Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Investigation of the Relationship between Self-Esteem and Aggression in Care Leavers

Aggression is a significant problem at an individual and societal level, and has a negative impact on both victims and perpetrators. There is evidence that aggression may be a particular problem for young people who have been in care (‘care leavers’), and this may exacerbate their already high levels of mental health and social needs. Previous research has suggested that self-esteem may play an important role in aggression. However, the nature of this relationship is unclear and the research evidence is inconsistent. It has been proposed that some of the inconsistencies apparent in the existing research are due to the way that self-esteem has been conceptualised and measured. This research aimed to investigate the relationship between a number of different forms of self-esteem and aggression using a cross-sectional survey design. The study used self-report measures and implicit association tests (Greenwald et al., 1998) designed to assess implicit global self-esteem and implicit domains of self-esteem. The relationship between global self-esteem and aggression, domains of self-esteem (social rank, mate value and social inclusion) and aggression and discrepant explicit/implicit self-esteem (calculated by subtracting implicit self-esteem scores from explicit self-esteem scores) and aggression were investigated. When male and female data were analysed together there was a weak positive relationship between social rank and aggression but no other significant relationships. However when male and female data were analysed separately marked gender differences in the relationships between self-esteem and aggression emerged. For women, there were significant inverse correlations between self-reported aggression and three different forms of self-esteem: global self-esteem, social inclusion and discrepant implicit/explicit social inclusion. For men, there were significant positive relationships between self-reported aggression and four different forms of self-esteem: social rank, mate value, discrepant social rank, and discrepant mate value. The methodological, theoretical and clinical implications of this study are discussed.
Why should we exercise when our knees hurt? A qualitative study of primary care patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.

BACKGROUND Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is common and disabling. Exercise is effective in reducing pain and disability, but long-term adherence to exercise regimens is disappointing, and motivation to exercise in those with OA knee is poorly understood. OBJECTIVES To examine the views of primary care patients with OA knee towards exercise, explore factors that determine the acceptability and motivation to exercise, and to identify barriers that limit its use. METHOD Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 primary care patients with OA knee, six of whom also participated in a focus group for triangulation. Transcripts were coded into categories and themes to develop a conceptual framework and typology of exercise behaviour. RESULTS Exercise behaviour depended upon physical capacity to exercise; exercise beliefs and other factors such as enjoyment, social support, priority setting and context. Four types of patients were identified: 'long-term sedentary' who had never exercised; 'long-term active' who continued to exercise; 'exercise retired' who used to exercise, but had stopped because of their symptoms, and because they believed that exercise was damaging their joints; and 'exercise converted' who recently started to exercise, and preferred a gym because of the supervision and social support they received there. CONCLUSIONS Several physical, cognitive and contextual factors, and a typology of exercise behaviour were identified that could be addressed in primary care consultations. The importance of gyms and GP referral schemes for people who are exercising for the first time, and the high level of patient satisfaction associated with these were highlighted.
P1 ParA interacts with the P1 partition complex at parS and an ATP–ADP switch controls ParA activities

The partition system of P1 plasmids is composed of two proteins, ParA and ParB, and a cis‐acting site parS. parS is wrapped around ParB and Escherichia coli IHF protein in a higher order nucleoprotein complex called the partition complex. ParA is an ATPase that autoregulates the expression of the par operon and has an essential but unknown function in the partition process. In this study we demonstrate a direct interaction between ParA and the P1 partition complex. The interaction was strictly dependent on ParB and ATP. The consequence of this interaction depended on the ParB concentration. At high ParB levels, ParA was recruited to the partition complex via a ParA–ParB interaction, but at low ParB levels, ParA removed or disassembled ParB from the partition complex. ADP could not support these interactions, but could promote the site‐specific DNA binding activity of ParA to parOP, the operator of the par operon. Conversely, ATP could not support a stable interaction of ParA with parOP in this assay. Our data suggest that ParA‐ADP is the repressor of the par operon, and ParA‐ATP, by interacting with the partition complex, plays a direct role in partition. Therefore, one role of adenine nucleotide binding and hydrolysis by ParA is that of a molecular switch controlling entry into two separate pathways in which ParA plays different roles.
Outbreak of Dengue and Chikungunya Fevers, Toamasina, Madagascar, 2006

An outbreak of dengue-like syndrome occurred in Toamasina from January through March 2006. Dengue type l or chikungunya viruses were detected in 38 of 55 patients sampled. Aedes albopictus was the only potential vector collected. Of 4,242 randomly selected representative residents interviewed retrospectively, 67.5% reported a dengue-like syndrome during this period.
Recent insights into cerebral cavernous malformations: animal models of CCM and the human phenotype

Cerebral cavernous malformations are common vascular lesions of the central nervous system that predispose to seizures, focal neurologic deficits and potentially fatal hemorrhagic stroke. Human genetic studies have identified three genes associated with the disease and biochemical studies of these proteins have identified interaction partners and possible signaling pathways. A variety of animal models of CCM have been described to help translate the cellular and biochemical insights into a better understanding of disease mechanism. In this minireview, we discuss the contributions of animal models to our growing understanding of the biology of cavernous malformations, including the elucidation of the cellular context of CCM protein actions and the in vivo confirmation of abnormal endothelial cell–cell interactions. Challenges and progress towards developing a faithful model of CCM biology are reviewed.
Sporadic cases of dilated cardiomyopathies associated with atrioventricular conduction defects are not linked to mutation within the connexins 40 and 43 genes.

Dilated cardiomyopathies are common forms of primary myocardial disorders responsible for severe heart failure which may require cardiac transplantation. Viral infection, alcohol, carnitine deficiency or mutation within the dystrophin gene have been recognized as causative for the myopathy. Epidemiological studies have shown that approximately 20% of these cardiomyopathies are inherited. A subset of dilated cardiomyopathies are associated with severe atrioventricular conduction defects. This clinical entity is rare and mitochondrial mutations can cause the disease but usually affect other organs besides the myocardium. A large kindred with autosomal dominant transmission of dilated cardiomyopathy associated with atrioventricular conduction defects was carefully studied a few years ago. A genome-wide linkage analysis with this pedigree identified a disease locus mapped to chromosome 1p11q1. Several candidate genes are mapped to this region, including the gap junction protein connexin 40 gene. Moreover, the selective disruption of the murine connexin 40 (Cx40) was shown to be responsible for atrioventricular block, supporting the hypothesis that this gene could be a candidate gene to human heart conduction abnormalities. Connexin 43 (Cx43) is the predominant junction protein in the heart and it is thought to modulate the contractibility and the electrical coupling of cardiac myocytes. In human hypertrophic and ischaemic hearts, Cx43 content in the myocardium was shown to be reduced. Based on these functional data observed in humans and animals together with the genetic epidemiological data, we investigated whether mutation within the coding region of the Cx40 and Cx43
‘Unthinkable’ Selves: Identity boundary work in a summer field ecology enrichment program for diverse youth

The historical under-representation of diverse youth in environmental science education is inextricably connected to access and identity-related issues. Many diverse youth with limited previous experience to the outdoors as a source for learning and/or leisure may consider environmental science as ‘unthinkable’. This is an ethnographic study of 16 diverse high school youths’ participation, none of who initially fashioned themselves as ‘outdoorsy’ or ‘animal people’, in a four-week summer enrichment program focused on herpetology (study of reptiles and amphibians). To function as ‘good’ participants, youth acted in ways that placed them well outside their comfort zones, which we labeled as identity boundary work. Results highlight the following cultural tools, norms, and practices that enabled youths’ identity boundary work: (1) boundary objects (tools regularly used in the program that facilitated youths’ engagement with animals and nature and helped them work through fear or discomfort); (2) time and space (responsive, to enable adaptation to new environments, organisms, and scientific field techniques); (3) social support and collective agency; and (4) scientific and anecdotal knowledge and skills. Findings suggest challenges to commonly held beliefs about equitable pedagogy, which assumes that scientific practices must be thinkable and/or relevant before youth engage meaningfully. Further, findings illustrate the ways that fear, in small doses and handled with empathy, may become a resource for youths’ connections to animals, nature, and science. Finally, we propose that youths’ situated identity boundary work in the program may have the potential to spark more sustained identity work, given additional experiences and support.
Does temporal discounting explain unhealthy behavior? A systematic review and reinforcement learning perspective

The tendency to make unhealthy choices is hypothesized to be related to an individual's temporal discount rate, the theoretical rate at which they devalue delayed rewards. Furthermore, a particular form of temporal discounting, hyperbolic discounting, has been proposed to explain why unhealthy behavior can occur despite healthy intentions. We examine these two hypotheses in turn. We first systematically review studies which investigate whether discount rates can predict unhealthy behavior. These studies reveal that high discount rates for money (and in some instances food or drug rewards) are associated with several unhealthy behaviors and markers of health status, establishing discounting as a promising predictive measure. We secondly examine whether intention-incongruent unhealthy actions are consistent with hyperbolic discounting. We conclude that intention-incongruent actions are often triggered by environmental cues or changes in motivational state, whose effects are not parameterized by hyperbolic discounting. We propose a framework for understanding these state-based effects in terms of the interplay of two distinct reinforcement learning mechanisms: a “model-based” (or goal-directed) system and a “model-free” (or habitual) system. Under this framework, while discounting of delayed health may contribute to the initiation of unhealthy behavior, with repetition, many unhealthy behaviors become habitual; if health goals then change, habitual behavior can still arise in response to environmental cues. We propose that the burgeoning development of computational models of these processes will permit further identification of health decision-making phenotypes.
Loop electrosurgical excision of the cervix and the subsequent risk of preterm delivery

Objectives. To investigate the association between loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) and other potential risk factors, and subsequent preterm delivery (<37 weeks), using data from a large cohort study of Danish women. Methods. The Danish prospective cohort study was initiated in 1991, with the original aim of investigating the role of human papillomavirus in the natural history of cervical neoplasia. The study included 11,088 women aged 20–29. The cohort was invited for 2 follow‐up examinations in 1993–1995 and 1999–2000, respectively. At all 3 examinations, the women answered questions about a number of different lifestyle variables. We assessed the relationship between preterm delivery and potential risk factors, such as previous LEEP treatments, smoking during pregnancy, age, parity and previous preterm delivery. The cohort was followed until 2004, through linkages with the nationwide Pathology Data Bank and the Medical Birth Registry. Results. Of the 14,982 deliveries in the cohort during follow up, 542 were preterm (21–37 weeks). Among deliveries with no previous LEEP, 3.5% ended as a preterm delivery, whereas this applied to 6.6% among deliveries following a LEEP, yielding a significantly increased risk of preterm birth after LEEP (OR = 1.8; 95% CI: 1.1–2.9). The strongest risk factor for preterm delivery was a previous preterm delivery (OR = 2.3; 95% CI: 1.4–3.7). Other significant risk factors were smoking during pregnancy and low educational status. Conclusion. Our study showed an almost 2‐fold increase in the risk of preterm delivery after LEEP treatment. Thus, women in their reproductive age should be informed about the increased risk of preterm delivery, if treated with LEEP.
Measuring guide-tree dependency of inferred gaps in progressive aligners

Motivation: Multiple sequence alignments are generally reconstructed using a progressive approach that follows a guide-tree. During this process, gaps are introduced at a cost to maximize residue pairing, but it is unclear whether inferred gaps reflect actual past events of sequence insertions or deletions. It has been found that patterns of inferred gaps in alignments contain information towards the true phylogeny, but it is as yet unknown whether gaps are simply reflecting information that was already present in the guide-tree. Results: We here develop a framework to disentangle the phylogenetic signal carried by gaps from that which is already present in the guide-tree. Our results indicate that most gaps are incorrectly inserted in patterns that, nevertheless, follow the guide-tree. Thus, most gap patterns in current alignments are not informative per se. This affects different programs to various degrees, PRANK being the most sensitive to the guide-tree. Contact: tgabaldon@crg.es Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Distribution and Function of Ap-1 Clathrin Adaptor Complexes in Polarized Epithelial Cells

Expression of the epithelial cell–specific heterotetrameric adaptor complex AP-1B is required for the polarized distribution of many membrane proteins to the basolateral surface of LLC-PK1 kidney cells. AP-1B is distinguished from the ubiquitously expressed AP-1A by exchange of its single 50-kD μ subunit, μ1A, being replaced by the closely related μ1B. Here we show that this substitution is sufficient to couple basolateral plasma membrane proteins, such as a low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), to the AP-1B complex and to clathrin. The interaction between LDLR and AP-1B is likely to occur in the trans-Golgi network (TGN), as was suggested by the localization of functional, epitope-tagged μ1 by immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy. Tagged AP-1A and AP-1B complexes were found in the perinuclear region close to the Golgi complex and recycling endosomes, often in clathrin-coated buds and vesicles. Yet, AP-1A and AP-1B localized to different subdomains of the TGN, with only AP-1A colocalizing with furin, a membrane protein that uses AP-1 to recycle between the TGN and endosomes. We conclude that AP-1B functions by interacting with its cargo molecules and clathrin in the TGN, where it acts to sort basolateral proteins from proteins destined for the apical surface and from those selected by AP-1A for transport to endosomes and lysosomes.
Transfer of the coccidiostats monensin and lasalocid from feed at cross-contamination levels to whole egg, egg white and egg yolk

Recent legislation has addressed the unavoidable carry-over of coccidiostats and histomonostats in feed, which may lead to the presence of residues of these compounds in eggs. In this study, laying hens received cross-contaminated feed at a ratio of 2.5%, 5% and 10% of the therapeutic dose of monensin and lasalocid for broilers. The eggs were collected during the treatment and depletion period and were analysed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The different egg matrices were separated and analysed during the plateau phase. High lasalocid concentrations, which exceeded the maximum residue level, and low monensin concentrations were found in whole egg. Plateau levels were reached at days 7–9 for lasalocid and at days 3–5 for monensin. For lasalocid, the highest concentrations were measured in egg yolk; residue concentrations in egg white were very low.
Voice quality interpolation for emotional text-to-speech synthesis

Synthesizing desired emotions using concatenative algorithms relies on collection of large databases. This paper focuses on the development and assessment of a simple algorithm to interpolate the intended vocal effort in existing databases in order to create new databases with intermediate levels of vocal effort. Three diphone databases in German with soft, modal, and loud voice qualities are processed with a spectral interpolation algorithm. A listening test is performed to evaluate the intended vocal effort in the original databases as well as the interpolated ones. The results show that the interpolation algorithm can create the intended intermediate levels of vocal effort given the original databases independent of the language background of the subjects.
Shaft Position Correction Scheme Comparison for Sensorless Control of a PMSM Based on State-Space Estimation between Variance Adjustment and Angle PI Regulation

This paper investigates the impact of two main shaft position-error calibration techniques for sensorless operation of a permanent-magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) drive. Four state observers, the extended Kalman filter (EKF), the linear Kalman filter (LKF), the single dimension Luenberger (SDL) observer and the full-order Luenberger (FOLU) observer, are realized and compared with a basic flux-linkage observer (FLO) in aspects of estimated position precision and speed dynamic response. Experimental results show that the error correction type is the main deciding factor for the presented sensorless PMSM drive's performance of determining position and speed.
Sleep disturbance in family caregivers of children who depend on medical technology

Objectives Family caregivers of children who depend on medical technology (CMT) provide highly skilled care up to 24 hours per day. Sleep disruption places family caregivers at risk for poor health and related outcomes that threaten their long-term caregiving capacity. Few studies exist that have measured sleep in family caregivers, and most have relied entirely on subjective measures. Methods In a prospective cohort study, family caregivers of CMT (n=42) and caregivers of healthy children (n=43) were recruited. Actigraphy data and a concurrent sleep diary were collected for 6 days/7 nights. Measures of sleep quality, depression, sleepiness, fatigue and quality of life were also administered. Results Family caregivers of CMT averaged fewer hours of sleep per night (mean (SD)) (6.56 ± 1.4 vs 7.21 ± 0.6, p=0.02) of poorer quality (7.75 ± 2.9 vs 5.45 ± 2.8, p<0.01) than the control group. Three times as many family caregivers of CMT scored in the range for significant depressive symptomatology (12(33%) vs 4(10%), p=0.01) and experienced excessive daytime sleepiness (16(38%) vs 5(12%), p<0.01). Fatigue was also more problematic among family caregivers of CMT (22.12 ± 9.1 vs 17.44 ± 9.0, p=0.02). Conclusions Family caregivers of CMT are at risk of acute and chronic sleep deprivation, psychological distress and impaired daytime function that may threaten their capacity for sustained caregiving. Family caregivers of CMT may be important targets for screening for sleep disorders and the development of novel sleep-promoting interventions.
Rheumatic manifestations of brucellosis.

SIR, We read with interest the article by Norton on the rheumatic manifestations of brucellosis. ' We reported our experience with 304 patients infected with Brucella melitensis in 1982.2 Recently we have completed a prospective evaluation of 194 additional patients. Of these 498 patients, 180 (36%) presented with arthritis. In contrast to Norton's findings, sacoiliitis and peripheral arthritis were the most common forms of joint involvement, accounting for 90% of all the arthritis cases. Spondylitis was seen in only 18 patients (10%). As reported by others3 4 these patients were predominantly middle aged and older males with chronic brucellosis. The discrepancy can be explained by the different age distribution of the populations studied. Only one of the 55 patients reported by Norton was younger than 15, while in our group 354 patients (71%) were younger than 35 and 125 (25%) younger than 15. We agree with Norton in that immune abnormalities occur in human brucellosis, particularly during periods of active disease. Low titres of antinuclear antibodies were present in 25% and rheumatoid factor in 37-5% of a group of patients evaluated by US.5 Circulating immune complexes were detected by the Raji cell assay in 91.5%. As in other infectious diseases6 7 infectious and reactive arthritis occur in human brucellosis. In our series, using a selective culture medium for brucella,8 one third of the patients had sterile synovial fluids fulfilling the definition of reactive arthritis.9 Furthermore, the arthritis was non-destructive and resolved spontaneously in most of these patients, an event not commonly seen in infectious arthritis. '0 Interestingly, in one of the patients described by Norton the arthritis resolved after an intra-articular injection of corticosteroids. ' The immune abnormalities described above strongly suggest that an immune mechanism plays a part in the arthritis of these patients.