Guidelines for Contributors

Guidelines for Presentation of Quiz Cases and Case Reports

The editor invites members to submit quiz cases and case reports for publication in the ASUM Bulletin.

Quiz Cases
Typically a case study is presented as a quiz, involving no more than three or four images and a paragraph briefly summarising the clinical history as it was known at the time. It will pose two or three questions, and a short explanation (answer) which will be carried later in the publication.

Case Reports
Case reports are more substantial presentations resembling short scientific papers. They are supported by sufficient case notes, researched comment, and images to document the point being made. There are two common types of case report:
Case reports reflecting common problems encountered during day to day practice. Such reports should discuss relevant pathology, ultrasound findings and clinical significance; and illustrate good practice.
Case reports illustrating points that are interesting because of their newness or lack of documentation. Such reports may include suggestions for good practice, or raise problems worthy of research.

Format:

Copy
All copy submitted for publication in the ASUM Bulletin should be accompanied by:

    • the full names of the authors listed in order of their contribution to the work and for each: the department or practice, and position.
    • a name, contact address, contact telephone number and facsimile number (where available) for correspondence.
 

Manuscripts
Manuscripts should be submitted in print and on diskette as MS Word documents.

    • Font size: maximum 12, minimum 10.
    • Single spacing for text.
    • Double-spacing for headings.
    • Single space after full stops and other punctuation marks.
    • Abbreviations may be used after being first written in full with abbreviation in parentheses.
    • Relevant references should be cited in an internationally accepted format.
 

Images
Images may be submitted as hard copy or in digital format. All images sent must have all personal and hospital or practice identifiers removed.

    • Digital Format
      Digitised graphics should always be supplied with a laser printed copy. Disks should be clearly labelled with file names, computer type (PC or MAC) and the file type. Graphics should preferably be supplied on IBM formatted 3.5" diskettes. If this is not possible, we can arrange conversion of other media and formats.
    • Hard Copy
      Images should be presented as glossy print or original film. Any labelling should be entered on the front of the glossy print. A directional arrow indicating the top, the figure number the print refers to in the report and the author's name should be written on the back. For film an overlay is required. The overlay should indicate the area of interest and include any labelling.
 

Guidelines for Presentation of Miscellaneous Reports

Forum Articles
Members are invited to contribute short articles expressing their observations, opinions and ideas. Forum articles should not normally exceed 250 words in length but longer articles will be considered on their merit. They will not be refereed but will be subject to editorial approval.

Book Reviews
Authors and publishers are encouraged to submit newly published works to the editor for review. Book Reviews are usually commissioned by the Editors. Decisions to accept unsolicited book reviews will be based on the merit of individual situations. Book reviews will normally only be accepted from people who have recognised expertise in the subject area, and are not connected with the authors or publishers of the book. Book reviews will not normally exceed 500 words and will describe the content and scope of the book, discussing its merits and commenting on its level, value, accuracy and balance.

Calendar Items
Organisers of meetings and educational events relevant to the practice of medical ultrasound are invited to submit details for publication in the Bulletin. Each listing must contain:

    • Activity title
    • Dates
    • Venue
    • Organising body
    • Contact details including name, address, phone number, facsimile number (where available) and Email address (where available) for listing in the calendar.
 

Meeting Reports
Members who attend meetings are invited to submit reports of those meetings. Meeting reports should provide information about the location and attendance, as well as describing the nature of the program and detailing program highlights. Many members find these reports useful in deciding which recurrent meetings to attend.

Corporate News
Corporate members are invited to publish, free of charge, news about the company including structural changes, staff movements and product developments. Each corporate member may submit one article of between 100 and 200 words annually. Logo'', illustrations and tables cannot be published in this section.

Guidelines for Presentation of Feature Articles

Feature articles are usually commissioned by the Editors. Members wishing to contribute articles should first contact the editor at least four months before the proposed publication date to discuss the proposal.
Feature articles are original papers, or articles reviewing significant areas in medical ultrasound. They will normally range in size between 2000 and 4000 and will be illustrated with relevant images and line drawings.
Authors are required to provide assurance that they own all property rights to submitted manuscripts, and to transfer to ASUM the right to freely reproduce and distribute the manuscript.
Publication is at the discretion of the editor who may ask for changes to be made before publication. The Bulletin reserves the right to make editorial changes and shorten articles.

Format:

Copy
All copy submitted for publication in the ASUM Bulletin should be accompanied by:

    • the full names of the authors listed in order of their contribution to the work and for each: the department or practice, and position.
    • a name, contact address, contact telephone number and facsimile number (where available) for correspondence.
 

Manuscripts
Manuscripts should be submitted in print and on diskette as MS Word documents.

  • Font size: maximum 12, minimum 10.
  • Single spacing for text.
  • Double-spacing for headings.
  • Abbreviations may be used after being first written in full with abbreviation in parentheses.
  • Relevant references should be cited in an internationally accepted format.
 

Images
Images may be submitted as hard copy or in digital format. All images sent must have all personal and hospital or practice identifiers removed.

    • Digital Format
      TIFF files are preferred. Digitised graphics should always be supplied with a laser printed copy. Disks should be clearly labelled with file names, computer type (PC or MAC) and the file type. Graphics should preferably be supplied on IBM formatted 3.5" diskettes. If this is not possible, we can arrange conversion of other media and formats.
    • Hard Copy
      Images should be presented as glossy print or original film. Any labelling should be entered on the front of the glossy print using removable labels (eg Letraset). On the back of the print include the authors name, figure number and a directional arrow indicating the top of the print.

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