Reducing Interconnect Cost in NoC through Serialized Asynchronous Links

This work investigates the application of serialization as a means of reducing the number of wires in NoC combined with asynchronous links in order to simplify the clocking of the link. Throughput is reduced but savings in routing area and reduction in power could make this attractiv

Shear viscosity of neutron matter from realistic nucleon-nucleon interactions

The calculation of transport properties of Fermi liquids, based on the formalism developed by Abrikosov and Khalatnikov, requires the knowledge of the probability of collisions between quasiparticles in the vicinity of the Fermi surface. We have carried out a numerical study of the shear viscosity of pure neutron matter, whose value plays a pivotal role in determining the stability of rotating neutron stars, in which these processes are described using a state-of-the-art nucleon-nucleon potential model. Within our approach medium modifications of the scattering cross section are consistently taken into account, through an effective interaction obtained from the matrix elements of the bare interaction between correlated states. Inclusion of medium effects lead to a large increase of the viscosity at densities larger than $\sim 0.1$ fm^{-3}.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figures. Corrected typo

Estimation of the methane emission factor for the Italian Mediterranean buffalo

In order to contribute to the improvement of the national greenhouse gas emission inventory, this work aimed at estimating a country-specific enteric methane (CH4) emission factor for the Italian Mediterranean buffalo. For this purpose, national agriculture statistics, and information on animal production and farming conditions were analysed, and the emission factor was estimated using the Tier 2 model of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Country-specific CH4 emission factors for buffalo cows (630 kg body weight, BW) and other buffalo (313 kg BW) categories were estimated for the period 1990–2004. In 2004, the estimated enteric CH4 emission factor for the buffalo cows was 73 kg/head per year, whereas that for other buffalo categories it was 56 kg/head per year. Research in order to determine specific CH4 conversion rates at the predominant production system is suggested

Synergy between Hund-Driven Correlations and Boson-Mediated Superconductivity

Multiorbital systems such as the iron-based superconductors provide a new avenue to attack the long-standing problem of superconductivity in strongly correlated systems. In this work we study the superconductivity driven by a generic bosonic mechanism in a multiorbital model including the full dynamical electronic correlations induced by the Hubbard U and the Hund's coupling. We show that superconductivity survives much more in a Hund's metal than in an ordinary correlated metal with the same degree of correlation. The redistribution of spectral weight characteristic of the Hund's metal reflects also in the enhancement of the orbital-selective character of the superconducting gaps, in agreement with experiments in iron-based superconductors

Caloric stimulation of ampullar receptors: a new method to produce mechanically-evoked responses in frog semicircular canals

A microthermistor positioned close to the exposed posterior semicircular canal in isolated labyrinth preparations of the frog was used to stimulate the sensory organ. Our results indicated that, depending on the position of the heater, the induced endolymphatic convection currents may result in either excitatory or inhibitory cupular deflections and thus in a modulation of ampullar receptor resting activity. Other possible thermal-dependent mechanisms, such as a direct action of the stimulus on vestibular sensors or endolymphatic volume changes, had, in the present experimental conditions, a minor role. Caloric stimulation could therefore represent a novel method to stimulate the semicircular canals 'in situ'

OBJECTIVE AND SUBJECTIVE KNOWLEDGE: IMPACTS ON CONSUMER DEMAND FOR GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOODS IN THE UNITED STATES AND THE EUROPEAN UNION

In the growing body of literature on consumer acceptance of genetically modified (GM) foods, there are significant differences on the impact of knowledge on acceptance of GM foods. One potential explanation is the manner in which knowledge is measured. The goal of this study is to differentiate and examine the impact of both subjective and objective knowledge related to acceptance of genetically modified foods. Data from surveys collected in the United States, England, and France is used.Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies,

GENOTIPIC CHARACTERIZATION OF SALMONELLA INFANTIS STRAINS ISOLATED IN MARCHE REGION

In this study thirty-eight strains of Salmonella enterica serovar Infantis isolated in Marche Region from human cases, food, animal and environmental samples were analyzed by Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE). All strains were typed by the DNA macro-restriction patterns obtained following PFGE of XbaI digests, while antimicrobial susceptibility testing of isolates was performed by the standardized disk diffusion method. The analysis of PFGE patterns by Bionumerics software demonstrated a strong similarity of S. infantis XbaI profiles, while the antimicrobial susceptibly testing showed less homogeneity

(Poly)phenolic content and profile and antioxidant capacity of whole-grain cookies are better estimated by simulated digestion than chemical extraction

It is widely recognized that the biological effects of phytochemicals cannot be attributed to the native compounds present in foods but rather to their metabolites endogenously released after intake. Bioavailability depends on bioaccessibility, which is the amount of the food constituent that is released from the matrix in the gastrointestinal tract. The use of chemical extraction to evaluate the content and profile of phytochemicals does not mirror the physiological situation in vivo, and their bioaccessibility should be considered while assessing their nutritional significance in human health. The current study was designed to compare the (poly)phenolic profile and content and antioxidant capacity of whole-grain (WG) cookies using chemical extraction and a more physiological approach based on simulated digestion. Three types of organic WG cookies (made with durum, Italian khorasan, or KAMUT\uae khorasan wheat) were considered, either fermented by Saccharomyces Cerevisiae or sourdough. Although the flour type and the fermentation process influenced the release of phytochemicals from the cookie matrix, in almost all samples, the simulated digestion appeared the most efficient procedure. Our results indicate that the use of chemical extraction for evaluation of the phytochemicals content and antioxidant capacity of food could lead to underestimation and underline the need for more physiological extraction methods

Radiological evaluation of the metal-bone interface of a porous tantalum acetabular component

Introduction Porous tantalum presents a bone-matched elastic modulus and an high coefficient of friction on cancellous and cortical bone. Furthermore, its open-cell tantalum structure of repeating dodecahedrons, similar to cancellous bone, should be favourable for bone ingrowth. These physical and mechanical properties should increase primary fixation and potential osteointegration of acetabular cups and should decrease periacetabular stress shielding. The purpose of this study was to radiographically evaluate the evolution of the metal-bone interface of porous tantalum acetabular components. Materials and Methods Serial radiographic evaluation of 41porous tantalum acetabular component has been performed in 40 patients. Twelve hips underwent total hip arthroplasty using a trabecular metal monoblock acetabular component and 29 hips using a trabecular metal modular acetabular system. All patients were clinically and radiographically evaluated at four, eight, 12, 24 weeks, 12 months and then annually. All cases were available for a minimum follow-up of two years (mean 35 months). On post-operative x-rays the metal-bone interface was investigated for areas in which the porous surface of the acetabular component was not in contact with bone. These gaps were measured and classified by location according to DeLee and Charnley zones. Evolution of postoperative gaps, presence of lysis or periacetabular radiolucencies and component migration were assessed during follow-up. Results On post-operative x-rays 36 components (88%) had a gap between the outer surface and the host bone but only in 12 cases (29%) gaps were larger then 1 mm. The gaps were mostly situated in the polar region (zone II) when compared with the peripheral zones and no one was bigger then 5 mm in width. At last follow-up 23 (64%) of the initial gaps were no longer radiographically evident, 10 (28%) had a favourable evolution and appeared reduced in dimension but still present and 3 (8%) didn\u2019t fill at all and were unchanged when compared with post-operative controls. There was no progression progression of any post-operative gap and no evidence of new periacetabular radiolucent lines or lysis. No acetabular implant showed evidence of migration or needed revision for loosening. At last follow up the mean Harris Hip Score was 95. There were no dislocation or other complications. Discussion Short term results with porous tantalum acetabular component are encouraging: the bridging of the interface gaps and the absence of periacetabular radiolucencies indicate good mechanical and osteoconductive properties. Further follow-up will be required to confirm these results in the long term

Diagnostic investigation to support the restoration of the polychrome terracotta relief "Madonna and Child" in Piove di Sacco (Padova, Italy)

Restoration procedures of the polychrome terracotta relief “Madonna and Child” with papier-mâché inserts from a shrine in Piove di Sacco (Padova, orthern Italy) were assisted by analytical investigations, contributing to identify the chemical composition of the pigments, fractures and internal damages, additions and retouchings, which strongly modified the original manufact. In particular, energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence, Raman spectroscopy and FT-IR spectroscopy were employed to determine the chemical composition of pigments on the original layer and on the overpaintings and to understand the artistic techniques. Moreover, X-ray planar radiography and computed tomography were used to understand the structure and its conservative state. Finally, the relief, stylistically dated to the 17th century, turned out to be a Renaissance terracotta artefact. The polychrome blue traces of lapis lazuli highlighted a valuable artwork and the resemblance with the style of Donatello and his apprentices have recently led to further studies, as an initial part of a larger research on polychrome terracotta in Veneto