The range of the tangential Cauchy-Riemann system on a CR embedded manifold

We prove that every compact, pseudoconvex, orientable, CR manifold of \C^n, bounds a complex manifold in the $C^\infty$ sense. In particular, the tangential Cauchy-Riemann system has closed range

The Utilization of Heat Exchangers for Energy Conservation in Air Conditioning

This paper investigates the characteristics of heat exchanger (HPHE) as an efficient coolness recovery unit in air conditioning through experimental studies. It was conducted under a multiple-nozzle code tester based on the ASHRAE standards. The wind tunnel was subjected to airflow with considerable variation in its inlet air temperature. Among the factors being investigated are the air velocity, inlet and outlet air temperatures, overall efficiency and the number of rows in longitudinal direction. The data obtained were compared with the results predicted by previous theoretical studies. Good agreement was observed

Effect of sulphuric acid on concrete with iron ore tailings

Researches into the uses of waste materials are increasingly being explored to meet up society’s needs and global protection for sustainable, safe and economic development. This paper assessed concrete with iron ore tailings (IOT) exposed to dilute sulphuric acid. Iron ore tailings are the materials left-over after separating the valuable fraction from the uneconomic fraction of an ore. To study the effect of sulphuric acid, concrete of 100 mm cube with a different mix ratios containing IOT were prepared and cured for 28 days in water. The cubes were later immersed into dilute sulphuric acid at a concentration of 5%. The compressive strength of concrete at 7, 28 and 90 days of water curing were determined. Mass loss and strength reduction due to sulphuric effect were evaluated at 7, 28 and 90 days respectively. XRD microstructure of concrete specimens was analysed. Test results indicated that the IOT could be used in concrete as sand replacement since the concrete with IOT has similar trend in compressive strength loss and mass loss to sulphuric acid attack compared to control specimen. The mineralogical crystal failure patterns due to the sulphuric acid in terms X-ray diffraction analysis are the same for control and IOT concrete

A brain-derived MeCP2 complex supports a role for MeCP2 in RNA processing

Mutations in MECP2 (methyl-CpG-binding protein 2) are linked to the severe postnatal neurodevelopmental disorder RTT (Rett syndrome). MeCP2 was originally characterized as a transcriptional repressor that preferentially bound methylated DNA; however, recent results indicate MeCP2 is a multifunctional protein. MeCP2 binding is now associated with certain expressed genes and involved in nuclear organization as well, indicating that its gene regulatory function is context-dependent. In addition, MeCP2 is proposed to regulate mRNA splicing and a mouse model for RTT shows aberrant mRNA splicing. To further understand MeCP2 and potential roles in RTT pathogenesis, we have employed a biochemical approach to identify the MeCP2 protein complexes present in the mammalian brain. We show that MeCP2 exists in at least four biochemically distinct pools in the brain and characterize one novel brain-derived MeCP2 complex that contains the splicing factor Prpf3 (pre-mRNA processing factor 3). MeCP2 directly interacts with Prpf3 in vitro and in vivo and many MECP2 RTT truncations disrupt the MeCP2-Prpf3 complex. In addition, MeCP2 and Prpf3 associate in vivo with mRNAs from genes known to be expressed when their promoters are associated with MeCP2. These results support a role for MeCP2 in mRNA biogenesis and suggest an additional mechanism for RTT pathophysiology

Psychometric testing of three Chinese online-related addictive behavior instruments among Hong Kong university students

Objective: To validate the Chinese version of the nine-item Internet Gaming Disorder Scales- Short Form (IGDS-SF9), Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS), and Smartphone Application-Based Addiction Scale (SABAS) among Hong Kong university students. Participants and Methods: Participants aged between 17 and 30 years participated in the present study (n=307; 32.4% males; mean [SD] age=21.64 [8.11]). All the participants completed the IGDS-SF9, BSMAS, SABAS, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) were used to examine the factorial structures and the unidimensionality for IGDS-SF9, BSMAS, and SABAS. Results: CFAs demonstrated that the three scales were all unidimensional with satisfactory fit indices: comparative fit index = 0.969 to 0.992. In addition, the IGDS-SF9 and BSMAS were slightly modified based on the modification index in CFA. Conclusions: The Chinese IGDS-SF9, BSMAS, and SABAS are valid instruments to assess the addiction levels of internet-related activities for Hong Kong university students

Prospective Study on Retinal Nerve Fibre Layer Thickness Changes in Isolated Unilateral Retrobulbar Optic Neuritis

Purpose. To investigate the retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness after unilateral acute optic neuritis using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Patients and Methods. This prospective cohort study recruited consecutive patients with a first episode of isolated, unilateral acute optic neuritis. RNFL thickness and visual acuity (VA) of the attack and normal fellow eye were measured at presentation and 3 months in both the treatment and nontreatment groups. Results. 11 subjects received systemic steroids and 9 were treated conservatively. The baseline RNFL thickness was similar in the attack and fellow eye (P≥0.4). At 3 months, the attack eye had a thinner temporal (P=0.02) and average (P=0.05) RNFL compared to the fellow eye. At 3 months, the attack eye had significant RNFL thinning in the 4 quadrants and average thickness (P≤0.0002) compared to baseline. The RNFL thickness between the treatment and nontreatment groups was similar at baseline and 3 months (P≥0.1). Treatment offered better VA at 3 months (0.1 ± 0.2 versus 0.3 ± 0.2 LogMAR, P=0.04). Conclusion. Generalized RNFL thinning occurred at 3 months after a first episode of acute optic neuritis most significantly in the temporal quadrant and average thickness. Visual improvement with treatment was independent of RNFL thickness

Implementing an eleven year through-train model to complete Primary and Secondary Education: creating a platform for accommodating the newest pedagogical practices and technologies in school

In educational transformation, Logos Academy of Hong Kong has started to create space in two aspects: to accommodate for new learning areas, and to use the most updated technologies for learning. In different Learning Stages, new learning areas like "Family Life Education", "Analytical study of Current Issues", Mind-mapping, MegaSkills and Media Education are introduced. The teachers will design different level- and age-appropriate activities and assignments that encourage the mastery of basic concepts and development of aesthetic appreciation, family life education, character formation, physique building and inquiry/research skills. Moreover, integrated tasks and projects intertwining with different study skills are mounted to enable the children to experiment creative designs and try out increasingly complex investigations. To facilitate learning and teaching, Logos Academy also creates new platforms to use the newest technologies for pre-lesson use, for lesson use, and for post-lesson use. It is reviewed that with the aid of some updated technologies, our teachers are committed to facilitate change, reflect on current practices, explore further improvements in new learning areas and to use the new technologies effectively - which will in turn enhance the effectiveness of integrated study skills, self-directed learning, team work and social interaction of the students