Achieving 12-bit perceptual quantizer curve with liquid crystal display.

We proposed a scheme to drive the light emitting diode (LED) backlight and liquid crystal (LC) panel simultaneously to achieve 10,000-nit 12-bit perceptual quantizer (PQ) curve, which is required by high dynamic range (HDR) displays. Besides the relative fast response time and low driving voltage, this approach can also mitigate image noises.

Pixel-by-pixel local dimming for high-dynamic-range liquid crystal displays.

We propose a high dynamic range (HDR) liquid crystal display (LCD) with pixel-level local dimming. The device structure consists of a pixelated LCD dimming panel to control the backlight intensity entering the master LCD panel. According to our analysis and test cell experiment, this dual-panel display system possesses exceedingly high contrast ratio (> 1,000,000:1) and high bit-depth (> 14 bits) at merely 5 volts. Meanwhile, to mitigate the Moiré effect induced by the cascaded thin-film transistor (TFT) backplanes, we separate the two LCD panels with a polarization-dependent scattering film. The pros and cons of this HDR display are discussed.

Enlarging the color gamut of liquid crystal displays with a functional reflective polarizer.

We propose to add a functional reflective polarizer (FRP) in the backlight unit to suppress the crosstalk between red, green and blue color filters of a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel. When incorporated with a commercial two-phosphor-converted white light-emitting diode (2pc-WLED), the color gamut of the LCD can be improved from 92% to 115% NTSC standard, which is comparable to the cadmium-based quantum dot (QD) backlight. If a narrow-band color filter is employed, the color gamut can be further enhanced to 135% NTSC. Our design offers an alternative approach to QDs, while keeping low cost and long lifetime. Such a simple yet efficient approach would find widespread applications for enlarging the color gamut of LCDs.

Functional reflective polarizer for augmented reality and color vision deficiency.

We report a functional reflective polarizer that can be incorporated into a compact augmented reality system. The design principle of the functional reflective polarizer is explained and two design examples are illustrated. In the first example, with the specially designed functional reflective polarizer, the transmittance of the augment reality system is relatively high as compared to a polarizing beam splitter or a conventional reflective polarizer. Such a functional reflective polarizer can also be used for vehicular displays. For the second example, the functional reflective polarizer is specially tailored to help those people with color vision deficiency.

Correlated color temperature tunable white LED with a dynamic color filter.

We proposed a new device structure to dynamically tune the correlated color temperature (CCT) of a white light-emitting-diode (WLED). The key component is a dynamic color filter, consisting of a liquid crystal (LC) cell sandwiched between two cholesteric LC films whose Bragg reflection band covers the blue wavelength of the WLED. When a voltage is applied to the LC cell, the transmittance of blue light is changed, while the longer wavelength part remains unaffected, resulting in a tunable CCT. Validated by experiment, our design exhibits several advantages, such as reasonably wide tuning range (6916K to 3253K), low operation voltage (~3.2 V), simple device configuration, and low cost. It is a strong contender for next generation smart lighting.

Polarizing grating color filters with large acceptance angle and high transmittance.

We design and simulate a polarizing color filter with a sub-wavelength metal-dielectric grating. It manifests several advantages: a large acceptance angle (up to ±50°), high transmittance (74.3%-92.7%), low absorption loss (∼3.3%), and a high extinction ratio. This polarizing color filter can be integrated into a liquid-crystal display (LCD) backlight system to simultaneously recycle the light according to its color and polarization. In combination with a specially designed directional backlight, this newly proposed LCD system can theoretically improve optical efficiency up to ∼2.5×, and also provides a large ambient contrast ratio and a wide view. Our approach enables an ultra-low-power LCD without using the complicated field-sequential-color technique.

Freeform reflectors for architectural lighting.

We propose an improved method to design freeform reflectors for architectural lighting: one for accent lighting and another for large area wall washing. The designed freeform reflectors effectively distribute light fluxes over the target surfaces, and generate appropriate illumination patterns for comfortable visual environments, which provides greater flexibility for lighting designs, allows many challenging designs, and improves energy-efficiency simultaneously.

Realizing Rec. 2020 color gamut with quantum dot displays.

We analyze how to realize Rec. 2020 wide color gamut with quantum dots. For photoluminescence, our simulation indicates that we are able to achieve over 97% of the Rec. 2020 standard with quantum dots by optimizing the emission spectra and redesigning the color filters. For electroluminescence, by optimizing the emission spectra of quantum dots is adequate to render over 97% of the Rec. 2020 standard. We also analyze the efficiency and angular performance of these devices, and then compare results with LCDs using green and red phosphors-based LED backlight. Our results indicate that quantum dot display is an outstanding candidate for achieving wide color gamut and high optical efficiency.

Tuning the correlated color temperature of white LED with a guest-host liquid crystal.

We demonstrate an electro-optic method to tune the correlated color temperature (CCT) of white light-emitting-diode (WLED) with a color conversion film, consisting of fluorescent dichroic dye doped in a liquid crystal host. By controlling the molecular reorientation of dichroic dyes, the power ratio of the transmitted blue and red lights of the white light can be accurately manipulated, resulting in different CCT. In a proof-of-concept experiment, we showed that the CCT of a yellow phosphor-converted WLED can be tuned from 3200 K to 4100 K. With further optimizations, the tuning range could be enlarged to 2500 K with fairly good color performance: luminous efficacy of radiation (LER) > 300 lm/W, color rendering index (CRI) > 75, and Duv < 0.005. Besides, the operation voltage is lower than 5 V and good angular color uniformity is achieved with remote-phosphor coating. This approach is promising for next generation smart lighting.

Enhancing the outcoupling efficiency of quantum dot LEDs with internal nano-scattering pattern.

We report an effective method to extract light from quantum-dot light emitting diodes (QLEDs) by embedding an internal nano-scattering pattern structure. We use finite-difference time-domain method to analyze the light extraction efficiency of red QLEDs with periodic, quasi-random, and random internal nano-scattering pattern structures. Our simulation results indicate that random internal nano-scattering pattern can greatly enhance the outcoupling efficiency while keeping wide viewing angle for the red QLED. Similar results are obtained by extending this approach to green and blue QLEDs. With the proposed red, green, and blue QLEDs combination, we achieve 105.1% Rec. 2020 color gamut in CIE 1976 color space. We demonstrate that internal nano-scattering pattern structures are attractive for display applications, especially for enhancing the outcoupling efficiency of blue QLEDs.

Tailoring the light distribution of liquid crystal display with freeform engineered diffuser.

We propose a versatile design approach of engineered diffuser based on freeform optics that can tailor the light distribution of a liquid crystal display (LCD) to meet different applications. The proposed LCD system consists of a quasi-directional backlight, liquid crystal panel, and an engineered diffuser. It offers high efficiency, wide view, high contrast, as well as low ambient light reflection. For large size LCDs, we design a wide view diffuser to match the light distribution with state-of-the-art organic light emitting diode (OLED) TV. For mobile displays, we design a diffuser to replicate current LCD performance. Our design can also provide flattop light intensity distribution for privacy protection. These exemplary designs prove that our engineered diffuser is versatile for different applications.

Light extraction analysis and enhancement in a quantum dot light emitting diode.

We apply a rigorous dipole model to analyze the light outcoupling and angular performance of quantum dot light emitting diode (QLED). To illustrate the design principles, we use a red QLED as an example and compare its performance with an organic light emitting diode (OLED). By combining a high refractive index glass substrate with macroextractors, our simulation results indicate that the light outcoupling efficiency is doubled from ~40% to ~80%. After analyzing the light emission spectra and angular radiation pattern of the device, we confirm that QLED has a much weaker color shift than OLED.

Polymeric-lens-embedded 2D/3D switchable display with dramatically reduced crosstalk.

A two-dimensional/three-dimensional (2D/3D) display system is presented based on a twisted-nematic cell integrated polymeric microlens array. This device structure has the advantages of fast response time and low operation voltage. The crosstalk of the system is analyzed in detail and two approaches are proposed to reduce the crosstalk: a double lens system and the prism approach. Illuminance distribution analysis proves these two approaches can dramatically reduce crosstalk, thus improving image quality.

Adenovirus vector-mediated herpes simplex virus-thymidine kinase gene/ganciclovir system exhibits anti-tumor effects in an orthotopic hepatocellular carcinoma model.

Adenovirus vector-mediated herpes simplex virus-thymidine kinase/ganciclovir (ADV.tk/GCV) system is a promising approach for cancer gene therapy. This study aimed to investigate the anti-tumor efficacy and the underlying mechanisms of ADV.tk/GCV system in orthotopic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) model. A total of 132 female nude mice orthotopic HCC models were established and tumors were directly injected with ADV.tk (5.0 x 10(6) vector particles/kg) or saline solution, 24 h later the animals were intraperitoneally administrated by ganciclovir (30 mg/kg) or saline solution for 7 consecutive days. We observed that ADV.tk/GCV resulted in a significant regression of tumor growth and a significant prolongation of survival of the mice. At each given time point, the percentages of cleaved caspae-3, caspase-9 and TUNEL positive cells were significantly higher in the ADV.tk + GCV group than saline group (P < 0.005), while CD31 and VEGF staining were significantly less in ADV.tk + GCV group than in saline group (P < 0.005). In summary, ADV.tk/GCV system exhibits dramatic anti-tumor effects in orthotopic hepatocellular carcinoma model by promoting apoptosis and inhibiting angiogenesis, and is a promising treatment strategy for hepatic carcinoma.

Reversible Fano resonance by transition from fast light to slow light in a coupled-resonator-induced transparency structure.

We theoretically propose and experimentally perform a novel dispersion tuning scheme to realize a tunable Fano resonance in a coupled-resonator-induced transparency (CRIT) structure coupled Mach-Zehnder interferometer. We reveal that the profile of the Fano resonance in the resonator coupled Mach-Zehnder interferometers (RCMZI) is determined not only by the phase shift difference between the two arms of the RCMZI but also by the dispersion (group delay) of the CRIT structure. Furthermore, it is theoretically predicted and experimentally demonstrated that the slope and the asymmetry parameter (q) describing the Fano resonance spectral line shape of the RCMZI experience a sign reversal when the dispersion of the CRIT structure is tuned from abnormal dispersion (fast light) to normal dispersion (slow light). These theoretical and experimental results indicate that the reversible Fano resonance which holds significant implications for some attractive device applications such as highly sensitive biochemical sensors, ultrafast optical switches and routers can be realized by the dispersion tuning scheme in the RCMZI.

Re-Recognizing the Cellular Origin of the Primary Epithelial Tumors of the Liver.

The primary epithelial tumors of the liver (PETL) are composed of a series of heterogeneous tumors. Although the classification of PETLs has been updated several times by the World Health Organization, the cellular origins of some tumors in this family remain to be precisely depicted. In addition, certain tumors in different categories have similar histology, molecular phenotypes and biological characteristics, suggesting that they may have the same cellular origin. In this work, a narrative review method was adopted to review the relevant papers. By comparing the expression profiles of biomarkers of liver epithelium at different lineages and stages of differentiation, the cells-of-origin of some major members of the PETL family were reassessed. We propose that 1) hepatic adenomas, hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) and pure fetal hepatoblastomas (HBs) share the same spectrum in their cellular origin including the hepatocytic-committed progenitors (HCP) and their differentiated descendants. 2) Bile duct adenomas, peribiliary cysts and intrahepatic cholangiocellular carcinomas (ICCs) can share the same spectrum in their cellular origin including the cholangiocytic-committed progenitors (CCP) and their differentiated descendants. 3) The cells-of-origin of embryonal HBs include liver stem cells (LSCs), hepatoblasts, and transitional cells between them. Embryonal HB with small cell element, small cell undifferentiated HB and small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the liver can have the same or similar cells-of-origin from LSC. Embryonal HB lacking the small cell component of the LSC phenotype and presenting both hepatocytic and bile duct/ductule components may originate from actual hepatoblasts/hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) as the combined HCC-ICC does. 4) Teratoid hepatoblastoma and mixed epithelial/mesenchymal HBs can be derived from the LSCs or even less committed extrahepatic pluripotent stem cell. 5) Many members of the PETLs family, including those derived from LSCs, hepatoblasts/HPCs, early HCPs and CCPs, have neuroendocrine potentiality. Except for those primary hepatic neuroendocrine tumor (PHNET) exhibit hepatocytic and/or cholangiocytic phenotypes, other PHNETs subtype may be derived from the descendants of LSC that differentiate towards the upper digestive tract, pancreas or other lineages.

Microarray Identifies a Key Carcinogenic Circular RNA 0008594 That Is Related to Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Development and Lymph Node Metastasis and Promotes NSCLC Progression by Regulating the miR-760-Mediated PI3K/AKT and MEK/ERK Pathways.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore the circular RNA (circRNA/circ) profile engaged in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) development and metastasis and to investigate potentially key carcinogenic circRNAs related to NSCLC. METHODS: CircRNA profiles between 10 NSCLC tissues and 10 adjacent tissues and between five NSCLC tissues with lymph node metastasis (LNM) and five NSCLC tissues without LNM were detected by Arraystar Human circRNA Array followed by bioinformatics. Circ_0008594 knockdown, circ_0004293 overexpression, and circ_0003832 overexpression plasmids were transfected into H23 and H460 cells to sort potential oncogenic circRNA. Then circ_0008594 overexpression and knockdown plasmids were transfected, followed by that circ_0008594 knockdown plus miR-760 knockdown plasmids were transfected into these cells. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, stemness, and pathways were detected. In addition, xenograft mice models were constructed via injecting H23 cells with circ_0008594 overexpression or knockdown to validate the findings. RESULTS: A total of 455 dysregulated circRNAs in NSCLC tissues versus adjacent tissues and 353 dysregulated circRNAs in NSCLC tissues with LNM versus those without LNM were discovered. Via cross-analysis, 19 accordant circRNAs were uncovered, among which three candidate circRNAs (circ_0008594, circ_0004293, circ_0003832) were chosen for functional experiments, during which it was observed that circ_0008549 affected H23 and H460 cell proliferation and apoptosis more obviously than circ_0004293 and circ_0003832. Subsequent experiments showed that circ_0008594 promoted H23 and H460 cell proliferation and invasion but affected stemness less and negatively regulated miR-760 via direct binding. Furthermore, miR-760 attenuated the effect of circ_0008549 on regulating H23 and H460 cell functions and the PI3K/AKT and MEK/ERK pathways. In vivo experiments further confirmed that circ_0008549 increased tumor volume, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and the PI3K/AKT and MEK/ERK pathways while reducing tumor apoptosis and miR-760 NSCLC xenograft models. CONCLUSION: Our study identifies several valuable circRNAs related to NSCLC development and LNM. Furthermore, as a key functional circRNA, circ_0008594 was observed to promote NSCLC progression by regulating the miR-760-mediated PI3K/AKT and MEK/ERK pathways.

Transcription Factor p53 Suppresses Tumor Growth by Prompting Pyroptosis in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of p53 on pyroptosis and its inhibitory role on tumor growth in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: The correlation of p53 and pyroptosis was determined in tumor tissues of NSCLC patients. The pyroptotic level was detected in A549 cells to clarify the effect of p53 on pyroptosis. p53 overexpression A549 tumor-bearing mice were used to clarify the therapeutic target of p53 in NSCLC treatment. RESULTS: p53 expression level was positively related to pyroptosis in NSCLC tissues. In in vitro assays, p53 directly regulated pyroptosis in A549 cells. p53-specific knockdown blocked lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced pyroptosis. In in vivo assays, p53 overexpression in A549 markedly decreased tumor growth and death rate by increasing the pyroptotic level. CONCLUSIONS: Upregulation of p53 prompts pyroptosis to produce anti-NSCLC effects suggesting the potential of p53 on suppressing tumor growth in NSCLC patients.

Histopathological characteristics of needle core biopsy and surgical specimens from patients with solitary hepatocellular carcinoma or intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Pathological manifestations of hepatic tumours are often associated with prognosis. Although surgical specimens (SS) can provide more information, currently, pre-treatment needle core biopsy (NCB) is increasingly showing important value in understanding the nature of liver tumors and even in diagnosis and treatment decisions. However, the concordance of the clinicopathological characteristics and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining between NCB and SS from patients with hepatic tumours were less concerned. AIM: To introduce a more accurate method for interpreting the IHC staining results in order to improve the diagnostic value of hepatic malignancy in NCB samples. METHOD: A total of 208 patients who underwent both preoperative NCB and surgical resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) between 2008 and 2015 were enrolled in this study. The expression of CK19, GPC3, and HepPar1 were detected by IHC staining. Clinicopathological, NCB, and surgical data were collected and analysed using χ 2 and kappa statistics. RESULTS: Morphologically, the presence of compact tumour nests or a cord-like structure in NCB was considered the primary cause of misdiagnosis of HCC from ICC. The kappa statistic showed a moderate agreement in histomorphology (k = 0.504) and histological grade (k = 0.488) between NCB and SS of the tumours. A 4-tier (+++, ++, +, and -) scoring scheme that emphasized the focal neoplastic cell immunoreactivity of tumour cells revealed perfect concordance of CK19, GPC3 and HepPar1 between NCB and SS (k = 0.717; k = 0.768; k = 0.633). Furthermore, with the aid of a binary classification derived from the 4-tier score, a high concordance was achieved in interpreting the IHC staining of the three markers between NCB and final SS (k = 0.931; k = 0.907; k = 0.803), increasing the accuracy of NCB diagnosis C (k = 0.987; area under the curve = 0.997, 95%CI: 0.990-1.000; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: These findings imply that reasonable interpretation of IHC results in NCB is vital for improving the accuracy of tumour diagnosis. The simplified binary classification provides an easy and applicable approach.

Prediction of Early Recurrence of Solitary Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Orthotopic Liver Transplantation.

Hepatocellular carcinomas(HCC) consisted of heterogeneous subtypes with different recurrence probabilities after liver transplantation(LT). Our study aimed to develop an improved model for predicting the recurrence of solitary HCC after LT. In this retrospective study, 151 solitary HCC patients who received orthotopic LT over a period of 10 consecutive years were included. All recipients received graft from deceased donors. The first eligible 50 patients were used as validation cohort and others were utilized to construct the model. A two-tailed P < 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance for all analysis. Based on the maximisation of the Youden's index, the optimal cutoff values for alpha-fetoprotein(AFP) and tumor diameter were 261.6 ng/mL and 3.6 cm, respectively. Vascular involvement includes gross and microscopic vascular invasion. Variables potentially affecting recurrence-free survival(RFS) were examined using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. Univariate and multivariate analysis revealed that AFP, tumor diameter, vascular invasion and cytokeratin-19/glypican-3 sub-typing were independent prognostic factors for RFS, thus comprised the risk scoring model. The AUC values of the model in the cohorts were significantly higher than that of the Milan, UCSF, Fudan and Hangzhou criteria. These findings suggest the model has high performance in predicting early recurrence of solitary HCC patients after LT.