Made available in DSpace on 2014-10-09T12:37:55Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 / Made available in DSpace on 2014-10-09T14:07:15Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 05376.pdf: 5697336 bytes, checksum: bfa566358d4887d818942298087ca4be (MD5) / Dissertacao (Mestrado) / IPEN/D / Instituto de Pesquisas Energeticas e Nucleares - IPEN/CNEN-SP

This study examined a new model of paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain and the effects of systemic paclitaxel on the gap junction protein subunit Cx43 and potassium inwardly-rectifying channel Kir4.1 within the dorsal root ganglia. In the new neuropathic pain model, subplantar injections of paclitaxel resulted in decreased conduction velocities of A-beta fiber compound action potentials in the sciatic (5.9%) and tibial nerves (6.8%) as well as in M (10.6%) and H (10.2%) waves. By using repeated recordings it was found that following paclitaxel injection, conduction velocities in the contralateral plantar nerve increased (9.2%). Systemic injections of paclitaxel resulted in reduced Kir4.1 immunolabeling in the dorsal root ganglia compared to vehicle injections. This reduction was observed in total labeling (32.4%) as well as in areas of intense labeling (28.7%). Reductions in overall Cx43 immunolabeling (25%) and area (25%) following systemic paclitaxel injections were not statistically significant. The results of these studies suggest that subplantar injections of paclitaxel can result in reduced peripheral nerve conduction velocities. The results also show that a unilateral neuropathy can result in contralateral changes in conduction velocities. The effects of paclitaxel on reducing Kir4.1 levels suggest that neuropathic pain caused by paclitaxel may share mechanisms in common with other types of neuropathies which show similar changes in Kir4.1 levels.

Vertical jump performance is a key component of sporting success. In order to improve jump height, athletic assessments using constrained vertical jumps have been created to inform training decisions. The vertical force-velocity (FV) profile is a protocol that involves an athlete performing a series of squat jumps with multiple loads to create an athlete profile that is used to assess lower limb strength and speed performance and provide training recommendations. Yet, some practitioners avoid force-velocity profiling having expressed concerns about athlete safety during heavily loaded jumps, or the time cost of testing. As a simpler, faster and safer assessment, an unloaded squat jump, and a maximal voluntary isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) have been used to provide general training recommendations. These basic tasks have yet to provide the array of FV profile metrics or the accuracy of the training recommendations developed from the standard vertical FV profile protocol. Fortunately, due to the similarity of these IMTP and jump task metrics and the standard FV profile it may be possible to predict the same vertical FV metrics and training recommendations using multiple athlete measures, that include IMTP and jump task metrics and predictive modeling. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to determine if an unloaded squat jump and an IMTP, alongside other athlete variables, can be used to create an athlete vertical FVP and training recommendation comparable to the standard protocol. / Graduate

This study examined the accuracy of predicting back squat and bench press one repetition maximum (1RM) from submaximal average concentric velocity (ACV).Seventeen resistance trained men performed a warm-up and 1RM test on the squat and bench press, in which ACV was assessed on all repetitions. The ACVs during the warmup closest to 1.0 and 0.5 m.s-1 were used in a 2-point linear regression forecast of 1RM and the ACVs established at the loads closest to 20, 50, 70, and 80% of 1RM were used in a 4-point 1RM prediction. An ANOVA indicated significant differences between predicted and actual 1RM for all predictions (p<0.001). Both Bland-Altman and Mountain plots confirmed the findings of the ANOVA as data were not tightly conformed to the respective zero difference lines. Therefore, these results suggest that a linear regression forecast using submaximal ACV does not accurately predict 1RM in the ¬back squat and bench press. / Includes bibliography. / Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2020. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

Increasing interest in the role of wetlands in pollutant removal, flood plain management, and sedimentation in recent years has prompted research into hydraulic processes inherent to these systems. The research described in this thesis focuses on flow processes within ecosystems known as riparian wetlands. An attempt has been made to summarize existing research in this field to ensure that a contribution will be made to the field of hydraulics. Included in this thesis are results from laboratory models investigating flow through vegetation in riparian wetlands. Particular emphasis in this research has been placed on velocity profile measurement of flow within vegetation. Measurements were taken within various density configuration of rigid simulated vegetation for emergent and submerged cases. In addition, many of the experiments tested the effect on the velocity profile when two distinct layers of vegetation are present. The results described herein should aid in visualization of flow processes within riparian wetlands. / Master of Science

While Weimaraner size may assist in the performing of tasks of a sporting dog, it also makes the breed more susceptible to hip dysplasia. However, this breed has a lower rate of dysplasia. This may be due to selected gait velocity and mechanics specific to the breed, but gait analysis of Weimaraners is lacking. Study objectives were to define normal trotting mechanics and to determine the influence of velocity on gait. Dogs were trotted at a slow and fast trot and at both velocities. The trot had a diagonal footfall sequence with a 2-beat rhythm alternating between diagonal bipedal support and suspension. Velocity increase was achieved with significant increases in stride length and head, withers, fore, and hind paw displacements (P < 0.05). Range of motion of the elbow and hip significantly increased with increasing velocity (P < 0.05). These parameters will assist in gait evaluation and detection of lameness.

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Given the current obesity epidemic in tandem with the aging US population, it is imperative to identify methods for reducing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk that will be efficacious for both sexes. Arterial stiffness (AS) is an independent risk factor for a first cardiovascular event that increases with advancing age and obesity. Previous studies have found that modest weight loss (WL) of 5 to 10 percent successfully reduces AS and other risk factors for CVD. However, it remains unclear whether WL via caloric restriction reduces AS similarly among sexes. We tested the hypothesis that WL via caloric restriction would reduce AS more in men than women because men accumulate more abdominal visceral fat (VF) and lose more with WL compared with women of similar age and adiposity. To test our hypothesis AS was assessed from measurements of pulse wave velocity and ultrasonography of the carotid artery (Ã -SI). Total body and VF were measured using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry and computed tomography scans, respectively. Subjects underwent a 12-week WL intervention. No baseline differences in AS were observed between sexes. However, men were heavier and demonstrated higher levels of VF while women were fatter and had higher levels of abdominal subcutaneous fat. Contrary to our hypothesis both sexes experienced similar decreases in AS with WL despite greater reductions in VF in men. Our findings suggest that VF loss is not the primary mechanism mediating reductions in AS with WL. Future studies are needed to determine the mechanisms of arterial destiffening with WL. / Master of Science