bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The travel constraints faced by retired travelers in the 21st
Authors: Moal Gaelle Marie 
Published: November 2020

PurposeThis purpose of this paper is to identify the travel constraints faced by retired travelers and the influence that becoming old in the 21st century exerts on the erection of travel barriers.Design/methodology/approachThis research relies on a qualitative approach and the narrative analysis of 15 transcribed interviews with retired adults between the ages of 60 and 85 years. It uses the typology from the hierarchical leisure constraints model to identify and classify the travel constraints faced by older adults today.FindingsInterviews with retired respondents led to the identification of 10 categories of travel constraints. The results confirm the specific influence of advancement in age and the need to reinterpret known constraints in the context of ageing today.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper contributes to the understanding of the travel constraints faced by retired adults today. It reveals the necessity to take the influence of ageing today into account to fully understand travel constraints for the current generations of retired travelers.Practical implicationsThis paper provides recommendations to help practitioners and social policy makers overcome the barriers that prevent retired adults from travelling.Social implicationsThis research helps to understand the constraints faced by retired adults when they wish to travel and provides recommendations on how to overcome them, thus contributing to helping retired adults optimize their travel potential and reap the health and wellness benefits associated with traveling.Originality/valueThis research identifies the specific constraints faced by retired adults today and presents them in a clear and readable format of constraint categories. It extends the existing research on older consumers, marketing and tourism.
A systematic review of international franchising
Authors: Alon Ilan , Apriliyanti Indri Dwi , Henríquez Parodi Massiel Carolina 
Published: November 2020

PurposeThis paper aims to provide a bibliometric meta-analysis of the already substantial and growing literature on international franchising. Franchising is a model for businesses to achieve scale with limited resources. International franchising is a mode of entry that allows firms to develop new markets with relatively little risk but also little control.Design/methodology/approachUsing a systematic approach, the paper identifies all articles in the ISI Web of Science from 1970 to 2018 that includes the term international franchising (in the title, the abstract or keywords) and finds 131 articles. This paper used HistCite software to analyze the bibliometric data.FindingsFour major research clusters in the international franchising literature are identified. In addition, this study shows a change in research patterns regarding topics, theories and methodologies from the 1970s through 2018. The paper presents the most influential articles, authors and journals.Originality/valueFrom the analyzes, this study develops a conceptual framework of international franchising and suggest avenues for future research.
Active microbial ecosystem in Iron‐Age tombs of the Etruscan civilization
Authors: Cirigliano Angela , Mura Francesco , Cecchini Adele , Tomassetti Maria Cristina , Maras Daniele Federico , Di Paola Monica , Meriggi Niccolò , Cavalieri Duccio , Negri Rodolfo , Quagliariello Andrea , Hallsworth John E. , Rinaldi Teresa 
Published: November 2020

SummaryEarth's microbial biosphere extends down through the crust and much of the subsurface, including those microbial ecosystems located within cave systems. Here, we elucidate the microbial ecosystems within anthropogenic 'caves'; the Iron‐Age, subterranean tombs of central Italy. The interior walls of the rock (calcium‐rich macco) were painted ~2500 years ago and are covered with CaCO3 needles (known as moonmilk). The aims of the current study were to: identify biological/geochemical/biophysical determinants of and characterize bacterial communities involved in CaCO3 precipitation; challenge the maxim that biogenic activity necessarily degrades surfaces; locate the bacterial cells that are the source of the CaCO3 precipitate; and gain insight into the kinetics of moonmilk formation. We reveal that this environment hosts communities that consist primarily of bacteria that are mesophilic for temperature and xerotolerance (including Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria); is populated by photosynthetic Cyanobacteria exhibiting heterotrophic nutrition (Calothrix and Chroococcidiopsis); and has CaCO3 precipitating on the rock surfaces (confirmation that this process is biogenic) that acts to preserve rather than damage the painted surface. We also identified that some community members are psychrotolerant (Polaromonas), acidotolerant or acidophilic (members of the Acidobacteria), or resistant to ionizing radiation (Brevundimonas and Truepera); elucidate the ways in which microbiology impacts mineralogy and vice versa; and reveal that biogenic formation of moonmilk can occur rapidly, that is, over a period of 10 to 56 years. We discuss the paradox that these ecosystems, that are for the most part in the dark and lack primary production, are apparently highly active, biodiverse and biomass‐rich.
Comparative proteomics of the toxigenic diazotroph Raphidiopsis raciborskii (cyanobacteria) in response to iron
Authors: D'Agostino Paul M. , Yeung Anna C. Y. , Poljak Anne , David Waite Trevor , Neilan Brett A. 
Published: November 2020

SummaryRaphidiopsis raciborskii is an invasive bloom‐forming cyanobacteria with the flexibility to utilize atmospheric and fixed nitrogen. Since nitrogen‐fixation has a high requirement for iron as an ezyme cofactor, we hypothesize that iron availability would determine the success of the species under nitrogen‐fixing conditions. This study compares the proteomic response of cylindrospermopsin‐producing and non‐toxic strains of R. racibroskii to reduced iron concentrations, under nitrogen‐fixing conditions, to examine any strain‐specific adaptations that might increase fitness under these conditions. We also compared their proteomic responses at exponential and stationary growth phases to capture the changes throughout the growth cycle. Overall, the toxic strain was more competitive under Fe‐starved conditions during exponential phase, with upregulated growth and transport‐related proteins. The non‐toxic strain showed reduced protein expression across multiple primary metabolism pathways. We propose that the increased expression of porin proteins during the exponential growth phase enables toxic strains to persist under Fe‐starved conditions with this ability providing a potential explanation for the increased fitness of cylindrospermoipsin‐producing strains during unfavourable environmental conditions.
Diversity and biomass dynamics of unicellular marine fungi during a spring phytoplankton bloom
Authors: Priest Taylor , Fuchs Bernhard , Amann Rudolf , Reich Marlis 
Published: November 2020

SummaryMicrobial communities have important functions during spring phytoplankton blooms, regulating bloom dynamics and processing organic matter. Despite extensive research into such processes, an in‐depth assessment of the fungal component is missing, especially for the smaller size fractions. We investigated the dynamics of unicellular mycoplankton during a spring phytoplankton bloom in the North Sea by 18S rRNA gene tag sequencing and a modified CARD‐FISH protocol. Visualization and enumeration of dominant taxa revealed unique cell count patterns that varied considerably over short time scales. The Rozellomycota sensu lato (s.l.) reached a maximum of 105 cells L−1, being comparable to freshwater counts. The abundance of Dikarya surpassed previous values by two orders of magnitude (105 cells L−1) and the corresponding biomass (maximum of 8.9 mg C m−3) was comparable to one reported for filamentous fungi with assigned ecological importance. Our results show that unicellular fungi are an abundant and, based on high cellular ribosome content and fast dynamics, active part of coastal microbial communities. The known ecology of the visualized taxa and the observed dynamics suggest the existence of different ecological niches that link primary and secondary food chains, highlighting the importance of unicellular fungi in food web structures and carbon transfer.
Factors affecting the doses of roxadustat vs darbepoetin alfa for anemia treatment in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Akizawa Tadao , Yamaguchi Yusuke , Majikawa Yoshikatsu , Reusch Michael 
Published: November 2020

AbstractRoxadustat is an oral hypoxia‐inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor for the treatment of anemia in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Emerging evidence suggests that roxadustat may be beneficial for patients who inadequately respond to erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents (ESAs). This post‐hoc analysis of a Japanese, double‐blind, randomized, phase 3 study in hemodialysis‐dependent CKD patients treated with traditional ESAs assessed the impact of factors associated with ESA hyporesponsiveness on roxadustat and darbepoetin alfa (DA) doses required to maintain target hemoglobin. Endpoints included mean of average doses of roxadustat and DA per administration in the last 6 weeks (AAD/6W) by prior ESA‐resistance index (ERI), iron repletion (transferrin saturation; ferritin), and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP). Of 415 enrolled patients, 303 were randomized (roxadustat, n = 151; DA, n = 152). Weight‐adjusted AAD/6W increased with increasing ERI for roxadustat (ERI <3.3, 0.89 mg/kg; ERI ≥8.4, 1.51 mg/kg) and DA (ERI <3.3, 0.26 μg/kg; ERI ≥8.4, 0.91 μg/kg); the weight‐adjusted AAD/6W relative to within‐arm mean AAD/6W showed a trend toward increased DA doses for the ERI ≥8.4 category (P = .089). AAD/6W remained stable for roxadustat but increased for DA with decreasing baseline iron repletion markers. The relationship between roxadustat doses and end of treatment (EoT) hs‐CRP was not significant (estimated slope, −0.494; P = .814); a trend toward increased DA doses was observed with increasing EoT hs‐CRP (estimated slope, 2.973; P = .075). Roxadustat doses required to maintain target hemoglobin appear to be less affected by factors that underlie ESA hyporesponsiveness, relative to DA; roxadustat may be beneficial for patients hyporesponsive to ESAs.
The role of CEOs in the sustainability of defined benefit pension plans
Authors: Horton Joanne , Kiosse Paraskevi Vicky , Koumenta Maria , Mitrou Evisa 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACTThe future of defined benefit (DB) pensions is a hotly debated topic in reward management. Drawing on agency and managerial power theories, the conditions under which CEOs can affect their sustainability have been examined. We show that when the CEO is a member of the same DB plan as their employees or when the CEO is both a member and a trustee of the plan, this affects the agency and power dynamics increasing the likelihood of these plans being retained. To address endogeneity concerns, we mimic randomisation using propensity score matching and the results continue to hold. Using the introduction of pension tax penalties as an exogenous shock on CEO self‐interest, we find that it affects the propensity of DB plan closures. The study highlights the key role that CEO incentives play on pension–provision decisions and indicates how HR practitioners/regulators can harness CEO self‐interest to safeguard the sustainability of DB pension plans.
MiR‐221‐5p is involved in the regulation of inflammatory responses in acute gouty arthritis by targeting IL‐1β
Authors: Li Guangwen , Zhang Huihui , Ma Hong , Qu Shiping , Xing Qian , Wang Ge 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAimGout is caused by the accumulation of deposited monosodium urate (MSU) crystals in the joints. Recent studies have shown that interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) is a key inflammatory mediator of acute gouty arthritis (AGA), and its level is regulated by microRNAs (miRNAs). The purpose of this study was to study the role of miR‐221‐5p in the pathogenesis of AGA.MethodsOne hundred patients with AGA and 94 healthy individuals were recruited. The expression of serum miR‐221‐5p was determined by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The receiver operating curve (ROC) was applied for diagnostic value analysis. A luciferase reporter assay was performed to confirm the interaction of miRNA and the 3′‐untranslated region (UTR) of IL‐1β. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect serum and proinflammatory factors.ResultsmiR‐221‐5p had lower expression in the serum of AGA patients. The area under the curve was 0.884, the sensitivity was 82.0%, and the specificity was 80.9%. Serum miR‐221‐5p was negatively correlated with the expression levels of visual analog scale and IL‐1β. Cell experiments showed that overexpression of miR‐221‐5p significantly inhibited the expression of inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor‐α, IL‐8, and IL‐1β, while down‐regulation of miR‐221‐5p was the opposite. Luciferase analysis showed that IL‐1β was the target gene of miR‐221‐5p.ConclusionsThis study confirmed that miR‐221‐5p regulates the production of inflammatory cytokines during the pathogenesis of AGA. These results suggested that miR‐221‐5p could be used as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of AGA.
The Adjustment of International Institutions to Global Power Shifts: A Framework for Analysis
Authors: Kruck Andreas , Zangl Bernhard 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAs powers such as China and India rise, and powers such as the US or the UK decline, international institutions such as the United Nations Security Council, the World Trade Organization and the International Monetary Fund come under pressure to adapt to new power realities. In the wake of global power shifts, both emerging and established powers may challenge the institutional status quo. Contrary to what most power transition and power shift theories assume, challengers do not always draw on power bargaining to pursue institutional adjustment. In some issue areas, they do, but in others they employ alternative strategies including strategic cooptation, rhetorical coercion and principled persuasion. In order to contribute to a better understanding of institutional adjustments to global power shifts, the introduction to this special issue theorizes these various strategies. First, we conceptualize power bargaining, strategic cooptation, rhetorical coercion and principled persuasion as distinct strategies for institutional adjustment. Second, we elaborate on the conditions under which challengers choose particular strategies. Third, we specify the conditions under which challengers are able to achieve institutional adaptation through a particular strategy. Finally, we discuss broader implications for the future of the international order and the management of global power shifts.
Increased transcriptome variation and localised DNA methylation changes in oocytes from aged mice revealed by parallel single‐cell analysis
Authors: Castillo‐Fernandez Juan , Herrera‐Puerta Erika , Demond Hannah , Clark Stephen J. , Hanna Courtney W. , Hemberger Myriam , Kelsey Gavin 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAdvancing maternal age causes a progressive reduction in fertility. The decline in developmental competence of the oocyte with age is likely to be a consequence of multiple contributory factors. Loss of epigenetic quality of the oocyte could impair early developmental events or programme adverse outcomes in offspring that manifest only later in life. Here, we undertake joint profiling of the transcriptome and DNA methylome of individual oocytes from reproductively young and old mice undergoing natural ovulation. We find reduced complexity as well as increased variance in the transcriptome of oocytes from aged females. This transcriptome heterogeneity is reflected in the identification of discrete sub‐populations. Oocytes with a transcriptome characteristic of immature chromatin configuration (NSN) clustered into two groups: one with reduced developmental competence, as indicated by lower expression of maternal effect genes, and one with a young‐like transcriptome. Oocytes from older females had on average reduced CpG methylation, but the characteristic bimodal methylation landscape of the oocyte was preserved. Germline differentially methylated regions of imprinted genes were appropriately methylated irrespective of age. For the majority of differentially expressed transcripts, the absence of correlated methylation changes suggests a post‐transcriptional basis for most age‐related effects on the transcriptome. However, we did find differences in gene body methylation at which there were corresponding changes in gene expression, indicating age‐related effects on transcription that translate into methylation differences. Interestingly, oocytes varied in expression and methylation of these genes, which could contribute to variable competence of oocytes or penetrance of maternal age‐related phenotypes in offspring.
Is there a trade‐off between environmental performance and financial resilience? International evidence from the subprime crisis
Authors: Marsat Sylvain , Pijourlet Guillaume , Ullah Muhammad 
Published: November 2020

AbstractCompanies face mounting pressure to be environmentally conscious, yet they simultanously have to cope with more frequent financial crises. Whether environmental performance (EP) improves or mitigates the resilience of a firm when confronted with a financial shock is then of particular importance. Our survival analysis shows that high pre‐crisis EP significantly increased the time of firms’ market price recovery after the subprime crisis. This result suggests that EP appears as an organisational constraint that may limit the ability of firms to be financially resilient. However, in less environmentally oriented countries, EP does not negatively influence a firm’s financial resilience.
Experimenting first with e‐cigarettes versus first with cigarettes and transition to daily cigarette use among adolescents: the crucial effect of age at first experiment
Authors: Legleye Stéphane , Aubin Henri‐Jean , Falissard Bruno , Beck François , Spilka Stanislas 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackground and aimsMost studies in English‐speaking countries have found a positive association between e‐cigarette experimentation and subsequent daily tobacco smoking among adolescents. However, this result may not be valid in other cultural contexts; in addition, few studies have assessed whether this association varies with the subject' age at the time of e‐cigarette experimentation. This study aimed to estimate the association between experimenting first with e‐cigarette (rather than tobacco) and subsequent daily smoking according to age at the time of experimentation.DesignSecondary analysis; risk ratios (RRs) computed using modified Poisson regressions with inverse probability weighting.SettingA cross‐sectional nation‐wide representative survey performed in 2017 in France.ParticipantsFrench adolescents (n = 24 111), aged 17 to 18.5 years, who had previously experimented with either e‐cigarettes or tobacco.MeasuresExposure was defined as the experimentation with e‐cigarettes first (whether or not followed by experimentation with tobacco); the outcome as daily tobacco smoking at the time of data collection. Gender, age, literacy, socio‐economic status, pre‐exposure repeat school years and experimentation with drunkeness, 3 licit and 8 illicit drugs were adjusted for. Uncertainties about the sequence of events defining exposure were handled by the definition of three patterns of exposure, to avoid a misclassification bias.FindingsExposure reduced the risk of transition to daily smoking: RR = 0.58, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.54, 0.62. This effect increased in a linear manner with age at exposure (RR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.78; 0.98 for 1 year, P < 0.001): from RR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.09; 1.54 at age 9 to RR = 0.38, 95% CI = 0.32; 0.45 at age 17.ConclusionsExperimenting with e‐cigarettes first (as opposed to tobacco first) appears to be associated with a reduction in the risk of daily tobacco smoking among French adolescents aged 17–18.5, but this risk varies negatively with age at experimentation, and early e‐cigarette experimenters are at higher risk.
Baseline correlations and prognostic impact of serum monoclonal proteins in follicular lymphoma
Authors: Mozas Pablo , Rivero Andrea , Rivas‐Delgado Alfredo , Fabregat Aleix , Piñeyroa Juan A. , Correa Juan G. , Nadeu Ferran , Oliver Aina , Bataller Alex , Giné Eva , Delgado Julio , Villamor Neus , Cibeira Maria T. , Fernández de Larrea Carlos , Rosiñol Laura , Campo Elías , Aróstegui Juan I. , Bladé Joan , Magnano Laura , López‐Guillermo Armando 
Published: November 2020

SummaryThe presence of a serum monoclonal component has been associated with poor outcomes in some lymphomas. However, data in follicular lymphoma (FL) are scarce. We studied 311 FL patients diagnosed at a single institution, for whom information on serum immunofixation electrophoresis (sIFE) at diagnosis was available. Baseline characteristics and outcomes were compared between patients with a positive (+sIFE) and a negative sIFE (−sIFE). sIFE was positive in 82 patients (26%). Baseline features were comparable between both groups, except for an older age and higher proportion of elevated β2‐microglobulin levels in the +sIFE group. With a median follow‐up of 4.6 years, a +sIFE was associated with a higher risk of early relapse (POD24, 27% vs. 15%, P = 0·02), shorter progression‐free survival (PFS; 42% vs. 52% at 5 years, P = 0·008), and shorter overall survival (OS; 59% vs. 77% at 10 years, P = 0·046). In patients >60 years, a +sIFE was an independent predictor of OS [hazard ratio (HR) = 2·4, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1·2–5·0; P = 0·02]. Approximately one quarter of patients with FL has a +sIFE at diagnosis, which is a predictor of poor outcome. These findings encourage further investigation of its relationship with B‐cell biology and the tumour microenvironment.