bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Staffing Many-Server Queues with Impatient Customers: Constraint Satisfaction in Call Centers
Authors: Mandelbaum Avishai , Zeltyn Sergey 
Published: June 2009

Motivated by call center practice, we study asymptotically optimal staffing of many-server queues with abandonment. A call center is modelled as an M/M/n + G queue, which is characterized by Poisson arrivals, exponential service times, n servers, and generally distributed patience times of customers. Our asymptotic analysis is performed as the arrival rate, and hence the number of servers n, increases indefinitely. We consider a constraint satisfaction problem, where one chooses the minimal staffing level n that adheres to a given cost constraint. The cost can incorporate the fraction abandoning, average wait, and tail probabilities of wait. Depending on the cost, several operational regimes arise as asymptotically optimal: Efficiency-Driven (ED), Quality and Efficiency-Driven (QED), and also a new ED + QED operational regime that enables QED tuning of the ED regime. Numerical experiments demonstrate that, over a wide range of system parameters, our approximations provide useful insight as well as excellent fit to exact optimal solutions. It turns out that the QED regime is preferable either for small-to-moderate call centers or for large call centers with relatively tight performance constraints. The other two regimes are more appropriate for large call centers with loose constraints. We consider two versions of the constraint satisfaction problem. The first one is constraint satisfaction on a single time interval, say one hour, which is common in practice. Of special interest is a constraint on the tail probability, in which case our new ED + QED staffing turns out asymptotically optimal. We also address a global constraint problem, say over a full day. Here several time intervals, say 24 hours, are considered, with interval-dependent staffing levels allowed; one seeks to minimize staffing levels, or more generally costs, given the overall performance constraint. In this case, there is the added flexibility of trading service levels among time intervals, but we demonstrate that only little gain is associated with this flexibility if one is concerned with the fraction abandoning.
Effects of sad mood on autobiographical memory in older adults with and without lifetime depression
Authors: Haringsma Rimke , Spinhoven Philip , Engels Gemma I. , van der Leeden Rien 
Published: June 2009

Objectives. The main objective of this study was to determine whether reduced autobiographical memory specificity is also a marker for depression in older adults. To answer this question two experiments and a prospective longitudinal clinical study were executed with the autobiographical memory task (AMT) as measure for memory specificity. The objective of the 1st experimental study was to assess the influence of a negative mood induction versus the effect of multiple testing in a neutral condition in 58 never depressed (ND) elderly. In the 2nd experimental study a negative mood was induced in 63 participants remitted from depression (RD) compared to 60 matched ND controls. All participants were 55 and older. Lastly, the predictive value of the AMT for the course of depressive symptoms was assessed in the RD individuals over a 14–17 months follow‐up (FU) period.Results. Performance did not improve with repeated testing, but a trend was found suggesting fatigue. There was no difference between the RD and ND group on baseline AMT. The mood induction had no effect on the AMT regardless of clinical history. Changes in the level of depressive symptoms at the 14‐month FU were predicted by residual symptoms at baseline and the number of previous depressive episode, but not by baseline AMT, changes in AMT or mood after mood induction.Conclusion. The results of this study suggest that memory specificity on the AMT may not be a useful marker for vulnerability for clinical depression in older adults.
Fra-1/AP-1 Impairs Inflammatory Responses and Chondrogenesis in Fracture Healing
Authors: Yamaguchi Toru , Takada Yasunari , Maruyama Kenta , Shimoda Kouji , Arai Yoshinori , Nango Nobuhito , Kosaki Naoto , Takaishi Hironari , Toyama Yoshiaki , Matsuo Koichi 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
Inflammation inevitably follows injury of various tissues, including bone. Transgenic overexpression of Fra-1, a component of the transcription factor activator protein-1 (AP-1), in various tissues progressively and globally enhances bone formation, but little is known about the possible effects of Fra-1/AP-1 on fracture healing. We created a transverse fracture of the mouse tibial diaphysis and examined fracture healing radiologically, histologically, and immunologically. Strikingly, fracture union was delayed even though the bone formation rate in callus was higher in Fra-1 transgenic (Tg) mice. In these mice, chondrogenesis around the fracture site was impaired, resulting in accumulation of fibrous tissue, which interferes with the formation of a bony bridge across the callus. Curiously, immediately after fracture, induction of the inflammatory mediators TNF-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and Cox-2 was significantly suppressed in Fra-1 Tg mice followed, by the reduced expression of Sox-9 and BMP-2. Because serum prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels were dramatically low in these mice, we administered PGE2 to the fracture site using a slow-release carrier. The accumulation of fibrous tissue in Fra-1 Tg mice was significantly reduced by PGE2 administration, and chondrogenesis near the fracture site was partially restored. These data suggest that the Fra-1-containing transcription factor AP-1 inhibits fracture-induced endochondral ossification and bony bridge formation presumably through suppression of inflammation-induced chondrogenesis.
Use of Saliva-Based Nano-Biochip Tests for Acute Myocardial Infarction at the Point of Care: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Floriano Pierre N , Christodoulides Nicolaos , Miller Craig S , Ebersole Jeffrey L , Spertus John , Rose Beate G , Kinane Denis F , Novak M John , Steinhubl Steven , Acosta Shelley , Mohanty Sanghamitra , Dharshan Priya , Yeh Chih-ko , Redding Spencer , Furmaga Wieslaw , McDevitt John T 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackground: For adults with chest pain, the electrocardiogram (ECG) and measures of serum biomarkers are used to screen and diagnose myocardial necrosis. These measurements require time that can delay therapy and affect prognosis. Our objective was to investigate the feasibility and utility of saliva as an alternative diagnostic fluid for identifying biomarkers of acute myocardial infarction (AMI).Methods: We used Luminex and lab-on-a-chip methods to assay 21 proteins in serum and unstimulated whole saliva procured from 41 AMI patients within 48 h of chest pain onset and from 43 apparently healthy controls. Data were analyzed by use of logistic regression and area under curve (AUC) for ROC analysis to evaluate the diagnostic utility of each biomarker, or combinations of biomarkers, in screening for AMI.Results: Both established and novel cardiac biomarkers demonstrated significant differences in concentrations between patients with AMI and controls without AMI. The saliva-based biomarker panel of C-reactive protein, myoglobin, and myeloperoxidase exhibited significant diagnostic capability (AUC = 0.85, P &lt; 0.0001) and in conjunction with ECG yielded strong screening capacity for AMI (AUC = 0.96) comparable to that of the panel (brain natriuretic peptide, troponin-I, creatine kinase-MB, myoglobin; AUC = 0.98) and far exceeded the screening capacity of ECG alone (AUC approximately 0.6). En route to translating these findings to clinical practice, we adapted these unstimulated whole saliva tests to a novel lab-on-a-chip platform for proof-of-principle screens for AMI.Conclusions: Complementary to ECG, saliva-based tests within lab-on-a-chip systems may provide a convenient and rapid screening method for cardiac events in prehospital stages for AMI patients.
Thyroglobulin as a marker of iodine nutrition status in the general population
Authors: Vejbjerg Pernille , Knudsen Nils , Perrild Hans , Laurberg Peter , Carlé Allan , Pedersen Inge Bülow , Rasmussen Lone B , Ovesen Lars , Jørgensen Torben 
Published: June 2009

ObjectiveThe iodine status of a population is traditionally evaluated by either urinary iodine (UI) excretion or by some measure of thyroid volume and the prevalence of goitre. In this prospective study of a mandatory iodization programme, we aimed to evaluate serum thyroglobulin (Tg) as a marker of iodine status in the population.MethodsTwo identical cross-sectional studies were performed before (1997–1998,n=4649) and after (2004–2005,n=3570) the initiation of the Danish iodization programme in two areas with mild and moderate iodine deficiency. Serum Tg was measured from blood samples. Thyroid volume was measured by ultrasonography.ResultsBefore iodization, the median serum Tg was considerably higher in moderate than in mild iodine deficiency. Iodization led to a lower serum Tg in all examined age groups. The marked pre-iodization difference in Tg level between the regions was eliminated. The prevalence of Tg above the suggested reference limit (40 μg/l) decreased from 11.3 to 3.7% (P<0.0001). Using bootstrapping, we demonstrated a higher efficacy of Tg than of thyroid volume to show a difference between pre- and post-iodization values.ConclusionWe found serum Tg to be a suitable marker of iodine nutrition status in the population. The results may suggest that the Danish iodization programme has led to a sufficient iodine intake, even if the median UI excretion is still marginally low according to WHO criteria.
Lack of regulation of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 during short-term manipulation of GH in patients with hypopituitarism
Authors: Sigurjonsdottir Helga A , Andrew Ruth , Stimson Roland H , Johannsson Gudmundur , Walker Brian R 
Published: June 2009

ObjectiveEvidence from long-term clinical studies measuring urinary steroid ratios, and fromin vitrostudies, suggests that GH administered for longer than 2 months down-regulates 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1), thereby reducing cortisol regeneration in liver and adipose tissue. We aimed to measure acute effects of GH on 11β-HSD1 in liver and adipose tissuein vivo, including using a stable isotope tracer.DesignObservational studies of GH withdrawal and reintroduction in patients with hypopituitarism.MethodsTwelve men with benign pituitary disease causing GH and ACTH deficiency on stable replacement therapy for >6 months were studied after GH withdrawal for 3 weeks, and after either placebo or GH injections were reintroduced for another 3 weeks. We measured cortisol kinetics during 9,11,12,12-2H4-cortisol (d4-cortisol) infusion, urinary cortisol/cortisone metabolite ratios, liver 11β-HSD1 by appearance of plasma cortisol after oral cortisone, and 11β-HSD1 mRNA levels in subcutaneous adipose biopsies.ResultsGH withdrawal and reintroduction had no effect on 9,12,12-[2H]3-cortisol (d3-cortisol) appearance, urinary cortisol/cortisone metabolite ratios, initial appearance of cortisol after oral cortisone, or adipose 11β-HSD1 mRNA. GH withdrawal increased plasma cortisol 30–180 min after oral cortisone, increased d4-cortisol clearance, and decreased relative excretion of 5α-reduced cortisol metabolites.ConclusionsIn this setting, GH did not regulate 11β-HSD1 rapidlyin vivoin humans. Altered cortisol metabolism with longer term changes in GH may reflect indirect effects on 11β-HSD1. These data do not suggest that glucocorticoid replacement doses need to be increased immediately after introducing GH therapy to compensate for reduced 11β-HSD1 activity, although dose adjustment may be required in the longer term.
The Logic of Concert Keys
Authors: Stevens Leith 
Published: June 2009

Unpublished article for Musical America, undated. The composer responds to a letter in the August issue of International Musician entitled “Are Americans Lazy?” that took issue with a suggestion made by Mr. Leopold Stokowski that orchestral scores be written in treble and bass clefs only, in concert key. He refutes the objections cited in the letter and both supports and extends Mr. Stokowski’s point.
“Stanley Hates This But I Like It!”
Authors: Merkley Paul A. 
Published: June 2009

In 1968 Stanley Kubrick premiered his landmark science fiction film on the dawn of human consciousness and its future.1 2001: A Space Odyssey astonished its audience with elaborate sets, an enigmatic plot, and stunning music presented “in the open.”2 Instead of accompanying his imaginative and painstakingly processed screen images with the music that he had commissioned from the eminent film composer Alex North, Kubrick compiled his score from classical music that he had selected. He chose light classics, a towering symphonic poem, and four works by a modern composer whose music was not widely known. Both Kubrick’s compilation score and the controversial rejection of North’s music have excited considerable discussion in the intervening years. (Editorial Note: Paul Merkley's article "'Stanley Hates This But I Like It!': North vs. Kubrick on the Music for 2001: A Space Odyssey" published in volume 2.1 (2007) of Journal of Film Music won an ASCAP Deems Taylor Award. Merkley;s article won in the category of journal, magazine and newspaper articles, and liner notes.)
Effects of Pharmacist Participation in Intensive Care Units on Clinical and Economic Outcomes of Critically Ill Patients with Thromboembolic or Infarction‐Related Events
Authors: MacLaren Robert , Bond C. A. 
Published: June 2009

Objective. To assess the effects of clinical pharmacist participation in the care of critically ill Medicare patients with thromboembolic or infarction‐related events (TIE) on clinical and economic outcomes.Methods. In this retrospective database review (September 1, 2004‐August 31, 2005), patient data were retrieved from the 2004 Expanded Modified Medicare Provider Analysis and Review database. Outcomes data evaluated included mortality rates, length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, total Medicare charges, drug and laboratory charges, and rates of bleeding complications. In addition, outcomes related to the bleeding complications (transfusions, mortality rate) were assessed. Patient outcomes in ICUs with clinical pharmacy services were compared with patient outcomes in ICUs without these services. Clinical pharmacy services were defined as direct patient care services provided by a pharmacist specifically devoted to the ICU; other services such as order processing or drug distribution were not part of these services. A description of ICU pharmacy services was obtained from a 2004 national survey.Results. We identified 141,079 patients with TIE, of whom 7987 also had bleeding complications. In hospitals with ICU clinical pharmacy services, mortality rates in patients with TIE only and TIE with bleeding complications were higher by 37% (odds ratio [OR] 1.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.36‐1.46) and 31% (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.13‐1.61), respectively, than in ICUs with clinical pharmacy services. Lengths of ICU stay were longer by 14.8% (mean ± SD 7.28 ± 8.17 vs 6.34 ± 7.80 days, p<0.0001) and 15.8% (12.4 ± 13.28 vs 10.71 ± 9.53 days, p=0.008), respectively. The lack of clinical pharmacist participation in a patient's care was associated with extra Medicare charges of $215,397,354 (p<0.001) and $63,175,725 (p<0.0001) and extra drug charges of $26,363,674 (p<0.0001) and $2,610,750 (p<0.001) for TIE only and TIE with bleeding complications, respectively. Without clinical pharmacy services, bleeding complications increased by 49% (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.46‐1.60), resulting in 39% more patients requiring transfusions (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.28‐1.69); these patients also received more blood products (mean ± SD 6.8 ± 10.4 vs 3.1 ± 2.6 units/patient, p=0.006).Conclusion. Involving clinical pharmacists in the direct care of intensive care patients with TIE was associated with reduced mortality, improved clinical and charge outcomes, and fewer bleeding complications. Hospitals should promote direct involvement of pharmacists in the care of patients in the ICU.
Systematics and Phylogeny of the SubgenusSarcophaga(Neobellieria) (Diptera: Sarcophagidae)
Authors: Giroux Marjolaine , Wheeler Terry A 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe New World subgenus Sarcophaga (Neobellieria) Blanchard is revised. The subgenus as previously recognized was polyphyletic. Five species, Sarcophaga semimarginalis Hall, Sarcophaga sternalis (Reinhard), Sarcophaga subdiscalis Aldrich, Sarcophaga triplasia Wulp, and Sarcophaga yorkii Parker, are removed from the subgenus. The remaining five species of Neobellieria are paraphyletic relative to the subgenus Tolucamyia Dodge; accordingly, Tolucamyia is synonymized with Neobellieria. Neobellieria is redefined to include five species assigned previously to Neobellieria (Sarcophaga bullata Parker, Sarcophaga citellivora Shewell, Sarcophaga cooleyi Parker, Sarcophaga libera Aldrich, and Sarcophaga polistensis Hall), three species assigned previously to Tolucamyia [Sarcophaga cavagnaroi (Dodge), Sarcophaga schrameli Dodge, and Sarcophaga sigilla Reinhard], and one new species, Sarcophaga (Neobellieria) longisterna Giroux & Wheeler. Sarcophaga marstoniana (Dodge) is synonymized with S. sigilla. Lectotypes are designated for Sarcophaga bullata and S. cooleyi. Although there are relatively few rearing records for most Neobellieria species, some species develop primarily in vertebrates or vertebrate carrion; this group includes myiasis-causing species and species of importance in forensic entomology. Two species (S. libera and S. polistensis) are associated with nests of Hymenoptera.
Description of a New Genus and Species of Eucoilinae (Hymenoptera: Cynipoidea: Figitidae) Parasitoid of Ephydridae (Diptera)
Authors: Díaz N B , Gallardo F E , Gaddi A L , Walsh G Cabrera 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
Hydrelliaeucoila egeria (Hymenoptera: Cynipoidea: Figitidae), a new genus and species obtained from pupae of Hydrellia sp. (Diptera: Ephydridae) mining in Egeria densa Planchon (Hydrocharitaceae), is described. Diagnostic photographs and data about the biology of this parasitoid are included.
Color Changes and Development of Eggs of Rice Stink Bug (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in Response to Temperature
Authors: Bernhardt John L 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
The progress of embryonic development may be observed in eggs of the rice stink bug, Oebalus pugnax (F.) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), because obvious color or color pattern changes may be viewed through the transparent chorion. All viable egg masses of the rice stink bug progressed through similar color or color pattern changes at the six constant temperatures that ranged from 21.1 to 37.8°C. Whenever the length of time within a pattern was expressed as a percentage of the total developmental time, the proportion of time within a pattern was not influenced by changes in temperature. However, temperatures used in this study were within the linear range for total development and within each color pattern of the rice stink bug eggs described in this article. The upper lethal constant temperature was estimated to be 37.8°C. Although phases of blastokinesis could be viewed, most were not related to color patterns in this study, except the katatrepsis phase, which is pictorially described. Rice stink bug egg masses consisted of two rows, the eggs being in contact but those of one row alternate in position with the other row. Embryos in both rows were oriented with the ventral surface toward the center of the egg mass.
Suitability of Different Host Plants for Oviposition and Development of Homalodisca vitripennis (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) and Its Implication on Mass Rearing
Authors: Lauzière Isabelle , Sétamou Mamoudou 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
The glassy-winged sharpshooter, Homalodisca vitripennis (Germar) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), is a major pest of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) in Texas and California. It is a known vector of Pierce's disease and is considered the most significant insect pest threatening the grape industry in the United States. We evaluated the preference of four host plants for feeding and oviposition by H. vitripennis adult females. We also measured the suitability of nine host plants for the growth and development of eggs and nymphs under greenhouse and laboratory conditions, respectively. Embryonic survival exceeded 85% on all tested host plants, with the exception of sweet potato, Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. More than 80% of the nymphs successfully reached adulthood on sweet potato, black-eyed pea [Vigna unguiculata unguiculata (L.) Walp.], and eggplant (Solanum melongena L). Developmental time of immature H. vitripennis nymphs was significantly affected by the plants on which they fed. The nymphs were more likely to die during the first instar on host plants such as Texas mountain laurel Evonymus japonica (Thunb.), or citrange Citrus sinensis × Poncirus trifoliata. Host suitability (nutrients) and stem and leaf texture, which varied among host plant species selected, seem to both play a significant role in nymphal development. Adult females were able to feed on woody plants, but a preference for black-eyed pea and sweet potato was observed. In captivity and given the plant choices offered, they deposited more egg masses on hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L.) and black-eyed pea.
Genetic Characterization of Commercial Honey Bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Populations in the United States by Using Mitochondrial and Microsatellite Markers
Authors: Delaney D A , Meixner M D , Schiff N M , Sheppard W S 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
Genetic diversity levels within and between the two commercial breeding areas in the United States were analyzed using the DraI restriction fragment length polymorphism of the COI-COII mitochondrial region and 10 polymorphic microsatellite loci. The western commercial breeding population (WCBP) and the southeastern commercial breeding population (SCBP) were sampled in 1993–1994 and again in 2004–2005. The goal of this study was to characterize the genetic composition of these populations and to measure potential changes in genetic diversity and composition across the sampling period. The mitochondrial DNA haplotypes C1 and C2, characteristic of the most popular bee strains (Italians and Carniolans, respectively) sold in the United States, were the dominant haplotypes at both sample dates. The frequency of Apis mellifera mellifera M haplotypes, M4, M7, and M7′, decreased during the 10-yr span. An A1 haplotype characteristic of Africanized bees was found in the SCBP from 2005. Microsatellite analysis showed there was a loss of alleles in both the WCBP and SCBP, but the losses were not significant due to simultaneous gains of new alleles into these populations between 1993 and 2005. Genetic differences that occurred between the 1993–1994 WCBP and SCBP were still detectable in these populations sampled a decade later, suggesting that these populations could be useful sources of diversity for each other in the future.