Drawing Personality Out of a Stone

Loving Stones ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 194-225
Author(s):  
David L. Haberman

This chapter focuses on interaction with particular individual stones from Mount Govardhan and the anthropomorphic techniques employed to establish and develop close relationships with these divine forms. It includes a re-evaluation of the nature and function of anthropomorphism in general, something that until quite recently has been regarded with much suspicion within many academic disciplines. Many people who live near the mountain have a home shrine accommodating a Govardhan stone, when they could simply worship the mountain directly. For many, one of the advantages of worshiping an individual stone in their homes is convenience, especially for women often confined to the home throughout the day with household chores and activities. A stone in the home also provides rich opportunity for the loving hands-on activities that generate and nurture a close relationship with the mountain through this particular stone.

Author(s):  
Lasse Staby ◽  
Katherine R. Kemplen ◽  
Amelie Stein ◽  
Michael Ploug ◽  
Jane Clarke ◽  
...  

Abstract Understanding the interplay between sequence, structure and function of proteins has been complicated in recent years by the discovery of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs), which perform biological functions in the absence of a well-defined three-dimensional fold. Disordered protein sequences account for roughly 30% of the human proteome and in many proteins, disordered and ordered domains coexist. However, few studies have assessed how either feature affects the properties of the other. In this study, we examine the role of a disordered tail in the overall properties of the two-domain, calcium-sensing protein neuronal calcium sensor 1 (NCS-1). We show that loss of just six of the 190 residues at the flexible C-terminus is sufficient to severely affect stability, dynamics, and folding behavior of both ordered domains. We identify specific hydrophobic contacts mediated by the disordered tail that may be responsible for stabilizing the distal N-terminal domain. Moreover, sequence analyses indicate the presence of an LSL-motif in the tail that acts as a mimic of native ligands critical to the observed order–disorder communication. Removing the disordered tail leads to a shorter life-time of the ligand-bound complex likely originating from the observed destabilization. This close relationship between order and disorder may have important implications for how investigations into mixed systems are designed and opens up a novel avenue of drug targeting exploiting this type of behavior.


2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 806-830 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamás Ináncsi ◽  
Attila Pilinszki ◽  
Tünde Paál ◽  
András Láng

It is commonly known from the literature that Machiavellian individuals have negative attitudes towards people and in general towards the world´s affairs. They are distrustful of the intentions of others, and they get cautiously involved into interpersonal interactions and take risks only if that may not have any severe negative consequence. It is also a fact that there are few ventures in life that potentially involve as much insecurity and personal vulnerability as the establishment and maintenance of close relationships. In our study, we were seeking the answer to the question: do people with high levels of Machiavellianism show a generally negative, distrustful and cautious attitude in their intimate relationships, as well? What effect their pessimistic approaches have on the other consequences of the relationship (satisfaction, commitment, investment, quality of alternatives)? This question was investigated on a dyadic sample of heterosexual couples (N = 101 pairs) with Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM). The results of the correlations and actor effects show that men with high levels of Machiavellianism perceive in a negative way not just people in general, but their romantic partners and relationships as well and they experience an increased level of distrust, risk, and dissatisfaction into their close relationships. Women with high levels of Machiavellianism are less negativistic and feel less discontent towards their intimate partner and relationship, but even they are unable to put their distrust and precaution aside. The results of partner effects have revealed that women's Machiavellianism undermines men's trust, while men's Machiavellianism has the effect of minimizing women's investment into their relationship.


2004 ◽  
Vol 359 (1449) ◽  
pp. 1367-1377 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara L. Fredrickson

The broaden–and–build theory describes the form and function of a subset of positive emotions, including joy, interest, contentment and love. A key proposition is that these positive emotions broaden an individual's momentary thought–action repertoire: joy sparks the urge to play, interest sparks the urge to explore, contentment sparks the urge to savour and integrate, and love sparks a recurring cycle of each of these urges within safe, close relationships. The broadened mindsets arising from these positive emotions are contrasted to the narrowed mindsets sparked by many negative emotions (i.e. specific action tendencies, such as attack or flee). A second key proposition concerns the consequences of these broadened mindsets: by broadening an individual's momentary thought–action repertoire—whether through play, exploration or similar activities—positive emotions promote discovery of novel and creative actions, ideas and social bonds, which in turn build that individual's personal resources; ranging from physical and intellectual resources, to social and psychological resources. Importantly, these resources function as reserves that can be drawn on later to improve the odds of successful coping and survival. This chapter reviews the latest empirical evidence supporting the broaden–and–build theory and draws out implications the theory holds for optimizing health and well–being.


Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 1970 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grillo ◽  
Salvi ◽  
Coruzzi ◽  
Salvi ◽  
Parati

The close relationship between hypertension and dietary sodium intake is widely recognized and supported by several studies. A reduction in dietary sodium not only decreases the blood pressure and the incidence of hypertension, but is also associated with a reduction in morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular diseases. Prolonged modest reduction in salt intake induces a relevant fall in blood pressure in both hypertensive and normotensive individuals, irrespective of sex and ethnic group, with larger falls in systolic blood pressure for larger reductions in dietary salt. The high sodium intake and the increase in blood pressure levels are related to water retention, increase in systemic peripheral resistance, alterations in the endothelial function, changes in the structure and function of large elastic arteries, modification in sympathetic activity, and in the autonomic neuronal modulation of the cardiovascular system. In this review, we have focused on the effects of sodium intake on vascular hemodynamics and their implication in the pathogenesis of hypertension.


2018 ◽  
Vol 48 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 105-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Siena de Ménonville

AbstractThis article aims to illustrate through a social narrative the role and function of the debtera and their affiliation with the sacred and the profane in the Christian Orthodox regions of Ethiopia today. The article argues that though the debtera are subject to moral opprobrium, they are able to breach both the sacred and the profane because of their close relationship to knowledge and money.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariagrazia Valentini ◽  
Alessia Piermattei ◽  
Gabriele Di Sante ◽  
Giuseppe Migliara ◽  
Giovanni Delogu ◽  
...  

A close relationship exists between gut microbiota and immune responses. An imbalance of this relationship can determine local and systemic immune diseases. In fact the immune system plays an essential role in maintaining the homeostasis with the microbiota that normally resides in the gut, while, at the same time, the gut microbiota influences the immune system, modulating number and function of effector and regulatory T cells. To achieve this aim, mutual regulation between immune system and microbiota is achieved through several mechanisms, including the engagement of toll-like receptors (TLRs), pathogen-specific receptors expressed on numerous cell types. TLRs are able to recognize ligands from commensal or pathogen microbiota to maintain the tolerance or trigger the immune response. In this review, we summarize the latest evidences about the role of TLRs expressed in adaptive T cells, to understand how the immune system promotes intestinal homeostasis, fights invasion by pathogens, and is modulated by the intestinal microbiota.


1997 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 224-240 ◽  
Author(s):  
John H. Harvey ◽  
Julia Omarzu

In this theoretical analysis, we argue that a process referred to as minding is essential for a couple to feel mutually close and satisfied in a close relationship overa long period. Minding represents a package of mutual self-disclosure, other forms of goal-oriented behavior aimed at facilitating the relationship, and attributions about self's and other's motivations, intentions, and effort in the relationship. Self-disclosure and attribution activities in minding are aimed at getting to know the other, trying to understand the other's motivations and deeper dispositions as they pertain to the relationship, and showing respect and acceptance for knowledge gained about other. We link the concept of minding to other major ideas and literatures about how couples achieve closeness: self-disclosure and social penetration, intimacy, empathy and empathic accuracy, and love and self-expansion. We argue that the minding process articulated here has not previously been delineated and that it is a useful composite notion about essential steps in bonding among humans. We also argue that the minding concept stretches our understanding of the interface of attribution and close relationships. We present research possibilities and implications and consider possible alternative positions and counterarguments about the merits of the minding idea for close relationship satisfaction.


2013 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
MUSTHOFA KAMAL

Malangan Mask Dance: A Sociology History Perspective. This research represents the sociology history studyof the malangan mask puppet in Malang, East Java. Sociology history approach in this paper is used to fi nd theorigins, philosophy, distribution and function of malangan mask puppet and the form of presentation. As performanceart, mask puppet that i spread in poor areas has a close relationship with a social system that develops in itscommunity. Social system is the mechanization grown from a concept namely; a way of thinking from its society inviewing the reality of its life. Malang mask puppet presentation at the level of social function is seen as masks puppetsasked to enliven a feast. It appears that the presence of the show is a reality which is kinship and fellowship. Thereality is seen in the presence of the host, the sinoman, performance and audiences.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
NanNan Fu ◽  
Fang Xie ◽  
ZhongWen Sun ◽  
Qin Wang

T Follicular helper (Tfh) cells, a unique subset of CD4+ T cells, play an essential role in B cell development and the formation of germinal centers (GCs). Tfh differentiation depends on various factors including cytokines, transcription factors and multiple costimulatory molecules. Given that OX40 signaling is critical for costimulating T cell activation and function, its roles in regulating Tfh cells have attracted widespread attention. Recent data have shown that OX40/OX40L signaling can not only promote Tfh cell differentiation and maintain cell survival, but also enhance the helper function of Tfh for B cells. Moreover, upregulated OX40 signaling is related to abnormal Tfh activity that causes autoimmune diseases. This review describes the roles of OX40/OX40L in Tfh biology, including the mechanisms by which OX40 signaling regulates Tfh cell differentiation and functions, and their close relationship with autoimmune diseases.


2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (02) ◽  
pp. 192-208
Author(s):  
Raymond William

Abstract – On Bali the islanders enjoy a close relationship with their Creator. The majority of Balinese worship in temples or shrines called Pura. These form a complex of sacred buildings that have a certain significance and function. One prominent type is the so-called Meru or Pagoda. Not all Pura temples have such a pagoda, but those that have more than one are found quite frequently. The placement of a pagoda in a temple is usually made at the main section due to its holiness or purity. Their shape differs from other constructions because their layered roof is multi-tiered, always uneven in number, starting from 3 up to 11. Therefore, these pagodas attain a different height so that their proportions are interesting to observe in order to determine whether there is a pole (patokan) or not. The pagodas carry divine symbols, ones referring to other temples or shrines, or ancestral symbols. This study employs the descriptive-analytical method by conducting a qualitative-quantitative evaluation. The qualitative evaluation investigates the lay-out of the placement and examines symbolization, whereas the quantitative evaluation studies the proportions of the pagodas. The data collection technique contains three parts, namely studying the relevant background literature, making observations, and holding structured interviews. The data analysis subjects the outcome of the observations and interviews to analysis, to be joined with theoretical study. The conclusion may be drawn that the ordering principle behind the placement of pagodas is situated in the main area, considered the most sacred part of a Pura temple. These proportions prove to have several features in common by comparison, so that it can be turned into a pole (patokan). No uniformity was detected in the symbolization of the pagoda in terms of carvings or the number of joinings.Keywords: pagoda, site lay-out, proportion, symbolization, temples on Bali


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