Chern-flat and Ricci-flat invariant almost Hermitian structure

We study nilmanifolds endowed with a Chern connectio

Quasi-saddles as relevant points of the potential energy surface in the dynamics of supercooled liquids

The supercooled dynamics of a Lennard-Jones model liquid is numerically investigated studying relevant points of the potential energy surface, i.e. the minima of the square gradient of total potential energy $V$. The main findings are: ({\it i}) the number of negative curvatures $n$ of these sampled points appears to extrapolate to zero at the mode coupling critical temperature $T_c$; ({\it ii}) the temperature behavior of $n(T)$ has a close relationship with the temperature behavior of the diffusivity; ({\it iii}) the potential energy landscape shows an high regularity in the distances among the relevant points and in their energy location. Finally we discuss a model of the landscape, previously introduced by Madan and Keyes [J. Chem. Phys. {\bf 98}, 3342 (1993)], able to reproduce the previous findings.Comment: To be published in J. Chem. Phy

Quasi-Kahler manifolds with trivial Chern holonomy

We study quasi-kahler manifolds with trivial Chern holonom

Polar Actions on Berger Spheres

The object of this article is to study a torus action on a so-called Berger sphere. We also make some comments on polar actions on naturally reductive homogeneous spaces. Finally, we prove a rigidity-type theorem for Riemannian manifolds carrying a polar action with a fix point

Efficacy of a partially hydrolyzed whey formula on infant colic: a randomized controlled trial

Background: Infant colic (IC) affects up to 20% of infants in the first 4 months of life. Although IC is a benign affection that spontaneously resolves after the first 3-4 months of life, it is often a stressful problem for parents. Methods: Babies, aged ≤ 3 months, observed at family pediatrician office because a suspect of IC, were randomized in two groups of 3-week dietary intervention: Group 1, receiving non-analgesic, non-nutritive soothing maneuvers, continuing a standard formula; Group 2, receiving a partially hydrolyzed whey formula (w-pHF), containing GOS (0.5g/100ml), low content of lactose (2.5g/100ml) and low osmolarity (185 mOsm). All infants performed clinical examinations at enrollment and after 7, 14 and 21 days. Number of colic episodes, and the number and consistency of fecal outputs were recorded daily. Results: Fifty infants with IC were enrolled and randomized: 25 in Group 1 and 25 in Group 2. The rate of infants with IC in Group 2 decreased significantly within 14 days compared to Group 1 and the number of bowel movements increased significantly within 7 days in Group 2 compared to Group 1. Stool consistency significantly improved in Group 2 within 7 days. Conclusion: The studied formula could represent a useful approach in infants with IC reducing pharmacological treatments

Bugs for atopy: the Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG strategy for food allergy prevention and treatment in children

Food allergy (FA) is a major health issue for children living in Western countries. At this time the only proven treatment for FA is elimination of offender antigen from the diet. It is becoming clear that the development of gut microbiota exerts a profound influence on immune system maturation and tolerance acquisition. Increasing evidence suggests that perturbations in gut microbiota composition of infants are implicated in the pathogenesis of FA. These findings have unveiled new strategies to prevent and treat FA using probiotics bacteria or bacterial substance to limit T-helper (Th)/Th2 bias, which changes during the disease course. Selected probiotics administered during infancy may have a role in the prevention and treatment of FA. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) is the most studied probiotic in this field. Administration of LGG in early life have a role in FA prevention. Preliminary evidence shows that LGG accelerates oral tolerance acquisition in cow's milk allergic infants. We are understanding the mechanisms elicited by LGG and metabolites in influencing food allergen sensitization. A deeper definition of these mechanisms is opening the way to new immunotherapeutics for children affected by FA that can efficiently limit the disease burden