bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms of heterosynaptic metaplasticity
Authors: Hulme Sarah R. , Jones Owen D. , Raymond Clarke R. , Sah Pankaj , Abraham Wickliffe C.
Published: December 2013

Synaptic plasticity is fundamental to the neural processes underlying learning and memory. Interestingly, synaptic plasticity itself can be dynamically regulated by prior activity, in a process termed ‘metaplasticity’, which can be expressed both homosynaptically and heterosynaptically. Here, we focus on heterosynaptic metaplasticity, particularly long-range interactions between synapses spread across dendritic compartments, and review evidence for
intra
cellular versus
inter
cellular signalling pathways leading to this effect. Of particular interest is our previously reported finding that priming stimulation in stratum oriens of area CA1 in the hippocampal slice heterosynaptically inhibits subsequent long-term potentiation and facilitates long-term depression in stratum radiatum. As we have excluded the most likely intracellular signalling pathways that might mediate this long-range heterosynaptic effect, we consider the hypothesis that intercellular communication may be critically involved. This hypothesis is supported by the finding that extracellular ATP hydrolysis, and activation of adenosine A2 receptors are required to induce the metaplastic state. Moreover, delivery of the priming stimulation in stratum oriens elicited astrocytic calcium responses in stratum radiatum. Both the astrocytic responses and the metaplasticity were blocked by gap junction inhibitors. Taken together, these findings support a novel intercellular communication system, possibly involving astrocytes, being required for this type of heterosynaptic metaplasticity.
Stress enhances fear by forming new synapses with greater capacity for long-term potentiation in the amygdala
Authors: Suvrathan Aparna , Bennur Sharath , Ghosh Supriya , Tomar Anupratap , Anilkumar Shobha , Chattarji Sumantra
Published: December 2013

Prolonged and severe stress leads to cognitive deficits, but facilitates emotional behaviour. Little is known about the synaptic basis for this contrast. Here, we report that in rats subjected to chronic immobilization stress, long-term potentiation (LTP) and NMDA receptor (NMDAR)-mediated synaptic responses are enhanced in principal neurons of the lateral amygdala, a brain area involved in fear memory formation. This is accompanied by electrophysiological and morphological changes consistent with the formation of ‘silent synapses’, containing only NMDARs. In parallel, chronic stress also reduces synaptic inhibition. Together, these synaptic changes would enable amygdalar neurons to undergo further experience-dependent modifications, leading to stronger fear memories. Consistent with this prediction, stressed animals exhibit enhanced conditioned fear. Hence, stress may leave its mark in the amygdala by generating new synapses with greater capacity for plasticity, thereby creating an ideal neuronal substrate for affective disorders. These findings also highlight the unique features of stress-induced plasticity in the amygdala that are strikingly different from the stress-induced impairment of structure and function in the hippocampus.
Functional MRI of long-term potentiation: imaging network plasticity
Authors: Álvarez-Salvado Efrén , Pallarés Vicente , Moreno Andrea , Canals Santiago
Published: December 2013

Neurons are able to express long-lasting and activity-dependent modulations of their synapses. This plastic property supports memory and conveys an extraordinary adaptive value, because it allows an individual to learn from, and respond to, changes in the environment. Molecular and physiological changes at the cellular level as well as network interactions are required in order to encode a pattern of synaptic activity into a long-term memory. While the cellular mechanisms linking synaptic plasticity to memory have been intensively studied, those regulating network interactions have received less attention. Combining high-resolution fMRI and
in vivo
electrophysiology in rats, we have previously reported a functional remodelling of long-range hippocampal networks induced by long-term potentiation (LTP) of synaptic plasticity in the perforant pathway. Here, we present new results demonstrating an increased bilateral coupling in the hippocampus specifically supported by the mossy cell commissural/associational pathway in response to LTP. This fMRI-measured increase in bilateral connectivity is accompanied by potentiation of the corresponding polysynaptically evoked commissural potential in the contralateral dentate gyrus and depression of the inactive convergent commissural pathway to the ipsilateral dentate. We review these and previous findings in the broader context of memory consolidation.
Incorporation of inwardly rectifying AMPA receptors at silent synapses during hippocampal long-term potentiation
Authors: Morita Daiju , Rah Jong Cheol , Isaac John T. R.
Published: December 2013

Despite decades of study, the mechanisms by which synapses express the increase in strength during long-term potentiation (LTP) remain an area of intense interest. Here, we have studied how AMPA receptor subunit composition changes during the early phases of hippocampal LTP in CA1 pyramidal neurons. We studied LTP at silent synapses that initially lack AMPA receptors, but contain NMDA receptors. We show that strongly inwardly rectifying AMPA receptors are initially incorporated at silent synapses during LTP and are then subsequently replaced by non-rectifying AMPA receptors. These findings suggest that silent synapses initially incorporate GluA2-lacking, calcium-permeable AMPA receptors during LTP that are then replaced by GluA2-containing calcium-impermeable receptors. We also show that LTP consolidation at CA1 synapses requires a rise in intracellular calcium concentration during the early phase of expression, indicating that calcium influx through the GluA2-lacking AMPA receptors drives their replacement by GluA2-containing receptors during LTP consolidation. Taken together with previous studies in hippocampus and in other brain regions, these findings suggest that a common mechanism for the expression of activity-dependent glutamatergic synaptic plasticity involves the regulation of GluA2-subunit composition and highlights a critical role for silent synapses in this process.
Synaptic competition in structural plasticity and cognitive function
Authors: Ramiro-Cortés Yazmín , Hobbiss Anna F. , Israely Inbal
Published: December 2013

Connections between neurons can undergo long-lasting changes in synaptic strength correlating with changes in structure. These events require the synthesis of new proteins, the availability of which can lead to cooperative and competitive interactions between synapses for the expression of plasticity. These processes can occur over limited spatial distances and temporal periods, defining dendritic regions over which activity may be integrated and could lead to the physical rewiring of synapses into functional groups. Such clustering of inputs may increase the computational power of neurons by allowing information to be combined in a greater than additive manner. The availability of new proteins may be a key modulatory step towards activity-dependent, long-term growth or elimination of spines necessary for remodelling of connections. Thus, the aberrant growth or shrinkage of dendritic spines could occur if protein levels are misregulated. Indeed, such perturbations can be seen in several mental retardation disorders, wherein either too much or too little protein translation exists, matching an observed increase or decrease in spine density, respectively. Cellular events which alter protein availability could relieve a constraint on synaptic competition and disturb synaptic clustering mechanisms. These changes may be detrimental to modifications in neural circuitry following activity.
Lack of the presynaptic RhoGAP protein oligophrenin1 leads to cognitive disabilities through dysregulation of the cAMP/PKA signalling pathway
Authors: Khelfaoui Malik , Gambino Frédéric , Houbaert Xander , Ragazzon Bruno , Müller Christian , Carta Mario , Lanore Frédéric , Srikumar Bettadapura N. , Gastrein Philippe , Lepleux Marilyn , Zhang Chun-Lei , Kneib Marie , Poulain Bernard , Reibel-Foisset Sophie , Vitale Nicolas , Chelly Jamel , Billuart Pierre , Lüthi Andreas , Humeau Yann
Published: December 2013

Loss-of-function mutations in the gene encoding for the RhoGAP protein of oligophrenin-1 (OPHN1) lead to cognitive disabilities (CDs) in humans, yet the underlying mechanisms are not known. Here, we show that in mice constitutive lack ofOphn1is associated with dysregulation of the cyclic adenosine monophosphate/phosphate kinase A (cAMP/PKA) signalling pathway in a brain-area-specific manner. Consistent with a key role of cAMP/PKA signalling in regulating presynaptic function and plasticity, we found that PKA-dependent presynaptic plasticity was completely abolished in affected brain regions, including hippocampus and amygdala. At the behavioural level, lack of OPHN1 resulted in hippocampus- and amygdala-related learning disabilities which could be fully rescued by the ROCK/PKA kinase inhibitor fasudil. Together, our data identify OPHN1 as a key regulator of presynaptic function and suggest that, in addition to reported postsynaptic deficits, loss of presynaptic plasticity contributes to the pathophysiology of CDs.
GluN2A and GluN2B subunit-containing NMDA receptors in hippocampal plasticity
Authors: Shipton Olivia A. , Paulsen Ole
Published: December 2013

N
-Methyl-
d
-aspartate receptor (NMDAR)-dependent synaptic plasticity is a strong candidate to mediate learning and memory processes that require the hippocampus. This plasticity is bidirectional, and how the same receptor can mediate opposite changes in synaptic weights remains a conundrum. It has been suggested that the NMDAR subunit composition could be involved. Specifically, one subunit composition of NMDARs would be responsible for the induction of long-term potentiation (LTP), whereas NMDARs with a different subunit composition would be engaged in the induction of long-term depression (LTD). Unfortunately, the results from studies that have investigated this hypothesis are contradictory, particularly in relation to LTD. Nevertheless, current evidence does suggest that the GluN2B subunit might be particularly important for plasticity and may make a synapse bidirectionally malleable. In particular, we conclude that the presence of GluN2B subunit-containing NMDARs at the postsynaptic density might be a necessary, though not a sufficient, condition for the strengthening of individual synapses. This is owing to the interaction of GluN2B with calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) and is distinct from its contribution as an ion channel.
Saksenaea erythrospora infection following a serious sailing accident
Authors: Relloso Silvia , Romano Vanesa , Landaburu Maria Fernanda , Herrera Fabian , Smayevsky Jorgelina , Veciño Cecilia , Mujica Maria Teresa
Published: December 2013

Saksenaea erythrospora is a species of the order Mucorales recently described and reported as a cause of human mucormycosis. We report a case of S. erythrospora in a man involved in a serious sailing accident causing deep skin and soft tissue contamination with soil and water. Direct microscopic examination of the clinical sample with Giemsa stains showed hyaline and non-septate hyphae belonging to the order Mucorales. Fungal identification was performed by culture of biopsy material on SDA, and identification of species by floating an agar block containing the fungus in a nutritionally deficient medium consisting of sterile distilled water supplemented with 0.05 % yeast extract; and by sequencing the ITS region of the rDNA. This is the first report to our knowledge of infection with S. erythrospora in Argentina, confirming the presence of this fungus in this country.
Characterization of African bat henipavirus GH-M74a glycoproteins
Authors: Weis Michael , Behner Laura , Hoffmann Markus , Krüger Nadine , Herrler Georg , Drosten Christian , Drexler Jan Felix , Dietzel Erik , Maisner Andrea
Published: December 2013

In recent years, novel henipavirus-related sequences have been identified in bats in Africa. To evaluate the potential of African bat henipaviruses to spread in non-bat mammalian cells, we compared the biological functions of the surface glycoproteins G and F of the prototype African henipavirus GH-M74a with those of the glycoproteins of Nipah virus (NiV), a well-characterized pathogenic member of the henipavirus genus. Glycoproteins are central determinants for virus tropism, as efficient binding of henipavirus G proteins to cellular ephrin receptors and functional expression of fusion-competent F proteins are indispensable prerequisites for virus entry and cell-to-cell spread. In this study, we analysed the ability of the GH-M74a G and F proteins to cause cell-to-cell fusion in mammalian cell types readily permissive to NiV or Hendra virus infections. Except for limited syncytium formation in a bat cell line derived from Hypsignathus monstrosus, HypNi/1.1 cells, we did not observe any fusion. The highly restricted fusion activity was predominantly due to the F protein. Whilst GH-M74a G protein was found to interact with the main henipavirus receptor ephrin-B2 and induced syncytia upon co-expression with heterotypic NiV F protein, GH-M74a F protein did not cause evident fusion in the presence of heterotypic NiV G protein. Pulse–chase and surface biotinylation analyses revealed delayed F cleavage kinetics with a reduced expression of cleaved and fusion-active GH-M74a F protein on the cell surface. Thus, the F protein of GH-M74a showed a functional defect that is most likely caused by impaired trafficking leading to less efficient proteolytic activation and surface expression.
Mutated SF3B1 is associated with transcript isoform changes of the genes UQCC and RPL31 both in CLLs and uveal melanomas
Authors: Reyes Alejandro , Blume Carolin , Pelechano Vincent , Jakob Petra , Steinmetz Lars M. , Zenz Thorsten , Huber Wolfgang
Published: December 2013

Background

Genome sequencing studies of chronic lympoid leukemia (CLL) have provided a comprehensive overview of recurrent somatic mutations in coding genes. One of the most intriguing discoveries has been the prevalence of mutations in the HEAT-repeat domain of the splicing factorSF3B1. A frequently observed variant is predicted to cause the substitution of a lysine with a glutamic acid at position 700 of the protein (K700E). However, the molecular consequences of the mutations are largely unknown.

Results

To start exploring this question, we sequenced the transcriptomes of six samples: four samples of CLL tumour cells, of which two contained the K700E mutation inSF3B1, and CD19 positive cells from two healthy donors. We identified 41 genes that showed differential usage of exons statistically associated with the mutated status ofSF3B1(false discovery rate of 10%). These genes were enriched in pathways related to interferon signaling and mRNA splicing.

Among these genes, we foundUQCCandRPL31; notably, a similar effect on these genes was described in a previously published study of uveal melanoma. In addition, while this manuscript was under revision, another study independently reported the common splicing signature of the geneUQCCin different tumour types with mutations inSF3B1.

Conclusions

Our results suggest common effects of isoform deregulation in the genesUQCCandRPL31upon mutations inSF3B1. Additionally, our data provide a candidate list of potential isoform consequences of the SF3B1 (K700E) mutation in CLL, some of which might contribute to the tumourigenesis.

Validation studies on larger cohorts and model systems are required to extend these findings.
Efficient Search, Mapping, and Optimization of Multi-protein Genetic Systems in Diverse Bacteria
Authors: Farasat Iman , Kushwaha Manish , Collens Jason , Easterbrook Michael , Guido Matthew , Salis Howard M
Published: December 2013

Developing predictive models of multi-protein genetic systems to understand and optimize their behavior remains a combinatorial challenge, particularly when measurement throughput is limited. We developed a computational approach to build predictive models and identify optimal sequences and expression levels, while circumventing combinatorial explosion. Maximally informative genetic system variants were first designed by the RBS Library Calculator, an algorithm to design sequences for efficiently searching a multi-protein expression space across a >10,000-fold range with tailored search parameters and well-predicted translation rates. We validated the algorithm's predictions by characterizing 646 genetic system variants, encoded in plasmids and genomes, expressed in six gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial hosts. We then combined the search algorithm with system-level kinetic modeling, requiring the construction and characterization of 73 variants to build a sequence-expression-activity map (SEAMAP) for a biosynthesis pathway. Using model predictions, we designed and characterized 47 additional pathway variants to navigate its activity space, find optimal expression regions with desired activity response curves, and relieve rate-limiting steps in metabolism. Creating sequence-expression-activity maps accelerates the optimization of many protein systems and allows previous measurements to quantitatively inform future designs.
On the study of evolutionary predictability using historical reconstruction
Authors: Venkataram Sandeep , Sellis Diamantis , Petrova Dmitri A.
Published: December 2013

Predicting the course of evolution is critical for solving current biomedical challenges such as cancer and the evolution of drug resistant pathogens. One approach to studying evolutionary predictability is to observe repeated, independent evolutionary trajectories of similar organisms under similar selection pressures in order to empirically characterize this adaptive fitness landscape. As this approach is infeasible for many natural systems, a number of recent studies have attempted to gain insight into the adaptive fitness landscape by testing the plausibility of different orders of appearance for a specific set of adaptive mutations in a single adaptive trajectory. While this approach is technically feasible for systems with very few available adaptive mutations, the usefulness of this approach for predicting evolution in situations with highly polygenic adaptation is unknown. It is also unclear whether the presence of stable adaptive polymorphisms can influence the predictability of evolution as measured by these methods. In this work, we simulate adaptive evolution under Fisher’s geometric model to study evolutionary predictability. Remarkably, we find that the predictability estimated by these methods are anti-correlated, and that the presence of stable adaptive polymorphisms can both qualitatively and quantitatively change the predictability of evolution.
Independent RNA polymerase II preinitiation complex dynamics and nucleosome turnover at promoter sites in vivo
Authors: Grimaldi Yoselin , Ferrari Paolo , Strubin Michel
Published: December 2013

Transcription by all three eukaryotic RNA polymerases involves the assembly of a large preinitiation complex (PIC) at gene promoters. The PIC comprises several general transcription factors (GTFs), including TBP, and the respective RNA polymerase. It has been suggested that some GTFs remain stably bound at active promoters to facilitate multiple transcription events. Here we used two complementary approaches to show that, in G1-arrested yeast cells, TBP exchanges very rapidly even at the most highly active RNA Pol II promoters. A similar situation is observed at RNA Pol III promoters. In contrast, TBP remains stably bound at RNA Pol I promoters. We also provide evidence that, unexpectedly, PIC dynamics are neither the cause nor the consequence of nucleosome exchange at most of the RNA Pol II promoters we analyzed. These results point to a stable reinitiation complex at RNA Pol I promoters and suggest independent PIC and nucleosome turnover at many RNA Pol II promoters.
Poly[bis(μ4-2,3,5,6-tetrafluorobenzene-1,4-dicarboxylato-κ4
O
1:O
1′:O
4:O
4′)bis(tetrahydrofuran-κO)dizinc]
Authors: Choi Sang Beom , Jhon Young Ho , Ko Nakeun , Yang Jin Kuk
Published: December 2013

The title compound, [Zn2(C8F4O4)2(C4H8O)2]
n
, has a three-dimensional metal-organic framework structure. The asymmetric unit consists of two ZnII atoms, two tetrahydrofuran ligands, one 2,3,5,6-tetrafluorobenzene-1,4-dicarboxylate ligand and two half 2,3,5,6-tetrafluorobenzene-1,4-dicarboxylate ligands, which are completed by inversion symmetry. One ZnII atom has a distorted trigonal–bipyramidal coordination geometry, while the other has a distorted octahedral geometry. Two independent tetrahydrofuran ligands are each disordered over two sets of sites with occupancy ratios of 0.48 (4):0.52 (4) and 0.469 (17):0.531 (17).
2-(4-Fluorophenyl)-1-(3-methoxyphenyl)-4,5-dimethyl-1H-imidazole
Authors: Rizwana Begum S. , Hema R. , Srinivasan N. , Anitha A. G.
Published: December 2013

In the title compound, C18H17FN2O, the imidazole ring makes dihedral angles of 68.81 (6) and 25.20 (8)° with the methoxyphenyl and fluorophenyl rings, respectively. The dihedral angle between the methoxyphenyl and fluorophenyl ring is 71.89 (6)°. In the crystal, molecules are linked into inversion dimers with an R
2
2(8) graph-set motif by pairs of weak C—H...F interactions.
Identification of a dynamic model for shape memory alloy actuator using Hammerstein-Wiener gray box and mutable smart bee algorithm
Authors: Fathi Alireza , Mozaffari Ahmad
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of the current investigation is to design a robust and reliable computational framework to effectively identify the nonlinear behavior of shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators, as one of the most applicable types of actuators in engineering and industry. The motivation of proposing such an intelligent paradigm emanates in the pursuit of fulfilling the necessity of devising a simple yet effective identification system capable of modeling the hysteric dynamical respond of SMA actuators.

Design/methodology/approach

– To address the requirements of designing a pragmatic identification system, the authors integrate a set of fast yet reliable intelligent methodologies and provide a predictive tool capable of realizing the nonlinear hysteric behavior of SMA actuators in a computationally efficient fashion. First, the authors utilize the governing equations to design a gray box Hammerstein-Wiener identifier model. At the next step, they adopt a computationally efficient metaheuristic algorithm to elicit the optimum operating parameters of the gray box identifier.

Findings

– Applying the proposed hybrid identifier framework allows the authors to find out its advantages in modeling the behavior of SMA actuator. Through different experiments, the authors conclude that the proposed identifier can be used for identification of highly nonlinear dynamic behavior of SMA actuators. Furthermore, by extending the conclusions and expounding the obtained results, one can easily infer that such a hybrid method may be conveniently applied to model other engineering phenomena that possess dynamic nonlinear reactions. Based on the exerted experiments and implementing the method, the authors come to the conclusion that integrating the power of metaheuristic exploration/exploitation with gray box identifier results a predictive paradigm that much more computationally efficient as compared with black box identifiers such as neural networks. Additionally, the derived gray box method has a higher degree of preference over the black box identifiers, as it allows a manipulated expert to extract the knowledge of the system at hand.

Originality/value

– The originality of the research paper is twofold. From the practical (engineering) point of view, the authors built a prototype biased-spring SMA actuator and carried out several experiments to ascertain and validate the parameters of the model. From the computational point of view, the authors seek for designing a novel identifier that overcomes the main flaws associated with the performance of black-box identifiers that are the lack of a mean for extracting the governing knowledge of the system at hand, and high computational expense pertinent to the structure of black-box identifiers.
A modified colonial competitive algorithm for optimizing convex functions
Authors: Esmaeilzadeh Mahsan
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– This article is going to introduce a modified variant of the imperialist competitive algorithm (ICA). The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– ICA is a meta-heuristic algorithm that is introduced based on a socio-politically motivated global search strategy. It is a population-based stochastic algorithm to control more countries. The most powerful countries are imperialists and the weakest countries are colonies. Colonies movement toward their relevant imperialist, and making a competition among all empires to posses the weakest colonies of the weakest empires, form the basis of the ICA. This fact that the imperialists also need to model and they move towards top imperialist state is the most common type of political rules from around the world. This paper exploits these new ideas. The modification is the empire movement toward the superior empire for balancing the exploration and exploitation abilities of the ICA.

Findings

– The algorithms are used for optimization that have shortcoming to deal with accuracy rate and local optimum trap and they need complex tuning procedures. MICA is proposed a way for optimizing convex function with high accuracy and avoiding to trap in local optima rather than using original ICA algorithm by implementing some modification on it.

Originality/value

– Therefore, several solution procedures, including ICA, modified ICA, and genetic algorithm and particle swarm optimization algorithm are proposed. Finally, numerical experiments are carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of models as well as solution procedures. Test results present the suitability of the proposed modified ICA for convex functions with little fluctuations.
Clinical psychologists working in crisis resolution and home treatment teams: a grounded theory exploration
Authors: Murphy Nicola , Vidgen Andrew , Sandford Clare , Onyett Steve
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– There has been a rapid development and implementation of crisis resolution home treatment teams (CRHTT) in the UK over the past decade. The available research studies of this service provision to date have largely focused on issues related to the “outputs” of CRHTT, for example cost efficacy and the impact on admission rates. There is limited research on the experiences of clinical psychologists within CRHTT. This is despite the fact that it would seem that research exploring the experiences of mental health professionals in CRHTT is important, as working in a new area of service provision may present specific challenges. An understanding of the nature of these challenges is considered important in order to support clinical psychologists in these settings, and to sustain and improve service delivery.

Design/methodology/approach

–This study presents a qualitative exploration of clinical psychologists’ experiences of working in a CRHTT. In total, 11 clinical psychologists were interviewed about their perceptions of working within CRHTT, their relationships with other professionals and their experiences of working with service users in “crisis”. The grounded theory approach was employed to analyse participants’ accounts.

Findings

–Two themes were identified: psychological and clinical work and teamwork. The emergent themes are compared to the wider literature on clinical psychologists’ experiences of working in teams, and working with service users in “crisis”.

Originality/value

– This research demonstrates the value of a clinical psychology perspective in acute mental health settings. It also highlights the value of a clinical psychological perspective in multi-disciplinary team working. It draws attention to the need for clinical psychologists working in CRHTT settings to be able to more clearly articulate their roles in these services. It points to the importance of clinical psychologists considering the interventions they provide to service users with complex presentations. Also, it highlights their need to consider the psychological interventions they provide in CRHTT settings more generally, as this area of work does not closely align with NICE guidelines.
Implementing mental health law: a comparison of social work practice across three jurisdictions
Authors: O’Hare Philip , Davidson Gavin , Campbell Jim , Maas-Lowit Michael
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– Over the last 12 years there have been substantial developments in UK law and policy relevant to mental health social work practice. The previous legal frameworks across the jurisdictions were very similar but the new laws have developed in different ways and provide greater opportunities for comparison. Across all the jurisdictions policy developments, especially in the areas of recovery and risk assessment, have influenced the way that mental health social workers practice.

Design/methodology/approach

– This exploratory study used case study vignettes with 28 respondents to examine how these major legal and policy developments impact on social work practice.

Findings

– There were variations in how levels of risk are defined and often a lack of clarity about how this informs decisions. There was a consensus that recovery is important but difficulties in understanding how this might apply in crises. Predictably, differences in legal and policy contexts meant that there were a variety of perspectives on how mental health social workers applied the laws in their jurisdictions.

Research limitations/implications

– The limited focus on research informed practice and the lack of transparency in decision making across areas of risk assessment and intervention, use of recovery approaches and the use of mental health laws suggest the need for a more evidence-based approach to training, education and practice.

Originality/value

– There is very limited previous research on practitioner experiences of the complexities involved in implementing mental health law. This paper provides some insights into the issues involved and for the need for more detailed examination of the decision-making processes involved.
The adoption of customer relationship management (CRM) technology in SMEs
Authors: Nguyen ThuyUyen H. , Waring Teresa S.
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– The aim of this paper is to use an innovation decision process to examine CRM technology adoption in small to medium-sized enterprises and its intrinsic link to the nature of the organisation and the individuals within it.

Design/methodology/approach

– A survey was administered to SMEs in Southern California to measure the organisational characteristics, specifically management characteristics, employee characteristics, IT resources and firm characteristics. The perception of CRM, decision to adopt CRM, and extent of CRM implementation were also measured. Previously validated instruments were used where required. The data were analysed using multivariate and logistic regression.

Findings

– The results indicate that management's innovativeness affects the firm's perception of CRM systems, but age, education and gender do not. The decision to implement a CRM system is influenced by management's perception of CRM, employee involvement, the firm's size, its perceived market position, but not the industry sector. However, the number and types of CRM features implemented are affected by management's perception of CRM, employee involvement, the firm's size, the industry sector, but not its perceived market position.

Research limitations/implications

– This study is specific to Southern California and the sample size is relatively small, although sufficient for this analysis. The study should be replicated in more diverse geographic settings with a larger sample.

Practical implications

– The study provides evidence of the need for management to be supportive of innovation and technology, to evaluate the available resources (IT knowledge, skills, infrastructure) within the organisation, to recognise the importance of employees' contributions, and to be aware of the features appropriate to their company's size and industry sector before undertaking CRM technology adoption.

Originality/value

– The findings from this study extend the understanding of CRM adoption in SMEs and help in building a greater understanding of the factors associated with such adoption. It will be of great value to owners/managers in SMEs who are considering adopting CRM.
A qualitative study of innovation diffusion: the novel case of a small firm and KTP
Authors: Choudrie Jyoti , Culkin Nigel
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– Using the case study of a small firm this research study aims to understand the actions required for diffusion of an innovation in a small firm.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research used a qualitative approach involving interviews, referring to archival documentation and observations to understand the actions required for diffusing an innovation in an SME.

Findings

– From this case study various institutional actions specific to a small firm were identified as a result of government intervention. Classic theories of adoption and use such as, TAM, TPB, TRA or DoI can quantify measures but cannot explain the impact of the actions that the applied Kinget al.framework did. Further, although these actions are not directly evident, using the qualitative findings and analysis it can be seen that they are important for the diffusion of an innovation. It can also be learnt that these institutional actions can be vitally important for the growth and development of a future innovation. Although the role of government intervention was small in monetary terms, the mere presence of government representation was critical to ensure that the proposed plans and measures were implemented in the appropriate manner and at the appropriate time, both for the small firm and for the government. In terms of the theoretical framework's institutional actions it can be learnt that not all action outcomes are clearly visible. Some are tangible, while others are not. This implies that to diffuse innovation, there needs to be an understanding of monetary, human and other such resources to form a better understanding. However, most importantly it can be concluded that the diffusion framework developed by Kinget al.provides a clear picture of the diffusion of an innovation and is most useful for understanding not only national government interventions that previous research identified. Previous institutional actions research has not clearly shown how a micro understanding of the impacts of the various actions can be obtained, of which this study provides further evidence.

Originality/value

– Collaborative arrangements between HEIs, SMEs and government funding agencies are increasingly encouraged. This paper examines and understands the impacts of strategies used for diffusing innovations, of which the SME and KTP contexts have fewer studies.
Exploring social media adoption in small to medium-sized enterprises in Ireland
Authors: Durkin Mark , McGowan Pauric , McKeown Niall
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to address the current deficit in the literature on social media adoption within a small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) context. The authors adopt an action research methodology and through in-depth case analysis of eight SME cases aim to develop a theoretical model through which more effective social media adoption by SMEs can be better understood.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this study a deep and enduring engagement between the research team and eight small to medium-sized firms over a period of two years, from 2009-2011, informed the emergence and development of a theoretical model. In this research, using an action research methodology, the authors examine the nature and character of the challenges being faced by SME owner/managers as they consider adopting and utilising social media for commercial advantage and the evolution of the model through this engagement.

Findings

– The insights gained from the case companies indicated a variety of different approaches to social media adoption which often varied by organisational context and staff competency level. A universally common motivator for thinking about social media adoption was that the case companies shared an anxiety were they not to adopt what was perceived to be a new essential tool for business growth. Little evidence was found in the cases of such adoption behaviour being driven by a purposeful or thoughtful agenda through which value could be added to the customer experience.

Research limitations/implications

– Implications cluster around issues of customer orientation in the case companies under study and the extent to which owner/managers are seduced by the capability of new technology without thinking through the way in which such new technology might add value to customers. This raises an imperative for further research in the specific area of social media adoption behaviours in SMEs and more generally at the marketing/technology interface. Limitations of this study include the relatively small sample and the locus of the study being confined to Ireland.

Practical implications

– At the level of practice there are significant implications for decision makers in small firms to become more attuned to how technology can meaningfully add value to the customer experience. For educators, trainers and consultants there are implications for a more questioning and critical perspective to be undertaken when advising owner/managers on the merits of new technology adoption.

Originality/value

– The paper adds to the growing literature in social media adoption but is distinctive given the longitudinal nature of the study and the evolution of a model that identifies and describes the issues uncovered in the world of the SME practitioner with respect to the new world of social media.
Paradigm versus praxis
Authors: Nizami Lance
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– A key cybernetics concept, information transmitted in a system, was quantified by Shannon. It quickly gained prominence, inspiring a version by Harvard psychologists Garner and Hake for “absolute identification” experiments. There, human subjects “categorize” sensory stimuli, affording “information transmitted” in perception. The Garner-Hake formulation has been in continuous use for 62 years, exerting enormous influence. But some experienced theorists and reviewers have criticized it as uninformative. They could not explain why, and were ignored. Here, the “why” is answered. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– A key Shannon data-organizing tool is the confusion matrix. Its columns and rows are, respectively, labeled by “symbol sent” (event) and “symbol received” (outcome), such that matrix entries represent how often outcomes actually corresponded to events. Garner and Hake made their own version of the matrix, which deserves scrutiny, and is minutely examined here.

Findings

– The Garner-Hake confusion-matrix columns represent “stimulus categories”, ranges of some physical stimulus attribute (usually intensity), and its rows represent “response categories” of the subject's identification of the attribute. The matrix entries thus show how often an identification empirically corresponds to an intensity, such that “outcomes” and “events” differ in kind (unlike Shannon's). Obtaining a true “information transmitted” therefore requires stimulus categorizations to be converted to hypothetical evoking stimuli, achievable (in principle) by relating categorization to sensation to intensity. But those relations are actually unknown, perhaps unknowable.

Originality/value

– The author achieves an important understanding: why “absolute identification” experiments do not illuminate sensory processes.
Refinement: a rigorous description of autonomous adaptive agents
Authors: Augustus Bacigalupi J.
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to develop a theoretical framework to empirically test for cognitive behaviour in autonomous adaptive agents.

Design/methodology/approach

– This project proposes a theoretical framework, or design parameters, inspired by empirically observed phenomena, cognitive behaviours, and thermodynamics. Success of the framework is measured by its capacity to implement, not just a model of select attributes of cognition, but to implement the foundational physical nature of cognition of which all observed behaviours are based.

Findings

– A rigorous mathematical framework, employing only information theory and conventional physics, is hypothesized to empirically measure for cognitive behaviours.

Research limitations/implications

– Empirical studies will be conducted on synthetic agents using the theoretical framework described herein to demonstrate whether or not cognitive behaviours have been achieved.

Originality/value

– This paper proposes an alternative form of information processing inspired by evolved organisms, distinct from Turing equivalent machines, able to augment existing human and digital systems.
The togetherness of togetherness and separateness: some reflections on ASC/B.I.G. 2012
Authors: John Campbell Colin
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– This paper aims to set out an analysis of Gregory Bateson's thought about the relations between parts and wholes, between separateness and togetherness in order to illuminate the kind of answers Bateson proposed to the contemporary ecological dilemma.

Design/methodology/approach

– It roughly situates discourses of the “enchantment” of nature on the side of togetherness and discourses of scientific disenchantment on the side of togetherness.

Findings

– The essay looks at Bateson's discovery that neither separateness nor togetherness can ever be thought of without the other as an indication of the limits of both disenchantment and enchantment, and it suggests that awareness of these limits enables ecological insight.

Originality/value

– The essay proposes a broad summary of a general problem in Gregory Bateson's epistemology and shows how it emerges in political, social and ecological space.
The interspecies educator's cybernetic world
Authors: Affifi Ramsey
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to interconnect pedagogy and biology via second-order cybernetics.

Design/methodology/approach

– The approach taken is that of a synthesis.

Findings

– Biology can better deal with intersubjectivity within and between species by incorporating approaches and theory from education inquiry. Conversely, educators can de-anthropocentrize their discipline by entering into learning relationships with other species. By rallying around the concept of “eduction”, second-order cybernetics plays a role in both syntheses.

Practical implications

– De-anthropocentrizing education could have practical value in creating ecologically relevant education for children and in developing more integrated environmental impact assessments.

Originality/value

– Finding convergence between the study of life and forms of practitioner inquiry in education research, and connecting these to the environmental movement.
Reflections on recursion and the evolution of learning
Authors: R. Hammond Debora
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the significance of recursive processes in the evolution of learning in both individuals and organisations, beginning with a clarification of the distinction between recursion and other types of feedback, drawing on insights from Humberto Maturana and George Richardson.

Design/methodology/approach

– Further work informing this inquiry includes Gregory Bateson on learning levels, Chris Argyris and Donald Schon on double loop learning, Peter Senge on organizational learning, and James G. Miller on the processing of matter/energy and information in living systems, at different levels of organization.

Findings

– The paper provides an original synthesis of insights from Miller's living systems theory, in exploring the implications of Bateson's learning levels, as well as further insights from the work of Argyris, Schon and Senge, at cellular, individual, organisational, and global levels, to reinforce the need for a higher order, global level of learning.

Originality/value

– Value in findings outlined above.
The research productivity of the AIB Farmer Award finalists
Authors: O'Connell Daniel , Rugman Alan
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– This paper aims to analyze the research productivity and impact of the finalists of the AIB best dissertation award, now titled the Buckley and Casson Award, but from 1987 to 2012 the Farmer Award. Specifically, this paper examines whether there is a relationship between winning the best dissertation award and subsequent publication productivity and impact. Relationships between academic institution and institutional geographic location and finalists are also examined.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper examines 25 years of citation counts and the number of publications in Google Scholar of Farmer Award winners and finalists of the AIB best dissertation award from inception in 1987 to 2009, with cited publications as a measure of productivity and citations as a measure of impact. Top performers in productivity and impact are identified, and the averages of winners and non-winners are analyzed in aggregate, over time and per year. Data on finalists' institution and geographic location of institution are analyzed to describe the importance of location and institution to the award.

Findings

– It is found that the overall average citations of the winners of the award is less than that of the non-winners, and that in the large majority of years the non-winners have an average citation count higher than that of the winners. However, taking averages in five year increments shows more mixed results, with non-winners performing better in two periods and winners performing better in two periods, with the remaining period being split as to research productivity and impact.

Originality/value

– Aggarwal et al. in this journal summarized a variety of data on Farmer Award finalists from the 1990s to gain insights on institutions represented by finalists, the publication record of finalists, and content of dissertations, among other characteristics. This paper updates some of the insights from that paper by examining data on award winners from 1987 to 2013, and adds further insight by examining for the first time cited publications and citation counts winners and non-winners for the same period excluding the last two years.
Drucker applied, one step removed
Authors: Wartzman Rick
Published: December 2013

Findings

– When Jim Collins and Jerry Porras were researching the early history of some of America's greatest corporations for their book Built to Last, they kept coming across a common denominator: Peter Drucker.
Peter Drucker, teacher and guide
Authors: Boerner Hank
Published: December 2013

Findings

– The late Peter Drucker was my teacher, my guide, my north star to guide me throughout my professional career. I never met the man, nor did I attend any of his classes. We never spoke. But like thousands of other young professionals of my generation coming of age in the 1960 s and 1970 s, I could count on the good professor to inform me on the latest trends in management and to point me toward the future that he could see (and therefore could share with us the lucky ones who followed his work).