Physics at the [Formula: see text] linear collider.

A comprehensive review of physics at an [Formula: see text] linear collider in the energy range of [Formula: see text] GeV-3 TeV is presented in view of recent and expected LHC results, experiments from low-energy as well as astroparticle physics. The report focusses in particular on Higgs-boson, top-quark and electroweak precision physics, but also discusses several models of beyond the standard model physics such as supersymmetry, little Higgs models and extra gauge bosons. The connection to cosmology has been analysed as well.

Selective unilateral spinal anaesthesia for outpatient knee arthroscopy using real-time monitoring of lower limb sympathetic tone.

Selective unilateral spinal anaesthesia is a useful approach for ambulatory lower limb surgery because it allows more rapid home discharge compared to bilateral block. Infrequent use is due to the fact that obtaining selective unilateral block can be difficult, requiring attention to technique. We present a method with a high success rate that uses real-time monitoring of the sympathetic activity of the legs. In this prospective study, 56 patients scheduled for ambulatory knee arthroscopy had spinal anaesthesia in the lateral recumbent position, with hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5% injected at 0.33 ml/min up to a maximum dose of 5 mg. Sympathetic tone of the legs was monitored by plantar electrical dermal resistance. The clinical effect was assessed by loss of sensation and muscle strength. The haemodynamic course and adverse events were monitored. The motor block was strictly unilateral in 55 patients (98%) and the sensory block was strictly unilateral in 53 patients (94%). The median decrease in systolic blood pressure was 6 mmHg. The time from subarachnoid puncture to arrival in the recovery room was 73±23 minutes; the duration of stay in the recovery room was 70±30 minutes. Three patients with a well-established block of adequate extent required conversion to general anaesthesia because of tourniquet pain. Urinary retention only occurred in the sole patient with bilateral block. This method of performing selective unilateral spinal anaesthesia using real-time monitoring of sympathetic tone of the legs has a high success rate and is associated with rapid eligibility for home discharge.

Observation of polarized positrons from an undulator-based source.

An experiment (E166) at the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center has demonstrated a scheme in which a multi-GeV electron beam passed through a helical undulator to generate multi-MeV, circularly polarized photons which were then converted in a thin target to produce positrons (and electrons) with longitudinal polarization above 80% at 6 MeV. The results are in agreement with GEANT4 simulations that include the dominant polarization-dependent interactions of electrons, positrons, and photons in matter.

Childbirth on Kiriwina, Trobriand Islands, Milne Bay Province.

This study presents the first true documentation of birthgiving among the Trobriand Islanders of Papua New Guinea. In contrast to other research projects where interviews only provide a rather imprecise and partly contradictory picture of childbirth, the information here is based upon participant observation and photographs taken of three birthing processes. The advantages and disadvantages of both the traditional and Western birthing systems are compared and analyzed. Suggestions for a Traditional Birth Attendant programme are presented with the aim of improving village deliveries in ways that are consistent with deeply ingrained aspects of culture. They are meant to initiate further discussions based on this topic and do not provide a final structure of such a Traditional Birth Attendant programme.