The microbiologist’s guide to membrane potential dynamics

All cellular membranes have the functionality of generating and maintaining the gradients of electrical and electrochemical potentials. Such potentials were generally thought to be an essential but homeostatic contributor to complex bacterial behaviors. Recent studies have revised this view, and we now know that bacterial membrane potential is dynamic and plays signaling roles in cell–cell interaction, adaptation to antibiotics, and sensation of cellular conditions and environments. These discoveries argue that bacterial membrane potential dynamics deserve more attention. Here, we review the recent studies revealing the signaling roles of bacterial membrane potential dynamics. We also introduce basic biophysical theories of the membrane potential to the microbiology community and discuss the needs to revise these theories for applications in bacterial electrophysiology

Founder Nikkyō Niwano and Sūtra Recitation: Awakening to One’s and Others’ Buddha-nature

Risshō Kōsei-kai (RKK) was founded by Nikkyō Niwano in 1939 to awaken the Buddha-nature in everyone. RKK’s faith practices are developed for achieving this purpose. The founder manifested “sūtra recitation” as an important practice following the teaching of “the five practices of teachers of the Dharma.” This article examines the five Lotus Sūtra, practices: (1) “receiving and keeping,” (2) “reading” and (3) “reciting,” (4) “expounding” and (5) “copying.” The author explains how in these practices one listens to the preaching of the Buddha, shows their appreciation, and grasps the true intention of the Buddha. In this way, the author argues, one can become a person who can revere the Buddha-nature in everyone including oneself

Al Jazeera as a political tool within the contradictions of Qatar

This thesis explores three issues regarding Al Jazeera satellite network and its host country, the state of Qatar. The first theme discusses the political power of Al Jazeera vis-Ã -vis its relationship with Qatar since Al Jazeera\u27s foundation of 1996 to the present day. In light of the fact that Al Jazeera\u27s impact on the Middle East and international affairs is disproportionate to Qatar\u27s global influence, this thesis argues that the state-owned Al Jazeera is not merely a media giant but also a powerful player in Arab politics. Specifically, as a case study, the Qatari-Saudi rivalry in the respective reporting of Al Jazeera and the Saudi-operated Al Arabiya is discussed. The second theme examines five sociopolitical contradictions of Qatar caused by the Emir\u27s diverse reforms, namely â democratizationâ by the absolute leader, rapid modernization in a Wahhabi country, an exploding young population and increasing foreign labor, its controversial relationship with Israel, and its reliance on U.S. forces for national security. An analysis of these contradictions is crucial to comprehending Qatar\u27s contemporary politics, which wield a significant influence on Al Jazeera\u27s news coverage. The last theme analyzes Qatar\u27s â omnidirectional diplomacyâ in order to understand how the Qatari government and the Emir of Qatar have manipulated Al Jazeera as an effective political instrument. This thesis focuses on Qatar\u27s niche strategy to draw the supports of the West in general and the United States in particular. Finally, by highlighting Qatar\u27s ambitions to be a regional power, it becomes obvious that pan-Arab Al Jazeera functions as a critical media outlet for Qatar\u27s survival in this turbulent region. This thesis also tries to examine briefly Al Jazeera\u27s role in the recent popular uprisings across the Arab world, taking into consideration the future prospects of Al Jazeera and Qatar

Double-resonance magic angle coil spinning

We present an extension of magic angle coil spinning (MACS) solid-state NMR spectroscopy to double-resonance experiments, enabling implementation of powerful double-resonance solid-state NMR methodologies including cross polarization, proton decoupling, and two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy etc., while still enjoying the merits that are intrinsic to MACS, such as high concentration sensitivity, eliminated magnetic susceptibility-induced field distortion, and an easy-to-use approach with the conventional and widespread hardware