During pulse signal collection, width information of pulse waves is essential for the diagnosis of disease. However, currently used measuring instruments can only detect the amplitude while can’t acquire the width information. This paper proposed a novel wrist pulse signal acquisition system, which could realize simultaneous measurements of the width and amplitude of dynamic pulse waves under different static forces. A tailor-packaged micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) sensor array was employed to collect pulse signals, a conditioning circuit was designed to process the signals, and a customized algorithm was developed to compute the width. Experiments were carried out to validate the accuracy of the sensor array and system effectiveness. The results showed the system could acquire not only the amplitude of pulse wave but also the width of it. The system provided more information about pulse waves, which could help doctors make the diagnosis.

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Nitrogen is an important factor limiting the growth and yield of rice. However, the excessive application of nitrogen will lead to water eutrophication and economic costs. To create rice varieties with high nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) has always been an arduous task in rice breeding. The processes for improving NUE include nitrogen uptake, nitrogen transport from root to shoot, nitrogen assimilation, and nitrogen redistribution, with each step being indispensable to the improvement of NUE. Here, we summarize the effects of absorption, transport, and metabolism of nitrate, ammonium, and amino acids on NUE, as well as the role of hormones in improving rice NUE. Our discussion provide insight for further research in the future.