Fiber Bragg grating cavity sensor for simultaneous measurement of strain and temperature

Author name used in this publication: Xiao-Ming TaoVersion of RecordPublishe

Temperature independent strain measurement with a fiber grating tapered cavity sensor

Author name used in this publication: Weichong DuVersion of RecordPublishe

Control of brain metastases with alectinib in anaplastic lymphoma kinase-rearranged lung cancer

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Cognitive and affective perspectives on formation and maintenance of grandiose delusions of a patient with schizophrenia

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The Puf family of RNA-binding proteins in plants: phylogeny, structural modeling, activity and subcellular localization

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Puf proteins have important roles in controlling gene expression at the post-transcriptional level by promoting RNA decay and repressing translation. The Pumilio homology domain (PUM-HD) is a conserved region within Puf proteins that binds to RNA with sequence specificity. Although Puf proteins have been well characterized in animal and fungal systems, little is known about the structural and functional characteristics of Puf-like proteins in plants.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The Arabidopsis and rice genomes code for 26 and 19 Puf-like proteins, respectively, each possessing eight or fewer Puf repeats in their PUM-HD. Key amino acids in the PUM-HD of several of these proteins are conserved with those of animal and fungal homologs, whereas other plant Puf proteins demonstrate extensive variability in these amino acids. Three-dimensional modeling revealed that the predicted structure of this domain in plant Puf proteins provides a suitable surface for binding RNA. Electrophoretic gel mobility shift experiments showed that the Arabidopsis AtPum2 PUM-HD binds with high affinity to BoxB of the Drosophila Nanos Response Element I (NRE1) RNA, whereas a point mutation in the core of the NRE1 resulted in a significant reduction in binding affinity. Transient expression of several of the Arabidopsis Puf proteins as fluorescent protein fusions revealed a dynamic, punctate cytoplasmic pattern of localization for most of these proteins. The presence of predicted nuclear export signals and accumulation of AtPuf proteins in the nucleus after treatment of cells with leptomycin B demonstrated that shuttling of these proteins between the cytosol and nucleus is common among these proteins. In addition to the cytoplasmically enriched AtPum proteins, two AtPum proteins showed nuclear targeting with enrichment in the nucleolus.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The Puf family of RNA-binding proteins in plants consists of a greater number of members than any other model species studied to date. This, along with the amino acid variability observed within their PUM-HDs, suggests that these proteins may be involved in a wide range of post-transcriptional regulatory events that are important in providing plants with the ability to respond rapidly to changes in environmental conditions and throughout development.</p

Modified edge-directed interpolation for images

Author name used in this publication: Chi-Wah Kok2009-2010 > Academic research: refereed > Publication in refereed journalVersion of RecordPublishe

An exploratory study on the social and genotypic clustering of HIV infection in men having sex with men

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clustering of HIV infected men having sex with men (MSM) using social network approach in conjunction with the phylogenetic relationship of the virus strains. DESIGN: An exploratory study incorporating social network and phylogenetic analysis. METHODS: Recently diagnosed HIV-infected MSM attending one major HIV specialist clinic in Hong Kong were recruited in the study involving the administration of a self-administered questionnaire on behaviours and partnership patterns using a Likert Scale, the results of which were assessed using social network analysis and in context of the phylogenetic analysis from sequencing the HIV-1 pol gene, as part of the clinical investigation for genotypic resistance. Clusters were defined using social and molecular methods. RESULTS: An 'Internet-centred' cluster and 'Sauna-centred' cluster could be delineated using correspondence analysis and network diagrams. The main distinguishing features of MSM in the 'Internet-centred' social cluster were: younger age, higher education level, and multiple partner types. Three genetic clusters could be identified in the phylogenetic tree, two of which associated with Internet use and one with sauna for sex partnership. There were partial overlaps between social and genetic clusters. Characteristically, the virus strains in sauna users were more disperse compared with the closely knit configuration of those using Internet. CONCLUSION: The principle of the duality of place and person can be strategically applied in epidemiologic investigation. The characterization of MSM cluster using anonymized network data provides a potentially powerful tool for informing public health intervention. © 2009 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.postprin

Problem-based learning : a teaching method to enhance learning experience for students in service-learning

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Systems dynamics in the community care pathway at the end-of-life: the Hong Kong experience

BACKGROUND: Since 2009, the HKWC-CGAT in collaboration with TWGHs JC C&A Home piloted the “EOL Program for RCHE in HKWC” program. The program offered 2 EoL care pathways on top of existing care framework: 1) AED pathway: residents remain in RCHE during last stage of life and stay there until very last moment of life; 2) FYKH pathway: resident be transferred to the hospital via expedite pathway at the last moment of life to receive hospice and palliative care until he/she passed away. The program has served 32 residents, 9 have chosen the AED pathway and two passed away peacefully in 2010. Success of this program highlights the need to examine interplaying factors in EoL care pathway and reflect on practical implications for quality EoL care. OBJECTIVE: To identify system factors that contributes to EoL care decision making and dignified EoL Care Pathways. METHOD: This is a qualitative study with individual interviews and focus groups conducted. Participants was …published_or_final_versio