The functional characterization of a key enzyme in the phosphatidylinositol (PI) signaling pathway in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana is the focus of the research summarised in this thesis. Moreover, a particular focus is the exploration of the biological functions of Arabidopsis phophatidylinositol monophosphate 5-kinase 2 (PIP5K2) which catalyzes the synthesis of phophatidylinositol (4,5) bisphosphate, the precursor of two important second messengers (inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and diacylglycerol). Through molecular and genetic approaches, the author isolated and characterized the expression pattern, physiological functions and the underlying mechanism of Arabidopsis PIP5K2. It is found that PIP5K2 is involved in regulating lateral root formation and root gravity response through modulating auxin accumulation and polar auxin transport and also plays a critical role in salt tolerance. These findings shed new light on the crosstalk between PI signaling and auxin response, both of which have crucial regulatory roles in plant development.

Microbial infections have been and continue to be a major threat to public health. China has a huge population, among which, microbial infections are of great concern. The Journal of Microbes and Infection, a nationwide journal in China with over 4000 subscriptions, publishes original research articles on microbes and infections in the Chinese language. This book contains selected research articles published in this journal from 2006 to 2007 that have been translated into English, and offers a glimpse of a broad range of microbial infections including the clinical and epidemiological aspects of various viral infections, current status of bacterial infections in hospitals, and severe cases of fungal infections. This book provides a rare opportunity for scientists and physicians abroad to see the completely original research data, rather than just the abstract, based on studies conducted in modern China. Articles on molecular biological and bioinformatic studies are also included. An overview of the recent research trend in medical microbiology and infectious diseases in China will be presented as well. Scientists and physicians working in the fields of virology, microbiology, immunology, epidemiology, vaccinology, and infectious diseases will find the articles in this book fascinating and relevant to their own research and practice.

Singapore and Malaysia are rapidly modernising, globalising Asian states which, although being distinct nations since 1965, share common elements in the on-going struggle over the meaning of gender and sexuality in their societies. This is the first book to discuss a range of discourses around gender in these two countries."

Women and the Politics of Representation in Southeast Asia: " "Engendering Discourse in Singapore and Malaysia "seeks to give an overview of how gender and representation come together in various configurations in the history and contemporary culture of both nations. It examines the discursive construction of gender, sexuality and representation in a variety of areas, including the politics of everyday life, education, popular culture, literature, film, theatre and photography. Chapters examine a range of tropes such as the Orientalist "Sarong Party Girl," the iconic "Singapore Girl" of Singapore Airlines, and the figure of pious Muslim femininity celebrated by Malaysian NGO IMAN, all of which play important roles in delineating limitations for gender roles. The collection also draws attention to resistance to these gender boundaries in theatre, film, blogs and social media, and pedagogy.

Bringing together research from a variety of humanistic and social science fields, such as film, material culture, semiotics, literature and pedagogy, the book is a comprehensive feminist survey that will be of use for students and scholars of Women s Studies and Asian Studies, as well as on courses on gender, media and popular culture in Asia."

Brimming with verve and dramatic incident, Singapore: A Biography offers fresh insights into the life story of this island city-state through the personal experiences of the workers, adventurers, rulers and revolutionaries who have shaped its history over the last seven centuries. The authors, drawing on research undertaken in collaboration with the National Museum of Singapore, have woven together ancient chronicles, eyewitness accounts, oral histories and even modern radio and television broadcasts to create a vivid and compelling narrative that brings the past back to life. Grounded in scholarship yet fired by the imagination, this book reveals the Singapore story to have been as rich, diverse and multilayered as the city-state is prosperous, ordered and successful today.

School is now in session! Learn the art of drawing manga with YouTube sensation and manga expert Mei Yu.

In Manga Drawing School, Mei guides you through every artwork step by step, from drawing simple faces and hairstyles to striking poses and action-packed fantasy scenes. You'll discover over 50 lessons that will help you master the skills you need to create manga characters and scenes that are packed with personality.

Starting with the basics – from drawing the right lines and layering colour to storyboarding and using speech bubbles – you'll build your skills chapter by chapter with lessons on expressions, hands and feet, outfits, and even fantasy characters. Try your hand at different manga styles including chibi, shonen, and chibi art, and take your art to the next level with Mei's tips and masterclasses.

With Mei's help and encouragement, you'll create characters that are packed with personality, whatever your age or skill level. So what are you waiting for? Let's get started!

The functional characterization of a key enzyme in the phosphatidylinositol (PI) signaling pathway in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana is the focus of the research summarised in this thesis. Moreover, a particular focus is the exploration of the biological functions of Arabidopsis phophatidylinositol monophosphate 5-kinase 2 (PIP5K2) which catalyzes the synthesis of phophatidylinositol (4,5) bisphosphate, the precursor of two important second messengers (inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and diacylglycerol). Through molecular and genetic approaches, the author isolated and characterized the expression pattern, physiological functions and the underlying mechanism of Arabidopsis PIP5K2. It is found that PIP5K2 is involved in regulating lateral root formation and root gravity response through modulating auxin accumulation and polar auxin transport and also plays a critical role in salt tolerance. These findings shed new light on the crosstalk between PI signaling and auxin response, both of which have crucial regulatory roles in plant development.

Singapore and Malaysia are rapidly modernising, globalising Asian states which, although being distinct nations since 1965, share common elements in the on-going struggle over the meaning of gender and sexuality in their societies. This is the first book to discuss a range of discourses around gender in these two countries. Women and the Politics of Representation in Southeast Asia: Engendering Discourse in Singapore and Malaysia seeks to give an overview of how gender and representation come together in various configurations in the history and contemporary culture of both nations. It examines the discursive construction of gender, sexuality and representation in a variety of areas, including the politics of everyday life, education, popular culture, literature, film, theatre and photography. Chapters examine a range of tropes such as the Orientalist "Sarong Party Girl," the iconic "Singapore Girl" of Singapore Airlines, and the figure of pious Muslim femininity celebrated by Malaysian NGO IMAN, all of which play important roles in delineating limitations for gender roles. The collection also draws attention to resistance to these gender boundaries in theatre, film, blogs and social media, and pedagogy. Bringing together research from a variety of humanistic and social science fields, such as film, material culture, semiotics, literature and pedagogy, the book is a comprehensive feminist survey that will be of use for students and scholars of Women's Studies and Asian Studies, as well as on courses on gender, media and popular culture in Asia.

This textbook covers the essentials for successfully conducting online discussions in various course delivery formats, such as online, face-to-face, and blended. Readers will learn how to design online discussions to cognitively engage students, build meaningful discourse communities to promote group dynamics, apply just-in-time facilitation strategies to deepen student learning and utilize robust assessment to ensure learning objectives are achieved.  Online discussion is the lifeline of online learning and it is a pedagogical imperative that instructors have requisite skills in leading online discussions if they are to teach online courses. Leading the online discussion is a huge task, involving a complex process and professionals must master a range of skills to successfully lead online discussion. This book takes a comprehensive and systematic approach to this topic and helps teachers to utilize online discussion to maximize student learning. It is full of ideas and strategies that can be applied immediately in various teaching contexts, and practitioners can replicate examples in teaching practices or mold the ideas and strategies to fit particular teaching contexts. This textbook appeals to readers with knowledge and skills at various levels. Those who are new to online discussion will appreciate the step-by-step guidance, whereas readers with some experience can pick up skills they need. This flexibility contributes to the ultimate goal of the book – unleashing the potential of online discussion to benefit student academic learning.