Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Stability Of Eukaryotic Elongation Factor One Alpha Protein In The Cell, Jennifer Watry

Honors Theses

Eukaryotic Elongation Factor One Alpha (eEF1A) is an abundant protein found in every cell of every organism and is involved in functions concerning protein synthesis and degradation, the cytoskeleton, and signaling. How these functions are regulated is not yet understood for this protein. Regulation of the protein may be controlled by transcription of the genes encoding the protein or the stability and modification of the protein. The goal of this project was to determine the stability of eEf1A proteins in Arabidopsis thaliana. Protein stability was determined by treating tissues with cycloheximide, an inhibitor of protein synthesis. Gel electrophoresis and …

Perceptions Of Speech-Language Pathologists, Abby M. Spicko

Honors Theses

According to the American Speech-Language Hearing Association, speech-language pathologists practice in a wide variety of work settings including schools, hospitals, clinics, private homes, nursing homes, and more (ASHA, 2007). As a result of the diverse environments in which speech language pathologists are employed, they work in collaboration with people from many other professions, including teachers, psychologists, doctors, nurses, social works. and occupational and physical therapists. It is important to understand the relationships between the speech language pathologist and their co-workers and others' attitudes toward the profession. This paper examines how those working with speech language pathologists across various work settings, …

A Study Of The Impact Of Adult Day Care Centers On The Caregivers Of Clients With Dementia, Abby L. Olsen

Honors Theses

The purpose of this descriptive study was to evaluate the impact of adult day care centers (ADC) on the perceived stress of the caregivers of loved ones with dementia and on their perceptions of their loved one's level of functioning or quality of life. Five caregivers whom had a loved one attending the same ADC were interviewed to obtain qualitative data concerning their perceptions about ADC utilization. Two assessment tools, the Caregiver Strain Index and the QA Study Assessment Tool were also used to determine quantitatively the impact of adult day care attendance on caregiver stress. The results suggested that …

Methamphetamine: The New Epidemic, Jessica Gingery

Honors Capstones

Capstone submitted as a graduation requirement for the BSU Honors Program.

The Effectiveness Of Shoulder Injury Assessment Techniques: Analyzing The Occurrences Of False Positives, Alec Cianfichi

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

Shoulder injuries are very common in sports such as baseball, football, and tennis due to high impact and stress placed on the shoulder joint. Due to the greater chance of shoulder injuries in these types of sports, it is imperative for shoulder injury assessments to be accurate in order to ensure that the athlete does not participate with an injured shoulder or lose participation time due to an incorrect assessment. In order to assess the validity of the Apprehension, Relocation, and Surprise test for shoulder instability, student athletes with no known shoulder injuries were evaluated. Tests were conducted under the …

A Communication Process Training Model For Use By Audiologists In Counseling, Heather Hendrix

Doctoral Dissertations

Audiologists must assume the role of a counselor when providing interpretation of test results to patients and/or family members. A successful audiologist will rely on the knowledge of auditory disorders and rehabilitation and will be willing to form an effective relationship with the patient through communicative counseling. The purpose of this capstone project is to develop a training protocol for audiologists based on a communication process model. This capstone project discusses the process of designing counseling training sessions.

The basic principles of the Adler and Elmhorst (2002) communication process model were used to develop a dialogue and scenarios (role-playing activity) …

Classroom Acoustics And Intervention Strategies To Enhance The Learning Environment, Christal Savage

Doctoral Dissertations

The classroom environment can be an acoustically difficult atmosphere for students to learn effectively, sometimes due in part to poor acoustical properties. Noise and reverberation have a substantial influence on room acoustics and subsequently intelligibility of speech. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA, 1995) developed minimal standards for noise and reverberation in a classroom for the purpose of providing an adequate listening environment. A lack of adherence to these standards may have undesirable consequences, which may lead to poor academic performance.

The purpose of this capstone project is to develop a protocol to measure the acoustical properties of reverberation time and …

A Protocol For Sound Localization Testing With Young And Aging Normal Hearing Subjects, Alison V. Huff

Doctoral Dissertations

An important aspect of processing auditory stimulus is the ability to localize the source of a sound within the environment. Localization has been defined as the ability to determine the direction of sound (Tonning, 1975; Cranford, Boose, & Moore, 1990; Middlebrooks & Green, 1991; Cranford Andres, Piatz, & Reissig, 1993; Lorenzi Gatehouse, & Lever, 1999; Abel, Giguere, Consoli, & Papsin, 2000). Previous researchers have used a variety of test stimuli, test environments, loudspeaker arrays, and ages and numbers of subjects to measure the ability to localize sounds. Despite the obvious need for individuals to identify the specific location of a …

Gender Differences In Auditory Perception Of Pure Tone Frequencies And Speech Intelligibility Via Bone Conduction Transducers, Meghan Leigh Hodges

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

Two experiments were conducted to see if gender differences exist in bone conduction hearing processes. The first experiment was a pure tone study where hearing thresholds for six pure tone frequencies and four bone conduction skull locations were measured in 15 male and 15 female participants to determine if gender differences exist in auditory signal detection. As frequency of the pure tone signal increased the difference between genders’ hearing thresholds and mean ranks of threshold overall; however, when Kruskal-Wallis statistical tests were performed, significant differences between genders for bone conduction were only found for the mastoid location at 6000-Hz and …

Sound Localization Accuracy In The Blind Population, Mary Arrington Deloach

Doctoral Dissertations

The ability to accurately locate a sound source is crucial in the blind population to orient and mobilize independently in the environment. Sound localization is accomplished by the detection of binaural differences in intensity and time of incoming sound waves along with phase differences and spectral cues. It is dependent on auditory sensitivity and processing. However, localization ability can not be predicted from the audiogram or an auditory processing evaluation.

Auditory information is not received only from objects making sound, but also from objects reflecting sound. Auditory information used in this manner is called echolocation. Echolocation significantly enhances localization in …

Parental Views Of Otitis Media And Antibiotic Treatment, Courtney Leigh Ross

Doctoral Dissertations

Antibiotic resistance is a rapidly growing problem throughout the world. Antibiotic resistance can be due to a number of factors, including unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions, antibiotic misuse, and transmission of resistant bacteria.

Otitis media is the most often diagnosed childhood illness and accounts for the majority of the United States' annual antibiotic prescriptions. Both parents and physicians can contribute to unnecessary antibiotic treatment for otitis media. Understanding parental views of otitis media and antibiotic treatment may help reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions and lead to the subsequent reduction in antibiotic resistance.

The purpose of this capstone project is to develop a questionnaire …

A Comparative Study Of Learning Styles And Job Satisfaction To Medical Specialty Chosen Among Physician Assistant Graduates, Eric H. Vangsnes

Dissertations

Since the mid-1980s, a trend has developed whereby Physician Assistants (PAs) are making a transition into medical and surgical specialties (Hooker, 1992). In 1984, 18% of PAs worked in medical and surgical specialties; by 1991, this proportion had risen to 22%; and by 2006, 43% of all PAs worked in medical and surgical specialties ( American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) Census Data 2006 , 2007; Hooker, 1992). One development that may have increased the number of PAs entering specialties was the creation of post-graduate residency programs.

This research examined possible associations between learning style and medical specialty, medical specialty …

Repeatability Of Serial Carotid Intima Media Thickness Scanning On Individual Subjects, Judi Nightingale

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background. Heart disease affects millions of Americans each year. In order to improve primary prevention, early risk identification is essential. B-mode ultrasound of the common carotid artery (CCA) intima-media thickness (IMT) assesses risk of a coronary event early in the process of plaque development. Because IMT changes are so small over time, in order to determine clinically significant versus clinically insignificant changes in IMT over a 12 month time period, a protocol is needed which can detect the least significant difference (LSD) of at least 0.030 mm.

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to develop and test a well-defined …

Psychometric Testing Of The Walker's Feelings And Thoughts About Weight Scale In Taiwan, Shu-Wen Chang Phd

Dissertations

Background: The majority of women do not return to their pre-pregnant weight after six weeks postpartum in Taiwan. Excessive postpartum weight retention or gain can lead to long-term obesity and increase a woman's risk of major health problems. Trends among Taiwanese women reveal an increasing prevalence of obesity. Limiting postpartum weight retention is important for preventing long-term obesity development. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine predictors of postpartum weight gain among Taiwanese women using the modified Thriving Model (Walker & Kim, 2002) as the guiding conceptual framework and to examine the psychometric properties of a Chinese Version …

Symptom Burden At End Of Life In Patients With Terminal And Life-Threatening Illness In Intensive Care Units, Peggy G. Kalowes Phd, Msn, Rn, Cns

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the symptom burden and severity of symptom distress reported by ICU patients at high-risk for death and to compare patient-rated symptoms and distress for concordance with symptoms reported by a family member. A prospective, correlational design with two data-points was used to study a convenience sample of 80 patients and 53 family members. The Condensed Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale (CMSAS) was used to gain patient/proxy report of symptoms on the first and third day after admission to the ICU. The majority of patients were symptomatic (98%), reporting an average of 10.23 symptoms. …

Navy Nurses' Experiences During Operation Unified Assistance Aboard The Usns Mercy: A Grounded Theory Study, Angelica L.C. Almonte Phd

Dissertations

On December 26, 2004, the most powerful earthquake in 40 years erupted under the Indian Ocean triggering a deadly tsunami that devastated 11 Asian and African countries and killed more than 280,000. The US Navy responded through Operation Unified Assistance (OUA). In a historic first on the hospital ship USNS MERCY, the U.S. Navy deployed one team with members from the Navy, the U.S Public Health Service, a non-government organization (NGO), and a civilian mariner crew to provide humanitarian aid. Despite these efforts, there is a dearth of scholarly research work published on nurses' experiences during the disaster. The purpose …

Down-Regulation Of Natural Killer Cell Activation In Response To Influenza Virus In Older Adults, Yu Jing

Theses and Dissertations in Biomedical Sciences

Immune senescence contributes to influenza-associated high mortality and morbidity and reduced vaccine efficacy in elderly people. Type I T cell (Thl)-mediated immunity plays a significant role in Immune responses to influenza infection and vaccination. Natural killer (NK) cells secrete significant amount of IFN-7 , a hallmark Thl cytokine, in response to influenza infection. How aging influences human NK cell IFN-7 production in response to influenza virus has not been well documented. In this study we employed human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and performed intracellular cytokine staining and flow cytometry primarily to investigate how aging influences NK cell activation with …

Effects Of Tooth Whitening Use On Oral Health Interests And Values In Adults, Katie Jo Ballantyne Sargent

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

The primary purpose of this study was to determine if tooth whitening product use influences oral health interests and values in an adult population. A two-group, randomized, pre-test, multiple post-test design was used for studying 60 adults between the ages of 18 and 60. Persons who use tobacco products, have composite/tooth-colored anterior restorations, less than eight anterior teeth, pregnant or lactating women, or those who have previously used a whitening product other than toothpaste were excluded from the study. At baseline, a researcher-designed Oral Health Questionnaire was administered to consenting adults to determine the level of oral health interests and …

Vital Tooth Whitening Effects On Oral Health-Related Quality Of Life In Older Adults, Ann Michelle Poindexter

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

This study determined if vital tooth whitening affects oral health-related quality of life (OHRQOL) in adults ≥50-years old, and if tooth whitening promotes individuals to seek regular professional dental care and participation in social activities. Using a two-group, single blind, randomized, pre-test-post-test design, 62 participants were enrolled. The experimental group used a whitening product twice daily for three weeks, while the control group used no whitening products. Tooth color satisfaction was assessed using the Tooth Color Satisfaction Scale and was correlated with overall oral health-related quality of life. The Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP), used as the pre-test …

Exercise Adherence: Motivational Factors Influencing Exercise Adherence And Fitness Level, Justin Recklau

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

There are many factors that influence adherence to an exercise program. This research study aimed to determine which factors most effectively ensured adherence, with the hypothesis that no single factor was indicative of exercise adherence as adherence is a dynamic item. The results target exercise professionals to assist them in retaining clientele and encouraging clientele to adhere to exercise programs. A survey was implemented that had clients self-report their stage in the transtheoretical model as well as how strongly they felt about five positive factors to exercise as well as five barriers to exercise. In addition to surveys, body composition, …

A Two-Hour Basketball Practice Increases Landing Error Scoring System Scores In Female Collegiate Basketball Players, Caroline Wesley

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

The high rate of knee injuries in women’s athletics has been well documented in recent years. There are multiple factors which contribute to the increased risk of injury in female athletes, including biomechanics when landing. Fatigue has also been examined as a contributing factor to injury, but few studies have utilized actual sport participation as a fatiguing protocol. No study has used the Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) to examine the changes that may result from fatigue. The objective of our study was to use the LESS to examine the effects of a two-hour basketball practice on the landing biomechanics …

Downstream Pathway Activation In Cultured Hepatocytes Following Treatment With Francisella Tularensis, Nicole Wakefield

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

Francisella tularensis, the intracellular pathogen that causes tularemia, was investigated to determine how it infects and replicates within mammalian hepatocytes. To date, it has been shown that hepatocytes can be infected by F. tularensis and that this causes considerable change in the protein phosphorylation state of several vital signaling molecules within the host cell. Protein kinase pathways can be mapped as signatures of infection. Hepatocytes tend to be susceptible to infection by F. tularensis, thus stimulating internal signaling. The Francisella strains used were selected with the goal of producing a model that can be used to elucidate the cell signaling …

Authoritarianism, Hostility Toward Women, Attitudes Toward Violence, Rape Myth Acceptance, And Sexual Aggression, Gina M. Bondi

Psychology Theses & Dissertations

Almost one out of every five women has been, or will have been, the victim of sexual aggression and/or rape in their lives (National Institute of Justice, 2000). This staggering statistic exemplifies the importance of speculating which traits are related to, or are predictive of, sexually aggressive behavior. Based on previous research, the current study investigated relationships between authoritarianism, hostility toward women, attitudes toward violence, and rape myth acceptance, as related sexual aggression in undergraduate men It was projected that authoritarianism, hostility toward women, attitudes toward violence, and rape myth acceptance would significantly and positively predict all dimensions of sexual …

Occupations, Habits And Routines: A Case Study Of An African-American Woman, Michelle Leigh Velting

Masters Theses

Obesity is a growing problem in the United States. African-American women make up a large portion of the obese population in the United States, however, the treatment techniques available have had limited success with this group. Although many health professionals are involved with the treatment of obesity, literature involving the value of occupational therapy with this population is limited. This mixed-methods case study identified the daily occupations, habits, and routines of a middle-class obese African-American woman. The participant was selected via a health care professional in the area of Grand Rapids, MI. The Occupational Questionnaire (OQ), Model of Human Occupation …

Bactericidal Effects Of Cold Plasma Technology On Geobacillus Stearothermophilus And Bacillus Cereus Microorganisms, Angela Dawn Morris

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

Non-equilibrium atmospheric pressure plasma, also known as cold plasma, is a state of matter that consists of a mix of neutral and charged particles. Plasma generates chemically reactive species and ultraviolet radiation making them useful in decontamination applications (Kong & Laroussi, 2003). Research regarding the inactivation of gram-positive bacteria, such as Bacillus atrophaeus, by cold plasma has been studied by Laroussi et al. (2003); however, there is limited research regarding the germicidal effectiveness of cold plasma on the microorganisms Geobacillus stearothermophilus and Bacillus cereus. The purpose of this study was to determine if cold plasma technology inactivates heat …

The Effect Of Instruction Of Jump-Landing Motion Patterns And Impact Forces, Mary Elizabeth Joos

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

The use of visual instruction could be a valuable tool in prevention strategies for anterior cruciate ligament injuries, especially in large group settings, through the alterations of jump-landing motion patterns and impact forces. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of two visual modeling cues in altering jump-landing motion patterns, as measured by the Landing Error Scoring System (LESS), and impact forces, vertical ground reaction force (PVGRF) and peak posterior ground reaction force (PPGRF). Seventy-three physically active individuals (age= 20.89 ± 1.72 years; height = 172 ± 9.87 cm; mass= 68.43 ± 15.97 kg) were baseline tested …

Effects Of Five Different Finger Rest Positions On Arm Muscle Activity During Scaling By Dental Hygiene Students, Mary Elizabeth Cosaboom

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

This study was conducted to determine the effects of five different finger rest positions, (fulcrums: opposite arch, standard intra-oral, basic extra-oral, cross arch and finger on finger) on the muscle activity of four forearm muscles, (extensor carpi radialis longus, flexor carpi ulnar is, biceps brachii and pronator teres) during a simulated periodontal scaling experience. A convenience sample of 32 consenting right handed senior dental hygiene students who met inclusion criteria participated. The 32 students had no history of injuries or disabilities to the right arm, wrist, or hand. Pre-test maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) scores were obtained prior …

An Assessment Of High School Coaches Knowledge Of Sport-Related Concussion, Erin M. O'Donoghue

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Sport-related concussion is a common occurrence in high-risk sports and can occur during participation in all sports. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge base high school athletic coaches possess about concussion signs and symptoms in regards to recognition, management, and prevention of this condition. A 25 question demographic questionnaire was used to gather background information and a 24 question multiple-choice assessment was used to determine knowledge of recognition, management, and prevention of sport-related concussion. A panel of eight experts in the fields of sport-related concussion and/or survey research reviewed and modified the survey instrument, which were …

Simulation And Modeling Of Nerve Impulse Propagation And Its Blockage By External Electrical Stimulation, Nidhi Nahar

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The electric nature of biological tissues permits the transmission of signals for information and for control and is, therefore, of vital importance for life. The latest scientific achievements and nanoscale probing techniques now allow scientists to research at the subcellular level by measuring the electric current flows through a single ion channel of the cell membrane with the patch-clamp method. With the latter approach, the effects of electrical stimulation can be quantified, understood, and applied to molecular biology and the development of medical diagnostic and therapeutic methods.

In this thesis, the Hodgkin-Huxley approach for unmyelinated fibers, coupled with a transmission …

The Effects Of A Short Course Of Muscle Energy Technique On Sacral Dysfunction In Patients With Acute Lumbosacral Pain, Regina O'Hara

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

The purposes of this research study were to examine the effects of treating patients with suspected acute iliosacral rotational dysfunction with muscle energy techniques (MET) on (1) disability, (2) perceived pain during lumbar motion in neutral, flexion, and extension, (3) lumbar range of motion in flexion and extension, and (4) sagittal innominate rotation. Subjects were randomly assigned to the experimental and placebo groups. Experimental subjects received MET treatments, and placebo subjects received a stretching placebo treatinent. Subjects were treated four times over the course of one week. The initial examination and treatment occurred within 72 hours of the onset of …