Advancements and Application of Microsecond Synchrotron X-ray Footprinting at the Advanced Light Source

The method of synchrotron X-ray protein footprinting (XF-MS) is used to determine protein conformational changes, folding, protein-protein and protein-ligand interactions, providing information which is often difficult to obtain using X-ray crystallography and other common structural biology methods [1–3]. The technique uses comparative in situ labeling of solvent-accessible side chains by highly reactive hydroxyl radicals (•OH) in buffered aqueous solution under different assay conditions. In regions where a protein is folded or binds a partner, these •OH susceptible sites are inaccessible to solvent, and therefore protected from labeling. The •OH are generated by the ionization of water using high-flux-density X-rays. High-flux density is a key factor for XF-MS labeling because obtaining an adequate steady-state concentration of hydroxyl radical within a short irradiation time is necessary to minimize radiation-induced secondary damage and also to overcome various scavenging reactions that reduce the yield of labeled side chains

Vertical Farming as a Sustainable Alternative for Agriculture: The Italian Consumer Point of View

Despite innovative approaches to urban food production, skepticism towards vertical crops remains widespread, posing profitability risks for agricultural enterprises. To overcome these challenges and develop successful business models, identifying consumer acceptance barriers is crucial for engaging stakeholders, investors, and farmers in local food production. When introducing innovative food production methods, like vertical farming, it is essential to gain public approval. However, recent technological advancements, such as genetically modified crops and artificial radiation, have been met with doubt, leaving overall consumer opinions about vertical farming uncertain. In this context, the purpose of this paper is to analyze Italian consumers’ acceptance of vertical farming systems and products, aiming to understand the main drivers that influence their desire to purchase such products. The research, conducted in Italy from April to May 2023, gathered qualitative and quantitative data through an anonymous online questionnaire that was completed by potential consumers. A total of 258 respondents were eligible for data analysis. The survey assessed participants’ knowledge, attitudes towards agriculture and food, and perceptions of vertical farming using Likert scale evaluations. The findings showed that, although a large proportion of respondents expressed interest in purchasing vertical farming products, concerns related to cost, authenticity, and environmental sustainability pose challenges. The evidence that emerged provides a series of indications for understanding consumer preferences more in-depth and useful suggestions for companies that need to expand the vertical farming products market

Characterisation of a Thin Fully-Depleted SOI Pixel Sensor with Soft X-ray Radiation

This paper presents the results of the characterisation of a back-illuminated pixel sensor manufactured in Silicon-On-Insulator technology on a high-resistivity substrate with soft X-rays. The sensor is thinned and a thin Phosphor layer contact is implanted on the back-plane. The response to X-rays from 2.12 up to 8.6 keV is evaluated with fluorescence radiation at the LBNL Advanced Light Source.Comment: 9 pages, 5 figures, submitted to Nuclear Instruments and Methods

X-ray optics and beam characterisation using random modulation: Experiments

In a previous paper, we reviewed theoretically some of the available processing schemes for X-ray wavefront sensing based on random modulation. We here show experimental applications of the technique for characterising both refractive and reflective optical components. These fast and accurate X-ray at-wavelength metrology methods can assist the manufacture of X-ray optics that transport X-ray beams with minimum amount of wavefront distortion. We also recall how such methods can facilitate online optimization of active optics.Comment: 13 pages, 13 figures. arXiv admin note: substantial text overlap with arXiv:1902.0941

Tilting refractive x-ray lenses for fine-tuning their focal length

In this work, we measure and model tilted x-ray refractive lenses to investigate their effects on an x-ray beam. The modelling is benchmarked against at-wavelength metrology obtained with x-ray speckle vector tracking experiments (XSVT) at the BM05 beamline at the ESRF-EBS light source, showing very good agreement. This validation permits us to explore possible applications of tilted x-ray lenses in optical design: we demonstrate that tilting 1D lenses around their focusing direction can be used for fine-tuning their focal length with possible applications in beamline optical design.Comment: 15 pages, 13 figures, 38 references to be submitted to Optics Expres

CT colonography: can we achieve an adequate bowel preparation without diet restriction?

ObjectiveTo evaluate if an adequate bowel preparation for CT colonography, can be achieved without diet restriction, using a reduced amount of cathartic agent and fecal tagging. To investigate the influence of patients' characteristics on bowel preparation and the impact on patients' compliance.MethodsIn total, 1446 outpatients scheduled for elective CT colonography were prospectively enrolled. All patients had the same bowel preparation based on a reduced amount of cathartic agent (120 g of macrogol in 1.5 l of water) the day before the exam and a fecal tagging agent (60 ml of hyperosmolar oral iodinated agent) the day of the exam. No dietary restrictions were imposed before the exam. The bowel preparation was evaluated using a qualitative and quantitative score. Patients were grouped by age, gender, and presence of diverticula in both scores. Patients' compliance has been evaluated with a questionnaire after the end of the exam and with a phone-calling interview the day after the exam.ResultsAccording to the qualitative score, adequate bowel preparation was achieved in 1349 patients (93.29%) and no statistical differences were observed among the subgroups of patients. Quantitative scores demonstrated that colon distension was significantly better in younger patients and without diverticula. A good patients' compliance was observed and most patients (96.5%) were willing to repeat it.ConclusionsThe lack of diet restriction does not affect the quality of CTC preparation and good patient's compliance could potentially increase the participation rate in CRC screening programs