The fertilization process in Lithocarpus dealbatus (Fagaceae) and its implication on the sexual reproduction evolution of Fagales.

The pistillate flowers of Lithocarpus dealbatus show two pollen tube (PT) arresting sites (the style-joining and micropyle) within the pistil during the postpollination-prezygotic stage. The PT, arrested at the pre-ovule stage, enhanced PT competition allowing the most compatible PTs to enter the ovary to ensure the highest fertilization success. During the shift from animal pollination to wind pollination, plants require a series of changes in reproductive traits.

Morphological characteristics of seed starch granules of Fagaceae in South China and their implication in paleodiet.

Nut fruits likely played a significant role before and during the origin of agriculture; however, relatively little research conducted on the morphological characteristics and statistical comparisons of nut fruit starch granule hinders the progress of paleodietary analysis of prehistorical society. For better species identification of starch granule remaining on tools discovered at archaeological sites, it is desirable to develop a more abundant morphology database of modern nut fruit starch granules as well as the establishment of relevant identification standards. Therefore, nuts from 40 species in four genera (, , , and ) of Fagaceae were collected from South China for statistical measurement and comparative analysis.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of (Fagaceae).

(Hu) Chun ex Y.C.Hsu & H.

Development of Quercus acutissima (Fagaceae) pollen tubes inside pistils during the sexual reproduction process.

Extensive histology of pistillate flowers revealed two pollen tube arresting sites (the style-joining and micropyle) within the pistil of Quercus acutissima during the postpollination-prezygotic stage, which reflects a unique female and male gametophyte recognition/selection mechanism. Sexual reproduction is among the most delicate and essential stages in plant life cycles and involves a series of precise interactions between pistils and male gametophytes. Quercus is a woody genus that dominates Northern Hemisphere forests and is notorious for interspecific hybridization, but its sexual reproduction is poorly understood, especially its pollen tube (PT) growth dynamics within pistils.

Hybrid Rehabilitation Therapies on Upper-Limb Function and Goal Attainment in Chronic Stroke.

This study examined the treatment effects between unilateral hybrid therapy (UHT; unilateral robot-assisted therapy [RT] + modified constraint-induced movement therapy) and bilateral hybrid therapy (BHT; bilateral RT + bilateral arm training) compared with RT. Thirty patients with chronic stroke were randomized to UHT, BHT, or RT groups. Preliminary efficacy was assessed using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), the Chedoke Arm and Hand Activity Inventory (CAHAI), and the goal attainment scaling (GAS).

Quality of Work Life, Nurses' Intention to Leave the Profession, and Nurses Leaving the Profession: A One-Year Prospective Survey.

Purpose: To examine the associations among quality of work life, nurses' intention to leave the profession, and nurses leaving the profession.

Design: A prospective study design was used.

Methods: Participants were 1,283 hospital nurses with a purposive sampling in Taiwan.

Validity of EQ-5D in general population of Taiwan: results of the 2009 National Health Interview and Drug Abuse Survey of Taiwan.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the validity of the EuroQOL five dimensions questionnaire (EQ-5D) using a nationally representative data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) through comparison with short-form 36 (SF-36).

Methods: Data for this study came from the 2009 NHIS in Taiwan. The study sample was the 4007 participants aged 20-64 years who completed the survey.

Development of two Barthel Index-based Supplementary Scales for patients with stroke.

Background: The Barthel Index (BI) assesses actual performance of activities of daily living (ADL). However, comprehensive assessment of ADL functions should include two other constructs: self-perceived difficulty and ability.

Objective: The aims of this study were to develop two BI-based Supplementary Scales (BI-SS), namely, the Self-perceived Difficulty Scale and the Ability Scale, and to examine the construct validity of the BI-SS in patients with stroke.

The Cerebral Palsy Quality of Life for Children (CP QOL-Child): evidence of construct validity.

The Cerebral Palsy Quality of Life for Children (CP QOL-Child) is the first health condition-specific questionnaire designed for measuring QOL in children with cerebral palsy (CP). However, its construct validity has not yet been confirmed by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Hence, this study assessed the construct validity of the caregiver proxy-report version of the Chinese version of the CP QOL-Child in children with CP using CFA.

Are hip-specific items useful in a quality of life questionnaire for patients with hip fractures?

Researchers measure the significance of hip fracture by the patient's impairment. The patient's quality of life (QOL) is usually also substantially affected. However, there is no specific quality of life (QOL) questionnaire for patients with hip fractures.

Selection of appropriate Chinese terms to represent intensity and types of physical activity terms for use in the Taiwan version of IPAQ.

In order to analyze the health risks of insufficient activity by international comparisons, the first author obtained the permission to translate and develop a Taiwan version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The objective was to determine culturally sensitive Chinese translations for the terms "moderate", "vigorous" and "physical activity" as well as to identify representative types of physical activity for Taiwanese. This study used discussions by 12 expert focus groups, 6 expert audits, a scale survey, field study, Cognitive Aspect Survey Methodology (CASM), dual independent translation and back-translation to establish a consensus on physical activity-related concepts, terminologies and types that define the intensity of common activities of Taiwanese by integrating both local and foreign studies.