Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Measuring trust and commitment in collective actions: Evidence from farmers’ marketing organizations in rural Ethiopia

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the theoretical and empirical possibility of measuring trust and commitment in collective actions. Design/methodology/approach The study employs choice experiments to estimate trust implicitly as opposed to the common practice of measuring trust explicitly. Several experiments were conducted to assess members’ level of trust and commitment to marketing cooperatives in rural Ethiopia. Findings The results of the study indicate that significant number of farmers do not yet have trust in their organization and fellow members in both absolute and relative terms. The probability of trust increases when members actively participate in cooperative governance, are less diverse, stay longer in the cooperative, and when cooperatives are older. The authors also learnt that both trust and commitment have indeed improved the performance of farmers’ market organizations. Trust in cooperative is asymmetrically sensitive to incentives and disincentives. Research limitations/implications The study implied that research efforts attempting to estimate trust in collective action shall use an implicit measurement and consider the sensitivity of trust to relativeness, incentives and types of transactions. Practical implications The findings of this study showed that rural organizations that are established with external help, such as agricultural cooperatives in Africa, seem to struggle to earn the trust of their current and potential members. This implies that given the effectiveness and persistence of informal rural organizations emerged through mutual trust, cooperatives must be organized either through informal ways as trust-based organizations or based on cooperative business principles of voluntarism and independence. Originality/value This paper employs the behaviorally appealing choice experiment approach to capture the different aspects of trust such as relativism, sensitivity of trust to incentive and types of transactions in smallholder producers’ organizations.
Common errors in textbook descriptions of muscle fiber size in nontrained humans

Exercise science and human anatomy and physiology textbooks commonly report that type IIB muscle fibers have the largest cross-sectional area of the three fiber types. These descriptions of muscle fiber sizes do not match with the research literature examining muscle fibers in young adult nontrained humans. For men, most commonly type IIA fibers were significantly larger than other fiber types (six out of 10 cases across six different muscles). For women, either type I, or both I and IIA muscle fibers were usually significantly the largest (five out of six cases across four different muscles). In none of these reports were type IIB fibers significantly larger than both other fiber types. In 27 studies that did not include statistical comparisons of mean fiber sizes across fiber types, in no cases were type IIB or fast glycolytic fibers larger than both type I and IIA, or slow oxidative and fast oxidative glycolytic fibers. The likely reason for mistakes in textbook descriptions of human muscle fiber sizes is that animal data were presented without being labeled as such, and without any warning that there are interspecies differences in muscle fiber properties. Correct knowledge of muscle fiber sizes may facilitate interpreting training and aging adaptations.
Inhibition of Rev activity and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 replication by antisense oligodeoxynucleotide phosphorothioate analogs directed against the Rev-responsive element

The interaction between the Rev protein of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and its highly structured and conserved RNA target, the Rev-responsive element, is required for virus replication. We demonstrate that antisense oligodeoxynucleotide phosphorothioate analogs directed against the Rev-responsive element effectively inhibit Rev activity, as well as human immunodeficiency virus type 1 replication, and are candidates for antiviral therapy.
Prognosis of patients with acute myeloid leukaemia admitted to intensive care

This retrospective study assessed the prognostic factors associated with early and long‐term outcome in consecutive patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) over a 9‐year period. A total of 83 patients were studied (age 48 ± 16 years), among whom 60% were neutropenic on admission. For 68%, admission occurred within the first month following diagnosis of AML. The main reason for ICU admission was an acute respiratory disease in 82% of cases. Mechanical ventilation (MV) was required in 57% of patients. In‐ICU mortality was 34%. Among patients discharged alive from ICU, 49% died within a year after discharge. Factors significantly associated with in‐ICU death in multivariate analysis were simplified acute physiology score II and need for invasive MV (IMV). Age, performance status, AML3 subtype and complete remission were significantly associated with 1‐year survival. Patients with acute respiratory failure initially supported with non‐invasive MV had significantly better ICU outcome than patients initially supported with IMV. In conclusion, ICU admission is justified for selected patients with AML. The ICU mortality rate is highly predictable by the acute illness severity score. A 1‐year survival is predicted by haematological prognostic factors.
Additive Hypoglycemic Effects of Drugs That Modify Free-Fatty Acid Metabolism by Different Mechanisms in Rats With Streptozocin-Induced Diabetes

In this study the effect of two drugs [etomoxir and nicotinic acid (NA)] on plasma glucose, free–fatty acid (FFA), and triglyceride (TG) concentrations was determined in rats with streptozocin (STZ)-induced diabetes. The two compounds modify FFA metabolism by different mechanisms, etomoxir (ethyl-2-[6-(4-cholorophenoxyl)-hexyl]oxirane-2-carboxylate) by inhibiting hepatic fatty acid oxidation, and NA by inhibiting lipolysis in adipose tissue. Diabetes was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing ∼ 400 g, by STZ injection (30 mg/kg i.v.), and the metabolic effects of the two drugs were studied 7–10 days later. The acute administration of either etomoxir or NA lowered plasma glucose concentrations in diabetic rats by ∼150 mg/dl (P < .001) in 4 h. However, the two drugs differed dramatically in their effects on plasma FFA and TG concentrations. Specifically, etomoxir produced striking increases in plasma FFA and TG concentrations, whereas NA administration caused a marked decrease. However, when NA was given in conjunction with etomoxir, NA prevented the increase in plasma FFA and TG concentration seen with etomoxir; the combination of NA and etomoxir approximately doubled the decrease in plasma glucose concentration produced by NA or etomoxir when given alone. Because plasma insulin concentrations did not change in response to either drug, whether administered singly or in combination, these metabolic effects do not result from a change in insulin secretion. These results suggest that modulation of FFA metabolism at the level of the adipocyte or the liver can have dramatic effects on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Also, NA prevented the potentially adverse effects that etomoxir had on FFA and TG. The observation that the two drugs given in combination were capable of lowering plasma glucose from <400 mg/dl to essentially normal levels within 4 h raises the possibility that this pharmacologic approach may have relevance to the treatment of diabetes.
Demographic and prenatal factors of patients with cleft lip and cleft palate. A pilot study.

BACKGROUND Cleft lip, or CL, and cleft palate, or CP, are common congenital abnormalities. Birth prevalence ranges from one in every 500 to 1,000 in the white population and one in every 2,000 births in the African-American population. Etiologic and genetic factors contributing to CL and CP development are unknown though extensive research has been conducted. The authors conducted this pilot study to investigate a study design that could allow for an evaluation of such etiologic factors by providing the required estimate of the projected magnitude of differences between cases and controls. METHODS The authors obtained pregnancy history data from the mothers of 137 consecutive patients at the University of Pittsburgh Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Center. The authors investigated the differences between sex or cleft status and family history of clefts, birth order, maternal age at birth and first-trimester maternal smoking and alcohol consumption. RESULTS None of the factors showed any significant differences by sex or cleft type (P > or = .07) in the pilot data. Power estimates ranged from 12 to 71 percent. The sample size needed to obtain power of 80 percent would be 250 for variables with two categories and 480 for variables with three categories. CONCLUSIONS There is no evidence that the factors contribute to either sex or cleft status differences. Further investigations are needed, and they should include a larger, more diverse sample of at least 250 cases, a matched control group and a focus on mothers of newborns. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS This study lays the groundwork for a better understanding of the etiology of CL and CP-common birth defects that present challenges for long-term dental management.
Spectrum of anterior cerebral artery territory infarction: clinical and MRI findings

To evaluate and review the clinical spectrum of anterior cerebral artery (ACA) territory infarction, we studied 48 consecutive patients who admitted to our stroke unit over a 6‐year period. We performed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) in all patients, and diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) in 21. In our stroke registry, patients with ACA infarction represented 1.3% of 3705 patients with ischemic stroke. The main risk factors of ACA infarcts was hypertension in 58% of patients, diabetes mellitus in 29%, hypercholesterolemia in 25%, cigarette smoking in 19%, atrial fibrillation in 19%, and myocardial infarct in 6%. Presumed causes of ACA infarct were large‐artery disease and cardioembolism in 13 patients each, small‐artery disease (SAD) in the territory of Heubner's artery in two and atherosclerosis of large‐arteries (<50% stenosis) in 16. On clinico‐radiologic analysis there were three main clinical patterns depending on lesion side; left‐side infarction (30 patients) consisting of mutism, transcortical motor aphasia, and hemiparesis with lower limb predominance; right side infarction (16 patients) accompanied by acute confusional state, motor hemineglect and hemiparesis; bilateral infarction (two patients) presented with akinetic mutism, severe sphincter dysfunction, and dependent functional outcome. Our findings suggest that clinical and etiologic spectrum of ACA infarction may present similar features as that of middle cerebral artery infarction, but frontal dysfunctions and callosal syndromes can help to make a clinical differential diagnosis. Moreover, at the early phase of stroke, DWI is useful imaging method to locate and delineate the boundary of lesion in the territory of ACA.
IL-6 receptor α defines effector memory CD8+ T cells producing Th2 cytokines and expanding in asthma.

RATIONALE Cytokine receptors can be markers defining different T-cell subsets and considered as therapeutic targets. The association of IL-6 and IL-6 receptor α (IL-6Rα) with asthma was reported, suggesting their involvement in asthma. OBJECTIVES To determine whether and how IL-6Rα defines a distinct effector memory (EM) CD8+ T-cell population in health and disease. METHODS EM CD8+ T cells expressing IL-6Rα (IL-6Rα(high)) were identified in human peripheral blood and analyzed for function, gene, and transcription factor expression. The relationship of these cells with asthma was determined using blood and sputum. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS A unique population of IL-6Rα(high) EM CD8+ T cells was found in peripheral blood. These cells that potently proliferated, survived, and produced high levels of the Th2-type cytokines IL-5 and IL-13 had increased levels of GATA3 and decreased levels of T-bet and Blimp-1 in comparison with other EM CD8+ T cells. In fact, GATA3 was required for IL-6Rα expression. Patients with asthma had an increased frequency of IL-6Rα(high) EM CD8+ T cells in peripheral blood compared with healthy control subjects. Also, IL-6Rα(high) EM CD8+ T cells exclusively produced IL-5 and IL-13 in response to asthma-associated respiratory syncytial virus and bacterial superantigens. CONCLUSIONS Human IL-6Rα(high) EM CD8+ T cells is a unique cell subset that may serve as a reservoir for effector CD8+ T cells, particularly the ones producing Th2-type cytokines, and expand in asthma.
Computerised Tomography in Schizophrenia 15 Years On

X-ray computerised tomography (CT) has revolutionised diagnostic radiology, particularly neuroradiology, since its inception (Houndsfield, 1973). It has been used widely in the systematic examination of brain structure in schizophrenia since the first study, 15 years ago, by Johnstone et al (1976). Several good reviews of the findings appeared in the mid-1980s (e.g. Reveley, 1985a; Shelton & Weinberger, 1986). Since then, although the spate of published studies has slowed, the quality of more recent published studies has in general been higher than the earlier ones, and it is time to look at the field again. This review examines the methodological pitfalls in CT research in schizophrenia and then attempts to draw some conclusions in the light of these.
Wage Increases and the Dynamics of Reciprocity

We investigate how workers’ performance is affected by the timing of wages in a real-effort experiment. In all treatments, agents earn the same wage sum, but wage increases are distributed differently over time. We find that agents work harder under increasing wage profiles if they do not know these profiles in advance. A profile that continuously increases wages by small amounts raises performance by about 15% relative to a constant wage. The effort reactions can be organized by a model in which agents reciprocally respond to wage impulses, comparing wages to an adaptive reference standard determined by the previous wage.
Increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes for women with migraines: A nationwide population-based study

Using a 3-year nationwide population-based database, this study aims to examine the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with migraines, including low birthweight (LBW), preterm birth, infants born small for gestational age, Caesarean section (CS) and pre-eclampsia. We identified a total of 4911 women with migraines who gave birth from 2001 to 2003, together with 24 555 matched women as a comparison cohort. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that after adjusting for potential confounders, the odds ratios were 1.16 [95% confidence intervals (CI) = 1.03–1.31, P = 0.014] for LBW, 1.24 (95% CI = 1.13–1.39, P < 0.001) for preterm births, 1.16 (95% CI = 1.07–1.24, P < 0.001) for CS and 1.34 (95% CI = 1.02–1.77, P = 0.027) for pre-eclampsia for women with migraines compared with unaffected mothers. We conclude that women with migraines were at increased risk of having LBW, preterm babies, pre-eclampsia and delivery by CS, compared with unaffected mothers.
Diurnal Variations in Hypnotic Responsiveness: Is There an Optimal Time to Be Hypnotized?

Abstract With a sample of nearly 700 undergraduate students, the authors found support for diurnal variations in hypnotic responsiveness. Administering the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, Form A (HGSHS:A) in the morning or evening resulted in higher average scores than from afternoon sessions. The authors replicated this finding using a second independent sample. In the primary study, participants indicated the time of day that they are most alert. Matching self-reported preferred time of the day with HGSHS:A administration time did not improve hypnotic responsiveness. Considering this as well as past research, the authors argue that mid-morning may be the optimal time to be hypnotized and afternoon the least favorable.
Estimating a Dynamic Spatial Equilibrium Model to Evaluate the Welfare Implications of Regional Adjustment Processes: The Decline of the Rust Belt

This article develops and estimates a new dynamic spatial equilibrium model to study the regional transition dynamics and its impact on individual and aggregate welfare. The model consists of a multiregion, multisector economy comprised of overlapping generations of individuals with heterogeneous skills and mobility costs. The empirical findings suggest that a large fraction of the decline of the Rust Belt can be attributed to the reduction in its region‐specific comparative advantage in the goods‐producing sector. This decline generated significant differences in welfare across regions. Policy experiments show that such inequality can be significantly reduced through place‐based policies.
Interleukin‐10 Suppresses the Development of Collagen Type II‐Induced Arthritis and Ameliorates Sustained Arthritis in Rats

The collagen‐induced arthritis model in DA rats induced with homologous rat type II collagen was chosen to determine the therapeutic capacity and effects on autoimmunity by IL‐10. Systemic IL‐10 treatment (100 or 10 μg/day) with mini‐osmotic pumps during the periods of arthritis onset (days 12–20 after immunization) decreased the frequency of arthritis and delayed the onset and reduced the severity of arthritis in the few rats that eventually developed arthritis. Concomitantly, levels of autoantibodies to CII were reduced. To test the activity on established arthritis, IL‐10 was administered subcutaneously in the paws. This treatment reduced the swelling but did not block the arthritis process. The effective treatment required 100 μg of IL‐10 every 12th hour while 50 μg of IL‐10 had little effect, although a tendency of reduced paw swelling was observed. Surprisingly, therapeutic IL‐10 treatment led to higher serum levels of autoantibodies to CII. The highest doses of IL‐10 (100 μg) did not show any apparent toxic effects when given locally or systematically. Taken together, this study suggests that IL‐10 is a candidate for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
Candida albicans isolates from a single hospital show low phenotypical specialization

Candida albicans is the best‐studied opportunistic human pathogenic yeast species, and its virulence factors, susceptibility to antimycotics, the diversity of its physiological properties and the determinative factors of these traits are interesting from a clinical as well as from an evolutionary perspective. By applying statistical modeling for the phenotypical differences observed among a collection of 63 C. albicans isolates originating from different clinical care units, from a diverse group of patients with or without mycosis, collected in a Hungarian clinic, we found that (i) host‐related aspects like anatomical source, care unit of isolation, patients’ age, sex, and disease severity, or ABC genotypes of the isolates had less effect on the phenotypic features of this opportunistic pathogen than host‐independent aspects, for example, year or month of isolation; (ii) different phenotypic traits did not show any significant correlations with each other; and (iii) different genotypes displayed no anatomical specialization and rarely showed any significant correlation with parameters of isolation either. These results shed light on the dynamic nature and low specialization of the C. albicans populations observable in a narrow geographic range, namely in the patients hospitalized in the different care units of the clinic.
Actions of fluorinated alkanols on GABA(A) receptors: relevance to theories of narcosis.

UNLABELLED Previous work demonstrates that various anesthetics enhance the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and this enhancement has been proposed as an explanation for how anesthetics cause anesthesia. This explanation extends to both fluorinated and unfluorinated alkanols. In the present study, we tested the capacity of fluorinated alkanols to enhance the function of the GABA(A) receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes. CF3CH2OH, CF3(CF2)2CH2OH and CF3(CF2)4CH2OH potentiated GABA(A) receptor function, but CF3(CF2)5CH2OH did not. The degree of potentiation decreased in proportion to the chain length of the alkanols. These findings were not specific for receptors expressed in oocytes, as similar results were obtained with muscimol-stimulated 36Cl- uptake using mouse brain membrane vesicles. Although CF3(CF2)5CH2OH has been reported to enhance the capacity of desflurane to produce immobility in vivo, in our in vitro studies, this compound reduced potentiation of GABA-gated response by anesthetics such as isoflurane, enflurane, and pentobarbital. CHF2(CF2)5CH2OH, which has in vivo anesthetic effects, also failed to potentiate GABA(A) receptor function. These results indicate that the GABA(A) receptor is not the only receptor affected by fluorinated alkanols and that other receptors contribute to the capacity of alkanols to produce immobility. In particular, CF3(CF2)5CH2OH and CF3CH2OH inhibited N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-mediated responses, which raises the possibility that this receptor is important for actions of fluorinated alkanols. IMPLICATIONS We find a consistent parallel between the immobilization produced by fluorinated alkanols and their actions on N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors but do not find a consistent parallel between immobilization and effects on gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptors. Thus, we suggest that N-methyl-D-aspartate, but not gamma-aminobutyric acid type A, receptors may mediate the capacity of anesthetics to produce immobilization.
Be Early or Swim Against the Tide: An Institutionalist Account of Windows of Opportunity to Enter New Markets

We integrate product life cycle theory and research on mimetic isomorphism to add a fresh perspective to the long-standing debate over first-mover and later-entrant approaches to market entry. We suggest that environment-level and firm-level mechanisms interdependently cause variance in (1) the maximum number of companies that can operate profitably in a given market; and (2) the number of companies that are actually active in that market. Theorizing on the divergent slopes of the development of these two factors over the course of industry evolution, we derive a model that extends existing accounts of “windows of opportunity” arguments. Entry success is likely in times when there are fewer firms active in a market than the market can bear. This is, ceteris paribus, the case in two of four phases of industry development: during the genesis of a market and, later on, during a cascade of market abandonment. We build testable theory for future empirical work and conclude with a discussion of implications for research and practice.