46 research outputs found
Diurnal regulation of lipid metabolism and applications of circadian lipidomics
No full text10.1016/j.jgg.2014.04.001Journal of Genetics and Genomics415283-29
Functional Analysis of AtVAMP714 gene in Arabidopsis
No full textAn activation tagging screen was carried out to identify gain-of-function mutants showing potential auxin defects, with the aim of identifying the new genes regulating plant development. The conjoined (cnj) mutant isolated from the activation tagged screen exhibits duplication of the seedling axis. Sequencing the insertion locus revealed that the activation tag was positioned between ATP-binding protein and vesicle associated membrane protein genes. Cloned mutant locus and expression studies indicated that the vesicle associated membrane protein gene is upregulated in the activation tagging line. The aim of this work is to investigate the function of the vesicle associated membrane protein gene (AtVAMP714), which is a member of an R-SNARE protein family.
To determine the expression pattern of AtVAMP714, proAtVAMP714::GUS expression in seedlings was examined. GUS activity was observed in the hypocotyl and roots and the strongest expression was observed in the root vascular tissues. The AtVAMP714 gene is positively auxin regulated. VAMP714::GFP fusion protein localized to Golgi vesicles suggesting it may be involved in the Golgi secretory pathway. Auxin transport levels in roots and shoots found to be greatly reduced in AtVAMP714 overexpressors compared to the wild type plants. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR showed that transcript levels of IAA1 and IAA2 were significantly reduced in AtVAMP714 overexpressors. Immunolocalization of PIN1 and PIN2 showed strong defects in localization.
To characterize the development role of VAMP714, SALK null mutants of the AtVAMP714 gene were identified. The mutant phenotype showed an abnormal branching and short root phenotype and PIN1, PIN2 and PIN4 transcript levels were significantly reduced. Dominant negative transgenics of AtVAMP714 were also created as a method of knocking out the function of the protein and F2 generation plants were analysed for developmental defects. Consistent with the above results the dominant negative transgenics showed a short root phenotype with dwarfed, branchy shoots. PIN1 and PIN2 proteins were mislocalized in dominant negative transgenics. The results presented provide evidence for a role of AtVAMP714 in auxin transport through a requirement for correct PIN protein secretion and localization
Report on industrial attachment with Air Logistics Department, RSAF Aerosystems Branch
No full textThe objective of the attachment was for the author to perform the role of Operations and Support (O&S) Engineer like the engineers in the Branch and attend to practical engineering problems on the basis of day-to-day work
Effects of total sleep deprivation on divided attention performance.
No full textDividing attention across two tasks performed simultaneously usually results in impaired performance on one or both tasks. Most studies have found no difference in the dual-task cost of dividing attention in rested and sleep-deprived states. We hypothesized that, for a divided attention task that is highly cognitively-demanding, performance would show greater impairment during exposure to sleep deprivation. A group of 30 healthy males aged 21-30 years was exposed to 40 h of continuous wakefulness in a laboratory setting. Every 2 h, subjects completed a divided attention task comprising 3 blocks in which an auditory Go/No-Go task was 1) performed alone (single task); 2) performed simultaneously with a visual Go/No-Go task (dual task); and 3) performed simultaneously with both a visual Go/No-Go task and a visually-guided motor tracking task (triple task). Performance on all tasks showed substantial deterioration during exposure to sleep deprivation. A significant interaction was observed between task load and time since wake on auditory Go/No-Go task performance, with greater impairment in response times and accuracy during extended wakefulness. Our results suggest that the ability to divide attention between multiple tasks is impaired during exposure to sleep deprivation. These findings have potential implications for occupations that require multi-tasking combined with long work hours and exposure to sleep loss
Changes in Plasma Lipids during Exposure to Total Sleep Deprivation
No full text10.5665/sleep.5142SLEEP38111683-1691United State
Competency-based Education Through Micro-credentials Offerings – A Pilot Study
No full textThis pilot study examined the implementation of Competency-Based Education (CBE) through micro-credentials at the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), focusing on the perspectives of learners, instructors, and employers. Despite a growing global interest in CBE, empirical research on its effectiveness remains limited. SIT’s Competency-Based Stackable Micro-credential (CSM) program offers modular, industry-relevant learning for working adults, with micro-credentials functioning as standalone qualifications or stackable units toward a full degree. Findings from learner surveys indicated that the content was highly relevant to real-world jobs, and the learning could be applied to work. Instructors recognized the relevance of CBE to industry needs, despite the increased demands associated with content development, delivery, and learner support. Employers observed improvements in employee competencies and workplace engagement. The findings underscore the potential of CBE micro-credentials to offer flexible, industry-focused education pathways when supported by robust frameworks and comprehensive learner support services.
Analysis and automatic identification of sleep stages using higher order spectra
No full text10.1142/S0129065710002589International Journal of Neural Systems206509-52
Automated detection of sleep apnea from electrocardiogram signals using nonlinear parameters
No full text10.1088/0967-3334/32/3/002Physiological Measurement323287-303PMEA
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Effects of Exposure to Intermittent versus Continuous Red Light on Human Circadian Rhythms, Melatonin Suppression, and Pupillary Constriction
No full textExposure to light is a major determinant of sleep timing and hormonal rhythms. The role of retinal cones in regulating circadian physiology remains unclear, however, as most studies have used light exposures that also activate the photopigment melanopsin. Here, we tested the hypothesis that exposure to alternating red light and darkness can enhance circadian resetting responses in humans by repeatedly activating cone photoreceptors. In a between-subjects study, healthy volunteers (n = 24, 21–28 yr) lived individually in a laboratory for 6 consecutive days. Circadian rhythms of melatonin, cortisol, body temperature, and heart rate were assessed before and after exposure to 6 h of continuous red light (631 nm, 13 log photons cm−2 s−1), intermittent red light (1 min on/off), or bright white light (2,500 lux) near the onset of nocturnal melatonin secretion (n = 8 in each group). Melatonin suppression and pupillary constriction were also assessed during light exposure. We found that circadian resetting responses were similar for exposure to continuous versus intermittent red light (P = 0.69), with an average phase delay shift of almost an hour. Surprisingly, 2 subjects who were exposed to red light exhibited circadian responses similar in magnitude to those who were exposed to bright white light. Red light also elicited prolonged pupillary constriction, but did not suppress melatonin levels. These findings suggest that, for red light stimuli outside the range of sensitivity for melanopsin, cone photoreceptors can mediate circadian phase resetting of physiologic rhythms in some individuals. Our results also show that sensitivity thresholds differ across non-visual light responses, suggesting that cones may contribute differentially to circadian resetting, melatonin suppression, and the pupillary light reflex during exposure to continuous light.Version of Recor
Structuring Mentoring in Medicine and Surgery. A Systematic Scoping Review of Mentoring Programs Between 2000 and 2019.
No full textINTRODUCTION:Evidence of novice mentoring's successes in having senior clinicians support junior doctors and/or medical students in their clinical, academic, and research goals has spurred efforts to include mentoring in the core medical curriculum. However, lack of effective structuring threatens the viability of mentoring programs, precipitating ethical concerns about mentoring. This review aims to answer the question "what is known about mentoring structures in novice mentoring among medical students and junior doctors in medicine and surgery postings?," which will guide the design of a consistent structure to novice mentoring. METHODS:Levac (2010)'s framework was used to guide this systematic scoping review of mentoring programs in medicine and surgery published between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2019 in PubMed, ScienceDirect, ERIC, Embase, Scopus, Mednar, and OpenGrey. A "split approach" involving concurrent independent use of a directed content analysis and thematic approach was used to analyze included articles. RESULTS:Three thousand three hundred ninety-five abstracts were identified. There was concordance between the 3 themes and categories identified in analyzing the 71 included articles. These were the host organization, mentoring stages, and evaluations. CONCLUSION:The data reveal the need for balance between ensuring consistency and flexibility to meet the individual needs of stakeholders throughout the stages of the mentoring process. The Generic Mentoring Framework provides a structured approach to "balancing" flexibility and consistency in mentoring processes. The Generic Mentoring Framework is reliant upon appropriate, holistic, and longitudinal assessments of the mentoring process to guide adaptations to mentoring processes and ensure effective support and oversight of the program
