bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comparison between the neural correlates of laser and electric pain stimulation and their modulation by expectation
Authors: Hird EJ. , Talmi D. , Jones AKP. , El-Deredy W.
Published: September 2017

Background

Pain is modulated by expectation. Event-related potential (ERP) studies of the influence of expectation on pain typically utilise laser heat stimulation to provide a controllable nociceptive-specific stimulus. Short painful electric stimulation has a number of practical advantages, but is less nociceptive-specific. We compared the modulation of electric versus laser-evoked pain by expectation, and their corresponding pain-evoked and anticipatory ERPs.

New Method

We developed understanding of recognised methods of laser and electric stimulation. We tested whether pain perception and neural activity induced by electric stimulation was modulated by expectation, whether this expectation elicited anticipatory neural correlates, and how these measures compared to those associated with laser stimulation. We elicited cue-evoked expectations of high and low pain and compared subjective ratings and corresponding ERPs in response to the delivery of laser and electric stimulation in a within-participant design.

Results

Despite sensory and affective differences between laser and electric pain, intensity ratings and pain-evoked potentials were modulated equivalently by expectation, though ERPs only correlated with pain ratings in the laser pain condition. Anticipatory correlates significantly differentiated pain intensity expectation to laser but not electric pain.

Comparison with Existing Method

Previous studies have consistently shown that laser-evoked potentials are modulated by expectation. We extend this by showing electric pain-evoked potentials are equally modulated by expectation, within the same participants. We also show a difference between the pain types in anticipation.

Conclusions

Though laser-evoked potentials express a stronger relationship with pain perception, both laser and electric stimulation may be used to study the modulation of pain-evoked potentials by expectation. Anticipatory-evoked potentials are elicited by both pain types, but they may reflect different processes and did not correlate with pain perception.
Temperate phages as self-replicating weapons in bacterial competition
Authors: Li Xiang-Yi , Lachnit Tim , Fraune Sebastian , Bosch Thomas C. G. , Traulsen Arne , Sieber Michael
Published: September 2017

Microbial communities are accompanied by a diverse array of viruses. Through infections of abundant microbes, these viruses have the potential to mediate competition within the community, effectively weakening competitive interactions and promoting coexistence. This is of particular relevance for host-associated microbial communities, since the diversity of the microbiota has been linked to host health and functioning. Here, we study the interaction between two key members of the microbiota of the freshwater metazoanHydra vulgaris. The two commensal bacteriaCurvibactersp. andDuganellasp. protect their host from fungal infections, but only if both of them are present. Coexistence of the two bacteria is thus beneficial forHydra. Intriguingly,Duganellasp. appears to be the superior competitorin vitrodue to its higher growth rate when both bacteria are grown seperately, but in coculture the outcome of competition depends on the relative initial abundances of the two species. The presence of an inducible prophage in theCurvibactersp. genome which is able to lytically infectDuganellasp., led us to hypothesise that the phage modulates the interaction between these two key members of theHydramicrobiota. Using a mathematical model we show that the interplay of the lysogenic life-cycle of theCurvibacterphage and the lytic life-cycle onDuganellasp. can explain the observed complex competitive interaction between the two bacteria. Our results highlight the importance of taking lysogeny into account for understanding microbe-virus interactions and show the complex role phages can play in promoting coexistence of their bacterial hosts.
Sparse interaction between oligodendrocyte precursor cells (NG2+cells) and nodes of Ranvier in the central nervous system
Authors: De Biase Lindsay M. , Pucak Michele L. , Kang Shin H. , Rodriguez Stephanie N. , Bergles Dwight E.
Published: September 2017

Regeneration of propagating action potentials at nodes of Ranvier allows nerve impulses to be conducted over long distances. Proper nodal function is believed to rely on intimate associations among axons, myelinating oligodendrocytes, and perinodal astrocytes. Studies in the optic nerve, corpus callosum, and spinal cord suggest that NG2+cells are also key constituents of CNS nodes and that these glia may influence conduction efficacy and formation of axon collaterals. However, the prevalence of NG2+cell processes at CNS nodes of Ranvier has not been rigorously quantified. Here we used a transgenic mouse expressing membrane-targeted EGFP to visualize the fine processes of NG2+cells and to quantify the spatial relationship between NG2+cells and nodes of Ranvier in four distinct CNS white matter tracts. NG2+cell processes came within close spatial proximity to a small percentage of nodes of Ranvier and approximately half of these spatial interactions were estimated to occur by chance. The majority of NG2+cell process tips were not found in close proximity to nodes and gray matter NG2+cells in regions of low nodal density were as morphologically complex as their white matter counterparts, indicating that attraction to nodes does not critically influence the elaboration of NG2+cell processes. Finally, there was no difference in nodal density between small regions devoid of NG2+cell processes and those containing numerous NG2+cells processes, demonstrating that the function of CNS nodes of Ranvier does not require ongoing interaction with NG2+cells.

Significance Statement

Effective propagation of action potentials along neuronal axons is dependent upon periodic regeneration of depolarization at nodes of Ranvier. The position, structural integrity, and function of nodes of Ranvier is believed to be regulated, in part, by intimate physical interactions between nearby glial cells and nodes. Clarifying whether oligodendrocyte precursor cells are obligate members of this nodal support system is critical for defining whether these cells contribute to pathologies in which nodal structure is compromised.
Presurgical language fMRI: Current practices and patient outcomes in epilepsy surgical planning
Authors: Benjamin Christopher F.A. , Li Alexa X , Blumenfeld Hal , Constable R Todd , Alkawadri Rafeed , Bickel Stephan , Helmstaedter Christoph , Meletti Stefano , Bronen Richard , Warfield Simon K. , Peters Jurriaan M. , Reutens David , Połczyńska Monika , Spencer Dennis D. , Hirsch Lawrence J.
Published: September 2017

The goal of this study was to document current clinical practice and report patient outcomes in presurgical language functional MRI (fMRI) for epilepsy surgery. Epilepsy surgical programs worldwide were surveyed as to the utility, implementation, and efficacy of language fMRI in the clinic; 82 programs responded between July 2015 and January 2016. Respondents were predominantly from the US (61%), were academic programs (85%), and predominantly evaluated adults (44%), both adults and children (40%), or children only (16%). Nearly all (96%) respondents reported using language fMRI. fMRI is used for language lateralization (100%) and for localizing (44%) language cortex to guide surgical margins. While typically considered useful, programs often reported at least one instance of disagreement with other measures (56%). When used to localize language cortex, direct brain stimulation typically confirmed fMRI findings (74%) but instances of unpredicted decline were reported by 17% of programs and unexpected preservation of function were reported by 54%. Programs reporting unexpected decline did not clearly differ from those which did not. Clinicians using fMRI to guide surgical margins typically map Broca’s and Wernicke’s areas but not other known language areas. Language fMRI is widely used for lateralizing language cortex in patients with medically intractable epilepsy. It is also frequently used to localize language cortex though it is not yet well validated for this purpose. Many centers report cases of unexpected language preservation when fMRI activation is resected, and cases of language decline when it is not. Care will almost certainly be improved by standardizing protocols and accurately detailing the relationship between fMRI-positive areas and post-surgical language decline.
The classification of orphans is improved by combining searches in both proteomes and genomes
Authors: Basile Walter , Salvatore Marco , Elofsson Arne
Published: September 2017

The identification ofde novocreated genes is important as it provides a glimpse on the evolutionary processes of gene creation. Potentialde novocreated genes are identified by selecting genes that have no homologs outside a particular species, but for an accurate detection this identification needs to be correct.

Genes without any homologs are often referred to as orphans; in addition tode novocreated ones, fast evolving genes or genes lost in all related genomes might also be classified as orphans. The identification of orphans is dependent on: (i) a method to detect homologs and (ii) a database including genes from related genomes.

Here, we set out to investigate how the detection of orphans is influenced by these two factors. UsingSaccharomyces cerevisiaewe identify that best strategy is to use a combination of searching annotated proteins and a six-frame translation of all ORFs from closely related genomes. Using this strategy we obtain a set of 54 orphans inDrosophila melanogasterand 38 inDrosophila pseudoobscura, significantly less than what is reported in some earlier studies.
The function of macromolecular complex of CFTR-NHERF2-LPA2 in inflammatory responses of intestinal epithelial cells
Authors: Kong Shanshan , Zhang Weiqiang
Published: September 2017

CFTR is a cAMP-regulated chloride channel located in the apical surface of intestinal epithelial cells; where it forms a macromolecular complex with NHERF2 and LPA2. CFTR has been shown to play a role in the pathogenies of several types of secretory diarrheas. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic condition of intestine characterized by severe inflammation and mucosal destruction, genetic analysis has shown that LPA contribute to IBD and patients of cystic fibrosis also display the phenotype of diarrhea. The purpose of this study is to investigate if this complex plays a role in the inflammatory responses of intestinal epithelium.

We then explored the role of this complex in maintaining the integrity of tight junction and inflammatory responses in these cells. In vitro assays show that inhibiting CFTR or LPA2 in the intestinal epithelial cell could disrupt the epithelial cell junction, and reduce the TER of intestinal epithelial cells in both mouse and human cell line. EƯSA assay show that intriguing LPA2 through LPS or LPA can increase the secretion of IL-8, while inhibiting or SiRNA knockdown of LPA2 can decrease the secretion of IL-8 in mouse or human intestinal epithelial cells. The CFTR inhibitor can reduce the IL-8 secretion in both mouse and human cell line, the deletion of CFTR in mouse intestine does not affect the IL-8 level, but the knockdown of CFTR in human cell line reduced the IL-8 protein level. The deletion of CFTR in human also reduced the IL-8 mRNA level. This indicates the CFTR-LPA complex is necessary for the expression of IL-8.
Cryo-EM structure of the bacterial actin AlfA reveals unique assembly and ATP-binding interactions and the absence of a conserved subdomain
Authors: Usluer Gulsima , Dimaio Frank , Yang Shunkai , Hansen Jesse M. , Polka Jessica K. , Dyche Mullins R. , Kollman Justin M.
Published: September 2017

Bacterial actins are an evolutionarily diverse family of ATP-dependent filaments built from protomers with a conserved structural fold. Actin-based segregation systems are encoded on many bacterial plasmids and function to partition plasmids into daughter cells. The bacterial actin AlfA segregates plasmids by a mechanism distinct from other partition systems, dependent on its unique dynamic properties. Here, we report the near-atomic resolution cryo-EM structure of the AlfA filament, which reveals a strikingly divergent filament architecture resulting from the loss of a subdomain conserved in all other actins and a novel mode of ATP binding. Its unusual assembly interfaces and nucleotide interactions provide insight into AlfA dynamics, and expand the range of evolutionary variation accessible to actin quaternary structure.

Significance Statement

Actin filaments are dynamic cytoskeletal elements that assemble upon ATP binding. Actin homologs are present in all domains of life, and all share a similar three-dimensional structure of the assembling subunit, but evolutionary changes to subunit have generated many different actin filament structures. The filament structure of the bacterial actin AlfA, which positions plasmids - small, circular DNA molecules that encode important genes - to ensure that each daughter cell receives a copy at cell division. AlfA is different from all other actins in two critical ways: it binds to ATP in a unique way, and it is missing a quarter of the conserved structural core. These differences explain unusual AlfA assembly dynamics that underlie its ability to move plasmids.
Neuronal inhibition of the autophagy nucleation complex extends life span in post-reproductive C. elegans
Authors: Wilhelm Thomas , Byrne Jonathan , Medina Rebeca , Kolundžić Ena , Geisinger Johannes , Hajduskova Martina , Tursun Baris , Richly Holger
Published: September 2017

Autophagy is a ubiquitous catabolic process that causes cellular bulk degradation of cytoplasmic components and is generally associated with positive effects on health and longevity. Inactivation of autophagy has been linked with detrimental effects on cells and organisms. The antagonistic pleiotropy theory postulates that some fitness-promoting genes during youth are harmful during aging. On this basis, we examined genes mediating post-reproductive longevity using an RNAi screen. From this screen, we identified 30 novel regulators of post-reproductive longevity, including pha-4. Through downstream analysis of pha-4, we identified that the inactivation of genes governing the early stages of autophagy up until the stage of vesicle nucleation, such as bec-1, strongly extend both life span and health span. Furthermore, our data demonstrate that the improvements in health and longevity are mediated through the neurons, resulting in reduced neurodegeneration and sarcopenia. We propose that autophagy switches from advantageous to harmful in the context of an age-associated dysfunction.
Lithium tetrachloridoaluminate, LiAlCl4: a new polymorph (oP12,Pmn21) with Li+in tetrahedral interstices
Authors: Prömper Stephan W. , Frank Walter
Published: September 2017

Dissolving lithium chloride and aluminium chloride in boilingpara- ormeta-xylene and keeping the colourless solution at room temperature led to crystal growth of a new modification of lithium tetrachloridoaluminate, LiAlCl4, which represents a second modification (oP12,Pmn21) of the ternary salt besides the long known monoclinic form [LiAlCl4(mP24,P21/c); Mairesseet al.(1977).Cryst. Struct. Commun.6, 15–18]. The crystal structures of both modifications can be described as slightly distorted hexagonal closest packings of chloride anions. While the lithium cations in LiAlCl4(mP24) are in octahedral coordination and the aluminium and lithium ions in the solid of orthorhombic LiAlCl4occupy tetrahedral interstices with site symmetriesmand 1, respectively, the lithium cation site being half-occupied (defect wurtz-stannite-type structure). From differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements, no evidence for a phase transition of the orthorhombic modification is found until the material melts at 148 °C (Tpeak= 152 °C). The melting point is nearly identical to the literature data for LiAlCl4(mP24) [146 °C; Weppner & Huggins (1976).J. Electrochem. Soc.124, 35–38]. From the melts of both polymorphs, the monoclinic modification recrystallizes.
A copper(II) paddle-wheel structure of tranexamic acid: dichloro-tetrakis[μ-4-(ammoniomethyl)cyclohexane-1-carboxylato-O,O′]dicopper(II) dichloride hexahydrate
Authors: Altaf Muhammad , Stoeckli-Evans Helen
Published: September 2017

Tranexamic acid [systematic name:trans-4-(aminomethyl)cyclohexane-1-carboxylic acid], is an antifibrinolytic amino acid that exists as a zwitterion [trans-4-(ammoniomethyl)cyclohexane-1-carboxylate] in the solid state. Its reaction with copper chloride leads to the formation of a compound with a copper(II) paddle-wheel structure that crystallizes as a hexahydrate, [Cu2Cl2(C8H15NO2)4]2+·2Cl−·6H2O. The asymmetric unit is composed of a copper(II) cation, two zwitterionic tranexamic acid units, a coordinating Cl−anion and a free Cl−anion, together with three water molecules of crystallization. The whole structure is generated by inversion symmetry, with the Cu...Cu axle of the paddle-wheel dication being located about a center of symmetry. The cyclohexane rings of the zwitterionic tranexamic acid units have chair conformations. The carboxylate groups that bridge the two copper(II) cations are inclined to one another by 88.4 (8)°. The copper(II) cation is ligated by four carboxylate O atoms in the equatorial plane and by a Cl−ion in the axial position. Hence, it has a fivefold O4Cl coordination sphere with a perfect square-pyramidal geometry and aτ5index of zero. In the crystal, the paddle-wheel dications are linked by a series of N—H...Cl hydrogen bonds, involving the coordinating and free Cl−ions, forming a three-dimensional network. This network is strengthened by a series of N—H...Owater, Owater—H...Cl and Owater—H...O hydrogen bonds.
1,3-Bis(4-bromobutoxy)benzene
Authors: Maragatham Gunasekaran , Selvarani Sivasamy , Rajakumar Perumal , Lakshmi Srinivasakannan
Published: September 2017

The whole molecule of the title compound, C14H20Br2O2, is generated by twofold rotational symmetry, with the twofold axis bisecting the benzene ring. The packing of the molecules features C—H...π interactions, which link the molecules to form chains along [100].
2,3-Bis(benzylthio)-6-methylquinoxaline
Authors: Zouitini Ayman , Kandri Rodi Youssef , Ouzidan Younes , Jasinski Jerry P. , Kaur Manpreet , Essassi El Mokhtar
Published: September 2017

In the title compound, C23H20N2S2, the mean planes of the phenyl rings are twisted with respect to the mean plane of the quinoxaline ring system by 73.8 (8) and 72.2 (8)°. A weak intramolecular C—H...N interactions is observed. The methyl group attached to the quinoxaline ring system is disordered over two sets of sites on the benzene ring having occupancies 0.531 (7) and 0.469 (7), respectively. One of the phenyl rings is disordered over two sets of sites having occupancies 0.649 (7) and 0.351 (10), respectively. In the crystal, π–π stacking interactions occur.
The invisible students with disabilities in the Australian education system
Authors: Teather Susan , Hillman Wendy
Published: September 2017

Purpose

There has been very little empirical research for the need to identify the importance of an inclusive territory of commonality for “invisible” students with disabilities in Australian education testing, such as the National Assessment Program-Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN). The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The research methodology used a cross-sectional mixed methods, deductive quantitative, an inductive qualitative, functionalist perspective and interpretivist perspective from internet secondary data analysis. This was undertaken to investigate the government functionalist macrosociology of Australian education to the detriment of the microsociology debate of students with disabilities, for inclusive education and social justice.

Findings

This finding showed vastly underestimated numbers of students with disabilities in Australian schools experienced through “gatekeeping”, non-participation in NAPLAN testing and choices of schools, resulting in poor educational outcomes and work-readiness.

Social implications

The research findings showed that functionalism of Australian education is threatening not only social order, well-being and resilience of an innovative Australian economy through welfare dependency; but also depriving people with disabilities of social equality and empowerment against poverty brought about by a lack of education and of the human right to do a decent job.

Originality/value

The study provided a critical evaluation of the weaknesses of government functionalism; specifically the relationship between the dualism of macro and micro perspectives, which promotes the existence of “invisible” students with disabilities in education, despite government legislation purporting an inclusive education for all students.
Indigenous player inclusion in the Australian Football League
Authors: Ferrer Justine , Turner Paul
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to audit the efforts made around the support of indigenous players within the Australian Football League (AFL).

Design/methodology/approach

Content analysis of the publicly available information on websites of organizations associated with the AFL was undertaken to identify the extent of programs and policies around indigenous representation, inclusion, and development.

Findings

The AFL, as an organization, has a high percentage of indigenous players (employees) in comparison to the wider Australian workforce representation. Largely, indigenous representation within the AFL is merit based, prioritized on an individual’s ability to play football at an elite level. The website audit identified a number of inconsistencies in the public personas portrayed by the AFL and organizations aligned to it such as the AFL Players Association and clubs. The findings raise a number of questions for future research.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation is that the website audit represents a very small insight into the current situation and does not provide a depth of analysis into the circumstances around indigenous inclusion within the AFL. The audit also is very focused on one sporting organization which may or may not be representative of the sport industry.

Originality/value

The research introduces a number of questions for future discovery.
In search of a living wage in Southeast Asia
Authors: Ford Michele , Gillan Michael
Published: September 2017

Purpose

Debates over the definition, processes and outcomes of minimum and “living” wages are heated and often politically contentious in garment-producing countries. Internationally, there have been various initiatives to promote and support the implementation of a living wage for workers in labour-intensive manufacturing, ranging from corporate-driven social responsibility and multi-stakeholder initiatives to the long-standing living wage campaign of the global unions. One prominent regional initiative is the Asia Floor Wage Alliance (AFWA). The purpose of this paper is to assess its reach and effect in Southeast Asia.

Design/methodology/approach

A living wage campaign is assessed with reference to Indonesia and Cambodia, two important garment manufacturing countries in Southeast Asia. The paper draws on data collected in interviews with garment manufacturers, brand representatives, trade unionists and labour NGO activists, including members of the AFWA Steering Committee in Indonesia and Cambodia, complemented by a systematic review of documents and reports produced by the AFWA.

Findings

As the paper shows, despite a series of initiatives, the Asia Floor Wage has failed to gain traction in Cambodia or Indonesia. This is so, the paper argues, because national economic, political and institutional contexts are the primary drivers of the strategies and priorities of constituent organisations, governments and industry stakeholders. In the absence of robust local and regional coalitions of trade unions, efforts towards a common and coordinated regional approach to living wages are thus unlikely to gain traction.

Originality/value

To a large extent, the literature on the concepts and practices associated with the living wage has focussed on developed rather than developing countries. This paper extends the literature by providing a systematic examination of a transnational wage campaign in developing Asian countries.
The Living Wage campaign in the UK
Authors: Heery Edmund , Hann Deborah , Nash David
Published: September 2017

Purpose

This paper presents an account of the UK campaign for the voluntary Living Wage, an example of civil regulation. The purpose of this paper is to identify and characterize the actors involved in the campaign, describe methods used and examine direct and indirect consequences of the campaign.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-method design is employed, reflecting the broadly framed purpose of the research. The research used semi-structured interviews with campaigners, union representatives and employers, observation of campaign activities and the creation of a database of Living Wage employers.

Findings

The campaign originated in the community organizing movement, but has involved a broad range of labor market actors, both “new” and “old.” A continuum of campaigning methods has been used, stretching from community mobilization to appeals to employer self-interest and corporate social responsibility. The campaign has recruited 3,000 employers, led to wage increases for thousands of workers and registered indirect effects by shaping the policies of governments, employers and unions.

Originality/value

The research presents a novel account of the UK’s distinctive Living Wage campaign, a notable example of the civil regulation of the labor market.
Bringing back the social: the way forward for children’s social work?
Authors: Featherstone Brid , Gupta Anna , Morris Kate
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to argue for the need to move away from a sole focus on assessing and dealing with individualised risk factors in order to more fully engage with and understand the social determinants of many of the harms that are manifest in families.

Design/methodology/approach

It draws from a number of research studies being conducted by the authors and a literature on psycho-social approaches to social suffering.

Findings

It highlights the evidence on the contribution of poverty and inequality to many of the problems encountered within families. It explores how hurt, shame and loss are experienced by those who are marginalised and struggling to live well and care safely for themselves and others.

Practical implications

It highlights the practice implications of adopting an approach that engages with both the social and the psychological and understands their inter-relationship. It offers some thoughts on how the social in psycho-social might receive the attention it deserves, a situation which does not pertain currently.

Originality/value

It offers an original contribution to thinking in the area of child protection where the focus is primarily on individualised risk factors. It highlights the importance of understanding the social determinants of many of the harms experienced in families and offers some pointers towards thinking and practising differently.
The future of child protection may not be in local government
Authors: Rice Stephen
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer a view about the future of children’s social work from the perspective of a frontline practitioner.

Design/methodology/approach

Reflections of a frontline practitioner are based on his experience of practising social work with children and families.

Findings

The professional task of assessment and intervention in order to protect the nation’s children from significant harm is probably one of the most complex in modern society. However, a focus on gathering too much information and the need for certainty can be detrimental to analysis and judgement. Further, the most complex and challenging part of the social work task, namely, direct work in the family home, is rarely subject to formally structured analysis or feedback. There is insufficient analysis of good practice, and the organisational conditions that will promote and sustain it, but there are alternative models, including outside local government and including from other countries, that appear promising.

Originality/value

The study offers the perspective of a frontline children and families social worker on issues facing the profession.
Are winemaker consultants just another source of knowledge for innovation?
Authors: Doloreux David , Turkina Ekaterina
Published: September 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the effects of multiple external sources of knowledge and of the use of winemaker consultants on innovation in the Canadian wine industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The data for the study are taken from an original survey of wine firms in Canada covering the 2007-2009 period. The survey was carried out by computer-assisted telephone interviews, and it was addressed to winery firms that are engaged in growing grapes and producing wine.

Findings

The results show that the use of winemaker consultants positively affects all forms of innovation. At the same, as far as external knowledge sources are concerned, marketing sources positively affect all types of innovation, while research sources and general sources have a positive influence on particular forms of innovation. The results also show that winemaker consultants interact with other knowledge sources. Nevertheless, there are important nuances with regard to which type of knowledge sources is more compatible with the use of winemaker consultants for which type of innovation.

Originality/value

To date, there is no empirical evidence of the extent to which the use of external winemaker consultants and external knowledge sources interact together and what are their impacts on the introduction of different forms of innovation.
Assessing the universality of knowledge management practices
Authors: Hussinki Henri , Kianto Aino , Vanhala Mika , Ritala Paavo
Published: September 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to contribute to the emerging discussion on the contextualization of knowledge-oriented research by examining the universality of knowledge management (KM) practices. Knowledge is a firm’s most valuable resource, and KM, or the ability to leverage knowledge resources, constitutes the base for the firm’s competitive advantages.

Design/methodology/approach

A theorized ten-fold conceptualization of KM practices is tested on a sample of 622 firms from four countries (Finland, Spain, China and Russia). Confirmatory factor analysis and principal component analysis are used to test the applicability of the concept in various country contexts.

Findings

The findings provide interesting evidence of variation in the managerial assessment of KM practices among countries. This shows that KM practices are socially embedded phenomena, affected by the managers’ institutional and cultural contexts.

Research limitations/implications

Researchers and managers are advised to be mindful of the differences in terms of KM practices between the studied countries and to display a certain cultural sensitivity when approaching KM.

Originality/value

The paper is the first to examine the managerially assessed structure of KM practices in a cross-country context with multi-firm datasets. The results will help to determine the similarity of KM practices in four economically and culturally distinct countries. It also adds to the discussion about the potential national peculiarities of KM and provides a novel concept of KM practices, which is tested in a cross-national context. Thus, this study provides an outline for future KM studies and increases managerial understanding about the variety of value-creating KM practices.
Antecedents and effects of individual absorptive capacity: a micro-foundational perspective on open innovation
Authors: Lowik Sandor , Kraaijenbrink Jeroen , Groen Aard J.
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The paper aims to understand how individuals differ in individual absorptive capacity – their ability to recognize, assimilate, transform and exploit external knowledge. These individual absorptive capacities are a key knowledge management building block for an organization’s open innovation practices. The study examines individual antecedents – human capital, social capital and cognition – and innovation outcomes of individual absorptive capacity.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a quantitative study of 147 employees in a single medium-sized Dutch industrial firm. Based on a survey and structural equation modeling, the antecedents’ prior knowledge diversity, network diversity and cognitive style are examined in relation to individual absorptive capacity. Further, the mediating effects of individual absorptive capacity on its antecedents and innovation outcome are investigated.

Findings

The main findings are that prior knowledge diversity, external network diversity and a bisociative cognitive style explain differences in individual absorptive capacity. A bisociative cognitive style appears to be the most important factor. Also, this study finds that individual absorptive capacity mediates between its antecedents and individual innovation performance and is therefore a relevant factor to capture value from external knowledge sources.

Research limitations/implications

The study extends open innovation theory by exploring individual-level factors that explain the ability to capture value from external knowledge. It suggests that differences in open innovation practices are explained by heterogeneity at the individual level. Further, it explains how individuals’ potentials for open innovation are mediated by their absorptive capacities. These insights enable future researchers to further examine individual-level factors in knowledge management practices and to explore cross-level individual-organizational interactions for open innovation.

Practical implications

This paper highlights that individuals’ engagements in open innovation practices are explained not only by individuals’ motivations but also by their abilities to absorb external knowledge. Further, it helps managers to design knowledge management practices to promote employees’ absorptive capacities, to improve open innovation processes.

Originality/value

This study investigates the neglected individual-level factors of open innovation practices from a micro-foundational and knowledge management perspective. To our best knowledge, this is the first study to examine individual-level antecedents and outcomes of individual absorptive capacity.
Knowledge translation mechanisms in open innovation: the role of design in R&D projects
Authors: Simeone Luca , Secundo Giustina , Schiuma Giovanni
Published: September 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the role of design as a knowledge translation mechanism in R&D-oriented open innovation. In particular, the paper intends to look at how design can be used as a means of knowledge transfer among various stakeholders who speak different languages and have divergent needs and interests in a process where knowledge openly flew across the boundaries of a high number of organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper combines the insights from theory with the empirical evidences gathered by adopting an extreme case study approach: the detailed analysis of a case study related to an R&D project funded by the European Commission and aimed to investigate and produce innovative serious games in the area of healthcare. The project gathered a large number of stakeholders and deliberately adopted design to support an open innovation approach.

Findings

The paper provides insights into the use of design outputs such as artifacts, sketches, visual representations or prototypes to translate ideas, theoretical and technical requirements, documents and outputs into formats that can be more easily understood and appreciated by various stakeholders. This supports and favors coordination in open innovation projects where many different stakeholders are engaged in.

Research limitations/implications

Although the adoption of an extreme case study approach offers important implications to understand the role of design in R&D-oriented open innovation, the use of a single case study represents the basis both to explore hypothesis and to provide first evidences that need to be further tested with other qualitative and quantitative analysis.

Practical implications

The paper offers practical implications about how design can help individuals and organizations involved in R&D activities to better communicate and share knowledge among various stakeholders by aligning their different needs, interests and languages along the various phases of their project development.

Originality/value

The originality of the paper lays at the intersection of three different fields: open innovation, knowledge management and design for innovation, thus integrating mature, but so far isolated, research streams. It provides insights for theory building by explaining the use of design as knowledge translational mechanism as well as it informs the practice by highlighting the power of design as a mean to support knowledge flows into open innovation-based R&D projects.
Linking social and spatial networks to viral community phylogenetics reveals subtype‐specific transmission dynamics in African lions
Authors: Fountain‐Jones Nicholas M. , Packer Craig , Troyer Jennifer L. , VanderWaal Kimberly , Robinson Stacie , Jacquot Maude , Craft Meggan E.
Published: September 2017

Heterogeneity within pathogen species can have important consequences for how pathogens transmit across landscapes; however, discerning different transmission routes is challenging.

Here, we apply both phylodynamic and phylogenetic community ecology techniques to examine the consequences of pathogen heterogeneity on transmission by assessing subtype‐specific transmission pathways in a social carnivore.

We use comprehensive social and spatial network data to examine transmission pathways for three subtypes of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIVPle) in African lions (Panthera leo) at multiple scales in the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. We usedFIVPlemolecular data to examine the role of social organization and lion density in shaping transmission pathways and tested to what extent vertical (i.e., father– and/or mother–offspring relationships) or horizontal (between unrelated individuals) transmission underpinned these patterns for each subtype. Using the same data, we constructed subtype‐specificFIVPleco‐occurrence networks and assessed what combination of social networks, spatial networks or co‐infection best structured theFIVPlenetwork.

While social organization (i.e., pride) was an important component ofFIVPletransmission pathways at all scales, we find thatFIVPlesubtypes exhibited different transmission pathways at within‐ and between‐pride scales. A combination of social and spatial networks, coupled with consideration of subtype co‐infection, was likely to be important forFIVPletransmission for the two major subtypes, but the relative contribution of each factor was strongly subtype‐specific.

Our study provides evidence that pathogen heterogeneity is important in understanding pathogen transmission, which could have consequences for how endemic pathogens are managed. Furthermore, we demonstrate that community phylogenetic ecology coupled with phylodynamic techniques can reveal insights into the differential evolutionary pressures acting on virus subtypes, which can manifest into landscape‐level effects.
The Effect of Medicaid on Dental Care of Poor Adults: Evidence from the Oregon Health Insurance Experiment
Authors: Baicker Katherine , Allen Heidi L. , Wright Bill J. , Taubman Sarah L. , Finkelstein Amy N.
Published: September 2017

Objective

To evaluate the effect of Medicaid coverage on dental care outcomes, a major health concern for low‐income populations.

Data Sources

Primary and secondary data on health care use and outcomes for participants in Oregon's 2008 Medicaid lottery.

Study Design

We used the lottery's random selection to gauge the causal effects of Medicaid on dental care needs, medication, and emergency department visits for dental care.

Data Collection

Data were collected for lottery participants over 2 years, including mail surveys (N = 23,777) and in‐person questionnaires (N = 12,229). Emergency department (ED) records were matched to lottery participants in Portland (N = 24,646).

Principal Findings

Medicaid coverage significantly reduced the share of respondents who reported needing dental care (−9.8 percentage points, p < .001) or having unmet dental care needs (−13.5 percentage points, p < 0.001). Medicaid doubled the share visiting the ED for dental care (+2.6 percentage points, p = .003) and the use of anti‐infective medications often prescribed for dental care, but it had no detectable effect on uncovered dental care or out‐of‐pocket spending.

Conclusions

Expansion of Medicaid covering emergency dental care substantially reduced unmet need for dental care, increasing ED dental visits and medication use, while not changing patient use of uncovered dental services.
The Role of Forensic Botany in Solving a Case: Scientific Evidence on the Falsification of a Crime Scene
Authors: Aquila Isabella , Gratteri Santo , Sacco Matteo A. , Ricci Pietrantonio
Published: September 2017

Forensic botany can provide useful information for pathologists, particularly on crime scene investigation. We report the case of a man who arrived at the hospital and died shortly afterward. The body showed widespread electrical lesions. The statements of his brother and wife about the incident aroused a large amount of suspicion in the investigators. A crime scene investigation was carried out, along with a botanical morphological survey on small vegetations found on the corpse. An autopsy was also performed. Botanical analysis showed some samples of Xanthium spinosum, thus leading to the discovery of the falsification of the crime scene although the location of the true crime scene remained a mystery. The botanical analysis, along with circumstantial data and autopsy findings, led to the discovery of the real crime scene and became crucial as part of the legal evidence regarding the falsity of the statements made to investigators.
The Biological Effects of Kambo: Is There a Relationship Between its Administration and Sudden Death?
Authors: Aquila Isabella , Gratteri Santo , Sacco Matteo A. , Fineschi Vittorio , Magi Simona , Castaldo Pasqualina , Viscomi Graziella , Amoroso Salvatore , Ricci Pietrantonio
Published: September 2017

Kambo is a substance obtained from the skin secretions of a frog, Phyllomedusa bicolor, popular in the Amazon region, which is administered via the transdermal route. We report a case of 42‐year‐old man found dead in his house. Near the corpse, a plastic box labeled as “Kambo sticks” was found. The man was a chronic consumer of Kambo and no previous pathology or genetic disease emerged in clinical history from the declaration of his general practitioner. Autopsy investigations and toxicological analysis were performed. The histopathological examination showed left ventricular hypertrophy. Toxicological screening was negative for ethanol and other drugs. Phyllocaerulein, phyllokinin, and deltorphin A were isolated from the Kambo sticks but, only deltorphin A was detected in blood sample. We describe the first forensic case of death associated with Kambo administration. We attempt to explain how its use could be related to the cause of sudden death in this case.
Combined Effect of Polyphenol‐Chitosan Coating and Irradiation on the Microbial and Sensory Quality of Carp Fillets
Authors: Zhang Qiu Qin , Rui Xin , Guo Yi , He Min , Xu Xing Lian , Dong Ming Sheng
Published: September 2017

Irradiation can extend the shelf‐life of fish, but it may cause unacceptable change on quality. Since rose polyphenols have high antioxidant and antibacterial activities, this study evaluated the combined effect of polyphenol‐chitosan coatings and irradiation (3 kGy) on the microbial and sensory qualities of carp fillets during storage at 4 °C. A dose of 3 kGy irradiation reduced the initial total viable counts (TVC) and psychrophiles, and increased the initial b* and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) values. During storage, TBARS, TVC and psychrophiles of nonirradiated samples increased faster and were higher than those irradiated. Regardless of irradiation treatment, samples coated with chitosan containing rose polyphenols had lower TBARS, pH and bacteria than that in no coating or chitosan coating batches. Carp treated with combined treatment could preserve an acceptable sensory quality at the end of storage. The result indicated that polyphenol‐chitosan coating combined with irradiation can maintain fish quality by preventing bacterial growth, oxidation, and changes in color and sensory acceptability.
Abnormal gray matter volume and impulsivity in young adults with Internet gaming disorder
Authors: Lee Deokjong , Namkoong Kee , Lee Junghan , Jung Young‐Chul
Published: September 2017

Reduced executive control is one of the central components of model on the development and maintenance of Internet gaming disorder (IGD). Among the various executive control problems, high impulsivity has consistently been associated with IGD. We performed voxel‐based morphometric analysis with diffeomorphic anatomical registration by using an exponentiated Lie algebra algorithm (DARTEL) to investigate the relationship of gray matter abnormalities to impulsivity in IGD. Thirty‐one young male adults whose excessive Internet gaming began in early adolescence, and 30 age‐matched male healthy controls were examined. IGD subjects showed smaller gray matter volume (GMV) in brain regions implicated in executive control, such as the anterior cingulate cortex and the supplementary motor area. The GMVs in the anterior cingulate cortex and the supplementary motor area were negatively correlated with self‐reporting scales of impulsiveness. IGD subjects also exhibited smaller GMV in lateral prefrontal and parietal cortices comprising the left ventrolateral prefrontal cortex and the left inferior parietal lobule when compared with healthy controls. The GMVs in the left ventrolateral prefrontal cortex were negatively correlated with lifetime usage of Internet gaming. These findings suggest that gray matter abnormalities in areas related to executive control may contribute to high impulsivity of young adults with IGD. Furthermore, alterations in the prefrontal cortex were related with long‐term excessive Internet gaming during adolescence.