Charge environments around phosphorylation sites in proteins

Background: Phosphorylation is a central feature in many biological processes. Structural analyses have identified the importance of charge-charge interactions, for example mediating phosphorylation-driven allosteric change and protein binding to phosphopeptides. Here, we examine computationally the prevalence of charge stabilisation around phosphorylated sites in the structural database, through comparison with locations that are not phosphorylated in the same structures. Results: A significant fraction of phosphorylated sites appear to be electrostatically stabilised, largely through interaction with sidechains. Some examples of stabilisation across a subunit interface are evident from calculations with biological units. When considering the immediately surrounding environment, in many cases favourable interactions are only apparent after conformational change that accompanies phosphorylation. A simple calculation of potential interactions at longer-range, applied to non-phosphorylated structures, recovers the separation exhibited by phosphorylated structures. In a study of sites in the Phospho.ELM dataset, for which structural annotation is provided by non-phosphorylated proteins, there is little separation of the known phospho-acceptor sites relative to background, even using the wider interaction radius. However, there are differences in the distributions of patch polarity for acceptor and background sites in the Phospho.ELM dataset. Conclusion: In this study, an easy to implement procedure is developed that could contribute to the identification of phospho-acceptor sites associated with charge-charge interactions and conformational change. Since the method gives information about potential anchoring interactions subsequent to phosphorylation, it could be combined with simulations that probe conformational change. Our analysis of the Phospho.ELM dataset also shows evidence for mediation of phosphorylation effects through (i) conformational change associated with making a solvent inaccessible phospho-acceptor site accessible, and (ii) modulation of protein-protein interactions

Effectiveness of Research-Based Teacher Professional Development:

A significant body of literature assists researchers and program designers to identify the desirable characteristics of professional development for teachers. Few studies, however, specifically examine the operation and outcomes of programs built upon research-led principles. This study uses a sequential mixed methods design to examine a four-year systemic-change professional development initiative designed to extend and refine the instructional processes of teachers working in the vocational education and training (VET) system in Western Australia. The program’s design incorporated theory and research on systemic change and teacher professional development. Findings reveal that the program was successful in helping teachers extend and refine their instructional practice, but also uncovered several barriers that hindered teachers’ implementation of change. Findings from this study contribute to a better understanding of the complexities and issues involved in the implementation of teacher professional development programs based on research and have the potential to inform future program design

Family Group Conference Experiences From The Perspective Of Volunteer Facilitators

This study examined the experiences of volunteer Family Group Conference (FGC) facilitators for the purpose of understanding how they experience and manage their role in the FGC process. By focusing on the benefits and challenges of volunteer FGC facilitators, this research adds a new perspective to the limited literature on FGC facilitators. Semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were conducted with 11 volunteer Family Group Conference facilitators in order to create a deeper understanding of these volunteers\u27 experiences. The Ecosystems Perspective and Uncertainty Reduction Theory created a framework for understanding the complex role of the FGC facilitator and allowed for a more detailed examination of their experiences. The findings from the research illustrate the rewarding, challenging, and emotionally-charged work of a volunteer Family Group Conference facilitator as well as the role communication plays in managing these experiences. Results also indicate that volunteer facilitators believe their presence as volunteers is comforting for participants in the FGC program and has a positive impact on the outcome of the conference. This research contributes to existing FGC and volunteer literature, and has implications for practice in the utilization of volunteers, as well as exposing issues that can be addressed to strengthen the process

Goal-directed tobacco seeking: a study examining the impact of stress and other factors on smoking behaviour

The aim of this research was to assess the impact of the amount smoked, mental health status and perceived loneliness level in regards to the influence on smoking behaviour and the type of smoker an individual is (daily or recreational). Individuals were exposed to either a stressful or non-stressful cold pressor task (CPT) and measures assessing them on a variety of factors including the amount of cigarettes they smoke per day and their anxiety, depression and loneliness levels. Participants completed several questionnaires, a two-part concurrent choice task and a CPT, these were then analysed using correlational and ANCOVA analyses. The results suggest the amount of cigarettes smoked per day has a significant impact on how many times the individual will respond for cigarettes in the extinction part of concurrent choice task. Thus suggesting the heavier the smoker the higher the incentive value of cigarettes compared to the neutral stimulus. However, a significant impact of the level of depression, anxiety and loneliness on the response rate of cigarettes was not found. Possible reasoning for these outcomes are discussed, including methodological issues of the CPT. Whilst providing evidence towards the influence of the amount smoked and the incentive value of cigarettes, the findings are expected have to therapeutic potential by aiding what is targeted in abstinence programmes

Finding the Motivation, Time, Personal Techniques, and Confidence to Write

Extension personnel need to embrace the concept of producing scholarship in written form. However, many often encounter challenges, such as finding time to write and figuring out how to get started. Scheduling writing times during your peak performance periods, using techniques that include goal setting or timed intensive writing, and overcoming your fears about writing can improve your productivity. Take the challenge, and start today

Social Worker Integrated Care Competencies Scale (SICCS): Assessing Social Worker Clinical Competencies for Health Care Settings

Integrating physical and behavioral health services has the potential to reduce health disparities and service inequities among persons most at risk. However, clinical social workers in integrated health settings must possess relevant knowledge and skills to provide quality care to diverse populations. The Social Worker Integrated Care Competency Scale (SWICCS), developed to complement the Integrated and Culturally Relevant Care (ICRC) field education curriculum, measures students’ self-perceptions of knowledge and skills associated with providing behavioral health care. Three student cohorts (n = 38) completed the SWICCS three times during an integrated care field practicum. Results indicated a statistically significant increase in student knowledge and skills at each time point, with a large effect size (r = −.87). The SWICCS demonstrated utility in measuring and tracking social work student acquisition of knowledge and skills required for practice in integrated care environments

Age, disability and everyday mobility in London: An analysis of the correlates of ‘non-travel’ in travel diary data

Maintaining everyday mobility is important for health at older age. This paper explores one indicator of lack of mobility: not leaving the home on a particular day, which we term ‘non-travel’. We used travel diary data from London residents between 2005 and 2015 to identify the correlates of non-travel for adults. Rates of non-travel were associated with: female gender, unemployment, lack of access to a car, lack of travel concessions, increasing age, disability and being retired. In a logistic regression analysis, older age was independently associated with non-travel, with those aged 60–69, 70–79 and over 80 more likely than working age adults (odds ratios 1.76; 2.18; 3.88 respectively) to report non-travel than working age adults. London faces similar problems to other global cities, with an increasing older population, and policy obligations to shift further from private car based transport to public and active modes. This study has demonstrated that declining levels of mobility at older age in London are not due solely to leaving the labour market or to disability, and that the availability of transport helps reduce, but does not entirely mitigate, the barriers of older age and impairment. To ensure that cities are as health-promoting as possible, more attention is needed to guarantee transport systems foster mobility at older age