A low multiplicative complexity fast recursive DCT-2 algorithm

A fast Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) algorithm is introduced that can be of particular interest in image processing. The main features of the algorithm are regularity of the graph and very low arithmetic complexity. The 16-point version of the algorithm requires only 32 multiplications and 81 additions. The computational core of the algorithm consists of only 17 nontrivial multiplications, the rest 15 are scaling factors that can be compensated in the post-processing. The derivation of the algorithm is based on the algebraic signal processing theory (ASP).Comment: 4 pages, 2 figure

Estimation of the Instantaneous Harmonic Parameters of Speech

Non

The structure and content of the achievements portfolio of university students

Introduction of the portfolio into the educational process requires precise regulation, systematization of its structure and content to attract students for filling it. The more students fill in the portfolio, the better becomes the quality of learning process. There were applied analysis, synthesis, induction and deduction for the purpose of studying the subject. The article denotes several definitions of the concept of portfolio. As a result, its essence was determined. The requirements for students have been established to fill it. Based on the “Regulations on the Portfolio of Achievements of Students of Kozma Minin Nizhniy Novgorod State Pedagogical University”, the functions of the portfolio were identified, and their content disclosed. The sections are given that are filled by students as well: educational activities, professional, research, public, cultural and creative, sports. According to our study it is worth to conclude that to improve the quality of education, the portfolio should be based on the principles of continuity, diagnostics, problem orientation, technological traceability criteria, scientific. It should have a clear structure and logical sequence of sections. As we have shown, the portfolio performs many pedagogical functions and has a positive effect on the personality of each student. The result of systematic participation in the compilation of a student's portfolio is developed abilities for self-organization, discipline, responsibility, the identification of strengths and weaknesses, and the elimination of learning gaps.peer-reviewe

Detection of early antiangiogenic effects in human colon adenocarcinoma xenografts: in vivo changes of tumor blood volume in response to experimental VEGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor

Antiangiogenesis is emerging as efficient strategy for targeting and potentially eliminating neoplastic tumor vessels. The main goal of this study was to establish whether absolute tumor blood volume (V(b)) change could be used as an early predictor of antiangiogenesis in ectopic and orthotopic colon carcinomas. To assess therapy-induced changes of V(b), we did comparative analysis of signal intensities in tumors and muscle using steady-state magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assisted with an intravascular paramagnetic contrast agent [gadolinium-labeled protected graft copolymer (PGC-Gd)]. Athymic mice with implanted human MV522 tumors were treated with vascular endothelial growth factor type 2 receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (VEGFR2-TKI) that has been shown to inhibit VEGFR2 phosphorylation and tumor growth in vivo. Animals were imaged either after a single day or after a 1-week course of treatments. The measured V(b) in ectopic tumors was 2.5 +/- 1.5% of total tissue volume 1 week after the implantation (n = 8). Two doses of VEGFR2-TKI (25 mg/kg, p.o., b.i.d.) resulted in a decrease of V(b) to 1.3 +/- 0.3%. In orthotopic tumors, the measured V(b) was initially higher (11.9 +/- 2.0%); however, VEGFR2-TKI treatment also resulted in a statistically significant decrease of V(b). The absolute V(b) was not affected in the muscle as a result of treatments. MRI measurements were corroborated by using isotope and correlative histology experiments. Our results show that steady-state MRI is highly sensitive to early antiangiogenic effects caused by small molecule drugs

k-Essence, superluminal propagation, causality and emergent geometry

The k-essence theories admit in general the superluminal propagation of the perturbations on classical backgrounds. We show that in spite of the superluminal propagation the causal paradoxes do not arise in these theories and in this respect they are not less safe than General Relativity.Comment: 34 pages, 5 figure

The MAGIC survey in hormone receptor positive (HR+), HER2-negative (HER2−) breast cancer::When might multigene assays be of value?

A modest proportion of patients with early stage hormone receptor-positive (HR+), HER2-negative (HER2-) breast cancer benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy. Traditionally, treatment recommendations are based on clinical/pathologic criteria that are not predictive of chemotherapy benefit. Multigene assays provide prognostic and predictive information that can help to make more informed treatment decisions. The MAGIC survey evaluated international differences in treatment recommendations, how traditional parameters are used for making treatment choices, and for which patients treating physicians feel most uncertain about their decisions