Intracranial measurement of current densities induced by transcranial magnetic stimulation in the human brain

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive technique that uses the principle of electromagnetic induction to generate currents in the brain via pulsed magnetic fields. The magnitude of such induced currents is unknown. In this study we measured the TMS induced current densities in a patient with implanted depth electrodes for epilepsy monitoring. A maximum current density of 12 microA/cm2 was recorded at a depth of 1 cm from scalp surface with the optimum stimulation orientation used in the experiment and an intensity of 7% of the maximal stimulator output. During TMS we recorded relative current variations under different stimulating coil orientations and at different points in the subject's brain. The results were in accordance with current theoretical models. The induced currents decayed with distance form the coil and varied with alterations in coil orientations. These results provide novel insight into the physical and neurophysiological processes of TMS

Discerning activity areas in domestic space : a model for the Late Bronze and Early Iron Age Levant

The question of cultural continuity or the appearance of a new culture in the Levant in the period from the Late Bronze Age to Early Iron Age has been strongly debated in Near Eastern studies. Proponents of cultural change argue that a new type of building, the “four-room” house is a strong indicator of a new population moving in, despite compelling evidence that this type of house had precedents in earlier periods. A more productive approach to the issue of cultural change or continuity lies in the examination of not only the physical structures, but also the use of space within them, since the organization of domestic activity is at a basic level culturally determined. This study proposes a method for such examination, through the creation of a typology of rooms and the analysis of the distribution of artefacts and installations within different types of space to determine probable activities within a sample of houses from the Late Bronze and Early Iron Ages. By comparing and contrasting uses of space in Late Bronze and Early Iron Age domestic structures, one should be able to add to the lines of evidence for determining whether or not there was cultural continuity in the transitional period from the Late Bronze Age to the Early Iron Age. The outcomes of this study pointed to cultural continuity

THREE DIMENSIONAL KINEMATICS AND LOWER LIMB EMG OF ACL DEFICIENT KNEE JOINT WEARING A FUNCTIONAL KNEE BRACE DURING RUNNING

Knee braces have been found to provide limited stability to the ACL deficient (ACLD) knee in situations where the ,knee is loaded during sporting movements. Variability of the gait cycle of the injured knee during strenuous activity with and without a functional knee brace can be expected. Three dimensional (3D) kinematic and electromyography (EMG) data were collected for ten consecutive gait cycles from each participant after running 6 min on a treadmill under both braced and unbraced conditions. Bracing significantly reduced the abduction angle throughout the gait cycle however without reducing the total range of motion (p < 0.05). The functional knee brace showed a consistent trend of setting the ACLD knee in an external rotation position, thus avoiding internal rotation. Our findings supported the mechanical contributions of the brace in limiting abduction and suppressing internal rotation for ACLD knee during strenuous activities

Waking The Dragon: Routes To Female Empowerment In Fantasy

In this thesis, I discuss the ways in which female characters in fantasy literature gain power. I argue that fantasy, as a genre with fluid boundaries and expectations, is a medium through which subversion of gender norms and social structures is necessary to female empowerment, and that no power, magical or otherwise, can be gained without defying the social norms and expectations in some way. Many traditional systems of power advantage men; women must work harder and via different routes to achieve power. In my first chapter, I examine the intersection between female power and sexuality as shown in Ursula K. Le Guin’s Earthsea and George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire. Throughout the Earthsea series, the depiction of women’s magic evolves greatly. In the first novel, the few female characters are depicted as temptresses whose purpose is to disempower men by seducing them until they follow a path of evil. Witches are believed to practice an impure form of magic; their power is seen as lesser because it is different and subversive. By the fourth novel, women’s magic, now more positively linked with their sexuality, is shown to be equal in strength to men’s magic, despite coming in a different form. The connections made between the power of women and the power of dragons further separates them and classifies them as an “other”. In George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire, multiple female characters have had others use their sexuality against them in a predatory and disempowering manner. In order for the feminine to be powerful in a patriarchal world, the female characters must oppose the systems of oppression within their society by resisting the impulse to emulate their oppressors. In my second chapter, I examine the intersection between female power and religion as shown in C.S. Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia and Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials. In The Chronicles of Narnia, there are countless allegorical representations of biblical scenes and ideas, from Genesis to the Passion to Revelation. The female characters are mere archetypes; they are either Eve or Lilith. The series sets up a system in which questioning religious faith and being other than the feminine ideal is demonized and punishable. In His Dark Materials, power is given to female characters when they question and challenge the dominant religious system. A separation from indoctrination is characterized as healthy and beneficial, and the greatest power is the autonomy to think and act for oneself

THE EFFECT OF STICK CURVATURE ON WRIST SHOT EXECUTION OF PEEWEE AND JUNIOR AGED ICE HOCKEY PLAYERS

Research on stick curvature is very important to the understanding of its effect on shot velocity and accuracy. In the past, studies have been focused on analysis of stick rigidity, skating and skate design (Lamontagne et aI., 2001). The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the effects of stick curvature on the execution of a wrist shot by Novice, Atom, Peewee, Bantam and Junior aged ice hockey players. For the purpose of this work in progress, only the Peewee and Junior aged players will be included in the data analysis