bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of WRF Forecasts of Tornadic and Nontornadic Outbreaks When Initialized with Synoptic-Scale Input
Authors: Shafer Chad M. , Mercer Andrew E. , Doswell Charles A. , Richman Michael B. , Leslie Lance M. 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
Uncertainty exists concerning the links between synoptic-scale processes and tornado outbreaks. With continuously improving computer technology, a large number of high-resolution model simulations can be conducted to study these outbreaks to the storm scale, to determine the degree to which synoptic-scale processes appear to influence the occurrence of tornado outbreaks, and to determine how far in advance these processes are important. To this end, 50 tornado outbreak simulations are compared with 50 primarily nontornadic outbreak simulations initialized with synoptic-scale input using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) mesoscale model to determine if the model is able to distinguish the outbreak type 1, 2, and 3 days in advance of the event. The model simulations cannot resolve tornadoes explicitly; thus, the use of meteorological covariates (in the form of numerous severe-weather parameters) is necessary to determine whether or not the model is predicting a tornado outbreak. Results indicate that, using the covariates, the WRF model can discriminate outbreak type consistently at least up to 3 days in advance. The severe-weather parameters that are most helpful in discriminating between outbreak types include low-level and deep-layer shear variables and the lifting condensation level. An analysis of the spatial structures and temporal evolution, as well as the magnitudes, of the severe-weather parameters is critical to diagnose the outbreak type correctly. Thermodynamic instability parameters are not helpful in distinguishing the outbreak type, primarily because of a strong seasonal dependence and convective modification in the simulations.
Experimental Dynamical Seasonal Forecasts of Tropical Cyclone Activity at IRI
Authors: Camargo Suzana J. , Barnston Anthony G. 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
The International Research Institute for Climate and Society (IRI) has been issuing experimental seasonal tropical cyclone activity forecasts for several ocean basins since early 2003. In this paper the method used to obtain these forecasts is described and the forecast performance is evaluated. The forecasts are based on tropical cyclone–like features detected and tracked in a low-resolution climate model, namely ECHAM4.5. The simulation skill of the model using historical observed sea surface temperatures (SSTs) over several decades, as well as with SST anomalies persisted from the previous month’s observations, is discussed. These simulation skills are compared with skills of purely statistically based hindcasts using as predictors recently observed SSTs. For the recent 6-yr period during which real-time forecasts have been made, the skill of the raw model output is compared with that of the subjectively modified probabilistic forecasts actually issued.
Despite variations from one basin to another, the levels of hindcast skill for the dynamical and statistical forecast approaches are found, overall, to be approximately equivalent at fairly modest but statistically significant levels. The dynamical forecasts require statistical postprossessing (calibration) to be competitive with, and in some circumstances superior to, the statistical models. Skill levels decrease only slowly with increasing lead time up to 2–3 months. During the recent period of real-time forecasts, the issued forecasts have had higher probabilistic skill than the raw model output, due to the forecasters’ subjective elimination of the “overconfidence” bias in the model’s forecasts. Prospects for the future improvement of dynamical tropical cyclone prediction are considered.
A New Diffusion Scheme for Numerical Models Based on Full Irreversibility
Authors: Liu C. , Liu Y. , Xu H. 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
In this work, the forecast accuracy of a numerical weather prediction model is improved by emulating physical dissipation as suggested by the second law of thermodynamics, which controls the irreversible evolutionary direction of a many-body system like the atmosphere. The ability of the new physics-based scheme to improve model accuracy is demonstrated via the case of the one-dimensional viscous Burgers equation and the one-dimensional diffusion equation, as well as a series of numerical simulations of the well-known 1998 successive torrential rains along the Yangtze River valley and 365 continuous 24-h simulations during 2005–06 with decreased root-mean-square errors and improved forecasts in all of the simulations.
Public sector benchmarking: a survey of scientific articles, 1990—2005
Authors: Braadbaart Okke , Yusnandarshah Benni 
Published: September 2008

This article assesses the past 15 years' evolution of Public Sector Benchmarking (PSB) research. We do so with a database of 147 peer-reviewed articles published between 1990 and 2005. Over this period PSB evolved into a mature and strongly international field of research. A theoretical and conceptual rift runs through the literature, with those advocating PSB as a tool for managed competition on one side, and those promoting benchmarking as a voluntary and collaborative learning process on the other. A first challenge facing future PSB researchers is that of closing the gap between the managed and voluntary benchmarking perspectives; a second challenge concerns empirical tests that capture the effects of different benchmarking regimes on the performance of public sector providers. Points for practitioners Benchmarking is widely advocated as a tool for enhancing the performance of public sector providers. This article reviews the academic literature on benchmarking. This literature suggests that public sector benchmarking can fulfill its promise if only policy-makers pay sufficient attention to benchmarking design, particularly the development of appropriate accounting systems and the balancing of collaborative and competitive elements. Dos and don'ts for PSB innovators are discussed in the concluding section. An extensive reference list is appended to the article.
Supreme Audit Institutions and their communication strategies
Authors: González Belén , López Antonio , García Roberto 
Published: September 2008

In the past, Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) rarely publicized their work. In the 1990s, a few began to publish booklets and brochures for popular consumption and to establish ties with the media. These days, SAIs are concerned about communication. A communication policy completes their cycle of accountability, justifies their existence, is an essential component of their independence and efficiency and brings about measures which assess the impact of their work.The aim of this article is to analyse the latest communication strategies developed by SAIs in order to publicize the results of their activity and to provide the public with an overall vision of what they do. The study, based on a questionnaire sent out to European Union SAIs, highlights the fact that these bodies undertake wide-ranging communication activities involving a close relationship with the media and the use of Internet websites. Points for practitioners This article explores the most recent developments in European Union SAI communication strategy. Based on survey research, the study concludes that SAIs maintain a close relationship with the media and have been able to take advantage of the opportunity offered by the Internet to publish their results and to provide users with an overview of their work. For SAIs, this analysis allows them to be graded in terms of their relationship with the media and how they use Internet websites. Hence it will be possible to establish criteria leading to improvements or maintenance of their relative situation.
Women and family-friendly policies in the Korean government
Authors: Kim Sangmook 
Published: September 2008

This paper discusses the desires and realities of women and family-friendly policies in the Korean government. The implementation of policies for gender equality during the past two decades has increased the ratio of women in the civil service. As the number of women in the government has increased, family-friendly policies have been provided for civil servants to balance work and personal life. Family-friendly policies are expected to positively affect the civil servants and government performance. However, the family-friendly policies are not effectively implemented because they are not properly bundled, and civil servants are reluctant to take advantage of these policies under male-centered organizational practices. To aid civil servants in balancing the role requirements of work and family, government organizations should create family-friendly work environments by not only instituting various proper family-friendly programs but also by promoting a supportive culture. Several efforts for establishing such a supportive culture are suggested. Points for practitioners To aid civil servants in balancing the role requirements of work and family, government organizations should create family-friendly work environments by instituting various family-friendly programs and by promoting supportive work—family culture. Only providing family-friendly programs without promoting cultural change is insufficient. Several efforts are essential to establish a supportive work—family culture. First of all, the organizational leaders should be aware of the positive effects of family-friendly programs on employees' attitude and behavior and organizational performance. They need to make civil servants believe that their careers will not be negatively affected by using family-friendly benefits through providing them with counseling and education on family-friendly programs and work—life balance. They should also make every effort to reduce the male-centered organizational practices and to support the work—family concerns of the civil servants.
A cultural ecology of New Public Management
Authors: Pillay Soma 
Published: September 2008

During the 1980s, new public management (NPM) evolved as a universal model of reform and governance in public sector management. However, in practice, there have been significant differences between countries that have been successful in NPM reform and those that have not. Drawing on institutional theory and frameworks of national culture, this article is aimed at exploring the applicability of NPM in a particular cultural context. In particular, the study analyses the applicability of NPM in the developing economy of South Africa. Using Hofstede's construct of national culture and institutional theory, social units within South Africa are explained. A cultural theory is presented whereby NPM is depicted as a culturally dependent strategy. The present study proposes a cultural theory that takes into account the differences that exist among the cultures of various countries. It is suggested that the successful implementation of NPM requires complementarities between the reform strategies that are adopted and the particular cultural characteristics of the country in which they are implemented. Points for practitioners This article is useful to practitioners in attempting to understand the importance of congruence between reform strategies and practices and national culture. In particular, the study makes a contribution to policy entrepreneurship in recognizing that efficiency and institutional perspectives must be complementary and congruent if success in reform is to be achieved.
Psychosocial Factors and Survival of Young Women With Breast Cancer: A Population-Based Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Phillips Kelly-Anne , Osborne Richard H. , Giles Graham G. , Dite Gillian S. , Apicella Carmel , Hopper John L. , Milne Roger L. 
Published: September 2008

Purpose Most women with early-stage breast cancer believe that psychosocial factors are an important influence over whether their cancer will recur. Studies of the issue have produced conflicting results. Patients and Methods A population-based sample of 708 Australian women diagnosed before age 60 years with nonmetastatic breast cancer was observed for a median of 8.2 years. Depression and anxiety, coping style, and social support were assessed at a median of 11 months after diagnosis. Hazard ratios for distant disease-free survival (DDFS) and overall survival (OS) associated with psychosocial factors were estimated separately using Cox proportional hazards survival models, with and without adjustment for known prognostic factors. Results Distant recurrence occurred in 209 (33%) of 638 assessable patients, and 170 (24%) of 708 patients died during the follow-up period. There were no statistically significant associations between any of the measured psychosocial factors and DDFS or OS from the adjusted analyses. From unadjusted analyses, associations between greater anxious preoccupation and poorer DDFS and OS were observed (P = .02). These associations were no longer evident after adjustment for established prognostic factors; greater anxious preoccupation was associated with younger age at diagnosis (P = .03), higher tumor grade (P = .02), and greater number of involved axillary nodes (P = .008). Conclusion The findings do not support the measured psychosocial factors being an important influence on breast cancer outcomes. Interventions for adverse psychosocial factors are warranted to improve quality of life but should not be expected to improve survival.
Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging Pharmacodynamic Biomarker Study of Sorafenib in Metastatic Renal Carcinoma
Authors: Hahn Olwen M. , Yang Cheng , Medved Milica , Karczmar Gregory , Kistner Emily , Karrison Theodore , Manchen Elizabeth , Mitchell Myrosia , Ratain Mark J. , Stadler Walter M. 
Published: September 2008

Purpose Sorafenib is an antiangiogenic agent with activity in renal cancer. We conducted a randomized trial to investigate dynamic contrast magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) as a pharmacodynamic biomarker. Patients and Methods Patients were randomly assigned to placebo or 200 or 400 mg twice per day of sorafenib. DCE-MRI was performed at baseline and 4 weeks. DCE-MRI parameters, area under the contrast concentration versus time curve 90 seconds after contrast injection (IAUC90), and volume transfer constant of contrast agent (Ktrans) were calculated for a metastatic site selected in a blinded manner. Primary end point was change in Ktrans. Results Of the 56 assessable patients, 48 underwent two MRIs; 44 MRIs were assessable for study end points. Mean Ktrans log ratios were 0.131 (standard deviation [SD], 0.315), −0.148 (SD, 0.382), −0.271 (SD, 0.499) in placebo, 200- and 400-mg cohorts, respectively (P = .0077 for trend) corresponding to changes of +14%, −14%, and −24%. IAUC90 log ratios were 0.041 (SD, 0.197), −0.040 (SD, 0.132), −0.356 (SD, 0.411), respectively (P = .0003 for trend), corresponding to changes of +4%, −4%, and −30%. Using a log-rank test, IAUC90 and Ktrans changes were not associated with progression-free survival (PFS). Patients with high baseline Ktrans had a better PFS (P = .027). Conclusion IAUC90 and Ktrans are pharmacodynamic biomarkers for sorafenib, but variability is high and magnitude of effect is less than previously reported. Changes in DCE-MRI parameters after 4 weeks of sorafenib are not predictive of PFS, suggesting that these biomarkers are not surrogate end points. The value of baseline Ktrans as a prognostic or predictive biomarker requires additional study.
Phase II Study of Imatinib in Patients With Recurrent Gliomas of Various Histologies: A European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Brain Tumor Group Study
Authors: Raymond Eric , Brandes Alba A. , Dittrich Christian , Fumoleau Pierre , Coudert Bruno , Clement Paul M.J. , Frenay Marc , Rampling Roy , Stupp Roger , Kros Johan M. , Heinrich Michael C. , Gorlia Thierry , Lacombe Denis , van den Bent Martin J. 
Published: September 2008

Purpose To evaluate the safety and the efficacy of imatinib in recurrent malignant gliomas. Patients and Methods This was a single-arm, phase II study. Eligible patients had recurrent glioma after prior radiotherapy with an enhancing lesion on magnetic resonance imaging. Three different histologic groups were studied: glioblastomas (GBM), pure/mixed (anaplastic) oligodendrogliomas (OD), and low-grade or anaplastic astrocytomas (A). Imatinib was started at a dose of 600 mg/d with dose escalation to 800 mg in case of no toxicity; during the trial this dose was increased to 800 mg/d with escalation to 1,000 mg/d. Trial design was one-stage Fleming; both an objective response and 6 months of progression-free survival (PFS) were considered a successful outcome to treatment. Results A total of 112 patients (51 patients with GBM, 25 patients with A, and 36 patients with OD) were enrolled. Imatinib was in general well tolerated. The median number of cycles was 2.0 (range, 1 to 43 cycles). Five patients had an objective partial response, including three patients with GBM; all had 6 months of PFS. The 6-month PFS rate was 16% (95% CI, 8.0% to 34.0%) in GBM, 4.0% (95% CI, 0.3% to 15.0%) in OD, and 9% (95% CI, 2.0% to 25.0%) in A. The exposure to imatinib was significantly lower in patients using enzyme-inducing antiepileptic drugs. The presence of ABCG2 point mutations were not correlated with pharmacokinetic findings. No somatic activating mutations of KIT or platelet-derived growth factor receptor–A or –B were found. Conclusion In the dose range of 600 to 1,000 mg/d, single-agent imatinib is well tolerated but has limited antitumor activity in patients with recurrent gliomas.
13C CP/MAS NMR Study of Cross-linked Poly(vinylpyrrolidone) on Surface of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Itoh Toshio , Izu Noriya , Matsubara Ichiro , Shin Woosuck , Nishibori Maiko 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
The highly dispersed property of poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP)-coated cerium oxide nanoparticles can be retained for a long time in polar solvents. In this 13C CP/MAS NMR study, it is revealed that the surface PVP forms cross-linked structures during the synthesis of the nanoparticles.
Spatial and Temporal Variability in Size at Maturity of Walleye Pollock in the Eastern Bering Sea
Authors: Stahl Jennifer P. , Kruse Gordon H. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractSize at maturity is incorporated into stock assessments of walleye pollockTheragra chalcogramma. For eastern Bering Sea walleye pollock, however, this important biological variable has not been examined since 1976 and possible interannual and geographic variations have never been evaluated. Maturity condition and fish length data were collected from 10,197 walleye pollock aboard factory trawlers during winter 2002 and 2003. We also analyzed a smaller, previously unanalyzed data set on maturity collected annually by National Marine Fisheries Service scientists during eight echo integration‐trawl surveys over 1989‐2002. Length at 50% maturity (L50) was estimated by year and area by logistic regression using maximum likelihood methods. Spatial (within subareas) and temporal (interannual) variability were found. For instance, fish matured at the smallest lengths north of the Pribilof Islands and in the years 1989, 1991, and 1995 and at the largest lengths in the southeastern Bering Sea and in the years 2001 and 2002. We found evidence that the variability in size at maturity was related to biological mechanisms. Length at 50% maturity appeared to be directly related to growth as measured by length at age. Moreover, an inverse relationship between walleye pollock biomass andL50suggests that growth is density dependent. This spatiotemporal variability in size at maturity has implications for estimates of spawning stock biomass and should be incorporated into the annual stock assessments for setting annual catch specifications.
Effects of Different Meal Compositions and Fasted State on the Oral Bioavailability of Etravirine
Authors: Schöller‐Gyüre Monika , Boffito Marta , Pozniak Anton L. , Leemans Ruud , Kakuda Thomas N. , Woodfall Brian , Vyncke Veerle , Peeters Monika , Vandermeulen Kati , Hoetelmans Richard M. W. 
Published: September 2008

Study Objective. To determine the effects of various meal compositions and the fasted state on the pharmacokinetics of etravirine, a nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor.Design. Phase I, open‐label, randomized, repeated single‐dose, three‐period crossover trial.Setting. Clinical pharmacology unit.Participants. Two parallel panels of 12 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐negative, healthy, male volunteers. Twenty volunteers completed the study; three withdrew consent, and one was lost to follow‐up.Intervention. Panel 1 received a single dose of etravirine 100 mg after a standard breakfast, in the fasted state, and after a light breakfast (croissant). Panel 2 received the same treatment after a standard breakfast, after an enhanced‐fiber breakfast, and after a high‐fat breakfast. Each treatment was separated by a washout period of at least 14 days.Measurements and Main Results. For each treatment, full pharmacokinetic profiles of etravirine were determined up to 96 hours after dosing. Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined by noncompartmental methods and analyzed using a linear mixed‐effects model for a crossover design. The least‐squares mean ratio for the area under the plasma concentration‐time curve from time of administration to the last time point with a measurable concentration after dosing (AUClast) was 0.49 (90% confidence interval [CI] 0.39‐0.61) for the fasted state compared with dosing after a standard breakfast. When dosing occurred after a light or enhanced‐fiber breakfast, the corresponding values were 0.80 (90% CI 0.69‐0.94) and 0.75 (90% CI 0.63‐0.90), respectively. When administered after a high‐fat breakfast the least‐squares mean ratio of AUClast was 1.09 (0.84‐1.41), compared with dosing after a standard breakfast. Adverse events were also assessed. Under all conditions, single doses of etravirine 100 mg were generally safe and well tolerated.Conclusion. Administration of etravirine in a fasted state resulted in 51% lower mean exposure compared with dosing after a standard breakfast. Etravirine should be administered following a meal to improve bioavailability; however, differences in exposure after a standard breakfast versus a high‐fat, enhanced‐fiber, or light breakfast (croissant) were not considered clinically relevant.
Metabolic state and cell cycle as determinants of facilitated uptake of genetic information by yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Chaustova Larisa , Miliukienė Valė , Zimkus Aurelijus , Razumas Valdemaras 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
The transformation efficiency of yeast cells during exponential growth might be characterised as undulatory. The aim of the study was to investigate the reason for the fluctuation in transformation efficiency of yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae p63-DC5 cells during exponential growth. The heightened response to exogenous DNA was observed with the growing yeast culture when budded cells were predominant. To confirm this phenomenon we carried out synchronization of yeast cells with 10 mM hydroxyurea. Results showed that synchronous yeast cells in the S-phase of cell cycle have enhanced transformation efficiency. Furthermore, S. cerevisiae p63-DC5 cells in the S-phase were successfully transformed with plasmid pl13 in the absence of lithium acetate. We indicated that the permeability of yeast cells in the S-phase to tetraphenylphosphonium (TPP) cations was significantly higher than in asynchronous culture. The results of our study showed that the fluctuation in transformation efficiency was strictly dependent on the metabolic state of yeast cells and the capacity of the yeast cells to become competent was related to the S-phase of cell cycle.