Functional analysis of plant Mei2-like proteins : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Biochemistry at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand

Molecular techniques were used to analyse the function of a novel class of RNA-bindmg proteins in plants, termed Mei2-like. The biochemical function of this class of proteins is unclear Although the conserved presence of three RNA recognition motifs (RRMs) in all members of the family suggests the importance of an RNA binding activity, the precise biochemical mechanism by which these proteins act is unknown. Genetic and molecular analyses of the founding member of the family. Schizosaccharomyces pombe Mei2p, provide of a conceptual framework for the studies of the plant Mei2-like proteins presented here. Therefore, the aims of this thesis were to 1) study the cellular localisation of Mei2p in plant cells, and 2) deduce the functions of plant Mei2-like genes by identifying the protein(s) that physically interact(s) with Mei2-like proteins. Transient expression of GFP-fused Mei2p in onion epidermal cells was performed to show that Mei2p localised into the nucleus in the presence of meiRNA, a non-coding mRNA. Thus plants seem to share the capacity with S. pombe for meiRNA-dependent nuclear localisation of Mei2p. Moreover, intracellular localisation of one of the plant Mei2-like proteins, TERMINAL EAR-Like 2 (TEL2), was studied in onion epidermal cells. The GFP-fused TEL2 localised into the nucleus without co-expression of any special RNA, suggesting that either some RNA species that assist nuclear localisation of TEL2 are already present in onion epidermal cells, or the mechanism of intracellular localisation of TEL2 is different from Mei2p. The yeast two-hybrid system was utilised to identify protein interactors with TEL2. Six proteins were identified, including the well-studied KORRIGAN (KOR) protein. Based on the proteins identified, speculation is offered on how these proteins interact with TEL2. Since TEL genes are expressed in the central zone (CZ) of meristems, and mitotic activity of cells in the CZ is low, TEL2 may be involved in controlling cell division in the CZ via interactions with these proteins

Bias correction and confidence intervals following sequential tests

An important statistical inference problem in sequential analysis is the construction of confidence intervals following sequential tests, to which Michael Woodroofe has made fundamental contributions. This paper reviews Woodroofe's method and other approaches in the literature. In particular it shows how a bias-corrected pivot originally introduced by Woodroofe can be used as an improved root for sequential bootstrap confidence intervals.Comment: Published at http://dx.doi.org/10.1214/074921706000000590 in the IMS Lecture Notes--Monograph Series (http://www.imstat.org/publications/lecnotes.htm) by the Institute of Mathematical Statistics (http://www.imstat.org

An investigation into the performance of students with special education needs (SEN) and teachers' inclusive practices in mainstream schools

Dissertation presented in part fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Bachelor of Language Education (Primary English), the University of Hong KongIncludes bibliographical references (p. 29-32)Thesis (B. Ed.)--University of Hong Kong, 2013.published_or_final_versionB.Ed. in Language Educatio

An empirical study of the announcement effects of redevelopment projects on the residential prices in the immediate vicinity in Hong Kong

Thesis (B.Sc)--University of Hong Kong, 2010.Includes bibliographical references (p. 86-93).published_or_final_versio

Tissue-Specific Accumulation of Triphenyltin Compounds in Selected Marine Demersal Fishes of Hong Kong

Human ImpactsPoster presentation: P-84Applications of organotin-based antifouling paints in hulls of sea-going vessels have introduced large amount of these compounds, in particular tributyltin (TBT) and triphenyltin (TPT), into the ocean since the 1960s. These endocrine disrupting compounds have threatened a wide range of marine organisms, including fishes and marine mammals. In spite of the global prohibition of the use of organotins in antifouling paints by the International Maritime Organization in September 2008, there are no restrictions on their production and usage in Mainland China and Hong Kong and thus high concentrations of organotins, especially TPT, are still detected in marine fishes and ...postprin

A Case of Initially Undiagnosed Chikungunya Arthritis Developing into Chronic Phase in a Nonendemic Area

This case report described a 40-year-old lady presented with fever, headache, arthralgia, myalgia, and impaired liver function after returning from the Philippines. Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and dengue serology were negative. Eight weeks after initial presentation, she experienced inflammatory polyarthritis mimic rheumatoid arthritis. This time CHIKV-IgM was detected, together with a >4-fold rise of CHIKV-polyvalent-antibody titre. The first CHIKV-IgM negative sample was reexamined and was CHIKV-PCR positive. CHIKV infection was confirmed and diagnosis of CHIKV-related arthritis was made. A quarter of CHIKV infected individuals develop post-CHIKV rheumatisms that affect quality of life and may need treatment with Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs. This case highlights the importance of considering CHIKV infection in patients present with symmetrical polyarthritis particularly after travel to endemic regions. Testing of both CHIKV acute and convalescent-phase serum for CHIKV antibodies and PCR is recommended in suspicious case

Critical appraisal of the clinical utility of the dexamethasone intravitreal implant (Ozurdex®) for the treatment of macular edema related to branch retinal vein occlusion or central retinal vein occlusion

Macular edema is a common cause of visual loss in patients with retinal vein occlusions. Ozurdex®, a dexamethasone intravitreal implant, has been shown in randomized controlled trials to reduce macular edema and improve visual acuity in patients with either branch retinal vein occlusions or central retinal vein occlusions. It was approved in the United States in 2009. Since then, new therapeutic agents and clinical data have emerged. The purpose of this review is to critically evaluate the clinical utility of Ozurdex® in the current treatment strategy of macular edema related to retinal vein occlusion

Fight for Flight: The Narratives of Human Versus Machine Following Two Aviation Tragedies

This study provides insight into the relationship between human and machine in the professional aviation community following the 737 MAX accidents. Content analysis was conducted on a discussion forum for professional pilots to identify the major topics emerging in discussion of the accidents. A subsequent narrative analysis reveals dominant arguments of human versus machine as zero-sum, surrender to machines, and an epidemic of mistrust. Results are discussed in the context of current issues in human-machine communication, and we discuss what other quickly automating industries can learn from aviation’s experience

Novel biopolymer constructs: physical properties and antimicrobial efficacy

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a life-threatening issue and the situation is deteriorating each year resulting in an increasing number of deaths. The resistance of drugs developed by microbes is a natural process but this can be sped up easily due to unhygienic environments, lack of appropriate guidelines for the use of drugs in certain countries as well as the unclear direction of scientific research into AMR. Some pessimistic experts even believe this problem will never be tackled as it is the result of a long-term human intervention that has affected other biological organisms which inhabit the same ecosystem. Fortunately, such negative comments and predictions have actually accelerated momentum and encouraged and inspired more research activity in this area. In this project, the main idea involved producing a selection of biopolymer constructs with the specific aim of translating the intrinsic antimicrobial properties of naturally occurring materials (e.g. chitin, lignin, banana leaf) to a biodegradable polymer (PLA) for possible biomedical applications (e.g. would healing). All chitin, lignin and natural products (e.g. banana leaves) have one thing in common which is that they all exhibit intrinsic antimicrobial properties and have great potential for use as non-toxic antimicrobial materials. Versatile engineering tools such as electrospinning, melt-extrusion and injection moulding also allow us to produce additional materials and visualise the possibility of producing the products on an industrial scale. The first interest in this project lied on using ionic liquids (ILs), electrospinning and film casting to produce novel biomaterials. In the later stage of the project, poly(L-lactic acid) as a base polymer matrix, tungsten disulphide and triacetin as a plasticizer were introduced that can be subjected to melt-extrusion and injection moulding along with chitin and lignin. In this report, the history of antibiotic discovery and key features of antimicrobial resistance are introduced. Previous research conducted is also described in a detailed literature review with supporting evidence focused on chitin, lignin, banana leaves, poly(L-lactic acid), tungsten disulphide as well as techniques used in this project such as electrospinning and melt-extrusion. The detail of the initial scoping experiments electrospinning of biopolymer/ionic liquid solutions is then described as is the introduction of co-solvents and other polymers to assist the electrospinning process. The characteristics of the composites produced using melt-extrusion and injection moulding are also fully discussed. More importantly, bioassays of the composites will be shown which to provide crucial ideas for the key elements required for biomedical applications