Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Biomechanical Difference Between Chronic Ankle Instability Individuals And Healthy Individuals During Landing On Flat, Inverted And Combined Surfaces, Xuan Liu

Masters Theses

Lateral ankle sprains most frequently occurs during sports. Individuals who experienced a first time ankle sprain had a high reoccurrence rate and residual symptoms and functional instability leading to chronic ankle instability (CAI). The purpose of this study was to investigate kinematic and kinetic differences between CAI individuals and healthy subjects in single-leg drop landing on a flat surface, an inverted surface and a combined surface of inversion and plantarflexion. A total of 17 subjects (6 subjects with chronic ankle instability, 11 healthy subjects) performed five trails in each of four dynamic movement conditions of drop landing from a height …

The Effects Of A Moisture-Wicking Fabric Shirt On The Physiological Responses During Acute Exercise In The Heat, Kimberly Wigboldy

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects that a form fitted, moisture-wicking fabric shirt, promoted to have improved evaporative and ventilation properties, has on the thermoregulatory, physiological and perceptual response during moderate intensity exercise in the heat for an extended duration of exercise of 90 minutes. Ten healthy subjects (7 males, 3 females), completed two heat stress tests consisting of 20 minute seated rest in a neutral environment (24°C, 60% RH), 30 minute seated rest in a hot environment (33°C, 60% RH), and 90 minutes of exercise(50% V0_{2 peak}) on a magnetically-braked cycle ergometerin a …

Knee Biomechanics Of Older Adults During Common Recreational And Daily Activities, Julie Lynn Pfeiffer

Masters Theses

Among older adults, socialization is a key motivating factor for participation in physical activity. In order to develop evidence-based physical activity recommendations for older adults with knee pathologies a better understanding of knee biomechanics during social recreational activities is needed. The purpose of this study was to determine knee joint kinematics and kinetics in healthy older adults during golf and bowling. Knee biomechanics during these recreational activities were also compared to those experienced during activities of daily living. Motion analysis data were collected as subjects performed walking, stair ascent, stair descent, and either golf or bowling. Knee angles, peak knee …

Mechanism Of Lpa-Induced Lipid Uptake In Macrophages, Kan Xu

Masters Theses

Cardiovascular disease, currently the leading cause of mortality throughout the developed countries, is mainly caused by atherosclerosis, which is recognized as a chronic inflammatory disease. Atherosclerotic plaques are characterized by accumulations of lipid in arterial walls together with infiltration of macrophages. These macrophages differentiate from monocytes which transform into foam cells through phagocytizing various forms of lipid, are believed to be the main component of early atherosclerotic lesions.

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a potent bioactive lipid, regulates a broad range of cellular functions in various cell types. In our findings, LPA-induced macrophages may enhance the lipid uptake effect in both J774A.1-mouse …

A Preliminary Study Of The Articulatory And Acoustic Features Of Forward And Backward Tone Placement In Singing, Krista Wyllys

Masters Theses

A variety of terms exist for describing tone quality in singing, and voice scientists, voice therapists, teachers of singing, and students of singing use different terms to describe the same sound. One aspect of tone quality is tone placement. Teachers of singing often rely on imagery and imitation to elicit correct tone placement from students of singing. More concrete data about what produces forward and backward tone placement could supplement singing teachers’ current practice of using imagery and imitation to elicit a desirable tone quality. This study examined forward and backward tone placement to determine the articulatory gestures and acoustic …

Use Of A Specific Alpha7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Agonist Can Prevent Loss Of Retinal Ganglion Cells In An In Vivo Rat Glaucoma Model, David Mata

Masters Theses

Acetylcholine (ACh) has been shown to have a neuroprotective effect against glutamate-induced excitotoxicity in cultured retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) through activation of α7 nicotinic ACh receptors (nAChRs). In this study, the neuroprotective effects of the α7 nAChR agonist, PNU-282987, were investigated using an in vivo model of glaucoma in adult Long Evans rats. Hypertonic saline injections were used to induce a glaucoma model. After one month, retinas were removed, flat mounted, fixed and labeled with an antibody against Thy 1.1 to label RGCs and fluorescently tagged for visualization. Eye drop application of PNU-282987 resulted in neuroprotection against RGC loss in …

Expression Of The Chemokine Receptor, Cxcr4, And Its Ligand, Sdf-1, Are Increased In Purkinje Cells Of The Multiple System Atrophy Cerebellum, Megan Welter

Masters Theses

Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) is a sporadic, neurodegenerative disease that consists of three conditions: autonomic dysfunction, Parkinsonism and cerebellar ataxia. Our lab conducted an Affymetrix global gene expression analysis using pons tissue of MSA patients to determine genes that are differentially expressed when compared to non- MSA controls. This study identified upregulated genes, including the C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4, CXCR4, to which stromal cell-derived factor-I (SDF-1) is the natural ligand. The CXCR4/SDF-1 signaling pair has been sho.wn to play multiple roles in the brain, such as inducing neuronal apoptosis and promoting leukocyte recruitment during inflammation. The MSA cerebellum presents …

Executive Functions And Social Interactions: Developing Social Scenarios, Mackenzie Waite

Masters Theses

The aim of this study was to develop a series of vignettes to form the basis for an assessment of executive functions (EFs) for 9 – 12 year old children. Although EFs are necessary for effective social communication and positive social interactions, currently, most EF assessments focus on impersonal activities. Little research exists that incorporates real-time processing using ecologically valid social scenarios. The current study aims to develop realistic scenarios that children could encounter in daily life. Ethnographic interviews were conducted with six participants, who worked in a school with 9-12 year old children, to gain their perspective on social …

A Discursive Analysis Of A Pregnancy Center: How Pregnant Women Are Encouraged To Develop A Sense Of Self-Worth And Emotional Wellbeing Through The Use Of Rhetoric And Imagery, Jessica Postma

Masters Theses

This study presents and alternative approach to how pregnancy is interpreted in western society and how settings such as a pregnancy center both challenges and reinforces these social standards. The promotion of abstinence, the aversion to abortion, notions of truth and morality, religious narratives, and the standard of care are all integral components to this analysis of pregnancy, language, and culture.

Explicit Teacher-Implemented Phoneme Awareness Instruction: Preschool Effects, Heather M. Osterhouse

Masters Theses

The purpose of the current study was to investigate the impact of explicit, concentrated, teacher-implemented phonological awareness instruction for ―at risk‖ 4- year-olds. Early childhood educators were trained to implement a 10-week program delivered for 20-minute sessions, four times a week, in their classrooms. The program focused on phonological awareness beginning at the level of letter-sound knowledge and advancing to blending and segmenting constituent phonemes in words. Pre- to post-treatment comparisons of phonological awareness and letter knowledge skills indicated that children in the experimental group made significant gains in comparison to the control group in phoneme blending and letter knowledge. …

Staphylococcus Pseudintermedius: Population Genetics And Antimicrobial Resistance, Ricardo Videla

Masters Theses

Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is a Gram-positive coagulase-negative coccus. It is a normal inhabitant of the skin of dogs. However, clinical disease can be observed in animals that are immunossuppressed or if the skin barrier is altered. This bacterium is recognized as the main cause of canine pyoderma and has also been associated with other conditions such as infection of the urinary tract, the ears, and surgical wounds.

Methicillin resistance and resistance to other antimicrobials regularly used by veterinarians is common among S. pseudintermedius which can complicate treatment. The first report of mecA, gene responsible for methicillin resistance, in S. pseudintermedius …

Do Weight Status And The Level Of Dietary Restraint Moderate The Relationship Between Package Unit Size And Food Intake?, Chrystal Louisa Haire

Masters Theses

Background: Package unit size may influence consumption. Single-serving (SS) packages, as compared to larger, standard (ST) packages, may increase awareness of what a standard serving is and assist in reducing consumption. Individuals who may be concerned about the amount they consume, such as overweight (OW) and dietary restrained individuals, may be more influenced by SS packages. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine if weight and dietary restraint status moderate the influence of package size on consumption. It was hypothesized that SS packages would help to reduce intake in OW and/or restrained individuals as compared to normal weight …

Ncaa Division I Athletic Trainers' Perceptions And Use Of Psychological Skills During Injury Rehabilitation, Mary Kathleen Estepp

Masters Theses

Applied sport psychology research suggests that the use of psychological skills (e.g., positive self-talk, goal-setting, relaxation) during the rehabilitation process increase recovery rates, increase adherence to rehabilitation, and decrease anxiety and stress (Heaney, 2006). Certified athletic trainers (ATCs) hold a critical role within injury rehabilitation as the primary health care professional who interacts with injured athletes. Therefore, properly trained, ATCs have been identified as the ideal professional to implement psychological skills during injury rehabilitation (Larson, Starkey, & Zaichkowsky, 1996). The purpose of this study was to explore National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I (D-I) ATCs use of psychological skills …

Use Of A Novel Parental Engagement Tool In An After-School Obesity Prevention Program, Lindsay Schloesser Miesel

Masters Theses

Objective: To assess the impact of parental health messages delivered via two avenues on children’s reported food/drink exposure and child/parent goal setting.

Design: Pre- and post-test quasi-experimental design with two treatment groups and one historical control group.

Setting: Two elementary schools in East Tennessee.

Participants: Seventy-seven parents of participating fourth and fifth graders.

Methods: Messages were delivered to parents as the home component of an after-school program via digital home message centers (digital message group) or a more traditional method using a web-based platform and/or handouts of messages (traditional enhanced group) with results compared to a historical control with …

Study Of The Insulin Mimetic Sodium Orthovanadate In Glucosamine Induced Insulin Resistnace In Primary Rat Hepatocytes, Kalan Mcpherson

Masters Theses

Insulin resistance and type II diabetes is a disease state characterized by a lack of sensitivity of insulin to provoke a proper response in insulin sensitive tissues. Currently, we utilize glucosamine to increase flux through the Hexosamine Biosynthetic Pathway (HBP) to induce an insulin resistance like state in primary rat hepatocytes. We tested the effectiveness of the insulin mimetic sodium orthovanadate to determine if it could elicit an insulin-like response under these conditions. Mixed results were obtained on the effectiveness of vanadate as an insulin mimetic in this insulin resistant model.

A Content Analysis Of Music Therapy Theses And Dissertations From 2000 To 2012 From Amta Approved Graduate Programs, Liisa G. Flores

Masters Theses

The purpose of this content analysis was to categorize, code, and analyze trends related to graduate music therapy theses/dissertations completed from the year 2000 to 2012. Information was gathered related to what American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) approved schools have graduate programs and how many students have graduated from these institutions. Research questions addressed in this study were to determine (1) who were the thesis/dissertation advisors for students, (2) what was the type of goal for the research, (3) what types of studies were completed, and (4) what populations were studied.

Results included 35 schools offering graduate music therapy degrees. …

Preschoolers With Speech And Language Impairment: Case Studies From A Teacher-Delivered Phonological Awareness Program, Katherine J. Wickham

Masters Theses

Past and present research demonstrates early reading success related to phonological awareness (PA) instruction conducted individually or in small groups outside of the preschool classroom. This study investigated the effects of an explicit, intensive and teacher-delivered PA instruction for children with speech sound disorder and language impairment as part of the preschool curriculum. The investigator examined the performance of individual cases in both groups, those who received instruction and the control. Two participants in each of the experimental (E1 and E2) and control (C1 and C2) groups had standardized scores indicating deficits in speech and/or language. These children who received …

Students' Consumption Of Healthy Food Items Using A Social Marketing Intervention, Kayla Autumn Dalton

Masters Theses

This study was an analysis of student eating habits in an "all-you-care-to-eat" dining center at a mid-size, four year, Midwest residential institution. The present, quantitative study was replicated based off a study conducted in 2008 at a similar Midwest university by Diana Poovey Duncan. The present study examined college students' (n = 218) eating habits and consumption patterns over a nine-week study period. Participants were solicited to take the pre-intervention survey in person with incentives during the second week of the study while a post-intervention survey was sent electronically during the seventh week only to those whom provided an …

The Effects Of A Communication Partner Training Program, Stephanie Fanale

Masters Theses

Historically, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) intervention has focused on improving the communication skills of the individual using AAC, with limited support given to the communication partners of AAC users (Light, Dattilo, English, & Gutierrez, 1992). However, Carter & Maxwell (1998) contended that the skills of the communication partner are of equal importance as the AAC user's skills. In addition, many researchers have reported that family-centered intervention should be implemented in the AAC population (Bruno & Dribbon, 1998; Saito & Turnbull, 2007; Sigafoos et al., 2004). Unfortunately, few studies have directly measured communication partners' skills to measure progress or have …

Sensorimotor Factors Influencing /R/ Production, Jill Vogt

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to evaluate if there was a difference in nonspeech single oral structure and function overall and within subsystems (tongue-jaw, tongue, lips, and jaw) and nonspeech oscillation tasks between children with typical articulation, children with /r/ errors who are stimulable for correct /r/, and children with /r/ errors who are not stimulable for correct /r/, as measured by an oral-motor assessment and subsection scores. A secondary research question explored if there was a difference between the groups in tasks which may be related to type of oral-motor deficit including: sensory/proprioceptive (as measured by an informal …

Effects Of Combining Whole Body Vibration And Moderately-Heavy Back Squat On Vertical Jump Height In Collegiate Level Volleyball Players, Franklin M. Benik

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine whether a combination of a low volume, moderately-heavy (80% 1RM) back squat combined with whole body vibration would optimize the post activation potentiation (PAP) response compared to a set of low volume, moderately-heavy back squat without vibration in Division I collegiate female volleyball players. The study design consisted of two groups (n = 5, n = 5) of current Eastern Illinois University female volleyball players matched by 1RM back squat strength. Prior to the experimental intervention, subjects in each group attended two sessions during which standing reach height and demographic information ( …

Personality And Substance Abuse, Juliana Gonzalez

Masters Theses

The Big Five have shown to be distinct personality traits that do not overlap and have universal applicability, so this study examined whether there are specific personality trait differences in users of Marijuana, Pain Medication, Sedative/Hypnotics, and Stimulants.

Study was placed in the 50 most visited Craigslist pages in the United States. Anonymous web users (N = 547) were recruited through Craigslist. High Neuroticism was associated with Marijuana and Stimulant use. Low Conscientiousness was associated with Marijuana and Stimulant use. High Extraversion was associated with Pain Medication use only. Implications, limitations, and suggestions for future research were discussed.

Effects Of Utilizing A Myofascial Foam Roll On Hamstring Flexibility, Elizabeth Sherer

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to identify if using a foam roller on the hamstring muscles would have positive effects and in tum increase hamstring flexibility. Hamstring injuries are prevalent in sports today. Lack of flexibility is seen as a possible cause for these injuries, so this study focused on a potential way of increasing hamstring flexibility. Self-induced myofascial release, using a foam roller, was the type of intervention used to try to have an effect on hamstring muscle flexibility. The use of a foam roller is becoming a popular tool utilized in many settings but there has been …

A Phenomenological Analysis Of The Perceptions Of Housing Staff's Current Practices And Aspirational Desires Of Managing Mental Health Needs On A College Campus, Rebecca Maday

Masters Theses

Housing staffs perceptions were analyzed concerning current practices for identifying and managing mental health needs in residence halls. Six participants were interviewed, including undergraduate resident assistants and graduate hall directors. The results showed that there are four major themes when dealing with mental health training at a large four-year, primarily residential public school. Themes included Training Information, Improvements for Training, Interpersonal Feelings, and Barriers for Referral. Themes and implications for student affairs professionals were discussed.