Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. As the prevalence of AD increases with age, population aging will inevitably lead to an exponential increase in the proportion of older persons suffering from this disease. According to 2005 WHO estimate, 26.6 million people (approximately 0.55% of the general population) suffered from this disease. AD not only affects intellectual and functional abilities, it is also associated with significant neuropsychiatric disturbances. The pathogenesis of AD is characterized by widespread cerebral atrophy, abnormal deposition of amyloid plaques and tau protein in the central nervous system. While the classical histopathological features of AD are well recognized, exact physiological mechanisms that initiate the cascade of neural degeneration are still under active investigation. / As mentioned, the telomere length studies focused on ethically Chinese subjects recruited from two independent samples. The first clinical sample consisted of 411 older people and the other sample from healthy aging study, 976 community dwelling men were recruited. All subjects were assessed with the Cantonese version of the Mini-mental State Examination (CMMSE) for global cognitive function. Genomic DNA of the subjects was extracted from the peripheral whole blood sample. Lengths of the telomere were measured with Quantitative Real-Time PCR and the Ct ratio of the telomere and a control gene (36B4) of each sample was compared with the standard curve constructed with 4 selected sample's telomere lengths measured previously by Southern blotting. / For the first association study of the cell cycle checkpoint genes and AD, sample was recruited from a prospective study of cognitive function and risk factors for development of AD. 701 elderly were clinically evaluated for diagnosis of AD by psychiatrists. For this sample, genotyping of tagging SNPs of the 10 cell-cycle checkpoint genes were carried out by Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. All tagging SNPs were selected from HapMap database and 5000bp upstream and downstream regions of each gene was also included. / For the results, the association study with cell cycle checkpoint genes, there was no SNPs found to be associated with diagnosis of clinical AD. We also found out that telomere length was associated with age in both two healthy aging men and clinical samples. There was no association between education and telomere lengths. For subjects in the healthy aging study, participants with CMMSE scores fell into the lowest 25% were found to have shorter telomere lengths. Similar result was found in the clinical AD sample. / In the study, telomere lengths were negatively associated with age. As the telomere will be shortened for each cell cycle, this finding correlated with physiological function at a cellular level. Statistical analysis also showed that shorter telomere lengths were found in subjects with poorer cognitive function. However, as age is a major determinant for cognitive impairments, further studies are recommended to evaluate the interaction effects of age in this association. Telomere shortening will cause cell senescence, and may be associated with faster neuronal degeneration, thus affecting cognitive function. Further studies should be conducted to examine its usefulness as an adjuvant biomarker for risk stratification of AD intervention trials. / Recent researches begin to unfold the physiological significance of telomere. A telomere is a repetitive region at the end of a chromosome. Basic functions of telomeres are involved with protection of the chromosome during replication and preventing chromosomal rearrangement or fusion. Abnormal telomere lengthening may be related to cancerous conditions. At a cellular level, telomere may also be related to aging and limitation in cell lifespan. In my study, I aimed to evaluate the association between the lengths of telomere and global cognitive function in community dwelling Chinese older persons in Hong Kong. As the length of telomere is also determined by the turnover rates of cells, apart from association study of telomere lengths and cognitive function, I also tried to study the association of genes related to cell cycles and AD. Polymorphisms of ten cell-cycle checkpoint genes, i.e. RB1, CDKN1A, CDK5R1, CDK2AP1, CDKN2A, CDKN2C, MDM2, P53, GSK3B, TPND1 and CDKN1B genes, were chosen in my project. / The thesis comprised of three studies. The first study was an association study of cell cycle checkpoint gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with clinical diagnosis of AD. The second study was an association study of telomere lengths and clinical diagnosis of AD in a clinical sample of patients suffering from the disease. The third study was an association study of the telomere lengths and global cognitive status in a group of active community dwelling older men who participated in a healthy aging study. / Lau, San Shing. / Adviser: Linda C.W. Lam. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 73-01, Section: B, page: . / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2010. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 101-124). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. [Ann Arbor, MI] : ProQuest Information and Learning, [201-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstract also in Chinese.

Having written over 449 pieces of Cantonese opera works, Tang Di-sheng (1917-1959) is considered to be one of the most outstanding and influential librettists and playwrights of Hong Kong Cantonese opera in the 1950s. His Cantonese operas such as Liu Yue Xue (Snow in June; 1956), Di Nu Hua (The Floral Princess; 1957) and Zi Chai Ji (The Purple Hairpin; 1957), Shuang Xian Bai Yue Ting (Two Immortals at the Pavilion of the Moon; 1958), Bai Tao Hui (Madam Lee Sam Neung; 1958), and Zai Shi Hong Mel Ji (The Reincarnation of Plum Blossom; 1959) are well known to be Tang's masterpieces. / In chapters three and four, the study applies the Merriam's model "concept", "behavior" and "music sound". First, the thesis examines the classical plays, the historical story, pre-existed Cantonese opera and other plays and discusses these "concepts" in relation to Tang's creation. His "behavior", behavior of performers, musicians, audiences and listeners constitutes in the stage performances, the movies and the recordings became the "music sound" of the works of Tang. Finally, it also attempts to understand the works of Tang against the social and cultural background in Hong Kong. The analysis of the selected works shows that Tang attempted to change the creative idea of the works, performing practice, the female role in the 1950s, and how Tang cultivated a unique Hong Kong flavor in his own works. / The theoretical framework is based on Merriam's research model, "concept", "behavior", and "music sound" itself, and has referred to Timothy Rice the revision model which developed a three-dimensional model ("historical construction", "social maintenance", and "individual creation and experience") for ethnomusicological research. Chapter two examines "individual creation and experience", which discusses the biography and the works of Tang Di-sheng, analyses his creativity and experience. Moreover, it is a macroscopic research to correlations in the Hong Kong society and Cantonese Opera. For "historical construction", this chapter studies the social background of Hong Kong's historical development, the development and changes of the social cultural contexts of Hong Kong society and a how did Tang receive "social maintenance" from 1950 to 1959. / 戴淑茵. / Adviser: Chan Sau Yan. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 69-08, Section: A, page: 2942. / Submitted: November 2007. / Thesis (doctoral)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 373-399). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. [Ann Arbor, MI] : ProQuest Information and Learning, [200-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstracts in Chinese and English. / School code: 1307. / Dai Shuyin.

by Lee Pui-Wah, Josephine. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1997. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 41-42). / ABSTRACT --- p.ii / ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS --- p.iii / TABLE OF CONTENTS --- p.iv / Chapter / Chapter I. --- INTRODUCTION --- p.1 / Purpose of Study --- p.3 / Chapter II. --- METHODOLOG --- p.4 / Approach --- p.4 / Time Horizon Covered in the Paper --- p.5 / Assumption --- p.5 / General Problems of Studies in China --- p.5 / Chapter III. --- CHINESE SHAREHOLDING REFORM AND OPERATING ENVIRONMENT --- p.6 / Chinese Legal System --- p.6 / Hong Kong Stock Market - H Shares Profile --- p.7 / Chinese Stock Market - A Shares Profile --- p.8 / Chapter IV. --- THEORIES RELATED TO STOCK MARKET REGULATION --- p.12 / Market Failure Theory --- p.14 / Public Choice Theory --- p.15 / COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS --- p.17 / Information Disclosure Related to Important Transactions --- p.18 / Information Disclosure Related to Takeover and Merger --- p.20 / Financial Information --- p.23 / Disclosure of Directors' and Substantial Shareholders' Interests --- p.24 / Chapter V. --- EVALUATION --- p.25 / Depth and Breadth of Information --- p.25 / The Quality of Information --- p.26 / Difficulties that Issuers Confront --- p.27 / Cultural Influence --- p.27 / Lack of Motivation --- p.28 / Lack of Education and standards --- p.28 / The Importance of Information in a Speculative Market --- p.29 / Nature of Reform --- p.30 / Chapter VI. --- CONCLUSION --- p.31 / APPENDIX --- p.34 / BIBLIORGRAPHY --- p.41

by Kan Yat Cho Joe. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1998. / Includes bibliographical references (leaf 82). / abstracts --- p.ii / table of contents --- p.iii / LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS --- p.v / LIST OF TABLES --- p.vi / ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS --- p.viii / Chapter / Chapter 1 --- introduction --- p.1 / Objective of Financial Statements --- p.1 / Users of Financial Statements --- p.2 / Chapter 2 --- METHODOLOGY OF STUDY --- p.5 / Selection Criteria --- p.5 / Analysis Approach --- p.7 / Results of Search for Target Company --- p.8 / Chapter 3 --- COMPANY BACKGROUND --- p.10 / Company History --- p.10 / Production Process --- p.12 / Company Structure --- p.14 / Operational Structure --- p.15 / Principal Products --- p.16 / Market Geography --- p.18 / Chapter 4 --- MARCO-ANALYSIS / The PRC Economy --- p.20 / The Steel Industry --- p.23 / Chapter 5 --- MICHAEL PORTER'S FIVE FORCES --- p.26 / Present Competition --- p.26 / Threat of New Entrants --- p.27 / Substitute Products --- p.28 / Bargaining Power of Suppliers --- p.28 / Bargaining Power of Customers --- p.29 / Chapter 6 --- RISK FACTORS / Risk Associated with the PRC --- p.30 / Risk Associated with the Steel Industry --- p.31 / Risk Associated with Magang --- p.32 / Chapter 7 --- FINANCIAL ANALYSIS / Evaluation of Accounting Policies --- p.34 / Adjustments to Financial Statements --- p.35 / Financial Ratio Analysis --- p.44 / Chapter 8 --- VALUATION / Calculation of Discount Rate --- p.58 / Asset and Liability Based Value --- p.61 / Price Earning Multiple --- p.64 / Dividend Growth Model --- p.66 / Discount Cashflow Model --- p.68 / Summary --- p.68 / Chapter 9 --- LIMITATION TO STUDY --- p.70 / Lack of Comprehensive and Accurate Data --- p.70 / Lack of Peer Data --- p.71 / Limited Listing Period --- p.71 / APPENDIX --- p.73 / BIBLIOGRAPHY --- p.82

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is associated with lifetime morbidity and the onset of disease frequently occurs in early life. Although IBD manifests throughout all ethnic groups, there has been marked heterogeneity in its incidence, prevalence, manifestation, and outcome. We sought to study the incidence, prevalence, and survival of ulcerative colitis (UC) and to examine the evolution and prognostic predictors of Crohn's disease (CD) and UC among Hong Kong Chinese. A total of 4 studies were performed to address these issues. One longitudinal cohort study examined the incidence, prevalence, survival and phenotypic changes of UC. Two other longitudinal cohort studies evaluated the phenotypic evolution of CD. One of them specifically compared the course of disease between patients with and patients without upper gastrointestinal tract phenotype. The final retrospective study identified clinical factors that predicted the occurrence of corticosteroid dependency and refractoriness in patients with IBD. The annual age-standardized incidence rate and point prevalence of UC per 100,000 Hong Kong Chinese in 2006 were 2.1 (95% CI: 1.1-3.7) and 26.5 (95% CI: 22.6-30.9), respectively. Incidence of UC has increased 6 times over the past two decades. The overall survival of UC patients was similar to the expected survival of the Hong Kong population. Phenotypic changes in CD also occurred in Chinese patients in the same way as the white patients with respect to disease behavior, though at a slower rate. Similar to the white CD patients, the location of disease remained relatively stable over the course of disease. Chinese CD patients had more upper gastrointestinal tract phenotype which predicted the need of surgery and subsequent hospitalization. On the other hand, the rate of proximal extension of UC was less than 25% after 10 years. In CD, thrombocytosis predicted, whereas colonic disease negatively predicted corticosteroid dependency. Stricturing CD was associated with corticosteroid refractoriness. In UC, thrombocytosis and extensive colitis predicted corticosteroid dependency, whereas anemia predicted corticosteroid-refractory disease. The results of these studies are important in the planning of health service and they also assist in the formulation of treatment strategy. / Chow, Kai Lai. / "May 2009." / Advisers: Francis KL Chan; Joseph JY Sung. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 72-01, Section: B, page: . / Thesis (M.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2010. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 193-235). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. Ann Arbor, MI : ProQuest Information and Learning Company, [200-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web.

published_or_final_version / Education / Master / Master of Education

李少恩. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2011. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 193-201) / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstracts in Chinese and English. / Li Shaoen.

Taking into account of the colonial nature of modern Hong Kong, this author is to examine how the TWGHs as a medical space gradually developed from one that used only Chinese medicine into one in which Chinese medicine and western medicine coexisted. However, it finally became a western style hospital using only western medicine in the inpatient services in the 1940s, along with the growing hegemony of western medicine that was underpinned by colonial power. The multidimensional relationships among different agents in the process of transformation of medical services in the TWGHs constitutes another important theme of this thesis. These relationships touched upon a series of significant interactions between colonial government and Chinese community, colonial authorities and the Tung Wah Board of Directors, Chinese and western medical practitioners, Chinese community and the Tung Wah authorities, and so on. / The implantation, dissemination and expansion of modern western medicine, as an important part of western learning that infiltrated into the Orient, exerted profound impacts on Chinese traditional medical patterns and Chinese medical ideas and practices. As the center for exchange between Chinese and Western Culture, Hong Kong became a significant space for the spread and practice of western medicine. A wide range of western medical services and activities were delivered and developed by the colonial government, western missionaries, benevolent societies, and private practitioners in order to promote the development and popularization of western medicine among the Chinese community, including the establishment of hospitals, dispensaries and clinics, the opening of medical schools and training of western doctors, and the promotion of public health education. / This thesis also points out that the early intense prejudice and resistance against western medicine is not necessarily and cannot be entirely attributed to the underlying difference in the concept and practice of healing and sickness in the two different medical systems. Instead, I argue that a number of technical and practical factors in the delivery of western medical services provided by different agencies greatly affected and determined the choices and uses of the Chinese population. At the same time, the gradual recognition and reception of western medicine among the Chinese was not only the passive result of the compulsory western medical system developed by the colonial government, but also an active realization of the real efficiency and value of western medicine among the indigenous population and their consent and acceptance of its ideology and cultural value, to a great extent. / This thesis examines the confrontation and interaction between Chinese medicine and Western medicine, and the diverse and complicated Chinese attitudes towards western medicine by studying the history of the introduction of western medicine into Hong Kong and the case of transformation of Chinese and western medical services in the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals (TWGHs) during the period between 1894 and 1941. The history of the TWGHs dates back to the opening of the Tung Wah Hospital in 1870. Originally intended for the accommodation and treatment of those Chinese who had strong fears and prejudices against western medicine, the Tung Wah Hospital was founded to provide treatment only by Chinese doctors using Chinese medicine. The bubonic plague of 1894 in Hong Kong marked an important turning point in the history of medical services of the Tung Wah Hospital. Since then, western medicine was formally introduced into the Tung Wah Hospital in 1897. / 楊祥銀. / Adviser: Hon-ming Yip. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 69-02, Section: A, page: 0715. / Thesis (doctoral)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 279-306). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. [Ann Arbor, MI] : ProQuest Information and Learning, [200-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstracts in Chinese and English. / School code: 1307. / Yang Xiangyin.