Binary Readout Research Articles

Single-Shot Readout of a Solid-State Electron Spin Qutrit.

Quantum systems usually feature a rich multilevel structure with promising resources for developing superior quantum technologies compared with their binary counterpart. Single-shot readout of these high-dimensional quantum systems is essential for exploiting their potential. Although there have been various high-spin systems, the single-shot readout of the overall state of high-spin systems remains a challenging issue. Here we demonstrate a reliable single-shot readout of spin qutrit state in a low-temperature solid-state system utilizing a binary readout scheme. We achieve a single-shot readout of an electron spin qutrit associated with a single nitrogen-vacancy center in diamond with an average fidelity of 87.80%. We use this spin qutrit system to verify quantum contextuality, a fundamental test of quantum mechanics. We observe a violation of the noncontextual hidden variable inequality with the developed single-shot readout in contrast to the conventional binary readout. These results pave the way for developing quantum information processing based on spin qutrits.

Machine learning for precise hit position reconstruction in Resistive Silicon Detectors

RSDs are LGAD silicon sensors with 100% fill factor, based on the principle of AC-coupled resistive read-out. Signal sharing and internal charge multiplication are the RSD key features to achieve picosecond-level time resolution and micron-level spatial resolution, thus making these sensors promising candidates as 4D-trackers for future experiments. This paper describes the use of a neural network to reconstruct the hit position of ionizing particles, an approach that can boost the performance of the RSD with respect to analytical models. The neural network has been trained in the laboratory and then validated on test beam data. The device-under-test in this work is a 450 μm-pitch matrix from the FBK RSD2 production, which achieved a resolution of about 65 μm at the DESY Test Beam Facility, a 50% improvement compared to a simple analytical reconstruction method, and a factor two better than the resolution of a standard pixel sensor of equal pitch size with binary read-out. The test beam result is compatible with the laboratory ones obtained during the neural network training, confirming the ability of the machine learning model to provide accurate predictions even in environments very different from the training one. Prospects for future improvements are also discussed.

Energy calibration through X-ray absorption of the DECAL sensor, a monolithic active pixel sensor prototype for digital electromagnetic calorimetry and tracking

In calorimetry, the predominant detection principle is to measure the energy deposited by particles within a shower initiated by an incident particle. An alternative concept is a sampling calorimeter where the highly granular active layers rather measure the number of secondary particles in the shower by detecting hits through binary readout similar to sensors for tracking applications. In this context, the DECAL sensor is a fully-depleted monolithic active pixel sensor prototype with reconfigurable readout for digital electromagnetic calorimetry and tracking. Its 64 × 64 pixels with a pitch of 55 µm are fabricated in a modified TowerJazz 180 nm CMOS imaging process using a 25 µm epitaxial silicon layer. The readout at 40 MHz is configurable in counting hits in the sensor grouped as either 64 strips or 4 pads. In this article, we present the energy calibration of this sensor using a gamma source of americium-241 as well as X-ray fluorescence at various wavelengths. The uniformity of the pixel responses is shown, allowing the summation of counts across all pixels. By that, two standalone energy calibration methods are developed that describe the X-ray absorption in the energy range of 4–60 keV and agree with each other. The signal pulse height is related to the absorbed photon energy with a 5.54 ± 0.37 mV/keV scale which corresponds to a conversion gain of cg = 19.95 ± 1.32 μV/e−. The relative energy resolution for photon absorption is found to be σE/E = 11.8 ± 3.0%. The absolute counts observed with the DECAL sensor agree with expectations and substantiate the assumption of a fully depleted epitaxial layer. The understanding of the photon absorption is an important input for further development of the sensor towards a multi-layer calorimeter.

Quality control testing of the HCC ASIC for the HL-LHC ATLAS ITk strip detector

The high-luminosity upgrade to the LHC requires a new silicon-strip charged-particle tracking detector for ATLAS. The HCC (Hybrid Controller Chip) is one of three new radiation-tolerant ASICs for this silicon-strip detector. As the interface to multiple binary readout ASICs, the HCC is responsible for buffering and forwarding control signals and readout requests to them as well as serializing their readout data into a 640 Mbps output. All HCCs undergo a suite of tests to verify their analog and digital functionality. The yield for the HCC exceeds the 90% target for production.

A single-molecule method for measuring fluorophore labeling yields for the study of membrane protein oligomerization in membranes.

Membrane proteins are often observed as higher-order oligomers, and in some cases in multiple stoichiometric forms, raising the question of whether dynamic oligomerization can be linked to modulation of function. To better understand this potential regulatory mechanism, there is an ongoing effort to quantify equilibrium reactions of membrane protein oligomerization directly in membranes. Single-molecule photobleaching analysis is particularly useful for this as it provides a binary readout of fluorophores attached to protein subunits at dilute conditions. However, any quantification of stoichiometry also critically requires knowing the probability that a subunit is fluorescently labeled. Since labeling uncertainty is often unavoidable, we developed an approach to estimate labeling yields using the photobleaching probability distribution of an intrinsic dimeric control. By iterative fitting of an experimental dimeric photobleaching probability distribution to an expected dimer model, we estimate the fluorophore labeling yields and find agreement with direct measurements of labeling of the purified protein by UV-VIS absorbance before reconstitution. Using this labeling prediction, similar estimation methods are applied to determine the dissociation constant of reactive CLC-ec1 dimerization constructs without prior knowledge of the fluorophore labeling yield. Finally, we estimate the operational range of subunit labeling yields that allows for discrimination of monomer and dimer populations across the reactive range of mole fraction densities. Thus, our study maps out a practical method for quantifying fluorophore labeling directly from single-molecule photobleaching data, improving the ability to quantify reactive membrane protein stoichiometry in membranes.

Results from the EPICAL-2 ultra-high granularity electromagnetic calorimeter prototype

A prototype of a new type of calorimeter has been designed and constructed, based on a silicon–tungsten sampling design using pixel sensors with digital readout. It makes use of the ALPIDE sensor developed for the ALICE Inner Tracking System (ITS) upgrade. A binary readout is possible due to the pixel size of ≈30×30μm2. This prototype has been successfully tested with cosmic muons and with test beams at DESY and the CERN SPS. We report on performance results obtained at DESY, showing good energy resolution and linearity, and compare to detailed MC simulations. Also shown are preliminary results of the high-energy performance as measured at the SPS. The two-shower separation capabilities are discussed.

Characterization of BNL and HPK AC-LGAD sensors with a 120 GeV proton beam

We present measurements of AC-LGADs performed at the Fermilab's test beam facility using 120 GeV protons. We studied the performance of various strip and pad AC-LGAD sensors that were produced by BNL and HPK. The measurements are performed with our upgraded test beam setup that utilizes a high precision telescope tracker, and a simultaneous readout of up to 7 channels per sensor, which allows detailed studies of signal sharing characteristics. These measurements allow us to assess the differences in designs between different manufacturers, and optimize them based on experimental performance. We then study several reconstruction algorithms to optimize position and time resolutions that utilize the signal sharing properties of each sensor. We present a world's first demonstration of silicon sensors in a test beam that simultaneously achieve better than 6–10 μm position and 30 ps time resolution. This represents a substantial improvement to the spatial resolution than would be obtained with binary readout of sensors with similar pitch.

Chiral Sum Frequency Generation Spectroscopy Detects Double-Helix DNA at Interfaces.

Many DNA-based technologies involve the immobilization of DNA and therefore require a fundamental understanding of the DNA structure-function relationship at interfaces. We present three immobilization methods compatible with chiral sum frequency generation (SFG) spectroscopy at interfaces. They are the "anchor" method for covalently attaching DNA on a glass surface, the "island" method for dropcasting DNA on solid substrates, and the "buoy" method using a hydrocarbon moiety for localizing DNA at the air-water interface. Although SFG was previously used to probe DNA, the chiral and achiral SFG responses of single-stranded and double-stranded DNA have not been compared systemically. Using the three immobilization methods, we obtain the achiral and chiral C-H stretching spectra. The results introduce four potential applications of chiral SFG. First, chiral SFG gives null response from single-stranded DNA but prominent signals from double-stranded DNA, providing a simple binary readout for label-free detection of DNA hybridization. Second, with heterodyne detection, chiral SFG gives an opposite-signed spectral response useful for distinguishing native (D-) right-handed double helix from non-native (L-) left-handed double helix. Third, chiral SFG captures the aromatic C-H stretching modes of nucleobases that emerge upon hybridization, revealing the power of chiral SFG to probe highly localized molecular structures within DNA. Finally, chiral SFG is sensitive to macroscopic chirality but not local chiral centers and thus can detect not only canonical antiparallel double helix but also other DNA secondary structures, such as a poly-adenine parallel double helix. Our work benchmarks the SFG responses of DNA immobilized by the three distinct methods, building a basis for new chiral SFG applications to solve fundamental and biotechnological problems.

Sputum lipoarabinomannan (LAM) as a biomarker to determine sputum mycobacterial load: exploratory and model-based analyses of integrated data from four cohorts

BackgroundDespite the high global disease burden of tuberculosis (TB), the disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection, novel treatments remain an urgent medical need. Development efforts continue to be hampered by the reliance on culture-based methods, which often take weeks to obtain due to the slow growth rate of Mtb. The availability of a “real-time” measure of treatment efficacy could accelerate TB drug development. Sputum lipoarabinomannan (LAM; an Mtb cell wall glycolipid) has promise as a pharmacodynamic biomarker of mycobacterial sputum load.MethodsThe present analysis evaluates LAM as a surrogate for Mtb burden in the sputum samples from 4 cohorts of a total of 776 participants. These include those from 2 cohorts of 558 non-TB and TB participants prior to the initiation of treatment (558 sputum samples), 1 cohort of 178 TB patients under a 14-day bactericidal activity trial with various mono- or multi-TB drug therapies, and 1 cohort of 40 TB patients with data from the first 56-day treatment of a standard 4-drug regimen.ResultsRegression analysis demonstrated that LAM was a predictor of colony-forming unit (CFU)/mL values obtained from the 14-day treatment cohort, with well-estimated model parameters (relative standard error ≤ 22.2%). Moreover, no changes in the relationship between LAM and CFU/mL were observed across the different treatments, suggesting that sputum LAM can be used to reasonably estimate the CFU/mL in the presence of treatment. The integrated analysis showed that sputum LAM also appears to be as good a predictor of time to Mycobacteria Growth Incubator Tube (MGIT) positivity as CFU/mL. As a binary readout, sputum LAM positivity is a strong predictor of solid media or MGIT culture positivity with an area-under-the-curve value of 0.979 and 0.976, respectively, from receiver-operator curve analysis.ConclusionsOur results indicate that sputum LAM performs as a pharmacodynamic biomarker for rapid measurement of Mtb burden in sputum, and thereby may enable more efficient early phase clinical trial designs (e.g., adaptive designs) to compare candidate anti-TB regimens and streamline dose selection for use in pivotal trials.Trial registration NexGen EBA study (NCT02371681)

Specification of leaf dorsiventrality via a prepatterned binary readout of a uniform auxin input.

Developmental boundaries play an important role in coordinating the growth and patterning of lateral organs. In plants, specification of dorsiventrality is critical to leaf morphogenesis. Despite its central importance, the mechanism by which leaf primordia acquire adaxial versus abaxial cell fates to establish dorsiventrality remains a topic of much debate. Here, by combining time-lapse confocal imaging, cell lineage tracing and molecular genetic analyses, we demonstrate that a stable boundary between adaxial and abaxial cell fates is specified several plastochrons before primordium emergence when high auxin levels accumulate on a meristem prepattern formed by the AS2 and KAN1 transcription factors. This occurrence triggers a transient induction of ARF3 and an auxin transcriptional response in AS2-marked progenitors that distinguishes adaxial from abaxial identity. As the primordium emerges, dynamic shifts in auxin distribution and auxin-related gene expression gradually resolve this initial polarity into the stable regulatory network known to maintain adaxial-abaxial polarity within the developing organ. Our data show that spatial information from an AS2-KAN1 meristem prepattern governs the conversion of a uniform auxin input into an ARF-dependent binary auxin response output to specify adaxial-abaxial polarity. Auxin thus serves as a single morphogenic signal that orchestrates distinct, spatially separated responses to coordinate the positioning and emergence of a new organ with its patterning.

Temporal Gradients Controlling Embryonic Cell Cycle.

Simple SummaryEmbryonic cells sense temporal gradients of regulatory signals to determine whether and when to proceed or remodel the cell cycle. Such a control mechanism is allowed to accurately link the cell cycle with the developmental program, including cell differentiation, morphogenesis, and gene expression. The mid-blastula transition has been a paradigm for timing in early embryogenesis in frog, fish, and fly, among others. It has been argued for decades now if the events associated with the mid-blastula transition, i.e., the onset of zygotic gene expression, remodeling of the cell cycle, and morphological changes, are determined by a control mechanism or by absolute time. Recent studies indicate that multiple independent signals and mechanisms contribute to the timing of these different processes. Here, we focus on the mechanisms for cell cycle remodeling, specifically in Drosophila, which relies on gradual changes of the signal over time. We discuss pathways for checkpoint activation, decay of Cdc25 protein levels, as well as depletion of deoxyribonucleotide metabolites and histone proteins. The gradual changes of these signals are linked to Cdk1 activity by readout mechanisms involving thresholds.Cell proliferation in early embryos by rapid cell cycles and its abrupt pause after a stereotypic number of divisions present an attractive system to study the timing mechanism in general and its coordination with developmental progression. In animals with large eggs, such as Xenopus, zebrafish, or Drosophila, 11–13 very fast and synchronous cycles are followed by a pause or slowdown of the cell cycle. The stage when the cell cycle is remodeled falls together with changes in cell behavior and activation of the zygotic genome and is often referred to as mid-blastula transition. The number of fast embryonic cell cycles represents a clear and binary readout of timing. Several factors controlling the cell cycle undergo dynamics and gradual changes in activity or concentration and thus may serve as temporal gradients. Recent studies have revealed that the gradual loss of Cdc25 protein, gradual depletion of free deoxyribonucleotide metabolites, or gradual depletion of free histone proteins impinge on Cdk1 activity in a threshold-like manner. In this review, we will highlight with a focus on Drosophila studies our current understanding and recent findings on the generation and readout of these temporal gradients, as well as their position within the regulatory network of the embryonic cell cycle.

Resistive AC-Coupled Silicon Detectors: Principles of operation and first results from a combined analysis of beam test and laser data

This paper presents the principles of operation of Resistive AC-Coupled Silicon Detectors (RSDs) and measurements of the temporal and spatial resolutions using a combined analysis of laser and beam test data. RSDs are a new type of n-in-p silicon sensor based on the Low-Gain Avalanche Diode (LGAD) technology, where the n+ implant has been designed to be resistive, and the read-out is obtained via AC-coupling. The truly innovative feature of RSD is that the signal generated by an impinging particle is shared isotropically among multiple read-out pads without the need for floating electrodes or an external magnetic field. Careful tuning of the coupling oxide thickness and the n+ doping profile is at the basis of the successful functioning of this device. Several RSD matrices with different pad width-pitch geometries have been extensively tested with a laser setup in the Laboratory for Innovative Silicon Sensors in Torino, while a smaller set of devices have been tested at the Fermilab Test Beam Facility with a 120 GeV/c proton beam. The measured spatial resolution ranges between 2.5μm for 70–100 pad-pitch geometry and 17μm with 200–500 matrices, a factor of 10 better than what is achievable in binary read-out (binsize∕12). Beam test data show a temporal resolution of ∼40ps for 200 μm pitch devices, in line with the best performances of LGAD sensors at the same gain.

SARS-CoV-2 RNA reference materials

<p indent="0mm">Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an acute infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Reverse transcription real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was the firstly authorized method for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. As this method is sensitive, specific, it has been widely recognized as the golden standard for the diagnosis of COVID-19. Unfortunately, several false-negative cases have been reported after the outbreak of COVID-19, probably due to the quality of the kits or the improper operation of RT-qPCR. Nucleic acid reference materials (RM) are the key element for the metrology traceability and quality control of SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection, but the development of RNA RM remains a challenge in the biology metrology field. Two main problems are the low stability of the RNA sample and the lack of proven absolute quantification methods. To establish the measurement traceability for SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection, a novel RNA reference material (RM) was developed. The RM is a mixed solution of 3 <italic>in vitro</italic> transcribed RNA molecules which cover different key target sequences of SARS-CoV-2 gene: The full-length of nucleoprotein (N) gene (28274-29533, GenBank: MT027064.1), the full-length of envelope protein (E) gene (26245-26472, GenBank: MT027064.1), and partial sequence of open reading frame 1ab (ORF1ab) (13321-15540, GenBank: MT027064.1). The purity of the transcribed RNA molecules was verified by a biological analyzer. The results showed that the molecular length of all the RNA molecules were consistent with our design. The clear peaks of our RNA RMs strongly demonstrated good purity. For absolute quantification of RNA RMs, we studied digital PCR (dPCR) for RNA samples. Digital PCR evenly partitioned the sample and PCR reaction solution to a very large number of units, on a microporous chip or in the liquid droplets, etc. After a PCR amplification reaction, the fluorescence signal was detected for each unit individually, with a binary readout of “0” or “1” for negative and positive results respectively. Through the statistics of positive results based on the Poisson distribution, the copy number of RNA sample was accurately determined without standard curves needed. Digital PCR has significantly higher reliability and accuracy. Mainly based on the PCR primers and probes for SARS-CoV-2 detection suggested by the Chinese CDC and WHO, we optimized the key factors of dPCR towards improved amplification efficiency. Through digital PCR measurements by 4 laboratories, the certified values of concentration (copies/μL) were assigned for the N gene, E gene, and ORF1ab gene in the mixed RM. Single-stranded RNA is unstable and easy to be degraded by RNase in the environment, thus the optimization of RNA protectants is very important for the stability of RNA RMs. During the study of the stability, we found that a proper protector <sc>(1 mmol/L</sc> DTT and 0.5 U/L Rnase Inhibitor) can effectively increase the valid storage life of our RNA RM. Based on the latest data, the concentration of our RNA RMs was stable for at least <sc>30 d</sc> under <sc>−80 °C</sc> storage and <sc>13 d</sc> under <sc>−4°C</sc> storage. In order to verify the applicability of our RNA RM in the actual virus detection process, we analyzed our RMs using 9 SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid detection kits. These virus RNA detection kits were from different manufacturers with various detection principles, that are being applied in laboratories for virus detection. Finally, our RNA RMs showed high generalizability among 9 kits. The development of RNA RM provides the metrological basis for the quality control of SARS-CoV-2 detection kits.

Taking brain-computer-interfacing one step further: a portable, wireless system coupled with online linear discriminant analysis for the detection of error-related potentials

Recent years have witnessed extensive developments of computer science applications in medicine - assistive technologies. Among them, the concept of Brain-Computer-Interfaces, facilitating direct communication between brain and computer, has inspired numerous practical ideas on controlling an external device via neural signals. The perception of an error made by oneself, another human or a machine, triggers an error-related potential, which has already been exploited as a binary correction readout for decisions made by Brain-ComputerInterfaces. Our approach takes advantage of this technique, while taking it one step further regarding portability by using an affordable, robust and wireless headset, the Emotiv EPOC+, to recognize error-related potentials in electroencephalograms of subjects performing various on-site, dynamic tasks. We also introduce a straightforward linear-discriminant analysis classifier that extends the range of detection from offline, post-hoc analysis, to online, within-trial recordings, an essential condition towards blending machine-performed tasks with human-generated thought processes in everyday life.

Direct nucleic acid analysis of mosquitoes for high fidelity species identification and detection of Wolbachia using a cellphone

Manipulation of natural mosquito populations using the endosymbiotic bacteria Wolbachia is being investigated as a novel strategy to reduce the burden of mosquito-borne viruses. To evaluate the efficacy of these interventions, it will be critical to determine Wolbachia infection frequencies in Aedes aegypti mosquito populations. However, current diagnostic tools are not well-suited to fit this need. Morphological methods cannot identify Wolbachia, immunoassays often suffer from low sensitivity and poor throughput, while PCR and spectroscopy require complex instruments and technical expertise, which restrict their use to centralized laboratories. To address this unmet need, we have used loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and oligonucleotide strand displacement (OSD) probes to create a one-pot sample-to-answer nucleic acid diagnostic platform for vector and symbiont surveillance. LAMP-OSD assays can directly amplify target nucleic acids from macerated mosquitoes without requiring nucleic acid purification and yield specific single endpoint yes/no fluorescence signals that are observable to eye or by cellphone camera. We demonstrate cellphone-imaged LAMP-OSD tests for two targets, the Aedes aegypti cytochrome oxidase I (coi) gene and the Wolbachia surface protein (wsp) gene, and show a limit of detection of 4 and 40 target DNA copies, respectively. In a blinded test of 90 field-caught mosquitoes, the coi LAMP-OSD assay demonstrated 98% specificity and 97% sensitivity in identifying Ae. aegypti mosquitoes even after 3 weeks of storage without desiccant at 37°C. Similarly, the wsp LAMP-OSD assay readily identified the wAlbB Wolbachia strain in field-collected Aedes albopictus mosquitoes without generating any false positive signals. Modest technology requirements, minimal execution steps, simple binary readout, and robust accuracy make the LAMP-OSD-to-cellphone assay platform well suited for field vector surveillance in austere or resource-limited conditions.

Ultimate position resolution of pixel clusters with binary readout for particle tracking

Silicon tracking detectors can record the charge in each channel (analog or digital) or have only binary readout (hit or no hit). While there is significant literature on the position resolution obtained from interpolation of charge measurements, a comprehensive study of the resolution obtainable with binary readout is lacking. It is commonly assumed that the binary resolution is pitch∕12, but this is generally a worst case upper limit. In this paper we study, using simulation, the best achievable resolution for minimum ionizing particles in binary readout pixels. A wide range of incident angles and pixel sizes are simulated with a standalone code, using the Bichsel model for charge deposition. The results show how the resolution depends on angles and sensor geometry. Until the pixel pitch becomes so small as to be comparable to the distance between energy deposits in silicon, the resolution is always better, and in some cases much better, than pitch∕12.

Does the Alpha-defensin Immunoassay or the Lateral Flow Test Have Better Diagnostic Value for Periprosthetic Joint Infection? A Meta-analysis.

BackgroundMeasuring alpha-defensin concentrations in synovial fluid may help to diagnose periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). There are two commercially available methods for measuring alpha-defensin in synovial fluid: the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-based Synovasure® alpha-defensin immunoassay, which gives a numeric readout within 24 hours, and the Synovasure lateral flow test, which gives a binary readout within 20 minutes. There is no compilation of the existing literature to support the use of one of these two tests over the other.Questions/purposesDoes the immunoassay or the lateral flow test have better diagnostic value (sensitivity and specificity) in diagnosing PJI?MethodsWe followed PRISMA guidelines and identified all studies on alpha-defensin concentration in synovial fluid as a PJI diagnostic marker, indexed to April 14, 2017, in PubMed, JSTOR, Google Scholar, and OVID databases. The search retrieved 1578 records. All prospective and retrospective studies on alpha-defensin as a PJI marker (PJI classified according to the criteria of the Musculoskeletal Infection Society) after THA or TKA were included in the analysis. All studies used only one of the two commercially available test methods, but none of them was comparative. After excluding studies with overlapping patient populations, four studies investigating the alpha-defensin immunoassay and three investigating the lateral flow test remained. Alpha-defensin immunoassay studies included 482 joints and lateral flow test studies included 119. The quality of the trials was assessed according to the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) tool. The heterogeneity among studies was evaluated by the I2 index, indicating that the heterogeneity of the included studies was low. Pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios, and receiver operating curves were calculated for each method and compared with each other.ResultsThe alpha-defensin immunoassay had superior overall diagnostic value compared with the lateral flow test (area under the curve, 0.98 versus 0.75) with higher sensitivity (96% [90%-98%] versus 71% [55%-83%], p < 0.001), but no difference in specificity with the numbers available (96% [93%-97%] versus 90% [81%-95%], p = 0.060).ConclusionsMeasurement of alpha-defensin in synovial fluid is a valuable complement to existing diagnostic criteria, and the immunoassay test detects PJI more accurately than the lateral flow test. The lateral flow test has lower sensitivity, making it difficult to rule out infection, but its relatively high specificity combined with the advantage of a quick response time can make it useful to rule in infection perioperatively.Level of EvidenceLevel III, diagnostic study.

Modeling CNS Myelination Using Micropillar Arrays.

Myelination necessitates axons to initiate concentric membrane wrapping by oligodendroglia in the CNS. Here, we describe an in vitro system that models CNS myelination with a minimally permissive environment, termed Binary Indicant for myelination using Micropillar Arrays (BIMA). Engineered with conical micropillar arrays, BIMA allows for rapid translation of oligodendroglial wrapping and differentiation into binary readout under confocal microscopy. Fabricated into 96- or 384-well plates, BIMA serves as a high-throughput screening platform for compounds that may promote oligodendroglial differentiation and myelination. BIMA is also amenable for examining molecular signals and pathways that regulate axon-glia interaction and recognition.

Silicon-Gas Pixel Detector

The proposed Silicon-Gas Pixel Detector (SGPD) combines the advantages of Silicon and Gas-pixel detectors (GPD). 7 micron space resolution and down to 0.2 degree both angles measurements are inside 10 mm thick and very low material detector. Silicon pixels implemented directly into electronic chip structure allow to know exact time when particle crossed the detector and to use SGPD as a completely self-triggered device. Binary readout, advanced data collection and analysis on hardware level allow to obtain all the information in less than 1 microsecond and to use SGPD for the fast trigger generation.

A binary readout chip for silicon microstrip detector in proton imaging application

The mixed-signal PRIMA-chip has been developed for sensitive-position silicon detector in proton imaging application. The chip is based upon the binary readout architecture which, providing fully parallel signal processing, is a good solution for high intensity radiation application. It includes 32-front-end channels with a charge preamplifier, a shaper and a comparator. In order to adjust the comparator thresholds, each channel contains a 8-bit DAC, programmed using an I2C like interface. The PRIMA-chip has been fabricated using the AMS 0.35 μm standard CMOS process and its performances have been tested coupling it to the detectors used in the tracker assembled for the pCT (proton Computed Tomography) apparatus.