Search Results (85)

This paper probes into the intricate nexus between freedom and benevolence within Liberal Confucianism, a prominent intellectual current in the epoch of globalization. Through an exploration of how these two core values are construed and interlinked within the context of Liberal Confucianism, our objective is to proffer a more profound comprehension of this philosophical-ethical system. We trace the historical evolution of these concepts in Confucian thought and analyze how Liberal Confucianism reinterprets them in response to modern challenges. Through a comparative analysis with Western liberalism and an examination of their practical implications in contemporary society, we demonstrate that the relationship between freedom and benevolence in Liberal Confucianism holds the potential to contribute to a more harmonious and just global community. Despite facing challenges in cross-cultural adaptation, this exploration of the two-value relationship can provide valuable insights for both academic research and real-world applications. Full article

Dopamine D₃ receptor (D₃R) is a key receptor for regulating motor, cognitive, and other functions. In this study, 50 2-phenylcyclopropylmethylamine (PCPMA) derivatives with good selectivity for D₃R were investigated using a three-dimensional quantitative structure–activity relationship (3D-QSAR) method. The CoMFA and CoMSIA model results showed good predictive ability, as evidenced by high r² and q² values. 3D-QSAR results showed that steric, electrostatic, and hydrophobic fields played important roles in the binding of PCPMAs to D₃R. Based on above results, four novel PCPMAs were designed, which were predicted to have a stronger affinity with D₃R. Molecular docking combined with 300 ns molecular dynamics simulations were performed to reveal the mode of interaction between D₃R and PCPMAs. Additionally, a combination of free energy calculations and energy decomposition results indicated strong interaction between the ligands and residues in the binding pocket of the D₃ receptor. This work provides suggestions for exploring more selective D₃R ligands, and this theoretical framework also lays the foundation for future experimental investigations to evaluate the pharmacological characteristics and binding affinities of novel derivatives. Full article

Cement-based self-leveling mortar (CSL) is a special building material that utilizes cement as the main cementitious component, combined with a variety of admixtures. Its self-leveling characteristics enable it to effectively level and fill uneven surfaces. Additionally, the innovative green CSL developed from industrial by-products can further enhance both environmental and economic benefits. This paper systematically reviews the use of admixtures and industrial by-products in the production of CSL. The main findings include the following: (i) compared to the international ISO standard, China’s standard JC/T 985 provides more detailed testing parameters regarding fluidity, mechanical properties, and shrinkage; (ii) the effect of additives on CSL is affected by its molecular weight and structure, and high molecular weight improving the workability of the additives; (iii) industrial by-products have been effectively incorporated into CSL, leading to a reduction in reduced greenhouse gas emissions and a decreased environmental impact; (iv) macro and microanalysis results of different green CSLs show that industrial by-product gypsum has the greatest potential for application in CSL. Based on these findings, this paper offers valuable reference data for the use of admixtures and industrial by-products in CSL. Furthermore, it contributes innovatively to the sustainable development of infrastructure construction. Full article

Celery (Apium graveolens L.) seeds are rich in carbohydrates and protein, and they are widely used in diuretic drugs among Uyghur doctors. However, the diuretic mechanism is still unclear. To explore the possible diuretic mechanism of celery seeds, urea transporters, a potential diuresis-related target, are used in this study. Urea transporters (UTs) play a key role of urine concentration. Selective knockout of UTs can concentrate urea without affecting water and electrolytes, resulting in selective diuresis, which is a promising new diuretic target. In the present study, we obtained different polar fractions by extracting and separating celery seed extract, characterized its polar fractions using UPLC-TOF-MS, and verified its action using an erythrocyte lysis model in vitro. Then, it was found that the isovaleric acid p-tolylester exhibited moderate activity (IC₅₀ = 80.34 μM). Finally, its inhibitory effect on UT-B was investigated by using molecular docking, a pharmacophore model, and molecular dynamics simulations. This study provides a new approach to developing novel diuretics. Full article

The feed-through effect of resonant pressure sensors usually introduces interfering noise signals, leading to the degradation of sensitivity, linearity, and other performances of the sensor test system. A low-noise charge amplifier and its feed-through compensation circuit are designed to realize high-precision measurements. The designed improved charge amplifier has a differential common-source structure as the output buffer stage, which can effectively reduce the output noise of the circuit while increasing the input impedance, thus improving the accuracy of the feed-through compensation coefficient. By establishing the equivalent circuit model of the sensor and analyzing the influence of the feed-through effect on the sensor test, the feed-through compensation circuit is designed to suppress the feed-through signal. Experimental testing of the sensor proves that the designed circuit can effectively suppress the feed-through effect of the sensor. The noise power spectral density of the improved charge amplifier is tested to be 26.74 nV/√Hz, which is a 65% reduction in noise density. The feed-through compensation circuit eliminates the interference frequency of 34,919 Hz introduced by the feed-through capacitor. Additionally, the resonance peak of the intrinsic resonance frequency of the pressure sensor is −40.75 dBV, which is reduced by 8 dBV compared with that before the feed-through compensation. The feed-through compensation circuit effectively reduces the feed-through interference signal of the sensor, improves the measurement accuracy of the test system, and provides technical support for the design of a low-noise, high-precision, stable, and reliable sensor test system. Full article

Zen/Chan Buddhism, as a profound spiritual tradition, has witnessed the emergence and development of a unique phenomenon known as “老婆禪 Granny Chan”, which is deeply intertwined with the spiritual pursuits of Buddhist women throughout history. This proposed research aims to expound and interrogate the hidden treasures of Zen wisdom amassed by these remarkable women, thereby shedding new light on the often-overlooked contributions within the Zen domain. To begin with, by scouring ancient Zen texts, anecdotes, and historical records, we will trace the roots and evolutionary path of “Granny Chan”. These sources are replete with accounts of nameless “grannies” engaging in profound dialogs and encounters with Zen masters. Their sharp insights and spontaneous responses during dharma exchanges, as exemplified in classic koans like “婆子點心 The Granny’s Dimsum” and “婆子燒庵 The Granny Burning the Hermitage”, reveal a depth of understanding that belies their marginalized status in traditional religious narratives. Subsequently, this study will focus on dissecting the distinct ways in which their Zen wisdom was manifested within the cultural context of Zen. Their approach, characterized by simplicity, directness, and a deep connection to life’s realities, not only added a refreshing dimension to Zen teachings but also subtly challenged the male-dominated paradigm prevalent in the religious fields. By highlighting these expressions, we can appreciate how Buddhist women’s insights became an integral part of Zen’s cultural fabric. In the contemporary context, this research holds multiple implications. It serves as a corrective to the historical neglect of Buddhist women’s spiritual achievements, providing a source of inspiration and empowerment for modern female practitioners. Moreover, it prompts a rethinking of gender equality within religious traditions, advocating for a more inclusive and equitable recognition of women’s roles in the Zen community and beyond. Overall, through the exploration of “Granny Chan”, we anticipate contributing to a better understanding of Zen Buddhism’s historical, cultural, and spiritual dimensions, bridging the gender gap and enriching the ongoing discourse on religious wisdom. Full article

Chenopodium album L., as a folkloric herb, is traditionally used to treat poisonous insect bites, vitiligo, and other ailments. However, its impact on thrombosis remains unknown. In this study, we discovered that the ethanol extract of C. album exhibited a remarkable antithrombotic effect using a zebrafish thrombosis model for the first time. Activity evaluation showed that fraction CA-C could improve thrombus aggregation in the caudal vein, increase blood return in the heart, and alleviate the slowing of blood flow compared with those in the model group. Then, analysis by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) identified 58 constituents of CA-C, with most of them belonging to flavonoids, alkaloids, and steroidal saponin components. Moreover, using a comprehensive strategy of network pharmacological analysis, transcriptomic assay, and RT-qPCR validation, we found that CA-C could mediate the TLR’s signaling pathway and its downstream MAPKs and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways to exert an antithrombotic effect. This study broadens the clinical application of plant C. album and provides new insight into the chemical profile, pharmacodynamics, and potential mechanisms of CA-C as candidate agents for treating thrombosis. Full article

The preparation of new-generation concrete from recycled coarse aggregate (RA) is an effective way to realize the resource utilization of construction waste. However, loose and porous attached mortar leads to RA showing low-density, high-water absorption, and high crushing value. However, carbonation modification treatment can effectively improve the performance of RA. This paper studied the effects of carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentration, gas pressure, and moisture content on the RA physical properties (apparent density, water absorption, crushing value, and soundness) of waste concrete. The results showed that, when the (CO₂) concentration increased from 20% to 60%, the apparent density of RA after carbonation increased by 0.23–0.31%, the water absorption decreased by 0.57–0.93%, the crushing value decreased by 0.36–0.61%, and the soundness decreased by 0.47–0.85%. When the (CO₂) concentration was further increased from 60% to 80%, the apparent density of RA after carbonation was increased by 0.04–0.05%, the water absorption was improved by 0.15–0.31%, the crushing value was reduced by 0.06–0.07%, and the soundness was reduced by 0.09–0.11%. During the carbonation modification process, the performance of RA was significantly enhanced when the moisture content was 3.4% and the dissolution of hydration products was accelerated. The diffusion rate of CO₂ and the carbonation reaction rate decreased with the high moisture content of RA. As gas pressure increases to 0.01 MPa, the physical properties of RA change significantly, because gas pressure promotes the carbonation reaction between hydration products and CO₂ in attached mortar. As the gas pressure increased to 0.5 MPa, RA’s apparent density gradually increased, while its water absorption, crushing value, and stability gradually decreased. The result improved RA’s performance. SEM images show that carbonation modification of RA under different gas pressures increases CaCO₃ in attached mortar, filling the Interfacial Transition Zone (ITZ), and decreasing crack width and number. Gas pressure accelerates CO₂ diffusion and reaction with hydration products, resulting in narrower ITZ and dense mortar. Full article

Traditional pervious concrete poses significant challenges in optimizing both mechanical properties and permeability. To address this issue, a novel type of self-compacting recycled pervious concrete (SCRPC) featuring vertical and penetrating channels has been developed. The vertical channels were created by pulling out the reinforcement in the pre-drilled holes that were artificially created in the mold, after the concrete had been poured. However, whether this concrete has superior durability and can be employed in different sulfate drying–wetting situations remains to be investigated. This study explored the sulfate resistance and permeability of SCRPC under five drying–wetting exposure regimes: full soaking in Na₂SO₄ solution with drying–wetting ratios of 3:18, 9:12, and 18:3; semi-soaking in Na₂SO₄ solution; and full soaking in MgSO₄ solution. The results showed that the SCRPC soaked in MgSO₄ solution suffered the largest compressive strength loss (13.4%) after 150 drying–wetting cycles. Furthermore, as the drying–wetting ratio increased, the sulfate degradation of the SCRPC increased. Despite the comparable relative dynamic modulus of elasticity of SCRPC after full soaking (95.54%) and semi-soaking (92.89%), ettringite and gypsum were identified as the predominant sulfate deterioration products of SCRPC, respectively. In contrast to the two stages for traditional pervious concrete, the effective porosity of SCRPC was divided into three stages during sulfate attack: an initial rapid decline stage, a subsequent increase stage, and a final slow decline stage. The permeability coefficient of SCRPC varied from 6.00 to 6.82 mm/s under different sulfate drying–wetting exposures. In summary, SCRPC has superior sulfate resistance and permeability, and it could be more applicable in environments containing Na₂SO₄ compared to MgSO₄. This study provides basic data for the enhancement and application of pervious concrete with artificial vertical and penetrating channels. Full article

The number of ribs (NRs) and the carcass length (CL) are important economic traits. The traits are usually measured after slaughter. To improve the prediction performance of genomic selection (GS) for NRs and CL, one strategy is to integrate the significant loci identified from whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data by genome-wide association study (GWAS) into the genomic prediction (GP) model. This study investigated the GP of different genomic best linear unbiased prediction (GBLUP) and Bayesian models using chip genotype data, imputed WGS (iWGS) data and modeling significant single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in different ways for the GP of NRs and CL in the Suhuai pig population. The prediction accuracy, bias and running time of 15 different GP models were evaluated by 10-fold cross-validation. The prediction accuracy of GBLUP using chip data for NRs and CL was 0.314 ± 0.022 and 0.194 ± 0.040, respectively. For NRs, based on the iWGS data, treating the most significant SNP as fixed effects in the GBLUP model had the highest predictive performance, with a prediction accuracy of 0.528 ± 0.023. For CL, based on the chip data, the model that added all the significant SNPs identified by imputed data by GWAS into the multi-trait GBLUP as the second random additive effect was the highest predictive performance, with a prediction accuracy of 0.305 ± 0.027. This study provides insights into optimizing GP models for small populations with phenotypes that are difficult to measure. Full article

Mencius’ “Theory of Embodying Virtue 踐形說” is an important theory that combines moral cultivation and physical practice, emphasizing that virtue is externalized and realized through concrete physical actions. This paper explores the theoretical foundation of the “Theory of Embodying Virtue 踐形說”, examining its internal connections with Mencius’ doctrines of “Innate Goodness”, “Four Beginnings 四端”, and “Nurturing Qi 養氣”. Through self-cultivation, individuals can gradually transform their inner virtues into outward behaviors, ultimately achieving the unity of virtue and the body. This not only serves as an essential path for personal moral cultivation but also embodies the Confucian moral ideal. Additionally, the paper analyzes the contemporary significance of the “Theory of Embodying Virtue” from the perspectives of modern ethics and body philosophy, particularly in terms of its implications for moral education, the improvement of social ethics, and the shaping of leaders’ moral images. By conducting an in-depth discussion, this paper reveals that Mencius’ “Theory of Embodying Virtue” still holds significant theoretical and practical value in contemporary society. Full article

Suprafixation (more specifically, tonal affixation) is a word-building strategy that is somewhat frequently employed in Cantonese. This article explores the development of the lexical suprafixes in Standard Cantonese from three perspectives: (a) earlier descriptions of the Cantonese suprafixes and the behaviour of the lexical suprafixes in some older Romanised Cantonese texts; (b) the behaviour of the lexical suprafixes in some non-standard Cantonese varieties; and (c) the behaviour of the suprafixes and diminutives in Yuè and Pínghuà dialects in general. A definite answer cannot be found to the question of what the origin of the Cantonese suprafixes is. Nonetheless, the theory that the Cantonese lexical suprafixes stem from the diminutive suffix *ɲi 兒 (Cantonese ji4, Mandarin ér) remains the most convincing. Full article

This article proposes a low cross-axis sensitivity resonant MEMS(Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) accelerometer that is optimized based on the BP and NSGA-II algorithms. When resonant accelerometers are used in seismic monitoring, automotive safety systems, and navigation applications, high immunity and low cross-axis sensitivity are required. To improve the high immunity of the accelerometer, a coupling structure is introduced. This structure effectively separates the symmetric and antisymmetric mode frequencies of the DETF resonator and prevents mode coupling. To obtain higher detection accuracy and low cross-axis sensitivity, a decoupling structure is introduced. To find the optimal dimensional parameters of the decoupled structure, the BP and NSGA-II algorithms are used to optimize the dimensional parameters of the decoupled structure. The optimized decoupled structure has an axial stiffness of 6032.21 N/m and a transverse stiffness of 6.29 N/m. The finite element analysis results show that the sensitivity of the accelerometer is 59.1 Hz/g (Y-axis) and 59 Hz/g (X-axis). Cross-axis sensitivity is 0.508% (Y-axis) and 0.339% (X-axis), which is significantly lower than most resonant accelerometers. The coupling structure and optimization method proposed in this paper provide a new solution for designing resonant accelerometers with high interference immunity and low cross-axis sensitivity. Full article

This paper explores the life and works of Su Shi, a prominent intellectual and statesman during China’s Song Dynasty, as a champion of interreligious harmony. We examine how Su Shi’s vast philosophical and literary output demonstrates his deep engagement with Confucian ethics, Buddhist compassion, and Daoist tranquility. By analyzing his poems, essays, and other writings, we explore how Su Shi navigated these diverse traditions, finding common ground and promoting mutual understanding. This analysis highlights Su Shi’s ability to bridge religious and philosophical divides, offering a valuable perspective for contemporary discussions on interfaith dialogue and peaceful coexistence. Full article

RhlR plays a key role in the quorum sensing of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The current structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies of RhlR inhibitors mainly focus on elucidating the functional groups. Based on a systematic review of previous research on RhlR inhibitors, this study aims to establish a systematic, hierarchical screening model for RhlR inhibitors. We initially established a database and utilized principal component analysis (PCA) to categorize the inhibitors into two classes. Based on the training set, pharmacophore models were established to elucidate the structural characteristics of ligands. Subsequently, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and the calculation of binding free energy and strain energy were performed to validate the crucial interactions between ligands and receptors. Then, the screening criteria for RhlR inhibitors were established hierarchically based on ligand structure characteristics, ligand–receptor interaction, and receptor affinity. Test sets were finally employed to validate the hierarchical virtual screening model by comparing it with the current SAR studies of RhlR inhibitors. The hierarchical screening model was confirmed to possess higher accuracy and a true positive rate, which holds promise for subsequent screening and the discovery of active RhlR inhibitors. Full article