Dissertation (Ph.D.)--University of South Florida, 2007. / Title from PDF of title page. Document formatted into pages; contains 115 pages. Includes vita. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Michigan, 1984.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Michigan, 1984.

No description available.

Thesis (MScEng (Industrial Engineering))--Stellenbosch University, 2008. / In the context of intervertebral disc replacement and customized implants, human simulation studies are of great importance. Simulation models need input data. This study investigated different in vivo motion capturing methods to capture spinal kinematics that will serve as input for simulation models. Available scanning and motion capturing techniques for capturing cervical kinematics range from simple clinical methods, to expensive specialized equipment and software. With a variety of technologies comes a variety of applications. In this study the focus is on capturing the kinematics of the cervical spine. An important distinction was made between two types of motion capturing technologies: external motion capturing and internal imaging technologies. The available external motion capturing technologies pose many advantages in terms of cost, safety, simplicity, portability and producing accurate three dimensional position and orientation. However, the ability for external motion capturing technologies to give accurate information on the movements at each vertebral level is doubted by critics reasoning that the true vertebral motion is concealed by the skin and soft tissue. Although it would be ideal to use external motion capturing systems, one needs to be confident that these surface markers or sensors truly reflect the vertebral motion at each vertebral level. An empirical study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between motion captured on the skin surface and motion of the vertebrae. Twenty-one subjects received low dosage X-rays, while radio opaque markers were attached to the skin at each respective vertebral level. The motion of external markers and that of the vertebrae could be seen simultaneously on one medium. In the empirical study, two outputs were achieved. Firstly, intervertebral kinematic data, for use in further simulation studies was obtained. Secondly, the relationship between surface markers and vertebrae in different motion instances was investigated. Distance and angle parameters were constructed for vertebral prediction from skin surface markers. The causes of variation in these parameters were identified by investigating the correlations of these parameters with anthropometrical variables. Strong correlations of the parameters were observed in flexion, but in extension, especially full extension, the correlations were poor to insignificant. It was concluded that in neutral, half flexion and full flexion it is possible to predict the vertebral position from surface markers by using the parameters and anthropometrical variables. In half extension this prediction would be less accurate and in full extension alternative methods should be investigated for external motion capturing.

Orientador: Ricaro Cardoso Benine / Resumo: A subfamília Stethaprioninae foi proposta por Eigenmann, 1907, e é distinguido dos demais representantes de Characidae por apresentar porte pequeno, corpo alto e comprimido, com um espinho ósseo localizado à frente do primeiro raio da nadadeira dorsal e pela presença de ganchos ósseos distribuídos de maneira assimétrica na nadadeira anal de machos maduros; esses dois últimos caracteres parecem ser sinapomórficos e sustentam a monofilia do grupo. A revisão taxonômica das espécies de Stethaprioninae foi realizada, e nove espécies novas foram descritas por meio da análise de material depositado em coleções ictiológicas. As descrições foram feitas a partir da análise de aproximadamente 2.500 exemplares, dos quais foram tomadas 44 variáveis morfométricas e 14 merísticas, além de dados osteológicos e padrão de colorido. Como resultados, foram consideradas válidas e redescritas 13 espécies: Poptella brevispina, P. compressa, P. longipinnis, P. paraguayensis, Orthospinus franciscensis, Stethaprion erythrops, S. crenatum, Brachychalcinus copei, B. nummus, B. Orbicularis, B. parnaibae, B. retrospina, e B. reisi; além da descrição de nove novas espécies. Orthopinus é um gênero monotípico e endêmico da bacia do rio São Francisco. Stethaprion apresenta duas espécies distribuídas na bacia do rio Amazonas e foi acresentado em nosso trabalho uma nova característica autapormórfica desse gênero, que é a presença de escamas na nadadeira adiposa. Para Poptella, foram diagnosticadas sete espécies... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: The subfamily Stethaprioninae was proposed by Eigenmann, 1907, and is distinguished from the other representatives of Characidae because of its small size, tall, compressed body, and a bony spine located in front of the first ray of the dorsal fin and the presence of bony hooks distributed asymmetrical way in the anal fin of mature males; these last two characters are synapomorphic and support the group monophyly. The taxonomic revision of the species of Stethaprioninae was carried out, and nine new species were described through the analysis of deposited material in ichthyological collections. The descriptions were made from the analysis of approximately 2,500 specimens, of which 44 morphometric and 14 meristic variables were taken, in addition to osteological data and color pattern. As a result, 12 species were redescribed: Poptella brevispina, P. compressa, P. longipinnis, P. paraguayensis, Orthospinus franciscensis, Stethaprion erythrops, S. crenatum, Brachychalcinus copei, B. nummus, B. orbicularis, B. parnaibae,B. retrospina, and B. reisi, in addition to the description of ten new species. Orthospinus is a monotypic and endemic genus of the São Francisco river basin. Stethaprion presents two species distributed in the basin of the Amazon River, and is characterized mainly by the presence of scales in the adipose fin, being indicated in our work as an autopormorphic feature of this genus. For Poptella, seven new species were diagnosed, of which three are distributed in t... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Doutor

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:28:35Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2006-01-13Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T19:37:19Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 lemos_ff_me_guara.pdf: 3167749 bytes, checksum: 900a2570260a39cccd178d8a2ecb5b4a (MD5) / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / Para melhor entender os mecanismos degenerativos da coluna vertebral e avaliar o melhor método para seu tratamento é necessário que se conheça o comportamento dos diversos componentes das articulações intervertebrais. Com isso, torna-se essencial o desenvolvimento de dispositivos capazes de simular as condições fisiológicas de movimentos e cargas a fim de realizar testes in vitro que fornecerão dados para posteriormente serem testados in vivo. O objetivo deste trabalho é o desenvolvimento de dispositivos para a realização de testes in vitro com coluna vertebral. Estes dispositivos constam de uma máquina capaz de simular o movimento de flexão-extensão, pré-cargas axiais e a angulação pélvica, e uma lâmina de extensometria para captar as deformações dos tecidos testados. Foram realizados experimentos com discos invertebrais suínos a fim de avaliar a eficiência dos dispositivos. Realizaram-se dois experimentos usando os dispositivos desenvolvidos e um experimento na máquina universal de ensaios. Como resultado obteve-se valores de propriedades mecânicas coerentes com a literatura e o disco intervertebral comportando-se como um material viscoelástico. Outro ponto importante foi a obtenção da pressão intradiscal aproximada relacionando-a com o deslocamento angular da coluna. Conclui-se que os dispositivos apresentaram funcionamento satisfatório, abrindo perspectivas para outros estudos. / The best way to understand the degenerative mechanisms of the vertebral column and to evaluate appropriated methods for its treatment it is necessary to know the behavior of the diverse components of the intervertebral joints. So, it becomes essential to simulate the physiological conditions of movements and loads in order to carry through test in vitro that they will supply datas to be tested in vivo. The objective of this study is the development of devices of low cont for the accomplishment of tests in vitro with spine. These devices consist of a machine capable to simulate the movement of flexion-extension, daily pay-loads and the pelvic inclination, and an extensometry blade to catch the deformations of tested structures. POrcine had been carried through experiments with intervertebral discs in order to evaluate the efficiency od the devices. Two experiments had been become fullfilled using the developed devices and an experiment in the universal test machine. As result we got values of coherent mechanical properties with literature and the intervertebral disc behaving as a viscoelastic material. Another important point was the attainment of the intradiscal pressure approached relating it with the angular displacement of the spine. It is concluded that the devices had presented satisfactory functioning, opening perspective for other studies.

Les traumatismes du rachis incluent des fractures osseuses, des lésions disco-ligamentaires et des blessures médullaires. Ils impliquent un fort coût pour le système de santé, ainsi qu’une prise en charge (durée d’hospitalisation, atteinte de l’intégrité physique) lourdement handicapante pour leurs victimes. Les séquelles peuvent aller d’une déformation du profil sagittal à la tétraplégie. Leurs causes principales sont les accidents véhicules moteurs, les chutes et les accidents sportifs. Il existe de multiples mécanismes d’apparition des fractures vertébrales (compression, flexion-extension, cisaillement, torsion) et des blessures médullaires (contusion, traction, cisaillement), ce qui rend leur étude complexe. Malgré l’important investissement mis dans la recherche à ce sujet, des lacunes persistent dans la compréhension de ces traumatismes, qui ralentissent la progression des dispositifs de protection du rachis, et le développement des techniques chirurgicales. Dans ce contexte, l’objectif principal de ce doctorat est d’améliorer la compréhension fondamentale des mécanismes de fractures vertébrales et des blessures de la moelle épinière. Une première partie du travail a visé à développer des connaissances fondamentales sur les propriétés géométriques et mécaniques des vertèbres et de la moelle épinière. Ce type de propriétés a été utilisé pour créer et calibrer un modèle par éléments finis du rachis thoracolombaire. Ce modèle a ensuite été utilisé pour étudier le lien entre chargements mécaniques et une classification clinique des patrons de fractures vertébrales, ainsi que l’effet de différents éléments d’influences sur la mécanique de la contusion médullaire. / Spine traumas include bony fractures, intervertebral disc and ligaments lesions, and spinal cord injuries. They imply a high cost for the health system, as well as a highly incapacitating surgical management (length of hospitalization, physical handicap), and result in aftereffects such as sagittal curve deformity or tetraplegia. Their principal causes are motor vehicle accidents, falls and sports accidents. Multiple mechanisms of occurrence exist for vertebral fractures (compression, flexion-extension, shear, torsion) and spinal cord injury (contusion, traction, shear), which makes them complex to study. Despite major investments in research on this topic, there is a lack of the understanding of some aspects regarding these traumas. This slows down the progress in protection devices and surgical strategies development. In this context, the main objective of this Ph.D. is to improve fundamental knowledge of vertebral fractures and spinal cord injuries mechanisms. A first part of this work has been to develop fundamental knowledge on geometrical and mechanical properties of the vertebrae and the spinal cord. This type of properties has been used to create and calibrate a finite element model of the thoracolumbar spine. This model was then used to study the link between mechanical loadings and a clinical classification of vertebral fracture patterns, as well as the effect of various parameters on spinal cord contusion mechanisms.

L'analyse de la posture constitue un élément fondamental dans l'évaluation diagnostique et thérapeutique des patients atteints de déformations rachidiennes. Classiquement basée en pratique courante sur des radiographies du rachis en totalité, de nombreux paramètres posturaux ont été décrits et corrélés à la qualité de vie des patients. Toutefois, l'analyse radiographique conventionnelle ne permet pas systématiquement d'appréhender la posture véritable d'un individu. Une approche biomécanique de la posture en laboratoire d'analyse du mouvement permet donc de s'affranchir de ces contraintes et de caractériser la posture à l'aide de nouveaux paramètres. Un protocole spécifique biomécanique d'analyse de la posture, utilisant des plateformes de force et un système optoélectronique, a été développé afin de caractériser la posture libre d'un individu. D'autre part, ce protocole d'analyse peut ensuite être adapté à la pratique clinique quotidienne en couplant les données issues de la radiographie à celles d'une plateforme de pression. L'analyse d'une cohorte de volontaires sains a ainsi été réalisée, confirmant la faisabilité technique du calcul des moments nets inter segmentaires à l'aide de radiographies et d'une plateforme de pression. Les résultats de ce travail mettent en évidence la faisabilité et la fiabilité du protocole de mesure des moments inter-segmentaires. Ces résultats ouvrent des perspectives en pratique clinique courante avec la possibilité de réaliser cette analyse en pré et postopératoire a des fins diagnostics mais également pour évaluerl'influence du traitement chirurgical sur la modification des contraintes exercées sur le rachis. / Postural analysis is of primary importance for clinical and therapeutic evaluation of spinal deformity patients. This evaluation is currently based on full-spine radiographs and various parameters have been described and correlated with health related quality of life scores. However, this radiographic analysis is not applicable to every patient and can be sometimes misleading for physicians. A biomechanical postural approach using gait analysis is therefore necessary in order to avoid limits from the radiographic analysis. It provides new parameters for postural evaluation. A dedicated biomechanical "free-posture" protocol has been developed using force plates and gait analysis markers. Results from this approach revealed the reliability of the inter-segmental moment's measurements. Evolution of postural parameters during growth according to age was also described using a pediatric cohort. Concurrently, this biomechanical protocol can also be adapted to daily clinical practice, by the combination of a pressure platform and full-spine x-rays. Reliability of this combination was reported on a cohort of volunteers on whom spinal constraints were measured. These results are a source for potential new methods of postural outcomes evaluation in daily practice as they can be calculated during preoperative and postoperative courses.

Dietary restriction (DR), is a reduction in food intake, either through overall calorie or specific macronutrient intake, while avoiding malnutrition. DR has been consistently shown to increase longevity and protect against age related diseases. Although originally thought to be the result of a reduction in caloric intake, recent evidence suggests that the ratio of macronutrients, particularly that of protein : non-protein energy, also plays a role. The broad range of species in which DR is known to be effective, suggests an evolutionary conserved mechanism. However, the suggestion of a strong model species bias and a potential sex bias have led some to question the ubiquity of responses to DR. Here, I address the following questions: (i) How consistent is the effect of DR on reproduction? (ii) How does varying macronutrient intake effect both growth and body composition in three-spine sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus)? (iii) What is the effect of dietary macronutrient intake on lifespan and reproduction in the three-spine stickleback? and (iv) How does changing macronutrient intake impact fitness related traits, such as condition and performance in three-spine sticklebacks? Through use of a systematic review and meta-analysis, I show that the effect of DR on reproduction is evolutionarily conserved, though the effect is stronger in model species. However, when accounting for all significant moderators there is no evidence of the suggested sex differences in the effect of DR. I show that body composition is predicted by dietary lipid intake, with sticklebacks targeting a lower ratio of protein : fat within the body, potentially via metabolism and excretion of protein. These results hint at a link between conversion and excretion of protein and survival costs associated with high protein diets. I show that mortality risk is reduced at balanced protein : lipid intakes in males and generally at low protein : lipid intakes for females. However, the effect in females is not consistent throughout life. I further show that reproduction is maximised on high protein : lipid intakes for both sexes. These results suggest a macronutrient mediated trade-off between lifespan and reproduction in male three-spine sticklebacks. Finally I show a positive effect of lipid intake on male condition (a possible indicator of overall health) hinting at a relationship between lipid intake, adiposity, health and lifespan in male three-spine sticklebacks.