bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluating Extraction Methods to Study Canine Urine Microbiota
Authors: Mrofchak R. , Madden C. , Evans M.V. , Hale V.L. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe urinary microbiota is the collection of microbes present in urine that play a role in host health. Studies of urine microbiota have traditionally relied upon culturing methods aimed at identifying pathogens. However, recent culture-free sequencing studies of the urine microbiota have determined that a diverse array of microbes are present in health and disease. To study these microbes and their potential role in diseases like bladder cancer or interstitial cystitis, consistent extraction and detection of microbial DNA from urine is critical. However, urine is a low biomass substrate, requiring sensitive methods to capture DNA and making the risk of contamination high. To address this challenge, we collected urine samples from ten healthy dogs and extracted DNA from each sample using five different commercially available extraction methods. Extraction methods were compared based on total and bacterial DNA concentrations and microbial community composition and diversity assessed through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Significant differences in the urinary microbiota were observed by dog and sex but not extraction method. The Bacteremia kit yielded the highest total DNA concentrations (Kruskal-Wallis,p= 0.165, not significant) and the highest bacterial DNA concentrations (Kruskal-Wallis,p= 0.044). Bacteremia also extracted bacterial DNA from the greatest number of samples. Taken together, these results suggest that the Bacteremia kit is an effective option for studying the urine microbiota. This work lays the foundation to study the urine microbiome in a wide range of urogenital diseases in dogs and other species.HighlightsCanine urine microbiota differed by sex and dog but not extraction method.Qiagen Bacteremia kit yielded the highest bacterial DNA concentrations from urine.The Bacteremia kit extracted bacterial DNA from the greatest number of samples.Absolute abundance ofSphingomonasspecies increased in female dog urine.Pasteurellaceaebacterium canine oral taxon 272 increased in male dog urine.
Serotonin modulates learning content-specific neuroplasticity of functional brain networks
Authors: Klöbl Manfred , Seiger René , Vanicek Thomas , Handschuh Patricia , Reed Murray Bruce , Spurny Benjamin , Ritter Vera , Godbersen Godber Mathis , Gryglewski Gregor , Kraus Christoph , Hahn Andreas , Lanzenberger Rupert 
Published: January 2021

AbstractLearning-induced neuroplastic changes, further modulated by content and setting, are mirrored in brain functional connectivity (FC). In animal models, serotonergic agents were shown to facilitate neuroplasticity. This is especially prominent during emotional relearning, such as fear extinction, which may translate to clinical improvements in human patients. To investigate this assumption, 99 healthy subjects underwent six weeks of emotional or non-emotional learning and subsequent relearning. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging was performed before and after the learning phases to investigate changes in FC. During relearning, subjects received either a daily dose of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) escitalopram or placebo. Escitalopram intake modulated FC changes in a network comprising Broca’s area, the medial prefrontal cortex, the right inferior temporal and left lingual gyrus. More specifically, escitalopram increased the bidirectional connectivity between medial prefrontal cortex and lingual gyrus for non-emotional and additionally the connectivity from medial prefrontal cortex to Broca’s area for emotional relearning. The context-dependence of these effects supports the assumption that SSRIs in clinical practice might improve neuroplasticity rather than psychiatric symptoms per se. Correlations with learning behavior further point towards a relationship with extinction processes in relearning. These results demonstrate that escitalopram intake during relearning results in content-dependent network adaptations and support the conclusion that enhanced neuroplasticity might be the major underlying mechanism also in humans. Beyond expanding the complexities of learning, these findings emphasize the influence of external factors on serotonin-facilitated neuroplasticity of the human brain.
The human cerebellum is essential for modulating perceptual sensitivity based on temporal expectations
Authors: Breska Assaf , Ivry Richard B. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractA functional benefit of attention is to proactively enhance perceptual sensitivity in space and time. Although attentional orienting has traditionally been associated with cortico-thalamic networks, recent evidence has shown that individuals with cerebellar degeneration (CD) show a reduced reaction time benefit from cues that enable temporal anticipation. While this deficit may reflect impairment in anticipatory motor preparation, it could also arise from cerebellar contribution to attentional modulation in time of perceptual sensitivity. To examine this, we tested CD participants on a non-speeded, challenging perceptual discrimination task, asking if they benefit from temporal cues. Strikingly, the CD group showed no duration-specific perceptual sensitivity benefit when cued by repeated but aperiodic presentation of the target interval. In contrast, they performed similar to controls when cued by a rhythmic stream. This dissociation further specifies the functional domain of the cerebellum and establishes its role in the attentional adjustment of perceptual sensitivity in time.
Convergent evolution of resistance pathways during early stage breast cancer treatment with combination cell cycle (CDK) and endocrine inhibitors
Authors: Griffiths Jason I. , Chen Jinfeng , Cosgrove Patrick A. , O’Dea Anne , Sharma Priyanka , Ma Cynthia , Trivedi Meghna , Kalinsky Kevin , Wisinski Kari B. , O’Regan Ruth , Makhoul Issam , Spring Laura M. , Bardia Aditya , Adler Frederick R. , Cohen Adam L. , Chang Jeffrey T. , Khan Qamar J. , Bild Andrea H. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractCombining cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors with endocrine therapy improves outcomes for metastatic estrogen receptor positive (ER+), HER2 negative, breast cancer patients. However, the value of this combination in potentially curable earlier stage patients is not clear. Using single cell transcriptomic profiling, we examined the evolutionary trajectories of early stage breast cancer tumors using serial tumor biopsies from a clinical trial of preoperative endocrine therapy (letrozole) alone or in combination with the cell cycle inhibitor ribociclib. Applying hierarchical regression and Gaussian process mathematical modelling, we classified each tumor by whether it shrinks or persists with therapy and determined cancer phenotypes related to evolution of resistance and cell cycle transcriptional rewiring. We found that all patients’ tumors undergo subclonal evolution during therapy, irrespective of the clinical response. However, tumors subjected to endocrine therapy alone showed reduced diversity over time, while those facing combination therapy exhibited increased diversity. Despite different subclonal diversity, single nuclei RNA sequencing uncovered common phenotypic changes in tumor cells that persist following treatment. In these tumors, cancer cells with accelerated loss of estrogen signaling have convergent up-regulation of the JNK pathway, while cells that maintain estrogen signaling during therapy show potentiation of CDK4/6 activation consistent with ERBB4 and ERK signaling up-regulation. These convergent phenotypes were associated with growing tumors resistant to combination therapy. Cell cycle reconstruction identified that these tumors can rebound during combination therapy treatment, indicating stronger selection and promotion of a proliferative state. These results indicate that combination therapy in early stage ER+ breast cancers with ER and CDK inhibition drives rapid evolution of resistance via a shift from estrogen signaling to alternative growth factor receptor mediated proliferation and JNK signaling activation, concordant with a bypass in the G1 checkpoint.
Using the life course paradigm to study financial well-being in late life
Authors: Prakitsuwan Pattharanitcha , Moschis George P. , Shannon Randall 
Published: January 2021

PurposeThis study aims to show how the increasingly popular life course paradigm (LCP) can be employed as an alternative to the successful aging perspective (SAP) as an overarching conceptual research framework to study elderly consumers' financial well-being.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire was administered to a convenience sample of 804 Thai consumers over the age of 45 selected via the snowball method.FindingsSignificant results were found for hypotheses derived from the LCP for older consumers' financial well-being, suggesting critical roles of early life experiences, developmental factors, adaptation mechanisms and contextual factors.Originality/valueThis paper shows how efforts to study consumers over the course of their lives can be improved by utilizing the principles and theoretical perspectives of the LCP and offers research directions for studying not only older consumer well-being but also numerous consumer behavior issues at any stage of life in an innovative way.
Exploring the roles of lead organisations in spreading sustainability standards throughout food supply chains in an emerging economy
Authors: Silva Minelle E. , Dias Gustavo Picanço , Gold Stefan 
Published: January 2021

PurposeThis paper investigates how food supply chains (SCs) introduce sustainability standards (i.e. organic and/or Fair Trade labels). The authors combined the concepts of power and dependence with types of governance mechanisms to analyse for-profit and cooperative organisations. The authors explored nuances of how lead organisations are spreading sustainability standards.Design/methodology/approachFour cashew nut and honey SCs were investigated as case studies in Brazil, with data gathered through 15 interviews, secondary data and field visits. Data were examined through a content analysis process following a combined deductive and inductive approach.FindingsSustainability is spread driven by market pressure, mainly through the diffusion of technical information, either by lead organisations enablers or inter-organisational relations. The authors found that the type and structure of organisations impact the source of power (mediated or non-mediated) and level of mutual dependence between buyer and supplier. For instance, suppliers that hold a strategic position use direct governance mechanisms, which, in turn, lessens the power imbalance in regard to the lead organisation. The authors found in the analysis, a close relation between governance mechanisms and the spread of sustainability, which is ultimately based on strong SC relationships.Practical implicationsBy recognising their role and the contingencies in spreading sustainability standards along the SC, managers of lead organisations can better design their relationships as well as create strategies to increase their supply chain sustainability (SCS) performance.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the underexplored issue of how sustainability standards are spread throughout SCs in Latin America. Also, it shows how different types of SC rely on governance mechanisms that foster SCS.
Reinforcement learning for content's customization: a first step of experimentation in Skyscanner
Authors: Giachino Chiara , Bollani Luigi , Bonadonna Alessandro , Bertetti Marco 
Published: January 2021

PurposeThe aim of the paper is to test and demonstrate the potential benefits in applying reinforcement learning instead of traditional methods to optimize the content of a company's mobile application to best help travellers finding their ideal flights. To this end, two approaches were considered and compared via simulation: standard randomized experiments or A/B testing and multi-armed bandits.Design/methodology/approachThe simulation of the two approaches to optimize the content of its mobile application and, consequently, increase flights conversions is illustrated as applied by Skyscanner, using R software.FindingsThe first results are about the comparison between the two approaches – A/B testing and multi-armed bandits – to identify the best one to achieve better results for the company. The second one is to gain experiences and suggestion in the application of the two approaches useful for other industries/companies.Research limitations/implicationsThe case study demonstrated, via simulation, the potential benefits to apply the reinforcement learning in a company. Finally, the multi-armed bandit was implemented in the company, but the period of the available data was limited, and due to its strategic relevance, the company cannot show all the findings.Practical implicationsThe right algorithm can change according to the situation and industry but would bring great benefits to the company's ability to surface content that is more relevant to users and help improving the experience for travellers. The study shows how to manage complexity and data to achieve good results.Originality/valueThe paper describes the approach used by an European leading company operating in the travel sector in understanding how to adapt reinforcement learning to its strategic goals. It presents a real case study and the simulation of the application of A/B testing and multi-armed bandit in Skyscanner; moreover, it highlights practical suggestion useful to other companies.
Sunset Inn: three-phase case study before, during and after the wrath of COVID-19
Authors: Khan Bukhari 
Published: January 2021

Purpose
The purpose of this case study is to explore the first-hand aftermath of the effects bestowed upon the travel industry by the coronavirus. To connect the effects to a real-life example, a particular hotel is being used as the reference point. Its ups, its downs and its day-to-day operations are reflected upon within the case study.

Design/methodology/approach
A real-life approach to this case was taken. To simplify and to further explain each of the concepts presented, mentioned and explained, the author referred back to the subject hotel, which has experienced its ups and downs owing to the coronavirus pandemic. The author has also discussed the benefits and drawbacks of each of the concepts explained within the case as well, along with real-life examples of other hotels and their specific experiences.

Findings
It was founded that economy hotels are faring better than most, if not all midscale and upscale properties. This success is attributed to multiple reasons: the availability and acceptability of contactless payments through Cash App and Venmo, the exterior access to the guestrooms, through the parking lot, rather than a hallway.

Originality/value
This case, in the author’s humble opinion, is as original as can be. Many concepts that are prominent within the business were mentioned, and further explained them and their relevancy by connecting it to the subject hotel, which too has experienced the effects of coronavirus – and the effects of the executive actions that were implemented in response of the virus.
Unravelling processes of alliance capability development: longitudinal processual insights from an emerging country multinational enterprise
Authors: Pereira Vijay , Patnaik Swetketu , Roohanifar Mohammad , Baliga Ram 
Published: January 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore and unbundle the complex processes underpinning development of alliance capabilities, particularly in the context of emerging country multinational enterprises. More specifically, this paper focuses on how firms internalize and translate knowledge generated from experiences gained by participating in international collaborations.Design/methodology/approachThe authors adopt an exploratory case study approach to undertake in-depth processual analysis of alliance capability development in an Indian biopharmaceutical company. The authors focused their analysis on the initial four international alliances the company formed and identified key elements pertaining to alliance capabilities that the company internalized and those that it could not, as this was key in understanding alliance capability.FindingsThe research shows that based on experiences from previous alliances, the Indian organization was able to overhaul its negotiation and governance designing processes and practices as well as made robust changes to its internal communication and coordination practices. Interestingly, the company organization, however, did not make any significant changes to its processes and practices regarding partner selection.Practical implicationsThe results from our study can be used by managers to develop processes and practices when it comes to developing alliance capabilities.Originality/valueThe paper is novel, as it addresses two specific gaps in the nascent alliance capability literature. First, it provides insights on how different constituent elements/aspects of alliance capability actually develop and integrate within the organizational system over time, and in the process, the paper identifies that some aspects are better internalized as compared to other aspects. Second, by focusing the attention on an Indian biopharmaceutical company, the authors attempt to address a gap in alliance capability development research, which has been neglected in emerging country multinational entities.
Flex−Buildings Designed to Change
Authors: Vink Jacques 
Published: January 2021

Flex−buildings are buildings which are literally designed to change. A flex−building must be able to accept different infills and its users must be able to easily adapt their surroundings.
Flexibility is defined as the capacity of a building to undergo modifications and accept changes of function with limited structural interventions. More than 40% of the activities housed in a flex building can continue to function during modification.
Studies into flex−buildings (commissioned by the Dutch Government) have elicited a number of insights. These are not hard−and−fast conclusions but more in the region of statements and reminders for those involved with flex−buildings.
These studies show that it takes more than civil engineering to successfully realise such buildings. Aspects of use and management are at least as important. Besides, it requires designers who are willing to let go of their design after it is finished. For the result is not a completed ‘architectural’ product but a continually changing object.
Following insights (among others) will be illustrated with built and unbuilt projects in the Netherlands.
• The façade design, for example, figures prominently in designing flexible buildings. It makes special demands on the design’s presentation during the design process, as the building can assume different appearances over time. The double facade is a promising concept that allows for expressive and/or open facades in flexible buildings. It can also help to reduce a building’s energy consumption.
• Also by deliberately incorporating excessive space and construction a building has the necessary leeway to accommodate future developments. A building’s flexibility is enhanced by oversize in structure as well as space.
• A big multi−use building in Rotterdam (H. A. Maaskant / W. van Tijen (1951)) and recent projects of RUIMTELAB are presented as case−studies. These are an inspiration for architects and planners looking for design tools to help achieve an open architecture.
New Trends in the Dutch Housing Market
Authors: Boelhouwer Peter , Hoekstra Joris 
Published: January 2021

Every few years the planning agencies in the Netherlands draw up a prognosis for the future housing needs on the basis of economic and demographic scenarios. It is our contention that, in applying this approach, the agencies neglect to take sufficient account of the influence of cultural dynamics. Against this background, a recent recommendatory report by the Dutch Council for Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment (VROM-raad 2009) drew attention to three socio-cultural trends which are currently manifesting themselves on the Dutch housing market:
1. A growing interest in living with like-minded people and in common-interest housing concepts;
2. The rise of transnational living (permanently or temporarily living abroad) and people having multiple residences;
3. An increasing mix of housing and other functions and services (care, energy, leisure, retail), which is opening up the housing market for new players.
This contribution explores the background and the expressions of these three trends that will have a significant influence on the demand for housing in the future, in spatial terms as well as with regard to quantity and quality. It turns out that the trends raise new dilemmas in spatial planning and housing policy. In order to solve these dilemmas, a different way of thinking is needed.
Is competition a cure for confusion? Evidence from the residential mortgage market
Authors: Malliaris Steven , Rettl Daniel A. , Singh Ruchi 
Published: January 2021

AbstractUsing the National Survey of Mortgage Originations, we document that borrowers who are more financially sophisticated (measured by their self‐reported understanding of the mortgage process) and more exposed to competition (measured by the number of lenders they considered) pay lower mortgage rate spreads. Yet, competition is not a substitute for sophistication: the benefits of competition accrue to sophisticates as well as to naïfs. Our results complement those from the literature detailing the limits of advice and education, and collectively they paint a pessimistic view about the prospects for simple interventions to close the mortgage rate gap between the informed and the naive.
The readiness of pediatric rheumatology patients and their parents to transition to adult‐oriented treatment
Authors: Sönmez Hafize Emine , Koç Rahime , Karadağ Şerife Gül , Aktay Ayaz Nuray 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIntroductionTransition is a planned process of pediatric patients from child‐centered to adult‐oriented treatment. Transitional care for patients with chronic diseases is essential. The present study aimed to evaluate the readiness of patients with rheumatic diseases and their parents for transition process.MethodThis is a cross‐sectional, single‐center study. All patients and their parents were questioned about their awareness of and willingness to undergo transitional care. Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire (TRAQ) was applied to all the participants. TRAQ is a tool for measuring readiness for transitional care in adolescents with chronic diseases. TRAQ includes 20 items that are divided into 2 domains: self‐management and self‐advocacy.ResultsA total of 157 (87 girls/70 boys) patients and their parents were enrolled. Of them 64 were diagnosed with familial Mediterranean fever, 52 with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, 21 with systemic lupus erythematosus, and 20 with Behçet's disease. The median age of the patients was 16 years (15‐18). However, all patients and parents accepted that transition to adult‐oriented care is necessary; only one‐third of them were aware about transitional care. Eighty (50.9%) patients and 147 (93.6%) of the parents stated that they were wishing to continue pediatric rheumatology treatment. The mean TRAQ self‐management domain and self‐advocacy domain total scores in the patients were 1.76 ± 0.51 and 1.72 ± 0.49, respectively (P = .48). The mean TRAQ total score was not different between patients and parents. When we assessed the factors affecting transition process, the TRAQ score was lower among patients with active disease, and requiring hospitalization during the previous year.ConclusionAssessment od the readiness of patients with chronic rheumatic diseases for transition care will increase the awareness of patients and their parents as well, and provide determination of the optimal time for transition.