Time Research Articles

Early Cholecystectomy after Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Is Feasible and Safe.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) following endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the preferred treatment for cholelithiasis with common bile duct stones. However, the optimal timing of LC after ERCP remains controversial. This study aimed to identify the ideal time interval between ERCP and LC. Data from patients who underwent LC after ERCP between November 2016 and August 2022 were retrieved from the electronic medical information system. The patients were categorized into early cholecystectomy (within 72 h of ERCP) and delayed cholecystectomy (after 72 h). The impact of the time interval between ERCP and LC on perioperative outcomes was analyzed. A total of 197 patients were included in the study, with 45 undergoing early cholecystectomy and 152 undergoing delayed cholecystectomy. No significant differences in the preoperative characteristics or operative morbidity were observed between the groups (p = 0.286). However, a significant correlation was found between the time interval from ERCP to LC and the total length of stay (r = -350, p < 0.001). The findings suggest that early cholecystectomy after ERCP is feasible and safe, and performing LC within the first 72 h does not adversely affect postoperative outcomes.

A Novel Voltage-Abnormal Cell Detection Method for Lithium-Ion Battery Mass Production Based on Data-Driven Model with Multi-Source Time Series Data

Before leaving the factory, lithium-ion battery (LIB) cells are screened to exclude voltage-abnormal cells, which can increase the fault rate, troubleshooting difficulty, and degrade pack performance. However, the time interval to obtain the detection results through the existing voltage-abnormal cell method is too long, which can seriously affect production efficiency and delay shipment, especially in the mass production of LIBs when facing a large number of time-critical orders. In this paper, we propose a data-driven voltage-abnormal cell detection method, using a fast model with simple architecture, which can detect voltage-abnormal cells based on the multi-source time series data of the LIB without a time interval. Firstly, our method transforms the different source data of a cell into a multi-source time series data representation and utilizes a recurrent-based data embedding to model the relation within it. Then, a simplified MobileNet is used to extract hidden feature from the embedded data. Finally, we detect the voltage-abnormal cells according to the hidden feature with a cell classification head. The experiment results show that the accuracy and average running time of our model on the voltage-abnormal cell detection task is 95.42% and 0.0509 ms per sample, which is a considerable improvement over existing methods.

Embelin Mitigates Amyloid-β-Induced Neurotoxicity and Cognitive Impairment in Rats: Potential Therapeutic Implications for Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a significant form of dementia. Embelin (EMB) is a natural compound with varied actions that could help prevent AD pathology. Herein, we have investigated the neuroprotective potential of EMB against Aβ1-42-induced neurotoxicity in rats. In this experiment, Alzheimer-like dementia was induced in rats by infusing Aβ1-42 oligomers directly into the brain's ventricles. Subsequently, the Aβ1-42-intoxicated rats received treatment with varying doses of EMB (2.5, 5, and 10mg/kg, administered intraperitoneally) over 2weeks. The spatial and non-spatial memory of animals was assessed at different time intervals, and various biochemical, neurochemical, and neuroinflammatory parameters in the hippocampal brain tissue of the rats were analyzed. Infusion of Aβ1-42 in rat brain caused cognitive impairment and was accompanied by increased acetylcholinesterase activity, oxidative stress, and elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) in the hippocampal tissue. Moreover, a significant decline in the levels of monoamines and an imbalance of GABA and glutamate levels were also observed. EMB treatment significantly mitigated Aβ1-42-induced cognitive deficit and other biochemical changes, including Aβ levels. The EMB-treated rats showed improved learning and consolidation of memory. EMB also attenuated Aβ-induced oxidative stress and neuroinflammation and restored the levels of monoamines and the balance between GABA and glutamate. The observed cognitive benefits following EMB treatment in Aβ1-42-infused rats may be attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and ability to restore hippocampal neurochemistry and Aβ levels. The above findings indicate the therapeutic potential of EMB in neurodegenerative pathologies associated with cognitive decline, such as Alzheimer's disease.

Impact of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Drug Resistance Mutations Detected in Women Prior to Antiretroviral Therapy With Efavirenz + Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate + Lamivudine (or Emtricitabine).

Two large studies suggest that resistance mutations to only nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI) did not increase the risk of virologic failure during antiretroviral therapy (ART) with efavirenz/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/lamivudine (or emtricitabine). We retrospectively evaluated a third cohort to determine the impact of NNRTI resistance on the efficacy of efavirenz-based ART. Postpartum women living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) were studied if they initiated efavirenz-based ART because of the World Health Organization's recommendation for universal ART. Resistance was detected by Sanger genotyping plasma prior to efavirenz-based ART and at virologic failure (HIV RNA >400 copies/mL). Logistic regression examined relationships between pre-efavirenz genotypes and virologic failure. Pre-efavirenz resistance was detected in 169 of 1223 (13.8%) participants. By month 12 of efavirenz-based ART, 189 of 1233 (15.3%) participants had virologic failure. Rates of virologic failure did not differ by pre-efavirenz NNRTI resistance. However, while pre-efavirenz nucleos(t)ide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI) and NNRTI resistance was rare (8/1223 [0.7%]) this genotype increased the odds (adjusted odds ratio, 11.2 [95% confidence interval, 2.21-72.2]) of virologic failure during efavirenz-based ART. Age, time interval between last viremic visit and efavirenz initiation, clinical site, viremia at delivery, hepatitis B virus coinfection, and antepartum regimen were also associated with virologic failure. Resistance to NNRTI alone was prevalent and dual-class (NRTI and NNRTI) resistance was rare in this cohort, with only the latter associated with virologic failure. This confirms others' findings that, if needed, efavirenz-based ART offers most people an effective alternative to dolutegravir-based ART.

Generation of 1.6 GeV single-particle proton beams

We present a scattering slow extraction method employing a rotating foil in the Rapid Cycling Synchrotron (RCS) to produce a stable 1.6 GeV single-particle proton beam at CSNS. The foil scatters particles on the beam’s edge over multiple turns, with those at large scattering angles being separated and extracted through a Lambertson magnet. By adjusting the scatter foil’s rotational speed and position, we can precisely control the intensity and repetition rate of the extracted beam. This approach enables the efficient extraction of extremely low-intensity proton beams from CSNS-II/RCS. By setting single-particle collimators in the downstream beamline, a single-particle proton beam is achieved. Using 4y, we simulated the scattering slow extraction process in detail, confirming that a stable 1.6 GeV single-particle proton beam can be extracted, the beam energy can be adjusted from 0.8 to 1.6 GeV using the degrader, the time interval between adjacent single protons can be adjusted from hundreds of nanoseconds to tens of microseconds, to meet the needs of different experiments. Both the beam loss and the residual radiation doses are kept at low levels. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Semilinear approximations of quasilinear parabolic equations with applications

An approach to solvability of certain quasilinear parabolic equations is presented by approximating the quasilinear equation under consideration with a parameter family of semilinear problems with stronger linear fractional diffusion term. Defined on arbitrarily long time intervals, solutions to the original problem are found as a suitable limit of global solutions to those semilinear approximations. The method is applied to nonlinear parabolic Kirchhoff equation, quasilinear reaction–diffusion equation, and critical 2D surface quasi‐geostrophic equation associated with Dirichlet boundary conditions.

Prolonged adhesiolysis to pregnancy interval is associated with placenta accreta spectrum in women with intrauterine adhesion

Background Both the trauma of endometrium and hysteroscopic adhesiolysis can lead to a high rate of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) in women with intrauterine adhesion (IUA). This study analysed the impact of time interval from adhesiolysis to pregnancy on PAS in IUA women. Methods Patients diagnosed with IUA who underwent adhesiolysis in Anhui Women and Children’s Medical Centre between January 2016 and December 2020 were included in this case-series study. Clinical data were obtained from electronic medical records and telephone interviews. Results Among a total of 102 IUA women with successful pregnancies, 8 (7.8%) suffered from miscarriages with PAS, and 94 (92.2%), 47 with PAS and 47 without PAS, had successful delivery. The total prevalence of PAS in pregnant women with IUA was 53.9% (55/102). The average time from adhesiolysis to pregnancy in the PAS group was significantly longer than in the non-PAS group (14.2 ± 5.7 vs. 10.3 ± 4.4 months, p = 0.000). Regression analysis showed that AFS grade (OR = 7.40, 95% CI 1.38–39.73, p = 0.020) and adhesiolysis to pregnancy interval time between 12 and 24 months (OR = 12.09, 95% CI 3.76–38.83, p = 0.000) were closely related to PAS. A Kaplan–Meier analysis showed the median interval time to PAS was 16.00 months (95% CI 15.11–16.89). Conclusions We assume that prolonged adhesiolysis to pregnancy interval may be considered a significant risk factor for PAS in IUA women.

The Water Hammer Characteristics of Long-Distance Water Pipelines under Different Water Supply Modes

The pressure characteristics of long-distance water pipelines during hydraulic transient processes are crucial for ensuring the safe, stable, and long-term operation of water transfer projects. This paper establishes a one-dimensional mathematical model based on sections of the Yinjiangjihuai long-distance water diversion project in China. The water supply requirements of the pipelines are categorized into two replenishment modes as follows: gravity supply and pump-pressurized water supply. The opening and closing strategies of the water pipelines under different flow conditions are simulated and analyzed to explore the hydraulic transient processes under various water supply modes. The transient variations of key hydraulic parameters during valve closure are clarified. Simulation results indicate that the water pipeline design is reasonable, meeting the water supply demands at relatively low Manning values and that it has the capability for long-term supply. Due to the excessive head provided by the pumps, pump-pressurized water supply and gravity supply modes cannot operate simultaneously. Under gravity supply mode, the minimum pressure in the downstream pipeline is relatively higher overall, while the maximum pressure in the upstream pipeline is relatively lower overall. In the pump-pressurized water supply mode, the safety and stability of the water supply can be ensured by adjusting the closing time of individual pumps and the interval time between adjacent pumps. The research findings provide technical guidance and scientific basis for the construction of national water networks and water transfer projects.

Top Ten Tips Palliative Care Clinicians Should Know Before Their Patient Undergoes Surgery.

Many seriously ill patients undergo surgical interventions. Palliative care clinicians may not be familiar with the nuances involved in perioperative care, however they can play a valuable role in enabling the delivery of patient-centered and goal-concordant perioperative care. The interval of time surrounding a surgical intervention is fraught with medical, psychosocial, and relational risks, many of which palliative care clinicians may be well-positioned to navigate. A perioperative palliative care consult may involve exploring gaps between clinician and patient expectations, facilitating continuity of symptom management or helping patients to designate a surrogate decision-maker before undergoing anesthesia. Palliative care clinicians may also be called upon to direct discussions around perioperative management of modified code status orders and to engage around the goal-concordance of proposed interventions. This article, written by a team of surgeons and anesthesiologists, many with subspecialty training in palliative medicine and/or ethics, offers ten tips to support palliative care clinicians and facilitate comprehensive discussion as they engage with patients and clinicians considering surgical interventions.

The renewable energy research contribution of Tanzania: A review

The central objectives of this study are to locate existing research on renewable energy, examine the energy policy of Tanzania, assess bibliometric factors, determine the direction of the current research, and comprehend unexplored research topics. This exploration focuses on a bibliometric-based study using computer-assisted software tools known as VOS viewer and RStudio in analyzing the Scopus data retrieved package for the key phrase of "Renewable energy" in the article titles published from 2002 to 2022. A total of 661 publications (which is only 0.45% and 6.3% of the global and continental publications from Africa respectively) were analysed after refining using different bibliometric criteria like study site, type of document, publication stage, language used in the document, and publication time interval. The results shows that Energy fuels, engineering, technology, environmental sciences, ecology, and business economics are the most frequently studied fields. Also, from a total of 661 publications, only 32 documents were published from Tanzania for 20 years from 2022 which is less than 2 publication/year. This study concludes that there is a notable lack of research output from Tanzania in this critical field. This gap underscores the need for greater investment in renewable energy research and development within the country, as well as targeted efforts to build research capacity and foster collaboration among academia, government, and industry stakeholders.

ZK‐type limit for the Euler–Poisson system with a realistic electrostatic potential in dimension three

We explore the Zakharov–Kuznetsov‐type limit for the three‐dimensional Euler–Poisson systems with external magnetic fields when the plasma has a realistic electrostatic potential. It reveals that both homogeneous and inhomogeneous Zakharov–Kuznetsov‐type equations can be obtained from the Euler–Poisson system through the application of the Gardner–Morikawa transformation. By analyzing the remaining system, we employ the energy method within Sobolev spaces to provide estimates, leading to the emergence of Zakharov–Kuznetsov‐type dynamics over a time interval of the order .

Silent Neonatal Incubators, Prototype Nica+

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the noise levels in current incubator models and a prototype designed to improve acoustic comfort in neonatal incubators. Methods: Tests were carried out on three different models of incubators and a prototype called Neonatal Incubator Acoustic Comfort Class (NICA). The tests measured both internal and external sound pressure levels under laboratory conditions. The noise index has been taken as the A-weighted equivalent continuous sound pressure level (LAeq,T) for a time interval of 1 min. Results: The results obtained show variations between the different models of incubators, although, overall, they are high values (around 56/60 dBA). The results prove that premature newborns under normal conditions of using these incubators are exposed to noise levels above international recommendations. The new incubator design minimizes noise generation and generates noise levels lower than international recommendations. Conclusions: The results obtained from the prototype (NICA+) show the effectiveness of the proposed design in improving acoustic comfort in neonatal incubators. The data show that the noise levels generated by the prototype under normal operating conditions are significantly lower than international recommendations.

Transcriptomic profiling and discovery of key transcription factors involved in adventitious roots formation from root cuttings of mulberry

ARs plays a crucial role in plant morphogenesis and development. The limited and inefficient rooting of scions poses a significant challenge to the efficiency and quality of clonal propagation of forest trees in silvicultural practices. Building on previous research conducted by our team, we found that applying IBA at a concentration of 1000 mg/L significantly enhanced mulberry rooting. This study aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying this effect by analyzing RNA sequencing data from mulberry phloem before and after treatment with IBA over time intervals of 10, 20, 30, and 40 days. We identified 5226 DEGs, which were then classified into GO terms and KEGG pathways, showing significant enrichment in hormone signaling processes. Using WGCNA, we identified eight co-expression modules, two of which were significantly correlated with the IBA treatment. Additionally, 18 transcription factors that potentially facilitate ARs formation in mulberry were identified, and an exploratory analysis on the cis-regulatory elements associated with these transcription factors was conducted. The findings of this study provide a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms of ARs in mulberry and offer theoretical support for the discovery and utilization of exceptional genetic resources within the species.

Quantitative and qualitative evaluation of high-quality hepatobiliary phase imaging with shortened timing and utility in patients with compromised liver function.

To compare high flip angle (FA) hepatobiliary-phase (hHBP) imaging with variable time intervals to conventional HBP (cHBP) to assess the impact of increased FA on image quality in shortened HBP imaging. Data from 218 patients, divided into normal liver group (n = 184) and decompensated liver group (n = 34), who underwent liver magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including 10-min, 15-min, 20-min hHBP, and cHBP were analyzed. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-ratio (CR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), signal intensity ratios (SIRs), and relative enhancement (RE) of the liver were calculated for quantitative analysis. Sharpness, noise, and artifacts of the image, contrast media visibility, overall image quality, and lesion conspicuity were evaluated by two abdominal radiologists. Quantitative analysis showed that SNR, RE, SIR for liver/muscle, liver/spleen, and CR of all hHBP images demonstrated a significantly higher value compared to cHBP images in the normal liver group (p < 0.001). These values were also superior in the normal liver group compared to the decompensated liver group (p < 0.01). In qualitative analysis, both normal and decompensated liver groups exhibited significantly superior image sharpness in all hHBP images compared to cHBP images and the overall image quality of the 15-min and 20-min hHBP did not show significant difference compared to cHBP. All values tended to be better in the normal liver group than the decompensated liver group with statistical significance except for lesion conspicuity (p < 0.01). High-FA HBP has proven to be a valuable image acquisition method, potentially shortening liver MR imaging time while maintaining acceptable image quality.

ConvTrans-CL: Ocean time series temperature data anomaly detection based context contrast learning

Ocean temperature data anomaly detection is instrumental in monitoring environmental changes and implementing measures to alleviate adverse consequences. This holds immense importance for marine environmental observation and scientific inquiry. However, existing anomaly detection methods encounter significant challenges in extracting features from data, which severely affects the performance of anomaly detection. Existing models have limitations in capturing the local contextual distribution features and high stochastic distribution trends of ocean temperature data. Therefore, this paper introduces the ConvTrans-CL model, which integrates the Transformer encoder with causal convolution and employs a contrastive learning approach. Causal convolution extracts the distributional features of short-time subsequences within a sliding window and integrates them into the self-attention mechanism, enabling the model to focus on the localized features of the data. Contrastive learning efficiently captures the long-range dependencies of time-series data by distinguishing between pairs of subsequences with adjacent time intervals and pairs of non-adjacent subsequences. This enables the model to capture the trend of high stochasticity in the distribution of the temperature data. Finally, we select temperature data from two sea areas that are susceptible to multiple environmental factors for experiments and compare the feature extraction and anomaly detection capabilities of ConvTrans-CL with other methods, confirming the superior performance of our method.

Biochemical characterisation and production kinetics of high molecular-weight (HMW) putative antibacterial proteins of insect pathogenic Brevibacillus laterosporus isolates

BackgroundBacterial genomes often encode structures similar to phage capsids (encapsulins) and phage tails which can be induced spontaneously or using genotoxic compounds such as mitomycin C. These high molecular-weight (HMW) putative antibacterial proteins (ABPs) are used against the competitive strains under natural environment. Previously, it was unknown whether these HMW putative ABPs originating from the insect pathogenic Gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium Brevibacillus laterosporus (Bl) isolates (1821L, 1951) are spontaneously induced during the growth and pose a detrimental effect on their own survival. Furthermore, no prior work has been undertaken to determine their biochemical characteristics.ResultsUsing a soft agar overlay method with polyethylene glycol precipitation, a narrow spectrum of bioactivity was found from the precipitated lysate of Bl 1951. Electron micrographs of mitomycin C- induced filtrates showed structures similar to phage capsids and contractile tails. Bioactivity assays of cell free supernatants (CFS) extracted during the growth of Bl 1821L and Bl 1951 suggested spontaneous induction of these HMW putative ABPs with an autocidal activity. Sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of spontaneously induced putative ABPs showed appearance of ~ 30 kDa and ~ 48 kDa bands of varying intensity across all the time intervals during the bacterial growth except in the initial hours. Statistically, spontaneously induced HMW putative ABPs of Bl 1951 exhibited a significant decrease in the number of viable cells of its producer strain after 18 h of growth in liquid. In addition, a significant change in pH and prominent bioactivity of the CFS of this particular time period was noted. Biochemically, the filtered supernatant derived from either Bl 1821L or Bl 1951 maintained bioactivity over a wide range of pH and temperature.ConclusionThis study reports the spontaneous induction of HMW putative ABPs (bacteriocins) of Bl 1821L and Bl 1951 isolates during the course of growth with potential autocidal activity which is critically important during production as a potential biopesticide. A narrow spectrum of putative antibacterial activity of Bl 1951 precipitate was found. The stability of HMW putative ABPs of Bl 1821L and Bl 1951 over a wide range of pH and temperature can be useful in expanding the potential of this useful bacterium beyond the insecticidal value.

Is immediate dental implant in fibula free flap beneficial for implant survival and osteoradionecrosis in jaw reconstruction?

ObjectivesThis study aimed to compare the risk of osteoradionecrosis and implant survival in oral cancer patients undergoing immediate dental implants during jaw reconstruction, termed “Jaw in a Day” (JIAD), with those receiving no implants or delayed implants (non-JIAD). Patients & methodsClinicopathologic data were collected from prospectively enrolled JIAD patients (n = 10, 29 implants) and retrospectively from non-JIAD patients (n = 117, 86 implants). Survival analyses were performed to assess implant survival and osteoradionecrosis-free survival. ResultsOsteoradionecrosis occurred in 0 % of JIAD cases compared to 19.3 % in non-JIAD cases without implants and 71.4 % in non-JIAD cases with delayed implants (p = 0.008). Osteoradionecrosis-free survival was significantly better in the JIAD group than the non-JIAD group (p = 0.0059). Implants in the JIAD group all survived regardless of radiation therapy (29/29, 100 %) and 95.1 % (58/61) of implants survived in delayed implants in non-irradiated fibula without radiotherapy. Meanwhile, only 11 of 25 implants placed in irradiated fibula flaps survived, even when the implants were placed after a median time interval of 624 days after radiotherapy, and none of them were earlier than 360 days. The survival analysis revealed a significant difference (p < 0.0001). ConclusionJIAD appears to offer superior outcomes in terms of implant survival and osteoradionecrosis prevention compared to delayed implant placement. Placing implants in irradiated fibula, even after years, significantly poses high risk of implant failure and osteoradionecrosis. JIAD represents a promising approach for optimal rehabilitation, particularly in oral cancer patients requiring postoperative radiotherapy. Proper positioning and orientation of implants and flaps are crucial for implant survival.

Integrated optimization of truck appointment quotas and container relocations for multiple blocks considering transshipment containers handling

The container terminal is a crucial transshipment node in the sea and land cargo transport supply chain, and the efficiency of container collection and distribution has always been a research hotspot. In this paper, we consider the impact of transshipment containers resulting from various uncertainties and integrate the operations of external truck pickups with the handling of transshipment containers in the import yard of the container terminal. In light of the varying number of transshipment containers and transit times for different blocks, coupled with the unpredictable arrival order of external trucks leading to the unknown number of relocations, it is proposed to dynamically adjust the upper limit of the appointed quota for each block. We establish a two stage mixed integer programming model for the truck appointment quota and the block relocation problem. The objective functions aim to minimize the number of relocations and minimize the number of yard crane moves under the maximal appointment quota, respectively. This model is utilized for dynamically regulating the upper limit of the appointed quota for each block and determining the time intervals for picking up the appointed and transshipment containers, along with the yard crane scheduling scheme. The problem is solved using CPLEX and the improved variable neighborhood search algorithm (IVNS). The IVNS incorporates the correction strategy, decoding strategy, and scheduling rules designed to align closely with the characteristics of the problem. Through scheme comparison and sensitivity analysis, five management insights are proposed for terminals. Experimental results demonstrate that the approach presented in this paper effectively enhances the utilization efficiency of yard cranes, reduces yard congestion, and yields benefits for both terminals and trucking companies.

Assessing blink dynamics with non-noticeable method

PurposeThe purpose of the study was to demonstrate the feasibility of blink dynamics with a contactless, non-noticeable method without any visible light being reflected to the participant’s eye by the device, and to investigate the blink dynamics parameters in 39 participants whose blink dynamics were examined with this method. It was also aimed to explain the potential of corneal topography devices for non-noticeable blink dynamics and elucidate some tips to device manufacturers to make them practical. MethodsA one-minute real-time video image in the meibography module of the scheimpflug camera-based corneal topography device was recorded in the slow motion mode of the mobile phone. Detailed analysis of blink dynamics was made by advancing the video images manually at 10 ms intervals. Lid Closing Time (LCT), Lid Opening Time (LOT), third Interblink Interval times (IBI(3)), fifth Interblink Interval times (IBI(5)), Number of Blinks Per Minute (NoB), Number of Complete Blinks Per Minute (NoCB), Number of Incomplete Blinks Per Minute (NoICB) were investigated. ResultsThe average NoB, NoCB, and NoICB (blinks/minute) with ± standard deviation (SD) values were found to be 22.9 ± 14.4; 14.5 ± 12.4 and 8.4 ± 8, respectively. The average IBI(3) time(seconds) with ± SD was measured as 3.4 ± 4.5. The average IBI(5) time (seconds) with ± SD was 3.9 ± 3.7 The average LCT time (milliseconds) with ± SD was found to be 91.9 ± 36.9 in the 4 different blinks analyzed. The average LOT time (milliseconds) with ± SD was found to be 582.6 ± 196.5 in the 3 different blinks analyzed. ConclusionsBlink dynamics can be examined in detail with corneal topography devices in a non-contact, no visible light, and most importantly, non-noticeable manner. Existing video imaging modules of corneal topography devices have the potential to investigate blink dynamics. It is anticipated that the clinical use of blink dynamics, which can be performed practically, will increase, particularly in the monitoring of ocular surface and neurological diseases.

Effect of annealing temperature on the optoelectrical synapse behaviors of A-ZnO microtube

Optoelectronic synapses with fast response, low power consumption, and memory function hold great potential in the future of artificial intelligence technologies. Herein, a strategy of annealing in oxygen ambient at different temperatures is presented to improve the optoelectronic synaptic behaviors of acceptor-rich ZnO (A-ZnO) microtubes. The basic synaptic functions of as-grown and annealed A-ZnO microtubes including excitatory postsynaptic current (EPSC), short-term memory (STM) to long-term memory (LTM) conversion, and paired-pulse facilitation (PPF), were successfully emulated. The results show that the annealing temperature of 600 °C yields high figures of merit compared to other annealed A-ZnO microtubes. The 4-fold and 20-fold enhancement dependent on the light pulse duration time and energy density have been achieved in the 600 °C annealed A-ZnO microtube, respectively. Furthermore, the device exhibited a PPF index of up to 238% and achieved four cycles of “learning-forgetting” process, proving its capability for optical information storage. The free exciton (FX) and donor–acceptor pair (DAP) concentrations significantly influenced the persistent photoconductivity (PPC) behavior of A-ZnO microtubes. Therefore, the LTM response can be controlled by the adjustment of numbers, powers, and interval time of the optical stimulation. This work outlines a strategy to improve the EPSC response through defect control, representing a step towards applications in the field of optoelectronic synaptic device.