bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CRISPR/Cas9-mediated homology-directed repair by ssODNs in zebrafish induces complex mutational patterns resulting from genomic integration of repair-template fragments
Authors: Boel Annekatrien , De Saffel Hanna , Steyaert Wouter , Callewaert Bert , De Paepe Anne , Coucke Paul J. , Willaert Andy 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACT
Targeted genome editing by CRISPR/Cas9 is extremely well fitted to generate gene disruptions, although precise sequence replacement by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated homology-directed repair (HDR) suffers from low efficiency, impeding its use for high-throughput knock-in disease modeling. In this study, we used next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis to determine the efficiency and reliability of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated HDR using several types of single-stranded oligodeoxynucleotide (ssODN) repair templates for the introduction of disease-relevant point mutations in the zebrafish genome. Our results suggest that HDR rates are strongly determined by repair-template composition, with the most influential factor being homology-arm length. However, we found that repair using ssODNs does not only lead to precise sequence replacement but also induces integration of repair-template fragments at the Cas9 cut site. We observed that error-free repair occurs at a relatively constant rate of 1-4% when using different repair templates, which was sufficient for transmission of point mutations to the F1 generation. On the other hand, erroneous repair mainly accounts for the variability in repair rate between the different repair templates. To further improve error-free HDR rates, elucidating the mechanism behind this erroneous repair is essential. We show that the error-prone nature of ssODN-mediated repair, believed to act via synthesis-dependent strand annealing (SDSA), is most likely due to DNA synthesis errors. In conclusion, caution is warranted when using ssODNs for the generation of knock-in models or for therapeutic applications. We recommend the application of in-depth NGS analysis to examine both the efficiency and error-free nature of HDR events.
This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Tropomyosin 3.5 protects the F-actin networks required for tissue biomechanical properties
Authors: Cheng Catherine , Nowak Roberta B. , Amadeo Michael B. , Biswas Sondip K. , Lo Woo-Kuen , Fowler Velia M. 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACT
Tropomyosins (Tpms) stabilize F-actin and regulate interactions with other actin-binding proteins. The eye lens changes shape in order to focus light to transmit a clear image, and thus lens organ function is tied to its biomechanical properties, presenting an opportunity to study Tpm functions in tissue mechanics. Mouse lenses contain Tpm3.5 (also known as TM5NM5), a previously unstudied isoform encoded by Tpm3, which is associated with F-actin on lens fiber cell membranes. Decreased levels of Tpm3.5 lead to softer and less mechanically resilient lenses that are unable to resume their original shape after compression. While cell organization and morphology appear unaffected, Tmod1 dissociates from the membrane in Tpm3.5-deficient lens fiber cells resulting in reorganization of the spectrin–F-actin and α-actinin–F-actin networks at the membrane. These rearranged F-actin networks appear to be less able to support mechanical load and resilience, leading to an overall change in tissue mechanical properties. This is the first in vivo evidence that a Tpm protein is essential for cell biomechanical stability in a load-bearing non-muscle tissue, and indicates that Tpm3.5 protects mechanically stable, load-bearing F-actin in vivo.
This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Could differences in implicit attitudes to sexual concurrency play a role in generalized HIV epidemics?
Authors: Kenyon Chris R. , Wolfs Kenny , Osbak Kara , Malataliana Maleeto , Van Hal Guido , Zondo Sizwe , van Lankveld Jacques 
Published: October 2018

Background: Sexual partner concurrency has been implicated in the genesis of generalized HIV epidemic in South Africa. Most South Africans, however, disapprove of concurrency in surveys. These surveys test individuals’ explicit attitudes which are susceptible to a number of important biases such as the social desirability bias. Assessment of implicit cognitions have been found to be better predictors of behaviour in socially sensitive domains. We hypothesized that South Africans may have implicit attitudes more tolerant of concurrency than lower concurrency prevalence populations. Methods: To test this hypothesis, we developed a concurrency-implicit association test (C-IAT) and compared the C-IATs of samples of South African and Belgian university students. Results: We found a large and statistically significant difference in the C-IAT between the South Africans (D600-score = -0.009, indicating absence of preference for concurrency or monogamy) and Belgians (D600-score = 0.783, indicating a strong preference for monogamy; t-test = 13.3; P < 0.0001). The effect size measure, Cohen’s d, was found to be 0.88, which is considered a large effect size in this field. Conclusions: Our results are compatible with the thesis that differences in implicit attitudes to concurrency play a role in the genesis of generalised HIV epidemics.
SMASH! The Salford medication safety dashboard
Authors: Williams Richard , Keers Richard , Gude Wouter T. , Jeffries Mark , Davies Colin , Brown Benjamin , Kontopantelis Evangelos , Avery Anthony J. , Ashcroft Darren M. , Peek Niels 
Published: October 2018

BackgroundPatient safety is vital to well-functioning health systems. A key component is safe prescribing, particularly in primary care where most medications are prescribed. Previous research has demonstrated that the number of patients exposed to potentially hazardous prescribing can be reduced by interrogating the electronic health record (EHR) database of general practices and providing feedback to general practitioners (GPs) in a pharmacist-led intervention. We aimed to develop and roll out an online dashboard application that delivers this audit and feedback intervention in a continuous fashion.MethodBased on initial system requirements, we designed the dashboard’s user interface over three iterations with six GPs, seven pharmacists and a member of the public. Prescribing safety indicators from previous work were implemented in the dashboard. Pharmacists were trained to use the intervention and deliver it to general practices.ResultsA web-based electronic dashboard was developed and linked to shared care records in Salford, UK. The completed dashboard was deployed in all but one (n = 43) general practices in the region. By November 2017, 36 pharmacists had been trained in delivering the intervention to practices. There were 135 registered users of the dashboard, with an average of 91 user sessions a week.ConclusionWe have developed and successfully rolled out of a complex, pharmacist-led dashboard intervention in Salford, UK. System usage statistics indicate broad and sustained uptake of the intervention. The use of systems that provide regularly updated audit information may be an important contributor towards medication safety in primary care.
Teachers’ Beliefs and Practices of Task-Based Language Teaching in Chinese as a Second Language Classrooms
Authors: Zhang Yumei , Luo Shaoqian 
Published: October 2018

AbstractChinese as a second language (CSL) policy makers and scholars began to introduce task-based language teaching (TBLT) to CSL teaching more than a decade ago. However, policy innovations or theoretical precepts are not necessarily the blueprints of teachers’ classroom practice. It is assumed that teachers are more likely to accept or apply the new approach if the new philosophy is concordant with their existing beliefs. This study attempts to examine the prospect of TBLT application in CSL teaching by exploring the extent to which TBLT philosophy has found its way into CSL teachers’ beliefs. The research also probes into teachers’ practices to explore whether their beliefs in TBLT could be actualized. A questionnaire, classroom observations and interviews have been employed. The results indicate that the Chinese teachers have strong faith in the effectiveness of TBLT, but they doubt its feasibility. Their difficulties and confusion in realizing their beliefs in practice, in turn, lead to their faith in TBLT philosophy having a peripheral status in their belief system. This may imply the bi-directional causal relationships between teachers’ beliefs and practices. The factors revealed make clear the responsibilities or measures to be taken at social-cultural, institutional and internal levels. The findings generate empirical insights into implementations of pedagogical innovations.
Relationship Between Tactical Performance, Somatic Maturity and Functional Capabilities in Young Soccer Players
Authors: Borges Paulo Henrique , Cumming Sean , Ronque Enio R.V. , Cardoso Felippe , Avelar Ademar , Rechenchosky Leandro , Costa Israel Teoldo da , Rinaldi Wilson 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between tactical performance, somatic maturity, and functional capabilities in young soccer players. Study participants were 48 soccer players (14.80 ± 1.5 years) belonging to an extension project at the State University of Maringa - Brazil. Anthropometric measurements of body mass, body height, and sitting height were carried out. The number of years to peak height velocity (PHV) was used as an index of maturation. Evaluations of functional fitness included the following tests: sit-and-reach, Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1, handgrip test, modified abdominal test, and vertical jumps (Counter Movement Jump and Jump Squat). Tactical performance was assessed through the System of Tactical Assessment in Soccer (FUT-SAT). Multiple Linear Regression models were used to estimate the relative contributions of functional and maturational capacities to tactical performance. The results indicated weak associations between the tactical performance indices and somatic maturity, functional capacity, and anthropometric attributes (r < 0.40). The Yo-Yo Test contributed to 36% of the defensive tactic performance variation in the under 13 category. These results suggest that the level of maturity, growth status, and functional fitness have limited impact on tactical performance of young soccer players.
Acceleration and Speed Performance of Brazilian Elite Soccer Players of Different Age-Categories
Authors: Loturco Irineu , Jeffreys Ian , Kobal Ronaldo , Cal Abad César C. , Ramirez-Campillo Rodrigo , Zanetti Vinicius , Pereira Lucas A. , Nakamura Fábio Y. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThis study aimed to compare vertical jump ability (squat-jump [SJ] and countermovement-jump [CMJ]), relative to body mass mean propulsive power in the jump-squat (MPP-REL JS), and the 0-5, 5-10, and 10-20 m acceleration and speed among soccer players from the same professional club, divided into age-categories (U15 [n = 20], U17 [n = 53], U20 [n = 22] and senior [n = 25] players). The tests were performed at the start of the preseason in indoor facilities. The magnitude-based inference approach and the standardized differences (based on effect sizes) were used to compare the age-groups. The SJ, CMJ, and MPP-REL JS increased across the age-groups up to U20, the latter being similar to senior players. Interestingly, the 0-5 m acceleration was likely and possibly higher in U15 players compared to U17 and senior players. Although soccer athletes improve their unloaded and loaded jump abilities across the age-categories (plateauing during adulthood), the same does not hold true for acceleration capacity, from the early phases of players’ development (i.e., U15). Strength and conditioning professionals should seek effective strategies to minimize impairment in maximal acceleration performance of elite soccer players throughout their prospective training programs.
SHOX gene deletion screening by FISH in children with short stature and Madelung deformity and their characteristics
Authors: Kurnaz Erdal , Savaş-Erdeve Şenay , Çetinkaya Semra , Aycan Zehra 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe short stature homeobox-containing (SHOX) gene strongly affects height. Therefore, a better understanding ofSHOXhaploinsufficiency could be advantageous to early diagnosis and treatment. We investigated the rate ofSHOXhaploinsufficiency in patients of short stature and documented their anthropometric measurements.MethodsBetween 2010 and 2017, we evaluated 86 patients (70 females, 16 males; age 4.3–18 years) with clinical diagnoses of short stature and Madelung deformity (MD). Clinical abnormalities are presented for patients with MD with and withoutSHOXhaploinsufficiency as determined by fluorescencein situhybridisation (FISH).ResultsAccording to our inclusion criteria, 78 of 86 patients (70 females, 16 males) had short stature (height <−2.5 standard deviation [SD]) and a family history suggestive of short stature. Eight patients had short stature, a family history suggestive of short stature and MD. MD was obvious in eight children in radiographic examinations. Although five of these had no deletion ofSHOX, three had deletion of this gene. The deletion detection rate was 37.5% in the individuals with short stature and MD, i.e. Leri-Weill dyschondrosteosis syndrome (LWS), whilst no deletions were detected in the individuals with only short stature. One individual responded well to growth hormone (GH) treatment for the first 2 years but then developed an intolerance with persistently elevated insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels.ConclusionsAs we likely missed cases due to our methodology, the routine analysis forSHOXscreening should be firstly multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA). The incidence of MD may have been higher in the cohort if X-rays were performed in all individuals. GH treatment was not well tolerated in one case due to persistently elevated IGF-1 levels, and long-term evaluations of patients withSHOXdeficiency are required.
Antipassive constructions: Correlations of form and function across languages
Authors: Vigus Meagan 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
This paper presents a cross-linguistic investigation of the antipassive within the framework of Radical Construction Grammar. Based on function, this study identifies constructions in 70 languages from 25 language families and four geographical macro areas. Iconically motivated correlations were found between functions and the morphosyntactic strategies they employ. The results of this study suggest that constructions indicating the lower individuation of patients and constructions indicating the lower affectedness of patients, previously grouped together as ‘antipassive’, should be considered two separate construction types. This is based on their separate functions, the distinct morphosyntactic strategies used to encode them across languages, and differences in productivity with regard to semantic classes of verbs.
Comparatives in Melanesia: Concentric circles of convergence
Authors: Schapper Antoinette , de Vries Lourens 
Published: October 2018

AbstractUsing a sample of 116 languages, this article investigates the typology of comparative constructions and their distribution in Melanesia, one of the world’s least-understood linguistic areas. We present a rigorous definition of a comparative construction as a “comparative concept”, thereby excluding many constructions which have been considered functionally comparatives in Melanesia. Conjoined comparatives are shown to dominate at the core of the area on the island of New Guinea, while (monoclausal) exceed comparatives are found in the maritime regions around New Guinea. Outside of Melanesia adpositional and other comparative constructions including particle comparatives are most frequent in Austronesian languages. The unity of the conjoined comparative type in the core Melanesian area illustrates that, while morpho-syntactic profiles of Melanesian languages are heterogenous, significant convergence in the “ways of saying things” can be found across the region. Additionally, we find no cases of clause chaining constructions being used for encoding comparatives, even in canonical clause chaining languages of central New Guinea. Our findings thus offer no support for Stassen’s claim of a correlation between temporal chaining type and comparative construction type. Instead we suggest that an areal preference for mini-clauses may explain the dominance of the conjoined comparative in Melanesia.
The CCR5-Delta32 genetic polymorphism and HIV-1 infection susceptibility: a meta-analysis
Authors: Ni Jun , Wang Dan , Wang Sheng 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
The CC chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) is a chemokine receptor which is widely expressed in several immune cells involved in the inflammatory responses. Previous published studies revealed the relation of the CCR5 gene (CCR5-delta32) with the risk of HIV-1 infection, but the results are debatable and inconclusive. Here by meta-analysis, we have systematically evaluated the relation between the CCR5-delta32 polymorphism and the risk of HIV-1 infection. A comprehensive search in PubMed, EMBASE, CNKI, Cochrane Library, and WanFang database was performed up to April 15, 2018. The pooled odds ratio (ORs) along with its 95% credible interval (95%CI) was used to evaluate the relation between the CCR5-delta32 polymorphism and HIV-1 infection risk. The study included 24 case-control studies involving 4,786 HIV-1 infection patients and 6,283 controls. Compared with the wild-type homozygous genotypes, the results showed that the CCR5-delta32 heterozygotes (OR=1.16, 95%CI=1.02-1.32) had an increased susceptibility to HIV-1 and the delta32 homozygous (OR=0.25, 95%CI=0.09-0.68) had significantly reduced the susceptibility to HIV-1 for healthy controls. Moreover, we have found the delta32 allele carriers (OR=0.71, 95%CI=0.54-0.94) had significantly cut down the HIV-1 infection susceptibility when using exposed uninfected (EU) as controls. We also conducted the stratified analysis by ethnicity, and there significant association was detected in Caucasian in delta32 allele carrier genotype. To summarize, our meta-analysis suggests that the CCR5-delta32 homozygous genotype (delta32/delta32) confer possible protection against HIV-1, especially the exposed uninfected groups.
Screening for Potato Resistance to Blackleg and Soft Rot
Authors: Lebecka Renata 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Two diseases of the potato, blackleg of potato plants and soft rot of tubers, are caused by several species of pectinolytic bacteria which belong to two genera: Pectobacterium and Dickeya. Resistance to these bacteria is polygenic and the expression of resistance in tubers and plants is only partially related, as well as strongly dependent on the aggressiveness of the bacteria and on environmental factors. Two methods of assessing tuber and stem tissue resistance of potato cultivars and breeding lines are described.
Syntax-Pragmatik-Schnittstelle am Beispiel der Fokussierung im Spanisch-Erwerb deutschsprachiger Lerner
Authors: Schirnhofer Julia 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
As a phenomenon at the syntax-pragmatics interface, focus marking can cause particular difficulties in adult L2 acquisition and may never be fully acquired, whereas native-like competence can be achieved with formal syntactic properties. The present study examines this so-called Interface Hypothesis by analysing the strategies that monolingual German-speaking learners use to mark information focus in Spanish. Analyses of the test results show that around 97 % of the test subjects prefer to maintain the unmarked constituent order and mark focus in situ, irrespective of their proficiency level. In comparison with Spanish natives (Gabriel 2010, Heidinger 2014), the results show a divergence from the behaviour of native speakers, as the latter use various strategies. This indicates that the German-speaking learners do not make use of the variation of focus marking strategies the Spanish language provides, but rather adhere to in situ focalization, which is also the dominant focus-marking strategy in German. Furthermore, the results of the present study highlight that strategies for marking focus are scarcely taken into account in language teaching classes.
Factors Associated With Self-Selected Step Rate in High School Cross Country Runners
Authors: Luedke Lace E. , Heiderscheit Bryan C. , Williams Dorsey S. Blaise , Rauh Mitchell J. 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Luedke, LE, Heiderscheit, BC, Williams, DSB, and Rauh, MJ. Factors associated with self-selected step rate in high school cross country runners. J Strength Cond Res 35(4): 1141–1148, 2021—Recommendations for step rate, or cadence, during distance running come from varying perspectives including performance, running economy, and injury risk. Studies of adult runners suggest that running experience and leg length may influence step rate, but limited evidence is available on factors that influence adolescent runner step rates. The purpose was to evaluate relationships between running experience, anthropometric factors, and lower extremity muscle strength with self-selected step rate in adolescent runners. Sixty-eight high school cross country runners (47 young women; age 16.2 ± 1.3 years) reported height, body mass, and running experience. Mean step rate was assessed at 3.3 m·s−1 and self-selected (mean 3.8 ± 0.5 m·s−1) speeds. Leg length and peak isometric strength of the hip abductors, knee extensors, and flexors were also measured. Step rates at 3.3 m·s−1 {r (95% confidence interval [CI]) = 0.44 [0.22, 0.61], p < 0.001} and self-selected (r [95% CI] = 0.45 [0.20, 0.66], p < 0.001) speeds were correlated with running experience. Step rates at 3.3 m·s−1 and self-selected speeds were inversely associated with body mass (r [95% CI] = −0.32 [−0.52, −0.09], p = 0.007 and r [95% CI] = −0.34 [−0.53, −0.11], p = 0.005, respectively), height (r [95% CI] = −0.40 [−0.58, −0.18], p = 0.01 and r [95% CI] = −0.32 [−0.52, −0.09], p = 0.008, respectively), and leg length (r [95% CI] = −0.48 [−0.64, −0.27], p < 0.001 and r [95% CI] = −0.35 [−0.52, −0.12], p = 0.004, respectively). No significant relationships were found between isometric strength values and step rate at either speed (p > 0.05). Adolescent runners with greater running experience displayed higher step rates. Hence, the lower step rates in runners with less experience may factor in the higher injury risk previously reported in novice runners. Runners with shorter leg length displayed higher step rates. Step rate recommendations should consider runner experience and anthropometrics.