Dissertations / Theses: 'Gait in animals Research'

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Chadwick, Wayne. "Observed metabolic changes in male Wistar rats after treatment with an antidepressant implied in undesirable weight gain, or Sutherlandia frutescens for Type II diabetes." Thesis, University of Port Elizabeth, 2003. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/313.

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Type II diabetes is fast becoming a growing problem in developed countries worldwide. Traditionally the median age for diagnosis was around sixty, but recent surveys have shown that the entire age distribution curve has shifted to the left. Western countries boast the worst statistics in which type II diabetes is being reported in children under the age of ten. At such a young age the disease often goes undiagnosed for long periods of time allowing considerable damage to occur. The incidence of type II diabetes is thought to be parallel with the growing rate of obesity associated with a characteristically unhealthy western diet. Type II diabetes is an extremely expensive disease to manage, and with the rapid growth of this pandemic our country will soon feel the economic burden of this disease. It is for this reason that cheaper medication needs to be investigated in the form of traditional plants, such as Sutherlandia frutescens. Prescription medication, such as tricyclic antidepressants, may also increase body weight or appetite thereby playing a role in obesity. The cause of weight gain in such cases may go unrecognized or lead to cessation of the medication with or without the practitioner’s knowledge or approval. It is therefore necessary to investigate the causative agents responsible for the excessive weight gain. Drinking water containing extracts of the S. frutescens, metformin (a well known type II diabetes medication) and amitriptyline (a common tricyclic antidepressant) was administered to three groups of ten male Wistar rats. The control group received water without any medication. The rat’s weight and food consumption was monitored throughout the trial and their oxygen consumption was also determined. Rats were sacrificed after four months of medicinal compliance and glucose uptake, in the presence and absence of insulin, was tested in epididymal fat, liver and muscle. Fasting plasma glucose levels, lipoprotein, cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations were also determined.

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Wills, Eric David. "Gait animation and analysis for biomechanically-articulated skeletons /." Connect to title online (Scholars' Bank) Connect to title online (ProQuest), 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/1794/7508.

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Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Oregon, 2008.
Typescript. Includes vita and abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 281-287). Also available online in Scholars' Bank; and in ProQuest, free to University of Oregon users.

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Kurek, Justin, and University of Lethbridge Faculty of Arts and Science. "Deficits of gait initiation and steady state gait are exacerbated by postural threat in Parkinson's disease patients." Thesis, Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Arts and Science, 2005, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/10133/667.

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The effects of postural threat on gait initiation and steady state gait among Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients and age-matched adults were examined. Ten healthy adults (CTRL; mean age= 68.8 ± 8.4, range 56-80 years) and ten PD patients (PDOFF / ON ; mean age= 69.7 ± 10.3, range 54-81 years) initiated gait and continued with steady state walking along a walkway of two different height conditions. PD patients were first tested in a non-medicated state followed by testing in a medicated state. The results showed that gait initiation and steady state gait deficits inherent to PD are exacerbated in a postural threatening environment. As well, medication efficacy for overcoming parkinsonian deficits may be context dependent. These findings confirm the dynamic nature of movement deficits characteristic of parkinsonian patients and provide empirical evidence for specific environments that can create movement difficulties for people with PD.
x, 59 leaves : ill. ; 29 cm. --

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Malavé, Laura Helena. "Silhouette based gait recognition research resource and limits /." [Tampa, Fla.] : University of South Florida, 2003. http://purl.fcla.edu/fcla/etd/SFE0000059.

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Malavé, Laura Helena. "Silhouette based Gait Recognition: Research Resource and Limits." Scholar Commons, 2003. https://scholarcommons.usf.edu/etd/1423.

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As is seen from the work on gait recognition, there is a de-facto consensus about the silhouette of a person being the low-level representation of choice. It has been hypothesized that the performance degradation that is observed when one compares sequences taken on different surfaces, hence against different backgrounds, or when one considers outdoor sequences is due to the low silhouette quality and its variation. If only one can get better silhouettes the perfomance of gait recognition would be high. This thesis challenges that hypothesis. In the context of the HumanID Gait Challenge problem, we constructed a set of ground truth silhouttes over one gait cycles for 71 subjects, to test recognition across two conditions, shoe and surface. Using these, we show that the performance with ground truth silhouette is as good as that obtained by those obtained by a basic background subtraction algorithm. Therefore further research into ways to enhance silhouette extraction does not appear to be the most productive way to advance gait recognition. We also show, using the manually specified part level silhouettes, that most of the gait recognition power lies in the legs and the arms. The recognition power in various static gait recognition factors as extracted from a single view image, such as gait period, cadence, body size, height, leg size, and torso length, does not seem to be adequate. Using cummulative silhouette error images, we also suggest that gait actually changes when one changes walking surface; in particular the swing phase of the gait gets effected the most.

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Low, Lesley Ann. "Stability of coupled van der pol oscillators and applications to gait control in simple animals /." Thesis, Connect to this title online; UW restricted, 2002. http://hdl.handle.net/1773/7096.

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Wills, Eric David 1977. "Gait animation and analysis for biomechanically-articulated skeletons." Thesis, University of Oregon, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/1794/7508.

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xx, 287 p. ; ill. (some col.) A print copy of this title is available through the UO Libraries under the call numbers: SCIENCE QP310.W3 W55 2008
Digital three-dimensional (3D) models are useful for biomechanical analysis because they can be interactively visualized and manipulated. Synthesizing and analyzing animal locomotion with these models, however, is difficult due to the large number of joints in a fully articulated skeleton, the complexity of the individual joints, and the huge space of possible configurations, or poses, of the skeleton taken as a whole. A joint may be capable of several biological movements, each represented by a degree of freedom (DOF). A quadrupedal model may require up to 100 DOFs to represent the limbs and trunk segments only, resulting in extremely large spaces of possible body configurations. New methods are presented here that allow limbs with any number of biomechanical DOFs to be kinematically exercised and mapped into a visualization space. The spaces corresponding to the ranges of motion of the left and right limbs are automatically intersected and pruned using biological and locomotion constraints. Hind and fore spaces are similarly constrained so that Genetic Algorithms (GAs) can be used to quickly find smooth, and therefore plausible, kinematic quadrupedal locomotion paths through the spaces. Gaits generated for generic dog and reptile models are compared to published gait data to determine the viability of kinematics-only gait generation and analysis; gaits generated for Apatosaurus, Triceratops , and Tyrannosaurus dinosaur models are then compared to those generated for the extant animals. These methods are used for several case studies across the models including: isolating scapulothorax and shoulder joint functionality during locomotion, determining optimal ankle heights for locomotion, and evaluating the effect of limb phase parameters on quadrupedal locomotion.
Adviser: Kent A. Stevens

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Schuessler, Thomas F. "A computer controlled research ventilator for small animals /." Thesis, McGill University, 1993. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=69704.

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Understanding the mechanical properties of the respiratory system is an important task in pulmonary physiology. Current research often involves small mammals (mice, rats or guinea pigs) which are easily obtained in large numbers as pure bred strains, thus allowing statistically reliable results with minimal inter-animal variation to be obtained. However, due to the small flow amplitudes involved, the input impedance of common flow measurement devices is often too low to reliably measure tracheal flow. Furthermore, experimental setups are usually very limited in the types of volume, pressure or flow perturbations they can apply to the respiratory system. The computer controlled research ventilator for small animals described here overcomes both problems. Tracheal flow is estimated from the position of the ventilator piston and the pressure within the cylinder. Furthermore, the setup is capable of applying any desired volume perturbation with a bandwidth up to 55 Hz.

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Siegel, Angeline M. "Unspoken connections| Scientists' intersubjective experiences with animals." Thesis, Saybrook University, 2015. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=3711355.

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Little is known about the scientist-animal relationship; therefore, the aim of this study was to learn how moments of intersubjectivity, or "oneness" are created and experienced by scientists. It is by appreciating the risks and vulnerabilities intrinsic to human-animal relationships that propel the present investigation. The current cultural bias of valuing objectification and detachment as the predominant form of scientific investigation overlooks relational subtleties intrinsic to deriving meaning from humananimal studies. By examining scientists and their descriptions of intersubjectivity with their animal participants, a greater understanding of society's philosophical and ethical deliberations on the human-animal relationship may be revealed. An exploratory, sequential mixed-method design was utilized to phenomenologically examine intersubjectivity, as well as to measure the prevalence of its dimensions within the larger academic population. Phenomenological analysis from ten interviews identified humananimal intersubjectivity as having four significant phases: joint mindfulness, synchronized embodiment, intrinsic belonging , and transcendental awareness. Spearman correlational analysis from fifty-four responses to the online survey supported these findings, as well as identified a potential link with the variables of proximity (r_s = .469, p < .05, n=25), closeness (r_s = .483, p < .01, n=25), similarity (r_s = .483, p < .01, n=25) and embodied awareness (r_s = .421, p < .01, n=25) that account for variation in the scientific population. When examining past behavior as it related to current scientific practices, gender differences emerged that resemble those reported by neuroanatomical studies. Lastly, further mixed analysis identified academic and cultural risks that were met by employing concealment and silencing strategies. These results add valuable depth in the interpretation of intersubjectivity and its relationship with scientific behavior, as well as insight into the role of intersubjectivity within ethical and philosophical debates.

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Lee, Dong Gil. "Relationship between arch height and midfoot joint pressures during gait." Cleveland, Ohio : Cleveland State University, 2008. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=csu1227563948.

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Thesis (D. Eng.)--Cleveland State University, 2008.
Abstract. Title from PDF t.p. (viewed on Feb. 2, 2009). Includes bibliographical references. Available online via the OhioLINK ETD Center. Also available in print.

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D'Angelo, Maurissa S. "Analysis of Amputee Gait using Virtual Reality Rehabilitation Techniques." Wright State University / OhioLINK, 2010. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=wright1279121086.

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Ali, Cairo F. "Animal rights and animal research." The Ohio State University, 1987. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1371556393.

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Oberhofer, Katja. "Anatomically-based, subject-specific modelling of lower limb motion during gait." Thesis, University of Auckland, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/2292/5444.

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14

Layton, Raymond J. "Macroinvertebrate colonization and production in new experimental ponds." Diss., This resource online, 1989. http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/theses/available/etd-03042009-040552/.

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Melonas, Alexander Paul. "Situated Animals: A Critique of Social Constructivist Excesses in Political Theory." Diss., Temple University Libraries, 2015. http://cdm16002.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/p245801coll10/id/321722.

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Political Science
Ph.D.
In this dissertation I explore the ramifications of political theory being freed from two opposed extremes of biologism and social constructivism because, ultimately, the human animal is both a biological creature and capable of becoming. While it has been highly significant for humanistic scholars to challenge the governing authority of the "hard sciences" as the prime site of legitimacy in modern scholarship, the position of critique has transformed into one of outright and unqualified hostility. I resist this commitment to show that work at the intersection of the human biological sciences and political theory need not amount to political conservatism or pessimism. To this end, I address two questions with the aim of (re-)situating the human animal as a common property in political theory. First, I explore and challenge the commitments that inform the strict social constructionist thesis. This move leads to a second consideration: what questions are open if we see the problem not as biology, but as biological determinism? I make four arguments in this dissertation. First, I use Ernst Cassirer to show that "human" and "animal" can be integrated in a philosophical anthropology in a constructive way, one that avoids the reductionism implied in the term "animal" (or biological creature) and the naiveté of conceiving of human beings as though they are distinct from or wholly independent of nature. Second, I use Marxist materialism to integrate the human biological sciences with a meaningful theory of human freedom. Third, I work at the intersection of contemporary political theories of identity and the human biological sciences to reconcile the effects of "predispositions" with the effects of our social identities. I do so in a way that resists essentialism. Finally, I use feminist scholarship to argue that the human biological sciences cannot be used to justify hierarchy, or rather, that "hard science" doesn't in any meaningful sense say anything at all about equality.
Temple University--Theses

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Maslivec, Amy. "Age related changes in the mechanisms contributing to head stabilisation, and whole body stability during steady state gait and gait initiation." Thesis, University of Cumbria, 2018. http://insight.cumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/3752/.

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Head stabilisation during gait related tasks is thought to be fundamental to whole body stability, but this has received little attention in the older population. There is a need to examine any age related changes in neuromechanical mechanisms underpinning head stabilisation that may challenge the control of head stability, and consequently whole body stability. The present Thesis examined the mechanisms contributing to head stabilisation, and whole body stability during two gait tasks, steady state gait and gait initiation in young and older females, with the overall aim of contributing to negating fall risk. Four studies were designed to examine a) head position and walking speed on gait stability during steady state gait; b) neuromechanical mechanisms underpinning head stabilisation during gait initiation; c) head position on whole body stability during gait initiation; and d) head stabilisation during gait initiation at different speeds. Results showed that a) gait stability, was unaffected by head position and different walking speeds during steady state gait, b) decreased head stability in older individuals during gait initiation can be attributed to a deterioration of the neuromechanical mechanisms relating to head stability, c) free head movement during gait initiation does not affect head stabilisation or whole body stability but it does affect gait parameters, while d) initiating gait at faster than comfortable speeds compromises head stabilisation and reduces whole body stability in older individuals. Collectively, these results demonstrate that older individuals adopt an increased head flexion position when walking, while impaired head stability can be attributed to deterioration of the function of their neuromechanical mechanisms compared to their younger counterparts during gait tasks at comfortable speeds. These findings provide an understanding of the effect head stabilisation can have on older adults’ gait and on their fall risk during gait and gait initiation.

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Hamilton, Kristin Marie. "Benefits of Community Research-Based Programming to Improve Freezing of Gait for Individuals with Parkinson Disease." Thesis, The University of Arizona, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/297620.

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For one week, six subjects with Parkinson Disease (PD) attended a boot camp at the Parkinson Wellness Recovery (PWR!) Gym. Each experienced a unique symptom of PD known as freezing of gait (FOG). Previous research supports task-specific exercise for improving PD symptoms; this study focuses on task-specific exercise to reduce FOG. Reducing the severity of hypokinetic and bradykinetic movement was addressed during the week through large amplitude training that was integrated into interval training during cardiovascular exercise, agility and postural control exercises, and real world environments. Five out of six subjects improved on a Freezing of Gait Assessment (FOGA) and four out of six subjects improved on the Pull Backwards Assessment. Task-specific improvement for all six individuals was achieved, with regards to typical freezing triggers-- narrow spaces, crowds, timed events, and more. These data suggest that techniques learned throughout the week can appear to be reflected into real-life. In addition, FOG specific training showed improvement in balance, a very important finidng in people that fall almost daily. Overall, specific exercise techniques assisted these six subjects in improving their quality of life, freezing severity, and postural control.

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Hines, Dustin J., and University of Lethbridge Faculty of Arts and Science. "The role of cues and the hippocampus in home base behaviour." Thesis, Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Arts and Science, 2004, 2004. http://hdl.handle.net/10133/646.

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The thesis examines the ability of animals to construct a home base. The home base is a point in space where animals rear, groom, and circle and is a primary element in organized spatial behaviour (Eilam and Golani 1989). Once animals establish a home base, they make outward trips and stops, and after a series of trips and stops they return again to the home base. The home base behaviour of animals acts as a platform for asking questions about the cognitive organization of an environment. The thesis describes five main findings. Control and hippocampectomized animals use (1) proximal and (2) distal cues to form a home base and organize their behaviour. (3) Control and olfactory bulbectomized animals form home bases in the dark where as hippocampectomized animals are impaired suggesting self-movement but not olfactory cues play a role in home base behaviour. A final set of experiments demonstrated that control and hippocampectomized animals learn the position of (4) proximal and (5) distal cues so that in the cue's absence, animals still form a home base at that position. The demonstration that a central feature of exploratory behaviour, establishing a home base, is preserved in hippocampectomized rats in relation to proximal, distal, and conditioned visual cues - reveals that exploratory behaviour remains organized after hippocampal lesions. The inability of hippocampectomized rats to form a virtual home base in the absence of visual cues is discussed in relation to the idea that the hippocampus contributes to inertial behaviour that may be dependent upon self-movement cues.
xv, 232 leaves : ill. ; 29 cm.

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Poddar, Darshana Ph D. "Study of Role of Ribosomal Protein L13a in Resolving Inflammation." Cleveland State University / OhioLINK, 2014. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=csu1400587453.

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Bagchi, Tamishraha. "Immune mechanisms in murine brucellosis : studies with strain RB51, a rough mutant of Brucella abortus /." Diss., This resource online, 1990. http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/theses/available/etd-09162005-115020/.

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Himmler, Brett T., and University of Lethbridge Faculty of Arts and Science. "The effect of playful experiences on the plasticity and metaplasticity of the brain." Thesis, Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Dept. of Neuroscience, 2011, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10133/3081.

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The influence of play behavior on the brain was investigated through plasticity and metaplasticity methodology. Regions in both cortical and sub-cortical areas were investigated. Animals in both studies either experienced play with juvenile partners or did not experience play by being paired with an adult. Play experience alone was shown to affect the plasticity in the prefrontal cortex, although it did not show structural changes to sub-cortical regions. If animals were given nicotine after play experiences, the affects of play in the prefrontal cortex were abolished. In addition, playful behaviors appear to prime some sub-cortical regions of the brain for expression of later plasticity. Thus, play appears to alter the structure of multiple brain areas, but do so in different ways.
ix, 67 leaves ; 29 cm

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Fang, Yu-Hua. "Quantification of Pharmacokinetics in Small Animals with Molecular Imaging and Compartment Modeling Analysis." Cleveland, Ohio : Case Western Reserve University, 2009. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1238635584.

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Thesis (Ph.D.)--Case Western Reserve University, 2009
Department of Biomedical Engineering Abstract Title from OhioLINK abstract screen (viewed on 10 April 2009) Available online via the OhioLINK ETD Center

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Lyons, Daniel Louis. "Protecting animals versus the pursuit of knowledge : the evolution of the British animal research policy network." Thesis, University of Sheffield, 2006. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.434527.

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Bolstad, K. S. "Systematics of the Onychoteuthidae Gray, 1847 (Cephalopoda: Oegopsida) a thesis submitted to the Earth & Oceanic Sciences Research Institute, Auckland University of Technology in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, supervised by Dr Steve O'Shea, 2008." Click here to access this resource online, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10292/414.

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Lowings, Michael D., and University of Lethbridge Faculty of Arts and Science. "Epigenetic regulation of stroke recovery : changes in DNA methylation and micro-RNA regulation following stroke and EGF/EPO neurogenesis therapy." Thesis, Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Dept. of Biological Sciences, c2010, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10133/2570.

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Stroke is one of the most common, and damaging, neurological afflictions. Stroke causes widespread and variable chronic effects, due to the limited regenerative ability of the adult brain. Altered gene expression induces neuronal changes necessary for plasticity-dependent recovery, effects which can be enhanced by growth hormone-based pharmaceuticals. These processes are driven by alterations in the informational capacity of the genome – changes driven by epigenetic regulators. Following experimental strokes, and treatment with EGF and EPO, this study shows that two epigenetic regulatory mechanisms, DNA methylation and microRNA regulation, are significantly altered, both in treated and untreated animals. Specifically, treatment induces a net global suppression of miRNA activity, which appears to modify the physical behaviour of neurons in domains ranging from plasticity and memory formation, growth and replication, and potentially even to neurological disease signalling. The confirmation of epigenetic alterations following a stroke indicates a future role for epigenetic neuro-pharmacology in stroke management.
x, [99] leaves : ill. (some col.) ; 29 cm

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Molina, Leonardo A. "Alteration of neural dynamics in the rat medial prefrontal cortex by an NMDA antagonist." Thesis, Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Dept. of Neuroscience, c2012, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10133/3264.

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NMDA receptor antagonists such as Ketamine and PCP are potent psychoactive drugs used recreationally. This class of drug induces a number of phenomena in humans similar to those associated with schizophrenia including reduced selective attention, altered working memory, thought disorders and hallucinations. These psychotomimetic drugs have thus been used as a longstanding model to study this disease in animals. Importantly, such animal models allow for recording of brain activity using invasive techniques that are inappropriate in humans. Previous electrophysiological studies have shown that MK-801, a potent non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist, increases gamma-frequency oscillations and produces a state of disinhibition in the prefrontal cortex of rats wherein the activity of putative excitatory pyramidal neurons increases while the activity of putative inhibitory interneurons decreases. These features are relevant to schizophrenia because molecular evidence suggests dysfunction of inhibitory cortical interneurons, while electroencephalographic recordings show altered gamma-frequency oscillations in this disease. It has been hypothesized that the disinhibited cortical state produces “noisy” information processing, but this has not been directly observed in the interaction of neuronal firing in either humans or animal models. We therefore tested this hypothesis by examining the synchronization of neural activity in the NMDA receptor antagonist model of schizophrenia. We used high-density electrophysiological recordings in the medial prefrontal cortex of freely moving rats before and after systemic injection of MK-801. Analysis of these recordings revealed that drug administration: (i) increases gamma power in field potentials in a manner dissociated from increased locomotion; (ii) does not change the gamma power in multi-unit activity; (iii) decreases spike synchronization among putative pyramidal neurons in the gamma range (30ms), and despite of this it (iv) does not change the synchronization between gamma-range field potentials or between sum-of-spikes and field potentials. These effects in synchronization may be revealing of potent cognitive effects associated with NMDA receptor antagonism, and may reflect impaired communication processing hypothesized to occur in schizophrenia.
xi, 42 leaves : ill. ; 29 cm

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Frede, David. "A tale of two zoos : a study in watching people watching animals." University of Sydney, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/2123/3762.

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Doctor of Philosophy
Zoological gardens, or zoos, keep and display wild animals, mainly for the purposes of education, conservation and biological research. However, it is evident that a significant component of zoos is the vast number of people who visit them, since without the support of visitors, zoos would not be financially viable and would cease to exist. This research investigates the behaviours of these visitors and develops an understanding of their awareness relating to what they see and do while they are in the zoo, along with their motivations for visiting. The study focuses on two major metropolitan zoos in Australia: Adelaide (in South Australia) and Taronga (in Sydney, New South Wales). A brief historical account contextualises changes, raising awareness of the significance of visitors to the livelihood of zoos. More and more zoos are integrating into their management routines different programmes that relate to the care and welfare of the animals. Despite recent growth in scientific attention, which has focused on human-animal relationships, little research has been conducted relating to the human visitor in the zoo. To date, decisions made by administrators have been based upon assumptions of the visitors’ understanding of the work of zoos rather than on actual quantitative findings. This empirical research is significant in that it uses both quantitative and qualitative methods to appraise factual data and information. The data from unobtrusive tracking observations at different exhibits, combined with the results of questionnaire surveys, are used to explore and assess the perceptions of visitors. In developing a demographic profile of the people who visit zoos, this work considers the motivations and the frequency of visitors. Various factors that influence the viewing patterns of visitors are explored to assess the popularity of exhibits, and the perceptions of visitors relating to animals and enclosures are investigated, to assess the diverse levels of satisfaction. Case studies explore the perceptions and understandings of visitors towards the use of enrichment items, the use of signs and labels, and a hypothetical approach to the feeding of carnivores in zoos. The results are important in that they contribute essential knowledge that describes the perceptions of a wide range of people who visit zoos, along with their expectations, since it is crucial for these institutions to maintain their popularity with the public.

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Clark, Callie Anne Marie, and University of Lethbridge Faculty of Arts and Science. "Sound-induced behavioural activation in the normal and haloperidol-treated rat." Thesis, Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience , c2008, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10133/1293.

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Diseases of the central and peripheral nervous systems affect one in five people in North America. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease, after Alzheimer’s disease, and occurs in approximately 1% of the general North American population. PD is a progressive movement disorder that is characterized by resting tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia (slowness of movement) or akinesia (absence of spontaneous movement), as well as postural instability. Current treatment of PD is symptom-based, and no pharmacological treatment currently exists to slow the progression of bradykinesia and akinesia. In fact, pharmacological therapies produce motor side effects in advanced stages of the disease. Given the difficulty in initiating and controlling movement as PD advances, and the ineffectiveness of medical therapies after prolonged treatment, physical and music therapies can be used to supplement classical therapies. Listening to, and performing, music affects a number of neural regions, including those that mediate motor behaviour, arousal or activation, and emotion. Despite anatomical connections between the auditory and motor systems at the level of the spinal cord, brain stem, midbrain, and cortex, the neural and behavioural mechanisms for sound-induced activation remains unclear. It is known, however, that PD patients recruit external sensory stimuli to improve movement. The aim of the current research was to create an animal model of sound-induced activation and to test the effect of previous motoric experience on the potency of auditory stimuli. To investigate behavioural activation in the normal and haloperidol-treated rat, two tasks were used: 1) orienting responses were analyzed for movement components in saline and haloperidol treated rats v to find out if rats responded in the same to a variety of naturally produced and generated activating sounds, and 2) a grid climbing task allowed for the righting components of naïve and familiar cataleptic rats to be compared. Our findings revealed that familiar auditory cues could release parkinsonian rats from catalepsy. The current research supports the theory that auditory stimulation retains “special access” to motor regions otherwise impaired in PD and likely bypasses basal ganglia circuitry to normalize movement through alternative pathways.
xiv, 142 leaves : ill. (some col.) ; 29 cm

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Zelinski, Erin L., and University of Lethbridge Faculty of Arts and Science. "Impacts of chronic and acute phase-shifting in male and female rats." Thesis, Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Dept. of Neuroscience, c2010, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10133/2590.

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This thesis assessed the impacts of acute and chronic phase-shifting on learning and memory in male and female rats. Previous research has revealed impaired retention immediately following circadian disruption and on the acquisition of new associations. However, whether behaviour resumes normality following circadian re-entrainment is unresolved. Following circadian re-entrainment, retention of pre-phase-shift acquired associations on Morris water task (MWT) and a visual discrimination task designed on the 8-arm radial maze were tested. Subsequently, an extradimensional set shift (EDS) using the 8-arm radial maze was performed. Acute circadian disruption negatively impacted retention in males and females, but only male rats without running wheels exhibited impairment following chronic phase-shifting on MWT performance. Retention on the visual discrimination task was impaired following chronic, but not acute, circadian disruption. Chronic, but not acute, phase-shifting negatively impacted performance on the EDS. Generally, phase-shifting produced differential negative impacts on cognitive function in rats.
xiv, 181 leaves : ill. (some col.) ; 29 cm

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Hardy, Jared C., and University of Lethbridge Faculty of Arts and Science. "Behavioral correlates of unilateral dopamine depletion in the MPP+ rat model of Parkinson's Disease." Thesis, Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Arts and Science, 2007, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/10133/385.

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Conventional cylinder test measures have limited sensitivity in determining hemiparkinson rat forelimb use asymmetry and approximating substantia nigra (SN) dopaminergic neuron loss. This thesis investigates which cylinder test measures of hemiparkinson rat forelimb use asymmetry best predict methamphetamine-induced rotation and extent of dopaminergic neuron loss. Long-Evans rats were cylinder-tested after unilateral 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+)-induced SN dopamine depletion. Time and count of numerous forepaw wall contact patterns were documented for MPP+ hemiparkinson rats and sham-operated controls using frame-by-frame video analysis, then regressed against methamphetamine-induced rotation and tyrosine hydroxylase-positive neuron depletion. Severely dopamine-asymmetric rats initiated movements slower and less often with the contralateral-to-lesion forepaw, indicating that the cylinder test may be used to assess Parkinson Disease motor impairments of bradykinesia and akinesia. Several new time and count asymmetry measures may improve cylinder test sensitivity to hemiparkinson-specific forelimb use asymmetries.
xi, 103 leaves : ill. ; 29 cm.

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Botha, Hermanus Van Niekerk. "A Closed Loop Research Platform That Enables Dynamic Control Of Wing Gait Patterns In A Vertically Constrained Flapping Wing - Micro Air Vehicle." Wright State University / OhioLINK, 2016. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=wright1462801627.

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Messer, Alicia B. "Short-Term Benefits of Research-Based, Task-Specific Exercises in a Group Setting for People with Parkinson Disease and Freezing of Gait." Thesis, The University of Arizona, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/311799.

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Driscoll, Ira, and University of Lethbridge Faculty of Arts and Science. "The aging hippocampus : a multilevel analysis in the rat." Thesis, Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Arts and Science, 2005, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/10133/12.

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The purpose of the current thesis was twofold: (1) to examine various factors that might be contributing to age-related learning and memory deficits specifically related to the hippocampus, and (2) to validate our rat model of aging, employing a multilevel analysis. We found age-related deficits on both spatial and non-spatial hippocampus-dependent taks that were accompanied by structural alterations observed in vivo (volune, but not neuronal metabolic function) and post mortem (neuronal density and neurogenesis, but not synaptic or mitochondrial density). Furthermore, our results suggest that the observed hippocampal structural changes, named decreased volume and neurogenesis, predict learning and memory deficits, and both can be accounted for by neurogenic reduction. In addition, the above-mentioned pattern of age-related deficits closely resembles that seen in humans, suggesting the present rat version of aging to be a very useful model for investigating hippocampal aging in humans.
iii, 236 leaves : ill. (some col.) ; 29 cm.

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Sparks, Fraser T. "Interactions of the hippocampus and non-hippocampal long-term memory systems during learning, remembering, and over time." Thesis, Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Dept. of Neuroscience, c2012, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10133/3116.

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The hippocampus and non-hippocampal long-term memory systems each have the capacity to learn and express contextual fear memory. How these systems interact during learning and remembering revolves around hippocampal mediated interference, where the hippocampus dominates for both the acquisition and expression of long-term memory. Hippocampal interference during learning can be overcome by modifying learning parameters such that learning is distributed across multiple independent sessions. The standard view of the role of the hippocampus in long-term memory retrieval is that it is temporally limited, where recently acquired memory is dependent on hippocampal function though as a memory ages, dependency is transferred to other memory systems by a process called systems consolidation. Distributed training demonstrates that learning parameters create a memory that is resistant to hippocampal damage. We find little evidence to support temporally based systems consolidation, and present data that supports the view that if the hippocampus is initially involved in learning a memory, it will always be necessary for accurate retrieval of that memory. A critical assessment of the rat literature revealed that initial memory strength, and/or lesion techniques might be responsible for the few studies that report temporally graded retrograde amnesia using contextual fear conditioning. Our experiments designed to directly test these possibilities resulted in flat gradients, providing further evidence that the hippocampus plays a permanent role in long-term memory retrieval. We propose and assess alternatives to the standard model and conclude that a dual store model is most parsimonious within the presented experiments and related literature. Interactions of the hippocampus and non-hippocampal systems take place at the time of learning and remembering, and are persistent over time.
xvi, 161 leaves : ill. (some col.) ; 29 cm

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Lombard, Chereé. "Animal welfare and the law : towards legal regulation of the welfare of laboratory animals in South Africa / Chereé Lombard." Thesis, North-West University, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/8718.

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The current legal framework pertaining to animals does not sufficiently address the welfare of animals. The Animal Protection Act 71 of 1962 does not specifically regulate the welfare of animals contained in research laboratories. Animals utilized for experimental research purposes endure tremendous “unnecessary suffering” due to legislative inaptitude. Experimental animals suffer inherent abuses associated with experimental research because of the methods, procedures and processes relevant to the experiments. The most controversial method of experimental research is vivisection. The method of vivisection is not only invasive but also causes “unnecessary suffering” to animals. The non-inherent abuses animals suffer during confinement in a laboratory solely relates to uncontrolled and unregulated conduct of staff. Continuing the application of the current legislative framework may also be detrimental to the health and well-being of humans. Animals are specifically utilized as objects of science in research laboratories. The data obtained from research experiments conducted on animals are for the benefit of humankind rather than the animals. Scientific research concluded that not only are invasive methods of research conducted on live animals generally regarded as useless but extrapolating data from animals to humans can also be misleading, unnecessary and dangerous. False results and questionable methodologies are some of the other problems that seem to require urgent attention. Ethically, neither human nor animal should be utilized at the expense of the other and therefore it would be reasonable to recommend that legislative reform takes place. The human perception of animals in terms of the relationship we have with them is the reason why legislative inaptitude in terms of animal welfare exists. The current approach followed is the philosophy of Utilitarianism. Utilitarians believe that neither humans nor animals have rights but interests. Utilitarianism focuses on the permissibility of an act (the use of animals) by weighing the benefits of such an act to the costs suffered because of such act. If the benefits outweigh the costs suffered, the act is permissible. The application of Utilitarianism seems to be the crux of our legislative inaptitude. The human perception and view of animals must therefore be re-directed to develop a sufficient legal framework in terms of animal welfare. A solution offered is to apply an alternative interpretation to the concept of “dignity” (capabilities approach) and progressive realisation. In terms of this solution a species capabilities in terms of its value, capabilities and worth are considered. Inherent to its value, capabilities and worth, is its “dignity”. Once the alternative interpretation of “dignity” is acknowledged, the progressive realisation of its interests can be achieved.
Thesis (LLM)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

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Dutta, Anirban. "Development of an Electromyogram-Based Controller for Functional Electrical Stimulation-Assisted Walking After Partial Paralysis." Cleveland, Ohio : Case Western Reserve University, 2009. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1238761874.

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Liu, Xingbo. "Cardiac Calcium Channel Expression in Heart Specific Growth Hormone (GH) Receptor Gene Disrupted Mice and Bovine GH Mice." Ohio University / OhioLINK, 2014. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1397650862.

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Bennison, John Charles. "Gait Analysis in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction & Controls Across Different Levels of Visual Feedback." Ohio University / OhioLINK, 2021. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1617872112807014.

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Cardiff, James W. "Experienced-induced immediate early gene expression in hippocampus after granule cell loss." Thesis, Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Dept. of Neuroscience, c2012, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10133/3356.

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Adrenalectomy (ADX) has been shown to cause selective degeneration of granule cells in the dentate gyrus (DG). This occurs due to the reduction of corticosterone (CORT) and behavioural deficits are associated with the loss of these neurons. Dentate lesions and cell loss associated with ADX have been shown to effect behaviour in a number of spatial tasks. In contras, it has been shown granule cell loss does not affect the specificity of place cells in CA3 and CA1. We used the ADX model to examine the role of DG granule cells plays in representing space using immediate early gene (IEG) activation in the principal hippocampal subfields after exploration of novel environments. Rats were allowed to free explore multiple novel environments and then the mRNA for the IEG Homer 1a (H1a) was used as a marker of neural activity. After degeneration of approximately half of the DG granule cells we found a significant increase in number of active cells in the DG, CA3 and CA1 in ADX animals. The results indicate a reduction in granule cells causes a dramatic increase in the proportion of remaining DG granule cells in response to exploration. The change in DG activation disrupts the representations in CA3 and CA1 and thereby affects behaviour.
vii, 60 leaves : ill. (some col.) ; 29 cm

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Chien, Chih-Hao. "POTENTIAL OPTIMAL GAIT PERFORMANCE OF MAUCH S-N-S PROSTHETIC KNEE CONFIGURATIONS AS PREDICTED BY DYNAMIC MODELING." Cleveland State University / OhioLINK, 2014. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=csu1417068842.

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Yim, Tonia Tan-Ling, and University of Lethbridge Faculty of Arts and Science. "Multiple-object memory requires the hippocampus." Thesis, Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Arts and Science, 2007, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/10133/678.

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This thesis investigates the role of the hippocampus in object memory. Currently, the role of the hippocampus in object recognition is unclear, with some studies demonstrating a delay-dependent impairment after hippocampal damage, others showing no impairment. The present thesis used the novel object recognition task and its variants to investigate various types of object memory in hippocampal lesion rats. In the first study, impairments were observed in discriminating object order and associating objects with contexts, while no impairment was observed in novel object recognition. In the second study, it was found that encountering another object shortly prior to or after encountering a target object impairs the recognition of the target object. In a control procedure, encountering a novel context either shortly before or after encountering the target object did not impair object recognition. In sum, in the absence of the hippocampus, object memory becomes vulnerable to interference, rendering rats unable to discern memories of multiple objects. The present thesis concludes that the hippocampus discriminates multiple objects via pattern separation. A stimulus-response model relating the role of the hippocampus to object memory is proposed.
vii, 150 leaves : ill. ; 29 cm. --

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Cless, Isabelle T. "A Dissection of Pacing in Zoo-Housed Polar Bears: How Details of the Behavior Can Suggest Motivational and Causal Factors." Case Western Reserve University School of Graduate Studies / OhioLINK, 2015. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1435017139.

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43

Spanswick, Simon, and University of Lethbridge Faculty of Arts and Science. "Adrenalectomy-induced neuronal degeneration : development of a novel animal model of cognitive dysfuntion and neurogenic treatment strategies." Thesis, Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Dept. of Neuroscience, 2010, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10133/2587.

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Long-term adrenalectomy (ADX) results in a specific loss of dentate gyrus granule cells in the hippocampus of adult rats, occurring over a period of weeks to months. This loss of granule cells results in cognitive deficits in a number of tasks that depend on intact hippocampal function. The gradual nature of ADX-induced cell death and the ensuing deficits in cognition are similar to those experienced by patient populations suffering from a variety of pathological conditions. Here we present an animal model by which we use ADX to produce a loss of granule cells within the hippocampus of rats. We also provide experimental evidence for a treatment strategy by which the lost granule cells may be replaced, with the goal of functional recovery in mind.
xii, 191 leaves : ill. (chiefly col.) ; 28 cm

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Nemati, Farshad, and University of Lethbridge Faculty of Arts and Science. "Contribution of brain with or without visual cortex lesion to exploratory locomotion in the rat." Thesis, Arts and Science, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10133/665.

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Over the past five decades spatial behavior has been a subject of research interest in psychology and neuroscience, in part based on philosophical theories of mental spatial representations. In order to continue uncovering the facts regarding spatial behavior, the focus of this thesis was on the contribution of entry point and visual inputs to the organization of exploratory locomotion and spatial representation in the rat. Despite the contribution of the hippocampus to spatial abilities, the exploratory locomotion is still visually organized in rats with damage to the hippocampus. On the other hand, recent studies have demonstrated a contribution of visual areas to the spatial ability of the rat. Nevertheless, the contribution of visual cortex to the organization of exploratory locomotion has not been studied in an open field. The experiments in this thesis were designed to characterize the organization of exploratory locomotion to the point of entry and/or visual cues. Rats were started from the edge or center of an open table near or on which a salient object could be placed. The main findings were that rats organized their exploratory locomotion to their point of entry and modified their behavior as they encountered objects. Also, rats with damage to visual cortex displayed an extra-attachment to the visual objects and in contrast to controls did not expand their exploratory locomotion with time. The results are discussed with respect to the centrality of the entry point in the organization of exploratory locomotion and the neural network that control visual exploration in the rat.
xiii, 220 leaves : ill. ; 29 cm. --

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Kanchwala, Mustafa Ashiq Hussain. "A Miniature Wireless Neural Recording and Stimulating System for Chronic Implantation in Freely Moving Animals." Case Western Reserve University School of Graduate Studies / OhioLINK, 2018. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case153079448199171.

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46

楊可儀 and Ho-yee Yeung. "Study on the function and regulation of stanniocalcin in mouse neuroblastoma cells." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 2003. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B31245043.

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Merrifield, Matthew, and University of Lethbridge Faculty of Arts and Science. "Radiation-induced deregulation of PiRNA pathway proteins : a possible molecular mechanism underlying transgenerational epigenomic instability." Thesis, Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Dept. of Biological Science, c2011, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10133/2617.

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PiRNAs and their Piwi family protein partners are part of a germline specific epigenetic regulatory mechanism essential for proper spermatogenesis, silencing of transposable elements, and maintaining germline genome integrity, yet their role in the response of the male germline to genotoxic stress is unknown. Ionizing radiation (IR) is known to cause transgenerational genome instability that is linked to carcinogenesis. Although the molecular etiology of IR-induced transgenerational genomic instability is not fully understood, it is believed to be an epigenetically mediated phenomenon. IR-induced alterations in the expression pattern of key regulatory proteins involved in the piRNA pathway essential for paternal germline genome stability may be directly involved in producing epigenetic alterations that can impact future generations. Here we show whole body and localized X-irradiation leads to significant altered expression of proteins that are necessary for, and intimately involved in, the proper functioning of the germline specific piRNA pathway in mice and rats. In addition we found that IR-induced alterations to piRNA pathway protein levels were time and dose dependent.
ix, 123 leaves : ill. (some col.) ; 29 cm

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Faraji, Jamshid, and University of Lethbridge Faculty of Arts and Science. "Structural alterations in the hippocampus and spatial behavior by stress in male and female rats : protections, and recovery in water-based and dry-land tasks." Thesis, Lethbridge, Alta : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Arts and Science, 2008, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10133/725.

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Stress-related cognitive changes are still a matter of debate. In some particular neuropathological conditions such as focal ischemia, cognitive functions have been shown to be significantly impaired. These conditions, however, may be improved by some factors such as steroid hormones. The purpose of the current thesis was to assess the structural and functional effects of corticosterone-related experiences on the hippocampus before and after endothelin-1 (ET-1)-induced stroke. We found corticosterone-related experiences enhance the hippocampal recovery, and improve its function in both wet and dryland tasks after ET-1-induced focal stroke. Structural and functional effects of such experiences prior to the focal ischemia in the hippocampus, however, showed that stress, not corticosterone is a strong inhibitor for hippocampal recovery.
xii, 252 leaves : ill. ; 29 cm. --

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Kaluthota, Chinthaka Dhanyakumara. "The organization and variability of song in Northern House Wrens (Troglodytes aedon parkmanii)." Thesis, Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Dept. of Psychology, c2013, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10133/3353.

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Hypothesized functions of complex song in birds include a role in mate attraction and territory defense and, through regional dialects, in genetic substructuring of populations and speciation. The necessary first step in testing such functions is a detailed characterization of song organization and variability. This is provided for the Northern House Wren (Troglodytes aedon), a species noted for complex song, but lacking detailed descriptions. The species was studied at two sites in Alberta with a sample of 15,000 songs from 15 males. Males sang in long bouts, each song composed of multiple syllable types and repeated many times before switching. The population repertoire of 27 syllables was almost entirely shared, but used to construct novel repertoires of up to 200 different song types for individual males without evidence of a ceiling. Additional flexibility and constraints in song construction are discussed in view of the above noted functions of song complexity.
x, 111 leaves : ill., maps ; 29 cm

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Bolton, F. M. "Incorporating the 3Rs (Refinement, Replacement and Reduction of animals in research) into the preclinical assessment of snake venom toxicity and antivenom efficacy." Thesis, University of Liverpool, 2017. http://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/3007573/.

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Antivenom is the only effective treatment for snakebite and comprise immunoglobulins obtained from venom-immunised horses or sheep. Globally, more than 45 manufacturers make over 120 snake antivenoms; it is a regulatory requirement that the venom-neutralising efficacy of all antivenoms are assessed preclinically. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended preclinical tests of efficacy are the median lethal venom dose (LD50) and median effective antivenom dose (ED50) assays performed in mice. They result in substantial pain and suffering to the mice with death/survival as their metric. With NC3R-funding, we sought to apply the ‘Refine, Reduce and Replace’ principles of animal experimentation to these murine assays. Pain is a near-universal symptom of snake envenoming, and one of our objectives was to identify an effective analgesic that could be utilised without invalidating the assay results. The Mouse Grimace Scale and Activity scores were used to measure pain. We examined the effects of two opioid analgesics, buprenorphine and morphine, in a range of venom LD50 and ED50 assays. Both were effective at reducing pain scores, but death rates were higher in those which had received buprenorphine, hence morphine is preferable. We demonstrate that each venom exhibits a distinct set of lesions, the severity of which appears time and dose dependent, and that the observed murine pathological lesions show significant similarities to those reported in envenomed human victims. Applying the 3R principles, we have used pathological observations, in combination with ante mortem observations, to establish more humane end-points, consequently reducing the duration of LD50 and ED50 assays from 24 to 6 hours. In addition, we have implemented a ‘dose-staging’ element into experimental design in which one dose is given and the next dose(s) selected based on the results of the previous dose, reducing total mice required. To reduce the numbers of assays, and therefore mice, we have shown an excellent correlation between in vitro binding assays, cytotoxicity neutralisation assays and in vivo ED50 using antivenoms derived from the same pool of donor animals. Comparison of the results of in vitro binding assays between 35 different venom/antivenom combinations showed a poor correlation overall, but the correlation improved when each of five venoms were considered separately. The possibility of replacing the in vivo LD50 and ED50 tests, using a cell-based neutralisation assay was investigated using two cell lines from diverse tissues of origin, namely VERO epithelial-type cells and neural SH SY5Y. All venoms studied produced a cytopathic effect in both cell lines, with the VERO cells being more sensitive to viper venoms and SH SY5Y cells to the effects of elapid venoms, when both cell lines were grown in co-culture. However, variability of results made optimisation of a neutralisation assay inadequate for use as an alternative to in vivo tests.

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Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Gait in animals Research'

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