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Implementing evidence‐based interventions remains slow in federally qualified health centers (FQHCs). The purpose of this study is to qualitatively examine the R = MC2 (Readiness = motivation × innovation specific capacity × general capacity) heuristic subcomponents in the context of implementing general and colorectal cancer screening (CRCS)‐related practice changes in FQHCs. We conducted 17 interviews with FQHC employees to examine (1) experiences with successful or unsuccessful practice change efforts, (2) using approaches to promote CRCS, and (3) opinions about R = MC2 subcomponents. We conducted a rapid qualitative analysis to examine the frequency, depth, and spontaneity of subcomponents. Priority, compatibility, observability (motivation), intra‐ and interorganizational relationships (innovation‐specific capacity), and organizational structure and resource utilization (general capacity) emerged as highly relevant. For example, organizational structure was described as related to an organization's open communication during meetings to help with scheduling procedures. The results contribute to understanding organizational readiness in the FQHC setting and can be helpful when identifying and prioritizing barriers and facilitators that affect implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schools and research partners are increasingly implementing complex, multicomponent interventions and school‐wide frameworks to better meet students' social, emotional, behavioral, and academic needs; however, in the research and real‐world contexts, implementation is often fraught with many challenges and barriers to success. This study explores implementation barriers encountered during a randomized controlled trial testing effects of one complex intervention strategy—the Interconnected Systems Framework—from the lens of a practical model for conceptualizing organizational readiness—the Interactive Systems Framework for Dissemination and Implementation. Implementation of the Interconnected Systems Framework was explored via focus group and key informant interviews with school and mental health professionals, and research team members responsible for implementing the intervention in randomly assigned study schools. Results from inductive thematic analysis of verbatim transcripts identified three primary implementation challenges: staff turnover, inadequate leadership buy‐in, and insufficient time for training/planning. Each challenge is explored from interview participants' perspectives and the extant literature, then connected to recommendations from implementation science to help others avoid similar challenges in their well‐intentioned efforts to address the mounting concern for students' wellbeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective implementation of evidence‐based interventions is a persistent challenge across community settings. Organizational readiness ‐ or, the motivation and collective capacity of an entity to adopt and sustain an innovation ‐ is important to facilitate implementation. Drawing on the R = MC2 readiness framework, we developed a readiness building process to tailor support for implementation. The process is composed of the following stages: assessment, feedback and prioritization, and strategize. In this article, we describe the application of the readiness building process through three case examples representing interventions at different ecological levels: local, state, and national. The case examples illuminate challenges and practical considerations for using the readiness building process, including the significance of on‐going leadership engagement and collaboration between support system and delivery system staff. To further the research and practice of implementation readiness, we suggest examining the impact of readiness building on implementation outcomes and developing an empirically‐informed repository of change management strategies matched to readiness constructs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collaboration is identified as an essential component for the successful implementation of a wide range of policies and programs. A major collaboration challenge, particularly in large community initiatives, is the need for multiple organizations to develop strategic partnerships around a shared purpose. Due to the importance of collaboration in achieving desired outcomes, the readiness of organizations to collaborate, and the quality of relationships between organizations are key, particularly in the formation stage. This is especially true of community coalitions, where collaboration requires comprehensive planning, shared decision‐making among stakeholders, and a high level of productivity and quality of relationships based on trust and mutual respect. In this chapter, we present two evidence‐based frameworks and evaluation tools that can be used to assess and build readiness and high‐quality relationships in efforts to improve community outcomes. This is illustrated in a case example of a new community coalition focused on increasing youth safety and improving police‐community relationships in a high crime neighborhood. Implications and lessons learned are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organizational readiness for an innovation (a program, policy, or practice new to a setting) is important for successful implementation. The R = MC2 heuristic focuses on capacity and motivation as a framework for readiness; it comprises 3 components and 18 subcomponents. A Delphi study with community coalition leaders was undertaken to assess when each subcomponent is most significant in the life cycle of implementing an innovation in a coalition. Results include that motivation is viewed as most important in the early stages of implementation and leadership, climate, program champions, and interorganizational relationships are relevant throughout the lifespan of implementation. Results have implications for the future of assessing and building coalition readiness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Reducing Disability in Alzheimer's Disease (RDAD) protocol is an evidence‐based intervention (EBI) found to be feasible for implementation in community settings, and effective for reducing behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) and improving caregiver outcomes (Teri et al., 2003; 2008). This study adapted the RDAD for delivery in Thai community settings, so that core components of the intervention—knowledge, communication, pleasant events, behavioral modification and physical activity—could be implemented through home‐based care by community‐based health personnel. Method: Adaptation processes followed, sometimes recursively, 10 adaptation steps identified by Escoffery et al., (2018): (1) assess the current care delivery system and resources in the community, (2) understand relevant EBIs, (3) select appropriate EBI, (4) consult with experts in intervention design and implementation, (5) consult with stakeholders in implementation settings, (6) work with experienced implementers to decide what needs to be adapted, (7) adapt original intervention program, (8) train staff for implementation of modified intervention, (9) test adapted materials, and (10) implement and evaluate intervention. Result: Based on qualitative data collected through consultation and discussion meetings with experts in intervention and implementation research and stakeholders of care delivery from local communities (Steps 1‐7), a modified Thai‐RDAD protocol was developed to fit into the clinical, social, and cultural practice of Thai local settings. Protocols for training were pilot tested with 20 providers (Steps 8); and the Thai‐RDAD protocol was tested with persons with dementia and their family caregivers at four participating families (Step 9). Findings from the pilot study were incorporated into the intervention protocol, particularly concerning comprehension of the intervention activities, realistic goal setting, and improving communication among all parties involved, prior to implementation (Step 10) of the adapted intervention protocol in an NIMH‐funded large clinical trial in the long‐term care system of Thailand. Conclusion: A systematic approach to adaptation of EBIs by synthesizing perspectives from both intervention and implementation researchers, as well as stakeholders of care delivery from local communities, and pilot testing the modified EBI protocol, are critical for effective adaptations to local clinical and cultural contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are many challenges when an innovation (i.e., a program, process, or policy that is new to an organization) is actively introduced into an organization. One critical component for successful implementation is the organization's readiness for the innovation. In this article, we propose a practical implementation science heuristic, abbreviated as R = MC2. We propose that organizational readiness involves (a) the motivation to implement an innovation, (b) the general capacities of an organization, and (c) the innovation-specific capacities needed for a particular innovation. Each of these components can be assessed independently and be used formatively. The heuristic can be used by organizations to assess readiness to implement and by training and technical assistance providers to help build organizational readiness. We present an illustration of the heuristic by showing how behavioral health organizations differ in readiness to implement a peer specialist initiative. Implications for research and practice of organizational readiness are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of teenage mothers' perceptions of family and partner social support on their postpartum adjustment was examined in this study. A structured interview with teenage mothers was conducted prenatally and a follow-up assessment was done when their children were 8 months of age. Both partner and family support were related to greater satisfaction with life, but each was associated in a different way with parenting and concerns about daily living. The results indicate the importance of distinguishing between specific sources of social support and different aspects of adjustment to teen parenthood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study explored the effects of different types of social support on the adjustment of first time parents in the postpartum period. At three months and nine months postpartum, questionnaires were filled out by 18 fathers and 23 mothers who attended parenting groups, and 23 mothers and 24 fathers in a comparison group. Four types of early postpartum social support (parenting group, marital instrumental, marital emotional, and network) were related to later postpartum adjustment (well-being, marital interaction, and parental sense of competence). The results suggest that the importance of a particular type of support may be different for fathers and mothers. Parenting group support and emotional marital support were found to be related to well-being, marital interaction, and parental competence for fathers. Emotional marital and network support were positively related to well-being and marital interaction for mothers. Implications for the provision of support by the naturally occurring informal networks of family and friends, and by specific group support systems were suggested. The limitations of the impact of social support and its assessment were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a sustainability strategy, its implementation protocols, and a pilot study of implementation and sustainability readiness. The strategy is guided by a conceptual framework that integrates (a) a strategy for sustaining prevention infrastructure and interventions and (b) a planning and evaluation process known as Getting To Outcomes. Data-informed decision making is key to this strategy, which includes initial assessment of sustainability capacity and sustainable innovation characteristics, and progresses through planning, implementation, evaluation, and continuous quality improvement to sustain targeted innovations. A support system for implementing the strategy, including a toolkit, primer, electronic tools, and training and technical assistance, is described. Lessons learned from a pilot study for future testing and implementation of the strategy are also discussed. In sum, the article presents a conceptual-based strategy to sustainability, an innovative support system, and lessons learned that have important implications for improving the evaluation and practice of sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sense of community may play an important role in the undergraduate transfer student experience by encouraging academic and social success. This cross-sectional study assessed sense of community in the transfer experiences of 53 students majoring in science, technology, engineering, math (STEM) subjects. Sense of community, participation, and GPA were analyzed using moderated regression analysis, t tests, and cross-tabulations. Results suggest that students who reported high participation in STEM activities and strong sense of community performed better academically than students who reported high participation and low sense of community. Further, results highlight discrepancies between students' actual and ideal sense of community (particularly for female and non-White students), as well as greater importance placed upon sense of community at the post-transfer institution compared to the pre-transfer institution. This study suggests the need to examine sense of community in the transfer process. Results have implications for higher education literatures and for research and practice aimed at helping individuals engage with environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An individual or organization that sets out to implement an innovation (e.g., a new technology, program, or policy) generally requires support. In the Interactive Systems Framework for Dissemination and Implementation, a Support System should work with Delivery Systems (national, state and/or local entities such as health and human service organizations, community-based organizations, schools) to enhance their capacity for quality implementation of innovations. The literature on the Support ystem has been under-researched and under-developed. This article begins to conceptualize theory, research, and action for an evidence-based system for innovation support (EBSIS). EBSIS describes key priorities for strengthening the science and practice of support. The major goal of EBSIS is to enhance the research and practice of support in order to build capacity in the Delivery System for implementing innovations with quality, and thereby, help the Delivery System achieve outcomes. EBSIS is guided by a logic model that includes four key support components: tools, training, technical assistance, and quality assurance/quality improvement. EBSIS uses the Getting To Outcomes approach to accountability to aid the identification and synthesis of concepts, tools, and evidence for support. We conclude with some discussion of the current status of EBSIS and possible next steps, including the development of collaborative researcher-practitioner-funder-consumer partnerships to accelerate accumulation of knowledge on the Support System. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Interactive Systems Framework for Dissemination and Implementation (ISF) is a multi-system framework that can guide research-to-practice efforts by building and supporting the work of three interacting systems: the Prevention Delivery, Support, and Synthesis and Translation Systems. The Synthesis and Translation system is vital to bridging science and practice, yet how to develop it and train support system partners to use it is under-researched. This article bridges this gap by offering a case example of the planning, development, and use of a synthesis and translation product called Promoting Science- based Approaches to Teen Pregnancy Prevention using Getting To Outcomes. The case presented documents the process used for developing the synthesis and translation product, reports on efforts to engage the Prevention Support system to use the product, and how we approached building interaction between the Synthesis and Translation System and the Support System partners. Practice-oriented evaluation data are also presented. Implications for practice, policy and research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the Interactive Systems Framework for Dissemination and Implementation, implementation is a major mechanism and concern in bridging research and practice. The growing number of implementation frameworks need to be synthesized and translated so that the science and practice of quality implementation can be furthered. In this article, we: (1) use the synthesis of frameworks developed by Meyers et al. (Am J Commun Psychol, ) and translate the results into a practical implementation science tool to use for improving quality of implementation (i.e., the Quality Implementation Tool; QIT), and (2) present some of the benefits and limitations of the tool by describing how the QIT was implemented in two different pilot projects. We discuss how the QIT can be used to guide collaborative planning, monitoring, and evaluation of how an innovation is implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Implementation science is growing in importance among funders, researchers, and practitioners as an approach to bridging the gap between science and practice. We addressed three goals to contribute to the understanding of the complex and dynamic nature of implementation. Our first goal was to provide a conceptual overview of the process of implementation by synthesizing information from 25 implementation frameworks. The synthesis extends prior work by focusing on specific actions (i.e., the 'how to') that can be employed to foster high quality implementation. The synthesis identified 14 critical steps that were used to construct the Quality Implementation Framework (QIF). These steps comprise four QIF phases: Initial Considerations Regarding the Host Setting, Creating a Structure for Implementation, Ongoing Structure Once Implementation Begins, and Improving Future Applications. Our second goal was to summarize research support for each of the 14 QIF steps and to offer suggestions to direct future research efforts. Our third goal was to outline practical implications of our findings for improving future implementation efforts in the world of practice. The QIF's critical steps can serve as a useful blueprint for future research and practice. Applying the collective guidance synthesized by the QIF to the Interactive Systems Framework for Dissemination and Implementation (ISF) emphasizes that accountability for quality implementation does not rest with the practitioner Delivery System alone. Instead, all three ISF systems are mutually accountable for quality implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The need for new ways to bridge the gap between research and practice is clear; the use of evidence-based prevention programs and implementation with fidelity in practice are strikingly limited. The Interactive Systems Framework for Dissemination and Implementation (ISF) was created to help bridge research and practice by specifying the systems and processes required to support dissemination and implementation of evidence-based programs, processes, practices, and policies. The ISF identifies three key systems necessary for this process which include the Synthesis and Translation System, the Support System, and the Delivery System. The ISF was featured in a special issue of the American Journal of Community Psychology in 2008. This special issue extends that work by including both researchers who have applied an ISF lens to aspects of their current work and researchers who have proactively applied the ISF in a process that goes across the various systems of the ISF, i.e., Synthesis and Translation, Support, and Delivery. Content areas include: children's mental health, teen pregnancy prevention, HIV prevention, violence prevention, heart disease and stroke prevention, breast cancer prevention, and substance abuse prevention. In this introductory article, we provide a brief description of the history of the ISF and a summary of the articles in the special issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bringing evidence based programs to scale was a major initial impetus for the development of the Interactive Systems Framework for Dissemination and Implementation (ISF). The ISF demonstrates the importance of the Support System in facilitating the uptake of innovations in the community (the Delivery System). Two strategies that members of the Support System commonly use are training-of-trainers (TOT) models and technical assistance (TA). In this article, we focus on the role of the Support System in bringing evidence-based programs (EBPs) to scale in the Delivery System using a case example, with special attention on two strategies employed by Support Systems- training- of- trainers (TOT) and proactive technical assistance. We then report on findings from a case example from the Promoting Science Based Approaches to Teen Pregnancy Prevention project that furthers our conceptualization of these strategies and the evidence base for them. We also report on the limitations in the literature regarding research on TOTs and proactive TA and provide suggestions for future research on TOTs and proactive TA that will enhance the science and practice of support in the ISF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Haem is the major iron source for bacteria that develop in higher organisms. In these hosts, bacteria have to cope with nutritional immunity imposed by the host, since haem and iron are tightly bound to carrier and storage proteins. Siderophores were the first recognized fighters in the battle for iron between bacteria and host. They are non-proteinaceus organic molecules having an extremely high affinity for Fe3+ and able to extract it from host proteins. Haemophores, that display functional analogy with siderophores, were more recently discovered. They are a class of secreted proteins with a high affinity for haem; they are able to extract haem from host haemoproteins and deliver it to specific receptors that internalize haem. In the past few years, a wealth of data has accumulated on haem acquisition systems that are dependent on surface exposed/secreted bacterial proteins. They promote haem transfer from its initial source (in most cases, a eukaryotic haem binding protein) to the transporter that carries out the membrane crossing step. Here we review recent discoveries in this field, with particular emphasis on similar and dissimilar mechanisms in haemophores and siderophores, from the initial host source to the binding protein/receptor at the cell surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, I attempt to merge two themes. First, there is often a large gap between high hopes about impacts of policies or programs and the demonstrated results. I describe four keys/threats to success in any social problem area: theory, implementation, evaluation, and resource/system support. Second, I present theory and research from over 30 years of work on participation, conducted by my colleagues and myself that can illuminate and be illuminated by theory, implementation, evaluation, and resource/system support. I offer ideas for solutions that increase the probability of success. I conclude with the need to have high hopes tempered by theory and research to develop realistically ambitious solutions to social problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

If we keep on doing what we have been doing, we are going to keep on getting what we have been getting. Concerns about the gap between science and practice are longstanding. There is a need for new approaches to supplement the existing approaches of research to practice models and the evolving community-centered models for bridging this gap. In this article, we present the Interactive Systems Framework for Dissemination and Implementation (ISF) that uses aspects of research to practice models and of community-centered models. The framework presents three systems: the Prevention Synthesis and Translation System (which distills information about innovations and translates it into user-friendly formats); the Prevention Support System (which provides training, technical assistance or other support to users in the field); and the Prevention Delivery System (which implements innovations in the world of practice). The framework is intended to be used by different types of stakeholders (e.g., funders, practitioners, researchers) who can use it to see prevention not only through the lens of their own needs and perspectives, but also as a way to better understand the needs of other stakeholders and systems. It provides a heuristic for understanding the needs, barriers, and resources of the different systems, as well as a structure for summarizing existing research and for illuminating priority areas for new research and action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a well-known gap between science and practice. To address this gap in the areas of Child Maltreatment (CM) and Youth Violence (Y/V), the Division of Violence Prevention (DVP) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) embarked on a Dissemination/Implementation (D/I) planning project. The project was aimed at identifying better ways to connect research and practice through reviews of the literature as well as through discussions with experts on violence prevention and research utilization. This introductory article sets the stage for the rest of the special issue by defining terms, providing a rationale for the planning project, describing the planning process, and summarizing what is to come in the rest of the issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this exploratory study is to investigate organizational-level mechanisms in the Prevention Delivery System (PDS) and their influence on implementing comprehensive programming frameworks (e.g., Communities that Care-CtC) as the innovation. The PDS is part of the Interactive Systems Framework for Dissemination and Implementation (ISF) and describes key characteristics of innovation implementation and dissemination. The study addresses two research questions: (1) What types of organizational characteristics are related to successful use of each of the programming processes (i.e., planning, implementation, evaluation, and sustainability) that are part of comprehensive programming frameworks?; and (2) What are the similarities and differences in the organizational patterns correlated with use of each of the programming processes? Surveys, interview data, and other documents designed to assess organizational characteristics and extent of use of a comprehensive programming framework over time, were collected from 8 Community boards and 23 provider agencies. These organizations were responsible for planning and delivering substance abuse prevention services as part of a statewide initiative in Ohio. Data were analyzed using Spearman rho (and rank-biserial) correlations, with an emphasis on effect sizes. Results indicated that leadership, shared vision, process advocates, and technical assistance were common correlates of use across programming processes. However, the role played by these organizational variables differed for each programming process, pointing to complex interactions of the organizational infrastructure with other variables (i.e., characteristics of the innovation itself and external macro-level factors). This exploratory study provides preliminary data on the organizational-level mechanisms of the PDS and the complexity of their relationships with the other Systems in the Interactive Systems Framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Capacity is a complex construct that lacks definitional clarity. Little has been done to define capacity, explicate components of capacity, or explore the development of capacity in prevention. This article represents an attempt to operationalize capacity and distinguish among types and levels of capacity as they relate to dissemination and implementation through the use of a taxonomy of capacity. The development of the taxonomy was informed by the capacity literature from two divergent models in the field: research-to-practice (RTP) models and community-centered (CC) models. While these models differ in perspective and focus, both emphasize the importance of capacity to the dissemination and sustainability of prevention innovations. Based on the review of the literature, the taxonomy differentiates the concepts of capacity among two dimensions: level (individual, organizational, and community levels) and type (general capacity and innovation-specific capacity). The proposed taxonomy can aid in understanding the concept of capacity and developing methods to support the implementation and sustainability of prevention efforts in novel settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Communities are increasingly being required by state and federal funders to achieve outcomes and be accountable, yet are often not provided the guidance or the tools needed to successfully meet this challenge. To improve the likelihood of achieving positive outcomes, the Getting To Outcomes (GTO) intervention (manual, training, technical assistance) is designed to provide the necessary guidance and tools, tailored to community needs, in order to build individual capacity and program performance. GTO is an example of a Prevention Support System intervention, which as conceptualized by the Interactive Systems Framework, plays a key role in bridging the gap between prevention science (Prevention Synthesis and Translation System) and prevention practice (Prevention Delivery System). We evaluated the impact of GTO on individual capacity and program performance using survey- and interview-based methods. We tracked the implementation of GTO and gathered user feedback about its utility and acceptability. The evaluation of GTO suggests that it can build individual capacity and program performance and as such demonstrates that the Prevention Support System can successfully fulfill its intended role. Lessons learned from the implementation of GTO relevant to illuminating the framework are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the field of teen pregnancy prevention many efficacious prevention programs are available but adoption of these programs is slow at the community level. In this article, we present a multi-site, capacity-building effort called the Promoting Science-based Approaches to Teen Pregnancy Prevention project (PSBA) as a case example of a proactive application of the Interactive System Framework (ISF) for dissemination and implementation. The ISF is a multi-system model leading to dissemination and implementation of science-based prevention programming through the work of three interactive systems: The “Prevention Delivery,” “Prevention Support,” and “Prevention Synthesis & Translation” Systems. This article describes the proactive use of the ISF to conceptualize and bolster the PSBA program’s goal of assisting local prevention partners in the use of science-based approaches (SBA) to prevent teen pregnancy. PSBA uses all three systems of the ISF to facilitate practice improvements and offers valuable research opportunities to investigate factors related to dissemination and implementation processes across these systems. Describing our application of this framework highlights the feasibility of actively using the ISF to build prevention infrastructure and to guide large-scale prevention promotion strategies in the area of teen pregnancy prevention. The program’s ongoing evaluation is presented as an example of early efforts to develop an evidence base around the ISF. Research implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article illustrates ideas for bridging science and practice generated during the Division of Violence Prevention’s (DVP) dissemination/implementation planning process. The difficulty of moving what is known about what works into broader use is near universal, and this planning process pushed us to look beyond the common explanations (e.g., providers were resistant/unwilling to change practice) and think about the multiple layers and systems involved. As part of this planning process, the Interactive Systems Framework for Dissemination and Implementation (ISF) was developed and then applied to the fields of child maltreatment and youth violence prevention. Challenges for each of the three systems in the ISF are discussed as well as and action and research ideas to address the challenges. Also described are actions taken by DVP in response to the planning process to illustrate how a funder can use the ISF to bridge science and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although youth mentoring programs are widespread, it is clear that there is a great need to increase their quality and quantity. This article provides background on funding initiatives in mentoring, and the role of community organizing and advocacy in influencing the demand for programs. A model that examines the community's role in influencing and coordinating key stakeholder groups in planning, implementing, and sustaining programs is proposed. The need for more effective programs is examined in a second model, which relates the capacity of organizations, staff, and programs for training and technical assistance to the quality and efficacy of their programs. Recommendations for future research are made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serratia marcescens is able to acquire iron using its haem-acquisition system ('has'), which contains an outer membrane receptor HasR and a soluble haemophore HasA. After secretion, HasA binds free haem in the extracellular medium or extracts it from haemoproteins and delivers it to the receptor. Here, the crystallization of a HasA-HasR complex is reported. HasA and HasR have been overexpressed in Escherichia coli and the complex formed and crystallized. Small platelets and bunches of needles of dimensions 0.01 × 0.1 × 1 mm were obtained. A native data set has been collected to 6.8 Å. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research has shown that prevention programming can improve community health when implemented well. There are examples of successful prevention in local communities, however many continue to face significant challenges, demonstrating a gap between science and practice. Common strategies within the United States to address this gap are available (e.g., trainings), but lack outcomes. Building community capacity to implement high quality prevention can help communities achieve positive health outcomes, thereby narrowing the gap. While there is ample research on the efficacy of evidence-based programs, there is little on how to improve community capacity to improve prevention quality. In order to narrow the gap, a new model of research-one based in Community Science-is suggested that improves the latest theoretical understanding of community capacity and evaluates technologies designed to enhance it. In this article, we describe this model and suggest a research agenda that can lead to improved outcomes at the local level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial extra cytoplasmic function (ECF) sigma factors control a wide range of cell envelope activities including iron and haem uptake systems. Sigma activity is usually inhibited by membrane-bound antisigma. An extra cytoplasmic signal modulates sigma–antisigma interactions and thereby leads to the transcription of the target operon. Sigma and antisigma genes generally belong to one autoregulated operon. However, ECF sigma and antisigma genes involved in iron acquisition, also called iron starvation ECF, are non-autoregulated exceptions to this rule. We fully reconstituted the has signalling cascade of Serratia marcescens in Escherichia coli. Binding of the haem-loaded haemophore to the outer membrane receptor, HasR, inactivates the antisigma HasS, turning on HasI and thereby allowing has operon transcription. Deletion of the HasR N-terminal extension, present in all characterized outer membrane receptors endowed with signal transduction capacity, abolished the inducing activity but not the transport activity. Induction required the TonB-ExbB-ExbD complex. HasI, like the other iron starvation sigma, is iron repressed but not autoregulated. We found an entirely new regulation for the antisigma hasS gene, the transcription of which is HasI dependent. We suggest that the has system is both activated and repressed by the availability of external haem. When there is enough haem, the HasS antisigma activity is turned off and HasI induces the transcription of hasS. This leads to the storage of inactive HasS molecules which become active when HasR is not occupied by holo-haemophore ligand molecules: as soon as there is a haem shortage transcription is turned off. Positive autoregulation of ECF sigma and antisigma genes is usually considered as a mechanism for amplifying a perceived signal. However, our findings suggest, on the contrary, that antisigma regulation allows fine-tuning to the external signal. The biological significance of ECF sigma and antisigma autoregulation may need to be reconsidered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A significant amount of federal, state, and local resources are spent organizing large-scale community coalitions designed to address the issues of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) use in communities. Thus far, results regarding the effectiveness of community coalitions in reducing ATOD rates are mixed. This article discusses the importance of strategies designed to impact environmental-level changes (e.g., policies, laws), which, in turn, can impact individual use. The development of prevention structures that consistently and continuously promote prevention efforts must be established before significant change in use rates can occur and be sustained. In order to identify the roles assumed by a coalition in order to affect policy-level changes, this article examines the specific efforts of the Lexington/Richland Drug and Alcohol Abuse Coalition in Columbia, South Carolina. Review of meeting minutes and interviews with staff and coalition members suggest that the coalition assumed three central roles: developer, facilitator, and arbitrator. The coalition's success in influencing community policies and sanctions is attributed to its responsiveness and ability to assume diverse roles, depending on the specific needs of the community. Changes in policies/laws and sanctions are presented as evidence of the coalition's success in impacting and reinforcing community-wide prevention structures thought to reduce the abuse of alcohol and other drugs. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comm Psychol 31: 661–670, 2003. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Haem is involved in essential processes. It is toxic and thus is not found free in living organisms but almost entirely sequestered by haem carrier proteins. We investigated the mechanisms of haem transfer between the proteins of a bacterial haem acquisition system involving haemophores. Haemophores are secreted by several Gram-negative bacteria and are able to extract haem (assimilated as an iron source) from haemoproteins and deliver it to specific outer membrane receptors. The Serratia marcescens haemophore (HasA) is folded into a globular form and tyrosine and histidine are involved in haem ligation. Interaction with the receptor is of high affinity (5 nM) and does not involve haem. Identification and study of mutants with altered binding properties led to the description of two regions of the haemophore that bind to the receptor. They consist of residues involved in two β strands located on the same side of HasA. Each region is sufficient for high affinity binding. The synthetic peptide corresponding to one β strand competes with the corresponding haemophore region for binding to the receptor, suggesting that the two binding regions are independent binding sites. We propose a model for haem release and transfer to the receptor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This chapter describes the framework and implementation of a program accountability system in a statewide initiative (South Carolina First Steps to School Readiness), which was developed (1) to enable practitioners to provide evaluation information required by legislative mandate and (2) to develop the capacity of practitioners to systematically plan their program, implement with quality, and self-evaluate. The components of this program are reflected in its name: Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation (PIE). The chapter describes PIE in relation to program theory, usage, and efforts to mainstream. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Numerous bacteria are able to use free and haemoprotein-bound haem as iron sources because of the action of small secreted proteins called haemophores. Haemophores have very high affinity for haem, and can therefore extract haem from the haem-carrier proteins and deliver it to the cells by means of specific cell surface receptors. Haem is then taken up and the empty haemophores are recycled. Here, we report a study of the regulation of the Serratia marcescens has operon which is involved in haemophore-dependent haem acquisition. We characterized two genes encoding proteins homologous to specific ECF sigma and antisigma factors. We showed that they regulate the synthesis of the haemophore-specific outer membrane receptor, HasR, by a signal transduction mechanism similar to the siderophore surface-signalling systems. We also showed the essential role of HasR itself in this process. Using haem-loaded and haem-free haemophore, we identified the stimulus for the HasR-mediated signal transduction as being the binding of the haem-loaded haemophore to HasR. Thus, unlike siderophore-uptake systems, in which the signalling molecule is the transported substrate itself, in the haemophore-dependent haem uptake system the inducer and the transported substrate are different compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A major goal of community science is to improve the quality of life in our communities by improving the quality of the practice of treatment, prevention, health promotion, and education. Community science is an interdisciplinary field, which develops and researches community-centered models that enable communities to use evidence-based interventions more effectively and efficiently. In this article, the gap between science and practice and the need to bridge the gap with new models serve as an entry point and guide to the development of a community science. Therefore, the article describes (1) the "prevention science" model of bringing science to practice, (2) why this model is necessary but not sufficient for influencing the quality of interventions in our everyday world, (3) the gap between science and practice and the need to integrate "prevention science" models with community-centered models in order to bridge the gap, and (4) features of community science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The HasASM hemophore, secreted by Serratia marcescens, binds free or hemoprotein bound heme with high affinity and delivers it to a specific outer membrane receptor, HasR. In HasASM, heme is held by two loops and coordinated to iron by two residues, His 32 and Tyr 75. A third residue His 83 was shown recently to play a crucial role in heme ligation. To address the mechanistic issues of the heme capture and release processes, the histidine protonation states were studied in both apo- and holo-forms of HasASM in solution. Holo-HasASM was formed with gallium-protoporphyrin IX ( GaPPIX), giving rise to a diamagnetic protein. By use of heteronuclear correlation NMR spectroscopy, the imidazole side-chain 15N and 1H resonances of the six HasASM histidines were assigned and their pKa values and predominant tautomeric states according to pH were determined. We show that protonation states of the heme pocket histidines can modulate the nucleophilic character of the two axial ligands and, consequently, control the heme binding. In particular, the essential role of the His 83 is emphasized according to its direct interaction with Tyr 75. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Gram-negative bacteria, the TonB–ExbB–ExbD inner membrane multiprotein complex is required for active transport of diverse molecules through the outer membrane. We present evidence that Serratia marcescens, like several other Gram-negative bacteria, has two TonB proteins: the previously characterized TonBSM, and also HasB, a newly identified component of the has operon that encodes a haemophore-dependent haem acquisition system. This system involves a soluble extracellular protein (the HasA haemophore) that acquires free or haemoprotein-bound haem and presents it to a specific outer membrane haemophore receptor (HasR). TonBSM and HasB are significantly similar and can replace each other for haem acquisition. However, TonBSM, but not HasB, mediates iron acquisition from iron sources other than haem and haemoproteins, showing that HasB and TonBSM only display partial redundancy. The reconstitution in Escherichia coli of the S. marcescens Has system demonstrated that haem uptake is dependent on the E. coli ExbB, ExbD and TonB proteins and that HasB is non-functional in E. coli. Nevertheless, a mutation in the HasB transmembrane anchor domain allows it to replace TonBEC for haem acquisition. As the change affects a domain involved in specific TonBEC–ExbBEC interactions, HasB may be unable to interact with ExbBEC, and the HasB mutation may allow this interaction. In E. coli, the HasB mutant protein was functional for haem uptake but could not complement the other TonBEC-dependent functions, such as iron siderophore acquisition, and phage DNA and colicin uptake. Our findings support the emerging hypothesis that TonB homologues are widespread in bacteria, where they may have specific functions in receptor–ligand uptake systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gram-negative bacterial proteins secreted by ABC exporters carry a secretion signal in their carboxylic extremities. This characteristic suggests that the polypeptide needs to be fully synthesized before it can be secreted and, therefore, presumably may fold at least in part before its secretion. We investigated the relationship between folding and secretion using HasA, a hemoprotein of Serratia marcescens secreted into the extracellular medium by a dedicated Has ABC exporter. We first demonstrated that when HasA is sequestered in the cytoplasm it can acquire its tertiary structure, as assessed from its capacity to bind heme. The cytoplasmic pool of HasA cannot be secreted and inhibits the secretion of newly synthesized molecules. HasA folding in the cytoplasm was independent of either its capacity to bind heme or the presence of SecB, although SecB is essential for HasA secretion. Our findings indicate a strong coupling between synthesis and secretion in the type I secretion pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial extracellular haemophores also named HasA for haem acquisition system form an independent family of haemoproteins that take up haem from host haeme carriers and shuttle it to specific receptors (HasR). Haemophore receptors are required for the haemophore-dependent haem acquisition pathway and alone allow free or haemoglobin-bound haem uptake, but the synergy between the haemophore and its receptor greatly facilitates this uptake. The three-dimensional structure of the Serratia marcescens holo-haemophore (HasASM) has been determined previously and revealed that the haem iron atom is ligated by tyrosine 75 and histidine 32. The phenolate of tyrosine 75 is also tightly hydrogen bonded to the Nδ atom of histidine 83. Alanine mutagenesis of these three HasASM residues was performed, and haem-binding constants of the wild-type protein, the three single mutant proteins, the three double mutant proteins and the triple mutant protein were compared by absorption spectrometry to probe the roles of H32, Y75 and H83 in haem binding. We show that one axial iron ligand is sufficient to ligate haem efficiently and that H83 may become an alternative iron ligand in the absence of Y75 or both H32 and Y75. All the single mutant proteins retained the ability to stimulate haemophore-dependent haem uptake in vivo. Thus, the residues H32, Y75 and H83 are not individually necessary for haem delivery to the receptor. The binding of haem-free and haem-loaded HasASM proteins to HasRSM-producing strains was studied. Both proteins bind to HasRSM with similar apparent Kd. The double mutant H32A-Y75A competitively inhibits binding to the receptor of both holo-HasASM and apo-HasASM, showing that there is a unique or overlapping site on HasRSM for the apo- and holo-haemophores. Thus, we propose a new mechanism for haem uptake, in which haem is exchanged between haem-loaded haemophores and unloaded haemophores bound to the receptor without swapping of haemophores on the receptor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on efforts of the government to bridge the gap between research and practice in community-based substance abuse prevention in the U.S. Family and community factors contribute to substance abuse. Family and community solutions are necessary to prevent substance abuse. To foster and accelerate the adoption of new scientific knowledge into prevention practice, people must work to overcome the gap between research and practice highlighted by both prevention researchers and practitioners. Bridging this gap requires innovative thinking, a problem-solving orientation, and attention to the most effective modes of dissemination and diffusion.

Examines the C-terminal secretion signal fo the hem-binding protein, HasA using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Identification of proteolytic cleavage of HasA; Determination of helical region followed by random-coil C-terminus; Flexibility of residues.

The major mechanism by which bacteria acquire free or haemoglobin-bound haem involves direct binding of haem to specific outer membrane receptors. Serratia marcescens and Pseudomonas aeruginosa have an alternative system, which involves an extracellular haemophore, HasA, that captures free or haemoglobin-bound haem and shuttles it to a specific cell surface outer membrane receptor, HasR. Both haem-free (apoprotein) and haem-loaded (holoprotein) HasA bind to HasR, evidence for direct protein–protein interactions between HasA and HasR. HasA binding to HasR takes place in a tonB mutant. TonB is thus required for a step subsequent to HasA binding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assesses the evaluation of health and human service programs in community settings (EHHSPCS). Key dimensions of EHHSPCS; Dimensions for assessing progress in EHHSPCS; Impacts of the different goals of evaluation.

Lack of participation in voluntary associations and the associated issues of why people do or do not participate are major areas of interest in the research literature concerning citizen participation. The present study used three types of variables (demographic, social psychological, and costs/benefits) to investigate the characteristics of participants and nonparticipants in neighborhood-type organizations in the United States and Israel. Findings from analysis of the demographic variables show some cross-cultural similarities (including a surprising lack of race/ethnic and education differences between participants and nonparticipants). There were striking cross-cultural similarities using the social psychological variables. The data from the Israel sample provide important information on the costs and benefits of participation. A discriminant analysis points to the predictive strength of social psychological and cost/benefit variables in comparison to demographic variables. Implications of these results for explanatory and predictive purposes are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents an ecological assessment of a community-based interventions for prevention and health promotion in the United States. Approaches to measuring community coalitions; Triangulation strategy; Description of the implementation of community initiatives and production of community impacts.

This article is about the sources of stress that often accompany environmental threats, and about how people try to cope with this stress. It discusses both individual and collective coping strategies, and why attributions of responsibility appear to be important to the coping process. Individual coping strategies are only part of the picture. When threatened by environmental hazards beyond their control, people naturally turn to others to help them cope. This kind of collective coping may occur rather informally, with the help of friends, neighbors, and relatives. It may also occur more formally through institutional networks such as government agencies that are set up to deal with community problems. Unfortunately, many case studies have suggested that these social and institutional networks do not offer enough support to those who are threatened by environmental hazards. As a result, affected residents in the same geographical area often turn to each other for help in coping. This observation is not a new finding, but its implications for policymakers and members of helping professions are clear. If people who feel threatened do not receive the support they need from social and institutional networks, they will find support elsewhere. In their attempts to cope with environmental threats, people will find their own advocates. If social and institutional networks fail to serve these people as advocates, these networks will be bypassed and will come to be mistrusted.

The secretion pathways of the heme-binding protein HasA from Serratia marcescens and of the metallo-proteases A, B, C and G from Erwinia chrysanthemi have been reconstituted in Escherichia coli. They are secreted in a single step from the cytoplasm across both membranes of the Gram-negative envelope, after recognition of their specific C-terminal secretion signal by their cognate ABC transporter. We report strong evidence that both HasA and the metalloproteases bind the SecB chaperone involved in the export of several envelope proteins via the Sec pathway. We also show that the secretion of the HasA protein is strongly dependent upon SecB in the reconstituted system, whereas that of the proteases is not. HasA secretion in the original host is strongly inhibited by a protein known to interfere with E.coli SecB function. We propose that the proteins secreted by the ABC pathway may have to be unfolded for efficient secretion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over 200 community volunteers who belong to different committees of an alcohol, tobacco, and other drug abuse prevention coalition completed a comprehensive survey designed to measure specific variables associated with coalition functioning including costs and benefits of participation. Community volunteers are one of the coalition's greatest resources, and benefits and costs may mediate member participation throughout the different stages of coalition functioning. The survey was completed first at the formation stage (Time 1), and then eight to ten months later at the implementation stage (Time 2) of the coalition's development. Contrary to most previous research, a principal component analysis of the benefit and cost items yielded only one benefit component and one cost component. Also, the authors found that benefits and costs distinguished between the members of "High" and "Low" attendance groups only at Time 2. We consider the implications for coalition functioning, empowerment theory, and "incentive/cost management." We also describe how we provided the partnerships with information in order to assist them to implement the incentive/cost management process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although sense of community was heralded by Sarason (1974) as the ‘over-arching value’ of community psychology, no theory or definition of the phenomenon has been operationalized or empirically tested. The difficulty in the scientific exploration of sense of community is in the value-laden and phenomenological nature of the experience. Following McMillan and Chavis (this issue), it is theorized that sense of community is represented by four elements: membership, influence, integration and fulfillment of needs, and shared emotional connection. Brunswik's lens model offers an appropriate method for determining the shared domain of the experience within a diverse population. The goal of this study was to develop a Sense of Community Index (SCI) that would allow the determination of the relative influence of various factors on the judgment of sense of community. Twenty-one judges, representing four professional groupings selected from three urban centers, where employed in the rating of 100 sense of community profiles of randomly selected individuals. There was a high degree of consensus among the diverse groups of judges, and a regression equation with 23 predictors derived from the sense of community profile accounted for 96% of the variance of mean judges' ratings of overall sense of community. The results were interpreted as supporting the theory of McMillan and Chavis, which appears suitable both for scientific investigation and as a framework for intervention. The relationships of specific profile items (e.g., neighboring behavior, length of residence, home ownership, involvement in voluntary associations) are related to the four elements and to the prediction of overall sense of community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]