In-Sensor Tactile Fusion and Logic for Accurate Intention Recognition.

Touch control intention recognition is an important direction for the future development of human-machine interactions (HMIs). However, the implementation of parallel-sensing functional modules generally requires a combination of different logical blocks and control circuits, which results in regional redundancy, redundant data, and low efficiency. Here, a location-and-pressure intelligent tactile sensor (LPI tactile sensor) unprecedentedly combined with sensing, computing, and logic is proposed, enabling efficient and ultrahigh-resolution action-intention interaction. The LPI tactile sensor eliminates the need for data transfer among the functional units through the core integration design of the layered structure. It actuates in-sensor perception through feature transmission, fusion, and differentiation, thereby revolutionizing the traditional von Neumann architecture. While greatly simplifying the data dimensionality, the LPI tactile sensor achieves outstanding resolution sensing in both location (<400 µm) and pressure (75 Pa). Synchronous feature fusion and decoding support the high-fidelity recognition of action and combinatorial logic intentions. Benefiting from location and pressure synergy, the LPI tactile sensor demonstrates robust privacy as an encrypted password device and interaction intelligence through pressure enhancement. It can recognize continuous touch actions in real time, map real intentions to target events, and promote accurate and efficient intention-driven HMIs.

Fast and Massive Pixel-Level Morphology Detection by Imaging Processing for Inkjet Printing.

With the rapid development of the emerging intelligent, flexible, transparent, and wearable electronic devices, such as quantum-dot-based micro light-emitting diodes (micro-LEDs), thin-film transistors (TFTs), and flexible sensors, numerous pixel-level printing technologies have emerged. Among them, inkjet printing has proven to be a useful and effective tool for consistently printing micron-level ink droplets, for instance, smaller than 50 µm, onto wearable electronic devices. However, quickly and accurately determining the printing quality, which is significant for the electronic device performance, is challenging due to the large quantity and micron size of ink droplets. Therefore, leveraging existing image processing algorithms, we have developed an effective method and software for quickly detecting the morphology of printed inks served in inkjet printing. This method is based on the edge detection technology. We believe this method can greatly meet the increasing demands for quick evaluation of print quality in inkjet printing.

Conformal Human-Machine Integration Using Highly Bending-Insensitive, Unpixelated, and Waterproof Epidermal Electronics Toward Metaverse.

Efficient and flexible interactions require precisely converting human intentions into computer-recognizable signals, which is critical to the breakthrough development of metaverse. Interactive electronics face common dilemmas, which realize high-precision and stable touch detection but are rigid, bulky, and thick or achieve high flexibility to wear but lose precision. Here, we construct highly bending-insensitive, unpixelated, and waterproof epidermal interfaces (BUW epidermal interfaces) and demonstrate their interactive applications of conformal human-machine integration. The BUW epidermal interface based on the addressable electrical contact structure exhibits high-precision and stable touch detection, high flexibility, rapid response time, excellent stability, and versatile "cut-and-paste" character. Regardless of whether being flat or bent, the BUW epidermal interface can be conformally attached to the human skin for real-time, comfortable, and unrestrained interactions. This research provides promising insight into the functional composite and structural design strategies for developing epidermal electronics, which offers a new technology route and may further broaden human-machine interactions toward metaverse.

Investigation on external quantum efficiency droops and inactivation efficiencies of AlGaN-based ultraviolet-c LEDs at 265-285 nm.

The temperature-dependent external quantum efficiency (EQE) droops of 265 nm, 275 nm, 280 nm, and 285 nm AlGaN-based ultraviolet-c light-emitting diodes (UVC-LEDs) differed in Al contents have been comprehensively investigated. The modifiedABCmodel (R = An+Bn2+Cn3) with the current-leakage related term,f(n)= Dn4, has been employed to analyze the recombination mechanisms in these UVC-LED samples. Experimental results reveal that, at relatively low electrical-current levels, the contribution of Shockley-Read-Hall (SRH) recombination exceeds those of the Auger recombination and carrier leakage. At relatively high electrical-current levels, the Auger recombination and carrier leakage jointly dominate the EQE droop phenomenon. Moreover, the inactivation efficiencies of 222 nm excimer lamp, 254 nm portable Mercury lamp, 265 nm, 280 nm, and 285 nm UVC-LED arrays in the inactivation ofEscherichia colihave been experimentally investigated, which could provide a technical reference for fighting against the new COVID-19.

Selection of dilution material for non-iodinated iodine as an oral contrast agent for esophageal cancer: a preliminary clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To investigate the filling state of the esophagus using different oral contrast agents for the diagnosis of esophageal cancer by computed tomography (CT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This preliminary clinical trial enrolled patients with suspected esophageal carcinoma and admitted from January 2015 to January 2018. The patients were randomized into the yogurt (mixed with ioversol), lotus root powder (mixed with ioversol), gas-producing powder, and control (pure iodine water) groups. Chest CT examinations were performed. The degree of esophageal filling and the detection of esophageal lesions were compared. RESULTS: Finally, 136 participants were enrolled (n = 34/group). There were no significant differences in esophageal filling degree among the yogurt, lotus root powder, and gas-producing powder groups (P = 0.093). There were 30/3/1 and 30/3/1 confirmed/false-negative/false-positive diagnoses in the yogurt and lotus powder groups, respectively, compared with 28/5/1 and 25/8/1 in the gas-producing powder and control groups, respectively. The concordance rates were the highest for the yogurt (88.2%, with 91.7% specificity and 86.4% sensitivity) and lotus root powder groups (88.2%, with 92.3% specificity and 85.7% sensitivity) and the lowest for the control group (73.5%, with 90.0% specificity and 66.7% sensitivity). CONCLUSION: Yogurt mixed with ioversol could fill and expand the esophagus with minimal preparation, displaying the structure of the esophageal lumen and wall thickness. This mixture might be used as a positive contrast agent for esophageal CT. Similar results were observed for the lotus root powder mixed with ioversol, but its preparation was more arduous.

Early complementary acupuncture improves the clinical prognosis of traumatic brain edema: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain edema occurs commonly brain injury, and most manifests as pericontusional edema of brain contusions. On the basis of evidence-based medicine, apart from recommending craniotomy and mannitol, there are few particularly effective measures to prevent and treat traumatic brain edema. It is uncertain whether an early complementary acupuncture treatment would improve long-term outcomes of patients with traumatic brain edema. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy and the safety of early complementary acupuncture for patients with traumatic brain edema. METHODS: This study is an actively accruing, single-center, single-blinded, 2-arm, randomized controlled trial. Patients with traumatic brain injury, a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 6∼12, and brain edema on computed tomography scan will be divided into 2 groups on the basis of stratified block randomization. All patients will receive conventional treatment, and the study group will undergo additional acupuncture therapy (start within 72 hours after the injury) once a day for 28 days. The primary outcome is the dichotomized Glasgow Outcome Score at 6 months and 12 months after injury, and the secondary outcomes are the Glasgow Coma Scale, the volume of traumatic brain edema, the serum levels of C-reactive protein and interleukin-6, and the Modified Barthel Index. DISCUSSION: This study will provide data regarding the efficacy of early complementary acupuncture for traumatic brain edema. If the study yields positive results, its findings may offer insights into a valuable complementary option of acupuncture for traumatic brain edema that could provide pilot evidence for large, randomized, controlled trials.Trial registration: This trial has been published in the Chinese Clinical Trial Register, http://www.chictr.org.cn/edit.aspx?pid=141208&htm=4 (Identifier: ChiCTR2100053794, registered on December 3, 2021).

[Randomized clinical trials of early acupuncture treatment of limb paralysis in traumatic brain injury patients and its mechanism].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical effect of early acupuncture treatment of limb paralysis in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and changes of serum interleukin-6 (IL-6), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) levels, so as to explore its mechanism underlying improvement of TBI. METHODS: A total of 70 TBI inpatients were equally divided into a medication group and an acupuncture plus medication group according to a random number table. The medication contained intravenous drip of Mannitol Injection (125 mL, once every 8 h ) and Oxiracetam Injection (4 g, once a day). Starting 72 h after TBI, acupuncture therapy was applied to main points as Fenglong (ST40), Zusanli (ST36), Guanyuan (CV4), Baihui (GV20), Shuigou (GV26) and Fengchi (GB20), etc. The treatment was given once a day for total 28 days. Before and after the treatment, plasma IL-6, BDNF and NGF contents were detected using radioimmunoassay, the volume of the injured brain tissue was detected by using CT scan. The neurological deficit severity was evaluated by using Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), and the degree of activity of daily living (ADL) ability was assessed by using simplified Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) scale, and modified Barthel index (BI), separately. RESULTS: After the treatment, the GCS score on day 28, FMA and ADL-BI scores on day 28 and 60 were significantly increased in both medication and acupuncture plus medication groups in comparison with their own pre-treatment (P<0.05). The focal volume values of the injured brain were significantly decreased on day 14 and 28 in both groups compared with their own pre-treatment (P<0.05). The therapeutic effect of acupuncture plus medication was obviously superior to that of simple medication in lowering focal injured volume on day 14 and 28, and in increasing FMA and ADL-BI scores on day 28 and 60 (P<0.05). Compared with pre-treatment, the levels of plasma IL-6 on day 3, 7 and 14 were significant decreased, and those of plasma BDNF and NGF on day 3, 7 and 14 considerably increased in both groups in comparison with their own pre-treatment (P<0.05). The therapeutic effect of acupuncture plus medication was evidently superior to that of simple medication in lowering IL-6 on day 3 and 7, and in increasing BDNF and NGF levels on day 3, 7 and 14 (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Early acupuncture treatment can significantly improve the TBI patient's limb motor function and daily life activities, which may be related with its effects in reducing the inflammation and increasing BDNF and NGF levels.

Two-dimensional temperature distribution measurement of light-emitting diodes by micro-hyperspectral imaging-based reflected light method.

We propose a non-contact measurement method for determining two-dimensional (2D) temperature distribution of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). This method is based on both micro-hyperspectral imaging technology and reflected light method, owning merits of both high efficiency and high spatial resolution. Blue and green bare LEDs are used as LED under test, while red and near-infrared LEDs provide incident light to avoid spectral overlapping so as to reduce measurement error. During data processing, the convolution linear filtering algorithm is employed to improve the measurement accuracy. This proposed method is compared with the micro-thermocouple and infrared thermal imaging, with their respective comparison results in fairly good agreements. For spatial resolution of 2D temperature distribution, this method increases at least one order of magnitude compared with the thermal imaging method.

Room-Temperature Synthesis of Two-Dimensional Hexagonal Boron Nitride Nanosheet-Stabilized CsPbBr3 Perovskite Quantum Dots.

Poor stability always restricts the application of all-inorganic perovskite quantum dots (PQDs). Herein, 2D hexagonal boron nitride ( h-BN) nanosheets were firstly utilized to stabilize CsPbBr3 PQDs through a facile heterogeneous nucleation-growth process at room temperature. In synthesized h-BN/CsPbBr3 PQD nanocomposites, cubic CsPbBr3 PQDs adhere on h-BN nanosheet surfaces, benefiting from the high specific surface area and abundant mesopores of 2D nanosheets. The nanocomposites prepared at optimized loading of h-BN nanosheets and reaction time display good green-emitting performance with a narrow full width at half maximum of ∼20.0 nm and high color purity of 92.0%. Unique 2D structure and excellent thermal conductivity of h-BN nanosheets endow the h-BN/CsPbBr3 PQD nanocomposites with significantly enhanced humidity stability and thermal stability. The white light-emitting diodes (LEDs) assembled with green-emitting nanocomposites, a blue chip, and a commercial red phosphor possess a low correlated color temperature of 4190 K, color-rendering index of 76, and high luminous efficacy of 57 lm/W. Further, the color gamut of the synthetic white light based on blue-emitting h-BN/CsPbBr1.5Cl1.5 PQDs, green-emitting h-BN/CsPbBr3 PQDs, and red-emitting h-BN/CsPbBr1.2I1.8 PQDs is 114% of the National Television System Committee standard. This work paves a new way for utilizing 2D nanomaterials to synthesize stable all-inorganic PQDs for white LEDs and displays.

[Early acupuncture for traumatic intracerebral hematoma: a randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of early acupuncture intervention on brain edema in patients with traumatic intracerebral hematoma and explore its mechanism on the basis of conventional western medicine. METHODS: With stratified block randomization, sixty-four patients with glasgow coma scale (GCS) of 6 to 12 were divided into an acupuncture combined with medicine group (a combination group) and a western medication group, 32 cases in each one. In the western medication group, dehydration to reduce intracranial pressure and nutritional nerves were given as the basic treatment. In the combination group, on the basis of the treatment as the western medication group, acupuncture was applied at Xuehai (SP 10), Taixi (KI 3), Fenglong (ST 40), Yinlingquan (SP 9), Zusanli (ST 36), etc. The treatment was given once every day, for 6 times as one course; there was an interval of 1 day between two courses; a total of 4 courses were required. GCS score and recovery time were recored before treatment and on the 7 th, 14 th and 28 th days. 90 days follow-up after treatment, the GOS was observed, and the mortality and effective survival rate were calculated. The Barthel index (BI) score was evaluated before treatment and on the 14th, 21st, 28th days and 90 days follow-up after treatment. Before treatment and 3rd, 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th days, cranial CT or MR scan was performed to calculate the brain edema index (BEI); Plasma interleukin-6 (6IL-6), neuropeptide Y (NPY) and nitric oxide (NO) were measured before treatment and on the 3rd, 7th and 14th days after treatment. RESULTS: (1) The GCS scores increased gradually in the two groups during treatment, and there was significant difference between the 28th days and before treatment (both P<0.05). There were no significant difference between the two groups about GCS score and average recovery time on the 28th days treatment (all P>0.05). (2) The mortality rate of the combination group was 6.3% (2/32) on 90 days follow-up, 9.4% (3/32) in the western medication group (P>0.05). The effective survival rate was 81.3% (26/32) in the combination group, which was higher than 59.4% (19/32) in the western medication group (P<0.05). (3) The BI score was significantly higher than that before treatment on the 28th days and 90 days follow-up in the two groups (all P<0.05), and the result in the combination group was superior to that in the western medication group (both P <0.05). (4) The BEI decreased on the 14th, 21st and 28th days in the two groups (all P<0.05), and on the 14th day, the BEI decreased more significantly in the combination group than that in the western medication group (P<0.05). (5) The levels of IL-6, NPY and NO decreased on the 7th and 14th days in the two groups (all P<0.05), and decreased more significantly in the combination group than that in the western medication group on the 7th day (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: On the basis of conventional western medicine, early acupuncture can reduce cerebral edema and improve the prognosis of patients, and acupuncture combined with medicine are superior to western medicine alone. Acupuncture mechanism may be related to reducing the expression of inflammatory response.

One-Step Preparation of Long-Term Stable and Flexible CsPbBr3 Perovskite Quantum Dots/Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Copolymer Composite Films for White Light-Emitting Diodes.

CsPbBr3 perovskite quantum dots (PQDs)/ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) composite films were prepared via a one-step method; on the basis of this, both supersaturated recrystallization of CsPbBr3 PQDs and dissolution of EVA were realized in toluene. The prepared films display outstanding green-emitting performance with high color purity of 92% and photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield of 40.5% at appropriate CsPbBr3 PQD loading. They possess long-term stable luminescent properties in the air and in water, benefiting from the effective protection of CsPbBr3 PQDs by the EVA matrix. Besides, the prepared CsPbBr3 PQDs/EVA films are flexible enough to be repeatedly bent for 1000 cycles while keeping unchanged the PL intensity. The optical properties of the CsPbBr3 PQDs/EVA films in white light-emitting diodes were also studied by experiments and theoretical simulation. Overall, facile preparation process, good long-term stability, and high flexibility allow our green-emitting CsPbBr3 PQDs/EVA films to be applied in lighting applications and flexible displays.

Analyses of multi-color plant-growth light sources in achieving maximum photosynthesis efficiencies with enhanced color qualities.

An optimal design of light-emitting diode (LED) lighting that benefits both the photosynthesis performance for plants and the visional health for human eyes has drawn considerable attention. In the present study, we have developed a multi-color driving algorithm that serves as a liaison between desired spectral power distributions and pulse-width-modulation duty cycles. With the aid of this algorithm, our multi-color plant-growth light sources can optimize correlated-color temperature (CCT) and color rendering index (CRI) such that photosynthetic luminous efficacy of radiation (PLER) is maximized regardless of the number of LEDs and the type of photosynthetic action spectrum (PAS). In order to illustrate the accuracies of the proposed algorithm and the practicalities of our plant-growth light sources, we choose six color LEDs and German PAS for experiments. Finally, our study can help provide a useful guide to improve light qualities in plant factories, in which long-term co-inhabitance of plants and human beings is required.

Improvements of mesopic luminance for light-emitting-diode-based outdoor light sources via tuning scotopic/photopic ratios.

Outdoor light sources must guarantee excellent mesopic luminance (Lmes) for traffic safety at night. Here, we propose a solution to improve mesopic-related parameters, which include especially the scotopic/photopic ratio and the Lmes, of multi-chip light-emitting diode (LED) light sources. Generally, these sources are driven by pulse-width-modulation currents, and possess readily-controlled spectral power distributions (SPDs). An updated version of the optical power ratio algorithm developed in this article can select suitable overall SPDs and yield corresponding duty cycles to drive individual chips at different correlated-color temperatures and operating temperatures. Its accuracy and practicality are proven by experimental results. In addition, our study introduces a temperature-feedback technique that can instantly adjust duty cycles for each chip according to real-time operating temperatures in order to avoid undesirable color drifts at different operating temperatures. It can also be regarded as a model for practitioners who desire to improve the quality of outdoor light sources.

Multi-function indoor light sources based on light-emitting diodes-a solution for healthy lighting.

A solution for multi-functional indoor light sources is proposed to achieve the new concept of healthy lighting. A remotely controllable light source that embodies a quadruple-chip light-emitting diode and driven by pulse-width-modulation currents is designed. Therefore, spectral power distributions (SPDs) of the light source can be readily controlled. An algorithm, namely the optical power ratio algorithm, is developed to select all suitable SPDs adapted for various applications. Principles of selection are based on those traditional visual indices, as well as on some non-visual parameters such as circadian action factor, circadian efficacy of radiation and circadian illuminance. We investigate in detail the correlation among these parameters and provide SPDs with both decent visual and non-visual performances for three typical cases. The study suggests some fundamental principles for designing healthy light sources, and can be regarded as a guide for designing indoor light sources of the next generation.

Defects dynamics during ageing cycles of InGaN blue light-emitting diodes revealed by evolution of external quantum efficiency--current dependence.

We report in detail the defect dynamics in the active region by monitoring the external quantum efficiency (EQE) - injection current curves, I-V curves, and electroluminescence spectra during the ageing test, under a forward current of 850 mA (85 A/cm2), room temperature. We apply a two-level model to analyze the EQE curves and the electroluminescence spectra. The results suggest that high injection density during the ageing may reduce the density of the Shockley-Reed-Hall nonradiative recombination centers and enhance the carrier mobility and diffusion length. The former effect would directly lead to initial surge of EQE, whereas the latter would enhance the effect of extended defects which leads to reduction in peak EQE and increase in EQE droop rate.

Maximal rectification ratios for idealized bi-segment thermal rectifiers.

Thermal rectifiers whose forward heat fluxes are greater than reverse counterparts have been extensively studied. Here we have discovered, idealized, and derived the ultimate limit of such rectification ratios, which are partially validated by numerical simulations, experiments, and micro-scale Hamiltonian-oscillator analyses. For rectifiers whose thermal conductivities (κ) are linear with the temperature, this limit is simply a numerical value of 3. For those whose conductivities are nonlinear with temperatures, the maxima equal κmax/κmin, where two extremes denote values of the solid segment materials that can be possibly found or fabricated within a reasonable temperature range. Recommendations for manufacturing high-ratio rectifiers are also given with examples. Under idealized assumptions, these proposed rectification limits cannot be defied by any bi-segment thermal rectifiers.

Study on the correlations between color rendering indices and the spectral power distributions: reply to comment.

We demonstrate the strong theory strength of our original article [Optics Express 22 (S4), A1029 (2014)] and the statements in the comment letter were wrong because it was based on misunderstanding of our article.

Study on the correlations between color rendering indices and the spectral power distribution.

The intrinsic spectrally resolved sensitivity (ISRS) of color rendering indices (CRIs) is investigated by using spectral loss simulations. It is demonstrated that R(a) exhibits large sensitivities around 444, 480, 564, and 622 nm, while for R(9) the sensitivity peaks are around 461, 581 and 630 nm, which all shift slightly with the correlated color temperature. If considering the ISRS as a bridge between the spectral power distribution of LED and its CRI, one could obtain a high CRI by minimizing the deviation between the shapes of the illuminant spectrum and the reference spectrum, both after modulations by the ISRS as a weighting function. This approach, recommended as a guideline for the spectra design aiming at a high CRI, is described and justified in depth via a mathematical model. This method is spectra-oriented and could largely facilitate the spectra design.

Screening of a high growth influenza B virus strain in Vero cells.

Due to the insufficient supply of embryonated chicken eggs, the preparation of large quantities of inactivated influenza vaccines will require an alternative virus culture system after the emergence or reemergence of a pandemic influenza virus. The Vero cell is one of the ideal options since it was used for producing many kinds of human vaccines. However, most of the influenza viruses can not grow well in Vero cells. To develop a new influenza vaccine with Vero cells as a substrate, the virus needs to adapt to this cell substrate to maintain high growth characteristics. By serial passages in Vero cells, the B/Yunnan/2/2005va (B) strain was successfully adapted to Vero cells, with the hemagglutination titer (HAT) of the virus reaching 1:512. The high growth characteristic of this strain is stable up to 21 passages. The strain was identified by hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) test and sequencing respectively; the HA1 gene sequence of the virus was cloned and analyzed. The screening and establishment of high growth B virus provides an important tool for influenza vaccine production in Vero cells.