The Stevens law and the derivation of sensory perception

The Stevens law,S=kI^(n),is commonly accepted as a landmark achievement in the field of sensory psychophysics and has been widely applied in food sensory research.The theory effectively links the two parameters of very different nature,the intensity of sensory perception(S)and the intensity of physical stimulus(I).However,the Stevens law suffers from two major drawbacks.The equation was self-inconsistent in terms of the units,which makes equation questionable in principle.The Stevens law was also found inapplicable when multiple physical stimuli are involved in the perception of a sensory attribute.To solve the first drawback,we propose to replace the absolute stimulation intensity in the Stevens law with a relative intensity,S=k(I/I_(0))^(n).The modified Stevens law becomes self-consistent when both sides of the equation are dimensionless and the theory is applicable regardless of the unit of the physical stimulus.To solve the second drawback,a concept of sensory derivation is introduced and so sensory properties can be categorized as primary sensory and derived sensory.The former can be described effectively by the Stevens law,while description of the latter is beyond the applicability of the Stevens law because of the involvement of multiple sensory stimuli or multi level sensory derivation.Furthermore,a sensory hierarch is constructed with sensory perception of different nature at different levels,including the primary sensory at the basic level and derived sensory perception at progressing levels.The modified Stevens law provides a self-consistent model for psychophysical analysis of sensory perception.The proposed sensory hierarchy helps to streamline sensory terms and attributes and may be used as a useful guide in establishing instrumental analysis of sensory perception.

Recent advances in fabrication and functions of neuromorphic system based on organic field effect transistor

The development of various artificial electronics and machines would explosively increase the amount of information and data,which need to be processed via in-situ remediation.Bioinspired synapse devices can store and process signals in a parallel way,thus improving fault tolerance and decreasing the power consumption of artificial systems.The organic field effect transistor(OFET)is a promising component for bioinspired neuromorphic systems because it is suitable for large-scale integrated circuits and flexible devices.In this review,the organic semiconductor materials,structures and fabrication,and different artificial sensory perception systems functions based on neuromorphic OFET devices are summarized.Subsequently,a summary and challenges of neuromorphic OFET devices are provided.This review presents a detailed introduction to the recent progress of neuromorphic OFET devices from semiconductor materials to perception systems,which would serve as a reference for the development of neuromorphic systems in future bioinspired electronics.

Effects of music therapy on mood,language,behavior,and social skills in children with autism：A meta-analysis

Objective：To investigate the effects of music therapy on mood,language,behavior,and social skills in children with autism.Methods：A literature search was conducted using the following Chinese databases：the China National Knowledge Infrastructure（CNKI）,Wanfang Data,the Chinese Biomedical Literature（CBM） Database,and the VIP Chinese Science and Technology Periodicals Database.The search terms were ＂autistic children＂ or ＂children with autism＂ and ＂music therapy＂ or ＂music treatment.＂ Studies of randomized controlled trials（RCTs） were included,and each publication included was assessed for quality.A meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.1.Results：Publications were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria.Six research articles describing RCTs were included;the total sample size was 300 patients.The results of meta-analysis showed that music therapy improved mood[Risk ratio（RR） = 3.02,95%confidence interval（CI）=1.93-4.11,Z=5.45,P〈 0.000 01]and behavior（RR=7.36,95%CI=4.28-10.44,Z=4.69,P=0.00001） in children with autism.Additionally,music therapy improved language（RR=4.05,95%CI=3.38-4.73,Z=11.71,P=0.000 01）,sensory perception（RR=4.62,95%CI=1.55-7.69,Z=2.95,P=0.003）,and social skills（RR=4.66,95%CI=1.90-7.42,Z=3.31,P=0.000 9） in children with autism.Conclusions：Music therapy can improve mood,language,sensory perception,behavior,and social skills in children with autism.

Mobile Robot Control Based on Dynamic Potential

An efficient method is presented for implementing mobile robot perception-action behaviors, based on time varying environment potential field approach. First, in this paper, the concept of dynamic potential U(x,y,z,t) is proposed for representing the environment of a mobile robot, and the form of U(x,y,z,t) is deduced, and then the velocity control of the vehicle with two wheel is directly calculated by transition function T of U(x,y,z,t). Finally, the perception-action layer is successfully implemented for avoiding collision, wandering, and integrating path planning and steering control on THMR-II (tsingHua university Mobile Robot system). Based on sonar array signals, the experimental results are given to show that THMR-II has better reflexive function, real-time obstacle avoidance, adaptability and robustness for complex environments.

The sensitivity difference between the glans penis and penile shaft in primary premature ejaculation

The penis is a vital organ of perception that transmits perceived signals to ejaculation-related centers.The penis consists of the glans penis and penile shaft,which differ considerably in both histology and innervation.This paper aims to investigate whether the glans penis or the penile shaft is the main source of sensory signals from the penis and whether penile hypersensitivity affects the whole organ or only part of it.The thresholds,latencies,and amplitudes of somatosensory evoked potentials(SSEPs)were recorded in 290 individuals with primary premature ejaculation using the glans penis and penile shaft as the sensory areas.The thresholds,latencies,and amplitudes of SSEPs from the glans penis and penile shaft in patients were significantly different(all P<0.0001).The latency of the glans penis or penile shaft was shorter than average(indicating hypersensitivity)in 141(48.6%)cases,of which 50(35.5%)cases were sensitive in both the glans penis and penile shaft,14(9.9%)cases were sensitive in the glans penis only,and 77(54.6%)cases were sensitive in the penile shaft only(P<0.0001).There are statistical differences in the signals perceived through the glans penis and the penile shaft.Penile hypersensitivity does not necessarily mean that the whole penis is hypersensitive.We classify penile hypersensitivity into three categories,namely,glans penis,penile shaft,and whole-penis hypersensitivity,and we propose the new concept of penile hypersensitive zone.

Genomic divergences between the two polyphagous Spodoptera relatives provide cues for successful invasion of the fall armyworm

The fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda recently invaded China,ravaging crops in many provinces.Deciphering the possible genetic basics for its successful invasion is critical for innovative and specific control for this gluttonous pest.Here we generated comparative genomic analyses between S.frugiperda and its native relative,S.litura,which differs in host preference,locomotivity and production behavior.We demonstrated that S.frugiperda genes are enriched in taste sensory perception and nervous system,obv iously difTerent from those of S.litura.Potential host adaptation genes showed generally an elevated ratio of non-synonymous substitution rate to synonymous substitution rate,suggesting a faster evolution during the divergence of the two species.Focusing on these sets of genes,we identified 23 genes being under positive selection in S.frugiperda.Among them are two notable genes involved in sensory perception,gustatory receptor(GR)and an acetaldehyde oxidase,which are important for host detection in invasion and expansion processes.Another two genes are mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate synthase^subunit and ferritin heavy chain,which may be associated with the enhanced locomotivity and resistance,which fascinated long-distance migration needed for invasion and rapid expansion.Another interesting gene is chorion protein,in which positive selection sites in S.frugiperda were found and a replacement in one site is predicted to affect the protein function,which might be associated with competent reproductivity in S.frugiperda to ensure genetic resources for expansion.

A review on food oral tribology

Food entering the oral cavity undergoes a series of complex processing behaviors.It is subjected to compression and shearing by the teeth,tongue,and palate to reduce its size and mix with saliva until it is swallowed.The oral processing behaviors are thought to be closely related to both food and oral frictional properties.Much effort has been made in recent decades about food oral tribology to explore this complicated lubrication behavior.Understanding the lubrication mechanism of food in the mouth is important for improving the consumption experience and developing the novel food.This paper provides a new perspective on the effects of composition,texture,structure,and saliva-food component interactions on lubrication properties of different foods,the relationship between sensory perception and oral frictional behavior,and the mechanism and pattern of lubrication categorized by common food types.The roles of tribology in the improvement of food taste,the search for healthier ingredient substitutes,functional foods,and the development of green foods are analyzed.Conceptual and numerical prediction models among physical properties,sensory perception,and frictional behavior of food are discussed.Studies of simulating oral processing,such as the selection of friction pair materials,physical modification of contact surfaces,addition of saliva,different modes of motion,and contact forms are concluded and classified.The progress of commercial friction apparatus as well as customized friction devices applied to the food sector in recent years are described.The characteristics,performances,and applications of these tribological instruments are analyzed and compared.In addition,the results achieved by oral tribology in identifying adulterated foods and ensuring food safety are presented.Finally,some suggestions are put forward for the current challenges and future development of food oral tribology.