bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Barodesy: a new hypoplastic approach
Authors: Kolymbas D.
Published: May 2011

It is shown that the asymptotic mechanical behaviour (i.e. stresses asymptotically obtained with constant deformation rates) determines the entire mechanical behaviour of granular materials, such as soil. In this paper, a constitutive model, or rather a new theoretical framework, for sand is derived in terms of rational mechanics. The new theory, called ‘barodesy’, has an outstanding simplicity and comprises previously introduced concepts of Soil Mechanics: critical states and barotropy (i.e. power law dependence of stiffness on stress). Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
THE MEANING OF DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE
Authors: Blunt Peter , Turner Mark , Hertz Jana
Published: May 2011

Prevailing paradigms of macro‐economic management and levels and distributions of poverty in some rich countries suggest that economic and strategic self‐interest rather than poverty reduction in poor countries are likely to be the primary objectives of much development assistance. The incommensurability of the paradigms of development discourse makes it unlikely that strongly held ideologically based positions on these matters will change quickly or easily. Moreover, non‐altruistic positions can be maintained more readily by virtue of the loose construction of international declarations such as the Paris Declaration. Based on different interpretations of the Paris Declaration, empirical evidence from Cambodia and Indonesia of donor opportunism that is designed to maximise aid control and aid distinctiveness for non‐altruistic purposes is presented. Recent sharp declines in donor legitimacy have made this more difficult to do, but even so, there have been no concomitant reductions in donor self‐assurance concerning their exclusive possession of the moral and technical high ground. Such behaviour is, however, increasingly resented particularly by government officials in lower middle‐income countries like Indonesia. Resulting relationships lack trust and are therefore unlikely to contribute optimally either to the realisation of non‐altruistic purposes or to poverty reduction. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Career burnout among pediatric oncologists
Authors: Roth Michael , Morrone Kerry , Moody Karen , Kim Mimi , Wang Dan , Moadel Alyson , Levy Adam
Published: May 2011

Background

Burnout is a work‐related syndrome consisting of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and diminished feelings of personal accomplishment. Physicians who care for patients with life‐threatening illnesses are at high risk for developing burnout. This survey evaluates the prevalence of burnout among pediatric oncologists, and assesses risk factors associated with the development of burnout.

Procedure

A questionnaire was sent via email to 1,047 practicing pediatric oncologists. The survey included the 22 question Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), as well as questions regarding work‐related and lifestyle‐related factors associated with developing burnout.

Results

Four hundred ten pediatric oncologists (40%) responded to the survey. Thirty‐eight percent of pediatric oncologists had high levels of burnout on the MBI, while 72% had at least moderate levels of burnout. Women (47% vs. 32%, P < 0.004) and physicians practicing for <10 years (50% vs. 33%, P < 0.004) had significantly higher rates of burnout. Physicians who reported satisfaction with their lives outside of work were less likely to have burnout (odds ratio 0.238, 0.143–0.396, P < 0.001). The availability of a forum for debriefing, and services for physicians affected by burnout were both associated with lower rates of burnout (24% vs. 46%, P < 0.001 and 23% vs. 46%, P < 0.001). Thirty‐six percent of respondents reported their institution has a forum for debriefing and 40% of respondents reported their institution has services available for physicians experiencing symptoms of burnout.

Conclusions

Approximately three quarters of pediatric oncologists experience burnout. Further research is needed on the effectiveness of interventions aimed at preventing and treating work‐related burnout. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011; 57: 1168–1173. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sinonasal adenocarcinoma: A rare second malignancy in long term retinoblastoma survivors
Authors: Bhagia Pooja , Colanta Agnes Basas , Abramson David H. , Carlson Diane L. , Kleinerman Ruth A. , Kraus Dennis , Dunkel Ira J.
Published: May 2011

Retinoblastoma is the most common primary cancer of the eye in children. The incidence of second tumors in survivors of bilateral retinoblastoma and in survivors of unilateral retinoblastoma who presumably carry a germline RB1 mutation is documented. This article describes the previously unrecognized association of sinonasal adenocarcinoma as a second malignancy in retinoblastoma survivors. We present three cases who received radiation therapy as a part of their treatment and developed sinonasal adenocarcinoma as a second malignancy. Sinonasal adenocarcinoma should be considered as a second malignancy in retinoblastoma survivors who present with vague sinus symptoms. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011; 57: 693–695. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The effect of organic modifier‐12‐aminolauric acid on morphology and thermal properties of polylactide nanocomposites
Authors: Liu Mei‐Tang , Pu Min‐Feng , Ma Hong‐Wen , Hu Yu‐Fei , Liu Xiao‐Juan , Pang Xue
Published: May 2011

A novel organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT) based on a bifunctional organic modifier‐12‐aminolauric acid (ALA) was synthesized. Polylactide (PLA) nanocomposites with this new and traditional OMMT were prepared by solution casting method. The effects of the organic modifiers on structure, morphology and thermal properties of PLA nanocomposites have been investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results indicate that ALA has distinct effects on the dispersion of MMT platelets into the PLA matrix, where partial exfoliated as well as intercalated structures have been obtained, when compared with ordinary modifier, cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB). TGA data verifies that PLA nanocomposites with ALA‐MMT organoclay display enhanced thermal stability. The optimal clay loading of ALA‐MMT occurs at 3%wt, leading to the best compromise between clay dispersion and thermal properties. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
An exposure study to assess the potential impact of fipronil in treated sunflower seeds on honey bee colony losses in Spain
Authors: Bernal José , Martin‐Hernandez Raquel , Diego Juan C , Nozal María J , Gozalez‐Porto Amelia V , Bernal José L , Higes Mariano
Published: May 2011

BACKGROUND: There is great concern about the high losses and strong depopulation of honey bee colonies in some areas of Spain. Some beekeepers have suggested that sunflower seeds treated with the insecticide fipronil could be an important factor in causing those losses. Therefore, an in‐depth field study has been carried out in two regions of Spain where sunflower production is intense (Cuenca and Andalucía) and where, for some crops and varieties, fipronil has been used as seed insecticide.

RESULTS: Samples of adult bees and pollen were analysed for bee pathogens and pesticide residues respectively. Neither fipronil residues nor its metabolites were detected in any of the samples analysed, indicating that short‐term or chronic exposure of bees to fipronil and/or its metabolites can be ruled out in the apiaries surveyed. Varroa destructor and Nosema ceranae were found to be very prevalent.

CONCLUSION: The combination of the two pathogens could augment the risk of colony death in infected colonies, without fipronil residues exerting a significant effect in the given field conditions. Indeed, in this study the losses observed in apiaries located close to sunflower crops were similar to those in apiaries situated in forested areas with wild vegetation. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Development and characterization of EIS structures based on SiO2 micropillars and pores before and after their functionalization with phosphonate films
Authors: Hofmann Martina , Cattani‐Scholz Anna , Mallorqui Anna Dalmau , Sharp Ian D. , Fontcuberta i Morral Anna , Moreno i Codinachs Lia
Published: May 2011

In this work electrolyte–insulator–semiconductor (EIS) structures based on lithographically fabricated Si–SiO2 micropillars and pores are studied. The samples are characterized by means of impedance spectroscopy (IS) and they are compared to samples with a planar SiO2 layer on a Si substrate in order to determine whether the increase in active surface is directly related to an increase in sensitivity of the device. Our initial results confirm this question in the case of the pillar samples but not for the pore ones, most likely due to some fabrication issues that must be improved. Afterwards the SiO2 surface is functionalized with posphonates and the influence of the modification is studied using IS. Also, the stability and limits of applicability of the functionalized devices is studied. Analysis with X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is used to show that the deposition of phosphonates was successful.
Miniaturised eight‐channel impedance spectroscopy unit as sensor platform for biosensor applications
Authors: Broeders Jeroen , Duchateau Stijn , Van Grinsven Bart , Vanaken Wouter , Peeters Marloes , Cleij Thomas , Thoelen Ronald , Wagner Patrick , De Ceuninck Ward
Published: May 2011

A miniaturised, low cost impedance analyser is developed to ease the use of impedance spectroscopy in biological setups. This could form the first step towards fully standalone, hand‐held biosensor applications. The system is capable of performing quasi‐simultaneous time resolved impedance measurements on eight different channels in a frequency range of 10 Hz–100 kHz. The unit is accurate in a broad impedance range and is able to perform stable measurements over intervals of several days. The system is characterised by passive components, a temperature controlled wet cell based impedance setup and a biomimetic molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) based histamine sensor. The test results all indicate accurate and stable functioning of the unit, making it suitable for bioanalytical applications.
Effect ofSalvia miltiorrhizaHydrophilic Extract on Antioxidant Enzymes in Diabetic Patients with Chronic Heart Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Qian Qingwen , Qian Shuhong , Fan Ping , Huo Dongxia , Wang Shijin
Published: May 2011

To investigate whetherSalvia miltiorrhizahydrophilic extract (SMHE) has the ability to ameliorate oxidative stress in diabetic patients with chronic heart disease (CHD), 62 patients with CHD were recruited. These patients were assigned randomly into two groups: (1) placebo group receiving hypoglycemic therapy; (2) treatment group receiving hypoglycemic therapy plus SMHE. The biological markers related to oxidative stress were measured to determine the effect of treatment. Thirty patients in the placebo group and 24 patients in the treatment group were followed to completion in this study. Overall, the malondialdehyde (MDA) level at day 30 in the treatment group was significantly lower than in the placebo group. However, no significant difference in the serum antioxidant enzymes activities was observed between the groups. At day 60, the serum glutathione (GSH) level, superoxide dismutase (SOD), Paraoxonase (PONase) and glutathione reductase (GSSG‐R) activities increased markedly in the treatment group compared with the placebo group. There was no significant difference in the level of lipid profile between the two groups. This study indicated that SMHE clearly reduced oxidative stress in diabetic patients with CHD. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Agile product line engineering—a systematic literature review
Authors: Díaz Jessica , Pérez Jennifer , Alarcón Pedro P. , Garbajosa Juan
Published: May 2011

Software Product Line Engineering (SPLE) demands upfront long‐term investment in (i) designing a common set of core‐assets and (ii) managing variability across the products from the same family. When anticipated changes in these core‐assets have been predicted with certain accuracy, SPLE has proved significant improvements. However, when large/complex software product line projects have to deal with changing market conditions, alternatives to supplement SPLE are required. Agile Software Development (ASD) may be an alternative, as agile processes harness change for the customer's competitive advantage. However, when the aim is to scale Agile projects up to effectively manage reusability and variability across the products from the same family, alternatives to supplement agility are also required. As a result, a new approach called Agile Product Line Engineering (APLE) advocates integrating SPLE and ASD with the aim of addressing these gaps. APLE is an emerging approach, which implies that organizations have to face several barriers to achieve its adoption. This paper presents a systematic literature review of experiences and practices on APLE, in which the key findings uncover important challenges about how to integrate the SPLE model with an agile iterative approach to fully put APLE into practice. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Laparoscopic Simple Closure Alone is Adequate for Low Risk Patients with Perforated Peptic Ulcer
Authors: Lo Hung‐Chieh , Wu Shih‐Chi , Huang Hung‐Chang , Yeh Chun‐Chieh , Huang Jui‐Chien , Hsieh Chi‐Hsun
Published: May 2011

Background

Helicobacter pylori (H.P.) eradication has led to a significant decline in peptic ulcer prevalence; however, the number of patients requiring surgical intervention remains relatively unchanged. Laparoscopy suture repair is the most commonly used procedure for perforated peptic ulcer (PPU). Whether omental patch adds any benefit than simple closure alone is not answered.

Methods

From July 2007 to August 2010, patients received emergency surgeries for PPU in our department were enrolled in this study. The demographic data, disease pattern, surgical outcomes were retrospectively collected. Patients who had previous multiple operations, with profound shock, and complicated ulcers were excluded.

Results

Totally 73 patients were enrolled. 26 of them received simple closure and the other 47 received simple closure plus an omental patch. There were no difference in age, gender, ASA, Boey risk score, and incidence of co‐morbidities. The Mannheim Peritonitis index, median operation time and length of stay were not different between groups.

Conclusions

In terms of leakage rate and surgical outcome, the maneuver to cover an omental patch on the repaired PPU did not show additional advantages compared to simple closure alone. Further prospective randomized study is required to clarify the safety and feasibility of simple closure alone without buttressing an omentum patch.
Non‐Polar Lipid Components of Human Cerumen
Authors: Stránský Karel , Valterová Irena , Kofroňová Edita , Urbanová Klára , Zarevúcka Marie , Wimmer Zdeněk
Published: May 2011

Human cerumen was separated by column chromatography into the following groups of compounds: hydrocarbons, squalene, wax esters and cholesterol esters, triacylglycerols, free fatty acids, free fatty alcohols, monoacylglycerols, free cholesterol, free sterols, and free hydroxy acids. The groups of compounds obtained were examined in detail by gas chromatography and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. In total, about one thousand compounds have been identified.
Les hypogonadismes hypogonadotrophiques congénitaux masculins, quelles données récentes ?
Authors: El Ansari N.
Published: May 2011

Les hypogonadismes hypogonadotrophiques congénitaux (HHC) sont un ensemble très hétérogène d’affections résultant d’un défaut de sécrétion des gonadotrophines hypophysaires en rapport avec un défaut de migration des neurones à GnRH ou secondaires à des anomalies organiques ou fonctionnelles de la commande hypothalamohypophysaire. Le déficit gonadotrope reste une cause rare d’hypogonadisme avec une prévalence mal précisée estimée à 1/5 000, il est responsable de manifestations cliniques en rapport avec la baisse de testostérone circulante variable en fonction de l’âge de leur expression. La classification des HHC, basée sur l’existence ou non d’anosmie, s’est enrichie ces deux dernières décennies par la découverte de nombreux gènes impliqués dans le développement et le fonctionnement de l’axe gonadotrope; cela a permis de mieux préciser les HHC et de proposer le conseil génétique dans les formes dominantes. Le but de ce travail est de faire le point sur les nouvelles connaissances qui ont permis de mieux préciser la physiopathologie et le cadre nosologique des HHC.
Echocardiography in the sepsis syndromes
Authors: Via Gabriele , Price Susanna , Storti Enrico
Published: May 2011

Purpose of the review

Non-invasiveness and instantaneous diagnostic capability are prominent features of the use of echocardiography in critical care. Sepsis and septic shock represent complex situations where early hemodynamic assessment and support are among the keys to therapeutic success. In this review, we discuss the range of applications of echocardiography in the management of the septic patient, and propose an echocardiography-based goal-oriented hemodynamic approach to septic shock.

Recent findings

Echocardiography can play a key role in the critical septic patient management, by excluding cardiac causes for sepsis, and mostly by guiding hemodynamic management of those patients in whom sepsis reaches such a severity to jeopardize cardiovascular function. In recent years, there have been both increasing evidence and diffusion of the use of echocardiography as monitoring tool in the patients with hemodynamic compromise. Also thanks to echocardiography, the features of the well-known sepsis-related myocardial dysfunction have been better characterized. Furthermore, many of the recent echocardiographic indices of volume responsiveness have been validated in populations of septic shock patients.

Conclusion

Although not proven yet in terms of patient outcome, echocardiography can be regarded as an ideal monitoring tool in the septic patient, as it allows (a) first line differential diagnosis of shock and early recognition of sepsis-related myocardial dysfunction; (b) detection of pre-existing cardiac pathology, that yields precious information in septic shock management; (c) comprehensive hemodynamic monitoring through a systematic approach based on repeated bedside assessment; (d) integration with other monitoring devices; and (e) screening for cardiac source of sepsis.
Causes of Near Misses: Perceptions of Perioperative Nurses
Authors: Cohoon Barbara
Published: May 2011

The purpose of this study was to examine the near‐miss experiences of RNs working in perioperative services to understand their perception of the causes of near misses. The setting was a multi‐facility health care system in the mid‐Atlantic region of the United States. The study design was descriptive, using a survey of perioperative nurses that was developed for the study. Study participants could complete up to four surveys for near misses that they personally experienced in the perioperative setting. Participants ranked six causal factors (ie, team, workload, task, staff, patient characteristics, hospital characteristics) according to the extent of that factor's contribution to the near miss. The team factor was the most frequently identified cause of near misses, with the top ranked cause as “communication between team.” Two causal factor subcategories, “inconsistent information” and “incorrect monitoring,” were predominant in the near misses reported. The findings from the study provide an understanding of perioperative nurses' near‐miss experiences and detail the frequency of near misses as well as identify types of near‐miss causes.
AORN Ergonomic Tool 3: Lifting and Holding the Patient's Legs, Arms, and Head While Prepping
Authors: Waters Thomas , Spera Patrice , Petersen Carol , Nelson Audrey , Hernandez Edward , Applegarth Shawn
Published: May 2011

Lifting the arms, legs, or head of a patient while prepping these areas for surgery can exert strong forces on the muscles and joints of the shoulders and backs of perioperative team members who perform this task, which may lead to work‐related musculoskeletal disorders. AORN Ergonomic Tool 3: Lifting and Holding the Patient's Legs, Arms, and Head While Prepping provides scientifically based determinations of the amount of weight perioperative personnel can safely lift and hold manually for up to one, two, and three minutes using one hand or both. If these weight limits are exceeded, additional staff members or assistive devices are needed to help with the task.
Eliminating Lateral Violence in the Ambulatory Setting: One Center's Strategies
Authors: Dimarino Tina J.
Published: May 2011

Lateral violence (eg, disruptive, disparaging, or uncivil behavior inflicted by one peer on another) creates an unpleasant work environment that can have harmful effects on individual nurses, team members, patients, and the bottom line of the health care organization. Educating nurses about the most common forms of lateral violence and strategies for handling inappropriate behavior can be the first step toward eliminating this behavior. Effective nursing leaders develop and maintain a “zero‐tolerance” culture that includes clear and concise behavioral expectations and consequences for employees who exhibit unprofessional behavior. Use of a code of conduct, open communication, and quick resolution of issues that arise are strategies that one ambulatory surgery center has used to successfully combat lateral violence in the workplace.
Endoscopically Assisted Correction of Sagittal Craniosynostosis
Authors: Brown Lesley , Proctor Mark R.
Published: May 2011

Craniosynostosis is premature fusion of one or more of the cranial sutures of an infant's skull. Several sutures may be fused, alone or in combination. The endoscopically assisted approach to correcting craniosynostosis is an alternative to more traditional techniques, such as open‐strip craniectomy and the Pi procedure for infants younger than four months of age and the cranial vault remodeling procedure for older children. The endoscopic procedure is less invasive and decreases the time patients spend under anesthesia, the need for transfusions, and lengths of hospital stay. The endoscopic approach relies on early diagnosis and surgery because the bones of very young infants are thin and pliable, which makes it easier to cut and remove the fused suture via a minimally invasive approach. After surgery, a cranial remolding helmet is used to direct skull growth.
Alexander's Care of the Patient in Surgery
Authors: Beck Diana M.
Published: May 2011

Alexander's Care of the Patient in Surgery Jane C. Rothrock 14th edition 2011, Elsevier Mosby 1328 pages, $110 hardcover
Take Charge Of Your Nursing Career
Authors: Gasiorowski Kara L.
Published: May 2011

Take Charge Of Your Nursing Career Lois S. Marshall 2010, Sigma Theta Tau International 160 pages, $24.95 softcover
Clinical Nursing Pocket Guide
Authors: Stein Patricia
Published: May 2011

Clinical Nursing Pocket Guide Marilynn Jackson, Lee Jackson 2nd edition 2010, Jones and Bartlett Publishers 200 pages, $24.95 spiral‐bound
The Medicare Recovery Audit Contractor Program: A Survival Guide for Healthcare Providers
Authors: Chadwick Maureen C.
Published: May 2011

The Medicare Recovery Audit Contractor Program: A Survival Guide for Healthcare Providers Duane C. Abbey 2010, CRC Press 124 pages, $59.95 softcover
Clinical Issues—May 2011
Authors: Ogg Mary J. , van Wicklin Sharon A. , Blanchard Joan , Denholm Bonnie G. , Chard Robin
Published: May 2011

This Month

Formalin storage and handling

Key words: formalin, formaldehyde, specimen handling.

Immediate‐use sterilization

Key words: flash sterilization, immediate‐use sterilization.

Precautions for treating patients with multidrug‐resistant organisms

Key words: multidrug‐resistant organisms, MDRO, methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA.

Cleaning privacy curtains

Key words: environmental cleaning, privacy curtains, laundering, commercial laundry.

Informed consents

Key words: surgical consent, implants, brand names, generic names.
Late Pleistocene climatic change in the French Jura (Gigny) recorded in the δ18O of phosphate from ungulate tooth enamel
Authors: Fabre Magali , Lécuyer Christophe , Brugal Jean-Philip , Amiot Romain , Fourel François , Martineau François
Published: May 2011

Oxygen isotope compositions of phosphate in tooth enamel from large mammals (i.e. horse and red deer) were measured to quantify past mean annual air temperatures and seasonal variations between 145 ka and 33 ka in eastern France. The method is based on interdependent relationships between the δ18O of apatite phosphate, environmental waters and air temperatures. Horse (Equus caballus germanicus) and red deer (Cervus elaphus) remains have δ18O values that range from 14.2‰ to 17.2‰, indicating mean air temperatures between 7°C and 13°C. Oxygen isotope time series obtained from two of the six horse teeth show a sinusoidal-like signal that could have been forced by temperature variations of seasonal origin. Intra-tooth oxygen isotope variations reveal that at 145 ka, winters were colder (− 7 ± 2°C) than at present (3 ± 1°C) while summer temperatures were similar. Winter temperatures mark a well-developed West–East thermal gradient in France of about − 9°C, much stronger than the −4°C difference recorded presently. Negative winter temperatures were likely responsible for the extent and duration of the snow cover, thus limiting the food resources available for large ungulates with repercussions for Neanderthal predators.
The Scottish Political System
Authors: Kellas James G.
Published: May 2011

First published in 1973, Professor Kellas's account of Scottish government and politics has long been recognised as the standard textbook in the field. Its scope includes a definition of the Scottish political system, and critical descriptions of Scottish administration (central and local), parliamentary activity, parties, electoral behaviour, and pressure groups. Scottish nationalism is given a wider interpretation than usual, covering not only the support for the Scottish National Party, but the manifestations of national feeling in Scottish life generally. The General Election of 1987 provided further evidence of the distinctive character of politics in Scotland, with the Conservative Party reduced to ten MPs, barely sufficient to fill the existing Scottish ministerial posts. In a new postscript Professor Kellas looks at the principal political developments of the period since 1983, and examines the political and constitutional implications of the current imbalance of forces as between Westminster and Scotland.
Money, Interest and Capital
Authors: Rogers Colin
Published: May 2011

This book presents a study in the foundations of monetary theory with several unique features. It consists of two parts: a critique of the varieties of neoclassical monetary theory, and a rigorous statement of the foundations of Post Keynesian monetary theory. The two parts reflect Joseph Schumpeter's distinction between monetary theories in the divergent traditions of Real and Monetary Analysis. Part I offers a novel critique of Wicksellian and neo-Walrasian general equilibrium versions of Real analysis. The critique of Wicksell's monetary theory demonstrates the general impossibility of defining the natural rate of interest without which the loanable funds theory collapses. The critique of neo-Walrasian monetary theory, on the other hand, exploits the inessential role of 'money' in temporary equilibrium and overlapping generations models and develops a novel interpretation of the Patinkin controversy and the Clower finance constraint. The implications of these developments are then traced through the debates between monetarists and Keynesians. Part II presents a rigorous argument for securing the foundations of Post Keynesian monetary theory in the tradition of Monetary Analysis. In the context of the evolution of the monetary system from commodity money to credit money. Wicksell's natural rate of interest is replaced by Keynes's marginal efficiency of capital which is in turn applied to Myrdal's notion of monetary equilibrium to derive a formal definition of Keynes's point of effective demand. This leads to the most novel feature of the book: the demonstration of the existence of a long-run unemployment equilibrium without the assumptions of rigid wages. The principle of effective demand is shown to break Say's Law by placing a limit on the profitable expansion of output before full employment is reached.
German National Socialism and the Quest for Nuclear Power, 1939–49
Authors: Walker Mark
Published: May 2011

This a paperback edition of Professor Walker's full-scale examination of the German efforts to harness the economic, military and political power of nuclear fission between 1939 and 1949. The book explains clearly, in terms that the non-specialist can understand, what was involved in the Germans' quest, and in what ways the German scientists succeeded or failed in the development of 'the bomb'.
The Mystery of the Last Supper
Authors: Humphreys Colin J.
Published: May 2011

For hundreds of years, we thought we knew what happened during Jesus' last days. Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday are not only observed by Christians around the world, but are also recognized in calendars and by non-practitioners as commemorating the true timeline of events in the life of Christ. But apparent inconsistencies in the gospel accounts of Jesus' final week have puzzled Bible scholars for centuries. In The Mystery of the Last Supper, Colin Humphreys uses science to reveal the truth about Jesus' final days. Reconciling conflicting Gospel accounts and scientific evidence, Humphreys reveals the exact date of the Last Supper in a definitive new timeline of Holy Week.
An Arc-Shaped Debonding Crack Opened by Internal Pressure
Authors: Chao Ru-Min
Published: May 2011

In this paper, the problem of a debonding crack at the interface between a circular fiber and an infinite matrix opened by internal pressure is discussed. We concentrated on the effect of contact near the crack tips within the content of linear elastic fracture mechanics. The Muskhelishvili complex variable method is used in this analysis. The frictionless contact crack tip condition is adopted in this study in order to avoid the oscillatory stress singularity at the crack tip as shown in the classical solution. By using the crack opening displacement gradient as the primary variable, the problem is then reduced to two coupled singular integral equations, and the final discretization of the equations employs the method given by Erdogan and Gupta (1972). The comprehensive numerical results of stress fields and the mode II SIF at the closed crack tip will be given in the paper. It is also found from the numerical evidences that the contact length at the crack tip is independent of one of the Dundurs parameters, α.
Deriving the Generalized Total Kinetic Power Equation for Jet Engine
Authors: Lee Hsing-Juin , Lee Hsing-Wei
Published: May 2011

In light of incessant quest of better propulsion performance, it would be opportune to probe some propulsion insights for jet engine (JE) from a power point of view. In this study, we endeavor to prescribe logic reasoning process for obtaining the JE total kinetic power and prove its degenerated counterpart. With the Lagrangian Reynolds transport approach, we also rigorously derive the highly generalized equation for this power. Moreover, the validity, significance, and importance of this novel generalized power equation are delicately demonstrated by an interesting spring/mass model with known total kinetic power. Notably, the JE total kinetic power equations are quite reasonable physically speaking, since all the velocity quantities involved are of relative nature; otherwise, the JE total kinetic power may violate the energy conservation law under certain conditions. This total kinetic power produced by jet engine involves a few more physical effects including vehicle acceleration, relative flow velocity/steadiness, inlet/exit pressures, and gravity, thus open an original route for more efficient propulsion design.
A Concept of Vertical Takeoff Two-Stage-to-Orbit Reusable Launch Vehicle with an Integral-Rocket-Ramjet Booster
Authors: Hong Z.-C. , Lee C.-C. , Tseng C.-J.
Published: May 2011

Reusable launch vehicles (RLV) currently envisioned incorporate a wide variety of propulsion types. Various propulsion devices have been designed, or are being designed. The Integral-Rocket-Ramjet (IRR) propulsion mainly applies to a tactical missile boost system and few have mentioned this system in RLV design. According to the technological ability of Taiwan and a feasibility study, it shows that the present reusable launch system can exploit the potential benefit of IRR propulsion for the RLV system. A conceptual study of an unmanned two-stage-to-orbit (TSTO) launch vehicle is designed in this paper. The first stage of the vehicle is reusable with IRR engines. The second stage is expendable and rocket powered. The assumed mission is designed to insert a 100kg payload into a low earth circular orbit at various inclination angles. The calculations are made for the case where the TSTO system is used in Taiwan. The fundamentals of launch vehicle design are examined using simplified two-stage performance equations. Launch vehicle design is optimized when the performance and programmatic drivers are balanced. There is an acceptable set of launch and landing sites on islands off the coast of Taiwan.
An Improved Two-Load Method for Whole-Field Complete Photoelastic Fringe Analysis
Authors: Chen T. Y. , Lee H. L. , Chou Y. C.
Published: May 2011

An improved two-load method for whole-field complete determination of photoelastic parameters is presented. The dark-field isoclinic images are used to determine the isoclinic angles. Using two isoclinic maps obtained from two different loads effectively compensates the indeterminable points. The use of dark-field and light-field photoelastic images for normalization extends the two-load method to analyze dark-field photoelastic fringe patterns and avoids model movement. Larger errors on the determined fringe orders are further reduced by a least-squares quadric fitting. The results are compared well to the theoretical ones. Further comparison of the improved two-load method and the two-wavelength method are given.
Explicit Expression of the Stationary Values of Young's Modulus and the Shear Modulus for Anisotropic Elastic Materials
Authors: Ting T. C. T.
Published: May 2011

Explicit expressions of the directionnand the stationary values (maximum, minimum and saddle point) of Young's modulusE(n) for orthotropic, tetragonal, trigonal, hexagonal and cubic materials are presented. For the shear modulusG(n, m), explicit expressions of the extrema (maximum and minimum) and the two mutually orthogonal unit vectorsn, mare given for cubic and hexagonal materials. We also present a general procedure for computing the extrema ofG(n, m) for more general anisotropic elastic materials. It is shown that Young's modulusE(n) can be made as large as we wish for certainnwithout assuming that the elastic compliance s11, s22or s33is very small. As to the shear modulusG(n,m), it can be made as large as we wish for certainnandmwithout assuming that any one of the elastic compliance sαβis very small. We also show that Young's modulusE(n) can be independent ofnfor orthotropic and hexagonal materials while the shear modulusG(n, m) can be independent ofnandmfor hexagonal materials.
The Parameters for THD Lubrication Flow
Authors: Shyu S.-H.
Published: May 2011

Parameters of thermohydrodynamic (THD) lubrication are discussed for the laminar and turbulent regimes. The scales of pressure of temperature are analytically obtained, and are used to measure the variations of density and viscosity. Dominant THD parameters are identified by inspecting the practical applications.
Nonlinear Dynamic Analysis of Reticulated Space Truss Structures
Authors: Wang C.-Y. , Wang R.-Z. , Chuang C.-C. , Wu T.-Y.
Published: May 2011

In this paper, a simpler formulation for the nonlinear motion analysis of reticulated space truss structures is developed by applying a new concept of computational mechanics, named the vector form intrinsic finite element (VFIFE or V-5) method. The V-5 method models the analyzed domain to be composed by finite particles and the Newton's second law is applied to describe each particle's motion. By tracing the motions of all the mass particles in the space, it can simulate the large geometrical and material nonlinear changes during the motion of structure without using geometrical stiffness matrix and iterations. The analysis procedure is vastly simple, accurate, and versatile. The formulation of VFIFE type space truss element includes a new description of the kinematics that can handle large rotation and large deformation, and includes a set of deformation coordinates for each time increment used to describe the shape functions and internal nodal forces. A convected material frame and an explicit time integration scheme for the solution procedures are also adopted. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate capabilities and accuracy of the V-5 method on the nonlinear dynamic stability analysis of space truss structures.
Self-Similar Analysis on Vortex Shedding Process
Authors: Wang C.-T. , Chen C.-T.
Published: May 2011

Chaos theory has been seen as an efficient tool for studying the turbulent flow, the findings of attractor were also important and made in the study to investigate the wake flow behind the bluff body. Here, the fractal dimension value would then be found by Hurst analysis. According to the results found, the Hurst empirical formula derived by the self-similar laceration of vortex plane would be applied by self-similar property to decide the band of the frequency variations in the vortex shedding process. The three kinds of flow mode with their individual attractors and characteristics could be decomposed and shown as following: self-similar laceration, energy input and white noise band. Finally, the energy ratio for the three kinds of flow mode had been confirmed. Hence, these findings would be helpful to further study the wake flow in the vortex shedding process.
Behaviors of Drained Lateral Extension for Saturated Sand and Their Applications
Authors: Yang C.-P.
Published: May 2011

Practically all retaining walls may rotate, yet movements of the wall could be restricted, particularly under working conditions. Since the earth pressure on the retaining wall often deviates from the fully active state, there is a need for predicting the earth pressure at any wall movement. The shearing behavior of backfill behind the wall plays an essential role for predicting the redistributions of earth pressure for different wall movements. This paper studies 25 sets of test for analyzing the drained lateral extension behaviors of saturated Ottawa sand. Three methods are used to interpret the active state of specimens and it is found that the monotonic increasing property of the σ'cs– εrpplot obtained by using the (q')maxmethod is more obvious than those obtained by the other two methods. Where σ'csis an initial confining stress of specimen for lateral extension test, and εrpis a radial strain of specimen developed at the active state. The specimens, with the relative density between 15% ∼ 90% and with the confining stress between 80kPa ∼ 280kPa, range their values of εrpfrom −1.18% to −2.99%. The magnitude of εrpcan be used to judge the secure level of deformation for a retaining structure. Subsequently, this study derives a formula to predict the redistribution of earth pressure on a retaining wall when the wall moving outwards based on the results of those lateral extension tests. This prediction method is a new approach to study the problems of earth pressure. Comparisons of predicted results from numerical solutions technique and observations from model tests show that the performance of this method is reasonable.
Numerical Study of Turbulent Flows Over Vibrating Blades with Positive Interblade Phase Angle
Authors: Yang S.-Y. , Chen K.-H.
Published: May 2011

In this paper, a locally implicit scheme on unstructured dynamic meshes is presented to study transonic turbulent flows over vibrating blades with positive interblade phase angle. The unsteady Favre-averaged Navier-Stokes equations with moving domain effects and a low- Reynolds-number k-ε turbulence model are solved in the Cartesian coordinate system. To treat the viscous flux on quadrilateral-triangular meshes, the first-order derivatives of velocity components and temperature are calculated by constructing auxiliary cells and Green's theorem for surface integration is applied. The assessment of accuracy of the present scheme on quadrilateral-triangular meshes is conducted through the calculation of the turbulent flow around an NACA 0012 airfoil. Based on the comparison with the experimental data, the accuracy of the present approach is confirmed. From the distributions of magnitude of the first harmonic dynamic pressure difference coefficient which include the present solution and the related experimental and numerical results, it is found that the present solution approach is reliable and acceptable. The unsteady pressure wave, shock wave and vortex-shedding phenomena are demonstrated and discussed.
Exergetic Efficiency Optimization for an Irreversible Carnot Heat Engine
Authors: Chang T.-B.
Published: May 2011

In this paper, an exergetic efficiency optimization method that combines the concept of exergy and finite-time thermodynamic theory is developed to analyze an irreversible heat engine. With the total thermal conductance constraint, the analytical solutions of optimal allocation of thermal conductance and the corresponding maximum exergetic efficiency, thermal efficiency, as well as operating temperatures of hot and cold sides are obtained under a fixed overall heat supply rate. The results show that the exergetic efficiency optimization method can effectively analyze an irreversible heat engine.
Performance of a Piezoelectric Bimorph Harvester with Variable Width
Authors: Hu H. P. , Cui Z. J. , Cao J. G.
Published: May 2011

This article analyzes the performance of a piezoelectric energy harvester in the flexural mode for scavenging ambient vibration energy. The energy harvester consists of a piezoelectric bimorph plate with a variable width. A theoretical study is performed and the computational results show that the output power density increases initially, reaches a maximum, and then decreases monotonically with the increasing width, underscoring the importance for the width design of the scavenging structure. Further analysis indicates that the peak of output power density is determined by both the bimorph deformation amplitude and the efficiency in scavenging-energy. The analysis for this simplified model piezoelectric harvester provides a framework for further development on design guidelines for piezoelectric energy harvesters of optimal performance.
Improved Frequency Responses of Saw Filters with Interdigitated Interdigital Transducers on ZnO/Diamond/Si Layered Structure
Authors: Lin C.-M. , Wu T.-T. , Chen Y.-Y. , Chou T.-T.
Published: May 2011

There are many investigations on surface acoustic wave (SAW) filters with interdigitated interdigital transducers (IIDT) in the last two decades; however, the same is not true for the case of IIDT SAW filters fabricated on layered piezoelectric substrates. Therefore, the aim of this study is to explore the characteristics of the IIDT structures on layered piezoelectric media and further, to improve the frequency response of layered IIDT SAW filters with the unique dispersive properties of a layered piezoelectric structure. A method based on the effective permittivity approach, the coupling of modes (COM) model, and the H-matrix is utilized to analyze the characteristics of IIDT on the ZnO/Diamond/Si layered structure. In this study, it is shown that by optimizing the ratio of input to output IDT pairs, the side-lobe level of frequency responses on the ZnO/Diamond/Si layered structure could be suppressed, similar to that on the half-space substrate. In addition, it is also proved that the notched pass-band could be flattened out by designing the center frequency on the local maximum of the electromechanical coupling coefficient dispersion curve.
Effective Transverse Elastic Properties of Composites Containing Two Types of Continuous Fibers
Authors: Lin P. J.
Published: May 2011

Based the previously published model on the two-dimensional micromechanical fiber interaction framework of two-phase composites, effective transverse elastic properties of composites containing two types of randomly located yet unidirectionally aligned circular fibers are studied in this paper. Approximate local solutions for the interaction problem of two randomly located circular fibers of different elastic properties are presented. A fiber-reinforced composite material containing two extreme types of inclusions, voids and rigid fibers, is also investigated. Comparison with Hashin's variational bounds and Mori-Tanaka method, the current approach provides reasonably accurate predictions for three-phase composites. Finally, numerical simulation examples are implemented to demonstrate the capability of the proposed model.
Numerical Study for Centrifugal Model Tests of a Single Pile Foundation Installed in Sandy Deposits
Authors: Lu C. W.
Published: May 2011

It is believed that a dynamic analysis is urgently required to provide a more reliable numerical method for seismic evaluation of a full system, which includes foundation, super structure, and ground in earthquake zones such as Taiwan and Japan. A centrifugal model test of pile foundation is simulated numerically using a three-dimensional finite-element model (3D-FEM) code in this study. In the numerical simulation, parameters of the sandy soils in tij model that are derived from accumulated experiences in static tests are first calibrated by centrifugal vibration tests of sandy ground. Model tests of a single pile foundation installed in grounds of same unit weight of soil as in the static tests are then simulated using the calibrated parameters. The numerical simulation resulted in a good agreement with the corresponding physical model tests. By comparing the computed and the observed results, one can find and confirm that it is necessary to employ an appropriate soil model to reproduce dynamic soil behavior due to major vibration. Representation of pile by beam element in the numerical analysis is applicable when attention is paid on the response acceleration of top of pile foundation, on soils at some distances to the pile foundation, and on bending moment of the pile in a stiffer ground. Equal-displacement boundary condition for two-side boundaries is proven to be efficient. To reduce the computation time, the assumption of a constant damping of viscous matrix is acceptable.