bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Engaging the multi-generational workforce in tourism and hospitality
Authors: Barron Paul , Leask Anna , Fyall Alan 
Published: November 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this study is to present strategies that hospitality and tourism organisations might adopt as a means of encouraging employee engagement, thus enabling the more effective management of an increasingly multi-generational workforce. This paper evaluates current strategies being adopted that might encourage employee engagement by a selection of hospitality and tourism organisations and develop recommendations for organisations wishing to more effectively engage the multi-generational workforce.Design/methodology/approach– This study adopts a mixed methods approach and presents findings based on a series of semi-structured interviews with management and self-completion questionnaires aimed at employees.Findings– The relationship between the supervisor and the employee remains a key enhancer regarding engagement and employees are increasingly demanding more contemporary methods of communication. Employers should take note of generational characteristics and adopt flexible policies attractive to all employees.Practical implications– This paper contributes no t only to the debate regarding generational differences in the workplace but it also identifies that the various generations evident in tourism organisations are desirous of similar working conditions and benefits. Organisations should consider the development of a range of packages that focus on linking employees with their purpose, their colleagues and their resources as a means of encouraging employee engagement.Originality/value– This study contributes to the debate regarding employee engagement and compares and contrasts initiatives that various tourism and hospitality organisations are adopting as a means of encouraging employee engagement. The study also elicits the views of the organisations employees to understand the extent of the effectiveness of such initiatives and makes recommendations regarding the most effective initiatives from both a management and employee perspective.
Application of chimeric glucanase comprising mutanase and dextranase for prevention of dental biofilm formation
Authors: Otsuka Ryoko , Imai Susumu , Murata Takatoshi , Nomura Yoshiaki , Okamoto Masaaki , Tsumori Hideaki , Kakuta Erika , Hanada Nobuhiro , Momoi Yasuko 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACTWater‐insoluble glucan (WIG) produced by mutans streptococci, an important cariogenic pathogen, plays an important role in the formation of dental biofilm and adhesion of biofilm to tooth surfaces. Glucanohydrolases, such as mutanase (α‐1,3‐glucanase) and dextranase (α‐1,6‐glucanase), are able to hydrolyze WIG. The purposes of this study were to construct bi‐functional chimeric glucanase, composed of mutanase and dextranase, and to examine the effects of this chimeric glucanase on the formation and decomposition of biofilm. The mutanase gene from Paenibacillus humicus NA1123 and the dextranase gene from Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175 were cloned and ligated into a pE‐SUMOstar Amp plasmid vector. The resultant his‐tagged fusion chimeric glucanase was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) and partially purified. The effects of chimeric glucanase on the formation and decomposition of biofilm formed on a glass surface by Streptococcus sobrinus 6715 glucosyltransferases were then examined. This biofilm was fractionated into firmly adherent, loosely adherent, and non‐adherent WIG fractions. Amounts of WIG in each fraction were determined by a phenol‐sulfuric acid method, and reducing sugars were quantified by the Somogyi–Nelson method. Chimeric glucanase reduced the formation of the total amount of WIG in a dose‐dependent manner, and significant reductions of WIG in the adherent fraction were observed. Moreover, the chimeric glucanase was able to decompose biofilm, being 4.1 times more effective at glucan inhibition of biofilm formation than a mixture of dextranase and mutanase. These results suggest that the chimeric glucanase is useful for prevention of dental biofilm formation.
The water vulnerability of metro and megacities: An investigation of structural determinants
Authors: Bolognesi Thomas 
Published: November 2014

AbstractUrban areas are becoming increasingly subject to and vulnerable to water‐related natural disasters. Urban areas are a kind of socio‐ecological system wherein the human development dynamics co‐evolve with the natural dynamics. Most of the literature is focused on the impact of natural disasters on human development; we evaluate the impacts of human development on natural disasters and present an analysis of this phenomenon in the context of megacities. The approach is exploratory and begins with the construction of a database on the 595 existing megacities in the world. Multifactor analysis is then used to determine the main characteristics of these megacities. Finally, three structural components (maturity, anthropization and centrality) are identified and then correlated with data on water‐related hazards, distinguishing groups of cities according to their structure and factors of vulnerability to water‐related risks.
BmPLA2 containing conserved domain WD40 affects the metabolic functions of fat body tissue in silkworm, Bombyx mori
Authors: Orville Singh Chabungbam , Xin Hu‐Hu , Chen Rui‐Ting , Wang Mei‐Xian , Liang Shuang , Lu Yan , Cai Zi‐Zheng , Miao Yun‐Gen 
Published: November 2014

AbstractPLA2 enzyme hydrolyzes arachidonic acid, and other polyunsaturated fatty acids, from the sn‐2 position to release free arachidonic acid and a lysophospholipid. Previous studies reported that the PLA2 in invertebrate organisms participates in lipid signaling molecules like arachidonic acid release in immune‐associated tissues like hemocytes and fat bodies. In the present study, we cloned the BmPLA2 gene from fat body tissue of silkworm Bombyx mori, which has a total sequence of 1.031 kb with a 31.90 kDa protein. In silico results of BmPLA2 indicated that the protein has a putative WD40 conserved domain and its phylogeny tree clustered with Danaus plexippus species. We investigated the transcriptional expression in development stages and tissues. The highest expression of BmPLA2 was screened in fat body among the studied tissues of third day fifth instar larva, with a high expression on third day fifth instar larva followed by a depression of expression in the wandering stage of the fifth instar larva. The expression of BmPLA2 in female pupa was higher than that of male pupa. Our RNAi‐mediated gene silencing results showed highest reduction of BmPLA2 expression in post‐24 h followed by post‐48 and post‐72 h. The BmPLA2‐RNAi larvae and pupa could be characterized by pharate adult lethality and underdevelopment. The phenotypic characters of fat body cells in RNAi‐induced larva implied that BmPLA2 affects the metabolic functions of fat body tissue in silkworm Bombyx mori.
Single‐centre experience of stereotactic radiosurgery and fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy for prolactinomas with the linear accelerator
Authors: Wilson Peter J , Williams Janet Rosemary , Smee Robert Ian 
Published: November 2014

AbstractIntroductionPrimary management of prolactinomas is usually medical, with surgery a secondary option where necessary. This study is a review of a single centre's experience with focused radiotherapy where benefit was not gained by medical or surgical approaches.MethodsRadiotherapy as an alternative and adjuvant treatment for prolactinomas has been performed at our institution with the linear accelerator since 1990. We present a retrospective review of 13 patients managed with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and 5 managed with fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT), as well as 5 managed with conventional radiotherapy, at the Prince of Wales Hospital. Patients with a histopathologically diagnosed prolactinoma were eligible. Those patients who had a confirmed pathological diagnosis of prolactinoma following surgical intervention, a prolactin level elevated above 500 μg/L, or a prolactin level persistently elevated above 200 μg/L with exclusion of other causes were represented in this review.ResultsAt the end of documented follow‐up (SRS median 6 years, FSRT median 2 years), no SRS patients showed an increase in tumour volume. After FSRT, 1 patient showed an increase in size, 2 showed a decrease in size and 2 patients showed no change. Prolactin levels trended towards improvement after SRS and FSRT, but no patients achieved the remission level of <20 μg/L. Seven of 13 patients in the SRS group achieved a level of <500 μg/L, whereas no patients reached this target after FSRT.ConclusionsA reduction in prolactin level is frequent after SRS and FSRT for prolactinomas; however, true biochemical remission is uncommon. Tumour volume control in this series was excellent, but this may be related to the natural history of the disease. Morbidity and mortality after stereotactic radiation were very low in this series.
Four‐dimensional computed tomography and detection of dynamic capitate subluxation
Authors: Repse Stephen E , Amis Benjamin , Troupis John M 
Published: November 2014

SummaryMidcarpal instability syndrome is often misdiagnosed, leading to delayed recognition, treatment and possibly poor clinical outcome. Four‐dimensional computed tomography (4D CT) has previously proved useful in assessment of the acromioclavicular joint and wrist motion, allowing clinicians and radiologists to gain an understanding of abnormalities in function as well as morphology, which often contribute to patient symptoms. We present the case of a 25‐year‐old male with no history of trauma who presents with several months of a right wrist clunk on both passive and active (load bearing) motion. Plain film and 1.5 Tesla MRI with intra‐articular contrast demonstrates a normal appearance, without joint space, tendon or ligament disturbance. We further investigated this condition using a wide volume detector CT scanning technique (4D CT). Data from the patient's asymptomatic wrist was utilized as a comparison for this study. Assessment of cine movie files from the symptomatic wrist revealed abnormal subluxation of the capitate from the lunate when compared with the normal wrist, in which the capitate did not deviate from the concavity of the lunate and did not cross the perpendicular line from the superior pole of the lunate in any phase of motion, which we defined as capitate subluxation. 4D CT allows for detection of capitate subluxation in an earlier stage of disease progression, constituting earlier recognition and providing the opportunity for earlier treatment of the disease, potentially mitigating significant patient morbidity. We have been able to confidently identify capitate subluxation both visually (assessment of the sagittal RLC axis) and objectively (documentation of percent subluxation of the capitate beyond the superior pole of the lunate). We propose that 4D CT investigation of all functional carpal instability syndromes may be beneficial as this technique has the potential to significantly increase our knowledge of dynamic carpal bone abnormalities.
Evidence for annexin A6‐dependent plasma membrane remodelling of lipid domains
Authors: Alvarez‐Guaita Anna , Vilà de Muga Sandra , Owen Dylan M , Williamson David , Magenau Astrid , García‐Melero Ana , Reverter Meritxell , Hoque Monira , Cairns Rose , Cornely Rhea , Tebar Francesc , Grewal Thomas , Gaus Katharina , Ayala‐Sanmartín Jesús , Enrich Carlos , Rentero Carles 
Published: November 2014

Background and PurposeAnnexin A6 (AnxA6) is a calcium‐dependent phospholipid‐binding protein that can be recruited to the plasma membrane to function as a scaffolding protein to regulate signal complex formation, endo‐ and exocytic pathways as well as distribution of cellular cholesterol. Here, we have investigated how AnxA6 influences the membrane order.Experimental ApproachWe used Laurdan and di‐4‐ANEPPDHQ staining in (i) artificial membranes; (ii) live cells to investigate membrane packing and ordered lipid phases; and (iii) a super‐resolution imaging (photoactivated localization microscopy, PALM) and Ripley's K second‐order point pattern analysis approach to assess how AnxA6 regulates plasma membrane order domains and protein clustering.Key ResultsIn artificial membranes, purified AnxA6 induced a global increase in membrane order. However, confocal microscopy using di‐4‐ANEPPDHQ in live cells showed that cells expressing AnxA6, which reduces plasma membrane cholesterol levels and modifies the actin cytoskeleton meshwork, displayed a decrease in membrane order (∼15 and 30% in A431 and MEF cells respectively). PALM data from Lck10 and Src15 membrane raft/non‐raft markers revealed that AnxA6 expression induced clustering of both raft and non‐raft markers. Altered clustering of Lck10 and Src15 in cells expressing AnxA6 was also observed after cholesterol extraction with methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin or actin cytoskeleton disruption with latrunculin B.Conclusions and ImplicationsAnxA6‐induced plasma membrane remodelling indicated that elevated AnxA6 expression decreased membrane order through the regulation of cellular cholesterol homeostasis and the actin cytoskeleton. This study provides the first evidence from live cells that support current models of annexins as membrane organizers.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Annexins VII Programme. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2015.172.issue‐7
Relay zone evolution: a history of repeated fault propagation and linkage, central Corinth rift, Greece
Authors: Hemelsdaël Romain , Ford Mary 
Published: November 2014

AbstractEstablished models indicate that, before being breached, relay zones along rift borders can evolve either by lengthening and rotating during progressive overlap of growing fault segments (isolated fault model), or, by simply rotating without lengthening before breaching (coherent fault model). The spatio‐temporal distribution of vertical motions in a relay zone can thus be used to distinguish fault growth mechanisms. Depositional relay zones that develop at sea level and accommodate both deposition on the ramp itself as well as transfer of sediments from the uplifting footwall into the hangingwall depocentres and provide the most complete record of vertical motions. We examine the development of a depositional relay ramp on the border of the active Corinth rift, Greece to reconstruct fault interaction in time and space using both onshore and offshore (2D seismic lines) data. The Akrata relay zone developed over a period of ca. 0.5 Myr since the Middle Pleistocene between the newly forming East Helike Fault (EHF) that propagated towards the older, more established Derveni Fault (DF). The relay zone captured the Krathis River, which deposited prograding Gilbert‐type deltas on the sub‐horizontal ramp. Successive oblique faults record progressive linkage and basinward migration of accommodation along the ramp axis, whereas marine terraces record diachronous uplift in their footwalls. Although early linkage of the relay zone occurs, continuous propagation and linkage of the EHF onto the static DF is recorded before final beaching. Rotation on forced folds above the upward and laterally propagating normal faults at the borders of the relay zone represents the ramp hinges. The Akrata relay zone cannot be compared directly to a simple fault growth model because (1) the relay zone connects two fault segments of different generations; (2) multiple linkages during propagation was facilitated by the presence of pre‐existing crustal structures, inherited from the Hellenide fold and thrust belt. The linkage of the EHF to the DF contributed to the westward and northward propagation of the southern rift border.
Respiratory tract dendritic cells in paediatric asthma
Authors: Brugha R. , Mushtaq N. , McCarthy N. E. , Stagg A. J. , Grigg J. 
Published: November 2014

SummaryBackgroundAirway dendritic cells (DC) are critical mediators of lung inflammation in asthma, but the characteristics of DC in the airways of healthy children, and children with asthma, are currently unknown.ObjectiveWe sought to identify changes in DC subset distribution and activation profile in paediatric asthma using flow cytometry to analyse induced sputum samples obtained from healthy and asthmatic children.MethodsLung function and atopic status were determined by spirometry and skin prick testing. Induced sputum samples were analysed using 7‐colour flow cytometry to identify airway DC populations (lineage− HLA‐DR+ sputum cells expressing either CD11c as conventional DC or CD123 as plasmacytoid DC).ResultsSputum samples containing lower airway plugs were obtained from 10 healthy children and 8 children with asthma. Lineage− HLA‐DR+ DC were successfully identified in all samples, and DC comprised a significantly higher proportion of sputum cells in children with asthma compared with age‐matched healthy controls (1.29% vs. 0.67%, P = 0.02). DC expression of the costimulatory marker CD86 was significantly reduced in asthmatic children (73.4% vs. 59.7%, P = 0.04). Sputum DC also included numerous CD1c+ cells (mean 57% of the total DC population) and low frequencies of cells expressing the subset markers CD141 or CD123, although the proportions of these did not differ between groups.ConclusionsAirway DC can be identified and characterized non‐invasively using flow cytometry to analyse paediatric sputum samples. Our data reveal that children with steroid‐treated asthma exhibit increased frequency of airway DC with reduced expression of the costimulatory marker CD86, suggesting altered trafficking and/or maturation of these cells either due to asthma or steroid therapies.
New insights into factors influencing adult height in short SGA children: Results of a large multicentre growth hormone trial
Authors: Renes J.S. , Willemsen R.H. , Mulder J.C. , Bakker‐van Waarde W.M. , Rotteveel J. , Oostdijk W. , Houdijk E.C.A.M. , Westerlaken C. , Noordam C. , Verrijn Stuart A.A. , Odink R.J. , de Ridder M.A.J. , Hokken‐Koelega A.C.S. 
Published: November 2014

SummaryBackgroundGrowth hormone (GH) treatment is effective in improving adult height (AH) in short children born SGA. However, there is a wide variation in height gain, even after adjustment for predictive variables. It is therefore important to investigate new factors which can influence the response to GH.ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy of GH treatment (1 mg/m2/day) in short SGA children on AH. To assess the relation between spontaneous catch‐up growth after birth and growth during puberty on the total height gain SDS to AH.PatientsLongitudinal GH trial in 170 children.ResultsMedian age at start of GH was 7·1 years and height −3·0 SDS. AH was −1·8 SDS (TH‐corrected AH −1·1 SDS) in boys and −1·9 SDS (TH‐corrected AH −1·3 SDS) in girls. Spontaneous catch‐up growth after birth was ≥0·5 SDS in 42% of children. In contrast to expectation, spontaneous catch‐up growth was negatively correlated with total height gain SDS during GH (P = 0·009). During puberty, height SDS declined (−0·4 SDS in boys and −0·5 SDS in girls) resulting in a lower total height gain SDS than expected. Pubertal height gain was 25·5 cm in boys and 15·3 cm in girls, significantly lower compared to AGA children (P < 0·001). At onset of puberty, BA for boys and girls was moderately advanced (P = 0·02 and P < 0·001, respectively). Growth velocity was comparable to AGA children during the first two years of puberty, but thereafter significantly lower until reaching AH (P < 0·001).ConclusionIn contrast to our hypothesis, children with greater spontaneous catch‐up growth after birth show a lower total height gain SDS during GH. Height SDS declines from mid‐puberty, due to a marked early deceleration of growth velocity.
Role of operative airway evaluation in children with recurrent croup: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Duval M. , Tarasidis G. , Grimmer J.F. , Muntz H.R. , Park A.H. , Smith M. , Asfour F. , Meier J. 
Published: November 2014

ObjectiveDetermine which risk factors in children with recurrent croup warrant bronchoscopic evaluation.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingTertiary paediatric hospital.ParticipantsChildren with recurrent croup who underwent a rigid bronchoscopy between 2001 and 2013.Main outcome measuresBronchoscopy findings, classified as normal, mildly abnormal or significantly abnormal.ResultsTwo hundred and thirty‐five children underwent a rigid bronchoscopy and 110 underwent a flexible oesophagoscopy. One hundred and forty‐five children (61.7%) had a mildly abnormal exam, and 27 children (11.5%) had significant findings that required a surgical intervention or grade 2 or greater subglottic stenosis. The significantly abnormal group included 4 children with laryngomalacia, 2 with a subglottic cyst, 8 with grade 2 or 3 subglottic stenosis and 13 children who underwent a surgical procedure for subglottic stenosis. Sixty‐seven children had a preoperative diagnosis of asthma, 62 were atopic and 78 had symptoms of gastro‐oesophageal reflux. Oesophagoscopy was diagnostic of gastro‐oesophageal reflux in 19 of 110 cases, and 106 children (45.1%) had bronchoscopic findings suggestive of GERD. Eight children had eosinophilic oesophagitis. After multivariate analysis, significantly abnormal bronchoscopy was significantly associated with chronic cough (P = 0.02), have a previous intubation (P = 0.002) or be younger than 3 years old (P = 0.01).ConclusionSignificant findings on bronchoscopy that warranted further surgical intervention were uncommon in this cohort. Nearly half of the patients had evidence of gastro‐oesophageal reflux. In patients without risk factors for significant abnormalities, empiric medical management may be beneficial prior to endoscopy.
A meta‐analysis of studies on attitudes toward bears and wolves across Europe 1976–2012
Authors: Dressel S. , Sandström C. , Ericsson G. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe ranges of wolves (Canis lupus) and bears (Ursus arctos) across Europe have expanded recently, and it is important to assess public attitudes toward this expansion because responses toward these species vary widely. General attitudes toward an object are good predictors of broad behavioral patterns; thus, attitudes toward wolves and bears can be used as indicators to assess the social foundation for future conservation efforts. However, most attitude surveys toward bears and wolves are limited in scope, both temporally and spatially, and provide only a snapshot of attitudes. To extend the results of individual surveys over a much larger temporal and geographical range so as to identify transnational patterns and changes in attitudes toward bears and wolves over time, we conducted a meta‐analysis. Our analysis included 105 quantitative surveys conducted in 24 countries from 1976 to 2012. Across Europe, people's attitudes were more positive toward bears than wolves. Attitudes toward bears became more positive over time, but attitudes toward wolves seemed to become less favorable the longer people coexisted with them. Younger and more educated people had more positive attitudes toward wolves and bears than people who had experienced damage from these species, and farmers and hunters had less positive attitudes toward wolves than the general public. For bears attitudes among social groups did not differ. To inform conservation of large carnivores, we recommend that standardized longitudinal surveys be established to monitor changes in attitudes over time relative to carnivore population development. Our results emphasize the need for interdisciplinary research in this field and more advanced explanatory models capable of capturing individual and societal responses to changes in large carnivore policy and management.