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Although most cyanobacteria use visible light (VL; λ = 400–700 nm) for photosynthesis, some have evolved strategies to use far‐red light (FRL; λ = 700–800 nm). These cyanobacteria are defined as far‐red light‐utilizing cyanobacteria (FRLCyano), including two groups: (1) chlorophyll d‐producing Acaryochloris spp. and (2) polyphyletic cyanobacteria that produce chlorophylls d and f in response to FRL. Numerous ecological studies examine pigments, such as chlorophylls d and f, to investigate the presence of FRLCyano in the environment. This method is not ideal because it can only detect FRLCyano that have made chlorophylls d or f. Here we develop a new method, far‐red cyanobacteria identification (FRCI), to identify FRLCyano based on 16S rRNA gene sequences. From public databases and published articles, 62 16S rRNA gene sequences of FRLCyano were extracted. Comparing with related lineages, we determined that 97% sequence identity is the optimal cut‐off for distinguishing FRLCyano from other cyanobacteria. To test the method experimentally, we collected samples from 17 sites in Taipei, Taiwan, and conducted VL and FRL enrichments. Our results demonstrate that FRCI can detect FRLCyano during FRL enrichments more sensitively than pigment analysis. FRCI can also resolve the composition of FRLCyano at the genus level, which pigment analysis cannot do. In addition, we applied FRCI to published datasets and discovered putative FRLCyano in diverse environments, including soils, hot springs and deserts. Overall, our results indicate that FRCI is a sensitive and high‐resolution method using 16S rRNA gene sequences to identify FRLCyano. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is aimed at understanding the current situation and influencing factors of the open-up for science and technology textbooks selected in the Greater Taipei Area decades after the implementation of textbook reform policies. It analyzes differences in considerations of science teachers with difference individual backgrounds. This study is based on a survey entitled "Research Questionnaire for the Selection for Science and Technology Textbooks Used in the Greater Taipei Area", 399 of which were effective, and selected science teachers in Greater Taipei Area and employs descriptive statistics, t test, and one-way ANOVA to analyze the data. The main conclusion drawn from the findings of inductive analysis included: (1) Most schools, in accordance with regulations, established textbook selection committees responsible for selection methods and announced procedures and versions selected. (2) Teachers enjoyed professional autonomy as they carried out their responsibility of appraising science and technology textbooks for elementary schools in the Taipei area. (3) Almost two-thirds of elementary schools in the Taipei area have appraisal mechanisms for textbooks. (4) Science teachers who appraise and select textbooks focus primarily on content. (5) Teachers with non-science backgrounds focused more on properties of publication than their counterparts with science backgrounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research focused on understanding the attitudes toward human cloning in Taiwan among professionals in healthcare, law, and religion. Design: The study was conducted utilizing a structured questionnaire. Participants: 220 healthcare professionals from two regional hospitals located in Taipei, 351 religious professionals in the northern Taiwan and 711 legal professionals were selected by to receive questionnaires. The valid response rate is 42.1% Main measurements: The questions were generated by an expert panel and represented major arguments in the human cloning debate. There were a total of six Likert scaled questions in the questionnaire. The responses were coded from 1 to 5 with 1 representing strong opposition to human cloning, 3 representing a neutral attitude; and 5 representing a strong favorable attitude toward human cloning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractBackground: Interspousal transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been documented; however, the annual risk of interspousal transmission remains unclear. Methods: A long-term prospective study to define the risk of interspousal transmission of HCV was conducted. One hundred and twelve index patients with chronic hepatitis C and their anti-HCV seronegative spouses were enrolled. Results: The mean follow-up period was 45.9 months. Antibodies to HCV (anti-HCV) and HCV-RNA were tested for in each seronegative spouse every year. Seroconversion of anti-HCV occurred in only one spouse, 2 years after enrolment, with a concomitant acute hepatitis. This subject and his spouse were infected with HCV genotype 1b. Nucleotide sequence comparison of the hypervariable region of their HCV genomes showed a homology of 98%. Further phylogenetic analysis suggested that they had virtually the same isolate. Accordingly, the annual risk of interspousal transmission of HCV infection was 0.23% per year. Conclusions: These findings suggest a low incidence of interspousal transmission of HCV; however, the risk may be cumulative and such couples should be educated to avoid HCV infection from their spouses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]