Vampires in Literature: A Postmodern Study of Bram Stoker and Anne Rice

M. H. Abrams explains that postmodern authors blend literary genres, cultural and stylistic levels, the serious and the playful, [and] that they resist classification according to traditional literary rubrics . Bram Stoker and Anne Rice both fall into this category of postmodernism. Bram Stoker puts his own spin on the literary vampire, changing the vampire from an aristocratic figure into a monster and adding such features as shape-shifting. He also utilizes various styles throughout the novel under the pretense of several different narrators and narration sources, since Dracula is an epistolary novel that combines the different characters\u27 journals, letters, and even newspaper clippings. Anne Rice\u27s Interview with the Vampire is also considered to be postmodern with the anti-hero, Louis, who questions traditional moral and societal boundaries. Rice\u27s work transcends the traditional mythology of the vampire as she rewrites myth and history. The purpose of this thesis is to examine these two major vampire novels from a postmodern perspective, utilizing various different literary theories. In the process, these arguments will relate the vampire to society. The thesis will open with a discussion of Victorian societal fears of de-evolution and reverse imperialism in Dracula. Issues related to feminism, gender studies, and sexuality, followed by a discussion on the power-play dynamics within society and relationships will be explored in both novels. In order to balance out the discussion of the novels, a final chapter on postmodernism and the rewriting of the vampire myth will focus on Rice\u27s novel. The thesis will conclude with a discussion on the contemporary Goth subculture and its relationship to the vampire and the literary vampire. This thesis includes a filmography of several adaptations of Bram Stoker\u27s Dracula and Anne Rice\u27s Interview with the Vampire. Due to time constraints, the filmography focuses on theatrical releases from the United States and United Kingdom, with the exception of two versions of Nosferatu. Nosferatu is included here since this production is the first major film based on Stoker\u27s Dracula. Also included in the thesis is a list of Internet resources that readers may find helpful for their own research purposes

Variability in Benthic Ecosystem Functioning in Arctic Shelf and Deep-Sea Sediments: Assessments by Benthic Oxygen Uptake Rates and Environmental Drivers

Remineralization of organic matter at the seafloor is an important ecosystem function, as it drives carbon and nutrient cycling, supplying nutrients for photosynthetic production, but also controls carbon burial within the sediment. In the Arctic Ocean, changes in primary production due to rapid sea-ice decline and thinning affect the export of organic matter to the seafloor and thus, benthic ecosystem functioning. Due to the remoteness and difficult accessibility of the Arctic Ocean, we still lack baseline knowledge about patterns of benthic remineralization rates and their drivers in both shelf and deep-sea sediments. Particularly comparative studies across regions are scarce. Here, we address this knowledge gap by contrasting benthic diffusive and total oxygen uptake rates (DOU and TOU), both established proxies of the benthic remineralization function, between shelf and deep-sea habitats of the Barents Sea and the central Arctic Ocean, sampled during a RV Polarstern expedition in 2015. DOU and TOU were measured using ex situ porewater oxygen microprofiles and sediment core incubations, respectively. In addition, contextual parameters including organic matter availability and microbial cell numbers were determined as environmental predictors. Pan-Arctic regional comparisons were obtained by extending our analyses to previously published data from the Laptev and Beaufort Seas. Our results show that (1) benthic oxygen uptake rates and most environmental predictors varied significantly between shelf and deep-sea habitats; (2) the availability of detrital organic matter is the main driver for patterns in total as well as diffusive respiration, while bacterial abundances were highly variable and only a weak predictor of differences in TOU and DOU; (3) regional differences in oxygen uptake across shelf and deep-sea sediments were mainly related to organic matter availability and may reflect varying primary production regimes and distances to the nearest shelf. Our findings suggest that the expected decline in sea-ice cover and the subsequent increase in export of organic matter to the seafloor may particularly enhance remineralization in the deep seas of the Arctic Ocean, altering benthic ecosystem functioning in future climate scenarios

Amplitude changes in the electrophysiological response of retinal cells during simultaneous current stimulation

Purpose : Ocular electrical stimulation exhibit potential for the treatment of neurodegenerative ocular diseases. However, the underlying mechanism in the retinal cells remains subject of research. Studies applying transcranial electrical stimulation show that direct current stimulation (DCS) over the visual cortex manipulates the amplitudes of visual evoked potentials. An anodal DCS leads to increased amplitudes while a cathodal DCS decreased these amplitudes. We hypothesize that the retinal cells show similar reactions. Methods : We stimulated 15 volunteers (8m, 7f, 23.5 ± 1.6 years, one eye) with a cathodal DCS of 500 µA (DC-stimulator MC, neuroConn GmbH, Ilmenau) for 10 minutes. For DCS we used six cup electrodes (diameter: 0.95 cm) placed around one eye . Before, during and after DCS we measured the electrophysiological answer of the retinal ganglion cells using a pattern-reversal stimulus (stimulus field: 1° individual checks, 16° total; reversals per second: 4; Michelson contrast: 99%; mean luminance: 186 cd/m^2). For recording, we used Ag/AgCl ring electrodes located at the lower eyelid and the earlobe. For statistical analysis the Friedman test for paired samples and a confidence interval analysis was performed. Results : The characteristic amplitudes of the the electrophysiological answer (P50 and N95 component) as well as its peak-to-peak difference (PPD) were decreased during the stimulation. The visible trend was statistically not significant (Friedman test P50/N95/PPD: p = 0.527/0.574/0.297). Under consideration of specific volunteers (showed expected reduction of the N95 component, n = 9) we found a significant change of the N95 component for the difference between before and during DCS (confidence interval analysis, lower limit: -2.45 µV; upper limit: -0.38 µV; after Bonferroni correction α = 0.0143). Conclusions : The performed study indicates a trend that a cathodal DCS decreasing electrophysiological activity in the retina

Technical light-field setup for 3D imaging of the human nerve head validated with an eye model

With the new technology of 3D light field (LF) imaging, fundus photography can be expanded to provide depth information. This increases the diagnostic possibilities and additionally improves image quality by digitally refocusing. To provide depth information in the human optic nerve head such as in glaucoma diagnostics, a mydriatic fundus camera was upgraded with an LF imager. The aim of the study presented here was the validation of the technical setup and resulting depth estimations with an appropriate eye model. The technical setup consisted of a mydriatic fundus camera (FF450, Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, Jena, Germany) and an LF imager (R12, Raytrix GmbH, Kiel, Germany). The field of view was set to 30°. The eye model (24.65 mm total length) consisted of a two-lens optical system and interchangeable fundus models with papilla excavations from 0.2 to 1 mm in steps of 0.2 mm. They were coated with red acrylic lacquer and vessels were drawn with a thin brush. 15 images were taken for each papilla depth illuminated with green light (wavelength 520 nm ± 20 nm). Papilla depth was measured from the papilla ground to the surrounding flat region. All 15 measurements for each papilla depth were averaged and compared to the printed depth. It was possible to perform 3D fundus imaging in an eye model by means of a novel LF-based optical setup. All LF images could be digitally refocused subsequently. Depth estimation in the eye model was successfully performed over a 30° field of view. The measured virtual depth and the printed model papilla depth is linear correlated. The presented LF setup allowed high-quality 3D one-shot imaging and depth estimation of the optic nerve head in an eye model

Testing observables for teleseismic shear-wave splitting inversions: ambiguities of intensities, parameters, and waveforms

We assess the capabilities of different observables for the inversion of core-refracted shear waves (XKS phases) to uniquely resolve the anisotropic structure of the upper mantle. For this purpose, we perform full-waveform calculations for relatively simple, canonical models of upper-mantle anisotropy. The models are characterized by two and four domains of different anisotropic properties. Specifically, we assume hexagonal symmetry with arbitrarily chosen strength of the anisotropy and orientation of the horizontal fast axis. XKS waveforms, generated from plane-wave initial conditions, traverse through anisotropic models and are recorded at the surface by a single station (in case of vertical variations) and by a dense station profile across the laterally and vertically varying structure. In addition to waveforms, we consider the effects of anisotropic variations on apparent splitting parameters and splitting intensity. The results show that, generally, it is not possible to fully resolve the anisotropic parameters of a given model, even if complete waveforms (under noisefree conditions and for the complete azimuthal range) are considered. This is because waveforms for significantly different anisotropic models can be indistinguishable. However, inversions of both waveforms and apparent splitting parameters lead to similar models that exhibit systematic variations of anisotropic parameters. These characteristics may be exploited to better constrain the inversions. The results also show that splitting intensity holds some significant drawbacks: First, even from measurements over a wide range of back-azimuth, there is no characteristic signature that would indicate depth variations of anisotropy. Secondly, identical azimuthal variations of splitting intensity for different anisotropic structures do not imply that the corresponding split waveforms are also similar. Thus, fitting of observed and calculated splitting intensities could lead to anisotropic models that are incompatible with the observed waveforms. We conclude that (bandlimited) XKS-splitting inversions and related tomographic schemes, even if based on complete waveforms, are not sufficient to fully resolve the heterogeneous anisotropic structures of the upper mantle and that combinations with alternative methods, based on e.g., receiver-function splitting, P-wave travel-time deviations, or surface waves, are required

Full genome characterization of porcine circovirus type 3 isolates reveals the existence of two distinct groups of virus strains

Background: The occurrence of the novel porcine circovirus type 3 (PCV3) was reported from the Americas, Asia arid Europe. Although this virus was detected in association with various clinical syndromes in pigs, its role as possible swine pathogen remains unclear. PCV3 was detected with high prevalence in Polish farms, but to date no genome sequences were available from European PCV3 strains. Methods: We collected 1060 serum samples from piglets at the age of 20-24 weeks from 53 farms distributed all over Germany. PCV3 DNA was detected using a real-time PCR and subsequently complete PCV3 genome sequences were obtained after multiply primed rolling circle amplification and sequencing of overlapping PCR products. Phylogenetic analysis was performed by neighbor-joining method and maximum likelihood method. Results: We obtained 15 complete PCV3 genome sequences as well as nine partial sequences including the putative ORFs 1, 2 and 3 from PCV3 viremic animals in German pig farms. Phylogenetic analysis of these German as well as 30 full genome sequences received from GenBank divided the PCV3 strains into two main groups and several subclusters. Furthermore, we were able to define group specific amino acid patterns in open reading frame 1 and 2. Conclusion: PCV3 is distributed with high prevalence in German pig industry. Phylogenetic analysis revealed two clearly separated groups of PCV3 strains, which might be considered as PCV3 genotypes. Specific nucleotide and amino acid marker positions may serve for easy and fast intraspecies classification and genotyping of PCV3 strains. No correlation between PCV3 variants with their geographical origin was evident We found the same diversity of PCV3 strains in Germany as in other countries. We hypothesize that PCV3 is not a newly emerging virus in the German pig population. Future studies will have to show, if PCV3 genotype specific biological properties are evident

The Vehicle, Fall 1983

Vol. 25, No. 1 Table of Contents Amish BoyDevon Flesorpage 3 SyllogismJ. Maura Davispage 3 Ten SecondsD.L. Lewispage 4 The Cedar ChestBridget M. Howepage 4 A Christmas With CarolSteve Longpage 5 TeethMichelle Mitchellpage 7 An I-Love-You PoemD.L. Lewispage 8 The Dragon SlayerSusan Gradypage 8 A DefinitionAmy J. Eadespage 9 FingernailsSuzanne Hornpage 10 The Liar\u27s TableBrook Wilsonpage 10 Fifi\u27s Last PartySteve Longpage 12 Absence/PresenceSuzanne Hornpage 13 From the Rantings of a Mad Astronomy StudentAmy J. Eadespage 13 In the Name of the Father, the Son, and MachiavelliF. Link Rapierpage 15 Errant LoverBecky Lawsonpage 16 DaddyKevin Lylespage 16 GhostsGary Ervinpage 17 TangoF. Link Rapierpage 17 Grandma\u27s SlippersBecky Lawsonpage 18 EdgesAmy J. Eadespage 19 Having ChildrenDevon Flesorpage 20 Young Black GirlKevin Lylespage 21 CatSuzanne Hornpage 22 Breakfast for OneMichelle Mitchellpage 22 A Modest ProposalBrooke Sanfordpage 23 Post MortemF. Link Rapierpage 26 Who Said I Forgot?Lynne Krausepage 27 The Corner Booth at StuckeysMaggie Kennedypage 28 The First DayDavis Brydenpage 29 DownLynne Krausepage 30 Fairie RingDevon Flesorpage 31 The LaundrymatKathy Fordpage 32 Sunday in OctoberBridget M. Howepage 32 The Kitchen WindowMaggie Kennedypage 33 UntitledChristina Maire Vitekpage 34 8th Grade Field Trip to SpringfieldMichelle Mitchellpage 34 Children of the FortiesF. Link Rapierpage 35 one winter and i was eightGary Ervinpage 35 Don\u27t we all know?Thomas B. Waltrippage 36 The TravelerMaggie Kennedypage 36 The VisitKathy Fordpage 40 CubismMaggie Kennedypage 40https://thekeep.eiu.edu/vehicle/1042/thumbnail.jp

The Vehicle, Fall 1983

Vol. 25, No. 1 Table of Contents Amish BoyDevon Flesorpage 3 SyllogismJ. Maura Davispage 3 Ten SecondsD.L. Lewispage 4 The Cedar ChestBridget M. Howepage 4 A Christmas With CarolSteve Longpage 5 TeethMichelle Mitchellpage 7 An I-Love-You PoemD.L. Lewispage 8 The Dragon SlayerSusan Gradypage 8 A DefinitionAmy J. Eadespage 9 FingernailsSuzanne Hornpage 10 The Liar\u27s TableBrook Wilsonpage 10 Fifi\u27s Last PartySteve Longpage 12 Absence/PresenceSuzanne Hornpage 13 From the Rantings of a Mad Astronomy StudentAmy J. Eadespage 13 In the Name of the Father, the Son, and MachiavelliF. Link Rapierpage 15 Errant LoverBecky Lawsonpage 16 DaddyKevin Lylespage 16 GhostsGary Ervinpage 17 TangoF. Link Rapierpage 17 Grandma\u27s SlippersBecky Lawsonpage 18 EdgesAmy J. Eadespage 19 Having ChildrenDevon Flesorpage 20 Young Black GirlKevin Lylespage 21 CatSuzanne Hornpage 22 Breakfast for OneMichelle Mitchellpage 22 A Modest ProposalBrooke Sanfordpage 23 Post MortemF. Link Rapierpage 26 Who Said I Forgot?Lynne Krausepage 27 The Corner Booth at StuckeysMaggie Kennedypage 28 The First DayDavis Brydenpage 29 DownLynne Krausepage 30 Fairie RingDevon Flesorpage 31 The LaundrymatKathy Fordpage 32 Sunday in OctoberBridget M. Howepage 32 The Kitchen WindowMaggie Kennedypage 33 UntitledChristina Maire Vitekpage 34 8th Grade Field Trip to SpringfieldMichelle Mitchellpage 34 Children of the FortiesF. Link Rapierpage 35 one winter and i was eightGary Ervinpage 35 Don\u27t we all know?Thomas B. Waltrippage 36 The TravelerMaggie Kennedypage 36 The VisitKathy Fordpage 40 CubismMaggie Kennedypage 40https://thekeep.eiu.edu/vehicle/1042/thumbnail.jp

Early farmers from across Europe directly descended from Neolithic Aegeans

Farming and sedentism first appeared in southwestern Asia during the early Holocene and later spread to neighboring regions, including Europe, along multiple dispersal routes. Conspicuous uncertainties remain about the relative roles of migration, cultural diffusion, and admixture with local foragers in the early Neolithization of Europe. Here we present paleogenomic data for five Neolithic individuals from northern Greece and northwestern Turkey spanning the time and region of the earliest spread of farming into Europe. We use a novel approach to recalibrate raw reads and call genotypes from ancient DNA and observe striking genetic similarity both among Aegean early farmers and with those from across Europe. Our study demonstrates a direct genetic link between Mediterranean and Central European early farmers and those of Greece and Anatolia, extending the European Neolithic migratory chain all the way back to southwestern Asia

Mucopolysaccharidosis type II: European recommendations for the diagnosis and multidisciplinary management of a rare disease

Mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II) is a rare, life-limiting, X-linked recessive disease characterised by deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme iduronate-2-sulfatase. Consequent accumulation of glycosaminoglycans leads to pathological changes in multiple body systems. Age at onset, signs and symptoms, and disease progression are heterogeneous, and patients may present with many different manifestations to a wide range of specialists. Expertise in diagnosing and managing MPS II varies widely between countries, and substantial delays between disease onset and diagnosis can occur. In recent years, disease-specific treatments such as enzyme replacement therapy and stem cell transplantation have helped to address the underlying enzyme deficiency in patients with MPS II. However, the multisystem nature of this disorder and the irreversibility of some manifestations mean that most patients require substantial medical support from many different specialists, even if they are receiving treatment. This article presents an overview of how to recognise, diagnose, and care for patients with MPS II. Particular focus is given to the multidisciplinary nature of patient management, which requires input from paediatricians, specialist nurses, otorhinolaryngologists, orthopaedic surgeons, ophthalmologists, cardiologists, pneumologists, anaesthesiologists, neurologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, psychologists, social workers, homecare companies and patient societies. Take-home message. Expertise in recognising and treating patients with MPS II varies widely between countries. This article presents pan-European recommendations for the diagnosis and management of this life-limiting disease