Hybrid Multisite Silicon Neural Probe with Integrated Flexible Connector for Interchangeable Packaging.

Multisite neural probes are a fundamental tool to study brain function. Hybrid silicon/polymer neural probes combine rigid silicon and flexible polymer parts into one single device and allow, for example, the precise integration of complex probe geometries, such as multishank designs, with flexible biocompatible cabling. Despite these advantages and benefiting from highly reproducible fabrication methods on both silicon and polymer substrates, they have not been widely available. This paper presents the development, fabrication, characterization, and in vivo electrophysiological assessment of a hybrid multisite multishank silicon probe with a monolithically integrated polyimide flexible interconnect cable. The fabrication process was optimized at wafer level, and several neural probes with 64 gold electrode sites equally distributed along 8 shanks with an integrated 8 µm thick highly flexible polyimide interconnect cable were produced. The monolithic integration of the polyimide cable in the same fabrication process removed the necessity of the postfabrication bonding of the cable to the probe. This is the highest electrode site density and thinnest flexible cable ever reported for a hybrid silicon/polymer probe. Additionally, to avoid the time-consuming bonding of the probe to definitive packaging, the flexible cable was designed to terminate in a connector pad that can mate with commercial zero-insertion force (ZIF) connectors for electronics interfacing. This allows great experimental flexibility because interchangeable packaging can be used according to experimental demands. High-density distributed in vivo electrophysiological recordings were obtained from the hybrid neural probes with low intrinsic noise and high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).

Efficient light trapping and broadband absorption of the solar spectrum in nanopillar arrays decorated with deep-subwavelength sidewall features.

Silicon nanopillar (NP) arrays are known to exhibit efficient light trapping and broadband absorption of solar radiation. In this study, we consider the effect of deep subwavelength sidewall scalloping (DSSS) on the broadband absorption of the arrays. Practically, the formation of DSSS is a side effect of top-down dry etching of NP arrays of several microns height. We use finite-difference time-domain electromagnetic calculations to show that the presence of DSSS can result in efficient excitation of optical modes in both the arrays and the underlying substrates. We demonstrate a broadband absorption enhancement of >10% in a DSSS-NP array with an underlying substrate. Finally, we use device calculations to examine the effect of DSSS on the electrical performance of a photovoltaic cell, as the main concern is the degradation of the open-circuit voltage due to surface recombination (DSSS results in higher surface-to-volume ratio). We show that the effect of DSSS on open-circuit voltage is negligible. Finally, deep-subwavelength sidewall features offer a new, interesting photon management strategy towards absorption enhancement.

Acute segmental renal infarction due to factor V Leiden.

OBJECTIVE: Renal infarction is rare and has variable clinical presentations causing diagnostic difficulties. Although most renal infarctions are caused by an obvious thromboembolic factor some are only explained by hereditary or acquired thrombophilia. The authors present a case of segmental renal infarction associated with factor V Leiden. METHODS/ RESULTS: A 48-year-old man presented with right flank pain that was unresponsive to analgesia for renal colic. CT scan was performed revealing a partial renal infarction. The etiologic study was only positive to factor V Leiden. In spite of the diagnosis and treatment it resulted in atrophy of the affected renal area. CONCLUSIONS: Renal infarction can be a presentation of thrombophilia that should be searched in the absence of an obvious embolic factor. Renal CT scan is the best way to a rapid diagnosis and treatment.

Infarto renal segmentaria y factor V Leiden / Acute segmental renal infarction due to factor V Leiden

OBJETIVO: El infarto renal es raro y la presentación clínica inconstante causa dificultades diagnósticas. Aunque la mayoría de los infartos renales son causados por factores tromboembólicos obvios, algunos sólo se explican por una trombofília hereditaria o adquirida. Los autores presentan un caso de infarto renal segmentario asociado al factor V de Leiden.MÉTODO/RESULTADOS: Varón de 48 años que presenta síntomas sugestivos de cólico nefrítico pero la resistencia a analgesia llevó a la realización de un TAC renal que reveló un infarto segmentario del riñón derecho. El estudio fue solamente positivo para el Factor V de Leiden. A pesar del diagnóstico y tratamiento se apreció atrofia del área renal afectada.CONCLUSIONES: El infarto renal puede ser la presentación de una trombofília y ésta debería ser sospechada en la ausencia de factor embólico evidente. La utilización del TAC renal facilita el diagnóstico e inmediato tratamiento(AU)

OBJECTIVE: Renal infarction is rare and has variable clinical presentations causing diagnostic difficulties. Although most renal infarctions are caused by an obvious thromboembolic factor some are only explained by hereditary or acquired thrombophilia. The authors present a case of segmental renal infarction associated with factor V Leiden.METHODS/ RESULTS: A 48-year-old man presented with right flank pain that was unresponsive to analgesia for renal colic. CT scan was performed revealing a partial renal infarction. The etiologic study was only positive to factor V Leiden. In spite of the diagnosis and treatment it resulted in atrophy of the affected renal area.CONCLUSIONS: Renal infarction can be a presentation of thrombophilia that should be searched in the absence of an obvious embolic factor. Renal CT scan is the best way to a rapid diagnosis and treatment(AU)