The continued desire for X-ray pixel detectors with higher frame rates will stress the ability of application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) designers to provide sufficient off-chip bandwidth to ...reach continuous frame rates in the 1 MHz regime. To move from the current 10 kHz to the 1 MHz frame rate regime, ASIC designers will continue to pack as many power-hungry high-speed transceivers at the periphery of the ASIC as possible. In this paper, however, we present new strategies to make the most efficient use of the off-chip bandwidth by utilizing data compression schemes for X-ray photon-counting and charge-integrating pixel detectors. In particular, we describe a novel in-pixel compression scheme that converts from analog to digital converter units to encoded photon counts near the photon Poisson noise level and achieves a compression ratio of >1.5× independent of the dataset. In addition, we describe a simple yet efficient zero-suppression compression scheme called “zeromask” (ZM) located at the ASIC's edge before streaming data off the ASIC chip. ZM achieves average compression ratios of >4×, >7×, and >8× for high-energy X-ray diffraction, ptychography, and X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy datasets, respectively. We present the conceptual designs, register-transfer level block diagrams, and the physical ASIC implementation of these compression schemes in 65 nm CMOS. When combined, these two digital compression schemes could increase the effective off-chip bandwidth by a factor of 6–12×.
The effects of earthworm-processed sheep-manure (vermicompost) on the growth, productivity and chemical characteristics of tomatoes (
Lycopersicum esculentum) (c.v. Rio Grande) were investigated in a ...greenhouse experiment. Five treatments were applied combining vermicompost and soil in proportions of 0:1, 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4 and 1:5 (v/v). Growth and yield parameters were measured 85 days and 100 days after transplanting. Addition of vermicompost increased plant heights significantly, but had no significant effect on the numbers of leaves or yields 85 days after transplanting. Yields of tomatoes were significantly greater when the relationship vermicompost:soil was 1:1, 1:2 or 1:3, 100 days after transplanting. Addition of sheep-manure vermicompost decreased soil pH, titratable acidity and increased soluble and insoluble solids, in tomato fruits compared to those harvested from plants cultivated in unamended soil. Sheep-manure vermicompost as a soil supplement increased tomato yields and soluble, insoluble solids and carbohydrate concentrations.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK
The aims of this work were to determine the amounts of the different classes of phenolic compounds in an ethanolic extract from red grape marc and its components, peels and seeds, and to evaluate ...their antioxidant activities by the β-carotene bleaching test for their utilization as natural antioxidants. The results showed that red grape marc was rich in polyphenol compounds with a clear antioxidant activity. The extracts, in fact, at very low concentration (20 ppm) in total phenols showed an antioxidant activity (AA) higher than 43% on average, while at higher concentration (80–160 ppm) all the fractions had an AA comparable to that of butlylated-hydroxytoluene. Grape seeds seemed to give the highest contribution to such AA, as they contained high quantities of proanthocyanidines, a type of flavonoid known for its high antioxidant properties.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK
Research Summary
Knowledge‐based theories have posited that new technologies are recombinations of prior technologies. To bring about new innovations, inventors usually use past known knowledge as a ...key ingredient. However, there exists a particular type of new technology that does not have any explicit prior technology predecessors. These pioneering technologies, also referred to as “zero‐reference patents,” not only reflect new knowledge but can also serve as the initial seed from which recombination can subsequently create more knowledge and technologies. We seek to understand the characteristics of the inventors who create these pioneering technologies. We find that having focused, specific expertise is more important than a broad knowledge base in the development of these pioneering technologies, and that prior inventive success can hinder their creation.
Managerial Summary
We highlight a type of patents which have zero backward references, representing a form of pioneering knowledge. Unlike other types of knowledge, pioneering knowledge comes from inventors who have less successful but more focused experience. Although the zero‐reference patents generally fail to show usefulness on their own, the patents which build upon zero‐reference patents are more likely to become breakthrough patents and to generate a high number of forward citations. Zero‐reference patents are the seeds for future breakthroughs. Given the importance of breakthroughs, we offer an alternative path toward creating such knowledge. Our analysis at the level of inventors also gives guidance on the type of talent who are more likely to generate pioneering knowledge.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
We present constraints on the dark energy equation-of-state parameter, w = P/(pc super(2)), using 60 SNe Ia from the ESSENCE supernova survey. We derive a set of constraints on the nature of the dark ...energy assuming a flat universe. By including constraints on ( Omega sub(M), w) from baryon acoustic oscillations, we obtain a value for a static equation-of-state parameter w = -1.05 super(+) sub(-) super(0) sub(0) super(.) sub(.) super(1) sub(1) super(3) sub(2) (stat 1 sigma ) plus or minus 0.13 (sys) and Omega sub(M) = 0.274 super(+) sub(-) super(0) sub(0) super(.) sub(.) super(0) sub(0) super(3) sub(2) super(3) sub(0) (stat 1 sigma ) with a best-fit X super(2)/dof of 0.96. These results are consistent with those reported by the Supernova Legacy Survey from the first year of a similar program measuring supernova distances and redshifts. We evaluate sources of systematic error that afflict supernova observations and present Monte Carlo simulations that explore these effects. Currently, the largest systematic with the potential to affect our measurements is the treatment of extinction due to dust in the supernova host galaxies. Combining our set of ESSENCE SNe Ia with the first-results Supernova Legacy Survey SNe Ia, we obtain a joint constraint of w = -1.07 super(+) sub(-) super(0) sub(0) super(.) sub(.) super(0) sub(0) super(9) sub(9) (stat 1 sigma ) plus or minus 0.13 (sys), Omega sub(M) = 0.267 super(+) sub(-) super(0) sub(0) super(.) sub(.) super(0) sub(0) super(2) sub(1) super(8) sub(8) (stat 1 sigma ) with a best-fit X super(2)/dof of 0.91. The current global SN Ia data alone rule out empty ( Omega sub(M) = 0), matter-only Omega sub(M) = 0.3, and Omega sub(M) = 1 universes at >4.5 sigma . The current SN Ia data are fully consistent with a cosmological constant.
Tempisque (
Pittier) is classified as a threatened species and has been reported with a high content of phenols and flavonoids in the leaves. The use of abiotic elicitors such as radiation has been ...reported due to the changes it produces in the metabolism of plants by activating their defense mechanisms and increasing the biosynthesis of bioactive compounds with antioxidant capacity such as phenols and flavonoids. Therefore, the aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of UV-B radiation on growth parameters and the synthesis of bioactive compounds in in vitro culture of tempisque callus. For the callus induction, we used thidiazuron (TDZ) and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) at 0, 0.5 and 1 mg/L. Calluses were exposed to UV-B radiation (0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 h/day) for two and four weeks. The highest callus formation index was obtained with TDZ and 2,4-D at 1 mg/mL. The greatest increase in the concentration of phenols and flavonoids was detected in the fourth week with 4 h of exposure per day. The highest concentrations of quercetin (230 µg/g dry weight), kaempferol (235 µg/g dry weight) and gallic acid (240 µg/g dry weight) were found in callus obtained from leaves explants.
In 1991, the ‘International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center’ (CIMMYT) started a field experiment in the rain fed Mexican highlands to investigate conservation agriculture (CA) as a sustainable ...alternative for conventional maize production practices (CT). CT techniques, characterized by deep tillage, monoculture and crop residue removal, have deteriorated soil fertility and reduced yields. CA, which combines minimum tillage, crop rotations and residue retention, restores soil fertility and increases yields. Soil organic matter increases in CA compared to CT, but increases in greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) in CA might offset the gains obtained to mitigate global warming. Therefore, CO2, CH4 and N2O emissions, soil temperature, C and water content were monitored in CA and CT treatments in 2010–2011. The cumulative GHG emitted were similar for CA and CT in both years, but the C content in the 0–60cm layer was higher in CA (117.7MgCha−1) than in CT (69.7MgCha−1). The net global warming potential (GWP) of CA (considering soil C sequestration, GHG emissions, fuel use, and fertilizer and seeds production) was −7729kgCO2ha−1y−1 in 2008–2009 and −7892kgCO2ha−1y−1 in 2010–2011, whereas that of CT was 1327 and 1156kgCO2ha−1y−1. It was found that the contribution of CA to GWP was small compared to that of CT.
► Conservation agriculture (CA) and conventional agriculture (CT) systems ► Greenhouse gasses emitted were similar from CA and CT. ► C content in the 0–60cm layer was much higher in CA than in CT. ► The net global warming potential of CA was negative, but positive in CT. ► C sequestered in soil is far more important than GHG emitted.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK
The aim of this work was to develop and evaluate the effect of an edible coating produced with protein isolate and gum from the
Cajanus cajan
seed to be applied to strawberries (
Fragaria
spp.). The ...films were formulated using 1 and 2% gum, and 5 and 10% protein isolate, as well as glycerol (2%) as a plasticizer. The formulated films were evaluated in terms of water vapor permeability (WVP), opacity, color, scanning electron microscopy, and texture. Once the ideal formulation with sufficiently low WVP and opacity was selected, it was applied to the strawberries, which were evaluated in terms of mass loss, color, firmness, acidity, pH, soluble solids, anthocyanin content, vitamin C content, and acceptability degree by an untrained consumer panel. Results showed that film made from 5% of protein isolate and 1% of gum had the lowest WVP of all treatments. Applied to strawberries, the coating resulted in a reduction of the total soluble solid content, the consumption of citric acid, and the mass loss of coated with respect to uncoated strawberries after 10 days of storage at 5 °C, without causing sensorial changes.
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EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OBVAL, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ
Embodied approach postulates that knowledge and conceptual representations are grounded in action and perception. In order to investigate the involvement of sensorimotor information in conceptual and ...cognitive processing, researchers have collected various norms in young adults. For instance, the perceptual strength (PS) assesses perceptual experience (i.e. visual, auditory, haptic, gustatory, olfactory) associated with a concept and the body-object-interaction (BOI) assesses the ease with which a human body can interact with the referent of a word. The importance of both BOI and PS in the multimodal composition of word meaning is today well recognized. However, given the sensorimotor development of the individual from childhood to later life, it is likely that different age periods are associated with different perceptual experience and capacity to interact with objects. The purpose of this research is to investigate exploratory the effect of age on PS and BOI by comparing the evaluation of 270 French language words by young adults and healthy older people. The results showed that older adults presented similar or even higher PS for some modalities (e.g. gustatory and olfactory) and in particular for certain categories of words, while the BOI decreases. In addition to the importance of adjusting the verbal stimuli used in aging studies when dealing with multimodal representations, our results will lead us to discuss the evolution of sensorimotor representations with age.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
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