Writing the Silenced Female Body, Scrutinizing the Grand Narrative of Colonization and Decolonization: The Body in Zoë Wicomb’s David’s Story

David’s Story by Zoë Wicomb addresses the complexities of representing female suffering and the limitations of traditional historical narratives in capturing the experiences of marginalized bodies.It challenges the grand narratives of national history by emphasizing the indispensable role of women’s experiences.Through characters like Dulcie and Rachael,Wicomb portrays the female body as a site of resistance and resilience,highlighting the need for more nuanced and inclusive ways of documenting history.Underscoring the inexpressibility of trauma and the limitations of language and representation,the novel self-reflexively acknowledges its own aporia of completing the narrative,embodying the ongoing struggle to capture the full breadth of human experience.

Oxidized palm oil impairs reproductive functions and architectures in female rats

Objective:To evaluate the effects of three oxidized palm oil diets(OPD)on female rat reproductive function.Methods:Forty-four female Wistar rats presenting five consecutive and regular estrous cycles were divided into 4 groups.The rats were fed with:a standard diet,70%of standard diet+30%oxidized palm oil diet(OPD1),OPD1+5 g of boiled yolk egg(OPD2)and OPD1+10%sucrose(OPD3)for 125 days,respectively.During the feeding period,morphometric,estrous cycle,sexual behavior,gestation,biochemical and histomorphometric parameters were evaluated.Results:All OPDs significantly increased abdominal circumference,body mass index and Lee index coupled to an irregularity and lengthening of the estrous cycle.They significantly decreased appetite and consumption behaviours,quantic pregnancy index,fertility rate,implantation sites and index,serum progesterone and high-density lipoprotein levels,increased pre-implantation losses,anti-implantation activities,serum estradiol,triglycerides,total and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels,and impaired brain and ovaries oxidative status.Histomorphometric examinations revealed increases in the number of atresic and primary follicles and decreases in secondary,tertiary,Degraaf,total and corpus luteum follicles in ovaries coupled to a neurodegeneration of hypothalamic anteroventral periventricular neurons in the OPD groups compared to the standard diet group.Conclusions:The three OPDs induce obesity and impair the female reproductive function,especially OPD2 and OPD3.These findings contribute to a better understanding of the adverse effects of palm oil bleaching on the reproductive function in female rats,which could be useful in the management of women with obesity-related sexual dysfunction.

Deep brain implantable microelectrode arrays for detection and functional localization of the subthalamic nucleus in rats with Parkinson’s disease

The subthalamic nucleus(STN)is considered the best target for deep brain stimulation treatments of Parkinson’s disease(PD).It is difficult to localize the STN due to its small size and deep location.Multichannel microelectrode arrays(MEAs)can rapidly and precisely locate the STN,which is important for precise stimulation.In this paper,16-channel MEAs modified with multiwalled carbon nanotube/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate)(MWCNT/PEDOT:PSS)nanocomposites were designed and fabricated,and the accurate and rapid identification of the STN in PD rats was performed using detection sites distributed at different brain depths.These results showed that nuclei in 6-hydroxydopamine hydrobromide(6-OHDA)-lesioned brains discharged more intensely than those in unlesioned brains.In addition,the MEA simultaneously acquired neural signals from both the STN and the upper or lower boundary nuclei of the STN.Moreover,higher values of spike firing rate,spike amplitude,local field potential(LFP)power,and beta oscillations were detected in the STN of the 6-OHDA-lesioned brain,and may therefore be biomarkers of STN localization.Compared with the STNs of unlesioned brains,the power spectral density of spikes and LFPs synchronously decreased in the delta band and increased in the beta band of 6-OHDA-lesioned brains.This may be a cause of sleep and motor disorders associated with PD.Overall,this work describes a new cellular-level localization and detection method and provides a tool for future studies of deep brain nuclei.

On the Weyl’s Lemma for Triharmonic Functions

In this paper,by choosing some appropriate test functions,we prove the Weyl’s lemma for triharmonic functions based on the new type of mean value formulas.

Evaluation of Generalized Error Function via Fast-Converging Power Series

A generalized form of the error function, Gp(x)=pΓ(1/p)∫0xe−tpdt, which is directly associated with the gamma function, is evaluated for arbitrary real values of p>1and 0x≤+∞by employing a fast-converging power series expansion developed in resolving the so-called Grandi’s paradox. Comparisons with accurate tabulated values for well-known cases such as the error function are presented using the expansions truncated at various orders.

A hybrid method integrating Green's function Monte Carlo and projected entangled pair states

This paper introduces a hybrid approach combining Green’s function Monte Carlo(GFMC)method with projected entangled pair state(PEPS)ansatz.This hybrid method regards PEPS as a trial state and a guiding wave function in GFMC.By leveraging PEPS’s proficiency in capturing quantum state entanglement and GFMC’s efficient parallel architecture,the hybrid method is well-suited for the accurate and efficient treatment of frustrated quantum spin systems.As a benchmark,we applied this approach to study the frustrated J_(1)–J_(2) Heisenberg model on a square lattice with periodic boundary conditions(PBCs).Compared with other numerical methods,our approach integrating PEPS and GFMC shows competitive accuracy in the performance of ground-state energy.This paper provides systematic and comprehensive discussion of the approach of our previous work[Phys.Rev.B 109235133(2024)].

Implementation of the Integrated Green’s Function Method for 3D Poisson’s Equation in a Large Aspect Ratio Computational Domain

The solution of Poisson’s Equation plays an important role in many areas, including modeling high-intensity and high-brightness beams in particle accelerators. For the computational domain with a large aspect ratio, the integrated Green’s function method has been adopted to solve the 3D Poisson equation subject to open boundary conditions. In this paper, we report on the efficient implementation of this method, which can save more than a factor of 50 computing time compared with the direct brute force implementation and its improvement under certain extreme conditions.

Existence of Monotone Positive Solution for a Fourth-Order Three-Point BVP with Sign-Changing Green’s Function

This paper is concerned with the following fourth-order three-point boundary value problem , where , we discuss the existence of positive solutions to the above problem by applying to the fixed point theory in cones and iterative technique.

A Set of Almost Automorphic Functions and Applications

For a set S of real numbers, we introduce the concept of S-almost automorphic functions valued in a Banach space. It generalizes in particular the space of Z-almost automorphic functions. Considering the space of S-almost automorphic functions, we give sufficient conditions of the existence and uniqueness of almost automorphic solutions of a differential equation with a piecewise constant argument of generalized type. This is done using the Banach fixed point theorem.

Monte Carlo calculation of the exposure of Chinese female astronauts to earth’s trapped radiation on board the Chinese Space Station

With the development of China’s crewed space mission,the space radiation risk for astronauts is increasingly prominent.This paper describes a simulation of the radiation doses experienced by a Chinese female voxel phantom on board the Chinese Space Station(CSS)performed using the Monte Carlo N-Particle(MCNP)software.The absorbed dose,equivalent dose,and effective dose experienced by the voxel phantom and its critical organs are discussed for different levels of shielding of the Tianhe core module.The risk of space-radiation exposure is then assessed by comparing these doses with the current risk limits in China(the skin dose limit for short-term low-earth-orbit missions)and the NASA figures(National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements Report No.98)for female astronauts.The results obtained can be used to guide and optimize the radiation protection provided for manned space missions.

Study on Female Sexual Dysfunction in Type 2 Diabetic Chinese Women

Objective To investigate the female sexual dysfunction(FSD)in type 2 diabetes patients,by comparing the sexual function between type 2 diabetic women and non-diabetic women with Female Sexual Function Index(FSFI).Methods 215 type 2 diabetic women and 107 age-matched non-diabetes women were enrolled with similar backgrounds.Their sexual functions were evaluated with FSFI.Metabolic parameters such as body mass index,blood lipid profile,hemoglobin AlC,plasma glucose were also collected.Results Total score of FSFI of the type 2 diabetic women were significantly lower than that of the non-diabetic controls(18.27±8.96 vs.23.02±5.78,P=0.000).Scores of the FSFI domains(desire,arousal,lubrication,orgasm,satisfaction,pain)of the type 2 diabetic group were also lower than those of the control group.According to the FSD criterion(FSFI〈25)available in China,the percentage of FSD in the type 2 diabetic group was significantly higher than that of the control group(79.2%vs.55.0%,P〈0.001).These trends seemed more prominent in pre-menopause subgroups.The logistic regression analysis indicated that age and diabetes were independent risk factors of FSD.Body Mass Index(BMI)also had influence in the diabetes group.Conclusion Findings from this study showed that there are more FDS in Chinese type 2 diabetic women than in their non-diabetic counterparts,especially in pre-menopause participants.

Evaluation of the Effects of Cypermethrin on Female Reproductive Function by Using Rabbit Model and of the Protective Role of Chinese Propolis

The prophylactic effects of Chinese propolis against cypermethrin toxicity were evaluated by performing ovary and uterus histopathology, as well as by characterizing ovarian function, embryos, and litters. Cypermethrin induced atypia in the ovary and uterus, and decreased the ovulation sites and the number of embryos. Cypermethrin-induced oxidative stress during pregnancy, decreased the parturition rate as well as the number and weight of offspring and increased the incidence of morphological malformations in the offspring. Administration of propolis to cypermethrin-treated animals mitigated cypermethrin-induced reproductive toxicity.

Female Sexual Dysfunction among Chinese Primiparous Women

Objective: To compare sexual function between primiparous women who underwent cesarean section (CS) and those who delivered vaginally. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2011 to April 2012 in Beijing, China. The target population included women aged 18 - 45 years who had given birth only once at least 6 months prior. The questionnaire was self-administered including female sexual function measured using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Data were analyzed using R software with the significance level of 0.05. Results: A total of 1456 participants were included and 102 women (7.0%) declined. The median age of the participants was 35 years. The median time interval after childbirth was 6 years. The median FSFI score was 26.9 and prevalence of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) was 34.2%. Both the FSFI scores and the proportions of individuals with sexual disorders were similar between women undergoing CS and those having vaginal delivery for both individual domains and the full scale. Conclusion: There were insignificant differences in female sexual function scores and FSD prevalence between women undergoing CS versus vaginal delivery.

Female Sexual Dysfunction and Timed Intercourse: A Prospective Study of 105 Infertile Women

Introduction: Timed intercourse (TI) based on ovulation monitoring is an effective and common choice for treatment of infertility. However, TI related female sexual dysfunction remains to be elucidated. Method and Material: This was a prospective study and 105 infertile women were included using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) to assess their sexual function in general sexual life (GSL) and TI cycle. Results: The mean age of the patients was 29.4 ± 3.4 years and the duration of infertility was 1.8 ± 0.5 years. The mean score of FSFI was 25.2 in GSL cycle and 24.5 in TI cycle (p = 0.008). Scores of 5 out of 6 domains of FSFI during GSL cycle were significantly higher than the counterparts during TI cycle. Female sexual function was related to stress, which mostly came from patients themselves and parents. The stronger the stress was, the more domains of FSFI were affected. Conclusion: Infertility is an important factor affecting female sexual function, especially TI condition reduced FSFI score in several domains, and this may be related to infertile stress.

Females with schizophrenia have abnormal functional cortical connectivity in the gamma frequency during an auditory oddball task using magnetoencephalography

We studied differences in imaginary coherence (IC) of the gamma band between brain regions of female schizophrenia patients during the auditory oddball task using magnetoencephalography (MEG). Subjects were 12 right-handed female schizophrenia patients, who were evaluated by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scales (PANSS). Functional connectivity during an auditory oddball task was reconstructed in low gamma (30 - 50 Hz) and high gamma (50 - 100 Hz and 100 - 150 Hz) bands, and represented by IC using seeds determined by the significant oscillatory power changes obtained by event-related synchronization (ERS) and event-related desynchronization (ERD) power measurements. Gamma ERS (30 - 50 Hz) power was decreased in the left precuneus at 500 - 750 ms and in the right precuneus at 750 - 1000 ms. IC in the gamma band (50 - 100 Hz) was decreased between the right precuneus (seed) and right paracentral lobule (target) and between the right precuneus and right hypothalamus at 0 - 250 ms. IC in the gamma band (100 - 150 Hz) was increased between the left precuneus and right cuneus (Brodmann area 7) at 250 - 500 ms, between the left precuneus and right culmen at 500 - 750 ms, and between the left precuneus and right cuneus (Brodmann area 17), between the left precuneus and right posterior cingulate cortex, and between the left precuneus and right caudate nucleus at 750 - 1000 ms. In the high gamma band (50 - 100 Hz) at 0 - 250 ms, significant positive correlations were shown between IC and conceptual disorganization in PANSS scores, between IC and unusual thought content score, and between IC and positive scale score. IC within the high gamma band in female schizophrenia patients showed two types of functional disconnection, intrahemispheric and interhemispheric. IC between the right or left precuneus and other specific cortical areas showed dysfunction, suggesting that the parietal lobe plays an important role in dysfunction in connectivity in the gamma band during the oddball task.

Relationship between Female Sexual Function and Depression or Anxiety in Japan

Background: Sexual dysfunction is sexual complaints or disorders. There are various causes, but the onset leads to deterioration of relationships and quality of life with partners. There is still a deep-rooted awareness that sexuality is a secret in Japan. Aim: This study aims to clarify the relationship between female sexual function and depression or anxiety. Method: Four hundred and fifty-eight Japanese healthy women who worked in four randomly selected medical institutions in Okinawa Prefecture in Japan from March to May 2012 were asked to agree to a consent form of their own free will and participate in self-reported questionnaires. For their evaluation, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI;Rosen et al. 2000, which includes the six domains of desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, pain, and satisfaction) and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6;Kessler, 2002, which includes the following six items: felt nervous, hopeless, restless or fidgety, worthless, depressed, and felt that everything was an effort) was used. Moreover, participants’ characteristics showed age, marriage, menopause, annual income, and drinking. In addition, JMP16.2 and R 4.2.0 was used to perform Pearson’s chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test, Steel-Dwass test, Spearman’s Rank-Order Correlation, and Cronbach’s alpha. This study was approved by the university and the medical institutional review board (IRB). Results: 178 women were included in the final analysis, and the median (IQR, interquartile range) was 39 (32 - 48) years old, and the mean ± SD (standard deviation) was 40.2 ± 10.4 years old. The median (IQR) and mean ± SD of FSFI Total Score were 22.0 (9.3 - 26.6) and 19.2 ± 9.6. The median (IQR) and the mean ± SD of K6 Total Score were 3 (0 - 7) and 4.2 ± 4.5. 16% of all women with a K6 Total Score of 10 and more, and 5% of all women with a K6 Total Score of 13 and more considered a serious mental illness. There was no clear association between female sexual function and depression or anxiety in all health worker participants between FSFI Total Score and K6 Total Score by Spearman’s Rank-Order Correlation Coefficient (ρ). However, there was a moderate correlation between the K6 Total Score and the FSFI Total Score in health worker participants with a K6 Total Score of 11 or more (n =19, ρ = ?0.62, P = 0.005). Moreover, there was a weak correlation between them in both married and drinking women or married and non-menopausal women. In the Mann-Whitney U test where few participants had morbid depression, significant relationships were found in the association between a sexual function with high depression or anxiety, whereas the low group had a K6 cut-off value of 11. Conclusion: Female sexual morbidity for high depression or anxiety should be managed with interventions. Especially, the intervention for decreasing female sexual function in the K6 Total Score of 11 or more will be needed, and a randomized study is required for more evidence.

The Effect of Functional Training on the Performance of Female Handball Players’Shooting Skills

A randomized grouping experiment was conducted to study the effect of 8-week functional training on shooting performance of Beijing female handball players.According to the athletes’FMS(functional movement screening)scoring results,they were randomly divided into 2 groups.The experimental group adopted an 8-week functional training,aiming at strengthening their core strength,joint stability,and the power chain of shooting techniques.The control group adopted the traditional strength training mode.ANOVA(analysis of variance)was adopted to analyze the different performance of the athletes from two groups on their FMS scores,distances of throwing,and 7-meter shooting speed before and after the experiment.The results show that:(1)the total FMS scores of the experimental group athletes have been increased more significantly than those of the control group,and the injuries per capita has been significantly reduced;(2)the athletes in the experimental group have more significantly improved performance in handball throwing and 7-meter shooting speed than those in the control group.It shows that 8 weeks of functional training may effectively improve the physical function of Beijing female handball players and their performance in two special skills of handball throwing and shooting speed.

高压管汇材料疲劳性能测试及P-S-N模型曲线的拟合

高压管汇作为压裂设备中的主要易损件之一,其失效危害较大。它的失效原因主要是疲劳、冲蚀、腐蚀或者材料缺陷引起的刺漏和爆裂,其中尤以疲劳失效最不可预估。目前,对于高压管汇材料的疲劳性能研究不够深入,为解决高压管汇材料疲劳寿命的准确描述问题,以某国产高压管汇材料为例,进行了一系列疲劳试验,并基于试验数据,采用多种分布模型和不同S-N模型进行拟合分析,得出综合评价拟合能力最强的P-S-N模型。结果表明,该材料在中长疲劳寿命区,Weibull三参数模型在7级应力水平下综合评价能力最好;在存活率分别为50%、90%、99%、99.9%时,指数S-N模型的拟合系数均大于0.98,拟合能力最好。得出的P-S-N模型曲线可以为高压管汇的疲劳寿命以及安全设计提供依据。

Analysis of the Tragic Female Images in Eugene O'Neill's Plays

Ruth and Mary are two heroines in Eugene O'Neill's plays Beyond the Horizon, and Long Day's Journey into Night. They have some similarities: when they are young, they are beautiful, native and full of hope towards the future life, but both make wrong choices; in the following years, both suffer a lot from these wrong choices, and feel regretful. This paper tries to explore these two tragic female images.

基于哨兵函数和S变换的风力机叶片材料损伤特性研究

利用声发射检测技术研究玻璃纤维增强环氧树脂复合材料的损伤特性,在此过程中,采用哨兵函数来表征该材料的损伤程度,并通过S变换和模糊C均值(FCM)聚类来分析声发射信号,从而获得材料的损伤特征。三点弯曲实验结束后对试件断口进行扫描电子显微镜(SEM)拍照来验证,可得:通过对SEM照片的分析得到基体开裂、纤维脱粘、分层破坏、纤维断裂4种损伤模式;对整个声发射事件进行哨兵函数分析,观察到试件在弯曲过程中哨兵函数曲线呈明显下降趋势;对依据哨兵函数划分的不同阶段的信号进行VMD降噪处理,然后采用S变换进行时频分析得到不同损伤的特征频率,最后采用FCM聚类进行验证。结果表明:哨兵函数值的突变可作为材料断裂的预警信号,材料损伤类型的识别可依据S变换的频率分布结果进行确定。