First functionality tests of a 64 x 64 pixel DSSC sensor module connected to the complete ladder readout

The European X-ray Free Electron Laser (XFEL.EU) will provide every 0.1 s a train of 2700 spatially coherent ultrashort X-ray pulses at 4.5 MHz repetition rate. The Small Quantum Systems (SQS) instrument and the Spectroscopy and Coherent Scattering instrument (SCS) operate with soft X-rays between 0.5 keV - 6keV. The DEPFET Sensor with Signal Compression (DSSC) detector is being developed to meet the requirements set by these two XFEL.EU instruments. The DSSC imager is a 1 mega-pixel camera able to store up to 800 single-pulse images per train. The so-called ladder is the basic unit of the DSSC detector. It is the single unit out of sixteen identical-units composing the DSSC-megapixel camera, containing all representative electronic components of the full-size system and allows testing the full electronic chain. Each DSSC ladder has a focal plane sensor with 128 x 512 pixels. The read-out ASIC provides full-parallel readout of the sensor pixels. Every read-out channel contains an amplifier and an analog filter, an up-to 9 bit ADC and the digital memory. The ASIC amplifier have a double front-end to allow one to use either DEPFET sensors or Mini-SDD sensors. In the first case, the signal compression is a characteristic intrinsic of the sensor; in the second case, the compression is implemented at the first amplification stage. The goal of signal compression is to meet the requirement of single-photon detection capability and wide dynamic range. We present the first results of measurements obtained using a 64 x 64 pixel DEPFET sensor attached to the full final electronic and data-acquisition chain.Comment: Preprint proceeding for IWORID 2016, 18th International Workshop on Radiation Imaging Detectors, 3rd-7th July 2016, Barcelona, Spai

Connecting extracellular metabolomic measurements to intracellular flux states in yeast

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Metabolomics has emerged as a powerful tool in the quantitative identification of physiological and disease-induced biological states. Extracellular metabolome or metabolic profiling data, in particular, can provide an insightful view of intracellular physiological states in a noninvasive manner.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We used an updated genome-scale metabolic network model of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, <it>i</it>MM904, to investigate how changes in the extracellular metabolome can be used to study systemic changes in intracellular metabolic states. The <it>i</it>MM904 metabolic network was reconstructed based on an existing genome-scale network, <it>i</it>ND750, and includes 904 genes and 1,412 reactions. The network model was first validated by comparing 2,888 in silico single-gene deletion strain growth phenotype predictions to published experimental data. Extracellular metabolome data measured in response to environmental and genetic perturbations of ammonium assimilation pathways was then integrated with the <it>i</it>MM904 network in the form of relative overflow secretion constraints and a flux sampling approach was used to characterize candidate flux distributions allowed by these constraints. Predicted intracellular flux changes were consistent with published measurements on intracellular metabolite levels and fluxes. Patterns of predicted intracellular flux changes could also be used to correctly identify the regions of the metabolic network that were perturbed.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Our results indicate that integrating quantitative extracellular metabolomic profiles in a constraint-based framework enables inferring changes in intracellular metabolic flux states. Similar methods could potentially be applied towards analyzing biofluid metabolome variations related to human physiological and disease states.</p

Characterisation of friction behaviour of intact soft solid foods and food boli

Methodologies to quantify friction forces between soft solid foods or food boli and (model) oral surfaces are desired to better understand how changes in food properties during oral processing affect sensory perception. In this short communication, friction forces (FF) occurring between polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) surfaces and intact soft solid foods/boli were quantified. As models for intact foods, we used gelatine gels varying in composition and particle size, and sausages were used as an example for real foods. Friction forces measured during the relative motion of intact foods against a rough PDMS surface (“oral surface”), strongly depended on the composition of the food. Friction forces were significantly lower for PDMS against emulsion-filled gels, than for PDMS against unfilled gels, likely due to the lubricating effect of released oil from the gel. Moreover, sausages, displayed significantly higher friction forces than gelatine gels when moving against the PDMS probe, presumably linked to differences in the surface of the foods. The friction forces observed for the PDMS probe moving against food boli were dependent on particle size and saliva quantity; boli with larger particle sizes showed significantly lower friction forces, whereas the addition of saliva to food boli first increased friction forces, but with increasing amount decreased the friction forces significantly. We conclude that the presented methodology is able to quantify the friction behaviour of intact soft solid foods and boli directly, taking into account (i) the effect of composition and added fillers, (ii) serum or oil release and (iii) bolus particle size.</p

Enabling sustainable food transitions in schools : a systemic approach

Purpose Recent reviews and reports have highlighted the need for integrated, context-specific efforts to enable sustainable food transitions. This study aimed to identify pathways to promote healthier and more environmentally friendly food practices in school contexts, with a focus on increased plant-based eating. Design/methodology/approach The study used a systemic approach with data collected from relevant stakeholders in an EU country (Portugal) at diverse levels of influence in the school meals system (i.e. proximal, intermediate, distal; from end-consumers to food providers, market actors, civil society organizations, and policy and decision-makers). Data from individual interviews (N = 33) were subjected to thematic analysis. Findings Meat-centric cultural perceptions of a 'proper meal' can be a socio-emotional barrier for sustainable food transitions in schools. Main pathways identified to unlock these transitions included: (1) Levering orientations toward ethical and environmentally beneficial consumption; (2) Improving and increasing the offer of plant-based meals; and (3) Mobilizing local communities and society. Originality/value The current findings suggest that promoting healthier and more environmentally friendly food practices in schools requires systemic, integrated approaches which focus on food consumption, food provision, and the broader political and sociocultural environment.Peer reviewe

Plant-based school meals as levers of sustainable food transitions : A narrative review and conceptual framework

Publisher Copyright: © 2022 The AuthorsCurrent food systems face immediate and complex challenges in feeding a growing global population. It is necessary to mitigate the environmental impact of food systems while ensuring food security across the globe. Drawing on the example of recent multi-sectoral approaches which focus on the interconnections between public health and the environment, this work offers a narrative review and broader conceptual framework advancing two propositions. The first is that school meals systems have the potential to help enable sustainable food transitions. The second is that favoring well-planned plant-based meals in schools may strengthen this potential. The review and resulting framework highlight the relevance of seeking transdisciplinary dialogue and considering diverse sectors of society, such as public health, the environment, social protection, economic development, and community welfare. We review possible health benefits as well as possible economic and environmental outcomes, especially if school meals are sourced mainly from local communities and eco-friendly agricultural practices. Cross-sectoral implications related to social protection and community welfare are also identified and discussed, as well as potential pathways for materializing sustainable food transitions in schools.Peer reviewe

Legionella pneumophila in Municipal Shower Systems in Stavanger, Norway; A Longitudinal Surveillance Study Using Whole Genome Sequencing in Risk Management

Following an incidence of Legionnaires disease (LD) in 2007, where a municipal shower system was the likely source of infection, Stavanger municipality initiated a surveillance program for Legionella as part of establishing internal risk evaluation and prevention routines. More than 250 shower systems were examined for cultivatable Legionella pneumophila. The prevalence and diversity of serogroups (sg) and sequence types (STs) of L. pneumophila were mapped using available typing techniques over a period of more than 10 years (2010–2021). The surveillance showed an overall reduction in the L. pneumophila colonisation rate in municipal systems from 11 to 4.5% following prevention measures during the period, with the highest colonisation rate in complex systems (e.g., larger nursing homes and sports complexes). Further, an approximately even distribution between sg1 and 2–14 was seen. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) revealed that only a limited number of STs were detected, and they were consistent at specific locations over time. This study showed that environmental surveillance data in combination with available typing techniques and WGS can give the municipality a better tool for risk management and an overview of ST distributions that can be a valuable asset in future source investigations.publishedVersio

a field study

OBJECTIVE: Shifting from meat-centric to plant-rich diets may help to enable healthier and more sustainable food systems. Here we present the results of a 1-week intervention to promote plant-based eating in a meat-centric food context (i.e. canteen). DESIGN: The intervention included environmental restructuring strategies (e.g. promotional materials and menu redevelopment) and improvements to the offer of plant-based meals. The evaluation (sales data; pre-registered) spanned 3 weeks prior to the intervention (baseline), 1 week during the intervention (immediate/short-term impact) and 3 weeks after the intervention (follow-up). Opinion surveys were also used to collect data with customers during the intervention. SETTING: Canteen unit of a university campus in Portugal (Lisbon metropolitan area). PARTICIPANTS: In addition to sales data (baseline: 7965 meals; immediate/short-term: 2635 meals; follow-up: 7135 meals), we used opinion surveys to assess customers' meal appraisals during the intervention (n = 370). RESULTS: The odds of a sold meal being vegetarian were 24 % higher in the intervention week compared with the pre-intervention period [OR = 1·24, 95 % CI (1·10, 1·40)] and 9 % higher in the post-intervention period compared with the pre-intervention period [OR = 1·09, (95 % CI (1·00, 1·19)]. Survey data showed that vegetarian meals compared favourably to meat and fish alternatives in liking, sustainability and satiety. CONCLUSIONS: A short-term, theory-driven, operationally feasible intervention was effective in promoting increased plant-based meal choices in a collective meal context. Nevertheless, these changes were not entirely sustained over time. Future studies could test whether prolonged or more transformative interventions are necessary to unlock entrenched food practices more effectively in meat-centric collective meal contexts.publishersversionepub_ahead_of_prin

Boundary Lubrication of Oxide Surfaces by Poly(L-lysine)- g -poly(ethylene glycol) (PLL- g -PEG) in Aqueous Media

In this work, we have explored the application of poly(L-lysine)-g-poly(ethylene glycol) (PLL-g-PEG) as an additive to improve the lubricating properties of water for metal-oxide-based tribo-systems. The adsorption behavior of the polymer onto both silicon oxide and iron oxide has been characterized by optical waveguide lightmode spectroscopy (OWLS). Several tribological approaches, including ultra-thin-film interferometry, the mini traction machine (MTM), and pin-on-disk tribometry, have been employed to characterize the frictional properties of the oxide tribo-systems in various contact regimes. The polymer appears to form a protective layer on the tribological interface in aqueous buffer solution and improves both the load-carrying and boundary-layer-lubrication properties of wate

Soleus H-Reflex Inhibition Decreases During 30 s Static Stretching of Plantar Flexors, Showing Two Recovery Steps

During the period when the ankle joint is kept in a dorsiflexed position, the soleus (SOL) H-reflex is inhibited. The nature of this inhibition is not fully understood. One hypothesis is that the decrease in spinal excitability could be attributed to post-activation depression of muscle spindle afferents due to their higher firing rate during the stretch-and-hold procedure. As the static stretching position is maintained though, a partial restoration of the neurotransmitter is expected and should mirror a decrease in H-reflex inhibition. In the present study, we explored the time course of spinal excitability during a period of stretching. SOL H-reflex was elicited during a passive dorsiflexion movement, at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 21, and 25 s during maximal ankle dorsiflexion, during plantar flexion (PF) and after stretching, in 12 healthy young individuals. Measurements during passive dorsiflexion, PF and after stretching were all performed with the ankle at 100° angle; measurements during static stretching were performed at individual maximal dorsiflexion. H-reflex was strongly inhibited during the dorsiflexion movement and at maximal dorsiflexion (p &lt; 0.0001) but recovered during PF and after stretching. During stretching H-reflex showed a recovery pattern (r = 0.836, P = 0.019) with two distinct recovery steps at 6 and 21 s into stretching. It is hypothesized that the H-reflex inhibition observed until 18 s into stretching is the result of post-activation depression of Ia afferent caused by the passive dorsiflexion movement needed to move the ankle into testing position. From 21 s into stretching, the lower inhibition could be caused by a weaker post-activation depression, inhibition from secondary afferents or post-synaptic inhibitions