Science and Sensibility： A Restudy of Snow＇s ＂The Two Cultures＂ in The Masters

Charles Percy Snow declared his influential Rede Lecture, ＂The Two Cultures＂, in 1959. In his famous lecture, he told us that the most powerful revolutionary force in the world today is science, science is essentially progressive, and the scientific culture is also a newer one. So Snow, after excluding scientific culture from the whole culture, calls the rest of the whole culture traditional culture. In his opinion, science is more important than humanities. All these ideas are faithfully reflected in his earlier literary work The Masters （1972b）. Snow＇s favor toward men of sciences in the novel is self-evident. ＂The Masters, therefore, may be considered as a political science novel rather than as a political novel＂. It was the Industrial Revolution which created our sensibility

Anticancer Activity of Rice Callus Suspension Cultures from Aromatic Varieties and Metabolites Regulated in Treated Cancer Cell Lines

Tissue culture techniques were used to produce large amounts of bioactive compounds with medicinal potential, overcoming space and time constraints for cancer prevention. Rice callus suspension cultures(RCSC) and seed extracts prepared from aromatic rice varieties were used to evaluate the cytotoxic impact on human colon and lung cancer cell lines, as well as a normal control cell line, using Taxol as a positive control. RCSC and seed extracts from two Indian aromatic rice varieties were applied at different concentrations to treat the cancer cell lines and normal lung fibroblasts over varying time intervals. Apoptosis was assessed in 1:5 dilutions of the A549 and HT-29 cell lines treated with RCSC for 72 h, using propidium iodide staining and flow cytometry. RCSC showed a more potent cytotoxic effect than seed extracts with minimal effect on the normal cell line, in contrast to Taxol. Confocal microscopy and flow cytometry further confirmed the apoptotic effect of RCSC. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-based metabolic profiling identified metabolites involved in cytotoxicity and highlighted altered pathways. RCSC is proposed as an alternative source for the development of novel anticancer drugs with reduced side effects.

Preparation of lactic acid bacteria compound starter cultures based on pasting properties and its improvement of glutinous rice flour and dough

The effects of 5 lactic acid bacteria(LAB)fermentation on the pasting properties of glutinous rice flour were compared,and suitable fermentation strains were selected based on the changes of viscosity,setback value,and breakdown value to prepare LAB compound starter cultures.The results revealed that Latilactobacillus sakei HSD004 and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus HSD005 had apparent advantages in increasing the viscosity and reducing the setback and breakdown values of glutinous rice flour.In particular,the compound starter created using the two abovementioned LAB in the ratio of 3:1 had better performance than that using a single LAB in improving the pasting properties and increasing the water and oil absorption capacity of glutinous rice flour.Moreover,the gelatinization enthalpy of the fermented samples increased significantly.For frozen glutinous rice dough stored for 28 days,the viscoelasticity of frozen dough prepared by compound starter was better than that of control dough,and the freezable water content was lower than that of control dough.These results indicate that compound LAB fermentation is a promising technology in the glutinous rice-based food processing industry,which has significance for its application.

MACS-W:A modified optical clearing agent for imaging 3D cell cultures

Three-dimensional(3D)cell cultures have contributed to a variety of biological research fields by filling the gap between monolayers and animal models.The modern optical sectioning microscopic methods make it possible to probe the complexity of 3D cell cultures but are limited by the inherent opaqueness.While tissue optical clearing methods have emerged as powerful tools for investigating whole-mount tissues in 3D,they often have limitations,such as being too harsh for fragile 3D cell cultures,requiring complex handling protocols,or inducing tissue deformation with shrinkage or expansion.To address this issue,we proposed a modified optical clearing method for 3D cell cultures,called MACS-W,which is simple,highly efficient,and morphology-preserving.In our evaluation of MACS-W,we found that it exhibits excellent clearing capability in just 10 min,with minimal deformation,and helps drug evaluation on tumor spheroids.In summary,MACS-W is a fast,minimally-deformative and fluorescence compatible clearing method that has the potential to be widely used in the studies of 3D cell cultures.

Discussion on the Differences between Chinese and Western Cultures and Intercultural Translation

Due to different geographical backgrounds and development histories,there are certain cultural differences between China and Western countries,which often lead to cultural conflicts and seriously affect the efficiency and effectiveness of cultural exchanges.In the context of accelerating economic globalization and integration,as well as increasing cooperation among countries,in order to ensure the accuracy of translation,it is necessary to have a proficient and accurate understanding of the cultural differences between China and the West.By relying on these cultural differences,we can improve communication patterns and continuously enhance intercultural translation skills.

Comparison of Apigenin,Quercetin and Kaempferol Accumulation and Total Flavonoid Content in Leaves,Embryogenic Cultures and Cell Suspension Cultures of Parsley(Petroselinum crispum)

In recent years,there has been a growing interest in exploring alternative treatments for bone defects.Bone tissue engineering has turned its attention to plant extracts containing osteogenic flavonoids as potential promoters of bone regeneration.In our study,we specifically investigated the extract of Petroselinum crispum,a plant known for its abundance of osteogenic flavonoids such as apigenin,quercetin,and kaempferol.Our objective was to compare the total flavonoid content(TFC)and their accumulation in different sources.We obtained hydrolyzed aqueous extracts from the leaves of parsley plants(grown for 12 weeks in the field),weekly embryogenic cultures,and suspension cell cultures.The TFC,measured in mg quercetin equivalent per gram of dry weight(QE mg/g dw),was found to be 53.81±0.97 for 52 g dw of leaves(1 kg plant fw),31.10±1.52 for 420 g dw of embryogenic cultures,and 11.80±0.76 for 210 g dw of cell suspensions.Notably,only the leaves and embryogenic cultures showed significant accumulation of osteogenic flavonoids,with apigenin levels of 1.8±0.3 and 0.32±0.02 mg/g dw,and kaempferol levels of 1.0±0.18 and 0.2±0.01 mg/g dw,respectively.Our findings indicate that embryogenic cultures have the potential to produce up to 40%more apigenin in 12 weeks compared to 1 kg of parsley plant,thanks to their superior biomass reproductive competence.These results present a promising biotechnological approach for generating extracts enriched with bioactive compounds,which can be further utilized in in vitro osteogenic testing.

Automatic Extraction Method of 3D Feature Guidelines for Complex Cultural Relic Surfaces Based on Point Cloud

Cultural relics line graphic serves as a crucial form of traditional artifact information documentation,which is a simple and intuitive product with low cost of displaying compared with 3D models.Dimensionality reduction is undoubtedly necessary for line drawings.However,most existing methods for artifact drawing rely on the principles of orthographic projection that always cannot avoid angle occlusion and data overlapping while the surface of cultural relics is complex.Therefore,conformal mapping was introduced as a dimensionality reduction way to compensate for the limitation of orthographic projection.Based on the given criteria for assessing surface complexity,this paper proposed a three-dimensional feature guideline extraction method for complex cultural relic surfaces.A 2D and 3D combined factor that measured the importance of points on describing surface features,vertex weight,was designed.Then the selection threshold for feature guideline extraction was determined based on the differences between vertex weight and shape index distributions.The feasibility and stability were verified through experiments conducted on real cultural relic surface data.Results demonstrated the ability of the method to address the challenges associated with the automatic generation of line drawings for complex surfaces.The extraction method and the obtained results will be useful for line graphic drawing,displaying and propaganda of cultural relics.

Natural Disaster Risk Monitoring for Immovable Cultural Relics Based on Digital Twin

Natural disaster risk monitoring is an important task for disaster prevention and reduction.In the case of immovable cultural relics,however,the feedback mechanism,risk factors,monitoring logic,and monitoring indicators of natural disaster risk monitoring are complex.How to achieve intelligent perception and monitoring of natural disaster risk for immovable cultural relics has always been a focus and a challenge for researchers.Based on the analysis of the concepts and issues related to the natural disaster risk of immovable cultural relics,this paper proposes a framework for natural disaster risk monitoring for immovable cultural relics based on the digital twin.This framework focuses on risk monitoring,including the physical entities of natural disaster risk for immovable cultural relics,monitoring indicators,and virtual entity construction.A platform for monitoring the natural disaster risk of immovable cultural relics is proposed.Using the Puzhou Ancient City Site as a test bed,the proposed concept can be used for monitoring the natural disaster risk of immovable cultural relics at different scales.

Between the City and Images:An Analysis of Mainstream Media’s Paths of Constructing the Cultural Memory of a City:Taking Chengdu Radio and Television’s“Hi Chengdu”as an Example

Mainstream media play a crucial role in constructing the cultural memory of a city.This study used 319 short videos released by“Hi Chengdu,”a new media product of Chengdu Radio and Television,as samples.Based on the grounded theory,a research framework encompassing“content,technology,and discourse”was established to explore the paths through which mainstream media construct the cultural memory.Regarding content,this paper emphasized temporal and spatial contexts and urban spaces,delving deep into the themes of the cultural memory and vehicles for it.In terms of technology,this paper discussed the practice of leveraging audio/visual-mode discourse to stitch together the impressions of a city and evoke emotional resonance to create a“flow”of memory.As for discourse,this paper looked at the performance of a communication ritual to frame concepts and shape urban identity.It is essential to break free from conventional thinking and leverage local culture as the primary driving force to further boost a city’s productivity,in order to excel in cultural communication.

Inheritance and Innovation of Regional Cultures in Architectural Designs of Yichang

Against the background of outstanding traditional Chinese culture and the innovation-drivendevelopment strategy, this study analyzed regional cultures of Yichang where ancient Ba and Chu culturesmet and blended, proposed regional architectural designs adapted to modern conditions, fully clarified thedesign concepts of “deeply exploring, highly condensing, making the past serve the present, inheriting andinnovating” through analyzing the design cases in many regional architectural projects. The paper aimedat further inheriting and developing the outstanding traditional Chinese cultures, and provided theoreticalreferences for future designs.

A Comparative Study on the Bathing Cultures and the Spread of Plague Between China and the West-Taking the Spread of the Black Death in China and Europe in the 14th Century as an Example

An unprecedented catastrophe shrouded over the Chinese Empire ruled by the Yuan Dynasty and Medieval Europe-the Black Death during the 14th century with rapid spread,widespread impact,serious damage to property,and substantial deaths and injuries.In the aftermath of the Black Death,lifestyle changes were made and more sensible bathing habits evolved.In feudal China,Bathing Culture had variously adapted to each dynasty;while its existence in the West was heavily influenced by religion and other factors.In the post-pandemic era,this paper is dedicated to exploring the possible relevance of Bathing Cultures to the Black Death,and to conducting a comparative study of the plague spread in Yuan and Europe and its impact on ethnic Bathing Cultures,reckoning to present informative information to regular prevention and control of the following pandemics.

What Culture in European Cities?The Desperate Struggle of European Cultures against the American One

For a long time,American culture has been spreading and replacing other European cultures.This is a significant change.According to the French writer Régis Debray,images are replacing writing,the theme of happiness is replacing drama,and space is replacing time.Additionally,according to the German sociologist Max Weber,Protestantism has made Americans"ascetic inside the world,"meaning individuals are solely responsible for their own well-being and success in society.The idea of"collective grace"is suspect.In urban life,there is a void that is filled by tribalism,such as sports,music,and events.Unfortunately,in urban planning,public spaces for people to gather,like parks or public squares,are often neglected.Water and green spaces could be valuable resources in filling this void.However,there is a potential risk of private brands taking over placemaking.

Analysis of the Reform of Ideological and Political Education in College English Curriculum from the Perspective of“Cultural Confidence”

With the rapid development of the education industry,higher requirements have been put forward for college English education and teaching,accelerating the pace of college English reform.Issues such as how to integrate knowledge transmission,language expression skill improvement,cultural element extraction,and ideological and political education,and present the role of curriculum education function have attracted attention.In the era of informatization,college students’thinking has undergone certain changes and gradually developed towards diversification.Therefore,universities should start from the perspective of cultural confidence,extract valuable ideological and political elements,and explore effective tourism ideological and political teaching methods.While helping college students enhance their cultural confidence,it is also beneficial for them to better inherit traditional Chinese culture.This article conducts an in-depth exploration of ideological and political education in college English courses from the perspective of“cultural confidence”and uses scientific and effective measures to solve the problems encountered,aiming to provide valuable guidelines for relevant researchers.

Effects of Different Culture Conditions and Growth States on the Structure and Hemostatic Properties of Coscinodiscus sp.

As a renewable marine inorganic material,Coscinodiscus sp.has significant potential in the field of rapid hemostasis.However,the low yield of Coscinodiscus sp.seriously limits the application.In this study,two new culture modes were adopted to increase the production of Coscinodiscus sp.,the effect of changes in culture conditions and growth status on the hemostatic activity of diatoms was detected.To prevent Coscinodiscus sp.from sinking in culture,the suspension culture mode was realized by adding0.5%agar.The semi-continuous high nutrient concentration culture mode increased the cell density of Coscinodiscus sp.to 11000cells mL^(-1)and shorten the culture cycle to 5 d.In terms of coagulation activity,the addition of frustules reduced the in vitro coagulation time by half and the activation time of coagulation by 70%.The hemolysis rate and cytotoxicity of frustules harvested in the two culture modes did not change significantly.The results showed that suspension culture mode and high nutrient concentration culture mode only changed the growth state of Coscinodiscus sp.,while the hemostatic performance remained stable.

Current status and challenges for cell-cultured milk technology: a systematic review

Cellular agriculture is an innovative technology for manufacturing sustainable agricultural products as an alternative to traditional agriculture.While most cellular agriculture is predominantly centered on the production of cultured meat,there is a growing demand for an understanding of the production techniques involved in dairy products within cellular agriculture.This review focuses on the current status of cellular agriculture in the dairy sector and technical challenges for cell-cultured milk production.Cellular agriculture technology in the dairy sector has been classified into fermentation-based and animal cell culture-based cellular agriculture.Currently,various companies synthesize milk components through precision fermentation technology.Nevertheless,several startup companies are pursuing animal cell-based technology,driven by public concerns regarding genetically modified organisms in precision fermentation technology.Hence,this review offers an up-to-date exploration of animal cell-based cellular agriculture to produce milk components,specifically emphasizing the structural,functional,and productive aspects of mammary epithelial cells,providing new information for industry and academia.

Facial aesthetics is shaped not only by genetic predispositions but also by the cultural norms and values

The positioning of teeth is of significant importance,both in terms of function and aesthetics.Aesthetics is a subjective matter,and there is often a discrepancy between the perceptions of patients and those of medical professionals.The act of wearing a mask has been demonstrated to impair the ability to evaluate facial attractiveness,thereby reaffirming the visual importance of the oral cavity in the context of facial aesthetics.The notion that a face perceived as beautiful is inherently exceptional is a fallacy.An average face is defined as one that exhibits characteristics that are common to the group.However,cultural mutations occur at a faster rate than genetic mutations.With regard to changes in facial aesthetics,cultural differences have a more immediate effect than genetic mutations.The advent of the internet meme may herald the advent of an era in which the average face that defines a beautiful face is determined by the internet.

The Philosophy of He(和):Examined from the Perspectives of Technology and Culture

Pre-modern Chinese crafts,such as iron smelting,cookery,medicine,and the production of vehicles,bows,and arrows indicate the traditional Chinese view of technology as being organic,holistic,and comprehensive.This view of technology is guided by the concept of he(和)and employs the means and methods of he,thus achieving the purport of he.In Chinese,the character he(和)possesses positive connotations.It originated from the meaning of"to season;to add flavoring to"(调和)and that of flavors being"perfectly harmonious"(和美).From this sensory experience,he gradually extended to the abstract levels of materiality,humanity,sociality,"order"(wei位),and "power,situation,force"(shi势).Finally,he was elevated to the supreme level of"qi of great harmony"(taihe zhi qi太和之气),which is comparable to the concept of dao(道).The philosophy of he has exerted wide impact on such areas as technology,art,national character,cultural psychology,and behavior patterns,and has become an integral part of China's inherent culture.The paradoxes and deviations of he hold their own profound philosophical implications that merit further exploration.As humanity confronts significant challenges,such as how we can coexist with others,with technology,and with nature,the ancient Eastern wisdom embodied in he continues to possess practical characteristics and value.

Investigating the Creation of Cultural Atmospheres in Physical Bookstores Within the Context of Scene-Based Consumption:A Perspective Based on the Ways of Seeing

In an era of scene-based consumption,the essence of operating a bookstore lies in accepting and enabling the bookstore to play its role as a cultural medium for browsing and appreciating books,which in turn fosters the development of a distinctive bookstore culture.This new type of consumption context has led to an evolution in the book-reading culture in physical bookstores that is characterized by a shift from a paradigm of passive reading to one where the emphasis is on interactive viewing.This transition has laid the foundation for the creation of cultural atmospheres in bookstores,and it highlights the visual interactions that now exist between readers and books as well as with other related cultural industries.The dominant and fundamental logic behind this process is symbiosis,experience,aesthetics,immersion,and creativity.However,when a form of culture that focuses on consumption-oriented browsing begins to overshadow knowledge acquisition during the process of book reading,the cultural essence of bookstores is likely to be diminished.Therefore,the cultural essence within the scene-based consumption context should be enhanced by creating innovative viewing activities that showcase the cultural and emotional implications inherent in the scene itself,and thus help to align the identity of the bookstore with its in-situ cultural space.

Implementation of an international medical student pen-pal club:survey outcomes of perceptions in cultural competency and global health

Background:Pen-pal clubs(PPC)are used worldwide for students to learn about different cultures and other skillsets without the need for travel.Many medical students are interested in global health opportunities abroad but costs,scheduling,and other barriers allow few to participate in such experiences.It is important that medical students have nuanced global medical perspectives and can contribute to the global medical community.Objective:The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that an international medical student PPC improves medical students'perspectives of cultural competency and global health engagement.Methods:In 2021,a novel medical student PPC was established that began between an American and Japanese medical school.Following a shareholders meeting,it was decided that the number of medical schools involved globally be expanded through previous institutional affiliations and online presences.In total,the club connected 50 American medical students and 52 medical students from 17 high-and middle-income countries.The primary form of communication was online;pen-pals were encouraged to communicate monthly using provided topics,although frequency and way of communication was their discretion.In February 2022,American PPC members were emailed a qualitative survey to assess the PPC's impact.Results:The survey was completed by 42%of American PPC members,95%of which were 22-26 years.Participants were preclinical medical students,60%whom were female and the majority either white(47%)or Asian(43%).Overall,the PPC positively influenced American medical students'perception of global medicine,medical education,and their cultural competency after joining the PPC compared to prior(P=0.004).Conclusion:PPCs encourage medical students to think from a global perspective and foster open-mindedness within varying social and cultural contexts.Having a global communication platform for students during medical school education may be an additional way to train aspiring global leaders.

The Implantation and Transmission of Plague Culture by the Five Plague Gods in Shuilu Murals

The Five Plague Gods(五瘟神) in the Shuilu(水陆) murals from the Ming and Qing dynasties exemplify a distinctive manifestation of plague gods image developed under the pedigree of Taoist gods.As a significant system for expelling disasters in Shuilu,the depiction of the Five Plague Gods prominently merges human beings and livestock.This shape form to a large extent,draws on the image of Nuo(傩),a figure reflecting an imagination of the host of plague pathogens.In terms of the numbers of gods,it aligns with the conceptual framework of Wu Xing(五行 the five elements),a foundational principle in traditional Chinese medicine.The internal cultural connection highlights the means of plague prevention and control in China,as well as the external reflection of plague culture.Through multi-dimensional interpretations with the double proof method,this article dissects the formation,core elements,and cultural characteristics of the beliefs in the Five Plague Gods reflected in the Shuilu murals,and transcends mere visual semantics,offering a deeper understanding of these complex cultural symbols.