The Alien City chronotope within the scope of Toni Morrison’s Jazz

The research observes the representation of the alien city chronotope in Jazz (1992) by a contemporary American writer Toni Morrison. The narration of the novel occurs in Harlem (New York) in the 1920-s, however, because most characters’ identities originate in the mid-19th-century American South, time and space frames extend. Focusing on the city space in the novel Jazz we regard the city as a social and cultural phenomenon of America, an independent live character that enters into a dialogue with the novel’s protagonists and, at the same time, contributes to their alienation within its frames. Harlem of 1920s functions not only as sociohistorical background but also as a unique narrator that relates the urban experience of African- Americans. We deduce that the chronotope exhibited in the novel in question combines several places and embodies narration about protagonists’ roots, their original habitat and a new conflicting environment that both attracts and repels them. The intrinsic ties of time and space in the literary work discussed in the article are presented on the level of the city, which represents alien and fragmentized reality. Thus we are convinced that the alien city chronotope in the novel is shaped by the opposition of ethnic and cultural identities of characters within their changing world. The characters’ illusions and aspirations are guided by the dubious and forceful voice of the city and none of the protagonists is able to escape the traumatic labyrinth of time and space tracing their memory

TRADITIONS AND PARADIGMS OF RESEARCH IDENTITY

В статье рассматриваются дисциплинарные парадигмы, в контексте которых проблема идентичности исследовалась в гуманитарном дискурсе. Цель статьи состоит в анализе проблематической ситуации деструктивного плюрализма и фрагментации дисциплинарных и концептуальных подходов к исследованию идентичности в современном гуманитарном дискурсе, а также возможных путей его преодоления.Методом критического анализа существующих в литературе интерпретаций плюрализма концепций идентичности и подходов к ее исследованию, автор устанавливает, что проблематический характер этого плюрализма обусловлен реальным кризисом идентичности личности в обществе постмодерна. Современному постмодернистскому кризису идентичности соответствует фрагментация и плюрализм дисциплинарных подходов и внутридисциплинарных парадигм, применяемых в исследовании идентичности. Фрагментированный, дискретный плюрализм современных исследований идентичности нередко соединяется также с релятивизацией идентичности, абсолютизацией ее текучести и изменчивости в духе философских принципов постмодернизма.Реализация междисциплинарности на практике оказывается проблематичной, т.к. открывает, не только новые возможности, но и новые проблемы и ограничения. Гораздо более проблематичной, чем междисциплинарная интеграция, оказывается внутридисциплинарная концептуальная интеграция подходов к исследованию идентичности.Автор приходит к выводу о том, что возможны две основных модели преодоления деструктивного плюрализма и фрагментации исследований идентичности. Первая модель выдержана в контексте принципов постмодернистской философии и постнеклассических стандартов научной рациональности.Вторая модель преодоления деструктивного плюрализма и фрагментации исследований идентичности основана на принципах и стандартах гуманитарной классической научной рациональности. В основе второй модели лежит создание целостной интегральной концепции идентичности на базе продуктивной философской парадигмы и междисциплинарной интеграции существующих подходов.The article deals with disciplinary paradigms, in the context of which the problem of identity was explored in the humanitarian discourse. The purpose of the article is to analyze the problematic situation of destructive pluralism and the fragmentation of disciplinary and conceptual approaches to the study of identity in modern humanitarian discourse, as well as possible ways to overcome it.By the method of critical analysis of the interpretations of the pluralism of concepts of identity existing in the literature and approaches to its study, the author establishes that the problematic nature of this pluralism is due to the real crisis of personality identity in postmodern society. The modern postmodern identity crisis corresponds to the fragmentation and pluralism of disciplinary approaches and intradisciplinary paradigms used in the study of identity. Fragmented, discrete pluralism of modern studies of identity is often combined with relativization of identity, absolutization of its fluidity and variability in the spirit of the philosophical principles of postmodernism.The implementation of interdisciplinarity in practice turns out to be problematic, since opens not only new opportunities, but also new problems and limitations. Far more problematic than interdisciplinary integration is the intradisciplinary conceptual integration of identity research approaches.The author comes to the conclusion that there are two main models for overcoming destructive pluralism and the fragmentation of identity studies. The first model is maintained in the context of the principles of postmodern philosophy and postnonclassical standards of scientific rationality.The second model for overcoming destructive pluralism and the fragmentation of identity studies is based on the principles and standards of humanitarian classical scientific rationality. The second model is based on the creation of a holistic integral concept of identity based on a productive philosophical paradigm and interdisciplinary integration of existing approaches

ПОСТМОДЕРНИЗМ КАК ЗЕРКАЛО ИДЕНТИЧНОСТИ ПОСТМОДЕРНА

The transformation of identity in the postmodern creates serious difficulties for the orientation of the individual in the socio-cultural space and self-identification. In postmodern society, the very question of the identity of the individual is problematic, since it depends not only on the real transformations of personal identification, but also on the philosophical and methodological attitudes of thinkers who are trying to analyze these processes.The aim of the study is to analyze the methodological and ideological foundations of the postmodern concept of transformation of personality identity. The research methodology involves verification of the postmodern concept of identity by comparing it with the actual changes in personal identification in the culture of postmodernism.It has been established that the methodological foundations of the postmodern concept of identity are determined by the deconstruction method developed by French postmodernists (J. Derrida and others). In terms of ideology, postmodernism affirms the fundamental equality of all values and thereby effectively devalues any specific values.The methodological and ideological foundations of the postmodern concept of identity transformation in the postmodern era are one-sided focus on the moments of relativism, the nihilism of this process to the detriment of the moments of substantiality and positive constructivism.The philosophy of postmodernism is a perverse reflection of the historical dynamics of society and the individual during the transition from industrial to postindustrial society, since it absolutes only one side of this process – the destruction of traditional socio-cultural systems and structures, including the individual.Трансформация идентичности в постмодерне создает серьезные затруднения для ориентации личности в социокультурном пространстве и самоидентификации. В обществе постмодерна сама постановка вопроса об идентичности личности является проблематической, поскольку зависит не от только реальных трансформаций личностной идентификации, но и от мировоззренческих, и методологических установок мыслителей, которые пытаются анализировать эти процессы.Целью исследования является анализ методологических и мировоззренческих оснований постмодернистской концепции трансформации идентичности личности. Методика исследования предполагает верификацию постмодернистской концепции идентичности путем сопоставления с ее фактическими изменениями личностной идентификации в культуре постмодерна.Установлено, что методологические основания постмодернистской концепции идентичности определяются методом деконструкции, разработанным французскими постмодернистами (Ж. Деррида и другие). В мировоззренческом плане постмодернизм утверждает принципиальное равенство всех ценностей и тем самым фактически обесценивает любые конкретные ценности.Методологические и мировоззренческие основания постмодернистской концепции трансформации идентичности в эпоху постмодерна являются односторонней акцентуацией на моментах релятивизма, нигилизма этого процесса в ущерб моментам субстанциональности и позитивного конструктивизма.Философия постмодернизма является превратным отражением исторической динамики общества и личности в период перехода от индустриального к постиндустриальному обществу, поскольку абсолютизирует лишь одну сторону этого процесса – разрушение традиционных социокультурных систем и структур, в том числе и личности

ПОСТМОДЕРН И ИДЕНТИЧНОСТЬ: АЛЬТЕРНАТИВНЫЕ ИНТЕРПРЕТАЦИИ

In the postmodern era, identity becomes problematic. The aim of the study is to analyze the reflection of the crisis of the traditional identity of the individual. The method of work is a comparative analysis of alternative interpretations of the transformation of the identity of the individual in the socio-cultural situation of the postmodern and in the philosophical self-consciousness of the postmodern.The position of apologists and adherents of postmodern transformations is that the old traditional identity and limited classical humanism are leaving the postmodern society, and a new humanism and a new postmodern identity is coming. The position of critics of postmodernists, defenders of traditionalism interprets the crisis of traditional identity in postmodern society as a fundamental crisis of the humanistic essence of identity, the destruction of the identity of the individual as such.Common to both positions is the recognition of the crisis of traditional identity and classical humanism. Postmodern apologists emphasize that as a result of this process, a new, higher form of postmodern identity is born, which is viewed as a project built by the personality itself, which is completely free, creative, and allows the individual to gain full self-expression. Critics point out the destructive nature of postmodern identity transformations, which lead to the deformation not only of the processes of personal identification, but also to the formation of ineffective, flawed forms of identity.Comparing the positions of apologists and critics with actual identity transformations, the author argues that the crisis of classical humanism and traditional fundamentalist identity is accompanied by both the constructive potential of the formation of a new more humanistic identity and the potential threats of dehumanization and destruction of identity as such.В эпоху постмодерна идентичность личности становится проблематичной. Целью исследования является анализ отражения кризиса традиционной идентичности личности. Автор использовал сравнительный анализ альтернативных интерпретаций трансформации идентичности личности в социокультурной ситуации постмодерна и в философском самосознании постмодерна.Позиция апологетов и адептов постмодернистских трансформаций состоит в том, что в обществе постмодерна разрушаются старая традиционная идентичность и ограниченный классический гуманизм и формулируются новый гуманизм и новая постмодернистская идентичность. Позиция критиков постмодернистов, защитников традиционализма интерпретирует кризис традиционной идентичности в обществе постмодерна как фундаментальный кризис гуманистической сущности идентичности, разрушение идентичности личности как таковой.Общим для обеих позиций является признание кризиса традиционной идентичности и классического гуманизма. Апологеты постмодерна подчеркивают, что в результате этого процесса рождается новая, высшая форма идентичности постмодерна, которая рассматривается как выстраиваемый самой личностью проект, носящий абсолютно свободный, творческий характер и позволяющий личности обрести полное самовыражение. Критики отмечают деструктивный характер постмодернистских трансформаций идентичности, которые ведут к деформации не только процессов идентификации личности, но и к формированию неэффективных, ущербных форм идентичности.Сопоставляя позиции апологетов и критиков с действительными трансформациями идентичности, автор утверждает, что кризис классического гуманизма и традиционной, фундаменталистской идентичности сопровождается как конструктивными потенциями формирования новой более гуманистической идентичности, так и потенциальными угрозами дегуманизации и разрушения идентичности как таковой

Nutritional correlates and dynamics of diabetes in the Nile rat (Arvicanthis niloticus): a novel model for diet-induced type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome and related chronic diseases, among them non-insulin-dependent (type 2) diabetes mellitus, are on the rise in the United States and throughout the world. Animal models that respond to environmental stressors, such as diet, are useful for investigating the outcome and development of these related diseases.</p> <p>Objective</p> <p>Within this context, growth and energy relationships were characterized in the Nile rat, an exotic African rodent, as a potential animal model for diet-induced type 2 diabetes mellitus and Metabolic Syndrome.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Compiled data from several studies established the relationship between age, body weight gain (including abdominal adiposity), food and water consumption, and blood glucose levels as determinants of diabetes in male and female Nile rats. Glucose Tolerance Testing, insulin, HbA1c, blood pressure measurements and plasma lipids further characterized the diabetes in relation to criteria of the Metabolic Syndrome, while diet modification with high-fat, low-fiber or food restriction attempted to modulate the disease.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The Nile rat fed lab chow demonstrates signs of the Metabolic Syndrome that evolve into diet-induced non-insulin-dependent (type 2) diabetes mellitus characterized by hyperinsulinemia with rising blood glucose (insulin resistance), abdominal adiposity, and impaired glucose clearance that precedes increased food and water intake, as well as elevated HbA1c, marked elevation in plasma triglycerides and cholesterol, microalbuminuria, and hypertension. Males are more prone than females with rapid progression to diabetes depending on the challenge diet. In males diabetes segregated into early-onset and late-onset groups, the former related to more rapid growth and greater growth efficiency for the calories consumed. Interestingly, no correlation was found between blood glucose and body mass index (overall adiposity) in older male Nile rats in long term studies, whereas blood glucose and the perirenal fat pad, as well as liver and kidney weight, were positively related to early-onset diabetes. Rats weaned early (4-5 wks) and challenged with a high-fat Western-type diet developed diabetes faster, and body fat accumulation was more apparent, whereas food restriction curtailed it.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The Nile rat fed typical rodent diets develops hyperinsulinemia that precedes hyperglycemia (insulin resistance) leading to diet-induced type 2 diabetes associated with hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertension. Dietary modulation affected growth rate (weight gain and central adiposity) to impact disease progression. This rodent model represents a novel system of gene-diet interactions affecting energy utilization that can provide insight into the prevention and treatment of the type 2 diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome.</p

Education-for-Myself and Education-for-the Other: The Right to Freedom of Education and Mikhail Bakhtin’s Experience

The article contains reflections on the problem which has arised in Eugene Matusov's article on freedom of education, and considers the experience of Mikhail Bakhtin as an example of the way the right to the freedom can be fulfilled. Not only Bakhtin's life and ideas play a significant role in contemporary social and educational theories and practices, but they reveal how education becomes a result of selection of particular knowledge and one's conscious choice. The core of the article is a correlation of notions “Education-for-myself” and “Education-for-the other” which are taken by the authors as derivatives of the terms of Bakhtin’s early philosophy “I-for-myself” and “I-for-the other”. Thus ideas of “Education-for-an individual” and “Education-for-the society” result from the reflections and can be evidence of the need in mutual understanding and dialogue in order to achieve freedom of education

Consumption of Artificially-Sweetened Soft Drinks in Pregnancy and Risk of Child Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis

Background: Past evidence has suggested a role of artificial sweeteners in allergic disease; yet, the evidence has been inconsistent and unclear. Objective: To examine relation of intake of artificially-sweetened beverages during pregnancy with child asthma and allergic rhinitis at 18 months and 7 years. Methods: We analyzed data from 60,466 women enrolled during pregnancy in the prospective longitudinal Danish National Birth Cohort between 1996 and 2003. At the 25th week of gestation we administered a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire which asked in detail about intake of artificially-sweetened soft drinks. At 18 months, we evaluated child asthma using interview data. We also assessed asthma and allergic rhinitis through a questionnaire at age 7 and by using national registries. Current asthma was defined as self-reported asthma diagnosis and wheeze in the past 12 months. We examined the relation between intake of artificially-sweetened soft drinks and child allergic disease outcomes and present here odds ratios with 95% CI comparing daily vs. no intake. Results: At 18 months, we found that mothers who consumed more artificially-sweetened non-carbonated soft drinks were 1.23 (95% CI: 1.13, 1.33) times more likely to report a child asthma diagnosis compared to non-consumers. Similar results were found for child wheeze. Consumers of artificially-sweetened carbonated drinks were more likely to have a child asthma diagnosis in the patient (1.30, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.66) and medication (1.13, 95% CI: 0.98, 1.29) registry, as well as self-reported allergic rhinitis (1.31, 95% CI: 0.98, 1.74) during the first 7 years of follow-up. We found no associations for sugar-sweetened soft drinks. Conclusion: Carbonated artificially-sweetened soft drinks were associated with registry-based asthma and self-reported allergic rhinitis, while early childhood outcomes were related to non-carbonated soft drinks. These results suggest that consumption of artificially-sweetened soft drinks during pregnancy may play a role in offspring allergic disease development

Characterization of Dietary Patterns in the Danish National Birth Cohort in Relation to Preterm Birth

Background: Dietary patterns better reflect eating habits as opposed to single dietary components. However, the use of dietary pattern analysis in nutritional epidemiology has been hampered by the complexity of interpreting and presenting multidimensional dietary data. Methods: This study extracts and visualizes dietary patterns from self-reported dietary data collected in mid-pregnancy (25th week of gestation) from nearly 60,000 mother-child pairs part of a prospective, longitudinal cohort (Danish National Birth Cohort) and further examines their associations with spontaneous and induced preterm birth (gestational age<259 days (<37 weeks)). Results: A total of seven dietary patterns were extracted by principal component analysis, characterized and visualized by color-coded spider plots, and referred to as: Vegetables/Prudent, Alcohol, Western, Nordic, Seafood, Candy and Rice/Pasta/Poultry. A consistent dose-response association with preterm birth was only observed for Western diet with an odds ratio of 1.30 (95% CI: 1.13, 1.49) comparing the highest to the lowest quintile. This association was primarily driven by induced preterm deliveries (odds ratio = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.30, 2.11, comparing the highest to the lowest quintile) while the corresponding odds ratio for spontaneous preterm deliveries was more modest (odds ratio = 1.18, 95% CI: 0.99, 1.39). All based on adjusted analyses. Conclusions: In conclusion, this study presented a simple and novel framework for visualizing correlation structures between overall consumption of foods group and their relation to nutrient intake and maternal characteristics. Our results suggest that Western-type diet, high in meat and fats and low in fruits and vegetables, is associated with increased odds of induced preterm birth

Oral corticosteroid (OCS) risk predictor for Type II Diabetes in asthma

Peer reviewedPostprin

A Comparison of Three Methods to Measure Asthma in Epidemiologic Studies: Results from the Danish National Birth Cohort

Asthma is a heterogeneous outcome and how the condition should be measured to best capture clinically relevant disease in epidemiologic studies remains unclear. We compared three methods of measuring asthma in the Danish National Birth Cohort (n>50.000). When the children were 7 years old, the prevalence of asthma was estimated from a self-administered questionnaire using parental report of doctor diagnoses, ICD-10 diagnoses from a population-based hospitalization registry, and data on anti-asthmatic medication from a population-based prescription registry. We assessed the agreement between the methods using kappa statistics. Highest prevalence of asthma was found using the prescription registry (32.2%) followed by the self-report (12.0%) and the hospitalization registry (6.6%). We found a substantial non-overlap between the methods (kappa = 0.21–0.38). When all three methods were combined the asthma prevalence was 3.6%. In conclusion, self-reported asthma, ICD-10 diagnoses from a hospitalization registry and data on anti-asthmatic medication use from a prescription registry lead to different prevalences of asthma in the same cohort of children. The non-overlap between the methods may be due to different abilities of the methods to identify cases with different phenotypes, in which case they should be treated as separate outcomes in future aetiological studies