Anti-pronation taping is commonly used by clinicians in the management of lower limb musculoskeletal pain and injury. Despite its frequent use in the clinical setting the mechanism(s) underlying its efficacy is not completely understood. For example, there is evidence that anti-pronation taping produces a biomechanical effect, but there has been little investigation of other mechanisms such as neurophysiological or psychological effects. Additionally, studies to date have been performed in mostly asymptomatic populations and have focused on the initial effect of tape (i.e. immediately following application and through a short duration of activity). Improved understanding of the underlying physiological mechanism(s) of anti-pronation tape is likely to facilitate improved knowledge of the technique, which may optimise its clinical application and contribute to clinical selection guidelines. The aims of this thesis were developed to address several of the limitations in the current anti-pronation taping literature. To facilitate an investigation of the comparative initial physiological effect of anti-pronation tape in a symptomatic and asymptomatic population, the first aim of this thesis was to compare neuromotor control (control of muscle activation and movement patterns) of gait, foot posture and foot mobility between asymptomatic individuals and individuals with a history of exercise related leg pain. The second aim of this thesis was to investigate the initial physiological effects of anti-pronation tape, specifically its neurophysiological (i.e. effect on muscle activation patterns) and biomechanical (i.e. effect on movement patterns, foot posture, foot mobility) effects. Thirdly this thesis aimed to investigate the duration of these initial physiological effects following tape removal. The fourth and fifth aims were to investigate the long term biomechanical and neurophysiological effects of anti-pronation taping i.e. following continual use over a clinically relevant period. In the first instance our aim was to investigate the effect of continual use on neuromotor control of gait, foot posture and foot mobility, and secondly to investigate the effect of continual use on the technique’s initial neurophysiological and biomechanical effects. Individuals with exercise related leg pain demonstrated lower activation of gluteus medius and lateral gastrocnemius during gait, but we observed no differences in lower limb movement patterns or foot posture and foot mobility between the two groups. The initial effect of tape was similar in individuals with and without exercise related leg pain. Specifically application of tape produced a reduction in activation of tibialis posterior, tibialis anterior and medial gastrocnemius, and increased activation of peroneus longus. There was a reduction in foot mobility, ankle plantarflexion and abduction excursion and an increase in ankle dorsiflexion and adduction excursion. Reduced muscle activation and increased motion was also observed at more proximal segments (knee, hip, pelvis), but were of smaller magnitude than at the foot and ankle. Changes in foot mobility, ankle kinematics and leg muscle activity did not continue following the removal of tape, but at more proximal segments (i.e. pelvis, hip and knee) small changes in kinematics and muscle activity were observed following the removal of tape. In regards to long term effects, continual use of tape for approximately 12 days produced a small increase in arch height when compared to a control. We did not observe a change in muscle activation or motion patterns, nor did continual use of the technique influence its initial neurophysiological or biomechanical effects (i.e. reduction in muscle activity, reduction in foot mobility, altered lower limb motion). The studies from this thesis provide evidence that anti-pronation tape should be considered in the management of individuals where reduced midfoot mobility, control of ankle motion or reduced activation of the leg muscles is desired, regardless of symptomatic status. When applied for approximately 12 days, anti-pronation tape produced a small increase in arch height ratio, but no alteration in neuromotor control. We are not aware of any definitive data on what constitutes a clinically meaningful increase in arch height, but results from a published case series suggests that our findings of a small increase in arch height may be clinically relevant for the treatment of lower extremity overuse injuries. Continual use of tape for a clinically relevant period does not alter its initial effects on foot posture and mobility or neuromotor control during gait. It would appear that the initial effects of anti-pronation tape are robust even after continuous use over a period of 11 days.

Anti-pronation taping is commonly used by clinicians in the management of lower limb musculoskeletal pain and injury. Despite its frequent use in the clinical setting the mechanism(s) underlying its efficacy is not completely understood. For example, there is evidence that anti-pronation taping produces a biomechanical effect, but there has been little investigation of other mechanisms such as neurophysiological or psychological effects. Additionally, studies to date have been performed in mostly asymptomatic populations and have focused on the initial effect of tape (i.e. immediately following application and through a short duration of activity). Improved understanding of the underlying physiological mechanism(s) of anti-pronation tape is likely to facilitate improved knowledge of the technique, which may optimise its clinical application and contribute to clinical selection guidelines. The aims of this thesis were developed to address several of the limitations in the current anti-pronation taping literature. To facilitate an investigation of the comparative initial physiological effect of anti-pronation tape in a symptomatic and asymptomatic population, the first aim of this thesis was to compare neuromotor control (control of muscle activation and movement patterns) of gait, foot posture and foot mobility between asymptomatic individuals and individuals with a history of exercise related leg pain. The second aim of this thesis was to investigate the initial physiological effects of anti-pronation tape, specifically its neurophysiological (i.e. effect on muscle activation patterns) and biomechanical (i.e. effect on movement patterns, foot posture, foot mobility) effects. Thirdly this thesis aimed to investigate the duration of these initial physiological effects following tape removal. The fourth and fifth aims were to investigate the long term biomechanical and neurophysiological effects of anti-pronation taping i.e. following continual use over a clinically relevant period. In the first instance our aim was to investigate the effect of continual use on neuromotor control of gait, foot posture and foot mobility, and secondly to investigate the effect of continual use on the technique’s initial neurophysiological and biomechanical effects. Individuals with exercise related leg pain demonstrated lower activation of gluteus medius and lateral gastrocnemius during gait, but we observed no differences in lower limb movement patterns or foot posture and foot mobility between the two groups. The initial effect of tape was similar in individuals with and without exercise related leg pain. Specifically application of tape produced a reduction in activation of tibialis posterior, tibialis anterior and medial gastrocnemius, and increased activation of peroneus longus. There was a reduction in foot mobility, ankle plantarflexion and abduction excursion and an increase in ankle dorsiflexion and adduction excursion. Reduced muscle activation and increased motion was also observed at more proximal segments (knee, hip, pelvis), but were of smaller magnitude than at the foot and ankle. Changes in foot mobility, ankle kinematics and leg muscle activity did not continue following the removal of tape, but at more proximal segments (i.e. pelvis, hip and knee) small changes in kinematics and muscle activity were observed following the removal of tape. In regards to long term effects, continual use of tape for approximately 12 days produced a small increase in arch height when compared to a control. We did not observe a change in muscle activation or motion patterns, nor did continual use of the technique influence its initial neurophysiological or biomechanical effects (i.e. reduction in muscle activity, reduction in foot mobility, altered lower limb motion). The studies from this thesis provide evidence that anti-pronation tape should be considered in the management of individuals where reduced midfoot mobility, control of ankle motion or reduced activation of the leg muscles is desired, regardless of symptomatic status. When applied for approximately 12 days, anti-pronation tape produced a small increase in arch height ratio, but no alteration in neuromotor control. We are not aware of any definitive data on what constitutes a clinically meaningful increase in arch height, but results from a published case series suggests that our findings of a small increase in arch height may be clinically relevant for the treatment of lower extremity overuse injuries. Continual use of tape for a clinically relevant period does not alter its initial effects on foot posture and mobility or neuromotor control during gait. It would appear that the initial effects of anti-pronation tape are robust even after continuous use over a period of 11 days.

Research Doctorate - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) / Why do young women still choose to marry in the new millennium? Although conjugal diversity in Australia has increased and crude marriage rates have decreased, the majority of young women still desire marriage. Marriage clearly remains important. The institution of marriage, despite high divorce rates, continues to exist as the most powerful and widely acknowledged form of social contract. Few empirical studies have focused on the meanings young women ascribe to marriage. Rather, marriage tends to be regarded as a stable concept around which to research and investigate. The meanings and definitions of marriage, particularly how young people identify marriage within their wider identity, has been ignored in much of the literature. This acceptance of marriage and its meaning within existing literature universalises and reinforces marriage as a dominant social and societal norm, whereby prestige is attached across cultures and through time. Marriage has sustained its centrality within social science research, yet without justification or adequate problematising. Meanwhile, in gender studies there is a tendency to assume that marriage is an outdated concept which has been superseded by the sexual revolution and by second wave feminism. As a result, feminist studies have not addressed the apparent persistence of marriage as a goal for young women. This thesis project contributes to filling that identified gap by addressing the apparent persistence of marriage as a goal for young women in Australia. This mixed methods study maintains a focus on qualitative methodologies and feminist epistemologies, aiming to provide rich subjective accounts of marriage. The study comprises data from 225 surveys. It also includes data from in-depth semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with 75 of the survey participants. All three kinds of data collection asked about the meanings of marriage for young women. The participants were women aged 18 to 35 years, of various relationship statuses, from the Newcastle and Lower Hunter region of New South Wales, Australia. Participants were purposefully sampled to allow a spread of age and relationship status. Although this was not specifically intended, as a cohort they can be described as predominantly white and middle class. A grounded theory approach in line with Glaser and Strauss (1967) was employed to uncover subjective narratives that revealed attitudes and feelings towards the place of marriage and intimate relationships in the young women’s life trajectories. The findings of this study result from descriptive statistical analysis of survey data, and from content and discourse analysis of interviews and focus groups that indicate participants’ discursive constructions of marriage. The study finds that participants position marriage as a marker of status, as important for child bearing, as well as the major factor in achieving a competent and legitimate mature feminine identity. This study presents an overview of young Australian women’s aspirations for, and experiences of marriage and intimate relationships. It offers fresh insights into the ways these women imagine marriage and the marital relationship within their life trajectory. An integrated account of feminist critiques of marriage, and theorising on individualization and detraditionalization, allows us to see how gender inequalities are maintained in marital relationships under the discourse of individualization. This study offers evidence that emphasises the need for continuing feminist critiques of marriage and the family. The findings of this study suggest that the neo-liberal discourse of individualization has encouraged of the idea of gender neutrality, equality and autonomy within the marital relationship. At the same time the young women indicate that they expect to put the interests and wishes of a future husband ahead of their own. High levels of personal compromise are foreshadowed. Yet their imagined futures include more than marriage. They do wish for self-fulfilment and many want careers. However, marriage is constructed as the anchoring status and identity that makes those goals legitimate and achievable. The study finds evidence of both detraditionalization and retraditionalization trends in the aspirations, expectations and lived realities of the young women interviewed. It is argued that attitudes towards marriage reflect the detraditionalization process to some extent, yet concurrently indicate the retraditionalization process; for example in the desire for full church weddings and in the defence of women taking responsibility for housework and raising children.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Michigan, 1971.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Michigan, 1971.

Orientador: Maria Aparecida Coelho de Arruda Henry / Resumo: Em 40 coelhos machos foram realizados estudos eletromanométricos do esôfago segundo a técnica de puxada intermitente da sonda e infusão contínua dos catéteres com água destilada. Estes estudos permitiram a análise de dois parâmetros: amplitude da pressão no EIE (mmHg) e comprimento do EIE em condições basais (momento 1). Neste momento foi também realizada avaliação do peso corpóreo dos animais. Os 40 animais foram divididos em quatro grupo de 10, na dependência do procedimento cirúrgico realizado: Grupo 1: Fundoplicatura total laparotômica Grupo2 : Laparotomia mediana e dissecção da transição gastroesofágica Grupo 3: Fundoplicatura total laparoscópica Grupo 4: Pneumoperitôneo e dissecção da transição gastroesofágica No momento 2 (uma semana após os procedimentos cirúrgicos) foram realizados estudos eletromanométricos do esôfago e avaliação ponderal em todos os animais. Nos animais do grupo 1 (fundoplicatura laparotômica) foi observado aumento da amplitude da pressão e do comprimento do EIE (p<0,05). Naqueles do grupo 2 não foi observada alteração da amplitude e do comprimento do EIE (p>0,05). Nos coelhos do grupo 3 houve aumento da amplitude da pressão e do comprimento do EIE (p<0,05). Nos animais do grupo 4 não foi observada alteração dos parâmetros acima citados (p>0,01). Com relação ao peso corpóreo, foi observada redução do mesmo (p<0,05) apenas nos coelhos submetidos a fundoplicatura laparotômica (Grupo 1). Nos demais animais (Grupos 2, 3 e 4) não houve qualquer alteração do peso corpóreo na avaliação realizada uma semana após os procedimentos cirúrgicos (momento 2) / Abstract: Electromanometric studies of the esophagus were registered in 40 male rabbits, through the pull through technique and continuous infusion of the catheters with distilled water. These exams allowed us to measure the pressure width (mmHg) and the length (cm) of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) in basal conditions (moment 1). The 40 animals were divided into four groups of 10, according to surgical procedure: Group 1: open total fundoplication Group 2: Median laparotomy and dissection of the gastroesophageal junction Group 3: laparoscopic total fundoplication Group 4: pneumoperitonium and dissection of the gastroesophageal junction. In moment two (one week after surgery) electromanometric studies of the esophagus and weight evaluation were performed in every animals. In group 1 (open fundoplication) an increase of pressure width and of LES was observed (p<0,05). In group 2, the pressure width and length of LES didn't present any alteration (p>0,05). In group 3 an increase of pressure width and length of LES was observed (p<0,05). In group 4, the pressure width and length LES didn't present any alteration (p>0,05). In respect to the weight evaluation, a decrease was observed in rabbits submitted to open fundoplication (p<0,05). In other animals (groups 2, 3 and 4) the weight didn't present any alteration in evaluation performed one week after surgery (moment 2) / Mestre

Crystalline minerals such as fluorite have been recovered from numerous prehistoric sites in the Midcontinent yet little research had previously been conducted concerning who used it and what they used it for. Ethnohistorical accounts inform us that crystalline minerals were of importance to American Indians during the Historic Period. These accounts are used to provide a basis for exploring the possible significance of fluorite to prehistoric peoples living near outcrops located along the lower Ohio River valley. In this thesis I analyze mainly prehistoric fluorite personal adornment items as well as similar items made from other locally available raw materials such as cannel coal and clay to gain an understanding of the importance of this colorful crystalline mineral to prehistoric inhabitants of the midcontinent.

Cette étude retrace le déclin du protestantisme nobiliaire bas-normand, circonscrit aux limites de la généralité de Caen, du début du règne personnel de Louis XIV en 1661, marqué par une politique visant le particularisme huguenot, jusqu’au retour de la tolérance en 1787. Elle dresse, pour les années précédant la Révocation, le portrait nuancé d’une noblesse hétérogène, mais unie par un attachement profond au calvinisme hérité de ses aïeux et par de multiples liens de parenté et de sociabilité qui forment autant de réseaux structurants d’un groupe particulier sans être pour autant isolé. Attaquée par les premières mesures antiprotestantes prises par Louis XIV, entravée dans le libre exercice de son culte, freinée dans ses ambitions et inquiétée jusque dans la sphère intime du foyer familial, la noblesse réformée vacille mais ne rompt pas et commence à manifester, individuellement et collectivement, un esprit de résistance fondé sur son tempérament procédurier. La Révocation, par sa violence et ses mesures répressives ciblant la noblesse, provoque l’éclatement du protestantisme nobiliaire bas-normand jusqu’au niveau de la cellule familiale et nourrit des dissensions profondes entre convertis, fugitifs et des opiniâtres aux visages parfois insaisissables, lorsqu’ils se cachent sous le masque du crypto-protestantisme. Le XVIIIe siècle revêt un caractère crépusculaire dans l’obscurité du Désert qui éprouve durement des âmes qui résistent désormais à couvert. Fragilisé tant par les derniers coups portés par les autorités que par des facteurs internes compromettant le renouvellement générationnel, le protestantisme nobiliaire appartient de plus en plus à un monde qui disparaît. / This paper relates the decline of protestantism in the nobility of Lower Normandy , confined to the generality of Caen, from the beginning of the personal reign of Louis XIV in 1661, marked by a policy aimed at Huguenot particularism, up to the the return of tolerance in 1787. It draws, for the years preceding the Revocation, the shaded portrait of a heterogeneous nobility, united nevertheless by a deep attachment to the calvinism inherited from their forebears, and by the numerous family and social ties which formed so many backbone networks in a distinctive but by no means isolated group. Attacked by the first anti-protestant measures adopted by Louis XIV, restricted in their freedom to practise their faith, prevented from fulfilling their ambitions and pursued right up to the intimate sphere of their family homes, the reformed nobility tottered but did not fall and began to show, both as individuals and as a group, a spirit of resistance, founded on their natural propensity for procedural quarrels. The Revocation, by its violence and its repressive measures directed at the nobility, resulted in the break down of protestantism in the nobility of Lower Normandy, within the very sanctuary of the family unit and harboured deep dissension among converts, fugitives, and stubborn individuals whose facial expressions were sometimes difficult to read, when they hid behind the mask of crypto-protestantism. The XVIIIth century took on twilight hues in the obscurity of the Desert which sorely afflicted the souls who hence resisted under cover. Weakened as much by the final blows delivered by the authorities as by internal factors which compromised the renewal of generations, the protestantism of the nobility belonged, more and more to a vanishing world.

[pt] Neste trabalho é proposto um método numérico de fácil implementação com a finalidade de obter limites inferiores para auto-valores associados com equações diferenciais ordinárias. Este método transforma, sob determinadas condições, a equação diferencial original em uma outra equação diferencial com coeficientes constantes cuja solução analítica é facilmente determinada. É então mostrado, que os auto-valores obtidos desta transformação representam limites inferiores para os auto-valores do problema original. Alguns casos práticos são resolvidos com a finalidade de testar a validade do método. / [en] A method is developed to find lower bounds to eigenvalues associated With ordinary differential equations. When applied to eigenvalue problems, this method reduces the equation of the original problem to a differential equation With constant coefficient, for Which the exact solution can be easily obtained. It is then show that this solution is a lower bound to the true eigenvalue. Numerical examples are solved in order to check the validity of the method.

abstract: The Erk/MAPK pathway plays a major role in cell growth, differentiation, and survival. Genetic mutations that cause dysregulation in this pathway can result in the development of Rasopathies, a group of several different syndromes including Noonan Syndrome, Costello Syndrome, and Neurofibromatosis Type-1. Since these mutations are germline and affect all cell types it is hard to differentiate the role that Erk/MAPK plays in each cell type. Previous research has shown that individual cell types utilize the Erk/MAPK pathway in different ways. For example, the morphological development of lower motor neuron axonal projections is Erk/MAPK-independent during embryogenesis, while nociceptive neuron projections require Erk/MAPK to innervate epidermal targets. Here, we tested whether Erk/MAPK played a role in the postnatal development of lower motor neurons during crucial periods of activity-dependent circuit modifications. We have generated Cre-dependent conditional Erk/MAPK mutant mice that exhibit either loss or gain of Erk/MAPK signaling specifically in ChAT:Cre expressing lower motor neurons. Importantly, we found that Erk/MAPK is necessary for the development of neuromuscular junction morphology by the second postnatal week. In contrast, we were unable to detect a significant difference in lower motor neuron development in Erk/MAPK gain-of-function mice. The data suggests that Erk/MAPK plays an important role in postnatal lower motor neuron development by regulating the morphological maturation of the neuromuscular junction. / Dissertation/Thesis / Masters Thesis Biology 2017