bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Web-Based Training Improves Knowledge about Central Line Bloodstream Infections
Authors: Comer Angela , Harris Anthony D. , Shardell Michelle , Braun Barbara , Belton Beverly M. , Wolfsthal Susan D. , Dembry Louise-Marie , Jacob Jesse T. , Price Connie , Sulis Carol , Chu Eugene S. , Xiao Yan ,   Attaining Safety for Patients through Interdisciplinary Risk Reduction Efforts (ASPIRRE) Subgroup
Published: November 2011

A Web-based training course with embedded video clips for reducing central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) was evaluated and shown to improve clinician knowledge and retention of knowledge over time. To our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate Web-based CLABSI training as a stand-alone intervention.
A Multifaceted Intervention Strategy for Eradication of a Hospital-Wide Outbreak Caused by Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in Southern Israel
Authors: Borer Abraham , Eskira Seada , Nativ Ronit , Saidel-Odes Lisa , Riesenberg Klaris , Livshiz-Riven Ilana , Schlaeffer Francisc , Sherf Michael , Peled Nejama
Published: November 2011

Objective.

To devise a local strategy for eradication of a hospital-wide outbreak caused by carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP).

Design.

Quasi-experimental, before-and-after, interrupted time-series study.

Setting.

A 1,000-bed tertiary-care university teaching hospital.

Methods.

Retrospectively, all relevant data were collected from the medical records of patients with CRKP infections from May 2006 through April 2007, the preintervention period. From May 1, 2007, through May 1, 2010, the postintervention period, the intervention was applied and prospectively followed. The 5 key elements of this strategy were an emergency department flagging system, the building of a cohort ward, the eradication of clusters, environmental and personnel hand cultures, and a carbapenem-restriction policy. The demographic and clinical parameters of patients colonized by and/or infected with CRKP were collected from medical records.

Results.

A total of 10,680 rectal cultures were performed for 8,376 patients; 433 (5.16%) and 370 (4.4%) were CRKP-colonized and CRKP-infected patients, respectively, and 789 (98%) of 803 patients were admitted to the CRKP cohort ward. The CRKP infection density was reduced from 5.26 to 0.18 per 10,000 patient-days (P<.001), and no nosocomial CRKP infections were diagnosed. Twenty-three percent of environmental cultures were found to be positive. Meropenem use was reduced from 283 ± 70.92 to 118 ± 74.32 defined daily doses per 1,000 patient-days (P<.001).

Conclusion.

This intervention produced an enormous impact on patient location, surveillance cultures, and antibiotic policies and a massive investment in infection control resources.
Epidemiology of Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Niedner Matthew F. , Huskins W. Charles , Colantuoni Elizabeth , Muschelli John , Harris J. Mitchell , Rice Tom B. , Brilli Richard J. , Miller Marlene R.
Published: November 2011

Objective.

Describe central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLA-BSI) epidemiology in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs).

Design.

Descriptive study (29 PICUs); cohort study (18 PICUs).

Setting.

PICUs in a national improvement collaborative.

Patients/Participants.

Patients admitted October 2006 to December 2007 with 1 or more central lines.

Methods.

CLA-BSIs were prospectively identified using the National Healthcare Safety Network definition and then readjudicated using the revised 2008 definition. Risk factors for CLA-BSI were examined using age-adjusted, time-varying Cox proportional hazards models.

Results.

In the descriptive study, the CLA-BSI incidence was 3.1/1,000 central line-days; readjudication with the revised definition resulted in a 17% decrease. In the cohort study, the readjudicated incidence was 2.0/1,000 central line-days. Ninety-nine percent of patients were CLA-BSI-free through day 7, after which the daily risk of CLA-BSI doubled to 0.27% per day. Compared with patients with respiratory diagnoses (most prevalent category), CLA-BSI risk was higher in patients with gastrointestinal diagnoses (hazard ratio [HR], 2.7 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.43-5.16]; P<.002) and oncologic diagnoses (HR, 2.6 [CI, 1.06-6.45]; P=.037). Among all patients, including those with more than 1 central line, CLA-BSI risk was lower among patients with a central line inserted in the jugular vein (HR, 0.43 [CI, 0.30-0.95]; P<.03).

Conclusions.

The 2008 CLA-BSI definition change decreased the measured incidence. The daily CLA-BSI risk was very low in patients during the first 7 days of catheterization but doubled thereafter. The risk of CLA-BSI was lower in patients with lines inserted in the jugular vein and higher in patients with gastrointestinal and oncologic diagnoses. These patients are target populations for additional study and intervention.
Emergence of Glutaraldehyde-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Tschudin-Sutter Sarah , Frei Reno , Kampf Günter , Tamm Michael , Pflimlin Eric , Battegay Manuel , Widmer Andreas Franz
Published: November 2011

Objective.

In November 2009, routine sampling of endoscopes performed to monitor the effectiveness of the endoscope-cleaning procedure at our hospital detected Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Herein we report the results of the subsequent investigation.

Design and Methods.

The investigation included environmental cultures for source investigation, molecular analysis by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) to reveal the identity of the strains, and determination of the bactericidal activity of the glutaraldehyde-based disinfectant used for automated endoscope reprocessing. In addition, patient outcome was analyzed by medical chart review, and incidence rates of clinical samples with P. aeruginosa were compared.

Setting.

The University Hospital of Basel is an 855-bed tertiary care center in Basel, Switzerland. Approximately 1,700 flexible bronchoscopic, 2,500 gastroscopic, 1,400 colonoscopic, 140 endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographic, and 140 endosonographic procedures are performed annually.

Results.

P. aeruginosa was detected in samples obtained from endoscopes in November 2009 for the first time since the initiation of surveillance in 2006. It was found in the rinsing water and in the drain of 1 of the 2 automated endoscope reprocessors. PFGE revealed 2 distinct P. aeruginosa strains, one in each reprocessor. The glutaraldehyde-based disinfectant showed no activity against the 2 pseudo-outbreak strains when used in the recommended concentration under standard conditions. After medical chart review, 6 patients with lower respiratory tract and bloodstream infections were identified as having a possible epidemiological link to the pseudo-outbreak strain.

Conclusions.

This is the first description of a pseudo-outbreak caused by P. aeruginosa with reduced susceptibility to an aldehyde-based disinfectant routinely used in the automated processing of endoscopes.
Outbreak of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Surgical Site Infections after Arthroscopic Procedures: Texas, 2009
Authors: Tosh Pritish K. , Disbot Maureen , Duffy Jonathan M. , Boom Marc L. , Heseltine Gary , Srinivasan Arjun , Gould Carolyn V. , Berríos-Torres Sandra I.
Published: November 2011

Setting.

Seven organ/space surgical site infections (SSIs) that occurred after arthroscopic procedures and were due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa of indistinguishable pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) patterns occurred at hospital X in Texas from April 22, 2009, through May 7, 2009.

Objective.

To determine the source of the outbreak and prevent future infections.

Design.

Infection control observations and a case-control study.

Methods.

Laboratory records were reviewed for case finding. A case-control study was conducted. A case patient was defined as someone who underwent knee or shoulder arthroscopy at hospital X during the outbreak period and subsequently developed organ/space SSI due toP. aeruginosa. Cultures of environmental and surgical equipment samples were performed, and selected isolates were analyzed by PFGE. Surgical instrument reprocessing practices were reviewed, and surgical instrument lumens were inspected with a borescope after reprocessing to assess cleanliness.

Results.

The case-control study did not identify any significant patient-related or operator-related risk factors. P. aeruginosa grew from 62 of 388 environmental samples. An isolate from the gross decontamination sink had a PFGE pattern that was indistinguishable from that of the case patient isolates. All surgical instrument cultures showed no growth. Endoscopic evaluation of reprocessed arthroscopic equipment revealed retained tissue in the lumen of both the inflow/outflow cannulae and arthroscopic shaver handpiece. No additional cases occurred after changes in instrument reprocessing protocols were implemented. After this outbreak, the US Food and Drug Administration released a safety alert about the concern regarding retained tissue within arthroscopic shavers.

Conclusions.

These SSIs were likely related to surgical instrument contamination with P. aeruginosa during instrument reprocessing. Retained tissue in inflow/outflow cannulae and shaver handpieces could have allowed bacteria to survive sterilization procedures.
Equilibria of toroidal plasmas with toroidal and poloidal flow in high-beta reduced magnetohydrodynamic models
Authors: Ito Atsushi , Nakajima Noriyoshi
Published: November 2011

A reduced set of magnetohydrodynamic equilibrium equations for high-beta tokamaks is derived from the fluid moment equations for collisionless, magnetized plasmas. Effects of toroidal and poloidal flow comparable to the poloidal-sound velocity, two-fluid, ion finite Larmor radius (FLR), pressure anisotropy and parallel heat fluxes are incorporated into the Grad–Shafranov equation by means of asymptotic expansions in terms of the inverse aspect ratio of a torus. The two-fluid effects induce the diamagnetic flows, which result in asymmetry of the equilibria with respect to the sign of the E × B flow. The gyroviscosity and other FLR effects cause the so-called gyroviscous cancellation of the convection due to the ion diamagnetic flow. The qualitative difference between the equilibria with and without the parallel heat fluxes is shown to stem from characteristics of the sound waves. Higher order terms of quantities like the pressures and the stream functions show the shift of their isosurfaces from the magnetic surfaces due to effects of flow, two-fluid and pressure anisotropy. The reduced form of the diamagnetic current associated with pressure anisotropy is also obtained.
Fitting with differential evolution: an introduction and evaluation
Authors: Björck Matts
Published: November 2011

Differential evolution is a global optimization algorithm that has started to find widespread use in the scattering community because of its proven effectiveness. In this article the performance of the algorithm is evaluated by fitting an X-ray reflectivity data set and investigating its convergence behavior as a function of its tuning parameters. The results offer important insights for applying differential evolution algorithms to scattering problems and provide some rules of thumb on how to tune the parameters. It is shown that, by choosing optimal tuning parameter values, the speed of the fitting process can be increased by an order of magnitude.
X-ray diffraction mapping on a curved surface
Authors: Allahkarami Masoud , Hanan Jay C.
Published: November 2011

An efficient method for X-ray diffraction data collection mapping on a given curved surface has been developed. The method uses a laser–video autozalignment system to collect a map of heights on a fine mesh grid. It also reconstructs the surface geometry and determines surface normals on a three-dimensional surface fit. An algorithm was used to calculate the required rotation and tilt angles to coincide the sample normal with the diffraction center before each exposure. A set of diffraction frames collected using this technique was analyzed in order to superimpose a phase transformation map onto a typical zirconia ceramic sample. With this method, mapping of phase and stresses on a complex surface has been demonstrated. This approach is broadly applicable to many important areas of study.
Functional ecology of saltglands in shorebirds: flexible responses to variable environmental conditions
Authors: Gutiérrez Jorge S. , Dietz Maurine W. , Masero José A. , Gill Jr Robert E. , Dekinga Anne , Battley Phil F. , Sánchez‐Guzmán Juan M. , Piersma Theunis
Published: November 2011

1. Birds of marine environments have specialized glands to excrete salt, the saltglands. Located on the skull between the eyes, the size of these organs is expected to reflect their demand, which will vary with water turnover rates as a function of environmental (heat load, salinity of prey and drinking water) and organismal (energy demand, physiological state) factors. On the basis of inter‐ and intraspecific comparisons of saltgland mass (msg) in 29 species of shorebird (suborder Charadrii) from saline, fresh and mixed water habitats, we assessed the relative roles of organism and environment in determining measuredmsgspecies.

2. The allometric exponent, scaling drymsgto shorebird total body mass (mb), was significantly higher for coastal marine species (0·88,N = 19) than for nonmarine species (0·43,N = 14). Within the marine species, those ingesting bivalves intact had significantly highermsgthan species eating soft‐bodied invertebrates, indicating that seawater contained within the shells added to the salt load.

3. In red knots (Calidris canutus), drymsgvaried with monthly averaged ambient temperature in a U‐shaped way, with the lowest mass at 12·5 °C. This probably reflects increased energy demand for thermoregulation at low temperatures and elevated respiratory water loss at high temperatures. In fuelling bar‐tailed godwits (Limosa lapponica), drymsgwas positively correlated with intestine mass, an indicator of relative food intake rates. These findings suggest once more that saltgland masses vary within species (and presumably individuals) in relation to salt load, that is a function of energy turnover (thermoregulation and fuelling) and evaporative water needs.

4. Our results support the notion thatmsgis strongly influenced by habitat salinity, and also by factors influencing salt load and demand for osmotically free water including ambient temperature, prey type and energy intake rates. Saltglands are evidently highly flexible organs. The small size of saltglands when demands are low suggests that any time costs of adjustment are lower than the costs of maintaining a larger size in this small but essential piece of metabolic machinery.
Identifying service needs from the users and service providers’ perspective: a focus group study of Chinese elders, health and social care professionals
Authors: Woo Jean , Mak Benise , Cheng Joanna OY , Choy Edith
Published: November 2011

Aim.  This is a preliminary study to identify older people service needs in Hong Kong from the users’ and service providers’ perspective.

Background.  As the Hong Kong population is ageing rapidly, it is important to identify the needs for care of older people. Although a wide variety of medical and social services have been provided to meet the needs of older people, there has been little evaluation from the users’ or service providers’ perspective regarding what the needs are and how well current service provisions match their needs. In recent years the importance of patient‐centred care has been emphasised, where patient’s expectation of care has been given a central role in guiding and improving the provision of health. However few studies have been carried out with respect to services for older people.

Design.  To identify the service needs, a focus group study was conducted. Both service providers and older people were interviewed. This preliminary study used a qualitative research method to identify older people’s service needs, generating rich information which could be used to inform older people care service development.

Method.  Data were collected by conducting eight focus group discussions. The focus group interviews were audio‐taped. Interviews were then transcribed and themes were identified.

Results.  The study identified several areas for improvement in services for older people, covering adequacy, accessibility and affordability of medical services, coordination of health and social care, quality of long‐term care, negative perceptions and training needs. Some themes such as service adequacy and negative staff attitudes occurred in both older people and health professional focus groups. The themes of fast access, continuity of care and smooth transition, affordability, provision of information of available health and social services appear to be universal as these have also been identified in similar studies in other countries.

Conclusion.  In addition to other objective outcomes, such as duration of stay in hospital or re‐admission rates after hospital discharges, changes in service provisions towards improvement should be evaluated from the users as well as professional care providers’ perspectives.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Areas of improvement in service delivery include timely access, continuity, affordability, better coordination of health and social care, quality of care particularly in the long‐term residential care setting and healthcare professionals’ communication and caring skills and attitude.
THE USE OF POLYVINYL ALCOHOL AND ITS DERIVATIVES AS MICROSCOPICAL MOUNTING MEDIA. PART I.–WATER MISCIBLE MOUNTING MEDIA
Authors: Gray Peter , WESS GLORIA
Published: November 2011

SYNOPSIS.

Polyvinyl alcohol has been successfully substituted for natural gums in water‐miscible mounting media of refractive index 1.38. Two gm. of polyvinyl alcohol is dispersed in 7 ml. of 70% acetone into which 5 ml. each of water, glycerine and lactic acid are then stirred. A further 5 ml. of water is added slowly and the whole is heated to transparency. The media dry rapidly to a hard pellicle.
OBSERVATIONS ON MICROSCOPE CONDENSERS, OBJECTIVES, AND EYEPIECES
Authors: Payne B. O.
Published: November 2011

SYNOPSIS.

The optical characteristics of the microscope objective are considered in relation to the optical tube‐length and total magnification of the instrument and the visual acuity of the human eye. Methods of construction are discussed, and typical achromatic, fluorite, and apochromatic systems are described and illustrated. This is followed by a review of special objectives of various types, including recent designs of ultra‐violet, phase contrast, flat‐field, and reflecting systems.
II.—A VECTOR THEORY OF PHASE CONTRAST AND INTERFERENCE CONTRAST. I. POSITIVE PHASE CONTRAST
Authors: Barer R.
Published: November 2011

SYNOPSIS.

It is shown that by making certain simplifying assumptions quantitative results can be obtained from a geometrical vector representation of phase contrast. Formulae for the intensity and contrast in the general case, and in a number of special cases, including central dark‐ground illumination, are derived, and are shown to be identical with those obtained by more elaborate mathematical procedures. The present paper is mainly devoted to a detailed discussion of some aspects of positive phase contrast. The appearances of (a) pure phase objects, and (b) mixed phase and amplitude objects are considered for (1) a non‐absorbing 90° phase plate, (2) 90° phase plates of any absorption, and (3) non‐absorbing phase plates in which the phase of the direct light is advanced by any angle Ψ. The bearing of some of the results on the selection of the optimum type of phase plate for a given purpose is discussed.
XVII.—THE STRUCTURE OF HUMAN SPERMATOZOA
Authors: Duijn C. van
Published: November 2011

Synopsis

A description is given of investigations on the structure of human spermatozoa. Both ordinary transmitted light, dark‐ground illumination and phase‐contrast have been used. Special methods have been applied for differential staining.

The tail shows a ribbon‐like structure and contains an axial filament, finally emerging to form the tail‐end. The middle‐piece contains mitochondria and centrioles. The head contains a compact nucleus of the karyosome type, surrounded by a plasmatic envelope, and nucleoli. One or more vacuoles may be present. The plasmatic upper part of the head has the ability to make “groping” movements when it touches cells of foreign origin.

The lower part of the head is surrounded by a cap, which stains heavily with some basic dyes. Chromosomal structures have been detected by means of the Feulgen technique.

While the head, middle‐piece, and tail are very resistant to a number of chemicals, the connection between the head and the middle‐piece consists of a substance which may be decomposed easily by acid hydrolysis.
A SIMPLE FREEZE‐DRYER AND THE CYTOLOGICAL EXAMINATION OF FROZEN‐DRIED TISSUE WITH THE USE OF VITAL DYES AND THE BAKER INTERFERENCE MICROSCOPE
Authors: Lacy Dennis , Blundell Mary
Published: November 2011

SYNOPSIS

A freeze‐dryer is described which can easily be made at relatively low cost. A brief account of its operation is given. The various methods of dealing with frozen‐dried tissue for cytoplasmic studies are also described and a comparison made between the reliability of these methods and those customarily employed by cytologists in morphological (as distinct from chemical) studies of cells.

When pancreatic tissue was frozen‐dried, fixedafterembedding, and subsequently stained, the cells and their inclusions were both inadequately preserved and stained. When similar tissue was frozen‐dried and fixed with formalin vapourbeforeembedding, the results were more satisfactory. However, in neither case was the quality as good as that obtained using customary cytological methods.

An alternative procedure was therefore adopted. The cells were stained intra‐ and supra‐vitally before freeze‐drying, embedded in paraffin wax, cleared in xylene, and mounted in Canada balsam. When examined with a Baker interference microscope, cells so treated were found to be stained and excellently preserved.
PANCREATIC SECRETION
Authors: Lacy D.
Published: November 2011

SYNOPSIS

Pancreatic secretion has been studied in cells which have not been stimulated by artificial means. Under natural conditions it has been shown that there exists a secretion cycle which consists of three main phases: 1. Recovery phase, during which zymogen synthesis is maximal; 2. Resting phase during which zymogen synthesis is minimal; and 3. Discharge phase, in which zymogen is lost from the cells. Zymogen synthesis is brought about by certain lipoidal prozymogen bodies which originate from mitochondria in the form of small granules. These pass towards the Golgi apparatus, probably receive some contribution from it, and become vacuolated. Bach vacuolated prozymogen body consists of an outer lipoidal coat enveloping an immature zymogen granule. Eventually the lipoidal coat is shed and a mature zymogen granule is produced. The loss of zymogen from the cells is brought about in a similar way. Amongst the zymogen granules there appear small secretion bodies which gradually increase in size. Each secretion body consists of an outer lipoidal coat and an inner substance which is probably formed by the liquifaction and absorption of zymogen granules. Eventually the secretion bodies are extruded into either intercellular secretion canaliculi or lumina along which they may pass intact into the duct system. With the possibility of rare exceptions, it is secretion bodies which are actually extruded or discharged from the cells and not the zymogen granules. Finally it appears that both the synthesis of zymogen granules and their absorption is brought about by the activity of an intracellular lipoidal cycle.
AN IMPROVED CULTURE CHAMBER FOR THE STUDY OF LIVING BACTERIA
Authors: Powell E. O.
Published: November 2011

SYNOPSIS

This culture chamber is a development of an older model, embodying the same principle of growth on a cellophane membrane. Organisms can be observed by vertical or transmitted illumination, with or without phase contrast, and can be stained in situ.
OPTICS OF THE OBJECT SPACE IN MICROSCOPY*
Authors: Spinell B. M. , Loveland R. P.
Published: November 2011

SYNOPSIS

Change of the tube length or of the separation of the elements of the objective can be used to eliminate the image degradation caused by incorrect refractive index or thickness in the object space. These can be in either the cover‐slip or the immersion oil. The quantitative relations were studied. The method of compensation is effective even over an extreme range.

A simple formulation was found to express the toleration of an observer to image degradation due to variation of the aforementioned factors from the designed optimum. This tolerance, expressed as*** + T(Δx) is affected only by the numerical aperture of the objective; T(Δx) = k(N.A.)−v. The two parameters, v and k, are significant, the latter being a measure of the strictness of the quality criterion. Graphs are presented from which these tolerances can be read.
SOME NEW DIATOMS FROM THE JOG‐FALLS (MYSORE STATE)
Authors: Gandhi H. P.
Published: November 2011

SYNOPSIS

Some new and interesting Diatoms from the Jog‐Falls are described and illustrated. One species of Achnanthes is re‐interpreted and five varieties are described as new to science.
THE VISCERAL HISTOLOGY OF THE SUMATRAN RHINOCEROS
Authors: Cave A. J. E. , Aumonier F. J.
Published: November 2011

SYNOPSIS

The histological structure is described, for the first time, of certain of the viscera of the Sumatran Rhinoceros (Didermocerus sumatrensis).
A note on the presence of glandular acini and tubules in the bladder and ureter of a donkey
Authors: SHEHATA R.
Published: November 2011

SYNOPSIS

The presence of mucous glands at the lower end of the ureter of a donkey is reported. Tubular acini are also present in the musculature of the bladder trigone. These latter may represent aberrant mesonephric tubules or aberrant Home's glands.
A fluorescent‐antibody technique for the rapid detection of Salmonellae in foodstuffs
Authors: LOVELOCK D. W. , DAVIES ANNE
Published: November 2011

SYNOPSIS

The development of a rapid, indirect fluorescent‐antibody technique for the detection of Salmonella; in dried egg powder, frozen chicken meat, and frozen chicken stock is described. Experiments using the technique in parallel with a conventional cultural technique have shown the results to be comparable and it is concluded that, provided the fluorescent‐antibody technique is used in conjunction with such a cultural technique, the small incidence of false positive results encountered does not constitute a great disadvantage in routine work.
The structure and assembly of collagen fibrils*: II. An electron‐microscope study of cross‐linked collagen
Authors: GRANT R. A. , COX R. W. , HORNE R. W.
Published: November 2011

SYNOPSIS

An electron‐microscope study has been made of collagen fibrils before and after treatment with various cross‐linking reagents.

In general it was found that cross‐linking resulted in an increase in the size of the light‐staining bands (as visualized by negative staining) and it was concluded that the light bands in native collagen correspond to regions where the tropocollagen macromolecules are bonded together.

Treatment of the fibrous‐long‐spacing form of collagen resulted in the long period of 2300 Å being converted to a native‐type 640 Å periodicity.
Precision ultramicrotomy of narrow specimen embedments for electron microscopy—theory and practice
Authors: GRIMLEY PHILIP M.
Published: November 2011

SYNOPSIS

Ultramicrotomy of narrow specimen layers (< 15 μ) requires special attention to the mechanics of block alignment. A systematic approach to levelling of the block face can increase the percentage of full face (“isometric”) sections and minimize specimen loss. The method proposed has been derived from geometric equations and provides a rational basis for the instruction of technical personnel. The significance of an initial angular displacement with respect to the ideal cutting plane is gauged from the percentage of block face obtained with the first ultratome stroke, and the maximum thickness of the first section. The latter is determined from reflection colours. The magnitude of angular displacement may be directly calculated or estimated graphically. Present means of microtome chuck or knife stage control permit approximate mechanical correction of alignment errors, but chief reliance must remain upon technical expertise. Experiments indicate that visual training can result in a relatively consistent alignment of the block face in the horizontal (knife edge) plane (< 0.2° error), but that preliminary vertical alignment is usually less accurate. For a given percentage of isometric sections, the tolerable degree of alignment error is inversely proportional to the length of the block face.
A collagen‐like sheath in the arenaceous foraminifer Haliphysema (Protozoa)
Authors: HEDLEY R. H. , WAKEFIELD J. ST. J.
Published: November 2011

SYNOPSIS

The 1–2 μ protein fibres forming an internal lining to the fragile arenaceous shell of Haliphysema are made of 0.2 μ diameter, cross‐striated fibres, which have an axial period of approximately 670 A and six distinct intraperiod bands. It is suggested that the fibres may be collagen, a fibrous protein generally considered to occur in all animal phyla except the Protozoa. The flexibility of the shell imparted by such a collagenous sheath could account for the survival of this bizarre protozoan in the agitated conditions of the inter‐tidal zone.
A new adhesive technique for micro‐organisms
Authors: KANWAR KULDIP C.
Published: November 2011

SYNOPSIS

This note describes a new technique for ensuring firm adhesion of micro‐organisms to slides.
A method for mounting 4μ resin sections routinely for ultra‐thin sectioning
Authors: WOODCOCK C. L. F. , BELL P. R.
Published: November 2011

SYNOPSIS

A method for re‐mounting 4 μ thick epoxy resin sections of botanical material after optical inspection is described. The sections are cemented with resin monomer to the tips of pre‐cast resin blocks in a specially made apparatus which can deal with eight sections in one operation.
Transrectal ultrasonography‐guided biopsy does not reliably identify dominant cancer location in men with low‐risk prostate cancer
Authors: Washington Samuel L. , Bonham Michael , Whitson Jared M. , Cowan Janet E. , Carroll Peter R.
Published: November 2011

Study Type – Diagnostic (exploratory cohort)

Level of Evidence 2b

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

The widespread use of serum PSA testing followed by TRUS‐guided biopsy have resulted in profound prostate cancer stage migration with many patients presenting with focal rather than multifocal disease. There is increasing interest in the use of focal rather than whole‐gland treatment. However, current biopsy schemes may still miss cancer or, even when cancer is identified, its extent or grade might not be accurately characterized. In order for focal therapy to be effective, the area of highest tumour volume and/or grade needs to localized accurately. The aim of this study was to assess how well biopsy, as currently performed, locates the focus of highest prostate cancer volume and/or grade.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the ability of transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)‐guided extended core biopsy to identify the dominant tumour accurately in men with early stage prostate cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with early stage, low‐risk prostate cancer who subsequently underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) and had complete surgical specimens were identified.

Re‐review was performed by a single uropathologist using ImageJ software to identify tumour location, dominant grade (DG) and dominant volume (DV).

Pathology findings were then compared with biopsy results.

RESULTS

A total of 51 men with early stage, low‐risk prostate cancer, who had undergone RP, had complete specimens for review and a median of 15 biopsy cores taken for diagnosis and grading.

Sixteen men had a single diagnostic biopsy, 21 had one repeat biopsy, and 14 had two or more repeat biopsies.

Compared with surgical findings, biopsy correctly identified the sextant with the largest tumour volume in 55% (95% CI 0.5–0.6) of specimens and the highest grade in 37% (95 CI 0.3–0.5).

No demographic or clinical factors were significantly associated with identification of DG. Interval between last biopsy and RP, total tissue length taken and total length of tumour identified were significantly associated with correct identification of DV.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings show that TRUS‐guided biopsy detects and localizes DV better than it does DG.

Even with an extended scheme, TRUS‐guided biopsy does not reliably identify dominant cancer location in this low‐risk cohort of men with early stage prostate cancer.

TRUS‐guided biopsy may perform better in similar men with low stage, but higher volume disease.
The Renminbi and Poor‐country Growth
Authors: Garroway Christopher , Hacibedel Burcu , Reisen Helmut , Turkisch Edouard
Published: November 2011

Discussions on how best to exit from global imbalances to create a more balanced world economy have ignored the impact on poor countries of proposals to redress these imbalances. This paper aims at filling that gap. It gauges the degree of renminbi (RMB) undervaluation; presents evidence on RMB undervaluation and China’s GDP growth rate; surveys the role of the real effective exchange rate – both its level and its stability over time – for underpinning growth in developing countries, especially in large dual economies such as China and India; and finally, presents new evidence on growth linkages between China and poor countries for the last two decades and surveys literature on potential displacement effects of RMB appreciation. The analysis allows broad conclusions to be drawn about the potential developing‐country beneficiaries and losers from various renminbi adjustment scenarios in the forthcoming years.
Fascin‐1 expression in canine cutaneous and oral melanocytic tumours
Authors: Yamada N. , Mori T. , Murakami M. , Noguchi S. , Sakai H. , Akao Y. , Maruo K.
Published: November 2011

Fascin‐1 expression was examined in 9 cutaneous melanocytomas and 47 oral melanomas. The cases were scored on the basis of extent and intensity of staining, and combined scores were calculated. Fascin‐1 expression was observed in 5/9 (56%) melanocytomas and 46/47 (98%) melanomas. The combined score for fascin‐1 was significantly greater in stage III/IV melanomas than in stage I/II melanomas (P < 0.05). In addition, strong fascin‐1 staining was associated with a significantly shortened survival time (P < 0.05). The results of this study suggest that fascin‐1 overexpression correlates with the malignancy of canine melanoma and has the potential to be a new immunohistochemical marker to predict the clinical course of canine melanoma. In addition, targeted therapy for fascin‐1 may represent a new strategy for the treatment of canine melanoma.
Guns and guitars: Simulating sovereignty in a state of siege
Authors: BRYANT REBECCA , HATAY METE
Published: November 2011

We present an ethnographic examination of the Agambenian approach to sovereignty through the example of a particular “state of exception,” namely, the militarized Turkish Cypriot enclaves of the 1963–74 period and their transformation into an unrecognized state structure. We argue that both the enclave administration and its subsequent variations have operated under a simulacrum of sovereignty, a claim to sovereignty that is both overproduced and incomplete. We examine the emergence of this simulacrum, which we claim allowed Turkish Cypriots to play with another form of existence, one at the interstices of exceptionality. This interstitial life, we argue, is characterized by a particular form of “abandonment,” one that may allow one to “enjoy one's exception.”
Cameroonian bushfalling: Negotiation of identity and belonging in fiction and ethnography
Authors: NYAMNJOH FRANCIS B.
Published: November 2011

Anthropology remains an unpopular discipline among many African intellectuals. I revisit debates on relations between fiction and ethnography to make a case for enriching African anthropology through a systematic reinterpretation of African fiction. I make my case through the ethnography of flexible identities among Cameroonian bushfallers—who seek their fortunes far from home—and support it by analysis of a novel,Married But Available. Through the figure of the bushfaller, I discuss hunting and distance farming as metaphors of choice among Cameroonians. Bushfallers are enmeshed in a complex web of expectations and obligations. They continually straddle relationships and social margins in their quest to break and bridge boundaries. Faced with others’ obsessive claims of autochthony and authenticity, bushfallers’ insistence on being married but available in identity and belonging speaks of the human future as one to be negotiated. It also serves as a metaphor for the relationship I envisage between anthropology and Africa and between fiction and ethnography.
Are births just “women's business”? Gift exchange, value, and global volatility in Muslim Senegal
Authors: BUGGENHAGEN BETH
Published: November 2011

Through global circuits of wage labor and capital, the Murid way has become an economic force in the Senegalese postcolony amid conditions of protracted global volatility. In this article, I analyze women's actions within these global circuits. Women create value by giving gifts during the celebration of births and marriages, gifts that are the product of and the motivating force behind Murid global trade. Female ritual activities, on which male honor rests, draw women into conflict with the Murid clergy, which views women's actions as customary and not part of its modern, austere, and global vision of Islam in Senegal.
Organic intellectuals, crossing scales, and the emergence of social movements with respect to AIDS in South Africa AES Presidential Address for 2008
Authors: SUSSER IDA
Published: November 2011

I examine the transmission of ideas, from both scientific research and state‐sponsored misinformation, with respect to AIDS in southern Africa. On the basis of research among women in AIDS support groups, advocates with South Africa's Treatment Action Campaign, and global health activists, I interpret the role of grassroots social movements in relation to organic intellectuals and their abilities to address the commons from the local to the global. My research has focused specifically on how women's interests have registered in the scientific arena, in global AIDS funding, and at the local political level. As I analyze these issues, I comment more broadly on the role of public intellectuals in relation to social movements.
Multiple role of temperature during insect diapause: a review
Authors: Hodek I. , Hodková M.
Published: November 2011

The review emphasizes that there are multiple pathways to diapause completion. The programmed course of events is modified by environmental cues. Often chilling is not a prerequisite for the completion of hibernation diapause (examples tabulated). Diapause completion progresses well at intermediate or high temperatures, sometimes it is even stimulated by high or increasing temperature. Low temperatures are important, as they (1) conserve metabolic reserves, (2) prevent resumption of post‐diapause morphogenesis and thus synchronize the life‐cycle, (3) represent contrast to the later increase in temperature. Diapause consists of phases with different prerequisites. There is a principal difference between diapause development and photoperiodic activation as indicated by the subsequent physiological condition of insects.
The Resistible Rise of Sarah Palin: Continuity and Paradox in the American Right Wing1
Authors: Larson Magali Sarfatti , Porpora Douglas
Published: November 2011

Sarah Palin clearly holds a powerful appeal for a right‐wing constituency although even her most fervent followers may doubt that she is electable. This article examines the basis of her appeal. We argue that it can be summed up as an appeal to American authenticity, which consists of several elements: the valorization of small town ordinary life takes second place to faith and religious commitment; an equal faith in American exceptionality implies that Americans should never be apologetic about their country and never waver in their belief in its special greatness; the final elements are a foundational libertarian creed and a peculiar brand of right‐wing populism. However, for all her affinities with classical right‐wing sentiment, Sarah Palin, we argue, brings something new to the mix: a genuinely maverick right‐wing feminism. That is why in the end, we call the Palin phenomenon a paradoxical one.
Migration, International Telecommunications, and Human Rights1
Authors: Clark Rob , Hall Jason
Published: November 2011

World polity embeddedness has traditionally been measured by state and civil participation in formal venues, including international organizations, multilateral agreements, and world conferences. In this study, we highlight an alternative form of embeddedness found in cross‐national social relations and apply this framework to the human rights sector of the world polity. Specifically, we propose that the international migrant community diffuses human rights values and practices via (1) local performance and (2) cross‐national communication. Using data from the World Values Survey, we first show that immigrants are more likely to embrace, and actively participate in, the human rights movement. Next, using network data that report country‐to‐country bilateral flows, we observe a high degree of correspondence between international migration and telecommunications, confirming previous studies that trace telephone traffic to the flow of people. Finally, analyzing a balanced data set of 333 observations across 111 countries spanning the 1975–2000 period, we use ordered probit regression to assess the local and cross‐national effects of migrants on a state’s human rights record. We find that a country’s immigration level and its in‐degree centrality in international telecommunications both positively affect its Amnesty International rating, and that these effects are robust to a number of alternative specifications.
Neighborhood Organizations and Resident Assistance to Police1
Authors: Hawdon James , Ryan John
Published: November 2011

Police and scholars note that successful crime fighting requires police and residents to “co‐produce” public safety. However, residents are often reluctant to get involved in policing initiatives or even report crimes they witness. One possible means of stimulating resident involvement in crime‐control activities is through neighborhood organizations. This research, conducted on 1,313 residents of 42 neighborhoods in western South Carolina, investigates whether neighborhood organization participation increases the likelihood of assisting police in crime‐control efforts. Results indicate that organization participants are more likely to assist police than are nonparticipants, even after controlling for social cohesion, perceptions of police legitimacy, various policing strategies, fear of crime, and demographic factors.
Tremorine-oxotremorine-induced tremor, hypothermia and analgesia, and physostigmine toxicity, in mice after pretreatment with β-adrenoceptor antagonists
Authors: Barar F S K , Madan B R
Published: November 2011

The β-adrenoceptor blockers propranolol, PhQA33 and LB-46 exhibited appreciable activity against tremorine-(TMN) and oxotremorine-(OTMN) induced tremor, whereas pronethalol, (+)-H56/28, (–)-H56/28, KÖ-592 and l(+)-INPEA possessed weak action. The two β-blockers, namely d,l(±)-INPEA and d(–)-INPEA acted as weak tremorgens. None of the above compounds suppressed the induced peripheral cholinergic phenomena; or possessed any central anticholinergic activity, as they were unable to afford protection against physostigmine-induced death. Propranolol, PhQA33 and LB-46 antagonized TMN-induced hypothermia and analgesia, but were inactive against OTMN-induced changes. A correlation of the β-blocking and anti-tremor activity of these agents is unlikely.
Supervisory Control of Parallel Hybrid Electric Vehicles for Fuel and Emission Reduction
Authors: Kum Dongsuk , Peng Huei , Bucknor Norman K.
Published: November 2011

Past research on hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) focused primarily on improving their fuel economy. Emission reduction is another important performance attribute that needs to be addressed. When emissions are considered for hybrid vehicles with a gasoline engine, horizon-based optimization methodologies should be used because the light-off of the three-way catalytic converter heavily depends on the warming-up of catalyst temperature. In this paper, we propose a systematic design method for a cold-start supervisory control algorithm based on the dynamic programming (DP) methodology. First, a system-level parallel HEV model is developed to efficiently predict tailpipe emissions as well as fuel economy. The optimal control problem for minimization of cold-start emissions and fuel consumption is then solved via DP. Since DP solution cannot be directly implemented as a real-time controller, more useful control strategies are extracted from DP solutions over the entire state space via the comprehensive extraction method. The extracted DP results indicate that the engine on/off, gear-shift, and power-split strategies must be properly adjusted to achieve fast catalyst warm-up and low cold-start tailpipe emissions. Based on DP results, we proposed a rule-based control algorithm that is easy to implement and adjust while achieving near-optimal fuel economy and emission performance.
MHD Squeezing Flow of a Micropolar Fluid Between Parallel Disks
Authors: Hayat T. , Nawaz M. , Hendi Awatif A. , Asghar S.
Published: November 2011

The squeezing flow of an incompressible micropolar fluid between two parallel infinite disks is investigated in the presence of a magnetic flied. An analysis of strong and weak interactions has been carried out. Similarity solutions are derived by homotopy analysis method. The variation of dimensionless velocities are sketched in order to see the influence of pertinent parameters. Skin friction coefficient and wall couple stress coefficient have been tabulated. In addition, the derived results are compared with the homotopy perturbation solution in a viscous fluid.
Experimental Characterization of Thermal Cavitation Effects on Space Rocket Axial Inducers
Authors: Torre Lucio , Cervone Angelo , Pasini Angelo , d’Agostino Luca
Published: November 2011

The paper shows the results of an experimental campaign conducted in the CPRTF (Cavitating Pump Rotordynamic Test Facility) at ALTA S.p.A., aimed at characterizing the cavitation thermal effects on two tapered-hub, variable-pitch inducers, designated as DAPAMITO. The semiempirical method proposed by Ruggeri and Moore for scaling the thermal cavitation effects has been successfully applied and consequently, a further validation of this method has been provided. The influence of the temperature on the intensity of the performance degradation associated with the attached cavitation instability has been identified as a new typology of cavitation thermal effects. In this case, the inhibition of the bubble growth due to thermal effects can be detected by the reduction of the performance degradation usually associated with this type of instability.