Abstract
Background. To analyze the relationship of objective and subjective evaluation tools of breast aesthetics, we compare the results of the BCCT.core (breast cancer conservative treatment.cosmetic results) software, a semiautomated objective symmetry evaluation tool, with those of the Aesthetic Status of the BCTOS (Breast Cancer Treatment Outcome Scale) patient questionnaire. Materials and Methods. We included 128 patients with one-sided, primary breast cancer, treated conservatively in a prospective, exploratory study in order to assess the inter-rater reliability of the BCCT.core and the agreement between the BCCT.core and the BCTOS preoperatively, shortly and 1 year after surgery. Therefore, we use agreement rates, multiple (mk), and weighted (wk) kappa coefficients as statistical methods. Furthermore, we analyzed patient-, tumor-, and therapy-related variables as possible covariates to explain agreement. Results. The inter-rater reliability for the semiautomated BCCT.core is very good with agreement rates up to 84% (mk = 0.80). The agreement rates of the BCCT.core and the BCTOS Aesthetic Status range between 35 and 44% subject to the different times of assessment (wk = 0.34 at best). Moreover, the patients judge their aesthetic outcome more positively than the software. None of the considered patient-, tumor-, and therapy-related covariates turned out to explain agreement. Conclusion. The BCCT.core is a reliable instrument that shows fair agreement with patient's perspective.

Abstract
An algorithm and a software application for recombining in real time MIDI drum loops that makes use of a novel analysis of rhythmic patterns that sorts them in order of their complexity is presented. We measure rhythmic complexity by comparing each rhythmic pattern found in the loops to a metrical template characteristic of its time signature. The complexity measure is used to sort the MIDI loops prior to utilizing them in the recombination algorithm. This way, the user can effectively control the complexity and variation in the generated rhythm during performance. © 2011 International Society for Music Information Retrieval.

Abstract
In this study, we focus on the interaction between microtiming patterns and several musical properties: intensity, meter and spectral characteristics. The data-set of 106 musical audio excerpts is processed by means of an auditory model and then divided into several spectral regions and metric levels. The resulting segments are described in terms of their musical properties, over which patterns of peak positions and their intensities are sought. A clustering algorithm is used to systematize the process of pattern detection. The results confirm previously reported anticipations of the third and fourth semiquavers in a beat. We also argue that these patterns of microtiming deviations interact with different profiles of intensities that change according to the metrical structure and spectral characteristics. In particular, we suggest two new findings: (i) a small delay of microtiming positions at the lower end of the spectrum on the first semiquaver of each beat and (ii) systematic forms of accelerando and ritardando at a microtiming level covering two-beat and four-beat phrases. The results demonstrate the importance of multidimensional interactions with timing aspects of music. However, more research is needed in order to find proper representations for rhythm and microtiming aspects in such contexts.

Abstract

Abstract
The complex cubic-quintic Ginzburg-Landau equation (CGLE) admits a special type of solutions called eruption solitons. Recently, the eruptions were shown to diminish or even disappear if a term of intrapulse Raman scattering (IRS) is added, in which case, self-similar traveling pulses exist. We perform a linear stability analysis of these pulses that shows that the unstable double eigenvalues of the erupting solutions split up under the effect of IRS and, following a different trajectory, they move on to the stable half-plane. The eigenfunctions characteristics explain some eruptions features. Nevertheless, for some CGLE parameters, the IRS cannot cancel the eruptions, since pulses do not propagate for the required IRS strength.

Abstract