This thesis investigates fatigue crack growth rate behavior in the threshold and near-threshold regimes for a Ti-6Al-4V (STOA) alloy using two proposed ASTM procedures- (1) load-shedding (LS) using a larger load-shed rate than the current ASTM Standard E647 load-reduction (LR) test procedure, and (2) compression pre-cracking constant-amplitude (CPCA) or load-increasing (CPLI) and load-shedding (CPLS). Tests were conducted at a low stress ratio (R = 0.1) on compact C(T) specimens of two different widths (W = 51 and 76 mm) and threshold fatigue crack growth rates were generated. These test data were compared to previous test data produced from the same batch of material using the current LR and the CPCA test procedure. While no test procedure provided an exact representation of the threshold value (?Kth), the compression pre-cracking (CP) procedures were the most promising. The LR, LS, and CPLS test procedures were influenced by prior loading-history and various crack-closure mechanisms, leading to higher ?Kth values and slower crack growths in the threshold regime. The LS tests (at shed-rates of -0.08,-0.32, and -0.95 mm-1) generated ?Kth values that were 15% to 32% higher than the estimated threshold stress-intensity factor range (?*Kth)R=0.1. The CP test procedures are a more accurate alternative for developing near-threshold and threshold fatigue crack growth rates. The CPLS test procedure produced a ?Kth value that was 10% higher than (?*Kth)R=0.1. LR and LS tests produced different ?Kth values as a function of the specimen width for the given load ratio. The CP test procedures produced consistent crack growth rates over the same range of ?K values examined, independent of the specimen width. Further research is required for developing test procedure(s) capable of providing a more definitive representation of the ?Kth value and closureree fatigue crack growth rates in the threshold regime.

The purpose of this study was to examine external laryngeal oscillation and its potential effects on phonation threshold pressure (PTP; cm H2O) and phonation threshold flow (PTF; L/sec). Measures of PTP and PTF have inherent limitations due to the nonlinear nature of phonation, influencing their clinical and experimental utility. This is true particularly for tracking relatively small changes in voice function because variability in the measure itself can be larger than that resulting from voice change. Elevated PTP and PTF are associated with a variety of voice disorders and correlate with self-reported vocal effort and fatigue. Prior studies involving silicone and excised animal larynges have demonstrated PTP reduction in response to external oscillation. In an extension of this work, this thesis examined external laryngeal oscillation and aerodynamic voice measures in two experiments including a translational benchtop to human approach. Experiment 1 used a within-subjects counterbalanced design to examine PTF in 12 porcine larynges. Larynges were fitted with a custom oscillation device and 30 phonation trials were conducted for each larynx, 15 with external oscillation and 15 without. Although summary statistics indicated that PTF was lower with external oscillation, differences were not significant. Experiment 2 applied a within-subjects counterbalanced design to examine PTP in four healthy adult females and one healthy adult male. Individuals produced repeated syllable strings of /pi/ productions at comfortable pitch with and without external oscillation using an electrolarynx and the second and third syllables were averaged. Descriptive analysis indicated that PTP was lowered for female participants but not the male participant. Taken together, the results of these studies offer preliminary evidence that external oscillation influences voice onset aerodynamic measures. The effects of external oscillation seem to be more evident in PTP. These findings have important clinical and research applications for PTP measurement and the potential positive influence on voice function. These preliminary results indicate the need for further research in this area.

Subglottic stenosis (SGS) is a narrowing of the airway below the vocal folds and above the trachea. This narrowing may be idiopathic or caused by scarring in the airway due to prolonged endotracheal intubation, radiation therapy, trauma, or gastroesophageal reflux disease. People who present with SGS often experience respiratory difficulty both at rest and during exertion. Breathing difficulty increases with stenosis severity. SGS is also associated with voice problems. Research has identified relationships among stenosis severity, voice function and certain types of surgical management; however, many aspects of these relationships are not fully understood due to the complexities of studying human phonation in this population. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of SGS on aerodynamic features of voice function using an excised larynx benchtop mechanical model. Specifically, this research involved the comparison of excised porcine vocal fold vibration at baseline and under experimental conditions of 50% and 75% stenosed. The dependent variable was phonation threshold pressure (PTP), the minimum pressure needed to initiate and maintain vocal fold vibration. PTP was analyzed for nine excised porcine larynges, sampled three times each, at baseline and the two stenosis conditions. The results of this study revealed no differences in PTP based on within-subjects comparisons. Because airflow changes with airway narrowing, this finding might indicate that other factors are responsible for the voice problems associated with SGS that were not accounted for in the current mechanical model. Vocal fold tone is not easily simulated in a benchtop setup and might be an important consideration for future studies. The quantification and manipulation of vocal fold adduction, as well as the study of high-speed imaging, could be useful in future work involving excised larynx mechanical models for the study of SGS. The results from this pilot work represent an important step toward optimizing the experimental setup for studying aerodynamic features of SGS.

Syfte: Målsättningen med studien är att hos friska kvinnor utvärdera om intensiv tuggning leder till en proprioceptiv allodyni i massetermuskulaturen. Följande hypoteser testades i studien: 30 minuters intensivt tuggande leder till (1) ökad trötthet och smärta, (2) sänkt smärttröskel, (3) ökad vibrotaktil känslighet (4) samt träningsvärk i massetermuskulaturen bilateralt. Material och Metod: 16 friska kvinnor (medelålder 25.8 ± 5.0 år) deltog i studien som bestod av två 60-minuters sessioner med 24-timmars uppföljning. Vid ena sessionen tuggade försökspersonerna på ett grekiskt tuggummi (Masticha Chios) i 5-minuters intervaller under 30 minuter, och vilade vid den andra sessionen. En vibrameter användes för att mäta vibrationströskel, upplevd vibrationsintensitet och upplevd vibrationsobehag. Upplevd trötthet och upplevd smärtintensitet värderades enligt en visuell analog skala 0-100 mm (VAS skala). Smärttröskeln mättes med en algometer som applicerades på massetermuskelns fäste. Två vägs variansanalys användes för att testa utfallsvariabler för upprepade mätningar och Dunnett’s posthoc-test. Resultat: En signifikant skillnad kunde ses mellan tuggning och icke tuggning för vibrationströskeln (P < 0.001); upplevda tröttheten (P < 0.001); smärttröskeln (P < 0.01); upplevda vibrationsobehaget (P < 0.05). Inga signifikanta skillnader observerades för upplevd smärta och upplevd vibrationsobehag. Däremot kunde en signifikant ökning ses över tid för vibrationströskeln och den upplevda tröttheten. Konklusion: Våra fynd indikerar att det ej finns något samband mellan intensiv tuggning och träningsvärk i massetermuskulaturen. Däremot resulterade tuggningen i ökad muskeltrötthet och vibrationsobehag, samt signifikant högre trösklar för smärta och vibration under försökets gång. Proprioceptiv allodyni kunde ej påvisas. / Aims: To evaluate if intense chewing leads to proprioceptive allodynia in the masseter muscle, and test if (1) pain and fatigue are increased after intense chewing, (2) pressure pain thresholds are decreased after intense chewing, (3) vibration thresholds are increased after intense chewing, (5) intense vibrations exacerbate pain after intense chewing. Materials and Methods: 16 healthy female volunteers (mean age 25.8 ± 5 years) participated in two 60-minute sessions, each with 24-hour follow-ups. In the first session, the subjects were instructed to chew on a viscous chewing gum (Masticha Chios). In the other session the participant were assigned a control task where no chewing was performed. Perceived intensity of vibration and perceived discomfort were assessed with a Vibrameter® on a 0-50-100 visual analog scale (VAS). Two 0-100 mm visual analog scales measured pain intensity and perceived fatigue. The pain threshold was measured with an electronic algometer. These variables were measured to assess delayed onset muscle soreness. All measurements were made on the masseter muscles. Two-way analysis of variance for repeated measures and Dunnett’s post hoc test was used to test for significant alterations in the outcome variables. Results: Significant differences were observed between chewing and no-activity for vibration threshold (P<0.001); perceived fatigue (P<0.001); pain threshold (P<0.01) and vibration discomfort (P<0.05). No significant differences were seen for perceived pain and perceived intensity of vibration. A significant increase over time could only be observed for vibration threshold (P<0.01) and perceived fatigue (P<0.05). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that there is no relation between intense chewing and delayed onset muscle soreness in the masseter muscles. Intense chewing evoked moderate levels of fatigue and discomfort, and a hypoalgesia to mechanical stimulation, and reduced vibrotactile sensitivity.

This study assessed the effect of an eight-minute cycling intervention using varying intensities on exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH). Generally, current research examines EIH using protocols that last for more than 10 minutes and reach 75% of an individual's VO2 peak. The main objective of this study was to examine the effect of varying intensities on pressure pain threshold (PPT) and heat pain threshold (HPT) at the thigh and forearm, tested pre- and post-cycling intervention. Healthy male participants (n=16) performed a graded exercise test on a cycle ergometer to establish their peak power output (PPO). In subsequent visits, participants completed five different 8-minute cycling interventions, with intensities randomly assigned to one of three counterbalanced orders. HPT and PPT were applied to the thigh and forearm two times before and after each cycling intervention. Additionally, there was a notable effect of intensity on PPT in the thigh, with significant changes at intensities of 90% (p = 0.024) and 100% (p = 0.003). In the forearm, repeated measures ANOVA indicated that there was no significant interaction or main effect for intensity and time. Similarly, for HPT, the analysis did not show significant interaction or main effects for both intensity and location. This study was the first to examine EIH using an 8-minute cycling intervention on a cycling ergometer at individualized intensities. Higher intensity cycling sessions generated EIH locally in the thigh using PPT. This intervention appeared to target the nociceptors activated by mechanical, rather than thermal stimuli, further highlighting the multi-faceted nature of EIH. A short but high intensity cycling intervention may have clinical relevance, as it can provide an intervention to reduce localized pain immediately after exercise using a pressure pain stimulus.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-12-06T17:07:16Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Lenise.pdf: 896604 bytes, checksum: ed6dc8456789694dd0332aad347e316a (MD5) Previous issue date: 2008-02-22 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / The heart rate variability (VFC) decreases gradually during progressive exercise, which tends to stabilization in intermediate loads. Initially, the possibility of identification of a threshold of this variable (LiVFC1), assumed as demarcating of the transition of the vagal withdrawal for the predominance of the sympathetic activity in the control of the FC was demonstrated. Later, a possibility of a second point of transition was presented (LiVFC2). The objective of this research was to obtein more evidences of validity of the determination of this LiVFC, verifying the influence of the protocol of test in the diverse employed methods. Twenty one healthy subjects (24,8 ± 5,2 years; 76,7 ± 11,4 kg; 178,8 ± 7,8 cm) were submitted randomly to three experimental tests in an ergometer cycle: PAi5w/i ; PB30w/1 and PC45w/3 . The VFC - SD1 index of the Poincaré plots - (Polar® S810i) and blood lactate concentrations was measured (YSI@1500 Sport). Determination of LiVFC1 was considered by these methods: 1°) LiVFCLIM - SD1 minor the 3 ms; 2°) LiVFCTUL - difference between the SD1 of two consecutive stages < 1 ms; of LiVFC2: 1°) LiVFC2LIM - subdivision of curve of VFC in two straight lines, from the LiVFCLIM. The lactate thresholds was identified from the following method for LL1 : 1°) LLINADIR - smaller value equivalent of [La] /load; 2°) LL1FIXO - 2 mmol.1-1 for LL2: 1°) LL2THO - previous load to two consecutive increases, higher or equal the1 mmol.1-¹ ; 2°) LL2FIXO - 4 mmol-1-1. In analysis intra-protocol for the first threshold of transition (LT1), it was verified that the referring load to the LiVFCLIM method was similar between the protocols; whereas, in the LiVFCTUL the values of PC45w/3 was greater and different of the PA15w/1 (p&#8804; 0,05). Moreover, it was verified, that as much under effect of the increment and/or duration of stage, the LiVFC1 followed the alterations in the LL1. The distinct methods of LT1, it was observed that are in comparable levels in the PA15w/&#305; (r = 0,45 - 0,47; p&#8804; 0,05) and in the PB30w/1. On the other hand, the second threshold of transition (LT2), the load in the LjVFC2LIM presented higher values in the PB30w/1 compared with PA15w/&#305; (p &#8804; 0,05). To testing it influences the distinct protocols, the LiVFC2 LIM varied contrary direction the alterations in the LL2. The diverse methods of the LT2 differ in the three protocols, but they present moderate degree of association (r = 0,43 - 0,72). These data show that, the spite of the evidences of that the LiVFCLIM is not dependent protocol, is necessary caution in the use of this as an indicator of aerobic fitness, which had low the association to the LL1 . On the other hand, the LiVFC2LIM suffers modifications because the alteration in the amplitude and duration of the protocols, however, shows enough discriminatory power of the aerobic fitness, that exactly situated in distinct intensity of the LL2. / A variabilidade da freqüência cardíaca (VFC) diminui gradativamente durante exercício progressivo, com tendência a uma estabilização em cargas intermediárias. Inicialmente, foi demonstrada a possibilidade de identificação de um primeiro limiar desta variável (LiVFC1), assumido como demarcador da transição da retirada vagal para a predominância da atividade simpática no controle da FC. Posteriormente, foi apresentada a possibilidade de um segundo ponto de transição (LiVFC2). O objetivo deste estudo foi obter evidências adicionais de validade na determinação destes LiVFC, verificando a influência do protocolo de teste nos diversos critérios empregados. Vinte e um sujeitos saudáveis (24,8 ± 5,2 anos; 76,7 ± 11,4 kg; 178,8 + 7,8 cm) foram submetidos aleatoriamente a três testes experimentais em cicloergômetro: PA15w/1 ; PB30w/1 ; e PC45w/3 . Foram medidas a VFC índice SD1 da plotagem de Poincaré (Polar® S810i) e concentrações sangüíneas de lactato (YSI@1500 Sport). Para determinação do LiVFC1 considerou-se os métodos: 1°) LiVFCLIM SD 1 inferior a 3 ms; 2°) LiVFCTUL diferença entre o SD1 de dois estágios consecutivos for menor que 1 ms; e para o LiVFC2: 1°) LiVFC2LIM subdivisão da curva de VFC em duas retas, a partir do LiVFCLIM . Os limiares de lactato foram identificados a partir dos seguintes critérios para LL1: 1°) LLINADIR - menor valor equivalente de [La]/carga; 2°) LL1FIXO - 2 mmol.1-¹; e para LL: 1°) LL2THO carga que precede dois aumentos consecutivos, superiores ou iguais a 1 mmol.1-¹ ; 2°) LL2FIXO 4 mmol.1-¹. Na análise intra-protocolo para o primeiro limiar de transição (LT1), verificou-se que a carga referente ao método LiVFCLIM foi similar entre os protocolos; enquanto que, no LiVFCTUL os valores do PC45w/3 foram superiores e diferentes do PA15w/1 (p&#8804; 0,05). Além disso, verificou-se, que tanto sob efeito da amplitude quanto da duração do estágio, os LiVFC1 acompanharam as alterações nos LL1. Para os distintos critérios de LT1, observou-se que estão em intensidades semelhantes no PA15w/&#305; (r = 0,45 0,47; p&#8804; 0,05) e no PB30w/1 . Por outro lado, para o segundo limiar de transição (LT2), a carga no LiVFC2LIM apresentou valores maiores no PB30w/1 comparada aos do PA15w/1 (p&#8804; 0,05). Ao se testar a influência dos distintos protocolos, o LiVFC2 LIM variou em magnitude e direção contrária as alterações no LL2. Os diversos métodos do LT2 diferem nos três protocolos, mas apresentam moderado grau de associação (r = 0,43 a 0,72). Desse modo, pode-se concluir que a despeito das evidências de que o LiVFCLIM não é protocolo-dependente, é necessário cautela na utilização deste como variável indicadora da aptidão aeróbia devido à baixa associação aos LL1. Contudo, o LiVFC2 LIM sofre modificações com as alterações na amplitude e duração dos protocolos, no entanto, apresenta razoável poder discriminatório da aptidão aeróbia, mesmo que situado em intensidade distinta dos LL2.

The aim of this study was to compare NIRS (Near-infrared spectroscopy) and respiratory parameters measurement in determination of anaerobic treshold. Additionally changes in muscle oxygenation (SmO2) were described during incremental bicycle excercise. Fifteen subjects, 9 men and 6 women took part in this study. To verify the reliability of the measurement, the experiment was performed in the form of a test/retest with a few day's delay. The value of SmO2 was measured in m. gastrocnemius lateralis and m. vastus lateralis. In addition, respiratory parameters and pulse rate were recorded during the examination. The data obtained show that the breakpoint in the SmO2 dynamics determined by the NIRS method means that the excercise intensity above the anaerobic threshold is reached, because the breakpoint is located in the area of the Respiratory Compensation Point. In the SmO2 parameter, it is also possible to monitor the equilibrium state during the rest phase. The SmO2 parameter after the ramp log terminates exceeds the value in the rest phase, and returns to the quiescent value usually within 2 minutes. The test/re-test method has verified the reliability of the measurement.

Foot problems are not only the most common but in general also the most severe of the diabetic complications. The age group 15-50 yrs in this study was chosen because these patients were considered to be at their most active age and were felt to require optimal foot function. 380 patients (96 %) participated, 78 % with Type 1, 20 % Type 2 and 1 % with secondary diabetes mellitus (DM) and 100 healthy controls. Only six patients had signs of peripheral ischaemia but half of the patients had deformities such as fallen forefoot arches and hammer toes. With sensory thresholds and clinical signs it was demonstrated that age, duration of DM and tall stature are major risk factors for diabetic neuropathy. Gender differences depend on differences in height. Dorsiflexion of the toes against resistance was used to test the function and volume of m.extensor digitorum brevis. When compared with measurements of sensory thresholds for vibration, perception and pain, it was found to be a valuable test for screening of distal motor neuropathy. To prevent worsening of foot deformities 266 patients with Type 1 DM were followed for 3 years. Those with the most pronounced deformities were fitted with custom-made insoles and had repeated examinations. Improvement was more common in patients with insoles compared to patients without insoles. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured in nine patients with osteopathy in their feet and 18 controls. BMD was lower in L2-L3, but not in the proximal femur, implying osteopenia being a possible risk factor for distal osteopathy. Plaster cast treatment was used in 33 diabetic patients with severe foot ulcers who were selected because previous conservative treatment had been unsuccessful and they had been judged unsuitable for vascular surgery. The lesions healed in 19 patients. In conclusion, the main findings demonstrate the need for an increased awareness of early preventive foot care in young and middle-aged diabetic patients. / <p>S. 1-46: sammanfattning, s. 47-120: 6 uppsatser</p> / digitalisering@umu

Biological evolution can be described as a unifying concept in biology. A thorough understanding of evolution is thus important to fully understand different areas of biology. However, learning the concepts of evolution has proven difficult, both to students and teachers. During the last decade, the notion of threshold concepts in learning has emerged. Passing the threshold or grasping the threshold concept is a transformative process, thought to be irreversible and has been described as passing a portal to new areas of understanding. Threshold concepts of importance to understanding evolution has been suggested to be time, spatial scale, complexity, randomness and probability. A hypothesis is therefore that facilitating understanding of those threshold concepts also will lead to a greater understanding of evolutionary mechanisms. Visualisations in science communication and learning has gained increased interest and animations as a form of visualisations has proven to facilitate learning in some situations. Since many (threshoid) concepts in evolution are untangible, such as deep time, small scale (micro and sub micro scale) animations could be a way to make those concepts more tangible for learners. In order to explore the potential for animations in learning evolution by making threshold concepts more tangible an interactive animation was designed and tested with upper secondary students in the course Biology 1. The subject of the animation was development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria. Learning effect was measured as differences in pre and post test scores on a selection of previously used concept questions from the literature, the concept inventory of natural selection (CINS). Open ended questions were also used as well as interview sessions, to gain more insight to the eventual effects of the animation. No statiscally significant improvement in the CINS scores could be observed in total, however improvement on a specific question category (biotic potential) could be observed. The number of misconceptions on evolution seemed unaffected after animation. Indications of conceptual conflicts could also be observed after the animation, indicating a potential for conceptual change with future revisions of the animation.

There were two primary goals in this investigation. The first goal was to determine if inter-individual variability in time to exhaustion at the velocity associated with V02max (Tlim at Vmax) was explained by anaerobic capacity (AC), Vmax, anaerobic threshold (AT), and/or a combination variable in the form [AC • (Vmax - vAT)^-1]. The second goal was to determine if AC could be predicted from Tlim at Vmax, AT, and/or a combination variable in the form [Tlim • (Vmax - vAT)].