bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The variation in incidence of amputation throughout England
Authors: Jeffcoate William , Young Bob , Holman Naomi 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe incidence of major amputation in diabetes varies up to 10‐fold between primary care trusts (PCTs) in England. Historically, there have been concerns about the reliability of databases which are used to obtain such figures, but the available evidence suggests that the documented variation is likely to be real. While a high prevalence of ethnic minorities may contribute to the low incidence observed in some PCTs, it is also thought the variation may relate largely to the structure of available specialist services.This paper reviews the factors which need to be considered in exploring possible explanations for the variation which has been observed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons.
Nanocomposites based on copolymers of fluorinated imide and polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane macromonomer: microstructure and morphology studies
Authors: Gnanasekaran Dhorali , Madrhavan Karunakaran , Tsibouklis John , Reddy BoreddySR 
Published: June 2012

AbstractTowards the development of copolymeric nanocomposites, N‐3(trifluoromethyl)phenyl‐7‐oxanorbornene‐5,6‐dicarboximide (TFI) monomer and a macromonomer of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) were synthesized. Ring‐opening metathesis polymerization to copolymerization of specified proportions of the two co‐monomers was carried out. All the monomers and polymers were characterized using Fourier transform IR analysis and 1H and 29Si NMR. Gel permeation chromatography shows that copolymeric nanocomposites have a lower average molar mass than a homopolymer of TFI (HTFI). TGA shows that the thermal stability of the copolymer is inversely proportional to the proportion of POSS units. DSC studies have demonstrated that the glass transition temperature (Tg) of a nanocomposite possessing 25 wt% POSS is at a higher temperature (180 °C) than that of HTFI (175 °C). Transmission electron microscopy and AFM images of copolymers are consistent with the self‐assembled spherical aggregation of POSS units, while X‐ray diffraction studies have confirmed the homogeneous dispersion of the same units within the nanocomposites. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Validation of energy prediction method for a concentrator photovoltaic module in Toyohashi Japan
Authors: Chan Ngai Lam Alvin , Young Thomas B. , Brindley Helen E. , Ekins‐Daukes Nicholas John , Araki Kenji , Kemmoku Yoshishige , Yamaguchi Masafumi 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACTIII–V concentrator photovoltaic systems attain high efficiency through the use of series connected multi‐junction solar cells. As these solar cells absorb over distinct bands over the solar spectrum, they have a more complex response to real illumination conditions than conventional silicon solar cells. Estimates for annual energy yield made assuming fixed reference spectra can vary by up to 15% depending on the assumptions made. Using a detailed computer simulation, the behaviour of a 20‐cell InGaP/In0.01GaAs/Ge multi‐junction concentrator system was simulated in 5‐min intervals over an entire year, accounting for changes in direct normal irradiance, humidity, temperature and aerosol optical depth. The simulation was compared with concentrator system monitoring data taken over the same period and excellent agreement (within 2%) in the annual energy yield was obtained. Air mass, aerosol optical depth and precipitable water have been identified as atmospheric parameters with the largest impact on system efficiency. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modification of polysaccharides via thiol‐ene chemistry: A versatile route to functional biomaterials
Authors: Mergy Jimmy , Fournier Audrey , Hachet Emilie , Auzély‐Velty Rachel 
Published: June 2012

AbstractWe present herein a mild and rapid method for the modular functionalization of polysaccharides. Several ene‐functional charged and neutral polysaccharides, that is, hyaluronic acid and dextran, were prepared by esterification of the hydroxyl groups with pentenoic anhydride. The modified polysaccharides were then reacted with six model mercaptans under UV light, leading to linear polymers modified with hydrophobic groups, peptides, or oligosaccharides as well as chemical hydrogels. The thiol‐ene coupling reactions were found to proceed with high efficiency in short reaction times and with nearly no degradation of the polysaccharide backbone. Moreover, they were carried out in aqueous media, without the use of any metal catalysts, enhancing the attractive nature of this process. Notably, we investigated whether it is feasible to prepare cell‐responsive hydrogels by sequential bioconjugation and cross‐linking of the polysaccharide backbone with a bioactive peptide and poly(ethylene glycol)‐dithiol, respectively. All together, these results highlight the potential of this coupling strategy for the modular functionalization of polysaccharides under click chemistry‐like conditions. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Synthesis of polybenzoxazine precursors using thiols: Simultaneous thiol–ene and ring‐opening reactions
Authors: Beyazkilic Zeynep , Kahveci Muhammet U. , Aydogan Binnur , Kiskan Baris , Yagci Yusuf 
Published: June 2012

AbstractA new class of polybenzoxazine precursors of combined molecular structure of benzoxazine in the open and ring form has been developed. Thermally curable benzoxazine networks were obtained by simultaneous photoinduced thiol‐ene and Catalytic Opening of the Lateral Benzoxazine Rings by Thiols (COLBERT). The thiol‐ene reactions were initiated by photolysis of a free radical photoinitiator, 2, 2‐dimethoxy‐2‐phenyl acetophenone (DMPA), and the competing COLBERT reaction was triggered by thiol compound, 1,2‐ethanedithiol, present in the reaction mixture. The extent of reactions was evaluated by conducting experiments both under UV irradiation and in dark using model benzoxazines. The precursor soft films (pre‐P(B‐ala‐DTE)) were prepared by irradiating solutions of diallyl functional benzoxazine (B‐ala), 1,2‐ethanedithiol and DMPA. The obtained pre‐P(B‐ala‐DTE) films were then cured through thermally activated ring opening reaction of remaining benzoxazine groups yielding a more rigid and tough film. Thermal and mechanical properties of the films were investigated by DSC, DMA and TGA and compared with a typical polybenzoxazine, P(B‐ala). © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Photoresponsive water‐dispersible polyaniline nanoparticles through template synthesis with copolymer micelle containing coumarin groups
Authors: Luo Jing , Zhou Qun , Sun Jun , Jiang Jinqiang , Zhou Xin , Zhang Hongwu , Liu Xiaoya 
Published: June 2012

AbstractA novel kind of photosensitive water‐dispersible polyaniline (PANI) nanoparticles was designed and prepared by template synthesis using a photo‐responsive vinyl‐coumarin (VM)/2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanesulfonic acid (AMPS) copolymer micelle containing coumarin moieties. The resulting PANI nanoparticles exhibited reversible photo‐crosslinking and photo‐decrosslinking behavior similar to coumarin moiety upon irradiation with different UV light as verified by UV–vis absorption. In addition, photoinduced size change of the PANI nanoparticles after 365 nm UV light irradiation was successfully monitored by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy measurements, further confirming the photosensitivity of the obtained PANI nanoparticles by the incorporation of VM/AMPS copolymer. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Acceptability to Patients of PhysioDirect Telephone Advice and Treatment Services: A Qualitative Investigation
Authors: Pearson Jennifer , Richardson Jane , Calnan Michael , Salisbury Chris , Foster Nadine 
Published: June 2012

IntroductionIn response to long patient waiting lists and problems of access, several primary care trusts have developed telephone assessment and treatment services led by physiotherapists (Foster et al., 2011). The PhysioDirect trial funded by the Medical Research Council is a randomized trial comparing this approach with usual physiotherapy care (Salisbury et al., 2009). This nested qualitative study aimed to explore and understand the key issues that determine patient acceptability of the PhysioDirect service.MethodsSemi‐structured interviews were conducted with 57 purposively sampled patients with musculoskeletal problems participating in the randomized trial. The framework method (Ritchie and Lewis, 2003) was used to analyse the qualitative data.ResultsAcceptable features of the new PhysioDirect service were that patients considered it to be prompt, accessible and efficient. However, these benefits were often ‘traded off’ with less acceptable features. For example, patients perceived the PhysioDirect telephone assessment to be less personal than face‐to‐face contact, and some found it difficult to explain functional problems over the telephone. Patients who chose not to re‐contact the PhysioDirect service despite ongoing symptoms explained that this was because of reluctance to explain their problem again, fears about miscommunication and an inability to recall the advice from the first telephone call. Despite these reservations, most patients could foresee PhysioDirect within future physiotherapy services.ConclusionsOverall, patients found the PhysioDirect service acceptable and thought it to be prompt, accessible and efficient, yet these benefits were traded off with several less acceptable features. To conclude, the qualitative evidence suggests that there are no major patient barriers to their utilization of the PhysioDirect service. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hash function‐based secret sharing scheme designs
Authors: Chum Chi Sing , Zhang Xiaowen 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACTSecret sharing schemes create an effective method to safeguard a secret by dividing it among several participants. By using hash functions and the herding hashes technique, we first set up a (t + 1, n) threshold scheme that is perfect and ideal and then extend it to schemes for any general access structure. The schemes can be further set up as proactive or verifiable if necessary. The setup and recovery of the secret are efficient because of the fast calculation of the hash function. The proposed scheme is flexible because of the use of existing hash functions. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A learning progression for water in socio‐ecological systems
Authors: Gunckel Kristin L. , Covitt Beth A. , Salinas Ivan , Anderson Charles W. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractProviding model‐based accounts (explanations and predictions) of water and substances in water moving through environmental systems is an important practice for environmental science literacy and necessary for citizens confronting global and local water quantity and quality issues. In this article we present a learning progression for water in environmental systems for students in elementary through high school grades. We investigated student accounts of water and substances in water moving through atmospheric, surface, and soil/groundwater systems, including human‐engineered components of these systems. Using an iterative process of model design, assessment, and interpretation, we identified four levels of achievement in student reasoning. Levels 1 and 2 force‐dynamic accounts explain movement of water as interactions between natural tendencies of water and countervailing powers. Level 3 incomplete school science accounts put events in order and trace water and substance along multiple pathways that include hidden and invisible components. Only Level 4 qualitative model‐based accounts include driving forces and constraining factors to explain or predict where water and substances in water move in given situations. The majority of high school students on average provide accounts between levels 2 and 3. We discuss the significance of these results for citizen participation in addressing common water issues. We end with suggestions for how the water learning progression can be used to inform changes to curricula, assessment, and instruction to support students in achieving level 4 performance. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 49: 843–868, 2012
Perceived service quality in Ethiopian retail banks
Authors: Mersha Tigineh , Sriram Ven , Yeshanew Haile , Gebre Yonatan 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThis study uses the SERVQUAL method to assess perceived service quality in selected Ethiopian banks based on customer surveys conducted in three private and the largest public bank in Addis Ababa. For all banks, service expectations were not matched by perceived performance. While there were only a few differences in service expectations between public and private banks, private banks were perceived to be relatively better in delivering service. The findings also indicate that perceived service quality falls short of customer expectations in all the five dimensions of service quality—tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, assurance and empathy—with the largest perception‐expectation gap observed for the empathy dimension. As the banking sector becomes increasingly more competitive in Ethiopia, these findings can provide valuable insight to bank managers regarding the specific customer service issues that they need to address in their ongoing effort to attract and retain more customers. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Is snow in the Alps receding or disappearing?
Authors: Beniston Martin 
Published: June 2012

AbstractSnow in a populated and economically diverse region such as the Alps plays an important role in both natural environmental systems, (e.g., hydrology and vegetation), and a range of socio‐economic sectors (e.g., tourism or hydropower). Changes in snow amount and duration may impact upon these systems in various ways. The objective of this text is to assess whether the public perception that snow has been receding in recent decades in the European Alps is indeed upheld by observations of the behavior of the mountain snow‐pack in the last few decades. This article will show that, depending on location—and in particular according to altitude—the quantity of snow and the length of the snow season have indeed changed over the past century. While a major driving factor for this is clearly to be found in recent warming trends, other processes also contribute to the reduction in snow, such as the influence of the North Atlantic Oscillation on the variability of the mountain snow‐pack. This article ends with a short glimpse to the future, based on recent model studies that suggest that snow at low to medium elevations will indeed have all but disappeared by 2100. WIREs Clim Change 2012 doi: 10.1002/wcc.179This article is categorized under:

Paleoclimates and Current Trends > Modern Climate Change
Synthesis, Structure, and Supramolecular Chemistry of Three Azide Manganese Complexes with 2, 6‐Bis(benzimidazol‐2‐yl)pyridine
Authors: Wang Chuan‐Feng , Dai Guo‐Liang , Jin Zheng‐Neng , He Zhi‐Cai 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThree azide complexes with the tridentate ligand 2, 6‐bis(benzimidazol‐2‐yl)pyridine (H2BBIP) were synthesized and their complicated supramolecular interactions were investigated with single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Interestingly, the complexes are assembled by bifurcated hydrogen bonding, double helical π–π stacking, or anion–π stacking interactions of the benzimidazole rings by tuning the reaction conditions (temperature, ratio, solvent). Complex 1 is a mononuclear compound, namely, Mn(H2BBIP)N3(CH3O)·CH3OH. In its 3D supramolecular network, the nitrogen atom of the azide anion is acting as hydrogen bonding bifurcated acceptor. Complex 2 is a dinuclear compound, namely, Mn2(H2BBIP)2(N3)2·(H2O)0.5. The dinuclear unit is connected by intramolecular π–π stacking interactions. Furthermore, double helical π–π stacking interactions in the benzimidazole rings are observed. Complex 3, Mn2(H2BBIP)2(N3)2·CH3OH, can be formulated as a pseudopolymorph of complex 2, which exhibits intramolecular π–π stacking interactions as well as anion–π interactions in the dinuclear unit.
Prospective Evaluation of In‐hospital Mortality with the P‐POSSUM Scoring System in Patients Undergoing Major Digestive Surgery
Authors: Merad Féthi , Baron Gabriel , Pasquet Blandine , Hennet Henry , Kohlmann Gérard , Warlin Fred , Desrousseaux Bruno , Fingerhut Abe , Ravaud Philippe , Hay Jean‐Marie 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe P‐POSSUM score, the most well known of predictive scores for postoperative mortality, requires validation for population and setting.MethodsValidation methods included discrimination (C‐index statistic), observed:expected (O:E) ratio, calibration with the Hosmer‐Lemeshow test, and subgroup analysis (emergency surgery, cancer, age, organs). The study included 3,881 multisite patients undergoing major digestive surgery in France.ResultsDiscrimination via the receiver operating characteristic curve was good (C‐index = 0.87). The overall O:E ratio was 1 (95% confidence interval ([95 % CI]: 0.88–1.13), and therefore the quality of the surgical performance is within normal ranges. The O:E ratio, calculated by risk ranges, showed overestimation in the low risk range, especially in the 3 % to 6 % and 6 % to 10 % ranges. Calibration was poor (p < 0.001). The model deviated from the normal pattern of calibration, with mortality lower than expected in the high‐risk range. Subgroup analysis found reasonable to good discrimination of populations (C‐index ranging from 0.78 to 0.93 except for liver surgery [0.67]) while calibration of individuals remained poor (p < 0.001 to 0.02).ConclusionsGood discrimination, as well as nonsignificant overall O:E values, makes P‐POSSUM a valuable tool when it is used for surgical audit to compare mortality between populations for major digestive surgery. Conversely, poor calibration (goodness‐of‐fit), especially in subgroup analysis, and underestimation or overestimation of O:E ratios considerably limits the value of P‐POSSUM for prediction of mortality in individuals. Therefore P‐POSSUM should not be used to predict outcomes for one particular patient.
Enhancing Teen Pregnancy Prevention in Local Communities: Capacity Building Using the Interactive Systems Framework
Authors: Duffy Jennifer L. , Prince Mary Severson , Johnson Erin E. , Alton Forrest L. , Flynn Shannon , Faye Amy Mattison , Padgett Polly Edwards , Rollison Chris , Becker Dana , Hinzey Angela L. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractGetting To Outcomes (GTO), an innovative framework for planning, implementing, evaluating, and sustaining interventions has been shown to be effective in helping community‐based organizations (CBOs) introduce science‐based approaches into their prevention work. However, the Interactive Systems Framework (ISF) suggests that adopting innovations like GTO requires a significant amount of capacity building through training and technical assistance (T/TA). In this study, 11 CBOs and three schools in South Carolina entered into a 3 year program of intense and proactive T/TA based on the ISF to learn how to apply an adaptation of GTO (Promoting Science‐Based Approaches‐Getting To Outcomes, PSBA‐GTO) to their teen pregnancy prevention programs. Using semi‐structured interviews, the partnering organizations were assessed at three points in time, pre‐T/TA, 12 months, and post T/TA (30 months) for their performance of the steps of GTO in their work. The seven organizations which participated in T/TA until the end of the project received an average of 76 h of TA and 112 h of training per organization. Interview results showed increased performance of all 10 steps of PSBA‐GTO by these organizations when conducting their teen pregnancy programs. These results suggest targeted and proactive T/TA can successfully bridge the gap between research and practice by using a three part delivery system, as prescribed in the ISF, which relies on an intermediary prevention support system to ensure accurate and effective translation of research to the everyday work of community‐based practitioners.Special Issue: Advances in Bridging Research and Practice Using the Interactive System Framework for Dissemination and Implementation; Guest Editors: Abraham Wandersman, Paul Flaspohler, Catherine A. Lesesne, Richard Puddy; Action Editor: Emilie Phillips Smith
Augusto Gansser (1910 – 2012)
Authors: Srikantia S.V. 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
We regret to announce the sad demise of Prof. Augusto Gansser, renowned Himalayan Geologist and Honorary Fellow of the Geological Society of India, on January 9, 2012 at Massagno, a municipality in the district of Lugano in the canton of Ticino in Switzerland, at the age of 101.
Distribution of Indus born Mica along Gulf of Kachchh Coast: Implications in Understanding Current Dynamics
Authors: Prizomwala S. P. , Shukla S. B. , Bhatt Nilesh 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
Indus is one of the major sources of sediments to the Gulf of Kachchh. Yet only its &lt;63 micron fraction is studied in detail with regards to the offshore current dynamics. Hence here we present our study on characteristic signature of the Indus sediment load (i.e. mica minerals) in &gt;63 micron size fraction along the coast of Gulf of Kachchh. The spatial distribution of mica minerals along the Gulf of Kachchh coast was studied which showed in general decreasing trend as we move along the northern and southern coast of the Gulf of Kachchh but, an increase in amount near the southern mouth at Okha. The study shows that the earlier proposed tidal barrier is ineffective in restricting movement of mica across the mouth of the gulf due to its characteristic transport mechanism. Also the presence of mudflats along the gulf of Kachchh coast plays a vital role as sediment receptors in the active sediment transport processes and mica minerals prove to be a promising simple tracer in studying the Indus born sediments in the region.
Prevalence of hyperglycemia during pregnancy according to maternal age and pre‐pregnancy body mass index in Japan, 2007–2009
Authors: Morikawa Mamoru , Yamada Takashi , Yamada Takahiro , Sato Shoji , Cho Kazutoshi , Minakami Hisanori 
Published: June 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the prevalence of hyperglycemia according to maternal age and pre‐pregnancy body mass index (BMI) among Japanese women before introduction of the current diagnostic criteria.MethodsIn a retrospective study, data were analyzed from women with singleton pregnancies who were registered with the JSOG Successive Pregnancy Birth Registry System and who gave birth at 22 weeks of gestation or more between January 2007 and December 2009.ResultsAmong 138 530 women, 3667 (2.6%) were diagnosed with hyperglycemia including gestational diabetes and diabetes mellitus. The prevalence of hyperglycemia increased with advancing maternal age and increasing BMI. Among women aged ≤ 24, 25–34, 35–39, and ≥ 40 years, the prevalence was 0.4%, 0.8%, 1.5%, and 4.0%, respectively, in lean women (BMI < 18.5); 1.0%, 1.6%, 2.3%, and 3.1%, respectively, in normal weight women (BMI 18.5–24.9); and 5.7%, 9.2%, 12.9%, and 15.2%, respectively, in obese women (BMI ≥ 25.0). Of the 1181 newborns with a birth weight of 4000 g or more, 1046 (88.6%) were born to women not diagnosed with hyperglycemia.ConclusionThe results may reflect the baseline prevalence of hyperglycemia and macrosomic neonates (birth weight ≥ 4000 g) during the era of the old diagnostic criteria in Japan.