bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tense in Mandarin Chinese Sentences
Authors: Lin Tzong‐Hong Jonah 
Published: July 2015

AbstractJ. Lin (2010) argues against Sybesma's (2007) proposal that Mandarin Chinese has syntactic tense and contends that it does not need tense for the temporal interpretations of sentences. This paper shows that those arguments cannot be sustained. Specifically, this paper points out the following: (i) Lin's claim that Mandarin Chinese sentences do not show tense‐related syntactic properties is wrong. (ii) The so‐called nonexistent temporal interpretations of Mandarin Chinese sentences are merely a matter of choice of the reference time. (iii) Lin's argument against the existence of past tense in Mandarin Chinese is committed to the error of taking the English past tense as the only model for the tense system of Mandarin Chinese. (iv) The parallelism between Dutch and Mandarin Chinese that Sybesma observes is temporal in nature, despite the objections of Lin. (v) The temporal interpretations of Mandarin Chinese sentences can be accounted for straightforwardly by a pronominal tense system.
Rapid detection of HLA‐B*51 by real‐time polymerase chain reaction and high‐resolution melting analysis
Authors: Imperiali C. , Alía‐Ramos P. , Padró‐Miquel A. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractHLA‐B*51, a class I human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecule, is the strongest known genetic risk factor for Behçet disease. However, there are only few articles reporting methods to determine the presence or absence of HLA‐B51. For this reason, we designed and developed an easy, fast, and inexpensive real‐time high‐resolution melting (HRM) assay to detect HLA‐B*51. We genotyped 61 samples by our HRM assay and by conventional polymerase chain reaction, and no discrepancies were found between results. Besides, a subgroup of 25 samples was also genotyped in a different laboratory, and another subgroup of 16 samples was obtained from the International Histocompatibility Working Group DNA Bank, and a full concordance of results was observed with those obtained by HRM. Regarding the identifying system evaluated, we obtained 100% of specificity, sensibility, and repeatability, and 0% of false positive and false negative rates. Therefore, this HRM analysis is easily applicable to the rapid detection of HLA‐B*51, exhibits a high speed, and requires a very low budget.
Recession Response: Cyclical Problems and Local Solutions in Northern British Columbia
Authors: Manson Don , Markey Sean , Ryser Laura , Halseth Greg 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to trace community and regional responses to the economic downturn of 2008/2009 in Northern British Columbia, Canada. Our research during this period (2009–2011), the Northern Economic Vision II (NEV II) project, sought to investigate whether communities in the region were incorporating some of the core findings, lessons from an earlier project, the NEV I project (conducted in 2002–2005), in terms of preparing for both economic uncertainty and opportunity through place‐oriented community planning and enhanced regional collaboration. Findings suggest that in the face of economic hardship, many communities continued to pursue community and regionally‐oriented strategies in an attempt to preserve services and quality of life for local residents, and did not engage in reactive budget cuts in the face of economic decline, as experienced in previous bust periods.
A multicenter validation of recombinant β3 integrin–coupled beads to detect human platelet antigen‐1 alloantibodies in 498 cases of fetomaternal alloimmune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Chong Winnie , Turro Ernest , Metcalfe Paul , Yusuf Rizwan , Mérieux Yves , Rigal Dominique , Porcelijn Leendert , Huiskes Elly , Lucas Geoff , Bendukidze Nina , Green Ann , Fontão‐Wendel Rita , Husebekk Anne , Dixey Jonathan , Guest Alan , Mushens Rosey , Ouwehand Willem H. , Navarrete Cristina V. 
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUNDFetomaternal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FMAIT) is caused by human platelet (PLT) antigen (HPA) incompatibility. Beads coupled with recombinant β3 integrins, displaying the biallelic HPA‐1 epitopes (rHPA‐1), have been shown to detect HPA‐1a alloantibodies implicated in FMAIT. This report describes a multicenter validation of the beads using the results of well‐characterized samples to define the optimum parameters for analysis of a large cohort of 498 clinical samples.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSFifty‐one blinded quality assurance (QA) samples were tested by six laboratories to standardize the rHPA‐1 bead assay and to develop an algorithm for sample classification. Five laboratories retrieved samples from 498 independent FMAIT cases, previously tested by the monoclonal antibody‐specific immobilization of PLT antigens (MAIPA) assay, from their local archives for testing with the rHPA‐1 beads. The results were evaluated using a mathematical algorithm developed to classify the samples.RESULTSThe QA samples gave a mean concordance of 94% between the bead and MAIPA assays, while 97% concordance was observed with the FMAIT samples. Of the 15 discrepant samples, seven were positive by the beads but negative by MAIPA, while the contrary was observed for eight samples. Overall, the bead assay achieved 98% sensitivity for HPA‐1a antibody detection in FMAIT and 98.7% specificity compared to the local MAIPA.CONCLUSIONThe rHPA‐1 bead assay is a rapid 3‐hour assay for the sensitive detection of HPA‐1 antibodies. Its ease of use would enable prompt detection of maternal HPA‐1a antibodies in suspected FMAIT cases, which is important supportive evidence for treatment by transfusion with HPA‐1b1b PLTs.
RHCE*ceAG (254C>G, Ala85Gly) is prevalent in blacks, encodes a partial ce‐phenotype, and is associated with discordant RHD zygosity
Authors: Westhoff Connie M. , Vege Sunitha , Hipsky Christine Halter , Horn Trina , Hue‐Roye Kim , Keller Jessica , Velliquette Randall , Lomas‐Francis Christine , Chou Stella T. , Reid Marion E. 
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUNDRHCE*ceAG has the nucleotide change c.254C>G, which encodes p.Ala85Gly associated with altered expression of e antigen. We analyzed serologic and DNA‐based testing data on samples with RHCE*ceAG to determine its effect on antigen expression, linkage with RHD, and its prevalence in African Americans.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSSerologic testing was performed by standard methods. Genomic DNA was used for polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism, RH‐specific exon sequencing, and RHD zygosity, and Rh‐cDNA was sequenced. Samples from 32 individuals referred for serologic problems, 57 patients with sickle cell disease, and 44 donors positive for c.254C>G were investigated. Allele prevalence was determined in random African Americans.RESULTSRed blood cells from samples homozygous RHCE*ceAG/ceAG or in trans to RHCE*cE reacted variably with anti‐e reagents and 17 samples from the 32 referred patients had alloanti‐e in their plasma. The majority of samples with RHCE*ceAG, when tested for RHD zygosity gave discordant results between PstI‐RFLP and hybrid box assay. Rare samples with 254C>G had additional allelic changes: one with c.697G (p.233Glu), three with c.733G, 941C (p.245Val, 314Ala), and two with c.307T (p.103Ser) encoding robust C antigen expression in the absence of other C‐specific nucleotides. A total of 101 samples with RHCE*ceAG were encountered in 1159 randomly selected African Americans.CONCLUSIONSRHCE*ceAG (c.254G, p.85Gly) encodes a partial phenotype and the absence of the high‐prevalence antigen RH59 (CEAG). The allele was present in one in 11 African Americans and is most often in cis to a RHD deletion associated with discordant RHD zygosity. To further determine clinical significance, detection of this allele should be part of routine RHCE genotyping in this population.
Type of plasma preparation used for plasma exchange and clinical outcome of adult patients with acquired idiopathic thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: a French retrospective multicenter cohort study
Authors: Toussaint‐Hacquard Marie , Coppo Paul , Soudant Marc , Chevreux Lysiane , Mathieu‐Nafissi Suzanne , Lecompte Thomas , Gross Sylvie , Guillemin Francis , Schneider Thierry 
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUNDPlasma exchange (PE) is the first‐line therapy of acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Several plasma preparations have been available; their equivalence in terms of outcome remains uncertain.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSWe performed a retrospective analysis of the cases prospectively reported from 2005 to 2010 to the national registry established by the thrombotic microangiopathies French reference center. We analyzed 108 initial episodes of acquired idiopathic TTP in adults treated with PE, 81 with solvent/detergent (S/D) plasma, and 27 with quarantine fresh‐frozen plasma (qFFP). The primary endpoint was the time to platelet (PLT) count recovery.RESULTSTime to PLT count recovery was not significantly different with S/D plasma versus qFFP (median, 15 days vs. 19 days, respectively; p = 0.126). Complete remission rates, exacerbations, and survival were comparable. By multivariate competitive risk (Fine‐Gray) analysis, the only significant association with a shorter time to PLT count recovery was the absence of additional treatment (hazard ratio, 2.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.39‐3.05; p < 0.001). There was a significant interaction between type of plasma and age, and for patients less than 40 years old, the use of S/D plasma was associated with a shorter time to PLT count recovery versus qFFP (median, 13 [95% CI, 9‐16] days vs. 20 [95% CI, 16‐64] days, respectively; p = 0.004).CONCLUSIONThe outcomes of acquired TTP treated with S/D plasma or qFFP seem similar and therefore both preparations can be used safely for PE in this indication. The faster response of S/D plasma observed in younger patients warrants confirmation in prospective studies.
Call of duty: the effects of phone calls on blood donor motivation
Authors: Bruhin Adrian , Goette Lorenz , Roethlisberger Adrian , Markovic Alexander , Buchli Regula , Frey Beat M. 
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUNDLittle is known about the long‐term effects of interventions aimed at increasing turnout among voluntary blood donors.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSWe use a retrospective natural experiment with all 40,653 donors who were repeatedly invited to blood drives in Zurich, Switzerland, between 2010 and 2013. The intervention is a quasi‐randomized phone call informing donors of a current shortage of their blood type. The panel structure of the data allows identification of different types of donors reacting to the phone call.RESULTSOur analysis reveals two types. Type 1 donors make up 27.1% of the population. They are highly motivated and exhibit a baseline donation rate of 59.4% (p < 0.001). The phone call raises their probability to donate by 9.9% at the upcoming blood drive (p < 0.001). However, the phone call reduces their donation rate by 2.3% (p = 0.003) at each future blood drive. In contrast, the 72.9% of Type 2 donors exhibit a low baseline donation rate of 5.8% (p < 0.001). The phone call raises their probability to donate by 5.8% at the upcoming blood drive (p < 0.001). Moreover, the phone call leads to habit formation in Type 2 donors and increases their donation rate by 2.1% at the next blood drive (p = 0.03).CONCLUSIONBehavioral interventions are effective at increasing donation rates in the short run. However, they can crowd out the intrinsic motivation of the most motivated donors. Thus, blood donation services should avoid interventions for highly motivated donors and target them at irregular donors. Our results also sound a warning on using other interventions.
Pharmacokinetics and toxicity of the novel oral demethylating agent zebularine in laboratory and tumor bearing dogs
Authors: Fulkerson C. M. , Dhawan D. , Jones D. R. , Marquez V. E. , Jones P. A. , Wang Z. , Wu Q. , Klaunig J. E. , Fourez L. M. , Bonney P. L. , Knapp D. W. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to determine the plasma pharmacokinetics (PK) and toxicity of zebularine, an oral cytidine analog with demethylating activity, in dogs. Plasma zebularine concentrations were determined by HPLC‐MS/MS following an oral zebularine dose of 8 or 4 mg kg−1. Plasma zebularine clearance was constant. Mean maximum concentration (Cmax) was 23 ± 4.8 and 8.6 ± 1.4 µM following 8 and 4 mg kg−1, respectively. Mean half‐life was 5.7 ± 0.84 and 7.1 ± 2.1 following 8 and 4 mg kg−1, respectively. A single 8 mg kg−1 dose was well tolerated. Daily 4 mg kg−1 treatment in three laboratory dogs resulted in grade 4 neutropenia (n = 3), grade 1 anorexia (n = 2) and grade 1 or 2 dermatologic changes (n = 2). All adverse events resolved with supportive care. A 4 mg kg−1 dose every 21 days was well tolerated. A follow‐up dose escalation study is in progress with a lower starting dose.
Longitudinal studies of cardiac troponin I concentrations in serum from male cynomolgus monkeys: resting values and effects of oral and intravenous dosing on biologic variability
Authors: Schultze Albert Eric , Anderson Jason M. , Kern Tom G. , Justus Ryan W. , Lee Hsiu‐Yung Cindy , Zieske Lynn R. , Goodson Robert James , Florey Sara Hudson 
Published: July 2015

BackgroundThere is a paucity of information regarding cardiac troponin (cTn) concentrations in peripheral blood of nonhuman primates (NHP). Even less is known regarding cTn concentrations in monkeys that are restrained for oral or intravenous (iv) dosing.ObjectivesThe objectives of these studies were to (1) determine cardiac troponin I (cTnI) concentration in resting Cynomolgus monkeys and investigate biologic variability in cTnI concentration over time, (2) determine cTnI changes in restrained monkeys given sham oral dosing, and (3) determine cTnI changes in restrained NHP given a sham intravenous dosing.MethodsThe Research Use Only Erenna cTnI ultrasensitive immunoassay based on single molecule counting technology was used to determine serum cTnI concentration in longitudinal studies of male Cynomolgus monkeys at rest, and after sham oral and intravenous dosing. Animals were catheterized prestudy, and blood samples were collected by an automated sampling device to limit disturbance of the animals during studies.ResultsIn resting monkeys cTnI concentrations were relatively low and constant and ranged from 0.2 to 9.6 pg/mL (mean = 2.5 pg/mL), with minimal variability during a 24‐hour period. Animals given sham oral dosing also had low cTnI concentration with little variability similar to the resting values. Several animals restrained for intravenous dosing had a small transient increase in cTnI concentration (~5–25 pg/mL) that resolved quickly within one to 3 hours postinjection.ConclusionsResults of this longitudinal study provide information that may be important in differentiating effects of animal handling from those associated with compound‐related effects in preclinical toxicology studies of drugs in development.
Reference intervals for hematology, serum biochemistry, and basic clinical findings in free‐ranging Chinese Pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) from Taiwan
Authors: Khatri‐Chhetri Rupak , Sun Ching‐Min , Wu Hung‐Yi , Pei Kurtis Jai‐Chyi 
Published: July 2015

BackgroundThere are 8 species of Pangolins found in Asia and Africa. Among them, the Chinese Pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) is an endangered insectivorous mammal found only in Asia. Hematology and serum chemistry reference intervals are critical for evaluating an animal's well‐being and can be useful for clinical diagnostic purposes. Currently, there are no such reference intervals available for any Pangolin species.ObjectiveThe purpose of the present study was to establish reference intervals for hematology and serum biochemical analytes, and some basic clinical findings, in Chinese Pangolins.MethodsReference intervals for the hematology and serum chemistry variables, and basic clinical findings (body weight, heart rate, body temperature, blood oxygen saturation) were collected from 100 clinically healthy Chinese Pangolins (51 males and 49 females) using parametric and nonparametric percentile methods. In addition, seasonal, age‐related, and sexual differences for all variables were statistically analyzed.ResultsNo significant differences in the reference intervals were found between males and females, except for body weight. However, significant seasonal differences were observed for heart rate, body temperature, serum ALT and lipase activities, and phosphate concentrations. The variables, which were significantly different between adult and sub‐adult Pangolins were heart rate, MCH, creatinine, total protein, phosphate, glucose, and potassium concentration, and amylase activity. Seasonal and age group differences should be taken into consideration when using these reference intervals.ConclusionsThe findings from the present study represent a valuable resource for assessing the health of Chinese Pangolins, and contribute toward the conservation of this endangered mammal.
Microneedling as a successful treatment for alopecia X in two Pomeranian siblings
Authors: Stoll Steve , Dietlin Christian , Nett‐Mettler Claudia S. 
Published: July 2015

BackgroundAlopecia X (hair cycle arrest) is a relatively frequent hair growth disorder in Pomeranians and several other breeds, characterized by symmetrical, noninflammatory alopecia without systemic signs. The cause and pathogenesis remain unknown. Previously reported treatments with various topical and systemic drugs have been variably successful.HypothesisWe hypothesized that superficial mechanical skin trauma applied with a microneedling device would induce long‐term hair regrowth at treated sites.AnimalsTwo neutered female Pomeranian siblings with histologically confirmed alopecia X. Previous treatments with deslorelin, melatonin and topical minoxidil had failed to produce significant hair regrowth.MethodsThe dogs were anaesthetized and the skin was punctured with a microneedling device. Dogs were followed over a period of 12 months.ResultsFive weeks after microneedling hair regrowth started, followed by a reduction in hyperpigmentation of affected skin. After 12 weeks there was a 90% improvement in coat coverage at previously alopecic areas. Twelve months after the procedure, coat conditions remained stable. No adverse effects were noted.Conclusions and clinical importanceThis is the first report of microneedling to induce hair regrowth in dogs affected by alopecia X. Long‐term studies with microneedling in a larger number of dogs with alopecia X will need to be performed to confirm these preliminary results and to further evaluate if hair‐regrowth is permanent.
Optimizing the blood component production process
Authors: Cid J. , Velásquez C. A. , Lozano M. 
Published: July 2015

BackgroundAutomation of blood component preparation (BCP) from whole blood (WB) collections can help to optimize the BCP process, and it is increasingly being widespread implemented.AimThis review summarizes the quality of blood components obtained with new automated devices developed in the 2000s.MethodsWe reviewed available literature on the quality of blood components obtained with new automated devices.ResultsBlood components obtained with the new devices met European standards. Of note, compared with platelet concentrates obtained with manual methods, automation of BCP improved the consistency of the final products.ConclusionThe complete automation of BCP from WB collections is still in development, and it represents a huge change in paradigm.
In vitro exposure of pig neonatal isletlike cell clusters to human blood
Authors: Nagaraju Santosh , Bertera Suzanne , Tanaka Takayuki , Hara Hidetaka , Rayat Gina R. , Wijkstrom Martin , Ayares David , Trucco Massimo , Cooper David K. C. , Bottino Rita 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundPig islet grafts have been successful in treating diabetes in animal models. One remaining question is whether neonatal pig isletlike cell clusters (NICC) are resistant to the early loss of islets from the instant blood‐mediated inflammatory reaction (IBMIR).MethodsNeonatal isletlike cell clusters were harvested from three groups of piglets—(i) wild‐type (genetically unmodified), (ii) α1,3‐galactosyltransferase gene‐knockout (GTKO)/CD46, and (iii) GTKO/CD46/CD39. NICC samples were mixed with human blood in vitro, and the following measurements were made—antibody binding; complement activation; speed of islet‐induced coagulation; C‐peptide; glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD65) release; viability.ResultsTime to coagulation and viability were both reduced in all groups compared to freshly drawn non‐anticoagulated human blood and autologous combinations, respectively. Antibody binding to the NICC occurred in all groups.ConclusionsNeonatal isletlike cell clusters were subject to humoral injury with no difference associated to their genetic characteristics.
Methicillin‐Resistant Staphylococcus aureus from Brazilian Dairy Farms and Identification of Novel Sequence Types
Authors: Oliveira C. J. B. , Tiao N. , de Sousa F. G. C. , de Moura J. F. P. , Santos Filho L. , Gebreyes W. A. 
Published: July 2015

SummaryThe aim of this study was to investigate the phenotypic and genotypic diversity and anti‐microbial resistance among staphylococci of dairy herds that originated from Paraiba State, north‐eastern Brazil, a region where such studies are rare. Milk samples (n = 552) were collected from 15 dairy farms. Isolates were evaluated for anti‐microbial susceptibility by Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method. Confirmation of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was performed using multiplex PCR targeting mecA and nuc genes in addition to phenotypic assay based on PBP‐2a latex agglutination. Clonal relatedness of isolates was determined by pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) genotyping. Staphylococci were detected in 269 (49%) of the samples. Among these, 65 (24%) were S. aureus. The remaining 204 isolates were either coagulase‐negative staphylococci (n = 188; 70%) or coagulase positive other than S. aureus (n = 16; 6%). Staphylococci were cultured in seven (35%) of the 20 hand swab samples, from which five isolates were S. aureus. The isolates were most commonly resistant against penicillin (43%), ampicillin (38%) and oxacillin (27%). The gene mecA was detected in 21 S. aureus from milk and in one isolate from a milker's hand. None of the isolates were resistant to vancomycin. PFGE findings showed high clonal diversity among the isolates. Based on MLST, we identified a total of 11 different sequence types (STs 1, 5, 6, 83, 97, 126, 1583, 1622, 1623, 1624 and 1625) with four novel STs (ST1622‐ST1625). The findings show that MRSA is prevalent in milk from semi‐extensive dairy cows in north‐eastern Brazil, and further investigation on its extent in various types of milk production systems and the farm‐to‐table continuum is warranted.