bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The structure of salt bridges between Arg+ and Glu− in peptides investigated with 2D-IR spectroscopy: Evidence for two distinct hydrogen-bond geometries
Authors: Huerta-Viga Adriana , Amirjalayer Saeed , Domingos Sérgio R. , Meuzelaar Heleen , Rupenyan Alisa , Woutersen Sander
Published: May 2015

Salt bridges play an important role in protein folding and in supramolecular chemistry, but they are difficult to detect and characterize in solution. Here, we investigate salt bridges between glutamate (Glu−) and arginine (Arg+) using two-dimensional infrared (2D-IR) spectroscopy. The 2D-IR spectrum of a salt-bridged dimer shows cross peaks between the vibrational modes of Glu− and Arg+, which provide a sensitive structural probe of Glu−⋯Arg+ salt bridges. We use this probe to investigate a β-turn locked by a salt bridge, an α-helical peptide whose structure is stabilized by salt bridges, and a coiled coil that is stabilized by intra- and intermolecular salt bridges. We detect a bidentate salt bridge in the β-turn, a monodentate one in the α-helical peptide, and both salt-bridge geometries in the coiled coil. To our knowledge, this is the first time 2D-IR has been used to probe tertiary side chain interactions in peptides, and our results show that 2D-IR spectroscopy is a powerful method for investigating salt bridges in solution.
An ergodic configurational thermostat using selective control of higher order temperatures
Authors: Patra Puneet Kumar , Bhattacharya Baidurya
Published: May 2015

The conventional Nosé-Hoover type deterministic thermostat scheme for controlling temperature by configurational variables (Braga-Travis (BT) thermostat) is non-ergodic for systems with a few degrees of freedom. While for the original Nosé-Hoover kinetic thermostat ergodicity has been achieved by controlling the higher order moments of kinetic energy, the issues of nonergodicity of BT thermostat persists. In this paper, we introduce two new measures of configurational temperature (second and third order) based on the generalized temperature-curvature relationship and obtain a family of deterministic thermostatting schemes by selectively (and simultaneously) controlling the different orders of temperatures through pseudo-friction terms. The ergodic characteristics of the proposed thermostats are tested using a single harmonic oscillator through statistical (normality of joint distributions at different Poincare sections) as well as dynamical tests (difference of the minimum and maximum largest Lyapunov exponent). Our results indicate that simultaneously controlling the first and the second order configurational temperatures (C1,2 thermostat) is sufficient to make the dynamics ergodic. A 2000 particle Lennard-Jones system is subjected to (i) equilibrium and (ii) sudden temperature change under BT and C1,2 thermostatting schemes. The C1,2 thermostat is found to be more robust than the BT thermostat without increasing computational costs.
Why are fluid densities so low in carbon nanotubes?
Authors: Wang Gerald J. , Hadjiconstantinou Nicolas G.
Published: May 2015

The equilibrium density of fluids under nanoconfinement can differ substantially from their bulk density. Using a mean-field approach to describe the energetic landscape near the carbon nanotube (CNT) wall, we obtain analytical results describing the lengthscales associated with the layering observed at the interface of a Lennard-Jones fluid and a CNT. We also show that this approach can be extended to describe the multiple-ring structure observed in larger CNTs. When combined with molecular simulation results for the fluid density in the first two rings, this approach allows us to derive a closed-form prediction for the overall equilibrium fluid density as a function of CNT radius that is in excellent agreement with molecular dynamics simulations. We also show how aspects of this theory can be extended to describe some features of water confinement within CNTs and find good agreement with results from the literature.
Transient and chaotic low-energy transfers in a system with bistable nonlinearity
Authors: Romeo F. , Manevitch L. I. , Bergman L. A. , Vakakis A.
Published: May 2015

The low-energy dynamics of a two-dof system composed of a grounded linear oscillator coupled to a lightweight mass by means of a spring with both cubic nonlinear and negative linear components is investigated. The mechanisms leading to intense energy exchanges between the linear oscillator, excited by a low-energy impulse, and the nonlinear attachment are addressed. For lightly damped systems, it is shown that two main mechanisms arise: Aperiodic alternating in-well and cross-well oscillations of the nonlinear attachment, and secondary nonlinear beats occurring once the dynamics evolves solely in-well. The description of the former dissipative phenomenon is provided in a two-dimensional projection of the phase space, where transitions between in-well and cross-well oscillations are associated with sequences of crossings across a pseudo-separatrix. Whereas the second mechanism is described in terms of secondary limiting phase trajectories of the nonlinear attachment under certain resonance conditions. The analytical treatment of the two aformentioned low-energy transfer mechanisms relies on the reduction of the nonlinear dynamics and consequent analysis of the reduced dynamics by asymptotic techniques. Direct numerical simulations fully validate our analytical predictions.
Electrolytes between dielectric charged surfaces: Simulations and theory
Authors: dos Santos Alexandre P. , Levin Yan
Published: May 2015

We present a simulation method to study electrolyte solutions in a dielectric slab geometry using a modified 3D Ewald summation. The method is fast and easy to implement, allowing us to rapidly resum an infinite series of image charges. In the weak coupling limit, we also develop a mean-field theory which allows us to predict the ionic distribution between the dielectric charged plates. The agreement between both approaches, theoretical and simulational, is very good, validating both methods. Examples of ionic density profiles in the strong electrostatic coupling limit are also presented. Finally, we explore the confinement of charge asymmetric electrolytes between neutral surfaces.
A compact Raman converter for UV-VIS spectrometers
Authors: Bisson Patrick J. , Whitten James E.
Published: May 2015

A small form factor, easily constructed converter that adapts fiber coupled UV/VIS CCD detector-based spectrometers into a right angle scattering Raman spectrometer is described. Its design philosophy and design are discussed. An example measurement, the depolarization ratio of carbon tetrachloride, a classic Raman test compound, is presented. The unique instrument features a blue-violet (405 nm wavelength) diode laser that takes advantage of the inverse fourth power wavelength dependence of Raman scattering. The converter also features Glan-Thompson polarizing prisms that enable measurement of depolarization ratios. The spectrometer is also capable of measuring a standard Raman spectrum. A fiber optic link offers flexibility when adapting the converter to any spectrometer system that accepts a fiber optic input. The performance of the instrument is critically discussed in the context of an example measurement.
Extracting high electrical currents with large fill factors from core/shell silicon nanopillar solar cells
Authors: Shieh J. , Li Y. C. , Ji C. Y. , Chiu C. C. , Lin H. Y.
Published: May 2015

Although it is possible to improve the optoelectronic conversions of solar cells through the construction of one-dimensional nanostructures on their front surfaces, much effort at such fabrication has led to only modest increases in conversion efficiencies. In this study, we employed i-line lithography and ion implantation to fabricate arrays of well-aligned, contamination-free silicon nanopillars with core/shell p–n junctions for use in high-performance nanostructured solar cells. Such structures provided concurrent improvements in both the optical and electrical characteristics of nanopillar devices. We extracted high currents with large fill factors from these lowly reflective nanopillar arrays, resulting in power conversion efficiencies of up to 11.70 ± 0.22%—that is, 28% higher than that of the planar counterpart. Moreover, when applying 75-nm-thick silicon nitride as a passivation layer on the nanopillars, the average total reflection over wavelengths in the range of 400–1020 nm decreased to 2.56%, while the power conversion efficiency increased further to 12.39%.
Directional excitation of the designer surface acoustic waves
Authors: Lu Jiuyang , Qiu Chunyin , Ke Manzhu , Liu Zhengyou
Published: May 2015

We propose an efficient design route to realize directional excitation of the structure-induced surface waves for airborne sound. The whole system consists of a periodically corrugated rigid plate combining with a pair of asymmetric narrow slits. The directional excitation of the mimicked surface waves stems from the destructive interference between the evanescent waves emitted from the double slits. The directionality can be switched conveniently by tuning the external frequency. The theoretical prediction is validated well by simulations and experiments. Promising applications can be anticipated such as in designing compact devices for airborne sound.
Polarisation dependence of the squash mode in the extreme low frequency vibrational region of single walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Shen Y. , Quirke N. , Zerulla D.
Published: May 2015

There is considerable interest in the vibrational modes of carbon nanotubes as they can be used to determine interaction potentials. In particular, theory predicts the appearance of so called squash modes (SMs, with E2g symmetry representation) at very low frequencies. These SMs are expected to be extremely sensitive to environmental changes and thus ideal as nanoscale probes. Here, we report clear experimental evidence for the existence of SMs of ordered, dry, single walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) arrays with peaks as close as 18 cm−1 to the laser excitation. Furthermore, we confirm the theoretical predictions regarding the angular and polarisation dependent variations of the SM's intensity with respect to the excitation. Additionally, using both SM and radial breathing mode data, we unambiguously assign the chirality and diameter of the SWNTs in our sample.
Large enhancement of the recoverable energy storage density and piezoelectric response in relaxor-ferroelectric capacitors by utilizing the seeding layers engineering
Authors: Xie Zhenkun , Yue Zhenxing , Peng Bin , Zhang Jie , Zhao Chuan , Zhang Xiaohua , Ruehl Griffin , Li Longtu
Published: May 2015

In this work, we demonstrate an approach to improve the recoverable energy-storage performance and piezoelectric response of 0.4Bi(Ni1/2Zr1/2)O3-0.6PbTiO3 (BNZ-PT) relaxor-ferroelectric film capacitors by utilizing the seeding layers engineering. Highly (100)-oriented BNZ-PT films were prepared through alternatively introducing PbO seeding layers, and the effects of PbO seeds on microstructure and electrical properties were investigated in details. Compared to the films without seeds, the PbO-seeded BNZ-PT films exhibit significant enhancement in dielectric and piezoelectric properties as well as energy-storage performance. The maximum energy-storage density of 56.1±2.4 J/cm3 and a piezoelectric coefficient as high as 125±10 pm/V have been achieved in the highly (100)-oriented BNZ-PT films at 2167 kV/cm, which are increased by 40.6% and 50.6% compared to the films without seeds, respectively. The observed tremendous enhancement of energy-storage performance and piezoelectric response can be attributed to the better crystallization quality and higher degree of (100)-preferred orientation in the films which would motivate higher domain-wall mobility.
A method for the formation of Pt metal nanoparticle arrays using nanosecond pulsed laser dewetting
Authors: Owusu-Ansah Ebenezer , Horwood Corie A. , El-Sayed Hany A. , Birss Viola I. , Shi Yujun J.
Published: May 2015

Nanosecond pulsed laser dewetting of Pt thin films, deposited on a dimpled Ta (DT) surface, has been studied here in order to form ordered Pt nanoparticle (NP) arrays. The DT substrate was fabricated via a simple electrochemical anodization process in a highly concentrated H2SO4 and HF solution. Pt thin films (3–5 nm) were sputter coated on DT and then dewetted under vacuum to generate NPs using a 355 nm laser radiation (6–9 ns, 10 Hz). The threshold laser fluence to fully dewet a 3.5 nm thick Pt film was determined to be 300 mJ/cm2. Our experiments have shown that shorter irradiation times (≤60 s) produce smaller nanoparticles with more uniform sizes, while longer times (>60 s) give large nanoparticles with wider size distributions. The optimum laser irradiation time of 1 s (10 pulses) has led to the formation of highly ordered Pt nanoparticle arrays with an average nanoparticle size of 26 ± 3 nm with no substrate deformation. At the optimum condition of 1 s and 500 mJ/cm2, as many as 85% of the dewetted NPs were found neatly in the well-defined dimples. This work has demonstrated that pulsed laser dewetting of Pt thin films on a pre-patterned dimpled substrate is an efficient and powerful technique to produce highly ordered Pt nanoparticle arrays. This method can thus be used to produce arrays of other high-melting-point metal nanoparticles for a range of applications, including electrocatalysis, functionalized nanomaterials, and analytical purposes.
Prey of the silver-headed antechinus (Antechinus argentus), a new species of Australian dasyurid marsupial
Authors: Mason Eugene D. , Burwell Chris J. , Baker Andrew M.
Published: May 2015

The silver-headed antechinus (Antechinus argentus) is one of Australia’s most recently described mammals, and the single known population at Kroombit Tops in south-east Queensland is threatened. Nothing is known of the species’ ecology, so during 2014 we collected faecal pellets each month (March–September) from a population at the type locality to gather baseline data on diet composition. A total of 38 faecal pellets were collected from 12 individuals (eight females, four males) and microscopic analysis of pellets identified seven invertebrate orders, with 70% combined mean composition of beetles (Coleoptera: 38%) and cockroaches (Blattodea: 32%). Other orders that featured as prey were ants, crickets/grasshoppers, butterflies/moths, spiders, and true bugs. Given that faecal pellets could only be collected from a single habitat type (Eucalyptus montivaga high-altitude open forest) and location, this is best described as a generalist insectivorous diet that is characteristic of other previously studied congeners.
Genetic suppression of plant development and chloroplast biogenesis via the Snowy Cotyledon 3 and Phytochrome B pathways
Authors: Ganguly Diep , Crisp Peter , Harter Klaus , Pogson Barry J. , Albrecht-Borth Verónica
Published: May 2015

Plant development is regulated by external and internal factors such as light and chloroplast development. A revertant of the Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heyhn. chloroplast biogenesis mutant snowy cotyledon 3 (sco3–1) was isolated partially recovering the impaired chloroplast phenotype. The mutation was identified in the Phytochrome B (PhyB) gene and is a result of an amino acid change within the PAS repeat domain required for light-induced nuclear localisation. An independent phyB-9 mutation was crossed into sco3–1 mutants, resulting in the same partial reversion of sco3–1. Further analysis demonstrated that SCO3 and PhyB influence the greening process of seedlings and rosette leaves, embryogenesis, rosette formation and flowering. Interestingly, the functions of these proteins are interwoven in various ways, suggesting a complex genetic interaction. Whole-transcriptome profiling of sco3–1phyB-9 indicated that a completely distinct set of genes was differentially regulated in the double mutant compared with the single sco3–1 or phyB-9 mutants. Thus, we hypothesise that PhyB and SCO3 genetically suppress each other in plant and chloroplast development.
Research methods in Sociolinguistics
Authors: Hernández-Campoy Juan Manuel
Published: May 2015

The development of Sociolinguistics has been qualitatively and quantitatively outstanding within Linguistic Science since its beginning in the 1950s, with a steady growth in both theoretical and methodological developments as well as in its interdisciplinary directions within the spectrum of language and society. Field methods in sociolinguistic studies have been motivated by the various research objectives pursued: sociological, sociolinguistic, or linguistic goals. The aim of this paper is twofold: (i) to provide a review of the theoretical movements within Sociolinguistics, and, on the basis of this review, (ii) to explore their consequences and implications on the research methods used in the field. This will be achieved by conducting both a retrospective synthesis of past developments and achievements, and an exploration of the current situation and of potential future developments.
An alternative reference point in the context of ecosystem-based fisheries management: maximum sustainable dead biomass
Authors: Rätz Hans-Joachim , Casey John , Holmes Steven J. , Lloret Josep , Dörner Hendrik , Mitrakis Nikolaos , Charef Aymen
Published: May 2015

Under the 2013 Reform of the European Union's Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), fisheries management aims to ensure that, within a reasonable time frame, the exploitation of marine biological resources restores and maintains populations of harvested stocks above levels that can produce the maximum sustainable yield (MSY). The CFP also calls for the implementation of an ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management (EBFM). In this paper, we present the concept of maximum sustainable dead biomass (MSDB) and its associated management reference points for fishing mortality and spawning-stock biomass as alternatives to those associated with MSY. The concept of MSDB is illustrated by a dynamic pool production model of a virtual fish stock which takes into account variations in natural mortality (M), fishing mortality (F), and exploitation pattern. Our approach implies a compensatory mechanism whereby survivors may benefit from compensatory density dependence and is implemented through progressive substitution of M with F for varying rates of total mortality (Z). We demonstrate that the reference points for fishing mortality and spawning-stock biomass associated with MSDB are less sensitive to increasing compensation of M with F than those associated with MSY and more sensitive to changes in selection pattern. MSDB-based reference points, which are consistent with maximum stock productivity, are also associated with lower fishing mortality rates and higher stock biomasses than their MSY-based counterparts. Given that selection pattern can be influenced through fishery input measures (e.g. technical gear measures, decisions on areas, and/or times of fishing), whereas variations of M in response to F are not controllable (indeed poorly understood), that the results of many fish stock assessments are imprecise, that maximum stock productivity corresponds to MSDB and that MSY-based reference points may best be considered as limits, we propose that MSDB-based reference points provide a more appropriate basis for management under an EBFM.
Description of an original integron encompassing blaVIM-2, qnrVC1 and genes encoding bacterial group II intron proteins in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Belotti P. T. , Thabet L. , Laffargue A. , André C. , Coulange-Mayonnove L. , Arpin C. , Messadi A. , M'Zali F. , Quentin C. , Dubois V.
Published: May 2015

Objectives

A burn unit of a hospital in Tunis underwent an endemic situation caused by imipenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. For nine non-repetitive isolates of a clonal VIM-2-producing strain, the blaVIM-2 genetic background was characterized and the associated qnrVC1 gene molecularly analysed.

Methods

The imipenem resistance mechanism was investigated by phenotypic and molecular tests, and resistance transfer was studied by conjugation and transformation experiments. The integron's structure was characterized by sequencing, and qnrVC1 expression was explored after cloning experiments.

Results

The nine VIM-2-producing strains were collected from eight patients and one environmental sample. All transfer assays failed, suggesting a chromosomal location of blaVIM-2. This latter was found to be part of a class 1 integron of ∼7500 bp, which also contains blaOXA-2, aadA1 and two copies of the aadB, arr-6 and qnrVC1 genes. qnrVC1 exhibited higher homology with the chromosomally encoded qnr genes of Vibrionaceae than with plasmid-mediated qnr genes of Enterobacteriaceae. The qnrVC1 gene cassette possesses a promoter allowing its expression, and it conferred decreased fluoroquinolone susceptibility to Escherichia coli. Additionally, on the same integron, genes encoding an uncommon group IIC-attC intron were detected.

Conclusions

A VIM-2-producing P. aeruginosa outbreak led us to characterize an integron harbouring a qnrVC1 cassette and a new group IIC-attC intron. This is the first known description of a qnr determinant in a P. aeruginosa strain. Its presence conferred a low level of resistance to quinolones in E. coli, which might favour the emergence of highly resistant mutants.
Crystals: animal, vegetable or mineral?
Authors: Hyde Stephen T.
Published: May 2015

The morphologies of biological materials, from body shapes to membranes within cells, are typically curvaceous and flexible, in contrast to the angular, facetted shapes of inorganic matter. An alternative dichotomy has it that biomolecules typically assemble into aperiodic structuresin vivo, in contrast to inorganic crystals. This paper explores the evolution of our understanding of structures across the spectrum of materials, from living to inanimate, driven by those naive beliefs, with particular focus on the development of crystallography in materials science and biology. The idea that there is a clear distinction between these two classes of matter has waxed and waned in popularity through past centuries. Our current understanding, driven largely by detailed exploration of biomolecular structures at the sub-cellular level initiated by Bernal and Astbury in the 1930s, and more recent explorations of sterile soft matter, makes it clear that this is a false dichotomy. For example, liquid crystals and other soft materials are common to both living and inanimate materials. The older picture of disjoint universes of forms is better understood as a continuum of forms, with significant overlap and common features unifying biological and inorganic matter. In addition to the philosophical relevance of this perspective, there are important ramifications for science. For example, the debates surrounding extra-terrestrial life, the oldest terrestrial fossils and consequent dating of the emergence of life on the Earth rests to some degree on prejudices inferred from the supposed dichotomy between life-forms and the rest.
Humibacter ginsengiterrae sp. nov., and Humibacter ginsengisoli sp. nov., isolated from soil of a ginseng field
Authors: Kim Eul-Kon , Hoang Van-An , Kim Yeon-Ju , Nguyen Ngoc-Lan , Sukweenadhi Johan , Kang Jong-Pyo , Yang Deok-Chun
Published: May 2015

Two novel Gram-staining-positive bacteria, designated DCY60T and DCY90T, were isolated from soil of a ginseng field in the Republic of Korea. 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons showed the two novel strains were closely related to members of the genus Humibacter with greatest similarity to Humibacter antri KCTC 33009T (98.8 and 98.4 % for DCY60T and DCY90T, respectively). The predominant menaquinones present were MK-11 and MK-12. The major fatty acids were anteiso-C17 : 0 and summed feature 8 containing C18 : 1ω7c and/or C18 : 1ω6c. The DNA G+C contents of strains DCY60T and DCY90T were 62.8 and 66.8 mol%, respectively. The peptidoglycan of both strains contained the amino acids ornithine, 2,4-diaminobutyric acid, alanine, glutamic acid and glycine. The cell-wall sugars of strain DCY60T comprised glucose, galactose, rhamnose and xylose, while strain DCY90T contained glucose, galactose, rhamnose and ribose. The major polar lipids of both strains were phosphatidylglycerol, an unidentified glycolipid, and an unknown phospholipid. On the basis of the phenotypic analysis strains DCY60T and DCY90T represent novel species of the genus Humibacter, for which names Humibacter ginsengiterrae sp. nov. (type strain DCY60T = KCTC 33520T = JCM 30079T) and Humibacter ginsengisoli sp. nov. (type strain DCY90T = KCTC 33521T = JCM 30080T) are proposed.
Application of a Undaria pinnatifida for industrial cultivation of Lactobacillus
Authors: Chang Bo Yoon , Han Ji Hye , Kim Ju-Hee , Cha Bum-Suk , Ann Sung-Ho , Kim Sung Yeon
Published: May 2015

To optimize the medium composition of Undaria pinnatifida as a pH modulator the growth of Lactobacillus plantarum industrial scale, we analyzed the pH and growth characteristics of L. plantarum in basal medium. Subsequently, the medium compositions addition of carbon, nitrogen sources and buffering agents were optimized. When 0.5% yeast extract and 2% glucose, L. plantarum grew to maximum cell density in experimental condition. However, the growth of L. plantarum rapidly pH 4.0 in basal medium. A high alkali-ash value and low cost-effective utilization n the waste part as examined. ddition of U. pinnatifida extract alleviated the serious decrease. Among them, juice of U. pinnatifida was most helpful for the growth of L. plantarum (36.3±1.8108 CFU/mL). These results show that U. pinnatifida be large-scale cultivation of L. plantarum. This optimized U. pinnatifida medium can be used for safe and economical production of Lactobacillus.
Effect of Chungkukjang supplementation on oxidative stress and antioxidant nutrients of diabetic rats induced by streptozotocin
Authors: Park Heyun-Sook , Kong Hyun-Joo , Lee Eon-Hee , Choi Eun-Mi , Jang Joung-Hyeon , Lee Myoung-Hee , Hong Ju-Yeon , Hwang Su-Jung , Jung Hyeon-A , Yang Kyung-Mi
Published: May 2015

This study was conducted to examine the effects of a supplemented Chungkukjang diet on oxidative stress and antioxidant nutrients in Streptozotocin (STZ, 45 mg/kg of BW, IP injection)-induced diabetic rats. Diets that contained soybean Chungkukjang powder (SC), Yakkong Chungkukjang powder (YC), and Yakkong Chungkukjang powder with black food added (YCB) were administered to the STZ-induced diabetic rats for seven weeks. The increased lipid peroxide contents of their serum and liver were slightly controlled by providing them three types of Chungkukjang. The retinol level in the serum was 7.5 times higher in the STZ-induced diabetic group after the provision of YC. The total antioxidant capacity (TAC) level in the serum was higher in the STZ-induced diabetic group after the provision of YCB. Also, the retinol and tocopherol levels in the liver of the STZ-induced diabetic rats increased after they were provided YCB, and the decreased reduced glutathione (GSH) /oxidized glutathione (GSSG) level in their liver improved after they were fed a diet that contained YC. Moreover, the decreased anthocyanin level in the liver of the STZ-induced diabetic group improved after the provision of three types of Chungkukjang powder. These findings suggest that the Chungkukjang diet is a valuable food for the management of the health of diabetic patients and for the prevention of diabetic complications.
Isolation of calcium-binding peptides from porcine meat and bone meal and mussel protein hydrolysates
Authors: Jung Seung Hun , Song Kyung Bin
Published: May 2015

Calcium is one of the essential mineral for the humans due to its crucial physiological functions in the body. Calcium deficiency results in many diseases, such as osteoporosis. Therefore, calcium supplements are available as a functional food. However, most calcium supplements in the market have a limitation due to poor absorption and low bioavailability. Thus, calcium-chelated peptides for improving the absorption rate of calcium have been isolated from foods including porcine meat and bone meal (MBM), and mussel using the enzymatic hydrolysis of their protein. The hydrolysates of food were ultra-filtered in order to obtain small peptides less than 3 kDa and the Ca-binding peptides were isolated via the anion exchange chromatography. The binding activity and concentration of Ca-binding pepetides were determined. In particular, the MBM and mussel protein hydrolysates were fractionated by mono Q and Q-Sepharose, respectively. As a result, among the fractions, the fractions of MBM F2 and mussel F3 showed the highest Ca-binding activity. These results suggest that MBM and mussel protein hydrolysates can be used as calcium supplements.
“A new horizon?”: evaluation of an integrated Substance Use Treatment Programme (SUTP) for mentally disordered offenders
Authors: Miles Helen
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The treatment of substance use amongst mentally disordered offenders (MDOs) remains a challenge for secure forensic mental health services. The purpose of this paper is to present an integrated three-stage substance use treatment programme (SUTP) for male and female MDO’s in medium security.

Design/methodology/approach

– In total, 45 (72.6 per cent) MDO’s were referred (39 males/6 females). Standardised outcome measures were administered pre-SUTP, post-SUTP and at one year follow-up. Abstinence rates and location was determined via case notes at three year follow-up.

Findings

– All MDO’s had a past history of substance use, approximately three-quarters reporting problematic use prior to admission. Over half completed all three SUTP stages, less than 5 per cent dropping out during active treatment. The SUTP supported abstinence throughout the one year follow-up period and significantly improved MDO’s adaptive beliefs about substances and craving by one year follow-up amongst attendees. At three years, most MDO’s were in the community and almost three-quarters were abstinent. There was no significant difference in abstinent rates between community and hospital. There was a non-significant trend suggesting SUTP attendance supported abstinence. Both male and female participants appear to have benefited from treatment and satisfaction was high, reflecting the specific aims and objectives of treatment.

Research limitations/implications

– The small non-randomised sample from one area limits the generalisability of findings and statistical power.

Originality/value

– Findings indicate further support for the limited evidence base that small but clinically meaningful and maintained changes to problematic substance use are possible following integrated substance use treatment for male and female MDO’s.
Delivery of a mainstreaming treatment model towards co-existing difficulties: a brief exploration of practitioners’ understanding, views and reported experiences
Authors: Guest Christian , Chrisp Tom A.C
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe the delivery of a mainstreaming model within a public sector, mental health (National Health Service (NHS)) organisation. The model promotes the inclusivity of a spectrum of presentations from co-existing moderate anxiety and depression to severe mental disorder (psychosis) and problematic substance and alcohol use.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper introduces the delivery of three collective approaches, termed the “three essential elements” to support a mainstreaming treatment model, facilitated by a “Dual Diagnosis Lead”. The model encompasses; a “direct access” referral pathway, joint collaboration with practitioners and the delivery of a “Dual Diagnosis” training programme. An independent evaluation was commissioned to explore eight mental health and substance misuse practitioners’ views and experiences in relation to the impact of the mainstreaming model. This paper also considers feedback from 230 course participants attending a one day “Dual Diagnosis” training programme.

Findings

– This paper suggests that practitioners may benefit from the implementation of the mainstreaming approach and the delivery of this approach could be moving “Dual Diagnosis” interventions closer to mainstream practice.

Research limitations/implications

– The limitations of the mainstreaming model are acknowledged in relation to the generalisation of practitioners’ views and reported experiences.

Originality/value

– This paper offers a description of the delivery of a mainstreaming model involving the “three essential elements”. The model provides a useful insight and demonstrates the possibilities which may be achieved when attempting to implement a mainstreaming treatment approach within mainstream mental health and drug and alcohol services.
An ISO 9001 based approach for the implementation of process FMEA in the Brazilian automotive industry
Authors: de Aguiar Dimas Campos , Salomon Valério Antonio Pamplona , Mello Carlos Henrique Pereira
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present a structured way for the definitions of the Process Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) attributes, such as potential failure mode, potential cause and potential effect, in order to make it simpler to define the controls and scores.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study performs, through a case study in incoming inspection of raw material, the comparison of a conventional application of the Process FMEA with a proposal based on the concepts of process approach defined by ISO 9001.

Findings

– Even written in a form similar to a script, the application of Process FMEA is a very complex activity and, like most quality tools, before being applied, FMEA should be clearly understood by the team. One way to facilitate this understanding is considering the sequence of events in the failures analysis to understand their causes and effects, just as are the sequences of inputs and outputs in the definition of the process approach addressed in ISO 9001.

Originality/value

– This paper shows a simple way to better structure Process FMEA, facilitating meetings with multidisciplinary teams.
Education and progression for support workers in mental health
Authors: Griggs Chloe , Hunt Lorna , Reeman Sharon
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this case study is to detail the development of a bespoke programme of learning for Support Workers employed in the mental health sector.

Design/methodology/approach

– The programme was designed to serve three purposes: to offer a route into mental health nursing; to upskill those who wanted to remain as a Support Worker; to improve the quality of care provided.

Findings

– The paper shares the perspectives of the local Partnership Trust, a Support Worker on the programme and the Programme Director.

Originality/value

– Employers within the mental health sector are encouraged to develop their own staff and universities are urged to think differently about curriculum design.
Using a Delphi process to extend a rural mental health workforce recruitment initiative
Authors: Willems Julie , Sutton Keith , Maybery Darryl
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The Gippsland Mental Health Vacation School program has been shown to positively change student participants’ interest and attitudes to living and working in a rural area. A range of factors are impacting on the future viability of the initiative including: limitations on the number of student participants, the reusability of content, staffing, time pressures, a dwindling funding base, and a drop-off in interest in living and working in a rural setting. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– A three-phase Delphi Study was employed to engage with expert knowledge of the program’s key stakeholder groups (student participants and service provider staff) in order to inform the initial steps of shifting the program toward a blended model, distributed across space and time.

Findings

– The results suggest that: first, the current mode of delivery, a week-long intensive face-to-face format, should be transitioned to a more sustainable blended learning approach that includes both on-line content and anin situcomponent; and second, trailing the use of social media as a mechanism to maintain student interest in rural mental health work following the vacation school.

Originality/value

– This study highlights how the transition to a sustainable approach to the delivery of a novel rural mental health workforce recruitment strategy was informed through a three-phase Delphi Study that involved the key stakeholders (groups of student participants and service provider staff). The study has important implications for addressing the shortage of mental health practitioners in rural areas. It will and be of interest to educators, administrators, researchers and bureaucrats.
Cultural congruence as reflected in communication leaders’ decision-making
Authors: Meng Juan
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to motivate by the desire to better understand the interplay between cultural perceptions, both at the national and the organizational levels, and leadership effectiveness in corporate communication practice. In doing so, the research presented in this paper systematically compared views on communication leadership from senior communication executives in two different national cultures: England and Singapore.

Design/methodology/approach

– A series of in-depth interviews with the same interview guide were carried out in two leading cities of selected cultures (London and Singapore). A purposive sampling strategy was used to recruit participants for this study. Finally, 20 senior communication executives (n=11 in London andn=9 in Singapore) participated in this study. All interviews ranged from 60 to 90 minutes and were recorded and fully transcribed.

Findings

– Results suggest that communication executives believe that communication leadership should be treated as a multi-faceted influencing and learning process. Results also reveal that effective leadership qualities go beyond the national cultural boundaries. A more convergent view emerged on communication leadership.

Practical implications

– Communication executives should definitely tailor their leadership initiatives to fit the different cultural mechanisms that underlie organizational structures across cultures. Although the author agrees that communication strategies should place a great emphasis on the social dimension of cultural values in a given society, leadership initiatives, and actions should also be carried out to embrace the organizational structure and culture.

Originality/value

– The study provides insights into the impact of cultural orientations on the effectiveness of communication leadership. It is important and unique to confirm that organizational culture inserts a more profound influence on the application of leadership skills if compared to the national cultures.
The usage of currency derivatives in multilateral banks
Authors: KAMAU PHILIP , INANGA ENO L. , RWEGASIRA KAMI
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent to which multilateral banks (MBs) use currency derivatives (CDs) to hedge and speculate in managing currency risk. It aims to provide an empirical assessment of CDs products used by MBs as a group not studied before.

Design/methodology/approach

– Quantitative hypothesis regarding the usage of CDs to minimize adverse impact of currency risk was tested usingztest about population proportion.

Findings

– The results show that MBs are using CDs in the following order of importance: currency swaps, currency forwards, currency options and currency futures primarily to hedge currency risk.

Research limitations/implications

– The results of the study can be generalized only for MBs, given their peculiar characteristics as wholesale banks, which are owned mainly by governments and are generally not listed in the stock exchanges.

Originality/value

– The study is of value to those interested in the multilateral banking industry. The authors acknowledge that it is the first study providing empirical evidence on CDs’ usage by MBs as a group. The results are particularly useful to managers of MBs in terms of helping them to make choices in usage of CDs. The paper has also policy implications in terms of justifying the current self-regulatory status, shareholder monitoring and governance of MBs, as they do not speculate with CDs.
Use of procalcitonin, C‐reactive protein and white blood cell count to distinguish between lower limb erysipelas and deep vein thrombosis in the emergency department: A prospective observational study
Authors: Rast Anna C. , Knobel Demian , Faessler Lukas , Kutz Alexander , Felder Susan , Laukemann Svenja , Steiner Deborah , Haubitz Sebastian , Fux Christoph A. , Huber Andreas , Mueller Beat , Schuetz Philipp
Published: May 2015

Early differentiation of erysipelas from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) based solely on clinical signs and symptoms is challenging. There is a lack of data regarding the usefulness of the inflammatory biomarkers procalcitonin (PCT), C‐reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell (WBC) count in the diagnosis of localized cutaneous infections. Herein, we investigated the diagnostic value of inflammatory markers in a prospective at‐risk patient population. This is an observational quality control study including consecutive patients presenting with a final diagnosis of either erysipelas or DVT. The association of PCT (μg/L) and CRP (mg/L) levels and WBC counts (g/L) with the primary outcome was assessed using logistic regression models with area under the receiver–operator curve. Forty‐eight patients (erysipelas, n = 31; DVT, n = 17) were included. Compared with patients with DVT, those with erysipelas had significantly higher PCT concentrations. No significant differences in CRP concentrations and WBC counts were found between the two groups. At a PCT threshold of 0.1 μg/L or more, specificity and positive predictive values (PPV) for erysipelas were 82.4% and 85.7%, respectively, and increased to 100% and 100% at a threshold of more than 0.25 μg/L. Levels of PCT also correlated with the severity of erysipelas, with a stepwise increase according to systemic inflammatory response syndrome criteria. We found a high discriminatory value of PCT for differentiation between erysipelas and DVT, in contrast to other commonly used inflammatory biomarkers. Whether the use of PCT levels for early differentiation of erysipelas from DVT reduces unnecessary antibiotic exposure needs to be assessed in an interventional trial.
Efficacy of additional i.v. immunoglobulin to steroid therapy in Stevens–Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis
Authors: Aihara Michiko , Kano Yoko , Fujita Hiroyuki , Kambara Takeshi , Matsukura Setsuko , Katayama Ichiro , Azukizawa Hiroaki , Miyachi Yoshiki , Endo Yuichiro , Asada Hideo , Miyagawa Fumi , Morita Eishin , Kaneko Sakae , Abe Riichiro , Ochiai Toyoko , Sueki Hirohiko , Watanabe Hideaki , Nagao Keisuke , Aoyama Yumi , Sayama Koji , Hashimoto Koji , Shiohara Tetsuo ,   the SJS/TEN Study Group
Published: May 2015

Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are rare and life‐threatening cutaneous adverse drug reactions. While there is no established therapy for SJS/TEN, systemic corticosteroids, plasma exchange and i.v. immunoglobulin (IVIG) have been used as treatment. The efficacy of IVIG is still controversial because total doses of IVIG used vary greatly from one study to another. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of IVIG, administrated for 5 days consecutively, in an open‐label, multicenter, single‐arm study in patients with SJS or TEN. IVIG (400 mg/kg per day) administrated for 5 days consecutively was performed as an additional therapy to systemic steroids in adult patients with SJS or TEN. Efficacy on day 7 of IVIG was evaluated. Parameters to assess clinical outcome were enanthema including ophthalmic and oral lesions, cutaneous lesions and general condition. These parameters were scored and recorded before and after IVIG. We enrolled five patients with SJS and three patients with TEN who did not respond sufficiently to systemic steroids before IVIG administration. All of the patients survived and the efficacy on day 7 of the IVIG was 87.5% (7/8 patients). Prompt amelioration was observed in skin lesions and enanthema in the patients in whom IVIG therapy was effective. Serious side‐effects from the use of IVIG were not observed. IVIG (400 mg/kg per day) administrated for 5 days consecutively seems to be effective in patients with SJS or TEN. IVIG administrated together with steroids should be considered as a treatment modality for patients with refractory SJS/TEN. Further studies are needed to define the therapeutic efficacy of IVIG.
Colony and individual life‐history responses to temperature in a social insect pollinator
Authors: Holland Jacob G. , Bourke Andrew F. G.
Published: May 2015

Pollinating insects are of major ecological and commercial importance, yet they may be facing ecological disruption from a changing climate. Despite this threat, few studies have investigated the life‐history responses of pollinators to experimentally controlled changes in temperature, which should be especially informative for species with complex life histories such as eusocial insects.

This study uses the key pollinator Bombus terrestris, a eusocial bumblebee with an annual colony cycle, to determine how temperature affects life‐history traits at both individual and colony levels.

In two laboratory experiments, we reared B. terrestris colonies at either 20 or 25 °C, and measured differences in a set of life‐history traits including colony longevity, queen longevity, worker longevity, production of workers, production of sexuals (queen and male production) and growth schedule, as well as effects on thermoregulatory behaviours.

Higher rearing temperature had a significant positive effect on colony longevity in one of the two experiments but no significant effects on queen or worker longevity. Higher rearing temperature significantly increased colony size but did not affect the timing of peak colony size. It was also associated with significantly higher queen production but had no effect on the production of workers or males or the timing of male production. Higher temperature colonies exhibited significantly more wing fanning by workers and significantly less wax canopy construction. Hence, an increase in rearing temperature of a few degrees increased colony longevity, colony size and queen production. However, individual longevity was not affected and so may have been buffered by changes in costly thermoregulatory behaviours.

We conclude that eusocial insects may show complex phenotypic responses to projected temperature increases under climate change, including effects on productivity and reproduction at the colony level. Such effects should be considered when predicting the impact of climate change on the provision of essential pollination services.