From Ancient Rituals to Modern Spirituality:The Evolution and Personalization of Religious Experience

This paper explores the evolution of religious experience from ancient nature worship and ancestor reverence to modern individualized spirituality.It examines how early spiritual practices were deeply intertwined with daily life,later becoming institutionalized through formalized religions with complex rituals and doctrines.The rise of mysticism,emphasizing personal connections with the divine,persisted alongside institutional religions.In contemporary society,the shift towards"spiritual but not religious"reflects a return to personalized spiritual paths,driven by individualism and the desire for direct,meaningful spiritual experiences.This trend's implications for both individuals and society are also discussed.

The Cult of Mazu in Hainan,China and Among Vietnamese Hainanese Diaspora:A Comparative Study of Mazu Culture

The cult of Mazu is a common folk belief in China and Vietnam.Originating from the Song and Yuan Dynasties,particularly during the Ming and Qing Dynasties,the cult of Mazu spread to Vietnam through maritime trade and migration from coastal regions of China.After centuries of integration and development,it evolved into its own cultural system of Mazu worship,becoming an important component of Vietnamese folk culture.Hainan,China,as a crucial supply station on the Maritime Silk Road,has close connections with the transmission of Mazu culture to Vietnam.This paper adopts field investigations and literature research methods to explore the Mazu worship and culture in Hainan,China,and the Qiongfu Assembly Halls in Vietnam.

The White Stone Worship of Qiang People

The White Stone worship is an inseparable cultural part among Qiang People in the history and their daily lives.It has relationship with the God,with Qiang people's fondness of the white color,with the fire-making,with the function of white stones as the tool and weapon for survival,and with the worship for Snow Mountain.The White Stone is the oblation in Qiang Families,the architecture-Blockhouse relating to the white stone is famous worldwide.The essay also discusses the links between the white stone worship with Qiang people in the past and in the future,

The White Stone Worship of Qiang People

The White Stone worship is an inseparable cultural part among Qiang People in the history and their daily lives. It has relationship with the God, with Qiang people' s fondness of the white color, with the fire-making, with the function of white stones as the tool and weapon for survival, and with the worship for Snow Mountain. The White Stone is the oblation in Qiang Families, the architecture-Blockhouse relating to the white stone is famous worldwide. The essay also discusses the links between the white stone worship with Qiang people in the past and in the future.

The Application to Evaluate Worship Location Based on Geospatial Analysis: Case of Indonesia

The application of geospatial analysis is a need to respond to the increasing number of social conflicts caused by the existence of public places of worships (PPW) in Indonesia. This conflict eventually becomes endemic among Indonesian cross-cultural society. Even though the government has produced a regulation-like policy namely SKB 2006 to manage the establishment of PPW, its contribution to avoiding or reducing the conflicts is in question. Researchers notice that the policy is misused in some incidents to even trigger the conflict. It is due to the presence of people participation defined in SKB 2006 particularly to determine the legalization of PPW. Currently there is no exact foundation used by the government to precisely measure the status of PPW, hence the decision to permit or reject any proposal to establish PPW is determined by the acceptance of surrounding society which in many occasions becomes the cause of the conflict. Therefore the government needs to regain control over the existence of PPW since these types of buildings are public facilities used by people in cross-cultural society. The research is to provide accurate information regarding the existence of PPW and the impact of their presence using geospatial analysis. The objective is to analyze the interaction between PPW and its surrounding objects. The analysis is based on PPW coverage, overlapping and blank spot area. A case study has been conducted to analyze the existence of PPW at Cemorokandang village, a part of Malang city in the province of East Java. The application highlights the issue of overwhelming PPW in the location of analysis.

Social Promotion Mechanism under the Dai People’s Traditional Worship of“Dragon Forest”

“Dragon Forest”culture has a long history,and it is the oldest and most primitive traditional culture of the Dai Nationality.As the holy forest of the Dai Nationality,“Dragon Forest”is the resting place for the souls of the“Meng God(tribal ancestor)”and“Zhai God(clan ancestor)”of the Dai people.Dai people not only respect and worship“Dragon Forest”,but also set up a temple in“Dragon Forest”and hold sacrificial activities regularly,to pray for health and happiness from their ancestors.“Dragon Forest”is the combination of multiple factors,and has been continuously protected by worship and taboo for thousands of years.It combines closely the natural system,belief system and social culture system,becomes a place that supports people’s ideas,values and spirits,and solidifi es into a structural force in the social structure,which plays a certain role in promoting the social mechanism of local village community.

An Analysis of Africans’ Blind Worship Towards European Culture in V. S. Naipaul’s A Bend in the River

As an important early work of Nobel laureate Naipaul and a model of postcolonial works,A Bend in the River has been studied for decades.It is not hard to find Africans’blind worship towards European culture after reading this book.This paper aims to explore the manifestations of Africans’blind worship towards European culture in the novel by a close reading and acts as a wake-up call for almost every nations existing in the age of globalization to firm their own national cultural stand and enhance cultural confidence so as to remain invincible in the unprecedented changes.

The Study of the Language Functions in the Benzhu Worship of the Bai Ethnic Groups in Dali,Yunnan

The Benzhu worship is a traditional folk activity of the Bai ethnic group in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Prov?ince, which has long history with colourful culture. When the sacred ceremonies are held, Bai villagers always get together to celebrate. In the Benzhu worship, language plays significant functions, including the performative function, recreational function, emotive function and interpersonal function.

Classic of Mountains and Seas and the Origin of White Jade Worship： On the Myths of the Yellow Emperor＇s Eating Jade and Queen Mother of the West＇s Presenting the White Jade Ring

The white jade worship, born in the Shang and Zhou Dynasties, brought about a ＂Protestant Revolution＂ in the development history of Chinese jade mythology, which had deep influence on the nation＇s ideology and material production in the following 3,000 years. The myths of the Yellow Emperor＇s eating the white jade cream and the Queen Mother of the West living in Kunlun Jade Mountain, as recorded in Classic of Mountains and Seas, are mythological imaginations of the historical reality that the jades were spread from the West to the East and recreated by people living in the early state of the Central Plains. All such motifs, no matter the white jade cream that produced black jades, the Yellow Emperor＇s planting the jade flowers, the Kunlun Jade Mountains （the Mountain of Jades） where the Queen Mother of the West lives or the Jade Lake, clearly show Chinese indigenous worship for the white jades. Scholars like Su Xuelin and Ling Chunsheng think that Queen Mother of the West is the goddess of the moon that originated from the old West Asian civilization. However, such idea is full of contradictions and flaws after the discovery of Chinese unique worship for white jades and the holy mountain of Kunlun. The book Classic of Mountains and Seas, with records of 140 mountains that produce jades and 16 mountains that produce white jades, can be the white jade worshippers＇ bible to explore the holy material resources.

Research on the Application of Immortal Cultures in Tourism Planning——A Case Study of Tourism Development of Xianshi Town in Zigong City of China

Through analyzing the relationship between immortal cultures and tourist activities, the authors proposed that birth of immortal thought was closely related to early tourist activities. The core idea of immortal cultures was in conformity with modern leisure cultures. Tourist resources in Ancient Xianshi Township were re-explored, and application of immortal cultures in tourism development of the town was studied. The authors proposed that both "immortal" and "salt" should be valued in the tourism development of ancient Xianshi Township, interaction and integration of immortal stories, immortal traces and scenic areas should be stressed in the application of immortal cultures, so as to incorporate "immortal bath" and modern salt bath, and to combine creation of fairyland with modern sightseeing and leisure agriculture.

Application of the Mongol-Yuan Culture in the Modern Landscape Design

The application principles of the Mongol-Yuan culture in the landscape elements are found out,through the research on the meaning of Mongol-Yuan culture and the connectivity between culture and landscape elements.The application of the Mongol-Yuan culture is specified by a typical design case analysis so as to offer some references for the modern landscape design.The Mongol-Yuan culture can be applied to the modern landscape elements,such as landform,architecture,sculpture,paving and so on.And the artistic conception of the Mongol-Yuan culture can be created by the application of the Mongolian totem culture,characteristic style,featured pattern,local customs and so on.

The Oracle in Ode on a Grecian Urn of Keats

In the Ode to the Grecian Urn Keats came to the realization that the immortality he had quested for is a myth that cannot be interpreted. The marbleized sacrificial rite on the ancient urn implies that human life is a process of endless sacrifice. This inevitable recognition of mortal limitation during the process of human growth can not be dissolved by the soothing oracle that Beauty is truth, truth beauty'.

Detection of CYP2E1,a Genetic Biomarker of Susceptibility to Benzene Metabolism Toxicity in Immortal Human Lymphocytes Derived from the Han Chinese Population

Objective Cytochrome P450 2E1 （CYP2E1） is an important metabolizing enzyme involved in oxidative stress responses to benzene, a chemical associated with bone marrow toxicity and leukemia, We aimed to identify the CYP2E1 genetic biomarkers of susceptibility to benzene toxicity in support of environmental and occupational exposure prevention, and to test whether a model using immortal human lymphocytes might be an efficient tool for detecting genetic biomarkers. Methods Immortalized human lymphocyte cell lines with independent genotypes on four CYP2E1 SNP sites were induced with 0.01% phenol, a metabolite of benzene. CYP2E1 gene function was evaluated by mRNA expression and enzyme activity. DNA damage was measured by Single-Cell Gel Electrophoresis （SCGE）. Results Among the four SNPs, cells with rs2070673TT and rs2030920CC showed higher levels of ~YP2E1 transcription and enzymatic activity than the other genotypes in the same SNP site. Cells with higher gene expression genotypes also showed higher comet rates compared with lower gene expression genotypes. Conclusion These results suggest that CYP2E1 rs2070673 and rs2030920 might be the genetic biomarkers of susceptibility to benzene toxicity and that the immortalized human lymphocytes model might be an efficient tool for the detection of genetic biomarkers of susceptibility to chemicals.

The Relationship between Dali Lord Worship Ritual Activity and Regional Landscape Architecture in China

The paper had introduced Lord Worship ritual activity unique to Bai Nationality and analyzed Dali landscape characteristics from the aspects of landscape pattern, architectural courtyard pattern and plants landscaping. In the perspective of surface, line and spot landscape architectures, Lord Worship ritual activity had been analyzed. It had revealed that the development of Lord Worship ritual activity was rooted in local landscape environment, and temple's site selection, square construction, activities' route selection and construction of forest land in front of residences were all based on landscape environment. After the analysis of the relationship between Lord Worship ritual activity and landscape places, it had opened a new thought for researches on religious activities and regional landscape. It could explore and recover some traditional folk cultures when environmental landscapes had been studied, so as to promote the inheritance of national culture.

Immortalization of human umbilical vein endothelial cells with telomerase reverse transcriptase and simian virus 40 large T antigen

Objective: To establish normally conditionally-immortalized human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) by ectopic expression of the human telomerase catalytic enzyme (hTERT) and simian virus 40 large T (SV40 LT) antigen. Methods:Primary HUVECs were transfected with recombinant retrovirus containing hTERT or SV40 LT respectively. Subsequently drug resistant cell clones were screened and expanded for further studies. Endothelial cell biomarkers were confirmed by examination.Results: The morphological phenotype of the transfected cells was similar to the non-transfected cells. Von Willebrand factor,hTERT and SV40 LT could be detected in transfected HUVECs. Moreover, higher telomerase activity in transfected cells was maintained for over 50 population doublings compared with only low level of endogenous telomerase transiently at early population doublings in primary HUVECs. When exposed to TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor-α), the expression of E-selectin in transfected cells was significantly up-regulated, but no alteration of endothelial lipase was found. Conclusion: Ectopic coexpression of hTERT and SV40 LT can effectively immortalize HUVECs without tumorigenicity in vitro. Immortalized HUVECs may be an ideal target of further molecular function studies.

Conophylline Promotes the Proliferation of Immortalized Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived from Fetal Porcine Pancreas (iPMSCs)

Conophylline, is a bis （indole） alkaloid consisting of two pentacyclic aspidosperma skeletons, isolated from Tabernaemontana divaricata, which has been found to induce β-cell differentiation in rat pancreatic acinar carcinoma cells and in cultured rat pancreatic tissue. However, the precise role of conophylline in the growth and survival of immortalized pancreatic mesenchymal stem cells （iPMSCs） derived from fetal porcine pancreas were not understood at present. To determine whether this molecule is involved in controlling the proliferation of iPMSCs, we examined the effects of conophylline on iPMSCs. We found that conophylline can robustly stimulate iPMSCs proliferation, even promote their potential differentiation into islet-like clusters analyzed by cell counting, morphology, RT-PCR and real-time PCR, Western blotting, glucose-stimulated insulin release and insulin content analysis. The effects of conophylline were inhibited by LY294002, which is the inhibitor of the PI3K pathway. These results suggest that conophylline plays a key role in the regulation of cell mass proliferation, maintenance of the undifferentiated state of iPMSCs and also promotes iPMSCs differentiated into insulin-producing cells.

Herpes simplex virus-1 infection or Simian virus 40-mediated immortalization of corneal cells causes permanent translocation of NLRP3 to the nuclei

AIM: To investigate into the potential involvement of pyrin containing 3 gene(NLRP3), a member of the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptors with cytosolic pattern recognition, in the host defense of corneas against viruses.METHODS: The herpes viral keratitis model was utilized in BALB/c mice with inoculation of herpes simplex virus-1(HSV-1). Corneal tissues removed during therapy of patients with viral keratitis as well as a Simian vacuolating virus 40(SV40)-immortalized human corneal epithelial cell line were also examined.Immunohistochemistry was used to detect NLRP3 in these subjects, focusing on their distribution in tissue or cells. Western blot was used to measure the level of NLRP3 and another two related molecules in NLPR3 inflammasome, namely caspase-1 and IL-1β.RESULTS: The NLRP3 activation induced by HSV-1infection in corneas was accompanied with redistribution of NLRP3 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus in both murine and human corneal epithelial cells. Furthermore,in the SV40-immortalized human corneal epithelial cells,NLRP3 was exclusively located in the nucleus, and treatment of the cells with high concentration of extracellular potassium(known as an inhibitor of NLRP3activation) effectively drove NLRP3 back to the cytoplasm as reflected by both immunohistochemistry and Western blot.· CONCLUSION: It is proposed that herpes virus infection activates and causes redistribution of NLRP3 to nuclei. Whether this NLRP3 translocation occurs with other viral infections and in other cell types merit further study.

Effects of 13 T Static Magnetic Fields (SMF) in the Cell Cycle Distribution and Cell Viability in Immortalized Hamster Cells and Human Primary Fibroblasts Cells

Magnetic resonance image （MRI） systems with a much higher magnetic flux density were developed and applied for potential use in medical diagnostic. Recently, much attention has been paid to the biological effects of static, strong magnetic fields （SMF）. With the 13 T SMF facility in the Institute of Plasma Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, the present study focused on the cellular effects of the SMF with 13 T on the cell viability and the cell cycle distribution in immortalized hamster cells, such as human-hamster hybrid （AL） cells, Chinese hamster ovary （CHO） cells, DNA double-strand break repair deficient mutant （XRS-5） cells, and human primary skin fibroblasts （AG1522） cells. It was found that the exposure of 13 T SMF had less effect on the colony formation in either nonsynchronized or synchronized AL cells. Moreover, as compared to non-exposed groups, there were slight differences in the cell cycle distribution no matter in either synchronized or nonsynchronized immortalized hamster ceils after exposure to 13 T SMF. However, it should be noted that the percentage of exposed AG1522 cells at G0/G1 phase was decreased by 10% as compared to the controls. Our data indicated that although 13 T SMF had minimal effects in immortalized hamster cells, the cell cycle distribution was slightly modified by SMF in human primary fibroblasts.

Spontaneous immortalization of human dermal microvascular endothelial cells

AIM:To establish and characterize a spontaneously immortalized human dermal microvascular endothelial cell line,iHDME1.METHODS:We developed a spontaneous immortalization method.This approach is based on the application of optimized culture media and culture conditions without addition of any exogenous oncogenes or carcinogens.Using this approach,we have successfully established a microvascular endothelial cell line,iHDME1,from primary human dermal microvascular endothelial cells.iHDME1 cells have been maintained in culture dishes for more than 50 passages over a period of 6 mo.Using a GFP expressing retrovirus,we generated a GFP-stable cell line(iHDME1-GFP).RESULTS:iHDME1 retain endothelial morphology and uniformly express endothelial markers such as VEGF receptor 2 and VE-cadherin but not α-smooth muscle actin(α-SM-actin) and cytokeratin 18,markers for smooth muscle cells and epithelial cells respectively.These cells retain endothelial properties,migrate in response to VEGF stimulation and form 3-D vascular structures in Matrigel,similar to the parental cells.There is no signif icant difference in cell cycle prof ile between the parental cells and iHDME1 cells.Further analysis indicates enhanced stemness in iHDME1 cells compared to parental cells.iHDME1 cells display elevated expression of CD133 and hTERT.CONCLUSION:iHDME1 cells will be a valuable source for studying angiogenesis.

Differentiation of human amniotic epithelial cells into corneal epithelial-like cells in vitro

·AIM: To explore the feasibility that human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs) have the potential to differentiate into corneal epithelial -like cells under the microenvironment replicated by spontaneously immortalized human corneal epithelial cells (S-ihCECs). ·METHODS: hAECs were isolated by enzyme digestion, and flow cytometry was used to analysis the expression of CD29/90/166/73/34 and HLA -DR. Recovered and cultured S -ihCECs, immunocytochemistry was used to detect the expression of CK3/12. The proliferation of S - ihCECs handled by different concentrations of mitomycin was detected by CCK -8. The proliferation of hAECs cultured by S-ihCECs culture media collected at different time was analyzed by CCK -8. After filtered out the optimal conditions, we collected S-ihCECs culture media for 5 days, then prepared conditioned medium to incubate hAECs, inverted phase contrast microscope and scanning electron microscope were used to observe the change of morphology in hAECs. Quantitative real -time reverse transcription -polymerase chain reaction (QRT - PCR) was carried out to evaluate the expression of Oct - 4, NANOG, PAX6, and CK12 in the differentiation period. Immunocytochemistry and western bloting were used to detect the expression of CK3/12. ·RESULTS: The culture media collected every 12h, from 20μg/mL mitomycin pretreatment S -ihCECs could significantly promote the proliferation of hAECs. In the period of differentiation, the morphology of differentiated hAECs was obviously different compared with the control group, and the distinctive CK3/12 for corneal epithelial cells was detected.·CONCLUSION: This study showed that hAECs can differentiate into corneal epithelial -like cells by replication of the corneal epithelial microenvironment, using the culture media collected from S -ihCECs, and it is possible that S -ihCECs culture media could be used in corneal tissue engineering. ·