Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Change in Contemporary Italy's Social Concertation

This article examines the crisis of social concertation in Italy since 2000. We argue that this crisis is not due exclusively to the political shift from a centre-left to a centre-right government led by Silvio Berlusconi, or the end of the European integration phase. It reflects the continued failure of Italian social concertation to address problems of economic growth and work productivity was apparent by the second half of the 1990s. We argue that this is due mainly to the stagnation of the decentralization process at the company and territorial levels and, in particular, the limited development of second-level collective bargaining introduced by the 1993 July Ciampi Protocol. This reflects a weakness in the Italian institutional context as well as the difficulties associated with the altering of industrial relations in global market economies more generally. The prospects for the future of concertative policy making in the Italian context are also discussed.
Resident Support for Gambling as a Tourism Development Strategy

The purpose of this research was to examine resident support for gambling as a function of the perceived impacts of gambling and the quality of contact between resi dents and gamblers, controlling for levels of personal benefits and the perceived future of the community. Key positive impacts of gambling identified in this research included the number of jobs available for local residents, recreational and cultural opportunities, and the preservation of historical buildings and structures. Negative impacts included increases in the cost of living, traffic congestion, driving hazards, crime, and noise levels. A regres sion model was estimated of resident support for gambling development as a function of personal benefits, perceived future of the community, gambling impacts, and quality of contact with gambling.
Adenosine deaminase and C-reactive protein in diagnosing and monitoring of rheumatoid arthritis.

AIM To determine of catalytic activities of adenosine deaminase (ADA) and values of C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration in serums of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), who were and were not treated with Methotrexate (MTX), and identifying the possibilities of using these biochemical parameters in diagnosing and monitoring of treatment effects in RA. METHODS The study involved 120 subjects (60 healthy ones, who are in accordance with examined groups concerning age and sex, 30 suffering from RA who were not treated with MTX and 30 suffering from RA who were treated by MTX). Catalytic activities of ADA in serum were determined by spectrophotometric method using adenosine as a substrate. CRP concentrations in serum were determined immunoturbidimetrically. RESULTS A statistically significant correlation between values of ADA catalytic activities and values of CRP concentrations (r = 0.55, p < 0.01) in serums of subjects with RA without MTX treatment. At subjects with RA treated by MTX, correlation between values of ADA catalytic activities and values of CRP concentrations in serums was not statistically significant (r = 0.33, p > 0.01). CONCLUSION Study results have shown that ADA catalytic activity in serum can be a useful biochemical marker of inflammatory process in RA.
Visual Performance in Specific Syndromes Associated with Intellectual Disability

Purpose To report visual performance in adults with specific causes of intellectual disability (ID) and to compare the test results to published reports. Methods In a large-scale multicenter epidemiologic study of sensory impairments in 1598 adults with ID, the authors performed ocular assessments in 1539 persons. They compared the test results of those with five specific genetic disorders (Angelman syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, fragile X syndrome, Williams-Beuren syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis). Results An overrepresentation of strabismus, low vision, and refractive errors was found. Apart from fragile X syndrome and Prader-Willi syndrome (with in general mild to moderate ID), the other syndrome groups contained one or more subjects with visual impairment or blindness. A number of them had never been seen by an ophthalmologist. Conclusions The authors confirm a number of ocular features previously reported by other studies and suggest some additional ocular features. They found increased frequencies of treatable ophthalmologic conditions in the subgroups. Because reliable ocular assessment is feasible for 85% of persons with ID, the results are an incentive to address visual functioning in people with ID in order to correct ocular problems and maximize their possibilities.
Conditionality: Forms, Function, and History

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is famous for its practice of conditionality—making the disbursement of resources to national governments contingent on the performance of certain policies. We survey the history of conditionality and show that the IMF is only one of many organizations that have historically engaged in this practice. Conditionality can be imposed by either private lenders (such as banks) or official organizations (such as international financial institutions), through a range of policy instruments, and to serve different kinds of goals. Over the course of the twentieth century, the conditionality of private lenders came to be replaced by official conditionality and was increasingly applied exclusively to the governments of developing countries. Today, conditionality is being used by more official organizations to address a broader range of goals than ever before. At the same time, however, conditionality is beset by critics who argue that it is illegitimate or ineffective. In response.
Identification of a 10/10 matched donor for patients with an uncommon haplotype is unlikely

Despite over 6 million subjects contributing to the National Marrow Donor Program human leukocyte antigen (HLA) haplotype frequency reference data (HFD), haplotypes cannot be predicted from the HLA assignments of some patients searching for an unrelated donor (URD) in the Be The Match Registry®. We aimed to determine the incidence of these patient searches and whether haplotypes lacking from the HFD can be found among the low‐resolution typed URD pool.
Investment Performance of Common Stocks in Relation to Insider Ownership

In this paper, the authors empirically examine whether corporations with high degrees of insider ownership enjoy superior returns compared with firms with more diffuse ownership. In addition, the authors evaluate the effects of insider ownership on security returns in relations to the well-known effects of size and earnings yield (or price-earnings) ratios. Results indicate that, in addition to Basu's price-earnings effect, insider ownership is a new statistically significant variable that is associated with abnormal returns. This return anomaly might occur because the market pays an inadequate price for top managements' equity ownership, a firm-specific fundamental variable that has a theoretical foundation in agency theory.
Moderate Exercise Enhances Expression of SIgA in Mouse Ileum

Abstract The immune-suppression caused by acute stress can be reduced by a regular practice of moderate exercise which is known to modulate the expression of secretory-IgA. This antibody is essential for protection against infections and maintenance of homeostasis at the mucosal level. In order to explore the effects of moderate exercise on secretory-IgA production in ileum of the small intestine, 2 groups of mice were submitted to this protocol for 6 months, an exercise group and a sedentary group. After sacrifice, levels of secretory-IgA in intestinal fluid and levels of adrenal hormones in serum were determined by enzyme immunoenzymatic assay. IgA-plasma cells in lamina propria were evaluated by flow cytometry. Transcriptional mRNA expression in mucosa of alpha-chain, J-chain, pIgR and cytokines (Interleukin-2, -4, -6, -10, transforming growth factor-beta, interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor) were determined by RT-PCR. In comparison with sedentary mice, moderate exercised mice displayed an up-regulating effect on the production of secretory-IgA and IgA-plasma cells, on the expression of all mRNA transcripts from secretory-IgA associated proteins, and on all cytokines tested. However, serum levels of adrenal hormones were not altered. Future studies on secretory-IgA production are necessary to support the substantive effect of moderate exercise on protection and homeostasis at the intestinal level.
The making of Asian America through political participation

List of Abbreviations Introduction 1. Charting a Hidden Terrain: Historical Struggles for Inclusion and Justice Prior to the Era of Civil Rights and Electoral Politics 2. Constructing a Community That (Almost) Cannot Be: Contemporary Movements Toward Liberation and Empowerment--After 1965 3. Participation in Electoral Politics: Evolving Patterns in Hawaii and Mainland States 4. How Can We All Get Along? Cross-Racial Coalition-Building Possibilities and Barriers 5. What Ties That Bind? Comparing Political Attitudes and Behavior Across Major Asian American Groups 6. Linking Race, Ethnicity, Class, and Gender: Asian American Women and Political Participation Conclusion Appendix: Researching Asian American Political Behavior with Sample Surveys: A Methodological Report Notes References Index
Role of cytochrome P450 2C8 and 2J2 genotypes in calcineurin inhibitor-induced chronic kidney disease

Objectives The calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) cyclosporine A (CsA) and tacrolimus (Tac) help prevent allograft rejection but are associated with nephrotoxicity. Cytochrome P450 2C8 (CYP2C8) and CYP2J2 are polymorphic enzymes expressed in the kidney that metabolize arachidonic acid (AA) to epoxyeicosatrienoic acids, promoting kidney homeostasis. This study examined the association between CNI-induced nephrotoxicity in liver transplant patients and CYP2C8 and CYP2J2 polymorphisms. Methods Liver transplantation patients receiving CNIs for at least 3 years were genotyped for CYP2C8*3, CYP2C8*4, CYP2C8 Haplotypes B and C, and CYP2J2*7 and evaluated for nephrotoxicity (serum creatinine ≥1.6 mg/dl) 3-year post-transplantation. CYP2C8 proteins were also engineered in E. coli and their activity towards AA and inhibition by CNIs was investigated in vitro. Results The risk of kidney disease post-transplantation was positively associated with CYP2C8*3 genotype. Odds ratios for all participants carrying at least one CYP2C8*3 allele were significant [odds ratio=2.38 (1.19–4.78)]. Stratification by CNI indicated a significant association between CYP2C8*3 and nephrotoxicity among patients receiving Tac but not CsA. The risk of renal dysfunction was not significantly influenced by CYP2C8*4, CYP2J2*7, or CYP2C8 haplotype B genotypes although inheritance of haplotype C seems to be protective. In vitro, the gene products of CYP2C8*3 and CYP2C8*4 were deficient in AA epoxidation, retaining 26 and 18% of wild-type activity, respectively. Circulating plasma concentrations of CsA and Tac inhibited CYP2C8 wild-type in vitro epoxidation of AA by 17 and 35%, respectively. Conclusion Inheritance of CYP2C8*3 is associated with a higher risk of developing renal toxicity in patients treated chronically with CNIs, and especially Tac, possibly by reducing formation of kidney protecting vasodilatory epoxyeicosatrienoic acids.
Triggering FCα-Receptor I (CD89) Recruits Neutrophils as Effector Cells for CD20-Directed Antibody Therapy1

CD20 Abs induce clinical responses in lymphoma patients, but there are considerable differences between individual patients. In 51Cr release assays with whole blood as effector source, RAJI cells were effectively killed by a mouse/human chimeric IgG1 construct of CD20 Ab 1F5, whereas ARH-77 proved resistant to killing by this Ab. When whole blood was fractionated into plasma, mononuclear cells, or granulocytic effector cells, RAJI cells were effectively killed in the presence of complement-containing plasma, whereas the mature B cell line ARH-77 proved complement resistant. However, with a bispecific Ab (BsAb) against the myeloid receptor for IgA (CD89; FcαRI) and CD20, a broad range of B cell lines were effectively killed. FcαRI is expressed on monocytes/macrophages, neutrophils, and eosinophils. As the numbers of these effector cells and their functional activity can be enhanced by application of G-CSF or GM-CSF, lysis via (FcαRI × CD20) BsAb was significantly enhanced in blood from patients during therapy with these myeloid growth factors. Interestingly, the major effector cell population for this BsAb were polymorphonuclear neutrophils, which proved ineffective in killing malignant B cells with murine, chimeric IgG1, or FcγRI- or FcγRIII-directed BsAbs against CD20. Experiments with blood from human FcαRI/FcγRI double-transgenic mice showed corresponding results, allowing the establishment of relevant syngenic animal models in these mice. In conclusion, the combination of myeloid growth factors and an (FcαRI × CD20) BsAb may represent a promising approach to improve effector cell recruitment for CD20-directed lymphoma therapy.
Discretionary Accruals Quality, Cost of Capital, and Diversification

This study examines the discretionary accruals quality of single- and multiple-segment firms. The authors hypothesize and find that the discretionary accruals quality is lower for multiple-segment firms than single-segment firms, and for the same level of discretionary accruals quality, the cost of capital is higher for multiple-segment firms than single-segment firms. These findings suggest that more severe agency problems in multiple-segment firms compared with single-segment firms may lead to poor discretionary accruals quality and agency risk is priced-in as a higher cost of capital.
Social background and life-course risks as determinants of social assistance receipt among young adults in Sweden, Norway and Finland

We analyse the determinants of social assistance receipt among young adults in three Nordic countries, focusing on social-background and life-course events during early adulthood. We ask whether they are related differently to short-term and long-term receipt. Short-term poverty could be more individualized than long-term poverty which can be expected to be more strongly related to social background. We applied generalized ordinal logit modelling to longitudinal register-based data. Both social-background and life-course factors were found to be important, but our results did not confirm the hypothesis of social background predicting mostly long-term receipt and life-course factors predicting mostly short-term receipt. Leaving the parental home early and parental social assistance receipt were important determinants of social assistance receipt, and both factors predicted longer duration of receipt as well. We found some differences between the countries, which may be related to differences in youth unemployment and social welfare systems.
Structural basis for DNA cleavage by the potent antiproliferative agent (–)-lomaiviticin A

Significance DNA is a canonical target for chemotherapeutic intervention, and several DNA-reactive natural products are in clinical use. An understanding of the mode of DNA binding of these agents is an essential component of translational development. Here we show that (–)-lomaiviticin A (1), a naturally occurring DNA cleavage agent undergoing preclinical evaluation, binds DNA by an unusual mode of association involving insertion of two complex polycyclic arene fragments into the duplex, with concomitant disruption of base pairing. Additionally, our studies suggest that DNA binding activates the DNA cleavage activity of 1. This study provides a structural basis for the activity of 1 and for the development of synthetic DNA-damaging agents capable of recapitulating this mechanism of association and activation. (–)-Lomaiviticin A (1) is a complex antiproliferative metabolite that inhibits the growth of many cultured cancer cell lines at low nanomolar–picomolar concentrations. (–)-Lomaiviticin A (1) possesses a C2-symmetric structure that contains two unusual diazotetrahydrobenzo[b]fluorene (diazofluorene) functional groups. Nucleophilic activation of each diazofluorene within 1 produces vinyl radical intermediates that affect hydrogen atom abstraction from DNA, leading to the formation of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Certain DNA DSB repair-deficient cell lines are sensitized toward 1, and 1 is under evaluation in preclinical models of these tumor types. However, the mode of binding of 1 to DNA had not been determined. Here we elucidate the structure of a 1:1 complex between 1 and the duplex d(GCTATAGC)2 by NMR spectroscopy and computational modeling. Unexpectedly, we show that both diazofluorene residues of 1 penetrate the duplex. This binding disrupts base pairing leading to ejection of the central AT bases, while placing the proreactive centers of 1 in close proximity to each strand. DNA binding may also enhance the reactivity of 1 toward nucleophilic activation through steric compression and conformational restriction (an example of shape-dependent catalysis). This study provides a structural basis for the DNA cleavage activity of 1, will guide the design of synthetic DNA-activated DNA cleavage agents, and underscores the utility of natural products to reveal novel modes of small molecule–DNA association.
Central Corneal Thickness Measurements Using Orbscan II Scanning Slit Topography, Noncontact Specular Microscopy, and Ultrasonic Pachymetry in Eyes With Keratoconus

Purpose: To compare corneal thickness measurements using Orbscan II scanning slit topography, Topcon SP-2000P noncontact specular microscopy, and ultrasonic pachymetry in eyes with keratoconus. Methods: Central corneal thickness was measured in 22 eyes with keratoconus. Eyes with apparent corneal opacity were excluded. Scanning slit topography, noncontact specular microscopy, and ultrasonic pachymetry were used in this sequence. The acoustic equivalent correlation factor (0.92) was used for Orbscan readings. Results: Three devices gave significantly different corneal thickness readings (P < 0.001, repeated-measure analysis of variance). Measurements with Orbscan scanning slit topography (449.5 ± 43.2 [SD] μm) were significantly smaller than those of ultrasonic pachymetry (485.0 ± 29.3 μm; P < 0.001, Tukey multiple comparison) and SP-2000P noncontact specular microscopy (476.7 ± 28.3 μm; P = 0.002). There were significant linear correlations between ultrasonic pachymetry and scanning slit topography (Pearson correlation coefficient r = 0.741, P < 0.001), between scanning slit topography and noncontact specular microscopy (r = 0.880, P < 0.001), and between noncontact specular microscopy and ultrasonic pachymetry (r = 0.811, P < 0.001). Conclusion: In eyes with keratoconus, Orbscan II scanning slit topography system gave significantly smaller corneal thickness readings than the other 2 devices. Measurements taken by noncontact specular microscopy and ultrasonic pachymetry were comparable. Three devices showed significant linear correlations with one another.
Do Insurance Sector Growth and Reforms Affect Economic Development? Empirical Evidence from India

A well-developed insurance sector is necessary for the economic development of an emerging economy like India, as it provides long-term funds for physical and social infrastructure, while simultaneously strengthening risk-taking abilities. The investment requirements for India in the coming years are well-known and the rapid growth of the insurance sector in the post-liberalisation period is seen as a good sign as it can, to some extent, facilitate investment in infrastructure development to help sustain the economic growth of the country. Against this backdrop, this paper raises an important question: what has been the contribution of insurance sector growth to economic development in India? The paper further examines the economic growth effects of insurance sector reforms and the rate of growth of insurance reforms. The claims brought forward by this study are mixed. The contribution of the insurance sector to economic development is positive and exhibits a long-run equilibrium relationship. We find that reforms exert no strong relationship, but the rate of growth of reforms has a positive influence on economic development. The study therefore suggests that in order to make the insurance sector a more important component of the financial intermediation process, complete deregulation and an increase in the pace of reforms are the need of the hour.
The Effect of Bond Rating Agency Announcements on Bond and Stock Prices

This paper examines daily excess bond returns associated with announcements of additions to Standard and Poor's Credit Watch List, and to rating changes by Moody's and Standard and Poor's. Reliably nonzero average excess bond returns are observed for additions to Standard and Poor's Credit Watch List when an expectations model is used to classify additions as either expected or unexpected. Bond price effects are also observed for actual downgrade and upgrade announcements by rating agencies. Excluding announcements with concurrent disclosures weakens the results for downgrades, but not upgrades. The stock price effects of rating agency announcements are also examined and contrasted with the bond price effects. Copyright 1992 by American Finance Association.
Dumping on the Poor: The Ecological Distribution of Accra's Solid-Waste Burden

This paper investigates the ‘ecological distribution’ and associated environmental injustices of Accra's growing domestic-waste burden and examines how inequalities in the spatial distribution of waste-collection services and waste-disposal sites reflect the uneven distribution of power and wealth within Ghanaian society. Particular emphasis is placed on inequalities in municipal service provision associated with Accra's integration within the global economy, which are illustrated by opposing socioeconomic and spatial flows in the funds allocated for Accra's waste-collection services and the spaces occupied by the waste itself as it travels (or not) to its final dumping ground. Examples of injustice between high-income and middle-income residents are highlighted, as well as broader inequalities in ecological distribution between rich and poor.
Tenure and Contracts: The Experience of UK CEOs

Describes the tenure and contract experience of approximately 300 UK chief executive officers (CEOs) in 1993. Draws on the results of a retrospective postal questionnaire and examines whether the recommendations of the Cadbury report regarding contract provision of senior executives are being adhered to. The results of this descriptive exercise show that the median contract length of a typical UK CEO in a large company is three years. This is in line with the recommendations made by the Cadbury report. We find that on average such CEOs have been with their company for about five and a half years. Argues that, as a matter of good policy, companies should reveal the reasons for the length of the contract received by the CEO if this exceeds 12 months.