This study examined how 22 children with spina bifida and hydrocephalus (SBH) and 22 matched control children with the same vocabulary age (VA) performed on story retelling and story generation tasks. The children were asked to retell two stories of different lengths (Stein and Glenn's Melvin, the Skinny Mouse and The Tiger's Whisker) and generate two stories from different stimuli (wordless picture book and verbal story starter). Analyses were conducted in terms of global narrative organization (story structure), local connection of ideas (cohesion), and productivity (number of words and utterances). Two-way ANOVAs were conducted to analyze how the stories and story tasks (retell versus generation) influenced the two groups' narrative performance. When comparisons were made between the two groups' performances on the individual stories, the children with SBH generally produced shorter and less complex stories than their VA peers. Story-by-group interaction effects showed that the children with SBH produced fewer story grammar elements than their VA peers on the retell stories but not on the generated ones. When comparisons were made between the two groups' performances on the type of task (story retell versus generation), results showed that for story retelling, the children with SBH produced stories that contained fewer words and utterances than their VA peers, significantly fewer story grammar components, and more correct cohesive ties. For the story generation task, the children with SBH produced significantly fewer reactions and total story grammar components. Story-by-group interaction effects showed that the children with SBH produced fewer reactions and total different words than the VA group on the story retell task but not the generation task. The results suggest that children with SBH function differently from their vocabulary age peers in some dimensions of narrative production. When the children with SBH encountered the retelling tasks or the more structured generation story, they tended to produce stories that were shorter than those of their VA peers.

Master of Landscape Architecture / Department of Landscape Architecture/Regional and Community Planning / Timothy D. Keane / Camp Adventure, a summer camp for the physically disabled, has obtained a site for the future Camp Adventure Conference and Retreat Center at Perry Lake, Ozawkie, Kansas. The camp serves youth and adults with cerebral palsy and spina bifida. Past rental facilities have been far from adequate for the camp’s basic needs of accessibility and has led the camp to seek a specially designed permanent home. As a counselor for 9 years, I have experienced firsthand the barriers and frustrations with inadequate facilities. Seeking to find solutions to the camp’s specific needs, I found William H. Whyte’s research methods and environmental psychology studies fitting to discover human preference and experiential qualities. To understand the best methods of adaptation, a series of user based research methods have been conducted to gather user input. The campers understand, from daily experience, what it takes to make an element or activity accessible, and their guidance will inform the design of select program elements. User input is not only being gathered from the camp, but from educational sources at Kansas State University, practicing professionals at Ochsner Hare and Hare, and local government representatives. Collaboratively molding the site’s existing form, the campers accessibility needs, and a complex program has created an exciting and challenging project. The program consists of 24 elements and activities, many of which are not traditionally handicap friendly. In-depth design studies and application of the user input has created the form and experience of seven program elements. This book contains literature and precedent studies, user based research results, the master plan for the entire site, and design details of seven program elements. It is to be used by Camp Adventure as a guide to implementation of the camp design. It is the path for Camp Adventure to achieve their dream: a barrier free, fully accessible, adventure; Camp Adventure.

Os alcaloides têm apresentado diversas atividades biológicas. Entre eles, a montanina vem demonstrando um bom desempenho nesse sentido, como, atividade antioxidante, ação inibitória do crescimento de culturas bacterianas e importante atividade de inibição do crescimento de linhagens tumorais. Atualmente, não existem muitos relatos da sua caracterização ou métodos analíticos quantitativos disponíveis na literatura para atribuir seu teor. Assim, após purificação, a caracterização da montanina foi realizada por calorimetria exploratória diferencial (DSC), espectroscopia na região do ultravioleta (UV), infravermelho (IV), espectrometria de massas (CLAE-EM), ressonância magnética nuclear de hidrogênio (RMN1H), de carbono (RMN13C) e em 2D homo e heteronucleares tais como COSY (nJH-H, escalar), NOESY (nJH-H, dipolar), HSQC (1JH-C, escalar) e HMBC (nJH-C, escalar). Na sequência, foram desenvolvidos métodos empregando a cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (CLAE) acoplada aos detectores ultravioleta e aerossol carregado (CLAE- UV/DAC) para a quantificação da montanina. Os mesmos foram validados, avaliando-se os parâmetros de especificidade, linearidade, intervalo, limite de detecção, limite de quantificação, precisão, exatidão e robustez. Os resultados obtidos foram avaliados por estatística descritiva e os métodos comparados pelo resultado da análise de variância (ANOVA). Desse modo, foram desenvolvidos procedimentos que podem ser aplicados para aprimorar o controle de qualidade, contribuindo para assegurar a eficácia terapêutica da montanina. / Alkaloids have several biological activities. Among them, montanine have shown antioxidant activity, inhibitory effect on bacterial growth and important activity inhibiting growth of some tumor cell lines. Currently, there are a few reports about its characterization as well as quantitative analytical methods to determine its purity. Thus, after a purification step, montanine will be characterized by its differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), ultraviolet spectroscopy (UV), infrared spectroscopy (IR), mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS), nuclear magnetic resonance of proton (NMR1H), carbon (NMR13C) and 2D homo and heteronuclear such as COSY (nJH-H, scalar), NOESY (nJH-H, dipolar), HSQC (1JH-C, scalar) and HMBC (nJH-C, scalar). Further, quantitation methods will be developed employing high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with ultraviolet and charged aerosol detectors (HPLC-UV/CAD). These methods will be validated regarding the parameters specificity, linearity, range, detection limit, quantitation limit, precision, accuracy and robustness. The results will then be evaluated by descriptive statistics and the developed methods will be compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Therefore, tests will be developed that can be used to improve quality control, helping to ensure the therapeutic efficacy of montanine.

My Thesis posits a novel method of utilizing emerging web semantics, through HTML5 markup; to improve experience of Health Information seekers through a framework for creating functional, tailored Health Information Resource Collections potentially hosted by their own Health Information Support Networks; and based upon long-standing principles of online Information Retrieval. Most such organizations have websites, with links to useful Resources. This research exemplifies how to design and to present the Resource Collections as pathfinders to existing online Health Information, adding context to each link, to directly address the needs of each community served. The research appeals to a Needs Analysis process rooted in Everyday Life Information Seeking research methodologies, especially Participatory Action Research. As a pilot project, the Needs Analysis focuses necessarily on the Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus community – with which the author of the Thesis is intimately familiar as a person living with Hydrocephalus, making the choice of a Participatory Action Research framework ideal – and enlisted just one National (Canada) and one Regional (British Columbia) Association for the same rationale. Results of the Needs Analysis were used to identify necessary Resources, but also to select familiar web tools and technologies for design of the Resource Collection and Resource Cards. At completion, there is a functional Collection of Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus Resources for researchers, caregivers, or patients with Spina Bifida and/or Hydrocephalus – not limited to members of any organization, but best suited by design to the two through which analysis was done. / Graduate

Os alcaloides têm apresentado diversas atividades biológicas. Entre eles, a montanina vem demonstrando um bom desempenho nesse sentido, como, atividade antioxidante, ação inibitória do crescimento de culturas bacterianas e importante atividade de inibição do crescimento de linhagens tumorais. Atualmente, não existem muitos relatos da sua caracterização ou métodos analíticos quantitativos disponíveis na literatura para atribuir seu teor. Assim, após purificação, a caracterização da montanina foi realizada por calorimetria exploratória diferencial (DSC), espectroscopia na região do ultravioleta (UV), infravermelho (IV), espectrometria de massas (CLAE-EM), ressonância magnética nuclear de hidrogênio (RMN1H), de carbono (RMN13C) e em 2D homo e heteronucleares tais como COSY (nJH-H, escalar), NOESY (nJH-H, dipolar), HSQC (1JH-C, escalar) e HMBC (nJH-C, escalar). Na sequência, foram desenvolvidos métodos empregando a cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (CLAE) acoplada aos detectores ultravioleta e aerossol carregado (CLAE- UV/DAC) para a quantificação da montanina. Os mesmos foram validados, avaliando-se os parâmetros de especificidade, linearidade, intervalo, limite de detecção, limite de quantificação, precisão, exatidão e robustez. Os resultados obtidos foram avaliados por estatística descritiva e os métodos comparados pelo resultado da análise de variância (ANOVA). Desse modo, foram desenvolvidos procedimentos que podem ser aplicados para aprimorar o controle de qualidade, contribuindo para assegurar a eficácia terapêutica da montanina. / Alkaloids have several biological activities. Among them, montanine have shown antioxidant activity, inhibitory effect on bacterial growth and important activity inhibiting growth of some tumor cell lines. Currently, there are a few reports about its characterization as well as quantitative analytical methods to determine its purity. Thus, after a purification step, montanine will be characterized by its differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), ultraviolet spectroscopy (UV), infrared spectroscopy (IR), mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS), nuclear magnetic resonance of proton (NMR1H), carbon (NMR13C) and 2D homo and heteronuclear such as COSY (nJH-H, scalar), NOESY (nJH-H, dipolar), HSQC (1JH-C, scalar) and HMBC (nJH-C, scalar). Further, quantitation methods will be developed employing high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with ultraviolet and charged aerosol detectors (HPLC-UV/CAD). These methods will be validated regarding the parameters specificity, linearity, range, detection limit, quantitation limit, precision, accuracy and robustness. The results will then be evaluated by descriptive statistics and the developed methods will be compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Therefore, tests will be developed that can be used to improve quality control, helping to ensure the therapeutic efficacy of montanine.

Os alcaloides têm apresentado diversas atividades biológicas. Entre eles, a montanina vem demonstrando um bom desempenho nesse sentido, como, atividade antioxidante, ação inibitória do crescimento de culturas bacterianas e importante atividade de inibição do crescimento de linhagens tumorais. Atualmente, não existem muitos relatos da sua caracterização ou métodos analíticos quantitativos disponíveis na literatura para atribuir seu teor. Assim, após purificação, a caracterização da montanina foi realizada por calorimetria exploratória diferencial (DSC), espectroscopia na região do ultravioleta (UV), infravermelho (IV), espectrometria de massas (CLAE-EM), ressonância magnética nuclear de hidrogênio (RMN1H), de carbono (RMN13C) e em 2D homo e heteronucleares tais como COSY (nJH-H, escalar), NOESY (nJH-H, dipolar), HSQC (1JH-C, escalar) e HMBC (nJH-C, escalar). Na sequência, foram desenvolvidos métodos empregando a cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (CLAE) acoplada aos detectores ultravioleta e aerossol carregado (CLAE- UV/DAC) para a quantificação da montanina. Os mesmos foram validados, avaliando-se os parâmetros de especificidade, linearidade, intervalo, limite de detecção, limite de quantificação, precisão, exatidão e robustez. Os resultados obtidos foram avaliados por estatística descritiva e os métodos comparados pelo resultado da análise de variância (ANOVA). Desse modo, foram desenvolvidos procedimentos que podem ser aplicados para aprimorar o controle de qualidade, contribuindo para assegurar a eficácia terapêutica da montanina. / Alkaloids have several biological activities. Among them, montanine have shown antioxidant activity, inhibitory effect on bacterial growth and important activity inhibiting growth of some tumor cell lines. Currently, there are a few reports about its characterization as well as quantitative analytical methods to determine its purity. Thus, after a purification step, montanine will be characterized by its differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), ultraviolet spectroscopy (UV), infrared spectroscopy (IR), mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS), nuclear magnetic resonance of proton (NMR1H), carbon (NMR13C) and 2D homo and heteronuclear such as COSY (nJH-H, scalar), NOESY (nJH-H, dipolar), HSQC (1JH-C, scalar) and HMBC (nJH-C, scalar). Further, quantitation methods will be developed employing high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with ultraviolet and charged aerosol detectors (HPLC-UV/CAD). These methods will be validated regarding the parameters specificity, linearity, range, detection limit, quantitation limit, precision, accuracy and robustness. The results will then be evaluated by descriptive statistics and the developed methods will be compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Therefore, tests will be developed that can be used to improve quality control, helping to ensure the therapeutic efficacy of montanine.

Magister Scientiae (Physiotherapy) - MSc(Physio) / This study aimed to determine health promotion needs of physically disabled youth with spinal cord injury. The study specifically explored health-related behaviours with reference to participation in physical activity and substance usage, factors that influenced these behaviours and major issues that needed to be targeted in health promotion. / South Africa

This study aimed to determine health promotion needs of physically disabled youth with spinal cord injury. The study specifically explored health-related behaviours with reference to participation in physical activity and substance usage, factors that influenced these behaviours and major issues that needed to be targeted in health promotion.

The aims were to investigate the accuracy of ultrasound in diagnosis of structural fetal anomalies with special focus on false positive findings (I), to evaluate the additional value of second trimester fetal MRI on pregnancy management (II-III) and to estimate the ascertainment in the Swedish Birth Defects Registry and incidence of spina bifida and cleft lip/palate (IV). Retrospectively, 328 fetal autopsies were identified where pregnancies were terminated due to ultrasonographically diagnosed fetal anomalies. In 175 (53.4 %) cases ultrasound and fetal autopsy were identical, in 124 (37.8 %) ultrasound was almost correct, in 23 (7.0 %)  ultrasound diagnoses could not be verified, but fetal autopsy showed other anomalies with at least the same prognostic value and in six (1.8 %)  ultrasound diagnosis could not be verified and autopsy showed no or less severe anomalies (I). Prospectively, 29 pregnancies with CNS- (II) and 63 with non-CNS-anomalies (III) were included. In the CNS study MRI provided no additional information in 18 fetuses (62 %), additional information without changing the management in 8 (28 %) and additional information altering the pregnancy management in 3 (10%). In the non-CNS study the corresponding figures were 43 (68 %), 17 (27 %) and three (5 %), respectively. MRI in the second trimester might be a clinically valuable adjunct to ultrasound for the evaluation of CNS anomalies, especially when the ultrasound is inconclusive due to maternal obesity (II) and in non-CNS anomalies in cases of diaphragmatic hernia or oligohydramnios (III). In newborns, the ascertainments of birth defects are relatively high and assessable, but in pregnancy terminations they are lower or unknown. The incidence of newborns with spina bifida has decreased because of an increased rate of pregnancy terminations (>60%). There is room for improvement concerning the reporting of anomalies from terminated pregnancies (IV).

This study aimed to determine health promotion needs of physically disabled youth with spinal cord injury. The study specifically explored health-related behaviours with reference to participation in physical activity and substance usage, factors that influenced these behaviours and major issues that needed to be targeted in health promotion.