National Taiwan University

We have proposed a modified structure called the “charge focusing” design of a single-photon avalanche diode, based on our previous work using TSMC's 0.18 μm HV CMOS technology. We have demonstrated that this modified structure can improve the electric field distribution in the photon absorption layer, which previously resulted in worse jitter performance. This modification enhances carrier collection efficiency and detector timing resolution, leading to better performance in various applications where the pre-modified structure had been used. Furthermore, we propose that the modified structure can also be combined with the Separate Absorption and Charge Multiplication (SACM) structure to achieve high photon detection efficiency at infrared wavelengths, by adding a Germanium (Ge) epitaxy layer on top of the silicon layer. Our simulations show that the charge focusing design brings many advantages, most notably reducing the electric field at the edge of the Ge layer in the SACM structure, which is commonly used in silicon photonic and CMOS technologies.

Background Effective communication among healthcare workers wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID‐19 pandemic posed significant challenges. Objective This study aims to evaluate the relationship between the use of a real‐time communication platform and emergency department (ED) length of stay (LOS) for patients presenting with respiratory symptoms during the pandemic. Methods A real‐time communication platform was developed and integrated into the hospital information system prior to the pandemic. This retrospective study analyzed de‐identified data of ED patients with respiratory symptoms, categorized as triage levels 2–5, from January 2020 to December 2022. Results A total of 47,296 patients were included in the analysis, with 9133 (19%) managed using the communication tool. Nurses exclusively used the tool to remind physicians about patient disposition. Patients managed with the tool experienced significantly shorter LOS, and this effect remained consistent across all triage levels (p < 0.05). Conclusions The use of the real‐time communication tool by ED healthcare workers was associated with a reduction in ED LOS for patients presenting with respiratory symptoms.

Human enteroviruses (EVs) are a major public health issue worldwide owing to their potential to cause respiratory illnesses, hand‐foot‐and‐mouth disease, and severe neurological complications. Currently, no effective drugs or multivalent vaccines are available. Pterostilbene (Pte), a naturally occurring compound found in blueberries and other plants, is a type of stilbene with a similar structure to resveratrol. Pterostilbene exerts antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and anticancer properties. However, few studies have explored its antiviral activity. This study aimed to investigate the anti‐enteroviral effect and mechanisms of Pte against EV‐A71 and EV‐D68. Cytotoxicity and antiviral assays were performed to assess the safety of Pte to cells and its antiviral effects against enteroviruses. Viral attachment, inactivation assays, cellular receptor binding, western blotting, time‐of‐addition and time‐of‐removal assays, particle stability thermal release assay, and molecular docking were performed to elucidate the antiviral mechanisms of Pte. Additionally, we validated the antiviral effects of Pte using in vivo experiments. Among the stilbenes examined, Pte exerted a broad‐spectrum inhibitory effect on various enteroviruses, including EV‐A71, EV‐D68, and coxsackieviruses at 40 μM, without cytotoxicity. Mechanistically, Pte significantly inhibited enteroviral attachment, inactivated viral particles, blocked viral binding to its receptors, and increased virion stability. Molecular docking analysis revealed that Pte occupied a hydrophobic pocket in viral protein 1, indicating a strong binding affinity and acting as an efficient inhibitor. Notably, sequence alignment of multiple enteroviruses indicated that the Pte‐interacting residues in VP1 were highly conserved. In vivo studies demonstrated that oral administration of Pte significantly alleviated infection symptoms and reduced mortality in hSCARB2 transgenic mice. Pte possesses potential application as a broad‐efficacy antiviral drug against enteroviral infections.

This report documents the predation of Macaca cyclopis (Taiwanese macaque) on the flying adults of ground-nesting leaf-cutting bee, Trachusa formosanum. With observations and video recordings of an incident in the wild, we detail how adult and juvenile macaques capture and consume bees during their flight, with varying success rates. Seizing the correct timing when the bees fly low to approach their nests is the key skill for bee hunting. This predation occurs during the breeding season of T. formosanum, when the bees’ nests are spatially concentrated, making them a spatially and temporally predictable food source for the macaques. The findings highlight that M. cyclopis do exploit seasonal high-protein food resources, and provide new insights into their dietary habits, with potential implications for understanding foraging-relevant social learning in primates. Further studies are needed to explore the potential nutritional significance of this behavior and its role in macaque reproductive strategies.

A cost-effective and novel method for making large-area surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates using thermal annealing of ultrathin gold (Au) and silver-gold (Ag-Au) metal films is reported. The evolution of optical properties of thermally annealed Au and Ag-Au discontinuous films were investigated and correlated with morphological changes. Au films (5 nm thick) and Ag-Au films (5 nm thick each) were deposited via electron beam evaporation and subsequently annealed at different temperatures under ambient conditions. Thermal annealing led to the formation of high-density gold nanoislands (Au NIs) and silver-gold nanoislands (Ag@Au NIs), with average sizes ranging from 10 to 45 nm and 10 to 50nm, respectively. The SERS response of the fabricated samples was carried out by using Rhodamine 6G (Rd6G) as a Raman probe molecule. The experimental results showed that Ag@Au NIs exhibit the highest SERS signal compared to Au NIs, attributed to enhanced optical field confinement at SERS hot spots facilitated by the presence of Ag. Our study found that the efficiency of Ag@Au NIs in detecting Rd6G achieved a detection limit (LOD) of 10^-10 M with an enhancement factor (EF) of about 10⁵. Additionally, the practical utility of these substrates is demonstrated by detecting Thiram fungicide with an experimental LOD of 10^-9 M, while the calculated analytical LOD reaches 10^-12 M.

Oxygen redox‐based cathode materials offer higher capacity than conventional Na‐based layered transition metal oxides in Na‐ion batteries (NIBs). Still, their performance is impeded by voltage hysteresis and structural instability. Herein, a novel P2‐Na0.61Ca0.03[Mg2/9Cu1/9Mn2/3]O2 cathode material is developed with Li/Co‐free composition for cost‐effectiveness and environmental friendliness. Cu substitution in transition‐metal layers stabilizes O ions during oxygen redox, while Ca doping in alkaline‐metal layers acts as structural “pillars” to suppress phase transformation. The charge storage mechanism is analyzed via operando X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, operando X‐ray diffraction analysis, on‐line gas chromatography, and density functional theory computation. Na0.61Ca0.03[Mg2/9Cu1/9Mn2/3]O2 exhibits a high specific capacity (205 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.1 C), good cyclic stability, and impressive rate capability (142 mAh g⁻¹ at 2.5 C). A Na0.61Ca0.03[Mg2/9Cu1/9Mn2/3]O2//hard carbon full cell with a high energy density (250.7 Wh kg⁻¹) is achieved, demonstrating its potential for high‐energy NIBs. This work provides new insights into oxygen‐redox‐dominated cathodes through a facile sol‐gel synthesis and advanced characterization techniques.

Background Advance directives are essential to advance care planning, allowing individuals to document their end-of-life care preferences in a living, legally binding document. Cultural factors such as collectivism and family values can shape beliefs and preferences toward advance directives. Aim This study compared beliefs and preferences toward advance directives between American and Taiwanese adults. Design Cross-sectional survey. A multivariate logistic regression was used to quantify the differences between groups. Setting/participants Age 18 + residing in the U.S. (n = 166) and Taiwan (n = 186). Results Compared to the Taiwanese sample, the U.S. sample had more males (37% vs. 21%), more individuals with a graduate education (53% vs. 22%), and fewer single/unmarried participants (38.9% vs. 46.4%). In the multivariate logistic regressions, adults in Taiwan were 2.5 times more likely to value the importance of having an advance directive (aOR 2.5; 95% CI 1.27–5.12), 7.75 times more open to end-of-life care discussions (aOR 7.75; 95% CI 2.03–29.50), and 1.7 times more likely to allow family and loved ones make medical treatment and care decisions during hospitalization for a serious illness on their behalf (aOR = 1.73; 95% CI 1.08–2.78) compared to adults in the U.S. However, adults in Taiwan were less confident that their loved ones’ decisions would align with their personal preferences (aOR = 0.28; 95% CI 0.16–0.47). Conclusion Adults in Taiwan place significant importance on advance directives and demonstrate a greater propensity to engage in end-of-life discussions. They also appear more willing than adults in the U.S. to delegate healthcare decisions to their loved ones. Paradoxically, however, they express concerns about whether these decisions align with their personal preferences, a discrepancy likely influenced by cultural values of filial piety and collectivism in Taiwan.

Introduction: Dementia leads to progressive cognitive decline, impairing self-care and decision making. Advance directives (AdvDirs) enable individuals to document healthcare preferences while cognitively capable, ensuring value-aligned care and reducing caregiver burden. This study explores factors influencing preferences for unlimited medical treatment in hypothetical Alzheimer’s disease/dementia scenarios among community-dwelling adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study surveyed 163 community-dwelling adults (18+), using structured questionnaires to collect sociodemographic, health, and AdvDir-related data. Key predictors included attitudes toward life-sustaining treatments, comfort discussing death, religious practices, and interest in quality-of-life information related to end-of-life care. The primary outcome was preference for unlimited medical treatment in hypothetical dementia scenarios. Bivariate and multivariate logistic analyses assessed associations, adjusting for covariates. Results: In the dementia scenario, 26.9% of participants preferred unlimited medical treatment. This preference was strongly associated with a pre-existing attitude favoring life-sustaining treatments (OR = 4.24, 95% CI: 1.73 – 10.37, P = 0.002) and religious beliefs (OR = 5.68, 95% CI: 1.51–21.43, P = 0.01). Conversely, an interest in learning about quality of life at the end of life was negatively associated with preferring unlimited treatment (OR = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.09-0.89, P = 0.03). Discussion: Our findings highlight the need to align advance care planning with individuals’ values, beliefs, and religious practices. Raising awareness of quality-of-life considerations in end-of-life care may lead to a shift in preference toward palliative care rather than aggressive treatment. Healthcare providers should discuss treatment trade-offs with cultural and religious sensitivity to support informed decision making.

Jelly fig (Ficus pumila L. var. awkeotsang) a species unique to Taiwan has been used for centuriesas sweets and snacks. It also has potential for medicinal purposes. In this study, the functional efficacy of the extracts of the achenes of different strains of jelly figs was compared. We found that the 80% methanol extract of the Hong‐jiou strain had a favorable inhibitory effect on the glycolytic enzymes. Furthermore, 3T3‐L1 cells were used to assess whether the extract of the Hong‐jiou strain can help regulate the transportation and utilization of glucose in the body and to investigate the insulin‐related signal transmission and regulation. According to the results of Oil Red O staining, the Hong‐jiou extract inhibited the formation of lipid droplets in both the prevention group and the curing group, and the determination of triglyceride content also showed that it reduced fat accumulation and the degree of differentiation. The three concentrations of the prevention group and the curing group revealed that the increase in glucose uptake was concentration dependent. Based on the comprehensive research results, the prevention group 200 μg·mL⁻¹ (p‐200 group) was identified to have the greatest potential to inhibit obesity and improve hyperglycemia. According to the analysis of related protein expression based on the mRNA reverse transcription assay, the Hong‐jiou extract affected the mRNA expressions of PPARγ, SREBP‐1c, IRS1, LIPE, and CPT1 to reduce the degree of differentiation and the accumulation of fatty acids as well as increase glucose uptake, thereby having the potential hypoglycemic and anti‐obesity effects.

Under what conditions do violent tactics receive public support? Focusing on the process of social influence, this article utilizes a survey on the 2019 Hong Kong Anti-Extradition Bill Movement to test how social interactions with people with different orientations toward the movement (opposing, neutral, supportive) relate to individuals’ tolerance of violent tactics. Social interactions with neutral people generated the largest effect, as such interactions made people particularly intolerant of violent tactics. Interactions with opposition networks also led people to disapprove of violent tactics, although the association is weaker than interactions with neutral people. Interactions with movement supporters did not make people condemn violent tactics but instead increased their tolerance. Additional analyses show that such interaction effects hold across political affiliations. We discuss the implications for public opinion and democracy.

Serpentine soils are predominantly distributed along the Circum-Pacific margin and the Mediterranean, including eastern Taiwan. These soils are characterized by high levels of heavy metals, including nickel and chromium, and a low calcium-to-magnesium ratio, creating a unique environment that fosters microorganisms with specialized traits. In this study, culture-dependent isolation methods were used to elucidate the composition of culturable fungal communities in serpentine-characterized paddy fields in eastern Taiwan. A total of 154 fungal strains were isolated from serpentine paddy fields in eastern Taiwan. These strains were grouped into 79 morphotypes based on colony morphology and subsequently evaluated through morphological and multi-locus phylogenetic analyses. The results revealed that 60% of the strains belong to class Dothideomycetes, followed by 21% in Sordariomycetes and 19% in Eurotiomycetes. At the genus level, Westerdykella was the dominant genus, accounting for 35% of the total isolated strains, followed by Pyrenochaetopsis (20%), Talaromyces (19%), and Pseudorhypophila (8%). The study reports 11 novel species: Dimorphiseta formosana sp. nov. , D. serpentinicola sp. nov. , Parasarocladium formosum sp. nov. , Phialoparvum formosanum sp. nov. , Poaceascoma serpentinum sp. nov. , Pseudorhypophila formosana sp. nov. , Reticulascus formosana sp. nov. , Sarocladium formosum sp. nov. , S. serpentinicola sp. nov. , Talaromyces taiwanensis sp. nov. , and Westerdykella formosana sp. nov . Additionally, 11 species are reported for the first time in Taiwan: Pseudothielavia terricola , Pseudoxylomyces aquaticus , Pyrenochaetopsis oryzicola , Py. paucisetosa , Setophaeosphaeria microspora , Talaromyces adpressus , T. thailandensis , Westerdykella aquatica , W. capitulum , W. dispersa , and W. globosa . In addition, this study presents the first documented asexual morph within the genus Poaceascoma , represented by P. serpentinum . These discoveries will be valuable for future evaluations of the potential uses and functions of these species as bioremediation agents.

A solution of six-coordinate [Mn(PS2)2] (1) is inert towards nitric oxide (NO) at room temperature. In the presence of a proton source such as p-toluenesulfonic acid or perchloric acid, however,...

Biominerals formed by marine organisms exhibit intricate structures and support a remarkable range of functionalities. Recent advances in our understanding of biomineralization highlight the pivotal role of magnesium-stabilized amorphous calcium...

This pioneering genome-wide association study examined surrogate markers for insulin resistance (IR) in 147,880 Taiwanese individuals using data from the Taiwan Biobank. The study focused on two IR surrogate markers: the triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG:HDL-C) ratio and the TyG index (the product of fasting plasma glucose and triglycerides). We identified genome-wide significance loci within four gene clusters: GCKR, MLXIPL, APOA5, and APOC1, uncovering 197 genes associated with IR. Transcriptome-wide association analysis revealed significant associations between these clusters and TyG, primarily in adipose tissue. Gene ontology analysis highlighted pathways related to Alzheimer’s disease, glucose homeostasis, insulin resistance, and lipoprotein dynamics. The study identified sex-specific genes associated with TyG. Polygenic risk score analysis linked both IR markers to gout and hyperlipidemia. Our findings elucidate the complex relationships between IR surrogate markers, genetic predisposition, and disease phenotypes in the Taiwanese population, contributing valuable insights to the field of metabolic research.

Background This study investigates the destruction of deep-sea water pumping pipes due to submarine debris flows. The DEBRIS- 2D debris flow simulation model is applied to an actual submarine debris flow case in the Zhi-Ben River Estuary in Taitung County, Taiwan. Results Simulation results show that the submarine debris flow progresses at a speed of less than 10 cm/s, and its depth increases in deeper regions. Due to topographical changes, there is a rapid increase in flow depth when the debris flow approaches a small sea ridge. This rapid change in depth induces significant pressure differences on pipeline connections located just below, leading to their destruction. A substantial pulling force is exerted on the pipeline due to its long-submerged length under moving debris flows. This pulling force induces the failure of pipe joints upstream of the debris flow-submerged area. The failure locations calculated from the simulation align closely with field investigations, confirming that the pipeline’s destruction was caused by submarine debris flows. Conclusion The findings indicate that submarine debris flows can be hazardous to pipelines due to seabed geological variations during transient motion stages. Given that these hazards stem from debris flow dynamics and seabed topography, it is recommended that pipeline installations incorporate submarine debris flow simulations to mitigate such risks.

Tissue engineering has been an integral part of regenerative medicine. Functional biomimetic structures were assembled by combining appropriate scaffolds with specific cells. The decellularization of animal tissue preserved the natural biochemical components and structural properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of specific organs, thereby providing a suitable niche for tissue-specific cell differentiation and growth. In this study, the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the porcine aorta was obtained through trypsin-based decellularization. The resulting porcine aortic ECM retained a favorable collagen composition, exhibited no cytotoxicity, and demonstrated chemophilic properties for mesenchymal stem cells. Human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hADSCs) and human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hiMSCs) were transplanted onto the decellularized porcine aortic ECM, where successful differentiation into a mature cartilage layer was observed. These findings suggested that the porcine aortic ECM could serve as a potential scaffold with tubular and linear structures for tissue engineering applications. Functional human iMSCs (induced-mesenchymal stem cells) were generated from human iPSCs (induced-pluripotent stem cells) and analyzed for differences compared to primary MSCs via RNA-seq. The hiMSCs were applied to decellularized porcine aortic ECM (extracellular matrix), demonstrating chondrogenic differentiation and confirming the usability of xenogeneic ECM. Graphical Abstract Functional human iMSCs (induced-mesenchymal stem cells) were generated from human iPSCs (induced-pluripotent stem cells) and analyzed for differences compared to primary MSCs via RNA-seq. The hiMSCs were applied to decellularized porcine aortic ECM (extracellular matrix), demonstrating chondrogenic differentiation and confirming the usability of xenogeneic ECM.