Doctor of Philosophy, University of Toledo, 2021, Psychology - Experimental

Degree of hand preference is a robust indication of corpus callosum size, with individuals whose hand preference varies (called inconsistent-handers, or ICHs)typically having larger corpora callosa than individuals that prefer to use the same hand for most or all tasks (called consistent-handers, or CHs).A larger corpus callosum gives ICHs advantages on tasks that require the integration of information between the two hemispheres of the brain but is detrimental to their performance on tasks that require separation between the hemispheres. Thus, degree of hand preference is a trait variable that can explain individual differences in cognition. One's bodily posture affects cerebral activation, thereby producing cognitive changes as well. Cerebral activation largely favors the left hemisphere when seated; when standing, though, cerebral activity becomes more symmetrical and increases overall. Standing generally facilitates performance on tasks that require access to right-hemisphere processes or integration of information between the hemispheres. The present research aimed to examine the individual and interactive effects of handedness ad bodily posture on cognitive flexibility. In Experiments 1 and 2, participants were assigned to either sit or stand while performing tasks intended to measure cognitive flexibility. In Experiment 1, participants were presented with several ambiguous images and clicked the screen each time their perception of the image changed. In Experiment 2,participants read either a strong or weak argument in favor of comprehensive senior exit exams. No significant effects of handedness of posture emerged. Methodological considerations and limitations are discussed.

Committee: Stephen Christman (Committee Chair); John Jasper (Committee Member); John Sarnecki (Committee Member); Andrew Geers (Committee Member); Kamala London (Committee Member) Subjects: Cognitive Psychology; Experimental Psychology; Psychobiology; Psychology

Master of Arts, The Ohio State University, 1974, Communication

Nonverbal interaction process in four triadic discussion groups was examined for this study. Through time lapse photography, discrete visual time samples in the form of film frames were analyzed. Each frame defined a state of the interaction process. Configurations of group behavior for each of three levels of the nonverbal communication subsystem (head, body, and arm movements) were coded from each frame. Through the Stochastic theory of Markov chains, sequences of configurations, then, operationalized group process. The research questions directing this study concerned the characteristic nonverbal behaviors displayed during group interaction, the characteristic sequences of behavior, and the stability of these behaviors across similarly structured groups. Results indicated that sequences of head movement are extremely varied; body and arm movement sequences are more predictible. The most frequent sequence of behavior is for each level-configuration to remain constant from t to t+1. Behavior sequences are not stable across groups, however. This application of the time lapse photography-Markov analysis design shows promise for further investigations of nonverbal process.

Committee: L. Hawes (Advisor) Subjects:

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2013, Comparative and Veterinary Medicine

Measurement of intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) is essential for documentation and monitoring of intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS). IAH and ACS are two linked conditions significantly associated with morbidity and mortality in critically ill humans. Documented risk factors for the development of ACS in people may be applicable to horses and IAH has been described within the equine literature. Consensus statements are available in human critical care advising on optimal IAP acquisition methodologies and monitoring because many variables can affect the results obtained. Guidelines are also published for the treatment of IAH and ACS in people. Such information is currently unavailable in equine medicine. The purpose of this study was to undertake abdominal pressure profiling in normal horses to investigate species-specific characteristics. We hypothesized that intra-abdominal pressure is both location and body position dependent in normal horses. We further hypothesized that sedation would not affect IAP in normal standing horses. Direct abdominal pressures were measured from 3 different locations in nine healthy, standing, adult horses (2 flank positions and the ventral abdomen). Direct arterial blood pressure was concurrently obtained. Abdominal perfusion pressure was calculated (mean arterial pressure – IAP). Identical variables were recorded after administration of intravenous sedation (xylazine hydrochloride). Each horse then underwent short-term total intravenous anesthesia (diazepam, ketamine, guaifenesin guaiacolate) to facilitate patient positioning. All hemodynamic and abdominal pressures were measured with horses in left lateral/right lateral (LR) and dorsal recumbencies (DR). We demonstrated that flank IAP was subatmospheric and significantly lower than ventrum IAP in standing horses (P < 0.001). Ventrum calculated abdominal perfusion pressure (APP) was lower than flank calculated APP (P = 0.0 (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Samuel Hurcombe (Committee Chair); Margaret Mudge (Committee Member); Ramiro Toribio (Committee Member); Philip Lerche (Committee Member) Subjects: Medicine; Veterinary Services