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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]

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]

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]

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]

The omega-6 fatty acid derivative 15-Deoxy-Δ12,14-prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2) is believed to play a role in cellular protection against oxidative stress in diverse cell systems. However, the cellular mechanisms by which protection is afforded by 15d-PGJ2 are not fully elucidated in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). In this study, we report the finding that 15d-PGJ2 elicited a time and concentration- dependent increase in aldose reductase (AR) expression. This induction was independent of the activation of peroxisome proliferator- activated receptor γ. Inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) significantly suppressed the increase in expression and promoter activity of AR induced by 15d-PGJ2. Luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that 15d-PGJ2 targets the multiple stress response regions comprising the antioxidant response element in the promoter of the AR gene. 15d-PGJ2-mediated induction of AR promoter activity was potentiated in the presence of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), but not in cells expressing dominant negative Nrf2. Cells treated with 15d-PGJ2 were resistant to oxidant-induced apoptotic cell death by inhibiting production of reactive oxygen species. These effects were significantly attenuated in the presence of an AR inhibitor or small interfering RNA against AR, indicating that AR plays a protective role against oxidative injury. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that activation of PI3K by 15d-PGJ2 increases the expression of AR through Nrf2, and increased AR activity may function as an important cellular response against oxidative injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diversity and abundance of cyclopoid copepods were investigated at four stations along the hydrothermal vent at Kueishantao Island, north-eastern Taiwan. Zooplankton samples were collected by surface tows. Qualitatively, 21 species of cyclopoids belonging to five genera and three families were observed. Our analysis revealed a number of abnormal protrusions (TLAs) on cyclopoid copepods, which were more frequent on the dorsal body surface and in members of the family Corycaeidae. The number of TLAs was highest at the hydrothermal vent plume (HVP) zone and among adult copepods. The potentially high levels of toxic minerals erupting from the hydrothermal vents as well as low pH and high temperatures may weaken the copepods' exoskeletons, thereby increasing susceptibility to infections, indicated by the HVP-related increase of tumoural processes. It is suggested that some of these abnormalities are related to the occurrence of symbiotic tantulocarids, a topic yet to be studied in this interesting environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Swarming behaviour of copepods was studied at a coral reef in Lungdong Bay, northeastern Taiwan. Copepod distribution was documented by underwater photography and samples were obtained by SCUBA diving, deploying plankton nets, and suction devices. Copepod assemblages found at Lungdong Bay comprised four copepod orders (Calanoida, Cyclopoida, Harpacticoida and Poecilostomatoida). A new representative ofDioithonasp swarmed predominantly in summer (April to September 2008). The average density of the swarms was positively affected by temperature. Both the position and the average density were negatively affected by typhoons. Abundances were highest at the reef bottom, followed by the sea bottom outside the reef, in March and April 2008. In May, the highest densities were found at the water surface outside the reef. Adult females dominated the stage composition only at the reef surface during April, whereas early copepodids were most abundant at all other sampling dates and sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The South China Sea is the world's largest marginal sea. To understand the zooplankton community structure during monsoon transition period we investigated the copepod composition, abundance and distribution at six stations along a transect line in the subtropical South China Sea during the autumn of 1999. In the present study, 22 major zooplankton taxa were found, with Noctilucales, calanoid copepods and poecilostomatoid copepods being the most abundant of the overall zooplankton counts. We identified a total of 37 copepod species, in 25 genera, belonging to 19 families. The numerically most dominant genera wereParacalanus,CalocalanusandOncaea. Communities of zooplankton and copepods of the northern South China Sea demonstrated varied spatial distributions during the investigated period. The present study provides the composition of zooplankton and copepod community structures in the shallow mixed layer of the subtropical South China Sea during the northeast monsoon transition period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Hyperuricaemia has been linked to reduced renal function, and evidence indicates that it may be associated with acceleration of the decline in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods: We analysed a population of subjects who had undergone serum uric acid (SUA) and serum creatinine measurements in a hospital-based cohort. Initial and final serum creatinine measurements were used to calculate the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and the annual decline in eGFR. Cox regression was used to investigate the relationship between SUA and CKD progression. Results: A total of 63 785 subjects were enrolled in the study during a 12-year follow-up period. The mean age at the time of initial serum creatinine measurement was 50.0 ±± 14.9 years. Hyperuricaemic subjects had a significantly larger annual eGFR decline, both in absolute terms (2.5 ±± 9.5 mL//min//1.73 m2 per year) and as a percentage (2.8 ±± 11.6%% per year), as compared to the normouricaemia group (1.3 ±± 9.6 mL//min//1.73 m2 per year, 1.1 ±± 11.1%% per year, p < 0.001). After adjustment for age, sex, status of diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension, baseline eGFR, azotaemia, hypercholesterolaemia, and hyperglycaemia, hyperuricaemia was associated with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.28 [95%% confidence interval (CI) 1.23--1.33, p < 0.001] for an accelerated eGFR decline ≥≥ 3mL//min//1.73 m2 per year and an HR of 1.52 (95%% CI 1.46--1.59) for CKD progression at the end of follow-up. Conclusion: Hyperuricaemia was associated with an accelerated decline in eGFR and higher risk of CKD progression. Therefore, renal function should be monitored closely in patients with hyperuricaemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate the association between gout and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Methods: The study subjects were participants in a health-screening programme at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital from 2000 to 2006. Subjects were classified into eight groups based on serum urate (SU) level and gout status (≤ 4.9, 5.0-6.9, 7.0-8.9, and ≥ 9.0 mg/dL, without and with gout). The association between gout and NAFLD was assessed by multiple logistic regression. Results: Among a total of 54 325 subjects, 1930 (3.6%) had gout and 6169 (11.3%) had NAFLD. The prevalence of NAFLD was significantly higher in subjects with gout (23.1%, n = 445) than in those without gout (10.9%, n = 5724, p < 0.001). Among subjects with NAFLD, the severity of NAFLD was higher in gout patients. Gout was associated with an increased risk for NAFLD [odds ratio (OR) 1.42, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.25-1.60, p < 0.001], after adjustment for age, sex, presence of metabolic syndrome, and low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). With SU ≤ 4.9 mg/dL in the absence of gout as reference, the ORs (95% CI) for NAFLD, after adjustment for age, sex, presence of metabolic syndrome, and low eGFR, were, respectively, 2.16 (1.94-2.41), 3.98 (3.55-4.46), and 5.99 (5.19-6.90) for SU levels 2-4 in those without gout and 2.61 (1.39-4.91), 2.87 (2.04-4.04), 4.53 (3.70-5.56), and 6.31 (5.12-7.77) for SU levels 1-4 in those with gout. Conclusions: There was an independent association between gout and the risk for NAFLD. In addition, there was a dose-response relationship between SU and NAFLD in subjects with and without gout. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess cancer risks in a population that received prolonged low dose-rate γ-irradiation for about 10 years as a result of occupying buildings containing 60Co-contaminated steel in Taiwan.Materials and methods: The cancer risks were compared with those populations with the same temporal and geographic characteristics in Taiwan by standardized incidence ratios (SIR), adjusted for age and gender. The association of cancer risks with excess cumulative exposure was further evaluated for their relative risks by the Poisson multiple regression analysis.Result: A total of 7271 people were registered as the exposed population, with 101,560 person-years at risk. The average excess cumulative exposure was approximately 47.8 mSv (range < 1 – 2,363 mSv). A total of 141 exposed subjects with various cancers were observed, while 95 developed leukemia or solid cancers after more than 2 or 10 years initial residence in contaminated buildings respectively. The SIR were significantly higher for all leukemia except chronic lymphocytic leukemia (n = 6, SIR = 3.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2 – 7.4) in men, and marginally significant for thyroid cancers (n = 6, SIR = 2.6, 95% CI 1.0 – 5.7) in women. On the other hand, all cancers combined, all solid cancers combined were shown to exhibit significant exposure-dependent increased risks in individuals with the initial exposure before the age of 30, but not beyond this age.Conclusions: The results suggest that prolonged low dose-rate radiation exposure appeared to increase risks of developing certain cancers in specific subgroups of this population in Taiwan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose : To elucidate the immunological change incurred in a human population by protracted gamma-radiation exposure at home environment. Materials and methods : An examination on the CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ and HLA-DR+ lymphocyte subsets was arranged for 196 exposed subjects with mean excess cumulative dose of 169mSv during 2-13 years of exposure. Another 55 close relatives of the exposed subjects were recruited as the non-exposed reference population. Results : The mean percentages of CD4+ T-lymphocytes, HLA-DR+ lymphocytes and the CD4+/CD8+ ratios in the exposed subjects (35.5, 19.9 and 1.51 respectively) were significantly lower than those of reference individuals (38.0, 22.6 and 1.72; p 0.02, 0.003, and 0.03 respectively), while the CD8 in total counts of the exposed was moderately increased above that of the reference populations (p=0.1). By ANOVA analysis, the percentages of CD4+ and HLA-DR+ subsets were significantly associated with radiation dose (p =0.0046, 0.003), while CD4+/CD8+ ratios were moderately associated with dose (p=0.073). HLA-DR+ counts were significantly and positively associated with duration of relocation from radioactive apartments (p=0.029). Conclusions : Significant immunological effects were observed in those who had received chronic low-dose radiation exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The newly developed technology for treating waste automobile- lubricating oil is based on vacuum distillation of them mixed with crude atmospheric distillation residues. More than 95% of hazardous heavy metals, ash and carbon residue contents in the waste tube oils were eliminated to vacuum residues and these residues were successfully converted into asphalt for the pavement of a road. The increased yield and improved quality of distilled products were experimentally identifiedin the range of 0~20% blending ratio of waste lube oils to atmospheric residues. These experimental results showed the reasonable agreements with the calculated values provided by process simulation using PRO II. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]