Vision and Textuality in

Este artículo analiza el conflicto entre las formas de representación visuales y textuales como tema central de la formación en Wilhelm Meisters Lehrjahre de Goethe. Los primeros intereses de Wilhelm por el teatro están claramente motivadas por un deseo de la óptica exclusiva prometida por esa institución. No obstante, a pesar de que Wilhelm quiere compartir los ilusorios poderes visuales, al final se ve a sí mismo seducido por la seguridad de la representación textual. A lo largo de una buena parte de la novela, Wilhelm parece incapaz de dar crédito a sus propios ojos a menos que la validez de su visión sea corroborada por alguna «evidencia» textual. La relación de Wilhelm con la representación cambia cuando se entera de su probable paternidad. Primero reconoce el potencial desilusionador de la representación textual y realmente desea «ver» a Félix como a su hijo. Para ello, Wilhelm finaliza su inútil propósito de ver a través del teatro y entra a formar parte de otro tetaron —el panóptico de la Sociedad de la Torre. No obstante, la Sociedad de la Torre hará enfrentarse a Wilhelm con alguna mesura al poder de la visión que tanto anhela. Al someterse a sí mismo al poder ocular absoluto de estos visionarios, Wilhelm sacrifica su independencia. Su formación concluye con la imagen de su propio ser, dibujada hasta el mínimo detalle por la mano maestra y manipuladora de la Sociedad de la Torre.This article examines the conflict between visual and textual forms of representation as a central theme of Bildung in Goethe’s Wilhelm Meisters Lehrjahre. Wilhelm’s earliest interest in the theater is clearly motivated by a desire for the exclusive vision promised by this institution. However, though Wilhelm wants a share in the illusive power of vision, he finds himself utterly seduced by security of textual representation. Through most of the novel, Wilhelm seems unable to believe his own eyes unless the validity of his vision is corroborated by some textual «evidence.» Wilhelm’s relationship to representation changes when he learns of his potential fatherhood. For the first time he recognizes the deceptive potential of textual representation and truly desires to «see» Felix as his son. Therefore, Wilhelm ends his futile pursuit of vision through the theater and joins another théa-tron — the panoptic Tower Society. Though the Tower Society will endow Wilhelm with some measure of the power of vision he so keenly desires, it comes at a cost. In submitting to the absolute ocular power of this society of visionaries, Wilhelm sacrifices his autonomy. His Bildung ends with the image of his own Bild — rendered in minute detail by the masterful and manipulative hands of the Tower Society

A Profile of Third-Grade Proficiency in Erie County

Produced by the United Way of Buffalo and Erie County, this report details information about why it is important for third graders in Erie County to be proficient in reading and math. Children below grade-level proficiency in third grade are much less likely to graduate from high school.Without mastering early reading and math skills, a child will fall further and further behind their peers. Without a high school degree, our children will face a future in which they are less likely to be able to support themselves through employment, and are more likely to live in poverty

Mitochondrial cristae remodelling is associated with disrupted OPA1 oligomerisation in the Huntington's disease R6/2 fragment model

There is evidence of an imbalance of mitochondrial fission and fusion in patients with Huntington's disease (HD) and HD animal models. Fission and fusion are important for mitochondrial homeostasis including mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) maintenance and may be relevant for the selective striatal mtDNA depletion that we observed in the R6/2 fragment HD mouse model. We aimed to investigate the fission/fusion balance and the integrity of the mitochondrial membrane system in cortex and striatum of end-stage R6/2 mice and wild-type animals. Mitochondrial morphology was determined using electron microscopy, and transcript and protein levels of factors that play a key role in fission and fusion, including DRP1, mitofusin 1 and 2, mitofilin and OPA1, and cytochrome c and caspase 3 were assessed by RT-qPCR and immunoblotting. OPA1 oligomerisation was evaluated using blue native gels. In striatum and cortex of R6/2 mice, mitochondrial cristae morphology was abnormal. Mitofilin and the overall levels of the fission and fusion factors were unaffected; however, OPA1 oligomerisation was abnormal in striatum and cortex of R6/2 mice. Mitochondrial and cytoplasmic cytochrome c levels were similar in R6/2 and wild-type mice with no significant increase of activated caspase 3. Our results indicate that the integrity of the mitochondrial cristae is compromised in striatum and cortex of the R6/2 mice and that this is most likely caused by impaired OPA1 oligomerisation

Measuring parents’ experiences and satisfaction with care during very preterm birth: a questionnaire development study

Objective: To develop a questionnaire to assess parents’ experiences and satisfaction with care during very preterm birth. Design: Questionnaire development. Setting: Parents whose babies had been cared for at five tertiary neonatal units in England. Population: A total of 145 women who gave birth before 32 weeksof gestation, and 85 of their partners. Methods: A 30-item questionnaire was developed on the basis of qualitative interviews with parents of very preterm babies, a literature review and discussion with relevant experts. The questionnaire was posted to a second group of parents, and its reliability and validity were explored. Main outcome measures The Preterm Birth Experience and Satisfaction Scale (P-BESS) was correlated with two global questions measuring satisfaction with care during the birth. Internal consistency was measured using Cronbach’s a. Results: Parents of 458 babies were invited to take part and 147 (32%) responded. Two women and 22 partners were excluded or ineligible, leaving 145 women and 85 partners. Factor analysis produced three clear dimensions: Staff professionalism and empathy, Information and explanations, and Confidence in staff. The total scale and three subscales showed high reliability. Strong positive correlations were found between the questionnaire scales and the two global questions, indicating convergent validity. For women whose partners were present at the birth, a fourth factor was identified ‘Partner Involvement’. Conclusions: The P-BESS appears to be a valid measure of satisfaction with care during very preterm birth

Born too soon: the global epidemiology of 15 million preterm births.

This second paper in the Born Too Soon supplement presents a review of the epidemiology of preterm birth, and its burden globally, including priorities for action to improve the data. Worldwide an estimated 11.1% of all livebirths in 2010 were born preterm (14.9 million babies born before 37 weeks of gestation), with preterm birth rates increasing in most countries with reliable trend data. Direct complications of preterm birth account for one million deaths each year, and preterm birth is a risk factor in over 50% of all neonatal deaths. In addition, preterm birth can result in a range of long-term complications in survivors, with the frequency and severity of adverse outcomes rising with decreasing gestational age and decreasing quality of care. The economic costs of preterm birth are large in terms of immediate neonatal intensive care, ongoing long-term complex health needs, as well as lost economic productivity. Preterm birth is a syndrome with a variety of causes and underlying factors usually divided into spontaneous and provider-initiated preterm births. Consistent recording of all pregnancy outcomes, including stillbirths, and standard application of preterm definitions is important in all settings to advance both the understanding and the monitoring of trends. Context specific innovative solutions to prevent preterm birth and hence reduce preterm birth rates all around the world are urgently needed. Strengthened data systems are required to adequately track trends in preterm birth rates and program effectiveness. These efforts must be coupled with action now to implement improved antenatal, obstetric and newborn care to increase survival and reduce disability amongst those born too soon

Born too soon: accelerating actions for prevention and care of 15 million newborns born too soon.

Preterm birth complication is the leading cause of neonatal death resulting in over one million deaths each year of the 15 million babies born preterm. To accelerate change, we provide an overview of the comprehensive strategy required, the tools available for context-specifi c health system implementation now, and the priorities for research and innovation. There is an urgent need for action on a dual track: (1) through strategic research to advance the prevention of preterm birth and (2) improved implementation and innovation for care of the premature neonate. We highlight evidence-based interventions along the continuum of care, noting gaps in coverage, quality, equity and implications for integration and scale up. Improved metrics are critical for both burden and tracking programmatic change. Linked to the United Nation’s Every Women Every Child strategy, a target was set for 50% reduction in preterm deaths by 2025. Three analyses informed this target: historical change in high income countries, recent progress in best performing countries, and modelling of mortality reduction with high coverage of existing interventions. If universal coverage of selected interventions were to be achieved, then 84% or more than 921,000 preterm neonatal deaths could be prevented annually, with antenatal corticosteroids and Kangaroo Mother Care having the highest impact. Everyone has a role to play in reaching this target including government leaders, professionals, private sector, and of course families who are aff ected the most and whose voices have been critical for change in many of the countries with the most progress

Forest land use classification from ERTS-1 imagery

The preparation of thematic maps and tabular summaries defining the maps is basic to forest land use decision making. Because objectives differ according to the decision being made, raw input data should be used to prepare the maps and tables. The Earth Resource Technology Satellite (ERTS-1) collects data over large areas and the data are available to any prospective user. Minimum collection of ground truth and handling of both ERTS-1 and ground data with a readily available set of com-puter programs permits classification of land use, forest types and volume classes. Orientation with the ground can be maintained in order to prepare the maps. Frequencies of classifications can be used to prepare tabular summaries. The classification system used consisted of a computer mapping program, a discriminant analysis classification program and chi-square testing of results. The system was complemented by a forest inventory program. In the dis-criminant analysis procedure, an option was used which per-mits user participation by assigning prior probabilities. A test of the system in Polk County, Tennessee, using ERTS-1 multispectral scanner channels 6 and 7 data acquired on October 15, 1972, showed acceptable results in classifying land use and forest type. Results of classifying volume were less acceptable because volume is a continuous function and discriminant analysis is applicable to discrete functions. The use of aircraft imagery as ground truth for land use classification was acceptable. Aircraft imagery for forest type classification was also acceptable, but forest type classification from ground truth was better when both sets of results were analyzed by the chi-square test of a contingency table. An important conclusion drawn was that ERTS-1 digital tapes should have been used instead of using photographic reproductions in a microdensitometer. Each generation of data results in some degradation. The most important con-clusion drawn was that prospective users of ERTS-1 imagery can construct a system from available computer programs and prepare thematic maps and tables. It is also possible to exert a degree of user control into the syste

Can the UK’s birth registration system better serve the interests of those born following collaborative assisted reproduction?

Current birth registration systems fail to serve adequately the interests of those born as a result of gamete and embryo donation and surrogacy. In the UK, changes to the birth registration system have been piecemeal, reactive and situation-specific and no information is recorded about gamete donors. Birth registration has thereby become a statement of legal parentage and citizenship only, without debate as to whether it should serve any wider functions. This sits uneasily with the increasingly accepted human right to know one’s genetic and gestational as well as legal parents, and the duty of the State to facilitate that right. This commentary sets out one possible model for reform to better ensure that those affected become aware of, and/or have access to, knowledge about their origins and that such information is stored and released effectively without compromising individual privacy. Among other features, our proposal links the birth registration system and the information stored in the Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority’s Register of Information, although further work than we have been able to undertake here is necessary to ensure a better fit where cross-border treatment services or informal arrangements have been involved. The time for debate and reform is well overdue

On Scholarly Composition: From Acceptable to Exceptional

Scholarly writing is a difficult skill to develop. This editorial presents our observations on how to move from acceptable to exceptional writing in academic manuscripts. We discuss three phases of writing—the predrafting, drafting, and postdrafting phases—and provide suggestions based on our experiences for improving the quality of academic manuscripts prior to their submission