Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
North Birmingham assertive outreach evaluation. Patient characteristics and clinical outcomes.

BACKGROUND Given the adoption of assertive outreach teams into UK mental health policy, it is important to assess whether gains identified in efficacy studies can be replicated in ordinary clinical settings. AIM The aim of the study was to assess patient characteristics and clinical outcomes in routine assertive outreach services in the UK. METHODS Patients (N=250), newly taken onto five assertive outreach teams, were followed up over 2 years. Baseline characteristics and outcome measures were compared. RESULTS Most patients had an International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision, diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizotypal or delusional disorder and long-standing involvement with psychiatric services. Around a half had a history of substance abuse and violence. At follow-up, the majority had ongoing input from the teams and there was a significant decrease in the use of in-patient care. There was no improvement in symptoms, risk behaviours or social functioning. CONCLUSION Patients on assertive outreach teams remain in contact with services and spend less time in hospital yet show little change with respect to clinical outcomes.
Precise temporal association between cortical potentials evoked by motor imagination and afference induces cortical plasticity

Key points • Here we use the naturally generated brain activation when a person imagines a simple movement and combine this with the afferent inflow that would be generated had the movement been performed rather than imagined. • We show that the excitability of the neural projections connecting the relevant brain areas to the target muscle is increased only when the afferent inflow arrives during the highest activation phase. • Furthermore, the changes are specific to the task and the neural connections between the brain and muscle involved in the task. • This novel intervention will open up the possibilities to alter afferent‐generated feedback depending on the demands of the movement to be performed.
Preventive effects of insulinlike growth factor‐I on steroid‐induced muscle atrophy

We examined the effects of simultaneous administration of recombinant insulinlike growth factor‐I (IGF‐I) and glucocorticoid on the diameter of muscle fibers in rats. The steroid group received subcutaneous injection of triamcinolone, the IGF‐treated group received IGF‐I alone, and the steroid plus IGF group received both triamcinolone and IGF‐I. After 14 days, each rat was subjected to muscle biopsy of the extensor digitorum longus and soleus. Glucocorticoid treatment caused significant reduction in diameter of muscle fibers, compared to controls. Simultaneous administration of IGF‐I significantly attenuated glucocorticoid‐induced muscle atrophy. Glucocorticoid increased both urinary concentration of 3‐methylhistidine and urinary creatine/creatinine ratio. IGF‐I reduced those changes in the urine. We conclude that IGF‐I administration prevents, at least partially, the development of steroid myopathy. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Muscle Nerve 22: 213–217, 1999
A community waterborne outbreak of gastro-enteritis attributed to Shigella sonnei

An outbreak of gastro-enteritis occurred in a community of 2213 persons located near the city of Ioannina, in North-western Greece. Two hundreds and eighty-eight inhabitants of the village of Eleoussa, suffered from gastro-enteritis between 11 and 22 October. The peak of the epidemic occurred during the first 3 days (11–13 October). The highest risk of developing gastro-enteritis was observed in the age group 0–14 years (41·4%) and decreased significantly with age (P < 0·01). Patients over 65 years were more frequently hospitalized than those in other age groups (P < 0·05). Shigella sonnei was isolated from both, water samples and faeces of patients. Control measures were implemented on the second day of the outbreak. Environmental conditions suggest that contamination of the water system occurred by groundwater.
Rent or Buy ? The Role of Lifetime Experiences of Macroeconomic Shocks within and across Countries *

There are vast differences in homeownership rates across countries. We show that, both within and across countries, people’s decision to buy versus rent is strongly affected by macroeconomic shocks that they have experienced over their lifetimes so far. In a simple model with experience-based learning, we show that households are more likely to own their homes if they have experienced high inflation or high growth in the housing market. Using household-level data from 20 countries in the European Central Bank’s Household Finance and Consumption Survey (HFCS), we find that a 1 pp increase in experienced inflation predicts an increase of 8 percentage points in homeownership at the national level, and an increase of 45 percent in the odds of homeownership at the individual level. The results are robust to including a vast array of individual and housing-market controls. As predicted by the theory, the estimation result does not hold in countries with primarily variable rate mortgages, and it is weaker when other inflation hedges are easily available. Using data from the American Community Survey, we show that these experiences carry over to predict homeownership among immigrants to the United States. Finally, we also estimate similar effects for the first year of homeownership in the SHARE data. Our results imply that individual lifetime experiences of inflation have a significant and lasting impact on cross-country and within-country homeownership patterns. ∗We thank workshop participants at Berkeley, Chicago, Duke, Stanford as well as the AEA, Finish Economic Association, ESA conferences, the Household and Behavioral Finance Symposium at Cornell conference, and CEPR Network Event on Household Finance for helpful comments. †Department of Economics, University of California, 501 Evans Hall, Berkeley, CA 94720-3880, ulrike@berkeley.edu and alexsteiny@berkeley.edu.
The evolution of CNO isotopes: a new window on cosmic star formation history and the stellar IMF in the age of ALMA

We use state-of-the-art chemical models to track the cosmic evolution of the CNO isotopes in the interstellar medium of galaxies, yielding powerful constraints on their stellar initial mass function (IMF). We re-assess the relative roles of massive stars, asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars and novae in the production of rare isotopes such as 13C, 15N, 17O and 18O, along with 12C, 14N and 16O. The CNO isotope yields of super-AGB stars, novae and fast-rotating massive stars are included. Having reproduced the available isotope enrichment data in the solar neighbourhood, and across the Galaxy, and having assessed the sensitivity of our models to the remaining uncertainties, e.g. nova yields and star formation history, we show that we can meaningfully constrain the stellar IMF in galaxies using C, O and N isotope abundance ratios. In starburst galaxies, where data for multiple isotopologue lines are available, we find compelling new evidence for a top-heavy stellar IMF, with profound implications for their star formation rates and efficiencies, perhaps also their stellar masses. Neither chemical fractionation nor selective photodissociation can significantly perturb globally averaged isotopologue abundance ratios away from the corresponding isotope ones, as both these processes will typically affect only small mass fractions of molecular clouds in galaxies. Thus, the Atacama Large Millimeter Array now stands ready to probe the stellar IMF, and even the ages of specific starburst events in star-forming galaxies across cosmic time unaffected by the dust obscuration effects that plague optical/near-infrared studies.
The Assessment of Basic Learning Abilities (ABLA) test predicts the relative efficacy of task preferences for persons with developmental disabilities.

BACKGROUND Prior studies have showed that presentation methods could affect the accuracy of a choice assessment. METHODS In the current study, high- and low-preferred work tasks were identified in nine adults with developmental disabilities. Both tasks were then introduced in pairs within a choice assessment using the actual tasks, pictures of the tasks and spoken descriptions of the tasks. Participants were also given the Assessment of Basic Learning Abilities (ABLA) test that evaluated their discrimination skills. RESULTS For five of the participants, their consistent choice of preferred task was predicted by their discrimination skills as assessed by the ABLA. CONCLUSIONS These findings extend that of Conyers et al. whereby the systematic assessment of discrimination skills could predict the effectiveness of different presentation methods in this population.
Information literacy at work: A study on information management behaviour of Kuwaiti engineers

– The purpose of this paper was to investigate the information behaviour of Kuwaiti engineers with a focus on information sources and finding information from these sources, management of information found and re-finding of information from personal collections. , – Survey method of research was used to conduct the study. Data were collected using online questionnaire and interviews with a selected number of participants. , – Results indicated that engineers collected and received information from a variety of sources. They saved selected information for future use in folders and structured them by using work-related categories. Use of information management tools was not common. A majority of participants expressed the need for training courses in information literacy. They felt that lack of institutional support to facilitate access to information was considered a major difficulty in information seeking. , – No similar study could be found in the literature, as earlier studies either investigated personal information management practices or information seeking behaviour. This study looked at information literacy in a wider context.
A tale of two viruses: HIV, Ebola and health systems.

Epidemics invariably generate calls for technical solutions such as drugs and vaccines, but gaining trust of communities, understanding and allaying their concerns, and forging effective coalitions between local and outside responders are first essentials. Many have expressed surprise at the ongoing outbreak of Ebola in West Africa, which, by mid-March 2015, had caused close to 25 000 reported cases and more than 10 000 registered deaths. Secondary spread in other West African countries, Europe, and the United States contributed to the alarm, and the epidemic has shaken the very foundations of global health and its institutions. Yet, it was a quarter century ago that the Institute of Medicine published its landmark report on emerging infections that discussed infectious disease spread in an increasingly interconnected world [1]. Albert Camus, in his epic ‘The Plague’, observed that wars and pestilences always take people equally by surprise.
The generation, migration, and differentiation of olfactory neurons in the adult primate brain

In adult rodents, neural progenitor cells in the subependymal (SZ) zone of the lateral cerebral ventricle generate neuroblasts that migrate in chains via the rostral migratory stream (RMS) into the olfactory bulb (OB), where they differentiate into interneurons. However, the existence of this neurogenic migratory system in other mammals has remained unknown. Here, we report the presence of a homologue of the rodent SZ/RMS in the adult macaque monkey, a nonhuman Old World primate with a relatively smaller OB. Our results—obtained by using combined immunohistochemical detection of a marker for DNA replication (5-bromodeoxyuridine) and several cell type-specific markers—indicate that dividing cells in the adult monkey SZ generate neuroblasts that undergo restricted chain migration over an extended distance of more than 2 cm to the OB and differentiate into granule interneurons. These findings in a nonhuman primate extend and support the use of the SZ/RMS as a model system for studying neural regenerative mechanisms in the human brain.
The Association of Hemodilution and Transfusion of Red Blood Cells with Biochemical Markers of Splanchnic and Renal Injury During Cardiopulmonary Bypass

BACKGROUND: Hemodilution is the main cause of a low hematocrit concentration during cardiopulmonary bypass. This low hematocrit may be insufficient for optimal tissue oxygen delivery and often results in packed cell transfusion. Our objective in this study was to find a relationship between intraoperative hematocrit and allogeneic blood transfusion on release of postoperative injury markers from the kidneys and the splanchnic area. METHODS: Fifty consecutive patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting with cardiopulmonary bypass were included. Systemic tissue hypoxia was assessed by lactate concentrations. Kidney and splanchnic ischemia were assessed by the measurement of N-acetyl-&bgr;-d-glucosaminidase (NAG) and intestinal fatty acid binding protein (IFABP) in urine. Patients were retrospectively placed into groups according to their lowest hematocrit concentration on bypass (<24% or ≥24%). RESULTS: The intraoperative lactate and the postoperative NAG and IFABP concentrations were higher in the low hematocrit group (<24%) than in the high hematocrit group (≥24%; P < 0.05). Low hematocrit correlated with higher lactate concentrations (R2 = 0.150, P < 0.01) and with higher NAG concentrations (R2 = 0.138, P < 0.01) and IFABP concentrations (R2 = 0.107, P < 0.01) postoperatively. Transfusion of packed cells during cardiopulmonary bypass correlated with higher lactate (R2 = 0.089, P < 0.05), NAG (R2 = 0.431, P < 0.01), and IFABP concentrations (R2 = 0.189, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The results support the concept that hemodilution below an intraoperative hematocrit of 24% and consequently transfusion of red blood cells is related to release of injury markers of the kidneys and splanchnic area.
Prevalence of Salmonella serotypes in male mule ducks in Belgium

Salmonella species infections of male mule ducks were studied for 32 months in 100 flocks on nine duck farms in Belgium. The prevalence of Salmonella species infections changed significantly over time (P<0.001) with infection rates of 50, 13.4, 6.7, 2.6 and 2.9 per cent, respectively, at the time of arrival on the farm, at three, six and nine weeks of age, and when the ducks left the breeding unit to enter the force-feeding rooms (at 11 or 12 weeks of age). During the study period, 95 strains of Salmonella were isolated, belonging to 11 serotypes. S Indiana (42.1 per cent) and S Regent (36.8 per cent) were the two most common serotypes, whereas S Typhimurium and S Enteritidis were found only once (1.1 per cent). All isolated strains were resistant to at least two antimicrobials, but resistance to more than five antimicrobials was observed in 21.6 per cent of the strains.
Oenocytes in insects

Oenocytes are insect cells responsible for lipid processing and detoxification. Of ectodermic origin, they are found in close association with the insect epidermis, or fat body cells, or both depending on the insect species and developmental stage. They are easily distinguishable either by staining or by their ability to form cell clusters lined by a basal lamina, which makes it possible to isolate them from other cells. The most noticeable characteristic of the oenocytes ultrastructure is the presence of a welldeveloped smooth endoplasmic reticulum that can fill almost entire cell cytoplasm that for a long time was suggestive of lipid processing capacity. This capacity was confirmed lately through the usage of genetic, molecular and biochemistry approaches and other functions are also addressed to these cells, such as cuticular hydrocarbons and pheromones synthesis and detoxification. Additionally, oenocytes are considered analogous to mammalian hepatocytes based on their gene expression profiles and cell functions. In spite of the current knowledge about oenocytes, much about their protein expression profile remains unknown. In this review we provide a general overview of the state of the art related to oenocytes studies and certain morphological and biochemical aspects of such cells crucial for insect survival.
Changes in spinal cord regenerative ability through phylogenesis and development: Lessons to be learnt

Lower vertebrates, such as fish and amphibians, and developing higher vertebrates can regenerate complex body structures, including significant portions of their central nervous system. It is still poorly understood why this potential is lost with evolution and development and becomes very limited in adult mammals. In this review, we will discuss the current knowledge on the cellular and molecular changes after spinal cord injury in adult tailed amphibians, where regeneration does take place, and in developing chick and mammalian embryos at different developmental stages. We will focus on the recruitment of progenitor cells to repair the damage and discuss possible roles of changes in early response to injury, such as cell death by apoptosis, and of myelin‐associated proteins, such as Nogo, in the transition between regeneration‐competent and regeneration‐incompetent stages of development. A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying spontaneous regeneration of the spinal cord in vivo in amphibians and in the chick embryo will help to devise strategies for restoring function to damaged or diseased nervous tissues in mammals. Developmental Dynamics 226:245–256, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Changing predictions, stable recognition: Children's representations of downward incline motion

Various studies to-date have demonstrated children hold ill-conceived expressed beliefs about the physical world such as that one ball will fall faster than another because it is heavier. At the same time, they also demonstrate accurate recognition of dynamic events. How these representations relate is still unresolved. This study examined 5- to 11-year-olds' (N = 130) predictions and recognition of motion down inclines. Predictions were typically in error, matching previous work, but children largely recognized correct events as correct and rejected incorrect ones. The results also demonstrate while predictions change with increasing age, recognition shows signs of stability. The findings provide further support for a hybrid model of object representations and argue in favour of stable core cognition existing alongside developmental changes. Statement of contribution What is already known on this subject? Children's predictions of physical events show limitations in accuracy Their recognition of such events suggests children may use different knowledge sources in their reasoning What the present study adds? Predictions fluctuate more strongly than recognition, suggesting stable core cognition But recognition also shows some fluctuation, arguing for a hybrid model of knowledge representation.
Unilateral Versus Bilateral Balloon Kyphoplasty for Multilevel Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures: A Prospective Study

Study Design. A prospective study of patients who underwent multilevel balloon kyphoplasty at a single institute. Objective. To examine and compare the safety and long-term radiographic and clinical effects of unilateral or bilateral balloon kyphoplasty to treat multilevel symptomatic vertebral compression fractures. Summary of Background Data. Typically, balloon kyphoplasty involves placement of inflatable bone tamp via a bilateral transpedicular or extrapedicular approach. Recently, several articles reported unilateral kyphoplasty with comparable outcomes. However, few prospective randomized study comparing the radiographic and clinical outcomes using unilateral and bilateral approaches was reported. Methods. Forty-nine patients with 114 Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures were randomly allocated into two groups adopting unilateral or bilateral balloon kyphoplasty. Preoperative and postoperative pain scores, back disability, and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey scores were compared with at least a 2-year follow-up. Vertebral body height and vertebral body kyphotic angle from this cohort were analyzed before surgery, after surgery, and at final follow-up. Results. Both unilateral and bilateral balloon kyphoplasty resulted in significant pain reduction and back dysfunction improvement and remained unchanged at final follow-up. Quality of life assessment using 36-Item Short Form Health Survey recorded marked and significant improvements in all mean subscale scores except general health and social function. Regarding the pain reduction, back dysfunction, and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey scores, no significant difference existed between two groups. Significant increases of anterior and middle vertebral heights were recorded for both groups after surgery and maintained for the period of follow-up. The mean correction of vertebral body kyphotic angle was about 7° in both groups. Asymptomatic cement extravasation occurred in six of 49 of patients, and three patients developed additional fractures at untreated levels during the period of follow-up. Conclusions. Both unilateral and bilateral kyphoplasty markedly improve symptom-related clinical effects of multilevel vertebral compression fractures and result in significant vertebral height restoration and kyphosis correction that remains stable for at least 2 years after treatment.
The psychoanalyst and the baby: A new look at work with infants

The author argues that objections to involving the infant in a relationship with an analyst have led psychoanalysts to overlook the possibility that the interaction between the infant and the analyst may be able to activate and retrieve those parts of the infant's inner world that have been excluded from containment and be conducive to a vitalisation of the emotional disturbance that can then become worked through in the mother‐infant relationship. As long as the infant's ego is weak, the infant and the mother have a unique flexibility that enables them to repair disturbances in their relationship when the emotional container‐contained link is (re‐)established. Based on the assumptions (1) that a relationship can be established between the infant and the analyst, (2) that the infant has a primordial subjectivity and self as base for intersubjectivity and the search for containment, (3) that the infant has an unique flexibility in changing representations of itself and others that comes to an end as the ego develops, and (4) that the infant is able to process aspects of language, three cases, at the ages of 6, 18 and 20 months, are presented to illustrate what is considered to be a novel approach to work with infants.
Effects of stress and speech rate on vowel quality in Catalan and Spanish

This study examines the effects of lexical stress on vowel quality in Iberian Spanish and Central Catalan and the relationship between phonetic variation caused by stress and speech rate. For Catalan, both absence of stress and fast speech rate result in a shrunken vowel space. For Spanish, the effects of speech rate are in line with those found for Catalan. Yet, unstressed vowels are characterized by lower F1 than their stressed counterparts. Results are discussed in the light of the Hyperarticulation Hypothesis and the Sonority Expansion Hypothesis.