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BACKGROUNDS: Cancer progression has been associated with host hemostasis system. Whether preoperative plasma hemostasis factors can predict survival in colorectal cancer is quite intriguing. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study to validate the prognostic significance of three hemostasis parameters - fibrinogen, fibrin degradation products (FDPs) and D-dimer - in non-metastatic colorectal cancer patients treated with curative resection. RESULTS: All three parameters were positively correlated with C reactive protein (CRP) levels and Glasgow Prognostic scores (GPS). In univariate cox hazards regression model, as continuous variables, both fibrinogen (HR: 1.07, 95%CI: 1.01-1.13) and FDPs (HR: 1.17, 95%CI: 1.05-1.31) were prognostic, while D-dimer levels were not. Patients with hyperfibrinogenemia had a 2.12-fold increased mortality risk compared with patients without hyperfibrinogenemia. Patients with positive FDPs had a 3.68-fold increased mortality risk compared with patients with negative FDPs. In multivariate models, hyperfibrinogenemia was prognostic (HR: 3.39, 95%CI: 1.34-8.67) in patients with normal GPS scores. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative fibrinogen levels appeared as an independent mortality risk factor in non-metastatic colorectal cancer patients with normal GPS scores. Fibrinogen could be a reliable marker to identify high risk patients for those without systematic inflammation responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the effects of online academic help-seeking (OAHS) and flipped learning (FL) on students' development of involvement, self-efficacy, and self-directed learning. A quasi-experiment was conducted to investigate whether students' involvement, self-efficacy, and self-directed learning increases over time with intervention by OAHS, FL, and their combination. Three classes of first-year university students in a one-semester course were chosen for this empirical research. The 102 students were divided into three groups. The first group (G1, which received online OAHS and FL), and the second group (G2, which received online FL only), were the experimental groups. The last group (G3), which received the traditional teaching method in a blended course, served as the control group. The results indicate that G1 students' involvement, self-efficacy, and self-directed learning all improved under the condition of simultaneously applying OAHS and FL. In addition, this study also reveals that the application of FL alone could be helpful in G2 students' development of their involvement, self-efficacy, and self-directed learning. However, G3 students, who learned with traditional teaching method in a blended learning environment, did not have better development in their involvement, self-efficacy, and self-directed learning. Finally, the authors further discuss the implications for teachers, scholars, and schools engaged in online education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reported herein is the use of catalytic [{Ir(cod)Cl}2] to facilitate hydrogen-borrowing reactions of ketone enolates with methanol at 658C. An oxygen atmosphere accelerates the process, and when combined with the use of a bulky monodentate phosphine ligand, interrupts the catalytic cycle by preventing enone reduction. Subsequent addition of pronucleophiles to the reaction mixture allowed a one-pot methylenation/conjugate addition protocol to be developed, which greatly expands the range of products that can be made by this methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tumor cell formation occurs through various mechanisms that may result in the growth of tumor blood vessels. Thus, novel methods are required to provide tumor therapy. The aim of the present study was to investigate the reliability of the abnormality-indicating alarm information provided by the automatic hematology analyzer in the measurement of immature granulocytes (IG) and assess the factors involved. The quality control groups at three concentration levels were repeatedly determined within 20 days to observe the within-run precision. The quality control groups at two concentration levels were repeatedly determined within 20 days to observe the between-run precision. The results obtained by the two methods were compared and the reliability of IG measurement using the hematology analyzer was analyzed. Additionally, IG parameters of 120 venous blood specimens collected from cancer patients were measured by cell counting using a hematology analyzer and stained blood smears were observed. The within-run precision experiment showed that the coefficient of variation (CV) values of the IG percentage in the high, middle and low concentration levels were 3.62, 6.75 and 13.69%, respectively, while the CV values of the IG percentage in the two-level between-run precision experiment were 5.6 and 7.1%, respectively. All of the CV values were <15% and within the permitted range. The true-positive rates obtained using the hematology analyzer in the IG≤1%, 110% groups were 11.5, 65.4 and 95.0%, respectively, and the false-negative rates were 0. The IG percentages obtained through the hematology analyzer measurement and from the microscopic observation were (6.98±11.18) and (9.36±20.71)%, respectively. Results of the correlation analysis revelaed that there was an excellent correlation between the two methods (r=0.1364). A significant difference between the two methods was observed using the signed-rank test (P=0.001). Manual microscopic observation is essential for the IG specimen that has been measured using an automatic hematology analyzer and has received an abnormality alarm. For cancer patients who receive chemotherapy, this application helps to provide laboratory data for clinical disease diagnosis and treatment monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information on research trends in electronic learning (e-learning) and online education environments. The author looks at innovative technologies in education, information and communication technologies (ICT), the theory of online education and technologies, and online learning environments. The article also discusses meaningful learning (ML) and cognitive learning theory.

Background Radish (Raphanus sativus L., 2n = 2× = 18) is an economically important vegetable crop worldwide. A large collection of radish expressed sequence tags (ESTs) has been generated but remains largely uncharacterized. Results In this study, approximately 315,000 ESTs derived from 22 Raphanus cDNA libraries from 18 different genotypes were analyzed, for the purpose of gene and marker discovery and to evaluate large-scale genome duplication and phylogenetic relationships among Raphanus spp. The ESTs were assembled into 85,083 unigenes, of which 90%, 65%, 89% and 89% had homologous sequences in the GenBank nr, SwissProt, TrEMBL and Arabidopsis protein databases, respectively. A total of 66,194 (78%) could be assigned at least one gene ontology (GO) term. Comparative analysis identified 5,595 gene families unique to radish that were significantly enriched with genes related to small molecule metabolism, as well as 12,899 specific to the Brassicaceae that were enriched with genes related to seed oil body biogenesis and responses to phytohormones. The analysis further indicated that the divergence of radish and Brassica rapa occurred approximately 8.9-14.9 million years ago (MYA), following a whole-genome duplication event (12.8-21.4 MYA) in their common ancestor. An additional whole-genome duplication event in radish occurred at 5.1-8.4 MYA, after its divergence from B. rapa. A total of 13,570 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and 28,758 high-quality single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were also identified. Using a subset of SNPs, the phylogenetic relationships of eight different accessions of Raphanus was inferred. Conclusion Comprehensive analysis of radish ESTs provided new insights into radish genome evolution and the phylogenetic relationships of different radish accessions. Moreover, the radish EST sequences and the associated SSR and SNP markers described in this study represent a valuable resource for radish functional genomics studies and breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines self-regulated learning (SRL) research published in international journals between 2003-2012, focusing on topics such as sample groups, research methodology, and subject domains. Using the Social Science Citation Index (SSCI) database, the authors found that more studies on SRL in online education were published from 2008-2012 than 2003-2007 which suggests that the field of SRL research is still developing.

A design experiment was conducted applying Web-based problem-based learning (PBL), self-regulated learning (SRL), or their combination to help low-achieving students improve their skills of deploying application software in a compulsory course at a vocational school in Taiwan. The effects were encouraging and mostly positive. However, students' inertia to change routines of learning inherited from a culture of taking standard tests found in e-learning practice is quite common. A teacher's awareness of these changes and associated resistance may increase likelihood of e-learning success for future trials. Some modifications of the design are thus suggested for the next round of the experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes the design and delivery of a compulsory course in packaged software at vocational schools in Taiwan. A course website was devised and deployed to supplement learning activities in the traditional classroom. A series of quasi-experiments was conducted with innovative instructional designs, that is, webenabled problem-based learning (PBL), self-regulated learning (SRL), and their combinations. The impacts of these web-enabled pedagogies on students, instructors, and course design were evaluated. The effects of webenabled pedagogies were mostly positive, thus reinforcing the instructor's confidence for further application to the rest of his courses. The authors further discuss the implications for schools, scholars, and teachers who plan to implement, or are already engaged in, e-learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The computer software education in vocational schools in Taiwan can hardly be deemed as effective. To increase students 'learning motivation and develop practical skills, innovative learning designs such as problem-based learning(PBL) and self-regulated learning (SRL) are on trial in this specific context. We conducted a series of quasi-experiments to examine effects of these designs mediated by a web-based learning environment. Two classes of 106 freshmen in a semester course at Institute of Technology in Taiwan were chosen for this empirical study. Result several that effects of web-enabled PBL, web-enabled SRL, and their combinations, on students' skills of application software have significant differences. The implications of this study are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies the attitudes of Taiwanese and Americans toward the acceptability of suicide. Chi-square analysis; Acceptability scale higher for the Taiwanese sample; Acceptance of suicide for the elderly infirm, captured soldiers; Non-acceptance of suicide for the cases of incurable illness and as escape from problems.

Emerging research and clinical evidence suggest that the metabolic activity of oocytes may play a pivotal role in reproductive anomalies. However, the intrinsic mechanisms governing oocyte development regulated by metabolic enzymes remain largely unknown. Our investigation demonstrates that geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase1 (Ggps1), the crucial enzyme in the mevalonate pathway responsible for synthesizing isoprenoid metabolite geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate from farnesyl pyrophosphate, is essential for oocyte maturation in mice. Our findings reveal that the deletion of Ggps1 that prevents protein prenylation in fully grown oocytes leads to subfertility and offspring metabolic defects without affecting follicle development. Oocytes that lack Ggps1 exhibit disrupted mitochondrial homeostasis and the mitochondrial defects arising from oocytes are inherited by the fetal offspring. Mechanistically, the excessive farnesylation of mitochondrial ribosome protein, Dap3, and decreased levels of small G proteins mediate the mitochondrial dysfunction induced by Ggps1 deficiency. Additionally, a significant reduction in Ggps1 levels in oocytes is accompanied by offspring defects when females are exposed to a highcholesterol diet. Collectively, this study establishes that mevalonate pathway-protein prenylation is vital for mitochondrial function in oocyte maturation and provides evidence that the disrupted protein prenylation resulting from an imbalance between farnesyl pyrophosphate and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate is the major mechanism underlying impairment of oocyte quality induced by high cholesterol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common pregnancy complication that negatively impacts the health of both the mother and child. Early prediction of the risk of GDM may permit prompt and effective interventions. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarize the study characteristics, methodological quality, and model performance of firsttrimester prediction model studies for GDM. Methods: Five electronic databases, one clinical trial register, and gray literature were searched from the inception date to March 19, 2022. Studies developing or validating a first-trimester prediction model for GDM were included. Two reviewers independently extracted data according to an established checklist and assessed the risk of bias by the Prediction Model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool (PROBAST). We used a random-effects model to perform a quantitative meta-analysis of the predictive power of models that were externally validated at least three times. Results: We identified 43 model development studies, six model development and external validation studies, and five external validation-only studies. Body mass index, maternal age, and fasting plasma glucose were the most commonly included predictors across all models. Multiple estimates of performance measures were available for eight of the models. Summary estimates range from 0.68 to 0.78 (I2 ranged from 0% to 97%). Conclusion: Most studies were assessed as having a high overall risk of bias. Only eight prediction models for GDM have been externally validated at least three times. Future research needs to focus on updating and externally validating existing models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simultaneous co-firing of the levator palpebrae (LP) and pterygoid muscles were recorded in Marcus Gann Syndrome (MGS) patients in early clinical studies. ''Release hypothesis'' proposed an intrinsic masticatory oculomotor neural circuit and this kind circuit, which, however, has been observed only in amphibian. On the other hand, congenital miswiring hypothesis has overwhelmed other interpretations. However, the same phenomenon visualized in MGS cases was unveiled in human subjects without any sign of congenital oculomotor disorder. To further study co-firing of the upper eyelid and jaw muscles, we applied non-invasive EMG recording of the upper eyelid and ipsilateral masseter muscle belly in nine healthy volunteers. LP activity was determined initially by looking upward and active retraction of upper eyelid with head fixed. Then, dual channel inputs from upper eyelid and masseter muscle was recorded during tooth occlusion motivated by isometric masseter muscle contraction without jaw and face moving. The EMG recorded from upper eyelid when the subjects retracted eyelid with head fixed exhibited the same pattern as that collected during tooth occlusion, but the pattern was completely different from EMG of active eye closure. This reflects tooth occlusion evoked LP activity. Then, simultaneous co-firing of the LP and masseter muscle was recorded simultaneously during tooth occlusion without jaw movement. Finally, the aforementioned co-firing was recorded when the subjects conducted rhythmic occlusion and synchronous EMG from both muscles was acquired. In conclusions, humans may also have an intrinsic masticatory oculomotor circuit and release hypothesis may apply, at least, to some cases of MGS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Unstable pelvic fractures usually result from high-energy trauma. There are several treatment modalities available. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical application of a new less invasive ilioinguinal approach combined with a minimally invasive posterior approach technique in patients with unstable pelvic fractures. We also address the feasibility, validity, and limitations of the technique. Methods: Thirty-seven patients with unstable pelvic fractures were treated with our minimally invasive technique. The anterior pelvic ring fractures were treated with a less invasive ilioinguinal approach, and the sacral fractures were treated with a minimally invasive posterior approach. The clinical outcome was measured using the Majeed scoring system, and the quality of fracture reduction was evaluated. The patients were followed up for 13 to 60 months (mean, 24 months). Results: Anatomical or near to anatomical reduction was achieved in 26 (70.3 %) of the anterior pelvic ring fractures and a satisfactory result was obtained in another 11(29.7 %). For the posterior sacral fractures, excellent reduction was obtained in 33 (89.2 %) of the fractures, with a residual deformity in the other 4 patients. One superficial wound infection and two deep vein thromboses occurred, all of which resolved with conservative treatment. The clinical outcome at one year was "excellent" in 29 patients and "good" in 8 patients (Majeed score). Conclusions: The satisfactory results showed that a reduction and fixation of unstable pelvic fractures is possible through a combination of a limited ilioinguinal approach and posterior pelvic ring fixation. We believe our method is a new and effective alternative in the management of pelvic fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Unstable pelvic fractures usually result from high-energy trauma. There are several treatment modalities available. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical application of a new less invasive ilioinguinal approach combined with a minimally invasive posterior approach technique in patients with unstable pelvic fractures. We also address the feasibility, validity, and limitations of the technique. Methods: Thirty-seven patients with unstable pelvic fractures were treated with our minimally invasive technique. The anterior pelvic ring fractures were treated with a less invasive ilioinguinal approach, and the sacral fractures were treated with a minimally invasive posterior approach. The clinical outcome was measured using the Majeed scoring system, and the quality of fracture reduction was evaluated. The patients were followed up for 13 to 60 months (mean, 24 months). Results: Anatomical or near to anatomical reduction was achieved in 26 (70.3 %) of the anterior pelvic ring fractures and a satisfactory result was obtained in another 11(29.7 %). For the posterior sacral fractures, excellent reduction was obtained in 33 (89.2 %) of the fractures, with a residual deformity in the other 4 patients. One superficial wound infection and two deep vein thromboses occurred, all of which resolved with conservative treatment. The clinical outcome at one year was "excellent" in 29 patients and "good" in 8 patients (Majeed score). Conclusions: The satisfactory results showed that a reduction and fixation of unstable pelvic fractures is possible through a combination of a limited ilioinguinal approach and posterior pelvic ring fixation. We believe our method is a new and effective alternative in the management of pelvic fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is characterized by its diverse and flexible sexual types. Here, we evaluated the effect of low temperature (LT) exposure on cucumber femaleness under short-day conditions. Shoot apices were subjected to whole-genome bisulfate sequencing (WGBS), mRNA-seq, and sRNA-seq. The results showed that temperature had a substantial and global impact on transposable element (TE)-related small RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) mechanisms, resulting in large amounts of CHH-type cytosine demethylation. In the cucumber genome, TEs are common in regions near genes that are also subject to DNA demethylation. TE-gene interactions showed very strong reactions to LT treatment, as nearly 80% of the differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were distributed in genic regions. Demethylation near genes led to the co-ordinated expression of genes and TEs. More importantly, genome-wide de novo methylation changes also resulted in small amounts of CG- and CHG-type DMRs. Methylation changes in CG-DMRs located <600 bp from the transcription start and end sites (TSSs/TESs) negatively correlated with transcription changes in differentially expressed genes (DEGs), probably indicating epiregulation. Ethylene is called the 'sex hormone' of cucumbers. We observed the up-regulation of ethylene biosynthesis-related CsACO3 and the down-regulation of an Arabidopsis RAP2.4-like ethylene-responsive (AP2/ERF) transcription factor, demonstrating the inferred epiregulation. Our study characterized the response of the apex methylome to LT and predicted the possible epiregulation of temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD) in cucumber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Barbarea vulgaris contains two genotypes: the glabrous type (G-type), which confers resistance to the diamondback moth (DBM) and other insect pests, and the pubescent type (P-type), which is susceptible to the DBM. Herein, the transcriptomes of P-type B. vulgaris before and after DBM infestation were subjected to Illumina (Solexa) pyrosequencing and comparative analysis. Results: 5.0 gigabase pairs of clean nucleotides were generated. Non-redundant unigenes (33,721) were assembled and 94.1% of them were annotated. Compared with our previous G-type transcriptome, the expression patterns of many insect responsive genes, including those related to secondary metabolism, phytohormones and transcription factors, which were significantly induced by DBM in G-type plants, were less sensitive to DBM infestation in P-type plants. The genes of the triterpenoid saponin pathway were identified in both G- and P-type plants. The upstream genes of the pathway showed similar expression patterns between the two genotypes. However, gene expression for two downstream enzymes, the glucosyl transferase (UGT73C11) and an oxidosqualene cyclase (OSC), were significantly upregulated in the P-type compared with the G-type plant. The homologous genes from P- and G-type plants were detected by BLAST unigenes with a cutoff level E-value < e-10. 12,980 gene families containing 26,793 P-type and 36,944 G-type unigenes were shared by the two types of B. vulgaris. 38,397 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were found in 9,452 orthologous genes between the P- and G-type plants. We also detected 5,105 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) in the B. vulgaris transcriptome, comprising mono-nucleotide-repeats (2,477; 48.5%) and triple-nucleotide-repeats (1,590; 31.1%). Of these, 1,657 SSRs displayed polymorphisms between the P- and G-type. Consequently, 913 SSR primer pairs were designed with a resolution of more than two nucleotides. We randomly chose 30 SSRs to detect the genetic diversity of 32 Barbarea germplasms. The distance tree showed that these accessions were clearly divided into groups, with the G-type grouping with available Western and Central European B. vulgaris accessions in contrast to the P-type accession, B. stricta and B. verna. Conclusions: These data represent useful information for pest-resistance gene mining and for the investigation of the molecular basis of plant-pest interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oceanic plagiogranites that intruded into the ophiolite suite have received a great deal of attention from researchers. Some of these plagiogranites were controlled by mid-ocean ridge spreading and were formed via crystallization of basaltic magma or partial melting of the mafic gabbroic oceanic crust. The other plagiogranites were controlled by subducted oceanic crust slabs, and their formation mechanism is similar to that of the oceanic island arcs. The identification of different types of oceanic plagiogranites is of great significance for understanding the evolution of ancient ocean basins. In the Shiquanhe–Namtso mélange zone in central Tibet, scholars have recently identified many rock sequences related to intra-oceanic arcs, including MORB-like basalts, boninites, high-Mg andesites, and multiple series of granitic rocks. To further explore the formation mechanism of felsic rocks in oceanic island arcs and their role in the growth of continental crustal material, we sampled a series of Middle and Late Jurassic granitoids exposed in the ophiolitic mélange belt in the Shiquanhe area. Using zircon U-Pb dating, zircon Lu-Hf isotopic testing, whole-rock Sr-Nd isotopic testing and whole-rock major and trace geochemical testing, we determined the magmatic genesis and tectonic history of these samples. According to the test results and our field survey, we divided our samples into three groups. The first group consists of low-K plagiogranites (LKGs). These samples have ages that fall between 163 and 162 Ma. With their low K 2 O/Na 2 O ratios, low La/Yb ratios, low Sr/Y ratios, low Gd/Yb ratios, weak negative Eu anomalies and their significantly depleted zircon isotopic compositions (εHf(t) = 10.0–12.5; εNd(t) = 0.64–1.10), we propose that these samples are the products of partial melting of oceanic gabbro and turbidite at shallow depths in low-pressure and high-temperature conditions. The second group consists of samples from dioritic enclaves within the LKGs. These samples, which are slightly older than the LKG samples (175–173 Ma), have isotopic characteristics that are similar to those of the LKG samples (εHf(t) = 10.4–13.5; εNd(t) = 0.51–0.83). The samples in the second group may be homologous captives that formed during the early crystallization of LKG homologous magmas. The third group consists of samples with compositions of high-K granodiorites (HKGs) and ages similar to those of the LKG group (~163 Ma). With high K 2 O/Na 2 O ratios, relatively high La/Yb ratios, low Sr/Y ratios, low Gd/Yb ratios, negative Eu anomalies, significantly enriched isotopic compositions (εHf(t) = −11.1 to −15.4; εNd(t) = −13.29 to −13.43). Considering the basement exposure and known magmatic characteristics in the Shiquanhe area, we propose that HKGs samples are the result of interaction between continental subduction sediment melts and heterogeneous mantle material in high-temperature and low-pressure conditions. By comparing the oceanic plagiogranites in the Shiquanhe–Namtso mélange zone with those developed in the young, hot intra-oceanic subduction zone, we determined that the oceanic plagiogranites in the Shiquanhe–Lhaguotso–Asa area are forearc granites developed in the forearc area. These plagiogranites were controlled by the young, hot subducting plate and were formed by partial melting of a multi-component source area in a high-temperature and low-pressure environment. • Newly discovered Jurassic (175–162 Ma) granitic intrusions in Shiquanhe area. • These rocks were formed during the intra-oceanic subduction of young oceanic crust. • We define a new type of oceanic plagiogranites: forearc granites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowing the extent and structure of genetic variation in germplasm collections is essential for the conservation and utilization of biodiversity in cultivated plants. Cucumber is the fourth most important vegetable crop worldwide and is a model system for other Cucurbitaceae, a family that also includes melon, watermelon, pumpkin and squash. Previous isozyme studies revealed a low genetic diversity in cucumber, but detailed insights into the crop's genetic structure and diversity are largely missing. We have fingerprinted 3,342 accessions from the Chinese, Dutch and U.S. cucumber collections with 23 highly polymorphic Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers evenly distributed in the genome. The data reveal three distinct populations, largely corresponding to three geographic regions. Population 1 corresponds to germplasm from China, except for the unique semi-wild landraces found in Xishuangbanna in Southwest China and East Asia; population 2 to Europe, America, and Central and West Asia; and population 3 to India and Xishuangbanna. Admixtures were also detected, reflecting hybridization and migration events between the populations. The genetic background of the Indian germplasm is heterogeneous, indicating that the Indian cucumbers maintain a large proportion of the genetic diversity and that only a small fraction was introduced to other parts of the world. Subsequently, we defined a core collection consisting of 115 accessions and capturing over 77% of the SSR alleles. Insight into the genetic structure of cucumber will help developing appropriate conservation strategies and provides a basis for population-level genome sequencing in cucumber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare, metastasizing tumor of the deep dermis and subcutaneous t issue. W hile it f requently occurs in the trunk a nd extremities, breast involvement has rarely been reported. In the present case, imaging and pathological technologies were used to detect DFSP of the breast. Surgical excision with wide margins (>3 cm) and pathology revealed spindle cells arranged in storiform patterns and short fascicles which were crucially CD34-positive, enabling a definitive diagnosis prior to surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bandpass filter is an important device in portable communication and other RF systems. A dual-termination coupled coplanar waveguide (CPW) bandpass filter (BPF) has been designed by HFSS. This dual-termination coupled structure improves the coupling capacitances between the central metal and the matching transmission lines so that the insertion loss can be reduced. The filter has been fabricated on a high resistivity silicon substrate (ρ ≥ 1000 Ω cm) with 1 μm SiO2. It has -2.16-dB low insertion loss at peak transmission of about 32 GHz. This filter shows good s-parameter characteristics and it is attractive for RF ICs. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 50: 1705–1706, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.23464 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the use of Y-chromosome biallelic markers to investigate the ancient human-migration patterns in Eastern Asia during the last Ice Age. Equation used to estimate age of haplotypes; Analysis of Y-chromosome haplotype frequency distribution; Use of mutation-detection technique to identify biallelic markers on Y chromosomes.