Delay-Induced Transient Oscillations in a Two-Neuron Network

Finite transmission times between neurons, referred to as delays, may appear in hardware implementation of neural networks. We analyze the dynamics of a two-neuron network in which the delay modifies the transient and not the long-term behavior of the network. We show that the delay causes some trajectories to oscillate transiently before reaching stationary behavior and the duration of these transients increases exponentially with the delay. Such a phenomeno deteriorates network performance

Evaluation of chemical composition and meat quality of breast muscle in broilers reared under light-emitting diode

The present study was designed to investigate the role of three different light-emitting diode (LED) light color temperatures on the growth performance, carcass characteristics, and breast meat quality of broilers. In our experimental condition, 180 chicks were randomly distributed into four environmentally controlled rooms (three replicates/treatment). The experimental design consisted of four light sources: neon (Control), Neutral (Neutral LED; K = 3500–3700), Cool (Cool LED; K = 5500–6000), and Warm (Warm LED; K = 3000–2500). Upon reaching the commercial weight (3.30 ± 0.20 kg live weight), 30 birds from each group were randomly selected, and live and carcass weight were evaluated to determinate the carcass yield. Following the slaughtering, samples of hemibreast meat were collected from each group and analyzed for physical and chemical properties, fatty acids composition, and volatile compounds. Live weight and carcass weight were negatively influenced by the Warm LED; however, no significant differences were observed in carcass yield in any of the experimental conditions. Higher drip loss values were detected in breast meat samples obtained by broilers reared under Neutral and Cool LEDs. In regard to the meat fatty acids profiles, higher polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) values were detected with the Warm LED; however, the ratio of PUFA/saturated fatty acids (SFA) did not change in any group. The evaluation of volatile profiles in cooked chicken meat led to the identification of 18 compounds belonging to the family of aldehydes, alcohols, ketones, and phenolic compounds, both at 0 (T0) and 7 (T7) d after the cooking. The results of the present study suggest that the LED represents an alternative technology that is cheaper and more sustainable than traditional light sources, since it allows economic savings for poultry farming without significant alterations on the production parameters or the quality of the product

Additional outcomes and subgroup analyses of NXY-059 for acute ischemic stroke in the SAINT I trial

<p><b>Background and Purpose:</b> NXY-059 is a free radical-trapping neuroprotectant demonstrated to reduce disability from ischemic stroke. We conducted analyses on additional end points and sensitivity analyses to confirm our findings.</p> <p><b>Methods:</b> We randomized 1722 patients with acute ischemic stroke to a 72-hour infusion of placebo or intravenous NXY-059 within 6 hours of stroke onset. The primary outcome was disability at 90 days, as measured by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), a 6-point scale ranging from 0 (no residual symptoms) to 5 (bed-bound, requiring constant care). Additional and exploratory analyses included mRS at 7 and 30 days; subgroup interactions with final mRS; assessments of activities of daily living by Barthel index; and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) neurological scores at 7 and 90 days.</p> <p><b>Results:</b> NXY-059 significantly improved the distribution of the mRS disability score compared with placebo at 7, 30, and 90 days (Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test P=0.002, 0.004, 0.038, respectively; 90-day common odds ratio 1.20; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.42). The benefit was not attributable to any specific baseline characteristic, stratification variable or subgroup interaction. Neurological scores were improved at 7 days (odds ratio [OR], 1.46; 95% CI, 1.13, 1.89; P=0.003) and the Barthel index was improved at 7 and 30 days (OR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.22, 1.98; P<0.0001; OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.01, 1.59; P=0.02).</p> <p><b>Conclusions:</b> NXY-059 within 6 hours of acute ischemic stroke significantly reduced disability. Benefit on neurological scores and activities of daily living was detectable early but not significant at 90 days; however, our trial was underpowered to measure effects on the neurological examination. The benefit on disability is not confounded by interactions and is supported by other outcome measures.</p&gt

Seasonal and Feeding System Effects on Qualitative Parameters of Bovine Milk Produced in the Abruzzo Region (Italy)

The aim of this study was to examine variations in cow milk composition as a function of breeding system and seasonality. This study was carried out in 16 dairy farms located in the Abruzzo region (Central Italy), equally distributed between farms that adopt grazing in the spring and summer months, and farms where the intensive system is exploited. Milk was sampled in all seasons in each of the farms involved and was analyzed with particular attention given to the quality of the lipid and protein fractions. A lower concentration of saturated fatty acids and an increase in rumenic, vaccenic and oleic acids were registered for milk samples coming from outdoor grazing, in which was also observed the greatest presence of and caseins. The opposite result was instead observed for casein, which showed the highest values from intensive farming. Evaluations also focused on retinol, which significantly increased in concentration during summer in both breeding systems. The present results suggest positive insights into the role of the outdoor breeding system in improving the main qualitative trait of bovine milk in warm seasons

Safety and tolerability of NXY-059 for acute intracerebral hemorrhage: the CHANT trial

<p><b>Background and Purpose:</b> NXY-059 is a free radical-trapping neuroprotectant developed for use in acute ischemic stroke. To facilitate prompt administration of treatment, potentially before neuroimaging, we investigated the safety of NXY-059 in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).</p> <p><b>Methods:</b> We randomized 607 patients within 6 hours of acute ICH to receive 2270 mg intravenous NXY-059 over 1 hour and then up to 960 mg/h over 71 hours, or matching placebo, in addition to standard care. The primary outcome was safety: the mortality and the frequency of adverse events, and the change from baseline for a variety of serum, imaging, and electrophysiological measurements. We also studied the overall distribution of disability scores on the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and the Barthel index.</p> <p><b>Results:</b> We treated 300 patients with NXY-059 and 303 with placebo. Treatment groups were well matched for prognostic variables including Glasgow Coma Scale, risk factors, and age. The mean National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score on admission was 14 in both groups. The baseline hemorrhage volume was 22.4±20.1 mL in the NXY-059 group and 23.3±22.8 mL in the placebo group (mean±SD). Most hemorrhages were related to hypertension or anticoagulant use. Mortality was similar in both groups: 20.3% for NXY-059 and 19.8% for placebo-treated patients. The proportion of patients who experienced an adverse event was the same for both groups, whereas for serious adverse events the proportion was slightly higher in the NXY-059 group. However, no pattern emerged to indicate a safety concern. Serum potassium fell transiently in both groups, lower in the NXY-059 group. There were no differences in 3-month function, disability, or neurological deficit scores. The odds ratio for an improved outcome in 3-month mRS scores in the NXY-059 group was 1.01 (95% CI 0.75, 1.35).</p> <p><b>Conclusions:</b> NXY-059 given within 6 hours of acute ICH has a good safety and tolerability profile, with no adverse effect on important clinical outcomes.</p&gt

Chemical-nutritional parameters and volatile profile of eggs and cakes made with eggs from ISA Warren laying hens fed with a dietary supplementation of extruded linseed

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical-nutritional parameters, oxidative stability and volatile profile of eggs and cakes made with eggs from laying hens fed with a dietary supplementation of extruded linseed. Methods: Two thousand ISA Warren laying hens were randomly divided into two groups: a control group was fed with a standard diet while the experimental group received the same diet supplemented with 7% of extruded linseed. The trial lasted 84 days, in which three samplings of laid eggs were performed. Samples of eggs and food systems arising from eggs were then analyzed in order to obtain information about β-carotene and total flavonoid content, antioxidant activity, fatty acid profile, lipid oxidation, and volatile profile. Results: Linseed induced the increase of α-linolenic acid with consequent reduction of the ω-6/ω-3 ratio (4.3:1 in egg yolk); in addition to this, was evidenced the cholesterol reduction and the significant increase in total flavonoids and β-carotene, although no variations were detected in antioxidant capacity. Even in cooked products there was not only a direct effect of linseed in increasing α-linolenic acid, but also in inducing the reduction of cholesterol and its major oxidation product, 7-ketocholesterol. The dietary linseed integration was also shown to affect the volatile profile of baked products. Conclusion: Data confirmed that dietary supplementation with extruded linseed resulted in food products with interesting implications for human health. With regard to the volatile profile of baked products it would be necessary undertake further sensorial analysis in order to evaluate any variations on flavor and consumer acceptability

Thickness dependant characterization of chemically exfoliated TiS2 nanosheets

Monolayer TiS2 is the lightest member of the transition metal dichalcogenides family with promising application in energy storage and conversion systems. Use of TiS2 has been limited by the lack of rapid characterisation of layer number via Raman spectroscopy and its easy oxidation in wet environment. Here, we demonstrate layer number dependent Raman modes for TiS2. 1T-TiS2 presents two characteristics Raman active modes, A1g (out-of-plane) and Eg (in-plane). We identified a characteristic peak frequency shift of the Eg mode with the layer number and an unexplored Raman mode at 372 cm-1 whose intensity changes relative to the A1g mode with the thickness of TiS2 sheets. These two characteristic features of the Raman spectra allow the determination of layer numbers between 1 and 5 in exfoliated TiS2. Further, we develop a method to produce oxidation-resistant inks of micron sized mono- and few-layered TiS2 nanosheets at concentrations up to 1 mg/mL .These TiS2 inks can be deposited to form thin films with controllable thickness and nanosheet density over cm2 areas. This opens up pathways for a wider utilization of exofliated TiS2 towards a range of applications

Influence of licorice root feeding on chemical-nutritional quality of cow milk and stracciata cheese, an italian traditional fresh dairy product

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary licorice root supplementation on chemical and nutritional characteristics of cow milk and Stracciata cheese. Licorice did not influence milk and Stracciata fat content but induced modifications in fatty acid profile. Both in milk and Stracciata, a decrease in saturated fatty acids was detected and in cheeses an increase of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids was observed. Stracciata obtained from the experimental group showed an improved oxidative stability after six days of ripening, a finding partly justifiable by the well-known richness of antioxidant compounds in the licorice root. The volatile profile of Stracciata was also affected by dietary licorice intake, with an increase in esters and a reduction of aldehydes and ketones. These results suggest a positive role of licorice in modifying chemical and physical properties of cow cheeses, reducing lipid oxidation and inducing changes in color and flavor with a presumable improvement in consumer acceptability

Paradoxical emboli from calf and pelvic veins in cryptogenic stroke.

PURPOSE: The increased prevalence of patent foramen ovale in patients with cryptogenic strokes suggests the occurrence of paradoxical embolism. The identification of deep venous thromboses (DVTs) in this population would strengthen this hypothesis. The purpose of this study was to image the subdiaphragmatic venous system in a cohort of patients with cryptogenic strokes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 37 patients with cryptogenic brain ischemia and interatrial communication, duplex studies of calf, popliteal, and femoral veins, and magnetic resonance imaging venograms of the pelvis veins were performed. RESULTS: In 10 patients, DVTs were diagnosed that were considered to be the cause of cryptogenic brain ischemia on probable (n = 6) or possible (n = 4) bases. In these patients, the median time from stroke to DVT was 3.25 days. In 5 of these 10 patients, DVTs did not involve popliteal and femoral veins, areas thought most important to pulmonary embolism, but instead were isolated to calf or pelvic veins. Although none of these 10 patients had abnormal blood hypercoagulation tests, 8 of the 10 did have clinical conditions suggesting predisposition to developing DVTs, such as concomitant neoplasms or pulmonary embolism. CONCLUSIONS: Increased evidence for paradoxical embolism may emerge when diagnostic strategies use multiple imaging methods and evaluate a broad extent of the subdiaphragmatic veins