Unveiling the neural dynamics of conscious perception in rapid object recognition.

Our brain excels at recognizing objects, even when they flash by in a rapid sequence. However, the neural processes determining whether a target image in a rapid sequence can be recognized or not remains elusive. We used electroencephalography (EEG) to investigate the temporal dynamics of brain processes that shape perceptual outcomes in these challenging viewing conditions. Using naturalistic images and advanced multivariate pattern analysis (MVPA) techniques, we probed the brain dynamics governing conscious object recognition. Our results show that although initially similar, the processes for when an object can or cannot be recognized diverge around 180 ms post-appearance, coinciding with feedback neural processes. Decoding analyses indicate that gist perception (partial conscious perception) can occur at ∼120 ms through feedforward mechanisms. In contrast, object identification (full conscious perception of the image) is resolved at ∼190 ms after target onset, suggesting involvement of recurrent processing. These findings underscore the importance of recurrent neural connections in object recognition and awareness in rapid visual presentations.

XDL-ESI: Electrophysiological Sources Imaging via explainable deep learning framework with validation on simultaneous EEG and iEEG.

Electroencephalography (EEG) or Magnetoencephalography (MEG) source imaging aims to estimate the underlying activated brain sources to explain the observed EEG/MEG recordings. Solving the inverse problem of EEG/MEG Source Imaging (ESI) is challenging due to its ill-posed nature. To achieve a unique solution, it is essential to apply sophisticated regularization constraints to restrict the solution space. Traditionally, the design of regularization terms is based on assumptions about the spatiotemporal structure of the underlying source dynamics. In this paper, we propose a novel paradigm for ESI via an Explainable Deep Learning framework, termed as XDL-ESI, which connects the iterative optimization algorithm with deep learning architecture by unfolding the iterative updates with neural network modules. The proposed framework has the advantages of (1) establishing a data-driven approach to model the source solution structure instead of using hand-crafted regularization terms; (2) improving the robustness of source solutions by introducing a topological loss that leverages the geometric spatial information applying varying penalties on distinct localization errors; (3) improving the reconstruction efficiency and interpretability as it inherits the advantages from both the iterative optimization algorithms (interpretability) and deep learning approaches (function approximation). The proposed XDL-ESI framework provides an efficient, accurate, and interpretable paradigm to solve the ESI inverse problem with satisfactory performance in both simulated data and real clinical data. Specially, this approach is further validated using simultaneous EEG and intracranial EEG (iEEG).

Tracking Noncovalent Interactions of π, π-Hole, and Ion in Molecular Complexes at the Single-Molecule Level.

Noncovalent interactions involving aromatic rings, such as π-stacking and π-ion interactions, play an essential role in molecular recognition, assembly, catalysis, and electronics. However, the inherently weak and complex nature of these interactions has made it challenging to study them experimentally, especially with regard to elucidating their properties in solution. Herein, the noncovalent interactions between π and π-hole, π and cation, and π-hole and anion in molecular complexes in nonpolar solution are investigated in situ through single-molecule electrical measurements in combination with theoretical calculations. Specifically, phenyl and pentafluorobenzyl groups serve as π and π-hole sites, respectively, while Li+ and Cl- are employed as the cation and anion. Our findings reveal that, in comparison with homogeneous π···π interactions, heterogeneous π···π-hole and π···cation interactions exhibit greater binding energies, resulting in a longer binding lifetime of the molecular junctions. Meanwhile, π···Li+ and π-hole···Cl- interactions present significantly distinct binding characteristics, with the former being stronger but more flexible than the latter. Furthermore, by changing the molecular components, similar conductivity can be achieved in both molecular dimers or sandwich complexes. These results provide new insights into π- and π-hole-involved noncovalent interactions, offering novel strategies for precise manipulation of molecular assembly, recognition, and molecular device.

Condensation of SEUSS promotes hyperosmotic stress tolerance in Arabidopsis.

Osmotic stress imposed by drought and high salinity inhibits plant growth and crop yield. However, our current knowledge on the mechanism by which plants sense osmotic stress is still limited. Here, we identify the transcriptional regulator SEUSS (SEU) as a key player in hyperosmotic stress response in Arabidopsis. SEU rapidly coalesces into liquid-like nuclear condensates when extracellular osmolarity increases. The intrinsically disordered region 1 (IDR1) of SEU is responsible for its condensation. IDR1 undergoes conformational changes to adopt more compact states after an increase in molecular crowding both in vitro and in cells, and two predicted α-helical peptides are required. SEU condensation is indispensable for osmotic stress tolerance, and loss of SEU dramatically compromises the expression of stress tolerance genes. Our work uncovers a critical role of biomolecular condensates in cellular stress perception and response and expands our understanding of the osmotic stress pathway.

Methyl Acetate Boosts the Low-Temperature Performance of Li4Ti5O12/Graphite Dual-Ion Batteries.

Methyl acetate (MA) is a suitable solvent for low-temperature electrolyte solutions, but its poor stability against lithium metal is a big problem. Herein, a simple and cheap solution of LiPF6 dissolved in MA was successfully employed for Li4Ti5O12/graphite dual-ion batteries (DIBs). This cell has a long cycle life with 93.1% capacity retention after 1000 cycles. Moreover, it has superior performance at low temperatures (-40 °C) compared to other reported DIBs. The storage behavior of PF6- solvated by MA in graphite cathode has been investigated in detail by in situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) in combination with electrochemical dilatometry (ECD).

Unraveling the Irreversible Storage of Dimethyl Carbonate-Solvated Hexafluorophosphate Anions in Graphite Electrode.

LiPF6 dissolved in dimethyl carbonate (DMC) is one of the cheapest groups of electrolyte solutions in dual-ion batteries. Generally, the discharge capacity of anion storage delivered by the graphite cathode grows with increasing LiPF6 concentration. This fact is consistent with the irreversible storage of DMC-solvated PF6-, and then, the underlying mechanism is clarified by the electrochemical tests and ex situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements of graphite cathodes as well as infrared (IR) and Raman spectroscopy characterizations of solutions. Moreover, quaternary ammonium salts have facile dissociation, which can effectively regulate the solvation state of the anion and the interaction between ion pairs in the electrolyte. A small amount of tetrabutylammonium hexafluorophosphate (TBAPF6) is introduced into the highly concentrated LiPF6-DMC solution to improve the performance of the graphite cathode. The discharge capacity of the Li/graphite cell has increased by approximately 50%. This effect is also correlated with the solvation state of the anion. This study provides an insightful clue for the choice of electrolyte solution in dual-ion batteries.

LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 Joins to Alleviate Self-Discharge of Anion-Graphite Intercalation Compounds.

A straightforward hybrid approach of a blend cathode is put forward to alleviate self-discharged anion-graphite intercalation compounds in dual-ion batteries. The self-discharge mechanism of the LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4/graphite blend cathode is investigated by conventional electrochemical tests and in situ X-ray diffraction measurements. A charging behavior between electrode materials during self-discharge has been discovered. This work will contribute to advancing the practical implementation of dual-ion batteries and provide valuable theoretical support for the research of blend electrodes.

Association between Cardiometabolic Index and Cognitive Function: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Diabetic-Based Population.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes is a significant risk factor for cognitive impairment. Therefore, early identification of cognitive impairment in diabetic patients is particularly important. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between Cardiometabolic index (CMI) and cognitive function in a diabetic population. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted by collecting information from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2014. Multiple linear regression models were used to investigate the correlation between CMI and low cognitive function in a diabetic population. Threshold effects analysis and fitted smoothing curves were used to describe the nonlinear links. Interaction tests and subgroup analyses were also performed. RESULTS: A total of 1,050 people participated in this study, including 561 men and 489 women. In the fully corrected model, CMI was positively associated with low cognitive performance as assessed by CERAD Word List Learning Test (CERAD W-L), Animal Fluency Test (AFT), and Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) (OR = 1.37 [1.14, 1.72], p = 7.4 × 10-3), (OR = 1.21 [1.04, 1.51], p = 1.26 × 10-2), and (OR = 1.27 [1.08, 1.63], p = 2.53 × 10-2). Our study found that diabetic patients with higher CMI were at greater risk of developing low cognitive function. The effect of the subgroups on the positive association of CMI with cognitive impairment was not significant. A non-linear association between low cognitive performance and CMI was determined by CERAD W-L, AFT, and DSST (log-likelihood ratio <5 × 10-2). In addition, our also study found that CMI was a better predictor of cognitive impairment in diabetes than weight-adjusted waist index (WWI). CONCLUSION: Increased CMI is associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment in people with diabetes. CMI can be used as a new anthropometric measure for predicting cognitive impairment in diabetes, with stronger predictive power than WWI.

Association between cardiometabolic index and asthma in adults: evidence from NHANES 2005-2018.

OBJECTIVES: Cardiometabolic Index (CMI) is a surrogate marker for metabolic disorders. It is associated with various chronic diseases. This study aims to investigate the relationship between CMI and asthma. METHODS: Data from seven consecutive National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey cycles between 2005 and 2018 were used. The study included adults with self-reported asthma diagnoses and complete information for CMI calculation. The formula for CMI is CMI = [WC (cm)/height (cm)] × [TG (mg/dL)/HDL-C (mg/dL)]. A multivariate logistic regression model was employed to examine the linear relationship between CMI and asthma. Subgroup analyses were conducted to explore potential influencing factors. Additionally, smooth curve fitting and threshold effect analysis were used to describe the non-linear relationship. RESULTS: A higher CMI was possibly associated with an increased prevalence of asthma. After adjusting for various covariates including marital status, Poverty Income Ratio, Body Mass Index, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, alcohol consumption, heart attack, and stroke, the results remained significant (OR = 1.03; 95%CI, 1.00-1.05, p = 0.0178, R2 = 0.52). Participants with the highest CMI had a 38% increased risk of asthma prevalence compared to those with the lowest CMI (OR = 1.38; 95%CI, 1.19-1.60, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The findings reveal that elevated CMI levels correlate with an increased risk of asthma, highlighting CMI's potential as a predictive marker for asthma, particularly in populations with a CMI below 1.97. These results suggest that interventions aimed at improving metabolic health may prove effective in managing or preventing asthma.

Comparison of the novel Ankura Plus stent and Castor stent for the treatment of Stanford type B aortic dissection with an insufficient proximal anchoring area.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of the Ankura Plus and Castor stents in Stanford type B aortic dissection (TBAD) with an insufficient proximal anchoring area. METHODS: Between January 2020 and October 2022, 54 patients with TBAD were enrolled, including 16 patients with Ankura Plus stents and 38 patients with Castor stents. Data from the two stents were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: The surgical success rate for both stents was 100%, and no endoleaks or deaths occurred during hospitalization. The Ankura Plus stent group had a longer surgery time than the Castor stent group (122.6±5.1 vs. 103.7±10.0, P ＜0.001). After an average follow-up of 12 months, the patency rates of the main and branch stents were 100% in both groups. The diameter of the true lumen (TL) was significantly increased, the diameter of the false lumen (FL) was reduced, and there was no statistically significant difference in the probability of complete thrombosis of the FL (68.8% vs. 67.6%, P=0.993). There were no significant differences in the incidences of renal failure (6.3% vs. 8.1%, P = 0.814), stroke (6.3% vs. 2.7%, P = 0.520), or endoleaks (6.3% vs. 10.5%, P = 0.621) between the Ankura Plus and Castor stent groups. One patient in the Castor stent group underwent reintervention because of a type I endoleak three months after surgery. One patient in the Ankura Plus stent group had an additional covered stent placed after one month due to distal TL stenosis of the main stent. One patient in the Castor stent group died of renal failure four months after surgery. CONCLUSION: Both the Ankura Plus and Castor stents are feasible, safe, and effective in the treatment of TBAD with an insufficient proximal anchoring area. Additional long-term studies are required to evaluate the robustness and applicability of Ankura Plus stents.

Association between cardiometabolic Index (CMI) and endometriosis: a cross-sectional study on NHANES.

BACKGROUND: Endometriosis is intricately linked to metabolic health. The Cardiometabolic Index (CMI), a novel and readily accessible indicator, is utilized to evaluate metabolic status. This study seeks to investigate the potential correlation between CMI and endometriosis. METHODS: Data from four consecutive survey cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted between 1999 and 2006 were utilized. This included adult females with self-reported diagnoses of endometriosis and complete information required for calculating the CMI. The calculation formula for CMI is Triglycerides(TG) / High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) × WHtR (WHtR = waist circumference / height). A multivariable logistic regression model was employed to investigate the linear association between CMI and endometriosis. Subgroup analyses were performed to explore potential influencing factors. Additionally, the linear relationship was validated using restricted cubic spline (RCS) curve plotting and threshold effect analysis. RESULTS: This study, based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), included a cohort of 2,224 adult women. The multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated that in the fully adjusted model, individuals with the highest CMI exhibited a 78% elevated likelihood of endometriosis compared to those with the lowest CMI (OR = 1.78; 95% CI, 1.02-3.11, P < 0.05). The subgroup analysis indicated that there were no significant interactions between CMI and specific subgroups (all interaction P > 0.05), except for the subgroup stratified by stroke status (P < 0.05). Additionally, the association between CMI and endometriosis was linear, with a 20% increase in the association for each unit increase in CMI when CMI > 0.67 (OR = 1.20; 95% CI, 1.05-1.37, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The study found that CMI levels are closely correlated with endometriosis, with this correlation increasing when the CMI exceeds 0.67. This finding implies that by regularly monitoring CMI levels, physicians may be able to screen women at risk for endometriosis at an earlier stage, thereby enabling the implementation of early interventions to slow the progression of the disease. To further validate these findings, larger-scale cohort studies are required to support the results of this research.

Ferroptosis: Latest evidence and perspectives on plant-derived natural active compounds mitigating doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity.

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a chemotherapy drug widely used in clinical settings, acting as a first-line treatment for various malignant tumors. However, its use is greatly limited by the cardiotoxicity it induces, including doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy (DIC). The mechanisms behind DIC are not fully understood, but its potential biological mechanisms are thought to include oxidative stress, inflammation, energy metabolism disorders, mitochondrial damage, autophagy, apoptosis, and ferroptosis. Recent studies have shown that cardiac injury induced by DOX is closely related to ferroptosis. Due to their high efficacy, availability, and low side effects, natural medicine treatments hold strong clinical potential. Currently, natural medicines have been shown to mitigate DOX-induced ferroptosis and ease DIC through various functions such as antioxidation, iron ion homeostasis correction, lipid metabolism regulation, and mitochondrial function improvement. Therefore, this review summarizes the mechanisms of ferroptosis in DIC and the regulation by natural plant products, with the expectation of providing a reference for future research and development of inhibitors targeting ferroptosis in DIC. This review explores the mechanisms of ferroptosis in doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy (DIC) and summarizes how natural plant products can alleviate DIC by inhibiting ferroptosis through reducing oxidative stress, correcting iron ion homeostasis, regulating lipid metabolism, and improving mitochondrial function.

Decreased femoral trochlea axial orientation corrected by derotational distal femur osteotomy in patients with patellar dislocation yields satisfactory outcomes.

PURPOSE: The femoral trochlea axial orientation has been shown to be a better predictor of patellar dislocation than the femoral anteversion angle. However, no study has investigated the importance of the femoral trochlea axial orientation in the surgical treatment of patellar dislocation. It is aimed to explore the pathological threshold of the femoral trochlea axial orientation and its guiding implications for surgical interventions in the study. METHODS: Sixty-four patients with patellar dislocation and 64 controls were included for measurement of the femoral trochlea axial orientation. The ability to predict the patellar dislocation and the pathologic threshold of the femoral trochlea axial orientation were evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic curve. One hundred patients with medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction and 25 patients with derotational distal femur osteotomy were divided into two groups based on the femoral trochlea axial orientation cut-off value and their postoperative knee functions, and patellar tilt angles were compared. RESULTS: There were significant differences in the femoral trochlea axial orientation (60.8 ± 7.9 vs. 67.8 ± 4.6, p < 0.05) between patients with patellar dislocation and the normal population. The sensitivity and specificity of the femoral trochlea axial orientation were 0.641 and 0.813, respectively, at the femoral trochlea axial orientation smaller than 63.8°. Amongst patients having had isolated medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction with decreased femoral trochlea axial orientation, knee function was poorer after surgery. The prognosis of patients with the femoral trochlea axial orientation correction in derotational distal femur osteotomy was better than that for patients without correction. CONCLUSIONS: The femoral trochlea axial orientation had good predictive efficiency for patellar dislocation. Isolated medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction is not sufficiently effective for patients with patellar dislocation and decreased femoral trochlea axial orientation. Patients with a decreased femoral trochlea axial orientation can have better surgical outcomes after correction by derotational distal femur osteotomy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Reversible Diode with Tunable Band Alignment for Photoelectricity-Induced Artificial Synapse.

The advent of big data era has put forward higher requirements for electronic nanodevices that have low energy consumption for their application in analog computing with memory and logic circuit to address attendant energy efficiency issues. Here, a miniaturized diode with a reversible switching state based on N-n MoS2 homojunction used a bandgap renormalization effect through the band alignment type regulated by both dielectric and polarization, controllably switched between type-I and type-II, which can be simulated as artificial synapse for sensing memory processing because of its rectification, nonvolatile characteristic and high optical responsiveness. The device demonstrates a rectification ratio of 103 . When served as memory retention time, it can attain at least 7000 s. For the synapse simulation, it has an ultralow-level energy consumption because of the pA-level operation current with 5 pJ for long-term potentiation and 7.8 fJ for long-term depression. Furthermore, the paired pulse facilitation index reaches up to 230%, and it realizes the function of optical storage that can be applied to simulate visual cells.

The association between financial support of adult children to their parents and informal care provision in China and its differences in household registration, residence arrangement and community-based care services: 2008 ~ 2018.

BACKGROUND: The changes in demographic and family structures have weakened the traditional norms of filial piety and intergenerational relationships dramatically. This study aims to examine the dynamic association between financial support of adult children to their parents and informal care provision in China and its differences in household registration, residence arrangement and community-based care services. METHODS: Data was derived from the 2008-2018 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS), which is a longitudinal survey of a nationally representative sample of individuals aged 60 and over. Random effects model was used to assess the association between financial support and informal care provision of adult children to their parents. RESULTS: It was found that financial support showed an upward trend while informal care provision showed a download trend from 2008 to 2018. The result indicated a significant and negative association between financial support and informal care provision of adult children to their parents (B = -0.500, 95% confidence interval (CI) = -0.761 to -0.239). And the association was significant among elderly people who were from urban areas (B = -0.628, 95% CI = -0.970 to -0.287), co-resided with adult children (B = -0.596, 95% CI = -0.939 to -0.253), and had community-based services (B = -0.659, 95% CI = -1.004 to -0.315). CONCLUSION: Financial support was negatively associated with informal care provision of adult children to their parents in China, and the association has differences in household registration, residence arrangement and community-based care services. It is suggested that policymakers should prioritize planning interventions for elderly care services and establish a family caregiver support system.

Association between mild cognitive impairment and falls among Chinese older adults: the mediating roles of balance capacity and depressive symptoms.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to examine the association between mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and the follow-up risk of falls among Chinese older adults, exploring the mediating roles of balance capacity and depressive symptoms in the association between MCI and falls. METHODS: A total of 5482 adults aged 60 years and above from waves 2015 and 2018 of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study were included for analysis. Cognition was assessed by a global cognition score, which included three tests: episodic memory, figure drawing and Telephone Interview of Cognitive Status. Depressive symptoms were assessed with the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between MCI and falls. Mediation analysis was employed to explore the potential mediating roles of balance capacity and depressive symptoms in the association between MCI and falls. RESULTS: MCI was significantly associated with the risk of falls (OR 1.259, 95% CI 1.080 to 1.467). Balance capacity and depressive symptoms played parallel mediating roles in the association between MCI and falls, and the mediating effects were 0.004 (95% CI 0.003 to 0.024) and 0.010 (95% CI 0.004 to 0.016), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to screen for and recognise MCI in order to prevent falls among older adults. More efforts should be made to improve balance capacity and relieve depressive symptoms to reduce the risk of falls among older adults with MCI.

Dipole-Modulated Charge Transport through PNP-Type Single-Molecule Junctions.

The PNP structure realized by energy band engineering is widely used in various electronic and optoelectronic devices. In this work, we succeed in constructing a PNP-type single-molecule junction and explore the intrinsic characteristics of the PNP structure at the single-molecule level. A back-to-back azulene molecule is designed with opposite ∼1.7 D dipole moments to create PNP-type single-molecule junctions. In combination with theoretical and experimental studies, it is found that the intrinsic dipole can effectively adjust single-molecule charge transport and the corresponding potential barriers. This energy band control and charge transport regulation at the single-molecule level improve deep understanding of molecular charge transport mechanisms and provide important insights into the development of high-performance functional molecular nanocircuits toward practical applications.

White Latex: Appealing "Green" Alternative for PVdF in Electrode Manufacturing for Sustainable Li-Ion Batteries.

Nowadays, poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVdF) has been dominantly utilized as a polymeric binder in commercialized Li-ion batteries. However, standardized PVdF-based electrode manufacturing seems cost-intensive and environmentally hazardous, which relies on the usage of toxic N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) as a dispersant. In view of cost control and environmental awareness, switching to a water-processable green binder, as a substitute for PVdF, has been imperative with realistic significance. Herein, commercially available white latex (WL), containing poly(vinyl acetate) as a staple ingredient, was directly used as an alternative aqueous binder for PVdF in the fabrication of graphite/Li4Ti5O12-based lithium-ion anodes. WL exhibits robust adhesion of the electrode coating to the current collector; meanwhile, the restricted electrolyte swelling of the binder is verified by in situ electrochemical dilatometry. Outperforming PVdF, WL endows graphite with extensive surface coverage by the binding agent, dramatically reducing irreversible decomposition of the electrolyte (SEI formation) on graphite. Consequently, the WL-based graphite anode delivers the highest initial coulombic efficiency (CE) of 92% and remarkable long cyclic stability with a high capacity retention of 332.7 mAh/g, compared to the PVdF- and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)-based ones. Moreover, WL is also compatible with Li4Ti5O12, endowing it with more stable cycling behavior than that of the counterparts prepared with both PVdF and even CMC. Our described WL represents an appealing "green" alternative for PVdF in manufacturing sustainable and ecofriendly energy storage devices.

Interplay among Hexafluorophosphate, Difluoro(oxalato)borate Anions and Ethylene Carbonate during Their Insertion into a Graphite Electrode.

Ethylene carbonate solutions dissolving mixed lithium salts composed of both difluoro(oxalato)borate (DFOB-) and hexafluorophosphate (PF6-) anions are introduced into Li/graphite cells. The anions' intercalation procedures into the graphite positive electrode from these solutions are explored by charge/discharge, cyclic voltammetry, and impedance spectroscopic tests in combination with electrochemical in situ characterization including X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy. Furthermore, these solutions are characterized by ionic conductivity together with nuclear magnetic resonance measurements. The properties of the solutions are linked to the capacity values delivered by Li/graphite cells.

Security-enhanced multiple-image encryption based on quick response codes and modified double random phase encoding in the fractional Fourier transform domain.

A security-enhanced multiple-image encryption method is proposed based on quick response (QR) codes and modified double random phase encoding (DRPE) in the fractional Fourier transform (FrFT) domain in this paper, where each plaintext is first converted into QR code, and then each QR code is employed to generate the corresponding binary key for decryption with the help of random binary plaintext (RBP). Subsequently, the used RBP is encrypted into noise-like ciphertext by using the modified DRPE in the FrFT domain. In the modified DRPE method, the first random phase mask is activated by the initial FrFT with chaotic phase, and the wavelength of light and the fractional orders as well as the focal lengths of lenses are all used as digital keys to expand the key space. Moreover, the sensitivities of these digital keys are extremely high because the digital keys are closely mapped with the initial values of the chaotic system in the encryption process, which contributes to an extremely high security of the multiple-image encryption method. Furthermore, the high feasibility and strong robustness of the proposed security-enhanced multiple-image encryption method are also demonstrated by using computational simulations.