On Naturalism in Stephen Crane's The Open Boat

Stephen Crane is one of the greatest figures in the history of American literature and his novella The Open Boat is widely known by people all over the world as a representative work of Naturalism. This paper aims at exploring Naturalism in Stephen Crane's The Open Boat,which will guide the readers to understand American Naturalism accurately and thoroughly. It firstly introduces the author and his novel The Open Boat. Secondly,it progressively dissects Naturalism. It not only analyses the general characteristics of Naturalism with details in The Open Boat,but also interprets the distinguishing features of American Naturalism so that readers can better understand the features of American Naturalism. Through textual perusal,it further studies the unique characteristics of Stephen Crane's Naturalism and lays particular emphasis on Crane's special concern on the awakening of humanity. It is hoped that this thesis can help readers get an in-depth comprehension of Naturalism and gain some inspiration from TheOpenBoat.

Brief Analysis on Naturalism and Realism in Desire Under the Elms

Desire Under the Elms was a drama written by Eugene O'Neill in 1924,which is called the first greatest drama in American history.Through analyzing the naturalistic features in this drama and the combination of naturalism and realism reflected in Desire Under the Elms,this article aims to help readers understand the lines and the relevant connotations better.

Naturalism in Light in August

William Faulkner is acclaimed as one of the most outstanding American writers of the twentieth century,enjoying a high reputation as a first-rate writer in American literature.Light in August is considered as a masterpiece of Faulkner.With pro found moral significance,minute psychological descriptions and unique narrative techniques,William Faulkner passes his judg ments on the human life and the contradiction of human nature.

Naturalism in“To build a Fire”

The short story"To build a Fire"by Jack London tells about the relationship between man and nature. Involving such themes as fear, death, and the individual versus nature,‘‘To Build a Fire''is a naturalistic work of fiction in which Jack London depicts human beings as subject to the laws of nature and controlled by their environment and their physical makeup.

Comparison of the Naturalism in Sister Carrie and The Open Boat

Theodore Dreiser's Sister Carrie and Stephen Crane's The Open Boat are American naturalistic works in the 19 th centu-ry.The two novels reveal the writers' awareness of the American people's social situation.This paper will analyze Sister Carrie andThe Open Boat from the point of naturalism.

Philosophy of Mathematics： Naturalism vs. Category Theory

Although E Maddy （1997） says on naturalism： ＂This is not, in itself, a philosophy of mathematics [...]＂ （161）, already by its name, or by those whose interest has called on it （Quine, Putnam et al.） ... it anyhow reveals desire to be it. Insofar as otherwise, the semantic potential of the word leaves far behind it （after all scarce） results it achieved from the relation of an exact （mathematical） expression and （overly rich） intuitive reality of Being. We plead here already from the perspective of the slogan ＂One and All＂ of the first philosopher： Tales, when by the number （which one forebodes） one could go to such an extent into areas of reality （Pythagoras）, or when （especially in the human sphere） is being over again actual final cause of Aristotle the philosophy and the mathematics to accomplish far more fruitful encounter with the Being. Alain Badiou （1988） has already pointed that： ＂Mathematics is ontology,＂ and the category theory in mathematics, having covered by itself other fields of this science, continues to find applications in a series of＂non-traditional＂ domains of reality. In that correlation the philosophy can express its （primary） needs for truth, justice, beauty, ... as well as for the overall development in the sense of purpose--also because of an undreamed power of the technological development （of hardwares and softwares） today. Namely, the naturalism in mathematics, which developed an abundant reflection on the place （importance of） the mathematical idiom in sciences--in the balance of criticism--has come rather to meager provisions, such as： ＂preestablished harmony of thinking,＂ ＂ontic commitment,＂ （Quine 1960） ＂the hygiene of mind,＂ （Maddy 1996） ＂success argument,＂ （Putnam 1975） ＂pragmatic argument,＂ （Resnik 1981） etc., which only are few places from the encounter of an exact expression such as is mathematical one and the reality of natuural sciences. Instead of philosophy of mathematics to radicalize its claims from the perspective of that （powerful） mathematical idiom and the excessive reality of Being and man＇s place in it--this time, in the spirit of biocosmology （neo-Aristotelism）.

Why Free Will Is Logically Not Possible within Naturalism

One of the most intriguing problems of philosophy and of mankind is the question whether humans have a free will. This question is heavily disputed between natural scientists and especially neuroscientists, who deny free will, and philosophers and other groups, who insist on free will. It is perplexing that both sides base their premise on the same precondition, namely naturalism. We will prove that naturalism automatically leads to physicalism, to materialism, and to reductionism. We will also prove here that it is logically not possible to have a free will if naturalism is true. Free will definitely requires an additional substance, a non-material soul, which cannot be part of our universe. This must not be in contradiction to our current knowledge of natural sciences.

A Brief Analysis of Naturalism in“To Build a Fire”

Jack London is one of the most outstanding naturalistic writers in America who composed many renowned full-length novels.Jack London’s short story,"To Build a Fire"is a good reflection of naturalistic tendencies.It chooses"To Build a Fire"so as to fully understand his perspective of naturalism.First,it provides a brief introduction to Jack London and this short story.Second,it specifically displays naturalism in this short story from four aspects.Among them,objective authenticity is the most distinctive feature in naturalistic elements.Meanwhile,his literature creation is also deeply influenced by Darwin’s theory of evolution.It aims to investigate gold seeker’s failure that reflects natural selection and theory of survival of the fittest.Finally,it concludes that only by respecting nature can human beings survive in natural selection.Through the analysis of gold seeker’s tragic fate,it warns that the readers should master wild survival skills and live in harmony with nature.

Red cell distribution width/platelet ratio predicts decompensation of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease-related compensated advanced chronic liver disease

Prognostication of compensated advanced chronic liver disease(cACLD)is of paramount importance for the physician-and-patient communication and for rational clinical decisions.The paper published by Dallio et al reports on red cell distribution width(RDW)/platelet ratio(RPR)as a non-invasive biomarker in predicting decompensation of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD)-related cACLD.Differently from other biomarkers and algorithms,RPR is inexpensive and widely available,based on parameters which are included in a complete blood count.RPR is computed on the grounds of two different items,one of which,RDW,mirrors the host’s response to a variety of disease stimuli and is non-specific.The second parameter involved in RPR,platelet count,is more specific and has been used in the hepatological clinic to discriminate cirrhotic from non-cirrhotic chronic liver disease for decades.Cardiovascular disease is the primary cause of mortality among MASLD subjects,followed by extra-hepatic cancers and liver-related mortality.Therefore,MASLD biomarkers should be validated not only in terms of liver-related events but also in the prediction of major adverse cardiovascular events and cardiovascular mortality and extra-hepatic cancers.Adequately sized multi-ethnic confirmatory investigation is required to define the role and significance of RPR in the stratification of MASLD-cACLD.

Potential role and therapeutic implications of glutathione peroxidase 4 in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease is an age-related neurodegenerative disorder with a complex and incompletely understood pathogenesis. Despite extensive research, a cure for Alzheimer's disease has not yet been found. Oxidative stress mediates excessive oxidative responses, and its involvement in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis as a primary or secondary pathological event is widely accepted. As a member of the selenium-containing antioxidant enzyme family, glutathione peroxidase 4 reduces esterified phospholipid hydroperoxides to maintain cellular redox homeostasis. With the discovery of ferroptosis, the central role of glutathione peroxidase 4 in anti-lipid peroxidation in several diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, has received widespread attention. Increasing evidence suggests that glutathione peroxidase 4 expression is inhibited in the Alzheimer's disease brain, resulting in oxidative stress, inflammation, ferroptosis, and apoptosis, which are closely associated with pathological damage in Alzheimer's disease. Several therapeutic approaches, such as small molecule drugs, natural plant products, and non-pharmacological treatments, ameliorate pathological damage and cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease by promoting glutathione peroxidase 4 expression and enhancing glutathione peroxidase 4 activity. Therefore, glutathione peroxidase 4 upregulation may be a promising strategy for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. This review provides an overview of the gene structure, biological functions, and regulatory mechanisms of glutathione peroxidase 4, a discussion on the important role of glutathione peroxidase 4 in pathological events closely related to Alzheimer's disease, and a summary of the advances in small-molecule drugs, natural plant products, and non-pharmacological therapies targeting glutathione peroxidase 4 for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Most prior studies on this subject used animal models, and relevant clinical studies are lacking. Future clinical trials are required to validate the therapeutic effects of strategies targeting glutathione peroxidase 4 in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Kangfuxin solution alleviates esophageal stenosis after endoscopic submucosal dissection:A natural ingredient strategy

BACKGROUND Esophageal stricture ranks among the most significant complications following endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD).Excessive fibrotic repair is a typical pathological feature leading to stenosis after ESD.AIM To examine the effectiveness and underlying mechanism of Kangfuxin solution(KFX)in mitigating excessive fibrotic repair of the esophagus post-ESD.METHODS Pigs received KFX at 0.74 mL/kg/d for 21 days after esophageal full circumferential ESD.Endoscopic examinations occurred on days 7 and 21 post-ESD.In vitro,recombinant transforming growth factor(TGF)-β1(5 ng/mL)induced a fibrotic microenvironment in primary esophageal fibroblasts(pEsF).After 24 hours of KFX treatment(at 1.5%,1%,and 0.5%),expression ofα-smooth muscle actin-2(ACTA2),fibronectin(FN),and type collagen I was assessed.Profibrotic signaling was analyzed,including TGF-β1,Smad2/3,and phosphor-smad2/3(p-Smad2/3).RESULTS Compared to the Control group,the groups treated with KFX and prednisolone exhibited reduced esophageal stenosis,lower weight loss rates,and improved food tolerance 21 d after ESD.After treatment,Masson staining revealed thinner and less dense collagen fibers in the submucosal layer.Additionally,the expression of fibrotic effector molecules was notably inhibited.Mechanistically,KFX downregulated the transduction levels of fibrotic functional molecules such as TGF-β1,Smad2/3,and p-Smad2/3.In vitro,pEsF exposed to TGF-β1-induced fibrotic microenvironment displayed increased fibrotic activity,which was reversed by KFX treatment,leading to reduced activation of ACTA2,FN,and collagen I.The 1.5%KFX treatment group showed decreased expression of p-Smad 2/3 in TGF-β1-activated pEsF.CONCLUSION KFX showed promise as a therapeutic option for post-full circumferential esophageal ESD strictures,potentially by suppressing fibroblast fibrotic activity through modulation of the TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway.

Heterogeneity of mature oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system

Mature oligodendrocytes form myelin sheaths that are crucial for the insulation of axons and efficient signal transmission in the central nervous system.Recent evidence has challenged the classical view of the functionally static mature oligodendrocyte and revealed a gamut of dynamic functions such as the ability to modulate neuronal circuitry and provide metabolic support to axons.Despite the recognition of potential heterogeneity in mature oligodendrocyte function,a comprehensive summary of mature oligodendrocyte diversity is lacking.We delve into early 20th-century studies by Robertson and Río-Hortega that laid the foundation for the modern identification of regional and morphological heterogeneity in mature oligodendrocytes.Indeed,recent morphologic and functional studies call into question the long-assumed homogeneity of mature oligodendrocyte function through the identification of distinct subtypes with varying myelination preferences.Furthermore,modern molecular investigations,employing techniques such as single cell/nucleus RNA sequencing,consistently unveil at least six mature oligodendrocyte subpopulations in the human central nervous system that are highly transcriptomically diverse and vary with central nervous system region.Age and disease related mature oligodendrocyte variation denotes the impact of pathological conditions such as multiple sclerosis,Alzheimer's disease,and psychiatric disorders.Nevertheless,caution is warranted when subclassifying mature oligodendrocytes because of the simplification needed to make conclusions about cell identity from temporally confined investigations.Future studies leveraging advanced techniques like spatial transcriptomics and single-cell proteomics promise a more nuanced understanding of mature oligodendrocyte heterogeneity.Such research avenues that precisely evaluate mature oligodendrocyte heterogeneity with care to understand the mitigating influence of species,sex,central nervous system region,age,and disease,hold promise for the development of therapeutic interventions targeting varied central nervous system pathology.

Impacts of Nutlin-3a and exercise on murine double minute 2-enriched glioma treatment

Recent research has demonstrated the impact of physical activity on the prognosis of glioma patients,with evidence suggesting exercise may reduce mortality risks and aid neural regeneration.The role of the small ubiquitin-like modifier(SUMO)protein,especially post-exercise,in cancer progression,is gaining attention,as are the potential anti-cancer effects of SUMOylation.We used machine learning to create the exercise and SUMO-related gene signature(ESLRS).This signature shows how physical activity might help improve the outlook for low-grade glioma and other cancers.We demonstrated the prognostic and immunotherapeutic significance of ESLRS markers,specifically highlighting how murine double minute 2(MDM2),a component of the ESLRS,can be targeted by nutlin-3.This underscores the intricate relationship between natural compounds such as nutlin-3 and immune regulation.Using comprehensive CRISPR screening,we validated the effects of specific ESLRS genes on low-grade glioma progression.We also revealed insights into the effectiveness of Nutlin-3a as a potent MDM2 inhibitor through molecular docking and dynamic simulation.Nutlin-3a inhibited glioma cell proliferation and activated the p53 pathway.Its efficacy decreased with MDM2 overexpression,and this was reversed by Nutlin-3a or exercise.Experiments using a low-grade glioma mouse model highlighted the effect of physical activity on oxidative stress and molecular pathway regulation.Notably,both physical exercise and Nutlin-3a administration improved physical function in mice bearing tumors derived from MDM2-overexpressing cells.These results suggest the potential for Nutlin-3a,an MDM2 inhibitor,with physical exercise as a therapeutic approach for glioma management.Our research also supports the use of natural products for therapy and sheds light on the interaction of exercise,natural products,and immune regulation in cancer treatment.

Ubiquitin-specific protease 1 facilitates tumor immune escape from natural killer cells and predicts the prognosis in small cell lung cancer

Objective:Small cell lung cancer(SCLC)is commonly recognized as the most fatal lung cancer type.Despite substantial advances in immune checkpoint blockade therapies for treating solid cancers,their benefits are limited to a minority of patients with SCLC.In the present study,novel indicators for predicting the outcomes and molecular targets for SCLC treatment were elucidated.Methods:We conducted bioinformatics analysis to identify the key genes associated with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in SCLC.The functional role of the key gene identified in SCLC was determined both in vitro and in vivo.Results:A significant correlation was observed between patient survival and CD56dim natural killer(NK)cell proportion.Furthermore,we noted that the hub gene ubiquitin-specific protease 1(USP1)is closely correlated with both CD56dim NK cells and overall survival in SCLC.Bioinformatics analysis revealed that USP1 is upregulated in SCLC.In addition,gene set enrichment analysis revealed that USP1 overexpression hinders NK cell-mediated immune responses.By co-cultivating NK-92 cells with SCLC cells,we demonstrated that NK cell cytotoxicity against SCLC could be improved either via USP1 knock-down or pharmacological inhibition.Furthermore,using a nude-mice xenograft tumor model,we noted that USP1 inhibition effectively suppressed tumor proliferation and increased the expression of NK cell-associated markers.Conclusions:Our study findings highlight the importance of NK cells in regulating SCLC.USP1 overexpression can inhibit NK cell-mediated immunity;therefore,USP1 may serve not only as a prognostic biomarker but also as a potential molecular target of SCLC therapy.

Harnessing artificial intelligence for identifying conflicts of interest in research

This editorial explores the transformative potential of artificial intelligence(AI)in identifying conflicts of interest(COIs)within academic and scientific research.By harnessing advanced data analysis,pattern recognition,and natural language processing techniques,AI offers innovative solutions for enhancing transparency and integrity in research.This editorial discusses how AI can automatically detect COIs,integrate data from various sources,and streamline reporting processes,thereby maintaining the credibility of scientific findings.

Plantinga＇s Evolutionary Argument against Naturalism Revisited

Alvin Plantinga＇s Evolutionary Argument against Naturalism （hereafter ＂EAAN＂） is an argument intended to prove that atheism is not highly probably true in the Darwinian framework. Many critics believe that this argument Cannot work. I am one of them; but I have a different perspective. In my view, although EAAN was originally elaborated for defending theism, the failure of EAAN itself will not consequently undermine theism （as a religious position）, but will definitely undermine reliabilism （as an epistemological position）. My points include： （1） in Plantinga＇s epistemological reliabilist narrative, it is quite hard to clarify the meaning of the term ＂reliability＂ （as a key word of his whole narrative）, and it is the ambiguity of this term that makes some steps in Plantinga＇s argument more confusing than it ought to be; （2） conversely, if he wiped out this terminological ambiguity, the whole EAANnarrative based on ＂reliability＂ would have to be given up, and this cost may be too high for any EAANadherent to pay.

Rising above:exploring the therapeutic potential of natural product-based compounds in human cancer treatment

Tumors,due to their diversity and heterogeneity,pose a significant threat to human health.Multidrug resistance is a prevalent and grave issue in clinical treatment,resulting in treatment failure and cancer recurrence.This resistance renders conventional drug therapies ineffective,presenting a substantial challenge to human health and medical care.Exploring natural products as potential sources for anti-cancer drugs could lead to the development of innovative and efficacious cancer treatments.This article aims to investigate the health implications of natural products(such as paclitaxel,podophyllotoxin,homoharringtonine,camptothecin,and vinblastine)in the discovery of anti-cancer drugs while discussing the methods and progress made in researching novel anti-cancer drugs derived from natural products.The paper discusses the diversity,intricate structures,and target affinity of natural products along with their structural modification techniques,combination therapies utilization possibilities with prodrugs or nanoparticles.Additionally,considering the escalating multidrug resistance observed in tumors nowadays;certain natural products offer new insights and approaches for discovering effective anti-tumor drugs that are crucial for addressing global public health challenges.The challenges faced by natural products during drug development including issues related to bioavailability toxicity concerns as well as limited resources are examined thoroughly.Potential opportunities current issues along with future challenges are highlighted aiming at facilitating the clinical translation of original anti-cancer drugs using natural products.

Performance Evaluation of Damaged T-Beam Bridges with External Prestressing Reinforcement Based on Natural Frequencies

As an evaluation index,the natural frequency has the advantages of easy acquisition and quantitative evaluation.In this paper,the natural frequency is used to evaluate the performance of external cable reinforced bridges.Numerical examples show that compared with the natural frequencies of first-order modes,the natural frequencies of higher-order modes are more sensitive and can reflect the damage situation and external cable reinforcement effect of T-beam bridges.For damaged bridges,as the damage to the T-beam increases,the natural frequency value of the bridge gradually decreases.When the degree of local damage to the beam reaches 60%,the amplitude of natural frequency change exceeds 10%for the first time.The natural frequencies of the firstorder vibration mode and higher-order vibration mode can be selected as indexes for different degrees of the damaged T-beam bridges.For damaged bridges reinforced with external cables,the traditional natural frequency of the first-order vibration mode cannot be used as the index,which is insensitive to changes in prestress of the external cable.Some natural frequencies of higher-order vibration modes can be selected as indexes,which can reflect the reinforcement effect of externally prestressed damaged T-beam bridges,and its numerical value increases with the increase of external prestressed cable force.

全球能源转型投资缺口大

可再生能源投资近年呈上升趋势,但仍集中在少数地区,而且差距正在扩大。只有扩大融资规模,覆盖多个国家和地区,才能实现全球能源转型。2023年,全球可再生能源新增投资5700亿美元,比2022年增长27%,其中大部分集中在中国、美国、巴西、印度和德国。事实上,就能源转型投资而言,占世界一半人口的150多个经济体2023年只获得10%的投资。非洲国家虽需求迫切、资源潜力巨大,但未能吸引大量资金流入,因为对这些国家的投资被视为高风险投资。