V1T: large-scale mouse V1 response prediction using a Vision Transformer

Accurate predictive models of the visual cortex neural response to natural visual stimuli remain a challenge in computational neuroscience. In this work, we introduce V1T, a novel Vision Transformer based architecture that learns a shared visual and behavioral representation across animals. We evaluate our model on two large datasets recorded from mouse primary visual cortex and outperform previous convolution-based models by more than 12.7% in prediction performance. Moreover, we show that the self-attention weights learned by the Transformer correlate with the population receptive fields. Our model thus sets a new benchmark for neural response prediction and can be used jointly with behavioral and neural recordings to reveal meaningful characteristic features of the visual cortex.Comment: updated references and added link to code repository; add analysis on generalization and visualize aRF

Assessment of the influence of electric arc furnace slag as a non-conventional filler for Nitrile Butadiene Rubber

Reinforcement of polymers by the addition of particles filler is a complex phenomenon that depends mainly on the hydrodynamic effect and a complex interplay between polymer, filler, and interfacial region. Mineral fillers are usually adopted as low-cost extenders due to their lower cost. In this study, the influence of a waste material such as electric arc furnace steel slag is assessed as filler for Nitrile-Butadiene Rubber following experimental procedures and analytical calculations adopted for traditional fillers. It was found that the slag content affects the static and the dynamic properties by increasing the material's capability to storage and dissipate energy. In addition to an important contribution of the hydrodynamic effect, the presence of an increasing immobilized rubber fraction around the slag particles (quantified by a differential scanning calorimetry analysis) plays a central role. The slag stiffens the NBR composite; the increase of static tensile and dynamic shear storage moduli was found to be consistent with the Halpin-Tsai and Guth-Gold prevision models respectively. Moreover, the non-linear dynamic behavior was found to be well-fitted by the Kraus equation models. The reinforcing ability of the slag particles as filler was confirmed by the negative slope of the Kraus plot on swelling data

CIAO: the CNR-IMAA advanced observatory for atmospheric research

Long-term observations of aerosol and clouds are of crucial importance to understand the weather climate system. At the Istituto di Metodologie per l'Analisi Ambientale of the Italian National Research Council (CNR-IMAA) an advanced atmospheric observatory, named CIAO, is operative. CIAO (CNR-IMAA Atmospheric Observatory) main scientific objective is the long term measurement for the climatology of aerosol and cloud properties. Its equipment addresses the state-of-the-art for the ground-based remote sensing of aerosol, water vapour and clouds including active and passive sensors, like lidars, ceilometers, radiometers, and a radar. This paper describes the CIAO infrastructure, its scientific activities as well as the observation strategy. The observation strategy is mainly organized in order to provide quality assured measurements for satellite validation and model evaluation and to fully exploit the synergy and integration of the active and passive sensors for the improvement of atmospheric profiling. Data quality is ensured both by the application of protocols and dedicated quality assurance programs mainly related to the projects and networks in which the infrastructure is involved. The paper also introduces examples of observations performed at CIAO and of the synergies and integration algorithms (using Raman lidar and microwave profiler data) developed and implemented at the observatory for the optimization and improvement of water vapour profiling. CIAO database represents an optimal basis to study the synergy between different sensors and to investigate aerosol-clouds interactions, and can give a significant contribution to the validation programs of the incoming new generation satellite missions

Short bouts of anaerobic exercise increase non-esterified fatty acids release in obesity

PURPOSE: It is demonstrated that aerobic exercise plays an important role in weight loss programs for obesity by increasing 24 h metabolic rate. While aerobic exercise can result in health and fitness benefits in obese subjects, also independently of weight loss, not completely clear are the effects of bouts of hard exercise on metabolic outcomes. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that short-term aerobic activity with anaerobic bouts might result in a greater improvement in the management of obesity than aerobic activity alone. METHODS: We studied 16 obese subjects (eight men) during a progressive cycloergometric test up to exhaustion, before and after 4 weeks of two different training schedules (6 days/week). Insulin and glycaemia, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and lactic acid were sampled. Group A (eight subjects, four men) performed an aerobic cycle workout; Group B (eight subjects, four men) performed a 25 min aerobic workout followed by 5 min of anaerobic workout. All the subjects maintained their individual eating habits. RESULTS: The post-training test showed a decrease in AUCs NEFA in Group A (p < 0.05) and an increase in Group B (p < 0.05), together with an increase in lactic acid in Group A and a decrease in Group B (p < 0.01). \u3b2-cell function (HOMA2-B) revealed a reduction only in Group A (p < 0.05). Group B achieved a greatest reduction in body fat mass than Group A (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Aerobic plus anaerobic training seem to produce a greater response in lipid metabolism and not significant modifications in glucose indexes; then, in training prescription for obesity, we might suggest at starting weight loss program aerobic with short bouts of anaerobic training to reduce fat mass and subsequently a prolonged aerobic training alone to ameliorate the metabolic profile

A26-3 Tip design in a new steroid-elution pacing lead influences ventricular electrical parameter variations in DDD pacemaker implanted patients

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Spatial and temporal variation in long-term sediment accumulation in a back-barrier salt marsh

In situ persistence of salt marshes in the face of sea-level rise relies on their ability to maintain substrate elevation through sufficient vertical accretion of sediment. However, sedimentation rates in salt marshes vary spatially and temporally, which complicates the assessment of their ability to keep up with sea-level rise. Here, we explore the spatial and temporal variation in sediment accumulation in a single back-barrier salt marsh site. Using one-time in situ measurements at the landscape scale, we obtained synoptic information of elevation and sediment thickness over the entire salt marsh in a chronosequence over centuries. Repeated measurements along short elevation transects (0.3–0.9 m +MHT) revealed decadal changes, complementing the broader marsh data with detailed information on elevation, thickness of the marsh deposits and accumulation rates. Thickness of the deposits was largely related to the elevation gradient: the sediment layer was thinner at the higher marsh (near the dunes and far away from the intertidal flats), and thicker at the lower marsh (near the intertidal flats). Moreover, the thickness of the layer increased with salt marsh age along the chronosequence, and age accounted for 72 % of variability in sediment accumulation. The rate of sediment accumulation was higher than the local rate of sea-level rise in the younger marsh, whereas it was equal to the rate of sea-level rise in the older marsh. In the older salt marsh, sediment accumulation was lower, possibly due to autocompaction in the thicker, older layers. Both at the landscape scale and along short elevation transects within individual drainage basins, sediment accumulation decreased with distance to sediment supply routes. However, their relative importance depended on the scale of observation. Distance to creeks accounted for 17 % of the variability in sediment accumulation at the landscape scale, compared to 4 % at the smaller scale. Similarly, the influence of distance to intertidal flats varied from 1 % at the landscape scale to 13 % at the smaller scale. Our main findings indicate that lower-elevation older marshes and higher-elevation younger marshes far away from sediment sources are at risk of not keeping pace with the local rate of sea-level rise and are potentially vulnerable to increased flooding.</p

Factors Affecting Adherence, Intake, and Perceived Palatability of Oral Nutritional Supplements: A Literature Review

Oral nutritional supplements (ONS) are a clinically effective and relatively inexpensive way to supplement the diet of patients with, or at risk of, undernutrition. Good adherence is a primary determinant of the effectiveness of ONS. However adherence can be problematic for those with the greatest clinical need, such as undernourished older adults. This review aimed to appraise the available literature for the factors (contextual, personal and product related) affecting patient adherence and perceived palatability of ONS, identify areas requiring improvement and uncover gaps in the evidence to guide the focus of future research. Contextual factors identified were healthcare staff and the timing of administration. Personal factors included sensory changes and motivation which alter experience of and desire to consume ONS. The product’s sensory characteristics determined palatability and intake, but undesirable attributes, such as off-flavours, can stem from nutritional ingredients. The contribution made by aroma to older adults’ experience of ONS was a comparatively under-researched area. Further research should address this evidence gap to optimise the flavour, aroma profile and palatability for undernourished older consumers, thereby optimising intake. A combined multidisciplinary effort involving strategic expansion of research, industry development and clinical practice should simultaneously address the factors identified, to provide the best approach to improve adherence

Codrugs linking L-Dopa and sulfur-containing antioxidants: new pharmacological tools against Parkinson’s Disease

A series of multifunctional codrugs (1-6) were synthesized to overcome the pro-oxidant effect associated with L-dopa (LD) therapy. Target compounds release LD and dopamine (DA) in human plasma after enzymatic hydrolysis, displaying an antioxidant effect superior to that of N-acetylcysteine (NAC). After intracerebroventricular injection of codrug 4, the levels of DA in the striatum were higher than those in LD-treated groups, indicating that this compound has a longer half-life in brain than LD