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MODERN GIRLS and MUSCLEMEN: THE BODY BEAUTIFUL, AESTHETIC EDUCATION and the CONFUSIONS of PROGRESS in REPUBLICAN CHINESE PRINT, CIRCA 1917–1934
Get PDFThis study examines a structure of legitimization that framed what it terms “anatomical beauty” as a multifaceted signifier of progress (jinbu 進步) in the urban media culture of Republican China (1911–1949). Premised on the notion of measurable ideal proportions and gendered bodily contours, anatomical beauty emerged at the intersection of aesthetic education (meiyu 美育) and physical culture (tiyu 體育) as symbolic of personal, social, and national advancement. Central to this study are key motifs that marked the transfer of this concept from a range of Euro-American sources: the Body Beautiful (rentimei 人体美), the Modern Girl (modeng nüzi 摩登女子), and the Muscleman (dalishi 大力士). The discursive structure in which these figures gained visibility as models of reform developed from roughly 1917 to 1934, a period that encompassed both the New Culture (Xin wenhua 新文化) and New Life (Xin shenghuo 新生活) movements. In exploring the proliferation of anatomical beauty and its associated motifs, this study considers these movements as distinct but interconnected, both fraught with internal tensions and contending to define perceptions of a wholly “new era” (xinshidai 新時代).The legitimization of anatomical beauty was facilitated by the collaborative efforts of prominent literati, such as Cai Yuanpei 蔡元培 (1868–1940) and Chu Minyi 褚民誼 (1884–1946), and their alliances with cultural entrepreneurs, who helped bring the concept into a public sphere significantly shaped by mass print media in Republican China’s urban centers, especially Shanghai. Cai, a leading advocate for aesthetic education, and Chu, a proponent of physical culture, worked together closely on cultural and educational reforms. Engaging with urban media culture was central to their shared visions of utopian cosmopolitanism, pragmatic idealism, and democracy. By endorsing cultural entrepreneurs, Cai and Chu strove to disseminate their reformist ideals beyond intellectual circles. Tensions and ambiguities arose as contending reformist visions encountered varying interpretations of anatomical beauty alongside competing definitions of “New Culture” and "New Life," all as mediated through the print industry of Republican China.
Ph.D
Trends in Production, Consumption, Trade, and Research of Dry Beans Across the Globe and Canada
Get PDFDry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are known as a significant component of global agri-food systems, in regions such as Southern Asia, Eastern Africa, and South America, where they also serve as a valuable source of feed. Over the past few decades, global production has grown significantly, driven by rising demand, technological advancements, improved yields, and expanded cultivation areas. Canada, in particular, has become a significant player in the dry bean industry, leveraging its rich agricultural landscape and advanced agricultural technologies. Canadian research initiatives, financially supported by both governmental and private funding, have concentrated on developing new bean varieties with higher yields, resistance to pests and diseases, better adaptation to local growing conditions, and improved nutritional profiles. This study reviews trends in dry bean production, consumption, and international trade over the past decades, emphasizing the implications for research on both global and Canadian scales. Collaborative efforts between Canadian institutions and international research organizations have facilitated the exchange of genetic resources and agronomic techniques, thereby enhancing productivity and sustainability. By investing in these innovative endeavors, Canada not only bolsters its strengthened agricultural sector but also contributes significantly to global food security and the achievement of sustainable development goals.The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the pdf file of the accepted manuscript may differ slightly from what is displayed on the item page. The information in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript reflects the original submission by the author
Simple method for characterizing the optical and insulating performance of materials destinated for building envelopes
Get PDFCharacterizing a material's radiative and insulating performance typically requires five independent experiments, which are time-consuming and costly. This article presents a novel testing protocol using accessible laboratory equipment to streamline this process. The method utilizes an infrared lamp, a thermal camera, and thermocouples to assess solar reflectance, thermal emissivity, and other thermal properties through a heating and cooling phase that simulate day and night conditions. While primarily qualitative, this protocol reliably captures reflective and insulating properties in real-time and aligns well with emissivity values reported in the literature. It offers a cost-effective alternative for comparative analysis, particularly for optimizing materials in building envelopes to mitigate urban heat island effects. This simple and efficient approach eliminates the need for extensive testing, providing valuable insights for industrial applications.The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the pdf file of the accepted manuscript may differ slightly from what is displayed on the item page. The information in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript reflects the original submission by the author
Identification and expression analysis of AP2/ERF transcription factors (DREB and ERFs) involved in cold stress response in Asparagus officinalis
Get PDFAPETALA2/ethylene response factor (AP2/ERF) transcription factors have been identified in many plant species, and their subfamilies play crucial roles in the regulation of gene expression in response to cold stress. Molecular pathways of cold stress response, however, have not been studied in asparagus. Using two contrasting cultivars, the objective of this study was to evaluate C-repeat binding factor (CBF) gene expression in response to cold shock and cold acclimation treatments in 10-week-old asparagus seedlings grown under controlled environment conditions. Two dehydration-responsive element binding (DREB) genes (DREB2C and DREB2B), identified as potential CBF candidates, were induced at high levels, especially in the ferns and rhizomes of both cultivars. Cold acclimation led to stronger and longer-lasting DREB expression compared to cold shock treatment. Three ERF genes were downregulated in both cultivars for the two treatments, suggesting negative regulation of cold stress response. Using the genes under study, no gene expression differences were observed between the two cultivars for either of the treatments. Further experimental validation is needed to determine whether DREB2C and DREB2B genes fully function as CBFs and if they share roles with stress-responsive DREB genes. Understanding cold response mechanisms in asparagus may facilitate strategies to enhance freezing tolerance of the crop.The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the pdf file of the accepted manuscript may differ slightly from what is displayed on the item page. The information in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript reflects the original submission by the author
Interdigital and Plantar Foot Infections: A Retrospective Analysis of Molecularly Diagnosed Specimens in the United States and a Literature Review
Get PDFUp to one-quarter of the United States population is affected by tinea pedis (athlete’s foot). Tinea pedis of the web space (interdigital tinea pedis) is a common clinical presentation causing skin macerations and fissures. A “dermatophytosis complex” (i.e., concomitant bacterial colonization) further complicates treatment. Here, we examined records of 14,429 skin specimens taken from the feet of dermatology and podiatry outpatients over a 4.6-year period; all specimens were subjected to multiplex qPCR diagnosis for the detection of dermatophytes, Candida, Corynebacterium minutissimum, Pseudomonas and Staphylococcus aureus. A literature search was conducted to review the reported prevalence of fungal and bacterial agents. In both interdigital and plantar foot specimens, dermatophytes (33.3–33.8%) and S. aureus (24.3–25%) were found to be the predominate pathogens. In the interdigital space, a higher prevalence of C. minutissimum (15.7% vs. 7.9%) and Pseudomonas (23.5% vs. 9.6%) was found. The detection of Pseudomonas was more likely to be observed in the presence of Candida, reflecting a higher risk of mixed infection. In dermatophyte-positive specimens, the “dermatophytosis complex” variant was observed at 45.5% (SD: 2.3). An analysis of patient characteristics showed male patients exhibiting higher likelihoods for dermatophyte, C. minutissimum, Pseudomonas and S. aureus detections. The elderly were disproportionately infected with Candida. In children, an S. aureus detection was more common, which could be attributed to impetigo. The recent literature lacks reporting on concomitant bacterial colonization in tinea pedis patients, likely due to the reliance on fungal culture supplemented with antibiotics. Geographical variation has been identified in the detection of the Trichophyton mentagrophytes complex. In conclusion, PCR diagnosis serves as a valuable tool for the management of tinea pedis. An accurate and timely detection of fungal pathogens and concomitant bacterial colonization can better inform healthcare providers of appropriate treatment selection
Accelerating Earlier Access to Anti-TNF-α Agents with Biosimilar Medicines in the Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Get PDFData indicate that earlier initiation of anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (anti-TNF-α) biologic medicines may prevent progression to irreversible bowel damage and improve outcomes for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), particularly Crohn’s disease. However, the high cost of such therapies may restrict access and prevent timely treatment of IBD. Biosimilar anti-TNF-α medicines may represent a valuable opportunity for cost savings and optimized patient outcomes by improving access to advanced therapies and allowing earlier anti-TNF-α treatment initiation. Biosimilar anti-TNF-α medicines have been shown to offer consistent therapeutic outcomes to their reference medicines, yet despite entering the IBD treatment armamentarium over 10 years ago, their implementation in clinical practice remains suboptimal. Factors limiting the ‘real’ use of biosimilar anti-TNF-α medicines may include an ongoing lack of understanding and acceptance of biosimilars by both healthcare professionals (HCPs) and patients, as well as systemic factors such as formulary decisions outside of the control of the prescriber. In this review, an expert panel of gastroenterologists discusses HCP-level considerations to improve biosimilar anti-TNF-α utilization in IBD in order to support early anti-TNF-α initiation and maximize patient outcomes
Moving Away from One-Size-Fits-All: Assessing the Use of Pharmacogenetic-Guided Medication Therapy in Pediatric Patients with Chronic Pain
Get PDFBackground/Objectives: Pharmacogenetic (PGx) testing can predict drug efficacy, toxicity, and risk of adverse drug reactions (ADRs). However, PGx-guided prescribing for pediatric chronic pain is underutilized. Methods: We evaluated the rate of deviance from standard drug dosing regimens in children and adolescents with chronic pain based on PGx testing of drug-metabolizing genes. We also assessed the acceptability and feasibility of PGx testing and implementation of PGx-guided recommendations from patient, caregiver, and prescriber perspectives. Finally, we explored whether PGx results could predict self-reported therapeutic responses and/or ADRs to medications. Results: Forty-eight participants aged 8–17 years with chronic pain provided DNA via buccal swab. Genetic variant data for CYP2D6, CYP2C9, and CYP2C19 metabolism genes and associated metabolizer status were analyzed with respect to clinical PGx guidelines for dosing recommendations of analgesics and psychotropic medications. Participants, their caregivers, and their prescribers also completed quantitative questionnaires evaluating their experience with PGx testing. Twenty-three (50%) participants were predicted to benefit from non-standard dosing for medications with clinical PGx guidelines. Participants expressed satisfaction with the PGx testing process and felt it was safe and worthwhile. Prescribers also reported that PGx results were relevant for medication choices in 42 (91%) participants. Seven (15%) participants had genotyping results which may have predicted their self-reported therapeutic responses and/or ADRs to specific medications. Conclusions: Though further research on pharmacodynamic associations is required to sufficiently address the complexity of interpatient responses to medications for the treatment of pediatric pain and mental health conditions, PGx testing may be used to inform individualized medication choices based on genetic make-up
Influence of warming on the functional responses of invasive omnivores, Procambarus crayfishes
Get PDFThe red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) and the marbled crayfish (Procambarus virginalis) are congeneric invasive species whose potential impacts in the Great Lakes basin have generated concern. In laboratory experiments, we tested the functional responses of these omnivores to two common food resources, insect larvae (Chironomus bloodworms) and aquatic macrophytes (Eurasian milfoil Myriophyllum spicatum), to gain predictive information on their per capita effects under present (18°C) and projected future (26°C) climate scenarios for the basin. The maximum feeding rate of P. virginalis was higher at 18°C than at 26°C when presented with bloodworms but did not differ between temperatures when presented with macrophytes. By contrast, the feeding rate of P. clarkii did not change with temperature for either food resource. Due to their larger mean size, P. clarkii exhibited higher rates of resource (bloodworm and macrophyte) consumption than P. virginalis at both temperatures. These results suggest that trophic impacts of P. virginalis will dampen with increased warming, whereas P. clarkii will sustain larger impacts irrespective of temperature within the range tested.The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the pdf file of the accepted manuscript may differ slightly from what is displayed on the item page. The information in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript reflects the original submission by the author
White matter microglia morphological changes with aging in guinea pig offspring born growth restricted
Get PDFFetal growth restriction is implicated in the programming of later-life neurodegeneration. We hypothesized that growth restricted offspring would show accelerated changes to microglial white matter morphology, relative to controls.
Control guinea pig sows were fed ad libitum, while maternal nutrient restriction sows received 70% of control diet switched to 90% from mid-gestation. Offspring were sacrificed at ~26 days (neonate) or ~110 days (adult) postpartum. Coronal brain sections from the frontal cortex were subject to IBA1-staining for microglial detection and analyzed by machine learning software.
At birth, total body weight of growth restricted offspring was reduced relative to control (pThe presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the pdf file of the accepted manuscript may differ slightly from what is displayed on the item page. The information in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript reflects the original submission by the author
Rapid screening of CO2 capture fluids
Get PDFThe evaluation of CO2 capture fluids is crucial for the advancement of carbon capture technologies. Recent advancements in amine-based carbon capture fluids motivate a broad search for high-performance fluids and the development of methods capable of exploring a large chemical space. Here, we present a microfluidic approach paired with automated image processing and density functional theory simulations that enables comprehensive rapid screening of capture fluids. The principle of measurement leverages the ability to monitor phase expansion and contraction in fixed-volume dead-end channels. This approach enables fast comparative assessments of reaction kinetics and thermodynamic parameters, including CO2 absorption rate (∼30 s), desorption rate (∼30 s), absorption capacity (∼20 min), and vapor pressure (∼5 min), exceeding the speed of conventional methods by two orders of magnitude. The method is broadly applicable, effective for primary, secondary, and tertiary amine types. Rapid screening of capture fluids holds promise for the accelerated discovery of improved CO2 capture processes and an opportunity for the microfluidics community to contribute to decarbonization efforts.The authors would like to express their sincere gratitude for the financial backing provided by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), and the Canada Research Chairs Program (CRC-2021-00316)