bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between vitamin D deficiency and mortality in critically ill adult patients: a meta-analysis of cohort studies
Authors: Zhang Yan-Peng , Wan You-Dong , Sun Tong-Wen , Kan Quan-Cheng , Wang Le-Xin 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Vitamin D deficiency is common in critically ill patients, and was reported to be associated with adverse outcomes. However, the effect of vitamin D deficiency on mortality in critically ill patients remains unclear.

Methods
We searched PubMed and EMBASE from the inception to July 2014 for cohort studies to assess the effect of vitamin D deficiency on the incidence of mortality in critically ill patients. Mortality-specific odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were pooled with a random- or fixed-effect models when appropriate.

Results
Seven cohort studies with a total of 4,204 participants including 1,679 cases of vitamin D deficiency were included in this meta-analysis. Vitamin D deficiency was significantly associated with an increased hospital mortality (OR 1.76; 95% CI, 1.38 to 2.24; P <0.001), with very low heterogeneity (I2 = 2.3%; P = 0.402). The finding of increased hospital mortality in critically ill adult patients was consistently found in every stratum of our subgroup analyses.

Conclusions
This meta-analysis suggests that vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased incidence of hospital mortality in critically ill adult patients.
Hyponatremia influences the outcome of patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure: an analysis of the CANONIC study
Authors: Cárdenas Andrés , Solà Elsa , Rodríguez Ezequiel , Barreto Rogelio , Graupera Isabel , Pavesi Marco , Saliba Faouzi , Welzel Tania Mara , Martinez-Gonzalez Javier , Gustot Thierry , Bernardi Mauro , Arroyo Vicente , Ginès Pere 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Hyponatremia is a marker of poor prognosis in patients with cirrhosis. This analysis aimed to assess if hyponatremia also has prognostic value in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), a syndrome characterized by acute decompensation of cirrhosis, organ failure(s) and high short-term mortality.

Methods
We performed an analysis of the Chronic Liver Failure Consortium CANONIC database in 1,341 consecutive patients admitted to 29 European centers with acute decompensation of cirrhosis (including ascites, gastrointestinal bleeding, hepatic encephalopathy, or bacterial infections, or any combination of these), both with and without associated ACLF (301 and 1,040 respectively).

Results
Of the 301 patients with ACLF, 24.3% had hyponatremia at inclusion compared to 12.3% of 1,040 patients without ACLF (P <0.001). Model for end-stage liver disease, Child-Pugh and chronic liver failure-SOFA scores were significantly higher in patients with ACLF and hyponatremia compared to those without hyponatremia. The presence of hyponatremia (at inclusion or during hospitalization) was a predictive factor of survival both in patients with and without ACLF. The presence of hyponatremia and ACLF was found to have an independent effect on 90-day survival after adjusting for the potential confounders. Hyponatremia in non-ACLF patients nearly doubled the risk (hazard ratio (HR) 1.81 (1.33 to 2.47)) of dying at 90 days. However, when considering patients with both factors (ACLF and hyponatremia) the relative risk of dying at 90 days was significantly higher (HR 6.85 (3.85 to 12.19) than for patients without both factors. Patients with hyponatremia and ACLF had a three-month transplant-free survival of only 35.8% compared to 58.7% in those with ACLF without hyponatremia (P <0.001).

Conclusions
The presence of hyponatremia is an independent predictive factor of survival in patients with ACLF. In cirrhosis, outcome of patients with ACLF is dependent on its association with hyponatremia.
CHRFAM7A, a human-specific and partially duplicated α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor gene with the potential to specify a human-specific inflammatory response to injury
Authors: Costantini Todd W , Dang Xitong , Coimbra Raul , Eliceiri Brian P , Baird Andrew 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Conventional wisdom presumes that the α7nAChR product of CHRNA7 expression mediates the ability of the vagus nerve to regulate the inflammatory response to injury and infection. Yet, 15 years ago, a 2nd structurally distinct and human-specific α7nAChR gene was discovered that has largely escaped attention of the inflammation research community. The gene, originally called dupα7nAChR but now known as CHRFAM7A, has been studied exhaustively in psychiatric research because of its association with mental illness. However, dupα7nAChR/CHRFAM7A expression is relatively low in human brain but elevated in human leukocytes. Furthermore, α7nAChR research in human tissues has been confounded by cross-reacting antibodies and nonspecific oligonucleotide primers that crossreact in immunoblotting, immunohistochemistry, and RT-PCR. Yet, 3 independent reports show the human-specific CHRFAM7A changes cell responsiveness to the canonical α7nAChR/CHRNA7 ion-gated channel. Because of its potential for the injury research community, its possible significance to human leukocyte biology, and its relevance to human inflammation, we review the discovery and structure of the dupα7nAChR/CHRFAM7A gene, the distribution of its mRNA, and its biologic activities and then discuss its possible role(s) in specifying human inflammation and injury. In light of emerging concepts that point to a role for human-specific genes in complex human disease, the existence of a human-specific α7nAChR regulating inflammatory responses in injury underscores the need for caution in extrapolating findings in the α7nAChR literature to man. To this end, we discuss the translational implications of a uniquely human α7nAChR-like gene on new drug target discovery and therapeutics development for injury, infection, and inflammation.
The Global Transformation Toward Testing for Accountability
Authors: Smith William C. 
Published: December 2014

To ensure equal access to high quality education, the global expansion of universal basic education has included accountability measures in the form of academic tests. Presently the majority of countries participate in national testing; however, the past two decades have seen a substantial shift in test characteristics and aims. This article investigates the global transformation toward testing for accountability, where intentional or unintentional positive or negative consequences are applied to educators (teachers and administrators) based on their student’s test scores, in light of the emerging global culture, identified by World Culture theorists. Elements of the world culture – including the expansion of western education models, an emphasis on academic intelligence, faith in science as a rational path to truth, and the decentralization of authority to the local level – justify the establishment of testing for accountability systems. Descriptive evidence from regional and international datasets, such as PISA, PIRLS, and TIMSS, illustrate the speed at which this transformation occurs. The convergence of countries toward testing for accountability and its position as an increasingly normative policy lever is illustrated in brief vignettes from the diverse systems of Hungary, Mexico, and South Korea. As testing for accountability becomes embedded in the world culture as a legitimate tool for education reform it is less prone to critical reflection. If the potential benefits and concerns of testing for accountability, outlined in this article, are not thoughtfully evaluated this global transformation will lead to a testing culture that is internalized as normative and adopted as individual values.
The Development of Educational Accountability in China and Denmark
Authors: Rasmussen Palle , Zou Yihuan 
Published: December 2014

In recent decades, the concept of accountability has attracted more and more attention in public governance and management. The management of education is no exception. This article presents and discusses the evolution and current status of educational accountability in two different national contexts, China and Denmark. Two main sectors of education are covered, general school education and higher education. It is shown that both countries are marked by an increasing concern with educational accountability, that differences in history and culture between the two countries are reflected in the approaches to accountability, but that there are still considerable similarities in the types of accountability pursued. Under the influence of a transnational regime of policy development both countries seem to be moving towards output-based accountability, but more traditional inspection continues to have a role.
A new case of Casamassima-Morton-Nance (CMN) syndrome presenting prenatally as VACTERL association
Authors: Weraduwage Hashinee , Manton Nicholas , Barnett Christopher P. 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Casamassima-Morton-Nance (CMN) syndrome (OMIM 271520) has clinical overlap with spondylocostal dysostosis and Vertebral, Anorectal, Cardiac, Tracheo-Esophageal, Radial/Renal, Limb (VACTERL) association but with consistent features of anal and urogenital abnormalities, particularly ambiguous genitalia. Since the original report, it has become clear that the combination of vertebral segmentation abnormalities, rib abnormalities, and urogenital anomalies may enable prenatal diagnosis of CMN by ultrasound. CMN syndrome is an important diagnosis to consider prenatally because of the generally poor prognosis compared to the more common VACTERL association. Here we present the seventh reported case of CMN syndrome. Prenatally presenting features of multiple segmentation anomalies within the spine, a left multi-cystic dysplastic kidney, marked pelvicaliectasis with abnormal renal parenchyma and a small stomach were suggestive of VACTERL association. There was severe oligohydramnios. Termination of pregnancy was performed at 22 weeks gestation and autopsy revealed dysmorphic coarse facial features, marked scoliosis, bilateral talipes, ambiguous external genitalia, and anal atresia. These features were highly suggestive of CMN syndrome. The important discriminating feature of ambiguous genitalia was not apparent on the prenatal ultrasound in this case because of severe oligohydramnios but we suggest that careful prenatal ultrasound assessment of the genitalia in cases of suspected VACTERL is important in differentiating these two conditions.
Contribution of biopsychosocial risk factors to nonspecific neck pain in office workers: A path analysis model
Authors: Paksaichol Arpalak , Lawsirirat Chaipat , Janwantanakul Prawit 
Published: December 2014

Contribution of biopsychosocial risk factors to nonspecific neck pain in office workers: A path analysis model: Arpalak PAKSAICHOL, et al. Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, ThailandObjectiveThe etiology of nonspecific neck pain is widely accepted to be multifactorial. Each risk factor has not only direct effects on neck pain but may also exert effects indirectly through other risk factors. This study aimed to test this hypothesized model in office workers.MethodsA one‐year prospective cohort study of 559 healthy office workers was conducted. At baseline, a self‐administered questionnaire and standardized physical examination were employed to gather biopsychosocial data. Follow‐up data were collected every month for the incidence of neck pain. A regression model was built to analyze factors predicting the onset of neck pain. Path analysis was performed to examine direct and indirect associations between identified risk factors and neck pain.ResultsThe onset of neck pain was predicted by female gender, having a history of neck pain, monitor position not being level with the eyes, and frequently perceived muscular tension, of which perceived muscular tension was the strongest effector on the onset of neck pain. Gender, history of neck pain, and monitor height had indirect effects on neck pain that were mediated through perceived muscular tension. History of neck pain was the most influential effector on perceived muscular tension.ConclusionsThe results of this study support the hypothesis that each risk factors may contribute to the development of neck pain both directly and indirectly. The combination of risk factors necessary to cause neck pain is likely occupation specific. Perceived muscular tension is hypothesized to be an early sign of musculoskeletal symptoms.
Detection of Voids in Tungsten Interconnect Vias Using Laser-Induced Surface Acoustic Waves
Authors: Tower Joshua , Gostein Michael , Otsubo Koichi , Kawasaki Atsushi 
Published: December 2014

AbstractTest wafers were prepared under different process conditions of barrier and seed film deposition, in order to study the effects on tungsten plug filling. Tungsten fill percentage was measured using laser-induced surface acoustic wave metrology on plug arrays of varying plug diameter and the results were verified by SEM cross-section. The data show that, for via diameters of 0.12 micron or less, the seed deposition process is a critical factor in effective (void free) plug filling. Seed deposition by ALD and low-temperature CVD were found to be far more effective than conventional CVD. Changing the thickness of the TiN barrier layer was found to have minimal effect on the occurrence of voids. For via diameters greater than 0.12 microns, all of the seed processes led to relatively little voiding.
Effect of Plasma Pre-Treatment on Dewetting Properties of CVD Cu on CVDW2N Barrier Layer
Authors: Cheng Degang , Nuesca Guillermo , Eisenbraun Eric 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe effect of different plasma pre-treatments of chemical vapor deposited (CVD) tungsten nitride (W2N) surfaces on the dewetting behavior of subsequently grown CVD Cu films was investigated by annealing the resulting film stacks in high purity argon. It was found that a hydrogen plasma pre-treatment significantly improved the resistance to Cu dewetting from the W2N surfaces while ammonia and nitrogen plasma pretreatment slightly accelerated the dewetting process. The proposed mechanisms and ramifications of these findings were discussed.
Preparing Future Accounting Faculty Members to Teach
Authors: Dunn Kimberly A. , Hooks Karen L. , Kohlbeck Mark J. 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACT
We investigate how accounting Ph.D. programs prepare future accounting professors to fulfill their teaching responsibilities. We collect data from 75 recent graduates about their perceptions of the pedagogy training provided by their Ph.D. programs and find that pedagogical knowledge and skills are primarily self-taught with most obtained from the process of teaching a course. The pedagogy training provided by accounting doctoral programs is perceived to cover important areas; however, on a relative basis, the amount of training is significantly less than its perceived importance. Novice teachers place highest value on training of skills that affect day-to-day teaching responsibilities. Analyses also suggest that best practices for teaching pedagogy include a separate course in university pedagogy combined with an apprenticeship-type model.
Data Availability: The survey data and instrument used in this study are available upon request from the authors.
Mandibular irregularity index stability following alveolar corticotomy and grafting: A 10-year preliminary study
Authors: Makki Laith , Ferguson Donald J. , Wilcko M. Thomas , Wilcko William M. , Bjerklin Krister , Stapelberg Roelien , Al-Mulla Anas 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACT

Objective:
To evaluate mandibular irregularity index stability following orthodontic treatment facilitated by alveolar corticotomy and augmentation bone grafting (Cort+).

Materials and Methods:
The irregularity index of 121 orthodontically treated and 15 untreated patient study casts was analyzed at 5 years and 10 years.

Results:
Cort+ resulted in significantly lower mandibular irregularity index scores at both 5 years (1.5 mm vs 4.2 mm, P &lt; .000) and 10 years (2.1 mm vs 4.1 mm, P &lt; .000) compared with conventionally treated patients.

Conclusions:
Unmatched samples advise caution with conclusions, but orthodontic therapy combined with Cort+ enhanced the stability of the postorthodontic mandibular irregularity index for at least 10 years in this preliminary study.
Freizeit in der Natur verbringen trotz einer Behinderung
Authors: Rocca Marcus 
Published: December 2014

Open air recreation despite a handicap
Mobility International Switzerland (MIS) is the agency specialised in travel for people in a situation of handicap and in related issues for the tourism sector in Switzerland. It promotes one tourism for all. The main task of the agency is to collect handicap-specific travel information worldwide, and to make it available, free, by website or telephone. Another, no less important task is to increase the awareness of the tourism sector as regards the expectations and needs of people with a handicap. Over the years, MIS, in cooperation with various partners, has identified trails suitable for wheelchairs and provided signage, for instance in Toggenburg (canton of St. Gallen), in the canton of Zurich as well as for the campaign Hiking in Switzerland by Switzerland Mobility. It is important to record trails using unified criteria, and to provide precise documentation for the routes, which makes it possible for wheelchair users to access natural sites. Forest roads are often suitable for wheelchairs, but they must satisfy certain minimum requirements as regards surface, slope and obstacles (for example drainage channels).
Un ensemble exceptionnel d'orfèvrerie civile médiévale : le trésor de Coëffort
Authors: Arminjon Catherine , Muel Francis 
Published: December 2014

An exceptional find of medieval civil plate : the Coëffort treasure, by Catherine Arminjon and Francis Muel.
The study of the church plate in the treasury of the cathedral of Saint- Julien du Mans, undertaken recently by the Secrétariat Régional de l'Inventaire des Pays de la Loire, provided an opportunity for closer examination of a group of objects deposited there only a short time ago.
Thirty-one pièces of silver plate — spoons, bowls, gobelets, and an infant-feeding vessel — bearing, for the most part, inscriptions and smiths' stamps (fourteen objects are Struck with the stamp of a single goldsmith) enlarge considerably our corpus of civil works by médiéval goldsmiths. This trove, which may hereafter be called the « Coëffort Treasure », finds its place among the rare ensembles of French goldsmith work of the fourteenth and fifteenth Century : the treasure of Mal- degen, the treasure of Ariège, the so-called « Gaillon » treasure, the Burgundian treasure, and some isolated pièces such as the bowl from the treasury of Lessay now in the Cabinet des Médailles (Bibl. nat.) or the fragments of four bowls in the Musée Dobrée in Nantes. Although the Coëffort Treasure was discovered while architectural restoration work was being carried out on the salle des malades in the Hotel Dieu de Coëffort in 1953, the find was sequestered for more than ten years.
Of the various pièces, 18 bear smiths' stamps as follows : 14 circular stamps with initiais G L flanking a fleur de lys bordered by two palm branches ; three circular stamps with initiais / B flanking a fleur de lys bordered by two palm branches ; a stamp bearing a fleur de lys surmounted with a crown, ail dated between 1378 and the middle of the fifteenth Century. This dating period is confirmed by the présence of thirteen inscriptions, morphologically typical of the period, mentioning at least five persons who are known to hâve been members of the Confrérie de Coëffort between 1403 and 1441.
The exceptional number of stamps on such a homogeneous group of works, the style of the pièces and the décorative techniques as well as the inscriptions provide évidence for a sure dating in the last quarter of the fourteenth Century for one portion of the find, and the first quarter of the fifteenth century for the remainder.
These diverse objects are most likely what remains of several large orders of plate and service wäre for the Hotel Dieu, commissioned perhaps in large measure from two goldsmiths in Le Mans. The pièces seem to hâve been distributed gradually to différent members, whether they were masters or not, as they entered the confraternity, at which time their names were engraved on the bottom of the bowls.
La Vierge à l'Enfant du cloître de Saint-Denis. Une statue inédite de Pierre Surugue (1781)
Authors: Lombard-Jourdan Anne 
Published: December 2014

Le cloître de l'abbaye de Saint-Denis (XVIIIe siècle], compris aujourd'hui à l'intérieur de la Maison d'Éducation de la Légion d'honneur, est orné d'une seule statue : une Vierge portant l'Enfant, accompagnée de la formule imploratrice : monstra te esse matrem. L'abbaye se plaça toujours sous la protection de la Mère de Dieu.
Un texte inédit de la fin du XVIIIe siècle, dû au dernier organiste de l'abbaye, Ferdinand-Albert Gautier, nous apprend à la fois le nom du donateur, celui du sculpteur et la date de la statue. Dom Pierre-François Boudier (1704-1787), qui fut général de la Congrégation de Saint -Maur et, par deux fois, prieur de l'abbaye de Saint -Denis, fit aménager une niche pour recevoir la statue, choisit et paya l'artiste, qui l'exécuta et vint la mettre en place le 1er juin 1781. Peu connu jusqu ici, Pierre Surugue (1728-1786) est mentionné à, propos de terres cuites ou de bas-reliefs de petites dimensions ; il était apprécié de son temps comme portraitiste. Deux terres cuites portant sa signature sont passées récemment dans des ventes : Groupe de deux satyres symbolisant l'initiation à la musique (haut. : 52 cm.) et Calliope, 5e muse (haut. : 38 cm.).
La Vierge à l'Enfant de Saint-Denis est une statue monumentale en pierre, parfaitement intégrée à son cadre architectural : elle est placée à deux mètres cinquante de hauteur et orne le mur de fond de la galerie orientale du cloître (69 mètres de long). L'œuvre présente des ressemblances indéniables avec la Vierge à l'Enfant exécutée par Jean-Baptiste Pigalle pour l'église Saint-Sulpice (1778). Peut-être la Vierge maintenant attribuée à Pierre Surugue permettra-t-elle de rendre à cet artiste d'autres œuvre» encore cachées sous l'anonymat.