Publications by authors named "T L Yao"

Graphical models are powerful tools to investigate complex dependency structures in high-throughput datasets. However, most existing graphical models make one of two canonical assumptions: (i) a homogeneous graph with a common network for all subjects or (ii) an assumption of normality, especially in the context of Gaussian graphical models. Both assumptions are restrictive and can fail to hold in certain applications such as proteomic networks in cancer.

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In order to study the effect of the crushing process on the fine separation of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) and the mechanical properties of cement-stabilised aggregate mixed with RAP, four crushing processes, namely small mesh hammer crushing, hammer crushing, jaw crushing, and double roller crushing, were used to separate the aggregate from asphalt in RAP materials. The effect of crushing on the grading characteristics and agglomeration condition of RAP material was investigated. RAP cement-stabilised aggregates were prepared and analysed for their mechanical properties and micro-morphology using RAP materials obtained from fine separation.

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Purpose: To develop a method for enriching keratinocyte progenitor cells (KPCs) and establish a limbal niche (LN)-mediated transdifferentiation protocol of KPCs into corneal epithelial cells.

Methods: Limbal niche cells (LNCs) were isolated from limbal tissues through enzymatic digestion and characterized. Conditioned medium from LNCs cultures was collected.

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Liver fibrosis is a critical liver disease that can progress to more severe manifestations, such as cirrhosis, yet no effective targeted therapies are available. Here, we identify that ATF4, a master transcription factor in ER stress response, promotes liver fibrosis by facilitating a stress response-independent epigenetic program in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Unlike its canonical role in regulating UPR genes during ER stress, ATF4 activates epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) gene transcription under fibrogenic conditions.

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Fluorogenic RNA aptamers have various applications, including use as fluorescent tags for imaging RNA trafficking and as indicators of RNA-based sensors that exhibit fluorescence upon binding small-molecule fluorophores in living cells. Current fluorogenic RNA:fluorophore complexes typically emit visible fluorescence. However, it is challenging to develop fluorogenic RNA with near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence for in vivo imaging and sensing studies.

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