Category: Poster Presentation

The Effects of a Fatiguing Run on Hip Abductor Muscle Strength and Pelvic Kinematics

Presenter(s): Hao Tan − Human Physiology

Co Presenter(s): Colin Lipps

Faculty Mentor(s): Li-Shan Chou, JJ Hannigan

Poster 24

Research Area: Natural/Physical Science

Funding: UROP Mini-Grant, Sue Grigsby Scholarship, William and Marjorie Shearon Memorial Scholarship

Existing literature has identified several risk factors for the development of lower limb pathologies in recreational runners, including hip abductor muscle strength deficits as well as abnormal patterns in pelvic running kinematics. Studies have indicated that hip abductor muscles play a role in stabilizing the hip during running and that hip abductor strength deficits are associated with the development of overuse injuries as well as abnormal pelvic kinematics while performing tasks upright. However, the relationship between hip abductor strength deficits and abnormal pelvic kinematics while running remains unclear. This study intends to clarify the relationship between hip abductor muscle fatigue and associated pelvic kinematic changes in healthy runners by implementing a novel 30-minute lactate threshold treadmill run as a fatigue protocol while investigating pelvic kinematic changes at 7 equidistant time points over the course of the protocol. In terms of analyzing pelvic kinematics, this study implemented a dynamical systems approach, analyzing the variability of Trunk-Pelvis and Pelvis- Thigh segment couplings in the 3 anatomical planes, as well as an analysis of individual pelvic kinematic variables, specifically pelvic drop, hip adduction, trunk lean, and hip internal rotation. 23 subjects, between the ages of 18 – 40 who have not sustained major running related injuries and regularly run at least 20 miles a week, participated in this study. Participants performed a triplet of hip abductor muscle maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs) to establish a baseline and a post-fatigue strength assessment before and after a 30-minute fatiguing run, during which kinematic changes were assessed. Using a significance threshold of 0.05, it was found that hip abductor strength decreased significantly following the fatigue protocol (p < 0.0001) while pelvic drop significantly increased following the fatigue protocol (p < 0.001). No significant changes were observed in trunk lean, hip adduction, or hip internal rotation. The results of a repeated measures one-way ANOVA used on the entire participant pool indicated that there were no significant changes in variability between the 7-time points for both Trunk-Pelvis and Pelvis-Thigh coupled segments in the three anatomical planes. However, paired t-tests indicated that female participants experienced a significant decrease in variability within the sagittal plane of Pelvis-Thigh (p < 0.001) coupled segments and the frontal plane of Trunk-Pelvis (p < 0.01) coupled segments following the fatigue protocol. The experimental results indicate that a 30-minute lactate threshold treadmill run is an effective method of inducing hip abductor fatigue and potential increases in pelvic drop. Additionally, the findings of the dynamical systems approach used implicates that females may be more prone to lower limb overuse pathologies, which is consistent with the experimental findings of past studies.

Drug Development with New Catalytic Molecules

Presenter(s): Maribelle Stanley − Pre-chemical Engineering

Faculty Mentor(s): David Tyler

Poster 18

Research Area: Chemistry

Funding: National Science Foundation grant CHE-1503550, UO Summit scholarship

Many drugs are produced by important chemical reactions which form molecules with carbon-carbon or carbon-nitrogen bonds. However, the variety of drugs that can be produced using these reactions is limited by whether a desired molecule is capable of being reacted. To make unreactive molecules react, a catalyst can be used. One common type of catalyst contains a palladium atom, which can interact with other molecules in order to form a catalytic molecule. The catalytic function of these molecules depends on how well the palladium can bring reactants together. The main goal of this research project has been to synthesize a suitable catalyst for these important reactions. Under Dr. David Tyler, and as a continuation of research conducted by Dr. Alex Kendall, novel molecules, called phosphines, have been designed, synthesized, and tested for catalytic behavior. Designing these phosphines required research into previously synthesized molecules published by other groups, and the synthesis of these molecules involved using “air-free” chemistry techniques to protect the sensitive reactants from oxygen. Testing for the presence of these molecules in reaction material was done by analyzing the structure of molecules, with two primary techniques: nuclear magnetic spectroscopy and gas-chromatography mass-spectroscopy. One molecule, called “S-Phos”, was successfully synthesized, and has been found to be catalytic; subsequent molecules are in the process of testing and synthesis. Developing new catalytic molecules can open the door to new varieties of drugs, providing better therapies to help people around the world.

Demographic Factors Influencing HIV Disclosure Rates in India

Presenter(s): Nisha Sridhar − Human Physiology

Faculty Mentor(s): Nagalingeswaran Kumarasamy, Ezhilarasi Chandrasekaran

Poster 96

Research Area: Public Health

Background: Disclosure of HIV seropositive status by an individual to family members can help improve quality of life and reduce transmission by promoting better access to medical services, and psychosocial support for seropositive individuals (1). Objective: We studied the disclosure rates and demographic factors influencing non-disclosure among HIV positive individuals in Southern India. Methods: We reviewed patient questionnaires from 6,458 seropositive patients between 2009 and 2017 seeking treatment at a large non-profit HIV/AIDS medical and research institution (Y.R.G. CARE) in Chennai, India. We analyzed demographic factors including age, sex, marital status, education, employment status, sexual orientation, ART status, mode of transmission, condom use, alcohol, and smoking status. Results: The overall self-reported disclosure rate of HIV status to family members was high at 98.7%. However, the disclosure to workplace remains low at 1.2%. Women, married individuals, housewives and unskilled workers showed a positive association with seropositive status disclosure. The self- reported disclosure rate for families found in this study is higher than those noted in other studies in developing nations. This may be due to the comprehensive education and counseling services provided at this clinic. This supports the importance of voluntary counseling services to promote disclosure supported by previous studies. Conclusion: Disclosure rates of HIV status to family remain high in this study when compared to other studies performed in developing nations. Seropositive status disclosure is an essential factor when developing strategies to increase access to treatment, reduce HIV-related stigma, and discourage HIV-transmission related behavior globally.

1. “HIV Status Disclosure to Sexual Partners: Rates, Barriers and Outcomes for Women.” World Health Organization, 2004.

Developmental Synchronization Of The Purple Pitcher Plant Mosquito, Wyeomyia Smithii, as a Result Of Increasing Temperatures

Presenter(s): Kevin Spies − Biochemistry

Faculty Mentor(s): William Bradshaw, Christina Holzapfel

Poster 45

Research Area: Natural Science

The environment factor of temperature plays an important role in the growth and development of ectothermic species. In many species, increasing temperatures have been shown to dictate development rates and gives rise to the synchronization of the mature adults from adolescence. In the purple pitcher plant mosquito Wyeomyia smithii, this phenomenon has not yet been determined to occur. The goal of this research project is to determine whether synchronized development occurs in W. smithii as a result of increasing temperatures. Accurate determination of this adaptation in W. smithii may have important implications in evolutionary biology including being used as a foundation for locating synchronization genes and adding to the current literature for synchronized emergence and the rule of thermal summing. Additionally, this information may aid in the preservation of agricultural crops against W. smithii infestation and may serve as a means of vector control for mosquito- borne disease. The project encompasses subjecting four distinct W. smithii populations to light-controlled incubators (programmed light:day cycle of 18:6) with increasing temperatures from 4 °C to 30 °C. Two cohorts from each population will be introduced to the 4 °C environment; every fifth day, the temperature will increase 2 °C and two cohorts from each population will be placed in the incubator. All populations will be observed for signs of development. Once all W. smithii have reached maturity, data will be undergo an analysis of covariance to determine whether or not synchronized development and emergence has occur in W. smithii.

Fatiguing During Repetitive Sit-To-Stand Movement: How Can We Tell

Presenter(s): Spencer Smith − Human Physiology, Psychology

Faculty Mentor(s): Li-Shan Chou, Teresa Chen

Poster 30

Research Area: Biomechanics

Funding: Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program Mini Grant

The biomechanically challenging sit-to-stand (STS) task, in which subjects repeatedly sit on and stand up from a chair, has been widely used as a functional mobility assessment as well as fatigue protocol. The purpose of this study was to identify the biomechanical measures that could potentially indicate muscle fatigue during repetitive STS movement. Subjects sat on an armless chair with their shanks perpendicular to the floor and were instructed to perform a repetitive STS movement at a self-selected pace, with arms across the chest for 30 minutes. The center of mass (CoM) trajectory on the sagittal plane (plane that divides body into left and right) was plotted and the area enclosed by rising and falling trajectories was calculated (CoMarea). No significant difference of CoMarea from start to finish was found. However, different changing patterns were observed between participants who were able to finish the fatigue protocol (Groupfinish) and those who failed to complete the task (Groupfail). CoMarea in Groupfail was significantly larger than Groupfinish during the first 3 durations (0-60% of STS protocol), indicated by independent t test, p < .05. In Groupfail, CoMarea has a higher value during 20-40% of the STS protocol, while it showed lower values at beginning and end stages.

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Strain In Butte, Montana

Presenter(s): Owen Smith − Geology

Faculty Mentor(s): Ray Weldon, Mark Reed

Poster 3

Research Area: Geology

From the uplift of the Rocky Mountains to the basin and range extension, Butte Montana has undergone dramatic tectonic deformation. This deformation does not just make for an interesting landscape but also affects the shape of mineral grains in the rock. The shape of grains can show us the amount of tectonic compression or extension the region has experienced, however the grains only record the amount of strain since it formed. Using quartz veins and the quartz grains that compose them, I measured the minor/major axis lengths of the grains. This shows us how the grain has been stretched or compressed relative to the veins orientation. The main method used for this analysis is the Fry method and it allows us to see the amount of compression or extension has occurred along the quartz veins. The results show us that if veins have not be cross cut then the grains are compressed along the vein orientation and extension occurs perpendicular to the vein orientation. When a vein does get crosscut, then the grains show less extension perpendicular to the vein and less compression along the vein orientation. This tells us that on the vein level, when a vein crosscuts another vein, there is strain accumulated parallel to the crosscutting veins orientation. This research will help complete the picture of the total amount of strain built up in the Butte, Montana region.

Dual-Task Gait Stability Assessment Utilizing a 180° Turn

Presenter(s): Emma Silverman − Human Physiology

Faculty Mentor(s): Will Pitt, Li-Shan Chou

Poster 27

Research Area: Biomechanics

The purpose of this study is to determine if a 180° turn is a useful metric for assessment of dynamic instability. 15 healthy subjects were recruited for this study. Angular velocity around a vertical axis was measured with a sensor over the L5 vertebrae. Utilizing that data, total medial-lateral center of mass deviation during a 180o turn was compared between conditions. All subjects performed a walking task at a self-selected pace, which consisted of an 8m walk, a 180 degree turn, and a return to the starting position. This walking task was performed under three different conditions (single-task walking and two dual-task conditions), in two different environments (laboratory and a hallway stimulating a medical clinic), over two testing days (approximately 7-10 days apart), and by two different raters. Currently, data collection has been completed. Data is currently being processed and thorough statistical analysis will begin shortly. Initial data analysis suggests a trend for significance (p=0.072), indicating that a 180° turn may be an additional useful metric for assessment of dynamic instability.

Nutrition and Anemia in Lao Children: Determining Contextual Correlates

Presenter(s): Nathaniel Sichter − Psychology

Faculty Mentor(s): Jeffrey Measelle, Dorianne Wright

Poster 91

Research Area: Global Health/Social Science

Funding: Friends Without A Boarder, Secondary Funder: Clinton Foundation

Laos is the poorest country in the Southeast Asia region (WHO, 2018). In 2017, Lao’s Global Hunger Index (GHI) rating was 27.5, indicating an alarming prevalence of malnourishment (WHO, 2018). Factors like poverty and poorly targeted/delivered nutritional programs influence this rating. Anemia – a condition marked by reduced hemoglobin concentration –can be caused by poor diet and exacerbated by infectious diseases and various social factors (Kotecha, 2011). The present study investigates the association between nutritional intake and anemia among young children, and whether contextual factors (i.e., SES, ethnicity, or access to health services) moderate that association. We hypothesized that malnourished children would show higher rates of anemia, and that this association would be strongest among poor and ethnically marginalized families with poor access to health services. Data were collected in 2014 from 968 children under five years of age in 90 villages across three districts in northern Laos. An adapted version of UNICEF’s Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS v.4) was used to measure a wide range of health indicators, including infant health status, families’ nutritional practices, composition of food basket, and issues of food security. Children’s hemoglobin levels were measured using a HemoCue Hb 201. Our cutoff for determining anemia was any hemoglobin concentration under 11g/dL. Preliminary analyses suggest that children sampled were undernourished with 47% experiencing stunting, 9% wasting, and 31% being underweight. Additionally, 57% were classified as anemic. Analyses are underway to explore the association between nutritional profile and child anemia, as well as to test potential moderators.

The Effectiveness of Audiovisual Training on Non-Native English Speech Production and Perception

Presenter(s): Chia-ni Shen − Psychology, Communication Disorders & Sciences

Faculty Mentor(s): Melissa Baese-Berk

Poster 118

Research Area: Linguistics (Second Language Production And Perception)

Funding: UROP Mini Grant

In this project, we will examine the effectiveness of audiovisual training, pairing audio input with visual input, on non-native English speech production and perception. Speech perception relies on both acoustic information and visual information. Audiovisual training is a method that applies use of the two domains. Previous research utilizing this method has been employed in the field of speech pathology, showing positive outcomes in improving speech among dyslexic children. However, few studies to date have examined its use in second language learning. Furthermore, this research has focused primarily on perception and production of English /l/ and /r/ but not consonants made with the lips (i.e., labial sounds: /b,p,m,f,v/), which are known to be challenging for many second language learners though the differences between these consonants are typically visible on the lips. Therefore, the aim of this project is to explore audiovisual training across 3 non-native language groups: Chinese, Japanese, and Arabic. Participants will take part in a training study designed to examine the effects of audiovisual and audio-only training. Performance before and after the training will be assessed via perception and production tests. We hypothesize that 1) student production performance and perception performance will improve and 2) production and perception improvement will rely heavily on a participant’s language background and known difficulties with labial sounds. Results from this research will enrich understanding of language perception and production and provide information on the use of audiovisual training in second language learning.

Monitoring Lane Community College Coyote Population: Urban or Rural?

Presenter(s): Caroline Shea − Animal Sciences, Pre-vet

Faculty Mentor(s): Stacy Kiser

Poster 57

Research Area: Natural Science

There are so many people that are afraid of coyotes, since many people assume that they are going to go after their animals. Not all coyotes are hunters, however, and when they are they tend to eat small animals and insects. The coyote population on and around Lane Community College had gone undetected for a long time. In the spring of 2017 there was one coyote was spotted by a game camera, a mother coyote who had given birth that year. This coyote was found at a site which had red meat placed at the site, which the coyote did not touch, but there was a large amount of small rodent activity, leading to the question: Was the coyote population hunters, like rural coyotes, or were they scavengers like an urban coyote? This is being tested by using this five grain mixture to attract small rodents to see if the coyote would follow. The small animals so far includes rats, mice, birds, rabbits, and chipmunks. This research is useful to help determine if the coyotes pose a potential threat to the nearby neighborhoods or not. So far it is possible that the coyotes are not afraid of people, making them closer to the urban coyote than a rural one, however it is not yet confirmed.