Exchange Sites Research Articles

Simultaneous detection of membrane contact dynamics and associated Ca2+ signals by reversible chemogenetic reporters.

Membrane contact sites (MCSs) are hubs allowing various cell organelles to coordinate their activities. The dynamic nature of these sites and their small size hinder analysis by current imaging techniques. To overcome these limitations, we here design a series of reversible chemogenetic reporters incorporating improved, low-affinity variants of splitFAST, and study the dynamics of different MCSs at high spatiotemporal resolution, both in vitro and in vivo. We demonstrate that these versatile reporters suit different experimental setups well, allowing one to address challenging biological questions. Using these probes, we identify a pathway in which calcium (Ca2+) signalling dynamically regulates endoplasmic reticulum-mitochondria juxtaposition, characterizing the underlying mechanism. Finally, by integrating Ca2+-sensing capabilities into the splitFAST technology, we introduce PRINCESS (PRobe for INterorganelle Ca2+-Exchange Sites based on SplitFAST), a class of reporters to simultaneously detect MCSs and measure the associated Ca2+ dynamics using a single biosensor.

In-depth analysis of miRNA binding sites reveals the complex response of uterine epithelium to miR-26a-5p and miR-125b-5p during early pregnancy

Post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression by miRNAs likely makes significant contributions to mRNA abundance at the embryo-maternal interface. In this study, we investigated how miR-26a-5p and miR-125b-5p contribute to molecular changes occurring in the uterine luminal epithelium, which serves as the first site of signal exchange between the mother and developing embryo. To measure de novo protein synthesis after miRNA delivery to primary uterine luminal epithelial cells, we employed pulsed stable isotope labeling by amino acids (pSILAC). We found that both miRNAs alter the proteome of luminal epithelial cells, impacting numerous cellular functions, immune responses, as well as intracellular and second messenger signaling pathways. Additionally, we identified several features of miRNA-mRNA interactions that may influence the targeting efficiency of miR-26a-5p and miR-125b-5p. Overall, our study suggests a complex interaction of miR-26a-5p and miR-125b-5p with their respective targets. However, both appear to cooperatively function in modulating the cellular environment of the luminal epithelium, facilitating the morphological and molecular changes that occur during the intensive communication between the embryo and uterus at pregnancy.

Unravelling Coupled Hydrological and Geochemical Controls on Long-Term Nitrogen Enrichment in a Large River Basin.

Many groundwater and surface water bodies around the world show a puzzling and often steady increase in nitrogen (N) concentrations, despite a significant decline of agricultural N inputs. This study uses a combination of long-term hydrogeochemical and hydraulic monitoring, molecular characterization of dissolved organic matter (DOM), column experiment, and reactive transport modeling to unravel the processes controlling N-reactive transport and mass budgets under the impacts of dynamic hydrologic conditions at a field site in the central Yangtze River Basin. Our analysis shows that the desorption of ammonium (NH4+) from sediments via cation exchange reactions dominates N mobilization and aqueous N concentrations, while the mineralization of organic N compounds plays only a minor role. The reactive transport modeling results illustrate the important role of cation exchange reactions that are induced by temporary NH4+ input and cation concentration changes under the impact of both seasonal and long-term hydrologic variations. Historically, cation exchangers have acted as efficient storage devices and mitigated the impacts of high levels of NH4+ input. The NH4+ residing on cation exchanger sites later acts as a long-term N source to waters with the delayed desorption of sediment-bound NH4+ induced by the change of hydrologic conditions. Our results highlight the complex linkages between highly variable hydrologic conditions and NH4+ partitioning in near-surface, river-derived sediments.

Circulations: Place, Movement, Belonging

This introduction to the special issue, ‘In(tangible) Circulations: Pathways of Sociality in Highland Asia,’ posits ‘circulations’ as a fundamental modus operandi of place-making and of forms of belonging that transcend geographical or physical boundaries. The notion of ‘circulations’ is conceived as the movement of material and intangible things and beings, the circuits of going forth and coming back, and their role in the continuous entanglements of people with their environment. These material and intangible movements generate what we call ‘pathways of sociality’ considered as sites for exchange that convey human relationships and values. Following these pathways compels us to look at circulations across worlds (human and non-human) and at different scales in their horizontal (societal) and vertical (spiritual) dimensions. The evolution of various circulations and the emergence of pathways contribute to the formation of relationships integral to people’s social landscape.

Associations of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) for Enhancements in Soil Fertility and Promotion of Plant Growth: A Review

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi are used for soil fertility enhancements and stimulating plant growth in which they association with other organisms like terrestrial plants. Mycorrhizas create an association between fungi and the roots of plants. Therefore, the review was made to point out important fungal species involved in fungal plant interaction and their major roles in agriculture as well as ecosystem. 80% of plants form associations with mycorrhizal fungi. The fungal are used to use their different organs like chain, arbuscular, vesicle, supportive cells and spore to interact with the other plant/ plat’s organ. The mycorrhizal fungi can be categorized into two principal classifications based on their anatomical interactions with the roots of host plants. Arbuscular Mycorrhizal and Ectomycorrhizal fungi utilize two distinct strategies for nutrient acquisition. The main categories of vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizal associations are linear or coiling and of ectomycorrhizal associations are epidermal or cortical. The rhizospheric and endophytic microbes promote plant growth as inoculated with crop. AM fungi as an obligate symbiont share a distinct feature called arbuscules as a site of nutrient exchanges between host and fungi. Arbuscules developed between cell wall and plasma membrane of root cortical cells and differentiated from plant plasma membrane by periarbuscular membrane. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) play an indispensable role in augmenting plant nutrient acquisition, enhancing plant resilience and tolerance to various environmental stresses, improving soil fertility and structure, and providing numerous beneficial effects. AMF engage in interactions with other soil microorganisms, such as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, resulting in a synergistic effect that promotes plant growth and offers protection against pathogens associated with Rhizobia. Both AMF and Rhizobia utilize the same signaling pathways, which facilitate their association with host plants and enable nitrogen fixation within the soil ecosystem. A positive relationship has been established between AMF colonization and the diversity of soil microbial communities. Nitrogen-fixing rhizobia, mycorrhizal fungi, and root nodule symbioses typically exhibit synergistic interactions concerning infection rates and their effects on mineral nutrition and plant growth, thereby significantly enhancing the status of soil fertility, particularly with respect to soil quality characteristics.

Sugarcane straw biochar: effects of pyrolysis temperature on barite dissolution and Ba availability under flooded conditions

AbstractReductive dissolution of barium (Ba) sulfate in wetland soils may increase Ba bioavailability in the environment, yet no information is available regarding Ba remediation using biochar. This study investigated the effectiveness of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) straw biochar pyrolyzed at 350 °C (BC350), 550 °C (BC550), and 750 °C (BC750) in inhibiting barite dissolution and, consequently, Ba availability in a soil artificially spiked with barite and flooded for 365 days. Increasing pyrolysis temperature alters the carbon structure, and increases dehydration and depolymerization, resulting in more stable biochar that releases less DOC (8.6-fold decrease from BC350 to BC750). Additionally, high-temperature biochar (BC750) had 1.7 times higher carbon (C) content, 2.4 times higher ash content, and a 13.1 times greater specific surface area (SSA) than low-temperature biochar (BC350). Amending soil with BC750 increased pH but did not promote reducing conditions, and thus did not promote barite dissolution. Conversely, greater DOC in low-temperature biochar, particularly BC350, favored reducing conditions and increased barite dissolution by 23%, with BC550 also showing an 18% increase. This enhancement led to a greater pool of Ba sorbed into more labile exchangeable sites. In summary, pyrolysis temperature affects biochar attributes, which in turn influences the soil geochemical environment and Ba speciation. Low-temperature biochar (BC350) shows potential as an amendment to increase the bioavailable Ba pool in assisted remediation programs, such as biochar-assisted phytoremediation. Graphical Abstract

Exploration of Historical Sites of Art and Culture Exchange on the Silk Road of Pre-Qin and Han Dynasties

Abstract The pre-Qin and Han Silk Road opened up the Central Plains Dynasty to the Eurasian- African continent, not only having extraordinary political, economic and cultural exchanges complementary strategic significance, but also becoming an irreplaceable important window and way for the Central Plains Dynasty to gain cognitive knowledge of the broader world. In particular, the exploration of the artistic and cultural relics and historical background of the Silk Road is a deep excavation and collation of historical materials of exchanges between the East and the West, especially between China and the nationalities in the Western regions in the fields of traditional politics, commerce, economy, art and culture. This depth of excavation and collation of historical materials, so as to clarify the origin of the Silk Road under different historical conditions and the background of its political, economic, art, and cultural significance in forming the civilisation of the countries along the route. This mutual understanding among various nationalities inevitably promotes the shared development of Eastern and Western civilizations. Therefore, the topic discussed in this paper is a retrospective and complementary approach to the Silk Road as a distant civilisation. This exploration is also another purposeful search for the roots of this road, which was known as the “Journey of Adventure” and “Journey of Intercommunication” from the pre-Qin Dynasty to the two Han Dynasties. Accordingly, this paper promotes the discussion from three aspects: the long historical context of the Silk Road, the channel of multi-ethnic art exchange constituted by Silk Road, and the exchange and dissemination of handicraft culture on the Silk Road, excavating these three rich historical materials is more in order to reveal the historical values of the Silk Road.

Assessment of the Risks of Zoonotic Infection at the Primatology Centre of the Interdisciplinary Medical Research Centre of Franceville in Gabon.

Non-human primate (NHPs) conservation sites could be sites of exchange of pathogens involved in infectious diseases. It is important to assess the potential risks associated with this type of structure. The objective of this study was to carry out a risk assessment of the Primatology Centre housed in the Interdisciplinary Centre for Medical Research of Franceville (CIRMF). A questionnaire was administered to the centre's staff to assess the risk associated with each workstation, followed by a review of the various pathogens identified in NHPs. The data were analysed using two diagrams: the Kiviat diagram and the Pareto diagram. Based on our results, a variety of pathogens such as viruses, bacteria and parasites, potentially transmissible to humans, were described in the NHPs at the Primatology Centre of CIRMF. The position most exposed to zoonotic risks was that of animal handlers. The Primatology Centre of CIRMF is a potential transfer site for the transfer of zoonotic agents. To avoid the risk of parasite exchange between staff and animals, the implementation of biosecurity measures is essential.

Comparative study of silica-based porous materials in the purification of radioactive wastewater

A significant challenge in the treatment of low-level radioactive wastewater is the effective purification of low-concentration radionuclides. Silica-based adsorbents are advantageous for the deep-purification of low-concentration metal ions. This study investigates three primary types of silica-based adsorbents: functionalized mesoporous silica, various modified zeolites, and mesoporous calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H). These adsorbents were synthesized and their deep-purification effects on heavy metals and radionuclides were compared. The results indicated that mesoporous silica showed relatively poor adsorption for most metal ions. Zeolites outperformed mesoporous silica, with Zn framework-modified zeolites showing enhanced adsorption for several metal ions. Notably, C-S-H displayed superior adsorption performance, achieving high adsorption capacities for various metal ions and radionuclides. Specifically, at a dose of 0.5 g/L, the adsorption efficiency of C-S-H for numerous radionuclides in nuclear power plant wastewater exceeded 92–99 %, highlighting its potential for practical applications. An in-depth analysis of the physical and chemical structure and the adsorption mechanisms of C-S-H revealed its large mesoporous structure and electrostatic attraction to cations across a wide pH range. Multivalent cations were removed through exchange with Ca2+ in C-S-H, whereas monovalent cations were removed through exchange with Na+ in C-S-H. The cyclic structure of silica-oxygen tetrahedra in C-S-H, which promotes large pore formation and provides abundant ion exchange sites, underpins its excellent adsorption properties. This study offers valuable insights for the selection and application of silica-based materials in radioactive wastewater treatment.

Artificial Flowers in the Credit Records of an Eighteenth-Century French Fashion Merchant

Abstract In recent decades, historians have acknowledged the role that women played in shaping and disseminating scientific knowledge during the Enlightenment. Current scholarship also suggests that fashion was a means through which haptic, economic, and practical knowledge was shared among women. This article focuses on one particular fashion accessory – the artificial flower – to explore its contribution to our understanding of women’s knowledge of botany in eighteenth-century France. An analysis of the receipts preserved in the credit records of France’s most famous fashion merchant, Marie-Jeanne (Rose) Bertin (1747–1813), demonstrates high levels of specificity in the flowers that women chose to adorn their outfits. Seventy-five different types of flowers are mentioned using their vernacular names, suggesting that knowledge about a wide variety of flowers was exchanged between fashion merchants and their clients during conversations about clothing. This article therefore casts the fashion merchant’s shop as a site of botanical knowledge generation and exchange.

Beyond mining: physical commodity traders, market intermediation and the role of (de-)coupling

ABSTRACT Economic activities that involve natural resources are often associated with precarious terms of employment, uneven relationships between local communities and state authorities and transregional inequalities. In anthropology, the role of intermediaries who connect producers and consumers in the context of commodity trade remains largely unexplored. In this article, I want to go beyond mining to share an ethnographic account of how physical commodity traders sell and buy goods and organise logistical operations and to elaborate on how their mode of trading influences questions of social and economic inequalities. In doing so, I wish to shift the focus of research on mining and capitalism from the sites of production to the sites of exchange and to show how market intermediaries play a critical role in creating and sustaining unequal relationships between commodity producers and consumers through what I call (de-)coupling.

Removal of Pb2+ and Cu2+ from artificial geothermal brine by zeolite at various salinity and temperature conditions

Natural zeolite (predominantly clinoptilolite - Ca) was tested for application in geothermal facilities to remove copper (Cu2+) and lead (Pb2+) from formation fluids. Batch and dynamic flow-through (only for lead ions) experiments were performed at different salinities (I = 0.1 and 1 mol/L) in NaCl or CaCl2 solutions at up to 115 °C (batch experiments) and up to 130 °C (flow-through experiments), respectively. The batch experiments resulted in an uptake of up to 24 % at an initial concentration of 0.3 g/L and up to 93 % at 0.03 g/L of Pb2+ and 115 °C. For Cu2+, the uptake reached 100 % from initial 0.004 g/L. The presence of CaCl2 in the solution matrix reduced the uptake of the heavy metals as compared to the NaCl matrix. The Pb2+ uptake by zeolite granulates at dynamic flow-through conditions at 130 °C was 52 % of the initial value of 20.7 mg/L during the 180 min experimental time. Based on the results from batch experiments the data fitting indicated a site density of monovalent exchange sites of 3.0 ± 2.6 mmol/g solid and a cation exchange capacity (CEC) of 295 ± 26 meq/100 g zeolite. The Pb2+ uptake process by zeolite gave a KD value of log K = 1.53. These calculations were not possible for Cu2+ uptake indicating that the uptake mechanisms of Cu2+ at high salinities are too complex to be simulated.To explain the uptake processes at given conditions various structural analysis were performed. Infrared spectroscopy indicated a cation exchange of lighter ions in the crystal structure of zeolite by the heavier ions Cu2+ and Pb2+ at 650 to 750 cm−1. After the treatment with heavy metals, two new bands were detected at 2902 and 2982 cm−1, which were not observed in the natural zeolite. With X-ray diffraction (XRD) new crystalline phases were detected in the treated zeolite samples that could be attributed in case of Pb2+ uptake to cottunite (PbCl2) and laurionite (PbOHCl) and in the case of Cu2+ uptake to Cu2Cl(OH)3 and CuCl2. The simulated G(r)s supported these observations regarding Pb2+ uptake. Using electron microscopy methods, both mechanisms (ion exchange and mineral precipitation) were confirmed: the formation of new Pb2+ and Cu2+ containing mineral phases on the surface of the zeolite granules and the uniform distribution of chloro-coordinated complexes of Cu2+ and Pb2+ on the pore surfaces inside the zeolite.

Architecture decisions in quantum software systems: An empirical study on Stack Exchange and GitHub

Context:Quantum computing provides a new dimension in computation, utilizing the principles of quantum mechanics to potentially solve complex problems that are currently intractable for classical computers. However, little research has been conducted about the architecture decisions made in quantum software development, which have a significant influence on the functionality, performance, scalability, and reliability of these systems. Objective:The study aims to empirically investigate and analyze architecture decisions made during the development of quantum software systems, identifying prevalent challenges and limitations by using the posts and issues from Stack Exchange and GitHub. Methods:We used a qualitative approach to analyze the obtained data from Stack Exchange Sites and GitHub projects — two prominent platforms in the software development community. Specifically, we collected data from 385 issues (from 87 GitHub projects) and 70 posts (from 3 Stack Exchange sites) related to architecture decisions in quantum software development. Results:The results show that in quantum software development (1) architecture decisions are articulated in six linguistic patterns, the most common of which are Solution Proposal and Information Giving, (2) the two major categories of architectural decisions are Implementation Decision and Technology Decision, (3) Software Development Tools are the most common application domain among the twenty application domains identified, (4) Maintainability is the most frequently considered quality attribute, and (5) Design Issues and High Error Rates are the major limitations and challenges that practitioners face when making architecture decisions in quantum software development. Conclusions:Our results show that the limitations and challenges encountered in architecture decision-making during the development of quantum software systems are strongly linked to the particular features (e.g., quantum entanglement, superposition, and decoherence) of those systems. These issues mostly pertain to technical aspects and need appropriate measures to address them effectively.

Sorption, kinetic and separation studies of transition and heavy metal ions using cerium amino tris-(methylene phosphonic acid)

ABSTRACT In the present study, the ion exchange behaviour of cerium (IV) amino tris-(methylenephosphonic acid) (CeATMP) towards transition and heavy metal ions has been studied by determining the values of distribution coefficient (Kd) and breakthrough capacity (BTC). Various kinetic models such as pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, and intra-particle diffusion have been applied to determine ion exchange efficiency and compared with the reported works. As a result, CeATMP was found to be an efficient ion exchange material in term of a very short equilibrium time to for a metal ion to occupy an exchange site. Among the separation studies, elution behaviour of these metal ions has been executed using various acids and electrolytes media. A few binary and ternary metal ion separations also have been performed with consideration of Kd values. A study on regeneration shows that material can be reused without loss of the performance ability in term of cation exchange capacity. The present work reveals a significant use of CeATMP as an effective cation exchange material for removing and separation of inorganic contamination as environmental cleaning applications.

Elements of a Vanished Space: A Preliminary Study of an Early Eighteenth Century Batavia Castle Residential Hall and its Furnishings

Most depictions of interior spaces in early modern Indonesia lack enough detail to make precise reconstructions. This makes the description and illustration made by Johann Wolfgang Heydt of the Governor General’s residential hall in an early eighteenth century Batavia Castle unique. The illustration, albeit created within a Eurocentric framework, provides relatively detailed furnishing information for a historically important site that has long vanished. This research aims to investigate and specify some of the depicted furnishings — particularly tables, shield lamps, and spittoons — by comparing them with surviving artefacts and accounts of Batavian life. Tables with distinctive Louis XIV style undoubtedly point to the dominance of European taste, but many of them were produced by local Chinese craftsmen rather than brought from Europe. The shield lamps were curious in their provenance and may have been local iterations of Islamic pendant lamps consisting of imported Middle Eastern glass and indigenous metalworks. Spittoons conspicuously displayed in the hall were used to cater to local betel chewing habits that were also adopted by the Dutch inhabitants of the city. These furnishings reveal a hybrid culture where European taste — while still a dominant force within the colonial context — is tempered with the adoption of local customs, materials, and craftsmanship. The analysis of these elements also corroborates a more recent approach to early colonial Batavia as a nuanced, cosmopolitan site of complex social exchange and cultural hybridity.

Fumasep FAA-3-PK-130: Exploiting multinuclear solid-state NMR to shed light on undisclosed structural properties

Fumasep FAA-3-PK-130 is considered the state-of-the-art among the different commercially available Anion Exchange Membranes (AEMs). It is produced by Fumatech GmbH as a cost-effective blend of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and poly (phenylene oxide) (PPO) characterized by high hydroxyl ions conductivity, high thermal and chemical resistance, and high dimensional stability. Nevertheless, the chemical structure of the anion exchange sites and their contents were unknown so far.In this paper, we report a detailed structural characterization of Fumasep FAA-3-PK-130 to identify the material phase composition, the nature of the conducting moieties and their interactions with the adsorbed water molecules. A complete phase segregation between PPO and PEEK was found on a micrometric scale from 1H spin-lattice relaxation times and micro-ATR analysis. Multinuclear (1H, 13C, 19F) Solid-State NMR spectra, combined with nuclear spin relaxation measurements, allowed us to identify the anion exchange moiety with benzyl-ethyl-dimethylammonium. This is present as functionalizing group of PPO monomers with a functionalization degree of about 40 %. Moreover, the mobility of water absorbed in the membrane was studied by 2H Solid-State NMR on samples hydrated with deuterated water under controlled relative humidity: at low relative moisture, two different types of environments were found for water molecules, compatible with two types of water-ion clusters, one of which contains water molecules with a restricted mobility, limited to C2 jumps, due to strong interactions with ions.

Effects of calcium amendments on hydraulic conductivity and sodium content of brine‐impacted soils

AbstractHigh concentrations of sodium chloride dominate oilfield produced waters (brine) of the Williston Basin. When accidental spills of produced waters occur, there is an immediate need to reduce concentrations of chloride, to protect surface and groundwater systems and to reduce concentrations of sodium (Na) in soil to prevent any unwanted swelling and dispersion in soil. Swelling and dispersion of soils will likely occur if sodium adsorption ratio values are too high and the electrical conductivity drops below a certain threshold that is required to maintain flocculation. To prevent this, a calcium (Ca) amendment can be applied to replace Na with Ca on soil exchange sites. Historically, gypsum has been the most common Ca amendment used for improving brine impacted soils. Flue gas desulfurization gypsum is available in North Dakota but is still a sparingly soluble amendment. The purpose of this research was to investigate the use of calcium acetate (Ca‐Ac) as an amendment for brine‐impacted soils as compared to gypsum. Ca‐Ac has a similar concentration of Ca compared to gypsum but is over 100 times more soluble than gypsum. This laboratory experiment will compare how varying levels of gypsum and Ca‐Ac can influence soil hydraulic conductivity, and chemical and physical properties when mixed with oilfield brine‐impacted soils.

Correlation between Na-Cs Ion Exchange Properties in the Alkaline Form and Acid Strength in the Proton Form of Zeolite.

The ion exchange function of zeolite is useful for such a purpose as the removal of radioactive Cs species from water. In the very early days of zeolite science, the affinity of zeolites for metal cations was explained based on geometry. After the explanation presented above was proposed, many new zeolites and related materials were discovered or synthesized. Furthermore, it has become clear that the chemical nature of the ion exchange sites is strongly dependent on the framework topology. In this study, the ion exchange behavior between Na-form zeolites with different framework topologies and Cs-containing aqueous solutions was analyzed, and the equilibrium constant was calculated based on the Langmuir type equation to investigate the influence of the chemical nature of the zeolite framework on ion selectivity. The equilibrium constants at room temperature were in the order FAU < LTA < MFI < YFI < MOR. This order is the same as the order of Bro̷nsted acid strengths in the corresponding proton form zeolites. It is suggested that the delocalization of charge around the ion exchange site stabilizes a large cation whose charge is delocalized. In contrast, the equilibrium constant was not related to the pore and cavity size. This opens new insight into the influence of the chemical nature of zeolite on the affinity to cation.

A comparative study on the influences of sulfonated- and phosphorated-graphene oxide on polyvinylidene fluoride cation-exchange membranes for electrodialysis

The –SO3H and –PO3H2 groups were grafted on graphene oxide (GO) by adding sulfuric acid and phosphoric acid at the same weight percentage, respectively. The physicochemical properties of the sulfonated GO (SGO) and phosphorated GO (PGO) were compared using different techniques. SGO and PGO were individually incorporated into the PVDF matrix (at the same wt%) to compare their effects on the properties of the resulting PVDF/SGO and PVDF/PGO cation-exchange membranes (CEMs). Membranes' characteristics including ionic conductivity and water content, area resistance, and the rate at which Na+ ions diffuse throughout the membranes changed considerably by altering the type of ion exchange sites, and more desirable values were obtained using PGO. Nevertheless, PVDF/SGO provided an ion exchange capacity (IEC) of 5.5 meq g−1, while it was about 1.7 times lower than PVDF/PGO (9.4 meq g−1). It also provided a promising ionic conductivity (17.24 mS cm−1), transport number (93.65 %), permselectivity (89.58 %), and low area resistance (2.7 Ω cm2), which exceeded those of the commercial CEMs such as Ralex. Moreover, PVDF/SGO exhibited desirable mechanical characteristics, and a low weight loss (2.4 %) and low resistance change (22.2 %) after 9 h being submerged in the Fenton reagent, however, these parameters were better for PVDF/PGO.

Huxley's Karma and Lu Xun's Ghosts

This article questions the secularist assumption in the received narrative of Chinese modernity by uncovering the religious ideas and imaginations that have since the outset mediated and shaped the Chinese discovery of evolutionary science, a massive phenomenon that has conventionally been understood in a scientistic and secularistic light. Adopting an interdisciplinary approach, this article revisits Tianyan lun—the Chinese translation of Thomas Henry Huxley's Evolution and Ethics and the single most influential book in initiating late-Qing intellectuals into social Darwinism—as a site for Buddhist global exchange and translingual practice, when the notion of “karma” offered Huxley and his Chinese translator and readers at once a ground of convergence and a point of departure. To Lu Xun and his brother Zhou Zuoren, from a hereditary perspective, karma has assumed the other name of history, while evolution unfolded in perpetual entanglements of humans and ghosts under a samsaric temporal scheme. Lu Xun's obsession with the netherworld has fostered, on the one hand, a deep pessimism about human developmental agency and the promise of the revolution and, on the other hand, an existential courage to confront the “realm of darkness.”