bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Construction of Sensor Protein That Responses to Amyloid β-Peptide Oligomers and Demonstration of Screening Capabilities for Oligomer Inhibitors
Authors: Takahashi Tsuyoshi
Published: October 2014

An improved Förster resonance energy-transfer (FRET) sensor that responses to amyloid β-peptide (Aβ) oligomers was constructed based on the surface-engineered blue and circular permutated yellow fluorescent proteins (BFP and cpYFP), in which Aβ-like β-sheets were embedded. FRET from BFP to cpYFP of the sensor increased by binding to Aβ oligomers. Three compounds that affect the Aβ aggregation were used as a model for elucidating the screening capabilities of the sensor protein.
When to Sell Your Idea: Theory and Evidence from the Movie Industry
Authors: Luo Hong
Published: October 2014

I study a model of investment and sale of ideas and test its empirical implications using a novel data set from the market for original movie ideas. Consistent with the theoretical results, I find that buyers are reluctant to meet unproven sellers for early-stage ideas, which restricts sellers to either developing the ideas fully (to sell them later) or abandoning them. In contrast, experienced sellers can attract buyers at any stage, and they sell worse ideas sooner and better ideas later. These results have important managerial implications for buyers and sellers and show that, in such contexts, policy interventions that discourage buyer participation—such as stronger intellectual property protection—may diminish the market for ideas and hurt inexperienced sellers.

This paper was accepted by Bruno Cassiman, business strategy.
An analysis of the secondary school teachers’ perceptions of multicultural education in Korea
Authors: Ryu Bangran , Kim Kyung Ae
Published: October 2014

This study investigated secondary school teachers’ perceptions on the multicultural education facing an increasing number of students who have immigrant background (hereafter, IB students) in secondary schools in Korea. Based on the literature review, this research decided on the aspects of perceptions on the multicultural education like the following: agreement of the anti-discrimination/ prejudice multicultural education and support for the IB students. A total of 167 secondary schools nationwide which have more than a certain number of the IB students were sampled, and 1,733 middle school and 835 highschool teachers responded. To examine the contact hypothesis, this study focused on the perception differences between teachers who have worked or are working as an IB students’ homeroom teacher and those who have not. And to consider the difference of teachers’ subject, we also examined the perception differences of three groups - Korean language or social studies teachers, English teachers, and the other subjects teachers. The result of this data analysis showed there is a significant difference in teachers’ perceptions between the group of Korean language or social studies teachers and the other group. And differences between the group with IB students’ homeroom teacher and the other group were not so meaningful. These results implied a need to import an implementation policy such as a properly prepared teacher training program.
An Investigation on the Microstructure and Wear Properties of TiB2 Reinforced AA2014 Aluminium Alloy Produced by Vacuum Infiltration
Authors: Araz Şule Ocak , Çalın Recep , Pul Muharrem , Bican Osman , Okur Onur
Published: October 2014

In this study, microstructural, mechanical and wear properties of TiB
Evidence of attenuation of intestinal ischemia–reperfusion injury following pre-treatment with methanolic extracts from Chromolena odorata in rats
Authors: Akinrinmade Joseph Fadeyemi , Akinrinde Stephen Akinleye , Odejobi Atinuke , Oyagbemi Adetokunbo Ademola
Published: October 2014

Background: Chromolena odorata is a tropical species of flowering shrub in the family Asteraceae, leaves of it have been reported to be widely used as herbal remedy for the treatment of various ailments. It is particularly reported to be useful in the healing of wounds.

Methods: We investigated the possibility of amelioration of intestinal ischemia–reperfusion (IR) injury in rats treated with methanolic extract of C. odorata (MECO). Wistar albino rats were divided randomly into five groups of six animals each as control, IR-treated, IR+200 mg/kg MECO, IR+400 mg/kg MECO, and IR+200 mg/kg vitamin C. Pre-treatment with MECO or vitamin C was for 7 days.

Results: The contents of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were significantly reduced by MECO and vitamin C, while there were significant enhancements of the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), catalase (CAT), as well as the content of reduced glutathione (GSH) in pre-treated rats compared to IR-treated rats. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity was not significantly affected in all the groups. Histopathological examination of small intestinal mucosa revealed significant attenuation of intestinal pathology in animals pre-treated with MECO, while IR injury produced severe villi erosion, necrosis, and inflammatory cell infiltrations.

Conclusions: The present study highlights the antioxidant activities of MECO and its ability to inhibit inflammatory cell infiltration as mechanisms involved in its protection against IR injury in the intestine of rats, an effect that was largely comparable to that of vitamin C.
MR imaging of the fetal brain at 1.5T and 3.0T field strengths: comparing specific absorption rate (SAR) and image quality
Authors: Krishnamurthy Uday , Neelavalli Jaladhar , Mody Swati , Yeo Lami , Jella Pavan K. , Saleem Sheena , Korzeniewski Steven J. , Cabrera Maria D. , Ehterami Shadi , Bahado-Singh Ray O. , Katkuri Yashwanth , Haacke Ewart M. , Hernandez-Andrade Edgar , Hassan Sonia S. , Romero Roberto
Published: October 2014

: Our two objectives were to evaluate the feasibility of fetal brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using a fast spin echo sequence at 3.0T field strength with low radio frequency (

: T2 weighted images of the fetal brain at 1.5T were compared to similar data obtained in the same fetus using a modified sequence at 3.0T. Quantitative whole-body SAR and normalized image signal to noise ratio (SNR), a nominal scoring scheme based evaluation of diagnostic image quality, and tissue contrast and conspicuity for specific anatomical structures in the brain were compared between 1.5T and 3.0T.

: Twelve pregnant women underwent both 1.5T and 3.0T MRI examinations. The image SNR was significantly higher (P=0.03) and whole-body SAR was significantly lower (P<0.0001) for images obtained at 3.0T compared to 1.5T. All cases at both field strengths were scored as having diagnostic image quality. Images from 3.0T MRI (compared to 1.5T) were equal (57%; 21/37) or superior (35%; 13/37) for tissue contrast and equal (61%; 20/33) or superior (33%, 11/33) for conspicuity.

It is possible to obtain fetal brain images with higher resolution and better SNR at 3.0T with simultaneous reduction in SAR compared to 1.5T. Images of the fetal brain obtained at 3.0T demonstrated superior tissue contrast and conspicuity compared to 1.5T.
Bridging language barriers in multilingual care encounters
Authors: Jansson Gunilla
Published: October 2014

The present case study demonstrates how the multilingual practices of a linguistically diverse workforce contribute to the functioning of a modern workplace. Based on ethnographic fieldwork and recordings in a residential home for elderly people with dementia in Sweden, the article explores how multilingual immigrant care workers creatively use their language skills to overcome linguistic boundaries and communicate with an elderly Kurdish resident. It is shown that despite the fact that the participants do not, or only to a limited extent, share a common language, the care workers manage to create multilingual encounters that allow them to perform care tasks in an activity context where empathy and efficiency are of great importance. Although the data in this study manifest the struggle of multilingual care workers to bridge language barriers, the study also highlights the complexity of providing adequate and well-functioning care in today’s diverse society, where linguistic and cultural matching of clients and caregivers cannot always be obtained. These results are discussed in the light of new demands on Swedish (and more broadly Western) care systems to adapt to the increasing number of multilingual older people, who will become residents in care facilities.
A Note on Close Elections and Regression Analysis of the Party Incumbency Advantage
Authors: Aronow Peter M. , Mayhew David R. , Lin Winston
Published: October 2014

Much research has recently been devoted to understanding the effects of party incumbency following close elections, typically using a regression discontinuity design. Researchers have demonstrated that close elections in the US House of Representatives may systematically favor certain types of candidates, and that a research design that focuses on close elections may therefore be inappropriate for estimation of the incumbency advantage. We demonstrate that any issues raised with the study of close elections may be equally applicable to the ordinary least squares analysis of electoral data, even when the sample contains all elections. When vote share is included as part of a covariate control strategy, the estimate produced by an ordinary least squares regression that includes all elections either exactly reproduces or approximates the regression discontinuity estimate.
Regulation of ovulatory genes in bovine granulosa cells: lessons from siRNA silencing of PTGS2
Authors: Shrestha Ketan , Lukasik Karolina , Baufeld Anja , Vanselow Jens , Moallem Uzi , Meidan Rina
Published: October 2014

Prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase-2 (PTGS2), tumour necrosis factor-alpha-induced protein-6 (TNFAIP6), pentraxin-3 (PTX3), epidermal growth factor-like factors: amphiregulin (AREG) and epiregulin (EREG) are essential for successful ovulation. In this study, we compared the induction of these ovulatory genes in bovine granulosa cells (GCs)in vivo(after LH surge) andin vitro(forskolin (FRS) treatment). These genes were markedly stimulated in GCs isolated from cows 21 h after LH-surge. In isolated GCs, FRS induced a distinct temporal profile for each gene. Generally, there was a good agreement between thein vivoandin vitroinductions of these genes except forPTX3. Lack ofPTX3induction in isolated GCs culture suggests that other follicular compartments may mediate its induction by LH. Next, to study the role ofPTGS2and prostaglandins (PGs) in the cascade of ovulatory genes,PTGS2was silenced with siRNA.PTGS2siRNA caused a marked and specific knockdown ofPTGS2mRNA and PGE2 production (70% compared with scrambled siRNA) in bovine GCs. Importantly,PTGS2silencing also reducedAREG,EREGandTNFAIP6mRNA levels but notPTX3. Exogenous PGE2 increasedAREG,EREGandTNFAIP6mRNA levels, further confirming that these genes are prostanoid dependent. A successful and specific knockdown ofPTGS2was also achieved in endometrial cells (EndoCs) expressingPTGS2. Then, cholesterol-conjugatedPTGS2(chol-PTGS2) siRNA that facilitates cells' entry was investigated. In EndoCs, but not in GCs, chol-PTGS2siRNA succeeded to reducePTGS2andPGE2levels even without transfection reagent.PTGS2knockdown is a promising tool to critically examine the functions ofPTGS2in the reproductive tract.
Unraveling Additive from Nonadditive Effects Using Genomic Relationship Matrices
Authors: Muñoz Patricio R , Resende Marcio F R , Gezan Salvador A , Resende Marcos Deon Vilela , de los Campos Gustavo , Kirst Matias , Huber Dudley , Peter Gary F
Published: October 2014

The application of quantitative genetics in plant and animal breeding has largely focused on additive models, which may also capture dominance and epistatic effects. Partitioning genetic variance into its additive and nonadditive components using pedigree-based models (P-genomic best linear unbiased predictor) (P-BLUP) is difficult with most commonly available family structures. However, the availability of dense panels of molecular markers makes possible the use of additive- and dominance-realized genomic relationships for the estimation of variance components and the prediction of genetic values (G-BLUP). We evaluated height data from a multifamily population of the tree species Pinus taeda with a systematic series of models accounting for additive, dominance, and first-order epistatic interactions (additive by additive, dominance by dominance, and additive by dominance), using either pedigree- or marker-based information. We show that, compared with the pedigree, use of realized genomic relationships in marker-based models yields a substantially more precise separation of additive and nonadditive components of genetic variance. We conclude that the marker-based relationship matrices in a model including additive and nonadditive effects performed better, improving breeding value prediction. Moreover, our results suggest that, for tree height in this population, the additive and nonadditive components of genetic variance are similar in magnitude. This novel result improves our current understanding of the genetic control and architecture of a quantitative trait and should be considered when developing breeding strategies.
Os significados da democracia segundo os brasileiros
Authors: Moisés José Álvaro
Published: October 2014

20 anos depois de reinstalada a democracia no Brasil, a maioria dos brasileiros apóia o regime, mas desconfia das instituições democráticas. O artigo examina os significados atribuídos à democracia por pessoas comuns com base na análise das respostas à pergunta aberta "O que é democracia". O estudo se baseia em análises bivariadas e multivariadas de dados de pesquisas coordenadas pelo autor em 1989, 1990, 1993 e 2006. Os testes tiveram por objetivo verificar os significados mais importantes do conceito, assim como os seus determinantes, de modo a permitir um conhecimento mais aprofundado sobre a crescente adesão normativa dos brasileiros à democracia. Os resultados mostram que os brasileiros definem a democracia em termos tanto de liberdades como de procedimentos institucionais; surpreendentemente, o conteúdo relativo à dimensão social da democracia tem pouco impacto nos resultados. Ao longo de quase 20 anos, os brasileiros confirmam a sua crescente adesão à democracia, e combinam sobre o conceito uma ideia normativa com outra de natureza pragmática, mas que se refere à função das instituições. Isoladas, essas dimensões dizem pouco, mas, juntas, definem a natureza singular do processo democrático e têm relação com a sua qualidade.
As bases eleitorais de Lula e do PT: do distanciamento ao divórcio
Authors: Terron Sonia Luiza , Soares Gláucio Ary Dillon
Published: October 2014

O debate sobre o distanciamento entre Lula e o Partido dos Trabalhadores (PT) ganhou corpo na eleição de 2006, quando a popularidade de Lula e de seu governo não se estendeu ao PT, como seria esperado. Pela primeira vez o partido não melhorou o desempenho na votação para a Câmara dos Deputados em relação à eleição anterior. Analisamos as bases eleitorais de Lula e do PT nas quatro últimas eleições para presidente e deputado federal (1994-2006), e comprovamos o distanciamento entre elas. Pesquisamos a distribuição espacial das votações ao nível do município com mapas, estatísticas e regressões espaciais. Identificamos o "descolamento" dos territórios eleitorais do candidato e do partido a cada eleição, e as regressões espaciais mediram a crescente independência espaço-temporal das votações: os coeficientes baixaram de 0,85 em 1994, para 0,15 em 2006. Houve um processo de distanciamento geossocial, no período de 1994 a 2002, e um "divórcio" entre as bases eleitorais, em 2006, quando se formaram territórios de configurações praticamente irrelacionadas.
Political Science contra a democracia: a formação de uma tradição
Authors: Bianchi Álvaro
Published: October 2014

O artigo analisa os anos de formação da Political Science nos Estados Unidos. A bibliografia tem destacado três características que constituíram o cerne de uma tradição estadunidense nesse campo de estudos: 1) o compromisso com os princípios do liberalismo, 2) o enfoque institucionalista e 3) a afirmação do caráter científico de seu empreendimento. De modo ainda pouco elaborado essas características estão presentes em uma "citizen literature" no final do século XVIII, mas é no processo de institucionalização da ciência política, na segunda metade do século XIX, elas são definidos de modo mais preciso tornando-se marcas distintivas dessa ciência nos Estados Unidos. A presente investigação apresenta como essas características se manifestaram no surgimento da Political Science e argumenta que para melhor compreendê-la é preciso destacar uma quarta característica: a desconfiança para com a democracia e o povo.
MicroRNA Expression Profiles in the Management of Papillary Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Lee James C. , Gundara Justin S. , Glover Anthony , Serpell Jonathan , Sidhu Stan B.
Published: October 2014

Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is the major contributor to the dramatically increasing incidence of thyroid cancer. Low-risk PTC shows the most rapid rate of increase because of changing trends in neck imaging and the use of fine needle aspiration to investigate thyroid nodules. The need for a paradigm shift in the management of these patients, to provide personalized treatment and surveillance plans, has led to the focus on molecular biomarker research. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) compose a class of molecules with promising applications for every stage of PTC management, including diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, and surveillance. Although most of the miRNA studies are currently preclinical, given the rapid progress of scientific discovery, clinical trials will not be far away. Thyroid clinicians will be expected to have good insights into the current status of PTC-related molecular translational research. This article focuses on the potential roles of miRNA in PTC management in the context of contemporary recommended clinical practice.
Comparison of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Isolated From Pulp and Periodontal Ligament
Authors: Hakki Sema S. , Kayis Seyit Ali , Hakki Erdogan E. , Bozkurt S. Buket , Duruksu Gokhan , Unal Zehra Seda , Turaç Gizem , Karaoz Erdal
Published: October 2014

Background: Cell‐based therapy using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) seems promising to obtain regeneration of dental tissues. A comparison of tissue sources, including periodontal ligament (PDL) versus pulp (P), could provide critical information to select an appropriate MSC population for designing predictable regenerative therapies. The purpose of this study is to compare the proliferation and stemness and the MSC‐specific and mineralized tissue–specific gene expression of P‐MSCs and PDL‐MSCs.

Methods: MSCs were obtained from PDL and P tissue of premolars (n = 3) extracted for orthodontic reasons. MSC proliferation was evaluated using a real‐time cell analyzer for 160 hours. Telomerase activity was evaluated by a telomeric repeat amplification protocol assay based on enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Total RNA was isolated from the MSCs on day 3. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) array was used to compare the expression of MSC‐specific genes. The expression of mineralized tissue‐associated genes, including Type I collagen (COL I), runt‐related transcription factor 2 (RunX2), bone sialoprotein (BSP), and osteocalcin (OCN) messenger RNA (mRNA), was evaluated using quantitative real‐time PCR.

Results: Higher proliferation potential and telomerase activity were observed in the P‐MSCs compared to PDL‐MSCs of premolar teeth. Fourteen of 84 genes related to MSCs were expressed differently in the PDL‐MSCs versus the P‐MSCs. The expressions of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) and BMP6; sex‐determining region Y‐box 9 (SOX9); integrin, alpha 6 (ITGA6); melanoma cell adhesion molecule (MCAM); phosphatidylinositol glycan anchor biosynthesis, class S (PIGS); prominin 1 (PROM1); ribosomal protein L13A (RPL13A); and microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor (MITF) were higher in the P‐MSCs compared to the PDL‐MSCs, and higher expression of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), interleukin (IL)‐6, insulin (INS), alanyl (membrane) aminopeptidase (ANPEP), and IL‐10 were observed in the PDL‐MSCs. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the expression of mineralized tissue–associated genes, including BSP and RunX2, between the P‐MSCs and the PDL‐MSCs. Higher expression of COL I and lower expression of OCN mRNA transcripts were noted in the PDL‐MSCs compared to the P‐MSCs.

Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that MSCs isolated from P and PDL tissues show different cellular behavior. To increase the predictability of MSC‐based regenerative treatment, differences in dental tissue–derived MSCs and favorable aspects of cell sources should be further clarified.
Estimating the Wet‐End Section of Soil Water Retention Curve by using the Dry‐End Section
Authors: Chen Chong , Hu Kelin , Li Weidong , Wang Gang , Liu Gang
Published: October 2014

Direct determination of the wet‐end section of soil water retention curve (SWRC) (water potential ψ more than −15,000 cm) is time consuming and expensive. However, the dry‐end section of SWRC (ψ less than −15,000 cm) often shows a linear trend and can be relatively rapidly and easily acquired using a few measured data. The objective of this study is to provide a simple approach for deriving the wet‐end section of SWRC using the information of the dry‐end section of the same SWRC and soil bulk density. The new method is based on the assumption that the dry‐end section of SWRC is the tangent of the wet‐end section at the point of ψ equals −15,000 cm. A total of 21 soils with different textures (clay contents vary between 0 and 47%) were used for evaluating the method. Results showed that the root mean square errors and the mean errors generated by the proposed method were in the ranges of 0.009 to 0.113 and −0.098 to 0.002, respectively. These results were comparable with those from literature, suggesting that the proposed method may be used to predict the wet‐end section of SWRC. The prediction performances were obviously improved when residual water content was set to a nonzero small value such as a value at log10(−ψ) = 5 and for sandy soils the edge points were increased from −104.2 cm to −103.8 cm. In general, the measurement of the dry‐end section of SWRC is helpful to the prediction of the wet‐end section.
Long‐Term Runoff Water Quality as Affected by Broiler‐Litter Application to a Udult in the Ozark Highlands
Authors: McMullen R.L. , Brye K.R. , Miller D.M. , Mason R.E. , Daigh A.L. , Menjoulet B.C. , Pirani A.L. , Gbur E.E. , Evans-White M.A.
Published: October 2014

Repeated annual land application of organic soil amendments, such as broiler litter (BL), to managed grasslands for increased forage yields has increased concerns about potential surface water contamination from runoff. Furthermore, water quality concerns are exacerbated in areas of underlying karst, such as the Ozark Highlands, where runoff can rapidly enter the groundwater system. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine 8‐yr (May 2003–April 2011) linear trends in annual runoff water quality from a silt loam soil in the Ozark Highlands region of northwest Arkansas under natural precipitation and typical forage management amended annually with BL at three application rates (0 [control], 5.6 [low], and 11.2 [high] Mg BL ha−1) with a history of BL amendments and high soil‐test P. Average annual runoff, flow‐weighted mean (FWM) runoff concentrations of Ca, Cd, Cu, Na, and Se, and all nutrient and metal losses increased with time (P < 0.05) but were unaffected (P > 0.05) by BL application rate. Average annual FWM concentrations of As decreased with time (P < 0.05) and were unaffected by BL (P > 0.05). Eight‐year cumulative runoff losses of Se exceeded 200% of that applied in BL. Results indicated that pasturelands with a history of BL application and high soil‐test P may continue to release BL‐derived As and Se at concentrations potentially harmful to human and environmental health regardless of current management practice long after litter application has ceased.
Opposing Effects of Reduced Kidney Mass on Liver and Skeletal Muscle Insulin Sensitivity in Obese Mice
Authors: Chin Siew Hung , Item Flurin , Wueest Stephan , Zhou Zhou , Wiedemann Michael S.F. , Gai Zhibo , Schoenle Eugen J. , Kullak-Ublick Gerd A. , Al-Hasani Hadi , Konrad Daniel
Published: October 2014

Reduced kidney mass and/or function may result in multiple metabolic derangements, including insulin resistance. However, underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Herein, we aimed to determine the impact of reduced kidney mass on glucose metabolism in lean and obese mice. To that end, 7-week-old C57BL/6J mice underwent uninephrectomy (UniNx) or sham operation. After surgery, animals were fed either a chow (standard) diet or a high-fat diet (HFD), and glucose homeostasis was assessed 20 weeks after surgery. Intraperitoneal glucose tolerance was similar in sham-operated and UniNx mice. However, insulin-stimulated glucose disposal in vivo was significantly diminished in UniNx mice, whereas insulin-stimulated glucose uptake into isolated skeletal muscle was similar in sham-operated and UniNx mice. Of note, capillary density was significantly reduced in skeletal muscle of HFD-fed UniNx mice. In contrast, hepatic insulin sensitivity was improved in UniNx mice. Furthermore, adipose tissue hypoxia-inducible factor 1α expression and inflammation were reduced in HFD-fed UniNx mice. Treatment with the angiotensin II receptor blocker telmisartan improved glucose tolerance and hepatic insulin sensitivity in HFD-fed sham-operated but not UniNx mice. In conclusion, UniNx protects from obesity-induced adipose tissue inflammation and hepatic insulin resistance, but it reduces muscle capillary density and, thus, deteriorates HFD-induced skeletal muscle glucose disposal.
Sirtuin 6 Expression and Inflammatory Activity in Diabetic Atherosclerotic Plaques: Effects of Incretin Treatment
Authors: Balestrieri Maria Luisa , Rizzo Maria Rosaria , Barbieri Michelangela , Paolisso Pasquale , D’Onofrio Nunzia , Giovane Alfonso , Siniscalchi Mario , Minicucci Fabio , Sardu Celestino , D’Andrea Davide , Mauro Ciro , Ferraraccio Franca , Servillo Luigi , Chirico Fabio , Caiazzo Pasquale , Paolisso Giuseppe , Marfella Raffaele
Published: October 2014

The role of sirtuin 6 (SIRT6) in atherosclerotic progression of diabetic patients is unknown. We evaluated SIRT6 expression and the effect of incretin-based therapies in carotid plaques of asymptomatic diabetic and nondiabetic patients. Plaques were obtained from 52 type 2 diabetic and 30 nondiabetic patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy. Twenty-two diabetic patients were treated with drugs that work on the incretin system, GLP-1 receptor agonists, and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors for 26 ± 8 months before undergoing the endarterectomy. Compared with nondiabetic plaques, diabetic plaques had more inflammation and oxidative stress, along with a lesser SIRT6 expression and collagen content. Compared with non-GLP-1 therapy–treated plaques, GLP-1 therapy–treated plaques presented greater SIRT6 expression and collagen content, and less inflammation and oxidative stress, indicating a more stable plaque phenotype. These results were supported by in vitro observations on endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and endothelial cells (ECs). Indeed, both EPCs and ECs treated with high glucose (25 mmol/L) in the presence of GLP-1 (100 nmol/L liraglutide) presented a greater SIRT6 and lower nuclear factor-κB expression compared with cells treated only with high glucose. These findings establish the involvement of SIRT6 in the inflammatory pathways of diabetic atherosclerotic lesions and suggest its possible positive modulation by incretin, the effect of which is associated with morphological and compositional characteristics of a potential stable plaque phenotype.
The International Court of Justice and the Legality of UN Security Council Resolutions
Authors: Ušiak Jaroslav , Saktorová Ľubica
Published: October 2014

Through the United Nation’s Charter, the UN Security Council represents the most powerful executive institutional body in the field of collective security. Moreover, its ultra vires acts may have distinct legal consequences. Accordingly, questions arising from these facts are whether such a large scope of competences could be abused, what are the limits of the executed power and above all, affirmation of the legality of the actions of Council. Predominantly by means of the analytical method as well as a case study of the Lockerbie case, the present study provides the related argumentative discourse. Notwithstanding the fact that the decisions of the Council appear to be without any limitations, it is obliged to act within the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. The opinion of the International Court of Justice on the legality of the SC’s actions in the field of collective security are still, however, indirectly expressed through its general function.
Enhanced Economic Governance in the EU: Alternative to a Political Union?
Authors: Kawecka-Wyrzykowska Elżbieta
Published: October 2014

In reaction to the sharp deterioration of fiscal positions and a sovereign debt crisis in the majority of EU member states, EU leaders have been strengthening the EU economic governance framework, in particular for the eurozone member states. This has been reflected mainly through a reinforcement of the Stability and Growth Pact (SGP) within the so-called six-pack and through the recent adoption of the Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance in the Economic and Monetary Union (TSCG).

The objective of this paper is to present the main decisions taken to address intensifying problems in the EU and assess them from the point of view of stability of the eurozone. The paper argues that the recent adoption of the six-pack and of the TSCG has created a legal basis for more effective governance structure that is much stronger than previously, and closer fscal coordination among EU member states in order to ensure public fnance sustainability. The practical results will depend, however, on the political willingness of countries to accept the new rules and rigorous enforcement of those rules.

Most of the new solutions continue the previous approach: stricter preventive and punishing rules, and their more rigorous application. TSCG has adopted a new element: parallel to EU rules, there should be enhanced national rules (possibly in the form of constitutional commitments) and national institutions responsible for fscal discipline. This approach implies that international rules are not strong enough for sovereign countries, which agree to be subject to democratically elected national authorities but do not want to follow decisions by “outside” institutions. In addition, reverse voting in the Council encourages for more pragmatic, economically justifed use of the modifed SGP. In view of a lack of political will to move forward into a political union, this seems the only realistic approach to ensure fscal stabilization and keep the eurozone alive in the short and medium run.

Two main research methods have been applied:

(a)

Statistical analysis of data on changes of the public fnances in the EU member states (budgetary defcit and public debt),

(b)

comparative analysis of successive EU documents on strengthening economic governance and identifcation of strong and weak aspects of the new documents from the point of view of stability of the eurozone.

The main conclusion is that in a situation of a lack of political will to move forward into a political union, the only realistic approach to ensure fscal stabilization and keep the eurozone alive in the short and medium term seems to be to enforce rigorously the recently adopted new commitments aiming at better fscal control of euro area members.
Internationalization of the Polish Economy and its Susceptibility to the Global Crisis After 2007
Authors: Napiórkowski Tomasz M.
Published: October 2014

The aim of this research is to look at how the recent economic crisis, which was so strong that its consequences are still apparent nearly six years later, impacted Poland, which has been resilient to it compared with other economies, and what role was played by Poland's internationalization or its openness. The approach involves a detailed analysis of not only such staple macroeconomic variables as gross domestic product and changes in the trade structure but also of such openness factors as shifs in inward foreign direct investment across industries and the changes (for example, employment and productivity) seen in multinational firms present in Poland. The main finding is that the openness of the Polish economy allowed it to rake in various benefits after 2007 while not being too exposed to the international arena (for example, membership in the euro zone). Thus, Poland showed a positive balance relating to the impacts on the Polish economy emerging from the crisis.
An Attempt to Assess the Quantitative Impact of Institutions on Economic Growth and Economic Development
Authors: Próchniak Mariusz
Published: October 2014

This study aims at assessing to what extent institutional environment is responsible for worldwide differences in economic growth and economic development. To answer this question, we use an innovative approach based on a new concept of the institutions-augmented Solow model which is then estimated empirically using regression equations. The analysis covers 180 countries during the 1993-2012 period. The empirical analysis confirms a large positive impact of the quality of institutional environment on the level of economic development. The positive link has been evidenced for all five institutional indicators: two indices of economic freedom (Heritage Foundation and Fraser Institute), the governance indicator (World Bank), the democracy index (Freedom House), and the EBRD transition indicator for post-socialist countries. Differences in physical capital, human capital, and institutional environment explain about 70-75% of the worldwide differences in economic development. The institutions-augmented Solow model, however, performs slightly poorer in explaining differences in the rates of economic growth: only one institutional variable (index of economic freedom) has a statistically significant impact on economic growth. In terms of originality, this paper extends the theoretical analysis of the Solow model by including institutions, on the one hand, and shows a comprehensive empirical analysis of the impact of various institutional indicators on both the level of development and the pace of economic growth, on the other. The results bring important policy implications.
Motives for Multisourcing in the IT Sector
Authors: Łoboda Barbara
Published: October 2014

Multisourcing is a relatively new phenomenon that began a decade ago as companies began developing strategies to split large information technology (IT) contracts into smaller ones. This provided the opportunity to choose best-of-breed suppliers, who were supposed to collaborate to provide a seamless service to the company. Firms began to multisource when the large IT contracts they had did not bring assumed benefits. At the same time, the business environment was forcing them to be flexible, efficient and able to quickly implement new technologies. The trend to multisource has been growing, so it is worth investigating why companies prefer this form of cooperation. This topic was not a subject of research previously.

The goal of the article is to identify, structure and analyze the motives for choosing multisourcing as a model for cooperation between frms. It verifies motives based on IT multisourcing literature. Case study is described, which, following Eisenhardt, is the correct method for early stages of studies on a topic such as multisourcing, which is still in its nascent stages.

The identified motives for multisourcing are uncertainty bounding, access to resources, preparedness, effectiveness, learning, and external motives. In any case, companies need to be mature and ready for it, so the motive of preparedness is the most crucial one to realize benefits of this form of cooperation. Knowledge of motives for multisourcing is important for companies that take decisions on service supplier strategy. The article helps to increase understanding of the multisourcing phenomenon and offers a fertile basis for future research.
Open Pension Funds in Poland: The Efects of the Pension Privatization Process
Authors: Oręziak Leokadia
Published: October 2014

Since their establishment in 1999, the Open Pension Funds (OPFs) have comprised a mandatory capital pillar in the pension system of Poland. The paper`s objective is to analyze the principles under which the OPFs function and assess their past and anticipated future impact on the state of the country's public fnances, particularly on the public debt. The analysis also considers the past and potential effects of the OPFs existence from the point of view of future levels of old-age pension. The studies are targeted at determining the threats connected with further maintenance of the OPFs from the point of view of both public fnance stability and pension system security.
Comparative Price Levels of New EU Member Countries
Authors: Taušer Josef , Žamberský Pavel , Čajka Radek
Published: October 2014

This article analyzes comparative price levels of 10 new EU member countries from Central, East, and South-East Europe and discusses their main determinants. A comparison of comparative price levels is logically followed by a comparison of relative GDP per capita in purchasing power parities. Further, the Balassa-Samuelson efect is theoretically explained and empirically tested using a sample of EU27 countries (excluding Luxemburg). The results of simple regression analysis confrm that diferences in comparative price levels can be explained by the diferences in relative GDP per capita in purchasing power parities. Besides the Balassa-Samuelson efect there are, however, many other factors that have an impact on comparative price levels. Tey are related to the lower competitiveness of domestic companies on international markets as the result of such factors as a lower quality of production, inefcient organizational structures and management styles, insufcient marketing and business skills, or a poor approach to international distribution channels.
The Role of Knowledge Absorption and Innovation Capability in the Technological Change and Economic Growth of EU Regions
Authors: Runiewicz-Wardyn Malgorzata
Published: October 2014

The framework of the endogenous growth models and empirical evidence argue that two dimensions determine a region's ability to narrow its technological gap and improve its productivity growth. The first is its absorptive capacity, e.g. its ability to imitate foreign advanced technologies. The second is its innovative capability, namely the extent to which it is able to produce new, advanced knowledge. Thus, the narrowing knowledge absorption and innovation gaps between regions improve a region's productivity level and move it up the value chain towards specialization in knowledge-intensive and high value-added activities. The following paper attempts to contribute to the existing empirical findings and theoretical discussion on the inter-linkages between knowledge absorption, innovation capability, determined technological change, and economic growth of EU regions. The author's results show that despite the fact that the EU has a long tradition in education and new knowledge generation, there is a very modest ability to make EU regions more productive and grow them. The important role of productivity and knowledge-based sectors in improving EU regional prosperity suggests to carefully examine which knowledge activities drive productivity and the catching-up process of the EU regions. Overall, prospects for catching up will depend largely on how regions balance higher education and R&D priorities and place emphasis on the above activities. These results may be regarded as supportive of recent EU regional policy based on the Lisbon and Europe 2020 Strategies of Smart Growth.
Do Investor Preferences Drive Corporate Dividend Policy?
Authors: Konieczka Przemysław , Szyszka Adam
Published: October 2014

This research paper aims at assessing whether managers adapt their dividend policies to the changing preferences of investors, as predicted by the catering theory of dividends. To answer this question, we used an modified approach based on the method proposed by Baker and Wurgler [2004a] in their studies on dividend catering.

We noted a systematic decline in percentage of companies that paid out dividends in a sample of American publicly-traded companies, excluding companies of low capitalization and low profitability. Next, we observed a parallel declining tendency in dividend premiums in our sample. The decrease in the readiness to pay out dividends among companies on the American market can be linked to the fact that investors have assigned less weight to dividends over the years, and so in turn they were less willing to reward dividend-paying companies with higher valuations. Periodic fluctuations in investor mood with regard to dividend-paying companies, and the resulting changes in their relative valuation, influence the propensity of managers to pay out dividends. We showed a statistically significant relationship between changes in dividend premiums in one year, and the proportion of companies that paid out dividends in the following year. Additionally, it looks like companies try to compensate shareholders by paying out dividends in years of worse performing market and are less likely to distribute their earnings when shareholders gain on rising stock price. We found a negative correlation between the change in proportion of companies paying out dividends and changes in the S&P500 index. However, this does not seem to reflect investor preferences and taste for dividends. We found no statistically significant correlations between the change of the dividend premium and changes in the S&P500 index and, surprisingly, we observed relatively worse valuation of dividend-paying frms in years of market downturn.

In terms of originality, our work contributes to the ongoing dividend puzzle discussion in a number of ways. First, we use a sample of American companies after excluding small capitalization stocks. Second, we assume a time lag between a shift in investor preferences and a change in corporate payout policy. Finally, our studies also account for the impact of general market conditions on dividend decisions.
Knowledge Development and Transfer in Foreign Subsidiaries and Their Parent Transnational Corporations
Authors: Zorska Anna
Published: October 2014

The article aims at analysis of knowledge-oriented growth of TNCs' foreign subsidiaries, their transformation and evolving participation in knowledge development by parent transnational corporations (TNCs). The author's concept of increasing involvement of foreign subsidiaries in leveraging knowledge in TNCs' organizations is presented with a focus on a new process of “creative transition” by corporate foreign subsidiaries and its implications for the parents and host economies. The research method is based on integration of concepts, elements and instruments used in international management and international business to investigate the evolution of the knowledge development process in TNCs' cross-border organizations.

The analysis of knowledge development and transfer in TNCs, and growth of their foreign subsidiaries as well as key factors of expanding their knowledge-oriented activities reveals the “creative transition” process which is underway in the subsidiaries. It leads to their increased participation in the knowledge development by TNCs and implies some results for parent firms and host economies. It is concluded that the knowledge-oriented activity of foreign subsidiaries can result in possible capturing valuable knowledge co-created by domestic entities what can imply weakening innovativeness and competitiveness of the host economies.

The problem of knowledge-oriented activity of TNCs' foreign subsidiaries and its domestic impacts has not been investigated in Polish publications yet. The article offers a conceptual basis for further theoretical and empirical research with a focus on impacts in a host economy resulting from the knowledge-oriented activity of TNCs' foreign subsidiaries and shows a necessity to work out a fair approach to sharing benefits of knowledge creation and utilization in the host economy.
Bitcoin - Nowa Wirtualna Globalna Waluta?
Authors: Chrabonszczewska Elżbieta
Published: October 2014

The aim of the paper is to present the phenomenon of the new virtual currency bitcoin, and analyse its economic significance. The paper examines the origin, notion, functions and mechanism of emission of the BTC. The theoretical aspects of creation of the BTC and its advantages and weakness are also explained.

The results of the analysis show that bitcoin does not eliminate current problems of traditional currency but also generates new risks for its users. The risks could as well affect the central banks (the legal risk, the risk to payment system stability, and the reputation risk).

Three contributions of this paper to the problem of the BTC are worth distinguishing. Firstly, the scientific literature lacks information and data about the BTC - the main source of information is the Internet which reliability cannot be fully guaranteed. Secondly, periodical examination of development of the risk connected with the BTC is necessary. Thirdly, it is a basis to begin discussion on the new virtual currency which bitcoin is.
Economic Development Path of Poland: Innovation and Competitiveness in Light of the Situation of Southern European Countries
Authors: Kubacki Konrad , Słuszniak Agnieszka
Published: October 2014

The financial crisis of 2007 revealed structural weaknesses in many European countries, particularly in Southern Europe. The goal of this article is to identify the existing economic situation in the four main Southern European countries: Greece, Italy, Portugal, and Spain (GIPS), and in Poland, conduct a comparative analysis of the development paths and competitiveness levels of these countries using statistical data as well as existing scientific literature, and finally to formulate suggestions for a new development path of Poland. The results of the analysis suggest that Poland's development is currently on a turning point, portraying many similarities to Southern European economies after their EU accession, as well as before the crisis. The authors come to a conclusion that unless Poland undertakes crucial reforms, particularly in the field of its innovation system, business environment, implementation of EU funds, and overall strategic long-term planning, it is inevitable that its economic growth will slow down, possibly falling into a middle-income trap. Poland might not avoid the same mistakes of GIPS, that failed to implement adequate reforms in times of economic growth, what today results in suffering from serious consequences. T is paper presents a unique view on the future economic development of Poland in relation to the paths already undertaken by Southern European economies.