Optical wireless communication using a flexible and waterproof perovskite color converter.

In this Letter, the CH3NH3PbBr3 nanocrystals (NCs) are embedded into the interstices of the fluorine (polyvinyl fluoride/polyvinylidene fluoride, PVF/PVDF) matrix on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate to introduce new advantages, such as being flexible and waterproof, while maintaining the high optical performance of perovskites. The sample's photoluminescence (PL) spectra under 325 nm laser is a green emission peaked at 537 nm with full width at half maximum (FWHM) of about 21.2 nm and a fast PL decay time. As a color converter, it shows high optical absorption and can transform light from solar-blind ultraviolet to a blue region into a green region in air, water, and bending conditions. While excited by a 270 nm ultraviolet light-emitting diode (LED), the system's observed -3 dB bandwidth with the color converter is near 4.4 MHz in air and water conditions with well-eye diagrams at a data rate of 30 Mbps. Finally, we demonstrate an audio transmission application with an ultraviolet light source, a color conversion layer, and a low-cost silicon-based photodetector.

All-light communication network for space-air-sea integrated interconnection.

Space-air-sea communication networks are of great interest to meet the demand for close and seamless connections between space, land, and ocean environments. Wireless light communication can expand network coverage from land to the sky and even the ocean while offering enhanced anti-interference capabilities. Here, we propose and establish an all-light communication network (ALCN) for space-air-sea integrated interconnection, which merges underwater blue light communication, wireless white light communication, solar-blind deep ultraviolet light communication and laser diode-based space communication. Ethernet switches and the Transmission Control Protocol are used for space-air-sea light interconnection. Experimental results show that the ALCN supports wired and wireless device access simultaneously. Bidirectional data transmission between network nodes is demonstrated, with a maximum packet loss ratio of 5.80% and a transmission delay below 74 ms. The proposed ALCN provides a promising scheme for future space-air-sea interconnections towards multiterminal, multiservice applications.

Multi-Gb/s visible light communication based on AlGaInP amber micro-LED.

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs), pivotal for solid-state illumination (SSL) and highly regarded as potential candidates in visible light communication (VLC) systems, have garnered significant interest as a solution to alleviate the congested radio frequency spectrum in next-generation communications. Addressing the challenge of extremely limited bandwidth due to the low response of phosphor in conventional illumination, our research focuses on an AlGaInP-based amber LED. This LED represents a promising avenue for phosphor-free, high-speed VLC applications when used in conjunction with the prevalent blue LED technology based on nitride materials. The fabricated AlGaInP amber LED, with a mesa diameter of 100 µm2, has undergone comprehensive optoelectronic property and transmission performance characterization. We have successfully demonstrated a proof-of-concept for VLC using the amber LED, achieving a data transmission rate of 2.94 Gb/s that complies with the forward-error-correction (FEC) standard of 3.8 × 10-3, utilizing adaptive bit and power loading with discrete multitone (BPL-DMT) modulation.

Redirect Tropism of Fowl Adenovirus 4 Vector by Modifying Fiber2 with Variable Domain of Heavy-Chain Antibody.

The variable domain of a heavy-chain antibody (VHH) has the potential to be used to redirect the cell tropism of adenoviral vectors. Here, we attempted to establish platforms to simplify the screening of VHHs for their specific targeting function when being incorporated into the fiber of adenovirus. Both fowl adenovirus 4 (FAdV-4) and simian adenovirus 1 (SAdV-1) have two types of fiber, one of which is dispensable for virus propagation and is a proper site for VHH display. An intermediate plasmid, pMD-FAV4Fs, was constructed as the start plasmid for FAdV-4 fiber2 modification. Foldon from phage T4 fibritin, a trigger for trimerization, was employed to bridge the tail/shaft domain of fiber2 and VHHs against human CD16A, a key membrane marker of natural killer (NK) cells. Through one step of restriction-assembly, the modified fiber2 was transferred to the adenoviral plasmid, which was linearized and transfected to packaging cells. Five FAdV-4 viruses carrying the GFP gene were finally rescued and amplified, with three VHHs being displayed. One recombinant virus, FAdV4FC21-EG, could hardly transduce human 293 or Jurkat cells. In contrast, when it was used at a multiplicity of infection of 1000 viral particles per cell, the transduction efficiency reached 51% or 34% for 293 or Jurkat cells expressing exogenous CD16A. Such a strategy of fiber modification was transplanted to the SAdV-1 vector to construct SAdV1FC28H-EG, which moderately transduced primary human NK cells while the parental virus transduced none. Collectively, we reformed the strategy of integrating VHH to fiber and established novel platforms for screening VHHs to construct adenoviral vectors with a specific tropism.

High-Color-Rendition White QLEDs by Balancing Red, Green and Blue Centres in Eco-Friendly ZnCuGaS:In@ZnS Quantum Dots.

White light-emitting diodes (WLEDs) are the key components in the next-generation lighting and display devices. The inherent toxicity of Cd/Pb-based quantum dots (QDs) limits the further application in WLEDs. Recently, more attention is focused on eco-friendly QDs and their WLEDs, especially the phosphor-free WLEDs based on mono-component, which profits from bias-insensitive color stability. However, the imbalanced carrier distribution between red-green-blue luminescent centers, even the absence of a certain luminescent center, hinders their balanced and stable photoluminescence/electroluminescence (PL/EL). Here, an In3+-doped strategy in Zn-Cu-Ga-S@ZnS QDs is first proposed, and the balanced carrier distribution is realized by non-equivalent substitution and In3+ doping concentration modulation. The alleviation of the green emitter by the In3+-related red emitter and the compensation of blue emitter by the Zn-related electronic states contribute to the balanced red-green-blue emitting with high PL quantum yield (PLQY) of 95.3% and long lifetime (T90) of over 1100 h in atmospheric conditions. Thus, the In3+-doped WLEDs can achieve exceedingly slight proportional variations between red-green-blue EL intensity over time (∆CIE = (0.007, 0.009)), and high champion CRI of 94.9. This study proposes a single-component QD with balanced and stable red-green-blue PL/EL spectrum, meeting the requirements of lighting and display.

Series-Biased Micro-LED Array for Lighting, Detection, and Optical Communication.

Micro-LED arrays exhibit high brightness, a long lifespan, low power consumption, and a fast response speed. In this paper, we have proposed a series-biased micro-LED array by using a nitride layer with multi-quantum wells epitaxial on sapphire substrate. The III-nitride multiple quantum wells serving as the micro-LED active material enable both luminescence and detection functionalities. The micro-LED array combines lighting, detection, and communication capabilities. We have conducted a thorough analysis of the micro-LED array's optoelectronic features in both lighting and detection modes. We also explore visible light communication performance across different arrangements of single micro-LED devices within the series-biased array. Our research achieves 720p video transmission via visible light communication using the micro-LED array, supporting a communication rate of up to 10 Mbps. Our contributions encompass the successful integration of lighting and detection functions and a comprehensive assessment of optoelectronic and communication performance. This study highlights the multifunctional micro-LED array's potential as a transceiver terminal in visible light communication systems, expanding its applications from smart lighting to visible light communication and photonic integrated chips. These innovations enhance our understanding of micro-LED technology and its versatile applications.

High incidence of gallstones after Roux-en-Y reconstruction gastrectomy in gastric cancer: a multicenter, long-term cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Roux-en-Y reconstruction is a common anastomosis technique during gastrectomy in gastric cancer. There is a lack of studies on gallstones after Roux-en-Y reconstruction gastrectomy. This study investigated the incidence and potential risk factors associated with gallstones after Roux-en-Y reconstructive gastrectomy in gastric cancer. METHODS: The study analyzed data from gastric cancer who underwent radical gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y reconstruction at two hospitals between January 2014 and December 2020. The patients fall into distal and total gastrectomy groups based on the extent of gastrectomy. The cumulative event probability curve was plotted using the Kaplan-Meier, and differences in gallstone between groups were evaluated using the Log-Rank. Propensity score matching was applied to construct a balanced total versus distal gastrectomies cohort. A Cox regression was employed to analyze the risk factors for gallstones after Roux-en-Y reconstructive gastrectomy in gastric cancer. Further subgroup analysis was performed. RESULTS: Five hundred thirty-one patients were included in this study, 201 in the distal gastrectomy group and 330 in the total gastrectomy. During the follow-up, gallstones occurred in 170 cases after gastrectomy, of which 145 cases accounted for 85.29% of all stones in the first two years after surgery. Then, to reduce the impact of bias, a 1:1 propensity score matching analysis was performed on the two groups of patients. A total of 344 patients were evaluated, with each subgroup comprising 172 patients. In the matched population, the Cox regression analysis revealed that females, BMI ≥23 kg/m 2 , total gastrectomy, No.12 lymph node dissection, and adjuvant chemotherapy were risk factors for gallstones after Roux-en-Y reconstructive gastrectomy. Subgroup analysis showed that open surgery further increased the risk of gallstones after total gastrectomy. CONCLUSION: The incidence of gallstones increased significantly within 2years after Roux-en-Y reconstructive gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Patients with these risk factors should be followed closely after gastrectomy to avoid symptomatic gallstones.

An orexin-receptor-2-mediated heart-brain axis in cardiac pain.

Orexin is a neuropeptide released from hypothalamus regulating feeding, sleeping, arousal, and cardiovascular activity. Past research has demonstrated that orexin receptor 2 (OX2R) agonist infusion in the brain results in sympathoexcitatory responses. Here, we found that epicardial administration of OX2R agonism leads to opposite responses. We proved that OX2R is expressed mainly in DRG neurons and transported to sensory nerve endings innervating the heart. In a capsaicin-induced cardiac sympathetic afferent reflex (CSAR) model, we recorded the calcium influx in DRG neurons, measured heart rate variability, and examined the PVN c-Fos activity to prove that epicardial OX2R agonism administration could attenuate capsaicin-induced CSAR. We further showed that OX2R agonism could partially rescue acute myocardial infarction by reducing sympathetic overactivation. Our data indicate that epicardial application of OX2R agonist exerts a cardioprotective effect by attenuating CSAR. This OX2R-mediated heart-brain axis may provide therapeutic targets for acute cardiovascular diseases.

Large-sized light-emitting diode integrated with a thermopile for on-chip temperature and power monitoring.

A large-sized multiple quantum well (MQW) light-emitting diode (LED) integrated with a thermopile for on-chip temperature and power monitoring is presented in this study. Seven thermopile structures, fully compatible with the fabrication of LEDs, are strategically placed at different locations on the LED to monitor its temperature during the operation. Additionally, the thermopile allows for monitoring the power of the LED, as there exists an approximate linear relationship between the light output power and temperature. Compared to traditional methods of measuring LED temperature, the thermopile offers several advantages, including no moving parts, long lifetime, no maintenance, high reliability, and direct conversion without intermediate processes. The results demonstrate that the integration of the thermopiles onto the LED provides superior temperature and power monitoring capabilities. Furthermore, this integrated solution has the potential to enable real-time management and control of LED temperature.

Reversible Thiyl Radical Addition-Fragmentation Chain Transfer Polymerization.

Developing reversible-deactivation radical polymerization (RDRP) methods that could directly control the thiyl radical propagation is highly desirable yet remains challenging in modern polymer chemistry. Here, we reported the first reversible thiyl radical addition-fragmentation chain transfer (SRAFT) polymerization strategy, which utilizes allyl sulfides as chain transfer agents for reversibly deactivating the propagating thiyl radicals, thus allowing us to directly control a challenging thiyl radical chain polymerization to afford polymers with well-defined architectures. A linear dependence of molecular weight on conversion, high chain-end fidelity, and efficient chain extension proved good controllability of the polymerization. In addition, density functional theory calculations provided insight into the reversible deactivation ability of allyl sulfides. The SRAFT strategy developed in this work represents a promising platform for discovering new controlled polymerizations based on thiyl radical chemistry.

Micro/nano-encapsulation of marine dietary oils: A review on biomacromolecule-based delivery systems and their role in preventing cardiovascular diseases.

Marine-based dietary oils (MDOs), which are naturally obtained from different sources, have been scientifically recommended as potent functional bioactives owing to their therapeutic biological activities; however, they have exhibited plenty of health benefits. Though they are very sensitive to light, temperature, moisture, and oxygen, as well as being chemically unstable and merely oxidized, this may limit their utilization in food and pharmaceutical products. Miro- and nanoencapsulation techniques are considered to be the most promising tactics for enhancing the original characteristics, physiochemical properties, and therapeutic effects of entrapped MDOs. This review focuses on the biomacromolecule-stabilized micro/nanocarriers encompassing a wide range of MDOs. The novel-equipped polysaccharides and protein-based micro/nanocarriers cover microemulsions, microcapsules, nanoemulsions, and nanoliposomes, which have been proven to be encouraging candidates for the entrapment of diverse kinds of MDOs. In addition, the current state-of-the-art loading of various MDOs through polysaccharide and protein-based micro/nanocarriers has been comprehensively discussed and tabulated in detail. Biomacromolecule-stabilized nanocarriers, particularly nanoemulsions and nanoliposomes, are addressed as propitious nanocargos for protection of MDOs in response to thought-provoking features as well as delivering the successful, meticulous release to the desired sites. Gastrointestinal fate (GF) of biopolymeric micro/nanocarriers is fundamentally based on their centrifugation, dimension, interfacial, and physical properties. The external surface of epithelial cells in the lumen is the main site where the absorption of lipid-based nanoparticles takes place. MDO-loaded micro- and nanocarriers with biological origins or structural modifications have shown some novel applications that could be used as future therapies for cardiovascular disorders, thanks to today's cutting-edge medical technology. In the future, further investigations are highly needed to open new horizons regarding the application of polysaccharide and protein-based micro/nanocarriers in food and beverage products with the possibility of commercialization in the near future for industrial use.

Effects of omega-3, omega-6, and total dietary polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Uncertainty exists about the link between omega-3 fatty acid, omega-6 fatty acid, and total polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) intake and mortality in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) patients, and no meta-analyses summarize the relationship between these various types of PUFAs and ASCVD. Methods: Web of Science, PubMed, EBSCO and Cochrane Library up to November 30, 2022 were searched for prospective randomized controlled studies investigating the relationships among omega-3, omega-6, and PUFA intake and mortality and cardiovascular events in ASCVD patients. This study has been registered at PROSPERO (No. CRD42023407566). Results: This meta-analysis included 21 publications from 17 studies involving 40 861 participants published between 1965 and 2022. In ASCVD patients, omega-3 may lower all-cause mortality (RR: 0.90, 95% CI [0.83, 0.98], I2 = 8%), CVD mortality (RR: 0.82, 95% CI [0.73, 0.91], I2 = 34%) and CVD events (RR: 0.90, 95% CI [0.86, 0.93], I2 = 79%). Subgroup analyses showed that EPA or EPA ethyl ester supplementation reduced CVD events, while the mixture of EPA and DHA had no significant impact. Long-chain omega-3 consumption of 1.0-4.0 g per d reduced death risk by 3.5% for each 1 g per d increase. Omega-6 and PUFA had no significant effect on mortality or CVD events, with low-quality evidence and significant heterogeneity. Conclusions: omega-3 intake is associated with a reduced risk of all-cause mortality, CVD mortality, and CVD events in ASCVD patients, while omega-6 or total PUFA intake showed no significant association. Increasing the omega-3 intake by 1 g per d resulted in a 3.5% decrease in the risk of death. These findings support the recommendation of supplements with omega-3 fatty acids for the secondary prevention of ASCVD.

Temporal Distribution Patterns of Cryptic Brachionus calyciflorus (Rotifera) Species in Relation to Biogeographical Gradient Associated with Latitude.

Sympatric distribution and temporal overlap of cryptic zooplankton species pose a challenge to the framework of the niche differentiation theory and the mechanisms allowing competitor coexistence. We applied the methods of phylogenetic analysis, DNA taxonomy, and statistical analysis to study the temporal distribution patterns of the cryptic B. calyciflorus species, an excellent model, in three lakes, and to explore the putative mechanisms for their seasonal succession and temporal overlap. The results showed that in the warm-temperate Lake Yunlong, B. fernandoi and B. calyciflorus s.s. underwent a seasonal succession, which was largely attributed to their differential adaptation to water temperature. In the subtropical Lake Jinghu, B. fernandoi, B. calyciflorus s.s., and B. dorcas exhibited both seasonal succession and temporal overlap. Seasonal successions were largely attributed to their differential adaptation to temperature, and temporal overlap resulted from their differential responses to algal food concentration. In the tropical Lake Jinniu, B. calyciflorus s.s. persisted throughout the year and overlapped with B. dorcas for 5 months. The temporal overlap resulted from their differential responses to copepod predation. These results indicated that the temporal distribution pattern of the cryptic B. calyciforus species and the mechanism that allows competitor coexistence vary with different climate zones.

Collinear optical links based on a GaN-integrated chip for fiber-optic acoustic detection.

This Letter reports a collinear optical interconnect architecture for acoustic sensing via a monolithic integrated GaN optoelectronic chip. The chip is designed with a ring-shaped photodiode (PD) surrounding a light-emitting diode (LED) of a spectral range from 420-530 nm. The axisymmetric structure helps the coaxial propagation of light transmission and reception. By placing this multiple-quantum wells (MQW)-based device and a piece of aluminum-coated polyethylene terephthalate (Al/PET) film on fiber ends, an ultra-compact acoustic sensing system is built. The sound vibrations can be simply detected by direct measurement of the diaphragm deformation-induced power change. An average signal noise ratio (SNR) of 40 dB and a maximum sensitivity of 82 mV/Pa are obtained when the acoustic vibration frequency changes from 400 Hz to 3.2 kHz. This work provides a feasible solution to miniaturize the sensing system footprint and reduce the cost.

Vertically stacked quantum well diodes for multifunctional applications.

Dual-functioning multiple quantum well (MQW) diodes can simultaneously transmit and receive information through visible light. Here, we report vertically stacked red, green, and blue (RGB) MQW diodes for light detection and display applications. Both blue and green MQW diodes are monolithically integrated with distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) filters to realize the separation of light. The versatile RGB MQW transmitter/receiver system not only creates full-color display but also effectively separates RGB light into various colors. These results open feasible routes to generate multifunctional device for the development of full-color display and light receiver.

Chip-integrated optical fiber magnetic field sensing system.

Lightweight, low-cost, and simple systems for magnetic field sensing are in high demand. Here, we demonstrate such a magnetic field sensing system by integrating a light source, detector, magnetic fluid (MF), and plastic optical fiber (POF). Two bifunctional AlGaInP diodes with identical multiple-quantum well structures separately function as the light source and the detector of the sensing system due to the partial overlap between the electroluminescence and responsivity spectra. Magnetic field sensing is realized by changing the amount of reflected light due to the change in reflection coefficient of the POF/MF interface caused by the ambient magnetic field. The chip-integrated POF magnetic field sensor exhibits a reliable operation with a detection range from 10 Gs to 400 Gs. The results indicate that the chip-integrated POF sensor is promising for magnetic field sensing.

Touchless Input/Output Interface for Device-to-Device Communication.

Multiple quantum well (MQW) III-nitride diodes show selectable functionalities of light-emitting and light-detecting behaviors, enabling direct touchless device-to-device communication. Here, we propose and demonstrate a touchless input/output (I/O) interface using a single MQW III-nitride diode. By integrating an MQW III-nitride diode with a memory via a control circuit, optical signals are converted into electrical ones to be written into a memory, and consequently, electrical information is read out from the memory to be translated into optical signals for visible light communication (VLC). The MQW III-nitride diode can not only lead to a touchless ″writing″ action but also offer a ″reading″ process through light. Such touchless I/O interface would provide new forms of interactivity for device-to-device communication technologies.

Functional trait divergence associated with heteromorphic leaves in a climbing fig.

Introduction: Plants that display heteroblasty possess conspicuous variations in leaf morphology between their juvenile and adult phases, with certain species retaining juvenile-like leaves even in adulthood. Nevertheless, the ecological advantages of maintaining two or more distinct leaf types in heteroblastic plants at the adult stage remain unclear. Method: The aim of this study is to examine the adaptive significance of heteroblastic leaves sampled from branches with divergent functions (sterile and fertile branches) of mature Ficus pumila individuals by comparing their morphological, anatomical, and physiological characteristics. Result: Leaves on sterile branches (LSs) exhibited a significantly larger specific leaf area, thinner palisade and spongy tissues, lower chlorophyll contents, and lower light saturation points than leaves on fertile branches (LFs). These results demonstrate that LSs are better adapted to low light environments, while LFs are well equipped to take advantages of high light conditions. However, both LFs and LSs have a low light compensation point with no significant difference between them, indicating that they start to accumulate photosynthetic products under similar light conditions. Interestingly, significant higher net photosynthetic rate was detected in LFs, showing they have higher photosynthetic capacity. Furthermore, LFs produced significant more nutrients compared to LSs, which may associate to their ability of accumulating more photosynthetic products under full light conditions and higher photosynthetic capacity. Discussion: Overall, we observed a pattern of divergence in morphological features of leaves on two functional branches. Anatomical and physiological features indicate that LFs have an advantage in varied light conditions, providing amounts of photosynthetic products to support the sexual reproduction, while LSs adapt to low light environments. Our findings provide evidence that heteroblasty facilitates F. pumila to utilize varying light environments, likely associated with its growth form as a climbing plant. This strategy allows the plant to allocate resources more effectively and optimize its overall fitness.

Monolithic integrated MQW-based optoelectronic glucose sensor.

This study presents the development process of a multi-quantum well (MQW)-based optoelectronic integrated device designed for precise glucose concentration measurements. The proposed monolithic device consists of two identical diodes containing InGaN/GaN MQWs, serving as a light emitter (LED) and a photodetector (PD), respectively. The chip is meticulously packaged with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to facilitate exposure to the glucose solution. By monitoring changes in the photocurrent of the PD that detects scattered light of the LED propagating through the sapphire substrate, the chip can accurately reflect alterations in the glucose solution's concentration. The device's uniqueness lies in its ability to achieve this precision without the need for external optical components. The device exhibits a fast response, operating at a sub-second level, and can gauge glucose solutions with concentrations ranging from 5% to 40%. The fabricated optical sensing device showcases appealing characteristics, including compactness, stability, repeatability, and rapid response, making it highly suitable for glucose concentration measurement applications.

Multiplexing of bias-controlled modulation modes on a monolithic III-nitride optoelectronic chip.

III-nitride optoelectronic chips have tremendous potential for developing integrated computing and communication systems with low power consumption. The monolithic, top-down approaches are advantageous for simplifying the fabrication process and reducing the corresponding manufacturing cost. Herein, an ultraviolet optical interconnection system is investigated to discover the way of multiplexing between emission and absorption modulations on a monolithic optoelectronic chip. All on-chip components, the transmitter, monitor, waveguide, modulator, and receiver, share the same quantum well structure. As an example, two bias-controlled modulation modes are used to modulate video and audio signals in the experiment presented in this Letter. The results show that our on-chip optoelectronic system works efficiently in the near ultraviolet band, revealing the potential breadth of GaN optoelectronic integration.