The hemline and the economy: is there any match?

Urban legend has it that the hemline is correlated with the economy. In times of decline, the hemline moves towards the floor (decreases), and when the economy is booming, skirts get shorter and the hemline increases. We collected monthly data on the hemline, for 1921-2009, and evaluate these against the NBER chronology of the economic cycle. The main finding is that the urban legend holds true but with a time lag of about three years. Hence, the current economic crisis predicts ankle length shirts around 2011 and 2012.

The hemline and the economy: is there any match?

Urban legend has it that the hemline is correlated with the economy. In times of decline, the hemline moves towards the floor (decreases), and when the economy is booming, skirts get shorter and the hemline increases. We collected monthly data on the hemline, for 1921-2009, and evaluate these against the NBER chronology of the economic cycle. The main finding is that the urban legend holds true but with a time lag of about three years. Hence, the current economic crisis predicts ankle length shirts around 2011 and 2012

Volumetric CT-based segmentation of NSCLC using 3D-Slicer

Accurate volumetric assessment in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is critical for adequately informing treatments. In this study we assessed the clinical relevance of a semiautomatic computed tomography (CT)-based segmentation method using the competitive region-growing based algorithm, implemented in the free and public available 3D-Slicer software platform. We compared the 3D-Slicer segmented volumes by three independent observers, who segmented the primary tumour of 20 NSCLC patients twice, to manual slice-by-slice delineations of five physicians. Furthermore, we compared all tumour contours to the macroscopic diameter of the tumour in pathology, considered as the “gold standard”. The 3D-Slicer segmented volumes demonstrated high agreement (overlap fractions > 0.90), lower volume variability (p = 0.0003) and smaller uncertainty areas (p = 0.0002), compared to manual slice-by-slice delineations. Furthermore, 3D-Slicer segmentations showed a strong correlation to pathology (r = 0.89, 95%CI, 0.81–0.94). Our results show that semiautomatic 3D-Slicer segmentations can be used for accurate contouring and are more stable than manual delineations. Therefore, 3D-Slicer can be employed as a starting point for treatment decisions or for high-throughput data mining research, such as Radiomics, where manual delineating often represent a time-consuming bottleneck

Power engineering challenges in Zambia

The paper presents a review of current power engineering challenges in Zambia in relevance to the required potential necessary for the country’s modern economic development. An outline of the energy sector is provided. The driving need for enhancing the development of the energy sector is highlighted, accounted by the country’s annual increase of GDP, leading to an increase in electricity demand. Possible mitigations are suggested, with the development of Zambia's rich potential in renewable energy, as well as upgrading the operating power plants and constructing more off-grid and on-grid generating facilities

Магнитный контроль параметров ферромагнитных объектов методом высших гармоник

В данной работе объектом исследования являются контрольные образцы тороидальной формы из ферромагнитных сталей различных марок, изготовленные согласно ГОСТ 8.377-80, магнитные параметры которых исследуются с помощью разработанной многопараметровой установки для измерения магнитных характеристик MS-1.In this work, the object of the study is the control samples of toroidal shape of ferromagnetic steels of different brands, made according to GOST 8.377-80, the magnetic parameters of which are investigated using the developed multiparameter installation for measuring the magnetic characteristics of MS-1

18F-FDG PET during stereotactic body radiotherapy for stage I lung tumours cannot predict outcome: a pilot study

(18)F-Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET) has been used to assess metabolic response several months after stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer. However, whether a metabolic response can be observed already during treatment and thus can be used to predict treatment outcome is undetermined. Ten medically inoperable patients with FDG PET-positive lung tumours were included. SBRT consisted of three fractions of 20 Gy delivered at the 80% isodose at days 1, 6 and 11. FDG PET was performed before, on day 6 immediately prior to administration of the second fraction of SBRT and 12 weeks after completion of SBRT. Tumour metabolism was assessed semi-quantitatively using the maximum standardized uptake value (SUV(max)) and SUV(70%). After the first fraction, median SUV(max) increased from 6.7 to 8.1 (p = 0.07) and median SUV(70%) increased from 5.7 to 7.1 (p = 0.05). At 12 weeks, both median SUV(max) and median SUV(70%) decreased by 63% to 3.1 (p = 0.008) and to 2.5 (p = 0.008), respectively. SUV increased during treatment, possibly due to radiation-induced inflammation. Therefore, it is unlikely that (18)F-FDG PET during SBRT will predict treatment success

Comparative methods for PET image segmentation in pharyngolaryngeal squamous cell carcinoma

Several methods have been proposed for the segmentation of ¹⁸F-FDG uptake in PET. In this study, we assessed the performance of four categories of ¹⁸F-FDG PET image segmentation techniques in pharyngolaryngeal squamous cell carcinoma using clinical studies where the surgical specimen served as the benchmark

Comparison of CT and PET-CT based planning of radiation therapy in locally advanced pancreatic carcinoma

Abstract Background To compare computed tomography (CT) with co-registered positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) as the basis for delineating gross tumor volume (GTV) in unresectable, locally advanced pancreatic carcinoma (LAPC). Methods Fourteen patients with unresectable LAPC had both CT and PET images acquired. For each patient, two three-dimensional conformal plans were made using the CT and PET-CT fusion data sets. We analyzed differences in treatment plans and doses of radiation to primary tumors and critical organs. Results Changes in GTV delineation were necessary in 5 patients based on PET-CT information. In these patients, the average increase in GTV was 29.7%, due to the incorporation of additional lymph node metastases and extension of the primary tumor beyond that defined by CT. For all patients, the GTVCT versus GTVPET-CT was 92.5 ± 32.3 cm3 versus 104.5 ± 32.6 cm3 (p = 0.009). Toxicity analysis revealed no clinically significant differences between two plans with regard to doses to critical organs. Conclusion Co-registration of PET and CT information in unresectable LAPC may improve the delineation of GTV and theoretically reduce the likelihood of geographic misses.</p

PET imaging of hypoxia using [F-18]HX4: a phase I trial

 Download the images using these instructions and this DOI : 10.1007/s00259-010-1437-x Background and purposeNon-invasive PET imaging of tumour hypoxia could help in the selection of those patients who could benefit from chemotherapy or radiation with specific antihypoxic treatments such as bioreductive drugs or hypoxic radiosensitizers. In this phase I trial, we aimed to determine the toxicity of [18F]HX4, a member of the 2-nitroimidazole family, at different dose levels. The secondary aim was to analyse image quality related to the HX4 dose and the timing of imaging.MethodsPatients with a..