A nanometre-scale resolution interference-based probe of interfacial phenomena between microscopic objects and surfaces

Interferometric techniques have proven useful to infer proximity and local surface profiles of microscopic objects near surfaces. But a critical trade-off emerges between accuracy and mathematical complexity when these methods are applied outside the vicinity of closest approach. Here we introduce a significant advancement that enables reflection interference contrast microscopy to provide nearly instantaneous reconstruction of an arbitrary convex object’s contour next to a bounding surface with nanometre resolution, making it possible to interrogate microparticle/surface interaction phenomena at radii of curvature 1,000 times smaller than those accessible by the conventional surface force apparatus. The unique view-from-below perspective of reflection interference contrast microscopy also reveals previously unseen deformations and allows the first direct observation of femtolitre-scale capillary condensation dynamics underneath micron-sized particles. Our implementation of reflection interference contrast microscopy provides a generally applicable nanometre-scale resolution tool that can be potentially exploited to dynamically probe ensembles of objects near surfaces so that statistical/probabilistic behaviour can be realistically captured

Waiting for Miracles : The Commercialization of Urban Water Services in Zambia

This article focuses on the commercialization of urban water services in Zambia. It aims to demonstrate the tension between cost recovery and service extension when water sector reforms combine investment cuts with price increases. It is argued that in low-income economies where infrastructure limitations are serious and poverty is widespread, heavy reliance on ‘tariff rationalization’ with low levels of investment can lead to reduced access to water and render water charges unaffordable. Reforms to public services can prove futile in the absence of upfront resources for investment in the restoration and extension of the existing infrastructure. In many ways, Zambia typifies other low-income economies; this study thus offers useful lessons for themPeer reviewe

Basic list of veterinary medical serials, third edition: using a decision matrix to update the core list of veterinary journals

Objective: This paper presents the methods and results of a study designed to produce the third edition of the ‘‘Basic List of Veterinary Medical Serials,’’ which was established by the Veterinary Medical Libraries Section in 1976 and last updated in 1986. Methods: A set of 238 titles were evaluated using a decision matrix in order to systematically assign points for both objective and subjective criteria and determine an overall score for each journal. Criteria included: coverage in four major indexes, scholarly impact rank as tracked in two sources, identification as a recommended journal in preparing for specialty board examinations, and a veterinary librarian survey rating. Results: Of the 238 titles considered, a minimum scoring threshold determined the 123 (52%) journals that constituted the final list. The 36 subject categories represented on the list include general and specialty disciplines in veterinary medicine. A ranked list of journals and a list by subject category were produced. Conclusion: Serials appearing on the third edition of the ‘‘Basic List of Veterinary Medical Serials’’ met expanded objective measures of quality and impact as well as subjective perceptions of value by both librarians and veterinary practitioners

VetPrint: Building an International Print Preservation Program for Veterinary Literature

Presentation at the joint meeting of ICAHIS 7: International Conference of Animal Health Information Specialists,11th International Congress on Medical Librarianship (ICML), and the Medical Library Association Conference. Boston, MA. 2013 Also available at https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:31902

VetPrint: Building an International Print Preservation Program for Veterinary Literature

Presentation at the joint meeting of ICAHIS 7: International Conference of Animal Health Information Specialists,11th International Congress on Medical Librarianship (ICML), and the Medical Library Association Conference. Boston, MA. 2013 Also available at https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:31902

Duration of cough, TB suspects' characteristics and service factors determine the yield of smear microscopy

Objective To determine the efficiency of routine tuberculosis (TB) case detection by examining sputum smear positivity for acid-fast bacilli in relation to duration of cough, characteristics of TB suspects examined and health service factors. Method We combined patient interviews with routine data from laboratory registers in 6 health care facilities in San Juan de Lurigancho district, Lima, Peru. A TB case was defined as a TB suspect with at least one positive sputum smear. We calculated adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals for the association between smear positivity and health service and patient's characteristics. Results Smear positivity was 7.3% (321/4376). Of the 4376 adults submitting sputa, 55.3% (2418) reported cough for 2 weeks, being referred by health care staff, attending a secondary-level health care facility, male sex and age between 15 and 44 years were independent determinants of smear positivity. Conclusions Routine case detection yields a low proportion of smear-positive cases because of the inclusion of a high proportion of patients without cough or coughing for <2 weeks. Adherence to the national TB control programme guidelines on the selection of TB suspects would have a positive impact on the smear positivity rate, reduce laboratory costs and workload and possibly improve the reading quality of smear microscop