Optoelectronic Devices for In-Sensor Computing.

The demand for accurate perception of the physical world leads to a dramatic increase in sensory nodes. However, the transmission of massive and unstructured sensory data from sensors to computing units poses great challenges in terms of power-efficiency, transmission bandwidth, data storage, time latency, and security. To efficiently process massive sensory data, it is crucial to achieve data compression and structuring at the sensory terminals. In-sensor computing integrates perception, memory, and processing functions within sensors, enabling sensory terminals to perform data compression and data structuring. Here, vision sensors are adopted as an example and discuss the functions of electronic, optical, and optoelectronic hardware for visual processing. Particularly, hardware implementations of optoelectronic devices for in-sensor visual processing that can compress and structure multidimensional vision information are examined. The underlying resistive switching mechanisms of volatile/nonvolatile optoelectronic devices and their processing operations are explored. Finally, a perspective on the future development of optoelectronic devices for in-sensor computing is provided.

Multidimensional vision sensors for information processing.

The visual scene in the physical world integrates multidimensional information (spatial, temporal, polarization, spectrum and so on) and typically shows unstructured characteristics. Conventional image sensors cannot process this multidimensional vision data, creating a need for vision sensors that can efficiently extract features from substantial multidimensional vision data. Vision sensors are able to transform the unstructured visual scene into featured information without relying on sophisticated algorithms and complex hardware. The response characteristics of sensors can be abstracted into operators with specific functionalities, allowing for the efficient processing of perceptual information. In this Review, we delve into the hardware implementation of multidimensional vision sensors, exploring their working mechanisms and design principles. We exemplify multidimensional vision sensors built on emerging devices and silicon-based system integration. We further provide benchmarking metrics for multidimensional vision sensors and conclude with the principle of device-system co-design and co-optimization.

Bioinspired In-Sensor Multimodal Fusion for Enhanced Spatial and Spatiotemporal Association.

Multimodal perception can capture more precise and comprehensive information compared with unimodal approaches. However, current sensory systems typically merge multimodal signals at computing terminals following parallel processing and transmission, which results in the potential loss of spatial association information and requires time stamps to maintain temporal coherence for time-series data. Here we demonstrate bioinspired in-sensor multimodal fusion, which effectively enhances comprehensive perception and reduces the level of data transfer between sensory terminal and computation units. By adopting floating gate phototransistors with reconfigurable photoresponse plasticity, we realize the agile spatial and spatiotemporal fusion under nonvolatile and volatile photoresponse modes. To realize an optimal spatial estimation, we integrate spatial information from visual-tactile signals. For dynamic events, we capture and fuse in real time spatiotemporal information from visual-audio signals, realizing a dance-music synchronization recognition task without a time-stamping process. This in-sensor multimodal fusion approach provides the potential to simplify the multimodal integration system, extending the in-sensor computing paradigm.

Photoelectrocatalytic Processes of TiO2 Film: The Dominating Factors for the Degradation of Methyl Orange and the Understanding of Mechanism.

Various thicknesses of TiO2 films were prepared by the sol-gel method and spin-coating process. These prepared TiO2 films exhibit thickness-dependent photoelectrochemical performance. The 1.09-µm-thickTiO2 film with 20 spin-coating layers (TiO2-20) exhibits the highest short circuit current of 0.21 mAcm-2 and open circuit voltage of 0.58 V among all samples and exhibits a low PEC reaction energy barrier and fast kinetic process. Photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) degradation of methyl orange (MO) by TiO2 films was carried out under UV light. The roles of bias, film thickness, pH value, and ion properties were systematically studied because they are the four most important factors dominating the PEC performance of TiO2 films. The optimized values of bias, film thickness, and pH are 1.0 V, 1.09 µm, and 12, respectively, which were obtained according to the data of the PEC degradation of MO. The effect of ion properties on the PEC efficiency of TiO2-20 was also analyzed by using halide as targeted ions. The "activated" halide ions significantly promoted the PEC efficiency and the order was determined as Br > Cl > F. The PEC efficiency increased with increasing Cl content, up until the optimized value of 30 × 10-3 M. Finally, a complete degradation of MO by TiO2-20 was achieved in 1.5 h, with total optimization of the four factors: 1.0 V bias, 1.09-µm-thick, pH 12, and 30 × 10-3 M Cl ion content. The roles of reactive oxygen species and electric charge of photoelectrodes were also explored based on photoelectrochemical characterizations and membrane-separated reactors. Hydrogen peroxide, superoxide radical, and hydroxyl radical were found responsible for the decolorization of MO.

The mental health of paediatric cochlear implant recipients.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the mental health of paediatric cochlear implant users and analyse the relationship between six dimensions (movements, cognitive ability, emotion and will, sociality, living habits and language) and hearing and speech rehabilitation. METHODS: Eighty-two cochlear implant users were assessed using the Mental Health Survey Questionnaire. Age at implantation, time of implant use and listening modes were investigated. Categories of Auditory Performance and the Speech Intelligibility Rating Scale were used to score hearing and speech abilities. RESULTS: More recipients scored lower in cognitive ability and language. Age at implantation was statistically significant (p < 0.05) for movements, cognitive ability, emotion and will, and language. The time of implant usage and listening mode indicated statistical significance (p < 0.05) in cognitive ability, sociality and language. CONCLUSION: Timely attention should be paid to the mental health of paediatric cochlear implant users, and corresponding psychological interventions should be implemented to make personalised rehabilitation plans.

[Extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma, nasal type involving the larynx and digestive tract: a case report and literature review].

Extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma, nasal type（ENKTL） is a highly aggressive malignant tumor derived from NK cells. This article reports a case of ENKTL invading the larynx and digestive tract. The clinical clinical manifestations include hoarseness and intranasal masses.

Highly Trustworthy In-Sensor Cryptography for Image Encryption and Authentication.

The prevailing transmission of image information over the Internet of Things demands trustworthy cryptography for high security and privacy. State-of-the-art security modules are usually physically separated from the sensory terminals that capture images, which unavoidably exposes image information to various attacks during the transmission process. Here we develop in-sensor cryptography that enables capturing images and producing security keys in the same hardware devices. The generated key inherently binds to the captured images, which gives rise to highly trustworthy cryptography. Using the intrinsic electronic and optoelectronic characteristics of the 256 molybdenum disulfide phototransistor array, we can harvest electronic and optoelectronic binary keys with a physically unclonable function and further upgrade them into multiple-state ternary and double-binary keys, exhibiting high uniformity, uniqueness, randomness, and coding capacity. This in-sensor cryptography enables highly trustworthy image encryption to avoid passive attacks and image authentication to prevent unauthorized editions.

In-Sensor Computing: Materials, Devices, and Integration Technologies.

The number of sensor nodes in the Internet of Things is growing rapidly, leading to a large volume of data generated at sensory terminals. Frequent data transfer between the sensors and computing units causes severe limitations on the system performance in terms of energy efficiency, speed, and security. To efficiently process a substantial amount of sensory data, a novel computation paradigm that can integrate computing functions into sensor networks should be developed. The in-sensor computing paradigm reduces data transfer and also decreases the high computing complexity by processing data locally. Here, the hardware implementation of the in-sensor computing paradigm at the device and array levels is discussed. The physical mechanisms that lead to unique sensory response characteristics and their corresponding computing functions are illustrated. In particular, bioinspired device characteristics enable the implementation of the functionalities of neuromorphic computation. The integration technology is also discussed and the perspective on the future development of in-sensor computing is provided.

A population-based cohort study for presence of ulceration among cutaneous malignant melanoma subgroups of patients.

Background: Observational studies suggest that ulceration is considered to be a negative prognostic factor for cutaneous melanoma. However, the impact of ulceration over different subgroups (e.g. AJCC Stage, thickness level) are controversial and its true causal effect on survival is lack of studies in the view of treating ulceration as an exposure. Objective: To explore the true causal effect of ulceration on melanoma's survival by adopting a combination of methods to discover proper adjustment set and confirming its correctness through a variety of means. Methods: A minimal sufficient adjustment set (MSAS) was found using directed acyclic graphs (DAG) to adjust the effect of causality. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to diagnose potential confounders in addition to MSAS. Cox models were built to analyze the causality in-depth and the model was validated using a novel method. Lastly, stratified effects of ulceration were examined to illustrate its impact within subgroups. Results: Hazard ratio (HR) of ulceration after adjustment by MSAS variables was 1.99 (95% CI=1.88-2.09). The sensitivity analysis of propensity score matching and E-value both demonstrated that variables other than MSAS do not have great influence on ulceration and MSS relationship. The HR of ulceration in AJCC Stage, thickness level, invasion level and tumor extension were all monotonically decreased from 5.76 to 1.57, 4.03 to 1.78, 2.75 to 1.78 and 2.65 to 1.71 respectively. Conclusion: Ulceration in all subgroups were shown to have a significantly negative impact on MSS and its magnitude of effect was monotonically decreased as the disease progressed. The true effect of ulceration can be adjusted by MSAS and its correctness was validated through a variety of approaches.

[Superficial angiomyxoma in nasal vestibule: a case report].

This paper reported a case of superficial angiomyxoma in the region of the nasal vestibule. The clinical manifestation was swelling of the left nasal vestibular skin, while paranasal sinus CT showed swell soft tissue in the anterior and superior region to the left maxilla. Under general anesthesia, the left nasal vestibular mass was resected under nasal endoscopy. The postoperative pathological diagnosis was superficial angiomyxoma. The patient underwent a CT scan of the paranasal sinuses 4 months after the operation, and there was no recurrence of the tumor.

Experimental X-ray and DFT Structural Analyses of M12L8 Poly-[n]-catenanes Using exo-Tridentate Ligands.

Despite their potential applications in host-guest chemistry, there are only five reported structures of poly-[n]-catenanes self-assembled by elusive M12L8 icosahedral nanocages. This small number of structures of M12L8 poly-[n]-catenanes is because self-assembly of large metal-organic cages (MOCs) with large windows allowing catenation by means of mechanical bonds is very challenging. Structural reports of M12L8 poly-[n]-catenanes are needed to increase our knowledge about the self-assembly and genesis of such materials. Poly-[n]-catenane (1·p-CT) self-assembly of interlocked M12L8 icosahedral cages (M = Zn(II) and L = 2,4,6-tris-(4-pyridyl)benzene (TPB)) including a new aromatic guest (p-chlorotoluene (p-CT)) is reported by single-crystal XRD. Despite the huge internal M12L8 voids (> 2500 Å3), p-CT is ordered, allowing a clear visualization of the relative host-guest positions. DFT calculations have been used to compute the electrostatic potential of the TPB ligand, and various aromatic guests (i.e., o-dichlorobenzene (o-DCB), p-chloroanisole (p-CA), and nitrobenzene (NBz)) included (ordered) within the M12L8 cages were determined by single-crystal XRD. The computed maps of electrostatic potential (MEPs) allow for the rationalization of the guest's inclusion seen in the 3D X-ray structures. Although more crystallographic X-ray structures and DFT analysis are needed to gain insights of guest inclusion in the large voids of M12L8 poly-[n]-catenanes, the reported combined experimental/DFT structural analyses approach can be exploited to use isostructural M12L8 poly-[n]-catenanes as hosts for molecular separation and could find applications in the crystalline sponge method developed by Fujita and co-workers. We also demonstrate, exploiting the instant synthesis method, in solution (i.e., o-DCB), and in the solid-state by neat grinding (i.e., without solvent), that the isostructural M12L8 poly-[n]-catenane self-assembled with 2,4,6-tris-(4-pyridyl)pyridine (TPP) ligand and ZnX2 (where X = Cl, Br, and I) can be kinetically synthesized as crystalline (yields ≈ 60%) and amorphous phases (yields ≈ 70%) in short time and large quantities. Despite the change in the aromatic nature at the center of the rigid exo-tridentate pyridine-based ligand (TPP vs TPB), the kinetic control gives the poly-[n]-catenanes selectively. The dynamic behavior of the TPP amorphous phases upon the uptake of aromatic guest molecules can be used in molecular separation applications like benzene derivatives.

A Reconfigurable Two-WSe2 -Transistor Synaptic Cell for Reinforcement Learning.

Reward-modulated spike-timing-dependent plasticity (R-STDP) is a brain-inspired reinforcement learning (RL) rule, exhibiting potential for decision-making tasks and artificial general intelligence. However, the hardware implementation of the reward-modulation process in R-STDP usually requires complicated Si complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) circuit design that causes high power consumption and large footprint. Here, a design with two synaptic transistors (2T) connected in a parallel structure is experimentally demonstrated. The 2T unit based on WSe2 ferroelectric transistors exhibits reconfigurable polarity behavior, where one channel can be tuned as n-type and the other as p-type due to nonvolatile ferroelectric polarization. In this way, opposite synaptic weight update behaviors with multilevel (>6 bit) conductance states, ultralow nonlinearity (0.56/-1.23), and large Gmax /Gmin ratio of 30 are realized. By applying positive/negative reward to (anti-)STDP component of 2T cell, R-STDP learning rules are realized for training the spiking neural network and demonstrated to solve the classical cart-pole problem, exhibiting a way for realizing low-power (32 pJ per forward process) and highly area-efficient (100 µm2 ) hardware chip for reinforcement learning.

Intrinsic helical twist and chirality in ultrathin tellurium nanowires.

Robust atomic-to-meso-scale chirality is now observed in the one-dimensional form of tellurium. This enables a large and counter-intuitive circular-polarization dependent second harmonic generation response above 0.2 which is not present in two-dimensional tellurium. Orientation variations in 1D tellurium nanowires obtained by four-dimensional scanning transmission electron microscopy (4D-STEM) and their correlation with unconventional non-linear optical properties by second harmonic generation circular dichroism (SHG-CD) uncovers an unexpected circular-polarization dependent SHG response from 1D nanowire bundles - an order-of-magnitude higher than in single-crystal two-dimensional tellurium structures - suggesting the atomic- and meso-scale crystalline structure of the 1D material possesses an inherent chirality not present in its 2D form; and which is strong enough to manifest even in the aggregate non-linear optical (NLO) properties of aggregates.

[Effect of combined acupuncture-medicine anesthesia in thyroid nodule ablation and its effect on serum ß-endorphin].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the anesthetic effect of combined acupuncture-medicine anesthesia in microwave ablation of benign thyroid nodules and its effect on serum ß-endorphin. METHODS: A total of 60 patients who met the inclusion criteria and received microwave ablation of benign thyroid nodules were randomly divided into the treatment group and the control group, with 30 patients in each. The patients in the treatment group were given combined acupuncture-medicine anesthesia, and those in the control group were given intravenous anesthesia. The two groups were compared in terms of the sedative and analgesic effects of anesthesia, amount of anesthetics used, incidence rate of intraoperative snore and respiratory depression, and change in serum ß-endorphin level before anesthesia, before surgery, and after the surgery. RESULTS: Both groups obtained satisfactory anesthetic effects. Compared with the control group, the sedation score, the amounts of fentanyl and propofol used, the incidence rates of intraoperative snore and respiratory depression in the treatment group were obviously lower (P<0.05, P<0.01). The treatment group had an increase in serum ß-endorphin level before surgery and at the end of surgery (P<0.05), while the control group showed no significant change in serum ß-endorphin level at each time point. CONCLUSION: In microwave ablation of benign thyroid nodules, combined acupuncture-medicine anesthesia has good sedative and analgesic effects and can reduce the amounts of anesthetics used as well as the incidence rates of intraoperative snore and respiratory depression. The analgesic effect of acupuncture anesthesia is associated with increased ß-endorphin secretion.

[Design of Internal Grasper Based on Magnetic Anchoring Technique in Trocar-Less Laparoscopic Surgery].

Laparoscopic surgery based on magnetic anchor technique has great potential for further minimally invasive surgery and good surgical field exposure, in which the internal grasper is the key factor. In this paper, an internal grasper based on magnetic anchor laparoscopic surgery is designed, which consists of three parts:target magnet, connection module and tissue forceps. The magnetic shield shell is used to wrap the magnetic core in the target magnet, which not only can increase the magnetic force in the working area, but also reduce the magnetic interference between the instruments, and the connecting module can flexibly adjust the length of the internal grasper. The special structure of tissue gripper can effectively reduce deputy injury and facilitate the replacement of clamp position. It has many advantages, such as ingenious design, easy processing, simple operation and wide range of application, which greatly increased its clinical application value.

A novel magnetic compression technique for small intestinal end-to-side anastomosis in rats.

BACKGROUND: Magnetic compression technology is a safe and convenient digestive tract reconstruction technique in large animals. The purpose of this study was to verify the feasibility of using the micromagnetic ring for construction of small intestinal end-to-side anastomosis in rats. METHODS: Thirty male Sprague-Dawley albino rats were randomly divided into two groups: a study group that underwent small intestinal anastomosis with micromagnetic ring and a control group that had hand-sewn anastomosis. The time to construct the anastomosis, survival rate and incidence of complications were compared between the two groups. The anastomotic segments in each group were harvested on day 28 after surgery and investigated. RESULTS: The mean anastomosis construction time was significantly lower in the study group than the control group (6.80 ±â€¯1.97 min vs. 16.13 ±â€¯3.29 min, P < 0.05). The survival rate was significantly higher in the study group (93.3%, 14/15) than the control group (66.7%, 10/15; P < 0.05). The incidence of anastomotic leakage [0% (0/15) vs. 6.67% (1/15), P = 1.000] and obstruction [20% (3/15) vs. 13.33% (2/15), P = 0.330] was similar in the study group and control group. The mean burst pressure did not differ significantly between the magnetic compression and hand-sewn anastomosis. In the study group, alignment of the tissue layers was improved and the inflammatory reaction was milder. CONCLUSION: Use of a micromagnetic ring for small intestinal end-to-side anastomosis in rats is safe and feasible.

Gastrojejunal anastomosis in rats using the magnetic compression technique.

Rats are suitable animal models in which to study the effects of gastric bypass surgery. However, construction of gastrojejunal anastomosis in the rat is technically demanding and is associated with high rate of postoperative complications. The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility and efficacy of the magnetic compression technique (MCT) in side-to-side gastrojejunal anastomosis in rats. Thirty male rats underwent gastrojejunal anastomosis using one of three techniques: hand-sewn, magnetic compression using cuboid magnets, and magnetic compression using magnetic rings. The mean anastomosis time using the magnetic compression technique was significantly less than that of the hand-sewn technique (3.6 ± 0.96 and 6.50 ± 1.58 vs. 14.40 ± 2.37 minutes,). The survival rate was highest in animals treated with magnetic compression using cuboid magnets (100%), followed by animals treated with magnetic compression using magnetic rings (90%) and then hand sewing (70%). The mean burst pressure did not differ significantly between the magnetic compression and hand-sewn anastomoses. Anastomoses constructed by magnetic compression were smoother and flatter than hand-sewn anastomoses. The results showed that MCT is a simple and feasible method for gastrojejunal anastomosis in the rat.

Cobalt-Catalyzed Enantioselective Negishi Cross-Coupling of Racemic α-Bromo Esters with Arylzincs.

The first cobalt-catalyzed enantioselective Negishi cross-coupling reaction, and the first arylation of α-halo esters with arylzinc halides, are disclosed. Employing a cobalt-bisoxazoline catalyst, various α-arylalkanoic esters were synthesized in excellent enantioselectivities and yields (up to 97 % ee and 98 % yield). A diverse range of functional groups, including ether, halide, thioether, silyl, amine, ester, acetal, amide, olefin and heteroaromatics is tolerated by this method. This method was suitable for gram-scale reactions, enabling the synthesis of (R)-xanthorrhizol with high enantiopurity. Radical clock experiments support the intermediacy of radicals.

[Value of CODEHOP RT-pCR in detection of Flavivirus].

This study aims to analyse the value of CODEHOP RT-PCR in the detection of Flavivirus. According to the amino acid sequences of polyproteins of different flaviviruses published in GenBank, a pair of primers was designed using the CODEHOP method. One-step RT-PCR was used to detect Japanese encephalitis virus strain JEV1201, Dengue virus strain JKD001, and yellow fever virus vaccine YV6161. BLAST analysis and phylogenetic analysis were performed after the RT-PCR products of nucleocapsid genes were sequenced. The results showed that this method could amplify Flavivirus specifically, and the size and sequence of the target fragment accorded with the anticipated result. JEV1201 had the highest homology to Japanese encephalitis virus strain YL2009-4/YC2009-3, belonging to the branch of the phylogenetic tree of Japanese encephalitis virus strains. JKD001 had the highest homology to Dengue virus strain DENV-2/ID/1022DN/1975, belonging to the branch of the phylogenetic tree of Dengue virus strains. YV6161 had the highest homology to Yellow fever virus strain 17D, belonging to the branch of the phylogenetic tree of Yellow fever virus strains. In conclusion, the method of CODEHOP RT-PCR can be effectively used to detect, identify, and phylogenetically analyse Flavivirus.