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We have systematically analyzed the effect of strain on the electrical properties of flexible field effect transistors with a single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) network on a polyethersulfone substrate. The strain was applied and estimated at the microscopic scale (<1 μm) by using scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with indigenously designed special bending jig. Interestingly, the strain estimated at the microscopic scale was found to be significantly different from the strain calculated at the macroscopic scale (centimeter-scale), by a factor of up to 4. Further in-depth analysis using SEM indicated that the significant difference in strain, obtained from two different measurement scales (microscale and macroscale), could be attributed to the formation of cracks and tears in the SWCNT network, or at the junction of SWCNT network and electrode during the strain process. Due to this irreversible morphological change, the electrical properties, such as on current level and field effect mobility, lowered by 14.3% and 4.6%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews recent progress in perfect absorbers of electromagnetic waves that utilize metamaterials (MMs). Various numerical techniques that are inevitable for the research on MMs, along with their pros and cons, are commented on and discussed. Abandoning the conventional periodic-boundary conditions is crucial for understanding the discrepancy between simulation and experiments for certain MMs. Broadband perfect absorption can be realized by using multiple resonances and/or multiple units with different sizes in a unit cell, or by utilizing bad Q-factors by incorporating the electrically resistive components, in addition to the ordinary metallic elements. The classical analogue of electromagnetically-induced transparency can be utilized to realize perfect absorption, by employing either structural asymmetry, or near-field interactions. Perspectives and suggestions for further study are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An optical loss of GaN-based blue-violet laser diodes (BV-LDs) was measured by taking the intensity decay of edge emitting luminescence with respect to the distance from cleaved edge of a wafer to the position where an excitation laser was focused. Amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) was also investigated by tuning the power of an excitation laser on BV-LD wafers. Measurements were performed on wafers with different thicknesses of InGaN optical confinement layers (OCLs). The threshold power of ASE intensity was minimized at an optimum thickness of InGaN OCL. We also found that optical loss of wafers was determined by absorption of an InGaN layer in thicker OCL structure. From experimental data and fittings, we obtained 40 cm-1 for InGaN absorption at 405 nm. The optical field confined in OCL region was reasonably high enough to affect the overall modal loss in devices. Therefore, the optical losses still remained even though the Mg-doped GaN regions are far enough from the active layers. The crystal quality of an InGaN layer should be an important aspect to improve the performance of BV-LDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comparative analysis of optical characteristics of In0.08Ga0.92N/In0.03Ga0.97N multiquantum well (MQW) laser diode structures grown on freestanding GaN and on sapphire substrates is reported. Higher quantum efficiency, higher thermal activation energy, smaller Stokes-like shift, and shorter radiative lifetime are observed for InGaN MQWs on GaN substrate than those of the same MQWs on sapphire substrate. From time-resolved optical analysis, we find that not only an increase in nonradiative lifetime due to reduced dislocation density but also a decrease in radiative lifetime caused by suppressed piezoelectric field play an important role in enhancing optical properties of InGaN MQWs on GaN substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photoreflectance (PR) spectra at various temperatures and photoluminescence (PL) spectra and high-resolution x-ray rocking curve (XRC) measurements are used to investigate the band alignment, epitaxial-strain, and atomic-ordering effects in In0.54Ga0.46P1-yNy/GaAs (y=0%–2.0%) heterostructures. The existence of additional peaks in PR spectra at higher levels of nitrogen (N) incorporation implies that the band alignment switches from type I to type II, due to the lowering of the conduction band. The electric field at the interface is determined and is discussed with the N content. Redshifts of the PR and PL peaks indicate that the band gap of InGaPN is dramatically reduced as N is incorporated. The valence-band splitting (VBS) and the spin-orbit splitting of InGaPN are obtained from PR spectra. High-resolution XRC measurements indicate that as the N content increases, the lattice mismatch and the compressive strain between the epilayer and GaAs substrate decrease while the VBS increases, which implies an increase in the degree of ordering in InGaPN caused by the transition from a cubic zinc blende structure to a [111] CuPt structure. The order parameter η of InGaPN deduced from the VBS ranges from 0.256 to 0.498, indicating that the InGaPN epilayer becomes more ordered with increasing N incorporation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate the fabrication of nanoelectromagnets and the magnetic capture of a single magnetic nanoparticle. The magnetic nanoparticles are extracted from magnetotactic bacteria and their diameter is approximately 50 nm. We show that a single nanoparticle is captured at each corner of the serpentine-shaped nanoelectromagnet, and the maximum magnetic field of 35 mT (and the maximum magnetic-field gradient of 4×105 T/m) is shown to be created at the capture spots of the nanoelectromagnet. It is also shown that there is a crossover between the magnetic force and the diffusion force at several hundred nm away from the magnet. This distance is comparable to the average interparticle distance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photoreflectance (PR) and Raman spectra were employed to investigate the interfacial characteristics of a series of oxide films on GaAs. The barrier heights across the interfaces and the densities of interracial states are determined from the PR intensity as a function of the pump power density. The oxide-GaAs structures fabricated by in situ molecular beam epitaxy exhibit low interfacial state densities in the low 10[sup 11] cm[sup -2] range. The density of the interface states of the Ga[sub 2]O[sub 3](Gd[sub 2]O[sub 3])-GaAs structure is as low as (1.24±0.14)×10[sup 10] cm[sup -2]. The Ga[sub 2]O[sub 3](Gd[sub 2]O[sub 3]) dielectric film has effectively passivated the GaAs surface. Additionally, Raman spectra were used to characterize the structural properties of the oxide films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The surface barrier height and surface Fermi level of InA1As were investigated via photoreflectance spectra. Surface state density was then determined from the surface barrier height as a function of temperature, illumination power intensity, and intrinsic layer thickness. Results obtained from these three independent approaches all give the same conclusion, that the surface states are distributed over two separate regions within the energy band gap. Closely examining the photovoltage induced by various incident beam intensities revealed that the photovoltage effect is negligible when the illumination power intensity is below 1.0 µW/cm². [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photoreflectance is used to investigate the band gap, built-in electric field, and surface Fermi level of a series of lattice-matched In[sub 0.52]Al[sub 0.48]As surface-intrinsic n[sup +] structures having different undoped layer thicknesses. Experimental results indicate that, although the built-in electric field depends on the undoped layer thickness, there is a range of thickness within which the surface Fermi level is weakly pinned. From the dependence of electric field and surface Fermi level on the undoped layer thickness, we can determine that the surface states distribute over two separate regions within the energy band gap. The densities of the surface states are evaluated as well. Moreover, the dependence of the built-in electric field on undoped layer thickness is converted into the dependence of surface state density on the surface Fermi level in order to theoretically and exactly calculate the energy spectrum of the surface state density using a Guassian distribution function. The center and width of the distribution near the conduction band are obtained from the fitting parameters. © 2001 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a Petri-net (PN)-based hierarchical structure for AS/RS operation modelling. The complete AS/RS operation is modelled by four different layer modules, including the command typing layer (CTL), the command profile layer (CPL), the command compilation layer (CCL) and the command execution layer (CEL). To simplify the structure, macro-places are created to represent complicated activities associated with some specific groups of functions. The complete modelling system is implemented in a compact 'Visual C'-based object-oriented computer program. The 'click' function is introduced to allow macro-places to be zoomed in for detailed internal activity visualization. In a typical AS/RS, operation commands are generated and issued by the management system. Each command is first typed and queued in the CTL module and then delivered one by one to the CPL module for work-domain (i.e. the starting and ending locations of the crane) evaluation. After the work-domain is decided, the information is delivered to the CCL module for command sequence compilation. The compiled command sequence is then executed in the CEL module by the crane device. By employing the proposed four-layer modelling procedure, basic AS/RS operation modules of any size can be developed and then assembled to construct a complete AS/RS-PN model. By carefully analysing the properties of the complete AS/RS-PN model, the robustness of the AS/RS structure is verified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ice-binding proteins (IBPs) inhibit the growth and recrystallization of intracellular ice, enabling polar organisms to survive at subzero temperatures. IBPs are promising materials in biomedical applications such as cryopreservation and the hypothermic storage of cells, tissues, and organs. In this study, recombinant IBP from the antarctic bacterium Flavobacterium frigoris PS1 (FfIBP) was produced by Escherichia coli used as bioreactor, to examine the feasibility of scale-up. Oxygen transfer was the most important factor influencing cell growth and FfIBP production during pilot-scale fermentation. The final yield of recombinant FfIBP produced by E. coli harboring the pET28a-FfIBP vector system was 1.6 g/L, 3.8-fold higher than that from the previously published report using pCold I-FfIBP vector system, and its thermal hysteresis activity was 2.5°C at 9.7 µM. This study demonstrates the successful pilot-scale production of FfIBP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on a study which applied the quantum Hall effect measurements on modulation-doped gallium arsenic (GaAs)/aluminum GaAs heterostructures. Experimental procedures; Results and discussion; Conclusion.

Presents a study that investigated the variations of Raman spectra for silicon-implanted gallium antimonide (GaSb) with various doses and energies. Advantages of ion-implantation technology over diffusion; Analysis of the Raman spectrum of the unimplanted GaSb wafer; Reasons for the broadening and weakening of the transverse and longitudinal optical phonon modes.

BBTMPO was synthesized by a condensation of 4-n butyl benzaldehyde and 4-amino 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl piperidine N-oxide (4-tempamine). The shape of the resulting spin probe, estimated using the Dreiding models, is a spherocone of length 10.7 Å capped by hemispheres of radii 6.6 and 4.0 Å, respectively. The magnetic parameters of BBTMPO in toluene at 77 K were determined. Variable temperature ESR line shape studies in the temperature range of 142–211 K revealed that BBTMPO exhibited anisotropic rotational diffusion in toluene along the long axis of the spherocone and in the direction parallel to the N–O bond. Rotational diffusion along the long axis was found to be 3±0.5 and 7±0.5 times faster for frozen and liquid toluene, respectively, than the other two axes. The line shapes have been simulated by using the stochastic Liouville theory of slow-motional effects on ESR spectrum. The slow tumbling spectrum (158 K) in the model-sensitive region showed good agreement for a Brownian model. The plot of τR vs 1/T over the whole temperature range yield a good linear fit with two slopes, with the activation energy for reorientation process of 4.9 kcal/mol in the liquid state, and 9.9 kcal/mol in the solid state. The higher activation energy of rotational reorientation coupled with a lower anisotropy of molecular reorientation (N) in the solid state, indicates that the rotational degrees of freedom is more restricted in the frozen state than in the liquid state. Molecular reorientation for BBTMPO in toluene was analyzed in terms of the hydrodynamic free space model for molecular relaxation in liquids. The stickiness factor S was found to be 0.6 while the anisotropic interaction parameter κ which measures the coupling of rotation to translation was found to be 0.7. For perdeuterated 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidine N-oxide (PD-Tempone) in toluene the stickiness factor was calculated to be 0.3, and κ was 0.4. The doubling in... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temperature-dependent photoreflectance (PR) measurements are employed to characterize the conduction band structure of In0.54Ga0.46P1-yNy (y=0 and 0.02) grown on GaAs substrates. The band gap and the upper subband E+ transition are observed in InGaPN as predicted by the band anticrossing (BAC) model. To investigate the energetic positions of the features in the PR spectra, a Kramers–Kronig analysis is proposed. Based on the PR data and the BAC model, we find that the energy EN of isolated nitrogen states shifts significantly to higher energies with decreasing temperature. Simultaneously, the interaction potential V between the nitrogen states and the unperturbed conduction band also rises to higher values. At 293 K, EN=2.054 eV and V=1.513 eV are determined. The thermal shifts of EN and V are dEN/dT≈-0.43 meV/K and dV/dT≈-0.67 meV/K, respectively. The temperature-dependent EN level and interaction potential V are attributed to the lattice distortions, which can be affected by temperature-induced changes in deformation potential. This information is important for overall validity of the BAC model to dilute nitride InGaPN alloys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coordination polymers exhibiting magnetic properties can be considered as promising materials for magnetic applications. We obtained such materials by means pf mechanochemical incorporation of binuclear metal complexes Mn–O–Mn into polystyrene. Incorporation of binuclear manganese complexes was achieved by using substituted benzoquinones (organic acceptors) as intermediate ligands that react with manganese acetylacetonate and provide new coordination and stabilization of manganese in different valence states. Magnetic transitions in this system are due to reversible disproportionation process Mn3+–O–Mn3+⇔Mn2+–O–Mn4+ in the binuclear complex. The structure of the binuclear complex was obtained using ab initio calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on mechanochemical synthesis and magnetic and electric properties of organic polymeric semiconductor that contains paramagnetic and ferromagnetic particles. As starting materials we used polyaniline (emeraldine base), polystyrene, FeCl3, and elemental sulfur. These components were chosen for the purpose of obtaining semiconductor polymer composite containing magnetic iron nanoparticles and having flexible thermomechanical properties. The presence of nanoparticles was evidenced by scanning electron microscopy. The value of conductivity of the Fe-doped polymer composite was increased by several orders of magnitude compared to the initial undoped polyaniline. Temperature dependence of the conductivity shows semiconductor character of the composite material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background/purpose: The stratum corneum (SC) is the most important layer for the barrier function of skin, so investigation of the SC is very important in cosmetic and medical research. Here, we calculated the SC thickness using the depth profile of the skin's water concentration based on previously described methods, and then compared the results. Methods: Seven Korean women in their 30s participated in this study. Raman spectroscopy was used to measure the in vivo depth profile of skin water concentration. A total of 21 areas were measured at forearm. Microsoft Excel 2007 was used to calculate SC thickness based on the slope and intersection methods. Results: The slope method and the intersection method gave a forearm SC thickness calculated at 21.3 ± 2.6 μm and 17.6 ± 2.8 μm, respectively. There was a significant difference between the two calculation methods but the two methods showed strong correlation of SC thickness results (r = .899). Conclusion: Although there was a difference in calculated SC thickness of about 20% between the two methods, these results reveal that the two SC thickness calculation methods using Raman spectroscopy were suitable for measuring SC thickness, a finding consistent with other published results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The brackish cyclopoid copepod Apocyclops royi is used in Taiwanese aquaculture industry as a prey for fish larvae. This study investigated the effects of seven microalgal diets, namely single‐species diets of Isochrysis galbana (ISO), Nannochloropsis oculata (NAN), and Tetraselmis chui (TET), two‐species diets (ISO+NAN, ISO+TET and TET+NAN), and a three‐species diet (ISO+NAN+TET), on the population growth, female fecundity and fatty acid composition of A. royi. For reproductive traits, the combination ISO+NAN was found to be the most supportive diet for both population growth and female fecundity. For nutritional value, copepods fed ISO and ISO+NAN were detected to have the highest content of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (18.99% and 10.73% total fatty acid, respectively) and, more importantly, a high DHA/EPA ratio (6.09 and 4.09, respectively). Additionally, a comparison of fatty acid composition between copepods and microalgae gives a tentative indication that A. royi may have the ability to synthesize long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) from short‐chain PUFA. Our findings illustrate that ISO+NAN is the most suitable microalgal diet for mass culturing A. royi because it increases productivity and enhances the nutritional value of the copepods for use as fish larvae prey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By means of mechanochemical synthesis we obtained a coordination polymer containing binuclear manganese complexes with organic catechol/ortho-quinone ligands. The reaction system contained polystyrene, manganese acetylacetonate, and donor-acceptor mixture catechol/ortho-quinone. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and infrared spectroscopic data show that the binuclear manganese complex is covalently linked to the chain of polystyrene. Theoretical EPR spectrum analysis revealed a triplet state of the complex with two nonequivalent manganese ions coupled to each other by spin exchange. The type of magnetic coupling between manganese ions in this system is similar to the one in manganese based inorganic magnetic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both the epitaxial-strain and atomic-ordering effects in In0.54Ga0.46P1-yNy/GaAs (y=0%-2.0%) heterostructures are characterized by high-resolution x-ray rocking curve measurements and photoreflectance (PR) spectra at various temperatures. The lattice constant of InGaPN follows a bowing effect instead of Vegard’s law. The valence-band splitting (VBS) and spin-orbit splitting of InGaPN are obtained from PR spectra. As the nitrogen concentration increases, the lattice mismatch (the compressive strain) between the epilayer and GaAs substrate decreases while the VBS increases, which implies an increase in the degree of ordering of InGaPN. In addition, the order parameter η of InGaPN is deduced from the VBS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated paramagnetic properties of binuclear niobium complexes Nb-O-Nb with two nonequivalent Nb4+ ions in lithium-niobium phosphate glasses sLNPGd, in the environment of catechol/ortho-quinone ligands and in polyethylene. Experimental electron paramagnetic resonance spectrum analysis revealed nonequivalent distribution of the charge and electron spin density between two Nb atoms. Mechanochemical interaction of LNPG with an organic donor-acceptor mixture catechol/ortho-quinone followed by organic solvent extraction leads to the formation of a new binuclear complex with catechol/ortho-quinone ligands. This complex can be further incorporated into polyethylene matrix to form the complex with properties close to the complex in LNPG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on synthesis of Co, Ni, and Fe nanoparticles by the action of elastic wave pulses on solid phase sandwich type samples containing metal salt, reducing agent, polyethylene, and polyacrylamide. The formation of metal nanoparticles is evidenced by ferromagnetic resonance and scanning electron microscopy. The product yield for the nanoparticles formation has a threshold character with the pressure in the elastic wave pulse. The maximum amount of Co, Ni, and Fe nanoparticles is observed around 20 kbar of pressure in elastic wave pulses. The presence of polyacrylamide in reaction composites increases the stability of metal nanoparticles to oxidation by two orders of magnitude. © 2004 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chromium complexes, where ortho-quinone ligands are covalently linked to polymeric chains of polyethylene, polystyrene, and copolymer of ethylene and vinylacetate are studied. The results of infrared and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopic studies of chromium coordination polymers show that covalent linking of quinone ligands is accompanied by the change in the valence states of chromium Cr(III)↔Cr(IV)↔Cr(V). The ligand field of the triplet Cr4+ ion is close to the one in Cr-doped Y2SiO5, a laser material in the visible and infrared regions. Therefore some useful magnetic and/or optical properties in such transition metal coordination polymers can be expected. © 2004 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The purpose of this study was to review pelvic fractures and concomitant orthopaedic injuries in children who have a patent triradiate cartilage (TRO) compared with children whose triradiate cartilage has closed (TRC). We hypothesise that these injuries will differ, leading to correlated alterations in management. Patients and Methods Using a database, we retrospectively reviewed patients aged below 18 years with pelvic fractures presenting to our Level 1 trauma center. Radiographs and CT scans were reviewed to identify orthopaedic injuries and categorise pelvic injuries using the modified Torode classification between the two groups. Results A total of 178 patients met inclusion criteria (60 TRO and 118 TRC). Mean age ± SD for TRO and TRC groups were 8 ± 4 years and 16 ± 2 years, respectively. TRO patients were more likely to present as a pedestrian struck by a vehicle (odds ratio (OR) 6.0; p < 0.001) and less likely to present after a motor vehicle collision (OR 0.2; p < 0.001). TRO patients were more likely to sustain rami fractures (OR 2.1; p = 0.020) and Torode IIIA injuries (OR 3.6; p < 0.001). They were less likely to sustain acetabular fractures (OR 0.5; p = 0.042), sacral fractures (OR 0.4; p = 0.009), hip dislocations (p = 0.002) and Torode IV injuries (OR 0.4; p = 0.004). TRO patients were less likely to be treated operatively for their pelvic (OR 0.3; p = 0.013) and orthopaedic injuries (OR 0.4; p = 0.006). Conclusion We suggest that patients with open triradiate cartilage are unique. Their pelvic injuries may be treated more conservatively as they have a greater potential for periosteal healing and bone remodelling. Patients with closed triradiate cartilage should be treated similarly to adults, as they share a similar mechanism of injury and need for operative fixation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flexible metamaterials (MMs) provide a new field in controlling electromagnetic waves. This paper comprises the MMs made on flexible and elastic substrates, together with the relevant techniques and approaches. The perspective is also described, which includes the possible conversion of investigated MMs into practical devices. For an example of the research and development so far in this fascinating area, by using a planar and flexible MM, the low-frequency perfect absorption has been obtained even with very small unit-cell size in snake-shape structure. These shrunken, deep-sub-wavelength and thin MM absorbers were numerically and experimentally investigated by increasing the inductance. The absorbers are specially designed for absorption peaks around 2 GHz and 400 MHz, which can be used for depressing the EM noise from everyday electronic devices and mobile phones. It has been reported new concept of water droplet-based MM perfect absorber absorbing perfectly electromagnetic wave with water, an eco-friendly material which is very ordinary and plentiful on the earth. If arranging water droplets with particular height and diameter on material surface, meta-properties absorbing electromagnetic wave perfectly in GHz broadband were shown. It was possible to control absorption ratio and absorption wavelength band of electromagnetic wave according to the shape of water droplet and apply to various flexible and/or transparent substrates such as plastic, glass, and paper. These results can lead wide applications to variously civilian and military products in the future by providing perfect absorber of broadband in all products including bendable and transparent materials. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The biogeography of pelagic tunicates belonging to the two taxonomic classes Larvacea and Thaliacea was analysed using seven sampling stations along the coastal regions of Taiwan which contribute to all the China Seas surrounding Taiwan. The collected data were then compared with the information in the available literature about pelagic tunicate species diversity in the China Seas (Bohai Sea, North Yellow Sea, East China Sea and South China Sea) and previous studies on these organisms in Taiwan waters to get a better understanding of their biodiversity, abundance and distribution. A total of 19 species of pelagic tunicates were observed and identified to the speciel level: five species belonging to the class Larvacea, in the two families Oikopleuriidae and Fritillariidae; 14 species belonging to the class Thaliacea, in the families Salpidae and Doliolidae. We summarised morphological characteristics of the recorded species which were found to be useful for identification, and we provided further information about their global distribution and ecological preferences. Our results revealed that pelagic tunicates occurred in the China Seas with high species richness throughout the year. This is the first account on the class Larvacea from Taiwan. Comparing our results with available records from all China Seas, Taiwan proved to be a species diversity hotspot for pelagic tunicates, especially for the family Salpidae. The waters of southern Taiwan showed a higher species richness compared to the northern counterpart. The doliolidDoliolum denticulatumcan be designated as an indicator of the low-temperature China Coastal Current species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four plant species, Elymus mollis Trin., Carex kobomugi Ohwi, Glehnia littoralis F. Schmidt ex Miq., and Vitex rotundifolia L.f., are dominant perennial species in coastal sand dunes of Korea. We examined a physiological adaptation of these species by measurements of diurnal variation in photosynthesis and chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence and solute patterns in leaves during one season (June), which is favorable for plant growth of all four species. All four species adopted different strategies in order to utilize radiation and to maintain water status under a fluctuating microclimate. Although the lowest water contents among four plant species was found, E. mollis with a high Chl and K content showed better photosynthetic performance, with high stomatal conductance ( g ), net photosynthetic rate ( P ), instantaneous carboxylation efficiency (CE), and water-use efficiency. Midday depression of P in E. mollis and G. littoralis, without a reduction of gs, was associated with a reduction in CE and maximum photochemical efficiency of PSII, indicating nonstomatal limitation. Photosynthesis depression in both C. kobomugi and V. rotundifolia, with relatively low g values, could be attributed to both stomatal and nonstomatal limitations. The high storage capacity for inorganic ions in E. molli, C. kobomugi, and G. littoralis may play an efficient role in regulating photosynthesis and maintaining leaf water status through stomatal control, and can also play an important role in osmotic adjustment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mutations of MKRN3, the gene encoding makorin RING-finger protein 3, lead to central precocious puberty (CPP). The aim of this study was to investigate mutations of the MKRN3 gene in Korean girls with CPP. Two hundred-sixty Korean girls with idiopathic CPP were included. Auxological and endocrine parameters were measured, and the entire MKRN3 gene was directly sequenced. MKRN3 gene analysis revealed one novel nonsense mutation (p.Gln281 *) and 6 missense variants (p.Ile100Phe, p.Gly196Val, p.Ile204Thr, p.Gln226Pro, p.Lys233Asn, and p.Ser396Arg). The novel nonsense mutation (p.Gln281 *) was a heterozygous C > T nucleotide change (c.841C > T) predicted to result in a truncated protein due to a premature stop codon in the MKRN3 gene. The nonsense mutation (p.Gln281 *) was only identified in one of the girls and her younger brother. Compared to previous reports on MKRN3 mutations in familial and sporadic cases of CPP, the present study reveals a relatively low number of MKRN 3 mutations in Korean girls with CPP. Larger samples of children with CPP and MKRN3 mutations are necessary in order to clarify whether the clinical course of puberty may differ as compared to idiopathic CPP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Obesity is associated with bone age (BA) advancement, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between BA maturation and insulin levels in obese children. Methods: In this cross-sectional study of 93 prepubertal obese children, anthropometric data and hormonal values were measured. Subjects were divided into 2 groups based on the difference between BA and chronological age (CA) (noted as BA-CA). Results: The study population included 39 (41.9 %) males and 54 (58.1 %) females with a mean age of 7.4 ± 1.5 years. The advanced bone age group defined as BA-CA > 1 year (n = 44) had significantly higher HOMA-IR and fasting insulin levels, and lower quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI). BA-CA was significantly correlated with fasting insulin (r = 0.255, P = 0.014), HOMA-IR (r = 0.230, P = 0.027), and QUICKI (r = - 0.301, P = 0.003). Also, height SDS was significantly associated with ΔBA-CA (r = 0.417, P < 0.001). In the multiple regression analysis, HOMA-IR was identified as a significant independent predictor of BA-CA. Conclusion: Bone age is more advanced in obese children with hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance. These findings suggest that insulin may affect skeletal maturation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectiveTo assess the criterion validity, construct validity and test–retest reliability of the traditional Chinese language version of the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS-TC version). MethodsThis was an observational, cross-sectional study covering hospital and community samples of 317 women aged 39–62 years. Two questionnaires were administered, namely, the MRS-TC version, made up of 11 items in three dimensions, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF). The intraclass correlation coefficient was used to examine the test–retest reliability of the questionnaire on two separate occasions, 2 weeks apart. The internal consistency was assessed with Cronbach's α. To evaluate criterion validity, the relationship between the individual items and dimension scores of both instruments was estimated. Pearson's correlation was used to assess convergent and discriminant validity; construct validity was evaluated by comparing the mean scores of menopausal and non-menopausal women for each of the MRS dimensions. ResultsThe final questionnaire comprised 11 items in three dimensions. The intra-class correlation (ICC) for the test–retest reliability ranged from 0.83 to 0.93; values of Cronbach's α for psychological, somatic, and urogenital symptom domains were 0.88, 0.68, and 0.59, respectively. For the convergent and discriminant validity, the correlations between the individual questionnaire and the WHOQOL-BREF were significant; those with the MRS dimensions were significantly negatively associated for the physical, psychological, social and environmental domains. ConclusionThe MRS-TC version using the traditional Chinese language is a reliable and valid questionnaire for assessing menopausal symptoms and global quality of life in climacteric women. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Aims To investigate the association between early menarche (menarche age < 12 years) and Type 2 diabetes mellitus in young and middle-aged Korean women. Methods We analysed data for 4657 women aged 20-50 years from the Fourth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey ( KNHANES IV) (2007-2009). Results The prevalence of Type 2 diabetes was 2.8%. Women with early menarche had a higher prevalence of impaired fasting glucose than did women with later menarche (age ≥ 12 years) in the 20-30 age group (7.4% vs. 3.0%), and a higher prevalence of diabetes in the 30-40 (6.3% vs. 1.7%) and 40-50 (18.5% vs. 4.4%) age groups. The odds ratio ( OR) of Type 2 diabetes in women with early menarche was 3.61 [95% confidence interval ( CI), 1.90-6.88] after adjusting for age. In multivariate regression, the OR of Type 2 diabetes decreased to 2.52 (95% CI, 1.29-4.94) after further adjusting for BMI. However, the OR decreased to 2.04 (95% CI, 0.95-4.39) without significance after adjusting for HOMA- IR. Conclusions Early menarche increased the risk of Type 2 diabetes in young and middle-aged Korean women although adulthood adiposity attenuated the relationship. Knowledge of age at menarche is important in identifying women at risk for diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In general metamaterial perfect absorber, the single meta-pattern makes the single absorption band. Therefore, the multi-absorption bands need the corresponding kinds of meta-patterns. Here, we introduce the triple-band metamaterial perfect absorber utilizing only single kind of pattern. We also demonstrate the absorption mechanism of the triple perfect absorption. The first and the second absorption bands were induced by the fundamental magnetic resonance of the major and the minor axes, respectively, of cut-wire bar. The third peak was caused by the third-harmonic magnetic resonance of the major axis. Additionally, the unexpected third band was formed, which was the overlapping of the third absorption peak with another absorption peak, which was made by pairs of antiparallel currents parallel or antiparallel to the incident electromagnetic wave. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In general metamaterial perfect absorber, the single meta-pattern makes the single absorption band. Therefore, the multi-absorption bands need the corresponding kinds of meta-patterns. Here, we introduce the triple-band metamaterial perfect absorber utilizing only single kind of pattern. We also demonstrate the absorption mechanism of the triple perfect absorption. The first and the second absorption bands were induced by the fundamental magnetic resonance of the major and the minor axes, respectively, of cut-wire bar. The third peak was caused by the third-harmonic magnetic resonance of the major axis. Additionally, the unexpected third band was formed, which was the overlapping of the third absorption peak with another absorption peak, which was made by pairs of antiparallel currents parallel or antiparallel to the incident electromagnetic wave. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a simple drop-casting method for preparing multiferroic nano-composite film where BiFeO3 (BFO) nanoparticles (NPs) were evenly dispersed into polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) polymer. BFO NPs used in this work were synthesized by the conventional sol-gel method, having diameter of tens of nm and being in good crystallinity. The BFO NPs were loaded into a highly insulating PVA polymer solution as filler. The multiferroic properties of the film reveal ferromagnetic ordering due to the uncompensated spiral ordering and saturated ferroelectric curves due to the cut-off of current leakage. Moreover, the prepared films show high flexibility and their multiferroicities are preserved well even in a high curved condition, reflecting the possibility for fabricating wearable devices based on multiferroic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weather conditions and social contact patterns provide some clues to understanding year-round influenza epidemics in the tropics. Recent studies suggest that contact patterns may direct influenza transmission in the tropics as critically as the aerosol channel in temperate regions. To examine this argument, we analysed a representative nationwide survey dataset of contact diaries with comprehensive weather data in Taiwan. Methods we used included model-free estimated relative changes in reproduction number, R0; relative changes in the number of contacts; and model-based estimated relative changes in mean contacts using zero-inflated negative binomial regression models. Overall, social contact patterns clearly differ by demographics (such as age groups), personal idiosyncrasies (such as personality and happiness), and social institutions (such as the division of weekdays and weekend days). Further, weather conditions also turn out to be closely linked to contact patterns under various circumstances. Fleeting contacts, for example, tend to diminish when it rains hard on weekdays, while physical contacts also decrease during weekend days with heavy rain. Frequent social contacts on weekdays and under good weather conditions, including high temperature and low absolute humidity, all might facilitate the transmission of infectious diseases in tropical regions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Weather conditions and social contact patterns provide some clues to understanding year-round influenza epidemics in the tropics. Recent studies suggest that contact patterns may direct influenza transmission in the tropics as critically as the aerosol channel in temperate regions. To examine this argument, we analysed a representative nationwide survey dataset of contact diaries with comprehensive weather data in Taiwan. Methods we used included model-free estimated relative changes in reproduction number, R 0; relative changes in the number of contacts; and model-based estimated relative changes in mean contacts using zero-inflated negative binomial regression models. Overall, social contact patterns clearly differ by demographics (such as age groups), personal idiosyncrasies (such as personality and happiness), and social institutions (such as the division of weekdays and weekend days). Further, weather conditions also turn out to be closely linked to contact patterns under various circumstances. Fleeting contacts, for example, tend to diminish when it rains hard on weekdays, while physical contacts also decrease during weekend days with heavy rain. Frequent social contacts on weekdays and under good weather conditions, including high temperature and low absolute humidity, all might facilitate the transmission of infectious diseases in tropical regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a novel antimicrobial peptide, scolopendin 1, was identified from adult centipedes, Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans using RNA sequencing. Scolopendin 1 exerted an antimicrobial activity without inducing haemolysis of human erythrocytes. In order to understand the antifungal mechanism, a reactive oxygen species ( ROS) assay was performed, which indicated that scolopendin 1 induced ROS accumulation in Candida albicans. Evaluation of fungal viability using N-acetyl cysteine, a ROS scavenger, suggested that ROS are a major factor in scolopendin 1-induced fungal cell death. Co-staining of annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate ( FITC) and propidium iodide, and TUNEL and 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole ( DAPI) assays confirmed that ROS-induced fungal cell death is associated with apoptosis. To further investigate the mechanism that facilitates the progression of apoptosis, changes in intracellular Ca2+ concentration and mitochondrial dysfunction were examined. Ca2+, a signalling molecule in the apoptotic pathway, was increased in the cytosol and mitochondria, and ROS accumulation triggered mitochondrial depolarization and the release of cytochrome c, a pro-apoptotic factor, from the mitochondria to the cytosol. Finally, the released cytochrome c activated intracellular caspase. The present study suggests that scolopendin 1 could emerge as a model molecule that targets the apoptotic pathway and provides a novel remedy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The calanoid copepod Calanus sinicus is present throughout the year in the Bohai Sea, and is transported by the China Coastal Current southwards during winter. The seasonal movement of C. sinicus throughout its distribution should result in the genetic homogenization of the species. We tested the hypothesis of the absence of population structure in C. sinicus by analyzing the nuclear ribosomal region ITS-1 ( n = 197, 303 bp) and the mitochondrial gene, cytochrome b apoenzyme (cytb) of C. sinicus ( n = 155, 318 bp) from locations in Taiwan, S. Korea, and Okinawa, Japan. Twenty-eight haplotypes were identified from the ITS-1 gene and the most numerous haplotype ( n = 160) was found everywhere except in S. Korea. Nine haplotypes were identified from the cytb gene and the two most numerous haplotypes ( n = 140) were widespread. An excess of singletons characterized the haplotype networks of ITS-1 and cytb genes. Pairwise F comparisons among samples suggested that samples from S. Korea, S. Taiwan Strait, and Taipower Plant were significantly different from all other samples suggesting a high degree of structured populations in C. sinicus, for the ITS-1 gene. In the contrary, no population structure was detected with the cytb gene. Pairwise F comparisons among samples collected at different water depths in Turtle Island suggest that populations at depth may contribute to the genetic differentiation of C. sinicus. The two genes yielded conflicting genetic signals as the aforementioned geographic and depth-related population demarcations were observed only with the ITS-1 gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mytilopsis sallei is a small marine bivalve and is considered as a serious pest. We assume that the invasive bivalve M. sallei changed the community structure of fouling macrofauna and reduced the species diversity index in Yundang Lagoon, Xiamen, China. In order to verify the above hypothesis, test panels were submerged seasonally at five stations during four seasons in Yundang Lagoon, and some chemical parameters were determined. The results showed there were significant differences in density and biomass of M. sallei and other fouling macrofauna with season and with station. The species diversity of the macrofaunal fouling community at stations B and F was low in summer, because high density of M. sallei was found at two stations. There were significantly positive correlations between density and biomass of M. sallei and water temperature and COD, and significantly negative correlations with pH. The results confirmed that this invasive species changed the density and biomass compositions of fouling macrofauna, reduced the species diversity index during the summer period, and somewhat worsened the aquatic environmental quality in Yundang Lagoon, because the pH and the DO were the lowest, and the BOD and the COD were the second lowest in summer among four seasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]