Spectral tools for Dynamic Tonality and audio morphing

The analysis-resynthesis method used by the spectral toolbox allows the independent control of both frequency and amplitude for every partial in a given sound. The spectral toolbox begins by separating the 'signal' from the 'noise' which allows the peaks in the spectrum to be treated differently from the wide-band components. The spectral mapping technology is used to map the input to a fixed destination spectrum G like the SpT.Ntet routine maps all partials of the input sound to scale steps of the N-tone equal tempered scale that can be used to create sounds that are particularly appropriate for use in a given N-TET scale. Spectral morphing generates sound that moves smoothly between a source spectrum F and a destination spectrum G over a specified time t. A Dynamic Tonality synthesizer like Trans-FormSynth has a small number of parameters that enable many musically useful, and relatively, unexplored features like the continuous parameters α,β and γ move the tuning between a number of equal temperaments, non-equal temperaments and circulating temperaments

Neurodevelopment of small-for-gestational age infants: behavioral aspects in first year

The purpose of this study was to compare the behavior of full-term small-for-gestational age (SGA) with full-term appropriate-for gestational age (AGA) infants in the first year of life. We prospectively evaluated 68 infants in the 2nd month, 67 in the 6th month and 69 in the 12th month. The Bayley Scales of Infant Development-II were used, with emphasis on the Behavior Rating Scale (BRS). The groups were similar concerning the item “interest in test materials and stimuli”; there was a trend toward differences in the items “negative affect”, “hypersensitivity to test materials” and “adaptation to change in test materials”. The mean of Raw Score was significantly lower for the SGA group in the items “predominant state”, “liability of state of arousal”, “positive affect”, “soothability when upset”, “energy”, “exploration of objects and surroundings”, “orientation toward examiner”. A lower BRS score was associated with the SGA group in the 2nd month

Does Bypass of the Proximal Small Intestine Impact Food Intake, Preference, and Taste Function in Humans? An Experimental Medicine Study Using the Duodenal-Jejunal Bypass Liner

The duodenal-jejunal bypass liner (Endobarrier) is an endoscopic treatment for obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). It creates exclusion of the proximal small intestine similar to that after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) surgery. The objective of this study was to employ a reductionist approach to determine whether bypass of the proximal intestine is the component conferring the effects of RYGB on food intake and sweet taste preference using the Endobarrier as a research tool. A nested mechanistic study within a large randomised controlled trial compared the impact of lifestyle modification with vs. without Endobarrier insertion in patients with obesity and T2DM. Forty-seven participants were randomised and assessed at several timepoints using direct and indirect assessments of food intake, food preference and taste function. Patients within the Endobarrier group lost numerically more weight compared to the control group. Using food diaries, our results demonstrated similar reductions of food intake in both groups. There were no significant differences in food preference and sensory, appetitive reward, or consummatory reward domain of sweet taste function between groups or changes within groups. In conclusion, the superior weight loss seen in patients with obesity and T2DM who underwent the Endobarrier insertion was not due to a reduction in energy intake or change in food preferences