Facile integration of an Al-rich Al_(1-x)In_(x)N photodetector on free-standing GaN by radio-frequency magnetron sputtering

Al_(1-x)In_(x)N, a Ⅲ-nitride semiconductor material, is currently of great research interest due to its remarkable physical properties and chemical stability. When the Al and In compositions are tuned, its band-gap energy varies from 0.7 eV to 6.2 eV, which shows great potential for application in photodetectors. Here, we report the fabrication and performance evaluation of integrated Al_(1-x)In_(x)N on a free-standing GaN substrate through direct radio-frequency magnetron sputtering.The optical properties of Al_(1-x)In_(x)N will be enhanced by the polarization effect of a heterostructure composed of Al_(1-x)In_(x)N and other Ⅲ-nitride materials. An Al_(1-x)In_(x)N/Ga N visible-light photodetector was prepared by semiconductor fabrication technologies such as lithography and metal deposition. The highest photoresponsivity achieved was 1.52 A·W^(-1)under 365 nm wavelength illumination and the photodetector was determined to have the composition Al0.75In0.25N/GaN.A rise time of 0.55 s was observed after transient analysis of the device. The prepared Al_(1-x)In_(x)N visible-light photodetector had a low dark current, high photoresponsivity and fast response speed. By promoting a low-cost, simple fabrication method,this study expands the application of ternary alloy Al_(1-x)In_(x)N visible-light photodetectors in optical communication.

Investigation of Relation between Solar Activity and Earthquakes with Deep Learning Method

Solar activity (SA) has been hypothesized to be a trigger of earthquakes, although it is not as intuitively associated as other potential triggers such as tidal stress, rainfall, and the building of artificial water reservoirs. Here, we investigate the relation between SA and global earthquake numbers (GEN) by using a deep learning method to test the hypothesis. We use the daily data of GEN and SA (1996/01/01-2019/12/31) to construct a temporal convolution network (TCN). From the computational results, we confirm that the TCN captures the relation between SA and earthquakes with magnitudes from 4.0 to 4.9. We also find that the TCN achieves better fitting and prediction performance compared with previous work.

Effect of scanning speeds on electrochemical corrosion resistance of laser cladding TC4 alloy

In order to study the effect of scanning speed on the electrochemical corrosion resistance of laser cladding TC4 alloy in artificial seawater, the x-ray diffraction analysis, microstructure of cross-section, microhardness variation, and impedance spectrum have been studied in comparison with the TC4 titanium alloy. The results show that the main phase of cladding coating is α-Ti, and the change of scanning speed has no obvious effect on it; therefore, the supersaturated α-Ti solid solution is formed, and the acicular α martensite is obtained. As the scanning speed increases, the microstructure of cladding coating is orthogonal basket-weave, the crystal surface spacing decreases, and the average microhardness of laser cladding TC4 alloy slightly increases. When the scanning speed increases to 10 mm/s, the microhardness is about 14.71%higher than that of the substrate, and the electrochemical corrosion resistance of laser cladding TC4 alloy is also improved,which is about 2.48 times more than the substrate. Grain refinement has a great effect on enhancing the anti-electrochemical corrosion.

The relationship between insulin resistance/β-cell dysfunction and diabetic retinopathy in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus： the Desheng Diabetic Eye Study

AIM: To investigate the relationship between insulin resistance(IR)/β-cell dysfunction and diabetic retinopathy(DR) in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2 DM), and to explore further whether there were differences in the relationship among diabetic patients with higher and lower body mass index(BMI).METHODS: Cross-sectional study. A total of 1466 subjects with T2 DM were recruited in a local Desheng Community of urban Beijing from November 2009 to June 2012 for the cohort of Beijing Desheng Diabetic Eye Study. Standardized evaluation was carried out for each participant, including questionnaire, ocular and anthropometric examinations, and laboratory tests. Seven fields 30° color fundus photographs were used for DR grading according to the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study protocols. Homeostatis Model Assessment(HOMA) method was employed for IR and β-cell function assessment.RESULTS: After excluding those participants who were treated with insulin(n=352) or had missing data of fasting insulin(n=96), and further excluding those with poor quality of retinal photographs(n=10), a total of 1008 subjects were included for the final analysis, 406(40.3%) were men and 602(59.7%) were women, age ranging from 34 to 86(64.87±8.28)y.Any DR(levels 14 and above) was present in 278(27.6%) subjects. After adjusting for possible covariates, the presenceof any DR did not correlate with HOMA IR [odds ratio(OR) 1.51, 95% confidence interval(CI) 0.87-2.61, P=0.14] or HOMA β-cell(OR 0.71, 95%CI 0.40-1.26, P=0.25). After stratification by BMI, the presence of any DR was associated positively with HOMA IR(OR 2.46, 95%CI: 1.18-5.12, P=0.016), and negatively with HOMA β-cell(OR 0.40, 95%CI: 0.19-0.87, P=0.021) in the group of patients with higher BMI(≥25 kg/m2). In the group of patients with lower BMI(<25 kg/m2), the presence of any DR was not associated with HOMA IR(OR 1.00, 95%CI: 0.43-2.33, P=1.00) or HOMA β-cell(OR 1.41, 95%CI: 0.60-3.32, P=0.43). CONCLUSION: The data suggest that higher IR and lower β-cell function are associated with the presence of DR in the subgroup of diabetic patients with higher BMI. However, this association is not statistically significant in diabetic patients with lower BMI.

Abstinence Following a Motivation-Skill-Desensitization-Mental Energy Intervention for Heroin Dependence: A Three-year Follow-up Result of a Randomized Controlled Trial

The high rate of relapse among heroin users remains a significant public concern in China. In the present study, we utilized a Motivation-Skill-Desensitization-Mental Energy (MSDE) intervention and evaluated its effects on abstinence and mental health. Eighty-nine male heroin users in a drug rehabilitation center were enrolled in the study. The participants in the MSDE intervention group (n=46) received MSDE intervention, which included motivational interviewing, coping skills training, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, and mindfulness-based psychotherapy. The participants in the control group (h=43) received a series of lectures on skills training. A significant increase in Contemplation Ladder score (P<0.001) and decreases in scores on the Obsessive Compulsive Drug Use Scale (P<0.001), Beck Depression Inventory (P<0.001), and Aggression Questionnaire (P=O.O33) were found immediately after intervention. Compared to the control group, the MSDE intervention group reported significantly higher abstinence rates (P=0.027) and retention rates (P<0.001) at follow-up. Overall, the MSDE intervention, which uses a combined strategy for relapse prevention, could be a promising approach for preventing relapse among heroin users in China.

Use of Cataract Surgery in Urban Beijing: a Post Screening Follow-up of the Elderly with Visual Impairment due to Age-related Cataract

Objective To understand the perception for the use of cataract surgical services in a population of acceptors and non-acceptors of cataract surgery in urban Beijing. Methods From a community-based screening program a total of 158 patients with presenting visual acuity of less than 6/18 on either eye due to age-related cataract were informed about the possibility of surgical treatment. These patients were interviewed and re-examined 36 to 46 months after initial screening. The main reasons for not accepting surgery were obtained using a questionnaire. Vision function and vision-related quality of life scores were assessed in those who received and did not receive surgery. Results At the follow-up examination 116 of the 158 patients were available and 36(31.0%) had undergone cataract surgery. Cases who chose surgery had higher education level than those who did not seek surgery(OR=2.64, 95% CI: 1.08-6.63, P=0.02). There were no significant differences in vision function(P=0.11) or quality of life scores(P=0.16) between the surgery group and the non-surgery group. Main reasons for not having surgery included no perceived need(50.0%), feeling of being "too old"(19.2%), and worry about the quality of surgery(9.6%). Cost was cited by 1(1.9%) subject as the main reason for not seeking surgery.Conclusions The data suggest that in China's capital urban center for patients with moderate visual impairment there is a relative low acceptance rate of cataract surgery, mainly due to people's perception of marginal benefits of surgery. Cost is not a determining factor as barrier to undergo surgery and patients with poorer education are less likely to undertake surgery.

Association of C(-106)T Polymorphism in Aldose Reductase Gene with Diabetic Retinopathy in Chinese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Objective To identify the possible association between C(-106)T polymorphism of the aldose reductase(ALR) gene and diabetic retinopathy(DR) in a cohort of Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).Methods From November 2009 to September 2010,patients with T2DM were recruited and assigned to DR group or diabetic without retinopathy(DWR) group according to the duration of diabetes and the grading of 7-field fundus color photographs of both eyes.Genotypes of the C(-106)T polymorphism(rs759853) in ALR gene were analyzed using the MassARRAY genotyping system and an association study was performed.Results A total of 268 T2DM patients(129 in the DR group and 139 in the DWR group) were included in this study.No statistically significant differences were observed between the 2 groups in the age of diabetes onset(P=0.10) and gender(P=0.78).The success rate of genotyping for the study subjects was 99.6%(267/268),with one case of failure in the DR group.The frequencies of the T allele in the C(-106)T polymorphism were 16.0%(41/256) in the DR group and 19.4%(54/278) in the DWR group(P=0.36).There was no significant difference in the C(-106)T genotypes between the 2 groups(P=0.40).Compared with the wild-type genotype,odds ratio(OR) for the risk of DR was 0.7(95% CI,0.38-1.3) for the heterozygous CT genotype and 0.76(95% CI,0.18-3.25) for the homozygous TT genotype.The risk of DR was positively associated with microalbuminuria(OR=4.61;95% CI,2.34-9.05) and insulin therapy(OR=3.43;95% CI,1.94-6.09).Conclusions Microalbuminuria and insulin therapy are associated with the risk of DR in Chinese patients with T2DM.C(-106)T polymorphism of the ALR gene may not be significantly associated with DR in Chinese patients with T2DM.

C-reactive protein and diabetic retinopathy in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

AIM:To investigate the relationship between Creactive protein(CRP)and diabetic retinopathy(DR)in a cohort of Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).·METHODS:Community-based observational cohort study.There were 1131 participants recruited from November 2009 to September 2011 in Desheng community in urban Beijing.Patients diagnosed T2DM were recruited and underwent a standardized evaluation consisting of a questionnaire,ocular and anthropometric examinations and laboratory investigation.The presence and severity of DR were assessed by seven fields 30°color fundus photographs.Subjects were then classified into groups with no DR,any DR,or vision-threatening DR.CRP was analyzed from serum of study subjects.·RESULTS:A total of 1007 patients with T2DM were included for analysis,including 408(40.5%)men and 599(59.5%)women.The median CRP level was 1.5 mg/L for women and 1.1 mg/L for men(P=0.004,OR 0.37,95%CI0.18-0.74).After adjusting for possible covariates,higher levels of CRP were associated with lower prevalence of any DR(P=0.02,OR 0.55,95%CI 0.35-0.89),but not associated with vision-threatening DR(P=0.62,OR 0.78,95%CI 0.28-2.14).After stratification by sex,the inverseassociation between CRP and DR was found to be statistically significant in men(P=0.006,OR 0.35,95%CI0.16-0.73),but not in women(P=0.58,OR 0.88,95%CI0.29-1.16).·CONCLUSION:The data drawn from a Chinese population with T2DM suggest that increasing CRP levels may be inversely associated with development of DR.

Association of macular pigment optical density with early stage of non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

AIM:To detect the association between macular pigment optical density(MPOD),which reflects the antioxidant ability of retina,and diabetic retinopathy(DR)and to investigate the correlated factors of MPOD.METHODS: Totally 435 subjects of urban Chinese were recruited to the study and divided into 3 groups: non-diabetes mellitus controls(NDM),diabetic patients without retinopathy(DWR),and patients with early stage of non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy(DR).Demographic and lifestyle characteristics were ascertained by questionnaire.A food-frequency questionnaire,general physical and ophthalmic examinations were completed for all participants.MPOD was measured by heterochromatic flicker photometry.Foveal thickness was measured by optical coherence tomography.The difference of MPOD among 3 groups was analyzed by analysis of covariance.The correlation analyses of MPOD with the candidate influence factors were assessed using the generalized estimating equations(GEE) model.RESULTS: Of the 435 participants,34 could not perform the MPOD measurements.Final analysis included 401 subjects,including 48 were in DR group,134 in DWR group,and 219 in NDM group.MPOD was not significantly different among DR(0.49 ±0.21),DWR(0.45 ±0.21),and NDM(0.49±0.17) groups(P=0.24) after adjustment for fasting plasma glycemia,central foveal thickness,green vegetables,Chinese wolfberry,carotene and vitamin E.For all the 401 participants included,MPOD was positively associated with central foveal thickness(E=0.0007,P=0.001),Chinese wolfberry(E=0.0345,P=0.01),and green vegetables(E=0.0596,P<0.001) intake.CONCLUSION: The data suggest that MPOD level is not statistically significantly influenced by the onset of diabetes or early stage of DR in the studied population.MPOD level is positively associated with thicker central foveal thickness and higher intake of foods containing carotenoids.

Association of candidate gene polymorphisms with diabetic retinopathy in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes

●AIM:To investigate the association between a set of six candidate genes and the risk of diabetic retinopathy(DR)in an urban community cohort of Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2 DM).●METHODS:A population-based cross-sectional study.The diabetic subjects were recruited from an urban community in Beijing and categorized into groups of proliferative diabetic retinopathy(PDR),non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy(NPDR),or diabetic without any retinopathy(DWR)based on the fundus photography and duration of diabetes.Six candidate genes,including advanced glycation end product specific receptor(AGER),aldose reductase(AKR1 B1),inducible nitric oxide synthase(i NOS),pigment epithelium derived factor(PEDF),tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α),and paraoxonase 1(PON1),were chosen based on Meta-analysis of genetic association studies for DR and biochemical pathways implicated in DR progression.The allele and genotype distribution of 21 functional singlenucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)in those 6 candidate genes were investigated using MassARRAY genotyping system.●RESULTS:Among 1461 diabetic patients recruited from community,569 were selected in following genotyping analysis,including 97 patients with PDR,217 with NPDR,and 255 with DWR.For the promoter variant rs1051993 in AGER gene,the distribution of allele and genotype in PDR group differed from that in DWR group(allele:P=0.011;genotype:P=0.01).Compared with DWR,patients with PDR had lower frequencies of heterozygous genotype GT(9.8%for DWR,1%for PDR,OR:0.10,95%CI:0.01-0.72)and minor allele T(4.9%for DWR,0.5%for PDR,OR:0.10,95%CI:0.01-0.75).In multivariate model,the distribution of genotype for rs1051993 in PDR group was significantly different from that in DWR group(GT vs GG:OR:0.07,95%CI:0.01-0.61,P<0.001).No association with DR was observed in other genotyped SNPs.●CONCLUSION:The data suggest a significant association of the promoter variant rs1051993 in AGER gene with PDR in Chinese cohort with T2DM.

The Beijing Desheng Diabetic Eye Study:rationale,design,methodology and baseline data

AIM: To present the rationale, design, methodology, and the baseline data of the Beijing Desheng Diabetic Eye Study(BDDES), and to determine the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy(DR) and possible risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM) in an urban community of Beijing, China.METHODS: Community-based prospective cohort study of persons diagnosed with T2DM aged 30 y or older. The main variables of interest are the presence and progression of DR as determined by the standardized ETDRS grading of seven fields fundus photographs. The presence and severity of DR were analyzed for possible correlations to non-genetic and genetic dispositions.RESULTS: A total of 1438 participants with data available for analysis, the prevalence of any DR was 35.4%. The prevalence of mild non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy(NPDR), moderate NPDR, severe NPDR, and proliferative diabetic retinopathy was 27.7%, 2.6%, 0.5% and 4.5%, respectively. By multiple logistic regression analysis, risk factors for the presence of any DR included male(P=0.031), lower income level(P=0.011), lower education background(P=0.022), longer duration of diabetes(P=0.001), younger age at diabetic onset(P=0.001), higher systolic blood pressure(P=0.007), higher glycosylated hemoglobin A1 c levels(P=0.001), high albuminuria(P=0.03), and use of insulin(P<0.001). For vision-threatening DR, four factors were significant: younger age at diabetic onset(P<0.001),higher systolic blood pressure(P=0.042), high albuminuria(P<0.001), and use of insulin(P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The BDDES is the first large-scale ongoing cohort study of a Chinese urban population of persons with type 2 diabetes. Using standardized grading system comparable to large cohort studies from western populations, our baseline data shows that the prevalence of DR and major risk factors in this Chinese ethnic population are comparable to that found in the western population studies.

Measurement of macular pigment optical density among healthy Chinese people and patients with early-stage age-related macular degeneration

AIM: To measure the macular pigment optical density(MPOD) in healthy Chinese people and patients with early age-related macular degeneration(AMD).·METHODS: Cross-sectional population based study.Demographic and lifestyle characteristics were ascertained by questionnaire. A food frequency questionnaire was completed for all participants.Participants underwent general physical and ophthalmic examinations and MPOD was measured by heterochromatic flicker photometry. Foveal architecture was measured by optical coherence tomography.·RESULTS: MPOD of 225 participants(122 healthy and 103 early AMD) was 0.48 ±0.18. Patients with early AMD(0.52 ±0.19) tended to have higher MPOD levels than healthy people(0.47 ±0.17), but the difference was not statistically significant(P =0.06). Participants with carrot or corn oil intake every week tended to have higher levels of MPOD(P =0.002 and 0.008 respectively) while those with corn intake had relatively lower level of MPOD(P =0.01). MPOD increased with the center foveal thickness(P =0.01).· CONCLUSION: Our findings show that there is no statistically significant association between MPOD and early AMD in the studied population. MPOD is related to center foveal thickness and diets would influence MPOD levels.

Invasive Hemodynamic and Vasoreactivity Testing with Inhaled Iloprost in Children with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Associated with Congenital Heart Defects

Objective:Invasive hemodynamic evaluation and acute vasoreactivity testing are recommended in the diagnosis of pulmonary arterial hypertension(PAH),but their clinical role in children with PAH associated with congenital heart defects(CHD)is unclear.This study aims to investigate acute hemodynamic responses to inhaled iloprost,and its role in prognosis in children with PAH-CHD.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 83 pediatric patients with PAH-CHD in whom invasive hemodynamics were evaluated before and after a single inhaled dose of iloprost at a single center between 2010 and 2022.Details of the CHD corrective operation,medical treatment,and outcome for each patient were obtained via medical records or telephone contact.A composite endpoint of all-cause death,admission for worsening heart failure during follow-up,and event-free survival was defined,and risk factors associated with this composite endpoint were analyzed.Results:The patient age was(11.3±4.6)years,and 60(72.3%)were female.Fifty-nine(71.1%)patients were diagnosed with Eisenmenger syndrome.After iloprost inhalation,mean pulmonary artery pressure decreased from(78.2±11.5)to(72.3±13.2)mmHg(P<0.001),and pulmonary vascular resistance index(PVRI)decreased from(18.0±7.9)to(14.5±8.1)WU·m^(2)(P<0.001).A total of 38(45.8%)patients had a positive response,defined as a PVRl decrease>25%with stable systemic pressure.Thirtyseven(44.6%)patients underwent a corrective CHD operation at a median of 24 d after hemodynamic evaluation.Nine patients died,and 15 met the composite endpoint during a follow-up period of 5.4(3.8,8.8)years.Five-year event-free survival estimates were 96.7%(95%confidence interval:90.3%-100%)in patients with a positive response,and 82.8%(95%confidence interval:71.7%-94.5%)in patients with a non-positive response(log-rank P=0.012).A positive PVRl response and higher pulmonary arterial oxygen saturation after iloprost inhalation,lower baseline brain natriuretic peptide,and PAH-targeted therapy at follow-up were significantly associated with a favorable clinical outcome.A positive acute vasoreactivity testing response and PAH-targeted therapy at follow-up were independent predictors of outcome in multivariate Cox analysis.conclusions:Acute inhalation of iloprost can lead to a significant decrease in hemodynamic parameters.Responsiveness to inhaled iloprost is associated with better outcomes and can be a valuable predictor of outcomes.

基于深度学习模型进行屈光不正与玻璃膜疣的相关性分析

目的:采用深度学习模型对彩色眼底图像中的玻璃膜疣进行自动判读,并进一步探讨屈光不正与玻璃膜疣的相关关系。方法:病例对照研究。选取2017年1─12月在宁波市医疗中心李惠利医院行健康体检且年龄大于50岁的参与者,共1 035例(2 055眼)的彩色眼底图像,使用DeepSeeNet深度学习模型对彩色眼底图像进行自动分析判读,按玻璃膜疣大小进行分组。同时随机选择392张(19.1%)彩色眼底图像采用人工阅片方法对玻璃膜疣大小进行判读,采用Cohen's Kappa检验比较2种判读方法的一致性。根据电脑验光数据计算等效球镜度(SE),并分为中重度远视(>+3.0 D)、轻度远视(+0.51^+3.0 D)、正视(-0.5^+0.5 D)、轻度近视(-3.0^-0.51 D)、中重度近视(<-3.0 D)。应用Logistic回归模型进行屈光不正与玻璃膜疣的相关性分析。结果:深度学习模型对玻璃膜疣大小判读与人工阅片结果具有高度一致性( κ=0.67, P<0.001)。在矫正性别、年龄等因素后,SE向正方向增加与大玻璃膜疣发生风险相关( OR=1.03,95% CI:1.01~1.04, P<0.001)。中高度近视为玻璃膜疣的保护因素,与正视者相比,中重度近视者发生大玻璃膜疣的风险为0.89(95% CI:0.82~0.97);相反,中高度远视为危险因素,与正视者相比其发生大玻璃膜疣的风险为1.20(95% CI:1.03~1.39)。 结论:屈光不正与玻璃膜疣的发生相关。深度学习作为一种新型技术,除了可以增强医师临床诊断的速度和精准性,同样可以为年龄相关性黄斑变性相关的科研提供线索。