bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A signature of neural coding at human perceptual limits
Authors: Bays Paul M 
Published: May 2016

AbstractSimple visual features, such as orientation, are thought to be represented in the spiking of visual neurons using population codes. I show that optimal decoding of such activity predicts characteristic deviations from the normal distribution of errors at low gains. Examining human perception of orientation stimuli, I show that these predicted deviations are present at near-threshold levels of contrast. The findings may provide a neural-level explanation for the appearance of a threshold in perceptual awareness, whereby stimuli are categorized as seen or unseen. As well as varying in error magnitude, perceptual judgments differ in certainty about what was observed. I demonstrate that variations in the total spiking activity of a neural population can account for the empirical relationship between subjective confidence and precision. These results establish population coding and decoding as the neural basis of perception and perceptual confidence.
Bracken: Estimating species abundance in metagenomics data
Authors: Lu Jennifer , Breitwieser Florian P , Thielen Peter , Salzberg Steven L 
Published: May 2016

AbstractWe describe a new, highly accurate statistical method that computes the abundance of species in DNA sequences from a metagenomics sample. Bracken (Bayesian Reestimation of Abundance after Classification with KrakEN) uses the taxonomy labels assigned by Kraken, a highly accurate metagenomics classification algorithm, to estimate the number of reads originating from each species present in a sample. Kraken classifies reads to the best matching location in the taxonomic tree, but does not estimate abundances of species. We use the Kraken database itself to derive probabilities that describe how much sequence from each genome is shared with other genomes in the database, and combine this information with the assignments for a particular sample to estimate abundance at the species level, the genus level, or above. Combined with the Kraken classifier, Bracken produces accurate species-and genus-level abundance estimates even when a sample contains multiple near-identical species.
A novel homology-based algorithm for the identification of physically linked clusters of paralogous genes
Authors: Ortiz Juan F. , Rokas Antonis 
Published: May 2016

AbstractHighly diverse phenotypic traits are often encoded by clusters of gene paralogs that are physically linked on chromosomes. Examples include olfactory receptor gene clusters involved in the recognition of diverse odors, defensin and phospholipase gene clusters involved in snake venoms, and Hox gene clusters involved in morphological diversity. Historically, gene clusters have been identified subjectively as genomic neighborhoods containing several paralogs, however, their genomic arrangements are often highly variable with respect to gene number, intergenic distance, and synteny. For example, the prolactin gene cluster shows variation in paralogous gene number, order and intergenic distance across mammals, whereas animal Hox gene clusters are often broken into sub-clusters of different sizes. A lack of formal definition for clusters of gene paralogs does not only hamper the study of their evolutionary dynamics, but also the discovery of novel ones in the exponentially growing body of genomic data. To address this gap, we developed a novel homology-based algorithm, CGPFinder, which formalizes and automates the identification of clusters of gene paralogs (CGPs) by examining the physical distribution of individual gene members of families of paralogous genes across chromosomes. Application of CGPFinder to diverse mammalian genomes accurately identified CGPs for many well-known gene clusters in the human and mouse genomes (e.g., Hox, protocadherin, Siglec, and beta-globin gene clusters) as well as for 20 other mammalian genomes. Differences were due to the exclusion of non-homologous genes that have historically been considered parts of specific gene clusters, the inclusion or absence of one or more genes between the CGPs and their corresponding gene clusters, and the splitting of certain gene clusters into distinct CGPs. Finally, examination of human genes showing tissue-specific enhancement of their expression by CGPFinder identified members of several well-known gene clusters (e.g., cytochrome P450, aquaporins, and olfactory receptors) and revealed that they were unequally distributed across tissues. By formalizing and automating the identification of CGPs and of genes that are members of CGPs, CGPFinder will facilitate furthering our understanding of the evolutionary dynamics of genomic neighborhoods containing CGPs, their functional implications, and how they are associated with phenotypic diversity.
Investigating preconditions for a financially advantageous cloud usage
Authors: Jede Andreas , Teuteberg Frank 
Published: May 2016

Purpose
Information technology (IT) expenses constitute an important factor when choosing efficient IT systems. Especially with regard to cloud computing (CC), decision-makers tend to associate cost benefits. In this context, cloud providers present often undifferentiated sample calculations which aim to verify the financial favorability of their IT solutions. However, the scientific literature tries to encounter this by means of various total costs of ownership approaches. But science mostly neglects essential factors and does not provide an integrated approach involving factors, such as cost of capital, taxation effects, use intensity or duration of use. Hence, the purpose of this study is to involve these factors accordingly.

Design/methodology/approach
The paper uses a multi-method approach. First, existing literature is analyzed by a systematic literature review. Afterwards, the initial model is developed by means of a formal notation. Finally, the suitability of the formal model is evaluated by a real-life case study, where simulation software is used for investigating various scenarios.

Findings
The underlying paper discusses a formal model which integrates the four stated factors and enables decision-makers to compare cloud-based IT services on a comprehensive financial basis. Thus, the rational cost comparisons with traditional IT systems such as on-premise (OP) increase the transparency of the CC field significantly.

Originality/value
This paper shows impressively the importance of the four mentioned factors and their influence on the decision whether to implement cloud services or OP services. Herein, to the best of our knowledge and for the first time, a cash-flow-based comparison model is created for comparing cloud services and OP solutions.
Ownership structure and earnings management: evidence from Jordan
Authors: Saleem Salem Alzoubi Ebraheem 
Published: May 2016

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the association between internal corporate governance mechanism and earnings management of Jordanian companies. More specifically, the author examines several hypotheses regarding the relationships between ownership and earnings management.Design/methodology/approachThis study measures the magnitude of discretionary accruals as a proxy for earnings management using the cross-sectional modified Jones model. A number of econometric techniques are used including ordinary least squares and generalized least squares to test the relationship between company ownership and earnings management, using a sample of 62 companies listed on the Amman Stock Exchange.FindingsThe results revealed that insider managerial ownership, institutional ownership, external blockholder, family ownership and foreign ownership have superior influence on financial reporting quality, as it is, to a greater extent, potentially able to curtail earnings management. The findings contended that the aspects of ownership structure have a significant influence on earnings management, which is in agreement with the theories of corporate governance and opinions that have been highlighted through a number of international bodies.Research limitations/implicationsDue to lack of data, the paper depends on cross-sectional data applied to isolate abnormal accruals.Practical implicationsThe evidence may be conceivably beneficial as a supporting fundamental for regulatory action, particularly those that affect the ownership structure. The findings have significant implications for regulators as well as supervisors, who will benefit by the comprehension of how ownership structure affects earnings management and enhance financial reporting quality.Originality/valueThe current research produced its essential contribution through empirically displaying that ownership structure has different implications on earnings management. Moreover, the results recommended that both policymakers and researchers would no longer contemplate ownership structure as a whole, given that ownership structure has different implications on earnings management, measured by the discretionary accruals.
The use of customer-centric philosophy in hotels to improve customer loyalty
Authors: Palacios-Marques Daniel , Guijarro Maria , Carrilero Agustin 
Published: May 2016

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the impact the quality of online and multi-channel offers have on perceived value. It is also analyzed whether customer-centric management will ensure a greater perceived value and loyalty of the customer for the hotel. The authors analyze its relationship with customer satisfaction, perceived value and switching costs related to hotels with customer-centric management.Design/methodology/approachThe sample of the paper are hotel users with Internet access. The authors have obtained 420 valid questionnaires through personal interviews. The statistical methodology used is the causal analysis, using structural equation models.FindingsThe empirical results of this paper indicate that by improving the online quality offered by hotels with a personalized online service and an increased efficiency of the service, reducing information asymmetries, search and transaction time and bargaining costs, building loyalty by customization and innovation, the customer perceives more value in the service provided by hotels.Originality/valueIt is analyzed empirically how the customer-centric philosophy, a key philosophy for the hotel sector, allows an effective differentiation, greater customer loyalty and, therefore, an increased profitability of the company.
How does word of mouth affect customer satisfaction?
Authors: Shi Wenhua , Tang Lingshu , Zhang Xiaohang , Gao Yu , Zhu Yameng 
Published: May 2016

Purpose
Although word of mouth (WOM) affects customers’ purchasing intentions to a large extent, prior research has neglected the role of WOM as a driver of customer satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach
Several scholars have suggested that WOM can not only affect customer expectation but also can influence perceived quality. Consistent with existing research results and the expectancy disparity model, this paper established a causal relation between WOM and customer satisfaction and confirmed it was drawing on an experimental study.

Findings
This paper indicates that positive or negative WOM affects customer satisfaction by promoting or lowering customers’ expectations. This relation is moderated by product type, rather than the source of the WOM. With experience goods, positive (negative) WOM will decrease (increase) customer satisfaction. However, with search goods, positive (negative) WOM will increase (decrease) customer satisfaction.

Originality/value
The results of this study have implications for academia and management. Academically, this study establishes the causal relation between WOM and customer satisfaction, expanding the research on the relation between WOM and satisfaction. From a managerial perspective, the promotion of WOM also can create certain service risks.
Severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions
Authors: Chung Wen‐Hung , Wang Chuang‐Wei , Dao Ro‐Lan 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe clinical manifestations of drug eruptions can range from mild maculopapular exanthema to severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions (SCAR), including drug‐induced hypersensitivity syndrome/drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms, Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) which are rare but occasionally fatal. Some pathogens may induce skin reactions mimicking SCAR. There are several models to explain the interaction of human leukocyte antigen (HLA), drug and T‐cell receptor (TCR): (i) the “hapten/prohapten” theory; (ii) the “p‐i concept”; (iii) the “altered peptide repertoire”; and (iv) the “altered TCR repertoire”. The checkpoints of molecular mechanisms of SCAR include specific drug antigens interacting with the specific HLA loci (e.g. HLA‐B*15:02 for carbamazepine‐induced SJS/TEN and HLA‐B*58:01 for allopurinol‐induced SCAR), involvement of specific TCR, induction of T‐cell‐mediated responses (e.g. granulysin, Fas ligand, perforin/granzyme B and T‐helper 1/2‐associated cytokines) and cell death mechanism (e.g. miR‐18a‐5p‐induced apoptosis; annexin A1 and formyl peptide receptor 1‐induced necroptosis in keratinocytes). In addition to immune mechanism, metabolism has been found to play a role in the pathogenesis of SCAR, such as recent findings of strong association of CYP2C9*3 with phenytoin‐induced SCAR and impaired renal function with allopurinol SCAR. With a better understanding of the mechanisms, effective therapeutics and prevention for SCAR can be improved.
Spatial and Temporal Variation of Water Temperature Regimes on the Snoqualmie River Network
Authors: Ashley Steel E. , Sowder Colin , Peterson Erin E. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractAlthough mean temperatures change annually and are highly correlated with elevation, the entire thermal regime on the Snoqualmie River, Washington, USA does not simply shift with elevation or season. Particular facets of the thermal regime have unique spatial patterns on the river network and at particular times of the year. We used a spatially and temporally dense temperature dataset to generate 13 temperature metrics representing popular summary measures (e.g., minimum, mean, or maximum temperature) and wavelet variances over each of seven time windows. Spatial stream‐network models which account for within‐network dependence were fit using three commonly used predictors of riverine thermal regime (elevation, mean annual discharge, and percent commercial area) to each temperature metric in each time window. Predictors were strongly related (r2 > 0.6) to common summaries of the thermal regime but were less effective at describing other facets of the thermal regime. Relationships shifted with season and across facets. Summer mean temperatures decreased strongly with increasing elevation but this relationship was weaker for winter mean temperatures and winter minimum temperatures; it was reversed for mean daily range and there was no relationship between elevation and wavelet variances. We provide examples of how enriched information about the spatial and temporal complexities of natural thermal regimes can improve management and monitoring of aquatic resources.
Postoperative chemoradiotherapy improves survival in patients with stage II–III esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: An analysis of clinical outcomes
Authors: Zou Bingwen , Pang Jing , Liu Yongmei , Xu Yong , Li Lu , Zhou Lin , Zhu Jiang , Huang Meijuan , Wang Jin , Ren Li , Gong Youlin , Lu You , Chen Longqi , Peng Feng 
Published: May 2016

BackgroundWe compared the efficacy of postoperative chemoradiation (POCRT) and surgery alone (SA) in patients with stageII–IIIesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).MethodsWe analyzed the records of 265 patients with stageII–III ESCCwho had undergone transthoracic esophagectomy and lymphadenectomy; 105 patients receivedPOCRT, while 160 hadSA.ResultsThe median disease‐free survival (DFS) of the whole cohort was 22 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 19.2–24.8), while the median overall survival (OS) was 29 months (95%CI25.5–32.5). The medianDFSof theSAgroup was 21 months (95%CI17.9–24.0), while that of thePOCRTgroup was 29 months (95%CI18.8–31.2;P= 0.048). Consistently, patients in thePOCRTgroup had significantly longer medianOSthan patients in theSAgroup (34 vs. 26 months, respectively). Subgroup analysis showed that in patients with positive lymph nodes, pathological stageIII, T3–4 stage, and poorly differentiated carcinoma,POCRTwas apparently more effective thanSAat improvingOSand decreasing the rates of local recurrence and distant metastasis. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that lymph node involvement and treatment withPOCRTwere independent prognostic factors.ConclusionCompared withSA,POCRTmay be more effective in improvingOSand decreasing the rates of local recurrence and distant metastasis, particularly in stageIIIor positive lymph node stageII–III ESCCpatients.
New Life for the Octopus: How Voting Rules Sustain the Power of California's Big Landowners
Authors: Gaffney Mason , Goodall Merrill 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe concentrated ownership of farmland has influenced rural life in the state of California for more than a century. Reformers have introduced measures to counteract that concentration, such as acreage limits on farms receiving water from federally funded projects. Large landowners have fought back with policies that have protected their ability to amass and maintain their empires. In the first part of this article, Mason Gaffney presents this historical background in broad outlines. In the second part, Merrill Goodall explains an important policy that preserves the power of entrenched interests: water districts that are governed by a board elected by a voting system that allots one vote to each dollar of land value. In these districts, a tiny handful of landowners is able to control a public agency without opposition and without the need to persuade other voters.
Choroidal vascularity index – a novel optical coherence tomography parameter for disease monitoring in diabetes mellitus?
Authors: Tan Kara‐Anne , Laude Augustinus , Yip Vivien , Loo Eileen , Wong Elizabeth P. , Agrawal Rupesh 
Published: May 2016

AbstractPurposeTo propose the use of choroidal vascularity index (CVI) as a novel tool to assess vascular status of the choroid using image binarization of enhanced depth imaging (EDI) optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans in diabetes mellitus (DM).MethodsA prospective cross‐sectional study was performed at a tertiary referral eye care centre in Singapore. Age and gender matched EDI‐OCT scans of 38 eyes of 19 patients with DM were compared with eyes of healthy controls (n = 19). The choroidal images were binarized into luminal areas (LA) and stromal areas (SA). Choroidal vascularity index (CVI) was defined as the proportion of LA to total circumscribed subfoveal choroid area (TCA). Mean choroidal thickness, mean retinal thickness and mean CVI between patients and controls were compared using student's t‐test.ResultsThere were no significant differences in TCA (p = 0.78), LA (p = 0.90), SA (p = 0.33), average choroidal (p = 0.40) or retinal thickness (p = 0.70) between patients with DM and controls. However, there was a significantly lower CVI in patients with DM as compared to controls (65.10 ± 0.20 versus 67.20 ± 0.16, p < 0.0001).ConclusionEyes of patients with DM showed decreased CVI with no corresponding change in choroidal thickness. Image binarization may be potentially useful as a tool to assess choroidal structures and vasculature.
Association of the polymorphism Y402H in the CFH gene with response to anti‐VEGF treatment in age‐related macular degeneration: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Hong Nan , Shen Ye , Yu Chen‐Ying , Wang Shu‐Qun , Tong Jian‐Ping 
Published: May 2016

AbstractTo explore whether the complement factor H (CFH) polymorphism rs1061170/Y402H is associated with responsiveness to antivascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents in age‐related macular degeneration (AMD). We reviewed the English literature to examine the association between the polymorphism rs1061170/Y402H of the CFH gene and responsiveness to treatment with anti‐VEGF drugs in AMD patients. A meta‐analysis of eligible studies was also performed. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs were estimated using Stata V.12.0. Statistical heterogeneity was measured using Q‐statistic testing. Fourteen relevant studies including a total of 2963 AMD patients were eligible. In AMD patients without a treatment history, individuals carrying the rs1061170/Y402H TT genotype were more likely to achieve a better outcome (OR = 1.932, 95% CI = 1.125–3.317, p = 0.017) than those carrying the CC genotype. The polymorphism rs1061170/Y402H might be a genetic predictor of treatment response to anti‐VEGF therapy in AMD patients. Further prospective research including a larger number of patients is needed to validate this finding.
Long‐term follow‐up of astigmatic keratotomy for corneal astigmatism after penetrating keratoplasty
Authors: Böhringer Daniel , Dineva Nina , Maier Philip , Birnbaum Florian , Kirschkamp Thomas , Reinhard Thomas , Eberwein Philipp 
Published: May 2016

AbstractPurposeTo report the long‐term stability of paired arcuate corneal keratotomies (AKs) in patients with high regular postpenetrating keratoplasty astigmatism.MethodsRetrospective chart review of best‐corrected visual acuity, refraction and keratometric values of 41 eyes with AK between 2003 and 2012.ResultsMagnitude of median target induced astigmatism vector was 9.2 dioptres (Dpt). We reached a median magnitude of surgically induced astigmatism vector of 9.81 Dpt and a median magnitude of difference vector of 5.5 Dpt. In keratometry, we achieved a net median astigmatism reduction by 3.3 Dpt. The average correction index was 1.14, showing a slight overcorrection. Irregularity of keratometric astigmatism increased by 0.6 Dpt, and spherical equivalent changed by 1.75 Dpt. Monocular best spectacle corrected visual acuity increased from preoperatively 20/63 (0.5 logMAR) to 20/40 (0.3 logMAR) postoperatively. Median gain on the ETDRS chart was two lines. Long‐term follow‐up showed a median keratometric astigmatic increase by 0.3 Dpt per year.ConclusionArcuate corneal keratotomies is a safe and effective method to reduce high regular corneal astigmatism following penetrating keratoplasty but has limited predictability. The long‐term follow‐up shows an increase of keratometric astigmatism by 0.3 Dpt/year, equalizing the surgical effect after 10 years.