of the analytical models are found to be in very good agreement with the test results. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of a constitutive model for concrete to the analysis of a precast segmental tunnel lining
Authors: Winkler B. , Hofstetter G. , Lehar H.
Published: June 2004

A constitutive model for concrete, based on the smeared crack approach and formulated within the framework of the theory of plasticity, is extended by coupling damage due to tensile stresses with damage due to compressive stresses for mixed tension–compression loading and by introducing an isotropic scalar damage model for unloading and reloading. Additionally, a uniaxial model for tension stiffening is extended to reinforced concrete subjected to biaxial stress states. The constitutive model for plain and reinforced concrete is validated by means of test data taken from the literature and by laboratory tests on L‐shaped panels.

Finally, the validated material model is used to perform a non‐linear FE‐analysis of a permanent tunnel lining made of hexagonal precast concrete segments. During the construction work of the lining hairline cracks were detected on the inner surface of some precast segments, running parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tunnel lining. They were supposed to be mainly caused by the installation process of the lining. In order to gain more information about the origin of these cracks, a non‐linear numerical analysis of the installation process of the lining is performed. The results of the numerical simulation, showing under which conditions cracks are initiated, are presented and discussed. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Numerical modelling for earthquake engineering: the case of lightly RC structural walls
Authors: Mazars J. , Ragueneau F. , Casaux G. , Colombo A. , Kotronis P.
Published: June 2004

Different types of numerical models exist to describe the non‐linear behaviour of reinforced concrete structures. Based on the level of discretization they are often classified as refined or simplified ones. The efficiency of two simplified models using beam elements and damage mechanics in describing the global and local behaviour of lightly reinforced concrete structural walls subjected to seismic loadings is investigated in this paper. The first model uses an implicit and the second an explicit numerical scheme. For each case, the results of the CAMUS 2000 experimental programme are used to validate the approaches. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimization of jet‐grouted support in NATM tunnelling
Authors: Pichler Christian , Lackner Roman , Martak Lothar , Mang Herbert A.
Published: June 2004

According to its designation, horizontal jet grouting (HJG) is performed horizontally at the tunnel face in order to form a support structure of improved soil. HJG is employed to reduce the surface settlements in urban tunnelling when buildings and other infrastructure sensitive to settlements are encountered. The yet unanswered question arising from engineering practice of HJG refers to the optimal design of the jet‐grouted support structure and the underlying construction scheme. In this paper, numerical studies in the context of plane‐strain finite element (FE) analyses are presented, comparing different layouts of the support structure as well as different construction schemes. Moreover, the influence of the soil properties is investigated. On the basis of the numerical results, the optimal layout of the jet‐grouted support is identified for various soil stratifications including a homogeneous soil, a relatively soft layer of sand over a stiff layer of gravel, and the reverse situation. Sophisticated thermochemomechanical material models accounting for the strength and stiffness growth as well as chemical shrinkage and creep of cemented soil and shotcrete have been employed in the numerical investigations leading to the results reported in this work. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regularized sequentially linear saw‐tooth softening model
Authors: Rots Jan G. , Invernizzi Stefano
Published: June 2004

After a brief discussion on crack models, it is demonstrated that cracking is often accompanied by snaps and jumps in the load–displacement response which complicate the analysis. This paper provides a solution by simplifying non‐linear crack models into sequentially linear saw‐tooth models, either saw‐tooth tension‐softening for unreinforced material or saw‐tooth tension‐stiffening for reinforced material. A linear analysis is performed, the most critical element is traced, the stiffness and strength of that element are reduced according to the saw‐tooth curve, and the process is repeated. This approach circumvents the use of incremental–iterative procedures and negative stiffness moduli and is inherently stable. The main part of the paper is devoted to a regularization procedure that provides mesh‐size objectivity of the saw‐tooth model. The procedure is similar to the one commonly used in the smeared crack framework but, in addition, both the initial tensile strength and the ultimate strain are rescaled. In this way, the dissipated fracture energy is invariant with respect not only to the mesh size, but also to the number of saw‐teeth adopted to discretize the softening branch.

Finally, the potential of the model for large‐scale fracture analysis is demonstrated. A masonry façade subjected to tunnelling induced settlements is analysed. The very sharp snap‐backs associated with brittle fracture of the façade automatically emerge with sequentially linear analysis, whereas non‐linear analysis of the façade using smeared or discrete crack models shows substantial difficulties despite the use of arc‐length schemes. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemo‐hygro‐mechanical modelling and numerical simulation of concrete deterioration caused by alkali‐silica reaction
Authors: Bangert F. , Kuhl D. , Meschke G.
Published: June 2004

The paper presents a macroscopic model for the description of concrete deterioration caused by alkali–silica reaction (ASR). Based on concepts of the Theory of Porous Media, concrete is regarded as a mixture of three superimposed and interacting constituents: the skeleton, the pore liquid and the pore gas. The skeleton in turn represents a mixture of the unreacted, unswollen and the already reacted, swollen material. When ASR takes place, mass of the unreacted material is non‐instantaneously converted into mass of the reacted material. Since the unreacted material is characterized by a smaller density, the material swells. In the proposed model the dependence of the kinetics and the magnitude of the swelling process on the moisture content is taken into account. The properties of the model are investigated by means of one‐dimensional parametric studies on the material level. Finally, the suitability of the model on the structural level is demonstrated by means of the numerical simulation of a concrete beam. It turns out, that deterioration by ASR is driven by the simultaneous activation of moisture diffusion and reaction kinetics resulting in a drastic reduction of the limit load and stiffness of concrete structures. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Subdivision schemes for smooth contact surfaces of arbitrary mesh topology in 3D
Authors: Stadler M. , Holzapfel G. A.
Published: June 2004

This paper presents a strategy to parameterize contact surfaces of arbitrary mesh topology in 3D with at least C1‐continuity for both quadrilateral and triangular meshes. In the regular mesh domain, four quadrilaterals or six triangles meet in one node, even C2‐continuity is attained. Therefore, we use subdivision surfaces, for which non‐physical pressure jumps are avoided for contact interactions. They are usually present when the contact kinematics is based on facet elements discretizing the interacting bodies. The properties of subdivision surfaces give rise to basically four different implementation strategies. Each strategy has specific features and requires more or less efforts for an implementation in a finite element program. One strategy is superior with respect to the others in the sense that it does not use nodal degrees of freedom of the finite element mesh at the contact surface. Instead, it directly uses the degrees of freedom of the smooth surface. Thereby, remarkably, it does not require an interpolation. We show how the proposed method can be used to parameterize adaptively refined meshes with hanging nodes. This is essential when dealing with finite element models whose geometry is generated by means of subdivision techniques. Three numerical 3D problems demonstrate the improved accuracy, robustness and performance of the proposed method over facet‐based contact surfaces. In particular, the third problem, adopted from biomechanics, shows the advantages when designing complex contact surfaces by means of subdivision techniques. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A contact algorithm for the Signorini problem using space–time finite elements
Authors: Pattillo P. D. , Tortorelli D. A.
Published: June 2004

The most common approach in the finite‐element modelling of continuum systems over space and time is to employ the finite‐element discretization over the spatial domain to reduce the problem to a system of ordinary differential equations in time. The desired time integration scheme can then be used to step across the so‐called time slabs, mesh configurations in which every element shares the same degree of time refinement. These techniques may become inefficient when the nature of the initial boundary value problem is such that a high degree of time refinement is required only in specific spatial regions of the mesh. Ideally one would be able to increase the time refinement only in those necessary regions. We achieve this flexibility by employing space–time elements with independent interpolation functions in both space and time. Our method is used to examine the classic contact problem of Signorini and allows us to increase the time refinement only in the spatial region adjacent to the contact interface. We also develop an interface‐tracking algorithm that tracks the contact boundary through the space–time mesh and compare our results with those of Hertz contact theory. Copyright 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the Galerkin formulation of the smoothed particle hydrodynamics method
Authors: Cueto‐Felgueroso L. , Colominas I. , Mosqueira G. , Navarrina F. , Casteleiro M.
Published: June 2004

In this paper, we propose a Galerkin‐based smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) formulation with moving least‐squares meshless approximation, applied to free surface flows. The Galerkin scheme provides a clear framework to analyse several procedures widely used in the classical SPH literature, suggesting that some of them should be reformulated in order to develop consistent algorithms. The performance of the methodology proposed is tested through various dynamic simulations, demonstrating the attractive ability of particle methods to handle severe distortions and complex phenomena. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimization by random search with jumps
Authors: Li Chunshien , Priemer Roland , Cheng Kuo‐Hsiang
Published: June 2004

We give a random optimization (RO) algorithm to optimize a real‐valued function of n real variables. During the optimization process, interpolation points are examined to follow valleys, and jumps to new starting points are executed to avoid numerous iterations in local minima. Convergence with probability one to the global minimum of a function is proved. The proposed RO method is a simple, derivative‐free and computationally moderate algorithm, with excellent performance compared to other RO methods. Seven functions, which are commonly used to test the performance of optimization methods, are used to evaluate the performance of the RO algorithm given here. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new extension of the natural element method for non‐convex and discontinuous problems: the constrained natural element method (C‐NEM)
Authors: Yvonnet J. , Ryckelynck D. , Lorong P. , Chinesta F.
Published: June 2004

In this paper a new extension of the mesh‐free natural element method (NEM) is presented. In this approach, coined as constrained natural element method (C‐NEM), a visibility criterion is introduced to select natural neighbours in the computation of the shape functions. The computation of these shape functions is based on a modified, constrained Voronoi diagram. With this technique, some difficulties inherent to this method in non‐convex domains are avoided and the analysis of problems involving cracks or discontinuities are now easily performed. As the NEM satisfies the Kronecker delta property, the imposition of essential boundary conditions is trivial, unlike other mesh‐free methods. The C‐NEM technique provides a description of integration cells that allows the use of the stabilized conforming nodal integration (SCNI) scheme instead of Gauss integration to enhance computational efficiency and accuracy. Two numerical examples in elastostatics are reported to evaluate the potential of the proposed technique in highly non‐convex geometries, like a crack, through which the solution becomes discontinuous. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes as tracers of change in diet breadth during Middle and Upper Palaeolithic in Europe
Authors: Drucker D. , Bocherens H.
Published: June 2004

Carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios in fossil bone collagen have been used as evidence for an increase of diet breadth between Middle Palaeolithic Neanderthals and Early Upper Palaeolithic anatomically modern humans. In this paper, we revisit the rules of palaeodietary reconstruction using collagen stable isotopes and reassess the possible isotopic signatures of potential protein resources available to prehistoric humans. It appears that the interpretation of the human's isotopic signature does not necessarily imply a significant proportion of aquatic‐derived protein in the diet neither for Neandertal nor for first anatomically modern humans in Europe. Exploitation of aquatic ecosystems by humans needs to be supported by further zooarchaeological evidence. Nevertheless, isotopic biogeochemistry of fossil human collagen can be very useful in palaeodietary reconstructions provided that basic rules are followed while selecting samples of coeval fauna, in order to establish the end members of different food resources. Significant progress investigating the evolution of subsistence strategies in fossil hominids is expected from a combination of zooarchaeological and isotopic data. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neanderthal–modern human competition? A comparison between the mammals associated with Middle and Upper Palaeolithic industries in Europe during OIS 3
Authors: Stewart J. R.
Published: June 2004

The extinction of the Neanderthals is generally believed to be due to interspecific competition with modern humans. This hypothesis is tested using the faunas accompanying Upper and Middle Palaeolithic archaeology in Europe dating to OIS 3 and the start of OIS 2 (60–20 ka BP). The issue is also considered in the light of ecological theory, controlled experiments and field studies of competition between congeneric species. This paper concludes that competition between modern humans and Neanderthals is not easily demonstrated and that if it did exist it need not have caused Neanderthal extinction. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vanishing carnivores: what can the disappearance of large carnivores tell us about the Neanderthal world?
Authors: Estévez Jordí
Published: June 2004

This paper examines the relationship between the extinction of carnivores and the disappearance of the Neanderthals. The Iberian Peninsula, as the westernmost point of Eurasia, is the key for an understanding of either the replacement or the continuity of hominids. Cave bear evolutionary history shares some trends with that of the Neanderthals. This means that most of the causes cited to explain the disappearance of Neanderthals have some implications that are linked with this carnivore's history. Some of the causes for the extinction of both are presented together and discussed. We analyse the contrast between the evidence from both central Europe and the Iberian Peninsula, which suggests a cause different from mere climatic stress for the extinction. The problems of the Iberian archaeological record are revised and we stress the need for a large European research programme to verify the data. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Middle Palaeolithic subsistence in the Lone Valley (Swabian Alb, southern Germany)
Authors: Krönneck P. , Niven L. , Uerpmann H.‐P.
Published: June 2004

Southern Germany is rich with Palaeolithic cave sites, many of which are concentrated in the extensive karst systems of several river valleys. Artefact inventories and faunal assemblages from these sites are renowned but less is known about the Middle Palaeolithic faunas. This paper provides an evaluation of faunas from key Middle Palaeolithic cave localities of the Lone Valley including new results from the sites of Bockstein and Vogelherd. These assemblages reflect high species diversity, particularly of large‐ and medium‐sized herbivores as well as large carnivores. Horse is the most frequent prey animal in both Bocksteinschmiede III and Vogelherd VII. Several anthropogenic signatures characterize the Bocksteinschmiede III fauna, but the role of hominids is less clear in the bone accumulation from Vogelherd VII. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Change and continuity in subsistence during the Middle and Upper Palaeolithic in the Ach Valley of Swabia (south‐west Germany)
Authors: Münzel S. C. , Conard N. J.
Published: June 2004

This paper examines the faunal assemblages from Middle Palaeolithic cave sites in the Ach Valley and views them in a broader chronological context along with the Upper Palaeolithic assemblages of the region. We present data from the key Middle Palaeolithic sites of Geißenklösterle, Sirgenstein, Große Grotte and Kogelstein. Except Kogelstein, which is a hyena den, the other three sites served as cave bear hibernation dens, where cave bear is the most abundant species. The most frequent game species during the Upper Palaeolithic are horse, mammoth and reindeer. But these animals are mainly represented by specific skeletal elements, which were important as raw material for the production of organic tools. The large variety of organic tools made from bone, antler, and ivory, and the refuse resulting from their production in Upper Palaeolithic layers stands in contrast to the extreme rarity of organic tools and production debris in Middle Palaeolithic layers. The faunal assemblages in the Ach Valley document continuity in the seasonal use of the landscape and the preferred game, but reflect changes in the use of sites and organic technology between the Middle and the Upper Palaeolithic. Based on the faunal and lithic assemblages from the caves of the Ach Valley, most of the sites were used more intensively in the Upper Palaeolithic than in the Middle Palaeolithic. If these assemblages provide representative samples, the available data suggest lower population densities and greater mobility of Neanderthals during the Middle Palaeolithic than of modern humans during the Upper Palaeolithic. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Faunal analysis from Amud Cave: preliminary results and interpretations
Authors: Rabinovich Rivka , Hovers Erella
Published: June 2004

The Late Mousterian Neanderthal site of Amud Cave (dated ca. 70–55 kyr) is situated on the margins of the Dead Sea Rift, about 5 km northwest of the Sea of Galilee. Recent excavations at the site yielded rich lithic, faunal and human skeletal assemblages. This paper presents some characteristics of the faunal assemblages from Amud Cave, combined with pertinent results of taphonomic and micromorphological studies, and places them in the context of other Late Mousterian archaeofaunas in the southern Levant. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Variation in mortality profiles of red deer (Cervus elaphus) in Middle Palaeolithic assemblages from western Europe
Authors: Steele T. E.
Published: June 2004

Prey age‐at‐death is often used to assess hunting strategies, but the age profiles of animals represented in Middle Palaeolithic ungulate assemblages vary through time and across space. Understanding this diversity is important for reconstructing human behavioural evolution. To explore this issue, I studied one species, red deer (Cervus elaphus), in late Acheulean and Middle Palaeolithic assemblages from France (Combe‐Grenal, Lazaret, and Piégu) and northern Spain (Gabasa 1 and Labeko Koba). I reconstructed age distributions using three methods: histograms, boxplots of median crown heights, and modified triangular plots, and two tooth combinations: dp4/p4 and dp4/m1. Two modern samples served as comparative baselines: a sample of C. elaphus killed by modern hunters in western Montana, USA and a sample of C. elaphus hunted by wolves reintroduced into Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA. The mortality distributions of the modern samples differ dramatically. The wolf‐hunted sample contains more juvenile and old individuals, while the human‐hunted sample has more young adults. The fossil age structures fall into two clusters: 1) Gabasa 1 and Labeko Koba with a high proportion of juvenile red deer and few prime‐aged adults, and 2) Combe‐Grenal, Lazaret, and Piégu with equal abundances of juvenile and prime‐aged red deer. I consider possible explanations for this pattern. More sites and more detailed analyses are needed to determine conclusively that the difference is related ancient human behaviour and not other pre‐ and post‐depositional processes. However, the assemblage from Gabasa Cave is important for demonstrating that deciduous teeth can be well preserved in the Late Pleistocene fossil record. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Expectations, performance, and citizen satisfaction with urban services
Authors: Van Ryzin Gregg G.
Published: June 2004

The expectancy disconfirmation model has dominated private‐sector research on customer satisfaction for several decades, yet it has not been applied to citizen satisfaction with urban services. The model views satisfaction judgments as determined—not just by product or service performance—but by a process in which consumers compare performance with their prior expectations. Using data from a New York City citizen survey, this study finds that citizen expectations, and especially the disconfirmation of expectations—factors that previously have not been considered in empirical studies of the determinants of citizen satisfaction—play a fundamental role in the formation of satisfaction judgments regarding the quality of urban services. Interestingly, the modeling results suggest that urban managers should seek to promote not only high‐quality services, but also high expectations among citizens. Additional implications for research and public management practice are discussed. © 2004 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.
Does merit pay reward good teachers? Evidence from a randomized experiment
Authors: Dee Thomas S. , Keys Benjamin J.
Published: June 2004

A common criticism of merit‐pay plans is that they fail to systematically target rewards to the most effective teachers. This study presents new evidence on this issue by evaluating data from Tennessee's Career Ladder Evaluation System and the Project STAR class‐size experiment. Because the students and teachers participating in the experiment were randomly assigned, inferences about the relative quality of teachers certified by the career ladder should be unbiased. The results indicate that Tennessee's career ladder had mixed success in rewarding teachers who increased student achievement. Assignment to career‐ladder teachers increased mathematics scores by roughly 3 percentile points but generally had smaller and statistically insignificant effects on reading scores. © 2004 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.
Stigma and other determinants of participation in TANF and Medicaid
Authors: Stuber Jennifer , Kronebusch Karl
Published: June 2004

We developed a conceptual framework to examine the association between stigma, enrollment barriers (e.g., difficult application), knowledge, state policy, and participation in the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) and adult Medicaid programs. Survey data from 901 community health center patients, who were potential and actual participants in these programs, indicated that while images of the Medicaid program and its recipients were generally positive, stigma associated with welfare stereotypes reduced both TANF and Medicaid enrollment. Expectations of poor treatment when applying for Medicaid, enrollment barriers, and misinformation about program rules were also associated with reduced Medicaid enrollment. States that enacted strict welfare reform policies were potentially decreasing TANF participation, while states with more simplified and generous programs were potentially increasing Medicaid participation. The results suggest that the image of the adult Medicaid program remains tied to perceptions about welfare and provides guidance to policymakers about how to improve participation rates. © 2004 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.
Collaborative environmental institutions: All talk and no action?
Authors: Lubell Mark
Published: June 2004

Many analysts view collaborative institutions that attempt to forge consensus and build cooperation among conflicting stakeholders as a potential remedy to the pathologies of conventional environmental policy. However, few analyses have demonstrated that collaborative institutions actually increase levels of cooperation, and critics accuse collaborative institutions of all talk and no action. This paper reports the use a quasi‐experimental design to compare the levels of consensus and cooperation in coastal watersheds with and without U.S. EPA's National Estuary Programs, one of the most prominent national examples of collaborative institutions in the environmental policy domain. Panel survey data from more than 800 respondents shows that while the level of consensus is higher in NEP estuaries, there is no difference between NEP and non‐NEP estuaries in the level of cooperation. © 2004 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.
Big field, small potatoes: An empirical assessment of EPA's self‐audit policy
Authors: Pfaff Alexander , Sanchirico Chris William
Published: June 2004

Environmental self‐auditing is said to deserve and require encouragement. Although firms can audit themselves more cheaply and effectively than regulators, they are deterred for fear that information they uncover will be used against them. To reduce this disincentive, the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Audit Policy lowers punitive fines when firms promptly disclose and correct self‐discovered violations. While some contend that the Audit Policy is inadequate, EPA touts its success based on the policy's track record. Our examination of that track record leads us to question EPA's claim. Comparing the violations in these cases with those detected by standard EPA enforcement suggests that the typical self‐audited violation is relatively minor. Cases arising under the Policy are more likely to concern reporting violations and less likely to concern emissions. The relative insignificance of self‐audited violations raises a number of policy questions, including whether the Audit Policy should be revised to play a larger role in enforcement. © 2004 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.
Efficacy of combined surgery and irradiation for localized Ewings sarcoma family of tumors
Authors: Krasin Matthew J. , Rodriguez‐Galindo Carlos , Davidoff Andrew M. , Billups Catherine A. , Fuller Christine E. , Neel Michael D. , Kun Larry E. , Merchant Thomas E.
Published: June 2004

Background

Local tumor control for patients with Ewings sarcoma family of tumors (ESFT) is favorable when the primary tumor is resectable or small. Local failure rates for patients who received combined surgery and RT were reviewed to determine outcome and prognostic factors.

Procedures

We performed a retrospective review of all patients with localized ESFT treated with combined definitive surgery and RT between 1978 and 2001, at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Rates of local failure, survival, and prognostic factors for recurrence were determined in 39 patients who received combined local therapy. Systemic treatment included vincristine, actinomycin D, cyclophosphamide, and doxorubicin (6 patients), with the addition of ifosfamide and etoposide (33 patients).

Results

With a median follow‐up of 8.7 years the 5‐ and 8‐year survival estimates were 89.2 ± 5.4% and 82.8 ± 7.3%. The 8‐year incidence of local failure was 10.8 ± 5.2%. The 8‐year local failure rate for patients with positive surgical margins was 17% and for negative surgical margins 5% (P = 0.25). Overall survival was improved for patients with negative surgical margins (94 vs. 71%, P = 0.052). Tumor size, site, histologic response, and radiation dose did not significantly alter the rate of local failure.

Conclusions

Patients with ESFT managed with definitive surgery and irradiation have favorable local control rates. Even among patients with unfavorable prognostic factors local tumor control remained excellent. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reverse atom transfer radical polymerization of n‐butyl methacrylate in an aqueous dispersed system
Authors: Peng Hui , Cheng Shiyuan , Feng Linxian
Published: June 2004

Reverse atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of n‐butyl methacrylate (BMA) was conducted in an aqueous dispersed system. The influence of the surfactant, catalyst, reaction time and temperature on the colloidal stability and the control of polymerization was investigated. As a result, using an azo initiator (AIBN), a non‐ionic surfactant (Brij 35) and a hydrophobic ligand (dNbpy) to complex a copper halide, polymers with predetermined molecular weight and low polydispersity were obtained as stable latexes. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Proteome analysis of barley seeds: Identification of major proteins from two‐dimensional gels (pI 4–7)
Authors: Østergaard Ole , Finnie Christine , Laugesen Sabrina , Roepstorff Peter , Svennson Birte
Published: June 2004

Germination of monocotyledonous plants involves activation and de novo synthesis of enzymes that degrade cell walls and starch and mobilize stored endosperm reserves for embryo growth. Two‐dimensional (2‐D) gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry were applied to identify major water‐soluble proteins in extracts of mature barley (Hordeum vulgare) seeds and to follow their fate during germination. About 1200 and 600 spots of pI 4–7 were detected on 2‐D gels by silver staining and colloidal Coomassie Brilliant Blue staining, respectively. About 300 spots were selected for in‐gel digestion followed by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization‐mass spectrometry‐peptide map fingerprint analysis. Database searches using measured peptide masses resulted in 198 identifications of 103 proteins in 177 spots. These include housekeeping enzymes, chaperones, defence proteins (including enzyme inhibitors), and proteins related to desiccation and oxidative stress. Sixty‐four of the identifications were made using expressed sequence tags (ESTs). Numerous spots in the 2‐D gel pattern changed during germination (micromalting) and an intensely stained area which contained large amounts of the serpin protein Z appeared centrally on the 2‐D gel. Spots containing α‐amylase also appeared. Identification of 22 spots after three days of germination represented 13 different database entries and 11 functions including hydrolytic enzymes, chaperones, housekeeping enzymes, and inhibitors.
Pleiotropic molecular effects of the pro‐apoptotic dietary constituent flavone in human colon cancer cells identified by protein and mRNA expression profiling
Authors: Herzog Angelika , Kindermann Birgit , Döring Frank , Daniel Hannelore , Wenzel Uwe
Published: June 2004

The flavonoid flavone contained in a variety of fruits and vegetables was identified as a very potent apoptosis inducer in human colonic cancer cells. In search of the molecular targets of flavone action in HT‐29 cells we analyzed changes in mRNA and protein expression levels by proteomics and oligonucleotide array technologies. Proteome analysis identified several heat‐shock proteins, annexins, and cytoskeletal caspase substrates as regulated by flavone and these protein classes are known to play a role in apoptosis induction and execution. Protein kinase C‐β, which serves as an ultimate marker for colon cancer development was no longer detectable in HT‐29 cells exposed to flavone. Besides proteins involved in gene regulation or detoxification pathways, proteins involved in intermediary metabolism were altered by flavone exposure and this was associated with changes in the flux of energetic substrates. Oligonucleotide arrays, using chips with around 10 000 oligonucleotides spotted, revealed numerous changes in transcript levels of genes related to signaling, transcription, cancer development but also to metabolism. In conclusion, flavone has a surprisingly broad spectrum of effects on mRNA and protein expression in a human colonic cancer cell line with clusters of targets related to its apoptosis‐inducing activity and to cellular metabolism.
Proteomic response to amino acid starvation inCandida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Yin Zhikang , Stead David , Selway Laura , Walker Janet , Riba‐Garcia Isabel , Mclnerney Tracey , Gaskell Simon , Oliver Stephen G. , Cash Philip , Brown Alistair J. P.
Published: June 2004

Saccharomyces cerevisiae activates general amino acid control (GCN) in response to amino acid starvation. Some aspects of this response are known to be conserved in other fungi including Candida albicans, the major systemic fungal pathogen of humans. Here, we describe a proteomic comparison of the GCN responses in S. cerevisiae and C. albicans. We have used high‐resolution two‐dimensional (2‐D) gel electrophoresis and peptide mass fingerprinting to develop a 2‐D protein map of C. albicans. A total of 391 protein spots, representing 316 open reading frames, were identified. Fifty‐five C. albicans and 65 S. cerevisiae proteins were identified that responded reproducibly to 3‐aminotriazole (3AT) in a Gcn4p‐dependent fashion. The changes in the S. cerevisiae proteome correlated with the response in the S. cerevisiae transcript profile to 3AT treatment (rank correlation coefficient = 0.59; Natarajan et al., Molec. Cell. Biol. 2001, 21, 4347–4368). Significant aspects of the GCN response were conserved in C. albicans and S. cerevisiae. In both fungi, amino acid biosynthetic enzymes on multiple metabolic pathways were induced by 3AT in a Gcn4p‐dependent fashion. Carbon metabolism functions were also induced. However, subtle differences were observed between these fungi. For example, purine biosynthetic enzymes were induced in S. cerevisiae, but were not significantly induced in C. albicans. These differences presumably reflect the contrasting niches of these relatively benign and pathogenic yeasts, respectively.
Proteomics of buccal squamous cell carcinoma: The involvement of multiple pathways in tumorigenesis
Authors: Chen Jia , He Qing‐Yu , Yuen Anthony Po‐Wing , Chiu Jeng‐Fu
Published: June 2004

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the buccal mucosa is an aggressive oral cancer. It mainly occurs in Central and Southeast Asia, and is closely related to the practice of tobacco smoking and betel squid chewing. The high recurrence and low survival rates of buccal SCC require our continued efforts to understand the pathogenesis of the disease for designing better therapeutic strategies. We used proteomic technology to analyze buccal SCC tissues aiming at identifying tumor‐associated proteins for the utilization as biomarkers or molecular targets. With the exception of alpha B‐crystallin being substantially reduced, a number of proteins were found to be significantly over‐expressed in cancer tissues. These increased proteins included glycolytic enzymes, heat‐shock proteins, tumor antigens, cytoskeleton proteins, enzymes involved in detoxification and anti‐oxidation systems, and proteins involved in mitochondrial and intracellular signaling pathways. These extensive protein variations indicate that multiple cellular pathways were involved in the process of tumorigenesis, and suggest that multiple protein molecules should be simultaneously targeted as an effective strategy to counter the disease. At least, SCC antigen, G protein, glutathione S‐transferase, manganese superoxide dismutase, annexins, voltage‐dependent anion channel, cyclophilin A, stratifin and galectin 7 are candidates for targeted proteins. The present findings also demonstrated that rich protein information can be produced by means of proteomic analysis for a better understanding of the oncogenesis and pathogenesis in a global way, which in turn is a basis for the rational designs of diagnostic and therapeutic methods.
Identification of swiprosin 1 in human lymphocytes
Authors: Vuadens Françoise , Rufer Nathalie , Kress Annegret , Corthésy Patricia , Schneider Philippe , Tissot Jean‐Daniel
Published: June 2004

The aim of this work was to identify a new protein that discriminated CD8 from CD4 and CD19 lymphocytes. Proteins were separated by high‐resolution two‐dimensional electrophoresis. After silver staining, the gel images were captured with a laser densitometer, and studied with a dedicated software. This study confirmed the presence of two spots that appeared to be preferentially associated with CD8 lymphocytes, and mass spectrometry analyzes (liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry, LC‐MS/MS) identified six peptides for one spot and four for the other. The peptide sequences corresponded to an unknown protein that we named swiprosin 1 (Swiss‐Prot Q96C19). Molecular analysis (reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction, RT‐PCR) and Northern blots confirmed that the gene expression was increased in purified populations of CD8 lymphocytes, when compared to CD19 and CD4 lymphocytes. Database mining revealed that swiprosin 1 contains two potential EF‐hand domains, and therefore may have a role in calcium signaling. Its predominant presence in CD8 lymphocytes suggests that it may be involved in functions that are important for cytotoxic lymphocytes.
Purification of biotinylated proteins on streptavidin resin: A protocol for quantitative elution
Authors: Rybak Jascha‐N. , Scheurer Simone B. , Neri Dario , Elia Giuliano
Published: June 2004

The interaction between streptavidin and biotin is one of the most widely used tools in chemistry and biology. However, the release of biotinylated proteins from streptavidin resins remains a major problem, due to the extraordinary stability of this complex. We present a new protocol for the quantitative elution of biotinylated proteins from streptavidin Sepharose, featuring harsh elution conditions and competition with free biotin. The usefulness of the method was demonstrated by the quantitative recovery of biotinylated proteins from organ homogenates, obtained from mice perfused with a reactive ester derivative of biotin.
Synthesis of poly(vinylene arsine)s through the ring‐collapsed radical alternating copolymerization of an organoarsenic homocycle with aliphatic acetylenes and their properties
Authors: Umeyama Tomokazu , Naka Kensuke , Chujo Yoshiki
Published: June 2004

Poly(vinylene arsine)s with no aromatic substituent ([CHCRAsMe]n) were prepared through a radical alternating copolymerization of acetylenic compounds having an alkyl substituent with an organoarsenic homocycle as an arsenic‐atomic biradical equivalent. The radical reaction between 1‐octyne and pentamethylcyclopentaarsine, with a catalytic amount of 2,2′‐azobisisobutyronitrile without a solvent (60 °C, 10 h), produced the corresponding poly(vinylene arsine)s (45% yield). The copolymers obtained were soluble in tetrahydrofuran, chloroform, hexane, and so on. The copolymers were characterized with 1H and 13C NMR spectra. The number‐average molecular weights of the copolymers were estimated with gel permeation chromatography (chloroform and polystyrene standards) to be 6500. The copolymers showed an emission property attributable to the n–π* transition in the main chain. Irradiation by an incandescent lamp of a mixture of 1‐octyne and 1 also produced poly(vinylene arsine)s. The conversion rate of 1‐octyne during the copolymerization with 2,2′‐azobisisobutyronitrile was measured with gas chromatography analysis and was found to be much slower than that of phenylacetylene. A radical terpolymerization of cyclo‐(AsMe)5 with 1‐octyne and styrene was carried out to yield the terpolymer. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 3604–3611, 2004
Liquid‐crystalline thermosets from liquid‐crystalline epoxy resins containing bisazomethinebiphenylene mesogens in the central core: Copolymerization with a nonmesomorphic epoxy resin
Authors: Castell Pere , Serra Angels , Galià Marina
Published: June 2004

A new series of liquid‐crystalline epoxy resins was synthesized, and their mesomorphic behavior was investigated with differential scanning calorimetry, polarized optical microscopy, and wide‐angle X‐ray scattering. These glycidylic compounds had central aromatic imine mesogens derived from benzidine and aliphatic spacers of up to 10 methylene units that linked the mesogens to the glycidylic groups. Crosslinking these monomers with primary aromatic diamines led to nematic networks, some of which contained crystal inclusions. However, through curing with tertiary amines as catalytic agents or through copolymerization with different proportions of the nonmesomorphic epoxy monomer and primary amines as crosslinking agents, smectic C organized thermosets were prepared when the spacers had at least four methylene carbons. When they had fewer than four, the networks were nematic. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 3631–3643, 2004