Unauthorized Storytelling: Reevaluating Racial Politics in Julia Alvarez’s In the Time of the Butterflies

MELUS ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 95-116
Author(s):  
Tegan Zimmerman
Keyword(s):  
Dominican Republic ◽  
Essential Role ◽  
Historical Novel ◽  
Racial Politics ◽  
Slave Narratives ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Historiographic Metafiction ◽  
Postcolonial Feminist ◽  
Insight Into

Abstract This article revisits Julia Alvarez’s critically acclaimed historical novel In the Time of the Butterflies (1994). While much scholarship has paid attention to the novel as historiographic metafiction, its depiction of Rafael Leónidas Trujillo’s regime (1930-61), and its feminist perspective on the Dominican Republic, its racial politics are under-studied. In particular, scholars have overlooked Fela, the Afra-Dominican servant, spirit medium, and storyteller. I argue that studying Fela’s presence in the text as an unauthorized and unauthored voice not only adds complexity to the production of historiography and storytelling but also provides new insight into postcolonial feminist critiques of voice/lessness, narrative, and marginalized identities in the novel and criticism on it. Closely analyzing Fela’s voice—as it intersects with storytelling, historical slave narratives, Vodou, the maternal, and Haiti’s contribution to the Dominican Republic’s history—makes visible the unacknowledged yet essential role of the Afra-Dominican not only in this novel specifically but also to the Dominican Republic more generally.

Le premier moment de l’art dans À la recherche du temps perdu de Marcel Proust – une « leçon d’idéalisme » ?

2020 ◽  
pp. 25-40
Author(s):  
Larisa Botnari
Keyword(s):  
Essential Role ◽  
Marcel Proust ◽  
The Self ◽  
Philosophy Of Art ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Philosophical Interpretation ◽  
German Philosopher ◽  
Lost Time ◽  
Aesthetic Thinking

Although very famous, some key moments of the novel In Search of Lost Time, such as those of the madeleine or the uneven pavement, often remain enigmatic for the reader. Our article attempts to formulate a possible philosophical interpretation of the narrator's experiences during these scenes, through a confrontation of the Proustian text with the ideas found in the System of Transcendental Idealism (1800) of the German philosopher F. W. J. Schelling. We thus try to highlight the essential role of the self in Marcel Proust's aesthetic thinking, by showing that the mysterious happiness felt by the narrator, and from which the project of creating a work of art is ultimately born, is similar to the experiences of pure self-consciousness evoked and analyzed by Schellingian philosophy of art.

Drawing the Written Woman

2014 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 31-63
Author(s):  
Sonia Lagerwall
Keyword(s):  
Historical Novel ◽  
Dynamic Adaptation ◽  
Adaptation Process ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Artistic Training

This article deals with Philippe Druillet's three-volume comic adaptation (1980–1985) of Salammbô, Gustave Flaubert's historical novel from 1862, set three centuries BC. Flaubert was famous for not wanting his texts illustrated: he argued that the preciseness of images would undo the poetic vagueness of his written words. The article examines how Druillet tackles the challenge of graphically representing Flaubert's canonical work without reducing the priestess Salammbô into a given type. The analysis shows a dynamic adaptation process in which Druillet gives a kaleidoscopic form to Flaubert's text. His variation on the Salammbô character foregrounds photography, a medium historically relevant to the novel but also to Druillet's own artistic training. Featuring his character Lone Sloane in the role of Mathô, the adaptation proves to be a highly personal appropriation of the novel, where Druillet enhances an autobiographical dimension of his work previously hinted at in La Nuit and Gaïl.

Insight into the practical models for prediciting the essential role of the cytochrome P450-mediated biotransformation in emodin-associated hepatotoxicity

Toxicology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 462 ◽  
pp. 152930
Author(s):  
Tingting Zhang ◽  
Xiaomei He ◽  
Lanlan Sun ◽  
Dong Wang ◽  
Shuya Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cytochrome P450 ◽  
Essential Role ◽  
Insight Into

scholarly journals Investigation of the genetic variation in ACE2 on the structural recognition by the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xingyi Guo ◽  
Zhishan Chen ◽  
Yumin Xia ◽  
Weiqiang Lin ◽  
Hongzhi Li
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Variation ◽  
The Novel ◽  
S Protein ◽  
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 ◽  
Missense Variants ◽  
Catalytic Metal ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Insight Into

Abstract Background: The outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), through its surface spike glycoprotein (S-protein) recognition on the receptor Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in humans. However, it remains unclear how genetic variations in ACE2 may affect its function and structure, and consequently alter the recognition by SARS-CoV-2. Methods: We have systemically characterized missense variants in the gene ACE2 using data from the Genome Aggregation Database (gnomAD; N = 141,456). To investigate the putative deleterious role of missense variants, six existing functional prediction tools were applied to evaluate their impact. We further analyzed the structural flexibility of ACE2 and its protein-protein interface with the S-protein of SARS-CoV-2 using our developed Legion Interfaces Analysis (LiAn) program.Results: Here, we characterized a total of 12 ACE2 putative deleterious missense variants. Of those 12 variants, we further showed that p.His378Arg could directly weaken the binding of catalytic metal atom to decrease ACE2 activity and p.Ser19Pro could distort the most important helix to the S-protein. Another seven missense variants may affect secondary structures (i.e. p.Gly211Arg; p.Asp206Gly; p.Arg219Cys; p.Arg219His, p.Lys341Arg, p.Ile468Val, and p.Ser547Cys), whereas p.Ile468Val with AF = 0.01 is only present in Asian.Conclusions: We provide strong evidence of putative deleterious missense variants in ACE2 that are present in specific populations, which could disrupt the function and structure of ACE2. These findings provide novel insight into the genetic variation in ACE2 which may affect the SARS-CoV-2 recognition and infection, and COVID-19 susceptibility and treatment.

scholarly journals Role of Short-wavelength Blue Light in the Formation of Cataract and Expression of Caspase-1, -11 and Gasdermin D in rat Lens Epithelium Cells: Insight into the Novel Pathogenesis of Cataract.

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yamin Wang ◽  
Min Zhang ◽  
Ying Sun ◽  
Xiaohui Wang ◽  
Zhaowei Song ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blue Light ◽  
Short Wavelength ◽  
Light Exposure ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Blue Led ◽  
Caspase 1 ◽  
Epithelium Cells ◽  
Experimental Group ◽  
Insight Into

Abstract Background Cataracts have been verified to be associated with a number of risk factors. The sun and artificial light sources, including light-emitting diode (LED) and fluorescent light tubes, are the primary sources of short-wavelength blue light. With the increasing popularity of blue-rich LED-backlit display devices, our eyes are now exposed to more short-wavelength blue light than they were in the past. The goal of this study was to evaluate the role of short-wavelength blue light in the formation of cataract. Additionally, the pathogenesis of cataracts after short-wavelength light exposure was investigated.Methods SD rats were randomly divided into 2 main groups: a control group (10 rats each for the 4-, 8-, and 12-week groups) and an experimental group (10 rats each for the 4-, 8-, and 12-week groups). The rats in the experimental group were exposed to a short-wavelength blue LED lamp for 12 hours per day. After exposure to the blue LED lamp, the rats were maintained in total darkness for 12 hours, after which a 12-hour light/dark cycle was resumed. The intensity of the lamp was 3000 lux. At the end of the short-wavelength blue LED lamp exposure (for 4, 8, and 12 weeks), the expression levels of caspase-1, caspase-11 and gasdermin D (GSDMD) in rat epithelium cells (LECs) were examined in rat epithelial cells (LECs) using qRT-PCR and Western blotting analyses. Results After 6 weeks, cataracts had developed in the experimental rats (4/20 eyes). The clarity of the lens then gradually worsened with the duration of exposure. Twelve weeks later, all of the rat eyes had developed cataracts. Then the expression levels of caspase-1, caspase-11 and GSDMD at 4, 8, and 12 weeks were significantly higher in samples from rats exposed to a short-wavelength blue LED lamp than samples from control rat (p˂0.05). Conclusion The data indicate that pyroptosis play a key role of in cataracts induced by short-wavelength blue light exposure, highlighting caspase-1, caspase-11 and GSDMD as possible therapeutic targets for cataract treatment. This study might provide new insight into the novel pathogenesis of cataracts.

scholarly journals Transcription-termination-mediated immunity and its prevention in bacteriophage SfV of Shigella flexneri

2007 ◽  
Vol 88 (11) ◽  
pp. 3187-3197 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fleur Roberts ◽  
Gwen E. Allison ◽  
Naresh K. Verma
Keyword(s):  
Essential Role ◽  
Transcription Termination ◽  
Shigella Flexneri ◽  
Temperate Phage ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Subsequent Infection

The temperate phage SfV encodes the genes responsible for the serotype conversion of Shigella flexneri strains from serotype Y to 5a. Bacteriophages often encode proteins that prevent subsequent infection by homologous phages; the mechanism by which this is accomplished is referred to as superinfection immunity. The serotype conversion mediated following lysogenization of SfV is one such mechanism. Another mechanism is the putative λ-like CI protein within SfV. This study reports the characterization of a third superinfection mechanism, transcription termination, in SfV. The presence of a small immunity-mediating RNA molecule, called CI RNA, and its essential role in the establishment of immunity, is shown. The novel role of the gene orf77, located immediately downstream from the transcription termination region, in inhibiting the establishment of CI RNA-mediated immunity is also presented.

scholarly journals Essential Role of the Oocyte in Estrogen Amplification of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Signaling in Granulosa Cells

Endocrinology ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 146 (8) ◽  
pp. 3362-3367 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fumio Otsuka ◽  
R. Kelly Moore ◽  
Xia Wang ◽  
Shweta Sharma ◽  
Tomoko Miyoshi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mrna Expression ◽  
Granulosa Cells ◽  
Essential Role ◽  
Primary Cultures ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Camp Production ◽  
Lh Receptor ◽  
Cell Responses ◽  
A Site

Abstract The establishment of dominant ovarian follicles that are capable of ovulating fertilizable oocytes is a fundamental determinant of female fertility. This process is governed by pituitary gonadotropins as well as local ovarian factors. Within the follicle, estrogen acts in an autocrine/paracrine manner to enhance FSH action in the granulosa cells. These effects include the augmentation of P450aromatase expression and estradiol production. This feed-forward effect of estrogen is believed to play a key role in follicle dominance. Here we found the essential role of the oocyte in this physiological process using primary cultures of rat granulosa cells. In the presence, but not absence, of oocytes, estrogen amplified FSH-stimulated increases in mRNA expression of P450aromatase, FSH receptor, LH receptor, and inhibin α-, βA-, and βB-subunits as well as cAMP production. Thus, oocytes mediate the estrogen enhancement of FSH action in the granulosa cells. In comparison with FSH, cotreatment with estrogen and oocytes failed to amplify the stimulatory effects of forskolin or 8-bromoadenosine-cAMP on granulosa cell responses including P450aromatase mRNA expression and cAMP production, indicating that estrogen/oocytes amplify FSH action at a site upstream of adenylate cyclase. These findings support the novel conclusion that communication between the oocyte and granulosa cells plays a crucial role in mediating estrogen action during FSH-dependent folliculogenesis.

scholarly journals Powieść historyczna pod czujnym okiem cenzora – analiza tekstów

Adeptus ◽  
2015 ◽  
pp. 11-25
Author(s):  
Thibault Deleixhe
Keyword(s):  
Historical Novel ◽  
Literary Work ◽  
Literary Form ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Spectral Character ◽  
Romantic Period ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Main Protagonist

The historic novel under the vigilance of the censor – analysis of textsThis article focuses on the relation that Jacek Bochenski’s historical novel entitled The poet Naso published in 1969 presents towards the concept of censorship. In the article the author aims at proving that the understanding of censorship by Bochenski is similar to the observations of the Hungarian essayist Mikos Haraszti. Tracking the allegoric references scattered through the novel, the author of the article reconstructs Bochenski’s reflection about this internalized censorship and checks its convergence with Haraszti’s remarks. From this exercise emerges a definition of the role of the artist that seems to be inherited from the romantic period: an artist as a person that subordinates himself unconditionally to art, and not to the temporal power. The author of the article then interrogates the respect which Bochenski has been showing to his definition in his literary work. It appears that the writer has been prone to make bigger concessions in order to soften the reception of his book by the censors than he advises his writing colleagues. However, the literary strategies deployed by Bochenski operate on two levels: creating an overall ambiguity about the guilt of its main protagonist, they tend to soften its reception by the censorship; while at the same time, rendering this overall atmosphere of ambiguity, they give a literary form to the spectral character of the guilt of the artist, who – as in Ovidius’ case – is permanently accountable for what he has not yet done in the building of communism. Powieść historyczna pod czujnym okiem cenzora – analiza tekstówArtykuł poświęcony jest  powieści historycznej Jacka Bocheńskiego pt. Nazo poeta z roku 1969 i jego rozumieniu pojęcia cenzury uwewnętrznionej. Autor artkułu udowadnia, że ujęcie problemu cenzury przez Bocheńskiego jest zbliżone do konstatacji węgierskiego eseisty Miklósa Harasztiego. Tropiąc alegoryczne odniesienia do cenzury rozproszone w tej powieści, autor artykułu odtwarza refleksję Bocheńskiego i sprawdza jej zbieżność z uwagami Harasztiego. Z rekonstrukcji wyłania się, zapożyczona z okresu romantyzmu, definicja artysty jako osoby bezwarunkowo podporządkowanej sztuce, a nie władzy. Autor artykułu testuje czy Bocheński pozostaje wierny tej definicji we własnej twórczości i uwypukla skłonność pisarza do ustępstw mających na celu złagodzenie odbioru jego dzieła przez cenzurę. Są to ustępstwa większe od tych, które zdaje się zalecać swoim kolegom po fachu. Strategie literackie, które stosuje Bocheński, działają jednak na dwóch płaszczyznach. Tworząc niejednoznaczność winy głównego bohatera powieści, łagodzą jej odbiór przez cenzurę, a jednocześnie – kreując tę niejednoznaczność – pozwalają na literackie przedstawienie widmowego charakteru winy artysty, który jest zawsze odpowiedzialny – tak jak Owidiusz – za to, czego jeszcze nie zrobił. W tym wypadku czego nie zrobił dla budowy komunizmu.

scholarly journals miR-539 activates the SAPK/JNK signaling pathway to promote ferropotosis in colorectal cancer by directly targeting TIPE

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yan Yang ◽  
Zeyang Lin ◽  
Zhaopu Han ◽  
Zhengxin Wu ◽  
Jianyu Hua ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
High Recurrence Rate ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Potential Therapeutic Target ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Jnk Signaling Pathway ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Necrosis Factor

AbstractColorectal cancer (CRC) is a common tumor that harms human health with a high recurrence rate. It has been reported that the expression of microRNA-539 (miR-539) is low in several types of cancer, including CRC. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced protein 8 (TNFAIP8/TIPE) is highly expressed in CRC and promotes the proliferation, migration and angiogenesis of CRC. However, the relationship between miR-539 and TIPE and the mechanisms by which they regulate the proliferation of CRC remain to be explored. We aimed to investigate the functions and mechanisms of miR-539 in CRC proliferation. Functionally, miR-539 can bind to and regulate the expression of TIPE, and miR-539 activates SAPK/JNK to downregulate the expression of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and promote ferroptosis. Our data reveal the novel role of miR-539 in regulating ferroptosis in CRC via activation of the SAPK/JNK axis, providing new insight into the mechanism of abnormal proliferation in CRC and a novel potential therapeutic target for advanced CRC.

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