Absence of ectopic epithelial inclusions in 3,904 axillary lymph nodes examined in sentinel technique.

Intraoperative examination of sentinel axillary lymph nodes can be done by imprint cytology, frozen section, or, most recently, by PCR-based amplification of a cytokeratin signal. Using this technique, benign epithelial inclusions, representing mammary tissue displaced along the milk line, will likely generate a positive PCR signal and lead to a false-positive diagnosis of metastatic disease. To better appreciate the incidence of ectopic epithelial inclusions in axillary lymph nodes, we have performed an autopsy study, examining on 100 μm step sections 3,904 lymph nodes obtained from 160 axillary dissections in 80 patients. The median number of lymph nodes per axilla was 23 (15, 6, and 1 in levels 1, 2, and 3, respectively). A total of 30,450 hematoxylin-eosin stained slides were examined, as well as 8,825 slides immunostained with pan-cytokeratin antibodies. Despite this meticulous work-up, not a single epithelial inclusion was found in this study, suggesting that the incidence of such inclusions is much lower than the assumed 5% reported in the literature.

Heterogeneous 40Ar* distributions in naturally deformed muscovite: in situ UV-laser ablation evidence for micro structurally controlled intragrain diffusion

Micas are commonly used in Ar-40/Ar-39 thermochronological studies of variably deformed rocks yet the physical basis by which deformation may affect radiogenic argon retention in mica is poorly constrained. This study examines the relationship between deformation and deformation-induced microstructures on radiogenic argon retention in muscovite, A combination of furnace step-heating and high-spatial resolution in situ UV-laser ablation Ar-40/Ar-39 analyses are reported for deformed muscovites sampled from a granitic pegmatite vein within the Siviez-Mischabel Nappe, western Swiss Alps (Penninic domain, Brianconnais unit). The pegmatite forms part of the Variscan (similar to 350 Ma) Alpine basement and exhibits a prominent Alpine S-C fabric including numerous mica `fish' that developed under greenschist facies metamorphic conditions, during the dominant Tertiary Alpine tectonic phase of nappe emplacement. Furnace step-heating of milligram quantities of separated muscovite grains yields an Ar-40/Ar-39 age spectrum with two distinct staircase segments but without any statistical plateau, consistent with a previous study from the same area. A single (3 X 5 mm) muscovite porphyroclast (fish) was investigated by in situ UV-laser ablation. A histogram plot of 170 individual Ar-40/Ar-39 UV-laser ablation ages exhibit a range from 115 to 387 Ma with modes at approximately 340 and 260 Ma. A variogram statistical treatment of the (40)Ad/Ar-39 results reveals ages correlated with two directions; a highly correlated direction at 310 degrees and a lesser correlation at 0 degrees relative to the sense of shearing. Using the highly correlated direction a statistically generated (Kriging method) age contour map of the Ar-40/Ar-39 data reveals a series of elongated contours subparallel to the C-surfaces which where formed during Tertiary nappe emplacement. Similar data distributions and slightly younger apparent ages are recognized in a smaller mica fish. The observed intragrain age variations are interpreted to reflect the partial loss of radiogenic argon during Alpine (similar to 35 Ma) greenschist facies metamorphism. One-dirnensional diffusion modelling results are consistent with the idea that the zones of youngest apparent age represent incipient shear band development within the mica porphyroclasts, thus providing a network of fast diffusion pathways. During Alpine greenschist facies metamorphism the incipient shear bands enhanced the intragrain loss of radiogenic argon. The structurally controlled intragrain age variations observed in this investigation imply that deformation has a direct control on the effective length scale for argon diffusion, which is consistent with the heterogeneous nature of deformation. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Expression of T cell receptor genes in the thymus: localization of transcripts in situ and comparison of mature and immature subsets.

We have analyzed the expression of T cell receptor (TcR) genes in the thymus using in situ RNA hybridizations with probes to the constant regions of the TcR alpha, beta, gamma and delta chains. Localization of transcripts revealed low TcR alpha mRNA levels in the thymus cortex and very low levels in the subcapsular region. In contrast, TcR beta message was very abundant in the cortex. TcR gamma or delta mRNA+ thymocytes showed a scattered, predominantly cortical localization. In contrast to gamma, TcR delta transcripts were abundant in the subcapsular region. Control experiments with sorted TcR alpha/beta or gamma/delta cells revealed a detection efficiency of 75%-85% for the respective TcR mRNA and data on TcR gene expression in mature, CD3+ thymocytes were consistent with previous reports. The analysis of immature, CD3- thymocyte subsets, however, revealed a virtual absence of TcR alpha transcripts and an unexpectedly high proportion of cells (14%-29%) expressing the gene for the TcR delta chain. The data are discussed in view of current models of lineage relationships in the thymus.

Validation of methane measurement using headspace-GC-MS and quantification by a stable isotope-labeled internal standard generated in situ.

A previous study has shown the possibility to identify methane (CH4 ) using headspace-GC-MS and quantify it with a stable isotope as internal standard. The main drawback of the GC-MS methods discussed in literature for CH4 measurement is the absence of a specific internal standard necessary to perform quantification. However, it becomes essential to develop a safer method to limit the manipulation of gaseous CH4 and to precisely control the injected amount of gas for spiking and calibration by comparison with external calibration. To avoid the manipulation of a stable isotope-labeled gas, we have chosen to generate a labeled gas as an internal standard in a vial on the basis of the formation of CH4 by the reaction of Grignard reagent methylmagnesium chloride with deuterated water. This method allows precise measurement of CH4 concentrations in gaseous sample as well as in a solid or a liquid sample after a thermodesorption step in a headspace vial. A full accuracy profile validation of this method is then presented.

Resultados preliminares de las mediciones de fuerza de blanco in situ de las principales especies pelágicas. Crucero BIC Humboldt 9803-05 de Tumbes a Tacna

Se han utilizado los resultados de 144 lances ejecutados en el transcurso del Crucero 9803-05. Se compararon los histogramas de TS y los de tallas en búsqueda de correlación entre ambas a fin de determinar el factor b20 de la Ecuación de Fuerza de Blanco (20 log (LT,cm) + b20). Se han determinado nuevas ecuaciones de TS para anchoveta (38 y 120 kHz), sardina (120 kHz), jurel (38 kHz) y caballa (38 y 120 kHz). Se deberá continuar con estas mediciones puesto que un cambio en las propuestas reflectivas de los peces puede afectar la correcta obtención de los estimados de biomasa.

Mediciones in situ de TS de diversas especies a finales del invierno de 1998. Crucero BIC Humboldt 9808-09

Se efectuaron mediciones de TS (Fuerza de Blanco, Target Strenght) durante los 108 lances de comprobación de ecotrazos realizados por el BIC Humboldt en el marco del Crucero 9808-09 de Evaluación Hidroacústica de Recursos Pelágicos. Se consideran para el análisis únicamente aquellos lances donde más del 90% de la captura perteneció a una sola especie. Los factores b20 de la ecuación de TS (TS=20 log L - b20) que han sido determinados, las cuales deberán ser considerados como provisionales, son las siguientes: Pez cinta (Trichiurus lepturus) = 70,95 (120 kHz); Vinciguerria o pez linterna (Vinciguerria lucetia pacifici) = 83,29 (120 kHz); Samasa (Anchoa nasus) = 86,57 (120 kHz); Caballa (Scomber japonicus) = 83,09 (120 kHz); Pez cinta (Trichiurus lepturus) = 71,41 (38 kHz); y Vinciguerria o pez linterna (Vinciguerria lucetia pacifici)= 82,04 (38kHz).

Mediciones in situ de TS para el krill (Euphasia superba) a 120 Khz. Verano austral 1998. Perú antar IX

Se realizaron mediciones de la Fuerza de Blanco (TS) del krill (Euphausia superba) durante los 29 lances efectuados en el Crucero de Evaluación Hidroacústica utilizando la ecosonda SIMRAD EK 500 a bordo del BIC Humboldt entre los días 12 y 24 de enero de 1998 a lo largo del Estrecho de Bransfield y alrededores de la Isla Elefante. Se derivaron los valores de b20 a partir de le ecuación de TS de FOOTE (1990), de las longitudes promedios de los individuos capturados durante cada uno de los lances y de las tablas de TS generadas por la ecosonda, determinándose una ecuación de TS para el krill en un rango de longitud comprendido entre 2,1 y 5,3 cm de la siguiente forma: TS = 20 log L - 89,26. Se discute el posible sesgo de la ecuación debido, entre otros aspectos a que no se consideraron los estadíos sexuales del krill.

Mediciones in situ de TS a finales de la primavera 1998 crucero BIC José Olaya Balandra 9811-12

Se efectuaron mediciones de TS (Fuerza de Blanco: Target Strength) durante los 100 lances de comprobación de ecotrazos realizados por el BIC José Olaya Balandra durante el Crucero 9811-12 de Evaluación Hidroacústica de Recursos Pelágicos. Se consideraron para el análisis únicamente aquellos lances donde más del 90% de la captura perteneció a una determinada especie y que, además, se haya observado en ellos una adecuada correlación entre los histogramas de tallas y de TS. Los factores b20 de la ecuación de TS (TS = 20 log L - b20) que han sido determinados, las cuales serán consideradas como provisionales, corresponden a anchoveta (2) y a bregmaceros (1). Estas son las siguientes: anchoveta, b20 = 81, 8 (para ejemplares entre 6 y 8,5 cm); anchoveta, b20 = 78,5 (para ejemplares entre 11,5 y 14,5 cm); bregmaceros, b20 = 80,25 (para ejemplares entre 5,5 y 8 cm).

Temporal Geobiotic Mapping: a conceptual mapping technique toward visualising geobiotic areas in cross-section

Geobiota are defined by taxic assemblages (i.e., biota) and their defining abiotic breaks, which are mapped in cross-section to reveal past and future biotic boundaries. We term this conceptual approach Temporal Geobiotic Mapping (TGM) and offer it as a conceptual approach for biogeography. TGM is based on geological cross-sectioning, which creates maps based on the distribution of biota and known abiotic factors that drive their distribution, such as climate, topography, soil chemistry and underlying geology. However, the availability of abiotic data is limited for many areas. Unlike other approaches, TGM can be used when there is minimal data available. In order to demonstrate TGM, we use the well-known area in the Blue Mountains, New South Wales (NSW), south-eastern Australia and show how surface processes such as weathering and erosion affect the future distribution of a Moist Basalt Forest taxic assemblage. Biotic areas are best represented visually as maps, which can show transgressions and regressions of biota and abiota over time. Using such maps, a biogeographer can directly compare animal and plant distributions with features in the abiotic environment and may identify significant geographical barriers or pathways that explain biotic distributions.

Mediciones in situ de ts a finales del verano 1999. Crucero BIC Jose Olaya Balandra 9902-03

Se efectuaron mediciones de TS (Fuerza de Blanco: Target Strength) durante los 136 lances de comprobación de ecotrazos realizados por el BIC José Olaya Balandra durante el Crucero 9902-03 de Evaluación Hidroacústica de Recursos Pelágicos. Se consideraron para el análisis únicamente aquellos lances donde más del 90% de la captura perteneció a una especie y que, además, se haya observado en ellos una adecuada correlación entre los histogramas de tallas y de TS. Los factores b20 de la ecuación de TS (TS=20 log L - b20) que han sido determinados, las cuales serán consideradas como provisionales, corresponden a anchoveta (2) y a pota (1). Estas son las siguientes: anchoveta a 120 kHz, b20=82,2 (para ejemplares entre 5,5 y 9,5 cm); anchoveta 38 kHz, b20=81,2 (para ejemplares entre 5,5 y 10,5 cm); pota a 38 kHz, b20=87,2 (para ejemplares entre 12 y 24 cm de longitud de manto).

Lean IT Application of 5S/6S Technique in a SME

O Lean não é apenas uma prática. É uma revolução nas Tecnologias de Informação (TI) proporcionando uma maior e melhor utilização dos recursos e procurando alcançar custos mais baixos dos que existem atualmente. É muito mais do que uma lista de ferramentas e metodologias e para que seja estabelecido é necessário mudar comportamentos culturais e incentivar todas as organizações a pensarem de forma diferente sobre o poder da informação versus o valor do negócio. Normalmente associa-se o Lean à criação de valor para a organização. Mas o valor é significativo quando é trazido com eficiência e resultando na eliminação de processos que consomem tempo, recursos e espaço desnecessário. Os princípios Lean podem ajudar as organizações na melhoria da qualidade, redução de custos e no alcance da eficiência através de uma melhor produtividade. Existem vários conceitos Lean que podem ser associados a diferentes objetivos de resolução de problemas. Em particular, este trabalho é uma dissertação programada para analisar um novo paradigma sobre o Lean que surgiu recentemente - Lean para Tecnologias de Informação (Lean IT). Esta dissertação apresenta uma abordagem para o Lean IT (enquadramento, objetivos e metodologia) para realizar o trabalho e utiliza um único estudo de caso, com abordagem à técnica 5S/6S (até o terceiro nível de avaliação), numa Pequena, Média Empresa (PME), de forma a demonstrar a agregação de valor e as vantagens na eliminação de resíduos/desperdícios nos seus processos. A técnica também mostra a evolução da avaliação antes e depois da sua aplicação. Este estudo de caso individual avalia um Departamento de TI (com uma equipe de cinco colaboradores e um chefe de Departamento) através da observação direta, documentação e arquivos de registos e os equipamentos analisados são computadores, postos de trabalho e projetos (código desenvolvido, portais e outros serviços de TI). x Como guia, a metodologia inclui a preparação da avaliação em conjunto com o responsável/chefe do Departamento de TI, o desenrolar das operações, a identificação do fluxo de valor para cada atividade, o desenvolvimento de um plano de comunicação e a análise de cada passo da avaliação do fluxo de processamento. Os principais resultados estão refletidos nas novas ferramentas de trabalho (Microsoft SharePoint e Microsoft Project em detrimento do Microsoft Excel) que fornecem comunicação remota e controlo de projetos para todos os stakeholders, tais como, a gestão de topo, parceiros e clientes (algumas organizações incluem o Outsourcing no desenvolvimento de funcionalidades específicas). Os resultados também refletem-se na qualidade do trabalho, no cumprimento de prazos, na segurança física e lógica, na motivação dos colaboradores e na satisfação dos clientes. A técnica 5S/6S ajuda a esclarecer os conceitos e princípios Lean, exequibilidade e aumenta a curiosidade sobre a implementação da técnica noutros departamentos tais como o Financeiro e ou o de Recursos Humanos. Como forma de consolidação do trabalho tornou-se possível organizar a avaliação para que a organização possa candidatar-se a uma certificação na norma ISO/IEC 25010:2011, no modelo de qualidade de software (software é o core business desta PME). Mas tal só será possível se toda a organização atingir a padronização dos seus processos. Este estudo de caso mostra que os conceitos Lean e a aplicação de uma ou mais das suas técnicas (neste caso particular a técnica 5S/6S) ajuda a obter melhores resultados através da gestão e melhoria dos seus principais serviços.

Sampling and TDR probe insertion in the determination of the volumetric soil water content

Volumetric soil water content (theta) can be evaluated in the field by direct or indirect methods. Among the direct, the gravimetric method is regarded as highly reliable and thus often preferred. Its main disadvantages are that sampling and laboratory procedures are labor intensive, and that the method is destructive, which makes resampling of a same point impossible. Recently, the time domain reflectometry (TDR) technique has become a widely used indirect, non-destructive method to evaluate theta. In this study, evaluations of the apparent dielectric number of soils (epsilon) and samplings for the gravimetrical determination of the volumetric soil water content (thetaGrav) were carried out at four sites of a Xanthic Ferralsol in Manaus - Brazil. With the obtained epsilon values, theta was estimated using empirical equations (thetaTDR), and compared with thetaGrav derived from disturbed and undisturbed samples. The main objective of this study was the comparison of thetaTDR estimates of horizontally as well as vertically inserted probes with the thetaGrav values determined by disturbed and undisturbed samples. Results showed that thetaTDR estimates of vertically inserted probes and the average of horizontally measured layers were only slightly and insignificantly different. However, significant differences were found between the thetaTDR estimates of different equations and between disturbed and undisturbed samples in the thetaGrav determinations. The use of the theoretical Knight et al. model, which permits an evaluation of the soil volume assessed by TDR probes, is also discussed. It was concluded that the TDR technique, when properly calibrated, permits in situ, nondestructive measurements of q in Xanthic Ferralsols of similar accuracy as the gravimetric method.