Integrating Chinese culture into college English can not only enhance students’humanities literacy and cultivate their cultural confidence,but also facilitate the inheritance and international dissemination of Chines...Integrating Chinese culture into college English can not only enhance students’humanities literacy and cultivate their cultural confidence,but also facilitate the inheritance and international dissemination of Chinese culture.Taking Tyler’s curriculum framework as the starting point,this paper analyzes some factors that affect the integration of Chinese culture into the college English teaching and proposes some strategies for the integration of Chinese culture into college English teaching by innovating teaching objectives,enriching teaching contents,transforming modes of course delivery,and reconstructing the assessment system.展开更多
The aim of this study was to investigate the adjustment problems of students from the United States enrolled in universities in the East,specifically in Taiwan,their problems related to cultural adaptation,and the pro...The aim of this study was to investigate the adjustment problems of students from the United States enrolled in universities in the East,specifically in Taiwan,their problems related to cultural adaptation,and the process of adjustment to student life in Taiwan.Under investigation were cultural adjustment and coping skills as these students transitioned from West to East.Qualitative data were collected from interviews with participants and faculty members as well as participant observations.Results indicated that U.S.students found their own ways to acclimate to their new academic setting as well as to social relations,cross-cultural issues,and the linguistic environment in Taiwan to achieve effective adaptation.They made changes in themselves to cope with all situations they encountered.This study provides suggestions for international students abroad in Taiwan,for the Taiwan Residents government,and for universities or colleges in terms of what they should offer to current and future international students.展开更多
As one of the carriers of Confucian culture,and from ancient times to the present,Lunyu or The Analects or The Analects of Confucius,has been well received by readers at home and abroad,and there are more and more Eng...As one of the carriers of Confucian culture,and from ancient times to the present,Lunyu or The Analects or The Analects of Confucius,has been well received by readers at home and abroad,and there are more and more English translations of Lunyu.This article will select some of the vocabulary translations with ancient Chinese characteristics in Lunyu as the object,employ the method of a comparative analysis to explore the cultural connotation behind the text and the dissemination of the translation,and discuss the translator’s translation strategies.Judging from the research on The Analects by scholars from home and abroad and the opening and development of overseas Confucius Institutes,Lunyu has exerted an enlightenment effect in different times.展开更多
This paper introduced the origination of seclusion culture, analyzed historical background, causes, and aesthetic performances of hermit culture, took living style and life attitude of Tao Yuanming for example to summ...This paper introduced the origination of seclusion culture, analyzed historical background, causes, and aesthetic performances of hermit culture, took living style and life attitude of Tao Yuanming for example to summarize the location characteristics of villas under the impact of hermit culture in the Wei and Jin Dynasty. On this basis, site selection of Tianquan Julong International Eco-villa in Longquanyi District, Chengdu City was analyzed, and profound influence of hermit culture on the location aesthetics of modern villa explored.展开更多
A cross-cultural analysis of an extract of the book Lost in Translation is provided in the essay. Definitions of culture and subculture are discussed and different theories from Hofstede and Schwartz are referred to i...A cross-cultural analysis of an extract of the book Lost in Translation is provided in the essay. Definitions of culture and subculture are discussed and different theories from Hofstede and Schwartz are referred to in order to validate the analysis.展开更多
AIM: To devise a simplified and efficient method for long-term culture and maintenance of embryonic stem cells requiring less frequent passaging. METHODS: Mouse embryonic stem cells(ESCs) labeled with enhanced yellow ...AIM: To devise a simplified and efficient method for long-term culture and maintenance of embryonic stem cells requiring less frequent passaging. METHODS: Mouse embryonic stem cells(ESCs) labeled with enhanced yellow fluorescent protein were cultured in three-dimensional(3-D) self-assembling scaffolds and compared with traditional two-dimentional(2-D) culture techniques requiring mouse embryonic fibroblast feeder layers or leukemia inhibitory factor. 3-D scaffolds encapsulating ESCs were prepared by mixing ESCs with polyethylene glycol tetra-acrylate(PEG-4-Acr) and thiolfunctionalized dextran(Dex-SH). Distribution of ESCs in 3-D was monitored by confocal microscopy. Viability and proliferation of encapsulated cells during long-term culture were determined by propidium iodide as well as direct cell counts and PrestoB lue(PB) assays. Genetic expression of pluripotency markers(Oct4, Nanog, Klf4, and Sox2) in ESCs grown under 2-D and 3-D cultureconditions was examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Protein expression of selected stemness markers was determined by two different methods, immunofluorescence staining(Oct4 and Nanog) and western blot analysis(Oct4, Nanog, and Klf4). Pluripotency of 3-D scaffold grown ESCs was analyzed by in vivo teratoma assay and in vitro differentiation via embryoid bodies into cells of all three germ layers. RESULTS: Self-assembling scaffolds encapsulating ESCs for 3-D culture without the loss of cell viability were prepared by mixing PEG-4-Acr and Dex-SH(1:1 v/v) to a final concentration of 5%(w/v). Scaffold integrity was dependent on the degree of thiol substitution of Dex-SH and cell concentration. Scaffolds prepared using Dex-SH with 7.5% and 33% thiol substitution and incubated in culture medium maintained their integrity for 11 and 13 d without cells and 22 ± 5 d and 37 ± 5 d with cells, respectively. ESCs formed compact colonies, which progressively increased in size over time due to cell proliferation as determined by confocal microscopy and PB staining. 3-D scaffold cultured ESCs expressed significantly higher levels(P < 0.01) of Oct4, Nanog, and Kl4, showing a 2.8, 3.0 and 1.8 fold increase, respectively, in comparison to 2-D grown cells. A similar increase in the protein expression levels of Oct4, Nanog, and Klf4 was observed in 3-D grown ESCs. However, when 3-D cultured ESCs were subsequently passaged in 2-D culture conditions, the level of these pluripotent markers was reduced to normal levels. 3-D grown ESCs produced teratomas and yielded cells of all three germ layers, expressing brachyury(mesoderm), NCAM(ectoderm), and GATA4(endoderm) markers. Furthermore, these cells differentiated into osteogenic, chondrogenic, myogenic, and neural lineages expressing Col1, Col2, Myog, and Nestin, respectively. CONCLUSION: This novel 3-D culture system demonstrated long-term maintenance of mouse ESCs without the routine passaging and manipulation necessary for traditional 2-D cell propagation.展开更多
Summary: In order to study the cellular origin of muscularization in non muscular arterioles of the lung, the pulmonary vascular pericytes culture was established. The terminal lung tissue of the rat was taken out a...Summary: In order to study the cellular origin of muscularization in non muscular arterioles of the lung, the pulmonary vascular pericytes culture was established. The terminal lung tissue of the rat was taken out and minced. Then 0.5 % of type Ⅳ collagenase solution was added for digestion and the microvascular segments were obtained by screening. The targeted cells were cultured by “selective conditioned media”. Under phase contrast microscope, the cultured cells were large in size with ragged margin and numerous pseudopodia, which imparted tubule like structure. There was no contact inhibition in growing cells, so multiple layers developed. When they were confluent, there were morphologically no “hillock and dale” growth pattern as in smooth muscle cells or “weave like” pattern as in fibroblasts. The ultrastructure of cultured cells showed numerous digital processes, moderate amount of rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum, rich Golgi's apparatus, microfilaments, few lysosomes without myofilaments and dense bodies. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that the cultured pericytes had same kind of cellular skeletal protein, α SM actin, like smooth muscle cells. The cultured cells also exhibited positive reaction to CD 34 antigen and S 100 antigen, which were negative in smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts. The cell growth pattern, ultrastructure and immunological phenotype suggested that the cultured cells had characteristics of vascular pericytes. Pericytes are one of the components of microvascular cells, and the establishment of in vitro culture technique of pericytes is of significance for further exploration of the muscularization of non muscular arterioles in lung and the mechanism of structural remodeling of pulmonary vessels.展开更多
Objectives:This study aims to ascertain if cultural factors influence the childbirth place choice of women in Oyigbo.Materials and Methods:The study used a cross‑sectional study design using a self‑structured question...Objectives:This study aims to ascertain if cultural factors influence the childbirth place choice of women in Oyigbo.Materials and Methods:The study used a cross‑sectional study design using a self‑structured questionnaire as the instrument to collect data from 384 volunteers through simple random sampling,and these data were analyzed using frequency and percentage for descriptive statistics while Chi‑square was used for inferential statistics at 0.05 level of significance.Results:The influence of cultural factors such as family traditions(χ^(2)=12.56,P=0.006),beliefs(χ^(2)=70.66,P=0.000),lack of confidence in health facilities(χ^(2)=367.83,P=0.000),and the presence of male skilled birth attendants(χ^(2)=50.85,P=0.000)were statistically significant to the choice of childbirth place,while patriarchal system(χ^(2)=2.99,P=0.393)was not statistically significant to the choices of childbirth places of women in Oyigbo.Religion had a statistically significant influence on childbirth place(χ^(2)=125.46,P=0.000).Conclusion:This study shows that religious and cultural factors have a significant influence on the childbirth place choices of women in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State.展开更多
The Woman Warrior" is an influential book in the 20th century making a thunder of voice in the world to accuse the stereotype of patriarchy and racism, which also shows the Chinese Americans’ difficulty of being...The Woman Warrior" is an influential book in the 20th century making a thunder of voice in the world to accuse the stereotype of patriarchy and racism, which also shows the Chinese Americans’ difficulty of being edged to the cultural cliff. This article analyses the content and the style of the novel to see inside what the writer wants to express and to figure out the real reason of the inequality between sexes and reveal the truth of the western culture dominance. Feminism, Patriarchy and culture are the main factors considered in the article.展开更多
Over recent years,our society has plunged into the phenomenon of“neijuan”(in English“involution”,a kind of meaningless competition).And it even becomes a social dilemma that many people are forced to make more eff...Over recent years,our society has plunged into the phenomenon of“neijuan”(in English“involution”,a kind of meaningless competition).And it even becomes a social dilemma that many people are forced to make more efforts to compete for limited social resources.This phenomenon has,of course,attracted the attention of many researchers.There are many researches about“neijuan”varying from its popularity reasons and its trend to its application,but there is very little research about the cultural differences between China and the West behind this phenomenon.Therefore,based on Hofstede’s cultural dimensions theory,this paper analyses the different manifestations of“neijuan”in China and the West and explores the cultural differences between the two.展开更多
With the gradual improvement of Chinese women’s status in the 21st century,gender studies and gender relations have become one of the hottest topics in Chinese society,which consequently prompted Chinese Women’s Cin...With the gradual improvement of Chinese women’s status in the 21st century,gender studies and gender relations have become one of the hottest topics in Chinese society,which consequently prompted Chinese Women’s Cinema to attract the attention of larger audiences.With regard to the box office performance of Chinese Women’s Cinema,there seems to be a gap in research in finding an association between women’s status and the relevant films’box office performance.The purpose of this research is to outline the underlying reasons for the changes in gender roles and gender representation in the Chinese film industry over the past few decades in order to better understand this expansive social change in the 21st century.This study provides a comprehensive analysis through the use of questionnaires to better understand society’s attitude towards gender representation within the film industry.The questionnaire findings indicate that there is a direct correlation between people’s awareness of women’s changing status and gender equality and their acceptance of materials produced by Chinese Women’s Cinema.At the some time,it highlights that the Chinese government’s support and initiatives for gender equality have had a significant impact on the general popularity of Chinese Women’s Cinema.The significance of this research is to effectively popularize Chinese Women’s Cinema culture and the box office growth by understanding the social attitude towards gender representation in the Chinese film industry and to provide relevant information about the development direction and trend of Chinese Women’s Cinema.Furthermore,this research aims to provide foundational support for gender equality and help to understand the underlying factors that society needs to promote gender equality.展开更多
General situation and distribution of round houses of the Hakka in south Jiangxi were introduced, such architectural styles as enclosed house with a square yard (kouzi wei, in the shape of 口), enclosed house with a y...General situation and distribution of round houses of the Hakka in south Jiangxi were introduced, such architectural styles as enclosed house with a square yard (kouzi wei, in the shape of 口), enclosed house with a yard of three transverse and one longitudinal constructions (guozi wei, in the shape of 国), and enclosed house with a round house in its yard (tao wei) were taken to analyze features of the Hakka's enclosed houses. It was highlighted that the Hakka's enclosed houses in south Jiangxi has diversified architectural styles and outstanding defensive and living functions. Construction art and religious culture shown by the enclosed houses were interpreted, and the branch of Han people with unique dialects, cultures, folk customs and emotional attitudes was proposed as a miniature of the culture in south Jiangxi. Moreover, it was stressed that more attention of the public and more efforts for the protection should be given to the Hakka's cultures in south Jiangxi, carriers of the locals' history over the past thousands of years.展开更多
Rural tourism was a new form of tourism gradually emerging in China in recent years. It satisfied urban residents' pursuit of nature and had a promising market prospect. New rural construction of socialism was an ...Rural tourism was a new form of tourism gradually emerging in China in recent years. It satisfied urban residents' pursuit of nature and had a promising market prospect. New rural construction of socialism was an important historical task in the process of economic and social development of China at present and in future period. New rural construction was the important basis of rural tourism development and meanwhile rural tourism development could promote new rural construction. Shanxi Merchant's Culture of Xi Village in Jinzhong City was a kind of excellent rural tourism resource. Developing rural tourism was one of the effective ways to promote new rural construction of socialism in Xi Village.展开更多
At the turn of the century, the development of aesthetics encounters severe challenges and is trapped in a crisis. To get out of it, it is necessary to dig deeper in the study of aesthetics. The fact that the marginal...At the turn of the century, the development of aesthetics encounters severe challenges and is trapped in a crisis. To get out of it, it is necessary to dig deeper in the study of aesthetics. The fact that the marginal areas' cultural heritage, agricultural culture, industrial culture and post-industrial culture often coexist in a harmonious way in a nation or the same area attracts the attention of aesthetic anthropologists. The paper mainly analyzes the constructive relationship between the culture of marginal areas and aesthetic anthropology, and discusses how to establish a relationship between them with the help of the development model of Yunnan's marginal culture.展开更多
The typical features of internal and external integration of cultures as revealed by the conception of“cultural convergence”provide a new perspective on the study of cultural exchanges and mutual learning.In the con...The typical features of internal and external integration of cultures as revealed by the conception of“cultural convergence”provide a new perspective on the study of cultural exchanges and mutual learning.In the context of“a global community of shared future for humankind”,this paper adopts the novel idea of“cultural convergence”to probe the growth of Pearl S.Buck’s cultural values and the specific contents and representation of Pearl S.Buck’s conception of“cultural convergence”,highlighting the application of Pearl S.Buck’s values to cultural education,growth and success,family education,cultural exchanges,humanistic practices,etc.Feasible suggestions and countermeasures are put forward to better promote the cultural exchanges and mutual learning as well as the convergence of different cultures.展开更多
AIM: To study the effects of aminoguanidine (AG) and two L-arginine analogues N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) on nitric oxide (NO) production induced by cytokines ...AIM: To study the effects of aminoguanidine (AG) and two L-arginine analogues N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) on nitric oxide (NO) production induced by cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, and IFN-gamma) and bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) mixture (CM) in the cultured rat hepatocytes, and examine their mechanisms action. METHODS: Rat hepatocytes were incubated with AG, L-NAME, L-NNA, Actinomycin D (ActD) and dexamethasone in a medium containing CM (LPS plus TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, and IFN-gamma) for 24h. NO production in the cultured supernatant was measured with the Griess reaction. Intracellular cGMP level was detected with radioimmunoassy. RESULTS: NO production was markedly blocked by AG and L-NAME in a dose-dependent manner under inflammatory stimuli condition triggered by CM in vitro. The rate of the maximum inhibitory effects of L-NAME (38.9%) was less potent than that obtained with AG(53.7%, P 【 0.05). There was no significant difference between the inhibitory effects of AG and two L-arginine analogues on intracellular cGMP accumulation in rat cultured hepatocytes. Non-specific NOS expression inhibitor dexamethasone (DEX)and iNOS mRNA transcriptional inhibitor ActD also significantly inhibited CM-induced NO production. AG(0.1 mmol x L(-1)) and ActD (0.2 ng x L(-1)) were equipotent in decreasing NO production induced by inflammatory stimuli in vitro, and both effects were more potent than that induced by non-selectivity NOS activity inhibitor L-NAME (0.1 mmol x L(-1)) under similar stimuli conditions (P【0.01). CONCLUSION: AG is a potent selective inhibitor of inducible isoform of NOS,and the mechanism of action may be not only competitive inhibition in the substrate level, but also the gene expression level in rat hepatocytes.展开更多
Clarifying China’s position in the global system is an important logical basis for developing national diplomacy.Although much research has been done on China’s development status,most studies have been based on cou...Clarifying China’s position in the global system is an important logical basis for developing national diplomacy.Although much research has been done on China’s development status,most studies have been based on country comparisons or institutional en-vironment.In today’s networked era in which the global economy,trade,personnel,and information are closely connected,studies on China’s global position and its status changes and influencing factors in multiple contact networks are still insufficient.In this study,from the perspective of diverse global contact networks,we constructed economic,cultural,and political influence indices to explore the changes and influencing factors on China’s status in the global system from 2005 to 2018.The results show that during the study period,China’s global influence in the fields of economic ties,cultural exchanges,and political contacts increased significantly,but its influ-ence in the fields of cultural exchanges and political contacts lagged far economic ties.The pattern of China’s economic influence on various economies around the world has shown a transformation from an‘upright pyramid’to an‘inverted pyramid’structure.The proportion of these economies in low-influence zones has decreased from more than 60%in 2005 to less than 20%in 2018.China’s cultural and political influence on various economies around the world has increased significantly;however,for the former,the percentage of high-influence areas is still less than 20%,whereas for the latter the percentage of these economies in medium-and high-influence areas is still less than 50%.Analyses such as a scatter plot matrix show that geographical proximity,economic globalization,close cooperation with developing countries,and a proactive and peaceful foreign policy are important factors in improving China’s status in the diverse global network system.展开更多
In respect of all forms of enterprises, whether it is a private or public institution, labor cohesion and productivity is one of the most emphasized issues. Culture, on the other hand, can be characterized as one of t...In respect of all forms of enterprises, whether it is a private or public institution, labor cohesion and productivity is one of the most emphasized issues. Culture, on the other hand, can be characterized as one of the inextricable and hardly ever alterable features of human kind. Whether the profession cohesion and accordingly productivity of those employed within a culture discrepant from their culture of origin both due to the effect of globalization and domestic conditions are culturally affected is a question of importance, which must be answered with regard to state, institution, and employee. The occupational obligation to work in various regions, encountered in public employees at a national scale, particularly in the fields of education and health, and identified with legislative regulations, has become a reason of preference due to economic justifications for private sector employees. Hofstede (1990), who divides culture, in general, into two, national and organizational, has presented five parameters for the elucidation of cultures. These are "power distance", "individualism vs. collectivism", "masculinity vs. femininity", "uncertainty avoidance", and "long and short term orientation". By means of power distance, the conception by an organization or social structure of power distribution of its members is queried. In other words, the difficulty or simplicity in people establishing communication with more influential individuals of the society is evaluated. Individualism vs. collectivism is with regard to whether individuals consider themselves as a distinct individual or a member of a group. Masculinity vs. femininity is the parameter, explanatory of the mentality, rather than a form of gender discrimination. Masculine cultures attach more importance to competition, force, and achievement whereas feminine societies place emphasis on emotions and life quality. Uncertainty avoidance is associated with the attitude of societies towards uncertainties. While some may not pay attention to uncertainties, for others, situations without clear boundaries may be registered as a threat. Long and short term orientation is related to long or short term planned by' people and accordingly bearing expectations and in other respects, displays the past, present, and future oriented thinking tendency. Within the scope of this study, it is aimed to identify the positive or negative impact of the culture of origin of university staff, to be designated in Istanbul/Turkey, on the organizational culture. By means of the results of the aforementioned study, the comparison of cohesion is in terms of ability to communicate and accordingly productivity, within the frame of Hofstede's cultural dimensions, between those employed within their culture (of origin) and those employed in different cultures. In pursuant of the results obtained from this study, an opinion can be formed for the regulations to be issued on the matter on national scale. At institutional scale, contributions can be made in the assessment of employee productivity from the aforesaid perspective and in terms of the employee, awareness can be raised on the impact of working within the body of different cultures.展开更多
Some factors that have contributed to the need for organizational leaders to adapt, and adjust to other national cultures are the globalization of the workforce, the expansion of international companies, and exposure ...Some factors that have contributed to the need for organizational leaders to adapt, and adjust to other national cultures are the globalization of the workforce, the expansion of international companies, and exposure of many national organizations to increased business competition. The increased competition has forced organizational leaders to engage in the understanding of the cultural limitations of organizations and their leadership practices. In addition, cross-cultural leadership researchers in 21st century are cognizant of the fact that culture is a condition, and a boundary to previous leadership theories and practices. Using Gerte Hofstede's cultural dimension model, culture and organizational leadership as they relate to the leadership practices of participants, and National and Family Cultures are examined in this revised paper.展开更多
基金supported by Program of curriculum ideological and political education teaching reform,Zhoukou Normal University-Research on the Path of Ideological and Political Construction of College English Course in local universities from the perspective of cultural confidence(Fund No.SZJG-2022004)Program of Educational Curriculum Reform Henan Province-The exploration of the cultivation of the mentors in normal universities under the background of teacher professional certification(Fund No.2022-JSJYZD-028)+1 种基金the research and practice program of teaching and learning in Zhoukou Normal University(Fund No.JF2021016)achievements of the training program for young and middle-aged key teachers at Zhoukou Normal University in 2021.
文摘Integrating Chinese culture into college English can not only enhance students’humanities literacy and cultivate their cultural confidence,but also facilitate the inheritance and international dissemination of Chinese culture.Taking Tyler’s curriculum framework as the starting point,this paper analyzes some factors that affect the integration of Chinese culture into the college English teaching and proposes some strategies for the integration of Chinese culture into college English teaching by innovating teaching objectives,enriching teaching contents,transforming modes of course delivery,and reconstructing the assessment system.
文摘The aim of this study was to investigate the adjustment problems of students from the United States enrolled in universities in the East,specifically in Taiwan,their problems related to cultural adaptation,and the process of adjustment to student life in Taiwan.Under investigation were cultural adjustment and coping skills as these students transitioned from West to East.Qualitative data were collected from interviews with participants and faculty members as well as participant observations.Results indicated that U.S.students found their own ways to acclimate to their new academic setting as well as to social relations,cross-cultural issues,and the linguistic environment in Taiwan to achieve effective adaptation.They made changes in themselves to cope with all situations they encountered.This study provides suggestions for international students abroad in Taiwan,for the Taiwan Residents government,and for universities or colleges in terms of what they should offer to current and future international students.
基金The article is part of the achievements of“A Study of the English Translation of‘The Analects of Confucius’and the Dissemination of Confucian Culture(《论语》的英译与儒家文化对外传播研究),a USST project in 2022.”Its serial number is XJ2022231.
文摘As one of the carriers of Confucian culture,and from ancient times to the present,Lunyu or The Analects or The Analects of Confucius,has been well received by readers at home and abroad,and there are more and more English translations of Lunyu.This article will select some of the vocabulary translations with ancient Chinese characteristics in Lunyu as the object,employ the method of a comparative analysis to explore the cultural connotation behind the text and the dissemination of the translation,and discuss the translator’s translation strategies.Judging from the research on The Analects by scholars from home and abroad and the opening and development of overseas Confucius Institutes,Lunyu has exerted an enlightenment effect in different times.
文摘This paper introduced the origination of seclusion culture, analyzed historical background, causes, and aesthetic performances of hermit culture, took living style and life attitude of Tao Yuanming for example to summarize the location characteristics of villas under the impact of hermit culture in the Wei and Jin Dynasty. On this basis, site selection of Tianquan Julong International Eco-villa in Longquanyi District, Chengdu City was analyzed, and profound influence of hermit culture on the location aesthetics of modern villa explored.
文摘A cross-cultural analysis of an extract of the book Lost in Translation is provided in the essay. Definitions of culture and subculture are discussed and different theories from Hofstede and Schwartz are referred to in order to validate the analysis.
基金Oakland University and Oakland University-William Beaumont Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine(OU-WB ISCRM)
文摘AIM: To devise a simplified and efficient method for long-term culture and maintenance of embryonic stem cells requiring less frequent passaging. METHODS: Mouse embryonic stem cells(ESCs) labeled with enhanced yellow fluorescent protein were cultured in three-dimensional(3-D) self-assembling scaffolds and compared with traditional two-dimentional(2-D) culture techniques requiring mouse embryonic fibroblast feeder layers or leukemia inhibitory factor. 3-D scaffolds encapsulating ESCs were prepared by mixing ESCs with polyethylene glycol tetra-acrylate(PEG-4-Acr) and thiolfunctionalized dextran(Dex-SH). Distribution of ESCs in 3-D was monitored by confocal microscopy. Viability and proliferation of encapsulated cells during long-term culture were determined by propidium iodide as well as direct cell counts and PrestoB lue(PB) assays. Genetic expression of pluripotency markers(Oct4, Nanog, Klf4, and Sox2) in ESCs grown under 2-D and 3-D cultureconditions was examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Protein expression of selected stemness markers was determined by two different methods, immunofluorescence staining(Oct4 and Nanog) and western blot analysis(Oct4, Nanog, and Klf4). Pluripotency of 3-D scaffold grown ESCs was analyzed by in vivo teratoma assay and in vitro differentiation via embryoid bodies into cells of all three germ layers. RESULTS: Self-assembling scaffolds encapsulating ESCs for 3-D culture without the loss of cell viability were prepared by mixing PEG-4-Acr and Dex-SH(1:1 v/v) to a final concentration of 5%(w/v). Scaffold integrity was dependent on the degree of thiol substitution of Dex-SH and cell concentration. Scaffolds prepared using Dex-SH with 7.5% and 33% thiol substitution and incubated in culture medium maintained their integrity for 11 and 13 d without cells and 22 ± 5 d and 37 ± 5 d with cells, respectively. ESCs formed compact colonies, which progressively increased in size over time due to cell proliferation as determined by confocal microscopy and PB staining. 3-D scaffold cultured ESCs expressed significantly higher levels(P < 0.01) of Oct4, Nanog, and Kl4, showing a 2.8, 3.0 and 1.8 fold increase, respectively, in comparison to 2-D grown cells. A similar increase in the protein expression levels of Oct4, Nanog, and Klf4 was observed in 3-D grown ESCs. However, when 3-D cultured ESCs were subsequently passaged in 2-D culture conditions, the level of these pluripotent markers was reduced to normal levels. 3-D grown ESCs produced teratomas and yielded cells of all three germ layers, expressing brachyury(mesoderm), NCAM(ectoderm), and GATA4(endoderm) markers. Furthermore, these cells differentiated into osteogenic, chondrogenic, myogenic, and neural lineages expressing Col1, Col2, Myog, and Nestin, respectively. CONCLUSION: This novel 3-D culture system demonstrated long-term maintenance of mouse ESCs without the routine passaging and manipulation necessary for traditional 2-D cell propagation.
文摘Summary: In order to study the cellular origin of muscularization in non muscular arterioles of the lung, the pulmonary vascular pericytes culture was established. The terminal lung tissue of the rat was taken out and minced. Then 0.5 % of type Ⅳ collagenase solution was added for digestion and the microvascular segments were obtained by screening. The targeted cells were cultured by “selective conditioned media”. Under phase contrast microscope, the cultured cells were large in size with ragged margin and numerous pseudopodia, which imparted tubule like structure. There was no contact inhibition in growing cells, so multiple layers developed. When they were confluent, there were morphologically no “hillock and dale” growth pattern as in smooth muscle cells or “weave like” pattern as in fibroblasts. The ultrastructure of cultured cells showed numerous digital processes, moderate amount of rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum, rich Golgi's apparatus, microfilaments, few lysosomes without myofilaments and dense bodies. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that the cultured pericytes had same kind of cellular skeletal protein, α SM actin, like smooth muscle cells. The cultured cells also exhibited positive reaction to CD 34 antigen and S 100 antigen, which were negative in smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts. The cell growth pattern, ultrastructure and immunological phenotype suggested that the cultured cells had characteristics of vascular pericytes. Pericytes are one of the components of microvascular cells, and the establishment of in vitro culture technique of pericytes is of significance for further exploration of the muscularization of non muscular arterioles in lung and the mechanism of structural remodeling of pulmonary vessels.
文摘Objectives:This study aims to ascertain if cultural factors influence the childbirth place choice of women in Oyigbo.Materials and Methods:The study used a cross‑sectional study design using a self‑structured questionnaire as the instrument to collect data from 384 volunteers through simple random sampling,and these data were analyzed using frequency and percentage for descriptive statistics while Chi‑square was used for inferential statistics at 0.05 level of significance.Results:The influence of cultural factors such as family traditions(χ^(2)=12.56,P=0.006),beliefs(χ^(2)=70.66,P=0.000),lack of confidence in health facilities(χ^(2)=367.83,P=0.000),and the presence of male skilled birth attendants(χ^(2)=50.85,P=0.000)were statistically significant to the choice of childbirth place,while patriarchal system(χ^(2)=2.99,P=0.393)was not statistically significant to the choices of childbirth places of women in Oyigbo.Religion had a statistically significant influence on childbirth place(χ^(2)=125.46,P=0.000).Conclusion:This study shows that religious and cultural factors have a significant influence on the childbirth place choices of women in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State.
文摘The Woman Warrior" is an influential book in the 20th century making a thunder of voice in the world to accuse the stereotype of patriarchy and racism, which also shows the Chinese Americans’ difficulty of being edged to the cultural cliff. This article analyses the content and the style of the novel to see inside what the writer wants to express and to figure out the real reason of the inequality between sexes and reveal the truth of the western culture dominance. Feminism, Patriarchy and culture are the main factors considered in the article.
文摘Over recent years,our society has plunged into the phenomenon of“neijuan”(in English“involution”,a kind of meaningless competition).And it even becomes a social dilemma that many people are forced to make more efforts to compete for limited social resources.This phenomenon has,of course,attracted the attention of many researchers.There are many researches about“neijuan”varying from its popularity reasons and its trend to its application,but there is very little research about the cultural differences between China and the West behind this phenomenon.Therefore,based on Hofstede’s cultural dimensions theory,this paper analyses the different manifestations of“neijuan”in China and the West and explores the cultural differences between the two.
文摘With the gradual improvement of Chinese women’s status in the 21st century,gender studies and gender relations have become one of the hottest topics in Chinese society,which consequently prompted Chinese Women’s Cinema to attract the attention of larger audiences.With regard to the box office performance of Chinese Women’s Cinema,there seems to be a gap in research in finding an association between women’s status and the relevant films’box office performance.The purpose of this research is to outline the underlying reasons for the changes in gender roles and gender representation in the Chinese film industry over the past few decades in order to better understand this expansive social change in the 21st century.This study provides a comprehensive analysis through the use of questionnaires to better understand society’s attitude towards gender representation within the film industry.The questionnaire findings indicate that there is a direct correlation between people’s awareness of women’s changing status and gender equality and their acceptance of materials produced by Chinese Women’s Cinema.At the some time,it highlights that the Chinese government’s support and initiatives for gender equality have had a significant impact on the general popularity of Chinese Women’s Cinema.The significance of this research is to effectively popularize Chinese Women’s Cinema culture and the box office growth by understanding the social attitude towards gender representation in the Chinese film industry and to provide relevant information about the development direction and trend of Chinese Women’s Cinema.Furthermore,this research aims to provide foundational support for gender equality and help to understand the underlying factors that society needs to promote gender equality.
文摘General situation and distribution of round houses of the Hakka in south Jiangxi were introduced, such architectural styles as enclosed house with a square yard (kouzi wei, in the shape of 口), enclosed house with a yard of three transverse and one longitudinal constructions (guozi wei, in the shape of 国), and enclosed house with a round house in its yard (tao wei) were taken to analyze features of the Hakka's enclosed houses. It was highlighted that the Hakka's enclosed houses in south Jiangxi has diversified architectural styles and outstanding defensive and living functions. Construction art and religious culture shown by the enclosed houses were interpreted, and the branch of Han people with unique dialects, cultures, folk customs and emotional attitudes was proposed as a miniature of the culture in south Jiangxi. Moreover, it was stressed that more attention of the public and more efforts for the protection should be given to the Hakka's cultures in south Jiangxi, carriers of the locals' history over the past thousands of years.
文摘Rural tourism was a new form of tourism gradually emerging in China in recent years. It satisfied urban residents' pursuit of nature and had a promising market prospect. New rural construction of socialism was an important historical task in the process of economic and social development of China at present and in future period. New rural construction was the important basis of rural tourism development and meanwhile rural tourism development could promote new rural construction. Shanxi Merchant's Culture of Xi Village in Jinzhong City was a kind of excellent rural tourism resource. Developing rural tourism was one of the effective ways to promote new rural construction of socialism in Xi Village.
基金Acknowledgements: This paper was sponsored by China National Social Science Foundation "Research on the Fundamental Problems of the Contemporary Aesthetics and Criticism Patterns" (15ZDB023).
文摘At the turn of the century, the development of aesthetics encounters severe challenges and is trapped in a crisis. To get out of it, it is necessary to dig deeper in the study of aesthetics. The fact that the marginal areas' cultural heritage, agricultural culture, industrial culture and post-industrial culture often coexist in a harmonious way in a nation or the same area attracts the attention of aesthetic anthropologists. The paper mainly analyzes the constructive relationship between the culture of marginal areas and aesthetic anthropology, and discusses how to establish a relationship between them with the help of the development model of Yunnan's marginal culture.
基金Supported by Inspiration of Pearl S.Buck’s Life Span to the Growth of College Students From the Perspective of“Cultural Convergence”,sponsored by Zhenjiang Federation of Social Sciences Circles(2022SY06)A Practical Study of Pearl S.Buck’s Cultural Values From the Perspective of“Cultural Convergence”,sponsored by the Innovation Training Program for College Students of Jiangsu University(2022102991098X).
文摘The typical features of internal and external integration of cultures as revealed by the conception of“cultural convergence”provide a new perspective on the study of cultural exchanges and mutual learning.In the context of“a global community of shared future for humankind”,this paper adopts the novel idea of“cultural convergence”to probe the growth of Pearl S.Buck’s cultural values and the specific contents and representation of Pearl S.Buck’s conception of“cultural convergence”,highlighting the application of Pearl S.Buck’s values to cultural education,growth and success,family education,cultural exchanges,humanistic practices,etc.Feasible suggestions and countermeasures are put forward to better promote the cultural exchanges and mutual learning as well as the convergence of different cultures.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.39770861.and JANSSEN Science Research Foundation.
文摘AIM: To study the effects of aminoguanidine (AG) and two L-arginine analogues N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) on nitric oxide (NO) production induced by cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, and IFN-gamma) and bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) mixture (CM) in the cultured rat hepatocytes, and examine their mechanisms action. METHODS: Rat hepatocytes were incubated with AG, L-NAME, L-NNA, Actinomycin D (ActD) and dexamethasone in a medium containing CM (LPS plus TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, and IFN-gamma) for 24h. NO production in the cultured supernatant was measured with the Griess reaction. Intracellular cGMP level was detected with radioimmunoassy. RESULTS: NO production was markedly blocked by AG and L-NAME in a dose-dependent manner under inflammatory stimuli condition triggered by CM in vitro. The rate of the maximum inhibitory effects of L-NAME (38.9%) was less potent than that obtained with AG(53.7%, P 【 0.05). There was no significant difference between the inhibitory effects of AG and two L-arginine analogues on intracellular cGMP accumulation in rat cultured hepatocytes. Non-specific NOS expression inhibitor dexamethasone (DEX)and iNOS mRNA transcriptional inhibitor ActD also significantly inhibited CM-induced NO production. AG(0.1 mmol x L(-1)) and ActD (0.2 ng x L(-1)) were equipotent in decreasing NO production induced by inflammatory stimuli in vitro, and both effects were more potent than that induced by non-selectivity NOS activity inhibitor L-NAME (0.1 mmol x L(-1)) under similar stimuli conditions (P【0.01). CONCLUSION: AG is a potent selective inhibitor of inducible isoform of NOS,and the mechanism of action may be not only competitive inhibition in the substrate level, but also the gene expression level in rat hepatocytes.
基金Under the auspices of National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.42201181,42171181)Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(No.2412022QD002)The Medium and Long-term Major Training Foundation of Philosophy and Social Sciences of Northeast Normal University(No.22FR006)。
文摘Clarifying China’s position in the global system is an important logical basis for developing national diplomacy.Although much research has been done on China’s development status,most studies have been based on country comparisons or institutional en-vironment.In today’s networked era in which the global economy,trade,personnel,and information are closely connected,studies on China’s global position and its status changes and influencing factors in multiple contact networks are still insufficient.In this study,from the perspective of diverse global contact networks,we constructed economic,cultural,and political influence indices to explore the changes and influencing factors on China’s status in the global system from 2005 to 2018.The results show that during the study period,China’s global influence in the fields of economic ties,cultural exchanges,and political contacts increased significantly,but its influ-ence in the fields of cultural exchanges and political contacts lagged far economic ties.The pattern of China’s economic influence on various economies around the world has shown a transformation from an‘upright pyramid’to an‘inverted pyramid’structure.The proportion of these economies in low-influence zones has decreased from more than 60%in 2005 to less than 20%in 2018.China’s cultural and political influence on various economies around the world has increased significantly;however,for the former,the percentage of high-influence areas is still less than 20%,whereas for the latter the percentage of these economies in medium-and high-influence areas is still less than 50%.Analyses such as a scatter plot matrix show that geographical proximity,economic globalization,close cooperation with developing countries,and a proactive and peaceful foreign policy are important factors in improving China’s status in the diverse global network system.
文摘In respect of all forms of enterprises, whether it is a private or public institution, labor cohesion and productivity is one of the most emphasized issues. Culture, on the other hand, can be characterized as one of the inextricable and hardly ever alterable features of human kind. Whether the profession cohesion and accordingly productivity of those employed within a culture discrepant from their culture of origin both due to the effect of globalization and domestic conditions are culturally affected is a question of importance, which must be answered with regard to state, institution, and employee. The occupational obligation to work in various regions, encountered in public employees at a national scale, particularly in the fields of education and health, and identified with legislative regulations, has become a reason of preference due to economic justifications for private sector employees. Hofstede (1990), who divides culture, in general, into two, national and organizational, has presented five parameters for the elucidation of cultures. These are "power distance", "individualism vs. collectivism", "masculinity vs. femininity", "uncertainty avoidance", and "long and short term orientation". By means of power distance, the conception by an organization or social structure of power distribution of its members is queried. In other words, the difficulty or simplicity in people establishing communication with more influential individuals of the society is evaluated. Individualism vs. collectivism is with regard to whether individuals consider themselves as a distinct individual or a member of a group. Masculinity vs. femininity is the parameter, explanatory of the mentality, rather than a form of gender discrimination. Masculine cultures attach more importance to competition, force, and achievement whereas feminine societies place emphasis on emotions and life quality. Uncertainty avoidance is associated with the attitude of societies towards uncertainties. While some may not pay attention to uncertainties, for others, situations without clear boundaries may be registered as a threat. Long and short term orientation is related to long or short term planned by' people and accordingly bearing expectations and in other respects, displays the past, present, and future oriented thinking tendency. Within the scope of this study, it is aimed to identify the positive or negative impact of the culture of origin of university staff, to be designated in Istanbul/Turkey, on the organizational culture. By means of the results of the aforementioned study, the comparison of cohesion is in terms of ability to communicate and accordingly productivity, within the frame of Hofstede's cultural dimensions, between those employed within their culture (of origin) and those employed in different cultures. In pursuant of the results obtained from this study, an opinion can be formed for the regulations to be issued on the matter on national scale. At institutional scale, contributions can be made in the assessment of employee productivity from the aforesaid perspective and in terms of the employee, awareness can be raised on the impact of working within the body of different cultures.
文摘Some factors that have contributed to the need for organizational leaders to adapt, and adjust to other national cultures are the globalization of the workforce, the expansion of international companies, and exposure of many national organizations to increased business competition. The increased competition has forced organizational leaders to engage in the understanding of the cultural limitations of organizations and their leadership practices. In addition, cross-cultural leadership researchers in 21st century are cognizant of the fact that culture is a condition, and a boundary to previous leadership theories and practices. Using Gerte Hofstede's cultural dimension model, culture and organizational leadership as they relate to the leadership practices of participants, and National and Family Cultures are examined in this revised paper.