bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of anisotropic strain on the charge ordering transition in manganite films
Authors: Chen Y. Z. , Sun J. R. , Liang S. , Lv W. M. , Shen B. G. , Wu W. B.
Published: May 2008

The substrate induced anisotropic strain was found to have a significant effect on the charge ordering (CO) transition and surface morphology in Bi0.4Ca0.6MnO3 films deposited on (110)- and (111)-oriented SrTiO3 substrates. Effects of film thickness t on the CO transition were further studied. The CO transition appears at TCO when t exceeds 50nm, and develops rapidly to an excellent state as t reaches 100nm. The distinctive thickness-dependent CO transition has a close relation with the anisotropic strain relaxation process.
Channel-drop filters in three-dimensional woodpile photonic crystals
Authors: Liu Rong-Juan , Li Zhi-Yuan , Feng Zhi-Fang , Cheng Bing-Ying , Zhang Dao-Zhong
Published: May 2008

Optical waveguides are characterized by high-efficiency transmission of electromagnetic (EM) waves and optical cavities have frequency selective property. The combination of optical waveguides and cavities can result in a large amount of devices in optical integrated circuit, among which a channel-drop filter is an important member. A three-dimensional (3D) woodpile photonic crystal (PC) can possess a complete band gap that allows perfect confinement of EM waves. We theoretically and experimentally study the property of the x-type waveguide and acceptor-type defect cavity that are created in the 3D woodpile PC working in the microwave regime. On the basis of resonant coupling between the x-type wave guide and acceptor-type cavity, a series of three-port in-plane-type channel-drop filters are built: single-cavity, double-cavity, three-cavity, and four-cavity channel-drop filters. All of them exhibit good frequency responding property by changing the size of cavity. The multicavity channel-drop filter demonstrates the possibility to build multichannel wavelength division multiplexers in the 3D PC platform.
Kinetic Monte Carlo studies of hydrogen abstraction from graphite
Authors: Cuppen H. M. , Hornekær L.
Published: May 2008

We present Monte Carlo simulations on Eley–Rideal abstraction reactions of atomic hydrogen chemisorbed on graphite. The results are obtained via a hybrid approach where energy barriers derived from density functional theory calculations are used as input to Monte Carlo simulations. By comparing with experimental data, we discriminate between contributions from different Eley–Rideal mechanisms. A combination of two different mechanisms yields good quantitative and qualitative agreement between the experimentally derived and the simulated Eley–Rideal abstraction cross sections and surface configurations. These two mechanisms include a direct Eley–Rideal reaction with fast diffusing H atoms and a dimer mediated Eley–Rideal mechanism with increased cross section at low coverage. Such a dimer mediated Eley–Rideal mechanism has not previously been proposed and serves as an alternative explanation to the steering behavior often given as the cause of the coverage dependence observed in Eley–Rideal reaction cross sections.
A field evaporation deuterium ion source for neutron generators
Authors: Reichenbach Birk , Solano I. , Schwoebel P. R.
Published: May 2008

Proof-of-principle experiments have demonstrated an electrostatic field evaporation based deuterium ion source for use in compact, high-output deuterium-tritium neutron generators. The ion source produces principally atomic deuterium and titanium ions. More than 100 ML of deuterated titanium thin film can be removed and ionized from a single tip in less than 20 ns. The measurements indicate that with the use of microfabricated tip arrays the deuterium ion source could provide sufficient ion current to produce 109–1010 n/cm2 of tip array area.
Magnetization reversal of Co/Cu/Co elliptical elements studied by in-field magnetic force microscope and micromagnetic simulation
Authors: Wang T. , Pei W. L. , Fu Y. , Washiya T. , Hasegawa T. , Saito H. , Ishio S. , Wang Y. , Li F. S. , Ariake J.
Published: May 2008

The magnetization reversal process of 10 nm Au/5 nm Co/6 nm Cu/30 nm Co elements with a 100 nm×200 nm elliptical shape was studied using a magnetic force microscope (MFM) with a variable in-plane applied field and a high coercivity tip. MFM observations showed that the ground states of top and bottom Co layers are all single domain, and their magnetizations reverse sharply layer by layer. According to the contrast change of MFM images of a single elliptical element by a sweeping applied field, a two-step hysteresis loop characterized by sharp reversal of magnetization was obtained. Micromagnetic simulations exhibited that the sharp reversal of magnetization agrees with MFM observations, and the magnetization reversal mechanisms are “quasicoherent” and vortex for the top and bottom Co layers, respectively.
A comprehensive analytical on-current model for polycrystalline silicon thin film transistors based on effective channel mobility
Authors: Hao Han , Wang Mingxiang , Zhang Bo , Shi Xuejie , Wong Man
Published: May 2008

A comprehensive analytical ON-state drain current model for poly-Si thin film transistors (TFTs) is developed to accurately fit both transfer and output characteristics of either low or high temperature processed poly-Si TFTs in both n- and p-types, with the same unified analytical form. The model is physical explicitly based and mathematically accurate, with no artificial factors introduced. To accomplish this, (1) the most appropriate model precisely describing the gate voltage dependent mobility degradation effect in poly-Si TFTs is determined from three previously employed models; (2) grain boundary barrier controlled carrier conduction model is adequately incorporated; and (3) a mathematically accurate analytical form for drain current is derived based on gradual channel approximation by introducing a new fitting parameter to describe the effective average channel mobility. Channel length modulation effect is introduced in modeling output characteristic. Applicability and accuracy of the model are demonstrated by fitting both n- and p-types poly-Si TFTs fabricated from very different processes.
Confinement free energy of flexible polyelectrolytes in spherical cavities
Authors: Kumar Rajeev , Muthukumar M.
Published: May 2008

A weakly charged flexible polyelectrolyte chain in a neutral spherical cavity is analyzed by using self-consistent field theory within an explicit solvent model. Assuming the radial symmetry for the system, it is found that the confinement of the chain leads to creation of a charge density wave along with the development of a potential difference across the center of cavity and the surface. We show that the solvent entropy plays an important role in the free energy of the confined system. For a given radius of the spherical cavity and fixed charge density along the backbone of the chain, solvent and small ion entropies dominate over all other contributions when chain lengths are small. However, with the increase in chain length, chain conformational entropy and polymer-solvent interaction energy also become important. Our calculations reveal that energy due to electrostatic interactions plays a minor role in the free energy. Furthermore, we show that the total free energy under spherical confinement is not extensive in the number of monomers. Results for the osmotic pressure and mean activity coefficient for monovalent salt are presented. We demonstrate that fluctuations at one-loop level lower the free energy and corrections to the osmotic pressure and mean activity coefficient of the salt are discussed. Finite size corrections are shown to widen the range of validity of the fluctuation analysis.
Electroresistance of La0.8Li0.2MnO3
Authors: Lewis R. A.
Published: May 2008

The electroresistance of La0.8Li0.2MnO3 has been measured at many applied currents and temperatures. As the magnitude of the current decreases, the electroresistance becomes more pronounced. Substantial electroresistance is observed over a wide range of temperatures. The greatest effect occurs well below the temperature of the metal-insulator transition.
High peak power single frequency pulses using a short polarization-maintaining phosphate glass fiber with a large core
Authors: Leigh M. , Shi W. , Zong J. , Yao Z. , Jiang S. , Peyghambarian N.
Published: May 2008

We report a high power, single frequency 1.5μm pulsed fiber master oscillator-power amplifier laser source using a large core, polarization-maintaining phosphate glass fiber. The phosphate glass fiber produces high powers with low nonlinearities using high Er–Yb codoping and short length. Using this fiber, we were able to generate single frequency pulses with peak powers up to 51.5kW. This is the highest reported peak pulse power for eye safe single frequency fiber laser systems.
Density functional study on the structural and thermodynamic properties of aqueous DNA-electrolyte solution in the framework of cell model
Authors: Wang Ke , Yu Yang-Xin , Gao Guang-Hua
Published: May 2008

A density functional theory (DFT) in the framework of cell model is proposed to calculate the structural and thermodynamic properties of aqueous DNA-electrolyte solution with finite DNA concentrations. The hard-sphere contribution to the excess Helmholtz energy functional is derived from the modified fundamental measure theory, and the electrostatic interaction is evaluated through a quadratic functional Taylor expansion around a uniform fluid. The electroneutrality in the cell leads to a variational equation with a constraint. Since the reference fluid is selected to be a bulk phase, the Lagrange multiplier proves to be the potential drop across the cell boundary (Donnan potential). The ion profiles and electrostatic potential profiles in the cell are calculated from the present DFT-cell model. Our DFT-cell model gives better prediction of ion profiles than the Poisson–Boltzmann (PB)- or modified PB–cell models when compared to the molecular simulation data. The effects of polyelectrolyte concentration, ion size, and added-salt concentration on the electrostatic potential difference between the DNA surface and the cell boundary are investigated. The expression of osmotic coefficient is derived from the general formula of grand potential. The osmotic coefficients predicted by the DFT are lower than the PB results and are closer to the simulation results and experimental data.
Neutron scattering investigation of a diluted blend of poly(ethylene oxide) in polyethersulfone
Authors: Genix A.-C. , Arbe A. , Arrese-Igor S. , Colmenero J. , Richter D. , Frick B. , Deen P. P.
Published: May 2008

By using quasielastic neutron scattering (QENS) with isotopic labeling we have investigated the component dynamics in a miscible blend of polyethersulfone (PES) and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) with 75% content in weight of PES. Due to the large difference in the glass-transition temperatures, Tg’s, of the two polymers (TgPEO≈220K, TgPES≈382K) the dynamic asymmetry in the system dramatically increases when approaching the average Tg of the blend, ⟨Tgblend⟩. For the fast (PEO) component, this leads to a behavior which hints a crossover from typical glass-forming liquidlike dynamics at high temperatures to confined dynamics close to ⟨Tgblend⟩ induced by the freezing of the segmental motions of the slow PES. The features of the confined PEO motion observed by QENS are similar to those of the secondary γ-relaxation detected for pure (semicrystalline) PEO. A neutron diffraction study of the short-range order of the homopolymers and the blend suggests that this coincidence could be due to similarities in the intermolecular packing of PEO and PES polymers.
Thin cell fringe-field-switching liquid crystal display with a chiral dopant
Authors: Ge Zhibing , Wu Shin-Tson , Kim Seong Su , Park Ji Woong , Lee Seung Hee
Published: May 2008

A fringe-field-switching (FFS) liquid crystal display (LCD) using a thin cell doped with a reverse-handed chiral compound is proposed. Such a FFS LCD exhibits a fast response time (∼8ms), high transmittance (>90%), low operating voltage (5Vrms), and intrinsically wide viewing angle. Its application for LCD televisions in order to reduce image blurring is emphasized.
Optical phonon characteristics of incommensurate and commensurate modulated phases of Bi3NbO7 ceramics
Authors: Moreira Roberto L. , Matinaga Franklin M. , Pirnat Urša , Suvorov Danilo , Dias Anderson
Published: May 2008

Raman and infrared-reflectivity spectroscopies were used to investigate the optical phonon modes of the cubic-incommensurate and tetragonal-commensurate phases of Bi3NbO7 ceramic samples. For both structures, the observed features could be well described by applying the factor-group method to average oxygen-deficient fluorite subcells; i.e., it was possible to predict the correct number and the activities of the observed phonon modes. The spectra showed rather broad bands, which are mainly for the cubic-incommensurate phase, probably because of the disorder of the oxygen vacancies and the folding of the Brillouin zone due to the modulation of the atomic positions. This can partially explain the higher quality factor and the potential interest in the tetragonal phase of this material for applications in microwave devices.
Long-wavelength light emission from self-assembled heterojunction quantum dots
Authors: Zhou Zhiqiang , Xu Yingqiang , Hao Ruiting , Tang Bao , Ren Zhengwei , Niu Zhichuan
Published: May 2008

The authors report the optical characteristics of GaSb/InAs/GaAs self-assembled heterojunction quantum dots (QDs). With increasing GaSb deposition, the room temperature emission wavelength can be extended to 1.56 μm. The photoluminescence mechanism is considered to be a type-II transition with electrons confined in InAs and holes in GaSb.
Large magnetocaloric effect in Sm0.52Sr0.48MnO3 in low magnetic field
Authors: Sarkar P. , Mandal P. , Choudhury P.
Published: May 2008

This letter reports on the magnetocaloric properties of Sm0.52Sr0.48MnO3 single crystal. A magnetic field of only 1T yields a change in the magnetic entropy by 5.9J∕(kgK) at TC (=124K), which is higher than those observed in several other perovskite manganites and rare earth alloys of comparable TC. This change originates from a sharp magnetization jump, associated with a first-order metamagnetic transition. Such a large change in entropy at a low magnetic field makes this material useful for magnetic refrigeration.
Electrical characterization of carbon nanotube field-effect transistors with SiNx passivation films deposited by catalytic chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Maehashi Kenzo , Ohno Yasuhide , Inoue Koichi , Matsumoto Kazuhiko , Niki Toshikazu , Matsumura Hideki
Published: May 2008

SiN x passivation films were deposited on carbon nanotube field-effect transistors (CNTFETs) by catalytic chemical vapor deposition (Cat-CVD) at low substrate temperatures. Deposition at 330°C induced many defects in the CNT channels. The measurement of electrical properties revealed that p-type CNTFETs were converted to n-type CNTFETs after deposition at 270°C. Air-stable p-type top-gated CNTFETs with SiNx passivation films deposited at 65°C were operated. Thus, Cat-CVD is highly suitable for depositing high-quality SiNx passivation films on CNTFETs and the fabrication of n- or p-type CNTFETs can be controlled by changing the deposition temperature of SiNx passivation films.
High performance light emitting transistors
Authors: Namdas Ebinazar B. , Ledochowitsch Peter , Yuen Jonathan D. , Moses Daniel , Heeger Alan J.
Published: May 2008

Solution processed light emitting field-effect transistors (LEFETs) with peak brightness exceeding 2500cd∕m2 and external quantum efficiency of 0.15% are demonstrated. The devices utilized a bilayer film comprising a hole transporting polymer, poly(2,5-bis(3-tetradecylthiophen-2-yl)thieno[3,2-b] thiophene) and a light emitting polymer, Super Yellow, a polyphenylenevinylene derivative. The LEFETs were fabricated in the bottom gate architecture with top-contact Ca∕Ag as source/drain electrodes. Light emission was controlled by the gate voltage which controls the hole current. These results indicate that high brightness LEFETs can be made by using the bilayer film (hole transporting layer and a light emitting polymer).
Fully engineered homoepitaxial zinc oxide nanopillar array for near-surface light wave manipulation
Authors: Volk J. , Håkansson A. , Miyazaki H. T. , Nagata T. , Shimizu J. , Chikyow T.
Published: May 2008

We report accurate light wave manipulation by means of an inverse designed homoepitaxial ZnO nanopillar array. Our proof-of-concept structure was optimized for focusing a near-surface light beam which propagates in a free-space parallel to the metal top surface. The on-purpose positioned and perpendicularly aligned vertical ZnO nanopillars were fabricated by homoepitaxial chemical growth technique. The obtained focal distance of 28μm as well as the light intensity distribution pattern was verified by three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain method. The demonstrated approach can provide inter- and intrachip optical connections in the next generation ZnO nanowire-based integrated photonic devices.
Power scaling of an extreme ultraviolet light source for future lithography
Authors: Wagenaars Erik , Küpper Felix , Klein Jürgen , Neff Willi , Damen Marcel , van der Wel Pieter , Vaudrevange Dominik , Jonkers Jeroen
Published: May 2008

For future lithography applications, high-power extreme ultraviolet (EUV) light sources are needed at a central wavelength of 13.5nm within 2% bandwidth. We have demonstrated that from a physics point of view the Philips alpha-prototype source concept is scalable up to the power levels required for high-volume manufacturing (HVM) purposes. Scalability is shown both in frequency, up to 100kHz, and pulse energy, up to 55mJ collectable EUV per pulse, which allows us to find an optimal working point for future HVM sources within a wide parameter space.
Molecular and morphological systematics of hypogean schizomids (Schizomida:Hubbardiidae) in semiarid Australia
Authors: Harvey Mark S. , Berry Oliver , Edward Karen L. , Humphreys Garth
Published: May 2008

We used molecular and morphological techniques to study troglobitic schizomids inhabiting a variety of subterranean landforms in semiarid Western Australia. The study was designed to explore the taxonomic and phylogenetic status of newly discovered populations of subterranean schizomids. Molecular sequences of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI) and small subunit rRNA (12S) were obtained from a total of 73 schizomid specimens. Populations sampled from boreholes within mesa landforms in the Robe Valley were highly genetically distinct from species of Draculoides Harvey, 1992 found elsewhere in the Pilbara (Cape Range and Barrow Island). Pronounced genetic structuring was also evident at a fine spatial scale within the Robe Valley, with populations from each of the mesas examined exhibiting unique and highly divergent mtDNA lineages. These molecular data were generally supported by small but significant morphological features, usually in the secondary male structures, but some species were represented only by female specimens that possessed more conservative morphologies. The molecular data defined two major in-group clades, which were supported by morphological differences. One clade was widespread and included the type species of Draculoides, D. vinei (Harvey), along with D. bramstokeri Harvey & Humphreys, D. brooksi Harvey, D. julianneae Harvey, D. mesozeirus, sp. nov. and D. neoanthropus, sp. nov. The second clade was restricted to the Robe Valley and deemed to represent a new genus, Paradraculoides, which included four new species P. anachoretus, sp. nov., P. bythius, sp. nov., P. gnophicola, sp. nov. and P. kryptus, sp. nov. (type species).
A new subterranean ground spider genus from Western Australia (Araneae:Trochanteriidae)
Authors: Platnick Norman I.
Published: May 2008

A new genus and species, Desognanops humphreysi, are described for a remarkable blind trochanteriid spider taken from bores in the interior of Western Australia. Desognanops, gen. nov. is hypothesised to represent the sister-group of the tropical rainforest genus Desognaphosa, suggesting that the new genus may be a subterranean relict of a biota adapted to moister conditions than are found on the surface today.
Electronic duality in strongly correlated matter
Authors: Park T. , Graf M. J. , Boulaevskii L. , Sarrao J. L. , Thompson J. D.
Published: May 2008

Superconductivity develops from an attractive interaction between itinerant electrons that creates electron pairs, which condense into a macroscopic quantum state—the superconducting state. On the other hand, magnetic order in a metal arises from electrons localized close to the ionic core and whose interaction is mediated by itinerant electrons. The dichotomy between local moment magnetic order and superconductivity raises the question of whether these two states can coexist and involve the same electrons. Here, we show that the single 4f electron of cerium in CeRhIn
5
simultaneously produces magnetism, characteristic of localization, and superconductivity that requires itinerancy. The dual nature of the 4f-electron allows microscopic coexistence of antiferromagnetic order and superconductivity whose competition is tuned by small changes in pressure and magnetic field. Electronic duality contrasts with conventional interpretations of coexisting spin-density magnetism and superconductivity and offers a new avenue for understanding complex states in classes of materials.
Donor insemination and parenting: Concerns and strategies of lesbian couples. A review of international studies
Authors: WERNER CAROLINE , WESTERSTÅHL ANNA
Published: May 2008

The concerns and strategies of lesbian couples at the time of donor insemination, throughout pregnancy and during early parenthood differ in several ways from those of heterosexual couples. For the majority of the lesbian couples insemination was the first option to conceive. They reported having strategies for their children growing up in a heteronormative society, and the parents shared time with and responsibility for the children equally. Issues considered most important by the couple were an open and non‐judgmental attitude from caregivers without heteronormative assumptions, knowledge about lesbian women's situation and acknowledgement of the co‐mother.
Perfectionism, achievement motives, and attribution of success and failure in female soccer players
Authors: Stoeber Joachim , Becker Claudia
Published: May 2008

While some researchers have identified adaptive perfectionism as a key characteristic to achieving elite performance in sport, others see perfectionism as a maladaptive characteristic that undermines, rather than helps, athletic performance. Arguing that perfectionism in sport contains both adaptive and maladaptive facets, the present article presents a study of N = 74 female soccer players investigating how two facets of perfectionism—perfectionistic strivings and negative reactions to imperfection (Stoeber, Otto, Pescheck, Becker, & Stoll, 2007)—are related to achievement motives and attributions of success and failure. Results show that striving for perfection was related to hope of success and self‐serving attributions (internal attribution of success). Moreover, once overlap between the two facets of perfectionism was controlled for, striving for perfection was inversely related to fear of failure and self‐depreciating attributions (internal attribution of failure). In contrast, negative reactions to imperfection were positively related to fear of failure and self‐depreciating attributions (external attribution of success) and inversely related to self‐serving attributions (internal attribution of success and external attribution of failure). It is concluded that striving for perfection in sport is associated with an adaptive pattern of positive motivational orientations and self‐serving attributions of success and failure, which may help athletic performance. In contrast, negative reactions to imperfection are associated with a maladaptive pattern of negative motivational orientations and self‐depreciating attributions, which is likely to undermine athletic performance. Consequently, perfectionism in sport may be adaptive in those athletes who strive for perfection, but can control their negative reactions when performance is less than perfect.
Goal orientations in negotiations: The influence of goal orientations on fixed‐pie perceptions and bargaining outcomes
Authors: Katz‐Navon Tal Y. , Goldschmidt Chanan
Published: May 2008

As is the case for other achievement situations, people may approach negotiations emphasizing outcome and/or process goals. This paper examines the effects of process goal orientation (PGO) and outcome goal orientation (OGO) on individuals' fixed‐pie perceptions and the negotiation of joint outcomes. Process and outcome goal orientations are associated with different personal beliefs about the world. We hypothesized that persons who are primarily oriented toward outcome goals, based on their fixed‐entity perception of the world, would mainly concentrate on the final results or on the outcomes of the negotiation. They would tend to perceive negotiations as fixed, zero‐sum, competitive situations, which have to be “won” by one of the parties at the expense of the other. On the other hand, we predicted that people who are strongly process‐oriented, based on their malleable‐entity perception of the world, would focus mainly on formulating and mastering the best strategies that lead to successful resolution of the negotiation. They would perceive positions to be “malleable” and, hence, would tend to perceive the negotiation as a non zero‐sum situation. Additionally, the interaction between the two types of goal orientations and its effect on the parties' joint negotiation outcomes was examined. Results of two empirical studies indicated that OGO was significantly positively associated with fixed‐pie bias (Study 1). The significant interaction between PGO and OGO (Study 2) demonstrated that a strong OGO combined with a strong PGO led to the best joint negotiation outcomes. Implications for goal orientation and negotiation theories are discussed.
An intervention study of the effects of the coping strategy of “finding positive meaning” on positive affect and health
Authors: Yamasaki Katsuyuki , Uchida Kanako , Katsuma Risa
Published: May 2008

Previous research has shown that positive affect (PA) is associated with the coping strategies of “searching for and finding positive meaning.” The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the coping strategy of “finding positive meaning” and PA using an intervention method. Additionally, inasmuch as previous research has revealed that PA is associated with physical and mental health status, the current study measured health status in order to carry out a preliminary test as to whether PA increased by the intervention can also improve health. Participants in the intervention group (Japanese graduate students; 13 men and 16 women) reported the most stressful event during the past 3 days and its positive meaning, while those in the control group (13 men and 15 women) reported the most stressful event alone. Both groups reported twice a week for 5 successive weeks using e‐mails. Three questionnaires, the Japanese version of the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule scales for measuring positive and negative affects (NA), the situational version of the General Coping Questionnaire for coping strategies, and the Japanese version of the General Health Questionnaire for health status, were administered to all participants just before the start of the intervention, after the conclusion of the intervention, and at the 5‐week follow‐up session. Results revealed that the “finding positive meaning” coping strategy and PA were enhanced by the intervention in the follow‐up for men and women with no changes in NA. For the health scales of the General Health Questionnaire, no significant group‐related effects were observed. Thus, the intervention had no significant influence on NA or health status. Implications of these findings for future research are discussed along with a few limitations in this study.
Cultural variation in the motivational standards of self‐enhancement and self‐criticism among bicultural Asian American and Anglo American students
Authors: Zusho Akane
Published: May 2008

Recent work on biculturalism has made theoretical and methodological inroads into our understanding of the relation of cultural processes with psychological functioning. Through the use of cultural priming methodologies, investigators have demonstrated that biculturals, or individuals who have experienced and identify with more than one culture, can switch between various “cultural frames of reference” in response to corresponding social cues (Hong, Morris, Chiu, & Benet‐Martinez, 2000). Drawing on this work on the cognitive implications of biculturalism, the purpose of the present study was to examine the assumption that independent and interdependent self‐construals are associated with the motivational standards of self‐enhancement and self‐criticism, respectively. More specifically, the effects of differential primes of self on ratings of self‐enhancement were investigated in a sample of bicultural Asian American (N = 42) and Anglo American (N = 60) college students; overall, more similarities than differences were noted between the two groups. It was hypothesized that Anglo American students would display marked tendencies toward self‐enhancement. However, this hypothesis was not supported. Nevertheless, consistent prime effects were observed for a selected number of ratings related to academic virtues, with those who received an independent‐self prime often exhibiting greater self‐enhancing tendencies than those who received an interdependent‐self prime. For example, participants in the independent‐self condition reported on average significantly higher ratings for self‐discipline and initiative, as well as the degree to which they perceived themselves to be hard working. Implications for the work on self‐representations, motivation, and acculturation are discussed.
Intrinsic reading motivation of Chinese preschoolers and its relationships with home literacy
Authors: Zhou Hui , Salili Farideh
Published: May 2008

The relationship between intrinsic motivation and home literacy of preschoolers was explored. One hundred and seventy‐seven preschool children (3.8 to 6.6 years old) in Mainland China and one of the parents who primarily took care of each child participated in the study. Six indicators were considered as a measure of home literacy. Results showed that after controlling for parents' education level and children's age, three home literacy indicators—parental model of reading behaviour, number of books, and years of character teaching—could explain children's intrinsic reading motivation. Contrary to previous Western studies, Chinese children's freedom of book choice was not related to their intrinsic reading motivation. Results are discussed in the context of culture differences.
Academic identities under threat?
Authors: Clegg Sue
Published: May 2008

This article focuses on the lived experience of practising academics as part of an inquiry into the vexed question of ‘academic identities’. Identity is understood not as a fixed property, but as part of the lived complexity of a person's project. The article reports on data from a small study in one university. The data suggest that academic identity is complex and that, moreover, it cannot be read off from descriptions of teaching, research, or management roles. Respondents in all roles were able to maintain highly distinctive, strongly framed academic identities. Experiences of class, gender and the significance of family are reported as having continued salience in respondents' lives. Moreover, despite all the pressure of performativity, individuals created spaces for the exercise of principled personal autonomy and agency. The article concludes that paying detailed attention to how changes are being experienced is an important element in theorising trends in the sector.
Exclusion from school: What can ‘included’ pupils tell us?
Authors: McCluskey Gillean
Published: May 2008

Indiscipline in schools in the UK continues to be the subject of fierce debate. The views of young people as pupils in these schools continue to be marginalised despite their centrality to this debate and their ability to offer a unique set of perspectives. An exploration of the views of a generality of pupils suggests the need to challenge many of the most powerful assumptions about issues of exclusion, non‐attendance and disruption in schools but, significantly, also gives grounds for new hope.
Increased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in hepatocellular carcinoma after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization
Authors: Wang B. , Xu H. , Gao Z. Q. , Ning H. F. , Sun Y. Q. , Cao G. W.
Published: May 2008

Background: Changes in the biological behavior of residual viable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissue after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) remain unclear. Several studies have reported that TACE inhibits tumor angiogenesis and induces tumor cell apoptosis, while other studies have found that TACE stimulates tumor angiogenesis and thus increases the proliferative activity of the tumor cells to some degree.

Purpose: To investigate the intratumoral microvessel density (MVD) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in residual surviving cancerous tissue after TACE in HCC.

Material and Methods: Tumor specimens from 63 histopathologically diagnosed patients were studied: 42 comprising the control group (treated by surgery alone) and 21 comprising the TACE group (those treated by TACE 1–2 times prior to surgical resection). The number of VEGF-positive cells, MVD, and microvessel diameter were measured.

Results: The MVD was 51.69±18.17 and 58.57±15.75 in the control and TACE groups, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups ( t=1.48, P>0.05). The microvessel diameter was 17.62±10.54 µm and 15.79±7.65 µm in the control and TACE groups, respectively, indicating no significant difference between the two groups ( t=0.71, P>0.05). The number of VEGF-positive cells in the TACE group, i.e., 243.66±88.88, was higher than that in the control group, i.e., 138.26±65.24 ( t=5.34, P<0.01). TACE increased VEGF expression in the residual surviving HCC tissues, and there was a positive correlation between VEGF expression and MVD ( r=0.4936, t=4.4329, P<0.05) in the HCC tissue.

Conclusion: The study indicates that the residual surviving cancerous tissue in HCC after TACE has a rich vascularity. TACE increases VEGF expression in the residual surviving cancerous tissue.
Focal pancreatitis mimicking pancreatic mass: magnetic resonance imaging (mri)/magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (mrcp) findings including diffusion-weighted mri
Authors: Momtahen A. J. , Balci N. C. , Alkaade S. , Akduman E. I. , Burton F. R.
Published: May 2008

Background: Focal pancreatitis (FP) is a confined inflammation that mimics a pancreatic mass. Its imaging diagnosis is important to avoid unnecessary procedures.

Purpose: To describe the spectrum of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) findings of focal pancreatitis mimicking pancreatic masses.

Material and Methods: Findings of MRI/MRCP including DWI with a b value of 0 and 600 s/mm2 in 14 patients with pancreatic masses on MRI were retrospectively reviewed and compared to normal pancreas in 14 patients as a control group.

Results: FP revealed hypointense signal intensity (SI) (3/14), hypo- to isointense SI (7/14), or isointense SI (4/14) on T1-weighted images, and hypointense SI (1/14), isointense SI (5/14), iso- to hyperintense SI (7/14), or hyperintense SI (1/14) on T2-weighted images compared to remaining pancreas (RP). MRCP images revealed dilatation of the common bile duct (CBD) and main pancreatic duct (MPD) (5/14), dilatation of the MPD only (3/14), dilatation of the CBD only (3/14), and normal MPD and CBD (3/14). Both FP and RP revealed three types of time–signal intensity curves: 1) rapid rise to a peak, with a rapid decline (FP=2, RP=4), 2) slow rise to a peak, followed by a slow decline (FP=5, RP=4), and 3) slower rise to a peak, with a slow decline or plateau (FP=7, RP=6). Mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values for FP and RP were 2.09±0.18 and 2.03±0.2×10−3 mm2/s, respectively. ADC values of FP and RP revealed no significant difference.

Conclusion: The spectrum of imaging findings of focal pancreatitis on MRI/MRCP including DWI was described. Findings of FP were not distinctive as compared to the remaining pancreas.
Antopol-goldman lesion of the kidney diagnosed by radiology: a case report of observation
Authors: Cardin A. L. , Marshall J. , Bhatt S. , Erturk E. , Wu G. , Dogra V. S.
Published: May 2008

Antopol-Goldman lesions are extremely rare and are characterized by subepithelial hematoma in the renal pelvis. There have been at least 28 case reports in the literature, with all being diagnosed histologically after partial or total nephrectomy for a presumed malignancy. We report the first case in the literature to be diagnosed by radiological imaging and followed on an observatory basis.
Diagnostic sensitivity of multidetector-row spiral computed tomography angiography in the evaluation of type-ii endoleaks and their source: comparison between axial scans and reformatting techniques
Authors: Saba L. , Pascalis L. , Montisci R. , Sanfilippo R. , Mallarini G.
Published: May 2008

Background: After endovascular stent-graft placement, several complications may occur. Retrograde filling of the aneurysm (type-II endoleak) is the most common.

Purpose: To evaluate the accuracy, image quality, and interobserver agreement of multidetector-row spiral computed tomography angiography (MDCTA) in the diagnosis of type-II endoleak, by using various types of reformatting techniques in comparison to regular axial images.

Material and Methods: Twenty-four patients who had had endovascular repair of an infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm with stent graft were retrospectively studied. In 12 of 24 patients, a type-II endoleak was found. CT scans were obtained after intravenous administration of 130 ml of nonionic contrast material using a 4–6-ml/s flow rate. All patients were investigated with axial scans, multiplanar reconstruction (MPR), maximum intensity projection (MIP), shaded-surface display (SSD), and volume-rendering (VR) techniques. For each patient and for each reconstruction method, the image quality of the scans was scored as 0 for bad quality, 1 for poor quality, 2 for good quality, and 3 for excellent quality images. Two radiologists reviewed the CT images independently. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated for each reconstruction method, with the axial images as the reference method. Interobserver agreement and kappa value were also recorded.

Results: MPR showed the highest sensitivity (83% and 67% for observers 1 and 2, respectively), PPV (91% and 80% for observers 1 and 2, respectively), and NPV (85% and 71% for observers 1 and 2, respectively), whereas VR showed the highest specificity (92% for both observer 1 and 2).

Conclusion: Reformatting techniques provide good-quality images; nevertheless, their efficacy in the study of type-II endoleak was found to be suboptimal in comparison to regular axial images. The MPR technique is probably the best choice in conjunction with axial images.
Image-guided transvaginal drainage of pelvic abscesses and fluid collection using a modified seldinger technique
Authors: Kim Seung Ho , Kim Seung Hyup , Han Heon , Kim Sam Soo , Lee Ji Yeon , Jeon Yong Hwan
Published: May 2008

Background: Transvaginal drainage using the trocar method is advantageous as a single-step procedure; however, the procedure may occasionally be difficult to perform, due to buckling of the catheter in the elastic vaginal tissues, despite the presence of a stiff stylet.

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and the safety of image-guided transvaginal drainage of pelvic abscesses and fluid collection using a modified Seldinger technique.

Material and Methods: Fifteen patients (mean age 43 years, range 24–82 years) who underwent transvaginal aspiration ( n=1) or catheter drainage ( n=14) guided by ultrasound and fluoroscopy were enrolled in this retrospective study. A small coronal incision was performed to facilitate puncture using an 18G needle, tract dilatation, and the insertion of a drainage catheter by the Seldinger technique. Outcome was analyzed with respect to clinical success, technical success, and procedure-related complications.

Results: The overall clinical success rate was 87% (13/15 cases). The success rate of catheter drainage was 86% (12/14 cases), and the use of aspiration alone was successful in one patient. Technical success was achieved in all patients, without procedure-related complications.

Conclusion: Image-guided transvaginal drainage with a modified Seldinger technique can be a safe and effective alternative treatment for pelvic abscesses and fluid collection.
Blood flow pattern and wall shear stress in the internal carotid arteries of healthy subjects
Authors: Sui Binbin , Gao Peiyi , Lin Yan , Gao Bing , Liu Long , An Jing
Published: May 2008

Background: The carotid bifurcation is one of the most susceptible locations for atherosclerotic plaques. It is important to assess wall shear stress (WSS) and blood flow patterns in this area.

Purpose: To assess local WSS and blood flow patterns at the origin of the internal carotid artery (ICA).

Material and Methods: Twenty-eight ICAs of 16 healthy volunteers were studied. A cine phase-contrast magnetic resonance (MR) sequence combined with a three-dimensional paraboloid model was applied to calculate WSS values and to obtain flow parameters. WSS spatial distribution features and local flow patterns were analyzed.

Results: Mean WSS was 0.560±0.180 (range −0.745 to 3.563) N/m2 at the origin of 28 ICAs. Error points were found in six vessels. Four WSS spatial distribution patterns were classified according to the location of low WSS values. Reverse WSS was found in 20 vessels. The mean oscillatory shear index (OSI) for these vessels was 0.089±0.094 (range 1.00×10−6 to 0.490). Complex flow status including reverse velocity, flow stagnancy, and high oscillating WSS was displayed in the end systole of this area.

Conclusion: Flow patterns were variant and complicated at the origin of the ICAs. Different types of local WSS spatial distributions were found around the vessel circumference.
Impaired physical health among methamphetamine users in comparison with the general population: the role of methamphetamine dependence and opioid use
Authors: McKETIN REBECCA , KELLY ERIN , McLAREN JENNIFER , PROUDFOOT HEATHER
Published: May 2008

Aim. To examine the extent of physical health impairment among a community sample of methamphetamine users in comparison with the general population, and factors associated with impairment among this group. Method. A cross‐sectional survey of 309 regular methamphetamine users from Sydney. The Physical Component Scale of the Short Form 12 (SF‐12) was used to measure impairment in physical health (score < 40). Age‐matched general population data for the SF‐12 were derived from the Australian National Survey of Mental Health and Well‐Being. Results. Participants had a higher prevalence of impaired physical health compared to the Australian general population (20% vs. 10%, p < 0.05), but this effect occurred among only dependent methamphetamine users over 24 years of age (25 – 34 years, 23% vs. 10%; 35 – 44 years, 41% vs. 12%). Methamphetamine dependence remained significantly predictive of impaired physical health after adjusting for age and other confounding factors. Opioid pharmacotherapy was also related strongly to poor physical health, accounting for 63% of participants with physical impairment. Other factors associated with impaired physical health were being female, having less than 10 years of schooling, and having been diagnosed previously with an anxiety disorder (p 5 0.05). Conclusion. Methamphetamine users are more likely to report impaired physical health than the general population, but this impairment is specific to older methamphetamine users who are dependent on the drug, particularly those who are enrolled in opioid pharmacotherapy.
The impact of a parent‐directed intervention on parent – child communication about tobacco and alcohol
Authors: BEATTY SHELLEY E. , CROSS DONNA S. , SHAW THÉRÈSE M.
Published: May 2008

Introduction and Aim. Given the likelihood of engaging in the hazardous use of tobacco and alcohol increases during teenage years, pre‐adolescence is a critical time to implement prevention programmes. While social factors other than those associated with parenting play a role in determining a child's risk for initiation of tobacco and alcohol use, parents can have a significant influence on their children's decisions about these issues. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of an in‐home parent‐directed drug education intervention on parent – child communication about tobacco and alcohol. Design and Methods. A group randomised intervention trial was conducted in Perth, Western Australia. Schools were selected using stratified random sampling and randomised to three study conditions. A total of 1201 parents of 10–11‐year‐old children were recruited from 20 schools. The impact of a self‐help intervention, comprised of five communication sheets containing information and activities designed to encourage parents to talk with their 10–11‐year‐old child about issues related to smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol, was assessed. Results. Intervention‐group parents were more likely to have spoken with their children, to have spoken more recently, to have engaged the child during the discussion and to have addressed the topics identified as being protective of children's involvement in tobacco and alcohol. In addition, the duration of talks about alcohol was longer than for parents in the comparison group. Discussion and Conclusions. Parents of 10–11‐year‐old children appear to be receptive to participating in a home‐based drug‐related educational intervention and the parent‐directed intervention seems to have enhanced parent – child tobacco‐ and alcohol‐related communication.