The impact of alcohol consumption on patterns of union formation in Russia 1998–2010: An assessment using longitudinal data

Using data from the Russian Longitudinal Monitoring Survey, 1998–2010, we investigated the extent to which patterns of alcohol consumption in Russia are associated with the subsequent likelihood of entry into cohabitation and marriage. Using discrete-time event history analysis we estimated for 16–50 year olds the extent to which the probabilities of entry into the two types of union were affected by the amount of alcohol drunk and the pattern of drinking, adjusted to allow for social and demographic factors including income, employment, and health. The results show that individuals who did not drink alcohol were less likely to embark on either cohabitation or marriage, that frequent consumption of alcohol was associated with a greater chance of entering unmarried cohabitation than of entering into a marriage, and that heavy drinkers were less likely to convert their relationship from cohabitation to marriage

Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy in Patients with Cervical Cancer. An intra-individual Comparison of Prone and Supine Positioning

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Chemoradiation for cervical cancer patients is associated with considerable gastrointestinal toxicity. Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) has demonstrated superiority in terms of target coverage and normal tissue sparing in comparison to conventional 3D planning in gynaecological malignancies. Whether IMRT in prone (PP) or supine position (SP) might be beneficial for cervical cancer patients remains partially unanswered.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>10 patients on FIGO stage IB-III cervical cancer, 6 patients for definitive and 4 patients for adjuvant external beam pelvic RT, were planned in PP and SP using a 7-field IMRT technique. IMRT plans for PP and SP (mean dose, D_mean50.4 Gy) were optimized in terms of PTV coverage (1^stpriority) and small bowel sparing (2^ndpriority). A comparison of DVH parameters for PTV, small bowel, bladder, and rectum was performed.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The comparison showed a similar PTV coverage of 95% of the prescribed dose and for target conformity in IMRT plans (PP, SP). PTV, rectum and bladder volumes were comparable for PP and SP. Significantly larger volumes of small bowel were found in PP (436 cc, + 35%, p = 0.01). PP decreased the volume of small bowel at 20-50.4 Gy (p < 0.05) and increased the rectum volumes covered by doses from 10-40 Gy (p < 0.01), the V50.4 was < 5% in both treatment positions. Bladder sparing was significant better at 50.4 Gy (p = 0.03) for PP.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>In this dosimetric study, we demonstrated that pelvic IMRT in prone position for patients with cervical cancer seems to be beneficial in reducing small bowel volume at doses ≥20 Gy while providing similar target coverage and target conformity. The use of frequent image guidance with KV (kilovolt) or MV (megavolt) computertomography can reduce set-up deviations, and treatment in prone position can be done with a higher set-up accuracy. Clinical outcome studies are needed to affirm lower toxicity.</p

ABSTRACT:

In 1982 the Institute of Photogrammetry and GeoInformation (IPI) used a metric camera SMK 120 to take about 80 analogue images of the cog from several directions. With additional geodetic measurements, signalised vertical lines and tie points the threedimensional point cloud was calculated and line drawings from three directions of the cog were plotted. After 17 years of conservation distortions in the range of +/-10- 25 cm of several parts of the wooden cog were detected. In 2003 over 100 images were taken with digital cameras to carry out the photogrammetric object reconstruction and calculation of a point cloud of the cog again. To reconstruct the profiles measured in 1982 the profile lines have been visualized with white tape comparing the historic analogue drawings with the current surface of the ship. In 1982 the three dimensional data was calculated from overlapping stereo image pairs. Today the point cloud has been calculated by image coordinate measurements in convergent digital images and the application of the adjustment software PhotoModeler 5.0 Pro from Eos Systems Inc. This paper deals with the documentation of the photogrammetric measurement and adjustment process, the visualisation of results and the comparison of the measured profiles of the cog after 21 years. KURZFASSUNG: Heute wird die Bremer Hanse Kogge im Deutschen Schifffahrtsmuseum in Bremerhaven ausgestellt. Die Kogge wurde im Oktobe

ABSTRACT:

In 1982 the Institute of Photogrammetry and GeoInformation (IPI) used a metric camera SMK 120 to take about 80 analogue images of the cog from several directions. With additional geodetic measurements, signalised vertical lines and tie points the threedimensional point cloud was calculated and line drawings from three directions of the cog were plotted. After 17 years of conservation distortions in the range of +/-10- 25 cm of several parts of the wooden cog were detected. In 2003 over 100 images were taken with digital cameras to carry out the photogrammetric object reconstruction and calculation of a point cloud of the cog again. To reconstruct the profiles measured in 1982 the profile lines have been visualized with white tape comparing the historic analogue drawings with the current surface of the ship. In 1982 the three dimensional data was calculated from overlapping stereo image pairs. Today the point cloud has been calculated by image coordinate measurements in convergent digital images and the application of the adjustment software PhotoModeler 5.0 Pro from Eos Systems Inc. This paper deals with the documentation of the photogrammetric measurement and adjustment process, the visualisation of results and the comparison of the measured profiles of the cog after 21 years. KURZFASSUNG: Heute wird die Bremer Hanse Kogge im Deutschen Schifffahrtsmuseum in Bremerhaven ausgestellt. Die Kogge wurde im Oktobe