Investigation of in-vivo hindfoot and orthotic interactions using bi-planar x-ray fluoroscopy

A markerless RSA method was used to determine the effect of orthotics on the normal, pes planus and pes cavus populations. Computed tomography (CT) was used to create bone models that were imported into the virtual environment. Joint coordinate systems were developed to measure kinematic changes in the hindfoot during weight-bearing gait and quiet standing. The objectives of this thesis were to (1) implement a fluoroscopy-based markerless RSA system on the foot, (2) determine the effect of various orthotics at midstance of fully weight-bearing dynamic gait, and (3) determine the effect of orthotics as measured using three different techniques. Every individual in this study reacted differently depending on the footwear condition tested. Despite the change in alignment caused by orthotics lacking statistical significance it appears the change may be significant with more subjects. Fluoroscopy should enable substantial improvements in orthotic design for optimal results in the future

Developing Scientific Literacy in Introductory Laboratory Courses: A Model for Course Design and Assessment

Although science educators at all levels have focused on teaching students scientific literacy for nearly five decades, studies indicate that the average student remains far from scientifically literate. To address this issue at the local level, faculty at Trinity University, in San Antonio, Texas, significantly revised the curriculum of an existing introductory physical geology laboratory course. The course, which satisfies general education requirements at Trinity, was revised to provide students learning opportunities in a scientific process context as part of a new science literacy initiative. This effort was spurred by general dissatisfaction with the existing curricular structure of the course as well as a new interdisciplinary, National Science Foundation (NSF)–funded initiative to support the integration of research-grade instrumentation in curricula and undergraduate research across campus. The physical geology laboratory course revision was based on research that demonstrated the efficacy of learning through active participation, interpretation, iteration, and reflection, especially when knowledge and skills are gained within an explicit scientific process context. In addition to significantly revising laboratory activities, we added new activities within the course framework that involved the use of two new, NSF-funded instruments, including a handheld X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (XRF) and an inductively coupled plasma–optical emissions spectrometer (ICP-OES), which we used to improve student understanding of qualitative and quantitative elemental analyses. Finally, we introduced the use of a new course reader that provided both background materials for each activity as well as a new focus on providing a scientific process context for students. To assess student learning, we used in-class observations, student–instructor discussions, pre- and postlearning questionnaires, prelaboratory quizzes, course activities completed during class time, modified postactivity reflection questions, practical examinations, and a final examination. We also included faculty, staff, and administrator perspectives to qualitatively assess the impact of course changes upon student learning. Our results imply that students achieved the primary learning goals we developed for this scientific literacy initiative, including: (1) improved understanding of the scientific process and the nature of science; (2) improved understanding of qualitative and quantitative elemental research methods; and (3) improved understanding of the applicability of scientific research to real-world problems. Importantly, our findings suggest that the integration of research-grade instrumentation into introductory coursework, in a scientific process context, is an effective way to promote scientific literacy as well as to provide opportunities for students to understand and apply the knowledge and skills necessary to perform scientific research. We believe that this example of a significant course redesign provides a model that can be transferred to other geosciences departments as well as to other scientific disciplines

Improvements in electrospray ionization source design and advances in tandem mass spectrometry

Mass spectrometry (MS) is an analytical tool that is widely used to identify the mass to charge ratio and abundance of components within a sample. However, without fragmentation the only information that can be garnered from a typical mass spectrum is the mass to charge ratio of the intact ion. Knowing only the mass to charge ratio of the intact ion is typically not descriptive enough for an accurate identification. To overcome the disadvantage of limited fragmentation, the intact ion can be activated through one of a number of processes to induce dissociation. The process of inducing the dissociation of a specific ion is referred to as tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS).The work described in this dissertation has involved the development and modification of instrumentation for the purposes of operating a multi sprayer nESI source and for improving the amount and quality of information from MS/MS Experiments. The mass spectrometers used for the various MS/MS experiments are linear ion trap / time of flight (LIT/TOF) and quadrupole Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (Q FTICR) instruments. The LIT/TOF and Q FTICR instruments used for the projects described in the subsequent chapters are commercially available mass spectrometers that were modified either to perform a unique MS/MS experiment or an established MS/MS method on an instrument for the first time. Examples of unique MS/MS experiments include the implementation of iterative accumulation multiplexing (IAM) on the Q FTICR and the development of simultaneous electron capture dissociation, collision induced dissociation, ECD+CID, on the LIT/TOF. The LIT/TOF and Q FTICR instruments are unique in that they represent the only mass spectrometers commercially available to date capable of performing ECD. ECD results acquired for different analytes from both instruments will be presented. Other MS/MS experiments that will be discussed include the first demonstration of electron detachment dissociation (EDD) and activated ion (AI) ECD in the LIT/TOF.The work described in this dissertation demonstrates improvements in the information content of MS/MS experiments. Overall, the goal was to increase the amount of information acquired about the parent ion(s) through tandem mass spectrometry

Comparison of Aerobic Training Methods on V02 Max, Body Composition and Anaerobic Power.

Recent research has utilized intensity as a primary means to define training methods for improving aerobic capacity (VO2 max). Alternative ways of classifying training techniques must be examined to elucidate optimal practices for aerobic capacity enhancement. PURPOSE: To investigate the potential impact of various aerobic training methods on V02, body composition and anaerobic power. METHODS: Thirty-four healthy male & female subjects (18-30yrs) participated in an equated volume supervised running workout for six weeks utilizing two alternate training methods. Group one (N = 17, 21 ± 3 yr) participated in Interval Training Distance (ITD) and group two (N = 17, 21 ± 3 yr) participated in Long Slow Distance (LSD). All subjects participated in a familiarity session (FAM), a Pre-Test (T1) and a Post-Test (T2) . Each testing session consisted of a V02 Max, a 30 second Wingate and body composition assessment. Data were analyzed by a two-way ANOVA with repeated measures. Significance was set at p \u3c 0.05 and adopted throughout. RESULTS: The ITD and LSD groups experienced significant increases (p \u3c 0 .001) in VO2 max, with 9.05% (4.19 ± 4.15 ml/kg/min) and 3.18% (1.39 ± 3.67 ml/kg/min) increases respectively. A significant interaction (p \u3c 0.05) in VO2 max occurred between groups, as the ITD group displayed a 302% greater increase when compared to the LSD group. Body fat percentage significantly decreased (p \u3c 0.01) in the ITD (1.08 ± 1.90%) and LSD (1.55 ± 3.21%) groups, while a significant reduction (p \u3c 0.05) in total body weight was also observed. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest that the ITD training method has a greater impact on aerobic capacity than LSD training method. However, both ITD and LSD training methods had a significant impact on aerobic capacity, body weight, and body composition

Iterative Accumulation Multiplexing Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry

A multiplexed tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) technique known as iterative accumulation multiplexing (IAM) has been implemented on a hybrid quadrupole Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer (Q-FTICR-MS). The IAM experiment resulted in obtaining MS/MS spectra for six analytes in two MS/MS experiments while characteristic resolving power and mass measurement accuracies were maintained. Parent-product ion correlations were graphically represented in a “ratiogram” where each product ion is encoded with a ratio unique to the parent ion from which it was formed. This is the first example of multiplexed MS on a FTICR instrument where the ions are encoded externally to the ICR cell. By performing the encoding external to the ICR cell, one set of ions can be encoded while the previous set of ions is being analyzed in the cell, maximizing the use of the continuous ion current emanating from the electrospray ionization source

Contribution of sleep to the repair of neuronal DNA double-strand breaks:evidence from flies and mice

Exploration of a novel environment leads to neuronal DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). These DSBs are generated by type 2 topoisomerase to relieve topological constrains that limit transcription of plasticity-related immediate early genes. If not promptly repaired, however, DSBs may lead to cell death. Since the induction of plasticity-related genes is higher in wake than in sleep, we asked whether it is specifically wake associated with synaptic plasticity that leads to DSBs, and whether sleep provides any selective advantage over wake in their repair. In flies and mice, we find that enriched wake, more than simply time spent awake, induces DSBs, and their repair in mice is delayed or prevented by subsequent wake. In both species the repair of irradiation-induced neuronal DSBs is also quicker during sleep, and mouse genes mediating the response to DNA damage are upregulated in sleep. Thus, sleep facilitates the repair of neuronal DSBs

Simultaneous Collision Induced Dissociation of the Charge Reduced Parent Ion during Electron Capture Dissociation

A method of performing collision induced dissociation (CID) on the charge-reduced parent ion as it is formed during electron capture dissociation (ECD), called ECD+CID, is described. In ECD+CID, the charge-reduced parent ion is selectively activated using resonant excitation and collisions with the helium bath gas inside a linear quadrupole ion trap ECD device (ECDLIT). It has been observed that ECD+CID can improve the sequence coverage for melittin over performing ECD alone (i.e., from 76 % to 88 %). Perhaps just as important, ECD+CID can be used to reduce the extent of multiple electron capture events observed when performing ECD in the ECDLIT. Consequently, the abundance of mass-to-charge ratios corresponding to ECD product ions that contain neutralized protons is decreased, simplifying the interpretation of the product ion spectrum