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The 64k pixel DEPFET module is the key sensitive component of the DEPFET Sensor with Signal Compression (DSSC), a large area 2D hybrid detector for capturing and measuring soft X-rays at the European XFEL. The final 1-megapixel camera has to detect photons with energies between 250 eV and 6 keV , and must provide a peak frame rate of 4.5 MHz to cope with the unique bunch structure of the European XFEL. This work summarizes the functionalities and properties of the first modules assembled with full-format CMOS-DEPFET arrays, featuring 512 × 128 hexagonally-shaped pixels with a side length of 136 μm. The pixel sensors utilize the DEPFET technology to realize an extremely low input capacitance for excellent energy resolution and, at the same time, an intrinsic capability of signal compression without any gain switching. Each pixel of the readout ASIC includes a DEPFET-bias current cancellation circuitry, a trapezoidal-shaping filter, a 9-bit ADC and a 800-word long digital memory. The trimming, calibration and final characterization were performed in a laboratory test-bench at DESY. All detector features are assessed at 18 ∘ C . An outstanding equivalent noise charge of 9.8 e−rms is achieved at 1.1-MHz frame rate and gain of 26.8 Analog-to-Digital Unit per keV ( ADU / keV ). At 4.5 MHz and 3.1 ADU / keV , a noise of 25.5 e−rms and a dynamic range of 26 ke - are obtained. The highest dynamic range of 1.345 Me - is reached at 2.25 MHz and 1.6 ADU / keV . These values can fulfill the specification of the DSSC project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infants born preterm are at high risk of presenting neurodevelopmental delay. The Neurofunctional Assessment (NFA) describes infants' neurodevelopment through the evaluation of six different domains. This study aimed to evaluate how, in a cohort of preterm infants, each NFA domain assessed at 3 months of corrected age (CA) was associated with neurodevelopment at 2 years of CA using the Griffiths Mental Developmental Scales Extended Revised (GMDS-ER). In addition, by introducing the NFA complexity score (CS), the study aimed to define a threshold that can help clinicians discriminate infants at higher risk of later neurodevelopmental delay. We conducted an observational, longitudinal study including 211 preterm infants. At 3 months of CA, infants who had normal scores in each domain showed a significantly higher GMDS-ER global quotient (GQ) at 2 years of CA. In addition, linear model results showed a significant negative relationship between the NFA CS and 2-year GMDS-ER GQ (estimate: − 0.27; 95% CI − 0.35, − 0.20; p value < 0.001). Each 10-point increase in the NFA CS was associated with an average 2.7-point decrease in the GMDS GQ. These results highlight how the NFA domains and NFA CS are compelling instruments for the early identification of children at risk for long-term adverse outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to investigate General Movements'(GMs) neonatal trajectories and their association with neurodevelopment at three months corrected age (CA) in preterm infants. We conducted an observational, longitudinal study in 216 very low birth weight infants. GMs were recorded at 31 ± 1, 35 ± 1, 40 ± 1 weeks of postmenstrual age and at three months of corrected age (CA). More than 90% of infants showing neonatal trajectories with persistent Normal (N-N) or initial Poor Repertoire to Normal (PR-N) movements presented fidgety pattern at three months CA. On the contrary, fidgety movements were not detected in any infant with a trajectory of persistent Cramped-Synchronized (CS-CS) or an initial Poor-Repertoire to Cramped-Synchronized (PR-CS) movements. Trajectories with initial Normal to Poor-Repertoire (N-PR) or persistent Poor-Repertoire (PR-PR) movements showed an increased risk of having a non-normal Fidgety pattern compared with the N-N group (OR = 8.43, 95% CI: 2.26–31.45 and OR = 15.02, 95% CI: 6.40–35.26, respectively). These results highlight the importance to evaluate neonatal GMs' trajectory to predict infants' neurodevelopment. N-N or PR-N trajectories suggest normal short-term neurodevelopment, especially a lower risk of Cerebral Palsy; whereas findings of N-PR and PR-PR trajectories indicate the need for closer follow up to avoid delay in programming intervention strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybrid interfaces between organic semiconductors and living tissues represent a new tool for in-vitro and in-vivo applications, bearing a huge potential, from basic researches to clinical applications. In particular, light sensitive conjugated polymers can be exploited as a new approach for optical modulation of cellular activity. In this work we focus on light-induced changes in the membrane potential of Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK-293) cells grown on top of a poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) thin film. On top of a capacitive charging of the polymer interface, we identify and fully characterize two concomitant mechanisms, leading to membrane depolarization and hyperpolarisation, both mediated by a thermal effect. Our results can be usefully exploited in the creation of a new platform for light-controlled cell manipulation, with possible applications in neuroscience and medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]