bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Virtuosity and Dor: George Enescu and the Hora Lungă
Authors: Robinson Belinda Jean
Published: December 2018

George Enescu’s aptitude as a virtuoso musician, developed at the conservatoires of Vienna and Paris, built on childhood experiences with Romani-Romanian musicians (the muzica lăutărească tradition), and Romanian folk music. The doina, a folk genre constructed from improvisatory repetitions of melody, and particularly associated with the concept of dor, “longing,” served as an inspiration throughout Enescu’s compositional career. This study examines virtuosity in relation to Enescu’s musical expressions of dor, specifically in his approach to the hora lungă, a sub-class of the doina. The virtuosic zenith of his Third Violin Sonata involves blurring the lines between emulation of muzica lăutărească performance with traditional vocal hora lungă delivery. The later Second Cello Sonata is contextualised with reference to Lucian Blaga’s formulation of the “stylistic matrix” as a means for depicting dor in connection to the temporal. Virtuosity here rather relates to interpretation: evoking the unconscious and the “mioritic space” by contrast to emulation of muzica lăutărească or the spontaneity of improvised hora lungă performance. Considering these examples with reference to personal and historical context, the present study suggests these passages perform the traditional function of the hora lungă: catharsis.
Interactions between symphonies and film music in the œuvre of László Lajtha
Authors: Ozsvárt Viktória
Published: December 2018

In the case of Hungarian composer and ethnomusicologist László Lajtha (1892–1963) discovering the manifold potentials in a symphonic orchestra linked strongly with the composition of works for stage and screen. Nevertheless, it clearly makes sense to examine the long-term relations Lajtha had with the film as a genre, by searching for common features in the structure of his music composed for films and his symphonies. Much of the musical material in Lajtha’s Third Symphony is similar to those he used in his 1948 film music for Murder in the Cathedral. The similarity gains more complexity if one takes into consideration that the Third Symphony was marked by the composer as the starting point in a monumental, five-fold symphonic cycle composed through the 1950s. The article makes an attempt to explore the thematic and motivic relationship between the Third Symphony, the Variations and the film score Murder in the Cathedral by analysing the musical material and the structure, and by searching for correlation between the audible and visual effects of the music Lajtha used in the movie scenes. This kind of examination may offer a new perspective on the sources of inspiration that shaped Lajtha’s workmanship and it also gives some important information about his way of thinking about music.
Effective boundary condition for the reflection of shear waves at the periodic rough boundary of an elastic body
Authors: Maurel Agnès , Marigo Jean-Jacques , Pham Kim
Published: December 2018

We present a homogenization method to treat the problem of the reflection of waves at the free boundary of an elastic body, the edge being structured periodically at the subwavelength scale. The problem is considered for shear waves and the wave equation in the time domain is considered. In the homogenized problem, a boundary condition at an equivalent flat edge is obtained, which links the normal stress to its derivatives, instead of the usual traction free condition. The problem of the position of the equivalent flat boundary with respect to the real roughnesses is addressed and this is done considering the equation of energy conservation in the homogenized problem and considering the accuracy of the homogenized solution when compared to the real one.
Phase II Study of Dehydroepiandrosterone in Androgen Receptor-Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Pietri Elisabetta , Massa Ilaria , Bravaccini Sara , Ravaioli Sara , Tumedei Maria Maddalena , Petracci Elisabetta , Donati Caterina , Schirone Alessio , Piacentini Federico , Gianni Lorenzo , Nicolini Mario , Campadelli Enrico , Gennari Alessandra , Saba Alessandro , Campi Beatrice , Valmorri Linda , Andreis Daniele , Fabbri Francesco , Amadori Dino , Rocca Andrea
Published: December 2018

Lessons Learned

The androgen receptor (AR) is present in most breast cancers (BC), but its exploitation as a therapeutic target has been limited. This study explored the activity of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a precursor being transformed into androgens within BC cells, in combination with an aromatase inhibitor (to block DHEA conversion into estrogens), in a two-stage phase II study in patients with AR-positive/estrogen receptor-positive/human epidermal growth receptor 2-negative metastatic BC. Although well tolerated, only 1 of 12 patients obtained a prolonged clinical benefit, and the study was closed after its first stage for poor activity.

Background

Androgen receptors (AR) are expressed in most breast cancers, and AR-agonists have some activity in these neoplasms. We investigated the safety and activity of the androgen precursor dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in combination with an aromatase inhibitor (AI) in patients with AR-positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC).

Methods

A two-stage phase II study was conducted in two patient cohorts, one with estrogen receptor (ER)-positive (resistant to AIs) and the other with triple-negative MBC. DHEA 100 mg/day was administered orally. The combination with an AI aimed to prevent the conversion of DHEA into estrogens. The main endpoint was the clinical benefit rate. The triple-negative cohort was closed early.

Results

Twelve patients with ER-positive MBC were enrolled. DHEA-related adverse events, reported in four patients, included grade 2 fatigue, erythema, and transaminitis, and grade 1 drowsiness and musculoskeletal pain. Clinical benefit was observed in one patient with ER-positive disease whose tumor had AR gene amplification. There was wide inter- and intra-patient variation in serum levels of DHEA and its metabolites.

Conclusion

DHEA showed excellent safety but poor activity in MBC. Although dose and patient selection could be improved, high serum level variability may hamper further DHEA development in this setting.
Pancreas Cancer-Associated Weight Loss
Authors: Hendifar Andrew E. , Petzel Maria Q.B. , Zimmers Teresa A. , Denlinger Crystal S. , Matrisian Lynn M. , Picozzi Vincent J. , Rahib Lola ,   on behalf of the Precision Promise Consortium
Published: December 2018

Unintentional weight loss in patients with pancreatic cancer is highly prevalent and contributes to low therapeutic tolerance, reduced quality of life, and overall mortality. Weight loss in pancreatic cancer can be due to anorexia, malabsorption, and/or cachexia. Proper supportive care can stabilize or reverse weight loss in patients and improve outcomes. We review the literature on supportive care relevant to pancreatic cancer patients, and offer evidence-based recommendations that include expert nutritional assessment, counseling, supportive measures to ensure adequate caloric intake, pancreatic enzyme supplementation, nutritional supplement replacement, orexigenic agents, and exercise. Pancreatic Cancer Action Network-supported initiatives will spearhead the dissemination and adoption of these best supportive care practices.
Effects of The Shell Thickness On The Directional Deformation And Buckling On The Cylindrical Steel Water Tanks Under The Kobe Earthquake Loading
Authors: ÇELİK Ali İhsan , KÖSE Mehmet Metin , AKGÜL Tahir , APAY Ahmet Celal
Published: December 2018

Cylindrical steel storage tanks are widely used for the storage of various liquids, industrial chemicals and firefighting waters. They have been used for cooling purposes in nuclear power plants in recent years. Liquid-storage tanks have many different configurations; however, in this study, cylindrical ground-supported liquid steel tanks were preferred because of their simplicity in design and construction as well as their efficiency in resisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic applied loads, when compared with other configurations. If liquid steel tanks are damaged in an earthquake, they can also cause great financial and environmental damage with their hazardous chemical contents. These tanks may be exposed to some damages such as elephant-foot buckling, diamond-shape buckling, overturning and uplifting during earthquakes. Dimensions of cylindrical open-top, flat-closed and torispherical-closed top tanks were determined for 3D-finite element method (FEM) models in an ANSYS workbench software. This article focuses on the seismic-activity-resistant ground-supported cylindrical (vertical) steel storage liquid tanks. Seismic analyses were conducted under Kobe earthquake loads. The frequency values calculated with API 650 were verified with the FEM model results. Directional deformation, buckling results were presented for both impulsive and convective regions. According to API 650 standard, the tank shell thickness is 6 mm. Simulations were performed with 4 mm and 8 mm shell thickness for tanks. In this study, directional deformation and buckling were observed with simulations made by choosing the shell thickness under (4 mm) the standard and above (8 mm) the standard, unlike the approaches in the literature. As a result, it was observed that the 8 mm shell thickness determined above the standard increased the deformation in the flat-closed tank. In addition, torispherical dome-shaped tanks have been observed to lower directional deformation and buckling in any case. The differences obtained are detailed with
OKUL YÖNETİCİLERİNİN OKUL ÇEVRE İLİŞKİLERİ İLE İLGİLİ SORUNLARI VE ÇÖZÜM ÖNERİLERİ
Authors: BOZKURT Erdoğan , USTÜN Ahmet , BAYAR Adem
Published: December 2018

Bu çalışmanın temel amacı, okul
yöneticilerinin okul çevre ilişkileri ile ilgili sorunları ve çözüm önerilerini
belirlemektir. Okul yöneticileri, okulun ve eğitim sisteminin amaçlarına
ulaşılmasında anahtar kişilerdir. Bundan dolayı, okul yöneticileri insan gücü
ve diğer kaynakları rasyonel olarak kullanmak için yönetim süreçlerini
uygulayan kişilerdir. Her toplumsal örgüt gibi okul örgütünün de
gerçekleştirmek zorunda olduğu görevler bulunmaktadır. Bu görevler; sosyal,
siyasal, ekonomik ve kendini gerçekleştirme olarak ifade edilebilir. Okul,
belirtilen bu görevleri gerçekleştirmek için örgütün içindeki ve dışındaki
güçlerden yararlanmak zorundadır. Bu bağlamda, bu çalışmanın amacı çevresel
faktörlerin okulu nasıl etkilediğini araştırmaktır. Bu çalışma nitel araştırma
yaklaşımı kapsamında fenomonoloji (olgubilim) deseni kullanılarak
gerçekleştirilmiştir.  Araştırmacılar
verileri yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme tekniği kullanarak elde etmişlerdir.
Verilerin analizi sonucunda araştırmacılar; 1) Okul- aile birliği
toplantılarının daha fazla fonksiyonel ve aktif olarak düzenlenmesi gerektiği,
2) Okullarda düzenlenen sosyal, kültürel, eğitim ve spor aktivitelerinin
başarılı ve sorunsuz bir şekilde yürütülmesi gerektiği ve 3) Okul çevresinin
ekonomik, sosyal ve kültürel gelişiminde okulların daha çok destek olmaları
gerektiği bulgularına ulaşmışlardır.
Lipid peroxidation during chronic inflammation
Authors: Sokolovskaya Irina , Nechiporenko Valentina , Gordiyenko Natalia , Pozdnyakova Olena , Volkova Svitlana , Cymbal Victor , Makurina Galina
Published: December 2018

To keep needed level of peroxide lipid oxidation is necessary for the normal functioning of physiological systems. It is supported by the balance of anti-and prooxidant systems. The positive influence of lipid peroxidation processes in the organism is manifested by the restoration of the composition and maintenance of the properties of biological membranes, participation in energy processes, cell division, synthesis of biologically active substances. It has been established that the inflammatory process is accompanied by changes in lipid metabolism and the intensity of peroxide oxidation.
RESTORATION OF THE FUNCTION OF THE SOURCE AND ENVIRONMENTAL PARAMETERS IN HEAT AND MASS TRANSFER SYSTEMS WITH INCOMPLETE DATA OF OVERDETERMINATION
Authors: Korotkova E M
Published: December 2018

The question of well-posedness of the problem of recovering a source function and parameters of an environment in the heat-and-mass transfer systems with incomplete data of overdetermination is considered. The overdetermination conditions are values of a part of the vector of a solution in interior points of a domain.
PROBLEMS OF MODELING THE SPATIAL STRUCTURE OF THERMOKARST LAKE FIELDS IN THE PERMAFROST BASED ON SATELLITE IMAGERY
Authors: Polishchuk V Y , Muratov I N , Polishchuk Y M
Published: December 2018

The problems of modeling the spatial structure of the fields of thermokarst lakes in the permafrost zone of Western Siberia based on the geo-simulation approach are considered. The basic principles for the development of a geo-simulation model for the structure of thermokarst lakes fields are outlined. Experimental data on the properties of lake fields obtained on the basis of the integration of high- and medium-resolution satellite images are presented. Data analysis showed that the empirical histogram of the distribution of lakes by size is approximated by the lognormal distribution law by the Pearson criterion with a probability of 0.99. This law of distribution, in contrast to the power law of size distribution of lakes that is commonly used in such studies, also takes into account small lakes, considered as intense sources of methane emission into the atmosphere from thermokarst lakes. An example of modeling the field of thermokarst lakes with a lognormal law of their size-distribution is given.
Inovação no ensino: letramento crítico no smartphone em sala de aula de língua portuguesa
Authors: Ferreira Élida Paulina , Santos Daiane Conceição Simões
Published: December 2018

RESUMO: A escola, que é considerada uma agência de letramento na sociedade atual, tem sido progressivamente influenciada pelo avanço tecnológico. No contexto atual, as tecnologias digitais têm proporcionado novas possibilidades de interação social e novos gêneros textuais têm ganhado visibilidade. Essa conjuntura, consequentemente, demanda que sejam desenvolvidas em sala de aula habilidades específicas que correspondam à construção da competência leitora e do letramento crítico. A grande circulação de informações que ocorre diariamente por meio da internet requisita, para o exercício pleno da cidadania, o desenvolvimento da criticidade e da reflexão por parte dos sujeitos sobre as várias possibilidades de sentidos e ideologias presentes nos textos. Neste estudo, refletimos sobre a importância de os jovens estudantes desenvolverem o letramento crítico na escola e apresentamos resultados de pesquisa em sala de aula em que foi utilizado o smartphone como recurso tecnológico visando à leitura e à produção de memes. A pesquisa consistiu basicamente de três momentos: aplicação de questionário de levantamento de dados sobre uso de recursos digitais pelos alunos, aplicação de Sequência Didática e aplicação de questionário final para colher a avaliação dos alunos sobre a experiência vivida. Esperamos com esses resultados de pesquisa contribuir para o desenvolvimento de estudos acerca do letramento crítico, na área de Linguística Aplicada ao ensino da língua portuguesa.

PALAVRAS-CHAVE: letramento crítico; multiletramentos; smartphone; memes.

 

ABSTRACT:As one of the agencies of literacy in the current society, the school has been progressively influenced by the technological advance. In the current context, digital technologies create new possibilities for social interaction as well as it gives visibility to new textual genres. This conjuncture, consequently, demands that the critical literacyto language teaching is developed in the school, since a great amount of information circulates daily through the internet, ordering the development of critical reflection on the various possibilities of meanings and ideologies circulating in texts. In this paper, we reflect on the importance of young students developing critical literacy in school, and we present classroom research results in which the smartphone was used as a tool for reading and producing memes. The research followed three steps: 1) First, we applied a questionnaire for gathering information from respondents about their use of digital tools; 2) Then we developed a Didactic Sequence; 3) Third, we applied another questionnaire for collecting information about respondents’ perception of the experience. We hope these research results may contribute to the development of studies about critical literacy in the area of Applied Linguistics to teaching Portuguese.

KEYWORDS: critical literacy; multiliteracies; smartphone; memes.
Telejornalismo além da TV: uma discussão sobre os territórios contemporâneos da notícia
Authors: Coimbra Iana
Published: December 2018

RESUMO: Neste artigo discutimos sobre o telejornalismo contemporâneo a partir da compreensão de que, ao passar por processos de convergência, ele não se limita mais ao ambiente televisivo. À medida que é inserido no ambiente virtual, ele rompe com o território hegemônico de origem, se torna um objeto digital e busca ocupar outros espaços e plataformas, incorporando estratégias e narrativas crossmidiáticas e transmidiáticas para informar. A partir de uma abordagem teórico-conceitual, discute-se como os conteúdos telejornalísticos transformados em objetos digitais passam a se abrigar, circular e flutuar pelo Facebook, Twitter e Instagram. Destaca-se como ponto relevante encontrado no estudo o processo de transição enfrentado pela TV como um território para receber e distribuir a informação nos lares, confrontado pelo surgimento dos meios digitais, que trazem uma força contrária, e espalham esses conteúdos em espaços diversos, num agenciamento desterritorializante da notícia. Logo, os grupos de comunicação buscam alcançar o público onde ele estiver, por meio de estímulos variados, o que também modifica o indivíduo de telespectador a espectador convergente.

PALAVRAS-CHAVE: telejornalismo; territórios; convergência; redes sociais; objetos digitais.

 

ABSTRACT: In this article we discuss about contemporary telejournalism, from the understanding that, when going through processes of convergence, it is no longer limited to the television environment. As it is inserted in the virtual environment, it breaks with the hegemonic territory of origin, becomes a digital object and seeks to occupy other spaces and platforms, incorporating crossmedia and transmedia narratives to inform. From a theoretical-conceptual approach, it is discussed how the telejournalistic contents transformed into digital objects shelters, circulates and floats through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The transition process faced by TV as a territory to receive and distribute information in homes, confronted by the emergence of digital media, brings with it a counter force, and spread these contents in different spaces, in a deterritorializing news agency. Therefore, the communication groups seek to reach the audience where it is, by means of varied stimuli, which also modifies the viewer's individual into a convergent viewer.

KEYWORDS: telejournalism; territories; convergence; social media; digital objects.
Simulation Versus Role-Play: Perceptions of Prepracticum BSW Students
Authors: Tufford Lea , Asakura Kenta , Bogo Marion
Published: December 2018

Although the use of human simulation has recently gained much attention in social work education, many schools continue to rely on peer role-plays as a predominant teaching method. This qualitative study examined BSW students' perceptions of simulation versus role-play when learning interviewing skills. Individual interviews were conducted with second-year BSW students (n=17). The following four themes emerged as to how students view simulation versus role-play as an approach for developing interviewing skills: (1) the relationship in role-play versus simulation, (2) normalizing skills acquisition, (3) authenticity of simulation, and (4) seriousness of simulation. This study suggests that observational approaches within these pedagogical methods normalize the stress of learning interviewing skills and that social work educators need to find ways to increase the level of authenticity of the role-play format.
Iliopsoas abscess: clinical presentation, management, and outcome
Authors: Benkhadoura Mohamed O. , El-Mogassabi Abdulhafid H. , Mansor Salah M. , Abuzaid Issa A. , Manita Muftah A. , Etabbal Abdalla M. , Elgazwi Khaled K. , Elshaikhy Akrem I.
Published: December 2018

Background: The aim of this study was to review our experience with iliopsoas abscesses (IPAs) and evaluate the various drainage procedures.Methods: All consecutive patients with an IPA admitted to three university hospitals between September 2008 and June 2017 were retrospectively included.Results: Of the 26 patients, 17 (65.4%) were male and nine (34.6%) were female, with an average age of 30.7 (17-58) years. Fifteen (57.7%) cases had primary IPAs and Staphylococcus spp. was the most common isolate. Eleven (42.3%) cases had secondary IPAs, and spinal tuberculosis was the most common underlying condition. Lower-back or flank pain was the most common presentation (69.2%). Computed tomography (CT) scans confirmed all clinical diagnoses. All patients were managed via drainage and antibiotic therapy; seven (26.9%) were subjected to open surgical drainage and 19 (73.1%) received percutaneous drainage (PCD) under ultrasound (US) guidance. The average hospital stay was 9.5 days (range 5-18 days). The hospital stay was significantly shorter in patients treated via PCD compared to those who received open drainage: 8.5 days (range 5-14 days) vs. 12.1 days (range 6-18 days), respectively (p = 0.031). The overall recurrence rate was 11.5% (3/26). Recurrence developed in three patients treated via US-guided PCD and all were successfully treated via a second round of PCD. No mortality was recorded.Conclusions: US-guided PCD combined with appropriate antibiotic therapy is safe and effective with shorter hospital stay when used to treat IPAs. Open surgical drainage may be warranted if the IPA is multiloculated or if there is an underlying pathology.
A comparative study of primary skin and subcutaneous tissue closure and open skin technique in emergency laparotomy for perforative peritonitis: an observational and prospective study
Authors: Mukherjee Ramanuj , Samanta Sudipta
Published: December 2018

Background: Surgical site infections (SSI) are major complications following laparotomy for perforative peritonitis largely affecting the quality of life, increasing morbidity and mortality. The study conducted seeks the factors that may be associated with post-operative surgical site infection.Methods: A comprehensive observational and prospective study reporting advantages and disadvantages of Primary Closure (PC) and Delayed Primary Closure (DPC) for SSI, duration of hospital stay and morbidity following various aetiologies of perforative peritonitis requiring emergency laparotomy.Results: Incidence of SSI was less in the DPC group (7.4%) compared to the PC group (42.9%) (p= 0.0040. Length of hospital stay was comparable in both groups, mean 13.52 days in the DPC group versus 14.07 days in the PC group (p=0.586). Significantly higher rates of SSI were found in patients with ASA grade >2 (p=0.012). Duration of surgery >4 hours and intra-operative transfusion were also found to have higher rates of SSI, but these differences were not significant (p=0.181 in both cases). Incidence of SSI did not have any co-relation with site of perforation.Conclusions: SSI increases the hospital stay by approximately 5 days average. DPC significantly reduces the incidence of SSI in perforative peritonitis patients but the advantage of DPC over PC is questionable. Patients with ASA grades >2 were found to have significantly higher rates of SSI. Patients with >4hours surgery and patients with intra-operative transfusion also had higher rates of SSI, but this was not significant. Site of perforation have no co-relation with incidence of SSI.
The study of short-term efficacy of intralesional injection of combination of triamcinalone, hyaluronidase and mitomycin in Peyronies disease
Authors: S. Raghupathi , . Raghavendra
Published: December 2018

Background: Peyronies disease (PD) is physiologically and psychologically devastating disorder that is manifest by a fibrous inelastic scar of tunica albugenia resulting in palpable penile scar and deformity. Different modalities of nonsurgical treatment options exist without promising results in the long-term improvements of symptoms. The injection of pharmacologically active agents directly in to the penile plaque results in localized delivery and higher drug concentrations inside the plaque. With this rationale the study is planned to analyze the effectiveness of intralesional injection of triamcinalone, hyaluronidase, and mitomycin in the treatment of PD.Methods: Patients with symptomatic PD presenting at PGIMER from 1st July 2013 to 30th September 2014 were included in the study after obtaining the informed consent. A freshly prepared solution of a mixture of Triamcinalone, Hyaluronidase and Mitomycin was injected at the periphery as well as in the plaque. The patients were followed up for every four weeks for three months for the improvement of symptoms.Results: A total of 21 patients of symptomatic Peyronies disease with mean age of 44.4 and mean duration of 5.6 months were treated and followed up at PGIMER during July 2012 to September 30th, 2014. After completion of 3 months of treatment, 15/21 patients showed improvement in penile curvature. The overall response rate was 71.4% (p=0.001). 14/21 patients showed improvement in plaque size. The overall response rate was 66.66 (p=0.036). The IIEF-15 and PROSB score improved significantly both at 1st and 3rd month of follow up from the baseline score.Conclusions: This pilot study showed that the intralesional injection therapy is safe, well tolerated and effective in reducing the plaque size, penile curvature, and erectile dysfunction and patient’s bothersome score.
Role of liver function test parameters in acute appendicitis and its complication: a prospective study
Authors: Mishra Braja Mohan , Nayak Malaya Krishna , Mishra Sandeep , Sahu Priyambad , Das Dibyajyoti
Published: December 2018

Background: Although acute appendicitis is the most common surgically correctable cause of abdominal pain, the diagnosis is challenging. There may not be classical symptoms and signs of appendicitis always. Accurate diagnosis can be aided by biochemical testings and radiological evaluation and expectant management. These might delay laparotomy and lead to complications of appendicitis and increase the morbidity. Recent research literatures have shown that hyperbilirubinemia is a diagnostic tool for gangrenous/perforation of appendix. This study is designed to evaluate the association between the derangement of liver function test and severity of acute appendicitis and it’s complications like gangrene and perforation of appendix.Methods: This was an observational prospective study on 66 consecutive cases of acute appendicitis done in the department of general surgery, VIMSAR, Burla. After taking informed consent, all patients included in the study were subjected to abdominal ultrasound and blood sample taken for routine blood examination, LFT and after appendicectomy histopathology examination report were collected. A master chat prepared from above data and stastical analysis done.Results: The LFT parameters are deranged in pathological appendix and more specifically the total bilirubin level but the sensitivity, specificity and PPV are specifically high for gangrenous and perforated appendix.Conclusions: LFT can be added as adjunctive test to the investigation of acute appendicitis and its complications and earlier diagnosis of the complications of acute appendicitis and timelier management. It can also help in prevention of negative appendicectomies.
Effectiveness of ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration cytology of axillary node in women with clinically node negative breast cancer
Authors: Mohamed Rizwan T. , Babu Moothedathparambil Ramakrishnan , Marar Krishnakumar
Published: December 2018

Background: The preoperative ultrasound (USG) guided fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of axillary metastasis may avoid unnecessary axillary dissections and time consuming and costly sentinel lymph node biopsy. This study was aimed to evaluate the accuracy of USG guided FNAC in preoperative assessment of clinically node negative breast cancer patients.Methods: An observational study was done in patients who fall within the inclusion criteria. USG guided FNAC of suspicious nodes was done. All the selected patients were taken up for modified radical mastectomy. The resected specimens were sent for detailed histopathological (HPR) evaluation, which was taken as the gold standard for the comparison with the pre-operative FNAC report.Results: Among a total of 33 patients with early breast cancer subjected to USG guided FNAC and compared with the HPR results. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of FNAC were 44.44%, 100%, 100% and 28.57% respectively.Conclusions: The sensitivity of USG guided FNAC of suspicious axillary lymph nodes was low, whereas the specificity and positive predictive values were high. Moreover, the negative predictive value is very less. Hence, the results suggested that USG guided FNAC has not proved to be sufficiently accurate for routine preoperative assessment in patients with early breast cancer.
Assessment of quality of life of spouses of young male catheterized patients
Authors: Pramanik Sandip , Paul Uttam Kumar , Pal Dilip Kumar
Published: December 2018

Background: It is needless to mention that, per-urethral or supra-pubic catheter compromises the Quality of Life (QoL) of young male patients. But present study is about the QoL of spouses of those patients and we compared their status of QoL after removal of catheter of patients with catheterized status.Methods: Authors used three tools named World Health Organization Quality of Life scale (WHOQOL BREF), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) for this purpose.Results: Authors found statistically significant improvements in all domains of QoL as measured by WHOQOL BREF, improvement in depression and anxiety status as well, measured by Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) respectively.Conclusions: Present study concluded with the notion to reiterate the fact that the health of spouse has also to be considered about and to be restored into normal state if found abnormal.
Study the early complications of modified radical mastectomy performed
Authors: Chandrakar Naman , Shinde Raju K.
Published: December 2018

Background: According to the national and regional cancer registries, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Ahmadabad and Thiruvananthapuram.Methods: The present Prospective and observational study was conducted in the Department of Surgery of Acharya Vinoba Bhave Rural Hospital attached to Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College.  Forty-one patients of carcinoma breast were treated with modified radical mastectomy from September 2013 to September 2015.Results: The mean age of cases was 50.90 years with a standard deviation of 11.61 years. only 1 male patient (2.44%) was diagnosed with carcinoma breast and 40 female patients (97.56%) out of 41 total cases. In all the 41 cases (100%) chief complaint was lump in breast, followed by axillary swelling in 11 cases (26.83%) and history of pain (in lump) in 8 cases (19.51%). ecchymosis of the flap was seen in 8 patients (19.51%).  The 10 cases (24.39) had surgical site infection, Minimal seroma collection (<10ml) was seen in 9 cases. 3 cases (7.32%) had pain at the surgical site. Tissue necrosis was observed in 7 cases (17.07%).Conclusions: It was concluded that Post-operative complications of MRM included wound dehiscence, seroma, surgical site infection, hematoma, altered sensation and pain.
Perioperative manometric studies in laparoscopic Watson’s repair versus Nissen’s fundoplication
Authors: Abdelshahid Moharam , Ammar Mohammed Sabry , Nassar Mohammed Nazeeh SH.
Published: December 2018

Background: Hiatus Hernia (HH) and GERD are common upper gastroesophageal disorders, The Nissen`s fundoplication is one of the most effective and commonly used surgical techniques in management of both GERD and hiatus hernia (HH). many surgeons are searching for alternative procedures due to the mechanical obstructive effects of Nissen's fundoplication, one of these procedures is partial anterior fundoplication (Watson’s repair).Methods: Eighty two patients, diagnosed to have GERD and/or HH, were scheduled for present study for laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery. They were randomized to either Watson’s repair (anterior partial fundoplication) (group I) or Nissen repair (group II) in the period between June 2012 and March 2017. Forty two patients for group I and forty patients were included in group II. Group I had partial anterior fundoplication and group II had Nissen's fundoplication. Follow up for all patients included in our study was scheduled at (2, 4weeks and 3, 6, 12months postoperatively) both subjectively - using a standardized scoring system for reflux symptoms (heartburn, regurgitation and dysphagia), gas bloating and objectively-using esophago-gastroscopy at 6ms and 12ms postoperatively, esophageal manometry, 24hours PH monitoring at 6ms and 12ms post operatively.Results: Three cases were excluded from the study because they were converted to open procedure, one of group I and two of group II. Mean operative time was significantly shorter in group I. As regarding to reflux symptoms (heartburn and regurgitation) Nissen was significantly higher in control of reflux symptoms at 3months but at 6, 12months Nissen still higher but without a clear significant difference. On the opposite side dysphagia was significantly higher in Nissen group than in Watson group at 3months and remained higher at 6,12months but with no significant difference, also gas related symptoms were higher in Nissen group than in Watson group all the time of follow up. Objectively, esophagitis improved to a similar extent in both groups. Watson was less effective in improving LES characters, and 24hours PH parameters in comparison to Nissen group but without any significant difference in both groups.Conclusions: Partial anterior fundoplication (Watson repair) can be safe, effective and simple alternative procedure for Nissen's fundoplication with less obstructive symptoms and complications.
Correlation between pathological tumour stage and lymph node involvement in oral cancers: a descriptive study
Authors: Paul Deepak , Babu Moothedathparambil Ramakrishnan , Marar Krishnakumar
Published: December 2018

Background: Involvement of cervical lymph nodes is the single most important prognostic factor in oral carcinoma. This study was aimed to evaluate the correlation between tumour stage and lymph node metastasis.Methods: A descriptive study was planned in oral cancer patients who fall within the inclusion criteria. This was compared with the postoperative histopathologic status of cervical nodes. Correlation analysis was done between tumor stage and lymph node metastasis.Results: Total 106 patients were included in the study. The male female ratio was 1.4:1. Majority of the patients 37(34.9%) were in the sixth decade of life. Carcinoma of the tongue was present in 17 cases while only 4 had carcinoma of lower alveolus. Most of the patients with oral cancer presented at an early stage (T1-T2). Stage IV was the commonest with 51 (48.1%) patients. Level I was the most commonly involved lymph node station (78.1%) in squamous cell carcinoma of oral cavity. A weak significant positive correlation between tumor stage and lymph node metastases (r =0.298) was found (p = 0.002). There was a moderate significant (p = 0.0001) positive correlation (r = 0.435) between pathological tumour stage and level of lymph node involvement. But the positive correlation was not statistically significant in carcinoma of the lower alveolus (r = 0.387, p=0.112).Conclusions: Significant positive correlation between pathological tumor stage and level of lymph node involvement in oral cancer and carcinoma tongue. But, in carcinoma lower alveolus the positive correlation was not significant.
Single-layer kinoforms for cameras and video cameras of mobile communication devices
Authors:   Penza State University of Architecture and Construction, Greisukh G. , Ezhov E. ,   Penza State University of Architecture and Construction, Kazin S. ,   Penza State University of Architecture and Construction, Stepanov S. ,   Penza State University of Architecture and Construction
Published: December 2018

Conditions that guarantee the absence of a visually observed halo in the image formed by the camera of a mobile communication device containing a diffractive lens with a single-layer sawtooth phase microrelief are corrected. The feasibility and effectiveness of using the diffractive lens with a single-layer microstructure, which does not lead to the emergence of a visually observable halo, are demonstrated by the example of a plastic objective lens for the smartphone.
Interferometric testing of steep cylindrical surfaces with on-axis CGHs
Authors:   Institute of Automation and Electrometry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Poleshchuk A. , Nasyrov R. ,   Institute of Automation and Electrometry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Asfour J.-M. ,   Dioptic GmbH
Published: December 2018

We present a new approach for testing cylindrical optical surfaces using a Null-test. We suggest using a Computer Generated Hologram (CGH) in combination with a Transmission Sphere. It is shown that in such an optical layout the period of the diffractive structure is larger than in the case of a conventional scheme using a collimated beam. Therefore, this kind of hologram enables the test of cylinder surfaces with higher numerical apertures.
Scattering of light from hollow and semi-hollow 3D scatterers with ellipsoidal, cylindrical and cartesian symmetries
Authors:   Department of Physics, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Chen Xi , Korotkova O. ,   Department of Physics, University of Miami, Coral Gables
Published: December 2018

Scattering potentials of hollow particles with ellipsoid-, cylinder- and parallelepiped-like shapes and adjustable edge sharpness are introduced as a difference of two 3D multi-Gaussian functions with suitable parameters. The far-zone intensity distributions generated on weak scattering from such potentials are shown to depend on the scatterer’s boundary thickness, edge softness as well as on its size relative to the wavelength. Possible extension to potentials formed by nested shells of the same or different types and potentials with semi-hollow center is outlined.
Tightly focused laser light with azimuthal polarization and singular phase
Authors:   Image Processing Systems Institute оf RAS, – Branch of the FSRC “Crystallography and Photonics” RAS, Kotlyar V. ,   Samara National Research University, Nalimov A. ,   Image Processing Systems Institute оf RAS, – Branch of the FSRC “Crystallography and Photonics” RAS,   Samara National Research University
Published: December 2018

Using simplified Richards-Wolf formulas we show that laser light with azimuthal polarization and singular phase can produce a smaller focal spot than that from a laser beam with radial polarization, other conditions remaining the same. It is numerically shown that when focusing an azimuthally polarized laser beam with phase singularity using a zone plate a 1.3 times smaller focal spot can be attained than when an aplanatic lens is used. A spiral phase plate can be replaced with a phase step with a π-phase shift. In this case the subwavelength focal spot from a laser beam with azimuthal polarization, which is formed near the zone plate surface, loses circular symmetry, while becoming smaller and acquiring an elliptical form with radiuses of 0.273λ and 0.314λ (NA = 1).
Master equation averaged over stochastic process realizations for the description of a three-level atom relaxation
Authors:   Samara National Research University, Mikhailov V. , Troshkin N. ,   Samara National Research University
Published: December 2018

The relaxation of a three-level atom interacting with a photon heat bath and an external stochastic field is investigated. For the reduced density matrix, a master equation averaged over stochastic process realizations is derived. An exact solution is obtained and the radiation line shapes are calculated.
Simulation of forming processes with local heating of dual phase steels with use of laser beam shaping systems
Authors:   Vienna University of Technology, Bielak R. , Bammer F. ,   Vienna University of Technology, Otto A. ,   Vienna University of Technology, Stiglbrunner C. ,   Vienna University of Technology, Colasse C. ,   Faurecia Sièges d'Automobile, Murzin S. ,   Samara National Research University
Published: December 2018

Features of laser-assisted warm forming of dual phase steel DP1000 are determined. Simulation of forming processes with local heating is performed. In the simulation procedure, the forming parameters of three dimensional forming were adapted to keep them within tolerable limits even in critical areas as well as identifying the localization and type of critical stresses. The capabilities of Abaqus were extended by use of the Python language to independently evaluate selected element strains, the position of deformed elements within the forming limit diagram and user-defined failure criteria. The simulation led to an adapted forming process permitting a significantly increased bulge forming depth by local laser heating of the forming zones. The developed simulation model shows a satisfactory conformity with experiments, performed using a fibre-coupled laser with a wavelength of 1070 nm and a maximum output power of 1500 W, and a servo bending press TRUMPF TruBend 7018. The required distribution of the laser beam energy can be obtained by using diffractive optical elements. The use of the model for technological operations opens up possibilities not only for the solution of the presented specific objective of laser assisted warm forming, but also for others applications.
Hyperspectral remote sensing data compression and protection
Authors:   Image Processing Systems Institute оf RAS – Branch of the FSRC “Crystallography and Photonics” RAS, Gashnikov M. , Glumov N. ,   Image Processing Systems Institute оf RAS – Branch of the FSRC “Crystallography and Photonics” RAS,   Samara National Research University, Kuznetsov A. ,   Image Processing Systems Institute оf RAS – Branch of the FSRC “Crystallography and Photonics” RAS,   Samara National Research University, Mitekin V. ,   Image Processing Systems Institute оf RAS – Branch of the FSRC “Crystallography and Photonics” RAS,   Samara National Research University, Myasnikov V. ,   Image Processing Systems Institute оf RAS – Branch of the FSRC “Crystallography and Photonics” RAS,   Samara National Research University, Sergeev V. ,   Image Processing Systems Institute оf RAS – Branch of the FSRC “Crystallography and Photonics” RAS,   Samara National Research University
Published: December 2018

In this paper, we consider methods for hyperspectral image processing, required in systems of image formation, storage, and transmission and aimed at solving problems of data compression and protection. A modification of the digital image compression method based on a hierarchical grid interpolation is proposed. Methods of active (on the basis of digital watermarking) and passive (on the basis of artificial image distortion detection) data protection against unauthorized dissemination are developed and investigated.
Development of algorithm for automatic construction of a computational procedure of local image processing, based on the hierarchical regression
Authors:   Samara National Research University, Kopenkov V. , Myasnikov V. ,   Samara National Research University,   Image Processing Systems Institute оf RAS – Branch of the FSRC “Crystallography and Photonics” RAS
Published: December 2018

In this paper, we propose an algorithm for the automatic construction (design) of a computational procedure for non-linear local processing of digital signals/images. The aim of this research is to work out an image processing algorithm with a predetermined computational complexity and achieve the best quality of processing on the existing data set, while avoiding a problem of retraining or doing with less training. To achieve this aim we use a local discrete wavelet transform for a preliminary image analysis and the hierarchical regression to construct a local image processing procedure on the basis of a training dataset. Moreover, we work out a method to decide whether the training process should be completed or continued. This method is based on the functional of full cross-validation control, which allows us to construct the processing procedure with a predetermined computational complexity and veracity, and with the best quality.
The hybrid CPU/GPU implementation of the computational procedure for digital terrain models generation from satellite images
Authors:   Image Processing Systems Institute оf RAS – Branch of the FSRC “Crystallography and Photonics” RAS, Fursov V. ,   Samara National Research University, Goshin Ye. ,   Image Processing Systems Institute оf RAS – Branch of the FSRC “Crystallography and Photonics” RAS,   Samara National Research University, Kotov A. ,   Image Processing Systems Institute оf RAS – Branch of the FSRC “Crystallography and Photonics” RAS,   Samara National Research University
Published: December 2018

In this paper a procedure of building a digital terrain model (DTM) from the satellite images is researched. The procedure is based on the authors' previously developed algorithms of fast image matching for building disparity maps implemented on GPUs (Graphics Processing Units). In this paper we propose a computational procedure for constructing a DTM from the satellite stereo images. Experimental studies have shown that while this procedure constructs a DTM that may be less accurate than the one achieved with the use of the ENVI software, it offers a significantly shorter time of processing.
Face recognition based on the proximity measure clustering
Authors:   Institute of Cybernetics of Tomsk Polytechnic University, Nemirovskiy V. , Stoyanov A. ,   Institute of Cybernetics of Tomsk Polytechnic University, Goremykina D. ,   Institute of Cybernetics of Tomsk Polytechnic University
Published: December 2018

In this paper problems of featureless face recognition are considered. The recognition is based on clustering the proximity measures between the distributions of brightness clusters cardinality for segmented images. As a proximity measure three types of distances are used in this work: the Euclidean, cosine and Kullback-Leibler distances. Image segmentation and proximity measure clustering are carried out by means of a software model of the recurrent neural network. Results of the experimental studies of the proposed approach are presented.
Automatic target recognition for low-count terahertz images
Authors:   Kotel’nikov Institute of Radioengineering and Electronics, Antsiperov V. ,   Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: December 2018

The paper presents the results of developing an algorithm for automatic target recognition in broadband (0.1-10) terahertz images. Due to the physical properties of terahertz radiation and associated hardware, such images have low contrast, low signal-to-noise ratio and low resolution – i.e. all the characteristics of a low-count images. Therefore, standard recognition algorithms designed for conventional images work poorly or are not suitable at all for the problem considered. We have developed a fundamentally different approach based on clustering 2D point clouds in accordance with a set of predefined patterns. As a result, we reduce the problem of target recognition to the problem of maximizing the image data likelihood with respect to the classes of model objects up to the size and position. The resulting recognition algorithm has a structure close to that of the well-known EM algorithm; its formal scheme is at the end of the paper.