Search

Salt reduction in food has been employed to improve public health. The effects of salt coatings on sodium content, sensory properties, structural breakdown, microstructure, salt release properties, and shelf life of yellow alkaline noodles (YAN) were evaluated. 15 g/dL resistant starch HYLON™ VII (HC) or 5% (v/v) Semperfresh™ (SC) with 10, 20, and 30 g/dL sodium chloride (NaCl) were used. HC-Na30 and SC-Na30 had the highest sodium content and came closest to commercial YAN in taste and saltiness perception. Structural improvement was demonstrated with HC-Na10 and SC-Na10 as both noodles required maximum work to be broken down. Moreover, SEM micrographs of these noodles showed a more compact and dense appearance with increased continuity of the matrix and fewer voids and hollows. However, ruptured surfaces were observed in noodles coated with 20 and 30% salt. The enhanced salt release from the coatings was demonstrated in an in vivo analysis, with the released salt occurring rapidly from HC and SC coatings. HC-Na10 and SC-Na10 noodles had a shelf life of more than 8 days when stored at 4 °C, which is longer than HC-Na0 and SC-Na0 noodles. Storage at 4 °C decelerated the microbiological growth, changes in pH and CIE L* values in salt-coated noodles than storage at 25 °. Thus, HC-Na10 and SC-Na10 could be suitable formulations to replace commercial YAN.

Palliative care should be an integral component of comprehensive ICU care for all critically ill patients.We aimed to study and describe the impact of an ICU-Palliative Care Collaboration using a I...

The F1 FO -ATP synthase is required for growth and viability of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is a validated clinical target. A mycobacterium-specific loop of the enzyme's rotary γ subunit plays a role in the coupling of ATP synthesis within the enzyme complex. We report the discovery of a novel antimycobacterial, termed GaMF1, that targets this γ subunit loop. Biochemical and NMR studies show that GaMF1 inhibits ATP synthase activity by binding to the loop. GaMF1 is bactericidal and is active against multidrug- as well as bedaquiline-resistant strains. Chemistry efforts on the scaffold revealed a dynamic structure activity relationship and delivered analogues with nanomolar potencies. Combining GaMF1 with bedaquiline or novel diarylquinoline analogues showed potentiation without inducing genotoxicity or phenotypic changes in a human embryonic stem cell reporter assay. These results suggest that GaMF1 presents an attractive lead for the discovery of a novel class of anti-tuberculosis F-ATP synthase inhibitors. National Research Foundation (NRF) Accepted version This research was supported by the National ResearchFoundation (NRF) Singapore,NRF Competitive Research Programme (CRP), Grant Award Number NRF-CRP18-2017-01. A. Hotra is grateful to receive an IGS PremiumScholarship,Institute of Technology in Health and Medicineat NTU,and J. P. Sarathy received aPhD scholarship from theSchool of Medicine,NUS,Singapore.Wethank Dr. YongxinLi for the X-ray crystallographic structure determinations.

Routine mammography screening is currently the standard tool for finding cancers at an early stage, when treatment is most successful. Current breast screening programmes are one-size-fits-all which all women above a certain age threshold are encouraged to participate. However, breast cancer risk varies by individual. The BREAst screening Tailored for HEr (BREATHE) study aims to assess acceptability of a comprehensive risk-based personalised breast screening in Singapore. Advancing beyond the current age-based screening paradigm, BREATHE integrates both genetic and non-genetic breast cancer risk prediction tools to personalise screening recommendations. BREATHE is a cohort study targeting to recruit ~3,500 women. The first recruitment visit will include questionnaires and a buccal cheek swab. After receiving a tailored breast cancer risk report, participants will attend an in-person risk review, followed by a final session assessing the acceptability of our risk stratification programme. Risk prediction is based on: a) Gail model (non-genetic), b) mammographic density and recall, c) BOADICEA predictions (breast cancer predisposition genes), and d) breast cancer polygenic risk score. For national implementation of personalised risk-based breast screening, exploration of the acceptability within the target populace is critical, in addition to validated predication tools. To our knowledge, this is the first study to implement a comprehensive risk-based mammography screening programme in Asia. The BREATHE study will provide essential data for policy implementation which will transform the health system to deliver a better health and healthcare outcomes.

Objectives: We conducted a pilot quality improvement (QI) project with the aim of improving accessibility of palliative care to critically ill neurosurgical patients. Methods: The QI project was conducted in the neurosurgical intensive care unit (NS-ICU). Prior to the QI project, referral rates to palliative care were low. The ICU-Palliative Care collaborative comprising of the palliative and intensive care team led the QI project from 2013 to 2015. The interventions included engaging key stake-holders, establishing formal screening and referral criteria, standardizing workflows and having combined meetings with interdisciplinary teams in ICU to discuss patients’ care plans. The Palliative care team would review patients for symptom optimization, attend joint family conferences with the ICU team and support patients and families post-ICU care. We also collected data in the post-QI period from 2016 to 2018 to review the sustainability of the interventions. Results: Interventions from our QI project and the ICU-Palliative Care collaborative resulted in a significant increase in the number of referrals from 9 in 2012 to 44 in 2014 and 47 the year later. The collaboration was beneficial in facilitating transfers out of ICU with more deaths outside ICU on comfort-directed care (96%) than patients not referred (75.7%, p < 0.05). Significantly more patients had a Do-Not-Resuscitation (DNR) order upon transfer out of ICU (89.7%) compared to patients not referred (74.2.%, p < 0.001), and had fewer investigations in the last 48 hours of life (p < 0.001). Per-day ICU cost was decreased for referred patients (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Multi-faceted QI interventions increased referral rates to palliative care. Referred patients had fewer investigations at the end-of-life and per-day ICU costs.

Optimizing interfacial contact between graphene and a semiconductor has often been proposed as essential for improving their charge interactions. Herein, we fabricated bismuth vanadate-reduced graphene oxide (BiVO

Nitrogen doping of graphene with systematically controlled dopant content and distribution of nitrogen species is demonstrated to improve the size distribution of the deposited platinum (Pt) nanoparticles. While the dopant content can be tuned by varying the urea dosage, the doped nitrogen species (namely pyridinic N, pyrrolic N, and graphitic N) can be controlled through the annealing temperature. Chemically reduced Pt nanoparticles were found to be evenly distributed on the nitrogen-doped graphene sheets (NRGO) with particle size centred at 2.7 nm. In comparison, the decoration of Pt on the non-doped graphene (RGO) yielded a composite material with larger Pt (7.8 nm) and poorer size distribution. The loading of Pt nanoparticles is shown to correlate with the concentration of the nitrogen dopant, in particular that of the graphitic N species. Owing to the smaller and better distributed Pt nanoparticles which facilitated more active sites for reaction, the Pt-loaded NRGO photocatalytically generated H2 gas ten times higher than that of Pt-loaded RGO when coupled with photoactive graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4).

In a bid to produce rice flour noodles with improved texture and reduced cooking time, rice flour-soy protein isolate noodles (RNS) were structurally enhanced by a combined treatment (COM) of microbial transglutaminase (MTG) with glucono-δ-lactone (GDL). The RNS-COM was either dried using superheated steam (SHS) to yield RNS-COM-SHS or steamed for 10 min (S10) before air drying to produce RNS-COM-S10 noodles. Control samples were SHS-dried rice flour (RN-SHS) and air-dried RN-S10 noodles. In general, textural and microstructural properties indicated higher textural properties and a more robust network in RNS-COM-SHS and RNS-COM-S10 than in other noodles. However, optimum cooking time (P < 0.5) was in the order; RN-SHS, RNS-COM-SHS < RN-S10 < RNS-COM-S10. As a result of the COM treatment, structurally enhanced noodles were more resistant to cooking. As applied in RNS-COM-SHS noodles, SHS was able to improve cooking quality, probably through the formation of bigger and evenly spread pores that had promoted faster gelatinisation of starch, with a high order of relative starch crystallinity.

BackgroundProspective review and feedback (PRF) of antibiotic prescriptions and compulsory computerized decision support system (CDSS) are 2 strategies of antimicrobial stewardship. There are limited studies investigating their combined effects. We hypothesized that the use of on-demand (voluntary) CDSS would achieve similar patient outcomes compared with automatically triggered (compulsory) CDSS whenever broad-spectrum antibiotics are ordered.MethodsA parallel-group, 1:1 block cluster randomized crossover study was conducted in 32 medical and surgical wards from March to August 2017. CDSS use for piperacillin-tazobactam or carbapenem in the intervention clusters was at the demand of the doctor, while in the control clusters CDSS use was compulsory. PRF was continued for both arms. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality.ResultsSix hundred forty-one and 616 patients were randomized to voluntary and compulsory CDSS, respectively. There were no differences in 30-day mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 0.87; 95% CI, 0.67–1.12), re-infection and re-admission rates, antibiotic duration, length of stay, or hospitalization cost. The proportion of patients receiving PRF recommendations was not significantly lower in the voluntary CDSS arm (62 [10%] vs 81 [13%]; P = .05). Appropriate indication of antibiotics was high in both arms (351/448 [78%] vs 330/433 [74%]; P = .18). However, in geriatric medicine patients where antibiotic appropriateness was ConclusionsVoluntary broad-spectrum antibiotics with PRF via CDSS did not result in differing clinical outcomes, antibiotic duration, or length of stay. However, in the setting of low antibiotic appropriateness, compulsory CDSS may be beneficial.

The effects of sodium chloride (NaCl) and commercial salt substitutes (SS) on cooking qualities, microstructure, textural and sensory properties of fresh wheat noodles were studied. NaCl and four types of SS were added at 1, 4 and 8% of flour weight. White salted noodles (WSN) had shorter optimum cooking time than zero-salted noodles (ZSN). Cooking yield of ZSN, WSN-NaCl-1, WSN-NaCl-8, WSN-SS3-1 and WSN-SS3-4 were significantly (P 0.05) springiness of noodles. Addition of salts into noodles, except WSN-NaCl-1, WSN-NaCl-8, and WSN-SS2-8 were firmer than ZSN. WSN-SS2 and WSN-SS4 exhibited densest microstructure than ZSN and WSN-NaCl. Ranking test indicated that replacing NaCl with SS2, SS3 and SS4 up to 8% in noodles could retain elasticity of noodles. SS2 and SS4 may be useful to replace NaCl due to better noodles qualities than ZSN and WSN-NaCl.

The utilization of Na2S/Na2SO3 mixture as the electrolyte solution to stabilize sulfide anode in a photoelectrochemical cell for hydrogen evolution generally compromises the current-to-hydrogen efficiency ( η current) of the system. Here, the employment of a dual-electrolyte system, that is, Na2S/Na2SO3 mixture and pH-neutral Na2SO4 as the respective electrolyte solutions in the anode and cathode chambers of a water splitting cell is demonstrated to suppress the photocorrosion of CuInS2-In2O3-TiO2 nanotube (CIS- In2O3- TNT) heterostructure, while simultaneously boosts the η current. Although n-type CIS and In2O3 nanoparticles can be easily formed on TNT array via facile pulse-assisted electrodeposition method, conformal deposition of the nanoparticles homogeneously on the nanotubes wall with preservation of the TNT hollow structure is shown to be essential for achieving efficient charge generation and separation within the heterostructure. In comparison to Na2S/Na2SO3 solution as the sole electrolyte in both the anode and cathode chambers, introduction of dual electrolyte is shown to not only enhance the photostability of the CIS-In2O3-TNT anode, but also lead to near-unity η current as opposed to the merely 20% η current of the single-electrolyte system.

Addition of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) to P25 TiO2 was made and its impacts on photocatalytic oxidation of various organic substances were studied. Although the presence of RGO in TiO2 can enhance certain TiO2-based photocatalytic reactions, it is not a universal observation that can be expected in all types of organic substances. The factor of photocatalytic activity enhancement is strongly affected by the various functional groups appeared in the organic substances. In this work, it is realised that the length of alkyl chain in alcohols and carboxylic acids have the minimum influence on the overall activity while the number of hydroxyl groups can promote the further activity enhancement in the presence of RGO.

Incorporation of both metal nanoparticles and a polymer layer is proposed to benefit charge transport in a semiconductor in the absence of electron and hole scavengers. Therefore in this work, zinc oxide is deposited with platinum metal and a layer of polymeric species via a photocatalytic route: platinum cation photoreduction and phenol photooxidative polymerization which utilize photogenerated electrons and holes of ZnO, respectively. The photoelectrochemical performances of these photocatalysts follow the order of Poly/Pt/ZnO > Pt/ZnO > bare ZnO, revealing the effectiveness of both the platinum and polymer in enhancing charge separation within ZnO. Although platinum is known to be an excellent electron sink for promoting electron transfer, the performance of Pt/ZnO was limited by the transport of holes to the ZnO surface for oxidation reactions. Thus, the polymer layer plays an important role in facilitating hole transport, resulting in the enhanced performance of Poly/Pt/ZnO.

The research interest on bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) has heightened over the past decade due to its proven high activity for water oxidation and organic degradations under visible light. Although metal doping and water-oxidation cocatalyst loading have been widely demonstrated to be useful to overcome the poor electron transport and slow water oxidation kinetics of BiVO4, the efficiency of this material is still greatly limited by poor charge separation. Various efforts directed at modifying the surface and bulk properties to improve the performance of BiVO4-based materials have therefore been developed, including crystal facet engineering, coupling with graphitic carbon material, annealing treatment, and nanoscaling. This review aims to provide insights into the most recent progress in these strategies in regard to their influences on the charge separation, transport, and transfer aspects of BiVO4, all of which are crucial to govern photochemical conversion efficiency. Understanding of these charge kinetics in relation to the properties of BiVO4 is of fundamental importance for rational design of BiVO4 with optimum structures, which may serve as a general guideline for the fabrication of metal oxide photocatalysts.

E7820 and indisulam are two examples of aryl sulfonamides that recruit RBM39 to Rbx-Cul4-DDA1-DDB1-DCAF15 E3 ligase complex, leading to its ubiquitination and degradation by the proteasome. In order to understand their mechanism of action, we carried out kinetic analysis on the recruitment of RBM39 to DCAF15 and solved a crystal structure of DDA1-DDB1-DCAF15 in complex with E7820 and the RRM2 domain of RBM39. E7820 packs in a shallow pocket on the surface of DCAF15 and the resulting modified interface binds RBM39 through the α1 helix of RRM2 domain. Our kinetic studies revealed that aryl sulfonamide and RBM39 bind to DCAF15 in a synergistic manner. The structural and kinetic studies confirm aryl sulfonamides as molecular glues in the recruitment of RBM39 and provide a framework for future efforts to utilize DCAF15 to degrade other protein of interests.

E7820 and indisulam are two examples of aryl sulfonamides that recruit RBM39 to Rbx-Cul4-DDA1-DDB1-DCAF15 E3 ligase complex, leading to its ubiquitination and degradation by the proteasome. To understand their mechanism of action, we performed kinetic analysis on the recruitment of RBM39 to DCAF15 and solved a crystal structure of DDA1-DDB1-DCAF15 in complex with E7820 and the RRM2 domain of RBM39. E7820 packs in a shallow pocket on the surface of DCAF15 and the resulting modified interface binds RBM39 through the α1 helix of the RRM2 domain. Our kinetic studies revealed that aryl sulfonamide and RBM39 bind to DCAF15 in a synergistic manner. The structural and kinetic studies confirm aryl sulfonamides as molecular glues in the recruitment of RBM39 and provide a framework for future efforts to utilize DCAF15 to degrade other proteins of interest.

Photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical processes are two key systems in harvesting sunlight for energy and environmental applications. As both systems are employing photoactive semiconductors as the major active component, strategies have been formulated to improve the properties of the semiconductors for better performances. However, requirements to yield excellent performances are different in these two distinctive systems. Although there are universal strategies applicable to improve the performance of photoactive semiconductors, similarities and differences exist when the semiconductors are to be used differently. Here, considerations on selected typical factors governing the performances in photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical systems, even though the same type of semiconductor is used, are provided. Understanding of the underlying mechanisms in relation to their photoactivities is of fundamental importance for rational design of high-performing photoactive materials, which may serve as a general guideline for the fabrication of good photocatalysts or photoelectrodes toward sustainable solar fuel generation.

The functionality of a photoactive semiconductor (i.e., photocatalysts, photoelectrodes, etc.) is largely dictated by three key aspects: (i) band gap; (ii) absolute potentials of the conduction band minimum and the valence band maximum; and (iii) bulk and surface charge carrier dynamics. Their relevance to governing the energetics and the photo(electro)chemical mechanisms of the semiconductor has prompted development of a multitude of characterization tools to probe the specific characteristic of the material. This review aims to summarize the current experimental techniques, including the conventional and the state-of-the-art tools, directed at examining the key aspects (i), (ii), and (iii) of semiconductors. Although not being exhaustive, this didactic review can be useful to apprise the research community of the sophisticated research tools currently available for characterization of photo(electro)catalyst semiconductors as well as to bridge the multidisciplinary knowledge.

Water oxidation on visible-light-active bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) has commonly been demonstrated to be viable in powder suspension (PS) and particulate photoelectrochemical (PEC) systems. Here, we demonstrate that particle size reduction, which is known to be efficacious in promoting charge carrier extraction and boosting surface active sites, has an opposite effect on BiVO4’s photoactivity in the two systems. With three BiVO4 samples of distinctive particle sizes, smaller BiVO4 particle size is shown to be beneficial for enhancing PEC photocurrent generation, but deleterious for photocatalytic O2 evolution on suspended BiVO4. Such contrary effect of particle size in the PEC and PS systems is revealed to be due to the different governing factors of the systems: charge transport in the former and charge separation in the latter. Smaller particle size was found to enrich the interparticle and the particle/FTO substrate contacts which improve charge transport and charge collection efficiency in BiVO4 particul...

Efficient interfacial charge transfer is essential in graphene-based semiconductors to realize their superior photoactivity. However, little is known about the factors (for example, semiconductor morphology) governing the charge interaction. Here, it is demonstrated that the electron transfer efficacy in reduced graphene oxide-bismuth oxide (RGO/BiVO4) composite is improved as the relative exposure extent of {010}/{110} facets on BiVO4 increases, indicated by the greater extent of photocurrent enhancement. The dependence of charge transfer ability on the exposure degree of {010} relative to {110} is revealed to arise due to the difference in electronic structures of the graphene/BiVO4{010} and graphene/BiVO4{110} interfaces, as evidenced by the density functional theory calculations. The former interface is found to be metallic with higher binding energy and smaller Schottky barrier than that of the latter semiconducting interface. The facet-dependent charge interaction elucidated in this study provides new aspect for design of graphene-based semiconductor photocatalyst useful in manifold applications.

The {010} and {110} crystal facets of monoclinic bismuth vanadate (m-BiVO4) has been demonstrated to be the active reduction and oxidation sites, respectively. Here, we show using dual-faceted m-BiVO4 with distinctly different dominant exposed facets, one which is {010}-dominant and the other {110}-dominant, contrary to prediction, the former m-BiVO4 exhibits superior photooxidation activities. The population of photogenerated electrons and holes on the surface are revealed to be proportional to the respective surface areas of {010} and {110} exposed on m-BiVO4, as evidenced by steady-state photoluminescence (PL) measurements in the presence of charge scavengers. The better photoactivity of {010}-dominant m-BiVO4 is attributed to prompt electron transfer facilitated by the presence of more photogenerated electrons on the larger {010} surface. Additionally, the greater extent of electron trapping in {110}-dominant m-BiVO4 also deteriorates its photoactivity by inducing electron-hole pair recombination.

The effects of sodium chloride (NaCl) and combination of commercial salt substitutes (SS) and hydrocolloids on cooking qualities, protein solubility, texture, tensile strength, structural breakdown, microstructure, sensory properties, sodium content, shelf life, and proximate composition of fresh white-salted noodles (WSN) were evaluated. NaCl was added at 1.5% of flour weight. Combinations of SS-hydrocolloids used included 1.5% locust bean gum (LBG) or 1.5% carrageenan (CRG) or 2% xanthan gum (XG) with 1% SS2 or 1% SS4 of flour weight. WSN-SS-Hydrocolloids had shorter optimum cooking time than WSN-NaCl. Cooking yield was positively correlated with cooking loss but negatively correlated with hardness, springiness, tensile strength, W1 (strength of noodle structure that was broken down), and n1 (decay rate). WSN-SS4LBG had lower protein solubility than other samples. WSN-NaCl, WSN-SS2LBG, and WSN-SS4LBG were acceptable by panelists. Ranking test showed that WSN-SS2LBG was preferred by panelists. Quantitative Descriptive Analysis (QDA) showed that WSN-SS2LBG had better qualities than WSN-SS4LBG. The shelf life of WSN-NaCl, WSN-SS2LBG, and WSN-SS4LBG were less than 15 days during storage at 4 °C and less than 1 day during storage at 25 °C. WSN-NaCl had significantly highest (P 0.05) on ash content. Crude fiber of WSN was in the order: WSN-NaCl ≤ WSN-SS4LBG ≤ WSN-SS2LBG. To conclude, WSN-SS2LBG and WSN-SS4LBG might be suitable alternatives to replace WSN-NaCl as the former firmer texture, denser microstructure, with lower sodium content than that of WSN-NaCl.

The effects of sodium chloride (NaCl) or commercial salt substitutes (SS2 and SS4) on dough and white-salted noodles (WSN) were studied. NaCl, SS2, and SS4 were added separately at 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, and 4% on a flour weight basis. Water capacity of flour samples were evaluated whereas for dough, rheological properties, pH, and microstructure were evaluated. For noodles, microstructure and hardness of zero-salted noodles (ZSN) and WSN were studied. All dough showed higher storage modulus (G’) than loss modulus (G”) and loss tangent (tan δ)

Three-dimensional (3D) porous polyurethane sponge serves as the sacrificial scaffold for the hydrothermally-synthesized anatase TiO2-reduced graphene oxide (RGO) composites. The internal channel of the 3D polyurethane structure provides larger exposed TiO2 seeding and crystal growth area on the pre-adsorbed graphene oxide during the synthesis. The uniform pore size within the polyurethane also prevents severe aggregation of TiO2 nanoparticles. As a result, TiO2 nanoparticles are finely dispersed on the RGO sheets. In addition to the general advantages of introducing graphitic carbon to TiO2 (i.e. hydrophobic carbon for preferential organic adsorption and excellent electron transport of RGO), the presence of polyurethane sponge during the synthesis offers larger contact area between TiO2 and RGO which is facilitated by the excellent dispersion of TiO2. Besides, formation of Ti–O–C species is found at the interface and it extends the light absorption of the composite into visible light region. Combining the localized organic adsorption adjacent to TiO2, efficient charge transfer from large contact area of TiO2–RGO and the extended light response of the composite, this material demonstrates enhanced photoelectrochemical oxidation of ethanol.

An ultrathin layer of CdS (∼8 nm) was successfully coated on an array of vertically aligned ZnO nanorods using pulsed electrodeposition. The pulse was essential during the deposition of CdS to ensure equilibrium between diffusion and nucleation of CdS precursors. These ZnO nanorods functioned as a large contact base for the deposition of CdS. This enlarged interface between CdS and ZnO together with its close intimacy facilitated efficient charge transfer from the excited CdS to ZnO upon visible illumination. Owing to the high electron mobility of ZnO, it shuttled the electrons efficiently for enhanced photocurrent generation. Compared to the bare CdS film, the CdS–ZnO photoelectrode yielded a doubled anodic visible photocurrent density of 6 mA cm−2 at 0 V vs. Ag/AgCl. Photoluminescence spectroscopy and photoelectrochemical characterization showed that the charge recombination within CdS was suppressed and the appropriate band alignment favored the electron transfer.

The purpose of the present preliminary investigation is to characterize the vibration signal between normal and symptomatic knee joint. Accelerometers were attached to the medial and lateral retinaculum of dominant knee to acquire the vibration signal induced during flexion and extension of leg. Signals were compared in time and frequency domain and statistical analysis were performed using mean, variance, standard deviation, skewness and kurtosis. The results show that the frequency range for the symptomatic VAG signal is higher than the normal. The results confirm that the proposed approach is indeed feasible for the non-invasive diagnosis of knee pathology disorders.

Purpose– The paper aims to explore the possibility of advancing a Singaporean way of learning within the continuing education and training landscape in Singapore.Design/methodology/approach– Using the vehicle of a narrative interview and extending the boundaries of autoethnography, the paper uses personal reflection and interpretation to explore the issues of Singaporean identity amidst the diversity in the globalised Singapore of today.Findings– The paper uncovers the growing latent discomfort of Singaporeans as they navigate historical legacies of Colonialism and question what it means to be schooled in Western systems whilst being Asian. With the supplanting of Asian languages and the seeming superiority and dominance of Western talent, systems and knowledge, Singaporeans are looking to express a greater sense of what being Singaporean could mean.Social implications– Upon manoeuvring and exposing the invisible, the paper concludes that there is an impetus to forge a “Singaporean way”, although how this would manifest itself is, as yet, unknown.Originality/value– Although Singapore has a very visible presence globally for its economic achievements, the paper allows for an often under-represented voice of a native Singaporean to be heard. The liberties taken here with the narrative inquiry mode also allow space for a deeper exploration of identity, pride and conflict in a Singaporean today.

Water oxidation on visible-light-active bismuth vanadate (BiVO

Efficient interfacial charge transfer is essential in graphene-based semiconductors to realize their superior photoactivity. However, little is known about the factors (for example, semiconductor morphology) governing the charge interaction. Here, it is demonstrated that the electron transfer efficacy in reduced graphene oxide-bismuth oxide (RGO/BiVO

It is intriguing that some pan-caspase inhibitors such as zVAD-fmk (zVAD) are capable of inducing necrotic cell death in a selected group of cells. As earlier reports from our laboratory have ruled out the original notion that zVAD-induced necrosis in mouse fibrosarcoma L929 cells was autophagic cell death, the main objective of this study was thus to determine the underlying mechanism of this form of cell death. In this study, we provided clear evidence that zVAD-induced necroptosis in L929 cells and such cell death is dependent on autocrine production of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) at the transcriptional level. More importantly, we identified that activating protein-1 (AP-1), but not nuclear factor κ-B, is the transcription factor controlling zVAD-induced TNFα transcription. Moreover, zVAD is able to activate AP-1 through activation of two upstream mitogen-activated kinases (MAPKs), c-Jun N-terminal kinase and extracellular signal-regulated kinase. Finally, we found that protein kinase C is the important upstream signaling molecule in mediating zVAD-induced activation of MAPKs and AP-1, and subsequent autocrine production of TNFα and cell death. Data from this study reveal the molecular mechanisms underlying zVAD-induced necroptosis, an important form of programmed necrotic cell death with increasing understanding of its biological significance in health and diseases.