Structural basis of typhoid: Salmonella typhi type IVb pilin (PilS) and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator interaction

10.1002/prot.22500Proteins: Structure, Function and Bioinformatics772253-26

Continuum modeling of post-implantation damage and the effective plus factor in crystalline silicon at room temperature

10.1016/j.tsf.2005.09.167Thin Solid Films5041-2269-273THSF

Wind profile observations in tropical cyclone events using wind-profilers and doppler SODARs

Since the mean wind profile in the tropical cyclone boundary layer is important in both the fields of meteorology and wind engineering, the wind measurements taken during the passages of several tropical cyclones or typhoons in Hong Kong by the wind-profilers and the Doppler Sonic Detection And Ranging (SODAR) have been utilized to calculate both the hourly and 10-min mean wind profiles. These observed profiles were then fitted to the log-law, the power-law and an empirical profile model taking into consideration the low-level jet. The results showed that the low-level jet, which is commonly observed for the mean wind profile in the tropical cyclone boundary layer over the sea, was not found. In addition, we found that the surface roughness derived by fitting the observed profile to the log-law was unusually high (z(0) > 1.5 m). The possible explanations include (1) the influence of large scale topography and (2) the high waves introduced by strong typhoon winds. (c) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of Salmonella typhi PilS

10.1107/S174430910603661XActa Crystallographica Section F: Structural Biology and Crystallization Communications62101024-102

Strong, non-local interactions: the Hong Kong bond

10.1093/protein/gzq075Protein Engineering, Design and Selection241-2235-239PEDS

Investigating the urban heat and cool island effects during extreme heat events in high‐density cities: A case study of Hong Kong from 2000 to 2018

Urban heat island (UHI) and cool island (UCI) effects are well-known and prevalent in cities worldwide. An increasing trend of extreme heat events has been observed over the last few decades and is expected to continue in the foreseeable future. In this study, warm periods (May to September) of 2000-2018 were examined to acquire a comprehensive understanding of the UHI and UCI characteristics for the case study of Hong Kong, China. 22 weather stations in Hong Kong were classified into four categories, namely urban, urban oasis, suburban, and rural, with reference to the local climate zone (LCZ) scheme, to analyze UHI and UCI phenomena during extreme heat and non-extreme heat situations. One representative type of extreme heat events was considered in this study: three consecutive hot nights with two very hot days in between (2D3N). Results show that both the UHI and UCI effects are exacerbated during extreme heat events. Using the concept of the UHI degree hours (UHIdh) and UCI degree hours (UCIdh), their spatial patterns in Hong Kong during extreme heat and non-extreme heat situations were mapped based on multiple linear regression models. It is found that the predictor variable - windward/leeward index is a significant influential factor of both UHIdh and UCIdh during extreme heat events. The resulting UHIdh and UCIdh maps not only enhance our understanding on the spatial pattern and characteristics of the UHI and UCI during extreme heat events, but could also serve as a useful reference in climate change adaptation, heat-health risk detection, cooling-energy estimation and policy making

Supplementary Material for: Pleurodesis Using Mistletoe Extract Delivered via a Spray Catheter during Semirigid Pleuroscopy for Managing Symptomatic Malignant Pleural Effusion

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Talc poudrage during thoracoscopy is considered the standard procedure for patients with symptomatic malignant pleural effusion (MPE). Until now, no alternative technique other than talc poudrage for pleurodesis during medical thoracoscopy has been proposed. Liquid sclerosants, such as mistletoe extract, have been sprayed evenly into the pleural cavity during semirigid pleuroscopy for chemical pleurodesis. <b><i>Objective:</i></b> We conducted a retrospective study using the database of semirigid pleuroscopy to identify the usefulness of pleurodesis using a mistletoe extract delivered via a spray catheter during semirigid pleuroscopy for symptomatic MPE. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> All consecutive patients with symptomatic MPE who underwent semirigid pleuroscopy from October 2015 to September 2016 were registered. The responses were evaluated using chest X- ray or computed tomography 4 weeks after pleurodesis. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The study included 43 patients who underwent pleurodesis with mistletoe extract via a spray catheter during semirigid pleuroscopy. Complete and partial responses were seen in 21 (49%) and 19 (44%) patients, respectively. The median duration of chest tube placement after pleurod­esis was 7 days (range 6–8 days) in the 40 patients with complete or partial responses. No cases of severe hemorrhage, empyema formation, respiratory failure, or procedure-related mortality were observed in the subjects at 4 weeks after semirigid pleuroscopy. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Pleurodesis with mistletoe extract delivered via a spray catheter during semirigid pleuroscopy is a safe and effective procedure for managing symptomatic MPE