bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Robust adaptive output feedback control of a class of discrete‐time nonlinear systems with nonlinear uncertainties and unknown control directions
Authors: Dai Shi‐Lu , Yang Chenguang , Ge Shuzhi Sam , Lee Tong Heng 
Published: May 2012

SUMMARYIn this paper, robust adaptive output feedback control is studied for a class of discrete‐time nonlinear systems with functional nonlinear uncertainties of the Lipschitz type and unknown control directions. In order to construct an output feedback control, the system is transformed into the form of a nonlinear autoregressive moving average with eXogenous inputs (NARMAX) model. In order to avoid the noncausal problem in the control design, future output prediction laws and parameter update laws with the dead‐zone technique are constructed on the basis of the NARMAX model. With the employment of the predicted future outputs, a constructive output feedback adaptive control is proposed, where the discrete Nussbaum gain technique and the dead‐zone technique are used in parameter update laws. The effect of the functional nonlinear uncertainties is compensated for, such that an asymptotic tracking performance is achieved, whereas other signals in the closed‐loop systems are guaranteed to be bounded. Simulation studies are performed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In Situ Mechanical and Electrical Characterization of Individual TiO2 Nanofibers Using a Nanomanipulator System
Authors: Xu Shiyou , Li Anton , Poirier Gerald , Yao Nan 
Published: May 2012

SummaryYoung's modulus and electrical resistivity of individual titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanofibers were characterized using a nanomanipulator system installed in a focused ion beam‐scanning electron microscope (FIB‐SEM) dual‐beam Scanning Electron Microscope system. Young's modulus of individual nanofibers was deduced from the analysis of their in situ resonance behavior in response to an oscillating electric field. The electrical behavior of a single nanofiber was also analyzed by a two‐point method probed by a nanomanipulator. These results will contribute to the design of devices based on single TiO2 nanofibers, as well as devices based on nanofiber networks. The methods presented here can also be applied to characterize other one‐dimensional nanostructures. SCANNING 34: 341–346, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of the Microhardness and Morphology of Five Different Retrograde Filling Materials in Aqueous and Dry Conditions
Authors: Rhim E. M. , Huh S. Y. , Ahn S. J. , Abbott P. V. , Kim E. C. , Park S. H. 
Published: May 2012

SummaryThe purpose of the present study was to compare the effect of dry and aqueous conditions on the surface morphology and surface hardness of five materials 24 h after being used as fillings without initial setting time in dry condition. The five materials were ProRoot mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), super EBA, intermediate restorative materials (IRM), zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE), and amalgam. To evaluate microhardness, the five materials were submitted to the Vickers microhardness (VHN) test. We used a scanning electron microscope (Steroscan 440, Leica Cambridge, England) to observe the microstructural morphology of the five different materials. The VHN of MTA soaked in water showed five times lower than that of MTA soaked in dry condition. On the other hand, super EBA was less influenced by the medium of storage compared with the other materials. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images showed the similar results with microhardness tests. The surface of MTA soaked in water appeared to be unstable compared with that of dry condition while super EBA showed similarly smooth surface in both conditions (aqueous and dry). In conclusion, the physical property of MTA is reduced after storage in water; however, super EBA is less influenced by aqueous condition. SCANNING 34: 359‐366, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Strategic (MIS)FIT: The Implementation of TQM in Manufacturing Organizations
Authors: Zatzick Christopher D. , Moliterno Thomas P. , Fang Tony 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThis paper explores how fit with the organization's strategic orientation relates to performance following total quality management (TQM) implementation. Conceptualizing the organization as a system of interrelated activities, we propose that TQM is an ‘elaborating element’ that achieves internal fit when the core elements of the activity system are orientated toward a ‘cost leadership’ rather than ‘differentiation’ strategic position. When internal fit occurs, TQM drives tighter interactions among core elements in the activity system, resulting in greater performance. Using longitudinal data from a sample of 780 manufacturing organizations, we find that TQM is positively related to performance for cost leaders, but negatively related to performance for differentiators. Our findings support the contingency perspective whereby internal fit serves as an overarching contextual factor influencing TQM success. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Shareholder influence over director nomination via proxy access: Implications for agency conflict and stakeholder value
Authors: Campbell Joanna Tochman , Campbell T. Colin , Sirmon David G. , Bierman Leonard , Tuggle Christopher S. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractCorporate governance research indicates that corporate boards of directors may be overly beholden to management, which can be detrimental to firm value creation. Drawing upon agency theory and the governance law literature, we examine the effects of a new SEC rule designed to lessen managerial power by increasing large, long‐term shareholders' influence in the director nomination process. We predict and find support for a positive overall market reaction to the rule's announcement as well as a greater reaction for firms with characteristics that suggest compromised board independence or greater CEO control. Moreover, we examine the implications of greater shareholder voice for another key stakeholder group, firm bondholders, and find evidence that it is also value increasing. We conclude by discussing important implications for theory and practice. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Merging High Doxorubicin Loading with Pronounced Magnetic Response and Bio‐repellent Properties in Hybrid Drug Nanocarriers
Authors: Bakandritsos Aristides , Papagiannopoulos Aristeidis , Anagnostou Eleni N. , Avgoustakis Konstantinos , Zboril Radek , Pispas Stergios , Tucek Jiri , Ryukhtin Vasyl , Bouropoulos Nikolaos , Kolokithas‐Ntoukas Argiris , Steriotis Theodore A. , Keiderling Uwe , Winnefeld Frank 
Published: May 2012

AbstractHybrid magnetic drug nanocarriers are prepared via a self‐assembly process of poly(methacrylic acid)‐graft‐poly(ethyleneglycol methacrylate) (p(MAA‐g‐EGMA)) on growing iron oxide nanocrystallites. The nanocarriers successfully merge together bio‐repellent properties, pronounced magnetic response, and high loading capacity for the potent anticancer drug doxorubicin (adriamicin), in a manner not observed before in such hybrid colloids. High magnetic responses are accomplished by engineering the size of the magnetic nanocrystallites (∼13.5 nm) following an aqueous single‐ferrous precursor route, and through adjustment of the number of cores in each colloidal assembly. Complementing conventional magnetometry, the magnetic response of the nanocarriers is evaluated by magnetophoretic experiments providing insight into their internal organization and on their response to magnetic manipulation. The structural organization of the graft‐copolymer, locked on the surface of the nanocrystallites, is further probed by small‐angle neutron scattering on single‐core colloids. Analysis showed that the MAA segments selectively populate the area around the magnetic nanocrystallites, while the poly(ethylene glycol)‐grafted chains are arranged as protrusions, pointing towards the aqueous environment. These nanocarriers are screened at various pHs and in highly salted media by light scattering and electrokinetic measurements. According to the results, their stability is dramatically enhanced, as compared to uncoated nanocrystallites, owing to the presence of the external protective PEG canopy. The nanocarriers are also endowed with bio‐repellent properties, as evidenced by stability assays using human blood plasma as the medium.
Flooding Vocabulary Gaps to Accelerate Word Learning
Authors: Brabham Edna , Buskist Connie , Henderson Shannon Coman , Paleologos Timon , Baugh Nikki 
Published: May 2012

AbstractStudents entering school with limited vocabularies are at a disadvantage compared to classmates with robust knowledge of words and meanings. Teaching a few unrelated words at a time is insufficient for catching these students up with peers and preparing them to comprehend texts they will encounter across the grades. This article presents children's literature and research‐supported activities that can accelerate vocabulary acquisition by immersing children in semantic clusters to build knowledge of abstract concepts and individual words representing the concepts. These methods are efficient as well as effective and have the potential to increase breadth and depth of word learning for students with less and more rich vocabularies.
Formative Assessment: Simply, No Additives
Authors: Roskos Kathleen , Neuman Susan B. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractAmong the types of assessment the closest to daily reading instruction is formative assessment. In contrast to summative assessment, which occurs after instruction, formative assessment involves forming judgments frequently in the flow of instruction. Key features of formative assessment include identifying gaps between where students are and where they need to go in their reading development; creating feedback loops that provide information about changes in performance gaps; involving students in meaningful, productive self‐assessment; and charting from point A to point B to shape, mold, form reading development in the desired direction. Implementation involves developing a set of basic reading activities with clear success criteria and cultivating a learning‐oriented culture in the classroom where students are willing to persist at improving their knowledge and skills. Effective formative assessment in reading instruction calls for knowledgeable teachers who are willing to develop and hone their assessment skills and practices in daily reading instruction.
Transitional Chapter Books: Representations of African American Girlhood
Authors: McNair Jonda C. , Brooks Wanda M. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThis article presents a content analysis of nine transitional chapter books featuring African American females. Transitional chapter books are geared toward transitional readers—children in grades 2 through 4 who have outgrown predictable books and other types of easy readers but are not ready for more complex novels. The purpose of this study is to determine what the African American female protagonists depicted in these transitional chapter books value and care about. The study is informed by scholarship and research related to transitional chapter books and representations of African American girlhood. Upon conducting close readings repeatedly of the nine transitional chapter books over a period of several months, it was determined that the following four areas were of importance to the protagonists: solidifying friendships, developing morality, fitting in, and valuing learning. The article concludes with a discussion of the benefits of transitional chapter books written by and about African Americans.
Drawings and Dialogue: Word Solving in Early Literacy
Authors: Zimmerman Belinda S. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractEnvisioning oneself as a competent reader is an important first step to reading well. This article describes an intervention that employs drawings coupled with teacher‐student dialogue, which sets the stage for strategy learning as a key to word‐solving. A process for the interventionist, Title I or any teacher working with students who find learning to read difficult is introduced. The process, drawing for learning, is developed and examples of student drawings and teacher‐student instructional conversations are provided. Drawing for learning, when paired with instructional conversations, may be used to scaffold the literacy development of struggling readers. This article explores the possibilities and benefits of having both teachers and students engaged in instructionally focused conversations about strategies to employ for word‐solving.
The Relationship Between Biliary Amylase and the Clinical Features of Choledochal Cysts in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Jung Soo‐Min , Seo Jeong‐Meen , Lee Suk‐Koo 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackgroundAlthough the clinical features of choledochal cysts (CC) in different age groups have been widely studied, the causes of differences in clinical features are unknown. To determine the relationship between biliary amylase and the clinical features of CC in pediatric patients, clinical outcomes were compared in two groups with different amylase levels.MethodsFrom May 1995 to August 2010, 80 patients under 18 years old who underwent choledochal cyst excision and hepaticojejunostomy and measurements of biliary amylase levels were allocated to a low‐amylase‐level group (amylase level < 200 U/L, n = 26) and a high‐amylase‐level group (amylase level > 200 U/L, n = 54). Their medical records were retrospectively reviewed.ResultsThe median age was 4 months (range = 17 days–169 months) in the low group and 48 months (range = 22 days–147 months) in the high group (p = 0.008). In the low group, jaundice was the most common symptom, while abdominal pain was the main symptom in the high group. In histological findings, bile duct proliferation and cholestasis predominated in the low group and portal inflammation predominated in the high group. Radiological findings and preoperative laboratory data were also significantly different between the groups. Postoperative complications occurred in the high group only. There was no mortality in either group.ConclusionThis study shows a relationship between biliary amylase level and clinical manifestations in pediatric patients with CC, implying that there are different underlying pathophysiologies with anomalous pancreaticobiliary ductal union (APBDU).
Kisspeptin‐54 Levels are increased in Patients with Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Canbay Emel , Ergen Arzu , Bugra Dursun , Yamaner Sumer , Eraltan Ilhan Yaylim , Buyukuncu Yilmaz , Bulut Turker 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackgroundRecent studies have demonstrated that Kisspeptin, the product of the metastasis suppressor gene KiSS‐1, could have a role in tumor progression and invasion. In this pilot study, we investigated the association of plasma Kisspeptin‐54 level with colorectal cancer (CRC).MethodsPlasma Kisspeptin‐54 levels were quantified using enzyme‐immunoassay (EIA) kits from blood samples of 81 patients with CRC at their initial staging and 59 age‐matched healthy controls.ResultsPlasma Kisspeptin‐54 levels were significantly higher in CRC patients (86.2 ± 20.5) than in controls (49 ± 12.7; p < 0.005). The cutoff value for Kisspeptin‐54 detection was determined as 46 ng/ml, and area under curve (AUC) value was 0.766 with sensitivity 63 %, specificity 81.4 %, positive predictive value 82.2 %, negative predictive value 61.5 %, positive likelihood ratio 3.38, and negative likelihood ratio 0.46. Increased plasma Kisspeptin‐54 levels were significantly correlated with nodal involvement of CRC (Spearman, rs = 0.345, p = 0.002). Kisspeptin‐54 was also found to be an independent predictive marker for lymph node metastases of CRC (p = 0; Exp(B): 2.053; 95 % CI, 1.255‐2.851).ConclusionsOur results reveal that plasma Kisspeptin‐54 measurement could be a useful diagnostic and prognostic parameter for CRC. Further prospective evaluation is needed to validate these findings and to establish the clinical usefulness of Kisspeptin‐54 for CRC diagnostics.
The relative importance of sexual and clonal reproduction for population growth in the perennial herb Fragaria vesca
Authors: Schulze Juerg , Rufener Rita , Erhardt Andreas , Stoll Peter 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThe relative importance of sexual and clonal reproduction for population growth in clonal plants is highly variable. Clonal reproduction is often more important than sexual reproduction but there is considerable interspecific variation and the importance of the two reproductive modes can change with environmental conditions. We carried out a demographic study on the woodland strawberry (Fragaria vesca), a widespread clonal herb, at 12 sites in Switzerland during 2 years. Study sites were selected in two different habitats, i.e., forest and forest edge. We used periodic matrix models to estimate annual population growth rates and carried out prospective analyses to identify life cycle components that influence population growth rates most. Retrospective analyses were applied to study how the two different habitats affected population dynamics. Furthermore, we tested whether trade‐offs between sexual and clonal reproduction occurred. There were large differences in annual population growth rates between sites and large within‐site differences between years. Results of the prospective analyses clearly indicate that clonal reproduction is the dominant reproductive pathway whereas sexual reproduction is rather insignificant for population growth. Compared to forest habitats, forest edge habitats had higher population growth rates in the first year but smaller growth rates in the second year. We attribute these differing habitat effects to different water availabilities during consecutive years. No trade‐offs between sexual and clonal reproduction were found. In conclusion, population growth of F. vesca relies heavily on clonal reproduction. Furthermore, reproduction and survival rates of F. vesca depend highly on spatio‐temporal variation of environmental conditions.
Core curriculum for medical physicists in radiology. Recommendations from an EFOMP/ESR working group
Authors: Geleijns Jacob , Breatnach Éamann , Cantera Alfonso Calzado , Damilakis John , Dendy Philip , Evans Anthony , Faulkner Keith , Padovani Renato , Van Der Putten Wil , Schad Lothar , Wirestam Ronnie , Eudaldo Teresa ,   on behalf of the European Federation of Organisations for Medical Physics (EFOMP) and the European Society of Radiology (ESR)
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Some years ago it was decided that a European curriculum should be developed for medical physicists professionally engaged in the support of clinical diagnostic imaging departments. With this in mind, EFOMP (European Federation of Organisations for Medical Physics) in association with ESR (European Society of Radiology) nominated an expert working group. This curriculum is now to hand. The curriculum is intended to promote best patient care in radiology departments through the harmonization of education and training of medical physicists to a high standard in diagnostic radiology. It is recommended that a medical physicist working in a radiology department should have an advanced level of professional expertise in X-ray imaging, and additionally, depending on local availability, should acquire knowledge and competencies in overseeing ultrasound imaging, nuclear medicine, and MRI technology. By demonstrating training to a standardized curriculum, medical physicists throughout Europe will enhance their mobility, while maintaining local high standards of medical physics expertise. This document also provides the basis for improved implementation of articles in the European medical exposure directives related to the medical physics expert. The curriculum is divided into three main sections: The first deals with general competencies in the principles of medical physics. The second section describes specific knowledge and skills required for a medical physicist (medical physics expert) to operate clinically in a department of diagnostic radiology. The final section outlines research skills that are also considered to be necessary and appropriate competencies in a career as medical physicist.
Evaluation of Protein Adsorption on Atmospheric Plasma Deposited Coatings Exhibiting Superhydrophilic to Superhydrophobic Properties
Authors: Stallard C. P. , McDonnell K. A. , Onayemi O. D. , O’Gara J. P. , Dowling D. P. 
Published: May 2012

Protein adsorption is one of the key parameters influencing the biocompatibility of medical device materials. This study investigates serum protein adsorption and bacterial attachment on polymer coatings deposited using an atmospheric pressure plasma jet system. The adsorption of bovine serum albumin and bovine fibrinogen (Fg) onto siloxane and fluorinated siloxane elastomeric coatings that exhibit water contact angles (θ) ranging from superhydrophilic (θ &lt; 5°) to superhydrophobic (θ &gt; 150°) were investigated. Protein interactions were evaluated in situ under dynamic flow conditions by spectroscopic ellipsometry. Superhydrophilic coatings showed lower levels of protein adsorption when compared with hydrophobic siloxane coatings, where preferential adsorption was shown to occur. Reduced levels of protein adsorption were also observed on fluorinated siloxane copolymer coatings exhibiting hydrophobic wetting behaviour. The lower levels of protein adsorption observed on these surfaces indicated that the presence of fluorocarbon groups have the effect of reducing surface affinity for protein attachment. Analysis of superhydrophobic siloxane and fluorosiloxane surfaces showed minimal indication of protein adsorption. This was confirmed by bacterial attachment studies using a Staphylococcus aureus strain known to bind specifically to Fg, which showed almost no attachment to the superhydrophobic coating after protein adsorption experiments. These results showed the superhydrophobic surfaces to exhibit antimicrobial properties and significantly reduce protein adsorption.
Anterior Thoracolumbar Fixation for Management of Thoracolumbar Spine Injury
Authors: Sahoo PK , Singh P , Bhatoe HS , Murthy TVSP , Sandhu K , Chaturvedi A 
Published: May 2012

AbstractA retrospective analysis was carried for sixty patients with thoracolumbar spine injury operated during Jan 2001 to Dec 2003. Fifty (84%) were male and ten were female patients. Thirty six (60%) sustained injury by vehicular accident and 24 (40%) due to fall, ejection and obstacle crossing. There were four patients with associated head injury, seven with extremity, four with chest and two patients with abdominal injury. All patients presented with features of spinal cord/cauda equina injury and evaluated with Frankel’s neurological grade at admission. Eight patients presented with grade ‘A’, two grade ‘B’, thirty six grade ‘C’, fourteen grade ‘D’ neurological deficit as per Frankel’s classification. Plain radiography, Computerised Tomography (CT) scan, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of thoracolumbar spine revealed fracture L1 in 32, D12 in 14, D11 in 07, L2 in 07. Corpectomy + bone grafting in 06; corpectomy + bone grafting + plating in 07; corpectomy, cage placement in 07; corpectomy, cage placement + plating in 40, were carried out. Outcome was evaluated at two months, six months and one year in Frankel’s grade. The outcome was Frankel’s ‘A’ 08, Frankel’s ‘B’ 02, Frankel’s ‘D’ 23 and Frankel’s ‘E’ 27. Ten patients did not show any recovery. There was wound infection in two, mal-alignment of cage in two and lateral placement screws were found in two patients. Revision surgery was not carried out, as the patients were stable. The implants were in position during post-operative follow up. The study revealed, there was good reduction, decompression and stabilisation in all patients. The patients were mobilised early with external support after spinal stabilisation. Patients with incomplete spinal cord injury showed excellent to good recovery and patients with initial Frankel’s ‘A’ & ‘B’ did not show any recovery.