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Three experiments were designed to test whether perception and action are coordinated in a way that distinguishes sequencing from timing (Pfordresher, 2003). Each experiment incorporated a trial design in which altered auditory feedback (AAF) was presented for varying lengths of time and then withdrawn. Experiments 1 and 2 included AAF that resulted in action-effect asynchronies (delayed auditory feedback) during simple tapping (Experiment 1) and melody production (Experiment 2). Asynchronous AAF immediately slowed production; this effect then diminished rapidly after removal of AAF. By contrast, sequential alterations of feedback pitch during melody production (Experiment 3) had an effect that varied over successive presentations of AAF (by increasing error rates) that lasted after its withdrawal. The presence of auditory feedback after withdrawal of asynchronous AAF (Experiments 1 and 2) led to overcompensation of timing, whereas the presence of auditory feedback did not influence performance after withdrawal of AAF in Experiment 3. Based on these results, we suggest that asynchronous AAF perturbs the phase of an internal timekeeper, whereas alterations to feedback pitch over time degrade the internal representation of sequence structure. (Contains 8 figures, 2 tables, and 4 footnotes.)

The research examines the challenges and effectiveness of IT tools used in the mining industry for forecasting production parameters, a crucial aspect as mining operations become increasingly complex. Accurate forecasting is essential not only for optimizing efficiency, safety, and profitability but also for managing the high risks associated with the construction and operation of mining plants, which require long-term financial security and flexible production management. The study explores various IT solutions, such as advanced data analytics, machine learning algorithms, and simulation models, employed to predict key production parameters like ore quality, equipment performance, and resource availability. However, significant challenges, such as data quality issues, the integration of diverse data sources, and the need for specialized expertise, pose obstacles to the effective use of these tools. Despite these challenges, the research finds that IT tools can lead to more accurate forecasting, improved decision-making, and enhanced operational planning, provided that technical and organizational hurdles are addressed. The paper also highlights the importance of modern IT tools in mining production scheduling, demonstrating their advantages over older tools like MS Excel. By presenting examples from coal and copper ore deposits, the study shows that these modern tools not only increase the accuracy of production forecasts but also enable the creation of multiple scenarios and the rapid modification of schedules, which are key to maintaining the competitiveness and liquidity of mining companies.

With the rising demand for mineral resources, efficient deposit management has become a critical challenge in modern mining. This article underscores the significance of geological modeling in coal deposit management, emphasizing the essential role that digital deposit models play across various mine departments. It outlines the methodology for creating geological models, detailing steps such as data digitization, validation, model construction, calibration, and continuous updates. The article examines three specific deposit modelling software programs (Minex, MineScape, and Carlson) highlighting their unique features and suitability for multi-seam coal deposits. The findings include the development of contour maps, structural and qualitative models, and conducting economic analyses. Additionally, the article discusses the importance of modelling tectonic disturbances and creating qualitative maps for effective deposit exploitation planning. It concludes by emphasizing that the integration of information technology with geological expertise is crucial for precise planning and optimization of mining operations, leading to more efficient and sustainable resource management.

During the more than 3 years of the “Quality” program at JSW S.A., a geological database has been built from scratch, collecting data from all exploratory boreholes, roadway profiling and the results of chemical analyses in one place – placing particular emphasis on parameters affecting the quality of coke. Working with digital databases requires new competencies for geologists – the ability to efficiently obtain information ready for further processing. As intended, the geological model became the basis for forecasting the quantity and quality of mined coal used in coke production. In the course of the work, a discrepancy became apparent between the geological interpretation of the structure of the deposit – as understood by the assumptions of the geological documentation, and the technological conditions of mining. The article presents resulting changes in the approach to modeling lithology and quality parameters. In addition, examples of the application of the geological database and the geological model in the daily work of the geological department are presented.

It is described a geological exploration and mining operation in the Bzie-Dębina area. The drilling of five new surface boreholes to a depth of 1.300 meters in the southern part of the “Bzie-Dębina 2-West” deposit suggests a significant effort to better understand the geology and potential resources of the area. By employing more accurate prospecting techniques and utilizing digital models of the deposit, the correlation of deposits and geological interpretation underwent changes. This suggests that the new data obtained from the boreholes and mine workings challenged or refined previous understandings of the geological formations and structures in the area. Moreover, the interpolation of qualitative data from the coal seams within the “Bzie-Dębina 2-West” and “Bzie-Dębina 1-West” deposits has been altered. This could imply adjustments to estimations regarding the quality, quantity, or distribution of coal within these seams, which are crucial for planning and optimizing mining operations. Overall, these developments indicate a dynamic process of exploration and refinement, driven by advances in technology and methodologies for studying and exploiting mineral resources.

Allowing self-control over various modes of instructional support has been shown to facilitate motor learning. Most research has examined factors that directly altered task-relevant information on a trial-to-trial basis (e.g., feedback). Recent research suggests that self-control (SC) effects extend to the manipulation of other types of factors (e.g., total number of practice trials completed). This research also illustrated that learners sometimes select a very small amount of practice when given latitude to do so. The purpose of the current study was to examine the effects of SC practice within a fixed time period on the learning of a basketball set shot. SC participants chose when to attempt each shot within two 15-min practice sessions, thereby controlling both the total number of shots taken and the spacing of shots. Yoked participants completed the same number of shots as their SC counterparts. Spacing of shots was also matched across groups. The SC group was more accurate and had higher form scores and longer preshot times during retention. These findings provided additional support for the generalizability of SC effects and extended prior research, showing that autonomy over total practice duration was not a prerequisite for the observed effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to establish the effect of breast cancer surgery in middle aged women on the serum (s) and plasma (p) brain-derived neurotrophic factor concentrations [BDNF]s and [BDNF]p, respectively, in relation to the serum C-reactive protein [CRP]s concentration measured before and at 24 hours after surgery. Eighteen patients with recently diagnosed breast cancer (mean ± SE): age 49.1 ± 1.6 years, body mass 69.8 ± 2.2 kg, BMI 25.8 ± 0.8 kg m-2, participated in this study. The [BDNF]s before the surgery amounted to 25 523 ± 1 416 pg ml-2. At 24 h after the surgery it decreased to 21 551 ± 998 pg ml-2 (P = 0.004). This decrease was accompanied by a significant (P = 0.001) decrease in the platelet count (PLT) from 254.7 ± 12.2 k µl-2 before, to 228.8 ± 9.7 k µl-2 after the surgery. The [CRP]s increased from 3.59 ± 0.79 mg l-2 before to 25.04 ± 4.65 mg l-2 after the surgery (P = 0.002). A significant positive correlation was found between the [BDNF]s and the PLT both before (P = 0.003) as well as after the surgery (P = 0.027). Moreover, a significant positive correlation (P = 0.046) was found between [BDNF]s and the [CRP]s before the surgery. At 24 h after the surgery the [BDNF]s and the [CRP]s still correlated positively (P = 0.044), despite the fact that the surgery significantlly decresed the [BDNF]s and increased [CRP]s. No significant effect of the surgery on the [BDNF]p was found. We have concluded that serum BDNF concentration in breast cancer patients positively correlates with serum CRP both before and at 24 h after the surgery. Moreover, breast cancer surgery decreases serum BDNF concentration at 24 h after operation and increases [CRP]s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pregnancy hormone relaxin (RLX) is a powerful cardiostimulatory peptide. Despite its well-characterized effects on the heart, the intracellular mechanisms responsible for RLX's positive inotropic effects are unknown. Cardiac myofilanients are the central contractile elements of the heart, and changes in the phosphorylation status of myofilament proteins are known to mediate changes in function. The first objective of this study was to determine whether RLX stimulates myofilament activation and alters the phosphorylation of one or more myofilament proteins. RLX works through a variety of intracellular signaling cascades in different tissue types. Protein kinases A (PKA) and C (PKC) are two common molecules implicated in RLX signaling and are known to affect myofilament function. Thus the second objective of this study was to determine whether RLX mediates its myocardial effects through PKA or PKC activation. Murine myocardium was treated with recombinant H2-RLX, and cardiac myofilaments were isolated. RLX increased cardiac myofilament force development at physiological levels of intracellular Ca2+ without altering myofilament ATP consumption. Myosin binding protein C, troponin T, and troponin I phosphorylation levels were increased with RLX treatment. Immunoblot analysis revealed an increase in myofilament-associated PKC-δ, decreases in PKC-α and -βμ, but no effect on PKC-ϵ. Inhibition of PKC with chelerythrine chloride or PKC-δ with rottlerin prevented the RLX-dependent changes in myofilament function and protein phosphorylation. PKA antagonism with H-89 had no effect on the myofilament effects of RLX. This study is the first to show that RLX-dependent changes in myofilament-associated PKC alters myofilament activation in a manner consistent with its cardiostimulatory effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ewa Wojcik, Jan Kanty Kulpa Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Maria Skłodowska-Curie Memorial Cancer Center and Institute of Oncology, Cracow, Poland Abstract: Lung cancer belongs to malignant tumors that possess the highest rates of morbidity and mortality in the world. A number of morphological, biological and clinical features justify the distinction of small-cell carcinoma with respect to the other histological types of lung cancer. The predominant neuroendocrine phenotype is critical for the selection of biomarkers used in diagnostics, monitoring and evaluation of treatment response; early onset relapses in patients with small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) and the evaluation of their prognosis. Although for a long time the neuron-specific enolase (NSE) was considered to be the marker of choice for this tumor, it is now increasingly important to pay attention to concentrations of pro-gastrin-releasing peptide (ProGRP). The results of this marker have been implicated in the differential diagnosis of non-small lung cancer and SCLC, chemotherapy and radiotherapy monitoring as well as evaluation of treatment response. The subject of this series of studies is to determine the usefulness of ProGRP in the evaluation of patients’ prognosis and its predictive value. The current aim for the optimization of the effectiveness of biochemical diagnostics of SCLC is recommended by complementary ProGRP and NSE studies. The present work is a summary of the latest reports regarding diagnostic utility of these markers in SCLC. Keywords: small-cell lung cancer, tumor markers, predictive and prognostic values