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Revitalizing Intangible cultural heritage via derivative design: A focus on chinese woodblock printing

Traditional safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage often prioritizes the preservation of craftsmanship, while allocating less attention to the innovation and activation of derivatives. This investigation extracts the identifiable intellectual property from Chinese woodblock New Year pictures, establishes a design framework to transition from two-dimensional to three-dimensional elements, and integrates generative design to examine the viability and adaptability of generative Design methods. Specifically, employing Chinese woodcut New Year pictures as a pivotal case, design constituents are elicited through interval questionnaires and on-site surveys. Subsequently, employing a comprehensive experiential approach and user journey mapping, a compendium of generative Design methods is distilled. Augmenting this, recommendations are formulated by considering generative design as a variable. Conclusively, through a dependent sample T-test, it is discerned that generative design effectively enhances both the quantity and caliber of design propositions. This inquiry dissects the plausibility of the generative Design approach for Chinese woodblock New Year pictures, extrapolating a blueprint for said derivatives and unearthing three-dimensional design concepts within the methodological framework. Ultimately, this endeavor facilitates the dynamic preservation and widespread propagation of intangible cultural heritage, concurrently bridging the chasm between planar and three-dimensional realms through innovative paradigms.

The global determinants of climate niche breadth in birds

Insights into the implementation of a whole genome sequencing report form (SRF) to reduce nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 in UK hospitals within an unfolding pandemic: A qualitative process evaluation using normalisation process theory

Background Here we report on a process evaluation conducted as part of a large multisite non-randomised trial of the effectiveness of a novel whole genome sequence report form (SRF) to reduce nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 through changing infection prevention and control (IPC) behaviours during the COVID –19 pandemic. We detail how the SRF was implemented across a heterogeneous purposive sub-sample of hospital trial sites (n=5/14). Methods We conducted in-depth interviews from diverse professional staff (N=39). Deductive and inductive thematic analysis initially explored participants’ accounts of implementing the SRF. The resulting themes, concerning the way the SRF was used within sites, were then coded in relation to the key tenets of normalisation process theory (NPT). Results Factors that enabled the implementation of the SRF included: elements of the context such as health care professional passion; the existence of whole genome sequencing (WGS) infrastructure; effective communication channels, the creation of new connections across professionals and teams; the integration of SRF-led discussions within pre-existing meetings and the ability of a site to achieve a rapid turnaround time. In contrast, we found factors that constrained the use of the SRF included elements of the context such as the impact of the Alpha-variant overwhelming hospitals. In turn, dealing with COVID-19 breached the limited capacity of infection prevention and control (IPC) to respond to the SRF and ensure its routinisation. Conclusion We show preliminary support for this SRF being an acceptable, useable and potentially scalable way of enhancing existing IPC activities for viral respiratory infections. However, the context of both the trial and the alpha wave of COVID-19 limit confidence in these insights. Clinical trial number https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN50212645, Registration date 20/05/2020

Bis-indole chiral architectures for asymmetric catalysis

Abstract Chiral scaffolds are essential to the advancement of asymmetric synthesis, yet the development of privileged motifs that more effectively communicate asymmetry constitutes a grand challenge for chemists. Here we describe a method using a confined chiral Brønsted acid catalyst to combine two inexpensive and widely available materials—indole and acetone—into a class of C₂-symmetric, spirocyclic compounds called SPINDOLE. SPINDOLEs extend the versatility of established frameworks by offering greater flexibility and ease of synthesis. The resulting chiral compounds can be readily modified to create diverse structures that excel in promoting highly selective reactions such as hydrogenation, allylic alkylation, hydroboration, and Michael addition. This work introduces a powerful strategy for advancing asymmetric catalysis, enabling the creation of versatile chiral frameworks with broad synthetic potential.

Heat transfer analysis of Oldroyd–B nanofluid flow over a horizontal plate

Non–Newtonian fluids have grown in popularity across a wide range of engineering disciplines. Generalized Oldroyd–B fluids are a type of non–Newtonian fluid that may mimic the behavior of many dilute polymeric liquids. On the other hand, heat transmission is important because it has industrial applications. The use of nanofluids, which have a higher heat transfer capacity, can enhance the overall efficiency of the thermal system. Therefore, this research considers the generalized Oldroyd–B nanofluid over a horizontal plate. The nonlinear fractional model is solved using the finite difference method. The integer order derivatives are integrated using the Crank–Nicolson method whereas the time fractional derivatives are evaluated using the Caputo derivative. The simulations are carried out in MATLAB software. The results revealed that the retardation time parameter slow downs the fluid. The heat transfer rates increased with increasing values of the nanoparticle volume fraction. The heat transfer of regular fluid increased by 9.4% on adding nanoparticles.

Mitochondrial complexity is regulated at ER-mitochondria contact sites via PDZD8-FKBP8 tethering

High-throughput assessment of the behavioral responses to toxic organic solvents in Caenorhabditis elegans

Novel chemical compounds are continuously being developed for use in various industries and daily life. Workers in these industries assess and avoid chemical hazards based on published information about chemical toxicities. However, avoiding the hazards associated with chemicals with unknown toxicity is difficult. Therefore, understanding the toxicities of chemicals in a high-throughput, multifaceted manner is essential. In this study, I developed a high-throughput method for assessing chemical toxicities through quantitative measurement of behavior in Caenorhabditis elegans. I determined the acute response to 30 organic solvents, including alcohols, cellosolves, ethers, ketones, and acetate esters, which are widely used in industries, with motility as an endpoint. Exposure to 0.5%–6% organic solvents caused a dramatic decrease in locomotion speed. The adverse effects of organic solvents on motility were proportional to the lipid solubility of the chemicals, similar to the positive relationship between the anesthetic effects of volatile organic chemicals and their lipid solubility in organisms, including humans. In addition to their effects on motility, organic solvents affect posture during locomotion in different ways depending on the chemical’s functional group. Solvents with hydroxyl groups, such as alcohols and cellosolves (0.5%–3%), reduced the amplitude of body bending, whereas solvents with ketone groups, such as ketones and acetate esters (0.5%–4%), increased it during undulatory locomotion. In addition, organic solvents caused changes in chemotaxis plasticity based on the association between starvation and chemical signals at concentrations lower than those that affect locomotion. This study describes a high-throughput method for acute chemical toxicity testing and provides new insights into behavioral responses to organic solvents that are toxic to humans and other animals.

High-dimensional non-Abelian holonomy in integrated photonics

Abstract Non-Abelian holonomy is known for the robust holonomic unitary behavior exhibited. The associated non-Abelian geometric phase is a promising approach for implementing topologically protected computation. But its realization in application-abundant platforms has been largely elusive. In particular, the observation of universal high-order matrices is difficult due to challenges from increasing the dimensions of degenerate subspace. Here we realize a high-dimensional non-Abelian holonomic device on an integrated multilayer silicon nitride platform, which is compatible with the complementary-metal-oxide-semiconductor process. High dimensional (up to 6), broadband (> 100 nm operating bandwidth), and ultra-compact volume non-Abelian holonomy unitary matrices of arbitrary special orthogonal group are observed, and M × N linear holonomic computation architecture is experimentally realized through singular value decomposition. Our work provides a paradigm for versatile applications of non-Abelian geometric phase for both classical and quantum realms.

Development and validation of a measure of concrete and abstract thinking

Abstract-analytical thinking, which characterizes rumination and worry, has been shown to be a risk and maintenance factor for psychological disorders, yet there are no accessible, reliable measures that can be easily administered to assess this cognitive process. Student paramedics are at elevated risk of developing mental health difficulties associated with rumination and worry due to the nature of their work. The current study describes the development and validation of the Concrete and Abstract Thinking measure (CAT) in a sample of student paramedics. The scenario-based CAT measure was systematically developed. An initial pool of scenarios was generated based on previous research and the Worry Domains Questionnaire. A total of 14 paramedics, inclusive of student paramedics, evaluated the content of the scenarios. Final items were determined based on best-fit using confirmatory factor analysis. Two-hundred student paramedics completed the CAT measure and associated measures and 96.6% completed it again for test-retest reliability. Abstract items of the CAT measure showed good internal consistency (α=.87), test-retest reliability (ICC = .88) and good factorial, construct and criterion validity. The CAT measure was significantly associated with measures of perseverative thinking (r = .52), rumination (r = .42), worry (r = .50), depression (r = .32), anxiety (r = .41), posttraumatic stress disorder (r = .23), self-efficacy (r = -.32) and resilience (r = -.30). Overall, the CAT measure showed robust psychometric properties, evidencing good validity and reliability. The CAT measure offers a user-friendly, valid, reliable and population-specific measure of concrete and abstract thinking whilst also providing a model of how abstract thinking could be assessed in a range of populations at risk of developing mental health disorders.

Filming evolution dynamics of Hg nanodroplets mediated at solid-gas and solid-liquid interfaces by in-situ TEM

Research on the dynamic evolution mechanism of disruptive technology based on the BERTopic model and Hidden Markov Model: A case study of industrial Internet technology

Objective The development of key technologies for the Industrial Internet is a major concern for countries worldwide. This paper aims to comprehensively understand the technology of the Industrial Internet by analyzing its current application status and trends. It will dynamically examine the key technologies and development trends of the Industrial Internet, providing a valuable reference for technological advancements in this field. Methods This paper analyzed global patent data in the field of the Industrial Internet from 1965 to 2023. The paper applied the BERTopic model and the all-MiniLM-L6-v2 model to extract and vectorize topics related to industrial internet technology from patent texts. Based on the theory of Internet governance, the paper categorizes the topics into four categories. The paper then established the Hidden Markov Model (HMM) to investigate the evolutionary mechanism of technological topics. The paper utilized the newly divided topics as hidden states and the number of patent applications as observed states in the Hidden Markov Model (HMM). Results Industrial internet technology encompasses five research directions. The physical layer focuses on interconnection platforms for equipment, as well as devices for the storage and monitoring of liquids and gases. The logical layer involves remote control systems for industrial equipment, while the data layer focuses on data processing and information services. The interaction layer included modular image processing and control methods. Among these types of technologies, the data layer technologies were the most developed and also contributed to the advancement of interaction layer technologies. The physical layer technologies were relatively more developed, while the logical and interaction layer technologies were relatively less developed.

Peritoneal resident macrophages constitute an immunosuppressive environment in peritoneal metastasized colorectal cancer

Predicting the spatial pattern of land use change and carbon storage in Xinjiang: A Markov-FLUS-InVEST model approach

Land-use changes significantly influence carbon storage capacity by altering the structure, layout, and function of terrestrial ecosystems. Predicting the relationship between future land-use changes and carbon storage is essential for optimizing land-use patterns and making rational, ecology-based decisions. Using multi-period land-use data from Xinjiang, we analyzed the spatial pattern of carbon storage. Based on land-use change patterns in Xinjiang from 2000 to 2020, we coupled the Markov-Future Land Use Simulation (FLUS)-Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST) model to simulate and predict land-use spatial patterns in Xinjiang for 2035 under two scenarios: natural growth and ecological protection. Carbon storage and its spatiotemporal dynamic changes under these scenarios were evaluated, and the Geodetector was employed to analyze the spatial heterogeneity of carbon storage from a statistical perspective, revealing the influence of various driving factors. The results showed that: (1) From 2000–2020, grassland and unused land were the primary land-use types in Xinjiang, accounting for over 28.85% and 60.17% of the total area, respectively. By 2035, cropland, forest, water, and construction land areas are expected to increase, while grassland and unused land areas are projected to decrease. Under the ecological protection scenario, cropland, forest land, and grassland—major main contributors to carbon storage—will be effectively conserved to some extent. (2) From 2000 to 2020, Xinjiang’s carbon storage capacity exhibited an overall increasing trend, with a cumulative increase of 137.515×105 t and a growth rate of 1.58%. However, this capacity is projected to decline by 2035, with an estimated reduction of 168.344×105 t compared to that in 2020. Ecological protection is anticipated to mitigate this decline, increasing carbon storage by 13.227×105 t relative to the natural growth scenario. (3) Geodetector analysis indicated that land-use types had the greatest carbon storage explanatory power for carbon storage (q = 0.80), followed by soil types (q = 0.41), net primary productivity (q = 0.32), and geomorphology (q = 0.22). This highlights land-use types as the most critical environmental factor determining the spatial pattern of carbon storage. These findings provide scientific insights and recommendations for the sustainable development management and the enhancement of carbon storage functions.

Heterocycle-based dynamic covalent chemistry for dynamic functional materials

A protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of muscle energy techniques on shoulder joint pain

Introduction Muscle energy techniques (MET) for shoulder muscles improve both shoulder muscle tension and the range of motion of the glenohumeral joint. This systematic literature review will investigate the effects of MET on shoulder pain as a result of muscle tension in the glenohumeral joints of patients with shoulder disorders and collect clinical evidence regarding the effectiveness of muscle energy techniques on glenohumeral joint pain. Based on previous studies, we anticipate that MET may significantly affect shoulder joint pain. We expect to provide moderate to high levels of evidence regarding the effectiveness of MET in the treatment of shoulder pain. Methods Nine electronic databases will be searched for articles published up to November 2024, including PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, KCI, KISS, KMbase, RISS, DBpia, and OASIS. Search terms will consist of terms related to the outcome (e.g., “shoulder”) and intervention (e.g., “muscle energy technique,” “post-isometric relaxation,” “isometric stretching”). Studies selected for the systematic review and meta-analysis will include randomized controlled clinical trials and studies using MET applied to the human shoulder muscles. Qualitative and case studies will be excluded. Two authors will independently assess each study for eligibility and risk of bias and extract the data. This study will analyze the effects of MET on shoulder pain. Additionally, we intend to demonstrate the effect size of muscle energy techniques on factors such as range of motion. Our study will provide clinical evidence for the effects of muscle energy techniques on shoulder joint pain. Our study aims to provide clinical evidence supporting the moderate-to-high effectiveness of MET in treating shoulder joint pain. Prospero registration ClinicalTrials.gov CRD42024532367

These 4,200-year-old cymbals show music’s far-reaching power

Disease-specific B cell clones are shared between patients with Crohn’s disease

Abstract B cells have important functions in gut homeostasis, and dysregulated B cell populations are frequently observed in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases, including both ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD). How these B cell perturbations contribute to disease remains largely unknown. Here, we perform deep sequencing of the B cell receptor (BCR) repertoire in four cohorts of patients with CD, together with healthy controls and patients with UC. We identify BCR clones that are shared between patients with CD but not found in healthy individuals nor in patients with UC, indicating CD-associated B cell immune responses. Shared clones are present in the inflamed gut mucosa, draining intestinal lymph nodes and blood, suggesting the presence of common CD-associated antigens that drive B cell responses in CD patients.

Assessing gastric cancer risk through longitudinal health check-up data: Insights from a national cohort study in South Korea

Gastric cancer (GC) is the fourth most prevalent cancer and a leading cause of cancer-related fatalities in South Korea. Although periodic screening policies are in place, the early detection and prediction of GC remain challenging. This study evaluated the risk of GC incidence by utilizing longitudinal health check-up data from the National Health Insurance Service-Health Screening Cohort spanning from 2009 to 2019. The criteria selected for this study are general health examination candidates aged 40 or older who have been eligible for health insurance since 2009. The exclusion criteria included individuals diagnosed with cancer prior to 2009 or before their examination date, as well as those who did not complete the examination questionnaire. A time-dependent Cox proportional hazards model was employed to analyze the time from health examination to the first GC diagnosis, comparing our results with previous cohort studies that evaluated the GC risk through general check-up parameters. Significant risk factors for GC incidence in both genders were age, high levels of AST and γ-GTP, low levels of ALT and hemoglobin. Among males, dyslipidemia, smoking and physical activities were also significantly associated with GC risk. Although further evidence is needed, low hemoglobin levels emerged as a promising potential risk factor for GC, ascertainable through routine general health check-ups.

Author Correction: Ultrastrong eutectogels engineered via integrated mechanical training in molecular and structural engineering

Comprehensive scoping review on adherence to 24-hour movement guidelines and socioeconomic indicators in children and adolescents

Background Adherence to the 24-hour movement behavior guidelines has been used to identify potential impacts on health indicators in children and adolescents. However, information on the association between socioeconomic indicators and adherence to the guidelines remains unclear. Objective The scoping review aims to identify and synthesize scientific evidence on the associations between socioeconomic indicators and adherence to the 24-hour movement behavior guidelines in children and adolescents. Methods A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, SciELO, CINAHL, and EMBASE. Studies were selected if they included a population of children and adolescents aged 5–17 years and addressed the relationship between adherence to the 24-hour movement behavior guidelines and socioeconomic indicators. Results From 1,871 articles identified, 10 studies with data from 562,505 children and adolescents across 10 countries were included. Self-reported questionnaires were the most common measurement method for variables related to the 24-hour movement behaviors (n=6). The Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines were the most frequently used reference for classifying target behaviors (n=4). Socioeconomic indicators at the individual and/or family level were used in most investigations, specifically parental education (n=7) and household income (n=6). Most findings were inconclusive regarding the relationship between adherence to the 24-hour movement behavior guidelines and socioeconomic indicators. Conclusions Studies on this interrelation have been limited, with inconclusive results regarding associations between socioeconomic indicators and adherence to the 24-hour movement behavior guidelines in children and adolescents. Further research is needed to better understand these relationships.