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Children with developmental delayed can make progress through early intervention and training. However, from the interviews with occupational therapists and parents, we found that current training techniques lack variety and bore children in a short while. To improve the training effect, we proposed PinchFun, a cooperative game aiming to provide fine motor training for preschool children (under 6 years old) with developmental delay, in which the parent can cooperate with the child to achieve the game goals and adjust the game difficulty to meet different developmental milestones. The game employs the Leap motion controller and force-sensitive resistor (FSR) to detect the hand gesture and level of pressure of fingers. PinchFun integrates the physical assistive devices, i.e. clips and rubber band, and the virtual interactive game to optimize learning impact and gaming experience.

Online fitness videos make it possible and popular to do exercise at home. However, it is not easy to notice the details of motions by merely watching training videos. We propose a new type of motion guidance system that simulates the way that the human body moves as driven by muscle contractions. We have designed external artificial muscles on a sleeve to create a pulling sensation that can guide the forearm's pronation (internal rotation) and the forearm's supination (external rotation). The sleeve consists of stepper motors to provide pulling force, fishing lines and elastic bands to imitate muscle contraction to drive the forearm to rotate instinctively. We present two preliminary experiments. The first one shows that this system can effectively guide the forearm to rotate in the correct direction. The second one shows that users can be guided to the targeted angle by utilizing a tactile cue. We also report users' feedback through the experiments and provide design recommendations and directions for future research.

STEAP1 (six transmembrane epithelial antigen of the prostate 1) is a transmembrane protein that functions as a potential channel or transporter protein. It is overexpressed in certain cancers and is viewed as a promising therapeutic target. However, the prognostic role of STEAP1 is still controversial, and no role for STEAP1 has yet been indicated in colorectal cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible association of STEAP1 expression with colorectal cancer prognosis. STEAP1 expression was analyzed by immunohistochemical staining of a tissue array of 165 cancer specimens from primary colorectal cancer patients. The mean and medium follow-up times after surgery were 5.1 and 3.9 years, respectively. A total of 139 patients died during the 13 years of follow-up in the survey period. The prognostic value of STEAP1 with respect to overall survival was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazard models. In total, 164 samples displayed detectable STEAP1 expression in the cytoplasm and membrane. Low STEAP1 expression was correlated with poor overall survival (five-year survival: 33.7% vs. 57.0%, low expression vs. high expression, p = 0.020). Accordingly, multivariate analysis identified low STEAP1 expression as an independent risk factor (hazard ratio = 1.500, p = 0.018), especially in elderly patients or those with late stage cancers, late T values, and early N values. We suggest that analysis of STEAP1 expression by immunohistochemical staining could serve as an independent prognostic marker for colorectal patients. This finding should be validated by other investigative groups.

We have successfully fabricated large sized amorphous indium–gallium–zinc-oxide based active-matrix liquid-crystal displays, which uses Molybdenum/Aluminum/Titanium as source/drain electrode. In this study, an oxygen-rich etch stop layer acts as the oxygen atom supplier and converts the titanium layer into titanium oxide layer, which is found to induce instability of the device. Sample without titanium oxide has an initial threshold voltage shift is less than ±0.1 V after the repeatedly measuring over a period of two weeks. In addition, the IGZO based device demonstrated superior transfer characteristic. This paper established that the stability of the amorphous indium–gallium–zinc-oxide based active-matrix liquid-crystal display can be predicted by Stretched-Exponential model.

ThispaperinvestigatestheeffectofDCandACbias-stressinduceddegradationbehaviorinamorphousInGaZnOthin-filmtransistors (TFTs)underlightillumination.Draincurrent-gatevoltage(ID-VG)aswellascapacitance-voltage(C-V)measurementsareemployed to analyze the degradation mechanism. Illuminated DC stress leads to not only a negative parallel shift but also a C-V curve distortion at the off-state. This can be attributed to barrier-lowering near the drain side due to the asymmetrical hole-trapping effect. To further verify the origin of the degradation behavior, AC bias with identical stress voltage is imposed on either the gate terminal or the drain terminal. It is deduced that the hole-trapping phenomenon near the drain side is dominated by the voltage across the gate and drain, and is responsible for the degradation characteristic after stress carried out under light illumination.

We studied the smooth muscle cell differentiation capability of human placental multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (hPMSCs) and identified how endothelial cells recruit hPMSCs participating in vessel formation. hPMSCs from term placentas were induced to differentiate into smooth muscle cells under induction conditions and different matrix substrates. We assessed endothelial cells from umbilical veins for platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB expression and to induce hPMSC PDGFR-beta and STAT3 activation. Endothelial cells were co-cultured with hPMSCs for in vitro angiogenesis. Cell differentiation ability was then further assessed by mouse placenta transplantation assay. hPMSCs can differentiate into smooth muscle cells; collagen type I and IV or laminin support this differentiation. Endothelial cells expressed significant levels of PDGF-BB and activated STAT3 transcriptional activity in hPMSCs. Endothelial cell-conditioned medium induced hPMSC migration, which was inhibited by STAT3 small interfering RNA transfection or by pretreatement with PDGFR-beta-blocking antibody but not by PDGFR-alpha-blocking antibody or isotype immunoglobulin G (IgG; P < 0.001). hPMSCs can incorporate into endothelial cells with tube formation and promote endothelial cells, forming capillary-like networks than endothelial cells alone (tube lengths: 12 024.1 ± 960.1 vs. 9404.2 ± 584.7 pixels; P < 0.001). Capillary-like networks were significantly reduced by hPMSCs pretreated with PDGFR-beta-blocking antibody but not by PDGFR-alpha-blocking antibody or isotype IgG (P < 0.001). Transplantation of hPMSCs into mouse placentas revealed incorporation of the hPMSCs into vessel walls, which expressed alpha-smooth muscle actin, calponin, and smooth muscle myosin (heavy chain) in vivo. In conclusion, endothelial cell-hPMSC interactions occur during vessel development of placenta. Placental endothelial cell-derived PDGF-BB recruits hPMSCs involved in vascular development via PDGFR-beta/STAT3 activation.

Over the past two decades, studies have widely examined the effectiveness of pay-for-performance (P4P) programs by conducting biochemical tests and assessing complications; however, the reported effectiveness of such programs among participants selected through purposeful sampling is controversial. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to analyze the effectiveness of a P4P program on patients' prognoses, including hospitalization for chronic diabetic complications, and all-cause mortality during specific follow-up years by using a nationwide population-based database in Taiwan. Based on 125,315 newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes patient cohort during 2002-2006, two control sets were designed by propensity-score-matching strategy according to participation of P4P program and followed up to 2012. The results indicated that full participants demonstrated the lowest risks of developing complications and all-cause mortality compared with nonparticipants. These findings confirm the long-term effect of P4P programs on full participants and reveal that this effect is not due to confounding variables. The results indicate the importance of performance management and adherence to interventions for patients with chronic diseases in a long-term observation. Comprehensive and continuous care is suggested to improve patient prognosis and quality of care.

Background: Impaired cognition increases mortality in the aged. It is unclear how dietary quality might affect this relationship. Objective: To examine how dietary diversity and cognition might interact to determine survival. Design: In a Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan (NAHSIT 1999-2000), 1,839 representative elderly were followed for mortality up to 10 years. The dietary quality measure was a dietary diversity score (DDS, range: 0-6) to present six food groups (dairy, meat, rice and grains, fruit, vegetable,fat and oil) derived from a 24-h dietary recall. Cognitive function was evaluated by the validated Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ). Results: Those with cognitive impairment (SPMSQ≥3 errors) had 2.56 (95% confidence intervals (CI), 1.99- 3.28) times the all-cause-mortality risk of those with intact cognition. After control for potential confounders, the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) remained significant (1.46, 95% CI: 1.06-2.02). Significant interactions for DDS and cognition were found (p

The plasma-process-induced damage (PPID) of low-temperature polycrystalline silicon (poly-Si) thin-film transistors (TFTs) during the etching of the poly-Si film was investigated in this paper. The results reveal the relationship between the device degradation and the PPID during TFT liquid-crystal-display fabrication. This degradation is caused in part by the damage at the edge of the poly-Si film in plasma exposure. The trapped-state densities Ntrap are measured to clarify the relationship between instability and plasma etching damages. The plasma-process condition substantially affects the PPID of the poly-Si etching process. The main mechanism is the generation of charge trapping states at the poly-Si grain boundary in the damaged edge of the TFT channel active region. The electrical recovery from the plasma damage is also studied with various postetching treatments. Hydrogen-base plasma treatment and laser anneal process are revealed to improve the device characteristics due to reduction of charge trapping states.

Tetragonal chalcopyrite CuIn-(S1−xSex)2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) nanocrystals were synthesized by reacting a mixture of CuCl, InCl3, S, and Se in the presence of oleylamine at 265 °C. The S/Se composition ratio in the CuIn(S1−xSex)2 could be tuned across the entire composition range of x from 0 to 1 by modulating the S/Se reactant mole ratio. The tetragonal lattice constants, that is, a and c, increase linearly with the increase of Se content, following Vegard’s law. The band gap energies of CuIn(S1−xSex)2 nanocrystals could be tuned in the range between 0.98 and 1.46 eV and change nonlinearly with respect to x, deriving a bowing parameter of 0.17 eV. In addition, the method developed in this study was scalable to achieve gram-scale production of stoichiometry-controlled CuIn(S1−xSex)2 and CuIn1−xGaxSe2 nanocrystals.

We present the light-on results of our 65-inch organic ***light-emitting diode (OLED) panel fabricated by the inkjet printing (IJP) process. The panel uses solution-processable OLED material for the hole injection layer (HIL), the hole transporting layer (HTL) and the emitting layers (EML) for the red, green and blue colors. It is found that fine-tuning the vacuum dry speed after the inkjet printing process can improve the uniformity of the pixels. The results show that we can successfully fabricate a 65-inch OLED panel with a high degree of pixel uniformity.

Organic light‐emitting devices (OLEDs) have shown superior characteristics and are expected to dominate the next‐generation flat‐panel displays. Active‐matrix organic light‐emitting diode (AMOLED) displays, however, have stringent demands on the performance of the backplane. In this paper, the development of thin‐film transistors (TFTs) based on indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) on both Gen 1 and 6 glasses, and their decent characteristics, which meet the AMOLED requirements, are shown. Further, several display prototypes (e.g., 2.4” AMOLED, 2.4” transparent AMOLED, and 32” AMLCD) using IGZO TFTs are demonstrated to confirm that they can indeed be strong candidates for the next‐generation TFT technology not only of AMOLED but also of AMLCD (active‐matrix liquid crystal display).

Reactive oxygen species may cause oxidative damage in the placenta, yet some mechanisms must exist to reduce or prevent such damage. We investigated whether oxidative injury to placental endothelial cells is inhibited by activation of antioxidant enzymes by paracrine factors secreted by human placental multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (hPMSC). hPMSC-conditioned medium and umbilical endothelial cells were assayed for cytokines and cytokine receptor expression by immunoassay and real-time PCR. Endothelial cell survival was evaluated by MTS [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium, inner salt] assay and caspase 3 activity assay. tert-Butyl hydroperoxide was used to induce oxidative injury in endothelial cells, with fluorescent microscopy and flow cytometry used to detect intracellular peroxides and cell apoptosis. Western blot, real-time PCR, STAT3 DNA-binding activity assay, and STAT3 siRNA were used to assess endothelial cell antioxidant enzymes. hPMSC-conditioned medium supported endothelial cell survival and reduced endothelial cell intracellular peroxides and apoptosis. hPMSCs expressed the transcripts of the interleukin (IL) 6 cytokine family, including IL6 and leukemia-inhibitory factor. hPMSC-conditioned medium activated STAT3 expression in endothelial cells, which was inhibited by neutralizing antibody to interleukin 6 signal transducer (IL6ST) but not to IL6 or leukemia-inhibitory factor. STAT3 siRNA or manganese superoxide dismutase (SOD2) siRNA transfected into endothelial cells inhibited the antiapoptotic effect of conditioned medium. SOD2 was significantly upregulated in endothelial cells by conditioned medium via STAT3 activation that, in turn, was inhibited by IL6ST-neutralizing antibody or STAT3 siRNA. Paracrine factors secreted by hPMSCs support endothelial cell survival. STAT3 activation and SOD2 production protect against oxidative stress-induced endothelial cell damage.

Advanced harmonic balance simulation capabilities have been used to investigate linearity behavior in RF power laterally diffused metal-oxide semiconductor (LDMOS) devices with different laterally graded channel doping profiles. Harmonic balance analysis provides relevant device information from device-level simulations and yields performance metrics of RF circuits. The linearity behavior of simple quasi-1-D structures with different graded channel doping profiles was investigated; the analysis was then extended to a more realistic power LDMOS device. The third-order intermodulation distortion product reveals the important role of lateral channel doping. The analysis lays groundwork for device optimization for improved linearity.

Effect of temperature on the growth of the primary endosymbiont Buchnera aphidicola in the cowpea aphid Aphis craccivora was studied by measuring quantitatively the copy number of 16S rDNA of this endosymbiont. A 1.5 kb segment of eubacterial 16S rDNA amplified by PCR from total DNA of Aphis craccivora was confirmed by RFLP analysis and sequence BLAST as that of Buchnera aphidicola. No secondary endosymbiont was detected in the aphid population studied. The relative levels of Buchnera ratio, quantified by real-time PCR, were higher in old nymphs than in young ones at temperatures between 10–30˚C, and this age-dependent difference was more pronounced at lower temperatures. Throughout the entire reproductive stage of Aphis craccivora, the relative levels of Buchnera ratio were higher at 10–25˚C than at 30˚C and 35˚C. A close relationship was found between these levels and the net reproductive rate (R 0 ) of aphid, which was suppressed not only at 35˚C but also at 10˚C. The decoupling of Aphis craccivora and Buchnera response at low temperatures suggests that the cowpea aphid was more sensitive to low temperatures, while Buchnera was more sensitive to high temperatures.

Syncytin is an envelope protein of the human endogenous retrovirus family W (HERV-W). Syncytin is specifically expressed in the human placenta and mediates trophoblast cell fusion into the multinucleated syncytiotrophoblast layer. It is a polypeptide of 538 amino acids and is predicted to be posttranslationally cleaved into a surface (SU) subunit and a transmembrane (TM) subunit. Functional characterization of syncytin protein can aid understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying syncytin-mediated cell fusion. In this report, we studied the structure-function relationship of syncytin in 293T and HeLa cells transiently expressing wild-type syncytin or syncytin mutants generated by linker scanning and deletion mutagenesis. Of the 22 linker-inserted mutants, mutants InS51, InV139, InE156, InS493, InA506, and InL529 were fusogenic, suggesting that regions around amino acids S51, V139, and E156 in the SU subunit and S493, A506, and L529 in the cytoplasmic domain (CTM) of syncytin are flexible in conformation. Of the 17 deletion mutants, nine mutants with deletions in the region from amino acids 479 to 538 were fusogenic. The deletion mutant DelI480, containing only the first four amino acid residues in the cytoplasmic domain, had enhanced fusogenic activity in comparison with the wild-type. In addition, two heptad repeat regions (HRA and B) were defined in the TM subunit of syncytin. A peptide inhibitor derived from the C-terminal heptad repeat region (HRB) was shown to potently inhibit syncytin-mediated cell fusion. Our results suggest that the cytoplasmic domain of syncytin is not essential for syncytin-mediated fusion but may play a regulatory role, and an intramolecular interaction between HRA and B is involved in the fusion process.

Device-level simulation capabilities have been developed to investigate low-frequency noise behavior in p-type Si0.7Ge0.3/Si heterostructure MOS (SiGe p-HMOS) transistors. The numerical model is based on the impedance field method; it accounts for a trap-induced carrier number fluctuation, a layer-dependent correlated mobility fluctuation, and a Hooge mobility fluctuation in the buried and parasitic surface channels, respectively. Simulations based on such models have been conducted for SiGe p-HMOS transistors, and the results have been carefully correlated with experimental data. Quantitative agreement has been obtained in terms of the noise level dependence on gate biases, drain currents, and body biases, revealing the important role of the dual channels in the low-frequency noise behavior of SiGe p-HMOS devices.

An effective algorithm for a one dimensional Schrodinger solver is proposed. The algorithm is derived from Bohm’s form of Schrodinger equation, and can be interpreted as a generalization of the Numerov process for the computational solution to the Schrodinger equation with quantum well structures. The proposed algorithm averages the probability slope’s discontinuity to converge the given energy to the nearest eigenstate, and generate complete eigenstates in a general heterojunction potential well. The new algorithm is applied to double-well III–V nanoscale MOSFET and generates each of the quantized levels.

The use of electronic ticketing has grown rapidly since the mid-1990s because of the savings in ticket distribution costs and handling overheads it offers compared to paper tickets. Most airlines have attempted to make electronic tickets the default ticketing method. This study uses an intention model for electronic ticketing that tests whether its intended adoption is a function of attitude, social support, and perceived confidence of air travelers. The results indicate that over 70% of passengers are likely to use electronic tickets; moreover, over 90% of current users have intentions to continue to use them on international flights.

Introduction Population aging is set to increase the elder dependency ratio, causing a rapid increase in healthcare expenditures and financial burden on the government. This study aims to construct an aging score from age-related diseases and to perform longitudinal analyses to examine the association between personal income and aging. Methods A total of 86,838 subjects drawn from a community with 384,617 residents in northern Taiwan were examined. Personal income and aging-related diseases were measured from the National Health Insurance database during 1997–2010. Multiple linear regression and stratified analyses were used. Results Our results indicate that subjects with low personal income (defined as monthly income ≤610 USD) can have high aging scores as calculated by selected aging-related diseases. In stratified analyses, moreover, subjects with low personal income tended to have higher aging scores across different anthropometric groups. The association was particularly evident in subjects >60 years old, and they were noted across multiple strata, including those of catastrophic illness as well as type of primary care setting. Conclusions This study found evidence for association between low income and aging in a population with compulsory health insurance program, where accessibility barriers were low in terms of health care resources and personal socioeconomic status. The economic inequity causes difference in aging process, which deserves for future interventions.

Chylous leakage is a well-recognized but rare complication of head and neck surgery, affecting approximately 1% to 2.5% of head and neck dissections. It is a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by electrolyte imbalance, immunosuppression, delayed wound healing, risk of infection, and generalized sepsis. Management can be problematic and prolonged.We present a case of refractory cervical chylous leakage after neck dissection treated with ultrasound-guided intranodal lymphangiography.Ultrasound-guided intranodal lymphangiography alone resulted in rapid and complete resolution of chylous leakage with minimal morbidity.Based on our clinical experience and after a thorough literature review, we propose that ultrasound-guided intranodal lymphangiography with contrast agent could be considered a viable therapeutic option for persistent chylous leakages in selected patients.

We studied the smooth muscle cell differentiation capability of human placental multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (hPMSCs) and identified how endothelial cells recruit hPMSCs participating in vessel formation. hPMSCs from term placentas were induced to differentiate into smooth muscle cells under induction conditions and different matrix substrates. We assessed endothelial cells from umbilical veins for platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB expression and to induce hPMSC PDGFR-beta and STAT3 activation. Endothelial cells were co-cultured with hPMSCs for in vitro angiogenesis. Cell differentiation ability was then further assessed by mouse placenta transplantation assay. hPMSCs can differentiate into smooth muscle cells; collagen type I and IV or laminin support this differentiation. Endothelial cells expressed significant levels of PDGF-BB and activated STAT3 transcriptional activity in hPMSCs. Endothelial cell-conditioned medium induced hPMSC migration, which was inhibited by STAT3 small interfering RNA transfection or by pretreatement with PDGFR-beta-blocking antibody but not by PDGFR-alpha-blocking antibody or isotype immunoglobulin G (IgG; P0.001). hPMSCs can incorporate into endothelial cells with tube formation and promote endothelial cells, forming capillary-like networks than endothelial cells alone (tube lengths: 12 024.1 ± 960.1 vs. 9404.2 ± 584.7 pixels; P0.001). Capillary-like networks were significantly reduced by hPMSCs pretreated with PDGFR-beta-blocking antibody but not by PDGFR-alpha-blocking antibody or isotype IgG (P0.001). Transplantation of hPMSCs into mouse placentas revealed incorporation of the hPMSCs into vessel walls, which expressed alpha-smooth muscle actin, calponin, and smooth muscle myosin (heavy chain) in vivo. In conclusion, endothelial cell-hPMSC interactions occur during vessel development of placenta. Placental endothelial cell-derived PDGF-BB recruits hPMSCs involved in vascular development via PDGFR-beta/STAT3 activation.

Rac GTPase activating protein 1 (RACGAP1) plays a regulatory role in initiation of cytokinesis, control of cell growth and differentiation, and tumor malignancy, making it a potential prognostic biomarker. RACGAP1 is present in the nucleus, but a diffuse distribution in the cytoplasm also occurs. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of nuclear and cytoplasmic expression of RACGAP1 on clinical outcome to provide further evidence of a role in colorectal cancer. RACGAP1 expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry in 166 cancer specimens from primary colorectal cancer patients. The mean follow-up time after surgery was 5.4 years (range, 0.01-13.10 years). The prognostic value of RACGAP1 on overall survival was validated by Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox regression models. RACGAP1 is expressed in colorectal specimen and is present in both the nucleus and cytoplasm in different amounts. Colorectal cancer patients had opposite prognoses depending on the site of RACGAP1 expression. Patients with high nuclear RACGAP1 expression had poor outcomes, whereas those with high cytoplasmic RACGAP1 expression had favorable prognosis (P = .003 and P = .001, respectively). Patients with low nuclear but high cytoplasmic RACGAP1 expression had better survival compared with those with other combinations (P < .001). We suggest that RACGAP1 expression levels in the nucleus and cytoplasm, determined by immunohistochemical staining, predict opposite clinical outcomes and that both could be independent prognostic markers for colorectal cancer.

A fast two-point measurement methodology, applicable to nano-scale devices, is introduced to separate electron trapping (Not, e) from interface state contributions (Nit) in hot carrier (HC) induced ΔVt in n-type RMG SOI FinFETs. It is shown that Not, e component is comparable to or dominates over Nit for high-Vg (≥ Vd) hot carrier stress (HCS). The time power-law exponent for HC induced Not, e is larger than 0.2, indicating the observed Not, e is partly due to injection of hot carriers instead of purely parasitic PBTI effect caused by the cold carriers.

With rapid development of the Internet, e-learning system has become more and more popular. Currently, to solve the issue of sharing and reusing of teaching materials in different e-learning system, Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) is the most popular standard among existing international standards. In SCORM standard, the Sequencing and Navigation (SN) defines the course sequencing behavior, which controls the sequencing, selecting and delivering of a course, and organizes the content into a hierarchical structure, namely Activity Tree (AT). However, the structures with complicated sequencing rules of Activity Tree (AT) in SCORM make the design and creation of course sequences hard. Therefore, how to provide a user-friendly authoring tool to efficiently construct SCORM compliant course becomes an important issue. However, before developing the authoring tool, how to provide a systematic approach to analyze the sequencing rules and to transform the created course into SCORM compliant are our concerns. Therefore, in this paper, based upon the concept of Object Oriented Methodology (OOM), we propose a systematic approach, called Object Oriented Course Modeling (OOCM), to construct the SCORM compliant course. High-Level Petri Nets (HLPN), which is a powerful language for system modeling and validation, are applied to model the basic sequencing components, called Object-Oriented Activity Tree (OOAT), for constructing the SCORM course with complex sequencing behaviors. Every OOAT as a middleware represents a specific sequencing behavior in learning activity and corresponding structure with associated sequencing rules of AT in SCORM. Thus, these OOATs can be efficiently used to model and construct the course with complex sequencing behaviors for different learning guidance. Moreover, two algorithms, called PN2AT and AT2CP, are also proposed to transform HLPN modeled by OOATs into a tree-like structure with related sequencing rules in Activity Tree (AT) and package the AT and related physical learning resources into a SCORM compliant course file described by XML language, respectively. Finally, based upon the OOCM scheme, a prototypical authoring tool with graphical user interface (GUI) is developed. For evaluating the efficiency of the OOCM approach compared with existing authoring tools, an experiment has been done. The experimental results show that the OOCM approach is workable and beneficial for teachers/instructional designers.

Background Cdk1 (cyclin-dependent kinase 1) is critical regulator of the G2-M checkpoint. Cyclin-dependent kinase pathways are considered possible targets for cancer treatment; however, the prognostic role of Cdk1 in colorectal cancer is still controversial. Therefore, we attempted to determine the impact of Cdk1 on the clinical outcome of colorectal cancer patients to further identify its role in colorectal cancer. Methods Cdk1 immunoreactivity was analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in 164 cancer specimens from primary colorectal cancer patients. The medium follow-up time after surgery was 3.7 years (range: 0.01 to 13.10 years). The prognostic value of Cdk1 on overall survival was determined by Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazard models. Results All samples displayed detectable Cdk1 expression with predominant location in the cytoplasm and nucleus. A high Cdk1 nuclear/cytoplasmic (N/C) expression ratio was correlated with poor overall survival (5-year survival rate: 26.3% vs 46.9%, N/C ratio ≥1.5 vs N/C ratio

AMOLED displays based on metal oxide film as active channel layer are fabricated. To achieve cost-competitive process in OLED manufacturing, solution-processed HIL, HTL and pixilated EML (RGB) layers followed by evaporation process for other layers are demonstrated in this work. Meanwhile, the AMOLED backplanes possessing low power consumption and high frequency were fabricated on metal oxide TFTs with high mobility (23.13 cm2/Vs) technology. A 14” qHD AMOLED in 79 ppi-resolution was realized with IGZO based active matrix panel.

This paper develops a theoretical model and conducts an empirical analysis of the effects of complementary and parallel codesharing on the load factors of international airline operations. The analysis shows that, given the increased demand resulting from the expansion of a global network, only parallel codesharing leads to higher load factors, since parallel alliance airlines can supply fewer seats than their complementary counterparts. These results provide new insights into several managerial and policy issues about airline strategic alliances such as partner selection, cost savings, and supply coordination.

We demonstrated a defect free 32-inch large scaled amorphous indium-gallium-zinc-oxide based active-matrix organic light-emitting diode television panel. The panel achieves good image quality, such as high contrast ratio, a wide viewing angle, and fast response time, and the module thickness is only 3 mm. The thin film transistor shows excellent characteristic and the compensation pixel circuit is used. The side by side organic light-emitting diode device is realized by fine metal mask.

Background Many studies have investigated the association between markers for peripheral inflammation and risk of dementia, but the results have been conflicting. We aimed to evaluate the association between a specific inflammation marker, C-reactive protein (CRP), and dementia in an elderly Asian community cohort. Methods The cohort included 1436 individuals (ages 65 and older) from a national representative sample in Taiwan. Dementia incidence was identified using International Classification of Diseases , Ninth Revision codes for vascular dementia, Alzheimer disease, and nonvascular dementia. Baseline characteristics and CRP levels were determined. A Cox proportional hazard model and Fine and Grays model were adjusted for stroke and competing risk of death to estimate the association between inflammation and development of dementia. Results During 11.04 years (median) of follow-up, 607 individuals (50.77%) died and 260 individuals (18.11%) were diagnosed with dementia. Those with high CRP had a 55% higher risk of dementia (hazard ratio 1.55; 95% confidence interval 1.21–2.00) compared with those with normal CRP. After adjusting for possible confounding cardiovascular risk factors, high CRP was independently associated with vascular dementia but not Alzheimer disease. Conclusions In this prospective study of an elderly Asian community cohort with more than 10 years of follow-up, the baseline serum CRP level was associated with future development of vascular dementia, but not Alzheimer disease after adjusting for common cardiovascular risk factors, stroke, and competing risk of death.

We reported large size amorphous Indium-Gallium-Zinc-Oxide and Indium-Tin-Zinc-Oxide thin film transistors active-matrix organic light-emitting diode television development history in AUO. The Gen6 threshold voltage uniformity can lower than 1.0V. Amorphous Indium-Tin-Zinc-Oxide thin film transistors show a higher mobility of 33.2 cm 2 /VS. Amorphous 56 inches back channel etch type Indium-Tin-Zinc-Oxide active-matrix organic light-emitting diode television is 1st time revealed. Metal-organic chemical vapor deposition system is used to evaluate the new high mobility material. The side-by-side organic light-emitting diode device is realized by fine metal mask. The dam and fill encapsulation method shows a simple process procedure and highly stability. Ink jet printing is adopted to produce a small size full color panel. By the application of compensation pixel circuit, the panel drove by AUO engine shows an excellent characteristic.

Introduction River networks, the backbone of most landscapes on Earth, collect and transport water, sediment, organic matter, and nutrients from upland mountain regions to the oceans. Dynamic aspects of these networks include channels that shift laterally or expand upstream, ridges that migrate across Earth’s surface, and river capture events whereby flow from one branch of the network is rerouted in a new direction. These processes result in a constantly changing map of the network with implications for mass transport and the geographic connectivity between species or ecosystems. Ultimately, this dynamic system strives to establish equilibrium between tectonic uplift and river erosion. Determining whether or not a river network is in equilibrium, and, if not, what changes are required to bring it to equilibrium, will help us understand the processes underlying landscape evolution and the implications for river ecosystems. Methods We developed the use of a proxy, referred to as χ, for steady-state river channel elevation. This proxy is based on the current geometry of the river network and provides a snapshot of the dynamic state of river basins. Geometric equilibrium in planform requires that a network map of χ exhibit equal values across all water divides (the ridges separating river basins). Disequilibrium river networks adjust their drainage area through divide migration (geometric change) or river capture (topologic change) until this condition is met. We constructed a numerical model to demonstrate that this is a fundamental characteristic of a stable river network. We applied this principle to natural landscapes using digital elevation models to calculate χ for three, very different, systems: the Loess Plateau in China, the eastern Central Range of Taiwan, and the southeastern United States. Results The Loess Plateau is close to geometric equilibrium, with χ exhibiting nearly equal values across water divides. By contrast, the young and tectonically active Taiwan mountain belt is not in equilibrium, with numerous examples of actively migrating water divides and river network reorganization. The southeastern United States also appears to be far from equilibrium, with the Blue Ridge escarpment migrating to the northwest and the coastal plain rivers reorganizing in response to this change in boundary geometry. Major reorganization events, such as the capture of the headwaters of the Apalachicola River by the Savannah River, are readily identifiable in our maps. Discussion Disequilibrium conditions in a river network imply greater variation of weathering, soil production, and erosion rates. Disequilibrium also implies more frequent river capture with implications for exchange of aquatic species and genetic diversification. Transient conditions in river basins are often interpreted in terms of tectonic perturbation, but our results show that river basin reorganization can occur even in tectonically quiescent regions such as the southeastern United States.

The Longitudinal Valley in Eastern Taiwan sits at the collision suture between the Eurasian and Philippine Sea plates. Based on repeated GPS campaigned measurements from 25 stations six times in 2007 - 2009, we characterize the surface deformation in the northernmost Longitudinal Valley where the Coastal Range of the Philippine Sea plate turns northward diving under the Eurasian plate producing two major active faults: the Milun fault and the Longitudinal Valley fault. We reconstructed a GPS velocity field and conducted strain analyses and elastic block modeling. Our results suggest a rapid clockwise rotation of 33° Myr-1 and an eastward tectonic escape in the small Hualien City block (HUAL) area of ~10 × 10 km, which is apparently detached from the regional rotating RYUK block defined by previous studies. We interpret it as being initiated locally by the northwest indentation of the Coastal Range, which pushed the HUAL block to move upward and eastward. According to our strain analyses, the HUAL block shows a significant internal elastic strain inside the Milun Tableland, the hanging wall of the Milun fault. No significant deformation was observed across the surface trace of the fault, indicating that the Milun fault is now probably locked in the near surface. The deformation in the footwall of the fault was accommodated by pure-shear strain with a major NNW-compression and a minor ENE-extension. The deformation in the hanging wall is characterized by simple-shear strain with ENE-extension in its northern part and little deformation in the southern part, separated by a little known NW-trending active fault zone (Dongmingyi fault), which needs further investigation., Terrestrial, Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, 25 (3)

To establish whether elderly people with impaired cognition are at greater risk for the de-velopment of type 2 diabetes.Prospective population-based cohort study.The El-derly Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan (NAHSIT Elderly).One thousand and four hundred ninety-three diabetes-free people=65 years were followed for incident diabetes in relation to cognitive status for up to 8 years.The association between cognitive impairment and diabetes incidence was analyzed with Cox proportional hazards models with exclusion of people who had diabetes within one year of cognitive function assessments.Cognitively-impaired women, but not men, had increased diabetes incidence density (DID). Age, gender, ethnicity and personal behavior adjusted hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for type 2 diabetes with normal cognition as referent were 2.43 (95% CI: 1.27-4.63) for women and 1.55 (95% CI: 0.48-5.07) for men. These gender differences and the HR significances remained with adjustments for age, ethnicity, financial status, dietary quality as a dietary diversity score, physical function, physical activity, fasting glucose, indices of body composition, body mass index, waist circumference, mid-arm muscle circumference, perceived and mental health status. There were extensive significant interactions with the covariates in women.Cognitive impairment in later life is associated with greater risk of type 2 diabetes in women and considerable potential risk enhancement.已有研究發現患有糖尿病的老人易發生認知功能障礙，對於患有認知功能障 礙的老人是否更易發生糖尿病，也就是老人糖尿病和認知功能障礙發生是否 存在雙向性影響，目前不可知。本研究的目的為觀察患有認知功能障礙的老 人是否更容易發生糖尿病。以參與1999-2000 年臺灣老人營養和健康調查中 1493 位年齡超過65 歲，且沒有糖尿病的老人為研究對象，追蹤8 年，研究糖 尿病發生率和認知功能的關係。認知功能障礙和糖尿病的發生率以Cox 比例 風險迴歸模型來分析。結果發現有認知功能障礙的女性其糖尿病發生率顯著 提高，但在男性中沒有觀察到這樣的結果。以正常認知功能組做為參照組， 在校正年齡，性別，種族和個人行為之後，認知功能障礙老年女性二型糖尿 病風險比值(HR)為2.43 (95%信賴區間: 1.27-4.63)，男性為1.55 (95%信賴區間: 0.48-5.07)。在分別校正年齡，種族，個人行為和經濟狀況，飲食品質，身體 活動功能，運動，空腹血糖值，身體質量指數，腰圍及中臂肌圍等可能影響 糖尿病發生的變數後，性別差異和風險比顯著性仍然存在。在女性中，上述 共變數對糖尿病的發生存在顯著交互作用。飲食品質差及少運動，會增加認 知功能障礙老年女性患糖尿病的風險比。

Background: Oral health is crucial to individual growth and development. However, oral health care is often overlooked in children with special health care needs (CSHCN). We investigated current oral health status and unmet dental needs of CSHCN in Taiwan. Methods: We performed a retrospective study of consecutive CSHCN cases receiving first-time comprehensive dental treatment under general anesthesia at Taipei Veterans General hospital from 2001 to 2010. We retrieved clinical data including age, sex, types, and severity of disability, caries experience index [decayed, extracted, and filled teeth (deft) index for primary dentition/decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index for permanent dentition], malocclusion, and treatment modalities from medical charts for analysis. The correlation between different groups of CSHCN regarding the deft/DMFT indices and treatment modalities was analyzed statistically. Results: Our study included 96 children, ranging in age from 2.4 years to 14.3 years (mean age 6.8 ± 3.3 years). The deft/DMFT index was significantly higher in the younger age group (2–6 years; 13.8 ± 4.3) compared with the older group (> 6 years; 10.5 ± 5.3; p

To examine the significance of underweight and physical function as well as their interaction on mortality in the aged.Prospective cohort.The Elderly Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan during 1999-2000.Total of 1435 representative free-living elders (739 men and 696 women).Body composition was assessed by various anthropometrics. Physical function score (PF, ranged 0-100) was derived from the SF-36(®). Death by December 31, 2006 was the outcome measure.After 7.9 (median: 7.0) years follow-up, 381 (223 men, 158 women) of 1435 eligible participants had died. Those with the lowest PF (45) had 3.43 (hazards ratio (HR), 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.20-5.36) times the all-cause mortality risk of the highest PF (≥58). Interactions for PF and BMI (P =0.02) and for PF and wrist circumference (P =0.09) on death were found after controlling for potential confounders. Jointly, compared to normal-BMI-highest-PF, the greatest HR for death occurred where BMI18.5 kg/m2 was combined with the lowest-PF after covariate adjustments (HR = 8.67, 95% CI = 3.77-20.0). Similarly, the lowest arm muscle circumference (MAMC)-PF had a HR of 5.22 compared to mid-MAMC-highest-PF. However, percent and absolute body fat, estimated by bioelectrical impedance, was comparable to non-sarcopenic individuals.Thin elderly Taiwanese with sarcopenia, and less skeleton, are at the most risk of death, especially if physical function is limited.

The X-linked DEAD-box RNA helicase DDX3 (DDX3X) is a multifunctional protein that has been implicated in gene regulation, cell cycle control, apoptosis, and tumorigenesis. However, the precise physiological function of Ddx3x during development remains unknown. Here, we show that loss of Ddx3x results in an early post-implantation lethality in male mice. The size of the epiblast marked by Oct3/4 is dramatically reduced in embryonic day 6.5 (E6.5) Ddx3x-/Y embryos. Preferential paternal X chromosome inactivation (XCI) in extraembryonic tissues of Ddx3x heterozygous (Ddx3x-/+) female mice with a maternally inherited null allele leads to placental abnormalities and embryonic lethality during development. In the embryonic tissues, Ddx3x exhibits developmental- and tissue-specific differences in escape from XCI. Targeted Ddx3x ablation in the epiblast leads to widespread apoptosis and abnormal growth, which causes embryonic lethality in the Sox2-cre/+;Ddx3xflox/Y mutant around E11.5. The observation of significant increases in γH2AX and p-p53Ser15 indicates DNA damage, which suggests that loss of Ddx3x leads to higher levels of genome damage. Significant upregulation of p21WAF1/Cip1 and p15Ink4b results in cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in Ddx3x-deficient cells. These results have uncovered that mouse Ddx3x is essential for both embryo and extraembryonic development.

Microvascular free flap transfer for post-oncologic reconstructive surgery in oral cancer is considered to be a challenge due to the complexity of the anatomy and function of the region. We sought to identify possible factors associated with microsurgical complications and to assess the impact of these complications in relation to patient survival. Following the inclusion and exclusion protocol, 142 patients with stage III and IV oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) who underwent immediate free flap reconstruction after tumor ablation were included in the study. Clinical and surgical procedural-related factors were retrieved from a database and analyzed retrospectively; survival data were evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Major complications that required re-anastomosis of the flap vessels occurred in 23 patients (16.2%); total necrosis of the flaps, regardless of salvage treatment, occurred in seven cases, with 95.1% of full flap survival. The American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, types of neck dissection, and number of flaps were regarded as strong predictors for surgical complications. Patients with these complications appeared to have a shortened survival (5-year cancer-specific survival of approximately 60%, both in stage III and IV OSCC). However, the impact of surgical complications on survival was significant only in stage III OSCC (P = 0.037). Strategies to minimize surgical complications should be used to ensure better prognoses for these patients.

Background Little is known about health care costs associated with the metabolic syndrome (MetS). Objective We assessed annualized health care costs and health outcomes for both genders in different health care settings among representative Taiwanese elders. Methods The Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan (1999–2000) provided 1378 individuals aged 65 years or older with known MetS status. Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan files were linked to National Health Insurance records (1999–2006). Student t tests and multiple regression models were used to assess expenditures in total and in 6 services: inpatient, ambulatory care, dental care, traditional Chinese medicine, emergency care, and contracted pharmacy. The Cox model was used to assess gender effect on all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease mortality, whereas logistic regression was used for that on cardiovascular disease hospitalization. The 5 MetS component costs were evaluated by multiple regressions. Results MetS affected 29% of men and 48% of women. After full adjustment, those with MetS had 1.30 (95% CI, 1.11–1.52), men had 1.43 (95% CI, 1.20–1.70), and women had 1.19 (95% CI, 0.93–1.52) times higher costs than those without MetS. Compared with no MetS, MetS costs were increased 2.94-fold for inpatient care (95% CI, 1.23–7.10) and 1.30-fold for ambulatory care for men (95% CI, 1.12–1.52), whereas ambulatory MetS costs were increased 1.28-fold for women (95% CI, 1.05–1.57). MetS was associated with higher risk of cardiovascular disease hospitalization in men (adjusted odds ratio, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.20–2.58) but not in women (adjusted odds ratio, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.67–1.75). Among those with MetS, all-cause and cardiovascular mortality were comparable between men and women. Of the MetS components, low HDL cholesterol had the greatest affect on costs, more so in men (2.23-fold) than women (1.58-fold). Conclusions In people with MetS, service costs were greater overall, significantly for men, but not women, and these increased costs were evident for men who experienced hospitalization, but not women. At the same time, cardiovascular and all-cause mortalities were not significantly different by gender in regard to MetS in Taiwanese elders.

Hyperhomocysteinemia and cognitive impairment both predict mortality and partly because of dietary associations. We have hypothesized that for, nutritional reasons, homocysteine and cognition may act jointly to determine elder survival. In a Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan (1999-2000), some 1412 representative elderly were followed up for mortality up to 10 years. Cognition was assessed by the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire. Food and B vitamin intakes with their biomarkers, and plasma homocysteine, were measured at baseline. The possible effects of cognition on homocysteine-associated mortality were ascertained with Cox proportional-hazards models. Homocysteine was higher in those who were older, male, and single, consumed less fish and tea, and with alcohol and smoking. In models adjusted for these variables, when homocysteine exceeded 14.5 μmol/L, mortality was 1.80-fold more than when

ObjectiveTo investigate the association between cooking behaviour and long-term survival among elderly Taiwanese.DesignCohort study. The duration of follow-up was the interval between the date of interview and the date of death or 31 December 2008, when censored for survivors. Information used included demographics, socio-economic status, health behaviours, cooking frequencies, physical function, cognitive function, nutrition knowledge awareness, eating out habits and food and nutrient intakes. These data were linked to death records. Cox proportional-hazards models were used to evaluate cooking frequency on death from 1999 to 2008 with related covariate adjustments.SettingElderly Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan, 1999–2000.SubjectsNationally representative free-living elderly people aged ≥65 years (n 1888).ResultsDuring a 10-year follow-up, 695 participants died. Those who cooked most frequently were younger, women, unmarried, less educated, non-drinkers of alcohol, non-smokers, without chewing difficulty, had spouse as dinner companion, normal cognition, who walked or shopped more than twice weekly, who ate less meat and more vegetables. Highly frequent cooking (>5 times/week, compared with never) predicted survival (hazard ratio (HR) = 0·47; 95 % CI, 0·36, 0·61); with adjustment for physical function, cognitive function, nutrition knowledge awareness and other covariates, HR was 0·59 (95 % CI, 0·41, 0·86). Women benefited more from cooking more frequently than did men, with decreased HR, 51 % v. 24 %, when most was compared with least. A 2-year delay in the assessment of survivorship led to similar findings.ConclusionsCooking behaviour favourably predicts survivorship. Highly frequent cooking may favour women more than men.

Mechanical design of the thin-film solar framed module and mounting system is important to enhance module reliability and to increase areas of applications. The stress induced by different mounting positions played a main role controlling the stability of the whole mechanical structure. From the finite element method, under the pressure from the back of module, the stress at Lc (center point of the Long frame) increased and the stresses at Center, Corner and Sc (center point of the Short frame) decreased while the mounting position was away from the center of the module. In addition, not only the stress of the glass but also the stress of the frame decreased. Accordingly it was safer to mount in the position away from the center of the module. The emphasis of designing frame system of the module was on the upper support of the Short frame. Strength of the overall structure and design of the corner were also important due to the complexity of the stress in the Long frame., {"references":["IEC61646, Thin-film terrestrial photovoltaic (SOLAR) modules - Design\nqualification and type approval, 2008.","F.Veer, J. Zuidema, F.P. Bos, The strength and failure of glass in bending.\nGlass processing days, 2005.","E. K. PAVELCHEK, R. H. OREMUS, Fracture strength of soda-lime\nglass after etching. Journal of Materials Science, vol. 9, pp. 1803-1808,\n1974."]}

Background Active ageing is a key to healthy ageing; shopping behaviour is an economically relevant activity of the elderly. Methods Analysis was based on the NAHSIT 1999–2000 dataset. A total of 1841 representative free-living elderly Taiwanese people were selected and information included demographics, socioeconomic status, health behaviours, shopping frequencies, physical function and cognitive function. These data were linked to official death records. Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate shopping frequency on death from 1999–2008 with possible covariate adjustment. Results Highly frequent shopping compared to never or rarely predicted survival (HR 0.54, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.67) with adjustment for physical function and cognitive function and other covariates HR was 0.73 (95% CI 0.56 to 0.93). Elderly who shopped every day have 27% less risk of death than the least frequent shoppers. Men benefited more from everyday shopping than women with decreased HR 28% versus 23% compared to the least. Conclusion Shopping behaviour favourably predicts survival. Highly frequent shopping may favour men more than women. Shopping captures several dimensions of personal well-being, health and security as well as contributing to the community9s cohesiveness and economy and may represent or actually confer increased longevity.

Random telegraph noise (RTN) in high-κ nMOSFETs is directly linked to Positive Bias Temperature Instability (PBTI). For the first time, the correlation between I d - and I g -RTN is clearly observed in high-κ MOSFET. I g -RTN is directly related to physical trapping or de-trapping and the I d -RTN reflects sensitivity to charge trapping as determined by gm, which is confirmed by both experiments and TCAD simulations.

Reactive oxygen species may cause oxidative damage in the placenta, yet some mechanisms must exist to reduce or prevent such damage. We investigated whether oxidative injury to placental endothelial cells is inhibited by activation of antioxidant enzymes by paracrine factors secreted by human placental multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (hPMSC). hPMSC-conditioned medium and umbilical endothelial cells were assayed for cytokines and cytokine receptor expression by immunoassay and real-time PCR. Endothelial cell survival was evaluated by MTS [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium, inner salt] assay and caspase 3 activity assay. tert-Butyl hydroperoxide was used to induce oxidative injury in endothelial cells, with fluorescent microscopy and flow cytometry used to detect intracellular peroxides and cell apoptosis. Western blot, real-time PCR, STAT3 DNA-binding activity assay, and STAT3 siRNA were used to assess endothelial cell antioxidant enzymes. hPMSC-conditioned medium supported endothelial cell survival and reduced endothelial cell intracellular peroxides and apoptosis. hPMSCs expressed the transcripts of the interleukin (IL) 6 cytokine family, including IL6 and leukemia-inhibitory factor. hPMSC-conditioned medium activated STAT3 expression in endothelial cells, which was inhibited by neutralizing antibody to interleukin 6 signal transducer (IL6ST) but not to IL6 or leukemia-inhibitory factor. STAT3 siRNA or manganese superoxide dismutase (SOD2) siRNA transfected into endothelial cells inhibited the antiapoptotic effect of conditioned medium. SOD2 was significantly upregulated in endothelial cells by conditioned medium via STAT3 activation that, in turn, was inhibited by IL6ST-neutralizing antibody or STAT3 siRNA. Paracrine factors secreted by hPMSCs support endothelial cell survival. STAT3 activation and SOD2 production protect against oxidative stress-induced endothelial cell damage.