African monsoons Part 1 : Climatological structure and circulation

A recent (1979-1996) NCEP/NCAR reanalysis dataset is utilized to study the structure and characteristics of the time-mean meteorological fields over the continent of Africa and surrounding oceans during February and August when the seasonal monsoons are normally at their peak intensity. The vertical structure, revealed in zonal and meridional sections over different parts of the continent, bring out the dominant influences of the neighbouring oceans and topography in the formation and distribution of monsoon troughs and ridges and associated dry and wet zones. Vertical circulations reveal a symbiotic relationship between the tropical monsoons and the subtropical deserts of the two hemispheres. Some salient features of the African monsoons, such as the formation of double equatorial troughs and their movement following change of season, are discussed and compared with similar features observed elsewhere over the world.

Librarianship in the Era of Social Media

The chapter presents the symbiotic relationship between library services and social media and its possible implications for the 21st century librarian. The 21st century librarian has witnessed huge changes in the field of library and information science. These changes in the library and information science domain have altered the forms of information and the nature of services but the basic role of the libraries – to cater for the information needs and demands of the users remains. As the popularity of social media is growing exponentially, librarians cannot stand aloof but ensure they exploit the benefits attached to using social media in libraries. With social media, libraries can attract their users and provide improved services while keeping them abreast on latest developments in the libraries. The chapter discussed how social media can be exploited for the benefit of the library clients. The chapter concluded by providing suggestions that will benefit the librarians and libraries to ensure improved symbiotic relationship between library services and social media.

Endophyte Infected Tall Fescue: Plant Symbiosis to Animal Toxicosis

Endophyte-infected fescue is a major cool season forage used for livestock production in the United States and through other areas of the world. A unique aspect of this forage resource is the symbiotic relationship with an endophytic fungus (Epichloë coenophiala) that has detrimental impact on herbivores due to toxic ergot alkaloids. Research over the past 50 years has unveiled details regarding this symbiotic relationship. This review focuses on the origin of tall fescue in the United States and the consequences of its wide-spread utilization as a livestock forage, along with the discovery and toxicodynamics of ergot alkaloids produced by E. coenophiala. The majority of past ergot alkaloid research has focused on observing phenotypic changes that occur in livestock affected by ergot alkaloids, but recent investigation of the metabolome, transcriptome, and proteome have shown that fescue toxicity-related illnesses are much more complex than previous research suggests.

Xenobiotic receptors and the regulation of intestinal homeostasis - harnessing the chemical output of the intestinal microbiota

The commensal bacteria that reside in the gastrointestinal tract exist in a symbiotic relationship with the host, driving the development of the immune system and maintaining metabolic and tissue homeostasis in the local environment. The intestinal microbiota has the capacity to generate a wide array of chemical metabolites to which the cells of the intestinal mucosa are exposed. Host cells express xenobiotic receptors, such as the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and pregnane X receptor (PXR), that can sense and respond to chemicals that are generated by non-host pathways. In this review, we will outline the physiological and immunological processes within the intestinal environment that are regulated by microbial metabolites through the activation of the AhR and PXR, with a focus on ligands generated by the step-wise catabolism of tryptophan.

"The Horse on which Words Ride": Proverbial Narrative in Toyin Falola's A Mouth Sweeter than Salt

Literature and oral tradition share a symbiotic relationship. Toyin Faiola the author of A Mouth Sweeter than Salt has produced a highly engaging memoir. The text is set in Ibadan, Ode Aje and Ilorin. We find a rich and knowledgeable exploitation of oral forms which the author uses within the frame of the biographical genre. Through the use of proverbial narration, Fa­Iola presents a tale replete with magic, religion, divination, spirituality and various folklore elements. The oral forms Faiola has used in the text come from the oral character of everyday life, prose narratives, songs, proverbs and proverb-like expressions while exploring the themes of innocence, curiosity and growth. This stylistic feature of narration is common in African story telling sessions. In both the traditional and modern context, the African prov­erb fulfils its social and communicative function in various forms. Faiola pres­ents an inseparable relationship of mutual exchange between the oral and written traditions. However, our point of emphasis is to evaluate the context and usage of the proverbial narration with a restriction to proverbs which deal with animals. The qualities attributed to animals in the proverbs and sayings figuratively and metaphorically describe people's appearance, characteristics and deeds.

Orthodontics and the Periodontium: A Symbiotic Relationship

The force applied by the orthodontist to facilitate the orderly movement of teeth to their new position may have deleterious effects on the most important structure involved in the procedure—the periodontium. This chapter endeavors to provide an overview of the biological processes that play a role in achieving the patient’s as well as the orthodontist’s objective.

The Potential Role of Phytonutrients Flavonoids Influencing Gut Microbiota in the Prophylaxis and Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), characterized by the chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, is comprised of two idiopathic chronic intestinal inflammatory diseases. As the incidence of IBD increases, so does the need for safe and effective treatments. Trillions of microorganisms are colonized in the mammalian intestine, coevolve with the host in a symbiotic relationship. Gut microbiota has been reported to be involved in the pathophysiology of IBD. In this regard, phytonutrients flavonoids have received increasing attention for their anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. In this review, we address recent advances in the interactions among flavonoids, gut microbiota, and IBD. Moreover, their possible potential mechanisms of action in IBD have been discussed. We conclude that there is a complex interaction between flavonoids and gut microbiota. It is expected that flavonoids can change or reshape the gut microbiota to provide important considerations for developing treatments for IBD.

The Annexin A2/S100A10 Complex: The Mutualistic Symbiosis of Two Distinct Proteins

Mutualistic symbiosis refers to the symbiotic relationship between individuals of different species in which both individuals benefit from the association. S100A10, a member of the S100 family of Ca2+-binding proteins, exists as a tight dimer and binds two annexin A2 molecules. This association forms the annexin A2/S100A10 complex known as AIIt, and modifies the distinct functions of both proteins. Annexin A2 is a Ca2+-binding protein that binds F-actin, phospholipid, RNA, and specific polysaccharides such as heparin. S100A10 does not bind Ca2+, but binds tPA, plasminogen, certain plasma membrane ion channels, neurotransmitter receptors, and the structural scaffold protein, AHNAK. S100A10 relies on annexin A2 for its intracellular survival: in the absence of annexin A2, it is rapidly destroyed by ubiquitin-dependent and independent proteasomal degradation. Annexin A2 requires S100A10 to increase its affinity for Ca2+, facilitating its participation in Ca2+-dependent processes such as membrane binding. S100A10 binds tissue plasminogen activator and plasminogen, and promotes plasminogen activation to plasmin, which is a process stimulated by annexin A2. In contrast, annexin A2 acts as a plasmin reductase and facilitates the autoproteolytic destruction of plasmin. This review examines the relationship between annexin A2 and S100A10, and how their mutualistic symbiosis affects the function of both proteins.

ADR and the rule of law under a modern justice system

<p>Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) has been used around the world as a means to resolve conflict for hundreds of years, and has existed in its more modern form for more than four decades. Despite this long history and widespread use, ADR is still challenged as an illegitimate part of the justice system. This challenge has not gone unheeded and has been met with a vigorous defence. Much of the ensuing debate centres on the comparison between this ‘alternative’ form of justice and what is often called the more traditional form, adjudication. This paper addresses the longstanding claim made as part of this debate that ADR undermines the rule of law. Specifically, it seeks to determine whether ADR and the rule of law can be reconciled. It does this by firstly laying out and analysing the arguments made for and against ADR in this regard. Following this analysis, it proposes that ADR and the rule of law can be reconciled through the symbiotic relationship that exists between ADR and adjudication within the modern justice system. This theory is then evidenced through a case study by way of an examination of New Zealand’s restorative justice practice in the adult criminal justice system. The paper finds that ADR contributes necessary functions to the modern justice system, including the opportunity for broader justice through the wide and encompassing resolution of disputes that it can provide, and is clearly established as an essential component of the modern justice system. It concludes that ADR does not undermine the rule of law and these two can be reconciled.</p>