Avoiding Clean Air Act Enforcement Actions

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-06-01

process or common-source permits (for instance, all boilers or all sources within a defined area on one per- mit); or separate permits for every source of... boilers ; and explosive produc- tion processes. The limitations on NO. emissions may become more stringent if it is determined that these emissions...ISC = Infornmtbon Systems C~r;, INSCOM w; HSC m HhO Sewims Com- rand; FORSCOM - Forces Command; ARNG a Army Natonal Guwd; AMC = Army Maet Command

Determining Cargo Flow for Air Mobility Command’s Channel Cargo System.

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-03-01

1.78 2.08 EDAR LICZ 0.18 0,36 0.54 0.72 0.90 1.08 1.26 EDAR LIRN 0.18 0.37 0.55 0.73 0.92 1.10 1.28 EDAR OEDR 0.85 1.69 2.54 3.39 4.23 5.08 5.93 EGUN ...KNGU 0.78 1.56 2.34 3.12 3.90 4.68 5.46 EGUN LTAG 1.68- 3.36 5.04 6.72 8.40 10.08 11.76 KCHS EDAF 0.16 0.20 0.22 0.46 0.75 1.01 1.24 KDOV LGIR 0.31...AMC study (Robinson, 22 Sep 92). BIKF CYQX EDAF EDAR EGUN EXXX FTTJ FZAA GLRB GOOY HKNA HSSS KCHS KDOV KNGU KSUU KTIK KWRI KXXX LCRA LERT LETO LGIR LICZ

Smart Systems for Logistics Command and Control (SSLC2)

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-06-01

design options 12 AFRL Risk Abatement (continued) • Awareness of key development projects: • AF Portal • GCSS-AF • TBMCS-UL • Enterprise Data Warehouse ... Logistics Enterprise Architecture • Early identification of Transition Agents 13 Collaboration Partners • AF-ILMM • AMC/A-4 • AFC2ISRC • AFMC LSO

2009 Joint CBRN Conference

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-06-25

Operational Science & Technology Conference & Exhibition August 3 - 6, 2009 Honolulu, HI "Synchronizing Operators and Technologists " Warheads & Ballistics...1027 Microbial-Vac Systems Inc. 627 Military Medical Technology 1115 Modec, Inc...AT&L) TRADOC VCSAFORSCOM INSCOM Medical Dept BD RDE COMMAND AMC RDECs ARL SLAD ATEC AEC DTC OTC HELSTF USAKA/RTS ASA(ALT) PEO STRI PM ITTS IMO TMO

Advanced Vehicle Power Technology Alliance Technical Workshop and Operations Report

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-10-05

Vehicle Exhaust TEG 2016 1 TEG: Thermo-Electric Generator UNCLASSIFIED: Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release. E16...Equipment 2016 Validation Data: − Power Electronics ― 2020 ― ― UNCLASSIFIED: Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release...Materiel Command (AMC) UNCLASSIFIED: Distribution Statement A. Approved for Public Release Report Documentation Page Form ApprovedOMB No. 0704-0188

AmeriFlux Measurement Component (AMC) Instrument Handbook

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Reichl, Ken; Biraud, Sebastien C.

2016-04-01

An AMC system was installed at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Climate Research Facility North Slope of Alaska (NSA) Barrow site, also known as NSA C1 at the ARM Data Archive, in August 2012. A second AMC system was installed at the third ARM Mobile Facility deployment at Oliktok Point, also known as NSA M1. This in situ system consists of 12 combination soil temperature and volumetric water content (VWC) reflectometers and one set of upwelling and downwelling photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) sensors, all deployed within the fetch of the Eddy Correlation Flux Measurement System.more » Soil temperature and VWC sensors placed at two depths (10 and 30 cm below the vegetation layer) at six locations (or microsites) allow soil property inhomogeneity to be monitored across a landscape.« less

Heat Recovery at Army Materiel Command (AMC) Facilities

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-06-01

industrial complexes and somewhat smaller commercial/ HVAC ** systems, a portion of this waste heat can be recovered, improving energy efficiency. Heat...devices are used in sequence. Other shell-and-tube applications include heat transfer from process liquids, condensates, and cooling water. Two...pipe consists of a sealed element involving an annular capillary wick con- tained inside the full length of the tube, with an appropriate entrained

Consolidating AMC’s Contingency Response Capabilities: A Delphi Study

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-06-19

Africa in support of Operation UNITED ASSISTANCE, the international response to contain the Ebola epidemic (US Transportation Command, 2014). Though JTF...DO, 2015). The deployment of the 817 CRG to Liberia also underutilized its full capacity as only 79 Airmen and 10 Soldiers of the 140-member JTF-PO...pdf 89 Gonzalez, G. S. (2014, November 13). JTF-PO Leaves Liberia . Retrieved from US Air Force Expeditionary Center: http

Annual Historical Review FY89

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-03-01

Acquisition (DCSRDA) in the late 1970s and early 1980s . Immediately prior to assuming command of AMC, from August 1984 to April 1987, he served as the DCSRDA...Since 1980 , 78 studies had been completed, generating 250 military and over 8,900 civilian spaces as a result of contract conversions or the...explore the ServiceMaster proposal in lieu of continuing a commercial activities (CA) cost study, which was announced to Congress in December 1980 , but

Technology Description Sheets form the AMC 1990 Technology Expo Held in Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland on 1-4 October 1990

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-10-04

emission signals) " Compactness (can be hand-held). The ISOPADS was demonstrated to troop units at the Army Training Command, Grafenwoehr , West...To be controlled, the microwave chips and modules must be interconnected with remotely located components and subsystems. Utilizing metallic cables...forward observer systcm being developed for use in situations too dangerous for soldiers. such as nuclear- contaminated areas or in support of a minefield

Use of a public-private partnership in malaria elimination efforts in Sri Lanka; a case study.

PubMed

Fernando, Deepika; Wijeyaratne, Pandu; Wickremasinghe, Rajitha; Abeyasinghe, Rabindra R; Galappaththy, Gawrie N L; Wickremasinghe, Renu; Hapugoda, M; Abeywickrema, W A; Rodrigo, Chaturaka

2018-03-23

In special circumstances, establishing public private partnerships for malaria elimination may achieve targets faster than the state sector acting by itself. Following the end of the separatist war in Sri Lanka in 2009, the Anti Malaria Campaign (AMC) of Sri Lanka intensified malaria surveillance jointly with a private sector partner, Tropical and Environmental Diseases and Health Associates Private Limited (TEDHA) with a view to achieving malaria elimination targets by 2014. This is a case study on how public private partnerships can be effectively utilized to achieve malaria elimination goals. TEDHA established 50 Malaria Diagnostic Laboratories and 17 entomology surveillance sentinel sites in consultation with the AMC in areas difficult to access by government officials (five districts in two provinces affected by war). TEDHA screened 994,448 individuals for malaria, of which 243,867 were screened at mobile malaria clinics as compared to 1,102,054 screened by the AMC. Nine malaria positives were diagnosed by TEDHA, while the AMC diagnosed 103 malaria cases in the same districts in parallel. Over 13,000 entomological activity days were completed. Relevant information was shared with AMC and the data recorded in the health information system. A successful public-private partnership model for malaria elimination was initiated at a time when the health system was in disarray in war ravaged areas of Sri Lanka. This ensured a high annual blood examination rate and screening of vulnerable people in receptive areas. These were important for certification of malaria-free status which Sri Lanka eventually received in 2016.

A Fully Coupled, Automated Formation Control System for Dissimilar Aircraft in Maneuvering Formation Flight

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-03-01

Command contracted with IBM in the mid seventies to build a drone formation control system capable of controlling a number of drone aircraft... Number 6, 1 July 1964 to 26 February 1965. Contract Number DA-36-039-AMC� (E), 1E1-20601-A219-03. Burlington, Massachusetts: Radio Corporation of ...PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATIONREPORT NUMBER Air Force Institute of Technology, WPAFB OH 45433-6583 AFIT/GE

Environmental Assessment of Installation Development at McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-02-01

months. The primary fuel used by the boilers is natural gas , but they are also capable of using oil as a backup. Excess heating is capacity available... oil ft 2 square feet FUB Facilities Utilization Board FY fiscal year GIS Geographical Information System GOV government-owned vehicle GRDC...under the command and control of AMC, approximately 18 miles southeast of downtown Trenton, New Jersey. It is bounded by the U.S. Army’s Fort Dix

AmeriFlux Measurement Component (AMC) Handbook

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Reichl, K.; Biraud, S. C.

An AMC system was installed at the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Climate Research Facility’s North Slope Alaska (NSA) Barrow site, also known as NSA C1 at the ARM Data Archive, in August 2012. A second AMC system was installed at the third ARM Mobile Facility deployment at Oliktok Point, also known as NSA M1. This in situ system consists of 12 combination soil temperature and volumetric water content (VWC) reflectometers and one set of upwelling and downwelling PAR sensors, all deployed within the fetch of the Eddy Correlation Flux Measurement System. Soil temperature and VWC sensors placed at two depthsmore » (10 and 30 cm below the vegetation layer) at six locations (or microsites) allow soil property inhomogeneity to be monitored across a landscape. The soil VWC and temperature sensors used at NSA C1 are the Campbell Scientific CS650L and the sensors at NSA M1 use the Campbell Scientific CS655. The two sensors are nearly identical in function, and vendor specifications are based on the CS650 unless otherwise stated.« less

The AMC 󈨎 Mobility Model

DTIC Science & Technology

1975-05-01

M ot.atacla OnnU Strata« iBdldil t’. MMt < •allr/l fanäii aM im >. MMt 1 Uck * for im ■ atar Dap tu 0*4 vanicia rioattai...code numbers. V-2 ’■’- I run mmt Assignment of specific geometric properties and physical dimensions to the linear features can be done by a

Truncating Mutations of MAGEL2, a Gene within the Prader-Willi Locus, Are Responsible for Severe Arthrogryposis

PubMed Central

Mejlachowicz, Dan; Nolent, Flora; Maluenda, Jérome; Ranjatoelina-Randrianaivo, Hanitra; Giuliano, Fabienne; Gut, Ivo; Sternberg, Damien; Laquerrière, Annie; Melki, Judith

2015-01-01

Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) is characterized by the presence of multiple joint contractures resulting from reduced or absent fetal movement. Here, we report two unrelated families affected by lethal AMC. By genetic mapping and whole-exome sequencing in a multiplex family, a heterozygous truncating MAGEL2 mutation leading to frameshift and a premature stop codon (c.1996delC, p.Gln666Serfs∗36) and inherited from the father was identified in the probands. In another family, a distinct heterozygous truncating mutation leading to frameshift (c.2118delT, p.Leu708Trpfs∗7) and occurring de novo on the paternal allele of MAGEL2 was identified in the affected individual. In both families, RNA analysis identified the mutated paternal MAGEL2 transcripts only in affected individuals. MAGEL2 is one of the paternally expressed genes within the Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) locus. PWS is associated with, to varying extents, reduced fetal mobility, severe infantile hypotonia, childhood-onset obesity, hypogonadism, and intellectual disability. MAGEL2 mutations have been recently reported in affected individuals with features resembling PWS and called Schaaf-Yang syndrome. Here, we show that paternal MAGEL2 mutations are also responsible for lethal AMC, recapitulating the clinical spectrum of PWS and suggesting that MAGEL2 is a PWS-determining gene. PMID:26365340

TennCare and academic medical centers: the lessons from Tennessee.

PubMed

Meyer, G S; Blumenthal, D

1996-09-04

To ascertain the potential impact of public-sector-driven health system reform (Medicaid and Medicare programs) on academic medical centers (AMCs). A qualitative, case-study investigation of how 2 of Tennessee's 4 AMCs were affected by the TennCare program, which enrolled all of the state's Medicaid recipients and a sizable portion of its uninsured in managed care organizations (MCOs) in January 1994. We reviewed pertinent documents related to the AMCs, response to TennCare; interviewed AMC executives and staff, state officials, and representatives of MCOs serving TennCare beneficiaries; and conducted site visits at both AMCs. Changes in clinical revenues, clinical volume, patient selection, support for the AMCs, teaching and research missions, and the AMCs' response to these changes. Both AMCs studied experienced large revenue shortfalls, the closure of some specialty services, adverse patient selection, and loss of the patient volume needed to do clinical research, and had to reduce the number of training program positions. Longer-term consequences of TennCare for AMCs may include the integration of community-based services into academic missions, the acceleration of clinical diversification, and the attainment of experience in managed care, anticipating the evolution of the private-sector market. The consequences of public-sector health system reform for AMCs are similar to, and equally as challenging as, the effects of private-sector changes in health care delivery. Important differences include the rapidity with which public-sector reforms can transform the AMC market, the vulnerability of special payments to AMCs, such as graduate medical education funding, and the accountability of managers of public-sector initiatives to the political process. It remains to be seen whether public-sector reforms will afford some competitive advantage to AMCs over the long term.

Determining Mobility Support Advisory Squadron Effectiveness in Support of Building Partner Capacity

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-06-15

Pamela Bennet Bardot, USAF Expeditionary Center Librarian - Extraordinaire for graciously entertaining my numerous requests for information and helping... standardized , realistic set of performance criteria can ensure standardization between the MSAS and give AMC a baseline from which to inspect compliance...continue to mature. They include: • Lacking a universally recognized and utilized lexicon. In reference to working with PNs, common , interchangeably

Abacus Training Affects Math and Task Switching Abilities and Modulates Their Relationships in Chinese Children

PubMed Central

Yao, Yuan; Weng, Jian; Hu, Yuzheng; Chen, Feiyan

2015-01-01

Our previous work demonstrated that abacus-based mental calculation (AMC), a traditional Chinese calculation method, could help children improve their math abilities (e.g. basic arithmetical ability) and executive function (e.g. working memory). This study further examined the effects of long-term AMC training on math ability in visual-spatial domain and the task switching component of executive function. More importantly, this study investigated whether AMC training modulated the relationship between math abilities and task switching. The participants were seventy 7-year-old children who were randomly assigned into AMC and control groups at primary school entry. Children in AMC group received 2-hour AMC training every week since primary school entry. On the contrary, children in the control group had never received any AMC training. Math and task switching abilities were measured one year and three years respectively after AMC training began. The results showed that AMC children performed better than their peers on math abilities in arithmetical and visual-spatial domains. In addition, AMC group responded faster than control group in the switching task, while no group difference was found in switch cost. Most interestingly, group difference was present in the relationships between math abilities and switch cost. These results implied the effect of AMC training on math abilities as well as its relationship with executive function. PMID:26444689

Abacus Training Affects Math and Task Switching Abilities and Modulates Their Relationships in Chinese Children.

PubMed

Wang, Chunjie; Geng, Fengji; Yao, Yuan; Weng, Jian; Hu, Yuzheng; Chen, Feiyan

2015-01-01

Our previous work demonstrated that abacus-based mental calculation (AMC), a traditional Chinese calculation method, could help children improve their math abilities (e.g. basic arithmetical ability) and executive function (e.g. working memory). This study further examined the effects of long-term AMC training on math ability in visual-spatial domain and the task switching component of executive function. More importantly, this study investigated whether AMC training modulated the relationship between math abilities and task switching. The participants were seventy 7-year-old children who were randomly assigned into AMC and control groups at primary school entry. Children in AMC group received 2-hour AMC training every week since primary school entry. On the contrary, children in the control group had never received any AMC training. Math and task switching abilities were measured one year and three years respectively after AMC training began. The results showed that AMC children performed better than their peers on math abilities in arithmetical and visual-spatial domains. In addition, AMC group responded faster than control group in the switching task, while no group difference was found in switch cost. Most interestingly, group difference was present in the relationships between math abilities and switch cost. These results implied the effect of AMC training on math abilities as well as its relationship with executive function.

Affinity monolith chromatography: A review of general principles and applications.

PubMed

Li, Zhao; Rodriguez, Elliott; Azaria, Shiden; Pekarek, Allegra; Hage, David S

2017-11-01

Affinity monolith chromatography, or AMC, is a liquid chromatographic method in which the support is a monolith and the stationary phase is a biological-binding agent or related mimic. AMC has become popular for the isolation of biochemicals, for the measurement of various analytes, and for studying biological interactions. This review will examine the principles and applications of AMC. The materials that have been used to prepare AMC columns will be discussed, which have included various organic polymers, silica, agarose, and cryogels. Immobilization schemes that have been used in AMC will also be considered. Various binding agents and applications that have been reported for AMC will then be described. These applications will include the use of AMC for bioaffinity chromatography, immunoaffinity chromatography, dye-ligand affinity chromatography, and immobilized metal-ion affinity chromatography. The use of AMC with chiral stationary phases and as a tool to characterize biological interactions will also be examined. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Analysis of cash flow in academic medical centers in the United States.

PubMed

McCue, Michael J; Thompson, Jon M

2011-09-01

To examine cash flow margins in academic medical centers (AMCs; i.e., teaching hospitals) in an effort both to determine any significant differences in a set of operational and financial factors known to influence cash flow for high- and low-cash-flow AMCs and to discuss how these findings affect AMC operations. The authors sampled the Medicare cost report data of 103 AMCs for fiscal years 2005, 2006, and 2007, and then they applied the t test to test for significant mean differences between the two cash flow groups across operational and financial variables (e.g., case mix, operating margin). Compared with low-cash-flow AMCs, high-cash-flow AMCs were larger-bed-size facilities, treated cases of greater complexity, generated higher net patient revenue per adjusted discharge, served a significantly lower percentage of Medicaid patients, had significantly higher average operating profit margins and cash flow margin ratios, possessed a higher number of days of cash on hand, and collected their receivables more quickly. Study findings imply that high-cash-flow AMCs were earning higher cash flow returns than low-cash-flow AMCs, which may be because high-cash-flow AMCs generate higher patient revenues while serving fewer lower-paying Medicaid patients.

Seismological evidence for an along-axis hydrothermal flow at the Lucky Strike hydrothermal vents site

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rai, A.; Wang, H.; Singh, S. C.; Crawford, W. C.; Escartin, J.; Cannat, M.

2010-12-01

Hydrothermal circulation at ocean spreading centres plays fundamental role in crustal accretion process, heat extraction from the earth and helps to maintain very rich ecosystem in deep Ocean. Recently, it has been suggested that hydrothermal circulation is mainly along the ridge axis at fast spreading centres above along axis melt lens (AMC). Using a combination of micro-earthquake and seismic reflection data, we show that the hydrothermal circulation at the Lucky Strike segment of slow spreading Mid-Atlantic Ridge is also along axis in a narrow (~1 km) zone above a wide (2-3 km) AMC. We find that the seismicity mainly lies above the seismically imaged 3 km wide 7 km long melt lens at 3.2 km depth. We observe a vertical plume of seismicity above a weak AMC reflection just north of the hydrothermal vent fields that initiates just above the AMC and continues to the seafloor. This zone is collocated with active rifting of the seafloor in the neo-volcanic zone. Beneath the hydrothermal vents sites, where a strong melt lens is imaged, the seismicity initiates at 500 m above the AMC and continues to the seafloor. Just south of the hydrothermal field, where the AMC is widest and strongest, the seismicity band lies 500 m above the melt lens in a 800 m thick zone, which does not continue to the seafloor. The presence the weak melt lens reflection could be due to a cooled and crystallised AMC (mush) that permits the penetration of hydrothermal fluids down to the top of the AMC indicated by seismicity plume and might be the in-flow zone for hydrothermal circulation. The strong AMC reflection could be due to fresh supply of melt in the AMC (pure melt), which has pushed the cracking front 500 m above the AMC. Beneath the hydrothermal fields, the strong AMC reflection and seismicity 500 above the AMC to the seafloor could represent cracking along the up-flow zone. The 800 m thick zone of seismicity above the pure melt zone could be the zone of hydrothermal cracking zone. We do not observe any seismicity along the main bounding faults. These results suggest that the hydrothermal flow is mainly along the ridge axis in a narrow zone above the AMC, even when the AMC only 7 km long.

The Potential for Additional Channel Airlift in a Low Cargo Demand Theater

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-06-13

benefit of providing additional channel airlift in the AFRICOM Theater. Assumptions/Limitations The research problem has many variables, so the... salesman USTRANSCOM via AMC has a variety of airlift services it can offer its customers. Annex 3-17 Air Mobility Operations defines airlift as...International, 2008) Given the trouble land based travel offers the alternative for military operations is to route cargo and personnel by air. Air

Mobilization Base Requirements Model (MOBREM) Study. Phases I-V.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-08-01

Department Health Services Command Base Mobilization Plan; DARCOM; Army Communications Command (ACC); Military Transportation Manage- ment Command...Chief of Staff. c. The major commands in CONUS are represented on the next line. FORSCOM, DARCOM, TRADOC, and Health Service Commands are the larger...specialized combat support and combat service support training. Tile general support force (GSF) units are non- deployable ’inits supporting tne CONUS

Psychometric properties and parental reported utility of the 19-item 'About My Child' (AMC-19) measure.

PubMed

Williams, Uzma; Rosenbaum, Peter; Gorter, Jan Willem; McCauley, Dayle; Gulko, Roman

2018-05-25

'About My Child' 19-item version (AMC-19) is a parent-report measure developed to assess the complexity of a child's life due to biological, psychological, social and environmental issues, that can be completed in approximately 5 min. AMC measures two dimensions of complexity: parental concerns and impact on the child. This paper examines the psychometric properties and parent-reported utility of the AMC-19 for children with disabilities or special health care needs. Data were gathered from two Canadian studies at CanChild: the 'AMC-19 Pilot' study and the 'Service Utilization and Outcomes (SUO)' study. The AMC-19 Pilot study data allowed us to explore internal consistency and test-retest reliability, as well as parental responses to two open-ended questions on the utility of the AMC-19. The SUO study provided data for analyses of internal consistency and scale property validation with type of diagnosis and service needs. The test-retest ICC was r = 0.83 for concerns and r = 0.87 for impact. Cronbach's alpha across both studies ranged from 0.80 to 0.90. Parents' comments on the AMC-19's utility indicated support for the AMC-19, in particular to identify therapy needs and goals. The AMC-19 demonstrates strong psychometric properties supporting it as a valuable measure for describing the level of complexity among children with disabilities. We recommend using the AMC-19 in health services research and clinical settings to build dialogue between family and therapists due to its utility reported by parents.

Soft X-ray-assisted detection method for airborne molecular contaminations (AMCs)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Changhyuk; Zuo, Zhili; Finger, Hartmut; Haep, Stefan; Asbach, Christof; Fissan, Heinz; Pui, David Y. H.

2015-03-01

Airborne molecular contaminations (AMCs) represent a wide range of gaseous contaminants in cleanrooms. Due to the unintentional nanoparticle or haze formation as well as doping caused by AMCs, improved monitoring and controlling methods for AMCs are urgent in the semiconductor industry. However, measuring ultra-low concentrations of AMCs in cleanrooms is difficult, especially, behind a gas filter. In this study, a novel detection method for AMCs, which is on-line, economical, and applicable for diverse AMCs, was developed by employing gas-to-particle conversion with soft X-ray, and then measuring the generated nanoparticles. Feasibility study of this method was conducted through the evaluations of granular-activated carbons (GACs), which are widely used AMC filter media. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) was used as an AMC for the feasibility study. Using this method, the ultra-low concentrations of SO2 behind GACs were determined in terms of concentrations of generated sulfuric acid (H2SO4) nanoparticles. By calculating SO2 concentrations from the nanoparticle concentrations using empirical correlation equations between them, remarkable sensitivity of this method to SO2 was shown, down to parts-per-trillions, which are too low to detect using commercial gas sensors. Also, the calculated SO2 concentrations showed good agreement with those measured simultaneously by a commercial SO2 monitor at parts-per-billions.

The "for-benefit" academic medical center: a solution for survival.

PubMed

Sabeti, Heerad; Kahn, Marc J; Sachs, Benjamin P

2015-05-01

Academic medical centers (AMCs) are the backbone of the U.S. health care system. They provide a disproportionate share of charity care and serve as a training ground for future physicians. Yet, AMCs face profound economic challenges, from changes in funding to changes in the health care market. To survive, many AMCs will need to form integrated health systems, a process expected to cost tens, if not hundreds, of millions of dollars. Nearly all AMCs are structured as not-for- profit entities, which places restrictions on their ability to forge partnerships, pursue joint ventures, and access private capital, often essential elements for forming such integrated systems. An alternative model known as the "for-benefit" corporation can allow AMCs to retain their important social mission and the other advantages of their not-for-profit status while allowing them flexibility and access to both investment and philanthropic capital. To pursue the for-benefit pathway, AMCs have two options-either they could work within the constraints of existing laws to restructure themselves as for-benefit entities, or they could create, under federal law, a new for-benefit AMC model, allowing for the orderly conversion of not-for-profit AMCs. Essential components of a for-benefit AMC include a social purpose, access to multiple forms of capital, the use of earnings to support its purpose, transparency, aligned compensation, and tax exemptions. Restructuring an AMC as a for-benefit entity enables it to both advance shareholder value and further the public good.

Governing Academic Medical Center Systems: Evaluating and Choosing Among Alternative Governance Approaches.

PubMed

Chari, Ramya; O'Hanlon, Claire; Chen, Peggy; Leuschner, Kristin; Nelson, Christopher

2018-02-01

The ability of academic medical centers (AMCs) to fulfill their triple mission of patient care, medical education, and research is increasingly being threatened by rising financial pressures and resource constraints. Many AMCs are, therefore, looking to expand into academic medical systems, increasing their scale through consolidation or affiliation with other health care systems. As clinical operations grow, though, the need for effective governance becomes even more critical to ensure that the business of patient care does not compromise the rest of the triple mission. Multi-AMC systems, a model in which multiple AMCs are governed by a single body, pose a particular challenge in balancing unity with the needs of component AMCs, and therefore offer lessons for designing AMC governance approaches. This article describes the development and application of a set of criteria to evaluate governance options for one multi-AMC system-the University of California (UC) and its five AMCs. Based on a literature review and key informant interviews, the authors identified criteria for evaluating governance approaches (structures and processes), assessed current governance approaches using the criteria, identified alternative governance options, and assessed each option using the identified criteria. The assessment aided UC in streamlining governance operations to enhance their ability to respond efficiently to change and to act collectively. Although designed for UC and a multi-AMC model, the criteria may provide a systematic way for any AMC to assess the strengths and weaknesses of its governance approaches.

Characterizing Arctic mixed-phase cloud structure and its relationship with humidity and temperature inversion using ARM NSA observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qiu, Shaoyue; Dong, Xiquan; Xi, Baike; Li, J.-L. F.

2015-08-01

In this study, the characteristics of the Arctic mixed-phase cloud (AMC) have been investigated using data collected at the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement North Slope Alaska site from October 2006 to September 2009. AMC has an annual occurrence frequency of 42.3%, which includes 18.7% of single-layered AMCs and 23.6% for multiple layers. Two cloud base heights (CBHs) are defined from ceilometer and micropulse lidar (MPL) measurements. For single-layered AMC, the ceilometer-derived CBH represents the base of the liquid-dominant layer near the cloud top, while MPL-derived CBH represents base of the lower ice-dominant layer. The annual mean CBHs from ceilometer and MPL measurements are 1.0 km and 0.6 km, respectively, with the largest difference ( 1.0 km) occurring from December to March and the smallest difference in September. The humidity inversion occurrence decreases with increasing humidity inversion intensity (stronger in summer than in winter). During the winter months, AMC occurrences increase from 15% to 35% when the inversion intensity increases from 0.1 to 0.9 g/kg. On the contrary, despite a higher frequency of strong humidity inversion in summer, AMC occurrences are nearly invariant for different inversion intensities. On average, humidity and temperature inversion frequencies of occurrence above an AMC are 5 and 8 times, respectively, as high as those below an AMC. The strong inversion occurrences for both humidity and temperature above an AMC provide the moisture sources from above for the formation and maintenance of AMCs. This result helps to reconcile the persistency of AMCs even when the Arctic surface is covered by snow and ice.

Characterizing Arctic mixed-phase cloud structure and its relationship with humidity and temperature inversion using ARM NSA observations

DOE PAGES

Qiu, Shaoyue; Dong, Xiquan; Xi, Baike; ...

2015-07-20

In this work, the characteristics of the Arctic mixed-phase cloud (AMC) have been investigated using data collected at the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement North Slope Alaska site from October 2006 to September 2009. AMC has an annual occurrence frequency of 42.3%, which includes 18.7% of single-layered AMCs and 23.6% for multiple layers. Two cloud base heights (CBHs) are defined from ceilometer and micropulse lidar (MPL) measurements. For single-layered AMC, the ceilometer-derived CBH represents the base of the liquid-dominant layer near the cloud top, while MPL-derived CBH represents base of the lower ice-dominant layer. The annual mean CBHs from ceilometer and MPLmore » measurements are 1.0 km and 0.6 km, respectively, with the largest difference (~1.0 km) occurring from December to March and the smallest difference in September. The humidity inversion occurrence decreases with increasing humidity inversion intensity (stronger in summer than in winter). During the winter months, AMC occurrences increase from 15% to 35% when the inversion intensity increases from 0.1 to 0.9 g/kg. On the contrary, despite a higher frequency of strong humidity inversion in summer, AMC occurrences are nearly invariant for different inversion intensities. On average, humidity and temperature inversion frequencies of occurrence above an AMC are 5 and 8 times, respectively, as high as those below an AMC. The strong inversion occurrences for both humidity and temperature above an AMC provide the moisture sources from above for the formation and maintenance of AMCs. In conclusion, this result helps to reconcile the persistency of AMCs even when the Arctic surface is covered by snow and ice.« less

A multicentre, randomised, double-blind, single-dose study assessing the efficacy of AMC/DCBA Warm lozenge or AMC/DCBA Cool lozenge in the relief of acute sore throat

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Clinically proven over-the-counter (OTC) treatment options are becoming increasingly important in the self-management of acute sore throat. The aim of this study was to determine the analgesic and sensorial benefits of two different amylmetacresol/2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol (AMC/DCBA) throat lozenge formulation variants, AMC/DCBA Warm lozenge and AMC/DCBA Cool lozenge, compared with an unflavoured, non-medicated placebo lozenge in the relief of acute sore throat due to upper respiratory tract infections. Methods In this multicentre, randomised, double-blind, single-dose study, 225 adult patients with acute sore throat were randomly assigned to receive either one AMC/DCBA Warm lozenge (n = 77), one AMC/DCBA Cool lozenge (n = 74) or one unflavoured, non-medicated lozenge (matched for size, shape and demulcency; n = 74). After baseline assessments, patients received their assigned lozenge and completed four rating assessments at 11 timepoints from 1 to 120 minutes post dose. Analgesic properties were assessed by comparing severity of throat soreness and sore throat relief ratings. Difficulty in swallowing, throat numbness, functional, sensorial and emotional benefits were also assessed. Results Both the AMC/DCBA Warm and AMC/DCBA Cool lozenge induced significant analgesic, functional, sensorial and emotional effects compared with the unflavoured, non-medicated lozenge. Sore throat relief, improvements in throat soreness and difficulty in swallowing, and throat numbness were observed as early as 1-5 minutes, and lasted up to 2 hours post dose. Sensorial benefits of warming and cooling associated with the AMC/DCBA Warm and AMC/DCBA Cool lozenge, respectively, were experienced soon after first dose, and in the case of the latter, it lasted long after the lozenge had dissolved. Emotional benefits of feeling better, happier, less distracted and less frustrated were reported in those taking either of the AMC/DCBA throat lozenge variants, with no differences in adverse events compared with the unflavoured, non-medicated lozenge. Conclusions AMC/DCBA Warm and AMC/DCBA Cool lozenges are well-tolerated and effective OTC treatment options, offering functional, sensorial and emotional benefits to patients with acute sore throat, over and above that of the rapid efficacy effects provided. Trial registration ISRCTN: ISRCTN00003567 PMID:21332976

AMC’s Hydrogen Future: Sustainable Air Mobility

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-06-01

by bacteria . The Orinoco heavy oil has been degraded less than the Canadian oil sands making it easier to extract. The Orinoco oil contains 300...molecules tend to evaporate. Bacteria at the surface modify the oil leaving ring compounds. This causes the oil to become more viscous than conventional...267 billion barrels recoverable (Mommer, 2004). The difference between the oil sands and heavy oil is the degree to which the oil has been degraded

Affinity monolith chromatography: A review of principles and recent analytical applications

PubMed Central

Pfaunmiller, Erika L.; Paulemond, Marie Laura; Dupper, Courtney M.; Hage, David S.

2012-01-01

Affinity monolith chromatography (AMC) is a type of liquid chromatography that uses a monolithic support and a biologically-related binding agent as a stationary phase. AMC is a powerful method for the selective separation, analysis or studies of specific target compounds in a sample. This review discusses the basic principles of AMC and recent developments or applications of this method, with particular emphasis being given to work that has appeared in the last five years. Various materials that have been used to prepare columns for AMC are examined, including organic monoliths, silica monoliths, agarose monoliths and cryogels. These supports have been used in AMC for formats that have ranged from traditional columns to disks, microcolumns and capillaries. Many binding agents have also been employed in AMC, such as antibodies, enzymes, proteins, lectins, immobilized metal-ions and dyes. Some applications that have been reported with these binding agents in AMC are bioaffinity chromatography, immunoaffinity chromatography or immunoextraction, immobilized metal-ion affinity chromatography, dye-ligand affinity chromatography, chiral separations and biointeraction studies. Examples are presented from fields that include analytical chemistry, pharmaceutical analysis, clinical testing and biotechnology. Current trends and possible future directions in AMC are also discussed. PMID:23187827

Using Customer Satisfaction for Measuring the Effectiveness of Integrated Product Teams.

DTIC Science & Technology

1995-09-01

personal interviews with five major customers of ASC. The customers are Air Mobility Command, Air Combat Command, Air Education and Training Command...Air Mobility Command U.S. Army 25 Research Question 5. What characteristics of IPT performance do IPT customers perceive as most important? The...USING CUSTOMER SATISFACTION FOR MEASURING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF INTEGRATED PRODUCT TEAMS THESIS Charles H. Embs James N. Anderson Captain

Xenografted human amniotic membrane-derived mesenchymal stem cells are immunologically tolerated and transdifferentiated into cardiomyocytes.

PubMed

Tsuji, Hiroko; Miyoshi, Shunichiro; Ikegami, Yukinori; Hida, Naoko; Asada, Hironori; Togashi, Ikuko; Suzuki, Junshi; Satake, Masaki; Nakamizo, Hikaru; Tanaka, Mamoru; Mori, Taisuke; Segawa, Kaoru; Nishiyama, Nobuhiro; Inoue, Junko; Makino, Hatsune; Miyado, Kenji; Ogawa, Satoshi; Yoshimura, Yasunori; Umezawa, Akihiro

2010-05-28

Amniotic membrane is known to have the ability to transdifferentiate into multiple organs and is expected to stimulate a reduced immunologic reaction. Determine whether human amniotic membrane-derived mesenchymal cells (hAMCs) can be an ideal allograftable stem cell source for cardiac regenerative medicine. We established hAMCs. After cardiomyogenic induction in vitro, hAMCs beat spontaneously, and the calculated cardiomyogenic transdifferentiation efficiency was 33%. Transplantation of hAMCs 2 weeks after myocardial infarction improved impaired left ventricular fractional shortening measured by echocardiogram (34+/-2% [n=8] to 39+/-2% [n=11]; P<0.05) and decreased myocardial fibrosis area (18+/-1% [n=9] to 13+/-1% [n=10]; P<0.05), significantly. Furthermore hAMCs transplanted into the infarcted myocardium of Wistar rats were transdifferentiated into cardiomyocytes in situ and survived for more than 4 weeks after the transplantation without using any immunosuppressant. Immunologic tolerance was caused by the hAMC-derived HLA-G expression, lack of MHC expression of hAMCs, and activation of FOXP3-positive regulatory T cells. Administration of IL-10 or progesterone, which is known to play an important role in feto-maternal tolerance during pregnancy, markedly increased HLA-G expression in hAMCs in vitro and, surprisingly, also increased cardiomyogenic transdifferentiation efficiency in vitro and in vivo. Because hAMCs have a high ability to transdifferentiate into cardiomyocytes and to acquire immunologic tolerance in vivo, they can be a promising cellular source for allograftable stem cells for cardiac regenerative medicine.

Inhibitor-resistant TEM- and OXA-1-producing Escherichia coli isolates resistant to amoxicillin-clavulanate are more clonal and possess lower virulence gene content than susceptible clinical isolates.

PubMed

Oteo, Jesús; González-López, Juan José; Ortega, Adriana; Quintero-Zárate, J Natalia; Bou, Germán; Cercenado, Emilia; Conejo, María Carmen; Martínez-Martínez, Luis; Navarro, Ferran; Oliver, Antonio; Bartolomé, Rosa M; Campos, José

2014-07-01

In a previous prospective multicenter study in Spain, we found that OXA-1 and inhibitor-resistant TEM (IRT) β-lactamases constitute the most common plasmid-borne mechanisms of genuine amoxicillin-clavulanate (AMC) resistance in Escherichia coli. In the present study, we investigated the population structure and virulence traits of clinical AMC-resistant E. coli strains expressing OXA-1 or IRT and compared these traits to those in a control group of clinical AMC-susceptible E. coli isolates. All OXA-1-producing (n = 67) and IRT-producing (n = 45) isolates were matched by geographical and temporal origin to the AMC-susceptible control set (n = 56). We performed multilocus sequence typing and phylogenetic group characterization for each isolate and then studied the isolates for the presence of 49 virulence factors (VFs) by PCR and sequencing. The most prevalent clone detected was distinct for each group: group C isolates of sequence type (ST) 88 (C/ST88) were the most common in OXA-1 producers, B2/ST131 isolates were the most common in IRT producers, and B2/ST73 isolates were the most common in AMC-susceptible isolates. The median numbers of isolates per ST were 3.72 in OXA-1 producers, 2.04 in IRT producers, and 1.69 in AMC-susceptible isolates; the proportions of STs represented by one unique isolate in each group were 19.4%, 31.1%, and 48.2%, respectively. The sum of all VFs detected, calculated as a virulence score, was significantly higher in AMC-susceptible isolates than OXA-1 and IRT producers (means, 12.5 versus 8.3 and 8.2, respectively). Our findings suggest that IRT- and OXA-1-producing E. coli isolates resistant to AMC have a different and less diverse population structure than AMC-susceptible clinical E. coli isolates. The AMC-susceptible population also contains more VFs than AMC-resistant isolates. Copyright © 2014, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Semiparametric Modeling of Daily Ammonia Levels in Naturally Ventilated Caged-Egg Facilities

PubMed Central

Gutiérrez-Zapata, Diana María; Galeano-Vasco, Luis Fernando; Cerón-Muñoz, Mario Fernando

2016-01-01

Ammonia concentration (AMC) in poultry facilities varies depending on different environmental conditions and management; however, this is a relatively unexplored subject in Colombia (South America). The objective of this study was to model daily AMC variations in a naturally ventilated caged-egg facility using generalized additive models. Four sensor nodes were used to record AMC, temperature, relative humidity and wind speed on a daily basis, with 10 minute intervals for 12 weeks. The following variables were included in the model: Heat index, Wind, Hour, Location, Height of the sensor to the ground level, and Period of manure accumulation. All effects included in the model were highly significant (p<0.001). The AMC was higher during the night and early morning when the wind was not blowing (0.0 m/s) and the heat index was extreme. The average and maximum AMC were 5.94±3.83 and 31.70 ppm, respectively. Temperatures above 25°C and humidity greater than 80% increased AMC levels. In naturally ventilated caged-egg facilities the daily variations observed in AMC primarily depend on cyclic variations of the environmental conditions and are also affected by litter handling (i.e., removal of the bedding material). PMID:26812150

A theoretical flaw in the advance market commitment idea.

PubMed

Sonderholm, Jorn

2010-06-01

Infectious and parasitic diseases cause massive health problems in the developing world. Research and development of drugs for diseases that mainly affect poor people in developing countries is limited. The advance market commitment (AMC) idea is an incentivising mechanism for research and development of drugs for neglected diseases. Discussion of the AMC idea is of renewed interest given the launch in June 2009 of the first AMC. This pilot AMC is designed to, among other things, test the idea for potential future applications. This paper is a critique of the AMC idea. It seeks to show that the idea has a hitherto unrecognised theoretical flaw that should make policy-makers and donors hesitant to embrace future applications of the idea.

Citations in Life Science Patents to Publicly Funded Research at Academic Medical Centers.

PubMed

Sampat, Bhaven N; Pincus, Harold Alan

2015-12-01

The contributions of Academic Medical Centers (AMCs) to biomedical innovation have been difficult to measure because of the challenges involved in tracing knowledge flows from their origin to their uses. The authors examined patent citation linkages between AMC research funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and patents. In prospective analyses, they examine the extent to which articles resulting from NIH grants to AMCs awarded between 1990 and 1995 were cited in drug and medical patents. The authors then examine the extent to which these patents are associated with marketed drugs. In retrospective analyses, they examine the share of drugs approved between 2000 and 2009 that have citation links to NIH-funded AMC research. The prospective analyses show over a third of AMC grants resulted in publications that were cited in patents. Most the patents are drug and biotechnology patents, and are assigned to private firms. Patents citing NIH-funded AMC publications were associated with 106 new FDA approved drugs, half of which are new molecular entities and a quarter of which are priority NMEs. The retrospective analyses showed that about half of the new molecular entities approved over the 2000-2009 period had citations links to NIH-funded AMC research. There are strong links between articles from NIH-funded AMC research and private sector medical patenting, including drugs. More research is needed to better understand the types of links the citations represent and their implications for public policy. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Randomized Double-Blind Study Comparing 3- and 6-Day Regimens of Azithromycin with a 10-Day Amoxicillin-Clavulanate Regimen for Treatment of Acute Bacterial Sinusitis

PubMed Central

Henry, Dan C.; Riffer, Ernie; Sokol, William N.; Chaudry, Naumann I.; Swanson, Robert N.

2003-01-01

A randomized, double-blind, multicenter study of adults with acute bacterial sinusitis (ABS) compared the efficacy and safety of two azithromycin (AZM) regimens, 500 mg/day once daily for 3 days (AZM-3) or 6 days (AZM-6) to the efficacy and safety of an amoxicillin-clavulanate (AMC) regimen of 500-125 mg three times daily for 10 days. A total of 936 subjects with clinically and radiologically documented ABS were treated (AZM-3, 312; AZM-6, 311; AMC, 313). Clinical success rates were equivalent among per-protocol subjects at the end of therapy (AZM-3, 88.8%; AZM-6, 89.3%; AMC, 84.9%) and at the end of the study (AZM-3, 71.7%; AZM-6, 73.4%; AMC, 71.3%). Subjects treated with AMC reported a higher incidence of treatment-related adverse events (AE) (51.1%) than AZM-3 (31.1%, P < 0.001) or AZM-6 (37.6%, P < 0.001). More AMC subjects discontinued the study (n = 28) than AZM-3 (n = 7) and AZM-6 (n = 11) subjects. Diarrhea was the most frequent treatment-related AE. AZM-3 and AZM-6 were each equivalent in efficacy and better tolerated than AMC for ABS. PMID:12936972

ACETYLMETHYLCARBINOL PRODUCTION AND THE CLASSIFICATION OF AEROMONADS ASSOCIATED WITH ULCERATIVE DISEASES OF ECTOTHERMIC VERTEBRATES

PubMed Central

Page, L. A.

1962-01-01

Page, L. A. (Biological Research Institute, San Diego, and University of California, Davis). Acetylmethylcarbinol production and the classification of aeromonads associated with ulcerative diseases of ectothermic vertebrates. J. Bacteriol. 84:772–777. 1962.—Quantitative colorimetric tests were made for acetylmethylcarbinol (AMC) production by 14 Aeromonas isolates from ulcerous lesions of snakes, lizards, frogs, and other animals, and by 27 cultures of “identified” aeromonads. The tests revealed that: (i) some strains failed to produce AMC, while the other strains produced AMC in amounts of 5 to > 100 μg/ml of culture; (ii) the reagents employed in the standard method of Barritt failed to detect AMC in concentrations below 35 μg/ml; and (iii) certain strains reported as producing AMC at 23 C and not at 37 C (or vice versa) produced AMC at both temperatures, but at one temperature produced AMC at a level below the sensitivity of the qualitative test. The strains representing the two biotypes could not be distinguished on the basis of their morphology, habitat, pathogenicity for mice or snakes, or serological specificity. Therefore, the Aeromonas classification proposed by Ewing, Hugh, and Johnson, who incorporated the two biotypes into one species, was followed, and the new isolates were designated A. hydrophila. Images PMID:13941061

48 CFR 202.101 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... Education Activity TRICARE Management Activity Washington Headquarters Services, Acquisition and Procurement... Command Air Force Reserve Command Air Combat Command Air Mobility Command Air Education and Training..., Management Defense Business Transformation Agency Contracting Office Defense Commissary Agency Directorate of...

Tempus Pro Patient Monitoring System

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-04-03

AFMSA SG5T, (AFMESA) Mr. John Ingram, AFMSA SG5T, AFMESA Mr. John Plaga , 711 HPW/HP Human Factors Engineering Mr. Paul Bailey, AMC SG/SGR Ms. Lynn...John Plaga , 711 HPW/HP Human Factors Engineering Mr. Paul Bailey, AMC SG/SGR Lt Col Cheryl Hale, AMC SG/SGK Mr. Graham Murphy, RDT Mr. Nigel

Laser pattern generator challenges in airborne molecular contamination protection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ekberg, Mats; Skotte, Per-Uno; Utterback, Tomas; Paul, Swaraj; Kishkovich, Oleg P.; Hudzik, James S.

2003-08-01

The introduction of photomask laser pattern generators presents new challenges to system designers and manufacturers. One of the laser pattern generator's environmental operating challenges is Airborne Molecular Contamination (AMC), which affects both chemically amplified resists (CAResist) and laser optics. Similar challenges in CAResist protection have already been addressed in semiconductor wafer lithography with reasonable solutions and experience gained by all those involved. However, photomask and photomask equipment manufacturers have not previously had a comparable experience, and some photomask AMC issues differ from those seen in semiconductor wafer lithography. Culminating years of AMC experience, the authors discuss specific requirements of Photomask AMC. Air sampling and material of construction analysis were performed to understand these particular AMC challenges and used to develop an appropriate filtration specification for different classes of contaminates. The authors portray the importance of cooperation between tool designers and AMC experts early in the design stage to assure goal attainment to maximize both process stability and machine productivity in advanced mask making. In conclusion, the authors provide valuable recommendations to both laser tool users and other equipment manufacturers.

The Effects of Long-term Abacus Training on Topological Properties of Brain Functional Networks.

PubMed

Weng, Jian; Xie, Ye; Wang, Chunjie; Chen, Feiyan

2017-08-18

Previous studies in the field of abacus-based mental calculation (AMC) training have shown that this training has the potential to enhance a wide variety of cognitive abilities. It can also generate specific changes in brain structure and function. However, there is lack of studies investigating the impact of AMC training on the characteristics of brain networks. In this study, utilizing graph-based network analysis, we compared topological properties of brain functional networks between an AMC group and a matched control group. Relative to the control group, the AMC group exhibited higher nodal degrees in bilateral calcarine sulcus and increased local efficiency in bilateral superior occipital gyrus and right cuneus. The AMC group also showed higher nodal local efficiency in right fusiform gyrus, which was associated with better math ability. However, no relationship was significant in the control group. These findings provide evidence that long-term AMC training may improve information processing efficiency in visual-spatial related regions, which extend our understanding of training plasticity at the brain network level.

Comparative Effectiveness of Low-Volume Time-Efficient Resistance Training Versus Endurance Training in Patients With Heart Failure.

PubMed

Munch, Gregers Winding; Rosenmeier, Jaya Birgitte; Petersen, Morten; Rinnov, Anders Rasmussen; Iepsen, Ulrik Winning; Pedersen, Bente Klarlund; Mortensen, Stefan Peter

2018-05-01

Cardiorespiratory fitness is positively related to heart failure (HF) prognosis, but lack of time and low energy are barriers for adherence to exercise. We, therefore, compared the effect of low-volume time-based resistance exercise training (TRE) with aerobic moderate-intensity cycling (AMC) on maximal and submaximal exercise capacity, health-related quality of life, and vascular function. Twenty-eight HF patients (New York Heart Association class I-II) performed AMC (n = 14) or TRE (n = 14). Maximal and submaximal exercise capacity, health-related quality of life, and vascular function were evaluated before and after a 6-wk training intervention with 3 training sessions per week. The AMC group and the TRE group trained for 45 and 25 min per training session, respectively. During the training sessions, the TRE and AMC groups trained at 60 ± 4% and 59 ± 2% (mean ± standard deviation) of (Equation is included in full-text article.)O2peak, respectively. The energy expenditure was significantly greater in AMC than in TRE (P < .05). The (Equation is included in full-text article.)O2peak and Wattpeak increased in AMC group (P < .001) and TRE group (P = .001), with no differences between groups. Six-minute walk distance also increased in both groups (AMC, P = .006 and TRE, P = .036), with no difference between groups. Health-related quality of life improved equally in the 2 groups, whereas vascular function did not change in either group. These results demonstrate that AMC and TRE equally improved exercise capacity and health-related quality of life in lower New York Heart Association-stage HF patients, despite less time required as well as lower energy expenditure during TRE than during AMC. Therefore, TRE might represent a time-efficient exercise modality for improving adherence to exercise in patients with class I-II HF.

Rectal pre-treatment with ozonized oxygen (O3) aggravates clinic status in septic rats treated with amoxicillin/clavulanate.

PubMed

Martín-Barrasa, José L; Méndez Cordovez, Charlín; Espinosa de los Monteros y Zayas, Antonio; Juste de Santa Ana, M Candelaria; Clavo Varas, Bernardino; Herráez Thomas, Pedro; Bordes Benitez, Ana; Montoya-Alonso, José Alberto; García-Bello, Miguel; Artiles Campelo, Fernando; Tejedor-Junco, M Teresa

2015-01-01

Despite the advanced antibiotic therapies, sepsis continues being a clinical entity with high morbidity and mortality. The ozone/oxygen mixture (O3/O2) has been reported to exhibit positive effects on immunity. The aim of our study was to analyze whether (O3/O2) combined with amoxicillin/clavulanate has any influence on the morbidity and mortality of septic rats. We used 48 Sprague-Dawley rats randomly allocated to 6 groups (n=8): healthy (C), septic (I), healthy+ozone therapy (O3), septic+amoxicillin/clavulanate (AMC), septic+amoxicillin/clavulanate+ozone therapy (AMC/O3) and septic+ozone therapy (I/O3). O3/O2 was administered rectally at increasing O3 concentrations during 10 days prior to the onset of sepsis model (intraperitoneally injection of fecal material) or saline administration in healthy control rats. Later (post-inoculation), 3 days per week, O3 was also administered. Vital signs were recorded, and microbiological, hematological and histopathological studies were performed. The number of surviving animal/total was higher in AMC (8/8) than in AMC/O3 (4/8) p=0.077. The percentage of surviving animals with pneumonia was higher in AMC/O3 than in AMC (100% vs 37.5%). In dead animals, AMC/O3 rats had a significantly higher percentage of lesions: Cardiac lesions, pulmonary hemorrhages and pleuritis (100%) and serositis/peritonitis (75%). Only Escherichia coli (2 different biotypes) was isolated from blood and/or peritoneal fluid from all infected groups. A significant decrease in the percentage of band neutrophils from the surviviors belonging to AMC/O3vs AMC was observed (p<0.05). Rectal pre-treatment with O3/O2 aggravates clinic status in septic rats treated with amoxicillin/clavulanate. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier España, S.L.U. y Sociedad Española de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica. All rights reserved.

End-of-life care at academic medical centers: implications for future workforce requirements.

PubMed

Goodman, David C; Stukel, Thérèse A; Chang, Chiang-hua; Wennberg, John E

2006-01-01

The expansion of U.S. physician workforce training has been justified on the basis of population growth, technological innovation, and economic expansion. Our analyses found threefold differences in physician full-time-equivalent (FTE) inputs for Medicare cohorts cared for at academic medical centers (AMCs); AMC inputs were highly correlated with the number of physician FTEs per Medicare beneficiary in AMC regions. Given the apparent inefficiency of current physician practices, the supply pipeline is sufficient to meet future needs through 2020, with adoption of the workforce deployment patterns now seen among AMCs and regions dominated by large group practices.

Prognostic significance of peripheral monocyte count in patients with extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma.

PubMed

Huang, Jia-Jia; Li, Ya-Jun; Xia, Yi; Wang, Yu; Wei, Wen-Xiao; Zhu, Ying-Jie; Lin, Tong-Yu; Huang, Hui-Qiang; Jiang, Wen-Qi; Li, Zhi-Ming

2013-05-03

Extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (ENKL) has heterogeneous clinical manifestations and prognosis. This study aims to evaluate the prognostic impact of absolute monocyte count (AMC) in ENKL, and provide some immunologically relevant information for better risk stratification in patients with ENKL. Retrospective data from 163 patients newly diagnosed with ENKL were analyzed. The absolute monocyte count (AMC) at diagnosis was analyzed as continuous and dichotomized variables. Independent prognostic factors of survival were determined by Cox regression analysis. The AMC at diagnosis were related to overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with ENKL. Multivariate analysis identified AMC as independent prognostic factors of survival, independent of International Prognostic Index (IPI) and Korean prognostic index (KPI). The prognostic index incorporating AMC and absolute lymphocyte count (ALC), another surrogate factor of immune status, could be used to stratify all 163 patients with ENKL into different prognostic groups. For patients who received chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy (102 cases), the three AMC/ALC index categories identified patients with significantly different survivals. When superimposed on IPI or KPI categories, the AMC/ALC index was better able to identify high-risk patients in the low-risk IPI or KPI category. The baseline peripheral monocyte count is shown to be an effective prognostic indicator of survival in ENKL patients. The prognostic index related to tumor microenvironment might be helpful to identify high-risk patients with ENKL.

Cost Analysis of Integrative Inpatient Treatment Based on DRG Data: The Example of Anthroposophic Medicine

PubMed Central

Heinz, Jürgen; Fiori, Wolfgang; Heusser, Peter

2013-01-01

Background. Much work has been done to evaluate the outcome of integrative inpatient treatment but scarcely the costs. This paper evaluates the costs for inpatient treatment in three anthroposophic hospitals (AHs). Material and Methods. Cost and performance data from a total of 23,180 cases were analyzed and compared to national reference data. Subgroup analysis was performed between the cases with and without anthroposophic medical complex (AMC) treatment. Results. Costs and length of stay in the cases without AMC displayed no relevant differences compared to the national reference data. In contrast the inlier cases with AMC caused an average of € 1,394 more costs. However costs per diem were not higher than those in the national reference data. Hence, the delivery of AMC was associated with a prolonged length of stay. 46.6% of the cases with AMC were high outliers. Only 10.6% of the inlier cases with AMC were discharged before reaching the mean length of stay of each DRG. Discussion. Treatment in an AH is not generally associated with an increased use of resources. However, the provision of AMC leads to a prolonged length of stay and cannot be adequately reimbursed by the current G-DRG system. Due to the heterogeneity of the patient population, an additional payment should be negotiated individually. PMID:23431346

Advance market commitment for pneumococcal vaccines: putting theory into practice.

PubMed

Cernuschi, Tania; Furrer, Eliane; Schwalbe, Nina; Jones, Andrew; Berndt, Ernst R; McAdams, Susan

2011-12-01

Markets for life-saving vaccines do not often generate the most desired outcomes from a public health perspective in terms of product quantity, quality, affordability, programmatic suitability and/or sustainability for use in the lowest income countries. The perceived risks and uncertainties about sustainably funded demand from developing countries often leads to underinvestment in development and manufacturing of appropriate products. The pilot initiative Advance Market Commitment (AMC) for pneumococcal vaccines, launched in 2009, aims to remove some of these market risks by providing a legally binding forward commitment to purchase vaccines according to predetermined terms. To date, 14 countries have already introduced pneumococcal vaccines through the AMC with a further 39 countries expected to introduce before the end of 2013.This paper describes early lessons learnt on the selection of a target disease and the core design choices for the pilot AMC. It highlights the challenges faced with tailoring the AMC design to the specific supply situation of pneumococcal vaccines. It points to the difficulty - and the AMC's apparent early success - in establishing a long-term, credible commitment in a constantly changing unpredictable environment. It highlights one of the inherent challenges of the AMC: its dependence on continuous donor funding to ensure long-term purchases of products. The paper examines alternative design choices and aims to provide a starting point to inform discussions and encourage debate about the potential application of the AMC concept to other fields.

48 CFR 202.101 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... Command Air Force Materiel Command Air Force Reserve Command Air Combat Command Air Mobility Command Air... agencies have been delegated authority to act as head of the agency for their respective agencies (i.e., to... offers, means a procedure used in negotiated acquisitions, when market research is inconclusive for...

U.S. Army Mobility Equipment Research and Development Plan

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-03-01

P LEVEL( ADA 102 7 8 NOIIILITY ISOIIMINT IIISE MICII A DEIIEMOI’MINI COMMAND Al4 198 U.S. ARMY MOBILITY EO,(IJIPME~qNT 1) ITE’V.ZLOPME.NI...8217 PLAN FORT IJELVOIR, VA MAEICII 191 * jDISTII3UTON 3TATE7 N A IAP~rO edIOT U .. ~eI a G Best Available Copy Mobility Equipment Research & DevelopmentC...U.S. ARMY MOBILITY EQUIPMEN9 RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT- MOBILITY SURVIVABILITY ENERGI C) LU P= _ _ \\ ii]MAR8I earch & Development Command ~3 QUIPMENT

Rejecting conventional wisdom: how academic medical centers can regain their leadership positions.

PubMed

Krauss, K; Smith, J

1997-07-01

Academic medical centers (i.e., medical schools and their principal hospitals) are following very similar strategies in attempts to secure their futures. It is likely that these undifferentiated strategies will fail, since most of them have been copied from the lower-cost, geographically better-positioned hospitals and health systems. Despite a wealth of innovative, entrepreneurial talent and the potential to reshape the world that AMCs live in, most AMCs are in reactive modes. Future directions and strategies are almost always shaped, forced, and justified by external pressures. The major problem with the strategic plans of most AMCs is that they are based on conventional industry wisdom. Strategic plans tend not to be analytically driven. The insight and understanding of those factors that drive the demand for AMCs' services and determine the performances of AMCs are lacking. The authors note some questions that are critical to the formulation of strategies for AMCs. For example, how can the research mission be changed from a cost-based to a value-based endeavor? Most AMCs cannot answer these questions, and if they do address them in the planning process, they do so superficially. Several examples of the factors that need to be understood are also given, such as patients' purposes and needs in seeking specialty care. Alternative strategies are listed, such as maintaining and exploiting the economic irrationality of the market rather than acting as if it were economically rational or forcing it to become so. Last, the authors outline the scope of the changes that are required and urge AMCs to reject conventional wisdom, determine their own unique situations, and work from there.

"Mr Smith's been our problem child today…": anticipatory management communication (AMC) in VA end-of-shift medicine and nursing handoffs.

PubMed

Bergman, Alicia A; Flanagan, Mindy E; Ebright, Patricia R; O'Brien, Colleen M; Frankel, Richard M

2016-02-01

Tools and procedures designed to improve end-of-shift handoffs through standardisation of processes and reliance on technology may miss contextually sensitive information about anticipated events that emerges during face-to-face handoff interactions. Such information, what we refer to as anticipatory management communication (AMC), is necessary to ensure timely and safe patient care, but has been little studied and understood. To investigate AMC and the role it plays in nursing and medicine handoffs. Qualitative thematic analysis based on audio recordings of nurse-to-nurse, medical resident-to-resident and surgical intern-to-intern handoffs. 27 nurse handoff dyads and 18 medical resident and surgical intern handoff dyads at one VA Medical Center. Heads-up information was the most frequent type of AMC across all handoff dyads (N=257; 108 resident and 149 nursing). Indirect instructions AMC was used in a little over half the resident handoff dyads, but occurred in all nursing dyads (292 instances). Direct instructions AMC occurred in roughly equal proportion across all dyads but at a modest frequency (N=45; 28 resident and 17 nursing). Direct (if/then) contingency AMC occurred in resident handoffs more frequently than in nursing handoffs (N=32; 30 resident and 2 nursing). The different frequencies for types of AMC likely reflect differences in how residents and nurses work and disparate professional cultures. But, verbal communication in both groups included important information unlikely to be captured in written handoff tools or the electronic medical record, underscoring the importance of direct communication to ensure safe handoffs. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

Characteristics of Planar Monopole Antenna on High Impedance Electromagnetic Surface

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scardelletti, Maximilian C.; Jastram, Nathan; Ponchak, George E.; Franklin, Rhonda R.

2011-01-01

This paper presents for the first time measured characteristics of a planar monopole antenna placed directly on a high impedance electromagnetic surface or artificial magnetic conductor (AMC). The return loss and radiation patterns are compared between the antenna in free space, and when placed directly on a perfect electrical conductor (PEC), and on the AMC. The antenna measured in free space has a wide pass band from 3 to 10 GHz. The return loss for the antenna on the PEC is nearly all reflected back and the return loss for the antenna on the AMC has a 10 dB bandwidth from 7.5 to 9.5 GHz. The gain of the antenna in free space, on PEC and on AMC is 1, -12 and 10 dBi, respectively. This indicates that the AMC is working properly, sending all the radiation outward with little loss.

Impact of Air Filter Material on Metal Oxide Semiconductor (MOS) Device Characteristics in HF Vapor Environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hsiao, Chih-Wen; Lou, Jen-Chung; Yeh, Ching-Fa; Hsieh, Chih-Ming; Lin, Shiuan-Jeng; Kusumi, Toshio

2004-05-01

Airborne molecular contamination (AMC) is becoming increasingly important as devices are scaled down to the nanometer generation. Optimum ultra low penetration air (ULPA) filter technology can eliminate AMC. In a cleanroom, however, the acid vapor generated from the cleaning process may degrade the ULPA filter, releasing AMC to the air and the surface of wafers, degrading the electrical characteristics of devices. This work proposes the new PTFE ULPA filter, which is resistant to acid vapor corrosion, to solve this problem. Experimental results demonstrate that the PTFE ULPA filter can effectively eliminate the AMC and provide a very clean cleanroom environment.

Magnetic nanoparticles modified with DTPA-AMC-rare earth for fluorescent and magnetic resonance dual mode imaging.

PubMed

Liu, Zengchen; Li, Bo; Wang, Baodui; Yang, Zhengyin; Wang, Qin; Li, Tianrong; Qin, Dongdong; Li, Yong; Wang, Mingfang; Yan, Mihui

2012-07-28

In the present study, we report new water-soluble cell fluorescence imaging and contrast agents that are based on DTPA-AMC(7-amino-4-methyl coumarin)-Eu(3+) and DTPA-AMC(7-amino-4-methyl coumarin)-Gd(3+) compounds conjugated to Fe(3)O(4) NPs via a PEG-NH(2) linker. The novel Fe(3)O(4) NP-conjugates present two main advantages for cell fluorescence labelling: water solubility and targeting ability. The in vitro experiments demonstrate that water-soluble Fe(3)O(4) NPs-DBI-PEG-NH-DTPA-AMC(7-amino-4-methyl coumarin)-Eu(3+) has excellent cell permeating activity. Moreover, the relaxation rate test of Fe(3)O(4) NPs-DBI-PEG-NH-DTPA-AMC(7-amino-4-methyl coumarin)-Gd(3+) shows a higher T1 relaxation effect than traditional DTPA-Gd(3+) MRI agents. According to in vivo liver MRI experiments, better contrast of the liver was achieved after addition of Fe(3)O(4) NPs-DBI-PEG-NH-DTPA-AMC(7-amino-4-methyl coumarin)-Gd(3+). The results will provide a significant guide for researchers exploring the biomedical applications of superparamagnetic Fe(3)O(4) NPs.

Establishing the pharmaceutical quality of Chinese herbal medicine: a provisional BCS classification.

PubMed

Fong, Sophia Y K; Liu, Mary; Wei, Hai; Löbenberg, Raimar; Kanfer, Isadore; Lee, Vincent H L; Amidon, Gordon L; Zuo, Zhong

2013-05-06

The Biopharmaceutical Classification System (BCS), which is a scientific approach to categorize active drug ingredient based on its solubility and intestinal permeability into one of the four classes, has been used to set the pharmaceutical quality standards for drug products in western society. However, it has received little attention in the area of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM). This is likely, in part, due to the presence of multiple active components as well as lack of standardization of CHM. In this report, we apply BCS classification to CHMs provisionally as a basis for establishing improved in vitro quality standards. Based on a top-200 drugs selling list in China, a total of 31 CHM products comprising 50 official active marker compounds (AMCs) were provisionally classified according to BCS. Information on AMC content and doses of these CHM products were retrieved from the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. BCS parameters including solubility and permeability of the AMCs were predicted in silico (ACD/Laboratories). A BCS classification of CHMs according to biopharmaceutical properties of their AMCs is demonstrated to be feasible in the current study and can be used to provide a minimum set of quality standards. Our provisional results showed that 44% of the included AMCs were classified as Class III (high solubility, low permeability), followed by Class II (26%), Class I (18%), and Class IV (12%). A similar trend was observed when CHMs were classified in accordance with the BCS class of AMCs. Most (45%) of the included CHMs were classified as Class III, followed by Class II (16%), Class I (10%), and Class IV (6%); whereas 23% of the CHMs were of mixed class due to the presence of multiple individual AMCs with different BCS classifications. Moreover, about 60% of the AMCs were classified as high-solubility compounds (Class I and Class III), suggesting an important role for an in vitro dissolution test in setting quality control standards ensuring consistent biopharmaceutical quality for the commercially available CHM products. That is, provisionally, more than half of the AMCs of the top-selling CHMs included in this study would be candidates for a bioequivalence (BE) biowaiver, based on WHO recommendations and EMEA guidelines. Thus a dissolution requirement on these AMCs would represent a significant advance in the pharmaceutical quality of CHM today.

Prognostic significance of peripheral monocyte count in patients with extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (ENKL) has heterogeneous clinical manifestations and prognosis. This study aims to evaluate the prognostic impact of absolute monocyte count (AMC) in ENKL, and provide some immunologically relevant information for better risk stratification in patients with ENKL. Methods Retrospective data from 163 patients newly diagnosed with ENKL were analyzed. The absolute monocyte count (AMC) at diagnosis was analyzed as continuous and dichotomized variables. Independent prognostic factors of survival were determined by Cox regression analysis. Results The AMC at diagnosis were related to overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with ENKL. Multivariate analysis identified AMC as independent prognostic factors of survival, independent of International Prognostic Index (IPI) and Korean prognostic index (KPI). The prognostic index incorporating AMC and absolute lymphocyte count (ALC), another surrogate factor of immune status, could be used to stratify all 163 patients with ENKL into different prognostic groups. For patients who received chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy (102 cases), the three AMC/ALC index categories identified patients with significantly different survivals. When superimposed on IPI or KPI categories, the AMC/ALC index was better able to identify high-risk patients in the low-risk IPI or KPI category. Conclusion The baseline peripheral monocyte count is shown to be an effective prognostic indicator of survival in ENKL patients. The prognostic index related to tumor microenvironment might be helpful to identify high-risk patients with ENKL. PMID:23638998

Political strategy, business strategy, and the academic medical center: linking theory and practice.

PubMed

Souba, W W; Weitekamp, M R; Mahon, J F

2001-09-01

The purpose of this paper is to link external political strategy theory to a specific health care setting-that of the academic medical center (AMC). Political strategy encompasses those activities undertaken by AMCs to acquire, develop, and use power (clout, influence, and credibility) to gain an advantage in situations of conflict. It should be differentiated from internal politics, a topic that will not be dealt with in this review. Political strategy should also be distinguished from but not divorced from competitive strategy. As political and social action can change the competitive landscape and the rules of competition, AMCs must become adept in issues management and stakeholder management. The focus on political strategy is a reflection of the enormous changes in the external environment that have impacted AMCs in recent years. These changes have often emerged out of political and social action and they impact significantly on the organization's more traditional business strategies. We suggest that a tighter alignment between political and business strategies in the future will help ensure organizational survival and success. This article reviews the literature and theory in corporate political strategy and illustrates the application of political strategy with examples of issues and problems faced by AMCs. Models of political strategy are well crafted, and this article concludes with succinct observations on the use of political strategies to enhance the business-based strategies of AMCs. Although the focus is on AMCs, the use of political strategies is applicable to any health care institution. Copyright 2001 Academic Press.

Using information technology to improve the quality and efficiency of clinical trial research in academic medical centers.

PubMed

Hardison, C D; Schnetzer, T

1999-01-01

In the area of clinical trial research, academic medical centers (AMCs) need to create additional capacity and improve performance on vital indicators to attract more studies, as they are currently losing their share to stand-alone research sites. Through the utilization of information technology, AMCs will be in a better position to fend off the competitive threats to their clinical research dollars. Most AMCs are in an enviable position to leverage the value of information technology because of the existing people, processes, and technologies that probably already exist throughout the AMC. The challenge, then, is to deploy these resources in a different manner to support clinical trial research.

48 CFR 202.101 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... Command Air Force Reserve Command Air Combat Command Air Mobility Command Air Education and Training... for their respective agencies (i.e., to perform functions under the FAR or DFARS reserved to a head of... cascading evaluation of offers, means a procedure used in negotiated acquisitions, when market research is...

Biodefense and Deterrence: A Critical Element in the New Triad

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-02-01

College, Air university Maxwell Air Force Base , Alabama 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER 9. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES...Headquarters, Brussels Belgium, Headquarters Twenty-First Air Force, and 21st Expeditionary Mobility Task Force, McGuire Air Force Base , New Jersey...Colonel Owens was the Commander, 816th Global Mobility Squadron, and Commander, 821st Air Mobility Squadron, McGuire Air Force Base , New Jersey. Prior to

Corrosion of Continuous Fiber Reinforced Aluminum Metal Matrix Composites (CF-AMCs)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tiwari, Shruti

The first objective of this research is to study the atmospheric corrosion behavior of continuous reinforced aluminum matrix composites (CF-AMCs). The materials used for this research were alumina (Al2O3) and nickel (Ni) coated carbon (C) fibers reinforced AMCs. The major focus is to identify the correlation between atmospheric parameters and the corrosion rates of CF-AMCs in the multitude of microclimates and environments in Hawai'i. The micro-structures of CF-AMCs were obtained to correlate the microstructures with their corrosion performances. Also electrochemical polarization experiments were conducted in the laboratory to explain the corrosion mechanism of CF-AMCs. In addition, CF-AMCs were exposed to seven different test sites for three exposure periods. The various climatic conditions like temperature (T), relative humidity (RH), rainfall (RF), time of wetness (TOW), chloride (Cl- ) and sulfate (SO42-) deposition rate, and pH were monitored for three exposure period. Likewise, mass losses of CF-AMCs at each test site for three exposure periods were determined. The microstructure of the CF-AMCS showed that Al/C/50f MMCs contained a Ni-rich phase in the matrix, indicating that the Ni coating on the C fiber dissolved in the matrix. The intermetallic phases obtained in Al-2wt% Cu/Al 2O3/50f-T6 MMC and Al-2wt%-T6 monolith were rich in Cu and Fe. The intermetallic phases obtained in Al 7075/Al2O3/50f-T6 MMC and Al 7075-T6 monolith also contained traces of Mg, Zn, Ni, and Si. Electrochemical polarization experiment indicated that the Al/Al 2O3/50f Al-2wt% Cu/Al2O3/50f-T6 and Al 7075/Al2O3/50f-T6 MMC showed similar corrosion trends as their respective monoliths pure Al, Al-2wt%-T6 and Al 7075-T6 in both aerated and deaerated condition. Al2O3 fiber, being an insulator, did not have a great effect on the polarization behavior of the composites. Al/C/50f MMCs corroded at a much faster rate as compared to pure Al monolith due to the galvanic effect between C and Al. According to the mass loss data of Al/C/50f MMCs, corrosion rate was high at marine environments (high Cl-) when compared to a tropical rainforest microclimate and low in a test site with a high SO2 and acid rain. Due to presence of conductive C fiber, the galvanic corrosion was a dominating corrosion mechanism. Due to high volume fraction of C, the corrosion phenomenon was cathodically controlled. The galvanic corrosion between C fiber and Al matrix showed a strong positive correlation with Cl - deposition rate. Lower corrosion rate at volcanic test site was attributed to dissolution of Ni rich phase, a potential cathodic site that promotes corrosion of Al/C/50f MMCs. Based on the mass loss data of Al2O3 based CF-AMCs and the monoliths showed maximum corrosion at volcanic test site when compared to any other test site. Due to the small volume fraction of intermetallic phases, the corrosion was anodically controlled. And hence the maximum anodic dissolution was found at volcanic test site (high SO2 and acid rain). The second objective of this thesis is to study the effect localized deformation on the corrosion of CF-AMCs. Corrosion initiation on Al (2 wt% Cu)/Al2O3/60f (60% fiber), Al 6061/Al2O 3/60f, and Al/Al2O3/60f CF-AMCs was studied in an aqueous environment The CF-AMCs and their monolithic alloys were deformed locally using a 1/16" diameter silicon nitride ball and 15-60 Kg load in a Rockwell hardness testing machine. Corrosion initiated at the deformed sites, and after longer exposures, spread over the entire region. Localized mechanical deformation resulted in micro-crevice formations at the fiber matrix interface. When deformed material is exposed to a corrosive solution, the crevices at the fiber matrix interface likely increased the hydrogen ion concentration lowering the pH at those regions, a process that leads to premature corrosion. The copper (Cu) rich CF-AMCs in aqueous solution resulted in dissolution of Cu rich phase and their subsequent deposition and redistribution as Cu over the deformed CF-AMCs surface. The corrosion rates of deformed CF-AMCs were higher than the non-deformed CF-AMCs.

A new survey to evaluate conflict of interest policies at academic medical centers

PubMed Central

Hams, Marcia; Zentner, Lynn; Schmidt, Cory; Dweik, Raed A.; Karafa, Matthew; Rose, Susannah L.

2017-01-01

Background A majority of academic medical centers (AMCs) have now adopted conflict of interest policies (COI) to address relationships with pharmaceutical and device industries that can increase the risk of bias in patient care, education and research. However, AMCs may have little information on the impact of their policies. This paper provides a new method, which is a free, publicly-available survey, to fill this information gap and improve COI programs at AMCs. Methods & findings The survey, piloted in three AMCs and designed in collaboration with national conflicts of interest policy experts, covers a range of universal compliance-related concerns, which allows institutions to tailor questions to align with their own policies and culture. The survey was low-burden, and provided important data for these AMCs to evaluate their policies. A descriptive analysis of the pooled pilot site data (n = 1578) was performed, which found that a majority of respondents did not have financial ties with industry and a majority was satisfied with specific COI policies at their institutions. The analysis also showed that the survey is sensitive to differences that AMCs will find meaningful. For instance, individuals with industry ties were significantly more likely than individuals without ties to think that COI policies unnecessarily hindered interactions with industry (p = .004), were ineffective at reducing harm to patients (p < .001), and were ineffective in reducing bias in medical education (p>.001). Conclusion The survey is now free and publicly available for use by any institution. AMCs can use the results to update and refine policies, and to provide ongoing education regarding existing policies. PMID:28296898

A new survey to evaluate conflict of interest policies at academic medical centers.

PubMed

Hams, Marcia; Wilkinson, Wells G; Zentner, Lynn; Schmidt, Cory; Dweik, Raed A; Karafa, Matthew; Rose, Susannah L

2017-01-01

A majority of academic medical centers (AMCs) have now adopted conflict of interest policies (COI) to address relationships with pharmaceutical and device industries that can increase the risk of bias in patient care, education and research. However, AMCs may have little information on the impact of their policies. This paper provides a new method, which is a free, publicly-available survey, to fill this information gap and improve COI programs at AMCs. The survey, piloted in three AMCs and designed in collaboration with national conflicts of interest policy experts, covers a range of universal compliance-related concerns, which allows institutions to tailor questions to align with their own policies and culture. The survey was low-burden, and provided important data for these AMCs to evaluate their policies. A descriptive analysis of the pooled pilot site data (n = 1578) was performed, which found that a majority of respondents did not have financial ties with industry and a majority was satisfied with specific COI policies at their institutions. The analysis also showed that the survey is sensitive to differences that AMCs will find meaningful. For instance, individuals with industry ties were significantly more likely than individuals without ties to think that COI policies unnecessarily hindered interactions with industry (p = .004), were ineffective at reducing harm to patients (p < .001), and were ineffective in reducing bias in medical education (p>.001). The survey is now free and publicly available for use by any institution. AMCs can use the results to update and refine policies, and to provide ongoing education regarding existing policies.

Runx2 Expression in Smooth Muscle Cells Is Required for Arterial Medial Calcification in Mice

PubMed Central

Lin, Mu-En; Chen, Theodore; Leaf, Elizabeth M.; Speer, Mei Y.; Giachelli, Cecilia M.

2016-01-01

Arterial medial calcification (AMC) is a hallmark of aging, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. Smooth muscle cell (SMC) transition to an osteogenic phenotype is a common feature of AMC, and is preceded by expression of runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), a master regulator of bone development. Whether SMC-specific Runx2 expression is required for osteogenic phenotype change and AMC remains unknown. We therefore created an improved targeting construct to generate mice with floxed Runx2 alleles (Runx2f/f) that do not produce truncated Runx2 proteins after Cre recombination, thereby preventing potential off-target effects. SMC-specific deletion using SM22–recombinase transgenic allele mice (Runx2ΔSM) led to viable mice with normal bone and arterial morphology. After vitamin D overload, arterial SMCs in Runx2f/f mice expressed Runx2, underwent osteogenic phenotype change, and developed severe AMC. In contrast, vitamin D–treated Runx2ΔSM mice had no Runx2 in blood vessels, maintained SMC phenotype, and did not develop AMC. Runx2 deletion did not affect serum calcium, phosphate, fibroblast growth factor-23, or alkaline phosphatase levels. In vitro, Runx2f/f SMCs calcified to a much greater extent than those derived from Runx2ΔSM mice. These data indicate a critical role of Runx2 in SMC osteogenic phenotype change and mineral deposition in a mouse model of AMC, suggesting that Runx2 and downstream osteogenic pathways in SMCs may be useful therapeutic targets for treating or preventing AMC in high-risk patients. PMID:25987250

Numerical processing efficiency improved in children using mental abacus: ERP evidence utilizing a numerical Stroop task

PubMed Central

Yao, Yuan; Du, Fenglei; Wang, Chunjie; Liu, Yuqiu; Weng, Jian; Chen, Feiyan

2015-01-01

This study examined whether long-term abacus-based mental calculation (AMC) training improved numerical processing efficiency and at what stage of information processing the effect appeard. Thirty-three children participated in the study and were randomly assigned to two groups at primary school entry, matched for age, gender and IQ. All children went through the same curriculum except that the abacus group received a 2-h/per week AMC training, while the control group did traditional numerical practice for a similar amount of time. After a 2-year training, they were tested with a numerical Stroop task. Electroencephalographic (EEG) and event related potential (ERP) recording techniques were used to monitor the temporal dynamics during the task. Children were required to determine the numerical magnitude (NC) (NC task) or the physical size (PC task) of two numbers presented simultaneously. In the NC task, the AMC group showed faster response times but similar accuracy compared to the control group. In the PC task, the two groups exhibited the same speed and accuracy. The saliency of numerical information relative to physical information was greater in AMC group. With regards to ERP results, the AMC group displayed congruity effects both in the earlier (N1) and later (N2 and LPC (late positive component) time domain, while the control group only displayed congruity effects for LPC. In the left parietal region, LPC amplitudes were larger for the AMC than the control group. Individual differences for LPC amplitudes over left parietal area showed a positive correlation with RTs in the NC task in both congruent and neutral conditions. After controlling for the N2 amplitude, this correlation also became significant in the incongruent condition. Our results suggest that AMC training can strengthen the relationship between symbolic representation and numerical magnitude so that numerical information processing becomes quicker and automatic in AMC children. PMID:26042012

Patients transferred to academic medical centers and other hospitals: characteristics, resource use, and outcomes.

PubMed

Wyatt, S M; Moy, E; Levin, R J; Lawton, K B; Witter, D M; Valente, E; Lala, R; Griner, P F

1997-10-01

As purchasers of health care increasingly rely on hospital resource use and outcomes profiles to guide quality improvement efforts and contract decisions, a better understanding of the contribution of the most severely ill patients to aggregate resource use and outcomes is needed to develop measures that make fair comparisons between hospitals. In this article, the authors examine the distribution, resource utilization, and outcomes of transferred patients ("transfers"), a group known to be highly complex. The study examines the contributions to resource use and outcomes of these patients at academic medical centers (AMCs) and non-teaching hospitals. The authors go beyond previous work by comparing AMCs with non-teaching hospitals, and by using a nationally representative sample for the year 1992. The detailed findings demonstrated that AMCs provided a disproportionate share of care to transfers in 1992, and that transfers to AMCs are more complex and require more specialized care than do transfers to non-teaching hospitals. The study also determined that, during the time studied, AMCs received a disproportionate share of Medicaid and indigentcare transfers. Finally, the findings demonstrated that transfers increased in absolute numbers and as a percentage of total patient volumes for all hospitals from 1988 to 1994. The rate of increase was greatest for AMCs. The authors explain why they believe that their findings are applicable today, although they caution that study of more recent data should be made. The authors comment that purchasers of health care may find the study useful in better understanding benchmarking tools used to evaluate hospitals. This study may also help those involved in health policy to more fully understand the magnitude of the contribution to transfer patient care provided by AMCs. Finally, health policymakers and planners may find this work useful as they prepare for increasing numbers of transfers in the future, particularly at AMCs.

Paleomagnetism of Neoproterozoic cap carbonates of the Sao Francisco and Amazonian cratons, Brazil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trindade, R. I. F.; Dagrella-Filho, M. S.; Figueiredo, F. T.; Font, E.; Babinski, M.; Nogueira, A. C. R.; Riccomini, C.

2003-04-01

The low-latitude paleomagnetic record of some Neoproterozoic glacial successions has long been used as an evidence for dramatic changes in Earth climate (Snowball Earth events). But the test for such events demands a global-scale paleomagnetic database in the Neoproterozoic glacial/carbonate successions. In order to better constrain these extreme climatic events, an extensive paleomagnetic survey has been conducted in carbonates that cap the Neoproterozoic glacial rocks of the Sao Francisco (SFC) and Amazonian (AMC) cratons, Brazil. In the SFC, sampling was performed at 104 sites (horizontal beds) distributed at two sectors (north and south), about 1.000 km apart, within the stable area of the craton. In the AMC, sampling included 15 sites in undeformed, sub-horizontal beds, and 25 sites along the limbs of regional folds in the margin of the craton. After paleomagnetic cleaning, most samples from both SFC and AMC yielded similar PGVs (mean SFC: 32°N, 322°E (A95=2.8, K=65.3); mean AMC: 31°N, 336°E (A95=6.8, K=46.2)). Pb-Pb ages around 520 Ma for SFC samples, a negative fold-test for AMC samples, and the coincidence of these poles with 520 Ma Gondwanan reference poles after rotation of South America to Africa, suggest a continental-scale remagnetization by this time. Some sites from both cratons, however, seem to have not been affected by the Cambrian remagnetization. Two mean poles were calculated for SFC and AMC for which consistent reversals could be recorded, suggesting a primary nature for the characteristic magnetization (mean SFC pole: 66°S, 198°E (A95=5.4, K=47.5); mean AMC pole: 77°S, 66°E (A95=8.8, K=47.7)). These results indicate a moderate latitude (51°) for the SFC Bebedouro (Sturtian) glaciation and a low latitude (24°) for the AMC Puga (Varanger) glaciation, and reinforces the hypothesis of Neoproterozoic global-scale ice-ages.

Finite difference time domain grid generation from AMC helicopter models

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cravey, Robin L.

1992-01-01

A simple technique is presented which forms a cubic grid model of a helicopter from an Aircraft Modeling Code (AMC) input file. The AMC input file defines the helicopter fuselage as a series of polygonal cross sections. The cubic grid model is used as an input to a Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) code to obtain predictions of antenna performance on a generic helicopter model. The predictions compare reasonably well with measured data.

Apollo XI Command Module (CM) - Mobile Quarantine Facility (MQF) - U.S.S. Hornet

NASA Image and Video Library

1969-07-24

S69-40758 (24 July 1969) --- The Apollo 11 spacecraft Command Module (CM) and the Mobile Quarantine Facility (MQF) are photographed aboard the USS Hornet, prime recovery ship for the historic first lunar landing mission. The three crewmen are already in the MQF. Apollo 11 with astronauts Neil A. Armstrong, Michael Collins and Edwin E. Aldrin Jr. aboard splashed down at 11:49 a.m. (CDT), July 24, 1969, about 812 nautical miles southwest of Hawaii and only 12 nautical miles from the USS Hornet. While astronauts Armstrong, commander, and Aldrin, lunar module pilot, descended in the Lunar Module (LM) "Eagle" to explore the Sea of Tranquility region of the moon, astronaut Collins, command module pilot, remained with the Command and Service Modules (CSM) "Columbia" in lunar orbit.

Association Between Academic Medical Center Pharmaceutical Detailing Policies and Physician Prescribing.

PubMed

Larkin, Ian; Ang, Desmond; Steinhart, Jonathan; Chao, Matthew; Patterson, Mark; Sah, Sunita; Wu, Tina; Schoenbaum, Michael; Hutchins, David; Brennan, Troyen; Loewenstein, George

2017-05-02

In an effort to regulate physician conflicts of interest, some US academic medical centers (AMCs) enacted policies restricting pharmaceutical representative sales visits to physicians (known as detailing) between 2006 and 2012. Little is known about the effect of these policies on physician prescribing. To analyze the association between detailing policies enacted at AMCs and physician prescribing of actively detailed and not detailed drugs. The study used a difference-in-differences multivariable regression analysis to compare changes in prescribing by physicians before and after implementation of detailing policies at AMCs in 5 states (California, Illinois, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and New York) that made up the intervention group with changes in prescribing by a matched control group of similar physicians not subject to a detailing policy. Academic medical center implementation of policies regulating pharmaceutical salesperson visits to attending physicians. The monthly within-drug class market share of prescriptions written by an individual physician for detailed and nondetailed drugs in 8 drug classes (lipid-lowering drugs, gastroesophageal reflux disease drugs, diabetes drugs, antihypertensive drugs, hypnotic drugs approved for the treatment of insomnia [sleep aids], attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder drugs, antidepressant drugs, and antipsychotic drugs) comparing the 10- to 36-month period before implementation of the detailing policies with the 12- to 36-month period after implementation, depending on data availability. The analysis included 16 121 483 prescriptions written between January 2006 and June 2012 by 2126 attending physicians at the 19 intervention group AMCs and by 24 593 matched control group physicians. The sample mean market share at the physician-drug-month level for detailed and nondetailed drugs prior to enactment of policies was 19.3% and 14.2%, respectively. Exposure to an AMC detailing policy was associated with a decrease in the market share of detailed drugs of 1.67 percentage points (95% CI, -2.18 to -1.18 percentage points; P < .001) and an increase in the market share of nondetailed drugs of 0.84 percentage points (95% CI, 0.54 to 1.14 percentage points; P < .001). Associations were statistically significant for 6 of 8 study drug classes for detailed drugs (lipid-lowering drugs, gastroesophageal reflux disease drugs, antihypertensive drugs, sleep aids, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder drugs, and antidepressant drugs) and for 9 of the 19 AMCs that implemented policies. Eleven of the 19 AMCs regulated salesperson gifts to physicians, restricted salesperson access to facilities, and incorporated explicit enforcement mechanisms. For 8 of these 11 AMCs, there was a significant change in prescribing. In contrast, there was a significant change at only 1 of 8 AMCs that did not enact policies in all 3 areas. Implementation of policies at AMCs that restricted pharmaceutical detailing between 2006 and 2012 was associated with modest but significant reductions in prescribing of detailed drugs across 6 of 8 major drug classes; however, changes were not seen in all of the AMCs that enacted policies.

Virtual Civilian Aeromedical Evacuation Sustainment Training Project (V-CAEST)

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-08-01

evacuation liaison team (AELT), and the mobile aeromedical staging facility (MASF). The content covered in the V-CAEST environment therefore covered the...environment was set-up in a large gymnasium building including a mock military plane and Mobile Aeromedical Staging Facility (MASF) located just...staffing exam backhoe scenarios exam infrastructure interface tsunami infrastructure commander telecommunication disrupting commander

The small molecule '1-(4-biphenylylcarbonyl)-4-(5-bromo-2-methoxybenzyl) piperazine oxalate' and its derivatives regulate global protein synthesis by inactivating eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2-alpha.

PubMed

Hong, Mi-Na; Nam, Ky-Youb; Kim, Kyung Kon; Kim, So-Young; Kim, InKi

2016-05-01

By environmental stresses, cells can initiate a signaling pathway in which eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2-alpha (eIF2-α) is involved to regulate the response. Phosphorylation of eIF2-α results in the reduction of overall protein neogenesis, which allows cells to conserve resources and to reprogram energy usage for effective stress control. To investigate the role of eIF2-α in cell stress responses, we conducted a viability-based compound screen under endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress condition, and identified 1-(4-biphenylylcarbonyl)-4-(5-bromo-2-methoxybenzyl) piperazine oxalate (AMC-01) and its derivatives as eIF2-α-inactivating chemical. Molecular characterization of this signaling pathway revealed that AMC-01 induced inactivation of eIF2-α by phosphorylating serine residue 51 in a dose- and time-dependent manner, while the negative control compounds did not affect eIF2-α phosphorylation. In contrast with ER stress induction by thapsigargin, phosphorylation of eIF2-α persisted for the duration of incubation with AMC-01. By pathway analysis, AMC-01 clearly induced the activation of protein kinase RNA-activated (PKR) kinase and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), whereas it did not modulate the activity of PERK or heme-regulated inhibitor (HRI). Finally, we could detect a lower protein translation rate in cells incubated with AMC-01, establishing AMC-01 as a potent chemical probe that can regulate eIF2-α activity. We suggest from these data that AMC-01 and its derivative compounds can be used as chemical probes in future studies of the role of eIF2-α in protein synthesis-related cell physiology.

Impact of restricted amoxicillin/clavulanic acid use on Escherichia coli resistance--antibiotic DU90% profiles with bacterial resistance rates: a visual presentation.

PubMed

Mimica Matanovic, Suzana; Bergman, Ulf; Vukovic, Dubravka; Wettermark, Björn; Vlahovic-Palcevski, Vera

2010-10-01

High use of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (AMC) at the University Hospital Osijek (Croatia) contributed to high rates of resistance in Enterobacteriaceae, in particular Escherichia coli (50%). Thus, in order to decrease bacterial resistance, AMC use was restricted. We present results of the restriction on resistance amongst antibiotics accounting for 90% of antibiotic use [drug utilisation 90% (DU90%)]. Data were analysed on antibiotic use and microbiological susceptibility of E. coli during two 9-month periods, before and after the restriction of AMC use. Drug use was presented as numbers of defined daily doses (DDDs) and DDDs/100 bed-days. Resistance of E. coli to antibiotics was presented as percentages of isolated strains in the DU90% segment. Use of AMC was 16 DDDs/100 bed-days or 30% of all antibiotics before the intervention. Use of AMC fell to 2 DDDs/100 bed-days or 4% after the intervention, and resistance of E. coli fell from 37% to 11%. In conclusion, restricted use of AMC resulted in a significant decrease of E. coli resistance. DU90% resistance profiles are simple and useful tools in highlighting problems in antibiotic use and resistance but may also be useful in long-term follow-up of antibiotic policy. Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. and the International Society of Chemotherapy. All rights reserved.

Mitogenic and chondrogenic effects of fibroblast growth factor-2 in adipose-derived mesenchymal cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chiou, Michael; Xu Yue; Longaker, Michael T.

2006-05-05

Adipose-derived mesenchymal cells (AMCs) have demonstrated a great capacity for differentiating into bone, cartilage, and fat. Studies using bone marrow-derived mesenchymal cells (BMSCs) have shown that fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2, a potent mitogenic factor, plays an important role in tissue engineering due to its effects in proliferation and differentiation for mesenchymal cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the function of FGF-2 in AMC chondrogenic differentiation and its possible contributions to cell-based therapeutics in skeletal tissue regeneration. Data demonstrated that FGF-2 significantly promoted the proliferation of AMCs and enhanced chondrogenesis in three-dimensional micromass culture. Moreover, priming AMCs withmore » treatment of FGF-2 at 10 ng/ml demonstrated that cells underwent chondrogenic phenotypic differentiation, possibly by inducing N-Cadherin, FGF-receptor 2, and transcription factor Sox9. Our results indicated that FGF-2 potentiates chondrogenesis in AMCs, similar to its functions in BMSCs, suggesting the versatile potential applications of FGF-2 in skeletal regeneration and cartilage repair.« less

A Theory of Rate-Dependent Plasticity

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-05-01

crystal microplasticity use a variety of parameters, such as mobile dislocation density and velocity, all of which are eventually related in some manner...Info Center Bldg. 2925, Box 22 Fort Ord, CA 93941 55 DISTRIBUTION LIST No. of Copies Organization 1 Commander Naval Sea Systems Command...Washington, DC 20360 Commander Naval Sea Systems Command ( SEA -62R41) ATTN: L. Pasiuk Washington, DC 20360 Commander Naval

Satellite Telemetry and Command using Big LEO Mobile Telecommunications Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huegel, Fred

1998-01-01

Various issues associated with satellite telemetry and command using Big LEO mobile telecommunications systems are presented in viewgraph form. Specific topics include: 1) Commercial Satellite system overviews: Globalstar, ICO, and Iridium; 2) System capabilities and cost reduction; 3) Satellite constellations and contact limitations; 4) Capabilities of Globalstar, ICO and Iridium with emphasis on Globalstar; and 5) Flight transceiver issues and security.

Association Between Academic Medical Center Pharmaceutical Detailing Policies and Physician Prescribing

PubMed Central

Ang, Desmond; Steinhart, Jonathan; Chao, Matthew; Patterson, Mark; Sah, Sunita; Wu, Tina; Schoenbaum, Michael; Hutchins, David; Brennan, Troyen; Loewenstein, George

2017-01-01

Importance In an effort to regulate physician conflicts of interest, some US academic medical centers (AMCs) enacted policies restricting pharmaceutical representative sales visits to physicians (known as detailing) between 2006 and 2012. Little is known about the effect of these policies on physician prescribing. Objective To analyze the association between detailing policies enacted at AMCs and physician prescribing of actively detailed and not detailed drugs. Design, Setting, and Participants The study used a difference-in-differences multivariable regression analysis to compare changes in prescribing by physicians before and after implementation of detailing policies at AMCs in 5 states (California, Illinois, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and New York) that made up the intervention group with changes in prescribing by a matched control group of similar physicians not subject to a detailing policy. Exposures Academic medical center implementation of policies regulating pharmaceutical salesperson visits to attending physicians. Main Outcomes and Measures The monthly within-drug class market share of prescriptions written by an individual physician for detailed and nondetailed drugs in 8 drug classes (lipid-lowering drugs, gastroesophageal reflux disease drugs, diabetes drugs, antihypertensive drugs, hypnotic drugs approved for the treatment of insomnia [sleep aids], attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder drugs, antidepressant drugs, and antipsychotic drugs) comparing the 10- to 36-month period before implementation of the detailing policies with the 12- to 36-month period after implementation, depending on data availability. Results The analysis included 16 121 483 prescriptions written between January 2006 and June 2012 by 2126 attending physicians at the 19 intervention group AMCs and by 24 593 matched control group physicians. The sample mean market share at the physician-drug-month level for detailed and nondetailed drugs prior to enactment of policies was 19.3% and 14.2%, respectively. Exposure to an AMC detailing policy was associated with a decrease in the market share of detailed drugs of 1.67 percentage points (95% CI, −2.18 to −1.18 percentage points; P < .001) and an increase in the market share of nondetailed drugs of 0.84 percentage points (95% CI, 0.54 to 1.14 percentage points; P < .001). Associations were statistically significant for 6 of 8 study drug classes for detailed drugs (lipid-lowering drugs, gastroesophageal reflux disease drugs, antihypertensive drugs, sleep aids, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder drugs, and antidepressant drugs) and for 9 of the 19 AMCs that implemented policies. Eleven of the 19 AMCs regulated salesperson gifts to physicians, restricted salesperson access to facilities, and incorporated explicit enforcement mechanisms. For 8 of these 11 AMCs, there was a significant change in prescribing. In contrast, there was a significant change at only 1 of 8 AMCs that did not enact policies in all 3 areas. Conclusions and Relevance Implementation of policies at AMCs that restricted pharmaceutical detailing between 2006 and 2012 was associated with modest but significant reductions in prescribing of detailed drugs across 6 of 8 major drug classes; however, changes were not seen in all of the AMCs that enacted policies. PMID:28464141

Advance market commitment for pneumococcal vaccines: putting theory into practice

PubMed Central

Cernuschi, Tania; Schwalbe, Nina; Jones, Andrew; Berndt, Ernst R; McAdams, Susan

2011-01-01

Abstract Markets for life-saving vaccines do not often generate the most desired outcomes from a public health perspective in terms of product quantity, quality, affordability, programmatic suitability and/or sustainability for use in the lowest income countries. The perceived risks and uncertainties about sustainably funded demand from developing countries often leads to underinvestment in development and manufacturing of appropriate products. The pilot initiative Advance Market Commitment (AMC) for pneumococcal vaccines, launched in 2009, aims to remove some of these market risks by providing a legally binding forward commitment to purchase vaccines according to predetermined terms. To date, 14 countries have already introduced pneumococcal vaccines through the AMC with a further 39 countries expected to introduce before the end of 2013. This paper describes early lessons learnt on the selection of a target disease and the core design choices for the pilot AMC. It highlights the challenges faced with tailoring the AMC design to the specific supply situation of pneumococcal vaccines. It points to the difficulty – and the AMC’s apparent early success – in establishing a long-term, credible commitment in a constantly changing unpredictable environment. It highlights one of the inherent challenges of the AMC: its dependence on continuous donor funding to ensure long-term purchases of products. The paper examines alternative design choices and aims to provide a starting point to inform discussions and encourage debate about the potential application of the AMC concept to other fields. PMID:22271949

Microstructure and wear characterization of aluminum matrix composites reinforced with industrial waste fly ash particulates synthesized by friction stir processing

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dinaharan, I., E-mail: dinaweld2009@gmail.com

Fly ash (FA) is a waste product of coal combustion in thermal power plants which is available in massive quantities all over the world causing land pollution. This paper reports the characterization of AA6061 aluminum matrix composites (AMCs) reinforced with FA particles synthesized using friction stir processing (FSP). The volume fraction of FA particles was varied from 0 to 18 in steps of 6. The prepared AMCs were characterized using optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron backscattered diagram (EBSD). The wear rate was estimated using a pin-on-disc wear apparatus. FA particles were observed to be distributed homogeneouslymore » in the AMC irrespective of the location within the stir zone. The EBSD micrographs revealed remarkable grain refinement in the AMC. The incorporation of FA particles enhanced the microhardness and wear resistance of the AMC. The strengthening mechanisms of the AMC were discussed and correlated to the observed microstructures. The wear mechanisms were identified by characterizing the wear debris and worn surfaces. - Highlights: •Industrial waste fly ash was used to produce aluminum matrix composites. •Friction stir processing was used to produce AA6061/Fly Ash composite. •Fly ash particles refined the grains of aluminum matrix. •Fly ash particles enhanced the hardness and wear resistance. •Successful utilization of fly ash to make aluminum composites reduces land pollution.« less

Developing a consensus framework and risk profile for agents of opportunity in academic medical centers: implications for public health preparedness.

PubMed

Farmer, Brenna M; Nelson, Lewis S; Graham, Margaret E; Bendzans, Carly; McCrillis, Aileen M; Portelli, Ian; Zhang, Meng; Goldberg, Judith; Rosenberg, Sheldon D; Goldfrank, Lewis R; Tunik, Michael

2010-12-01

Agents of opportunity (AO) in academic medical centers (AMC) are defined as unregulated or lightly regulated substances used for medical research or patient care that can be used as "dual purpose" substances by terrorists to inflict damage upon populations. Most of these agents are used routinely throughout AMC either during research or for general clinical practice. To date, the lack of careful regulations for AOs creates uncertain security conditions and increased malicious potential. Using a consensus-based approach, we collected information and opinions from staff working in an AMC and 4 AMC-affiliated hospitals concerning identification of AO, AO attributes, and AMC risk and preparedness, focusing on AO security and dissemination mechanisms and likely hospital response. The goal was to develop a risk profile and framework for AO in the institution. Agents of opportunity in 4 classes were identified and an AO profile was developed, comprising 16 attributes denoting information critical to preparedness for AO misuse. Agents of opportunity found in AMC present a unique and vital gap in public health preparedness. Findings of this project may provide a foundation for a discussion and consensus efforts to determine a nationally accepted risk profile framework for AO. This foundation may further lead to the implementation of appropriate regulatory policies to improve public health preparedness. Agents of opportunity modeling of dissemination properties should be developed to better predict AO risk.

Utilization of human amniotic mesenchymal cells as feeder layers to sustain propagation of human embryonic stem cells in the undifferentiated state.

PubMed

Zhang, Kehua; Cai, Zhe; Li, Yang; Shu, Jun; Pan, Lin; Wan, Fang; Li, Hong; Huang, Xiaojie; He, Chun; Liu, Yanqiu; Cui, Xiaohui; Xu, Yang; Gao, Yan; Wu, Liqun; Cao, Shanxia; Li, Lingsong

2011-08-01

Human embryonic stem (ES) cells are usually maintained in the undifferentiated state by culturing on feeder cells layers of mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). However, MEFs are not suitable to support human ES cells used for clinical purpose because of risk of zoonosis from animal cells. Therefore, human tissue-based feeder layers need to be developed for human ES cells for clinical purpose. Hereof we report that human amniotic mesenchymal cells (hAMCs) could act as feeder cells for human ES cells, because they are easily obtained and relatively exempt from ethical problem. Like MEFs, hAMCs could act as feeder cells for human ES cells to grow well on. The self-renewal rate of human ES cells cultured on hAMCs feeders was higher than that on MEFs and human amniotic epithelial cells determined by measurement of colonial diameters and growth curve as well as cell cycle analysis. Both immunofluorescence staining and immunoblotting showed that human ES cells cultured on hAMCs expressed stem cell markers such as Oct-3/4, Sox2, and NANOG. Verified by embryoid body formation in vitro and teratoma formation in vivo, we found out that after 20 passages of culture, human ES cells grown on hAMCs feeders could still retain the potency of differentiating into three germ layers. Taken together, our data suggested hAMCs may be safe feeder cells to sustain the propagation of human ES cells in undifferentiated state for future therapeutic use.

Effects of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid on the pharmacokinetics of valproic acid

PubMed Central

Lee, Soo-Yun; Huh, Wooseong; Jung, Jin Ah; Yoo, Hye Min; Ko, Jae-Wook; Kim, Jung-Ryul

2015-01-01

Valproic acid (VPA) is mainly metabolized via glucuronide, which is hydrolyzed by β-glucuronidase and undergoes enterohepatic circulation. Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (AMC) administration leads to decreased levels of β-glucuronidase-producing bacteria, suggesting that these antibiotics could interrupt enterohepatic circulation and thereby alter the pharmacokinetics of VPA. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of AMC on the pharmacokinetics of VPA. This was an open-label, two-treatment, one-sequence study in 16 healthy volunteers. Two treatments were evaluated; treatment VPA, in which a single dose of VPA 500 mg was administered, and treatment AMC + VPA, in which multiple doses of AMC 500/125 mg were administered three times daily for 7 days and then a single dose of VPA was administered. Blood samples were collected up to 48 hours. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using noncompartmental methods. Fifteen subjects completed the study. Systemic exposures and peak concentrations of VPA were slightly lower with treatment AMC + VPA than with treatment VPA (AUClast, 851.0 h·mg/L vs 889.6 h·mg/L; Cmax, 52.1 mg/L vs 53.0 mg/L). There were no significant between-treatment effects on pharmacokinetics (95% confidence interval [CI]) of AUClast and Cmax (95.7 [85.9–106.5] and 98.3 [91.6–105.6], respectively). Multiple doses of AMC had no significant effects on the pharmacokinetics of VPA; thus, no dose adjustment is necessary. PMID:26309401

Agent of opportunity risk mitigation: people, engineering, and security efficacy.

PubMed

Graham, Margaret E; Tunik, Michael G; Farmer, Brenna M; Bendzans, Carly; McCrillis, Aileen M; Nelson, Lewis S; Portelli, Ian; Smith, Silas; Goldberg, Judith D; Zhang, Meng; Rosenberg, Sheldon D; Goldfrank, Lewis R

2010-12-01

Agents of opportunity (AO) are potentially harmful biological, chemical, radiological, and pharmaceutical substances commonly used for health care delivery and research. AOs are present in all academic medical centers (AMC), creating vulnerability in the health care sector; AO attributes and dissemination methods likely predict risk; and AMCs are inadequately secured against a purposeful AO dissemination, with limited budgets and competing priorities. We explored health care workers' perceptions of AMC security and the impact of those perceptions on AO risk. Qualitative methods (survey, interviews, and workshops) were used to collect opinions from staff working in a medical school and 4 AMC-affiliated hospitals concerning AOs and the risk to hospital infrastructure associated with their uncontrolled presence. Secondary to this goal, staff perception concerning security, or opinions about security behaviors of others, were extracted, analyzed, and grouped into themes. We provide a framework for depicting the interaction of staff behavior and access control engineering, including the tendency of staff to "defeat" inconvenient access controls. In addition, 8 security themes emerged: staff security behavior is a significant source of AO risk; the wide range of opinions about "open" front-door policies among AMC staff illustrates a disparity of perceptions about the need for security; interviewees expressed profound skepticism concerning the effectiveness of front-door access controls; an AO risk assessment requires reconsideration of the security levels historically assigned to areas such as the loading dock and central distribution sites, where many AOs are delivered and may remain unattended for substantial periods of time; researchers' view of AMC security is influenced by the ongoing debate within the scientific community about the wisdom of engaging in bioterrorism research; there was no agreement about which areas of the AMC should be subject to stronger access controls; security personnel play dual roles of security and customer service, creating the negative perception that neither role is done well; and budget was described as an important factor in explaining the state of security controls. We determined that AMCs seeking to reduce AO risk should assess their institutionally unique AO risks, understand staff security perceptions, and install access controls that are responsive to the staff's tendency to defeat them. The development of AO attribute fact sheets is desirable for AO risk assessment; new funding and administrative or legislative tools to improve AMC security are required; and security practices and methods that are convenient and effective should be engineered.

Resistance to amoxicillin-clavulanate and its relation to virulence-related factors in Yersinia enterocolitica biovar 1A.

PubMed

Singhal, N; Kumar, M; Virdi, J S

2016-01-01

Recent studies have reported that the virulence factors (VFs) were detected more frequently in amoxicillin-clavulanate (AMC) susceptible clinical isolates of Escherichia coli. Here, we have evaluated the relationship between VFs and AMC-resistance phenotype in clinical isolates of Y. enterocolitica biovar 1A. The presence/absence of VFs was compared with their minimum inhibitory concentrations for AMC in strains of two serovars. We observed that the strains of the serovar O: 6, 30-6, 31 showed a similar relationship between the number of VFs and resistance to clavulanic acid as in E. coli but not of serovar O: 6, 30. Variations in the promoters/complete coding sequences (CCDSs) of β-lactamase gene (bla A) or the serological characteristics could not account for unusual susceptibility to AMC displayed by the strains of the serovar O: 6, 30. Therefore, we speculate that since the clinical strains of serovar O: 6, 30-6, 31 originated from the environment they were less exposed to antibiotics compared to clinical strains of serovar O: 6, 30. Thus, AMC susceptibility seems to be influenced by factors other than serotypes or promoters/CCDS of β-lactamase genes.

Compact planar monopole antenna for wearable wireless applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Andriamiharivolamena, Tsitoha; Lemaître-Auger, Pierre; Tedjini, Smail; Tirard, Franck

2015-11-01

We report in this paper the design and the realization of a compact wearable monopole antenna directly placed over an Artificial Magnetic Conductor (AMC), which is located directly on the body. The major contribution is that there is no space between the monopole and the AMC, or between the AMC and the body. Simulation results and measurements are in good agreement and show that the antenna's performances are as good as the best ones reported so far in the literature, while having a smaller volume. The antenna operates at 1.92 GHz with a bandwidth of 8%. The reflection coefficient of the antenna is - 35 dB. The measurement of the antenna gain provides a value of 4.3 dBi with a half-power beamwidth of 70° and a front-to-back radiation ratio of 15.8 dB. Measurement and simulation results also show that the AMC isolates well the monopole from the body: the localized Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) value calculated with 1 g of tissue is 0.34 W/kg with an injected power of 1 W. The antenna with the AMC is well adapted for wearable applications.

The new Mobile Command Center at KSC is important addition to emergency preparedness

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2000-01-01

This new specially equipped vehicle serves as a mobile command center for emergency preparedness staff and other support personnel when needed at KSC or Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. It features a conference room, computer work stations, mobile telephones and a fax machine. It also can generate power with its onboard generator. Besides being ready to respond in case of emergencies during launches, the vehicle must be ready to help address fires, security threats, chemical spills, terrorist attaches, weather damage or other critical situations that might face KSC or CCAFS.

The new Mobile Command Center at KSC is important addition to emergency preparedness

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2000-01-01

This camper-equipped truck known as '''Old Blue''' served as mobile field command center for the Emergency Preparedness team at KSC. It has been replaced with a larger vehicle that includes a conference room, computer work stations, mobile telephones and a fax machine, plus its own onboard generator. Besides being ready to respond in case of emergencies during launches, the vehicle must be ready to help address fires, security threats, chemical spills, terrorist attaches, weather damage or other critical situations that might face KSC or Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

Air Mobility Command’s Total Force Integration: A Critical Analysis

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-02-26

variety of techniques available to positively change culture . 9 Changing assumptions of in-group collectivist requires increasing breadth and open...there have been issues. Command structure, cultural differences and vague guidance for implementation have plagued Air Mobility Command’s...through the Governor and not the President of the United States. Cultural Considerations The purpose of this section is to identify and discuss

The future of hospital economic health.

PubMed

Gerber, David R; Bekes, Carolyn E; Parrillo, Joseph E

2006-03-01

To evaluate factors which may influence the economic future of academic medical centers (AMCs). A literature search was performed to identify publications which reviewed the areas of revenue sources for AMCs, costs and expenses incurred by these institutions, and mechanisms for optimizing institutional economic stability. Data were reviewed and evaluated in two primary contexts: hospital revenues and organizational and administrative factors influencing hospital economic health. Increasing economic stress will require AMCs to make efforts both to increase revenue through a variety of mechanisms and to minimize expenses without compromising their mission or impairing worker morale.

Detection of myocardial ischemia by automated, motion-corrected, color-encoded perfusion maps compared with visual analysis of adenosine stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging at 3 T: a pilot study.

PubMed

Doesch, Christina; Papavassiliu, Theano; Michaely, Henrik J; Attenberger, Ulrike I; Glielmi, Christopher; Süselbeck, Tim; Fink, Christian; Borggrefe, Martin; Schoenberg, Stefan O

2013-09-01

The purpose of this study was to compare automated, motion-corrected, color-encoded (AMC) perfusion maps with qualitative visual analysis of adenosine stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging for detection of flow-limiting stenoses. Myocardial perfusion measurements applying the standard adenosine stress imaging protocol and a saturation-recovery temporal generalized autocalibrating partially parallel acquisition (t-GRAPPA) turbo fast low angle shot (Turbo FLASH) magnetic resonance imaging sequence were performed in 25 patients using a 3.0-T MAGNETOM Skyra (Siemens Healthcare Sector, Erlangen, Germany). Perfusion studies were analyzed using AMC perfusion maps and qualitative visual analysis. Angiographically detected coronary artery (CA) stenoses greater than 75% or 50% or more with a myocardial perfusion reserve index less than 1.5 were considered as hemodynamically relevant. Diagnostic performance and time requirement for both methods were compared. Interobserver and intraobserver reliability were also assessed. A total of 29 CA stenoses were included in the analysis. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy for detection of ischemia on a per-patient basis were comparable using the AMC perfusion maps compared to visual analysis. On a per-CA territory basis, the attribution of an ischemia to the respective vessel was facilitated using the AMC perfusion maps. Interobserver and intraobserver reliability were better for the AMC perfusion maps (concordance correlation coefficient, 0.94 and 0.93, respectively) compared to visual analysis (concordance correlation coefficient, 0.73 and 0.79, respectively). In addition, in comparison to visual analysis, the AMC perfusion maps were able to significantly reduce analysis time from 7.7 (3.1) to 3.2 (1.9) minutes (P < 0.0001). The AMC perfusion maps yielded a diagnostic performance on a per-patient and on a per-CA territory basis comparable with the visual analysis. Furthermore, this approach demonstrated higher interobserver and intraobserver reliability as well as a better time efficiency when compared to visual analysis.

Comparative biochemical methane potential of paragrass using an unacclimated and an acclimated microbial consortium.

PubMed

Nuchdang, Sasikarn; Khemkhao, Maneerat; Techkarnjanaruk, Somkiet; Phalakornkule, Chantaraporn

2015-05-01

The effect of inoculum sources on the anaerobic digestion of paragrass was investigated. Two types of sludge were used as the inoculums: an anaerobic sludge obtained from a domestic wastewater treatment plant (OS) and a sludge acclimated to fibrous substrates in raw palm oil mill effluent (AMC). Microbial activity assays showed that the AMC had hydrolytic and acetogenic activities two times greater than the activities of the OS. In addition, the production of methane from acetate by the AMC occurred without a lag phase, while it took 8 days for the OS to start producing methane from the same substrate. The biochemical methane potential after 80 days digestion was 316 ml STP/g VS(added) using the AMC, and 277 ml STP/g VS(added) using the OS. The methane potential of the paragrass was estimated to be 3337 Nm(3) CH4/ha a. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

STS-108 and Expedition 4 crews visit Mobile Command Center at CCAFS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2001-01-01

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- STS-108 crew visit the Mobile Command Center at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. From left are Pilot Mark E. Kelly, Mission Specialist Daniel M. Tani; Commander Dominic L. Gorie and Mission Specialist Linda A. Godwin; and Expedition 4 Commander Onufrienko and Daniel W. Bursch and Carl E. Walz. Crew members are at KSC for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities that include a simulated launch countdown, and emergency exit training from the orbiter and launch pad. STS-108 is a Utilization Flight that will carry the replacement Expedition 4 crew to the International Space Station, as well as the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello, filled with supplies and equipment. The l1-day mission is scheduled for launch Nov. 29 on Space Shuttle Endeavour.

The Harvard Medical School Academic Innovations Collaborative: transforming primary care practice and education.

PubMed

Bitton, Asaf; Ellner, Andrew; Pabo, Erika; Stout, Somava; Sugarman, Jonathan R; Sevin, Cory; Goodell, Kristen; Bassett, Jill S; Phillips, Russell S

2014-09-01

Academic medical centers (AMCs) need new approaches to delivering higher-quality care at lower costs, and engaging trainees in the work of high-functioning primary care practices. In 2012, the Harvard Medical School Center for Primary Care, in partnership with with local AMCs, established an Academic Innovations Collaborative (AIC) with the goal of transforming primary care education and practice. This novel two-year learning collaborative consisted of hospital- and community-based primary care teaching practices, committed to building highly functional teams, managing populations, and engaging patients. The AIC built on models developed by Qualis Health and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, optimized for the local AMC context. Foundational elements included leadership engagement and development, application of rapid-cycle process improvement, and the creation of teams to care for defined patient populations. Nineteen practices across six AMCs participated, with nearly 260,000 patients and 450 resident learners. The collaborative offered three 1.5-day learning sessions each year featuring shared learning, practice coaches, and improvement measures, along with monthly data reporting, webinars, and site visits. Validated self-reports by transformation teams showed that practices made substantial improvement across all areas of change. Important factors for success included leadership development, practice-level resources, and engaging patients and trainees. The AIC model shows promise as a path for AMCs to catalyze health system transformation through primary care improvement. In addition to further evaluating the impact of practice transformation, expansion will require support from AMCs and payers, and the application of similar approaches on a broader scale.

Does the United States’ Strategic Mobility Program Support the Needs of Operational Commanders

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-10-01

Does the United States’ Strategic Mobility Program Support the Needs of Operational Commanders? A Monograph by MAJ Erik E. Hilberg United...inability to project certain capabilities? This monograph argues that the Department of Defense’s shortfalls in strategic sealift will limit a ground...quantitative research associated with this study goes through a qualitative analysis. The research results of this study then undergo an examination

Federated Ground Station Network Model and Interface Specification

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-12-01

interface definition language JSON JavaScript Object Notation LEO low Earth orbit LNA low-noise amplifier MC3 Mobile CubeSat Command and Control...Naval Research Laboratory OQPSK offset quadrature phase-shift keying xviii P2P peer-to-peer PKI public key infrastructure REST Representational...enhanced our work being performed on the Mobile CubeSat Command and Control (MC3) ground station network. You also provided crucial guidance from

Roadside-based communication system and method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bachelder, Aaron D. (Inventor)

2007-01-01

A roadside-based communication system providing backup communication between emergency mobile units and emergency command centers. In the event of failure of a primary communication, the mobile units transmit wireless messages to nearby roadside controllers that may take the form of intersection controllers. The intersection controllers receive the wireless messages, convert the messages into standard digital streams, and transmit the digital streams along a citywide network to a destination intersection or command center.

Command History. United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam 1968. Volume 2

DTIC Science & Technology

1968-01-01

phase of the 1968 plan was put through ae scheduled. The opening of the Tte Offensive. however, temporarily scuttled the program. Temporarily, local...decrease slightly. Completed construction of an additional 1, 200 km oalhighways and tte restoration of more of the VNRS was expected to materialize in...Assistance Program MINRON Mine Squadron \\05 Military Intelligence Service MISC Mobile Infiltration Surveillance Center MIUWG Mobile Inshore Undersea

33 CFR 334.783 - Arlington Channel, U.S. Coast Guard Base Mobile, Mobile, Alabama, Coast Guard restricted area.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Guard Base Mobile, Mobile, Alabama, Coast Guard restricted area. 334.783 Section 334.783 Navigation and... RESTRICTED AREA REGULATIONS § 334.783 Arlington Channel, U.S. Coast Guard Base Mobile, Mobile, Alabama, Coast... without prior approval from the Commanding Officer, U.S. Coast Guard Group Mobile or his designated...

Plan execution monitoring with distributed intelligent agents for battle command

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Allen, James P.; Barry, Kevin P.; McCormick, John M.; Paul, Ross A.

2004-07-01

As military tactics evolve toward execution centric operations the ability to analyze vast amounts of mission relevant data is essential to command and control decision making. To maintain operational tempo and achieve information superiority we have developed Vigilant Advisor, a mobile agent-based distributed Plan Execution Monitoring system. It provides military commanders with continuous contingency monitoring tailored to their preferences while overcoming the network bandwidth problem often associated with traditional remote data querying. This paper presents an overview of Plan Execution Monitoring as well as a detailed view of the Vigilant Advisor system including key features and statistical analysis of resource savings provided by its mobile agent-based approach.

Characterizing the In-Phase Reflection Bandwidth Theoretical Limit of Artificial Magnetic Conductors With a Transmission Line Model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Xie, Yunsong; Fan, Xin; Chen, Yunpeng; Wilson, Jeefrey D.; Simons, Rainee N.; Xiao, John Q.

2013-01-01

We validate through simulation and experiment that artificial magnetic conductors (AMC s) can be well characterized by a transmission line model. The theoretical bandwidth limit of the in-phase reflection can be expressed in terms of the effective RLC parameters from the surface patch and the properties of the substrate. It is found that the existence of effective inductive components will reduce the in-phase reflection bandwidth of the AMC. Furthermore, we propose design strategies to optimize AMC structures with an in-phase reflection bandwidth closer to the theoretical limit.

Techniques Analysis of the Interference Suppression Algorithm in Broadband Aeronautical Multi-carrier Communication System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Dong-xia; Ye, Qian-wen

Out-of-band radiation suppression algorithm must be used efficiently for broadband aeronautical communication system in order not to interfere the operation of the existing systems in aviation L-Band. Based on the simple introduction of the broadband aeronautical multi-carrier communication (B-AMC) system model, several sidelobe suppression techniques in orthogonal frequency multiplexing (OFDM) system are presented and analyzed so as to find a suitable algorithm for B-AMC system in this paper. Simulation results show that raise-cosine function windowing can suppress the out-of-band radiation of B-AMC system effectively.

Retention performance of green roofs in three different climate regions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sims, Andrew W.; Robinson, Clare E.; Smart, Charles C.; Voogt, James A.; Hay, Geoffrey J.; Lundholm, Jeremey T.; Powers, Brandon; O'Carroll, Denis M.

2016-11-01

Green roofs are becoming increasingly popular for moderating stormwater runoff in urban areas. This study investigated the impact different climates have on the retention performance of identical green roofs installed in London Ontario (humid continental), Calgary Alberta (semi-arid, continental), and Halifax Nova Scotia (humid, maritime). Drier climates were found to have greater percent cumulative stormwater retention with Calgary (67%) having significantly better percent retention than both London (48%) and Halifax (34%). However, over the same study period the green roof in London retained the greatest depth of stormwater (598 mm), followed by the green roof in Halifax (471 mm) and then Calgary (411 mm). The impact of climate was largest for medium sized storms where the antecedent moisture condition (AMC) at the beginning of a rainfall event governs retention performance. Importantly AMC was a very good predictor of stormwater retention, with similar retention at all three sites for a given AMC, emphasizing that AMC is a relevant indicator of retention performance in any climate. For large rainfall events (i.e., >45 mm) green roof average retention ranged between 16% and 29% in all cities. Overall, drier climates have superior retention due to lower AMC in the media. However, moderate and wet climates still provide substantial total volume reduction benefits.

Good Neighbors: Shared Challenges and Solutions Toward Increasing Value at Academic Medical Centers and Universities.

PubMed

Clancy, Gerard P

2015-12-01

Academic medical centers (AMCs) and universities are experiencing increasing pressure to enhance the value they offer at the same time that they are facing challenges related to outcomes, controlling costs, new competition, and government mandates. Yet, rarely do the leaders of these academic neighbors work cooperatively to enhance value. In this Perspective the author, a former university regional campus president with duties in an AMC as an academic physician, shares his insights into the shared challenges these academic neighbors face in improving the value of their services in complex environments. He describes the successes some AMCs have had in generating revenues from new clinical programs that reduce the overall cost of care for larger populations. He also describes how several universities have taken a comprehensive approach to reduce overhead and administrative costs. The author identifies six themes related to successful value improvement efforts and provides examples of successful strategies used by AMCs and their university neighbors to improve the overall value of their programs. He concludes by encouraging leaders of AMCs and universities to share information about their successes in value improvements with each other, to seek additional joint value enhancement efforts, and to market their value improvements to the public.

Influence of ECAP temperature on the formability of a particle reinforced 2017 aluminum alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wagner, S.; Härtel, M.; Frint, P.; F-X Wagner, M.

2017-03-01

Severe plastic deformation methods are commonly used to increase the strength of materials by generating ultrafine-grained microstructures. The application of these methods to Al-Cu alloys is, however, difficult because of their poor formability at room temperature. An additional reduction of formability of such alloys occurs when ceramic particles are added as reinforcement: this often triggers shear localization and crack initiation during ECAP. This is the main reason why equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP) of aluminum matrix composites (AMCs) can generally only be performed at elevated temperatures and using ECAP dies with a channel angle larger than 90° (e.g. 120°). In this study we present a brief first report on an alternative approach for the improvement of the formability of an AMC (AA2017, 10 % SiC): ECAP at low temperatures. We show that, using a temperature of -60 °C and a channel angle of 90° (corresponding to an equivalent strain of 1.1), ECAP of the AMC can be successfully performed without material failure. The mechanical properties of the strongly deformed AMC are analyzed by tensile testing. Our results indicate that the increased formability of the AMC at low temperatures can be attributed to the suppression of unstable plastic flow that affects formability at room temperature.

The new Mobile Command Center at KSC is important addition to emergency preparedness

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2000-01-01

Charles Street, Roger Scheidt and Robert ZiBerna, the Emergency Preparedness team at KSC, sit in the conference room inside the Mobile Command Center, a specially equipped vehicle. Nicknamed '''The Brute,''' it also features computer work stations, mobile telephones and a fax machine. It also can generate power with its onboard generator. Besides being ready to respond in case of emergencies during launches, the vehicle must be ready to help address fires, security threats, chemical spills, terrorist attaches, weather damage or other critical situations that might face KSC or Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

The new Mobile Command Center at KSC is important addition to emergency preparedness

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2000-01-01

Robert ZiBerna, Roger Scheidt and Charles Street, the Emergency Preparedness team at KSC, practice for an emergency scenario inside the Mobile Command Center, a specially equipped vehicle. It features a conference room, computer work stations, mobile telephones and a fax machine. It also can generate power with its onboard generator. Besides being ready to respond in case of emergencies during launches, the vehicle must be ready to help address fires, security threats, chemical spills, terrorist attaches, weather damage or other critical situations that might face KSC or Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

MS Grunsfeld at commander's station on forward flight deck

NASA Image and Video Library

2002-03-08

STS109-E-5720 (8 March 2002) --- Astronaut John M. Grunsfeld, STS-109 payload commander, wearing a portion of the extravehicular mobility unit (EMU) space suit, occupies the commander’s station on the forward flight deck of the Space Shuttle Columbia. The image was recorded with a digital still camera.

Forging a Combat Mobility Culture

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-04-01

values and beliefs, and basic assumptions. Artifacts are the most visible aspects of an organization. They include physical environment...Leadership, Command, and Communication Studies Academic Year 2006 Coursebook (Edited by Sharon McBride, Maxwell AFB, AL: Air Command and Staff...Air Force Doing it Right?.” In Leadership, Command, and Communication Studies Academic Year 2006 Coursebook . Edited by Sharon McBride, Maxwell AFB, AL: Air Command and Staff College, October 2005. 38

Life-science research within US academic medical centers.

PubMed

Zinner, Darren E; Campbell, Eric G

2009-09-02

Besides the generic "basic" vs "applied" labels, little information is known about the types of life-science research conducted within academic medical centers (AMCs). To determine the relative proportion, characteristics, funding, and productivity of AMC faculty by the type of research they conduct. Mailed survey conducted in 2007 of 3080 life-science faculty at the 50 universities with medical schools that received the most funding from the National Institutes of Health in 2004. Response rate was 74%. Research faculty affiliated with a medical school or teaching hospital, representing 77% of respondents (n = 1663). Type of research (basic, translational, clinical trials, health services research/clinical epidemiology, multimode, other), total funding, industry funding, publications, professional activities, patenting behavior, and industry relationships. Among AMC research faculty, 33.6% exclusively conducted basic science research as principal investigators compared with translational researchers (9.1%), clinical trial investigators (7.1%), and health services researchers/clinical epidemiologists (9.0%). While principal investigators garnered a mean of $410,755 in total annual research funding, 22.1% of all AMC research faculty were unsponsored, a proportion that ranged from 11.5% for basic science researchers to 46.8% for health services researchers (P < .001). The average AMC faculty member received $33,417 in industry-sponsored funding, with most of this money concentrated among clinical trial ($110,869) and multimode ($59,916) principal investigators. Translational (61.3%), clinical trial (67.3%), and multimode (70.9%) researchers were significantly more likely than basic science researchers (41.9%) to report a relationship with industry and that these relationships contributed to their most important scientific work (P < .05 for all comparisons). The research function of AMCs is active and diverse, incorporating a substantial proportion of faculty who are conducting research and publishing without sponsorship.

Engaging the Public Through a Joint Outreach Program with the Appalachian Mountain Club - A Successful First Year

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arion, Douglas N.; DeLucia, S.; Anderson, K.; Tatge, C.; Troyer, Z. D.

2013-01-01

Carthage College and the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) formed a partnership to deliver hands-on astronomy programs to the public, train mentors and docents, and provide experiential learning opportunities for astronomy students. In its first year of operation the program reached over 2000 visitors, and engaged them in daytime and nighttime observing, lectures and presentations, and workshops. The AMC serves more than 500,000 visitors each year at its lodges, centers, and high-mountain huts and delivers a wealth of experiences in nature and the environment. Through this project Carthage and the AMC have added astronomy to the education programming to provide a holistic, integrative picture of the workings of the universe to the lay public. The presentations given are atypical of astronomy outreach, as they emphasize the physical connections and linkages among many disciplines with astronomy. For example, the coincidence between eye color sensitivity and the solar spectrum; the evolutionary patterns that resulted from asteroid impacts; and the seasonal variation in animal coat colors are emphasized as much as the scale of the Universe and the typical stellar nucleosynthesis (the ‘we are stardust’ analogy) that are often covered. An extensive evaluation and assessment process has been implemented, and results of those studies show significant impact on participants. Participants ranged from older, more experienced AMC visitors to elementary and middle school students in the Mountain Classroom program, as well as a wide range of visitors from across the country. In addition to these programs, training workshops have been implemented for all AMC staff who work with the public, including those at the high mountain huts, the naturalists, and AMC volunteers. This work was supported in part by the National Science Foundation AST Division.

Academic medical centers as innovation ecosystems to address population -omics challenges in precision medicine.

PubMed

Silva, Patrick J; Schaibley, Valerie M; Ramos, Kenneth S

2018-02-15

While the promise of the Human Genome Project provided significant insights into the structure of the human genome, the complexities of disease at the individual level have made it difficult to utilize -omic information in clinical decision making. Some of the existing constraints have been minimized by technological advancements that have reduced the cost of sequencing to a rate far in excess of Moore's Law (a halving in cost per unit output every 18 months). The reduction in sequencing costs has made it economically feasible to create large data commons capturing the diversity of disease across populations. Until recently, these data have primarily been consumed in clinical research, but now increasingly being considered in clinical decision- making. Such advances are disrupting common diagnostic business models around which academic medical centers (AMCs) and molecular diagnostic companies have collaborated over the last decade. Proprietary biomarkers and patents on proprietary diagnostic content are no longer driving biomarker collaborations between industry and AMCs. Increasingly the scope of the data commons and biorepositories that AMCs can assemble through a nexus of academic and pharma collaborations is driving a virtuous cycle of precision medicine capabilities that make an AMC relevant and highly competitive. A rebalancing of proprietary strategies and open innovation strategies is warranted to enable institutional precision medicine asset portfolios. The scope of the AMC's clinical trial and research collaboration portfolios with industry are increasingly dependent on the currency of data, and less on patents. Intrapeneurial support of internal service offerings, clinical trials and clinical laboratory services for example, will be important new points of emphasis at the academic-industry interface. Streamlining these new models of industry collaboration for AMCs are a new area for technology transfer offices to offer partnerships and to add value beyond the traditional intellectual property offering.

Opportunities Seized and Squandered: An Analysis of Joint Union and Confederate Operations at New Madrid and Island Number Ten

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-06-10

install a command structure , and identify strategies for their geographic commanders. In the Western Theater of the war, both Northern and Southern...Federal and Confederate militaries had to mobilize forces, install a command structure , and identify strategies for their geographic commanders. In...Navy officers avoided these operations with their intermittent periods of importance. The lack of an enduring force structure and a consistent

Practice management for academic dermatology departments.

PubMed

Eaglstein, W H

2000-09-01

Practice management in the academic medical center (AMC) is different than in other environments. Practice is only a part of the practitioner's mission within an AMC. Practice revenue will be subject to a tax or overhead by both the school and the department. Contract and practice guidelines cannot be tailored to the needs of the dermatology practice, because contracts and guidelines are negotiated globally for all of the practices within the AMC. Personnel, on which the practice depends, may report to hospitals and clinics rather than to the practice's management. Even control of the practice's manager may be diluted by a dual or "dotted line" reporting relationship between the department manager and the school practice manager. Although more constraints exist within the AMC, there are some strategic and operational choices that affect a practice's success. Among these are: (1) selection of services offered; (2) creation of satellites; (3) stimulation of faculty effort; (4) enhancement of faculty billing knowledge; and (5) creation of a "tie" between staff and the practice.

A randomized trial of the efficacy and safety of sequential intravenous/oral moxifloxacin monotherapy versus intravenous piperacillin/tazobactam followed by oral amoxicillin/clavulanate for complicated skin and skin structure infections.

PubMed

Gyssens, Inge C; Dryden, Matthew; Kujath, Peter; Nathwani, Dilip; Schaper, Nicolaas; Hampel, Barbara; Reimnitz, Peter; Alder, Jeff; Arvis, Pierre

2011-11-01

The primary aim of the RELIEF study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of two sequential intravenous (iv)/oral regimens: moxifloxacin iv/oral versus piperacillin/tazobactam (TZP) iv followed by oral amoxicillin/clavulanate (AMC). The study had a prospective, randomized, double-dummy, double-blind, multicentre design. Patients ≥18 years were prospectively stratified according to complicated skin and skin structure infection (cSSSI) subtype/diagnosis (major abscess, diabetic foot infection, wound infection or infected ischaemic ulcer), surgical intervention and severity of illness. Diagnoses and disease severity were based on predetermined criteria, documented by repeated photographs, and confirmed by an independent data review committee. Patients were randomized to receive either 400 mg of moxifloxacin iv once daily followed by 400 mg of moxifloxacin orally once daily or 4.0/0.5 g of TZP iv thrice daily followed by 875/125 mg of AMC orally twice daily for 7-21 days. The primary efficacy variable was clinical response at test of cure (TOC) for the per-protocol (PP) population. Clinical efficacy was assessed by the data review committee based on repeated photographs and case descriptions. Clinical trials registry number: NCT 00402727. A total of 813 patients were randomized. Clinical success rates at TOC were similar for moxifloxacin and TZP-AMC in the PP [320/361 (88.6%) versus 275/307 (89.6%), respectively; P = 0.758] and intent-to-treat (ITT) [350/426 (82.2%) versus 305/377 (80.9%), respectively; P = 0.632] populations. Thus, moxifloxacin was non-inferior to TZP-AMC. Bacteriological success rates were high in both treatment arms [moxifloxacin: 432/497 (86.9%) versus TZP-AMC: 370/429 (86.2%), microbiologically valid (MBV) population]. Moxifloxacin was non-inferior to TZP-AMC at TOC in both the MBV and the ITT populations. Both treatments were well tolerated. Once-daily iv/oral moxifloxacin monotherapy was clinically and bacteriologically non-inferior to iv TZP thrice daily followed by oral AMC twice daily in patients with cSSSIs.

A randomized trial of the efficacy and safety of sequential intravenous/oral moxifloxacin monotherapy versus intravenous piperacillin/tazobactam followed by oral amoxicillin/clavulanate for complicated skin and skin structure infections

PubMed Central

Gyssens, Inge C.; Dryden, Matthew; Kujath, Peter; Nathwani, Dilip; Schaper, Nicolaas; Hampel, Barbara; Reimnitz, Peter; Alder, Jeff; Arvis, Pierre

2011-01-01

Objectives The primary aim of the RELIEF study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of two sequential intravenous (iv)/oral regimens: moxifloxacin iv/oral versus piperacillin/tazobactam (TZP) iv followed by oral amoxicillin/clavulanate (AMC). Patients and methods The study had a prospective, randomized, double-dummy, double-blind, multicentre design. Patients ≥18 years were prospectively stratified according to complicated skin and skin structure infection (cSSSI) subtype/diagnosis (major abscess, diabetic foot infection, wound infection or infected ischaemic ulcer), surgical intervention and severity of illness. Diagnoses and disease severity were based on predetermined criteria, documented by repeated photographs, and confirmed by an independent data review committee. Patients were randomized to receive either 400 mg of moxifloxacin iv once daily followed by 400 mg of moxifloxacin orally once daily or 4.0/0.5 g of TZP iv thrice daily followed by 875/125 mg of AMC orally twice daily for 7–21 days. The primary efficacy variable was clinical response at test of cure (TOC) for the per-protocol (PP) population. Clinical efficacy was assessed by the data review committee based on repeated photographs and case descriptions. Clinical trials registry number: NCT 00402727. Results A total of 813 patients were randomized. Clinical success rates at TOC were similar for moxifloxacin and TZP–AMC in the PP [320/361 (88.6%) versus 275/307 (89.6%), respectively; P = 0.758] and intent-to-treat (ITT) [350/426 (82.2%) versus 305/377 (80.9%), respectively; P = 0.632] populations. Thus, moxifloxacin was non-inferior to TZP–AMC. Bacteriological success rates were high in both treatment arms [moxifloxacin: 432/497 (86.9%) versus TZP–AMC: 370/429 (86.2%), microbiologically valid (MBV) population]. Moxifloxacin was non-inferior to TZP–AMC at TOC in both the MBV and the ITT populations. Both treatments were well tolerated. Conclusions Once-daily iv/oral moxifloxacin monotherapy was clinically and bacteriologically non-inferior to iv TZP thrice daily followed by oral AMC twice daily in patients with cSSSIs. PMID:21896561

Data Center Energy Efficiency Technologies and Methodologies: A Review of Commercial Technologies and Recommendations for Application to Department of Defense Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-11-01

provided by a stand-alone desktop or hand held computing device. This introduces into the discussion a large number of mobile , tactical command...control, communications, and computer (C4) systems across the Services. A couple of examples are mobile command posts mounted on the back of an M1152... infrastructure (DCPI). This term encompasses on-site backup generators, switchgear, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), power distribution units

Detonation command and control

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mace, Jonathan Lee; Seitz, Gerald J.; Echave, John A.

The detonation of one or more explosive charges and propellant charges by a detonator in response to a fire control signal from a command and control system comprised of a command center and instrumentation center with a communications link therebetween. The fire control signal is selectively provided to the detonator from the instrumentation center if plural detonation control switches at the command center are in a fire authorization status, and instruments, and one or more interlocks, if included, are in a ready for firing status. The instrumentation and command centers are desirably mobile, such as being respective vehicles.

Detonation command and control

DOEpatents

Mace, Jonathan L.; Seitz, Gerald J.; Echave, John A.; Le Bas, Pierre-Yves

2015-11-10

The detonation of one or more explosive charges and propellant charges by a detonator in response to a fire control signal from a command and control system comprised of a command center and instrumentation center with a communications link therebetween. The fire control signal is selectively provided to the detonator from the instrumentation center if plural detonation control switches at the command center are in a fire authorization status, and instruments, and one or more interlocks, if included, are in a ready for firing status. The instrumentation and command centers are desirably mobile, such as being respective vehicles.

Detonation command and control

DOEpatents

Mace, Jonathan L.; Seitz, Gerald J.; Echave, John A.; Le Bas, Pierre-Yves

2016-05-31

The detonation of one or more explosive charges and propellant charges by a detonator in response to a fire control signal from a command and control system comprised of a command center and instrumentation center with a communications link there between. The fire control signal is selectively provided to the detonator from the instrumentation center if plural detonation control switches at the command center are in a fire authorization status, and instruments, and one or more interlocks, if included, are in a ready for firing status. The instrumentation and command centers are desirably mobile, such as being respective vehicles.

Evaluation of the microbiological quality of conventional and organic leafy greens at the time of purchase from retail markets in Alexandria, Egypt.

PubMed

Khalil, Rowaida; Gomaa, Mohamed

2014-01-01

This is a pioneer study in Egypt that provides some assessment of the microbiological quality of conventional and organic leafy green vegetables that constitute an essential component of the Egyptians' daily diet. A total of 380 samples of unpackaged whole conventional and 84 packaged whole organic leafy greens were collected from retail markets in Alexandria, and analyzed for total aerobic mesophilic count (AMC) and total E. coli count (ECC) using the standard spread plate method. Mean AMC values for organic samples were statistically less (p < 0.05) than those of the corresponding conventional samples. Conventional radish and organic parsley samples had the highest AMC of 7.17 and 7.68 log CFU/g respectively, while conventional green cabbage and organic basil had the lowest AMC of 3.63 and 3.23 log CFU/g respectively. The presence of E. coli in 100% of the studied leafy greens was indicative of potential fecal contamination, in view of open and unhygienic environmental and unsanitary handling conditions, as leafy green items are available for sale by street-vendors. Unsatisfactory AMC and ECC levels encountered in the studied samples, warrant future investigations to determine the potential prevalence of foodborne pathogens, and to identify sources of dominating microorganisms, which could make a contribution to the field of food safety

Evaluating Community Engagement in an Academic Medical Center

PubMed Central

Shone, Laura P.; Dozier, Ann M.; Newton, Gail L.; Green, Theresa; Bennett, Nancy M.

2014-01-01

From the perspective of academic medical centers (AMCs), community engagement is a collaborative process of working toward mutually defined goals to improve the community’s health, and involves partnerships between AMCs, individuals, and entities representing the surrounding community. AMCs increasingly recognize the importance of community engagement, and recent programs such as Prevention Research Centers and Clinical and Translational Science Awards have highlighted community engagement activities. However, there is no standard or accepted metric for evaluating AMCs’ performance and impact of community engagement activities. In this article, the authors present a framework for evaluating AMCs’ community engagement activities. The framework includes broad goals and specific activities within each goal, wherein goals and activities are evaluated using a health services research framework consisting of structure, process, and outcome criteria. To illustrate how to use this community engagement evaluation framework, the authors present specific community engagement goals and activities of the University of Rochester Medical Center to (1) improve the health of the community served by the AMC; (2) increase the AMC’s capacity for community engagement; and (3) increase generalizable knowledge and practices in community engagement and public health. Using a structure-process-outcomes framework, a multidisciplinary team should regularly evaluate an AMC’s community engagement program with the purpose of measurably improving the performance of the AMC and the health of its surrounding community. PMID:24556768

Comparing non-invasive scapular tracking methods across elevation angles, planes of elevation and humeral axial rotations.

PubMed

Grewal, T-J; Cudlip, A C; Dickerson, C R

2017-12-01

Altered scapular motions premeditate shoulder impingement and other musculoskeletal disorders. Divergent experimental conditions in previous research precludes rigorous comparisons of non-invasive scapular tracking techniques. This study evaluated scapular orientation measurement methods across an expanded range of humeral postures. Scapular medial/lateral rotation, anterior/posterior tilt and protraction/retraction was measured using an acromion marker cluster (AMC), a scapular locator, and a reference stylus. Motion was captured using reflective markers on the upper body, as well as on the AMC, locator and stylus. A combination of 5 arm elevation angles, 3 arm elevation planes and 3 arm axial rotations was examined. Measurement method interacted with elevation angle and plane of elevation for all three scapular orientation directions (p < 0.01). Method of measurement interacted with axial rotation in anterior/posterior tilt and protraction/retraction (p < 0.01). The AMC had strong agreement with the reference stylus than the locator for the majority of humeral elevations, planes and axial rotations. The AMC underestimated lateral rotation, with the largest difference of ∼2° at 0° elevation. Both the locator and AMC overestimated posterior tilt at high arm elevation by up to 7.4°. Misestimations from using the locator could be enough to potentially obscure meaningful differences in scapular rotations. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Application of water-insoluble polymers to orally disintegrating tablets treated by high-pressure carbon dioxide gas.

PubMed

Ito, Yoshitaka; Maeda, Atsushi; Kondo, Hiromu; Iwao, Yasunori; Noguchi, Shuji; Itai, Shigeru

2016-09-10

The phase transition of pharmaceutical excipients that can be induced by humidifying or heating is well-known to increase the hardness of orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs). However, these conditions are not applicable to drug substances that are chemically unstable against such stressors. Here, we describe a system which enhances the hardness of tablets containing water-insoluble polymers by using high-pressure carbon dioxide (CO2). On screening of 26 polymeric excipients, aminoalkyl methacrylate copolymer E (AMCE) markedly increased tablet hardness (+155N) when maintained in a high-pressure CO2 environment. ODTs containing 10% AMCE were prepared and treatment with 4.0MPa CO2 gas at 25°C for 10min increased the hardness to +30N, whose level corresponded to heating at 70°C for 720min. In addition, we confirmed the effects of CO2 pressure, temperature, treatment time, and AMCE content on the physical properties of ODTs. Optimal pressure of CO2 gas was considered to be approximately 3.5MPa for an AMCE formula, as excessive pressure delayed the disintegration of ODTs. Combination of high-pressure CO2 gas and AMCE is a prospective approach for increasing the tablet hardness for ODTs, and can be conducted without additional heat or moisture stress using a simple apparatus. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The new Mobile Command Center at KSC is important addition to emergency preparedness

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2000-01-01

Charles Street, part of the Emergency Preparedness team at KSC, uses a phone on the specially equipped emergency response vehicle. The vehicle, nicknamed '''The Brute,''' serves as a mobile command center for emergency preparedness staff and other support personnel when needed. It features a conference room, computer work stations, mobile telephones and a fax machine. It also can generate power with its onboard generator. Besides being ready to respond in case of emergencies during launches, the vehicle must be ready to help address fires, security threats, chemical spills, terrorist attaches, weather damage or other critical situations that might face KSC or Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

Marketing the academic medical center group practice.

PubMed

Eudes, J A; Divis, K L

1992-01-01

From a marketing perspective, there are many differences between private and academic medical center (AMC) group practices. Given the growing competition between the two, write John Eudes and Kathy Divis, it is important for the AMC group practice to understand and use these differences to develop a competitive market advantage.

The Effect of Computer Automation on Institutional Review Board (IRB) Office Efficiency

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Oder, Karl; Pittman, Stephanie

2015-01-01

Companies purchase computer systems to make their processes more efficient through automation. Some academic medical centers (AMC) have purchased computer systems for their institutional review boards (IRB) to increase efficiency and compliance with regulations. IRB computer systems are expensive to purchase, deploy, and maintain. An AMC should…

Apollo 14 crewmembers sealed inside a Mobile Quarantine Facility

NASA Image and Video Library

1971-02-09

S71-18557 (9 Feb. 1971) --- Sealed inside a Mobile Quarantine Facility (MQF), Apollo 14 astronauts greet newsmen and crew men aboard the USS New Orleans, Apollo 14 prime recovery ship. They are from left to right, astronauts Stuart A. Roosa, command module pilot; Alan B. Shepard Jr., commander; and Edgar D. Mitchell, lunar module pilot. Apollo 14 splashdown occurred at 3:04:39 p.m. (CST), Feb. 9, 1971, in the South Pacific Ocean, approximately 765 nautical miles from American Samoa.

Intra-Theater Air Mobility and Theater Distribution for the Joint Force Commander: Is the United States Central Command Model the Best (Revised)

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-06-01

to ASOCs, each Army Corps possesses Air Mobility Liaison Officers ( AMLO ) at the corps, division, regiment, and brigade levels. These AMLOs may... AMLOs In PACOM, the DIRMOBFOR is expected to be an advisor to the COMAFFOR, JFACC and the JFACC’s AMD Chief, primarily with respect to integration...the AOR, PACAF will provide intra-theater AMLOs in accordance with AMLO -specific directives and theater MOAs. Specifically, PACAF will provide

The house of gastrointestinal medicine: how academic medical centers can build a sustainable economic clinical model.

PubMed

Rustgi, Anil K; Allen, John I

2013-11-01

Academic Medical Centers (AMCs) have been given unique responsibilities to care for patients, educate future clinicians, and bring innovative research to the bedside. Over the last few decades, this tripartite mission has served the United States well, and payers (Federal, State, and commercial) have been willing to underwrite these missions with overt and covert financial subsidies. As cost containment efforts have escalated, the traditional business model of AMCs has been challenged. In this issue, Dr Anil Rustgi and I offer some insights into how AMCs must alter their business model to be sustainable in our new world of accountable care, cost containment, and clinical integration.

Applications of AMC-based impedance surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balanis, Constantine A.; Amiri, Mikal Askarian; Modi, Anuj Y.; Pandi, Sivaseetharaman; Birtcher, Craig R.

2018-03-01

The recent and major enhancements of artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) and their applications namely RCS reduction, low-profile antennas and holographic leaky wave antennas are reviewed. Full-wave simulations are compared to measurements of fabricated models, and a good agreement is attained. All of the measurement were conducted in the Arizona State University electromagnetic anechoic chamber (EMAC).

Performance Characteristics of Automotive Engines in the United States, Third Series, Report No. 3, 1978 AMC, 121 CID (2.0 Liters), 2V

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1979-02-01

Experimental data were obtained in dynamometer tests of a 1978 AMC 121 CID engine to determine fuel consumption and emissions (hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen) at steady-state engine operating modes. The objective of the program is t...

77 FR 61583 - Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records; Correction

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-10-10

... A0351 AMC, Student/Faculty Records: AMC Schools Systems, as the records had been transferred to the... discovered that the records had not yet been transferred to TRADOC. Therefore, the DOA systems of records notice cannot be deleted at this time. DATES: This correction is effective October 10, 2012. FOR FURTHER...

Study on microstructure and tensile properties of fly ash AMCs welded by FSW

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sachinkumar, Narendranath, S.; Chakradhar, D.

2018-04-01

Aluminum matrix composite (AMCs) constitute a new class of light weight and high strength materials which have widespread applications in almost all engineering sectors. But the cost of AMCs is the only barrier to increase their applications still. Hence there is a huge demand for the composites containing low cost reinforcement with less weight, keeping this in mind, in the present work, Friction stir welding (FSW) of AA6061/SiC/fly ash was carried out successfully. Microstructural study on the welded specimens was performed using optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results indicate that fly ash particles were uniformly distributed in the weld nugget area because of the stirring action of the FSW tool also promoted the grain refinement of the matrix material with complete elimination of clusters present in matrix material which resulting in sound welds without any defects for AA6061/SiC/fly ash composites. 82% of joint efficiency is obtained for selected AMCs. Transverse tensile test results showed that all welds fractured in HAZ.

Accountable care organization readiness and academic medical centers.

PubMed

Berkowitz, Scott A; Pahira, Jennifer J

2014-09-01

As academic medical centers (AMCs) consider becoming accountable care organizations (ACOs) under Medicare, they must assess their readiness for this transition. Of the 253 Medicare ACOs prior to 2014, 51 (20%) are AMCs. Three critical components of ACO readiness are institutional and ACO structure, leadership, and governance; robust information technology and analytic systems; and care coordination and management to improve care delivery and health at the population level. All of these must be viewed through the lens of unique AMC mission-driven goals.There is clear benefit to developing and maintaining a centralized internal leadership when it comes to driving change within an ACO, yet there is also the need for broad stakeholder involvement. Other important structural features are an extensive primary care foundation; concomitant operation of a managed care plan or risk-bearing entity; or maintaining a close relationship with post-acute-care or skilled nursing facilities, which provide valuable expertise in coordinating care across the continuum. ACOs also require comprehensive and integrated data and analytic systems that provide meaningful population data to inform care teams in real time, promote quality improvement, and monitor spending trends. AMCs will require proven care coordination and management strategies within a population health framework and deployment of an innovative workforce.AMC core functions of providing high-quality subspecialty and primary care, generating new knowledge, and training future health care leaders can be well aligned with a transition to an ACO model. Further study of results from Medicare-related ACO programs and commercial ACOs will help define best practices.

Spanish multicenter study of the epidemiology and mechanisms of amoxicillin-clavulanate resistance in Escherichia coli.

PubMed

Ortega, Adriana; Oteo, Jesús; Aranzamendi-Zaldumbide, Maitane; Bartolomé, Rosa M; Bou, Germán; Cercenado, Emilia; Conejo, M Carmen; González-López, Juan José; Marín, Mercedes; Martínez-Martínez, Luis; Merino, María; Navarro, Ferran; Oliver, Antonio; Pascual, Alvaro; Rivera, Alba; Rodríguez-Baño, Jesús; Weber, Irene; Aracil, Belén; Campos, José

2012-07-01

We conducted a prospective multicenter study in Spain to characterize the mechanisms of resistance to amoxicillin-clavulanate (AMC) in Escherichia coli. Up to 44 AMC-resistant E. coli isolates (MIC ≥ 32/16 μg/ml) were collected at each of the seven participant hospitals. Resistance mechanisms were characterized by PCR and sequencing. Molecular epidemiology was studied by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and by multilocus sequence typing. Overall AMC resistance was 9.3%. The resistance mechanisms detected in the 257 AMC-resistant isolates were OXA-1 production (26.1%), hyperproduction of penicillinase (22.6%), production of plasmidic AmpC (19.5%), hyperproduction of chromosomic AmpC (18.3%), and production of inhibitor-resistant TEM (IRT) (17.5%). The IRTs identified were TEM-40 (33.3%), TEM-30 (28.9%), TEM-33 (11.1%), TEM-32 (4.4%), TEM-34 (4.4%), TEM-35 (2.2%), TEM-54 (2.2%), TEM-76 (2.2%), TEM-79 (2.2%), and the new TEM-185 (8.8%). By PFGE, a high degree of genetic diversity was observed although two well-defined clusters were detected in the OXA-1-producing isolates: the C1 cluster consisting of 19 phylogroup A/sequence type 88 [ST88] isolates and the C2 cluster consisting of 19 phylogroup B2/ST131 isolates (16 of them producing CTX-M-15). Each of the clusters was detected in six different hospitals. In total, 21.8% of the isolates were serotype O25b/phylogroup B2 (O25b/B2). AMC resistance in E. coli is widespread in Spain at the hospital and community levels. A high prevalence of OXA-1 was found. Although resistant isolates were genetically diverse, clonality was linked to OXA-1-producing isolates of the STs 88 and 131. Dissemination of IRTs was frequent, and the epidemic O25b/B2/ST131 clone carried many different mechanisms of AMC resistance.

Optimization of a novel wax matrix system using aminoalkyl methacrylate copolymer E and ethylcellulose to suppress the bitter taste of acetaminophen.

PubMed

Shiino, Kai; Iwao, Yasunori; Miyagishima, Atsuo; Itai, Shigeru

2010-08-16

The purpose of the present study was to design and evaluate a novel wax matrix system containing various ratios of aminoalkyl methacrylate copolymer E (AMCE) and ethylcellulose (EC) as functional polymers in order to achieve the optimal acetaminophen (APAP) release rate for taste masking. A two factor, three level (3(2)) full factorial study design was used to optimize the ratios of AMCE and EC, and the release of APAP from the wax matrix was evaluated using a stationary disk in accordance with the paddle method. The disk was prepared by congealing glyceryl monostearate (GM), a wax with a low melting point, with various ratios of polymers and APAP. The criteria for release rate of APAP from the disk at pH 4.0 and pH 6.5 were calculated to be more than 0.5017 microg/(mlxmin) and less than 0.1414 microg/(mlxmin), respectively, under the assumption that the particle size of spherical matrix should be 100 microm. In multiple regression analysis, the release of APAP at pH 4.0 was found to increase markedly as the concentration of AMCE increased, whereas the release of APAP at pH 6.5 decreased as the EC concentration increased, even when a high level of AMCE was incorporated. Using principle component analysis, it was found that the viscosity of the matrix affects the pH-dependent release of APAP at pH 4.0 and pH 6.5. Furthermore, using multiple regression analysis, the optimum ratio of APAP:AMCE:EC:GM was found to be 30:7:10:53, and the release pattern of APAP from the optimum wax formulation nearly complied with the desired criteria. Therefore, the present study demonstrated that the incorporation of AMCE and EC into a wax matrix system enabled the appropriate release of APAP as a means of taste masking. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The Cimmerian accretionary wedge of Anarak, Central Iran

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zanchi, Andrea; Malaspina, Nadia; Zanchetta, Stefano; Berra, Fabrizio; Benciolini, Luca; Bergomi, Maria; Cavallo, Alessandro; Javadi, Hamid Reza; Kouhpeyma, Meyssam

2015-04-01

The occurrence in Iran of several ophiolite belts dating between Late Palaeozoic to Triassic poses several questions on the possible existence of various sutures marking the closure of the Palaeotethys ocean between Eurasia and this Gondwana-derived microplate. In this scenario, the Anarak region in Central Iran still represents a conundrum. Contrasting geochronological, paleontological, paleomagnetic data and reported field evidence suggest different origins for the Anarak Metamorphic Complex (AMC). The AMC is either interpreted, as: (1) relict of an accretionary wedge developed at the Eurasia margin during the Palaeotethys subduction as part of the Cimmerian suture zone of NE Iran, displaced to Central Iran by a large counter-clockwise rotation of the central Iranian blocks; (2) autochthonous unit forming a secondary branch of the main suture zone. Our structural, petrographic and geochemical data indicate that the AMC consists of several metamorphic units also including dismembered "ophiolites" which display different tectono-metamorphic evolutions. Three main ductile deformational events can be distinguished in the AMC. The Morghab and Chah Gorbeh complexes preserve a different M1 metamorphism, characterized by blueschist relics in the S1 foliation of the former unit, and greenschist assemblages in the latter. They share a subsequent similar D2 deformational and M2 metamorphic history, showing a prograde metamorphism with syn- to post-deformation growth of blueschist facies mineral assemblages on pre-existing greenschist facies associations. High pressure, low temperature (HP/LT) metamorphism responsible for the growth of sodic amphibole has been recognized also within marble lenses at the contact between the Chah Gorbeh Complex and serpentinites. Evidence of HP/LT metamorphism also occurs in glaucophane-bearing meta-pillow lavas and serpentinites, which contain antigorite and form most of the "ophiolites" within the AMC. Structural relationships show that the Chah Gorbeh and Morghab units and the "ophiolites" were tectonically coupled within an accretionary wedge before the D2 folding stage. The other units of the AMC lack evidence of HP metamorphism in the area around Anarak, especially the Lakh Marble, a large thrust sheet that occupies the uppermost structural position in the AMC. Available radiometric ages of trondhjemite dikes and stocks that intruded the accretionary wedge, as well as our new data, constrain the subduction event at the end of the Carboniferous, before 290 Ma. These data suggest that the AMC is part of an allochthonous crustal fragment belonging to the Variscan belt developed along the southern Eurasian margin before the Cimmerian collision of Iran. Subsequent deformational events that occurred during the Mesozoic and the Cenozoic, up to the Miocene and possibly later, resulted in folding, thrusting and faulting that dismembered the original structure of the wedge accompanying its displacement to the present day position.

Structural Alteration of Gut Microbiota during the Amelioration of Human Type 2 Diabetes with Hyperlipidemia by Metformin and a Traditional Chinese Herbal Formula: a Multicenter, Randomized, Open Label Clinical Trial.

PubMed

Tong, Xiaolin; Xu, Jia; Lian, Fengmei; Yu, Xiaotong; Zhao, Yufeng; Xu, Lipeng; Zhang, Menghui; Zhao, Xiyan; Shen, Jian; Wu, Shengping; Pang, Xiaoyan; Tian, Jiaxing; Zhang, Chenhong; Zhou, Qiang; Wang, Linhua; Pang, Bing; Chen, Feng; Peng, Zhiping; Wang, Jing; Zhen, Zhong; Fang, Chao; Li, Min; Chen, Limei; Zhao, Liping

2018-05-22

Accumulating evidence implicates gut microbiota as promising targets for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). With a randomized clinical trial, we tested the hypothesis that alteration of gut microbiota may be involved in the alleviation of T2DM with hyperlipidemia by metformin and a specifically designed herbal formula (AMC). Four hundred fifty patients with T2DM and hyperlipidemia were randomly assigned to either the metformin- or AMC-treated group. After 12 weeks of treatment, 100 patients were randomly selected from each group and assessed for clinical improvement. The effects of the two drugs on the intestinal microbiota were evaluated by analyzing the V3 and V4 regions of the 16S rRNA gene by Illumina sequencing and multivariate statistical methods. Both metformin and AMC significantly alleviated hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia and shifted gut microbiota structure in diabetic patients. They significantly increased a coabundant group represented by Blautia spp., which significantly correlated with the improvements in glucose and lipid homeostasis. However, AMC showed better efficacies in improving homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and plasma triglyceride and also exerted a larger effect on gut microbiota. Furthermore, only AMC increased the coabundant group represented by Faecalibacterium spp., which was previously reported to be associated with the alleviation of T2DM in a randomized clinical trial. Metformin and the Chinese herbal formula may ameliorate type 2 diabetes with hyperlipidemia via enriching beneficial bacteria, such as Blautia and Faecalibacterium spp. IMPORTANCE Metabolic diseases such as T2DM and obesity have become a worldwide public health threat. Accumulating evidence indicates that gut microbiota can causatively arouse metabolic diseases, and thus the gut microbiota serves as a promising target for disease control. In this study, we evaluated the role of gut microbiota during improvements in hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia by two drugs: metformin and a specifically designed Chinese herbal formula (AMC) for diabetic patients with hyperlipidemia. Both drugs significantly ameliorated blood glucose and lipid levels and shifted the gut microbiota. Blautia spp. were identified as being associated with improvements in glucose and lipid homeostasis for both drugs. AMC exerted larger effects on the gut microbiota together with better efficacies in improving HOMA-IR and plasma triglyceride levels, which were associated with the enrichment of Faecalibacterium spp. In brief, these data suggest that gut microbiota might be involved in the alleviation of diabetes with hyperlipidemia by metformin and the AMC herbal formula. Copyright © 2018 Tong et al.

OCRA, a Mobile Learning Prototype for Understanding Chemistry Concepts

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shariman, Tenku Putri Norishah; Talib, Othman

2017-01-01

This research studies the effects of an interactive multimedia mobile learning application on students' understanding of chemistry concepts. The Organic Chemistry Reaction Application (OCRA), a mobile learning prototype with touch screen commands, was applied in this research. Through interactive multimedia techniques, students can create and…

77 FR 66956 - Proposed Collection; Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-11-08

...://www.regulations.gov . Follow the instructions for submitting comments. Mail: Federal Docket Management... Transportation Command, Command Change Management, ATTN: Diana Roach, 508 Scott Drive, Scott Air Force Base, IL... more effective in providing global mobility solutions to support customer requirements in peace and war...

Prudentia: A Medical School's Solution to Curriculum Mapping and Curriculum Management

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Steketee, Carole

2015-01-01

During early accreditation visits by the Australian Medical Council (AMC), staff in the School of Medicine (SoM) were asked to demonstrate how and when AMC student outcome statements were being integrated into the MBBS course. As a result, the School Executive committed to developing a curriculum mapping system (CMS) that could systematically…

Astronaut Russell Schweickart photographed during EVA

NASA Image and Video Library

1969-03-06

AS09-20-3094 (6 March 1969) --- Astronaut Russell L. Schweickart, lunar module pilot, stands in "golden slippers" on the Lunar Module porch during his extravehicular activity on the fourth day of the Apollo 9 Earth-orbital mission. This photograph was taken from inside the Lunar Module "Spider". The Command and Service Modules were docked to the LM. Schweickart is wearing an Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU). Inside the "Spider" was astronaut James A. McDivitt, Apollo 9 crew commander. Astronaut David R. Scott, command module pilot, remained at the controls of the Command Module, "Gumdrop."

Validation of the AMC-71 Mobility Model. Appendix A: Vehicle Data. Appendix B: Location and Description of Test Sites. Appendix C: Definitions of Terrain Terms and Procedures Used to Collect Terrain Data for Validation Tests. Appendix D: Basic Terrain Data

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-03-01

vegetation of the area, including maples, poplars, and pines dith scattered low shrubs and blueberry patches growing in loamy sand (SP-SM) with some...mostly lichens, grasses, and blueberry bushes along with scattered currant bushes as vegetable cover. Also, of the remaining 2204 ft, 568 ft was open with...NUHI1ER 4-:. TERRAIN UNIT S CONTINUES -40- -•r’ W -0 _..• ,- . STAT IO (NS q4 4 S C 1 4C I.- /=-too 7 ’o S- - S 4,- -. - 7s 4 Profile- -k-, jp" Continued

Remotely controlling of mobile robots using gesture captured by the Kinect and recognized by machine learning method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hsu, Roy CHaoming; Jian, Jhih-Wei; Lin, Chih-Chuan; Lai, Chien-Hung; Liu, Cheng-Ting

2013-01-01

The main purpose of this paper is to use machine learning method and Kinect and its body sensation technology to design a simple, convenient, yet effective robot remote control system. In this study, a Kinect sensor is used to capture the human body skeleton with depth information, and a gesture training and identification method is designed using the back propagation neural network to remotely command a mobile robot for certain actions via the Bluetooth. The experimental results show that the designed mobile robots remote control system can achieve, on an average, more than 96% of accurate identification of 7 types of gestures and can effectively control a real e-puck robot for the designed commands.

Differences in characteristics among new pediatric neurology patients: the effect of a newly established private pediatric neurology practice.

PubMed

Van Cleave, Jeanne; Woodruff, Brian; Freed, Gary L

2008-01-01

To investigate changes in volume and characteristics of new patients referred when a private pediatric neurology practice (PP) opened in 2004 in an area served primarily by an academic medical center's (AMC) pediatric neurology practice. Retrospective analysis of medical and billing records to examine changes in volume, diagnosis, and sociodemographic factors of new patients at the AMC from July 2004 to June 2005; the PP during the same period; and the AMC during the year before. One year after the PP opened, 40% more new pediatric neurology patients were seen in this area than the year before. Compared with the AMC, PP saw a greater proportion of seizures (34% vs 26%, P < .05) and headaches (32% vs 17%, P < .001), and a lesser proportion of developmental delay/musculoskeletal disorders (12% vs 19%, P < .001) and congenital/metabolic disorders (<1% vs 2%, P < .001). Fewer PP patients lived >20 miles from the practice (32% vs 64%, P < .001), and fewer had public insurance (4% vs 33%, P < .001). The establishment of the PP dramatically increased the volume of new pediatric neurology patients in this area. After the PP opened, the AMC continued to care for most patients with rare diseases and fewer financial resources. Future research should examine whether the increase in volume reflects relief of pent-up demand or increased referral rates due to eased access, and should elucidate how differences in patient populations at academic and private subspecialty practices relate to access to subspecialty care and financial well-being of academic practices.

What is the value and role of academic medicine in the life of its university?

PubMed

Azziz, Ricardo

2014-02-01

National and global events are rapidly and irrevocably driving transformation in both academia and health care. One result is an increase in the pace of institutional restructuring, consolidations, and mergers, including the melding of academic medical centers (AMCs; i.e., medical schools and their clinical enterprises) with nonmedical universities. Georgia Regents University (GRU) resulted from one such recent consolidation, and the experience at the institution has highlighted the need to answer the question "What is the value and role of academic medicine and an AMC in the life and transformation of its university?" In attempting to answer this question, the author first contrasts the cultural features of academic medicine and nonmedical faculty and leaders, as observed from the GRU experience, which might be useful for leaders of other institutions of higher education. His analysis suggests that academic medicine is currently significantly insulated from the larger university, and that this segregation or siloing represents a lost opportunity for both the AMC and the university at large. The author's experience suggests that fostering greater synergy between the university and its AMC adds significant value, and that such synergy better ensures the ability of those universities with an AMC to undertake and meet future transformative challenges. Strategies should be proactively developed both to enhance academic medicine leaders' engagement with, exposure to, and education regarding the operations and challenges of higher education and the broader university, and, likewise, to increase nonmedical faculty's understanding of and experience with the value and unique challenges of academic medicine.

Creating 21st-Century Laboratories and Classrooms for Improving Population Health: A Call to Action for Academic Medical Centers.

PubMed

DeVoe, Jennifer E; Likumahuwa-Ackman, Sonja; Shannon, Jackilen; Steiner Hayward, Elizabeth

2017-04-01

Academic medical centers (AMCs) in the United States built world-class infrastructure to successfully combat disease in the 20th century, which is inadequate for the complexity of sustaining and improving population health. AMCs must now build first-rate 21st-century infrastructure to connect combating disease and promoting health. This infrastructure must acknowledge the bio-psycho-social-environmental factors impacting health and will need to reach far beyond the AMC walls to foster community "laboratories" that support the "science of health," complementary to those supporting the "science of medicine"; cultivate community "classrooms" to stimulate learning and discovery in the places where people live, work, and play; and strengthen bridges between academic centers and these community laboratories and classrooms to facilitate bidirectional teaching, learning, innovation, and discovery.Private and public entities made deep financial investments that contributed to the AMC disease-centered approach to clinical care, education, and research in the 20th century. Many of these same funders now recognize the need to transform U.S. health care into a system that is accountable for population health and the need for a medical workforce equipped with the skills to measure and improve health. Innovative ideas about communities as centers of learning, the importance of social factors as major determinants of health, and the need for multidisciplinary perspectives to solve complex problems are not new; many are 20th-century ideas still waiting to be fully implemented. The window of opportunity is now. The authors articulate how AMCs must take bigger and bolder steps to become leaders in population health.

Mobile Sensor Technologies Being Developed

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Greer, Lawrence C.; Oberle, Lawrence G.

2003-01-01

The NASA Glenn Research Center is developing small mobile platforms for sensor placement, as well as methods for communicating between roving platforms and a central command location. The first part of this project is to use commercially available equipment to miniaturize an existing sensor platform. We developed a five-circuit-board suite, with an average board size of 1.5 by 3 cm. Shown in the preceding photograph, this suite provides all motor control, direction finding, and communications capabilities for a 27- by 21- by 40-mm prototype mobile platform. The second part of the project is to provide communications between mobile platforms, and also between multiple platforms and a central command location. This is accomplished with a low-power network labeled "SPAN," Sensor Platform Area Network, a local area network made up of proximity elements. In practice, these proximity elements are composed of fixed- and mobile-sensor-laden science packages that communicate to each other via radiofrequency links. Data in the network will be shared by a central command location that will pass information into and out of the network through its access to a backbone element. The result will be a protocol portable to general purpose microcontrollers satisfying a host of sensor networking tasks. This network will enter the gap somewhere between television remotes and Bluetooth but, unlike 802.15.4, will not specify a physical layer, thus allowing for many data rates over optical, acoustical, radiofrequency, hardwire, or other media. Since the protocol will exist as portable C-code, developers may be able to embed it in a host of microcontrollers from commercial to space grade and, of course, to design it into ASICs. Unlike in 802.15.4, the nodes will relate to each other as peers. A demonstration of this protocol using the two test bed platforms was recently held. Two NASA modified, commercially available, mobile platforms communicated and shared data with each other and a central command location. Web-based control and interrogation of similar mobile sensor platforms have also been demonstrated. Expected applications of this technology include robotic planetary exploration, astronaut-to-equipment communication, and remote aerospace engine inspections.

Management and Oversight of Services Acquisition Within the United States Air Force

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-12-01

Air Mobility Command AFDW Air Force District of Washington AFSPC Air Force Space Command AT&L Acquisition Technologies and Logistics CPM ...were commonly performed in industry. The types of services included advertising for Navy recruitment, custodial services on Air Force bases, and on

Joint Department of Defense, Advance Planning Briefing to Industry, Held at Kissimmee, Florida, on 30 April - 2 May 1996

DTIC Science & Technology

1996-05-01

Systems 17 Motion Bases Upgraded Aero Misc > Contact Info • AMC, Lt Col Letica , Phone (618) 256-5696 L8 Upgrade Flow Plan Advance Planning Briefing...Projected Schedule: FY 05 > Requirement Document: AMMP >• Projected Program Size: ? < $40M > Funding Status/Stability: > POCs: • AMC, Lt Col Letica

Epidemiological and clinical complexity of amoxicillin-clavulanate-resistant Escherichia coli.

PubMed

Rodríguez-Baño, Jesús; Oteo, Jesús; Ortega, Adriana; Villar, Macarena; Conejo, M Carmen; Bou, Germán; Aranzamendi-Zaldumbide, Maitane; Cercenado, Emilia; Gurguí, Mercè; Martínez-Martínez, Luis; Merino, María; Rivera, Alba; Oliver, Antonio; Weber, Irene; Pascual, Alvaro; Bartolomé, Rosa M; Gónzalez-López, Juan José; Campos, José

2013-07-01

Two hundred twelve patients with colonization/infection due to amoxicillin-clavulanate (AMC)-resistant Escherichia coli were studied. OXA-1- and inhibitor-resistant TEM (IRT)-producing strains were associated with urinary tract infections, while OXA-1 producers and chromosomal AmpC hyperproducers were associated with bacteremic infections. AMC resistance in E. coli is a complex phenomenon with heterogeneous clinical implications.

Developing future clinician scientists while supporting a research infrastructure.

PubMed

Holsti, Maija; Adelgais, Kathleen M; Willis, Leah; Jacobsen, Kammy; Clark, Edward B; Byington, Carrie L

2013-04-01

Supporting clinical research is a national priority. Clinician scientists are rare and clinical trials in academic medical centers (AMC) often fail to meet enrollment goals. Undergraduate students interested in biomedical careers often lack opportunities to perform clinical research. Describe an innovative undergraduate course that supports clinical research in an AMC. The course, Clinical Research Methods and Practice, offers undergraduate students the opportunity to learn clinical research through didactic and practical experiences. The students in turn support clinician scientists' conduct of clinical studies in an AMC. Clinician scientists receive research support and participate in mentoring sessions for students. Over seven semesters, 128 students have assisted in 21 clinical studies located in outpatient and inpatient units of two hospitals. Students identified and screened eligible patients, collected clinical data, assisted in obtaining informed consent, and transported specimens. Many of the clinician scientists have met their enrollment goals and several have been top-enrollers in multicenter clinical trials as a result of student support. The Clinical Research Methods and Practice class addresses barriers to clinical research in AMC. This may be a model for institutions committed to mentoring students early in their career and to developing infrastructures for clinical research. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Actual competence, rather than perceived competence, is a better predictor of physical activity in children aged 6-9 years.

PubMed

McIntyre, Fleur; Parker, Helen; Chivers, Paola; Hands, Beth

2018-07-01

There is a limited understanding about the relative importance of perceived and actual competence on emergent physical activity levels in children and whether there is a difference in their development and strength between boys and girls. This study used a single-cohort, multiple age group design to monitor physical activity, actual motor competence (AMC) and perceived competence (PC) on four occasions over 18 months in 6-to 9-year-old boys and girls (N = 201). Physical activity was measured by 7-day daily step counts (pedometer) and activity diary. AMC was assessed by mastery of skill criteria for 4 motor skills; run, overhand throw, standing broad jump, and line walk. PC was measured with the Self Description Questionnaire-I. Linear Mixed Model analysis revealed that AMC, Gender and School significantly impacted physical activity levels longitudinally in these children. AMC made a greater contribution (9-30%) to physical activity levels than PC (0-5%), and at an earlier age in boys (7 years) than girls (9 years). The need to acknowledge these developing distinctions in considering emergent physical activity levels has important implications for childhood learning environments and physical activity interventions.

United States Transportation Command 2001 Annual Command Report: Transforming Global Mobility ... and Distribution

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-01-01

Annual Command Report 13 High Speed Sealift Ship increased performance efficiencies in hull designs and innovative power plants. Promising and proven...long self-propelled, floating dock, the BLUE MARLIN was designed to haul offshore oil rigs and large, heavy cargo not unlike a ship . Whereas the COLE...the disabled ship had been returned to Mississippi for repairs. Concern about terrorism, already high , became a more concerted part of USTRANSCOM

Intelligent behavior generator for autonomous mobile robots using planning-based AI decision making and supervisory control logic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shah, Hitesh K.; Bahl, Vikas; Martin, Jason; Flann, Nicholas S.; Moore, Kevin L.

2002-07-01

In earlier research the Center for Self-Organizing and Intelligent Systems (CSOIS) at Utah State University (USU) have been funded by the US Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command's (TACOM) Intelligent Mobility Program to develop and demonstrate enhanced mobility concepts for unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs). One among the several out growths of this work has been the development of a grammar-based approach to intelligent behavior generation for commanding autonomous robotic vehicles. In this paper we describe the use of this grammar for enabling autonomous behaviors. A supervisory task controller (STC) sequences high-level action commands (taken from the grammar) to be executed by the robot. It takes as input a set of goals and a partial (static) map of the environment and produces, from the grammar, a flexible script (or sequence) of the high-level commands that are to be executed by the robot. The sequence is derived by a planning function that uses a graph-based heuristic search (A* -algorithm). Each action command has specific exit conditions that are evaluated by the STC following each task completion or interruption (in the case of disturbances or new operator requests). Depending on the system's state at task completion or interruption (including updated environmental and robot sensor information), the STC invokes a reactive response. This can include sequencing the pending tasks or initiating a re-planning event, if necessary. Though applicable to a wide variety of autonomous robots, an application of this approach is demonstrated via simulations of ODIS, an omni-directional inspection system developed for security applications.

President Nixon welcomes the Apollo 11 astronauts aboard the U.S.S. Hornet

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1969-01-01

President Richard M. Nixon welcomes the Apollo 11 astronauts aboard the U.S.S. Hornet. Already confined to the Mobile Quarantine Facility are (left to right) Neil A. Armstrong, commander; Michael Collins, command module pilot; and Edwin E. Aldrin Jr., lunar module pilot.

Efficacy of simulated cefditoren versus amoxicillin-clavulanate free concentrations in countering intrastrain ftsI gene diffusion in Haemophilus influenzae.

PubMed

González, Natalia; Aguilar, Lorenzo; Sevillano, David; Giménez, Maria-Jose; Alou, Luis; Cafini, Fabio; Torrico, Martha; López, Ana-Maria; Coronel, Pilar; Prieto, Jose

2011-06-01

This study explores the effects of cefditoren (CDN) versus amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (AMC) on the evolution (within a single strain) of total and recombined populations derived from intrastrain ftsI gene diffusion in β-lactamase-positive (BL⁺) and β-lactamase-negative (BL⁻) Haemophilus influenzae. DNA from β-lactamase-negative, ampicillin-resistant (BLNAR) isolates (DNA(BLNAR)) and from β-lactamase-positive, amoxicillin-clavulanate-resistant (BLPACR) (DNA(BLPACR)) isolates was extracted and added to a 10⁷-CFU/ml suspension of one BL⁺ strain (CDN MIC, 0.007 μg/ml; AMC MIC, 1 μg/ml) or one BL⁻ strain (CDN MIC, 0.015 μg/ml; AMC MIC, 0.5 μg/ml) in Haemophilus Test Medium (HTM). The mixture was incubated for 3 h and was then inoculated into a two-compartment computerized device simulating free concentrations of CDN (400 mg twice a day [b.i.d.]) or AMC (875 and 125 mg three times a day [t.i.d.]) in serum over 24 h. Controls were antibiotic-free simulations. Colony counts were performed; the total population and the recombined population were differentiated; and postsimulation MICs were determined. At time zero, the recombined population was 0.00095% of the total population. In controls, the BL⁻ and BL⁺ total populations and the BL⁻ recombined population increased (from ≈3 log₁₀ to 4.5 to 5 log₁₀), while the BL⁺ recombined population was maintained in simulations with DNA(BLPACR) and was decreased by ≈2 log₁₀ with DNA(BLNAR). CDN was bactericidal (percentage of the dosing interval for which experimental antibiotic concentrations exceeded the MIC [ft>MIC], >88%), and no recombined populations were detected from 4 h on. AMC was bactericidal against BL⁻ strains (ft>MIC, 74.0%) in DNA(BLNAR) and DNA(BLPACR) simulations, with a small final recombined population (MIC, 4 μg/ml; ft>MIC, 30.7%) in DNA(BLPACR) simulations. When AMC was used against the BL⁺ strain (in DNA(BLNAR) or DNA(BLPACR) simulations), the bacterial load was reduced ≈2 log₁₀ (ft>MIC, 44.3%), but 6.3% and 32% of the total population corresponded to a recombined population (MIC, 16 μg/ml; ft>MIC, 0%) in DNA(BLNAR) and DNA(BLPACR) simulations, respectively. AMC, but not CDN, unmasked BL⁺ recombined populations obtained by transformation. ft>MIC values higher than those classically considered for bacteriological response are needed to counter intrastrain ftsI gene diffusion by covering recombined populations.

Near elimination of ventricular pacing in SafeR mode compared to DDD modes: a randomized study of 422 patients.

PubMed

Davy, Jean-Marc; Hoffmann, Ellen; Frey, Axel; Jocham, Kurt; Rossi, Stefano; Dupuis, Jean-Marc; Frabetti, Lorenzo; Ducloux, Pascale; Prades, Emmanuel; Jauvert, Gaël

2012-04-01

SafeR performance versus DDD/automatic mode conversion (DDD/AMC) and DDD with a 250-ms atrioventricular (AV) delay (DDD/LD) modes was assessed toward ventricular pacing (Vp) reduction. After a 1-month run-in phase, recipients of dual-chamber pacemakers without persistent AV block and persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) were randomly assigned to SafeR, DDD/AMC, or DDD/LD in a 1:1:1 design. The main endpoint was the percentage of Vp (%Vp) at 2 months and 1 year after randomization, ascertained from device memories. Secondary endpoints include %Vp at 1 year according to pacing indication and 1-year AF incidence based on automatic mode switch device stored episodes. Among 422 randomized patients (73.2±10.6 years, 50% men, sinus node dysfunction 47.4%, paroxysmal AV block 30.3%, bradycardia-tachycardia syndrome 21.8%), 141 were assigned to SafeR versus 146 to DDD/AMC and 135 to DDD/LD modes. Mean %Vp at 2 months was 3.4±12.6% in SafeR versus 33.6±34.7% and 14.0±26.0% in DDD/AMC and DDD/LD modes, respectively (P<0.0001 for both). At 1 year, mean %Vp in SafeR was 4.5±15.3% versus 37.9±34.4% and 16.7±28.0% in DDD/AMC and DDD/LD modes, respectively (P<0.0001 for both). The proportion of patients in whom Vp was completely eliminated was significantly higher in SafeR (69%) versus DDD/AMC (15%) and DDD/LD (45%) modes (P<0.0001 for both), regardless of pacing indication. The absolute risk of developing permanent AF or of remaining in AF for >30% of the time was 5.4% lower in SafeR than in the DDD pacing group (ns). In this selected patient population, SafeR markedly suppressed unnecessary Vp compared with DDD modes. ©2012, The Authors. Journal compilation ©2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Global collaborative healthcare: assessing the resource requirements at a leading Academic Medical Center.

PubMed

Rosson, Nicole J; Hassoun, Heitham T

2017-09-20

Academic Medical Centers ("AMCs") have served as a hub of the United States ("US") health system and represented the state-of-the art in American health care for well over a century. Currently, the global healthcare market is both massive and expanding and is being altered by the unprecedented impact of technological advances and globalization. This provides AMCs a platform to enter into trans-national collaborative partnerships with healthcare organizations around the world, thus providing a means to deliver on its promise globally while also expanding and diversifying its resources. A number of leading US AMCs have engaged in global collaborative healthcare, employing different models based on services offered, global distribution, and inclination to assume risk. Engaging in these collaborations requires significant effort from across the health system, and an understanding of the resources required is paramount for effective delivery and to avoid overextension and diversion from the primary mission of these organizations. The goal of this paper is to discuss the role of US AMCs in this current global healthcare landscape and to also investigate our institutional faculty and staff resource requirements to support the operating model. We extracted and retrospectively analyzed data from the JHI Global Services database for a 3-year period (Jan, 2013-Dec, 2015) to determine total utilization (hours and full time equivalent (FTE)), utilization by profession, and clinical and non-clinical areas of expertise. JHI utilized on average 21,940 h annually, or 10.55 FTEs of faculty and staff subject matter experts. The majority of the hours are for work performed by physician faculty members from 23 departments within the School of Medicine, representing 77% percent or on average 16,894 h annually. Clinical and allied health departments had an average annual utilization of 17,642 h or 7.8 FTEs, while non-clinical departments, schools and institutes averaged 4298 h or 1.9 FTEs, representing 80.4% and 19.6% respectively. We found that significant human resources are required within a broad range of AMC subject matter expertise across multiple disciplines, and that with adequate forecasting AMCs can successfully engage in these collaborations while continuing to fulfill their core mission.

APOLLO XII CREW - WELCOME - USS HORNET - REAR ADMIRAL DONALD DAVID

NASA Image and Video Library

1969-11-24

S69-22876 (24 Nov. 1969) --- Rear Admiral Donald C. David, Commander, Manned Spacecraft Recovery Force, Pacific, welcomes the crew of the Apollo 12 lunar landing mission aboard the USS Hornet, prime recovery vessel for the mission. A color guard was also on hand for the welcoming ceremonies. Inside the Mobile Quarantine Facility (MQF) are (left to right) astronauts Charles Conrad Jr., commander; Richard F. Gordon Jr., command module pilot; and Alan L. Bean, lunar module pilot.

About my Child: measuring 'Complexity' in neurodisability. Evidence of reliability and validity.

PubMed

Ritzema, A M; Lach, L M; Rosenbaum, P; Nicholas, D

2016-05-01

About my Child, 26-item version (AMC-26) was developed as a measure of child health 'complexity' and has been proposed as a tool for understanding the functional needs of children and the priorities of families. The current study investigated the reliability and validity of AMC-26 with a sample of caregivers of children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD; n = 258) who completed AMC-26 as part of a larger study on parenting children with NDD. A subsample of children from the larger study (n = 49) were assessed using standardized measures of cognitive and adaptive functioning. Factor analysis revealed that a four-component model explained 51.12% of the variance. Cronbach's alpha was calculated for each of the four factors and for the scale as a whole, and ranged from 0.75 to 0.85, suggesting a high level of internal consistency. Construct validity was tested through comparisons with the results of standardized measures of child functioning. Predicted relationships for factors one, two and three were statistically significant and in the expected directions. Predictions for factor four were partially supported. AMC-26 was also expected to serve as an indicator of caregiver distress. Drawing on a sample of caregivers from the larger study (n = 251) the model was found to be significant and explained 23% of the variance in caregiver depressive symptoms (R(2)  = .053, F (1, 249) = 14.06, P < .001). Based on these observations, the authors contend that AMC-26 may be used by clinicians and researchers as a tool to capture child function and child health complexity. Such a measure may help elucidate the relationships between child complexity and family well-being. This is an important avenue for further investigation. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Structural Alteration of Gut Microbiota during the Amelioration of Human Type 2 Diabetes with Hyperlipidemia by Metformin and a Traditional Chinese Herbal Formula: a Multicenter, Randomized, Open Label Clinical Trial

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

ABSTRACT Accumulating evidence implicates gut microbiota as promising targets for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). With a randomized clinical trial, we tested the hypothesis that alteration of gut microbiota may be involved in the alleviation of T2DM with hyperlipidemia by metformin and a specifically designed herbal formula (AMC). Four hundred fifty patients with T2DM and hyperlipidemia were randomly assigned to either the metformin- or AMC-treated group. After 12 weeks of treatment, 100 patients were randomly selected from each group and assessed for clinical improvement. The effects of the two drugs on the intestinal microbiota were evaluated by analyzing the V3 and V4 regions of the 16S rRNA gene by Illumina sequencing and multivariate statistical methods. Both metformin and AMC significantly alleviated hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia and shifted gut microbiota structure in diabetic patients. They significantly increased a coabundant group represented by Blautia spp., which significantly correlated with the improvements in glucose and lipid homeostasis. However, AMC showed better efficacies in improving homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and plasma triglyceride and also exerted a larger effect on gut microbiota. Furthermore, only AMC increased the coabundant group represented by Faecalibacterium spp., which was previously reported to be associated with the alleviation of T2DM in a randomized clinical trial. Metformin and the Chinese herbal formula may ameliorate type 2 diabetes with hyperlipidemia via enriching beneficial bacteria, such as Blautia and Faecalibacterium spp. PMID:29789365

Standardized Solution for Management Controller for MTCA.4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Makowski, D.; Fenner, M.; Ludwig, F.; Mavrič, U.; Mielczarek, A.; Napieralski, A.; Perek, P.; Schlarb, H.

2015-06-01

The Micro Telecommunications Computing Architecture (MTCA) standard is a modern platform that is gaining popularity in the area of High Energy Physics (HEP) experiments. The standard provides extensive management, monitoring and diagnostics functionalities. The hardware control and monitoring is based on the Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI), that was initially developed for supervision of complex computers operation. The original IPMI specification was extended to support functions required by the MTCA specification. The Module Management Controller (MMC) is required on each Advanced Mezzanine Card (AMC) installed in MTCA chassis. The Rear Transition Modules (RTMs) have to be equipped with RTM Management Controllers (RMCs) which is required by the MTCA.4 subsidiary specification. The commercially available implementations of MMC and RMC are expensive and do not provide the complete functionality that is required by specific HEP applications. Therefore, many research centers and commercial companies work on their own implementation of AMC and RTM controllers. The available implementations suffer because of lack of common approach and interoperability problems. Since both Lodz University of Technology (TUL) and Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY) have long-term experience in developing ATCA and MTCA hardware, the authors decided to develop a unified solution of management controller fully compliant with AMC and MTCA.4 standards. The MMC v1.00 solution is dedicated for management of AMC and RTM modules. The MMC v1.00 is based on Atmel ATxmega MCUs and can be fully customized by the user or used as a drop-in-module without any modifications. The paper discusses the functionality of the MMC v1.00 solution. The implementation was verified with developed evaluation kits for AMC and RTM cards.

Susceptibility Testing of Extensively Drug-Resistant and Pre-Extensively Drug-Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis against Levofloxacin, Linezolid, and Amoxicillin-Clavulanate

PubMed Central

Ahmed, Imran; Jabeen, Kauser; Inayat, Raunaq

2013-01-01

Pakistan is a high-burden country for tuberculosis (TB). The emergence and increasing incidence of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) TB has been reported in Pakistan. Similarly, the prevalence of multidrug-resistant TB infections with fluoroquinolone resistance (pre-XDR) is also increasing. To treat these infections, local drug susceptibility patterns of alternate antituberculosis agents, including levofloxacin (LVX), linezolid (LZD), and amoxicillin-clavulanate (AMC), is urgently needed. The aim of this study was to determine the susceptibility frequencies of drug-resistant (DR) Mycobacterium tuberculosis against LVX, LZD, and AMC. All susceptibilities were determined on Middlebrook 7H10 agar. A critical concentration was used for LVX (1 μg/ml), whereas MICs were determined for LZD and AMC. M. tuberculosis H37Rv was used as a control strain. A total of 102 M. tuberculosis isolates (XDR, n = 59; pre-XDR, n = 43) were tested. Resistance to LVX was observed in 91.2% (93/102). Using an MIC value of 0.5 μg/ml as a cutoff, resistance to LZD (MIC ≥ 1 μg/ml) was noted in 5.9% (6/102). Although the sensitivity breakpoints are not established for AMC, the MIC values were high (>16 μg/ml) in 97.1% (99/102). Our results demonstrate that LZD may be effective for the treatment of XDR and pre-XDR cases from Pakistan. High resistance rates against LVX in our study suggest the use of this drug with caution for DR-TB cases from this area. Drug susceptibility testing against LVX and AMC may be helpful in complicated and difficult-to-manage cases. PMID:23507286

Susceptibility testing of extensively drug-resistant and pre-extensively drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis against levofloxacin, linezolid, and amoxicillin-clavulanate.

PubMed

Ahmed, Imran; Jabeen, Kauser; Inayat, Raunaq; Hasan, Rumina

2013-06-01

Pakistan is a high-burden country for tuberculosis (TB). The emergence and increasing incidence of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) TB has been reported in Pakistan. Similarly, the prevalence of multidrug-resistant TB infections with fluoroquinolone resistance (pre-XDR) is also increasing. To treat these infections, local drug susceptibility patterns of alternate antituberculosis agents, including levofloxacin (LVX), linezolid (LZD), and amoxicillin-clavulanate (AMC), is urgently needed. The aim of this study was to determine the susceptibility frequencies of drug-resistant (DR) Mycobacterium tuberculosis against LVX, LZD, and AMC. All susceptibilities were determined on Middlebrook 7H10 agar. A critical concentration was used for LVX (1 μg/ml), whereas MICs were determined for LZD and AMC. M. tuberculosis H37Rv was used as a control strain. A total of 102 M. tuberculosis isolates (XDR, n = 59; pre-XDR, n = 43) were tested. Resistance to LVX was observed in 91.2% (93/102). Using an MIC value of 0.5 μg/ml as a cutoff, resistance to LZD (MIC ≥ 1 μg/ml) was noted in 5.9% (6/102). Although the sensitivity breakpoints are not established for AMC, the MIC values were high (>16 μg/ml) in 97.1% (99/102). Our results demonstrate that LZD may be effective for the treatment of XDR and pre-XDR cases from Pakistan. High resistance rates against LVX in our study suggest the use of this drug with caution for DR-TB cases from this area. Drug susceptibility testing against LVX and AMC may be helpful in complicated and difficult-to-manage cases.

Department of Defense In-House RDT&E Activities

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-10-30

DISEASES*.’......*......... 43 MISSILE LABORATORY ................................................. 44 MOBILITY EQUIPMENT R&D COMMAND...HELICOPTER INFLIGHT MONITORING SYS WITH INSTRUMENTED RANGE; ANECHOIC AND REVERBERATION CHAMBERS; MOBILE -’ ACCOUSTICS LAB; EYE MOVEMENT MEASURING...IN- CLUDES: LIGHTWEIGIHT OPTICAL TRACKING SYSTEM, 25-TON CRANE, 2 20-TON MOBILE CRANES, 5-TON WRECKER, 40,000 LB ACFT LOADER, THREE T-28B ACFT, 1 UH

Toxicological assessment of Anionic Methacrylate Copolymer: I. Characterization, bioavailability and genotoxicity.

PubMed

Eisele, Johanna; Haynes, Geoff; Kreuzer, Knut; Hall, Caroline

2016-12-01

Anionic Methacrylate Copolymer (AMC) is a fully polymerized copolymer used in the pharmaceutical industry as an enteric/delayed-release coating to permit the pH-dependent release of active ingredients in the gastrointestinal tract from oral dosage forms. This function is of potential use for food supplements. Oral administration of radiolabeled copolymer to rats resulted in the detection of chemically unchanged copolymer in the feces, with negligible absorption (<0.1%). AMC is therefore determined not to be bioavailable. Within a genotoxicity test battery AMC did not show any evidence of genotoxicity in bacteria and mammalian cells. Furthermore, no genotoxic effects occurred in vivo within a micronucleus test. There would therefore appear to be no safety concerns under intended conditions of oral use for the discussed toxicological endpoints. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Naval Air Systems Command Mobile Facility Program

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-11-03

Julie Trossbach 301-757-3073 Database Manager – Emi McCutcheon 301-757- 8347 BFM – Michelle Moorman 301-757-8328 Comptroller Analyst – Kathy...Jamie McDonald (757) 444-1428 NAVAIR Mobile Facilities MFTool/Database AIR 6.7.6.2 Emi McCutcheon (301) 757-8347 NAVAIR Mobile Facilities Logistics...requirement for mobile trailer -type vans for peculiar jet aircraft maintenance – Needed dust free, temperature & humidity-controlled maintenance

THE FUTURE OF THE EUROPEAN AIR TRANSPORT COMMAND: AN ANALYSIS OF CAPABILITY ENHANCEMENTS FROM THE ITALIAN AIR FORCE AND AIR MOBILITY COMMAND

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-02-15

25 Bibliography Bowie, Christopher, Fred Frostic, Kevin Lewis, John Lunch, David Ochmanek, and Philip Proppe. The New Calculus : Analyzing...a critical analysis. Carlisle, Pennsylvania: US Army War College, class 2012. Stewart , Rory. The Place in Between. Orlando, FL: Harcourt Books

Airlift Cargo Hub Port Hold Times: Controlling Variations in Defense Supply Chain Delivery

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-06-01

AIR UNIVERSITY AIR FORCE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE; DISTRIBUTION UNLIMITED...Department of Operational Sciences Graduate School of Engineering and Management Air Force Institute of Technology Air University Air...process for a seamless flow of cargo onto the aircraft segment (AMC and DDC , 24 Sep 08). Figure 6 AMC Velocity Efforts (Anderson D. , 2009) While

Army Stock Positioning: How Can Distribution Performance Be Improved

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-01-01

Support RAND Make a tax -deductible charitable contribution at www.rand.org/giving/contribute www.rand.org Preface The...the source- preference logic that selects the warehouse for issuing an item to a cus- tomer. Below, we describe the LMP source-preference logic and...the AMC pilot to use it to tailor how warehouses are selected to issue items to customers. AMC Pilot Implementation of LMP Source-Preference

Involvement of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 LuxS in Biofilm Development and Sulfur Metabolism

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Learman, Deric R.; Yi, Haakrho; Brown, Steven D.

2009-01-05

The role of LuxS in Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 has been examined by transcriptomic profiling, biochemical, and physiological experiments. The results indicate that a mutation in luxS alters biofilm development, not by altering quorum-sensing abilities but by disrupting the activated methyl cycle (AMC). The S. oneidensis wild type can produce a luminescence response in the AI-2 reporter strain Vibrio harveyi MM32. This luminescence response is abolished upon the deletion of luxS. The deletion of luxS also alters biofilm formations in static and flowthrough conditions. Genetic complementation restores the mutant biofilm defect, but the addition of synthetic AI-2 has no effect. Thesemore » results suggest that AI-2 is not used as a quorum-sensing signal to regulate biofilm development in S. oneidensis. Growth on various sulfur sources was examined because of the involvement of LuxS in the AMC. A mutation in luxS produced a reduced ability to grow with methionine as the sole sulfur source. Methionine is a key metabolite used in the AMC to produce a methyl source in the cell and to recycle homocysteine. These data suggest that LuxS is important to metabolizing methionine and the AMC in S. oneidensis.« less

Hospitalist time usage and cyclicality: opportunities to improve efficiency.

PubMed

Kim, Christopher S; Lovejoy, William; Paulsen, Michael; Chang, Robert; Flanders, Scott A

2010-01-01

Academic medical centers (AMCs) have a constrained resident work force. Many AMCs have increased the use of nonresident service hospitalists to manage continued growth in clinical volume. To optimize their time in the hospital, it is important to understand hospitalists' work flow. We performed a time-motion study of hospitalists carrying the admission pager throughout the 3 types of shifts we have at our hospital (day shift, swing shift, and night shift). Tertiary academic medical center in the Midwest. Hospitalists spend about 15% of their time on direct patient care, and two-thirds of their time on indirect patient care. Of the indirect activities, communication and documentation dominate. Travel demands make up over 7% of a hospitalists' time. There are spikes in indirect patient care, followed closely by spikes in direct patient care, at shift changes. At our AMC, indirect patient care activities accounted for the majority of the admitting hospitalists' time spent in the hospital, with documentation and communication dominating this time. Travel takes a significant fraction of hospitalists' time. There is also a cyclical nature to activities performed throughout the day, which can cause patient delays and impose variability on support services. There is a need for both service-specific and systemic improvements for AMCs to efficiently manage further growth in their inpatient volume. (c) 2010 Society of Hospital Medicine.

Ten trends transforming cancer care and their effects on space planning for academic medical centers.

PubMed

Bloom, Mara; Markovitz, Sarah; Silverman, Susan; Yost, Carl

2015-01-01

This article aims to define the major trends currently affecting space needs for academic medical center (AMC) cancer centers. It will distinguish between the trends that promote the concentration of services with those that promote decentralization as well as identify opportunities for achieving greater effectiveness in cancer care space planning. Changes in cancer care-higher survival rates, increased clinical trials, new technology, and changing practice models-increasingly fill hospitals' and clinicians' schedules and strain clinical space resources. Conflicts among these trends are concentrating some services and dispersing others. As a result, AMCs must expand and renovate intelligently to continue providing state-of-the-art, compassionate care. Although the typical AMC cancer center can expect to utilize more space than it would have 10 years ago, a deeper understanding of the cancer center enterprise can lead to opportunities for more effectively using available facility resources. Each AMC must determine for itself the appropriate balance of patient volume, clinical activity, and services between its main hospital campus and satellite branches. As well, space allocation should be flexible, as care trends, medical technology, and the provider's own priorities shift over time. The goal isn't necessarily more space-it's better space. © The Author(s) 2015.

The Mobile Advanced Command and Control Station (MACCS) Experimental Testbed

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-10-01

were selected: Vehicle: Dodge (Sprinter 2500 high-roof - Mercedes - Benz vehicle) Electrical equipment and habitability equipment: Crossroads Coaches...this innovative , mobile, experimental tested. IMPACT/APPLICATIONS While MACCS clearly supports the research agenda for both HAL and ONR (as well as

Wireless Content Repurposing Architecture for DC Command and Control

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-09-01

was a natural choice as our primary mobile device for the DC investigators. 28 The Clie uses a Lithium Ion battery , which is the longest...projects the screen of the PDA on a head-mounted display maybe used. Battery life of PDAs is relatively short. This means many Lithium Ion...Mobile Devices Mobile devices such as PDAs, mobile phones, and Smartphones have become tightly interwoven as an important part of everyday lives

Apollo 14 crewmembers sealed inside a Mobile Quarantine Facility

NASA Image and Video Library

1971-02-12

S71-19508 (12 Feb. 1971) --- Separated by aluminum and glass of their Mobile Quarantine Facility (MQF), the Apollo 14 crew members visit with their families and friends upon arriving at Ellington Air Force Base in the early morning hours of Feb. 12, 1971. Looking through the MQF window are astronauts Alan B. Shepard Jr. (left), commander; Stuart A. Roosa (right), command module pilot; and Edgar D. Mitchell, lunar module pilot. The crew men were brought to Houston aboard a C-141 transport plane from Pago Pago, American Samoa. The USS New Orleans had transported the crew to American Samoa from the recovery site in the South Pacific.

Using Unconstrained Tongue Motion as an Alternative Control Mechanism for Wheeled Mobility

PubMed Central

Huo, Xueliang; Ghovanloo, Maysam

2015-01-01

Tongue drive system (TDS) is a tongue-operated, minimally invasive, unobtrusive, noncontact, and wireless assistive technology that infers users’ intentions by detecting and classifying their voluntary tongue motions, and translating them to user-defined commands. We have developed customized interface circuitry between an external TDS (eTDS) prototype and a commercial powered wheelchair (PWC) as well as three control strategies to evaluate the tongue motion as an alternative control input for wheeled mobility. We tested the eTDS performance in driving PWCs on 12 able-bodied human subjects, of which 11 were novice. The results showed that all subjects could complete navigation tasks by operating the PWC using their tongue motions. Despite little prior experience, the average time using the eTDS and the tongue was only approximately three times longer than using a joystick and the fingers. Navigation time was strongly dependant on the number of issued commands, which reduced by gaining experience. Particularly, the unintended issued commands (the Midas touch problem) were rare, demonstrating the effectiveness of the tongue tracking and external magnetic field cancellation algorithms as well as the safety of the TDS for wheeled mobility. PMID:19362901

Using unconstrained tongue motion as an alternative control mechanism for wheeled mobility.

PubMed

Huo, Xueliang; Ghovanloo, Maysam

2009-06-01

Tongue drive system (TDS) is a tongue-operated, minimally invasive, unobtrusive, noncontact, and wireless assistive technology that infers users' intentions by detecting and classifying their voluntary tongue motions, and translating them to user-defined commands. We have developed customized interface circuitry between an external TDS (eTDS) prototype and a commercial powered wheelchair (PWC) as well as three control strategies to evaluate the tongue motion as an alternative control input for wheeled mobility. We tested the eTDS performance in driving PWCs on 12 able-bodied human subjects, of which 11 were novice. The results showed that all subjects could complete navigation tasks by operating the PWC using their tongue motions. Despite little prior experience, the average time using the eTDS and the tongue was only approximately three times longer than using a joystick and the fingers. Navigation time was strongly dependant on the number of issued commands, which reduced by gaining experience. Particularly, the unintended issued commands (the Midas touch problem) were rare, demonstrating the effectiveness of the tongue tracking and external magnetic field cancellation algorithms as well as the safety of the TDS for wheeled mobility.

Academic Medical Support to the Ebola Virus Disease Outbreak in Liberia.

PubMed

McQuilkin, Patricia A; Niescierenko, Michelle; Beddoe, Ann Marie; Goentzel, Jarrod; Graham, Elinor A; Henwood, Patricia C; Rehwaldt, Lise; Teklu, Sisay; Tupesis, Janis; Marshall, Roseda

2017-12-01

During the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) epidemic in West Africa (2014-2016), many faculty, staff, and trainees from U.S. academic medical centers (i.e., teaching hospitals and their affiliated medical schools; AMCs) wished to contribute to the response to the outbreak, but many barriers prevented their participation. Here, the authors describe a successful long-term academic collaboration in Liberia that facilitated participation in the EVD response. This Perspective outlines the role the authors played in the response (providing equipment and training, supporting the return of medical education), the barriers they faced (logistical and financial), and elements that contributed to their success (partnering and coordinating their response with both U.S. and African institutions). There is a paucity of literature discussing the role of AMCs in disaster response, so the authors discuss the lessons learned and offer suggestions about the responsibilities that AMCs have and the roles they can play in responding to disaster situations.

Ball catching in children with developmental coordination disorder: control of degrees of freedom.

PubMed

Utley, Andrea; Steenbergen, Bert; Astill, Sarah Louise

2007-01-01

This study investigated two-handed catching in eight children (four males, four females) aged 7 to 8 years (mean 7y 4mo [SD 3mo]) with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) and their age-matched controls (AMCs). Kinematic data were collected to examine Bernstein's (1967) notion of freezing and releasing degrees of freedom (DF). Participants were asked to catch a ball 30 times, delivered in three blocks of 10 trials. Video analysis showed that children with DCD caught significantly fewer balls than their AMCs (p< or =0.001) counterparts. Kinematic analyses showed that children with DCD exhibited smaller ranges of motion and less variable angular excursions of the elbow joints than their AMCs, and that their elbows are more rigidly coupled (p< or =0.001). These data suggest that children with DCD rigidly fix and couple their limbs to reduce the number of DF actively involved in the task.

A relook at NEH-4 curve number data and antecedent moisture condition criteria

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mishra, Surendra Kumar; Singh, Vijay P.

2006-08-01

This paper investigates the variation of the popular curve number (CN) values given in the National Engineering Hand Book-Section 4 (NEH-4) of the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) with antecedent moisture condition (AMC) and soil type. Using the volumetric concept, involving soil, water, and air, a significant condensation of the NEH-4 tables is achieved. This leads to a procedure for determination of CN for gauged as well as ungauged watersheds. The rainfall-runoff events derived from daily data of four Indian watersheds exhibited a power relation between the potential maximum retention or CN and the 5-day antecedent rainfall amount. Including this power relation, the SCS-CN method was modified. This modification also eliminates the problem of sudden jumps from one AMC level to the other. The runoff values predicted using the modified method and the existing method utilizing the NEH-4 AMC criteria yielded similar results.

Hands-free device control using sound picked up in the ear canal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chhatpar, Siddharth R.; Ngia, Lester; Vlach, Chris; Lin, Dong; Birkhimer, Craig; Juneja, Amit; Pruthi, Tarun; Hoffman, Orin; Lewis, Tristan

2008-04-01

Hands-free control of unmanned ground vehicles is essential for soldiers, bomb disposal squads, and first responders. Having their hands free for other equipment and tasks allows them to be safer and more mobile. Currently, the most successful hands-free control devices are speech-command based. However, these devices use external microphones, and in field environments, e.g., war zones and fire sites, their performance suffers because of loud ambient noise: typically above 90dBA. This paper describes the development of technology using the ear as an output source that can provide excellent command recognition accuracy even in noisy environments. Instead of picking up speech radiating from the mouth, this technology detects speech transmitted internally through the ear canal. Discreet tongue movements also create air pressure changes within the ear canal, and can be used for stealth control. A patented earpiece was developed with a microphone pointed into the ear canal that captures these signals generated by tongue movements and speech. The signals are transmitted from the earpiece to an Ultra-Mobile Personal Computer (UMPC) through a wired connection. The UMPC processes the signals and utilizes them for device control. The processing can include command recognition, ambient noise cancellation, acoustic echo cancellation, and speech equalization. Successful control of an iRobot PackBot has been demonstrated with both speech (13 discrete commands) and tongue (5 discrete commands) signals. In preliminary tests, command recognition accuracy was 95% with speech control and 85% with tongue control.

What Happens when Sea Ice Retreats, Peatlands Form, and a Landbridge Drowns? A Molecular View of the Last Deglacial from the Pacific-Arctic Gateway

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kocis, J. J.; Petsch, S.; Castañeda, I. S.; Brigham-Grette, J.

2014-12-01

Arctic peatlands and thermokarst lakes (TK) are thought to play a significant role in changing atmospheric methane concentration (AMC) during the last deglacial. However, there is debate concerning timing of their initiation and extent they drove variations in AMC. Models show sea ice cover (SIC) and sea surface temperatures (SSTs) can also play a significant role. Yet, changes in peatland/TK lake areal extent in response to those dynamics as continental shelves were submerged are often not considered. To examine such connections, we report on molecular proxies in marine records that reveal change in terrestrial organic matter (TOM) export, SIC, and SSTs as sea levels rose during the last 18 ka in the Pacific-Arctic Gateway. Here, TOM input to the ocean was tracked by measuring the flux of branched glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers, n-alkyl lipids, and pentacyclic triterpenoids. SIC and SSTs were reconstructed using modern calibrations of highly branched isoprenoid alkene abundances in surface sediments from the Bering and Chukchi Seas. SSTs were also reconstructed based on the relative abundance of isoprenoid glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers. Our sediment records reveal increased flux of TOM coincides with peatland/TK lake initiation, reduced SIC (~20%), and warmer SSTs (~4°C) as AMC increased during the Bølling-Allerød (BA). Terrestrial flux dramatically reduced as SIC increased (~50%) and SSTs cooled as AMC fell during the Younger Dryas. Most notably, TOM export rapidly rebounds as AMC abruptly rose throughout the Holocene Thermal Maximum (HTM), when SSTs warmed by ~3°C and SIC diminished and peatland areal extent increased. Using multi-proxy evidence in combination with a simple model that accounts for submergence of peatland/TK lake area, we estimate that the exposed Beringian shelf emitted an amount of CH4 comparable to previously reported peatland emissions in Alaska during the BA and HTM. The GDGT-based methane index (MI) was <0.3 throughout our sediment records, suggesting destabilized marine gas hydrates were not the principal source of methane. Results of our study provide novel marine-based evidence for the timing of peatland and TK lake initiation and the role sea ice played in contributing to variations in AMC during deglacial sea level rise in the Arctic.

David Grant Medical Center energy use baseline and integrated resource assessment

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Richman, E.E.; Hoshide, R.K.; Dittmer, A.L.

1993-04-01

The US Air Mobility Command (AMC) has tasked Pacific Northwest Laboratory (PNL) with supporting the US Department of Energy (DOE) Federal Energy Management Program`s (FEMP) mission to identify, evaluate, and assist in acquiring all cost-effective energy resource opportunities (EROs) at the David Grant Medical Center (DGMC). This report describes the methodology used to identify and evaluate the EROs at DGMC, provides a life-cycle cost (LCC) analysis for each ERO, and prioritizes any life-cycle cost-effective EROs based on their net present value (NPV), value index (VI), and savings to investment ratio (SIR or ROI). Analysis results are presented for 17 EROsmore » that involve energy use in the areas of lighting, fan and pump motors, boiler operation, infiltration, electric load peak reduction and cogeneration, electric rate structures, and natural gas supply. Typical current energy consumption is approximately 22,900 MWh of electricity (78,300 MBtu), 87,600 kcf of natural gas (90,300 MBtu), and 8,300 gal of fuel oil (1,200 MBtu). A summary of the savings potential by energy-use category of all independent cost-effective EROs is shown in a table. This table includes the first cost, yearly energy consumption savings, and NPV for each energy-use category. The net dollar savings and NPV values as derived by the life-cycle cost analysis are based on the 1992 federal discount rate of 4.6%. The implementation of all EROs could result in a yearly electricity savings of more than 6,000 MWh or 26% of current yearly electricity consumption. More than 15 MW of billable load (total billed by the utility for a 12-month period) or more than 34% of current billed demand could also be saved. Corresponding natural gas savings would be 1,050 kcf (just over 1% of current consumption). Total yearly net energy cost savings for all options would be greater than $343,340. This value does not include any operations and maintenance (O&M) savings.« less

David Grant Medical Center energy use baseline and integrated resource assessment

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Richman, E.E.; Hoshide, R.K.; Dittmer, A.L.

1993-04-01

The US Air Mobility Command (AMC) has tasked Pacific Northwest Laboratory (PNL) with supporting the US Department of Energy (DOE) Federal Energy Management Program's (FEMP) mission to identify, evaluate, and assist in acquiring all cost-effective energy resource opportunities (EROs) at the David Grant Medical Center (DGMC). This report describes the methodology used to identify and evaluate the EROs at DGMC, provides a life-cycle cost (LCC) analysis for each ERO, and prioritizes any life-cycle cost-effective EROs based on their net present value (NPV), value index (VI), and savings to investment ratio (SIR or ROI). Analysis results are presented for 17 EROsmore » that involve energy use in the areas of lighting, fan and pump motors, boiler operation, infiltration, electric load peak reduction and cogeneration, electric rate structures, and natural gas supply. Typical current energy consumption is approximately 22,900 MWh of electricity (78,300 MBtu), 87,600 kcf of natural gas (90,300 MBtu), and 8,300 gal of fuel oil (1,200 MBtu). A summary of the savings potential by energy-use category of all independent cost-effective EROs is shown in a table. This table includes the first cost, yearly energy consumption savings, and NPV for each energy-use category. The net dollar savings and NPV values as derived by the life-cycle cost analysis are based on the 1992 federal discount rate of 4.6%. The implementation of all EROs could result in a yearly electricity savings of more than 6,000 MWh or 26% of current yearly electricity consumption. More than 15 MW of billable load (total billed by the utility for a 12-month period) or more than 34% of current billed demand could also be saved. Corresponding natural gas savings would be 1,050 kcf (just over 1% of current consumption). Total yearly net energy cost savings for all options would be greater than $343,340. This value does not include any operations and maintenance (O M) savings.« less

Semi-automated ontology generation and evolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stirtzinger, Anthony P.; Anken, Craig S.

2009-05-01

Extending the notion of data models or object models, ontology can provide rich semantic definition not only to the meta-data but also to the instance data of domain knowledge, making these semantic definitions available in machine readable form. However, the generation of an effective ontology is a difficult task involving considerable labor and skill. This paper discusses an Ontology Generation and Evolution Processor (OGEP) aimed at automating this process, only requesting user input when un-resolvable ambiguous situations occur. OGEP directly attacks the main barrier which prevents automated (or self learning) ontology generation: the ability to understand the meaning of artifacts and the relationships the artifacts have to the domain space. OGEP leverages existing lexical to ontological mappings in the form of WordNet, and Suggested Upper Merged Ontology (SUMO) integrated with a semantic pattern-based structure referred to as the Semantic Grounding Mechanism (SGM) and implemented as a Corpus Reasoner. The OGEP processing is initiated by a Corpus Parser performing a lexical analysis of the corpus, reading in a document (or corpus) and preparing it for processing by annotating words and phrases. After the Corpus Parser is done, the Corpus Reasoner uses the parts of speech output to determine the semantic meaning of a word or phrase. The Corpus Reasoner is the crux of the OGEP system, analyzing, extrapolating, and evolving data from free text into cohesive semantic relationships. The Semantic Grounding Mechanism provides a basis for identifying and mapping semantic relationships. By blending together the WordNet lexicon and SUMO ontological layout, the SGM is given breadth and depth in its ability to extrapolate semantic relationships between domain entities. The combination of all these components results in an innovative approach to user assisted semantic-based ontology generation. This paper will describe the OGEP technology in the context of the architectural components referenced above and identify a potential technology transition path to Scott AFB's Tanker Airlift Control Center (TACC) which serves as the Air Operations Center (AOC) for the Air Mobility Command (AMC).

Mobilization Training and Networking Resource Inventory

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-01-01

CIMEX ...... Winter Exercise, Civil Military Exercise WWMCCS ........... Worldwide Military Command and Control System xvi MOBILIZATION TRAINING AND...MS FTX 9. Readiness for Mobilization Exercise (REMOBE) 10. REX-ALPHA 11. STARCEX 12. WINTEX- CIMEX 13. JCS Remedial Action Projects (RAP) Program 14...This exercise is small, includes high level NATO officials of NATO countries and is held the opposite years of WINTEX- CIMEX . The purpose is to

Proceedings of the Digital/Electronic Terrain Board Symposium Held in Wichita, Kansas on 5-6 October 1989

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-02-01

Representative is Mr. H. C. Race, AMC Smart Weapons Management Office, ATTN: AMSMI-SW, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama 35898- 5222. Reproduction. Permission to...reproduce any material contained in this document must be requested and approved in writing by the AMC Smart Weapons Management Office, AMSMI-SW, Redstone...elevation points, necessitating a large geometric data base that requires heavy computation loads for rendering. The second innovative technique is the

Prognostic roles of absolute monocyte and absolute lymphocyte counts in patients with advanced-stage follicular lymphoma in the rituximab era: an analysis from the FOLL05 trial of the Fondazione Italiana Linfomi.

PubMed

Marcheselli, Luigi; Bari, Alessia; Anastasia, Antonella; Botto, Barbara; Puccini, Benedetta; Dondi, Alessandra; Carella, Angelo M; Alvarez, Isabel; Chiarenza, Annalisa; Arcari, Annalisa; Salvi, Flavia; Federico, Massimo

2015-05-01

Recently, in an attempt to improve the discrimination power of the international prognostic index (IPI), patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma were evaluated to determine the prognostic roles of peripheral blood absolute monocyte count (AMC) and absolute lymphocyte count (ALC). Here, we analysed data of 428 patients with follicular lymphoma (FL) enrolled in a prospective, randomized trial (FOLL05 study) conducted by Fondazione Italiana Linfomi, to assess the impact of AMC and ALC on progression-free survival (PFS). All patients had been treated with one of three treatment combinations: (i) rituximab (R) plus cyclophosphamide, vincristine and prednisone; (ii) R plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone or (iii) R plus mitoxantrone and fludarabine. We showed that only AMC was a powerful predictor of PFS, and possibly overall survival, in patients with FL treated with combination chemotherapy regimens that contained R. The AMC can be used alone as a novel, simple factor that can predict survival outcome in patients with FL, independent of the immunochemotherapy regimen. It may therefore be widely used by clinicians, due to its simplicity and broad applicability. Additionally, it can be combined with other factors that determine the IPI or FLIPI, to increase the discriminating ability of these indices. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

The Army's Use of the Advanced Communications Technology Satellite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ilse, Kenneth

1996-01-01

Tactical operations require military commanders to be mobile and have a high level of independence in their actions. Communications capabilities providing intelligence and command orders in these tactical situations have been limited to simple voice communications or low-rate narrow bandwidth communications because of the need for immediate reliable connectivity. The Advanced Communications Technology Satellite (ACTS) has brought an improved communications tool to the tactical commander giving the ability to gain access to a global communications system using high data rates and wide bandwidths. The Army has successfully tested this new capability of bandwidth-on-demand and high data rates for commanders in real-world conditions during Operation UPHOLD DEMOCRACY in Haiti during the fall and winter of 1994. This paper examines ACTS use by field commanders and details the success of the ACTS system in support of a wide variety of field condition command functions.

Modelling Workload on the Bison C3I Command Post: Phase 1 - Task Analysis

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-08-01

Intelligence Mobile Command Post is an armoured vehicle originally designed as an infantry section carrier. Manufactured by General Dynamics, the MCP...variant of the Bison Armoured Vehicle has a raised roof to accommodate various radio suites. There are three blast seats inside the vehicle as well as...SLIMGARD VEHICLE HEADSET....................................................................................................... 27 FIGURE 17: ARMOUR

Knowledge Mobilization and Educational Research: Politics, Languages and Responsibilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fenwick, Tara, Ed.; Farrell, Lesley, Ed.

2011-01-01

How can educational research have more impact? What processes of knowledge exchange are most effective for increasing the uses of research results? How can research-produced knowledge be better "mobilized" among users such as practicing educators, policy makers, and the public communities? These sorts of questions are commanding urgent…

Bridging of a substrate between cyclodextrin and an enzyme’s active site pocket triggers a unique mode of inhibition

PubMed Central

Sule, Nitesh V; Ugrinov, Angel; Mallik, Sanku; Srivastava, D. K.

2014-01-01

Background Methionyl-7-amino-4-methylcoumarin (MetAMC) serves as a substrate for the E. coli Methionine aminopeptidase (MetAP) catalyzed reaction, and is routinely used for screening compounds to identify potential antibiotic agents. In pursuit of screening the enzyme’s inhibitors, we observed that 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD), utilized to solubilize hydrophobic inhibitors, inhibited the catalytic activity of the enzyme, and such inhibition was not solely due to sequestration of the substrate by HP-β-CD. Methods The mechanistic path for the HP-β-CD mediated inhibition of MetAP was probed by performing a detailed account of steady-state kinetics, ligand binding, X-ray crystallographic, and molecular modeling studies. Results X-ray crystallographic data of the β-cyclodextrin—substrate (β-CD—MetAMC) complex reveal that while the AMC moiety of the substrate is confined within the CD cavity, the methionine moiety protrudes outward. The steady-state kinetic data for inhibition of MetAP by HP-β-CD—MetAMC conform to a model mechanism in which the substrate is “bridged” between HP-β-CD and the enzyme’s active-site pocket, forming HP-β-CD—MetAMC—MetAP as the catalytically inactive ternary complex. Molecular modeling shows that the scissile bond of HP-β-CD-bound MetAMC substrate does not reach within the proximity of the enzyme’s catalytic metal center, and thus the substrate fails to undergo cleavage. Conclusions The data presented herein suggests that the bridging of the substrate between the enzyme and HP-β-CD cavities is facilitated by interaction of their surfaces, and the resulting complex inhibits the enzyme activity. General Significance Due to its potential interaction with physiological proteins via sequestered substrates, caution must be exercised in HP-β-CD mediated delivery of drugs under pathophysiological conditions. PMID:25450177

Astronaut Russell Schweickart photographed during EVA

NASA Image and Video Library

1969-03-06

AS09-19-2983 (6 March 1969) --- Astronaut Russell L. Schweickart, lunar module pilot, operates a 70mm Hasselblad camera during his extravehicular activity (EVA) on the fourth day of the Apollo 9 Earth-orbital mission. The Command and Service Modules (CSM) and Lunar Module (LM) "Spider" are docked. This view was taken from the Command Module (CM) "Gumdrop". Schweickart, wearing an Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU), is standing in "golden slippers" on the LM porch. On his back, partially visible, are a Portable Life Support System (PLSS) and an Oxygen Purge System (OPS). Astronaut James A. McDivitt, Apollo 9 commander, was inside the "Spider". Astronaut David R. Scott, command module pilot, remained at the controls in the CM.

Regulatory impairments following selective 6-OHDA lesions of the neostriatum.

PubMed

Dunnett, S B; Iversen, S D

1982-02-01

6-Hydroxydopamine lesions of the ventrolateral (VLC) but not anteromedial (AMC) caudate-putamen in rats resulted in a greater post-operative reduction in body weight and water intake than seen in animals with sham lesions. Once animals had fully resumed spontaneous food and water intake, a series of regulatory challenges were administered, and the AMC rats showed a reduced enhancement of drinking following injection of hypertonic saline. The results are interpreted in terms of a heterogeneous striatal convergence of nigrostriatal and cortical regulatory mechanisms.

History of the TOW Missile System

DTIC Science & Technology

1977-10-01

pp. 1 .5 .4 & 1 .5 .5 . (2 ) L t r , DCG/LCS, I I C O M , t o CG, AMC, 29 Nar 65, s u b j : PEVA FY 65 APE P r o j AXMS 4220.X.32909...TOW). HDF. 3 8 ~ t r , C G , MICOM, t o CG, AMC, 23 J u l 65 , s u b j : PEVA FY 66 APE P r o j MCMS 4290.X.32947 (TOW). HDF. $1.7 m i l l

Best practice in unbilled account management: one medical center's story.

PubMed

Menaker, Debra; Miller, Joshua

2016-02-01

After implementing its new electronic health record, a large metropolitan academic medical center (AMC) decided to optimize its supporting business systems, beginning with billing. By identifying problems and taking the following corrective actions immediately, the AMC significantly reduced the number and average age of its unbilled accounts: Realigning system automation to improve routing efficiency. Facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration to better identify and correct the root causes of issues. Ensuring transparent data reporting by setting up different ways of viewing the underlying information.

Mission Composeable C2 in DIL Information Environments Using Widgets and App Stores

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-06-01

C2). Warfighters increasingly have access to integrated mobile devices to enhance their situational awareness. The Department of Defense and the...for agile command and control (C2). Warfighters increasingly have access to integrated mobile devices to enhance their situational awareness. The...This need has been partially addressed in the civilian world with the increasing use of mobile technology through which a company’s leadership can

The next generation of command post computing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arnold, Ross D.; Lieb, Aaron J.; Samuel, Jason M.; Burger, Mitchell A.

2015-05-01

The future of command post computing demands an innovative new solution to address a variety of challenging operational needs. The Command Post of the Future is the Army's primary command and control decision support system, providing situational awareness and collaborative tools for tactical decision making, planning, and execution management from Corps to Company level. However, as the U.S. Army moves towards a lightweight, fully networked battalion, disconnected operations, thin client architecture and mobile computing become increasingly essential. The Command Post of the Future is not designed to support these challenges in the coming decade. Therefore, research into a hybrid blend of technologies is in progress to address these issues. This research focuses on a new command and control system utilizing the rich collaboration framework afforded by Command Post of the Future coupled with a new user interface consisting of a variety of innovative workspace designs. This new system is called Tactical Applications. This paper details a brief history of command post computing, presents the challenges facing the modern Army, and explores the concepts under consideration for Tactical Applications that meet these challenges in a variety of innovative ways.

Experimental Validation: Subscale Aircraft Ground Facilities and Integrated Test Capability

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bailey, Roger M.; Hostetler, Robert W., Jr.; Barnes, Kevin N.; Belcastro, Celeste M.; Belcastro, Christine M.

2005-01-01

Experimental testing is an important aspect of validating complex integrated safety critical aircraft technologies. The Airborne Subscale Transport Aircraft Research (AirSTAR) Testbed is being developed at NASA Langley to validate technologies under conditions that cannot be flight validated with full-scale vehicles. The AirSTAR capability comprises a series of flying sub-scale models, associated ground-support equipment, and a base research station at NASA Langley. The subscale model capability utilizes a generic 5.5% scaled transport class vehicle known as the Generic Transport Model (GTM). The AirSTAR Ground Facilities encompass the hardware and software infrastructure necessary to provide comprehensive support services for the GTM testbed. The ground facilities support remote piloting of the GTM aircraft, and include all subsystems required for data/video telemetry, experimental flight control algorithm implementation and evaluation, GTM simulation, data recording/archiving, and audio communications. The ground facilities include a self-contained, motorized vehicle serving as a mobile research command/operations center, capable of deployment to remote sites when conducting GTM flight experiments. The ground facilities also include a laboratory based at NASA LaRC providing near identical capabilities as the mobile command/operations center, as well as the capability to receive data/video/audio from, and send data/audio to the mobile command/operations center during GTM flight experiments.

Easy robot programming for beginners and kids using augmented reality environments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sakamoto, Kunio; Nishiguchi, Masahiro

2010-11-01

The authors have developed the mobile robot which can be programmed by command and instruction cards. All you have to do is to arrange cards on a table and to shot the programming stage by a camera. Our card programming system recognizes instruction cards and translates icon commands into the motor driver program. This card programming environment also provides low-level structure programming.

Speech Understanding in Noise in the Bison Command, Control, Communications and Intelligence (C3I) Mobile Command Post (MCP)

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-12-01

messages étaient présentés au moyen des haut-parleurs en présence de bruit dans le véhicule. Même si des notes relativement faibles ont été obtenues...Research Ethics Committee. Each subject read the protocol and provided informed consent before participating. The terms and conditions of remuneration

CRAWLER HIDDEN UNDER MOBILE LAUNCHER MOVES APOLLO 17 FROM VEHICLE ASSEMBLY BUILDING AS TRIP TO LAUNC

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1972-01-01

The Apollo 17 space vehicle was moved today from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Complex 39's pad A in preparation for its launch with Astronauts Eugene A. Cernan, Commander; Ronald A. Evans, Command Module Pilot; and Dr. Harrison H. ''Jack'' Schmitt, Lunar Module Pilot, on the sixth U.S. manned lunar landing mission on December 6, 1972.

Funds Flow in the Era of Value-Based Health Care.

PubMed

Itri, Jason N; Mithqal, Ayman; Krishnaraj, Arun

2017-06-01

Health care reform is creating significant challenges for hospital systems and academic medical centers (AMCs), requiring a new operating model to adapt to declining reimbursement, diminishing research funding, market consolidation, payers' focus on higher quality and lower cost, and greater cost sharing by patients. Maintaining and promoting the triple mission of clinical care, research, and education will require AMCs to be system-based with strong alignment around governance, operations, clinical care, and finances. Funds flow is the primary mechanism whereby an AMC maintains the triple mission through alignment of the hospital, physician practices, school of medicine, undergraduate university, and other professional schools. The purpose of this article is to discuss challenges with current funds flow models, impact of funds flow on academic and private practice radiology groups, and strategies that can increase funds flow to support radiology practices achieving clinical, research, and teaching missions in the era of value-based health care. Copyright © 2017 American College of Radiology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The AMCE (AIST Managed Cloud Environment)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cook, S.

2017-12-01

ESTO has developed and implemented the AIST Managed Cloud Environment (AMCE) to offer cloud computing services to SMD-funded PIs to conduct their project research. AIST will provide projects access to a cloud computing framework that incorporates NASA security, technical, and financial standards, on which project can freely store, run, and process data. Currently, many projects led by research groups outside of NASA do not have the awareness of requirements or the resources to implement NASA standards into their research, which limits the likelihood of infusing the work into NASA applications. Offering this environment to PIs allows them to conduct their project research using the many benefits of cloud computing. In addition to the well-known cost and time savings that it allows, it also provides scalability and flexibility. The AMCE facilitates infusion and end user access by ensuring standardization and security. This approach will ultimately benefit ESTO, the science community, and the research, allowing the technology developments to have quicker and broader applications.

Developmental programming of O2 sensing by neonatal intermittent hypoxia via epigenetic mechanisms

PubMed Central

Nanduri, Jayasri; Prabhakar, Nanduri R.

2014-01-01

Recurrent apnea with intermittent hypoxia (IH) is a major clinical problem in infants born preterm. Carotid body chemo-reflex and catecholamine secretion from adrenal medullary chromaffin cells (AMC) are important for maintenance of cardio-respiratory homeostasis during hypoxia. This article highlights studies on the effects of IH on O2 sensing by the carotid body and AMC in neonatal rodents. Neonatal IH augments hypoxia-evoked carotid body sensory excitation and catecholamine secretion from AMC which are mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent recruitment of endothelin-1 and Ca2+ signaling, respectively. The effects of neonatal IH persist into adulthood. Evidence is emerging that neonatal IH initiates epigenetic mechanisms involving DNA hypermethylation contributing to long-lasting increase in ROS levels. Since adult human subjects born preterm exhibit higher incidence of sleep-disordered breathing and hypertension, DNA hypomethylating agents might offer a novel therapeutic intervention to decrease long-term cardio-respiratory morbidity caused by neonatal IH. PMID:22846496

The effect of process parameters in Aluminum Metal Matrix Composites with Powder Metallurgy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vani, Vemula Vijaya; Chak, Sanjay Kumar

2018-06-01

Metal Matrix Composites are developed in recent years as an alternative over conventional engineering materials due to their improved properties. Among all, Aluminium Matrix Composites (AMCs) are increasing their demand due to low density, high strength-to-weight ratio, high toughness, corrosion resistance, higher stiffness, improved wear resistance, increased creep resistance, low co-efficient of thermal expansion, improved high temperature properties. Major applications of these materials have been in aerospace, automobile, military. There are different processing techniques for the fabrication of AMCs. Powder metallurgy is a one of the most promising and versatile routes for fabrication of particle reinforced AMCs as compared to other manufacturing methods. This method ensures the good wettability between matrix and reinforcement, homogeneous microstructure of the fabricated MMC, and prevents the formation of any undesirable phases. This article addresses mainly on the effect of process parameters like sintering time, temperature and particle size on the microstructure of aluminum metal matrix composites.

Textile antenna integrated with compact AMC and parasitic elements for WLAN/WBAN applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lago, Herwansyah; Soh, Ping Jack; Jamlos, Mohd Faizal; Shohaimi, Nursuriati; Yan, Sen; Vandenbosch, Guy A. E.

2016-12-01

A wearable antenna fully designed and fabricated using textile is presented. Both antenna and artificial magnetic conductor plane are designed for operation in the wireless local area network (WLAN)/wireless body area network (WBAN) band from 2.4 to 2.5 GHz. The AMC unit element is designed based on the rectangular patch structure, which is then integrated using slots and slits for bandwidth broadening. Meanwhile, the combination of the slits and L-shaped parasitic elements applied at four edges of the rectangular antenna structure enabled unidirectional radiation outwards from the body. The structure is coaxially fed using a rectangular ring slot centered on the radiating element. Simulated and measured reflection and radiation performance indicate a satisfactory agreement, fulfilling the requirements for WLAN/WBAN applications both in free space and on body. The shielding effectiveness provided by the AMC plane is also evaluated numerically in terms of specific absorption rate, indicating levels below the European regulatory limit of 2 W/kg.

78 FR 48180 - Consolidation of Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection For Outer Continental Shelf Activities...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-08-07

... for all Mobile Offshore Drilling Units and Floating Outer Continental Shelf Facilities (as defined in... Commander. Vessels requiring Coast Guard inspection include Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (MODUs), Floating... engage directly in oil and gas exploration or production in the offshore waters of the Eighth Coast Guard...

LC-IMS-MS Feature Finder: detecting multidimensional liquid chromatography, ion mobility and mass spectrometry features in complex datasets.

PubMed

Crowell, Kevin L; Slysz, Gordon W; Baker, Erin S; LaMarche, Brian L; Monroe, Matthew E; Ibrahim, Yehia M; Payne, Samuel H; Anderson, Gordon A; Smith, Richard D

2013-11-01

The addition of ion mobility spectrometry to liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry experiments requires new, or updated, software tools to facilitate data processing. We introduce a command line software application LC-IMS-MS Feature Finder that searches for molecular ion signatures in multidimensional liquid chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry-mass spectrometry (LC-IMS-MS) data by clustering deisotoped peaks with similar monoisotopic mass, charge state, LC elution time and ion mobility drift time values. The software application includes an algorithm for detecting and quantifying co-eluting chemical species, including species that exist in multiple conformations that may have been separated in the IMS dimension. LC-IMS-MS Feature Finder is available as a command-line tool for download at http://omics.pnl.gov/software/LC-IMS-MS_Feature_Finder.php. The Microsoft.NET Framework 4.0 is required to run the software. All other dependencies are included with the software package. Usage of this software is limited to non-profit research to use (see README). rds@pnnl.gov. Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

Effect of Zn2+ on halohydrin dehalogenase expression and accumulation through multi-parameter correlation research with Escherichia coli P84A/MC1061

PubMed Central

Li, Xiao; Luo, Yu-Di; Pan, Dong-Rui; Shi, Xiao-Dan; Tan, Ya-Li; Li, Zhi-Hong

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT Using 5 Zn2+ supplementation strategies in a 50 L batch bioreactor named FUS-50L(A), possible correlations among Zn2+ content and addition timing, physiologic activity (PA), halohydrin dehalogenase (HheC) accumulation of Escherichia coli P84A/MC1061 were systematically investigated. First, Zn2+ was confirmed as the significant factor, and its optimal concentration for HheC expression was 3.87 mg/L through fermentation experiments in shaking flasks. Second, based on experimental results from the different strategies, it was found that PA, nutrient consumption rate (NCR) and specific growth rate (μ) for E. coli P84A/MC1061 were promoted in the log phase (4–8 h) under appropriate Zn2+ concentrations in the lag phase and late log phase. Furthermore cell biomass was also increased to a higher level and the maximum HheC activity (i.e. HheCmax) was increased by 9.80%, and the time to reach HheCmax was reduced from 16 to 12 hours. Furthermore, appropriate supplementation of Zn2+ caused higher μ for E. coli P84A/MC1061, which resulted in more rapid accumulation of increased acetic acid concentrations, leading to higher acetic acid consumption avoiding any negative effects on producing HheC because of carbon source being exhausted prematurely and acetic acid being consumed rapidly. PMID:28282255

Cardiovascular mortality in patients with prostate cancer exposed to androgen deprivation therapy.

PubMed

Monzó-Gardiner, J I; Herranz-Amo, F

2015-10-01

A relationship between the administration of GnRH agonists and the risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMC) in patients with prostate cancer has been showed in the third observational study published in April 2014. The association AMC-orchiectomy was not found in any of these studies. Define risk factors for cardiovascular disease in patients treated with GnRH agonist. Their probable underlying pathogenic mechanism in the myocardium and peripheral vascular tree was also analyzed. English articles cited in PubMed were reviewed. No time period is specified. The last search date was 11/30/14. In patients with coronary history of AMC or congestive heart failure, hormonal neoadjuvant therapy increased cardiovascular mortality rates (HR: 1.96, IC 95%: 1.04-3.71; P=.04) as well as cardiovascular-specific mortality rates (AHR: 3.28; IC 95%: 1.01-10.64; P=.048). Two possible mechanisms can be involved: a) direct mechanism through myocardial receptor for GnRH/PKA along with atherogenic plaques; and b) indirect mechanism related with metabolic disturbances. Patients with AMC or congestive heart failure history could present a higher risk of death related to the use of GnRH agonists. In these cases, should carefully consider appropriateness of such treatment. These effects can explained by a direct mechanism on myocardium and peripheral vascular tree and indirect ones related with modified metabolic syndrome. Copyright © 2014 AEU. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

The culture of academic medicine: faculty perceptions of the lack of alignment between individual and institutional values.

PubMed

Pololi, Linda; Kern, David E; Carr, Phyllis; Conrad, Peter; Knight, Sharon

2009-12-01

Energized, talented faculty are essential to achieving the missions of academic medical centers (AMCs) in education, research and health care. The alignment of individuals' values with workplace experiences are linked to meaningfulness of work and productivity. To determine faculty values and their alignment with institutional values. A qualitative hypothesis-generating interview study to understand the professional experiences of faculty and organizational approach in five AMCs that were nationally representative in regional and organizational characteristics. Analysis was inductive and data driven. Using stratified, purposeful sampling, we interviewed 96 male and female faculty at different career stages (early career, plateaued, senior faculty and those who had left academic medicine) and diverse specialties (generalists, medical and surgical subspecialists, and research scientists). Dominant themes that emerged from the data. Faculty described values relating to excellence in clinical care, community service (including care for the underserved and disadvantaged), teaching, intellectual rigor/freedom and discovery, all values that mirror the stated missions of AMCs. However, many faculty also described behaviors that led them to conclude that their AMCs, in practice, undervalued excellence in clinical care, and their social and educational missions. Themes were seen across gender, career stage, race and discipline, except that female leaders appeared more likely than male leaders to identify incongruence of individual values and organizational practices. In this study of five diverse medical schools, faculty values were well aligned with stated institutional missions; however, many perceived that institutional behaviors were not always aligned with individual faculty values.

Alternatives to Contingency Response Group Organization: Tradeoffs to Balance Capability and Capacity

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-06-13

mobility liaison officers ( AMLOs ) aligned under them that have the mission of providing mobility expertise to Army and Marine Corps brigade and...division level commander. This paper will not address changes to the MSAS or AMLO organization, capability or capacity. Instead, this paper will examine...in the areas of enroute support, ABO, BPC, Air Mobility Division augmentation and AMLO capability (Joint Chiefs of Staff, 2013). In addition to four

Astronaut Russell Schweickart photographed during EVA

NASA Image and Video Library

1969-03-06

AS09-19-2994 (6 March 1969) --- Astronaut Russell L. Schweickart, lunar module pilot, is photographed from the Command Module (CM) "Gumdrop" during his extravehicular activity (EVA) on the fourth day of the Apollo 9 Earth-orbital mission. He holds, in his right hand, a thermal sample which he is retrieving from the Lunar Module (LM) exterior. The Command and Service Modules (CSM) and LM "Spider" are docked. Schweickart, wearing an Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU), is standing in "golden slippers" on the LM porch. Visible on his back are the Portable Life Support System (PLSS) and Oxygen Purge System (OPS). Astronaut James A. McDivitt, Apollo 9 commander, was inside the "Spider". Astronaut David R. Scott, command module pilot, remained at the controls in the CM "Gumdrop".

Deployment of the National Guard: Mobilization in Confusion

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-03-27

Colleges and Schools, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, (215) 662-5606. The Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting...Association of Colleges and Schools, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, (215) 662-5606. The Commission on Higher Education is an institutional...commanders and their staff is FORSCOM Regulation 500-3-3, the Reserve Component Unit Commanders Handbook (RCUCH).13 This document was essentially the “ bible

Command and Control in Littoral Operations

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-05-13

mobility. Facing the broad spectrum of threats from mines, patrol boats, submarines and coastal defense cruise missiles, the ATF’s sea control was only...currently valid OMB control number. PLEASE DO NOT RETURN YOUR FORM TO THE ABOVE ADDRESS. 1. REPORT DATE (DD-MM-YYYY) 13-05-2016 2. REPORT TYPE...FINAL 3. DATES COVERED (From - To) 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE Command and Control in Littoral Operations 5a. CONTRACT

Proceedings of the Workshop on Mobility and Control in Challenging Environments

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-09-20

1.18 h (V) -3.48 Electronic Nervous Systems Activating Nitinol With Electronic Neurons Controlling Walking With EN Networks ele dep prot ret forward...command backward command Myomorphic Actuators •Artificial Muscle Nitinol : 50/50 Alloy of Nickel and Titanium. • Two stable crystalline states • State...an electrical current through it causing conversion to austenite and shorteningText Kevlar “Tendon” Crimp Connector Teflon Coated Nitinol Current

The Mobile Agents Integrated Field Test: Mars Desert Research Station April 2003

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clancey, William J.; Sierhuis, Maarten; Alena, Rick; Crawford, Sekou; Dowding, John; Graham, Jeff; Kaskiris, Charis; Tyree, Kim S.; vanHoof, Ron

2003-01-01

The Mobile Agents model-based, distributed architecture, which integrates diverse components in a system for lunar and planetary surface operations, was extensively tested in a two-week field "technology retreat" at the Mars Society s Desert Research Station (MDRS) during April 2003. More than twenty scientists and engineers from three NASA centers and two universities refined and tested the system through a series of incremental scenarios. Agent software, implemented in runtime Brahms, processed GPS, health data, and voice commands-monitoring, controlling and logging science data throughout simulated EVAs with two geologists. Predefined EVA plans, modified on the fly by voice command, enabled the Mobile Agents system to provide navigation and timing advice. Communications were maintained over five wireless nodes distributed over hills and into canyons for 5 km; data, including photographs and status was transmitted automatically to the desktop at mission control in Houston. This paper describes the system configurations, communication protocols, scenarios, and test results.

KSC-01pp1510

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-08-20

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The STS-111 crew spend time in the Space Station Processing Facility learning more about the payload they will be transporting: The Mobile Base System (MBS). Standing left to right in the back row are Expedition Five Commander Valeri Kozun, with the Russian Aviation and Space Agency; Mission Specialist Phillippe Perrin, with the French space agency CNES; Pilot Paul Lockhart; trainer Chris Hardcastle; Mission Specialist Franklin Chang-Diaz; and Commander Ken Cockrell. Flanked by trainers in the front row is (center) Peggy Whitson, another of the Expedition Five crew who will ferried to the International Space Station. The MBS will be installed on the Mobile Transporter to complete the Canadian Mobile Servicing System, or MSS. The mechanical arm will then have the capability to "inchworm" from the U.S. Lab Destiny to the MSS and travel along the Truss to work sites. The Expedition Five crew will be replacing Expedition Four. Launch of Endeavour on mission STS-111 is scheduled for April 18, 2002

Mastitis prevention and control practices and mastitis treatment strategies associated with the consumption of (critically important) antimicrobials on dairy herds in Flanders, Belgium.

PubMed

Stevens, M; Piepers, S; De Vliegher, S

2016-04-01

The main objectives of this study were to evaluate to what extent variations in herd-level antimicrobial consumption (AMC) can be explained by differences in management practices that are consistently effective in the prevention of (sub)clinical mastitis, on the one hand, and by differences in mastitis treatment strategies, on the other hand. Antimicrobial consumption data were obtained during 2012 and 2013 by "garbage can audits" and expressed as antimicrobial treatment incidences (ATI) for all compounds combined (total ATI) and for the critically important antimicrobials for human health separately. Data on mastitis prevention and control practices were obtained via face-to-face interviews performed during herd visits in March 2013. Some management practices and treatment strategies related to udder health were associated with the total AMC. However, the results demonstrated that implementing effective udder health management practices does not necessarily imply a low AMC and vice versa. Herds participating in a veterinary herd health management program and herds selectively drying off cows used fewer antimicrobials compared with herds not participating in such a program or applying blanket dry-cow therapy. Moreover, herds treating (some) (sub)clinical mastitis cases with intramammary homeopathic substances consumed fewer antimicrobials than herds not applying such homeopathic treatments. Besides these factors, no other direct association was found between effective udder health management practices on the one hand and AMC on the other hand. Also, the use of critically important antimicrobials was only associated with the way in which subclinical mastitis cases were treated. The latter indicates that the AMC of critically important antimicrobials is potentially driven by factors other than those included in this study such as those related to the "mindset" of the veterinarians and their farmers. Future research should therefore aim to unravel the reasoning of vets and their farmers behind the use of those critically important antimicrobials for the treatment of mastitis and other diseases. Copyright © 2016 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Finite-difference time-domain simulation of electromagnetic bandgap and bi-anisotropic metamaterials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bray, Matthew G.

The term "Metamaterial" has been introduced into the electromagnetic lexicon in recent years to describe new artificial materials with electromagnetic properties that are not found in naturally occurring materials. Metamaterials exhibit electromagnetic properties that are not observed in its constituent materials, and/or not observed in nature. This thesis will analyze two different classes of metamaterials through the use of the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) technique. The first class of metamaterials are artificial magnetic conductors (AMC) which approximate the behavior of a perfect magnetic conductor (PMC) over a finite frequency range. The AMC metamaterials are created through the use of an electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) structure. A periodic FDTD code is used to simulate a full-wave model of the metallodielectric EBG structures. The AMCs developed with the aid of the FDTD tool are then used to create low-profile antenna systems consisting of a dipole antenna in close proximity to an AMC surface. Through the use of this FDTD tool, several original contributions were made to the electromagnetic community. These include the first dual-band independently tunable EBG AMC ground plane and the first linearly polarized single-band and dual-band tunable antenna/EBG systems. The second class of materials analyzed are bi-anisotropic metamaterials. Bi-anisotropic media are the largest class of linear media which is able to describe the macroscopic material properties of artificial dielectrics, artificial magnetics, artificial chiral materials, left-handed materials, and other composite materials. The dispersive properties of these materials can be approximated by the oscillator model. This model assumes a Lorentzian frequency profile for the permittivity and permeability and a Condon model for chirality. A new FDTD formulation is introduced which can simulate this type of bi-anisotropic media. This FDTD method incorporates the dispersive material properties through a Z-transform technique derived from the constitutive relations for bi-anisotropic media. This is the first FDTD formulation to be able to simulate dispersive chiral media on a single FDTD grid. This tool was also used to perform the first simulations of dispersive chiral frequency selective surfaces.

A homogeneous cellular histone deacetylase assay suitable for compound profiling and robotic screening.

PubMed

Ciossek, Thomas; Julius, Heiko; Wieland, Heike; Maier, Thomas; Beckers, Thomas

2008-01-01

Most cellular assays that quantify the efficacy of histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors measure hyperacetylation of core histone proteins H3 and H4. Here we describe a new approach, directly measuring cellular HDAC enzymatic activity using the substrate Boc-K(Ac)-7-amino-4-methylcoumarin (AMC). After penetration into HeLa cervical carcinoma or K562 chronic myeloid leukemia cells, the deacetylated product Boc-K-AMC is formed which, after cell lysis, is cleaved by trypsin, finally releasing the fluorophor AMC. The cellular potency of suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid, LBH589, trichostatin A, and MS275 as well-known HDAC inhibitors was determined using this assay. IC(50) values derived from concentration-effect curves correlated well with EC(50) values derived from a cellomics array scan histone H3 hyperacetylation assay. The cellular HDAC activity assay was adapted to a homogeneous format, fully compatible with robotic screening. Concentration-effect curves generated on a Tecan Genesis Freedom workstation were highly reproducible with a signal-to-noise ratio of 5.7 and a Z' factor of 0.88, indicating a very robust assay. Finally, a HDAC-inhibitor focused library was profiled in a medium-throughput screening campaign. Inhibition of cellular HDAC activity correlated well with cytotoxicity and histone H3 hyperacetylation in HeLa cells and with inhibition of human recombinant HDAC1 in a biochemical assay. Thus, by using Boc-K(Ac)-AMC as a cell-permeable HDAC substrate, the activity of various protein lysine-specific deacetylases including HDAC1-containing complexes is measurable in intact cells in a simple and homogeneous manner.

Academic Medical Centers Forming Accountable Care Organizations and Partnering With Community Providers: The Experience of the Johns Hopkins Medicine Alliance for Patients.

PubMed

Berkowitz, Scott A; Ishii, Lisa; Schulz, John; Poffenroth, Matt

2016-03-01

Academic medical centers (AMCs)--which include teaching hospital(s) and additional care delivery entities--that form accountable care organizations (ACOs) must decide whether to partner with other provider entities, such as community practices. Indeed, 67% (33/49) of AMC ACOs through the Medicare Shared Savings Program through 2014 are believed to include an outside community practice. There are opportunities for both the AMC and the community partners in pursuing such relationships, including possible alignment around shared goals and adding ACO beneficiaries. To create the Johns Hopkins Medicine Alliance for Patients (JMAP), in January 2014, Johns Hopkins Medicine chose to partner with two community primary care groups and one cardiology practice to support clinical integration while adding approximately 60 providers and 5,000 Medicare beneficiaries. The principal initial interventions within JMAP included care coordination for high-risk beneficiaries and later, in 2014, generating dashboards of ACO quality measures to facilitate quality improvement and early efforts at incorporating clinical pathways and Choosing Wisely recommendations. Additional interventions began in 2015.The principal initial challenges JMAP faced were data integration, generation of quality measure reports among disparate electronic medical records, receiving and then analyzing claims data, and seeking to achieve provider engagement; all these affected timely deployment of the early interventions. JMAP also created three regional advisory councils as a forum promoting engagement of local leadership. Network strategies among AMCs, including adding community practices in a nonemployment model, will continue to require thoughtful strategic planning and a keen understanding of local context.

A Cognitive Machine Learning Algorithm for Cardiac Imaging: A Pilot Study for Differentiating Constrictive Pericarditis from Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

PubMed Central

Sengupta, Partho P.; Huang, Yen-Min; Bansal, Manish; Ashrafi, Ali; Fisher, Matt; Shameer, Khader; Gall, Walt; Dudley, Joel T

2016-01-01

Background Associating a patient’s profile with the memories of prototypical patients built through previous repeat clinical experience is a key process in clinical judgment. We hypothesized that a similar process using a cognitive computing tool would be well suited for learning and recalling multidimensional attributes of speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) data sets derived from patients with known constrictive pericarditis (CP) and restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM). Methods and Results Clinical and echocardiographic data of 50 patients with CP and 44 with RCM were used for developing an associative memory classifier (AMC) based machine learning algorithm. The STE data was normalized in reference to 47 controls with no structural heart disease, and the diagnostic area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of the AMC was evaluated for differentiating CP from RCM. Using only STE variables, AMC achieved a diagnostic AUC of 89·2%, which improved to 96·2% with addition of 4 echocardiographic variables. In comparison, the AUC of early diastolic mitral annular velocity and left ventricular longitudinal strain were 82.1% and 63·7%, respectively. Furthermore, AMC demonstrated greater accuracy and shorter learning curves than other machine learning approaches with accuracy asymptotically approaching 90% after a training fraction of 0·3 and remaining flat at higher training fractions. Conclusions This study demonstrates feasibility of a cognitive machine learning approach for learning and recalling patterns observed during echocardiographic evaluations. Incorporation of machine learning algorithms in cardiac imaging may aid standardized assessments and support the quality of interpretations, particularly for novice readers with limited experience. PMID:27266599

Soil conservation service curve number: How to take into account spatial and temporal variability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rianna, M.; Orlando, D.; Montesarchio, V.; Russo, F.; Napolitano, F.

2012-09-01

The most commonly used method to evaluate rainfall excess, is the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) runoff curve number model. This method is based on the determination of the CN valuethat is linked with a hydrological soil group, cover type, treatment, hydrologic condition and antecedent runoff condition. To calculate the antecedent runoff condition the standard procedure needs to calculate the rainfall over the entire basin during the five days previous to the beginning of the event in order to simulate and then to use that volume of rainfall to calculate the antecedent moisture condition (AMC). This is necessary in order to obtain the correct curve number value. The value of the modified parameter is then kept constant throughout the whole event. The aim of this work is to evaluate the possibility of improving the curve number method. The various assumptions are focused on modifying those related to rainfall and the determination of an AMC condition and their role in the determination of the value of the curve number parameter. In order to consider the spatial variability we assumed that the rainfall which influences the AMC and the CN value does not account for the rainfall over the entire basin, but for the rainfall within a single cell where the basin domain is discretized. Furthermore, in order to consider the temporal variability of rainfall we assumed that the value of the CN of the single cell is not maintained constant during the whole event, but instead varies throughout it according to the time interval used to define the AMC conditions.

Academic Medical Centers as Innovation Ecosystems: Evolution of Industry Partnership Models Beyond the Bayh-Dole Act.

PubMed

Silva, Patrick J; Ramos, Kenneth S

2018-04-17

Innovation ecosystems tied to academic medical centers (AMCs) are inextricably linked to policy, practices, and infrastructure resulting from the passage of the Bayh-Dole Act in 1980. Bayh-Dole smoothed the way to patenting and licensing new drugs, and to some degree, medical devices and diagnostic reagents. Property rights under Bayh-Dole provided a significant incentive for industry investments in clinical trials, clinical validation, and industrial scale-up of products that advanced health care. Bayh-Dole amplified private investment in biotechnology drug development, and from the authors' perspective did not significantly interfere with the ability of AMCs to produce excellent peer-reviewed science. In today's policy environment, it is increasingly difficulty to patent and license products based on the laws of nature - as the scope of patentability has been narrowed by case law and development of a suitable clinical and business case for the technology is increasingly a gating consideration for licensees. Consequently, fewer academic patents are commercially valuable. The role of technology transfer organizations in engaging industry partners has thus become increasingly complex. The partnering toolbox and the organizational mandate for commercialization must evolve toward novel collaborative models that exploit opportunities for future patent creation (early drug discovery), data exchange (precision medicine using big data), cohort assembly (clinical trials), and decision rule validation (clinical trials). These inputs all contribute to intellectual property rights, and their clinical exploitation manifests the commercialization of translational science. New collaboration models between AMCs and industry must be established to leverage the assets within AMCs that industry partners deem valuable.

Recommendations to Sustain the Academic Mission Ecosystem at U.S. Medical Schools.

PubMed

Kerschner, Joseph E; Hedges, Jerris R; Antman, Karen; Abraham, Edward; Colón Negrón, Edgar; Jameson, J Larry

2018-07-01

Academic medical center (AMC) faculty, administrators, and leaders have the critical tasks of teaching and training the next generation of health care providers and biomedical researchers, as well as generating new knowledge that improves the health of all. In the United States, medical schools and their affiliated hospitals train remarkably high-quality physicians and scientists, and the research conducted at these institutions results in advances in health. To that end, AMCs have become essential engines for driving better health in the United States and the rest of the world; they also have become essential engines driving the economies of their respective communities and regions. The education and research missions, however, require subsidization because tuition and extramural grant funding do not cover the costs of these endeavors. This subsidization largely has come from revenues generated by AMCs' clinical endeavors. The viability of this cross-subsidization, however, is increasingly threatened in the current clinical environment. The authors of this Perspective discuss these issues in depth and provide some concrete recommendations to address these challenges. They hope to stimulate discussion and, ultimately, ensure the financial viability of U.S. AMCs-a national resource of utmost importance. Recommendations to sustain research include creating strategic biomedical research plans, developing a defined and sustained model to support National Institutes of Health funding that keeps pace with inflation, and evolving funding mechanisms. Recommendations to sustain medical education include limiting student debt, creating more cost-effective curricula, and ensuring that clinical training opportunities that meet national standards are available to students.

A flexible 70 MHz phase-controlled double waveguide system for hyperthermia treatment of superficial tumours with deep infiltration.

PubMed

van Stam, Gerard; Kok, H Petra; Hulshof, Maarten C C M; Kolff, M Willemijn; van Tienhoven, Geertjan; Sijbrands, Jan; Bakker, Akke; Zum Vörde Sive Vörding, Paul J; Oldenborg, Sabine; de Greef, Martijn; Rasch, Coen R N; Crezee, Hans

2017-11-01

Superficial tumours with deep infiltration in the upper 15 cm of the trunk cannot be treated adequately with existing hyperthermia systems. The aim of this study was to develop, characterise and evaluate a new flexible two-channel hyperthermia system (AMC-2) for tumours in this region. The two-channel AMC-2 system has two horizontally revolving and height adjustable 70 MHz waveguides. Three different interchangeable antennas with sizes 20 × 34, 15 × 34 and 8.5 × 34 cm were developed and their electrical properties were determined. The performance of the AMC-2 system was tested by measurements of the electric field distribution in a saline water filled elliptical phantom, using an electric field vector probe. Clinical feasibility was demonstrated by treatment of a melanoma in the axillary region. Phantom measurements showed a good performance for all waveguides. The large reflection of the smallest antenna has to be compensated by increased forward power. Field patterns become asymmetrical when using smaller top antennas, necessitating phase corrections. The clinical application showed that tumours deeper than 4 cm can be heated adequately. A median tumour temperature of 42 °C can be reached up to 12 cm depth with adequate antenna positioning and phase-amplitude steering. This 70 MHz AMC-2 waveguide system is a useful addition to existing loco-regional hyperthermia equipment as it is capable of heating axillary tumours and other tumours deeper than 4 cm.

Virucidal action of sore throat lozenges against respiratory viruses parainfluenza type 3 and cytomegalovirus.

PubMed

Shephard, Adrian; Zybeshari, Stela

2015-11-01

Most respiratory tract infections are self-limiting and caused by viruses, and do not warrant antibiotic treatment. Despite this, patients with respiratory tract infections often receive antibiotics, fuelling the rise of antibiotic resistance. Therefore, there is a need to encourage patients to try alternative non-antibiotic therapies, which ideally treat the symptoms and the cause. Lozenges containing amylmetacresol and 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol (AMC/DCBA lozenges) as well as lozenges containing hexylresorcinol have been shown to provide effective symptomatic relief for sore throat. In this study, we investigated whether these lozenges also have virucidal effects in vitro against two viruses associated with respiratory tract infections, parainfluenza virus type 3 and cytomegalovirus. Both viruses were incubated with AMC/DCBA lozenge, placebo lozenge or the active ingredients (AMC/DCBA) as free substances, and parainfluenza virus type 3 was incubated with hexylresorcinol lozenge, placebo lozenge or hexylresorcinol as a free substance. Virucidal effects were observed with the active lozenges and the active ingredients as free substances against both parainfluenza virus type 3 and cytomegalovirus. Mean reductions in viral titre were significantly greater compared with placebo lozenge and peak effects were observed for the shortest incubation time, 1min. These findings suggest that AMC/DCBA lozenge and hexylresorcinol lozenge have the potential to have local antiviral effects in patients with sore throat due to viral respiratory tract infections. Use of such over-the-counter treatments for self-limiting respiratory tract infections may satisfy patients' desire for an anti-infective medication and reduce the demand for antibiotics. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

NON-STANDARD FIXED WING AVIATION: THE RECIPE FOR ADDRESSING SPECIALIZED MOBILITY SHORTFALLS

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-10-01

capabilities and logistics and evaluates the utilization of available non-standard aviation aircraft for Special Operations and compares the effectiveness and...ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the balance between contract aviation assets and organic military assets being utilized to help...commander to effectively command and control (C2), all pose problems to the warfighter. It has been proven that “Ad-hoc attachment of air assets and

Astronaut John Young collecting samples at North Ray crater during EVA

NASA Image and Video Library

1972-04-23

AS16-117-18826 (23 April 1972) --- Astronaut John W. Young collects samples at the North Ray Crater geological site during the mission's third and final Apollo 16 extravehicular activity (EVA). He has a rake in his hand, and the gnomon is near his foot. Note how soiled Young's Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) is. While astronauts Young, commander; and Charles M. Duke Jr., lunar module pilot; descended in the Apollo 16 Lunar Module (LM) "Orion" to explore the Descartes highlands landing site on the moon, astronaut Thomas K. Mattingly II, command module pilot, remained with the Command and Service Modules (CSM) "Casper" in lunar orbit.

In Vitro Screening of Synthetic Fluorogenic Substrates for Detection of Cancer Procoagulant Activity.

PubMed

Krause, Jason; Frost, Carminita L

2018-04-01

Cancer procoagulant (CP), a direct activator of coagulation factor X, is among one of the tumour cell products or activities which may promote fibrin formation and has been suggested to be selectively associated with the malignant phenotype. At present, the most reliable assay for the quantification of CP activity is the three-stage chromogenic assay which utilises the ability of CP to activate factor X. In this assay, the activation of factor X leads to the formation of activated thrombin from prothrombin and the eventual hydrolyses of a thrombin chromogenic substrate which contains a p-nitroaniline leaving group. The complexity of the three-stage chromogenic assay suggests a need for a direct method of assaying CP activity. This study focuses on the design of a fluorogenic substrate that would enable the direct quantification of CP activity. The results of the study show two promising substrates for the determination of CP activity: Boc-PQVR-AMC and PQVR-AMC. Further analysis showed that Boc-PQVR-AMC could be excluded as a potential substrate for CP since it was also cleaved by collagenase.

Hierarchical activated mesoporous phenolic-resin-based carbons for supercapacitors.

PubMed

Wang, Zhao; Zhou, Min; Chen, Hao; Jiang, Jingui; Guan, Shiyou

2014-10-01

A series of hierarchical activated mesoporous carbons (AMCs) were prepared by the activation of highly ordered, body-centered cubic mesoporous phenolic-resin-based carbon with KOH. The effect of the KOH/carbon-weight ratio on the textural properties and capacitive performance of the AMCs was investigated in detail. An AMC prepared with a KOH/carbon-weight ratio of 6:1 possessed the largest specific surface area (1118 m(2) g(-1)), with retention of the ordered mesoporous structure, and exhibited the highest specific capacitance of 260 F g(-1) at a current density of 0.1 A g(-1) in 1 M H2 SO4 aqueous electrolyte. This material also showed excellent rate capability (163 F g(-1) retained at 20 A g(-1)) and good long-term electrochemical stability. This superior capacitive performance could be attributed to a large specific surface area and an optimized micro-mesopore structure, which not only increased the effective specific surface area for charge storage but also provided a favorable pathway for efficient ion transport. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

A theoretical approach to evaluate the release rate of acetaminophen from erosive wax matrix dosage forms.

PubMed

Agata, Yasuyoshi; Iwao, Yasunori; Shiino, Kai; Miyagishima, Atsuo; Itai, Shigeru

2011-07-29

To predict drug dissolution and understand the mechanisms of drug release from wax matrix dosage forms containing glyceryl monostearate (GM; a wax base), aminoalkyl methacrylate copolymer E (AMCE; a pH-dependent functional polymer), and acetaminophen (APAP; a model drug), we tried to derive a novel mathematical model with respect to erosion and diffusion theory. Our model exhibited good agreement with the whole set of experimentally obtained values pertaining to APAP release at pH 4.0 and pH 6.5. In addition, this model revealed that the eroding speed of wax matrices was strongly influenced by the loading content of AMCE, but not that of APAP, and that the diffusion coefficient increased as APAP loading decreased and AMCE loading increased, thus directly defining the physicochemical properties of erosion and diffusion. Therefore, this model might prove a useful equation for the precise prediction of dissolution and for understanding the mechanisms of drug release from wax matrix dosage forms. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Theoretical study of actinide monocarbides (ThC, UC, PuC, and AmC)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pogány, Peter; Kovács, Attila; Visscher, Lucas; Konings, Rudy J. M.

2016-12-01

A study of four representative actinide monocarbides, ThC, UC, PuC, and AmC, has been performed with relativistic quantum chemical calculations. The two applied methods were multireference complete active space second-order perturbation theory (CASPT2) including the Douglas-Kroll-Hess Hamiltonian with all-electron basis sets and density functional theory with the B3LYP exchange-correlation functional in conjunction with relativistic pseudopotentials. Beside the ground electronic states, the excited states up to 17 000 cm-1 have been determined. The molecular properties explored included the ground-state geometries, bonding properties, and the electronic absorption spectra. According to the occupation of the bonding orbitals, the calculated electronic states were classified into three groups, each leading to a characteristic bond distance range for the equilibrium geometry. The ground states of ThC, UC, and PuC have two doubly occupied π orbitals resulting in short bond distances between 1.8 and 2.0 Å, whereas the ground state of AmC has significant occupation of the antibonding orbitals, causing a bond distance of 2.15 Å.

Experimental Evaluation of Adaptive Modulation and Coding in MIMO WiMAX with Limited Feedback

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mehlführer, Christian; Caban, Sebastian; Rupp, Markus

2007-12-01

We evaluate the throughput performance of an OFDM WiMAX (IEEE 802.16-2004, Section 8.3) transmission system with adaptive modulation and coding (AMC) by outdoor measurements. The standard compliant AMC utilizes a 3-bit feedback for SISO and Alamouti coded MIMO transmissions. By applying a 6-bit feedback and spatial multiplexing with individual AMC on the two transmit antennas, the data throughput can be increased significantly for large SNR values. Our measurements show that at small SNR values, a single antenna transmission often outperforms an Alamouti transmission. We found that this effect is caused by the asymmetric behavior of the wireless channel and by poor channel knowledge in the two-transmit-antenna case. Our performance evaluation is based on a measurement campaign employing the Vienna MIMO testbed. The measurement scenarios include typical outdoor-to-indoor NLOS, outdoor-to-outdoor NLOS, as well as outdoor-to-indoor LOS connections. We found that in all these scenarios, the measured throughput is far from its achievable maximum; the loss is mainly caused by a too simple convolutional coding.

Remote gaming on resource-constrained devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reza, Waazim; Kalva, Hari; Kaufman, Richard

2010-08-01

Games have become important applications on mobile devices. A mobile gaming approach known as remote gaming is being developed to support games on low cost mobile devices. In the remote gaming approach, the responsibility of rendering a game and advancing the game play is put on remote servers instead of the resource constrained mobile devices. The games rendered on the servers are encoded as video and streamed to mobile devices. Mobile devices gather user input and stream the commands back to the servers to advance game play. With this solution, mobile devices with video playback and network connectivity can become game consoles. In this paper we present the design and development of such a system and evaluate the performance and design considerations to maximize the end user gaming experience.

A History of the Mobile District: 1815 to 1971

DTIC Science & Technology

1975-01-01

Maria , Rachae l , and Thing . The s laves were to work on the construction of the fort at the directi on of the commanding offi cer of engi- nee rs...newspapers in Georgia and Alabama. FOREWORD The Mobile District is one of the oldest and also one of the most active districts in the Corps of...Sciences and Professor of History at Mobile College, to do the job on a contract basis. His diligence in searching out and organizing informa- tion

Antecedent moisture content and soil texture effects on infiltration and erosion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mamedov, A. I.; Huang, C.; Levy, G. J.

2006-12-01

Water infiltration, seal formation, runoff and erosion depend on the soil's inherent properties and surface conditions. Most erosion models consider only soil inherent properties (mainly texture) in assessing infiltration and erosion without consideration of spatial and temporary variation in the surface condition, particularly the antecedent moisture content. We studied the interaction of two different surface conditions, i.e. antecedent moisture content (AMC) and aging (timing after wetting) on infiltration (IR), seal formation (runoff generation) and erosion in four soils varying from loam to clay. Soil samples were packed in erosion box and wetted with different amounts of water (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, or 16 mm) to obtain a wide moisture range (i.e., pF 0-6.2, or from air dry to full saturation). The boxes were put in plastic bags and allowed to age for 0.01, 1, 3, or 7 days. Then the soil in the erosion box exposed to 60 mm of rain. At no aging final IR of soils did not change significantly, but runoff volume (a measure for seal development) and soil loss increased with an increase in AMC mainly because of aggregate breakdown. For any given aging, the highest IR and smallest runoff volume and soil loss were obtained at the intermediate AMC levels (pF 2.4-4.2, between wilting point and field capacity). For instance, in the clay soil to which 3 mm of water (pF~2.7) was added, as aging increased from one to seven days, final IR increased from 5.3 to 7.9 mm h-1, while runoff and soil loss decreased from 34 mm to 22 mm, and from 630 to 360 g m2 respectively. At this AMC range, increasing aging time resulted in up to 40% increase in IR and decrease in runoff or soil loss. This tendency significantly more pronounced for clay soils because water-filled pores in the clay fabric were considered active in the stabilization process and the development of cohesive bonds between and within particles during the aging period. The results of this study are important for soil erosion modeling. In order to improve the prediction capabilities of erosion models, temporal and spatial variation of soil moisture content (AMC, wetting and aging) prior to erosive rainstorms should be considered and or incorporated. In addition, management practices could be adapted to diminish the severe soil moisture variation, where ever possible, (minimum till or no-till with known residue) to maintain the soil surface at a desired AMC level prior to expected rainstorms in order to decrease soil susceptibility to seal formation, runoff and soil loss.

Autonomous mobile platform for enhanced situational awareness in Mass Casualty Incidents.

PubMed

Yang, Dongyi; Schafer, James; Wang, Sili; Ganz, Aura

2014-01-01

To enhance the efficiency of the search and rescue process of a Mass Casualty Incident, we introduce a low cost autonomous mobile platform. The mobile platform motion is controlled by an Android Smartphone mounted on a robot. The pictures and video captured by the Smartphone camera can significantly enhance the situational awareness of the incident commander leading to a more efficient search and rescue process. Moreover, the active RFID readers mounted on the mobile platform can improve the localization accuracy of victims in the disaster site in areas where the paramedics are not present, reducing the triage and evacuation time.

Mobilization Studies List: 1978-1988. Volume 1. Main Document

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-03-14

overemphasize the benefits of establishing a continuing link with the appropriate data repositories. Encl DALE F. MEANS Colonel, Corps of Engineers Commander... HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES, ATTN: MR GILLEN/RM 3B-1O, HUMPHREY BLDG. 200 INDEP AVE. S.W. WASHINGTON, DC 20201 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, ATTN: BARBARA...23651-5000 HO US ARMY HEALTH SERVICES COMMAND, ATTN: HSOP-SP, FT SAM HOUSTON, TX 78234 HO USMC, ATTN: RESO, WASHINGTON DC, 20380 HO USMC, ATTN: CNC PL

Command and Control, Cyber, Communications, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (CRISR) and Cyber Tactical Measures

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-09-01

between U.S. bases and the theater of operations. • Cyber Attack capabilities designed to disrupt U.S. command and control systems and critical...operational area. Key area-denial capabilities include: • Air forces and air defense systems, both fixed and mobile, designed to deny local U.S. air...Precision-guided rockets, artillery, missiles, and mortars (G-RAMM) designed to attack surface targets, including landing forces, with much greater accuracy

Molecular Evolution of Human PON to Design Enhanced Catalytic Efficiency for Hydrolysis of Nerve Agents

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-02-01

REPORT DATE: February 2010 TYPE OF REPORT: Annual Report PREPARED FOR: U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command Fort...NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 10. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S ACRONYM(S) US Army Medical Research and Material Command Fort Detrick, Maryland 21702-5012 11...that the imidazole ring is mobile , and that there is ample free space to accommodation the corresponding conformers (Fig. 6A) 2. The movement of the

2005 9th Annual Army Small Business Conference

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-11-03

field commanders who conduct acquisitions. All the Army’s major commands located in the United States will be represented. The conference...Engineer Squad Vehicle i r i l Mobile Gun System il yst Medical Evacuation Vehicle i l v ti i l Reconnaissance Vehicle iss i l Mortar Carrier rt r rri r...Manned Systems Unmanned Air Vehicles Class I ARV-A (L) Small (Manpackable) UGV Non-Line of Sight Cannon Non-Line of Sight Mortar Medical Treatment and

Command and Control: Does Current U.S. Army Tactical Command and Control Doctrine Meet the Requirement for Today’s High Intensity Battlefield?

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-12-02

units, organized to fully integrate the effects of combined arms, merging individual capabilities of mobility, protection, and fire power to provide a... capability to meet a wide range of operational requirements with minimal reorganization. Organizations which provide this inherent flexibility...5 LA - .- f increasingly proficient and capable massed Soviet armies attacking on broad frontages, and finally the surprising German t-actica; and

Prefrontal oscillations during recall of conditioned and extinguished fear in humans.

PubMed

Mueller, Erik M; Panitz, Christian; Hermann, Christiane; Pizzagalli, Diego A

2014-05-21

Human neuroimaging studies indicate that the anterior midcingulate cortex (AMC) and the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) play important roles in the expression and extinction of fear, respectively. Electrophysiological rodent studies further indicate that oscillatory neuronal activity in homolog regions (i.e., prelimbic and infralimbic cortices) changes during fear expression and fear extinction recall. Whether similar processes occur in humans remains largely unexplored. By assessing scalp surface EEG in conjunction with LORETA source estimation of CS-related theta and gamma activity, we tested whether a priori defined ROIs in the human AMC and vmPFC similarly modulate their oscillatory activity during fear expression and extinction recall, respectively. To this end, 42 healthy individuals underwent a differential conditioning/differential extinction protocol with a Recall Test on the next day. In the Recall Test, nonextinguished versus extinguished stimuli evoked an increased differential (CS(+) vs CS(-)) response with regard to skin conductance and AMC-localized theta power. Conversely, extinguished versus nonextinguished stimuli evoked an increased differential response with regard to vmPFC-localized gamma power. Finally, individuals who failed to show a suppressed skin conductance response to the extinguished versus nonextinguished CS(+) also failed to show the otherwise observed alterations in vmPFC gamma power to extinguished CS(+). These results indicate that fear expression is associated with AMC theta activity, whereas successful fear extinction recall relates to changes in vmPFC gamma activity. The present work thereby bridges findings from prior rodent electrophysiological research and human neuroimaging studies and indicates that EEG is a valuable tool for future fear extinction research. Copyright © 2014 the authors 0270-6474/14/347059-08$15.00/0.

Five-year Retrospective Review of Physician and Non-physician Performed Ultrasound in a Canadian Critical Care Helicopter Emergency Medical Service.

PubMed

O'Dochartaigh, Domhnall; Douma, Matthew; MacKenzie, Mark

2017-01-01

To describe the use of prehospital ultrasonography (PHUS) to support interventions, when used by physician and non-physician air medical crew (AMC), in a Canadian helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS). A retrospective review was conducted of consecutive patients who underwent ultrasound examination during HEMS care from January 1, 2009 through March 10, 2014. An a priori created data form was used to record patient demographics, type of ultrasound scan performed, ultrasound findings, location of scan, type of interventions supported by PHUS, factors that affected PHUS completion, and quality indicator(s). Data analysis was performed through descriptive statistics, Student's t-test for continuous variables, Z-test for proportions, and Mann-Whitney U Test for nonparametric data. Outcomes included interventions supported by PHUS, factors associated with incomplete scans, and quality indicators associated with PHUS use. Differences between physician and AMC groups were also assessed. PHUS was used in 455 missions, 318 by AMC and 137 by physicians. In combined trauma and medical patients, in the AMC group interventions were supported by PHUS in 26% of cases (95% CI 18-34). For transport physicians the percentage support was found to be significantly greater at 45% of cases (95% CI 34-56) p = < 0.006. Incomplete PHUS scans were common and reasons included patient obesity, lack of time, patient access, and clinical reasons. Quality indicators associated with PHUS were rarely identified. The use of PHUS by both physicians and non-physicians was found to support interventions in select trauma and medical patients. Key words: emergency medical services; aircraft; helicopter; air ambulance; ultrasonography; emergency care, prehospital; prehospital emergency care.

Numerical magnitude processing in abacus-trained children with superior mathematical ability: an EEG study*

PubMed Central

Huang, Jian; Du, Feng-lei; Yao, Yuan; Wan, Qun; Wang, Xiao-song; Chen, Fei-yan

2015-01-01

Distance effect has been regarded as the best established marker of basic numerical magnitude processes and is related to individual mathematical abilities. A larger behavioral distance effect is suggested to be concomitant with lower mathematical achievement in children. However, the relationship between distance effect and superior mathematical abilities is unclear. One could get superior mathematical abilities by acquiring the skill of abacus-based mental calculation (AMC), which can be used to solve calculation problems with exceptional speed and high accuracy. In the current study, we explore the relationship between distance effect and superior mathematical abilities by examining whether and how the AMC training modifies numerical magnitude processing. Thus, mathematical competencies were tested in 18 abacus-trained children (who accepted the AMC training) and 18 non-trained children. Electroencephalography (EEG) waveforms were recorded when these children executed numerical comparison tasks in both Arabic digit and dot array forms. We found that: (a) the abacus-trained group had superior mathematical abilities than their peers; (b) distance effects were found both in behavioral results and on EEG waveforms; (c) the distance effect size of the average amplitude on the late negative-going component was different between groups in the digit task, with a larger effect size for abacus-trained children; (d) both the behavioral and EEG distance effects were modulated by the notation. These results revealed that the neural substrates of magnitude processing were modified by AMC training, and suggested that the mechanism of the representation of numerical magnitude for children with superior mathematical abilities was different from their peers. In addition, the results provide evidence for a view of non-abstract numerical representation. PMID:26238541

Mathematical modelling of active safety system functions as tools for development of driverless vehicles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ryazantsev, V.; Mezentsev, N.; Zakharov, A.

2018-02-01

This paper is dedicated to a solution of the issue of synthesis of the vehicle longitudinal dynamics control functions (acceleration and deceleration control) based on the element base of the vehicle active safety system (ESP) - driverless vehicle development tool. This strategy helps to reduce time and complexity of integration of autonomous motion control systems (AMCS) into the vehicle architecture and allows direct control of actuators ensuring the longitudinal dynamics control, as well as reduction of time for calibration works. The “vehicle+wheel+road” longitudinal dynamics control is complicated due to the absence of the required prior information about the control object. Therefore, the control loop becomes an adaptive system, i.e. a self-adjusting monitoring system. Another difficulty is the driver’s perception of the longitudinal dynamics control process in terms of comfort. Traditionally, one doesn’t pay a lot of attention to this issue within active safety systems, and retention of vehicle steerability, controllability and stability in emergency situations are considered to be the quality criteria. This is mainly connected to its operational limits, since it is activated only in critical situations. However, implementation of the longitudinal dynamics control in the AMCS poses another challenge for the developers - providing the driver with comfortable vehicle movement during acceleration and deceleration - while the possible highest safety level in terms of the road grip is provided by the active safety system (ESP). The results of this research are: universal active safety system - AMCS interaction interface; block diagram for the vehicle longitudinal acceleration and deceleration control as one of the active safety system’s integrated functions; ideology of adaptive longitudinal dynamics control, which enables to realize the deceleration and acceleration requested by the AMCS; algorithms synthesised; analytical experiments proving the efficiency and practicability of the chosen concept.

Symptoms of endocrine treatment and outcome in the BIG 1-98 study.

PubMed

Huober, J; Cole, B F; Rabaglio, M; Giobbie-Hurder, A; Wu, J; Ejlertsen, B; Bonnefoi, H; Forbes, J F; Neven, P; Láng, I; Smith, I; Wardley, A; Price, K N; Goldhirsch, A; Coates, A S; Colleoni, M; Gelber, R D; Thürlimann, B

2014-01-01

There may be a relationship between the incidence of vasomotor and arthralgia/myalgia symptoms and treatment outcomes for postmenopausal breast cancer patients with endocrine-responsive disease who received adjuvant letrozole or tamoxifen. Data on patients randomized into the monotherapy arms of the BIG 1-98 clinical trial who did not have either vasomotor or arthralgia/myalgia/carpal tunnel (AMC) symptoms reported at baseline, started protocol treatment and were alive and disease-free at the 3-month landmark (n = 4,798) and at the 12-month landmark (n = 4,682) were used for this report. Cohorts of patients with vasomotor symptoms, AMC symptoms, neither, or both were defined at both 3 and 12 months from randomization. Landmark analyses were performed for disease-free survival (DFS) and for breast cancer free interval (BCFI), using regression analysis to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI). Median follow-up was 7.0 years. Reporting of AMC symptoms was associated with better outcome for both the 3- and 12-month landmark analyses [e.g., 12-month landmark, HR (95 % CI) for DFS = 0.65 (0.49-0.87), and for BCFI = 0.70 (0.49-0.99)]. By contrast, reporting of vasomotor symptoms was less clearly associated with DFS [12-month DFS HR (95 % CI) = 0.82 (0.70-0.96)] and BCFI (12-month DFS HR (95 % CI) = 0.97 (0.80-1.18). Interaction tests indicated no effect of treatment group on associations between symptoms and outcomes. While reporting of AMC symptoms was clearly associated with better DFS and BCFI, the association between vasomotor symptoms and outcome was less clear, especially with respect to breast cancer-related events.

Cyclic Thermal Stress-Induced Degradation of Cu Metallization on Si3N4 Substrate at -40°C to 300°C

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lang, Fengqun; Yamaguchi, Hiroshi; Nakagawa, Hiroshi; Sato, Hiroshi

2015-01-01

The high-temperature reliability of active metal brazed copper (AMC) on Si3N4 ceramic substrates used for fabricating SiC high-temperature power modules was investigated under harsh environments. The AMC substrate underwent isothermal storage at 300°C for up to 3000 h and a thermal cycling test at -40°C to 300°C for up to 3000 cycles. During isothermal storage at 300°C, the AMC substrate exhibited high reliability, characterized by very little deformation of the copper (Cu) layer, low crack growth, and low oxidation rate of the Cu layer. Under thermal cycling conditions at -40°C to 300°C, no detachment of the Cu layer was observed even after the maximum 3000 cycles of the experiment. However, serious deformation of the Cu layer occurred and progressed as the number of thermal cycles increased, thus significantly roughening the surface of the Cu metallized layer. The cyclic thermal stress led to a significant increase in the crack growth and oxidation of the Cu layer. The maximum depth of the copper oxides reached up to 5/6 of the Cu thickness. The deformation of the Cu layer was the main cause of the decrease of the bond strength under thermal cycling conditions. The shear strength of the SiC chips bonded on the AMC substrate with a Au-12 wt.%Ge solder decreased from the original 83 MPa to 14 MPa after 3000 cycles. Therefore, the cyclic thermal stress destroyed the Cu oxides and enhanced the oxidation of the Cu layer.

Dietary intake and cardiometabolic biomarkers in relation to insulin resistance and hypertension in a middle-aged and elderly population in Beijing, China.

PubMed

Wang, Jia; Hong, Zhongxin; Wu, Li; Ding, Bingjie; Bi, Yanxia; Gu, Zhongyi; Li, Wei

2017-08-01

This study investigated the relationships of dietary intake and cardiometabolic biomarkers with insulin resistance and hypertension in rural middle-aged and elderly people in China. One hundred and eight middle-aged and elderly adults were recruited in Zhangfang village in May 2014. We measured blood pressure, anthropometric parameters, and biochemical indexes, including high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), glucose, insulin, and blood lipids. Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) was assessed on the basis of fasting glucose and insulin. We recorded participant demographic characteristics, dietary intake, and lifestyle using questionnaires. Hypertensive participants had higher levels of triglycerides (TG), hsCRP, sICAM-1, body fat percentage (BF%), arm muscle circumference (AMC) and HOMA-IR than nonhypertensive individuals. Hypertensive participants had higher carbohydrate intake but lower intakes of protein and fat. Carbohydrate intake was positively correlated with hsCRP, sICAM-1, TG, BF%, and HOMA-IR, and was negatively correlated with AMC. Protein and fat intakes were negatively correlated with hsCRP and sICAM-1. Protein intake was also significantly negatively correlated with TG and HOMA-IR, and positively correlated with AMC. HOMA-IR was positively correlated with hsCRP, sICAM-1, TG and BF%, and negatively correlated with AMC. Multivariable linear regression indicated that TG, sICAM-1, and hsCRP were significantly associated with HOMA-IR. In conclusion, in a rural Chinese population, high intake of carbohydrate and low intake of fat and protein were associated with insulin resistance and hypertension, possibly by increasing inflammatory factors such as sICAM-1 and hsCRP, increasing BF% and increasing the level of plasma TG.

Impact of high-flux haemodialysis on the probability of target attainment for oral amoxicillin/clavulanic acid combination therapy.

PubMed

Hui, Katrina; Patel, Kashyap; Kong, David C M; Kirkpatrick, Carl M J

2017-07-01

Clearance of small molecules such as amoxicillin and clavulanic acid is expected to increase during high-flux haemodialysis, which may result in lower concentrations and thus reduced efficacy. To date, clearance of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (AMC) during high-flux haemodialysis remains largely unexplored. Using published pharmacokinetic parameters, a two-compartment model with first-order input was simulated to investigate the impact of high-flux haemodialysis on the probability of target attainment (PTA) of orally administered AMC combination therapy. The following pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic targets were used to calculate the PTA. For amoxicillin, the time that the free concentration remains above the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ≥50% of the dosing period (≥50%ƒT >MIC ) was used. For clavulanic acid, the time that the free concentration was >0.1 mg/L of ≥45% of the dosing period (≥45%ƒT >0.1 mg/L ) was used. Dialysis clearance reported in low-flux haemodialysis for both compounds was doubled to represent the likely clearance during high-flux haemodialysis. Monte Carlo simulations were performed to produce concentration-time profiles over 10 days in 1000 virtual patients. Seven different regimens commonly seen in clinical practice were explored. When AMC was dosed twice daily, the PTA was mostly ≥90% for both compounds regardless of when haemodialysis commenced. When administered once daily, the PTA was 20-30% for clavulanic acid and ≥90% for amoxicillin. The simulations suggest that once-daily orally administered AMC in patients receiving high-flux haemodialysis may result in insufficient concentrations of clavulanic acid to effectively treat infections, especially on days when haemodialysis occurs. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. and International Society of Chemotherapy. All rights reserved.

ZC4H2 Mutations Are Associated with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita and Intellectual Disability through Impairment of Central and Peripheral Synaptic Plasticity

PubMed Central

Hirata, Hiromi; Nanda, Indrajit; van Riesen, Anne; McMichael, Gai; Hu, Hao; Hambrock, Melanie; Papon, Marie-Amélie; Fischer, Ute; Marouillat, Sylviane; Ding, Can; Alirol, Servane; Bienek, Melanie; Preisler-Adams, Sabine; Grimme, Astrid; Seelow, Dominik; Webster, Richard; Haan, Eric; MacLennan, Alastair; Stenzel, Werner; Yap, Tzu Ying; Gardner, Alison; Nguyen, Lam Son; Shaw, Marie; Lebrun, Nicolas; Haas, Stefan A.; Kress, Wolfram; Haaf, Thomas; Schellenberger, Elke; Chelly, Jamel; Viot, Géraldine; Shaffer, Lisa G.; Rosenfeld, Jill A.; Kramer, Nancy; Falk, Rena; El-Khechen, Dima; Escobar, Luis F.; Hennekam, Raoul; Wieacker, Peter; Hübner, Christoph; Ropers, Hans-Hilger; Gecz, Jozef; Schuelke, Markus; Laumonnier, Frédéric; Kalscheuer, Vera M.

2013-01-01

Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) is caused by heterogeneous pathologies leading to multiple antenatal joint contractures through fetal akinesia. Understanding the pathophysiology of this disorder is important for clinical care of the affected individuals and genetic counseling of the families. We thus aimed to establish the genetic basis of an AMC subtype that is associated with multiple dysmorphic features and intellectual disability (ID). We used haplotype analysis, next-generation sequencing, array comparative genomic hybridization, and chromosome breakpoint mapping to identify the pathogenic mutations in families and simplex cases. Suspected disease variants were verified by cosegregation analysis. We identified disease-causing mutations in the zinc-finger gene ZC4H2 in four families affected by X-linked AMC plus ID and one family affected by cerebral palsy. Several heterozygous females were also affected, but to a lesser degree. Furthermore, we found two ZC4H2 deletions and one rearrangement in two female and one male unrelated simplex cases, respectively. In mouse primary hippocampal neurons, transiently produced ZC4H2 localized to the postsynaptic compartment of excitatory synapses, and the altered protein influenced dendritic spine density. In zebrafish, antisense-morpholino-mediated zc4h2 knockdown caused abnormal swimming and impaired α-motoneuron development. All missense mutations identified herein failed to rescue the swimming defect of zebrafish morphants. We conclude that ZC4H2 point mutations, rearrangements, and small deletions cause a clinically variable broad-spectrum neurodevelopmental disorder of the central and peripheral nervous systems in both familial and simplex cases of both sexes. Our results highlight the importance of ZC4H2 for genetic testing of individuals presenting with ID plus muscle weakness and minor or major forms of AMC. PMID:23623388

Statewide Police Command and Supervisory Training -- Three Demonstration Projects: New Jersey Mobile Training Units; North Carolina Police Management Institute; Arkansas Regional Courses for Police Supervisors.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

New Jersey Police Training Commission, Trenton.

Three police training programs varied markedly and present a selection of models appropriate to different circumstances and training needs. The New Jersey Police Training Commission provides for supervisory training through the use of mobile classrooms staffed with trained professional teams, equipped with modern teaching aids, and experimenting…

Astronaut Robert L. Crippen prepares for underwater training session

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1983-01-01

Astronaut Robert L. Crippen, STS-7 crew commander, adjusts his extravehicular mobility unit's (EMU) gloves prior to donning his helmet for a training session in the weightless environment test facility (WETF).

Air Mobility Command > Home

Science.gov Websites

U.S. Air Force AF Week in Photos Senior leaders meet with industry to discuss utilizing artificial intelligence and quantum science throughout the Air Force AF announces 2018 Blacks in Government Meritorious

ASSTC and field sensors: new technology for emergency care

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morrison, G. Wayne; Vo-Dinh, Tuan

2000-05-01

The US Army Medical Research and Material Command together with the US Marine Corps Combat Development Command sponsored the design and production of a far-forward, lightweight, small footprint, reconfigurable, highly mobile Advanced Surgical Suite for Trauma Casualties (ASSTC) to reduce combat casualties and morbidity. The KIA fraction has remained relatively constant over major wars and conflicts since the early 1900s. One third of the KIA perish after 10 minutes. ASSTC has the potential to dramatically lower this fraction by providing resuscitative care within a short period of wound infliction and not requiring long transport times to the caregivers. ASSTC is also unique in its capability to serve in multiple missions including humanitarian aid, infectious disease control, and disaster relief. Adding field sensor to ASSTC greatly enhances the capability of this highly mobile system to operate in many areas.

Civil Military Operations: Afghanistan. Observations on Civil Military Operations During the First Year of Operation Enduring Freedom

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-03-23

operations, and security. • Provide fi scal fl exibility for commanders. Commanders should be free to use O& M monies, conduct MEDCAP and pay claims when...contingencies. Doctrinally, the AC Civil Affairs component provides the initial ( M Day) “generalist” capability, while the RC provides the “functional” CA...expertise at M +30 to 60 days. However, the situation in Afghanistan demanded early RC expertise. Partial mobilizations had to be done to obtain key

Astronaut Russell Schweickart photographed during EVA

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1969-01-01

Astronaut Russell L. Schweickart, lunar module pilot, operates a 70mm Hasselblad camera during his extravehicular activity on the fourth day of the Apollo 9 earth-orbital mission. The Command/Service Module and the Lunar Module 3 'Spider' are docked. This view was taken form the Command Module 'Gumdrop'. Schweickart, wearing an Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU), is standing in 'golden slippers' on the Lunar Module porch. On his back, partially visible, are a Portable Life Support System (PLSS) and an Oxygen Purge System (OPS).

U.S.S. Hornet crewmen greeted by crew of Apollo 12 lunar landing mission

NASA Image and Video Library

1969-11-24

S69-22849 (24 Nov. 1969) --- USS Hornet crewmen are greeted by the crew of the Apollo 12 lunar landing mission as the three astronauts are transferred from a U.S. Navy helicopter to a Mobile Quarantine Facility (MQF) aboard the prime recovery vessel. Charles Conrad Jr., right, commander; Richard F. Gordon Jr., command module pilot, left front; and Alan L. Bean, lunar module pilot, splashed down safely at 2:58 p.m., Nov. 24, 1969.

Army - Air Force Cooperation: Looking Backward to Move Forward

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-05-26

ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S) Lt Col Eric A. Smith 5d. PROJECT NUMBER 5e. TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS...ES) School of Advanced Military Studies, U.S. Army Command and General Staff College 201 Reyolds Ave., Fort Leavenworth, KS 66027 8. PERFORMING ORG...dispute, the Joint Chiefs of Staff directed US Strike Command to independently test the Army’s new mobility concepts performed separately by both the Army

Ground level view of Apollo 14 space vehicle leaving VAB for launch pad

NASA Image and Video Library

1970-11-09

S70-54121 (9 Nov. 1970) --- A ground level view at Launch Complex 39, Kennedy Space Center (KSC), showing the Apollo 14 (Spacecraft 110/Lunar Module 8/Saturn 509) space vehicle leaving the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). The Saturn V stack and its mobile launch tower, atop a huge crawler-transporter, were rolled out to Pad A. The Apollo 14 crewmen will be astronauts Alan B. Shepard Jr., commander; Stuart A. Roosa, command module pilot; and Edgar D. Mitchell, lunar module pilot.

Prelaunch - Apollo 10 (rollout)

NASA Image and Video Library

1969-03-11

S69-27915 (11 March 1969) --- Aerial view at Launch Complex 39, Kennedy Space Center, showing a close-up of the 363-feet tall Apollo 10 (Spacecraft 106/Lunar Module 4/Saturn 505) space vehicle on its way to Pad B. The Saturn V stack and its mobile launch tower are atop a huge crawler-transporter. The Apollo 10 flight is scheduled as a lunar orbit mission. The Apollo 10 crew will be astronauts Thomas P. Stafford, commander; John W. Young, command module pilot; and Eugene A. Cernan, lunar module pilot.

APOLLO VIII - LAUNCH - KSC

NASA Image and Video Library

1968-12-21

S68-56002 (21 Dec. 1968) --- The Apollo 8 (Spacecraft 103/Saturn 503) space vehicle is launched from Pad A, Launch Complex 39, Kennedy Space Center (KSC), at 7:51 a.m. (EST), Dec. 21, 1968. The crew of the Apollo 8 lunar orbit mission is astronauts Frank Borman, commander; James A. Lovell Jr., command module pilot; and William A. Anders, lunar module pilot. Apollo 8 was the first manned Saturn V launch. (F-ls 1/3 way from top of mobile launch tower.)

Navigation Architecture For A Space Mobile Network

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Valdez, Jennifer E.; Ashman, Benjamin; Gramling, Cheryl; Heckler, Gregory W.; Carpenter, Russell

2016-01-01

The Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) Augmentation Service for Satellites (TASS) is a proposed beacon service to provide a global, space-based GPS augmentation service based on the NASA Global Differential GPS (GDGPS) System. The TASS signal will be tied to the GPS time system and usable as an additional ranging and Doppler radiometric source. Additionally, it will provide data vital to autonomous navigation in the near Earth regime, including space weather information, TDRS ephemerides, Earth Orientation Parameters (EOP), and forward commanding capability. TASS benefits include enhancing situational awareness, enabling increased autonomy, and providing near real-time command access for user platforms. As NASA Headquarters Space Communication and Navigation Office (SCaN) begins to move away from a centralized network architecture and towards a Space Mobile Network (SMN) that allows for user initiated services, autonomous navigation will be a key part of such a system. This paper explores how a TASS beacon service enables the Space Mobile Networking paradigm, what a typical user platform would require, and provides an in-depth analysis of several navigation scenarios and operations concepts.

KSC-02pd0771

NASA Image and Video Library

2002-05-27

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After their arrival at the Shuttle Landing Facility, the STS-111 and Expedition 5 crews wave to spectators. From left are Mission Commander Kenneth Cockrell, Pilot Paul Lockhart and Mission Specialists Philippe Perrin and Franklin Chang-Diaz; Expedition 5 Commander Valeri Korzun, astronaut Peggy Whitson and cosmonaut Sergei Treschev. Perrin is with the French Space Agency; Korzun and Treschev are with the Russian Space Agency. The crews have arrived to prepare for launch. Expedition 5 is traveling to the International Space Station on Space Shuttle Endeavour as the replacement crew for Expedition 4, who will return to Earth aboard the orbiter. Known as Utilization Flight 2, STS-111 is carrying supplies and equipment to the Station. The payload includes the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo, the Mobile Base System, which will be installed on the Mobile Transporter to complete the Canadian Mobile Servicing System, or MSS, and a replacement wrist/roll joint for Canadarm 2. The mechanical arm will then have the capability to "inchworm" from the U.S. Lab Destiny to the MSS and travel along the truss to work sites. Launch is scheduled for May 30, 2002

International Space Station (ISS)

NASA Image and Video Library

2002-06-11

The STS-111 mission, the 14th Shuttle mission to visit the International Space Station (ISS), was launched on June 5, 2002 aboard the Space Shuttle Orbiter Endeavour. On board were the STS-111 and Expedition Five crew members. Astronauts Kerneth D. Cockrell, commander; Paul S. Lockhart, pilot; and mission specialists Franklin R. Chang-Diaz and Philippe Perrin were the STS-111 crew members. Expedition Five crew members included Cosmonaut Valeri G. Korzun, commander; Astronaut Peggy A. Whitson and Cosmonaut Sergei Y. Treschev, flight engineers. Three space walks enabled the STS-111 crew to accomplish the delivery and installation of the Mobile Remote Servicer Base System (MBS), an important part of the Station's Mobile Servicing System that allows the robotic arm to travel the length of the Station, which is necessary for future construction tasks. In this photograph, Astronaut Philippe Perrin, representing CNES, the French Space Agency, participates in the second scheduled EVA. During the space walk, Perrin and Chang-Diaz attached power, data, and video cables from the ISS to the MBS, and used a power wrench to complete the attachment of the MBS onto the Mobile Transporter (MT).

Accelerating change: Fostering innovation in healthcare delivery at academic medical centers.

PubMed

Ostrovsky, Andrey; Barnett, Michael

2014-03-01

Academic medical centers (AMCs) have the potential to be leaders in the era of healthcare delivery reform, but most have yet to display a commitment to delivery innovation on par with their commitment to basic research. Several institutional factors impede delivery innovation including the paucity of adequate training in design and implementation of new delivery models and the lack of established pathways for academic career advancement outside of research. This paper proposes two initiatives to jumpstart disruptive innovation at AMCs: an institutional "innovation incubator" program and a clinician-innovator career track coupled with innovation training programs. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Loss-of-Function Mutations in LGI4, a Secreted Ligand Involved in Schwann Cell Myelination, Are Responsible for Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita.

PubMed

Xue, Shifeng; Maluenda, Jérôme; Marguet, Florent; Shboul, Mohammad; Quevarec, Loïc; Bonnard, Carine; Ng, Alvin Yu Jin; Tohari, Sumanty; Tan, Thong Teck; Kong, Mung Kei; Monaghan, Kristin G; Cho, Megan T; Siskind, Carly E; Sampson, Jacinda B; Rocha, Carolina Tesi; Alkazaleh, Fawaz; Gonzales, Marie; Rigonnot, Luc; Whalen, Sandra; Gut, Marta; Gut, Ivo; Bucourt, Martine; Venkatesh, Byrappa; Laquerrière, Annie; Reversade, Bruno; Melki, Judith

2017-04-06

Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) is a developmental condition characterized by multiple joint contractures resulting from reduced or absent fetal movements. Through genetic mapping of disease loci and whole-exome sequencing in four unrelated multiplex families presenting with severe AMC, we identified biallelic loss-of-function mutations in LGI4 (leucine-rich glioma-inactivated 4). LGI4 is a ligand secreted by Schwann cells that regulates peripheral nerve myelination via its cognate receptor ADAM22 expressed by neurons. Immunolabeling experiments and transmission electron microscopy of the sciatic nerve from one of the affected individuals revealed a lack of myelin. Functional tests using affected individual-derived iPSCs showed that these germline mutations caused aberrant splicing of the endogenous LGI4 transcript and in a cell-based assay impaired the secretion of truncated LGI4 protein. This is consistent with previous studies reporting arthrogryposis in Lgi4-deficient mice due to peripheral hypomyelination. This study adds to the recent reports implicating defective axoglial function as a key cause of AMC. Copyright © 2017 American Society of Human Genetics. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Disruptive innovation in academic medical centers: balancing accountable and academic care.

PubMed

Stein, Daniel; Chen, Christopher; Ackerly, D Clay

2015-05-01

Numerous academic medicine leaders have argued that academic referral centers must prepare for the growing importance of accountability-driven payment models by adopting population health initiatives. Although this shift has merit, execution of this strategy will prove significantly more problematic than most observers have appreciated. The authors describe how successful implementation of an accountable care health strategy within a referral academic medical center (AMC) requires navigating a critical tension: The academic referral business model, driven by tertiary-level care, is fundamentally in conflict with population health. Referral AMCs that create successful value-driven population health systems within their organizations will in effect disrupt their own existing tertiary care businesses. The theory of disruptive innovation suggests that balancing the push and pull of academic and accountable care within a single organization is achievable. However, it will require significant shifts in resource allocation and changes in management structure to enable AMCs to make the inherent difficult choices and trade-offs that will ensue. On the basis of the theories of disruptive innovation, the authors present recommendations for how academic health systems can successfully navigate these issues as they transition toward accountability-driven care.

Effect of Intensive Plastic Deformation on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Aluminum Alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rakhadilov, Bauyrzhan; Uazyrkhanova, Gulzhaz; Myakinin, Alexandr; Uazyrkhanova, Zhuldyz

2016-08-01

In work it was studied the influence of intensive plastic deformation on structure and mechanical properties of aluminum alloys. Intensive plastic deformation was carried out by using equal-channel angular extrusion. It is shown that the most efficient angle of intersection of the channels is the angle of Φ=120°, which ensures defect-free parts at the highest possible level of accumulated strain (e=8). It is established that the intensive milling grain structures in aluminum alloys AMG6 and AMC occurs at ECAE-12 passes, while the intersection angle of the channels of 120°. After ECAE-12 in aluminum alloys the grain refinement reaches to the size of ∼⃒1.0-1.5 gm. It is determined that as a result of equal channel angular pressing, the microhardness of alloy AMG6 increases almost 4 times in comparison with the initial state, the microhardness of alloy AMC increases by almost 4.5 times in comparison with the initial state. It is shown that ECAE-12 mass loss is reduced to 5.4 and 5.6 mg, which shows an increase in wear-resistance of aluminum alloys AMG6 and AMC 13-14 %.

Effect of petroleum hydrocarbons in copper phytoremediation by a salt marsh plant (Juncus maritimus) and the role of autochthonous bioaugmentation.

PubMed

Montenegro, I P F M; Mucha, A P; Reis, I; Rodrigues, P; Almeida, C M R

2016-10-01

This work aimed to investigate, under controlled but environmental relevant conditions, the effects of the presence of both inorganic and organic contaminants (copper and petroleum hydrocarbons) on phytoremediation potential of the salt marsh plant Juncus maritimus. Moreover, bioaugmentation, with an autochthonous microbial consortium (AMC) resistant to Cu, was tested, aiming an increase in the remediation potential of this plant in the presence of a co-contamination. Salt marsh plants with sediment attached to their roots were collected, placed in vessels, and kept in greenhouses, under tidal simulation. Sediments were contaminated with Cu and petroleum, and the AMC was added to half of the vessels. After 5 months, plants accumulated significant amounts of Cu but only in belowground structures. The amount of Cu was even higher in the presence of petroleum. AMC addition increased Cu accumulation in belowground tissues, despite decreasing Cu bioavailability, promoting J. maritimus phytostabilization potential. Therefore, J. maritimus has potential to phytoremediate co-contaminated sediments, and autochthonous bioaugmentation can be a valuable strategy for the recovery and management of moderately impacted estuaries. This approach can contribute for a sustainable use of the environmental resources. Graphical abstract ᅟ.

Trans-methylation reactions in plants: focus on the activated methyl cycle.

PubMed

Rahikainen, Moona; Alegre, Sara; Trotta, Andrea; Pascual, Jesús; Kangasjärvi, Saijaliisa

2018-02-01

Trans-methylation reactions are vital in basic metabolism, epigenetic regulation, RNA metabolism, and posttranslational control of protein function and therefore fundamental in determining the physiological processes in all living organisms. The plant kingdom is additionally characterized by the production of secondary metabolites that undergo specific hydroxylation, oxidation and methylation reactions to obtain a wide array of different chemical structures. Increasing research efforts have started to reveal the enzymatic pathways underlying the biosynthesis of complex metabolites in plants. Further engineering of these enzymatic machineries offers significant possibilities in the development of bio-based technologies, but necessitates deep understanding of their potential metabolic and regulatory interactions. Trans-methylation reactions are tightly coupled with the so-called activated methyl cycle (AMC), an essential metabolic circuit that maintains the trans-methylation capacity in all living cells. Tight regulation of the AMC is crucial in ensuring accurate trans-methylation reactions in different subcellular compartments, cell types, developmental stages and environmental conditions. This review addresses the organization and posttranslational regulation of the AMC and elaborates its critical role in determining metabolic regulation through modulation of methyl utilization in stress-exposed plants. © 2017 Scandinavian Plant Physiology Society.

Advancing Translational Research through Facility Design in Non-AMC Hospitals.

PubMed

Pati, Debajyoti; Pietrzak, Michael P; Harvey, Thomas E; Armstrong, Walter B; Clarke, Robert; Weissman, Neil J; Rapp, Paul E; Smith, Mark S; Fairbanks, Rollin J; Collins, Jeffreyg M

2013-01-01

This article aims to explore the future of translational research and its physical design implications for community hospitals and hospitals not attached to large centralized research platforms. With a shift in medical services delivery focus to community wellness, continuum of care, and comparative effectiveness research, healthcare research will witness increasing pressure to include community-based practitioners. The roundtable discussion group, comprising 14 invited experts from 10 institutions representing the fields of biomedical research, research administration, facility planning and design, facility management, finance, and environmental design research, examined the issue in a structured manner. The discussion was conducted at the Washington Hospital Center, MedStar Health, Washington, D.C. Institutions outside the AMCs will be increasingly targeted for future research. Three factors are crucial for successful research in non-AMC hospitals: operational culture, financial culture, and information culture. An operating culture geared towards creation, preservation, and protection of spaces needed for research; creative management of spaces for financial accountability; and a flexible information infrastructure at the system level that enables complete link of key programmatic areas to academic IT research infrastructure are critical to success of research endeavors. Hospital, interdisciplinary, leadership, planning, work environment.

Identifying Runoff Generation Mechanisms and Its Controlling Parameters in the Lesser Himalayan Hillslopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nanda, A.; Sen, S.

2017-12-01

The Himalayas, being one of the youngest and tectonically active mountains, are highly unstable and prone to natural disaster. Thus, a typical grassland (GS) of 14.42 % gradient and a mixture of fallow and forested (FF) hillslope of 23.73 % gradient are selected in an experimental watershed of the Lesser Himalayas to understand the hillslope hydrology. This work mainly focuses on analysing the influence of spatial and temporal dynamics of soil moisture on hillslope response and on identifying the dominant runoff generation mechanisms in different landuse conditions. Further, we characterize the different hydrologic conditions under which either the rainfall rate, antecedent moisture condition (AMC), or both have a significant impact on hillslope runoff. The rainfall, runoff and soil moisture data are being collected since monsoon June 2017 and five significant rainfall event results have been presented here. However, the paper will be presented with complete 2017 monsoon rainfall-runoff analyses. At FF hillslope, the rainfall of 18.47 mm and 133.14 mm occurred in 1 hr 9 min and 6 hr 24 min durations which resulted in runoff coefficient of 0.39 % and 6 %, respectively for an approximately AMC of 160 mm. Similarly, for GA hillslope, the observed runoff coefficients were 0.094 % and 1.2 % for 31.68 mm and 123.77 mm rainfall occurred in 1 hr and 6 hr 24 min duration, respectively with an AMC value of 230 mm. In an another event, the low AMC (182 mm) of GA hillslope resulted in runoff coefficient of 0.602 % for 64.68 mm rainfall occurred in 6 hr. For same AMC, the rainfall characteristics played a critical role to govern the hillslope runoff. Besides that, it was observed that the less surface resistance and higher gradient of FF hillslope generated more runoff than GA hillslope which indicates the role of topography and vegetation on hillslope runoff. During high and low rainfall magnitude, the soil moisture sensors located at lower parts of FF hillslope showed quick (3-5 min) and delayed (20-26 min) peak than the runoff hydrograph peak. Similarly, for GA hillslope the quick and delayed response were increased up to 43 min and 23 hr, respectively. It was concluded that the subsurface response of hillslope was governed by soil characteristics, topography and gradient of the hillslope.

SLAM algorithm applied to robotics assistance for navigation in unknown environments.

PubMed

Cheein, Fernando A Auat; Lopez, Natalia; Soria, Carlos M; di Sciascio, Fernando A; Pereira, Fernando Lobo; Carelli, Ricardo

2010-02-17

The combination of robotic tools with assistance technology determines a slightly explored area of applications and advantages for disability or elder people in their daily tasks. Autonomous motorized wheelchair navigation inside an environment, behaviour based control of orthopaedic arms or user's preference learning from a friendly interface are some examples of this new field. In this paper, a Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) algorithm is implemented to allow the environmental learning by a mobile robot while its navigation is governed by electromyographic signals. The entire system is part autonomous and part user-decision dependent (semi-autonomous). The environmental learning executed by the SLAM algorithm and the low level behaviour-based reactions of the mobile robot are robotic autonomous tasks, whereas the mobile robot navigation inside an environment is commanded by a Muscle-Computer Interface (MCI). In this paper, a sequential Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) feature-based SLAM algorithm is implemented. The features correspond to lines and corners -concave and convex- of the environment. From the SLAM architecture, a global metric map of the environment is derived. The electromyographic signals that command the robot's movements can be adapted to the patient's disabilities. For mobile robot navigation purposes, five commands were obtained from the MCI: turn to the left, turn to the right, stop, start and exit. A kinematic controller to control the mobile robot was implemented. A low level behavior strategy was also implemented to avoid robot's collisions with the environment and moving agents. The entire system was tested in a population of seven volunteers: three elder, two below-elbow amputees and two young normally limbed patients. The experiments were performed within a closed low dynamic environment. Subjects took an average time of 35 minutes to navigate the environment and to learn how to use the MCI. The SLAM results have shown a consistent reconstruction of the environment. The obtained map was stored inside the Muscle-Computer Interface. The integration of a highly demanding processing algorithm (SLAM) with a MCI and the communication between both in real time have shown to be consistent and successful. The metric map generated by the mobile robot would allow possible future autonomous navigation without direct control of the user, whose function could be relegated to choose robot destinations. Also, the mobile robot shares the same kinematic model of a motorized wheelchair. This advantage can be exploited for wheelchair autonomous navigation.

LC-IMS-MS Feature Finder. Detecting Multidimensional Liquid Chromatography, Ion Mobility, and Mass Spectrometry Features in Complex Datasets

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Crowell, Kevin L.; Slysz, Gordon W.; Baker, Erin Shammel

2013-09-05

We introduce a command line software application LC-IMS-MS Feature Finder that searches for molecular ion signatures in multidimensional liquid chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry-mass spectrometry (LC-IMS-MS) data by clustering deisotoped peaks with similar monoisotopic mass, charge state, LC elution time, and ion mobility drift time values. The software application includes an algorithm for detecting and quantifying co-eluting chemical species, including species that exist in multiple conformations that may have been separated in the IMS dimension.

KSC-2009-1617

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-02-13

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the turn basin at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a tug boat keeps the barge in place for the offloading of the girder for the new mobile launcher. The new mobile launcher will be the base for the Ares rockets to launch the Orion crew exploration vehicle and the cargo vehicle. The base is being made lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the added load of the 345-foot tower and taller rocket. When the structural portion of the new mobile launcher is complete, umbilicals, access arms, communications equipment and command/control equipment will be installed. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

Secure Recognition of Voice-Less Commands Using Videos

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yau, Wai Chee; Kumar, Dinesh Kant; Weghorn, Hans

Interest in voice recognition technologies for internet applications is growing due to the flexibility of speech-based communication. The major drawback with the use of sound for internet access with computers is that the commands will be audible to other people in the vicinity. This paper examines a secure and voice-less method for recognition of speech-based commands using video without evaluating sound signals. The proposed approach represents mouth movements in the video data using 2D spatio-temporal templates (STT). Zernike moments (ZM) are computed from STT and fed into support vector machines (SVM) to be classified into one of the utterances. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed technique produces a high accuracy of 98% in a phoneme classification task. The proposed technique is demonstrated to be invariant to global variations of illumination level. Such a system is useful for securely interpreting user commands for internet applications on mobile devices.

Burbank performs routine in-flight maintenance on the EMU

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-03-13

ISS030-E-148280 (13 March 2012) --- NASA astronaut Dan Burbank, Expedition 30 commander, performs routine in-flight maintenance on Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) equipment in the Quest airlock of the International Space Station.

Burbank performs routine in-flight maintenance on the EMU

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-03-14

ISS030-E-148276 (13 March 2012) --- NASA astronaut Dan Burbank, Expedition 30 commander, performs routine in-flight maintenance on Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) equipment in the Quest airlock of the International Space Station.

Burbank performs routine in-flight maintenance on the EMU

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-03-14

ISS030-E-148275 (13 March 2012) --- NASA astronaut Dan Burbank, Expedition 30 commander, performs routine in-flight maintenance on Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) equipment in the Quest airlock of the International Space Station.

Ford conducts OBT on computer in the A/L

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-12-05

ISS034-E-005621 (5 Dec. 2012) --- NASA astronaut Kevin Ford, Expedition 34 commander, uses a computer near two Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) spacesuits in the Quest airlock of the International Space Station.

Ford conducts OBT on computer in the A/L

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-12-05

ISS034-E-005616 (5 Dec. 2012) --- NASA astronaut Kevin Ford, Expedition 34 commander, uses a computer near two Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) spacesuits in the Quest airlock of the International Space Station.

75 FR 6096 - Certifications and Exemptions Under the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-02-08

... FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lieutenant Commander Ted Cook, JAGC, U.S. Navy, Admiralty Attorney... 2(f) 3(a) * * * * * * * USS MOBILE BAY CG 53 X X 36.8 * * * * * * * * * * * * Approved: January 28...

Fusing Open Source Intelligence and Handheld Situational Awareness - Benghazi Case Study

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-10-01

of the Battlespace (IPB) • Link OSINT to mobile SA 5 DM-0001694 Background • Between September 11 and 17, 2012, diplomatic missions in the...explore what might have been possible by integrating social media information ( OSINT ) with traditional intelligence combined with improved mobile...command and control element at the CIA compound that would have been monitoring OSINT and other sources of intelligence before the attack and

Design and engineering analysis of material procurement mobile operation platform

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ding, H.; Li, J.

2014-03-01

The material procurement mobile operation platform (MPMOP) consists of six modules, including network operation, truck transportation, remote communication, satellite positioning, power supply and environment regulation. The MPMOP is designed to have six major functions, including online procurement, command control, remote communication, satellite positioning, information management and auxiliary decision. The paper implements an engineering analysis on the MPMOP from three aspects, including transportation transfinite, centroid, and power dissipation.

The structure of 0- to 0.2-m.y.-old oceanic crust at 9°N on the East Pacific Rise from expanded spread profiles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vera, E. E.; Mutter, J. C.; Buhl, P.; Orcutt, J. A.; Harding, A. J.; Kappus, M. E.; Detrick, R. S.; Brocher, T. M.

1990-09-01

We analyze four expanded spread profiles acquired at distances of 0, 2.1, 3.1, and 10 km (0-0.2 m.y.) from the axis of the East Pacific Rise between 9° and 10°N. Velocity-depth models for these profiles have been obtained by travel time inversion in the τ-p domain, and by x-t forward modeling using the WKBJ and the reflectivity methods. We observe refracted arrivals that allow us to determine directly the uppermost crustal velocity structure (layer 2A). At the seafloor we find very low Vp and VS/Vp values around 2.2 km/s and ≤ 0.43. In the topmost 100-200 m of the crust, Vp remains low (≤ 2.5 km/s) then rapidly increases to 5 km/s at ˜500 m below the seafloor. High attenuation values (Qp < 100) are suggested in the topmost ˜500 m of the crust. The layer 2-3 transition probably occurs within the dike unit, a few hundred meters above the dike-gabbro transition. This transition may mark the maximum depth of penetration by a cracking front and associated hydrothermal circulation in the axial region above the axial magma chamber (AMC). The on-axis profile shows arrivals that correspond to the bright AMC event seen in reflection lines within 2 km of the rise axis. The top of the AMC lies 1.6 km below the seafloor and consists of molten material where Vp ≈ 3 km/s and VS = 0. Immediately above the AMC, there is a zone of large negative velocity gradients where, on the average, Vp decreases from ˜6.3 to 3 km/s over a depth of approximately 250 m. Associated with the AMC there is a low velocity zone (LVZ) that extends to a distance no greater than 10 km away from the rise axis. At the top of the LVZ, sharp velocity contrasts are confined to within 2 km of the rise axis and are associated with molten material or material with a high percentage of melt which would be concentrated only in a thin zone at the apex of the LVZ, in the axial region where the AMC event is seen in reflection lines. Away from the axis, the transition to the LVZ is smoother, the top of the LVZ is deeper, and the LVZ is less pronounced. The bottom of the LVZ is probably located near the bottom of the crust and above the Moho. Moho arrivals are observed in the profiles at zero and at 10 km from the rise axis. Rather than a single discontinuity, these arrivals indicate an approximately 1-km-thick Moho transition zone.

Architecture for Control of the K9 Rover

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bresina, John L.; Bualat, maria; Fair, Michael; Wright, Anne; Washington, Richard

2006-01-01

Software featuring a multilevel architecture is used to control the hardware on the K9 Rover, which is a mobile robot used in research on robots for scientific exploration and autonomous operation in general. The software consists of five types of modules: Device Drivers - These modules, at the lowest level of the architecture, directly control motors, cameras, data buses, and other hardware devices. Resource Managers - Each of these modules controls several device drivers. Resource managers can be commanded by either a remote operator or the pilot or conditional-executive modules described below. Behaviors and Data Processors - These modules perform computations for such functions as planning paths, avoiding obstacles, visual tracking, and stereoscopy. These modules can be commanded only by the pilot. Pilot - The pilot receives a possibly complex command from the remote operator or the conditional executive, then decomposes the command into (1) more-specific commands to the resource managers and (2) requests for information from the behaviors and data processors. Conditional Executive - This highest-level module interprets a command plan sent by the remote operator, determines whether resources required for execution of the plan are available, monitors execution, and, if necessary, selects an alternate branch of the plan.

Improving Situational Awareness for First Responders via Mobile Computing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Betts, Bradley J.; Mah, Robert W.; Papasin, Richard; Del Mundo, Rommel; McIntosh, Dawn M.; Jorgensen, Charles

2006-01-01

This project looks to improve first responder incident command, and an appropriately managed flow of situational awareness using mobile computing techniques. The prototype system combines wireless communication, real-time location determination, digital imaging, and three-dimensional graphics. Responder locations are tracked in an outdoor environment via GPS and uploaded to a central server via GPRS or an 802. II network. Responders can also wireless share digital images and text reports, both with other responders and with the incident commander. A pre-built three dimensional graphics model of the emergency scene is used to visualize responder and report locations. Responders have a choice of information end points, ranging from programmable cellular phones to tablet computers. The system also employs location-aware computing to make responders aware of particular hazards as they approach them. The prototype was developed in conjunction with the NASA Ames Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team and has undergone field testing during responder exercises at NASA Ames.

Computer-Aided Process and Tools for Mobile Software Acquisition

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-07-30

moldo^j= pmlkploba=obmloq=pbofbp= Computer-Aided Process and Tools for Mobile Software Acquisition 30 July 2013 LT Christopher Bonine , USN, Dr...Christopher Bonine is a lieutenant in the United States Navy. He is currently assigned to the Navy Cyber Defense Operations Command in Norfolk, VA. He has...interests are in development and implementation of cyber security policy. Bonine has a master’s in computer science from the Naval Postgraduate School

Finding a Child Care Solution for the Single Parent during Mobilization.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-04-01

Major Taylor is currently a student at the Air Command and Staff College. Major Taylor has masters degrees in business management and international...center family day care centers are especially applicable to the needs of the PRO" single parent during mobility. Recommendations of the study are to...recommended to implement family day care as soon as possible. 20. DISTRISUTION/AVAILASILITY OF AB3STRACT 21 ABSTRACT SECURITY CLASSIFICATION

The Operational Level of War

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-12-01

efforts at destruction, and subsequent bridging operations in the let U.S. Army area are described. SBounds, Gary L., et al. Larger Units: Theater Army...modern commanders. Chervonobab, V. P., et al. Army Operations. Moscow: Ministry of Defense, 1977. DTIC ADB-070776L. This Soviet study contains case...maneuver and mobility. His work is of limited value today. Crittenberger, W. D., Lt. Gen., et al. "Mobility in the Field Army. Armor 60 (September-October

STS-111 Flight Day 5 Highlights

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

2002-06-01

On Flight Day 5 of STS-111, the crew of Endeavour (Kenneth Cockrell, Commander; Paul Lockhart, Pilot; Franklin Chang-Diaz, Mission Specialist; Philippe Perrin, Mission Specialist) and the Expedition 5 crew (Valery Korzun, Commander; Peggy Whitson, Flight Engineer; Sergei Treschev, Flight Engineer) and Expedition 4 crew (Yury Onufrienko, Commander; Daniel Bursch, Flight Engineer; Carl Walz, Flight Engineer) are aboard the docked Endeavour and International Space Station (ISS). The ISS cameras show the station in orbit above the North African coast and the Mediterranean Sea, as Chang-Diaz and Perrin prepare for an EVA (extravehicular activity). The Canadarm 2 robotic arm is shown in motion in a wide-angle shot. The Quest Airlock is shown as it opens to allow the astronauts to exit the station. As orbital sunrise approaches, the astronauts are shown already engaged in their EVA activities. Chang-Diaz is shown removing the PDGF (Power and Data Grapple Fixture) from Endeavour's payload bay as Perrin prepares its installation position in the ISS's P6 truss structure; The MPLM is also visible. Following the successful detachment of the PDGF, Chang-Diaz carries it to the installation site as he is transported there by the robotic arm. The astronauts are then shown installing the PDGF, with video provided by helmet-mounted cameras. Following this task, the astronauts are shown preparing the MBS (Mobile Base System) for grappling by the robotic arm. It will be mounted to the Mobile Transporter (MT), which will traverse a railroad-like system along the truss structures of the ISS, and support astronaut activities as well as provide an eventual mobile base for the robotic arm.

The Evolution of Three Dimensional Visualization for Commanding the Mars Rovers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hartman, Frank R.; Wright, John; Cooper, Brian

2014-01-01

NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory has built and operated four rovers on the surface of Mars. Two and three dimensional visualization has been extensively employed to command both the mobility and robotic arm operations of these rovers. Stereo visualization has been an important component in this set of visualization techniques. This paper discusses the progression of the implementation and use of visualization techniques for in-situ operations of these robotic missions. Illustrative examples will be drawn from the results of using these techniques over more than ten years of surface operations on Mars.

Launch - Apollo 14 Lunar Landing Mission - KSC

NASA Image and Video Library

1971-01-31

S71-17620 (31 Jan. 1971) --- The huge, 363-feet tall Apollo 14 (Spacecraft 110/Lunar Module 8/Saturn 509) space vehicle is launched from Pad A, Launch Complex 39, Kennedy Space Center, Florida, at 4:03:02 p.m. (EST), Jan. 31, 1981, on a lunar landing mission. This view of the liftoff was taken by a camera mounted on the mobile launch tower. Aboard the Apollo 14 spacecraft were astronauts Alan B. Shepard Jr., commander; Stuart A. Roosa, command module pilot; and Edgar D. Mitchell, lunar module pilot.

High angle view of Apollo 14 space vehicle on way to Pad A

NASA Image and Video Library

1970-11-09

S70-54127 (9 Nov. 1970) --- A high-angle view at Launch Complex 39, Kennedy Space Center (KSC), showing the Apollo 14 (Spacecraft 110/Lunar Module 8/Saturn 509) space vehicle on the way from the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) to Pad A. The Saturn V stack and its mobile launch tower sit atop a huge crawler-transporter. The Apollo 14 crewmen will be astronauts Alan B. Shepard Jr., commander; Stuart A. Roosa, command module pilot; and Edgar D. Mitchell, lunar module pilot.

High angle view of Apollo 14 space vehicle on way to Pad A

NASA Image and Video Library

1970-11-09

S70-54119 (9 Nov. 1970) --- A high-angle view at Launch Complex 39, Kennedy Space Center (KSC), showing the Apollo 14 (Spacecraft 110/Lunar Module 8/Saturn 509) space vehicle on the way from the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) to Pad A. The Saturn V stack and its mobile launch tower sit atop a huge crawler-transporter. The Apollo 14 crewmen will be astronauts Alan B. Shepard Jr., commander; Stuart A. Roosa, command module pilot; and Edgar D. Mitchell, lunar module pilot.

A Long Range Science Rover For Future Mars Missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hayati, Samad

1997-01-01

This paper describes the design and implementation currently underway at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory of a long range science rover for future missions to Mars. The small rover prototype, called Rocky 7, is capable of long traverse. autonomous navigation. and science instrument control, carries three science instruments, and can be commanded from any computer platform and any location using the World Wide Web. In this paper we describe the mobility system, the sampling system, the sensor suite, navigation and control, onboard science instruments. and the ground command and control system.

Environmental Assessment for the Construction of a Phase I Surface Deployment and Distribution Command Transportation Command Consolidation Facility and a Phase I & II Mobility Air Force Logistics Support Center

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-04-01

Interagency Working Group on Environmental Justice defines adverse as “having deleterious effects on human health or the environment that is significant...Drinking water for Scott AFB is provided by the Illinois-American Water Company and no potable water wells are located on the installation. As a result...Environment Scott Air Force Base, Illinois April 2006 Illinois-American Water Company uses the Mississippi River as its source of drinking water and

Navy Expeditionary Support

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-04-27

Officer, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobil Unit TWO, conversation with author, March 2010. 12 Marc Carmichael , Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, Deputy...Combat Service Support Reorganization Conference, 17-27 Jan 1977. Washington, D. C.: Headquarters U.S. Marine Corps, January 17, 1977. "Armed

FLTSATCOM interoperability applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Woolford, Lynn

A mobile Fleet Satellite Communications (FLTSATCOM) system called the Mobile Operational Control Center (MOCC) was developed which has demonstrated the ability to be interoperable with many of the current FLTSATCOM command and control channels. This low-cost system is secure in all its communications, is lightweight, and provides a gateway for other communications formats. The major elements of this system are made up of a personal computer, a protocol microprocessor, and off-the-shelf mobile communication components. It is concluded that with both FLTSATCOM channel protocol and data format interoperability, the MOCC has the ability provide vital information in or near real time, which significantly improves mission effectiveness.

Autonomous mobile robot teams

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Agah, Arvin; Bekey, George A.

1994-01-01

This paper describes autonomous mobile robot teams performing tasks in unstructured environments. The behavior and the intelligence of the group is distributed, and the system does not include a central command base or leader. The novel concept of the Tropism-Based Cognitive Architecture is introduced, which is used by the robots in order to produce behavior transforming their sensory information to proper action. The results of a number of simulation experiments are presented. These experiments include worlds where the robot teams must locate, decompose, and gather objects, and defend themselves against hostile predators, while navigating around stationary and mobile obstacles.

A Powered Lower Limb Orthosis for Providing Legged Mobility in Paraplegic Individuals.

PubMed

Quintero, Hugo A; Farris, Ryan J; Hartigan, Clare; Clesson, Ismari; Goldfarb, Michael

2011-01-01

This paper presents preliminary results on the development of a powered lower limb orthosis intended to provide legged mobility (with the use of a stability aid, such as forearm crutches) to paraplegic individuals. The orthosis contains electric motors at both hip and both knee joints, which in conjunction with ankle-foot orthoses, provides appropriate joint kinematics for legged locomotion. The paper describes the orthosis and the nature of the controller that enables the SCI patient to command the device, and presents data from preliminary trials that indicate the efficacy of the orthosis and controller in providing legged mobility.

Spontaneous myogenic differentiation of Flk-1-positive cells from adult pancreas and other nonmuscle tissues.

PubMed

Di Rocco, Giuliana; Tritarelli, Alessandra; Toietta, Gabriele; Gatto, Ilaria; Iachininoto, Maria Grazia; Pagani, Francesca; Mangoni, Antonella; Straino, Stefania; Capogrossi, Maurizio C

2008-02-01

At the embryonic or fetal stages, autonomously myogenic cells (AMCs), i.e., cells able to spontaneously differentiate into skeletal myotubes, have been identified from several different sites other than skeletal muscle, including the vascular compartment. However, in the adult animal, AMCs from skeletal muscle-devoid tissues have been described in only two cases. One is represented by thymic myoid cells, a restricted population of committed myogenic progenitors of unknown derivation present in the thymic medulla; the other is represented by a small subset of adipose tissue-associated cells, which we recently identified. In the present study we report, for the first time, the presence of spontaneously differentiating myogenic precursors in the pancreas and in other skeletal muscle-devoid organs such as spleen and stomach, as well as in the periaortic tissue of adult mice. Immunomagnetic selection procedures indicate that AMCs derive from Flk-1(+) progenitors. Individual clones of myogenic cells from nonmuscle organs are morphologically and functionally indistinguishable from skeletal muscle-derived primary myoblasts. Moreover, they can be induced to proliferate in vitro and are able to participate in muscle regeneration in vivo. Thus, we provide evidence that fully competent myogenic progenitors can be derived from the Flk-1(+) compartment of several adult tissues that are embryologically unrelated to skeletal muscle.

Automated analysis of food-borne pathogens using a novel microbial cell culture, sensing and classification system.

PubMed

Xiang, Kun; Li, Yinglei; Ford, William; Land, Walker; Schaffer, J David; Congdon, Robert; Zhang, Jing; Sadik, Omowunmi

2016-02-21

We hereby report the design and implementation of an Autonomous Microbial Cell Culture and Classification (AMC(3)) system for rapid detection of food pathogens. Traditional food testing methods require multistep procedures and long incubation period, and are thus prone to human error. AMC(3) introduces a "one click approach" to the detection and classification of pathogenic bacteria. Once the cultured materials are prepared, all operations are automatic. AMC(3) is an integrated sensor array platform in a microbial fuel cell system composed of a multi-potentiostat, an automated data collection system (Python program, Yocto Maxi-coupler electromechanical relay module) and a powerful classification program. The classification scheme consists of Probabilistic Neural Network (PNN), Support Vector Machines (SVM) and General Regression Neural Network (GRNN) oracle-based system. Differential Pulse Voltammetry (DPV) is performed on standard samples or unknown samples. Then, using preset feature extractions and quality control, accepted data are analyzed by the intelligent classification system. In a typical use, thirty-two extracted features were analyzed to correctly classify the following pathogens: Escherichia coli ATCC#25922, Escherichia coli ATCC#11775, and Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC#12228. 85.4% accuracy range was recorded for unknown samples, and within a shorter time period than the industry standard of 24 hours.

Acetanilide and bromoacetyl-lysine derivatives as activators for human histone deacetylase 8.

PubMed

Mukhtar, Yusif M; Huang, Yajun; Liu, Jiajia; Chen, Di; Zheng, Weiping

2017-06-01

In the current study, seven compounds (i.e. 1-7) were found to be novel activators for the N ε -acetyl-lysine deacetylation reaction catalyzed by human histone deacetylase 8 (HDAC8). When assessed with the commercially available HDAC8 peptide substrate Fluor-de-Lys®-HDAC8 that harbors the unnatural 7-amino-4-methylcoumarin (AMC) residue immediately C-terminal to the N ε -acetyl-lysine residue to be deacetylated, our compounds exhibited comparable activation potency to that of TM-2-51, the strongest HDAC8 activator reported in the current literature. However, when assessed with an AMC-less peptide substrate derived from the native HDAC8 non-histone substrate protein Zinc finger protein ZNF318, while our compounds were all found to be able to activate HDAC8 deacetylation reaction, TM-2-51 was found not to be able to. Our compounds also seemed to be largely selective for HDAC8 over other classical HDACs. Moreover, treatment with the strongest activator among our compounds (i.e. 7) was found to decrease the K M of the above AMC-less HDAC8 substrate, while nearly maintaining the k cat of the HDAC8-catalyzed deacetylation on this substrate. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Nurse practitioners' role perception, stress, satisfaction, and intent to stay at a Midwestern academic medical center.

PubMed

Brom, Heather M; Melnyk, Bernadette M; Szalacha, Laura A; Graham, Margaret

2016-05-01

There is a growing demand for nurse practitioners (NPs) within academic medical centers (AMCs) because of physician shortages and increased need for access to care. In order to retain these NPs, it is important to assess their role perception and satisfaction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate these concepts and their relationships to stress and intent to stay. A 90-item descriptive survey, including a new role perception scale and the Misener Nurse Practitioner Job Satisfaction Scale, was administered to all NPs at a Midwestern AMC. The response rate was 62.4% (n = 181). Overall, the NPs had moderate role perception (M = 4.30, SD = 1.23) and were somewhat satisfied (M = 4.23, SD = 0.74). Over a third (39.4%) reported they were unsure about staying or did not intend to stay in their position. Intent to stay and stress were moderately correlated with overall satisfaction and weakly correlated with role perception. There were significant differences in the intrapractice and professional aspects of job satisfaction based on their supervisor. With increased NP needs, it is crucial for AMCs and NP supervisors to assess role perception, satisfaction, and stress among NPs in order to ensure a stable, satisfied, and productive workforce. ©2015 American Association of Nurse Practitioners.

Paralyzed subject controls telepresence mobile robot using novel sEMG brain-computer interface: case study.

PubMed

Lyons, Kenneth R; Joshi, Sanjay S

2013-06-01

Here we demonstrate the use of a new singlesignal surface electromyography (sEMG) brain-computer interface (BCI) to control a mobile robot in a remote location. Previous work on this BCI has shown that users are able to perform cursor-to-target tasks in two-dimensional space using only a single sEMG signal by continuously modulating the signal power in two frequency bands. Using the cursor-to-target paradigm, targets are shown on the screen of a tablet computer so that the user can select them, commanding the robot to move in different directions for a fixed distance/angle. A Wifi-enabled camera transmits video from the robot's perspective, giving the user feedback about robot motion. Current results show a case study with a C3-C4 spinal cord injury (SCI) subject using a single auricularis posterior muscle site to navigate a simple obstacle course. Performance metrics for operation of the BCI as well as completion of the telerobotic command task are developed. It is anticipated that this noninvasive and mobile system will open communication opportunities for the severely paralyzed, possibly using only a single sensor.

STS-111 Crew in white room during TCDT

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2002-01-01

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room, Launch Pad 39A, the STS-111 and Expedition 5 crews pose in front of the entry into Space Shuttle Endeavour. From left are Expedition 5 crew member Sergei Treschev and Commander Valeri Korzun, with the Russian Space Agency; STS-111 Mission Specialist Philippe Perrin, with the French Space Agency; Commander Kenneth Cockrell and Pilot Paul Lockhart; Expedition 5 crew member Peggy Whitson; and Mission Specialist Franklin Chang-Diaz. The crews are taking part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities at the pad, which include emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown. The mission is Utilization Flight 2, carrying supplies and equipment to the International Space Station, the Mobile Base System, which will be installed on the Mobile Transporter to complete the Canadian Mobile Servicing System, or MSS, and a replacement wrist/roll joint for Canadarm 2. The mechanical arm will then have the capability to 'inchworm' from the U.S. Lab Destiny to the MSS and travel along the truss to work sites. Expedition 5 will travel to the Station on Endeavour as the replacement crew for Expedition 4, who will return to Earth aboard the orbiter. Launch is scheduled for May 30, 2002.

Human-Centered Design and Evaluation of Haptic Cueing for Teleoperation of Multiple Mobile Robots.

PubMed

Son, Hyoung Il; Franchi, Antonio; Chuang, Lewis L; Kim, Junsuk; Bulthoff, Heinrich H; Giordano, Paolo Robuffo

2013-04-01

In this paper, we investigate the effect of haptic cueing on a human operator's performance in the field of bilateral teleoperation of multiple mobile robots, particularly multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Two aspects of human performance are deemed important in this area, namely, the maneuverability of mobile robots and the perceptual sensitivity of the remote environment. We introduce metrics that allow us to address these aspects in two psychophysical studies, which are reported here. Three fundamental haptic cue types were evaluated. The Force cue conveys information on the proximity of the commanded trajectory to obstacles in the remote environment. The Velocity cue represents the mismatch between the commanded and actual velocities of the UAVs and can implicitly provide a rich amount of information regarding the actual behavior of the UAVs. Finally, the Velocity+Force cue is a linear combination of the two. Our experimental results show that, while maneuverability is best supported by the Force cue feedback, perceptual sensitivity is best served by the Velocity cue feedback. In addition, we show that large gains in the haptic feedbacks do not always guarantee an enhancement in the teleoperator's performance.

KSC-02pd0726

NASA Image and Video Library

2002-05-17

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Expedition 5 Commander Valeri Korzun (with microphone) speaks to the media before leaving KSC. Behind him (left to right) are STS-111 Commander Kenneth Cockrell and Pilot Paul Lockhart; astronaut Peggy Whitson and cosmonaut Sergei Treschev; Mission Specialists Philippe Perrin and Franklin Chang-Diaz. Korzun and Treschev are with the Russian Space Agency; Perrin is with the French Space Agency. They have been taking part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities that include emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown. Expedition 5 will travel to the International Space Station on mission STS-111 as the replacement crew for Expedition 4, who will return to Earth aboard the orbiter. Mission STS-111 is known as Utilization Flight 2, carrying supplies and equipment in the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo to the International Space Station. The payload also includes the Mobile Base System, which will be installed on the Mobile Transporter to complete the Canadian Mobile Servicing System, or MSS, and a replacement wrist/roll joint for Canadarm 2. The mechanical arm will then have the capability to "inchworm" from the U.S. Lab Destiny to the MSS and travel along the truss to work sites. Launch is scheduled for May 30, 2002

Analyses of Mobilization Manpower Supply and Demand.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-03-01

7AD-AI30 148 ANALYSES OF MOBIL ZATION MANPOWER SUPPLY AND DEMAND U) l1 . ADMINISTRATIVE SCIENCES CORP SPRINOFIELD VA BREAU EAL MAR82 ASCR134...79-C-0527 for use in identifying and quantifying issues in the CPAM process, and to employ the model for selected quantitative ard qualitative analyses...nurses and corpsmen) to operate on a Commander FX Microcomputer, to be used by 2 the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery to develop inputs for Navy-wide

Liftoff - Apollo XI - Lunar Landing Mission - KSC

NASA Image and Video Library

1969-07-16

S69-39962 (16 July 1969) --- The huge, 363-feet tall Apollo 11 (Spacecraft 107/Lunar Module 5/Saturn 506) space vehicle is launched from Pad A, Launch Complex 39, Kennedy Space Center (KSC), at 9:32 a.m. (EDT), July 16, 1969. Aboard the Apollo 11 spacecraft were astronauts Neil A. Armstrong, commander; Michael Collins, command module pilot; and Edwin E. Aldrin Jr., lunar module pilot. Apollo 11 is the United States' first lunar landing mission. This view of the liftoff was taken by a camera mounted on the mobile launch tower. While astronauts Armstrong and Aldrin descend in the Lunar Module (LM) "Eagle" to explore the Sea of Tranquility region of the moon, astronaut Collins will remain with the Command and Service Modules (CSM) "Columbia" in lunar orbit.

Liftoff of the Apollo 11 lunar landing mission

NASA Image and Video Library

1969-07-16

S69-39959 (16 July 1969) --- The huge, 363-feet tall Apollo 11 (Spacecraft 107/Lunar Module 5/ Saturn 506) space vehicle is launched from Pad A, Launch Complex 39, Kennedy Space Center (KSC), at 9:32 a.m. (EDT), July 16, 1969. Aboard the Apollo 11 spacecraft were astronauts Neil A. Armstrong, commander; Michael Collins, command module pilot; and Edwin E. Aldrin Jr., lunar module pilot. Apollo 11 is the United States' first lunar landing mission. This view of the liftoff was taken by a camera mounted on the mobile launch tower. While astronauts Armstrong and Aldrin descend in the Lunar Module (LM) "Eagle" to explore the Sea of Tranquility region of the moon, astronaut Collins will remain with the Command and Service Modules (CSM) "Columbia" in lunar orbit. Photo credit: NASA

View of Apollo 15 space vehicle on way from VAB to Pad A, Launch Complex 39

NASA Image and Video Library

1971-05-11

S71-33781 (11 May 1971) --- High angle view showing the Apollo 15 (Spacecraft 112/Lunar Module 10/Saturn 510) space vehicle on the way from the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) to Pad A, Launch Complex 39, Kennedy Space Center (KSC). The Saturn V stack and its mobile launch tower are atop a huge crawler-transporter. Apollo 15 is scheduled as the fourth manned lunar landing mission by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The crew men will be astronauts David R. Scott, commander; Alfred M. Worden, command module pilot; and James B. Irwin, lunar module pilot. While astronauts Scott and Irwin descend in the Lunar Module (LM) to explore the moon, astronaut Worden will remain with the Command and Service Modules (CSM) in lunar orbit.

Autonomous intelligent assembly systems LDRD 105746 final report.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Anderson, Robert J.

2013-04-01

This report documents a three-year to develop technology that enables mobile robots to perform autonomous assembly tasks in unstructured outdoor environments. This is a multi-tier problem that requires an integration of a large number of different software technologies including: command and control, estimation and localization, distributed communications, object recognition, pose estimation, real-time scanning, and scene interpretation. Although ultimately unsuccessful in achieving a target brick stacking task autonomously, numerous important component technologies were nevertheless developed. Such technologies include: a patent-pending polygon snake algorithm for robust feature tracking, a color grid algorithm for uniquely identification and calibration, a command and control frameworkmore » for abstracting robot commands, a scanning capability that utilizes a compact robot portable scanner, and more. This report describes this project and these developed technologies.« less

Defense transportation : more reliable information key to managing airlift services more efficiently

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-02-01

The Department of Defense's (DOD) guidance provides that the Air Mobility Command's airlift costs associated with its peacetime mission (operations and maintenance) are to be funded through a transportation working capital fund. Under the working cap...

Air mobility command passenger reservation center system analysis

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2001-03-01

The Department of Defense (DoD) has undergone a massive downsizing in an effort to comply with President Clinton's directive to 'reinvent' government making it more efficient. Therefore, the DoD revamped its $$3.5 billion annual official business tra...

Deciphering the tectonometamorphis history of the Anarak Metamorphic Complex, Central Iran

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zanchetta, Stefano; Malaspina, Nadia; Zanchi, Andrea; Martin, Silvana; Benciolini, Luca; Berra, Fabrizio; Javadi, Hamid Reza; Koohpeyma, Meysam; Ghasemi, Mohammad R.; Sheikholeslami, Mohammad Reza

2014-05-01

The Cimmerian orogeny shaped the southern margin of Eurasia during the Late Permian and the Triassic. Several microplates, detached from Gondwana in the Early Permian, migrated northward to be accreted to the Eurasia margin. In the reconstruction of such orogenic event Iran is a key area. The occurrence of several "ophiolites" belt of various age, from Paleozoic to Cretaceous, poses several questions on the possibility that a single rather than multiple Paleotethys sutures occur between Eurasia and Iran. In this scenario the Anarak region in Central Iran still represents a conundrum. Contrasting geochronological, paleontological, paleomagnetic data and reported field evidence suggest different origins for the Anarak Metamorphic Complex (AMC). The AMC is either interpreted to be part of microplate of Gondwanan affinity, a relic of an accretionary wedge developed at the Eurasia margin during the Paleothetys subduction or part of the Cimmerian suture zone, occurring in NE Iran, displaced to central Iran by counterclockwise rotation of the central Iranian blocks from the Triassic. Our field structural data, petrographic and geochemical data, carried out in the frame of the DARIUS PROGRAMME, indicate that the AMC is not a single coherent block, but it consists of several units (Morghab, Chah Gorbeh, Patyar, Palhavand Gneiss, Lakh Marble, Doshak and dismembered "ophiolites") which display different tectonometamorphic evolutions. The Morghab and Chah Gorbeh units share a common history and they preserve, as a peculiar feature within metabasites, a prograde metamorphism with sin- to post-deformation growth of blueschists facies assemblages on pre-existing greenschist facies mineralogical associations. LT-HP metamorphism responsible for the growth of sodic amphibole has been recognized also within marble lenses at the southern limit of the Chah Gorbeh unit. Finally, evidence of LT-HP metamorphism also occur in the metabasites and possibly also in the serpentinites that form most of the "ophiolites" within the AMC. Structural analyses show that the Chah Gorbeh, Morghab units and the "ophiolites" have been tectonically coupled during at least two deformational phases that occurred at greenschist facies conditions and predate the LT-HP metamorphic overprint. Available geochronological data loosely constraints the subduction event in the Late Permian - Early Triassic times. Subsequent deformation events that occurred during the whole Mesozoic and the Cenozoic up to the Miocene and possibly later, resulted in folding, thrusting and faulting that dismembered the original tectonic contacts. Therefore, the correlations among deformation structures and metamorphic events in the different units are not straightforward. The other units of the AMC lack evidence of HP metamorphism, especially the Lakh Marble a large thrust sheet that occupies the uppermost structural position in the AMC. The contact with the underlying units is invariably tectonic, thus no original relationships have been preserved. So, if structural and petrographic data point out an accretionary wedge setting for the evolution of the Chah Gorbeh, Morghab and the "ophiolites", geodynamic significance and paleogeographic attribution of other units still remain controversial. In progress U-Pb dating of undeformed intrusive bodies and metamorphic minerals in the LT-HP rocks will soon help to better constrain the evolution of the ACM.

Catalytic Function and Substrate Specificity of the Papain-Like Protease Domain of nsp3 from the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus

PubMed Central

Báez-Santos, Yahira M.; Mielech, Anna M.; Deng, Xufang; Baker, Susan

2014-01-01

ABSTRACT The papain-like protease (PLpro) domain from the deadly Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) was overexpressed and purified. MERS-CoV PLpro constructs with and without the putative ubiquitin-like (UBL) domain at the N terminus were found to possess protease, deubiquitinating, deISGylating, and interferon antagonism activities in transfected HEK293T cells. The quaternary structure and substrate preferences of MERS-CoV PLpro were determined and compared to those of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) PLpro, revealing prominent differences between these closely related enzymes. Steady-state kinetic analyses of purified MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV PLpros uncovered significant differences in their rates of hydrolysis of 5-aminomethyl coumarin (AMC) from C-terminally labeled peptide, ubiquitin, and ISG15 substrates, as well as in their rates of isopeptide bond cleavage of K48- and K63-linked polyubiquitin chains. MERS-CoV PLpro was found to have 8-fold and 3,500-fold higher catalytic efficiencies for hydrolysis of ISG15-AMC than for hydrolysis of the Ub-AMC and Z-RLRGG-AMC substrates, respectively. A similar trend was observed for SARS-CoV PLpro, although it was much more efficient than MERS-CoV PLpro toward ISG15-AMC and peptide-AMC substrates. MERS-CoV PLpro was found to process K48- and K63-linked polyubiquitin chains at similar rates and with similar debranching patterns, producing monoubiquitin species. However, SARS-CoV PLpro much preferred K48-linked polyubiquitin chains to K63-linked chains, and it rapidly produced di-ubiquitin molecules from K48-linked chains. Finally, potent inhibitors of SARS-CoV PLpro were found to have no effect on MERS-CoV PLpro. A homology model of the MERS-CoV PLpro structure was generated and compared to the X-ray structure of SARS-CoV PLpro to provide plausible explanations for differences in substrate and inhibitor recognition. IMPORTANCE Unlocking the secrets of how coronavirus (CoV) papain-like proteases (PLpros) perform their multifunctional roles during viral replication entails a complete mechanistic understanding of their substrate recognition and enzymatic activities. We show that the PLpro domains from the MERS and SARS coronaviruses can recognize and process the same substrates, but with different catalytic efficiencies. The differences in substrate recognition between these closely related PLpros suggest that neither enzyme can be used as a generalized model to explain the kinetic behavior of all CoV PLpros. As a consequence, decoding the mechanisms of PLpro-mediated antagonism of the host innate immune response and the development of anti-CoV PLpro enzyme inhibitors will be a challenging undertaking. The results from this study provide valuable information for understanding how MERS-CoV PLpro-mediated antagonism of the host innate immune response is orchestrated, as well as insight into the design of inhibitors against MERS-CoV PLpro. PMID:25142582

SLAM algorithm applied to robotics assistance for navigation in unknown environments

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background The combination of robotic tools with assistance technology determines a slightly explored area of applications and advantages for disability or elder people in their daily tasks. Autonomous motorized wheelchair navigation inside an environment, behaviour based control of orthopaedic arms or user's preference learning from a friendly interface are some examples of this new field. In this paper, a Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) algorithm is implemented to allow the environmental learning by a mobile robot while its navigation is governed by electromyographic signals. The entire system is part autonomous and part user-decision dependent (semi-autonomous). The environmental learning executed by the SLAM algorithm and the low level behaviour-based reactions of the mobile robot are robotic autonomous tasks, whereas the mobile robot navigation inside an environment is commanded by a Muscle-Computer Interface (MCI). Methods In this paper, a sequential Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) feature-based SLAM algorithm is implemented. The features correspond to lines and corners -concave and convex- of the environment. From the SLAM architecture, a global metric map of the environment is derived. The electromyographic signals that command the robot's movements can be adapted to the patient's disabilities. For mobile robot navigation purposes, five commands were obtained from the MCI: turn to the left, turn to the right, stop, start and exit. A kinematic controller to control the mobile robot was implemented. A low level behavior strategy was also implemented to avoid robot's collisions with the environment and moving agents. Results The entire system was tested in a population of seven volunteers: three elder, two below-elbow amputees and two young normally limbed patients. The experiments were performed within a closed low dynamic environment. Subjects took an average time of 35 minutes to navigate the environment and to learn how to use the MCI. The SLAM results have shown a consistent reconstruction of the environment. The obtained map was stored inside the Muscle-Computer Interface. Conclusions The integration of a highly demanding processing algorithm (SLAM) with a MCI and the communication between both in real time have shown to be consistent and successful. The metric map generated by the mobile robot would allow possible future autonomous navigation without direct control of the user, whose function could be relegated to choose robot destinations. Also, the mobile robot shares the same kinematic model of a motorized wheelchair. This advantage can be exploited for wheelchair autonomous navigation. PMID:20163735

Assessing the physical loading of wearable computers.

PubMed

Knight, James F; Baber, Chris

2007-03-01

Wearable computers enable workers to interact with computer equipment in situations where previously they were unable. Attaching a computer to the body though has an unknown physical effect. This paper reports a methodology for addressing this, by assessing postural effects and the effect of added weight. Using the example of arm-mounted computers (AMCs), the paper shows that adopting a posture to interact with an AMC generates fatiguing levels of stress and a load of 0.54 kg results in increased level of stress and increased rate of fatigue. The paper shows that, due to poor postures adopted when wearing and interacting with computers and the weight of the device attached to the body, one possible outcome for prolonged exposure is the development of musculoskeletal disorders.

A Novel Approach for Enhancement of Automobile Clutch Engagement Quality Using Mechatronics Based Automated Clutch System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tripathi, K.

2013-01-01

In automated manual clutch (AMC) a mechatronic system controls clutch force trajectory through an actuator governed by a control system. The present study identifies relevant characteristics of this trajectory and their effects on driveline dynamics and engagement quality. A new type of force trajectory is identified which gives the good engagement quality. However this trajectory is not achievable through conventional clutch control mechanism. But in AMC a mechatronic system based on electro-hydraulic or electro-mechanical elements can make it feasible. A mechatronic system is presented in which a mechatronic add-on system can be used to implement the novel force trajectory, without the requirement of replacing the traditional diaphragm spring based clutch in a vehicle with manual transmission.

Is cost-effective healthcare compatible with publicly financed academic medical centres?

PubMed

Chia, Whay Kuang; Toh, Han Chong

2013-01-01

Probably more than any country, Singapore has made significant investment into the biomedical enterprise as a proportion of its economy and size. This focus recently witnessed a shift towards a greater emphasis on translational and clinical development. Key to the realisation of this strategy will be Academic Medical Centres (AMCs), as a principal tool to developing and applying useful products for the market and further improving health outcomes. Here, we explore the principal value proposition of the AMC to Singapore society and its healthcare system. We question if the values inherent within academic medicine--that of inquiry, innovation, pedagogy and clinical exceptionalism--can be compatible with the seemingly paradoxical mandate of providing cost-effective or rationed healthcare.

Autonomous Onboard Science Image Analysis for Future Mars Rover Missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gulick, V. C.; Morris, R. L.; Ruzon, M. A.; Roush, T. L.

1999-01-01

To explore high priority landing sites and to prepare for eventual human exploration, future Mars missions will involve rovers capable of traversing tens of kilometers. However, the current process by which scientists interact with a rover does not scale to such distances. Specifically, numerous command cycles are required to complete even simple tasks, such as, pointing the spectrometer at a variety of nearby rocks. In addition, the time required by scientists to interpret image data before new commands can be given and the limited amount of data that can be downlinked during a given command cycle constrain rover mobility and achievement of science goals. Experience with rover tests on Earth supports these concerns. As a result, traverses to science sites as identified in orbital images would require numerous science command cycles over a period of many weeks, months or even years, perhaps exceeding rover design life and other constraints. Autonomous onboard science analysis can address these problems in two ways. First, it will allow the rover to transmit only "interesting" images, defined as those likely to have higher science content. Second, the rover will be able to anticipate future commands. For example, a rover might autonomously acquire and return spectra of "interesting" rocks along with a high resolution image of those rocks in addition to returning the context images in which they were detected. Such approaches, coupled with appropriate navigational software, help to address both the data volume and command cycle bottlenecks that limit both rover mobility and science yield. We are developing fast, autonomous algorithms to enable such intelligent on-board decision making by spacecraft. Autonomous algorithms developed to date have the ability to identify rocks and layers in a scene, locate the horizon, and compress multi-spectral image data. Output from these algorithms could be used to autonomously obtain rock spectra, determine which images should be transmitted to the ground, or to aid in image compression. We will discuss these and other algorithms and demonstrate their performance during a recent rover field test.

Spacecraft (Mobile Satellite) configuration design study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1985-01-01

The relative costs to procure and operate a two-satellite mobile satellite system designed to operate either in the UHF band of the L Band, and with several antenna diameter options in each frequency band was investigated. As configured, the size of the spacecraft is limited to the current RCA Series 4000 Geosynchronous Communications Spacecraft bus, which spans the range from 4000 to 5800 pounds in the transfer orbit. The Series 4000 bus forms the basis around which the Mobile Satellite transponder and associated antennas were appended. Although the resultant configuration has little outward resemblance to the present Series 4000 microwave communications spacecraft, the structure, attitude control, thermal, power, and command and control subsystems of the Series 4000 spacecraft are all adapted to support the Mobile Satellite mission.

Mobile Agents: A Distributed Voice-Commanded Sensory and Robotic System for Surface EVA Assistance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clancey, William J.; Sierhuis, Maarten; Alena, Rick; Crawford, Sekou; Dowding, John; Graham, Jeff; Kaskiris, Charis; Tyree, Kim S.; vanHoof, Ronnie

2003-01-01

A model-based, distributed architecture integrates diverse components in a system designed for lunar and planetary surface operations: spacesuit biosensors, cameras, GPS, and a robotic assistant. The system transmits data and assists communication between the extra-vehicular activity (EVA) astronauts, the crew in a local habitat, and a remote mission support team. Software processes ("agents"), implemented in a system called Brahms, run on multiple, mobile platforms, including the spacesuit backpacks, all-terrain vehicles, and robot. These "mobile agents" interpret and transform available data to help people and robotic systems coordinate their actions to make operations more safe and efficient. Different types of agents relate platforms to each other ("proxy agents"), devices to software ("comm agents"), and people to the system ("personal agents"). A state-of-the-art spoken dialogue interface enables people to communicate with their personal agents, supporting a speech-driven navigation and scheduling tool, field observation record, and rover command system. An important aspect of the engineering methodology involves first simulating the entire hardware and software system in Brahms, and then configuring the agents into a runtime system. Design of mobile agent functionality has been based on ethnographic observation of scientists working in Mars analog settings in the High Canadian Arctic on Devon Island and the southeast Utah desert. The Mobile Agents system is developed iteratively in the context of use, with people doing authentic work. This paper provides a brief introduction to the architecture and emphasizes the method of empirical requirements analysis, through which observation, modeling, design, and testing are integrated in simulated EVA operations.

Vision-based stabilization of nonholonomic mobile robots by integrating sliding-mode control and adaptive approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Zhengcai; Yin, Longjie; Fu, Yili

2013-01-01

Vision-based pose stabilization of nonholonomic mobile robots has received extensive attention. At present, most of the solutions of the problem do not take the robot dynamics into account in the controller design, so that these controllers are difficult to realize satisfactory control in practical application. Besides, many of the approaches suffer from the initial speed and torque jump which are not practical in the real world. Considering the kinematics and dynamics, a two-stage visual controller for solving the stabilization problem of a mobile robot is presented, applying the integration of adaptive control, sliding-mode control, and neural dynamics. In the first stage, an adaptive kinematic stabilization controller utilized to generate the command of velocity is developed based on Lyapunov theory. In the second stage, adopting the sliding-mode control approach, a dynamic controller with a variable speed function used to reduce the chattering is designed, which is utilized to generate the command of torque to make the actual velocity of the mobile robot asymptotically reach the desired velocity. Furthermore, to handle the speed and torque jump problems, the neural dynamics model is integrated into the above mentioned controllers. The stability of the proposed control system is analyzed by using Lyapunov theory. Finally, the simulation of the control law is implemented in perturbed case, and the results show that the control scheme can solve the stabilization problem effectively. The proposed control law can solve the speed and torque jump problems, overcome external disturbances, and provide a new solution for the vision-based stabilization of the mobile robot.

Independent Auditors Report on the Air Force General Fund FY 2015 and FY 2014 Basic Financial Statements for United States Air Force Agency Financial Report 2015

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-11-09

and intelligence warfighting support. AFSPC operates sensors that provide direct attack warning and assessment to U.S. Strategic Command and North...combinations. AFRL conducted low-speed wind tunnel tests of 9%-scale model completed at NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC); data validated analytical...by $2M across JTAC platforms and expanding mobile device operation usage by 95 hours. The BATMAN-II team also delivered a new wireless mobile

Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence Electronic Warfare (C4IEW) and Sensors. Project Book. Fiscal Year 1996

DTIC Science & Technology

1996-01-01

INTENSIFICATION (AI2) ATD AERIAL SCOUT SENSORS INTEGRATION (ASSI) BISTATIC RADAR FOR WEAPONS LOCATION (BRWL) ATD CLOSE IN MAN PORTABLE MINE DETECTOR (CIMMD...MS IV PE & LINE #: 1X428010.D107 HI Operations/Support DESCRIPTION: The AN/TTC-39A Circuit Switch is a 744 line mobile , automatic ...SYNOPSIS: AN/TTC-39 IS A MOBILE , AUTOMATIC , MODULAR ELECTRONIC CIRCUIT SWITCH UNDER PROCESSOR CONTROL WITH INTEGRAL COMSEC AND MULTIPLEX EQUIPMENT. AN/TTC

KSC-00pp1575

NASA Image and Video Library

2000-09-21

This camper-equipped truck known as “Old Blue” served as mobile field command center for the Emergency Preparedness team at KSC. It has been replaced with a larger vehicle that includes a conference room, computer work stations, mobile telephones and a fax machine, plus its own onboard generator. Besides being ready to respond in case of emergencies during launches, the vehicle must be ready to help address fires, security threats, chemical spills, terrorist attaches, weather damage or other critical situations that might face KSC or Cape Canaveral Air Force Station

KSC-00pp1576

NASA Image and Video Library

2000-09-21

This new specially equipped vehicle serves as a mobile command center for emergency preparedness staff and other support personnel when needed at KSC or Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. It features a conference room, computer work stations, mobile telephones and a fax machine. It also can generate power with its onboard generator. Besides being ready to respond in case of emergencies during launches, the vehicle must be ready to help address fires, security threats, chemical spills, terrorist attaches, weather damage or other critical situations that might face KSC or CCAFS

KSC00pp1576

NASA Image and Video Library

2000-09-21

This new specially equipped vehicle serves as a mobile command center for emergency preparedness staff and other support personnel when needed at KSC or Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. It features a conference room, computer work stations, mobile telephones and a fax machine. It also can generate power with its onboard generator. Besides being ready to respond in case of emergencies during launches, the vehicle must be ready to help address fires, security threats, chemical spills, terrorist attaches, weather damage or other critical situations that might face KSC or CCAFS

KSC00pp1575

NASA Image and Video Library

2000-09-21

This camper-equipped truck known as “Old Blue” served as mobile field command center for the Emergency Preparedness team at KSC. It has been replaced with a larger vehicle that includes a conference room, computer work stations, mobile telephones and a fax machine, plus its own onboard generator. Besides being ready to respond in case of emergencies during launches, the vehicle must be ready to help address fires, security threats, chemical spills, terrorist attaches, weather damage or other critical situations that might face KSC or Cape Canaveral Air Force Station

LC-IMS-MS Feature Finder

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

2013-03-07

LC-IMS-MS Feature Finder is a command line software application which searches for possible molecular ion signatures in multidimensional liquid chromatography, ion mobility spectrometry, and mass spectrometry data by clustering deisotoped peaks with similar monoisotopic mass values, charge states, elution times, and drift times. The software application includes an algorithm for detecting multiple conformations and co-eluting species in the ion mobility dimension. LC-IMS-MS Feature Finder is designed to create an output file with detected features that includes associated information about the detected features.

Reconfigurable Mobile System - Ground, sea and air applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lamonica, Gary L.; Sturges, James W.

1990-11-01

The Reconfigurable Mobile System (RMS) is a highly mobile data-processing unit for military users requiring real-time access to data gathered by airborne (and other) reconnaissance data. RMS combines high-performance computation and image processing workstations with resources for command/control/communications in a single, lightweight shelter. RMS is composed of off-the-shelf components, and is easily reconfigurable to land-vehicle or shipboard versions. Mission planning, which involves an airborne sensor platform's sensor coverage, considered aircraft/sensor capabilities in conjunction with weather, terrain, and threat scenarios. RMS's man-machine interface concept facilitates user familiarization and features iron-based function selection and windowing.

A Powered Lower Limb Orthosis for Providing Legged Mobility in Paraplegic Individuals

PubMed Central

Quintero, Hugo A.; Farris, Ryan J.; Hartigan, Clare; Clesson, Ismari; Goldfarb, Michael

2012-01-01

This paper presents preliminary results on the development of a powered lower limb orthosis intended to provide legged mobility (with the use of a stability aid, such as forearm crutches) to paraplegic individuals. The orthosis contains electric motors at both hip and both knee joints, which in conjunction with ankle-foot orthoses, provides appropriate joint kinematics for legged locomotion. The paper describes the orthosis and the nature of the controller that enables the SCI patient to command the device, and presents data from preliminary trials that indicate the efficacy of the orthosis and controller in providing legged mobility. PMID:22707874

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita: role of individuals and collaborative networks in mobilizing/coordinating societal and professional resources for major disasters

PubMed Central

Mattox, Kenneth L

2006-01-01

The medical support for the coordinated effort for Harris County Texas (Houston) to rescue evacuees from New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina was part of an integrated collaborative network. Both public health and operational health care was structured to custom meet the needs of the evacuees and to create an exit strategy for the clinic and shelter. Integrating local hospital and physician resources into the Joint Incident Command was essential. Outside assistance, including federal and national resources must be coordinated through the local incident command. PMID:16420647

Army Communicator. Volume 28, Number 4, Winter 2003

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-01-01

or improve productivity, resulting in a network that provided users with increased efficiency, mobility and agility. MG “Rip” Detamore , who commands...execute their missions with the information dominance these networks pro- vided. Nothing can be more criti- cally important than that,” said Detamore

Apollo 14 Crew Receive Greetings Inside the Mobile Quarantine Facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1971-01-01

Apollo 14 astronauts listen to official greetings from the Mobile Quarantine Facility aboard the USS New Orleans following their safe return from the third manned lunar landing mission. Pictured (from left to right) are Stuart A. Roosa, Command Module pilot ; Alan B. Shepard, Jr., Mission commander; and Edgar D. Mitchell, Lunar Module pilot. The Apollo 14 crew launched from launch complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center on January 31, 1971 and safely returned to Earth on February 9, 1971. It was the first manned landing in exploration of the lunar highlands, and it demonstrated pinpoint landing capability. The major goal of Apollo 14 was the scientific exploration of the Moon in the foothills of the rugged Fra Mauro region. The extravehicular activity (EVA) of astronauts Shepard and Mitchell included setting up an automated scientific laboratory called Apollo Lunar Scientific Experiments Package (ALSEP), and collecting a total of about 95 pounds (43 kilograms) of Moon rock and soil for a geological investigation back on the Earth.

Assessment of feedback modalities for wearable visual aids in blind mobility

PubMed Central

Sorrentino, Paige; Bohlool, Shadi; Zhang, Carey; Arditti, Mort; Goodrich, Gregory; Weiland, James D.

2017-01-01

Sensory substitution devices engage sensory modalities other than vision to communicate information typically obtained through the sense of sight. In this paper, we examine the ability of subjects who are blind to follow simple verbal and vibrotactile commands that allow them to navigate a complex path. A total of eleven visually impaired subjects were enrolled in the study. Prototype systems were developed to deliver verbal and vibrotactile commands to allow an investigator to guide a subject through a course. Using this mode, subjects could follow commands easily and navigate significantly faster than with their cane alone (p <0.05). The feedback modes were similar with respect to the increased speed for course completion. Subjects rated usability of the feedback systems as “above average” with scores of 76.3 and 90.9 on the system usability scale. PMID:28182731

View of Apollo 15 space vehicle leaving VAB to Pad A, Launch Complex 39

NASA Image and Video Library

1971-05-11

S71-33786 (11 May 1971) --- The 363-feet tall Apollo (Spacecraft 112/Lunar Module 10/Saturn 510) space vehicle which leaves the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) to Pad A, Launch Complex 39, Kennedy Space Center (KSC). The Saturn V stack and its mobile launch tower are atop a huge crawler-transporter. Apollo 15 is scheduled as the fourth manned lunar landing mission by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and is scheduled to lift off on July 26, 1971. The crew men will be astronauts David R. Scott, commander; Alfred M. Worden, command module pilot; and James B. Irwin, lunar module pilot. While astronaut Scott and Irwin will descend in the Lunar Module (LM) to explore the moon, astronaut Worden will remain with the Command and Service Modules (CSM) in lunar orbit.

What's in a Name? The Necessary Transformation of the Academic Medical Center in the Era of Population Health and Accountable Care.

PubMed

DiSesa, Verdi J; Kaiser, Larry R

2015-07-01

Academic medical centers (AMCs) and the physicians and other professionals who lead them need to recognize they are in a business that is making a transition from a system of "sickness" care to one of "health" care, accountable for the health of defined populations and for the value (quality divided by cost) of the services provided. This change has profound implications for how AMCs conceive themselves, how they function, and how they are paid for the work that they do. A failure to recognize how the disruption of the mission of AMCs is changing may impair them as irrevocably as other changes caused the demise of Kodak, once the world's leader in the manufacture and sale of photographic film and cameras. Leaders of academic medicine need to understand, respond to, and ultimately lead the transformation of our system of health. In this Commentary, the authors review the pressures driving these changes and potential responses to them-a process already under way. They summarize the issues in the question "Should the words 'health' and 'system' take the place of 'medical' and 'center' in our institutions' names and, more important, in how we conceive of what we do?" The authors propose the name "academic health system" to better identify primary objectives to measure success by the health of patients.

Cargo-free particles of ammonio methacrylate copolymers: From pharmaceutical inactive ingredients to effective anticancer immunotherapeutics.

PubMed

Shetab Boushehri, Maryam Alsadat; Stein, Valentin; Lamprecht, Alf

2018-06-01

Nanoparticles create exciting platforms for anticancer immunotherapy and vaccination, though their inherent immunomodulatory properties have remained underexploited. Ammonio methacrylate copolymers (AMC) are well-established excipients in pharmaceutical industry and components of controlled-release oral formulations. Here, we demonstrate that nanoscaling of type A and B AMC (Eudragit ® RL and RS) endows these inactive ingredients immunostimulatory properties exploitable for cancer therapy. The particles induce the secretion of various pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines from the cells of innate immunity. Though the underlying mechanisms are not fully uncovered, the current work established the partial involvement of Toll-like Receptor 4 (TLR4) and Nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). The size and charge-dependency of the particles' pro-inflammatory properties and cytokine/chemokine induction profile was also demonstrated. Within the context of cancer immunotherapy, biweekly peritumoral nanoparticle injection led to a complete regression of the syngeneic colorectal tumor, or a significant growth retardation thereof, considerably extending the survival of tumor-bearing animals. Additionally, presence of the immunological memory in treated animals was established. Given their better economical and relatively safer profile compared to well-established chemo- and immunotheraputics, and their ability to serve as carriers for drug targeting, vaccination and combination therapy, AMC nanoparticles (AMCNP) are fascinating subjects for further research in the field of cancer therapy. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Efficient Implementation of MrBayes on Multi-GPU

PubMed Central

Zhou, Jianfu; Liu, Xiaoguang; Wang, Gang

2013-01-01

MrBayes, using Metropolis-coupled Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMCMC or (MC)3), is a popular program for Bayesian inference. As a leading method of using DNA data to infer phylogeny, the (MC)3 Bayesian algorithm and its improved and parallel versions are now not fast enough for biologists to analyze massive real-world DNA data. Recently, graphics processor unit (GPU) has shown its power as a coprocessor (or rather, an accelerator) in many fields. This article describes an efficient implementation a(MC)3 (aMCMCMC) for MrBayes (MC)3 on compute unified device architecture. By dynamically adjusting the task granularity to adapt to input data size and hardware configuration, it makes full use of GPU cores with different data sets. An adaptive method is also developed to split and combine DNA sequences to make full use of a large number of GPU cards. Furthermore, a new “node-by-node” task scheduling strategy is developed to improve concurrency, and several optimizing methods are used to reduce extra overhead. Experimental results show that a(MC)3 achieves up to 63× speedup over serial MrBayes on a single machine with one GPU card, and up to 170× speedup with four GPU cards, and up to 478× speedup with a 32-node GPU cluster. a(MC)3 is dramatically faster than all the previous (MC)3 algorithms and scales well to large GPU clusters. PMID:23493260

Efficient implementation of MrBayes on multi-GPU.

PubMed

Bao, Jie; Xia, Hongju; Zhou, Jianfu; Liu, Xiaoguang; Wang, Gang

2013-06-01

MrBayes, using Metropolis-coupled Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMCMC or (MC)(3)), is a popular program for Bayesian inference. As a leading method of using DNA data to infer phylogeny, the (MC)(3) Bayesian algorithm and its improved and parallel versions are now not fast enough for biologists to analyze massive real-world DNA data. Recently, graphics processor unit (GPU) has shown its power as a coprocessor (or rather, an accelerator) in many fields. This article describes an efficient implementation a(MC)(3) (aMCMCMC) for MrBayes (MC)(3) on compute unified device architecture. By dynamically adjusting the task granularity to adapt to input data size and hardware configuration, it makes full use of GPU cores with different data sets. An adaptive method is also developed to split and combine DNA sequences to make full use of a large number of GPU cards. Furthermore, a new "node-by-node" task scheduling strategy is developed to improve concurrency, and several optimizing methods are used to reduce extra overhead. Experimental results show that a(MC)(3) achieves up to 63× speedup over serial MrBayes on a single machine with one GPU card, and up to 170× speedup with four GPU cards, and up to 478× speedup with a 32-node GPU cluster. a(MC)(3) is dramatically faster than all the previous (MC)(3) algorithms and scales well to large GPU clusters.

Ex Vivo Induction of Multiple Myeloma-specific Immune Responses by Monocyte-derived Dendritic Cells Following Stimulation by Whole-tumor Antigen of Autologous Myeloma Cells.

PubMed

Vasileiou, Spyridoula; Baltadakis, Ioannis; Delimpasi, Sosanna; Karatza, Maria-Helena; Liapis, Konstantinos; Garofalaki, Maria; Tziotziou, Eirini; Poulopoulou, Zoe; Karakasis, Dimitri; Harhalakis, Nicholas

2017-09-01

The introduction of novel agents has significantly expanded treatment options for multiple myeloma (MM), albeit long-term disease control cannot be achieved in the majority of patients. Vaccination with MM antigen-loaded dendritic cells (DCs) represents an alternative strategy that is currently being explored. The aim of this study was to assess the immunogenic potential of ex vivo-generated monocyte-derived DCs (moDCs), following stimulation with the whole-antigen array of autologous myeloma cells (AMC). MoDCs were loaded with antigens of myeloma cells by 2 different methods: phagocytosis of apoptotic bodies from γ-irradiated AMC, or transfection with AMC total RNA by square-wave electroporation. Twenty patients with MM were enrolled in the study. Following stimulation and maturation, moDCs were tested for their capacity to induce T-helper 1 and cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses in vitro. Both strategies were effective in the induction of myeloma-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte and T-helper 1 cells, as demonstrated by cytotoxicity and ELISpot assays. On the whole, T-cell responses were observed in 18 cases by either method of DC pulsing. We conclude that both whole-tumor antigen approaches are efficient in priming autologous antimyeloma T-cell responses and warrant further study aiming at the development of individualized DC vaccines for MM patients.

Friction Stir Processing of Copper-Coated SiC Particulate-Reinforced Aluminum Matrix Composite

PubMed Central

Huang, Chih-Wei; Aoh, Jong-Ning

2018-01-01

In the present work, we proposed a novel friction stir processing (FSP) to produce a locally reinforced aluminum matrix composite (AMC) by stirring copper-coated SiC particulate reinforcement into Al6061 alloy matrix. Electroless-plating process was applied to deposit the copper surface coating on the SiC particulate reinforcement for the purpose of improving the interfacial adhesion between SiC particles and Al matrix. The core-shell SiC structure provides a layer for the atomic diffusion between aluminum and copper to enhance the cohesion between reinforcing particles and matrix on one hand, the dispersion of fine copper in the Al matrix during FSP provides further dispersive strengthening and solid solution strengthening, on the other hand. Hardness distribution and tensile results across the stir zone validated the novel concept in improving the mechanical properties of AMC that was realized via FSP. Optical microscope (OM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) investigations were conducted to investigate the microstructure. Energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), electron probe micro-analyzer (EPMA), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were explored to analyze the atomic inter-diffusion and the formation of intermetallic at interface. The possible strengthening mechanisms of the AMC containing Cu-coated SiC particulate reinforcement were interpreted. The concept of strengthening developed in this work may open a new way of fabricating of particulate reinforced metal matrix composites. PMID:29652846

Increment 18 crew photo

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-02-19

ISS018-E-033765 (19 Feb. 2009) --- Astronaut Michael Fincke (right), Expedition 18 commander; astronaut Sandra Magnus and cosmonaut Yury Lonchakov, both flight engineers, pose for a crew photo between a Russian Orlan spacesuit and an Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) spacesuit in the Harmony node of the International Space Station.

Increment 18 crew photo

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-02-19

ISS018-E-033767 (19 Feb. 2009) --- Astronaut Michael Fincke (right), Expedition 18 commander; astronaut Sandra Magnus and cosmonaut Yury Lonchakov, both flight engineers, pose for a crew photo between a Russian Orlan spacesuit and an Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) spacesuit in the Harmony node of the International Space Station.

78 FR 70540 - Meeting of the National Commission on the Structure of the Air Force

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-11-26

... information. Agenda: The updated agenda items were: --The role of airpower in the post-Afghanistan national... Superiority, Air Mobility, Global Precision Attack, Nuclear Deterrence Operations, Command and Control... such as modernization readiness, procurement, manpower, research development test and evaluation...

Platform Design for Fleet-Level Efficiency

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-10-21

pallet capacity aircraft that takes advantage of the low pallet demand in the network. In this example, the smaller pallet capacity aircraft operates with...Kopp, K. W. (2004). Improvement of Air Mobility Command airlift scheduling (No. AFIT/ GMO /ENS/04I-01). Wright-Patterson AFB, OH: Air Force Institute

Multidisciplinary unmanned technology teammate (MUTT)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uzunovic, Nenad; Schneider, Anne; Lacaze, Alberto; Murphy, Karl; Del Giorno, Mark

2013-01-01

The U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) held an autonomous robot competition called CANINE in June 2012. The goal of the competition was to develop innovative and natural control methods for robots. This paper describes the winning technology, including the vision system, the operator interaction, and the autonomous mobility. The rules stated only gestures or voice commands could be used for control. The robots would learn a new object at the start of each phase, find the object after it was thrown into a field, and return the object to the operator. Each of the six phases became more difficult, including clutter of the same color or shape as the object, moving and stationary obstacles, and finding the operator who moved from the starting location to a new location. The Robotic Research Team integrated techniques in computer vision, speech recognition, object manipulation, and autonomous navigation. A multi-filter computer vision solution reliably detected the objects while rejecting objects of similar color or shape, even while the robot was in motion. A speech-based interface with short commands provided close to natural communication of complicated commands from the operator to the robot. An innovative gripper design allowed for efficient object pickup. A robust autonomous mobility and navigation solution for ground robotic platforms provided fast and reliable obstacle avoidance and course navigation. The research approach focused on winning the competition while remaining cognizant and relevant to real world applications.

Review of mobile health technology for military mental health.

PubMed

Shore, Jay H; Aldag, Matt; McVeigh, Francis L; Hoover, Ronald L; Ciulla, Robert; Fisher, Ashley

2014-08-01

Mental health problems pose challenges for military veterans, returning service members, and military family members including spouses and children. Challenges to meeting mental health needs include improving access to care and improving quality of care. Mobile Health, or "mHealth," can help meet these needs in the garrison and civilian environments. mHealth brings unique capabilities to health care provision through the use of mobile device technologies. This report identifies high-priority mHealth technology development considerations in two categories. First, priority considerations specific to mental health care provision include safety, privacy, evidence-based practice, efficacy studies, and temperament. Second, priority considerations broadly applicable to mHealth include security, outcomes, ease of use, carrier compliance, hardware, provider perspectives, data volume, population, regulation, command policy, and reimbursement. Strategic planning for the advancement of these priority considerations should be coordinated with stated Department of Defense capability needs to maximize likelihood of adoption. This report also summarizes three leading, military programs focused on mHealth projects in mental health, The Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center, The Military Operational Medicine Research Program, United States Army Medical Research and Materiel Command, and The National Center for Telehealth and Technology. Reprint & Copyright © 2014 Association of Military Surgeons of the U.S.

A PIC microcontroller-based system for real-life interfacing of external peripherals with a mobile robot

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, N. Nirmal; Chatterjee, Amitava; Rakshit, Anjan

2010-02-01

The present article describes the development of a peripheral interface controller (PIC) microcontroller-based system for interfacing external add-on peripherals with a real mobile robot, for real life applications. This system serves as an important building block of a complete integrated vision-based mobile robot system, integrated indigenously in our laboratory. The system is composed of the KOALA mobile robot in conjunction with a personal computer (PC) and a two-camera-based vision system where the PIC microcontroller is used to drive servo motors, in interrupt-driven mode, to control additional degrees of freedom of the vision system. The performance of the developed system is tested by checking it under the control of several user-specified commands, issued from the PC end.

Clinical research: assessing the future in a changing environment; summary report of conference sponsored by the American Medical Association Council on Scientific Affairs, Washington, DC, March 1996.

PubMed

Meyer, M; Genel, M; Altman, R D; Williams, M A; Allen, J R

1998-03-01

Concerns about funding of clinical research underlie all other problems identified at the Council on Scientific Affairs conference. Future National Institutes of Health (NIH) budgets are likely to be constant at best, and the general public expects cost containment to be an ongoing goal; this is exacerbated by the impending Medicare Trust Fund crisis. Meanwhile, traditional financial support of clinical research in academic medical centers (AMCs) through cross-subsidization is imperiled by competitive pressures largely caused by managed care. Although managed care organizations (MCOs) are potentially rich sources of funding and other resources, and some not-for-profit companies are conducting some research, for-profit MCOs have not demonstrated an understanding of the importance of clinical research. Young physicians are being discouraged from careers as clinical researchers and established investigators are "dropping out" because of demands for clinical productivity and competition for research grants, loss of patients/research subjects to managed care, perceived lack of status and compensation, and overall uncertainty about continued financial support. Efforts to assist current and potential clinical investigators are discussed in this report. Loss of patients, denial of reimbursement, and competition with MCOs and contract research organizations (CROs) have placed AMCs under unprecedented pressure. However, research centers located in AMCs have allowed investigators to conduct clinical research by providing a "protected environment." Furthermore, many AMCs are determined to continue conducting clinical research and are addressing related problems. Although the NIH will continue to be a major source of funding for clinical research, partnerships between various private and public entities provide important opportunities to maximize the productivity of all individuals and institutions involved. Potential partnerships include MCOs, AMCs, CROs, pharmaceutical companies and other industry, the Department of Defense, the Veterans Health Administration, practice-based physicians, and private foundations and patient support groups. "Partnerships in advocacy" for clinical research will be essential. Efforts to recruit for-profit MCOs to the clinical research endeavor identified in this report include (1) emphasizing issues of interest to them (eg, outcomes research); (2) stressing the significance of some research to the marketplace; (3) developing criteria to distinguish individual MCOs on the basis of their contribution to the public interest; (4) equating money spent on research with "R&D dollars" spent in nonmedical business enterprises; and (5) educating purchasers of health care (eg, corporate health plan directors) about clinical research. Conducting clinical research in all managed care settings requires leadership, the understanding and cooperation of physicians and support staff, wise use of limited resources (ie, funding only the best research projects), sound methodology, and above all, the perception that the research will ultimately improve patient care.

Assessment of molecular contamination in mask pod

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Foray, Jean Marie; Dejaune, Patrice; Sergent, Pierre; Gough, Stuart; Cheung, D.; Davenet, Magali; Favre, Arnaud; Rude, C.; Trautmann, T.; Tissier, Michel; Fontaine, H.; Veillerot, M.; Avary, K.; Hollein, I.; Lerit, R.

2008-04-01

Context/ study Motivation: Contamination and especially Airbone Molecular Contamination (AMC) is a critical issue for mask material flow with a severe and fairly unpredictable risk of induced contamination and damages especially for 193 nm lithography. It is therefore essential to measure, to understand and then try to reduce AMC in mask environment. Mask material flow was studied in a global approach by a pool of European partners, especially within the frame of European MEDEA+ project, so called "MUSCLE". This paper deals with results and assessment of mask pod environment in term of molecular contamination in a first step, then in a second step preliminary studies to reduce mask pod influence and contamination due to material out gassing. Approach and techniques: A specific assessment of environmental / molecular contamination along the supply chain was performed by all partners. After previous work presented at EMLC 07, further studies were performed on real time contamination measurement pod at different sites locations (including Mask manufacturing site, blank manufacturing sites, IC fab). Studies were linked to the main critical issues: cleaning, storage, handling, materials and processes. Contamination measurement campaigns were carried out along the mask supply chain using specific Adixen analyzer in order to monitor in real time organic contaminants (ppb level) in mask pods. Key results would be presented: VOC, AMC and humidity level on different kinds of mask carriers, impact of basic cleaning on pod outgassing measurement (VOC, NH3), and process influence on pod contamination... In a second step, preliminary specific pod conditioning studies for better pod environment were performed based on Adixen vacuum process. Process influence had been experimentally measured in term of molecular outgassing from mask pods. Different AMC experimental characterization methods had been carried out leading to results on a wide range of organic and inorganic contaminants: by inline techniques based on Adixen humidity, also VOC and organic sensors, together by off-line techniques already used in the extensive previous mask pods benchmark (TD-GCMS & Ionic Chromatography). Humidity and VOC levels from mask carriers had shown significant reduction after Adixen pod conditioning process. Focus had been made on optimized vacuum step (for AMC) after particles carrier cleaning cycle. Based upon these key results new procedures, as well as guidelines for mask carrier cleaning optimization are proposed to improve pod contamination control. Summary results/next steps: This paper reports molecular contamination measurement campaigns performed by a pool of European partners along the mask supply chain. It allows us to investigate, identify and quantify critical molecular contamination in mask pod, as well as VOC and humidity, issues depending on locations, uses, and carrier's type. Preliminary studies highlight initial process solutions for pods conditioning that are being used for short term industrialization and further industrialized.

Part I. Corrosion studies of continuous alumina fiber reinforced aluminum-matrix composites. Part II. Galvanic corrosion between continuous alumina fiber reinforced aluminum-matrix composites and 4340 steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Jun

Part I. The corrosion performance of continuous alumina fiber reinforced aluminum-matrix composites (CF-AMCs) was investigated in both the laboratory and field environments by comparing them with their respective monolithic matrix alloys, i.e., pure Al, A1-2wt%Cu T6, and Al 6061 T6. The corrosion initiation sites were identified by monitoring the changes in the surface morphology. Corrosion current densities and pH profiles at localized corrosion sites were measured using the scanning-vibrating electrode technique and the scanning ion-selective electrode technique, respectively. The corrosion damage of the materials immersed in various electrolytes, as well as those exposed in a humidity chamber and outdoor environments, was evaluated. Potentiodynamic polarization behavior was also studied. The corrosion initiation for the composites in 3.15 wt% NaCl occurred primarily around the Fe-rich intermetallic particles, which preferentially existed around the fiber/matrix interface on the composites. The corrosion initiation sites were also caused by physical damage (e.g., localized deformation) to the composite surface. At localized corrosion sites, the buildup of acidity was enhanced by the formation of micro-crevices resulting from fibers left in relief as the matrix corroded. The composites that were tested in exposure experiments exhibited higher corrosion rates than their monolithic alloys. The composites and their monolithic alloys were subjected to pitting corrosion when anodically polarized in the 3.15 wt% NaCl, while they passivated when anodically polarized in 0.5 M Na2SO4. The experimental results indicated that the composites exhibited inferior corrosion resistance compared to their monolithic matrix alloys. Part II. Galvanic corrosion studies were conducted on CF-AMCs coupled to 4340 steel since CF-AMCs have low density and excellent mechanical properties and are being considered as potential jacketing materials for reinforcing steel gun barrels. Coupled and uncoupled coupons were immersed in various electrolytes, exposed to a humidity chamber, and exposed at outdoor test sites. Results showed that the corrosion rates of the CF-AMCs increased, while those of the 4340 steel decreased after being coupled together, in most cases. Crevice corrosion was also observed in these exposure experiments. Zero resistance ammeter (ZRA) experiments were conducted to record the galvanic-corrosion rates and potentials of the couples. The CF-AMCs were found to serve as anodes, while the steel was cathodic, in most test conditions. Galvanic performance predicted by polarization experiments was in close agreement with the ZRA results. Key words. Aluminum, metal-matrix composites, alumina fiber, pitting corrosion, galvanic corrosion.

46 CFR 107.117 - Coast Guard addresses.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 46 Shipping 4 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Coast Guard addresses. 107.117 Section 107.117 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) A-MOBILE OFFSHORE DRILLING UNITS INSPECTION AND CERTIFICATION General § 107.117 Coast Guard addresses. When approval of the Commandant is required under this...

46 CFR 107.117 - Coast Guard addresses.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 46 Shipping 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Coast Guard addresses. 107.117 Section 107.117 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) A-MOBILE OFFSHORE DRILLING UNITS INSPECTION AND CERTIFICATION General § 107.117 Coast Guard addresses. When approval of the Commandant is required under this...

46 CFR 107.117 - Coast Guard addresses.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 46 Shipping 4 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Coast Guard addresses. 107.117 Section 107.117 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) A-MOBILE OFFSHORE DRILLING UNITS INSPECTION AND CERTIFICATION General § 107.117 Coast Guard addresses. When approval of the Commandant is required under this...

46 CFR 107.117 - Coast Guard addresses.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 46 Shipping 4 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Coast Guard addresses. 107.117 Section 107.117 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) A-MOBILE OFFSHORE DRILLING UNITS INSPECTION AND CERTIFICATION General § 107.117 Coast Guard addresses. When approval of the Commandant is required under this...

46 CFR 107.117 - Coast Guard addresses.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 46 Shipping 4 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Coast Guard addresses. 107.117 Section 107.117 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) A-MOBILE OFFSHORE DRILLING UNITS INSPECTION AND CERTIFICATION General § 107.117 Coast Guard addresses. When approval of the Commandant is required under this...

Site Registration

Science.gov Websites

Please select at least one (1) and up to five (5) keywords that describe your site from the list below : Air Control Wing Air Expeditionary Wing Air Force Air Mobility Wing Air Refueling Group Air Refueling Wing Airlift Wing Bomb Wing Combat Communications Group Combat Support Wing Command and Control Wing

Oklahoma's Mobile Computer Graphics Laboratory.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McClain, Gerald R.

This Computer Graphics Laboratory houses an IBM 1130 computer, U.C.C. plotter, printer, card reader, two key punch machines, and seminar-type classroom furniture. A "General Drafting Graphics System" (GDGS) is used, based on repetitive use of basic coordinate and plot generating commands. The system is used by 12 institutions of higher education…

Collins and Kelly in U.S. Laboratory

NASA Image and Video Library

2005-08-05

S114-E-7150 (5 August 2005) --- Astronauts Eileen M. Collins (foreground) and James M. Kelly, STS-114 commander and pilot, respectively, work with the Mobile Service System (MSS) and Canadarm2 controls in the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station while Space Shuttle Discovery was docked to the Station.

President Nixon - Welcome - Apollo XI Astronauts - USS Hornet

NASA Image and Video Library

1969-07-24

S69-21365 (24 July 1969) --- United States President Richard M. Nixon was in the central Pacific recovery area to welcome the Apollo 11 astronauts aboard the USS Hornet, prime recovery ship for the historic Apollo 11 lunar landing mission. Already confined to the Mobile Quarantine Facility (MQF) are (left to right) Neil A. Armstrong, commander; Michael Collins, command module pilot; and Edwin E. Aldrin Jr., lunar module pilot. Apollo 11 splashed down at 11:49 a.m. (CDT), July 24, 1969, about 812 nautical miles southwest of Hawaii and only 12 nautical miles from the USS Hornet. The three crewmen will remain in the MQF until they arrive at the Manned Spacecraft Center's (MSC) Lunar Receiving Laboratory (LRL). While astronauts Armstrong and Aldrin descended in the Lunar Module (LM) "Eagle" to explore the Sea of Tranquility region of the moon, astronaut Collins remained with the Command and Service Modules (CSM) "Columbia" in lunar orbit. Photo credit: NASA

Control system and method for payload control in mobile platform cranes

DOEpatents

Robinett, III, Rush D.; Groom, Kenneth N.; Feddema, John T.; Parker, Gordon G.

2002-01-01

A crane control system and method provides a way to generate crane commands responsive to a desired payload motion to achieve substantially pendulation-free actual payload motion. The control system and method apply a motion compensator to maintain a payload in a defined payload configuration relative to an inertial coordinate frame. The control system and method can further comprise a pendulation damper controller to reduce an amount of pendulation between a sensed payload configuration and the defined payload configuration. The control system and method can further comprise a command shaping filter to filter out a residual payload pendulation frequency from the desired payload motion.

KSC00pp1574

NASA Image and Video Library

2000-09-21

Charles Street, Roger Scheidt and Robert ZiBerna, the Emergency Preparedness team at KSC, sit in the conference room inside the Mobile Command Center, a specially equipped vehicle. Nicknamed “The Brute,” it also features computer work stations, mobile telephones and a fax machine. It also can generate power with its onboard generator. Besides being ready to respond in case of emergencies during launches, the vehicle must be ready to help address fires, security threats, chemical spills, terrorist attaches, weather damage or other critical situations that might face KSC or Cape Canaveral Air Force Station

KSC00pp1573

NASA Image and Video Library

2000-09-21

Robert ZiBerna, Roger Scheidt and Charles Street, the Emergency Preparedness team at KSC, practice for an emergency scenario inside the Mobile Command Center, a specially equipped vehicle. It features a conference room, computer work stations, mobile telephones and a fax machine. It also can generate power with its onboard generator. Besides being ready to respond in case of emergencies during launches, the vehicle must be ready to help address fires, security threats, chemical spills, terrorist attaches, weather damage or other critical situations that might face KSC or Cape Canaveral Air Force Station

KSC-00pp1574

NASA Image and Video Library

2000-09-21

Charles Street, Roger Scheidt and Robert ZiBerna, the Emergency Preparedness team at KSC, sit in the conference room inside the Mobile Command Center, a specially equipped vehicle. Nicknamed “The Brute,” it also features computer work stations, mobile telephones and a fax machine. It also can generate power with its onboard generator. Besides being ready to respond in case of emergencies during launches, the vehicle must be ready to help address fires, security threats, chemical spills, terrorist attaches, weather damage or other critical situations that might face KSC or Cape Canaveral Air Force Station

KSC-00pp1573

NASA Image and Video Library

2000-09-21

Robert ZiBerna, Roger Scheidt and Charles Street, the Emergency Preparedness team at KSC, practice for an emergency scenario inside the Mobile Command Center, a specially equipped vehicle. It features a conference room, computer work stations, mobile telephones and a fax machine. It also can generate power with its onboard generator. Besides being ready to respond in case of emergencies during launches, the vehicle must be ready to help address fires, security threats, chemical spills, terrorist attaches, weather damage or other critical situations that might face KSC or Cape Canaveral Air Force Station

Filmless Radiology: The Design, Integration, Implementation, and Evaluation of a Digital Imaging Network. Potential Investigations to Be Conducted in Conjunction with the Digital Imaging Network System (DINS) evaluation Project. Revision 1

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-06-01

INSTRUMENT IDENTIFICATION NUMBERORGANIZATION U.S. Army Medical (if aplicable ) Research & Development Command Contract No. DAMDI7-86-C-6145 8c. ADDRESS (City...three echelon levels is delivered from mobile facilities located up to 10, 40, and 150 kilometers from the forward edge of the battle area (FEBA...respectively. There are seven types of Army hospitals used in wartime theaters of operation. They range from Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) units in

Automatic control of a mobile Viking lander on the surface of Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moore, J.; Scofield, W.; Tobey, W.

1976-01-01

A mobile lander system is being considered for use in a possible follow-on mission to the Viking '75 landings on Mars. A mobile Viking lander, which could be launched as early as the 1979 opportunity, would be capable of traversing 100 m to 1 km per day on a commanded heading while sensing hazards and performing avoidance maneuvers. The degree of autonomous control, and consequently the daily traverse range, is still under study. The mobility concept requires the addition of: (1) track-laying or wheel units in place of the Viking Lander footpads, (2) a set of hazard and navigation sensors, and (3) a mobility control computer capability. The technology required to develop these three subsystems is available today. The principal objective of current design studies, as described in this paper, is to define a mobile lander system that will demonstrate high reliability and fail-safe hazard avoidance while achieving range- and terrain-handling capabilities which satisfy the Mars exploration science requirements.

Computing decay rates for new physics theories with FEYNRULES and MADGRAPH 5_AMC@NLO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alwall, Johan; Duhr, Claude; Fuks, Benjamin; Mattelaer, Olivier; Öztürk, Deniz Gizem; Shen, Chia-Hsien

2015-12-01

We present new features of the FEYNRULES and MADGRAPH 5_AMC@NLO programs for the automatic computation of decay widths that consistently include channels of arbitrary final-state multiplicity. The implementations are generic enough so that they can be used in the framework of any quantum field theory, possibly including higher-dimensional operators. We extend at the same time the conventions of the Universal FEYNRULES Output (or UFO) format to include decay tables and information on the total widths. We finally provide a set of representative examples of the usage of the new functions of the different codes in the framework of the Standard Model, the Higgs Effective Field Theory, the Strongly Interacting Light Higgs model and the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model and compare the results to available literature and programs for validation purposes.

Orthographic Stereo Correlator on the Terrain Model for Apollo Metric Images

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kim, Taemin; Husmann, Kyle; Moratto, Zachary; Nefian, Ara V.

2011-01-01

A stereo correlation method on the object domain is proposed to generate the accurate and dense Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) from lunar orbital imagery. The NASA Ames Intelligent Robotics Group (IRG) aims to produce high-quality terrain reconstructions of the Moon from Apollo Metric Camera (AMC) data. In particular, IRG makes use of a stereo vision process, the Ames Stereo Pipeline (ASP), to automatically generate DEMs from consecutive AMC image pairs. Given camera parameters of an image pair from bundle adjustment in ASP, a correlation window is defined on the terrain with the predefined surface normal of a post rather than image domain. The squared error of back-projected images on the local terrain is minimized with respect to the post elevation. This single dimensional optimization is solved efficiently and improves the accuracy of the elevation estimate.

Robust Mosaicking of Stereo Digital Elevation Models from the Ames Stereo Pipeline

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kim, Tae Min; Moratto, Zachary M.; Nefian, Ara Victor

2010-01-01

Robust estimation method is proposed to combine multiple observations and create consistent, accurate, dense Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) from lunar orbital imagery. The NASA Ames Intelligent Robotics Group (IRG) aims to produce higher-quality terrain reconstructions of the Moon from Apollo Metric Camera (AMC) data than is currently possible. In particular, IRG makes use of a stereo vision process, the Ames Stereo Pipeline (ASP), to automatically generate DEMs from consecutive AMC image pairs. However, the DEMs currently produced by the ASP often contain errors and inconsistencies due to image noise, shadows, etc. The proposed method addresses this problem by making use of multiple observations and by considering their goodness of fit to improve both the accuracy and robustness of the estimate. The stepwise regression method is applied to estimate the relaxed weight of each observation.

Biallelic mutation of UNC50, encoding a protein involved in AChR trafficking, is responsible for arthrogryposis.

PubMed

Abiusi, Emanuela; D'Alessandro, Manuela; Dieterich, Klaus; Quevarec, Loic; Turczynski, Sandrina; Valfort, Aurore-Cecile; Mezin, Paulette; Jouk, Pierre Simon; Gut, Marta; Gut, Ivo; Bessereau, Jean Louis; Melki, Judith

2017-10-15

Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) is a developmental condition characterized by multiple joint contractures resulting from reduced or absent fetal movements. Homozygosity mapping of disease loci combined with whole exome sequencing in a consanguineous family presenting with lethal AMC allowed the identification of a homozygous frameshift deletion in UNC50 gene (c.750_751del:p.Cys251Phefs*4) in the index case. To assess the effect of the mutation, an equivalent mutation in the Caenorhabditis elegans orthologous gene was created using CRISPR/Cas9. We demonstrated that unc-50(kr331) modification caused the loss of acetylcholine receptor (AChR) expression in C. elegans muscle. unc-50(kr331) animals were as resistant to the cholinergic agonist levamisole as unc-50 null mutants suggesting that AChRs were no longer expressed in this animal model. This was confirmed by using a knock-in strain in which a red fluorescent protein was inserted into the AChR locus: no signal was detected in unc-50(kr331) background, suggesting that UNC-50, a protein known to be involved in AChR trafficking, was no longer functional. These data indicate that biallelic mutation in the UNC50 gene underlies AMC through a probable loss of AChR expression at the neuromuscular junction which is essential for the cholinergic transmission during human muscle development. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Science at the interstices: an evolution in the academy.

PubMed

Balser, Jeffrey R; Baruchin, Andrea

2008-09-01

Biomedical science is at an evolutionary turning point. Many of the rate-limiting steps to realizing the next generation of personalized, highly targeted diagnostics and therapeutics rest at the interstices between biomedical science and the classic, university-based disciplines, such as physics, mathematics, computational science, engineering, social sciences, business, and law. Institutes, centers, or other entities created to foster interdisciplinary science are rapidly forming to tackle these formidable challenges, but they are plagued with substantive barriers, born of traditions, processes, and culture, which impede scientific progress and endanger success. Without a more seamless interdisciplinary framework, academic health centers will struggle to move transformative advances in technology into the foundation of biomedical science, and the equally challenging advancement of models that effectively integrate new molecular diagnostics and therapies into the business and social fabric of our population will be similarly hampered. At the same time, excess attention on rankings tied to competition for National Institutes of Health and other federal funds adversely encourages academic medical centers (AMCs) and universities to hoard, rather than share, resources effectively and efficiently. To fully realize their discovery potential, AMCs must consider a substantive realignment relative to one another, as well as with their associated universities, as the academy looks toward innovative approaches to provide a more supportive foundation for the emergent biomedical research enterprise. The authors discuss potential models that could serve to lower barriers to interdisciplinary science, promoting a new synergy between AMCs and their parent universities.

Adult Schistosoma mansoni express cathepsin L proteinase activity.

PubMed

Smith, A M; Dalton, J P; Clough, K A; Kilbane, C L; Harrop, S A; Hole, N; Brindley, P J

1994-09-01

This report presents the deduced amino acid sequence of a novel cathepsin L proteinase from Schistosoma mansoni, and describes cathepsin L-like activity in extracts of adult schistosomes. Using consensus primers specific for cysteine proteinases, gene fragments were amplified from adult S. mansoni cDNA by PCR and cloned. One of these fragments showed marked identity to Sm31, the cathepsin B cysteine proteinase of adult S. mansoni, whereas another differed from Sm31 and was employed as a probe to isolate two cDNAs from an adult S. mansoni gene library. Together these cDNAs encoded a novel preprocathepsin L of 319 amino acids; this zymogen is predicted to be processed in vivo into a mature, active cathepsin L proteinase of 215 amino acids. Closest homologies were with cathepsins L from rat, mouse, and chicken (46-47% identity). Southern hybridization analysis suggested that only one or a few copies of the gene was present per genome, demonstrated that its locus was distinct from that of Sm31, and that a homologous sequence was present in Schistosoma japonicum. Because these results indicated that schistosomes expressed a cathepsin L proteinase, extracts of adult S. mansoni were examined for acidic, cysteine proteinase activity. Based on rates of cleavage of peptidyl substrates employed to discriminate between classes of cysteine proteinases, namely cathepsin L (Z-phe-arg-AMC), cathepsin B (Z-arg-arg-AMC) and cathepsin H (Bz-arg-AMC), the extracts were found to contain vigorous cathepsin L-like activity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Leadership values in academic medicine.

PubMed

Souba, Wiley W; Day, David V

2006-01-01

To gain a deeper understanding of the guiding core values that deans of academic medical centers (AMCs) considered most essential for their leadership and the major leadership challenges that confront them. In 2003-04, semistructured interviews of 18 deans at U.S. colleges of medicine or AMCs were organized around four dimensions: background, leadership challenges, organizational effectiveness, and systems enablers/restrainers for leadership. A values Q-sort was used to determine how widely core values were shared among deans and how the complex challenges they faced did or did not align with these values. Fourteen of the 18 (78%) deans identified financial difficulties as their most pressing leadership challenge, followed by weak institutional alignment (61%), staffing problems (33%), and poor morale (28%). Open, candid communication was reported as the most effective means of addressing these complex problems. Enacting espoused shared values and having a positive attitude were identified as the most important enablers of systemic leadership, whereas micromanagement and difficult people were the major restraints. Q-sort results on 38 positive leadership values indicated that participants considered integrity most essential. Integrity was positively correlated with humanistic values and negatively correlated with results. Vision, another highly espoused value, correlated strongly with performance-oriented values but correlated negatively with humanistic values. A dynamic tension exists in AMCs between humanistic values and performance-based core values. The ability to manage that tension (i.e., when to prioritize one set of values over the other) is inherent in a dean's work.

Navigation-synchronized multimodal control wheelchair from brain to alternative assistive technologies for persons with severe disabilities.

PubMed

Puanhvuan, Dilok; Khemmachotikun, Sarawin; Wechakarn, Pongsakorn; Wijarn, Boonyanuch; Wongsawat, Yodchanan

2017-04-01

Currently, electric wheelchairs are commonly used to improve mobility in disabled people. In severe cases, the user is unable to control the wheelchair by themselves because his/her motor functions are disabled. To restore mobility function, a brain-controlled wheelchair (BCW) would be a promising system that would allow the patient to control the wheelchair by their thoughts. P300 is a reliable brain electrical signal, a component of visual event-related potentials (ERPs), that could be used for interpreting user commands. This research aimed to propose a prototype BCW to allowed severe motor disabled patients to practically control a wheelchair for use in their home environment. The users were able to select from 9 possible destination commands in the automatic mode and from 4 directional commands (forward, backward, turn left and right) in the shared-control mode. These commands were selected via the designed P300 processing system. The wheelchair was steered to the desired location by the implemented navigation system. Safety of the user was ensured during wheelchair navigation due to the included obstacle detection and avoidance features. A combination of P300 and EOG was used as a hybrid BCW system. The user could fully operate the system such as enabling P300 detection system, mode shifting and stop/cancelation command by performing a different consecutive blinks to generate eye blinking patterns. The results revealed that the prototype BCW could be operated in either of the proposed modes. With the new design of the LED-based P300 stimulator, the average accuracies of the P300 detection algorithm in the shared-control and automatic modes were 95.31 and 83.42% with 3.09 and 3.79 bits/min, respectively. The P300 classification error was acceptable, as the user could cancel an incorrect command by blinking 2 times. Moreover, the proposed navigation system had a flexible design that could be interfaced with other assistive technologies. This research developed 3 alternative input modules: an eye tracker module and chin and hand controller modules. The user could select the most suitable assistive technology based on his/her level of disability. Other existing assistive technologies could also be connected to the proposed system in the future using the same protocol.

Autonomous Image Analysis for Future Mars Missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gulick, V. C.; Morris, R. L.; Ruzon, M. A.; Bandari, E.; Roush, T. L.

1999-01-01

To explore high priority landing sites and to prepare for eventual human exploration, future Mars missions will involve rovers capable of traversing tens of kilometers. However, the current process by which scientists interact with a rover does not scale to such distances. Specifically, numerous command cycles are required to complete even simple tasks, such as, pointing the spectrometer at a variety of nearby rocks. In addition, the time required by scientists to interpret image data before new commands can be given and the limited amount of data that can be downlinked during a given command cycle constrain rover mobility and achievement of science goals. Experience with rover tests on Earth supports these concerns. As a result, traverses to science sites as identified in orbital images would require numerous science command cycles over a period of many weeks, months or even years, perhaps exceeding rover design life and other constraints. Autonomous onboard science analysis can address these problems in two ways. First, it will allow the rover to preferentially transmit "interesting" images, defined as those likely to have higher science content. Second, the rover will be able to anticipate future commands. For example, a rover might autonomously acquire and return spectra of "interesting" rocks along with a high-resolution image of those rocks in addition to returning the context images in which they were detected. Such approaches, coupled with appropriate navigational software, help to address both the data volume and command cycle bottlenecks that limit both rover mobility and science yield. We are developing fast, autonomous algorithms to enable such intelligent on-board decision making by spacecraft. Autonomous algorithms developed to date have the ability to identify rocks and layers in a scene, locate the horizon, and compress multi-spectral image data. We are currently investigating the possibility of reconstructing a 3D surface from a sequence of images acquired by a robotic arm camera. This would then allow the return of a single completely in focus image constructed only from those portions of individual images that lie within the camera's depth of field. Output from these algorithms could be used to autonomously obtain rock spectra, determine which images should be transmitted to the ground, or to aid in image compression. We will discuss these algorithms and their performance during a recent rover field test.

Fingerstroke time estimates for touchscreen-based mobile gaming interaction.

PubMed

Lee, Ahreum; Song, Kiburm; Ryu, Hokyoung Blake; Kim, Jieun; Kwon, Gyuhyun

2015-12-01

The growing popularity of gaming applications and ever-faster mobile carrier networks have called attention to an intriguing issue that is closely related to command input performance. A challenging mirroring game service, which simultaneously provides game service to both PC and mobile phone users, allows them to play games against each other with very different control interfaces. Thus, for efficient mobile game design, it is essential to apply a new predictive model for measuring how potential touch input compares to the PC interfaces. The present study empirically tests the keystroke-level model (KLM) for predicting the time performance of basic interaction controls on the touch-sensitive smartphone interface (i.e., tapping, pointing, dragging, and flicking). A modified KLM, tentatively called the fingerstroke-level model (FLM), is proposed using time estimates on regression models. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Intelligent lead: a novel HRI sensor for guide robots.

PubMed

Cho, Keum-Bae; Lee, Beom-Hee

2012-01-01

This paper addresses the introduction of a new Human Robot Interaction (HRI) sensor for guide robots. Guide robots for geriatric patients or the visually impaired should follow user's control command, keeping a certain desired distance allowing the user to work freely. Therefore, it is necessary to acquire control commands and a user's position on a real-time basis. We suggest a new sensor fusion system to achieve this objective and we will call this sensor the "intelligent lead". The objective of the intelligent lead is to acquire a stable distance from the user to the robot, speed-control volume and turn-control volume, even when the robot platform with the intelligent lead is shaken on uneven ground. In this paper we explain a precise Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) procedure for this. The intelligent lead physically consists of a Kinect sensor, the serial linkage attached with eight rotary encoders, and an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) and their measurements are fused by the EKF. A mobile robot was designed to test the performance of the proposed sensor system. After installing the intelligent lead in the mobile robot, several tests are conducted to verify that the mobile robot with the intelligent lead is capable of achieving its goal points while maintaining the appropriate distance between the robot and the user. The results show that we can use the intelligent lead proposed in this paper as a new HRI sensor joined a joystick and a distance measure in the mobile environments such as the robot and the user are moving at the same time.

Record Communication in the Mobile Subscriber Environment.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-03-23

level to CINC level. The use of microcomputers has been tested in each of the corps with .. systems referred to as SPADS , AIDS, and a prototype maneuver...John W., GEN (Ret). "Command and Effectiveness and C 3 .’ Defense 83, November 1982, pp. 2-7. STUDENT RESEARCH PAPER 1. McKinney, Joseph W., MAJ

Whitson, Walheim and Love in A/L

NASA Image and Video Library

2008-02-10

S122-E-007662 (10 Feb. 2008) --- Astronauts Peggy Whitson, Expedition 16 commander; Stanley Love and Rex Walheim (bottom), both STS-122 mission specialists, work in the Quest Airlock of the International Space Station while Space Shuttle Atlantis is docked with the station. Two Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) spacesuits are visible in the image.

Civil Society Engagement in the Sulu Archipelago: Mobilizing Vibrant Networks to Win the Peace

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-06-14

average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed ...45 Mission Command Theory ...definitive test of this concept. Rather, they demonstrate the initial plausibility of this theory and encourage future testing. 1An example of these

Navy Maintenance: The P-3 Aircraft Overhaul Program Can Be Improved.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-06-01

Air Sys- tems Command’s Naval Aviation Logistics Center, we obtained data on aircraft turnaround times, mobilization requirements, and aircraft over...480 561 637 P-3 Workload as a Percent of 23 22 25 27 Total FINDING Z: Aplicability of Procedural Changes To Other Aircraft. The GAO observed that the

International Space Station (ISS)

NASA Image and Video Library

2002-06-05

Aboard the Space Shuttle Orbiter Endeavour, the STS-111 mission was launched on June 5, 2002 at 5:22 pm EDT from Kennedy's launch pad. On board were the STS-111 and Expedition Five crew members. Astronauts Kenneth D. Cockrell, commander; Paul S. Lockhart, pilot, and mission specialists Franklin R. Chang-Diaz and Philippe Perrin were the STS-111 crew members. Expedition Five crew members included Cosmonaut Valeri G. Korzun, commander, Astronaut Peggy A. Whitson and Cosmonaut Sergei Y. Treschev, flight engineers. Three space walks enabled the STS-111 crew to accomplish mission objectives: the delivery and installation of a new platform for the ISS robotic arm, the Mobile Base System (MBS) which is an important part of the Station's Mobile Servicing System allowing the robotic arm to travel the length of the Station; the replacement of a wrist roll joint on the Station's robotic arm; and unloading supplies and science experiments from the Leonardo Multi-Purpose Logistics Module, which made its third trip to the orbital outpost. Landing on June 19, 2002, the 14-day STS-111 mission was the 14th Shuttle mission to visit the ISS.

Hardware platform for multiple mobile robots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parzhuber, Otto; Dolinsky, D.

2004-12-01

This work is concerned with software and communications architectures that might facilitate the operation of several mobile robots. The vehicles should be remotely piloted or tele-operated via a wireless link between the operator and the vehicles. The wireless link will carry control commands from the operator to the vehicle, telemetry data from the vehicle back to the operator and frequently also a real-time video stream from an on board camera. For autonomous driving the link will carry commands and data between the vehicles. For this purpose we have developed a hardware platform which consists of a powerful microprocessor, different sensors, stereo- camera and Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) for communication. The adoption of IEEE802.11 standard for the physical and access layer protocols allow a straightforward integration with the internet protocols TCP/IP. For the inspection of the environment the robots are equipped with a wide variety of sensors like ultrasonic, infrared proximity sensors and a small inertial measurement unit. Stereo cameras give the feasibility of the detection of obstacles, measurement of distance and creation of a map of the room.

KSC-02pd0674

NASA Image and Video Library

2002-05-15

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Expedition 5 and STS-111 crews pose at the Shuttle Landing Facility after their arrival to take part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities for launch of mission STS-111. From left, they are the Expedition Five crew -- Commander Valeri Korzun and Sergei Treschev, both of the Russian Space Agency, and Peggy Whitson -- and the STS-111 crew -- Pilot Paul Lockhart, Commander Kenneth Cockrell, and Mission Specialists Phillipe Perrin, of the French Space Agency, and Franklin Chang-Diaz. Expedition 5 will travel on Space Shuttle Endeavour to the International Space Station as a replacement crew for Expedition 4. The TCDT is a rehearsal for launch and includes emergency egress training, familiarization with payload and a simulated launch countdown. Mission STS-111 is a utilization flight that will deliver equipment and supplies to the Station. Along with the Multi-Purpose Logisitics Module Leonardo, the payload includes the Mobile Base System, part of the Canadian Mobile Servicing System, or MSS, and an Orbital Replacement Unit, the replacement wrist/roll joint for the SSRMS (Canadarm2). Launch of Endeavour is scheduled for May 30, 2002

International Space Station (ISS)

NASA Image and Video Library

2002-06-01

Huddled together in the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station (ISS) are the Expedition Four crew (dark blue shirts), Expedition Five crew (medium blue shirts) and the STS-111 crew (green shirts). The Expedition Four crewmembers are, from front to back, Cosmonaut Ury I. Onufrienko, mission commander; and Astronauts Daniel W. Bursch and Carl E. Waltz, flight engineers. The ISS crewmembers are, from front to back, Astronauts Kerneth D. Cockrell, mission commander; Franklin R. Chang-Diaz, mission specialist; Paul S. Lockhart, pilot; and Philippe Perrin, mission specialist. Expedition Five crewmembers are, from front to back, Cosmonaut Valery G. Korzun, mission commander; Astronaut Peggy A. Whitson and Cosmonaut Sergei Y. Treschev, flight engineers. The ISS recieved a new crew, Expedition Five, replacing Expedition Four after a record-setting 196 days in space, when the Space Shuttle Orbiter Endeavour STS-111 mission visited in June 2002. Three spacewalks enabled the STS-111 crew to accomplish additional mission objectives: the delivery and installation of the Mobile Base System (MBS), which is an important part of the station's Mobile Servicing System allowing the robotic arm to travel the length of the station; the replacement of a wrist roll joint on the Station's robotic arm; and unloading supplies and science experiments from the Leonardo Multi-Purpose Logistics Module, which made its third trip to the orbital outpost. The STS-111 mission, the 14th Shuttle mission to visit the ISS, was launched on June 5, 2002 and landed June 19, 2002.

Expedition Crews Four and Five and STS-111 Crew Aboard the ISS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2002-01-01

Huddled together in the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station (ISS) are the Expedition Four crew (dark blue shirts), Expedition Five crew (medium blue shirts) and the STS-111 crew (green shirts). The Expedition Four crewmembers are, from front to back, Cosmonaut Ury I. Onufrienko, mission commander; and Astronauts Daniel W. Bursch and Carl E. Waltz, flight engineers. The ISS crewmembers are, from front to back, Astronauts Kerneth D. Cockrell, mission commander; Franklin R. Chang-Diaz, mission specialist; Paul S. Lockhart, pilot; and Philippe Perrin, mission specialist. Expedition Five crewmembers are, from front to back, Cosmonaut Valery G. Korzun, mission commander; Astronaut Peggy A. Whitson and Cosmonaut Sergei Y. Treschev, flight engineers. The ISS recieved a new crew, Expedition Five, replacing Expedition Four after a record-setting 196 days in space, when the Space Shuttle Orbiter Endeavour STS-111 mission visited in June 2002. Three spacewalks enabled the STS-111 crew to accomplish additional mission objectives: the delivery and installation of the Mobile Base System (MBS), which is an important part of the station's Mobile Servicing System allowing the robotic arm to travel the length of the station; the replacement of a wrist roll joint on the Station's robotic arm; and unloading supplies and science experiments from the Leonardo Multi-Purpose Logistics Module, which made its third trip to the orbital outpost. The STS-111 mission, the 14th Shuttle mission to visit the ISS, was launched on June 5, 2002 and landed June 19, 2002.

STS-111 Flight Day 7 Highlights

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2002-01-01

On Flight Day 7 of STS-111 (Space Shuttle Endeavour crew includes: Kenneth Cockrell, Commander; Paul Lockhart, Pilot; Franklin Chang-Diaz, Mission Specialist; Philippe Perrin, Mission Specialist; International Space Station (ISS) Expedition 5 crew includes Valery Korzun, Commander; Peggy Whitson, Flight Engineer; Sergei Treschev, Flight Engineer; ISS Expedition 4 crew includes: Yury Onufrienko, Commander; Daniel Bursch, Flight Engineer; Carl Walz, Flight Engineer), this video opens with answers to questions asked by the public via e-mail about the altitude of the space station, the length of its orbit, how astronauts differentiate between up and down in the microgravity environment, and whether they hear wind noise during the shuttle's reentry. In video footage shot from inside the Quest airlock, Perrin is shown exiting the station to perform an extravehicular activity (EVA) with Chang-Diaz. Chang-Diaz is shown, in helmet mounted camera footage, attaching cable protection booties to a fish-stringer device with multiple hooks, and Perrin is seen loosening bolts that hold the replacement unit accomodation in launch position atop the Mobile Base System (MBS). Perrin then mounts a camera atop the mast of the MBS. During this EVA, the astronauts installed the MBS on the Mobile Transporter (MT) to support the Canadarm 2 robotic arm. A camera in the Endeavour's payload bay provides footage of the Pacific Ocean, the Baja Peninsula, and Midwestern United States. Plumes from wildfires in Nevada, Idaho, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, and Montana are visible. The station continues over the Great Lakes and the Eastern Provinces of Canada.

STS-111 Flight Day 7 Highlights

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

2002-06-01

On Flight Day 7 of STS-111 (Space Shuttle Endeavour crew includes: Kenneth Cockrell, Commander; Paul Lockhart, Pilot; Franklin Chang-Diaz, Mission Specialist; Philippe Perrin, Mission Specialist; International Space Station (ISS) Expedition 5 crew includes Valery Korzun, Commander; Peggy Whitson, Flight Engineer; Sergei Treschev, Flight Engineer; ISS Expedition 4 crew includes: Yury Onufrienko, Commander; Daniel Bursch, Flight Engineer; Carl Walz, Flight Engineer), this video opens with answers to questions asked by the public via e-mail about the altitude of the space station, the length of its orbit, how astronauts differentiate between up and down in the microgravity environment, and whether they hear wind noise during the shuttle's reentry. In video footage shot from inside the Quest airlock, Perrin is shown exiting the station to perform an extravehicular activity (EVA) with Chang-Diaz. Chang-Diaz is shown, in helmet mounted camera footage, attaching cable protection booties to a fish-stringer device with multiple hooks, and Perrin is seen loosening bolts that hold the replacement unit accomodation in launch position atop the Mobile Base System (MBS). Perrin then mounts a camera atop the mast of the MBS. During this EVA, the astronauts installed the MBS on the Mobile Transporter (MT) to support the Canadarm 2 robotic arm. A camera in the Endeavour's payload bay provides footage of the Pacific Ocean, the Baja Peninsula, and Midwestern United States. Plumes from wildfires in Nevada, Idaho, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, and Montana are visible. The station continues over the Great Lakes and the Eastern Provinces of Canada.

STS-111 crew on top of Launch Pad 39-A during TCDT

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2002-01-01

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- During Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities at Launch Pad 39A, the Expedition 5 and STS-111 crews pose on the 295-foot level. Standing, left to right, are Pilot Paul Lockhart, and the Expedition 5 crew Peggy Whitson, Commander Valeri Korzun and Sergei Treschev. Kneeling in front are Mission Specialist Philippe Perrin, Commander Kenneth Cockrell and Mission Specialist Franklin Chang-Diaz. Korzun and Treschev are with the Russian Space Agency, and Perrin is with the French Space Agency. Seen behind the crews are the top of the orange external tank and one of the white solid rocket boosters. The TCDT includes emergency egress training at the pad and a simulated launch countdown. Mission STS-111 is known as Utilization Flight 2, carrying supplies and equipment in the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo to the International Space Station. The payload also includes the Mobile Base System, which will be installed on the Mobile Transporter to complete the Canadian Mobile Servicing System, or MSS, and a replacement wrist/roll joint for Canadarm 2. The mechanical arm will then have the capability to 'inchworm' from the U.S. Lab Destiny to the MSS and travel along the truss to work sites. Expedition 5 will travel to the Station on Endeavour as the replacement crew for Expedition 4, who will return to Earth aboard the orbiter. Launch is scheduled for May 30, 2002.

KSC-02pd0705

NASA Image and Video Library

2002-05-17

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- During Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities at Launch Pad 39A, the Expedition 5 and STS-111 crews pose on the 295-foot level. Standing, left to right, are Pilot Paul Lockhart, and the Expedition 5 crew Peggy Whitson, Commander Valeri Korzun and Sergei Treschev. Kneeling in front are Mission Specialist Philippe Perrin, Commander Kenneth Cockrell and Mission Specialist Franklin Chang-Diaz. Korzun and Treschev are with the Russian Space Agency, and Perrin is with the French Space Agency. Seen behind the crews are the top of the orange external tank and one of the white solid rocket boosters. The TCDT includes emergency egress training at the pad and a simulated launch countdown. Mission STS-111 is known as Utilization Flight 2, carrying supplies and equipment in the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo to the International Space Station. The payload also includes the Mobile Base System, which will be installed on the Mobile Transporter to complete the Canadian Mobile Servicing System, or MSS, and a replacement wrist/roll joint for Canadarm 2. The mechanical arm will then have the capability to "inchworm" from the U.S. Lab Destiny to the MSS and travel along the truss to work sites. Expedition 5 will travel to the Station on Endeavour as the replacement crew for Expedition 4, who will return to Earth aboard the orbiter. Launch is scheduled for May 30, 2002

Apollo 9 Mission image - Astronaut Russell L. Schweickart, lunar module pilot, during EVA

NASA Image and Video Library

1969-03-03

Astronaut Russell L. Schweickart, lunar module pilot, operates a 70mm Hasselblad camera during his extravehicular activity on the fourth day of the Apollo 9 earth-orbital mission. The Command/Service Module and the Lunar Module 3 "Spider" are docked. This view was taken form the Command Module "Gumdrop". Schweickart, wearing an Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU), is standing in "golden slippers" on the Lunar Module porch. On his back, partially visible, are a Portable Life Support System (PLSS) and an Oxygen Purge System (OPS). Film magazine was A,film type was SO-368 Ektachrome with 0.460 - 0.710 micrometers film / filter transmittance response and haze filter,80mm lens.

STS-111 Crew Interviews: Ken Cockrell, Commander

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2002-01-01

STS-111 Mission Commander Ken Cockrell is seen during this preflight interview, answering questions about his inspiration in becoming an astronaut and provides an overview of the mission. He discusses the following topics: the docking of the Endeavour Orbiter to the International Space Station (ISS), the delivery of the Mobile Base System (MBS) to the ISS, the crew transfer activities (the Expedition 5 crew is replacing the Expedition 4 crew on the ISS), the planned extravehicular activities (EVAs), and the installation of the MBS onto the ISS. Cockrell provides a detailed description of the MBS and its significance for the ISS. He also describes prelaunch activities, mission training and international cooperation during the mission.

Deictic primitives for general purpose navigation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Crismann, Jill D.

1994-01-01

A visually-based deictic primative used as an elementary command set for general purpose navigation was investigated. It was shown that a simple 'follow your eyes' scenario is sufficient for tracking a moving target. Limitations of velocity, acceleration, and modeling of the response of the mechanical systems were enforced. Realistic paths of the robots were produced during the simulation. Scientists could remotely command a planetary rover to go to a particular rock formation that may be interesting. Similarly an expert at plant maintenance could obtain diagnostic information remotely by using deictic primitives on a mobile are used in the deictic primitives, we could imagine that the exact same control software could be used for all of these applications.

Conversion of Provider EMR Training from Instructor-Led Training to eLearning at an Academic Medical Center.

PubMed

Sharp, Karen; Williams, Michele; Aldrich, Alison; Bogacz, Adrienne; Denier, Sighle; McAlearney, Ann S

2017-07-26

This case study overviews the conversion of provider training of the electronic medical record (EMR) from an instructor-led training (ILT) program to eLearning at an Academic Medical Center (AMC). This conversion provided us with both a useful training tool and the opportunity to maximize efficiency within both our training and optimization team and organization. eLearning Development Principles were created and served as a guide to assist us with designing an eLearning curriculum using a five step process. The result was a new training approach that allowed learners to complete training at their own pace, and even test out of sections based on demonstrated competency. The information we have leads us to believe that a substantial return on our investment can be obtained from the conversion with positive impacts that have served as the foundation for the future of end user EMR training at our AMC.

Conformal dual-band textile antenna with metasurface for WBAN application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giman, Fatin Nabilah; Soh, Ping Jack; Jamlos, Mohd Faizal; Lago, Herwansyah; Al-Hadi, Azremi Abdullah; Abdulmalek, Mohamedfareq; Abdulaziz, Nidhal

2017-01-01

This paper presents the design of a dual-band wearable planar slotted dipole integrated with a metasurface. It operates in the 2.45 GHz (lower) and 5.8 GHz (upper) bands and made fully using textiles to suit wireless body area network applications. The metasurface in the form of an artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) plane is formed using a rectangular patch incorporated with a diamond-shaped slot to generate dual-phase response. This plane is then integrated with the planar slotted dipole antenna prior to its assessment in free space and bent configurations. Simulations and measurements indicated a good agreement, and the antenna featured an impedance bandwidth of 164 and 592 MHz in the lower and upper band, respectively. The presence of the AMC plane also minimized the backward radiation toward the human body and enhanced realized gains by up to 3.01 and 7.04 dB in the lower and upper band.

A comprehensive influenza campaign in a managed care setting.

PubMed

Pearson, D C; Jackson, L A; Wagener, B; Sarver, L

1998-11-01

Group Health Cooperative, a large, membership-governed, staff model health maintenance organization (HMO), has designed a comprehensive influenza campaign for identifying, recruiting and vaccinating enrollees at increased risk for influenza-related complications. The Cooperative's Centre for Health Promotion is responsible for the overall planning, implementation and evaluation of the influenza campaign. The model for delivering influenza immunizations has been designed to build on the strengths and capabilities of a staff model HMO with sophisticated automated information systems. The model permits area medical centres (AMCs) and physicians to use the materials and intervention strategies generated by the Centre for Health Promotion, while at the same time allowing them flexibility to design and use their own intervention strategies to increase compliance. More importantly, the model reduces resource requirements on AMCs and physicians to plan and maintain internal immunization efforts. Recommendations for improving the influenza campaign are discussed.

aMC fast: automation of fast NLO computations for PDF fits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bertone, Valerio; Frederix, Rikkert; Frixione, Stefano; Rojo, Juan; Sutton, Mark

2014-08-01

We present the interface between M adG raph5_ aMC@NLO, a self-contained program that calculates cross sections up to next-to-leading order accuracy in an automated manner, and APPL grid, a code that parametrises such cross sections in the form of look-up tables which can be used for the fast computations needed in the context of PDF fits. The main characteristic of this interface, which we dub aMC fast, is its being fully automated as well, which removes the need to extract manually the process-specific information for additional physics processes, as is the case with other matrix-element calculators, and renders it straightforward to include any new process in the PDF fits. We demonstrate this by studying several cases which are easily measured at the LHC, have a good constraining power on PDFs, and some of which were previously unavailable in the form of a fast interface.

Mechanical and Tribological Characteristics of the AMC, Prepared by P/M Route along with Thermo-Mechanical Treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohapatra, Sambit Kumar; Maity, Kalipada; Bhuyan, Subrat Kumar; Prasad Satpathy, Mantra

2018-03-01

Thermo mechanical treatments have the ameliorated impacts on the mechanical and tribological properties of powder metallurgy components. In this investigation an aluminium matrix composite (AMC) {Al (92) + Mg (5) + Gr (1) + Ti (2)} has been prepared by following powder metallurgy technique, with double axial compaction and ulterior sintering. Secondary thermo-mechanical treatment i.e. hot extrusion through mathematical contoured cosine profiled die was considered. The die causes minimum velocity relative differences across the extrusion exit cross-section, which provides smooth material flow. Comparative result analysis for the mechanical and tribological characteristics of the specimen before and after extrusion was concentrated. Extrusion engenders significant amount of improvements of the properties those are attributed to excellent bond strength and uniform density distribution due to high compressive stress. Oxidative and delaminated wear mechanisms were found predominating type. To furnish the suitable explanation scanning electron microscopies have been performed for the wear surfaces.

Operations concepts for Mars missions with multiple mobile spacecraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dias, William C.

1993-01-01

Missions are being proposed which involve landing a varying number (anywhere from one to 24) of small mobile spacecraft on Mars. Mission proposals include sample returns, in situ geochemistry and geology, and instrument deployment functions. This paper discusses changes needed in traditional space operations methods for support of rover operations. Relevant differences include more frequent commanding, higher risk acceptance, streamlined procedures, and reliance on additional spacecraft autonomy, advanced fault protection, and prenegotiated decisions. New methods are especially important for missions with several Mars rovers operating concurrently against time limits. This paper also discusses likely mission design limits imposed by operations constraints .

Innovative telecommunications for law enforcement

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sohn, R. L.

1976-01-01

The operation of computer-aided dispatch, mobile digital communications, and automatic vehicle location systems used in law enforcement is discussed, and characteristics of systems used by different agencies are compared. With reference to computer-aided dispatch systems, the data base components, dispatcher work load, extent of usage, and design trends are surveyed. The capabilities, levels of communication, and traffic load of mobile digital communications systems are examined. Different automatic vehicle location systems are distinguished, and two systems are evaluated. Other aspects of the application of innovative technology to operational command, control, and communications systems for law enforcement agencies are described.

Power Efficient Hardware Architecture of SHA-1 Algorithm for Trusted Mobile Computing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Mooseop; Ryou, Jaecheol

The Trusted Mobile Platform (TMP) is developed and promoted by the Trusted Computing Group (TCG), which is an industry standard body to enhance the security of the mobile computing environment. The built-in SHA-1 engine in TMP is one of the most important circuit blocks and contributes the performance of the whole platform because it is used as key primitives supporting platform integrity and command authentication. Mobile platforms have very stringent limitations with respect to available power, physical circuit area, and cost. Therefore special architecture and design methods for low power SHA-1 circuit are required. In this paper, we present a novel and efficient hardware architecture of low power SHA-1 design for TMP. Our low power SHA-1 hardware can compute 512-bit data block using less than 7,000 gates and has a power consumption about 1.1 mA on a 0.25μm CMOS process.

Land mobile satellite system requirements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kiesling, J. D.

1983-05-01

A Land Mobile Satellite System (LMSS) provides voice, data and related communications services to moving vehicles and persons. Communications between the mobiles and satellite are in the 806-890 MHz band. The satellite translates these signals to a ""fixed services band'' such as 14/12 GHz band (Ku-band), and communicates in this band with fixed terminals called gateways. The gateways are located at convenient places such as telephone switches (which provide entry into the national telephone system), dispatcher headquarters, computer centers, etc. Communications are therefore principally mobile to fixed. A third communications link, also at Ku-band, is needed between the satellite and a single fixed ground station. This link provides satellite command, telemetry and ranging and also provides a network control function. The latter, through a common signalling system, receives requests and assigns channel slots, and otherwise controls, monitors and polices the network and collects billing information.

Land mobile satellite system requirements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kiesling, J. D.

1983-01-01

A Land Mobile Satellite System (LMSS) provides voice, data and related communications services to moving vehicles and persons. Communications between the mobiles and satellite are in the 806-890 MHz band. The satellite translates these signals to a ""fixed services band'' such as 14/12 GHz band (Ku-band), and communicates in this band with fixed terminals called gateways. The gateways are located at convenient places such as telephone switches (which provide entry into the national telephone system), dispatcher headquarters, computer centers, etc. Communications are therefore principally mobile to fixed. A third communications link, also at Ku-band, is needed between the satellite and a single fixed ground station. This link provides satellite command, telemetry and ranging and also provides a network control function. The latter, through a common signalling system, receives requests and assigns channel slots, and otherwise controls, monitors and polices the network and collects billing information.

The Armstrong Institute: An Academic Institute for Patient Safety and Quality Improvement, Research, Training, and Practice.

PubMed

Pronovost, Peter J; Holzmueller, Christine G; Molello, Nancy E; Paine, Lori; Winner, Laura; Marsteller, Jill A; Berenholtz, Sean M; Aboumatar, Hanan J; Demski, Renee; Armstrong, C Michael

2015-10-01

Academic medical centers (AMCs) could advance the science of health care delivery, improve patient safety and quality improvement, and enhance value, but many centers have fragmented efforts with little accountability. Johns Hopkins Medicine, the AMC under which the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the Johns Hopkins Health System are organized, experienced similar challenges, with operational patient safety and quality leadership separate from safety and quality-related research efforts. To unite efforts and establish accountability, the Armstrong Institute for Patient Safety and Quality was created in 2011.The authors describe the development, purpose, governance, function, and challenges of the institute to help other AMCs replicate it and accelerate safety and quality improvement. The purpose is to partner with patients, their loved ones, and all interested parties to end preventable harm, continuously improve patient outcomes and experience, and eliminate waste in health care. A governance structure was created, with care mapped into seven categories, to oversee the quality and safety of all patients treated at a Johns Hopkins Medicine entity. The governance has a Patient Safety and Quality Board Committee that sets strategic goals, and the institute communicates these goals throughout the health system and supports personnel in meeting these goals. The institute is organized into 13 functional councils reflecting their behaviors and purpose. The institute works daily to build the capacity of clinicians trained in safety and quality through established programs, advance improvement science, and implement and evaluate interventions to improve the quality of care and safety of patients.

Academic medicine: a key partner in strengthening the primary care infrastructure via teaching health centers.

PubMed

Rieselbach, Richard E; Crouse, Byron J; Neuhausen, Katherine; Nasca, Thomas J; Frohna, John G

2013-12-01

In the United States, a worsening shortage of primary care physicians, along with structural deficiencies in their training, threaten the primary care system that is essential to ensuring access to high-quality, cost-effective health care. Community health centers (CHCs) are an underused resource that could facilitate rapid expansion of the primary care workforce and simultaneously prepare trainees for 21st-century practice. The Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education (THCGME) program, currently funded by the Affordable Care Act, uses CHCs as training sites for primary-care-focused graduate medical education (GME).The authors propose that the goals of the THCGME program could be amplified by fostering partnerships between CHCs and teaching hospitals (academic medical centers [AMCs]). AMCs would encourage their primary care residency programs to expand by establishing teaching health center (THC) tracks. Modifications to the current THCGME model, facilitated by formal CHC and academic medicine partnerships (CHAMPs), would address the primary care physician shortage, produce physicians prepared for 21st-century practice, expose trainees to interprofessional education in a multidisciplinary environment, and facilitate the rapid expansion of CHC capacity.To succeed, CHAMP THCs require a comprehensive consortium agreement designed to ensure equity between the community and academic partners; conforming with this agreement will provide the high-quality GME necessary to ensure residency accreditation. CHAMP THCs also require a federal mechanism to ensure stable, long-term funding. CHAMP THCs would develop in select CHCs that desire a partnership with AMCs and have capacity for providing a community-based setting for both GME and health services research.

Metafrontier frameworks for studying hospital productivity growth and quality changes.

PubMed

Chen, Kuan-Chen; Chien, Li-Nien; Hsu, Yi-Hsin; Yu, Ming-Miin

2016-12-01

The objective of this study was to evaluate productivity growth and quality changes among different levels of accredited hospitals. This study used an attribute-incorporating Malmquist productivity index (MPI) under the metafrontier framework. This is the first attempt to compare productivity changes among hospitals operating under different production frontiers. The data consisted of 20 academic medical centers (AMCs), 61 metropolitan hospitals (MPs) and 112 local community hospitals (LCs) in Taiwan during the period 2007-2010. This study measured productivity growth and further identified technological gaps and catch-ups in different groups of hospitals with respect to the metafrontier. At the same time, comparisons of changes in quality among different levels of hospitals were also examined. We found that the sample hospitals of AMCs and MPs experienced productivity improvements mainly due to technological progress, but their efficiency and technology gap ratio (TGR) deteriorated. As for LCs, progress in technology along with improvements in their efficiency and TGR led to the highest productivity upgrade among the three groups of hospitals. We also found that the sample hospitals among the three groups showed improvements in quality. Moreover, hospitals in the local community group exhibited greater quality progress than the AMCs and MPs over the sample period. This paper presents a number of useful decompositions of the metafrontier MPI, which can provide useful insights into changes that are due to efficiency, quality improvements and/or technological changes in the healthcare sector. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press in association with the International Society for Quality in Health Care. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com

Local epidemiology and resistance profiles in acute uncomplicated cystitis (AUC) in women: a prospective cohort study in an urban urological ambulatory setting.

PubMed

Seitz, Michael; Stief, Christian; Waidelich, Raphaela

2017-10-16

Acute uncomplicated cystitis (AUC) is a common ailment in the urological setting. Guidelines for urinary tract infections are based on large-scale multi-centre, epidemiological and international studies. The objective of this observational study was to establish whether the results of a multi-centre study on the resistance profile of Escherichia coli (E. coli) in patients with AUC could be directly applied to an urological practice in a major European city or whether there are divergences in the resistance profile. An observational study was applied prospectively to 502 patients with AUC between January 2015 and January 2017). Personal data were anonymised. Exclusion criteria were the patient's age (<18) and treatment with an antibiotic in the week preceding examination. The average age was 32 (range 18-56). The most commonly detected bacteria was E. coli with 86%, followed by Enterococcus faecalis with 10% and Klebsiella pneumoniae with 4%. Resistance tests showed E. coli to be highly sensitive to fosfomycin (99.2%), nitrofurantoin (98.1%) and cefpodoxime (92.9%). E. coli exhibited resistance to ciprofloxacin (CIP) in 15.1%, to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TRS) in 25.2% and to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (AMC) in 34% of cases. The comparison between data from this study and data from a multi-centre European (ECO-SENSI, ECO-SENSII and the 2014 update) showed relatively good sensitivity rates for fosfomycin and nitrofurantoin but significant differences in respect of resistance levels to TRS, CIP and AMC. AUC should therefore only be treated with TRS, CIP and AMC after a susceptibility test has been carried out.

46 CFR 107.265 - Special examination in lieu of drydocking for column stabilized units or surface type units when...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 46 Shipping 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Special examination in lieu of drydocking for column stabilized units or surface type units when specifically approved by the Commandant. 107.265 Section 107.265 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) A-MOBILE OFFSHORE DRILLING UNITS...

46 CFR 107.265 - Special examination in lieu of drydocking for column stabilized units or surface type units when...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 46 Shipping 4 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Special examination in lieu of drydocking for column stabilized units or surface type units when specifically approved by the Commandant. 107.265 Section 107.265 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) A-MOBILE OFFSHORE DRILLING UNITS...

46 CFR 107.265 - Special examination in lieu of drydocking for column stabilized units or surface type units when...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 46 Shipping 4 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Special examination in lieu of drydocking for column stabilized units or surface type units when specifically approved by the Commandant. 107.265 Section 107.265 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) A-MOBILE OFFSHORE DRILLING UNITS...

46 CFR 107.265 - Special examination in lieu of drydocking for column stabilized units or surface type units when...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 46 Shipping 4 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Special examination in lieu of drydocking for column stabilized units or surface type units when specifically approved by the Commandant. 107.265 Section 107.265 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) A-MOBILE OFFSHORE DRILLING UNITS...

46 CFR 107.265 - Special examination in lieu of drydocking for column stabilized units or surface type units when...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 46 Shipping 4 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Special examination in lieu of drydocking for column stabilized units or surface type units when specifically approved by the Commandant. 107.265 Section 107.265 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) A-MOBILE OFFSHORE DRILLING UNITS...

Astronaut Russell Schweickart photographed during EVA

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1969-01-01

Astronaut Russell L. Schweickart, lunar module pilot, stands in 'golden slippers' on the Lunar Module 3 porch during his extravehicular activity on the fourth day of the Apollo 9 earth-orbital mission. This photograph was taken from inside the Lunar Module 'Spider'. The Command/Service Module and Lunar Module were docked. Schweickart is wearing an Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU).

Mobile Cubesat Command and Control (Mc3) 3-Meter Dish Calibration and Capabilities

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-06-01

accuracy of this simple calibration is tested by tracking the sun, an easily accessible celestial body. To track the sun, a Systems Tool Kit ( STK ... visually verified. The shadow created by the dish system when it is pointed directly at the sun is symmetrical. If the dish system is not pointed

Modularity and Perspectives of Command and Control of Contingent Army of the Czech Republic during the Operation in Afghanistan

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-06-01

are provided as needed: − RCP requesting – in favour of mobile patrols, due to engineer reconnaissance in areas with higher risk of IED occurrence... hospitals , EOD and other military specialists gradually operated. PRT established by the Czech Republic within the ISAF operation in the province of Logar

United States Military Posture for FY 1987

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-01-01

monitor, plan, and execute mobilization, deployment, employment, and sustainment during peace, crisis, and war. JOPES requirements are being developed ...positioning 68 Deployment Management 69 VI Sustainability 69 Ammunition 69 Petroleum, Oils, and Lubricants 69 Military Construction 69...Commanders in Chiefs 73 Joint Doctrine 73 Combined Doctrine 74 Joint Force Development Process 74 Joint Resource Assessment 75 Joint Program

Suitability of Agent Technology for Military Command and Control in the Future Combat System Environment

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-06-01

and Multi-Agent Systems 1 no. 1 (1998): 7-38. [23] K. Sycara, A. Pannu , M. Williamson, and D. Zeng, “Distributed Intelligent Agents,” IEEE Expert 11...services that include support for mobility, security, management, persistence, and naming of agents. [i] K. Sycara, A. Pannu , M. Williamson, and D

Derivation of Aerosol Columnar Mass from MODIS Optical Depth

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gasso, Santiago; Hegg, Dean A.

2003-01-01

In order to verify performance, aerosol transport models (ATM) compare aerosol columnar mass (ACM) with those derived from satellite measurements. The comparison is inherently indirect since satellites derive optical depths and they use a proportionality constant to derive the ACM. Analogously, ATMs output a four dimensional ACM distribution and the optical depth is linearly derived. In both cases, the proportionality constant requires a direct intervention of the user by prescribing the aerosol composition and size distribution. This study introduces a method that minimizes the direct user intervention by making use of the new aerosol products of MODIS. A parameterization is introduced for the derivation of columnar aerosol mass (AMC) and CCN concentration (CCNC) and comparisons between sunphotometer, MODIS Airborne Simulator (MAS) and in-measurements are shown. The method still relies on the scaling between AMC and optical depth but the proportionality constant is dependent on the MODIS derived r$_{eff}$,\\eta (contribution of the accumulation mode radiance to the total radiance), ambient RH and an assumed constant aerosol composition. The CCNC is derived fkom a recent parameterization of CCNC as a function of the retrieved aerosol volume. By comparing with in-situ data (ACE-2 and TARFOX campaigns), it is shown that retrievals in dry ambient conditions (dust) are improved when using a proportionality constant dependent on r$ {eff}$ and \\eta derived in the same pixel. In high humidity environments, the improvement inthe new method is inconclusive because of the difficulty in accounting for the uneven vertical distribution of relative humidity. Additionally, two detailed comparisons of AMC and CCNC retrieved by the MAS algorithm and the new method are shown. The new method and MAS retrievals of AMC are within the same order of magnitude with respect to the in-situ measurements of aerosol mass. However, the proposed method is closer to the in-situ measurements than the MODIS retrievals. The retrievals of CCNC are also within the same order of magnitude for both methods. The new method is applied to an actual MODIS retrieval and although no in-situ data is available to compare, it is shown that the proposed method yields more credible values than the MODIS retrievals. In addition, recent data available from the PRIDE (Puerto Rico Dust Experiment, July 2000) will be shown by comparing sunphotometer, MODIS and in-situ data.

Improved understanding of solute concentration-discharge dynamics through state-of-the-art antecedent moisture content (AMC) monitoring and analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eludoyin, A. O.; Brazier, R.; Quine, T.; Bol, R.; Orr, R.; Griffith, B.

2012-04-01

The relationship between solute/sediment concentration and discharge (c-Q) can be neither understood nor predicted without full understanding of the antecedent moisture content (AMC). Many preceding studies have ignored this variable in part because of the problems associated with accurate and full documentation of AMC. This study presents new insights into the control of AMC on c-Q made possible through work on the uniquely well-instrumented 'NorthWyke Farm Platform' which was commissioned in April 2011 as a UK national capability for collaborative research, training and knowledge exchange in agro-environmental sciences for agricultural productivity and ecosystem responses to different management practices. The Farm Platform was designed into 15 hydrological units based on a predicted 50-year flood event, each with H-flume at catchment outlet. 9.2 km of French drains were installed at 800mm soil depth with perforated plastic drainage pipe installed to collect surface and near surface flow from the catchments. Each flume receives flow from 2 branches of each French drain system and discharges via concrete piping and a sampling pit. Where required the catchment is protected from groundwater seepage and surface runoff ingress from adjacent catchment with open ditches and sealed pipes. Discharge is measured at each flume with an ISCO bubbler flowmeter, and concentrations of Total Organic Carbon (TOC), Ammonium (NH4-N), Nitrate (NO3-N), Dissolved Oxygen (DO), total Phosphorus, chloride, pH and turbidity are monitored at 15 minutes intervals. In addition, rainfall, soil temperature and soil moisture are monitored at the same timestep. This study analyses discharge and soil moisture data alongside TOC, NO3-N and PO4-P at 15 min intervals in rain events between November 28 and December 13, 2011. Soil moisture exhibited moderately strong relationships with TOC and NO3 (r≥ -0.38; p≤0.05), but a weak one with PO4. Discharge, on the other hand, exhibited a weak (r ≤0.08; p>0.05) with all the ions. These results suggest that the behaviour of these ions is not explained by discharge alone. Analysis is in progress to determine the influence of soil moisture on hysteresis loops of these ions, as well as their contribution, with other end members to runoff in this study.

Expedition 5 Crew Interviews: Valery Korzun, Commander

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2002-01-01

Expedition 5 Commander Valery Kozun is seen during a prelaunch interview. He gives details on the mission's goals and significance, his role in the mission and what his responsibilities will be as commander, what the crew exchange will be like (the Expedition 5 crew will replace the Expedition 4 crew on the International Space Station (ISS)), the daily life on an extended stay mission, the loading operations that will take place, the experiments he will be conducting on board, and the planned extravehicular activities (EVAs) scheduled for the mission. Kozun discusses the EVAs in greater detail and explains the significance of the Mobile Base System and the Crew Equipment Translation Aid (CETA) cart for the ISS. He also explains at some length the science experiments which will be conducted on board by the Expedition 5 crew members. Korzun also touches on how his previous space experience on Mir (including dealing with a very serious fire) will benefit the Expedition 5 mission.

Analyzing Cyber-Physical Threats on Robotic Platforms.

PubMed

Ahmad Yousef, Khalil M; AlMajali, Anas; Ghalyon, Salah Abu; Dweik, Waleed; Mohd, Bassam J

2018-05-21

Robots are increasingly involved in our daily lives. Fundamental to robots are the communication link (or stream) and the applications that connect the robots to their clients or users. Such communication link and applications are usually supported through client/server network connection. This networking system is amenable of being attacked and vulnerable to the security threats. Ensuring security and privacy for robotic platforms is thus critical, as failures and attacks could have devastating consequences. In this paper, we examine several cyber-physical security threats that are unique to the robotic platforms; specifically the communication link and the applications. Threats target integrity, availability and confidential security requirements of the robotic platforms, which use MobileEyes/arnlServer client/server applications. A robot attack tool (RAT) was developed to perform specific security attacks. An impact-oriented approach was adopted to analyze the assessment results of the attacks. Tests and experiments of attacks were conducted in simulation environment and physically on the robot. The simulation environment was based on MobileSim; a software tool for simulating, debugging and experimenting on MobileRobots/ActivMedia platforms and their environments. The robot platform PeopleBot TM was used for physical experiments. The analysis and testing results show that certain attacks were successful at breaching the robot security. Integrity attacks modified commands and manipulated the robot behavior. Availability attacks were able to cause Denial-of-Service (DoS) and the robot was not responsive to MobileEyes commands. Integrity and availability attacks caused sensitive information on the robot to be hijacked. To mitigate security threats, we provide possible mitigation techniques and suggestions to raise awareness of threats on the robotic platforms, especially when the robots are involved in critical missions or applications.

Analyzing Cyber-Physical Threats on Robotic Platforms †

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

Robots are increasingly involved in our daily lives. Fundamental to robots are the communication link (or stream) and the applications that connect the robots to their clients or users. Such communication link and applications are usually supported through client/server network connection. This networking system is amenable of being attacked and vulnerable to the security threats. Ensuring security and privacy for robotic platforms is thus critical, as failures and attacks could have devastating consequences. In this paper, we examine several cyber-physical security threats that are unique to the robotic platforms; specifically the communication link and the applications. Threats target integrity, availability and confidential security requirements of the robotic platforms, which use MobileEyes/arnlServer client/server applications. A robot attack tool (RAT) was developed to perform specific security attacks. An impact-oriented approach was adopted to analyze the assessment results of the attacks. Tests and experiments of attacks were conducted in simulation environment and physically on the robot. The simulation environment was based on MobileSim; a software tool for simulating, debugging and experimenting on MobileRobots/ActivMedia platforms and their environments. The robot platform PeopleBotTM was used for physical experiments. The analysis and testing results show that certain attacks were successful at breaching the robot security. Integrity attacks modified commands and manipulated the robot behavior. Availability attacks were able to cause Denial-of-Service (DoS) and the robot was not responsive to MobileEyes commands. Integrity and availability attacks caused sensitive information on the robot to be hijacked. To mitigate security threats, we provide possible mitigation techniques and suggestions to raise awareness of threats on the robotic platforms, especially when the robots are involved in critical missions or applications. PMID:29883403

Tank-automotive robotics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lane, Gerald R.

1999-07-01

To provide an overview of Tank-Automotive Robotics. The briefing will contain program overviews & inter-relationships and technology challenges of TARDEC managed unmanned and robotic ground vehicle programs. Specific emphasis will focus on technology developments/approaches to achieve semi- autonomous operation and inherent chassis mobility features. Programs to be discussed include: DemoIII Experimental Unmanned Vehicle (XUV), Tactical Mobile Robotics (TMR), Intelligent Mobility, Commanders Driver Testbed, Collision Avoidance, International Ground Robotics Competition (ICGRC). Specifically, the paper will discuss unique exterior/outdoor challenges facing the IGRC competing teams and the synergy created between the IGRC and ongoing DoD semi-autonomous Unmanned Ground Vehicle and DoT Intelligent Transportation System programs. Sensor and chassis approaches to meet the IGRC challenges and obstacles will be shown and discussed. Shortfalls in performance to meet the IGRC challenges will be identified.

KSC-01pp1511

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-08-20

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The STS-111 crew pause before departing KSC for Houston. The crew spent time in the Space Station Processing Facility for training on the payload they will be transporting: The Mobile Base System (MBS). Standing left to right are Pilot Paul Lockhart, Commander Ken Cockrell and Mission Specialists Phillippe Perrin, with the French space agency CNES, and Franklin Chang-Diaz. During the mission, the MBS will be installed on the Mobile Transporter to complete the Canadian Mobile Servicing System, or MSS. The mechanical arm will then have the capability to "inchworm" from the U.S. Lab Destiny to the MSS and travel along the Truss to work sites. The Expedition Five crew will be replacing Expedition Four. Launch of Endeavour on mission STS-111 is scheduled for April 18, 2002

Remote image analysis for Mars Exploration Rover mobility and manipulation operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Leger, Chris; Deen, Robert G.; Bonitz, Robert G.

2005-01-01

NASA's Mars Exploration Rovers are two sixwheeled, 175-kg robotic vehicles which have operated on Mars for over a year as of March 2005. The rovers are controlled by teams who must understand the rover's surroundings and develop command sequences on a daily basis. The tight tactical planning timeline and everchanging environment call for tools that allow quick assessment of potential manipulator targets and traverse goals, since command sequences must be developed in a matter of hours after receipt of new data from the rovers. Reachability maps give a visual indication of which targets are reachable by each rover's manipulator, while slope and solar energy maps show the rover operator which terrain areas are safe and unsafe from different standpoints.

Navigation Architecture for a Space Mobile Network

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Valdez, Jennifer E.; Ashman, Benjamin; Gramling, Cheryl; Heckler, Gregory W.; Carpenter, Russell

2016-01-01

The Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) Augmentation Service for Satellites (TASS) is a proposed beacon service to provide a global, space based GPS augmentation service based on the NASA Global Differential GPS (GDGPS) System. The TASS signal will be tied to the GPS time system and usable as an additional ranging and Doppler radiometric source. Additionally, it will provide data vital to autonomous navigation in the near Earth regime, including space weather information, TDRS ephemerides, Earth Orientation Parameters (EOP), and forward commanding capability. TASS benefits include enhancing situational awareness, enabling increased autonomy, and providing near real-time command access for user platforms. As NASA Headquarters' Space Communication and Navigation Office (SCaN) begins to move away from a centralized network architecture and towards a Space Mobile Network (SMN) that allows for user initiated services, autonomous navigation will be a key part of such a system. This paper explores how a TASS beacon service enables the Space Mobile Networking paradigm, what a typical user platform would require, and provides an in-depth analysis of several navigation scenarios and operations concepts. This paper provides an overview of the TASS beacon and its role within the SMN and user community. Supporting navigation analysis is presented for two user mission scenarios: an Earth observing spacecraft in low earth orbit (LEO), and a highly elliptical spacecraft in a lunar resonance orbit. These diverse flight scenarios indicate the breadth of applicability of the TASS beacon for upcoming users within the current network architecture and in the SMN.

Sending Learning Pills to Mobile Devices in Class to Enhance Student Performance and Motivation in Network Services Configuration Courses

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Munoz-Organero, M.; Munoz-Merino, P. J.; Kloos, C. D.

2012-01-01

Teaching electrical and computer software engineers how to configure network services normally requires the detailed presentation of many configuration commands and their numerous parameters. Students tend to find it difficult to maintain acceptable levels of motivation. In many cases, this results in their not attending classes and not dedicating…

DoD Cybersecurity Discipline Implementation Plan

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-02-01

provided email services are disabled for commercial mobile devices. N/A Commanders and Supervisors must ensure all servers and network infrastructure ... infrastructure physically and logically. All of these protections come from security measures that are already required. This line of effort supports...networks and critical infrastructure . These threats and risks have been recognized by DoD for several years, and the Department has responded with

Mobilizing Support for Social Control in a Declining Economy: Exploring Ideologies of Crime within Crime News.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barlow, Melissa Hickman; And Others

1995-01-01

Extends exploration of ideologies of crime in the news by examining reports about the causes of crime and commands of what to do about crime in "Time" magazine. Argues that criminal justice policy and ideology have played an important role in developments within the postwar political economy in the United States. (LKS)

A First Cut at Doctrine for Automation of Division Command and Control.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-12-02

34MSE: Mobile Subscriber Equipmentd," Arm-Y Communicator (Fall 1984), pp. 6-22. 20. Anthony L. Borelli and LTC Raymond J. Leopold, "Enhanced JTIDS: High...three, 1985. I’- pp. 85-8,. Berceau, CPT Stan. "ASAS." C2MUG Bulletin. September 1965, pp. 1-2. Borelli , Anthony L. and Leopold, LTC Raymond J

Command History. 1968. Volume 1. Sanitized.

DTIC Science & Technology

1968-01-01

752 Mobility ...... ..... ..... ................................ ..... 756 Artiilery/ Mortar /Rocket/Countermeasures...I- mortar attacks. I urge that we continue to impress upon corn .,anders at all level. the need to remain offensive- minded and to move troops out...in NVN and another month after joining the NVA 95th Regiment in the Konturn- Cambodia border area in July. After firing mortars at A. hamlet near Doc

The Viability of the Air Mobility Command Pure Pallet Program for US Army Reparable Retrograde Shipments

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-03-01

workload falls upon the Army depots in Anniston and Red River in Texarkana , Texas and must rely on the DOD transportation system for air and surface...Dover Air Force Base with final destinations of Red River Army Depot (DOD Activity Address Code: W45G19 and SW3227) in Texarkana , Texas and Anniston

The Posse Comitatus Act and the United States Army: A Historical Perspective

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-01-01

The Los Angeles Police Department ( LAPD ), instead of...escalating violence. At 2356, both the LAPD and the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department urgently requested the mobilization of 2,000 more National Guard... Changed Los Angeles and the LAPD (New York: Times Books, 1997), 304–306. 2. Christopher M. Schnaubelt, “Lessons in Command and Control from the Los

Astronaut Linda Godwin during contingency EVA training in WETF

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1993-01-01

Astronaut Linda M. Godwin, payload commander, prepares to donn her helmet before being submerged in a 25-feet deep pool at JSC's Weightless Environment Training Facility (WETF). STS-59 crewmembers are using the WETF to train for contingency space walks for the shuttle Endeavour mission. Godwin is wearing the extravehicular mobility unit (EMU), communication carrier assembly (CCA) but no helmet.

Robust, Flexible Motion Control for the Mars Explorer Rovers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Maimone, Mark; Biesiadecki, Jeffrey

2007-01-01

The Mobility Flight Software, running on computers aboard the Mars Explorer Rover (MER) robotic vehicles Spirit and Opportunity, affords the robustness and flexibility of control to enable safe and effective operation of these vehicles in traversing natural terrain. It can make the vehicles perform specific maneuvers commanded from Earth, and/or can autonomously administer multiple aspects of mobility, including choice of motion, measurement of actual motion, and even selection of targets to be approached. Motion of a vehicle can be commanded by use of multiple layers of control, ranging from motor control at a low level, direct drive operations (e.g., motion along a circular arc, motion along a straight line, or turn in place) at an intermediate level to goal-position driving (that is, driving to a specified location) at a high level. The software can also perform high-level assessment of terrain and selection of safe paths across the terrain: this involves processing of the digital equivalent of a local traversability map generated from images acquired by stereoscopic pairs of cameras aboard the vehicles. Other functions of the software include interacting with the rest of the MER flight software and performing safety checks.

Micro-video display with ocular tracking and interactive voice control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miller, James E.

1993-01-01

In certain space-restricted environments, many of the benefits resulting from computer technology have been foregone because of the size, weight, inconvenience, and lack of mobility associated with existing computer interface devices. Accordingly, an effort to develop a highly miniaturized and 'wearable' computer display and control interface device, referred to as the Sensory Integrated Data Interface (SIDI), is underway. The system incorporates a micro-video display that provides data display and ocular tracking on a lightweight headset. Software commands are implemented by conjunctive eye movement and voice commands of the operator. In this initial prototyping effort, various 'off-the-shelf' components have been integrated into a desktop computer and with a customized menu-tree software application to demonstrate feasibility and conceptual capabilities. When fully developed as a customized system, the interface device will allow mobile, 'hand-free' operation of portable computer equipment. It will thus allow integration of information technology applications into those restrictive environments, both military and industrial, that have not yet taken advantage of the computer revolution. This effort is Phase 1 of Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Topic number N90-331 sponsored by the Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Newport. The prime contractor is Foster-Miller, Inc. of Waltham, MA.

Apollo 12 Astronauts Peer Out of the Mobile Quarantine Facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1969-01-01

The smiling Apollo 12 astronauts peer out of the window of the mobile quarantine facility aboard the recovery ship, USS Hornet. Pictured (Left to right) are Spacecraft Commander, Charles Conrad; Command Module (CM) Pilot, Richard Gordon; and Lunar Module (LM) Pilot, Alan L. Bean. The crew were housed in the quarantine facility immediately after the Pacific recovery operation took place. The second manned lunar landing mission, Apollo 12 launched from launch pad 39-A at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on November 14, 1969 via a Saturn V launch vehicle. The Saturn V vehicle was developed by the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) under the direction of Dr. Wernher von Braun. The LM, Intrepid, landed astronauts Conrad and Bean on the lunar surface in what's known as the Ocean of Storms while astronaut Richard Gordon piloted the CM, Yankee Clipper, in a parking orbit around the Moon. Lunar soil activities included the deployment of the Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package (ALSEP), finding the unmanned Surveyor 3 that landed on the Moon on April 19, 1967, and collecting 75 pounds (34 kilograms) of rock samples. Apollo 12 returned safely to Earth on November 24, 1969.

Rover Sequencing and Visualization Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cooper, Brian; Hartman, Frank; Maxwell, Scott; Yen, Jeng; Wright, John; Balacuit, Carlos

2005-01-01

The Rover Sequencing and Visualization Program (RSVP) is the software tool for use in the Mars Exploration Rover (MER) mission for planning rover operations and generating command sequences for accomplishing those operations. RSVP combines three-dimensional (3D) visualization for immersive exploration of the operations area, stereoscopic image display for high-resolution examination of the downlinked imagery, and a sophisticated command-sequence editing tool for analysis and completion of the sequences. RSVP is linked with actual flight-code modules for operations rehearsal to provide feedback on the expected behavior of the rover prior to committing to a particular sequence. Playback tools allow for review of both rehearsed rover behavior and downlinked results of actual rover operations. These can be displayed simultaneously for comparison of rehearsed and actual activities for verification. The primary inputs to RSVP are downlink data products from the Operations Storage Server (OSS) and activity plans generated by the science team. The activity plans are high-level goals for the next day s activities. The downlink data products include imagery, terrain models, and telemetered engineering data on rover activities and state. The Rover Sequence Editor (RoSE) component of RSVP performs activity expansion to command sequences, command creation and editing with setting of command parameters, and viewing and management of rover resources. The HyperDrive component of RSVP performs 2D and 3D visualization of the rover s environment, graphical and animated review of rover-predicted and telemetered state, and creation and editing of command sequences related to mobility and Instrument Deployment Device (IDD) operations. Additionally, RoSE and HyperDrive together evaluate command sequences for potential violations of flight and safety rules. The products of RSVP include command sequences for uplink that are stored in the Distributed Object Manager (DOM) and predicted rover state histories stored in the OSS for comparison and validation of downlinked telemetry. The majority of components comprising RSVP utilize the MER command and activity dictionaries to automatically customize the system for MER activities. Thus, RSVP, being highly data driven, may be tailored to other missions with minimal effort. In addition, RSVP uses a distributed, message-passing architecture to allow multitasking, and collaborative visualization and sequence development by scattered team members.

Update on Rover Sequencing and Visualization Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cooper, Brian; Hartman, Frank; Maxwell, Scott; Yen, Jeng; Wright, John; Balacuit, Carlos

2005-01-01

The Rover Sequencing and Visualization Program (RSVP) has been updated. RSVP was reported in Rover Sequencing and Visualization Program (NPO-30845), NASA Tech Briefs, Vol. 29, No. 4 (April 2005), page 38. To recapitulate: The Rover Sequencing and Visualization Program (RSVP) is the software tool to be used in the Mars Exploration Rover (MER) mission for planning rover operations and generating command sequences for accomplishing those operations. RSVP combines three-dimensional (3D) visualization for immersive exploration of the operations area, stereoscopic image display for high-resolution examination of the downlinked imagery, and a sophisticated command-sequence editing tool for analysis and completion of the sequences. RSVP is linked with actual flight code modules for operations rehearsal to provide feedback on the expected behavior of the rover prior to committing to a particular sequence. Playback tools allow for review of both rehearsed rover behavior and downlinked results of actual rover operations. These can be displayed simultaneously for comparison of rehearsed and actual activities for verification. The primary inputs to RSVP are downlink data products from the Operations Storage Server (OSS) and activity plans generated by the science team. The activity plans are high-level goals for the next day s activities. The downlink data products include imagery, terrain models, and telemetered engineering data on rover activities and state. The Rover Sequence Editor (RoSE) component of RSVP performs activity expansion to command sequences, command creation and editing with setting of command parameters, and viewing and management of rover resources. The HyperDrive component of RSVP performs 2D and 3D visualization of the rover s environment, graphical and animated review of rover predicted and telemetered state, and creation and editing of command sequences related to mobility and Instrument Deployment Device (robotic arm) operations. Additionally, RoSE and HyperDrive together evaluate command sequences for potential violations of flight and safety rules. The products of RSVP include command sequences for uplink that are stored in the Distributed Object Manager (DOM) and predicted rover state histories stored in the OSS for comparison and validation of downlinked telemetry. The majority of components comprising RSVP utilize the MER command and activity dictionaries to automatically customize the system for MER activities.

ORGANIC EMISSIONS FROM AUTOMOBILE INTERIORS

EPA Science Inventory

The report gives results of an evaluation of six subcompact automobiles for the emission of vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) and other organics into the passenger compartment. Evaluated were a Ford Pinto, AMC Gremlin, GMC Vega, GMC Chevette, NMC Datsun 710, and VW Rabbit. VCM was qua...

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

KURTZER, GREGORY; MURIKI, KRISHNA

Singularity is a container solution designed to facilitate mobility of compute across systems and HPC infrastructures. It does this by creating minimal containers that are defined by a specfile and files from the host system are used to build the container. The resulting container can then be launched by any Linux computer with Singularity installed regardless if the programs inside the container are present on the target system, or if they are a different version, or even incompatible versions. Singularity achieves extreme portability without sacrificing usability thus solving the need of mobility of compute. Singularity containers can be executed withinmore » a normal/standard command line process flow.« less

KSC-00pp1572

NASA Image and Video Library

2000-09-21

Charles Street, part of the Emergency Preparedness team at KSC, uses a phone on the specially equipped emergency response vehicle. The vehicle, nicknamed “The Brute,” serves as a mobile command center for emergency preparedness staff and other support personnel when needed. It features a conference room, computer work stations, mobile telephones and a fax machine. It also can generate power with its onboard generator. Besides being ready to respond in case of emergencies during launches, the vehicle must be ready to help address fires, security threats, chemical spills, terrorist attaches, weather damage or other critical situations that might face KSC or Cape Canaveral Air Force Station

KSC00pp1572

NASA Image and Video Library

2000-09-21

Charles Street, part of the Emergency Preparedness team at KSC, uses a phone on the specially equipped emergency response vehicle. The vehicle, nicknamed “The Brute,” serves as a mobile command center for emergency preparedness staff and other support personnel when needed. It features a conference room, computer work stations, mobile telephones and a fax machine. It also can generate power with its onboard generator. Besides being ready to respond in case of emergencies during launches, the vehicle must be ready to help address fires, security threats, chemical spills, terrorist attaches, weather damage or other critical situations that might face KSC or Cape Canaveral Air Force Station

Anophthalmos, microphthalmos, and Coloboma in the United kingdom: clinical features, results of investigations, and early management.

PubMed

Shah, Shaheen P; Taylor, Amy E; Sowden, Jane C; Ragge, Nicky; Russell-Eggitt, Isabelle; Rahi, Jugnoo S; Gilbert, Clare E

2012-02-01

To describe the clinical features of children with anophthalmos, microphthalmos, and typical coloboma (AMC). Descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study of the United Kingdom. A total of 135 children with AMC newly diagnosed over an 18-month period beginning in October 2006. Cases were identified using active surveillance through an established ophthalmic surveillance system. Eligible cases were followed up 6 months after first notification. Phenotypic characteristics, both ocular and systemic, clinical investigations, causes, and interventions. A total of 210 eyes (of 135 children) were affected by AMC, of which 153 had isolated coloboma or coloboma with microphthalmos. The most common colobomatous anomaly was a chorioretinal defect present in 109 eyes (71.2%). Some 44% of children were bilaterally visually impaired. Systemic abnormalities were present in 59.7% of children, with craniofacial anomalies being the most common. Children with bilateral disease had a 2.7 times higher odds (95% confidence interval, 1.3-5.5, P = 0.006) of having systemic involvement than unilaterally affected children. Neurologic imaging was the most frequent investigation (58.5%) performed. Less than one third (30.3%) of the children with microphthalmos had ocular axial lengths measured. Eight children had confirmed genetic mutations. Approximately half (49.2%) of the children required ocular intervention. Colobomatous defects were the most common phenotype within this spectrum of anomalies in the United Kingdom. The high frequency of posterior segment colobomatous involvement means that a dilated fundal examination should be made in all cases. The significant visual and systemic morbidity in affected children underlines the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to management. Copyright © 2012 American Academy of Ophthalmology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Microbiological evaluation of ready-to-eat iceberg lettuce during shelf-life and effectiveness of household washing methods

PubMed Central

Bencardino, Daniela; Vitali, Luca Agostino; Petrelli, Dezemona

2018-01-01

The aim of this study was to assess the microbiological quality of ready-to-eat (RTE) iceberg lettuce. Our investigation was based on the consumption tendency of university students considered a target market for this product. A total of 78 RTE samples were collected from chain supermarkets and analysed for the enumeration of aerobic mesophilic count (AMC), Escherichia coli and the detection of Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes. All samples were negative for the presence of pathogens. The mean value of AMC at the beginning, in the middle and after the expiration date was: 6.88, 8.51 and 8.72 log CFU g-1, respectively. The same investigation was performed on 12 samples of fresh iceberg lettuce samples. No pathogens were found and the mean value of AMC was lower than the RTE category (5.73 log CFU g-1; P<0.05). The effectiveness of 5 washing methods was determined on 15 samples of both fresh and RTE iceberg lettuce. Samples were washed for 15’ and 30’ in tap water (500 mL), tap water with NaCl (4 g/500 mL), tap water with bicarbonate (8 g/500 mL), tap water with vinegar (10 mL/500 mL) and tap water with chlorine-based disinfectant (10 mL/500 mL). A significant bacterial load reduction was recorded for vinegar and disinfectant after 30’ and 15’, respectively. Overall, these results showed that RTE iceberg lettuce is more contaminated than the fresh product. Also, the consumption in the first few days of packaging and after washing with disinfectants reduces the risk for health consumers. PMID:29732325

Confronting conflict: addressing institutional conflicts of interest in academic medical centers.

PubMed

Liang, Bryan A; Mackey, Tim

2010-01-01

Individual conflicts of interest are rife in healthcare, and substantial attention has been given to address them. Yet a more substantive concern-institutional conflicts of interest ("ICOIs") in academic medical centers ("AMCs") engaged in research and clinical care-have yet to garner sufficient attention, despite their higher stakes for patient safety and welfare. ICOIs are standard in AMCs, are virtually unregulated, and have led to patient deaths. Upon review of ICOIs, we find a clear absence of substantive efforts to confront these conflicts. We also assess the Jesse Gelsinger case, which resulted in the death of a study participant exemplifying a deep-seated culture of institutional indifference and complicity in unmanaged conflicts. Federal policy, particularly the Bayh-Dole Act, also creates and promotes ICOIs. Efforts to address ICOIs are narrow or abstract, and do not provide for a systemic infrastructure with effective enforcement mechanisms. Hence, in this paper, we provide a comprehensive proposal to address ICOIs utilizing a "Centralized System" model that would proactively review, manage, approve, and conduct assessments of conflicts, and would have independent power to evaluate and enforce any violations via sanctions. It would also manage any industry funds and pharmaceutical samples and be a condition of participation in public healthcare reimbursement and federal grant funding. The ICOI policy itself would provide for disclosure requirements, separate management of commercial enterprise units from academic units, voluntary remediation of conflicts, and education on ICOIs. Finally, we propose a new model of medical education-academic detailing-in place of current marketing-focused "education." Using such a system, AMCs can wean themselves from industry reliance and promote a culture of accountability and independence from industry influence. By doing so, clinical research and treatment can return to a focus on patient care, not profits.

Eruptive and tectonic history of the Endeavour Segment, Juan de Fuca Ridge, based on AUV mapping data and lava flow ages

USGS Publications Warehouse

Clague, David A.; Dreyer, Brian M; Paduan, Jennifer B; Martin, Julie F; Caress, David W; Gillespie, James B.; Kelley, Deborah S; Thomas, Hans; Portner, Ryan A; Delaney, John R; Guilderson, Thomas P.; McGann, Mary L.

2014-01-01

High-resolution bathymetric surveys from autonomous underwater vehicles ABE and D. Allan B. were merged to create a coregistered map of 71.7 km2 of the Endeavour Segment of the Juan de Fuca Ridge. Radiocarbon dating of foraminifera in cores from three dives of remotely operated vehicle Doc Ricketts provide minimum eruption ages for 40 lava flows that are combined with the bathymetric data to outline the eruptive and tectonic history. The ages range from Modern to 10,700 marine-calibrated years before present (yr BP). During a robust magmatic phase from >10,700 yr BP to ~4300 yr BP, flows erupted from an axial high and many flowed >5 km down the flanks; some partly buried adjacent valleys. Axial magma chambers (AMCs) may have been wider than today to supply dike intrusions over a 2 km wide axial zone. Summit Seamount formed by ~4770 yr BP and was subsequently dismembered during a period of extension with little volcanism starting ~4300 yr BP. This tectonic phase with only rare volcanic eruptions lasted until ~2300 yr BP and may have resulted in near-solidification of the AMCs. The axial graben formed by crustal extension during this period of low magmatic activity. Infrequent eruptions occurred on the flanks between 2620–1760 yr BP and within the axial graben since ~1750 yr BP. This most recent phase of limited volcanic and intense hydrothermal activity that began ~2300 yr BP defines a hydrothermal phase of ridge development that coincides with the present-day 1 km wide AMCs and overlying hydrothermal vent fields.

Mobile robots IV; Proceedings of the Meeting, Philadelphia, PA, Nov. 6, 7, 1989

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wolfe, W.J.; Chun, W.H.

1990-01-01

The present conference on mobile robot systems discusses high-speed machine perception based on passive sensing, wide-angle optical ranging, three-dimensional path planning for flying/crawling robots, navigation of autonomous mobile intelligence in an unstructured natural environment, mechanical models for the locomotion of a four-articulated-track robot, a rule-based command language for a semiautonomous Mars rover, and a computer model of the structured light vision system for a Mars rover. Also discussed are optical flow and three-dimensional information for navigation, feature-based reasoning trail detection, a symbolic neural-net production system for obstacle avoidance and navigation, intelligent path planning for robot navigation in an unknown environment,more » behaviors from a hierarchical control system, stereoscopic TV systems, the REACT language for autonomous robots, and a man-amplifying exoskeleton.« less

KSC-02pd0554

NASA Image and Video Library

2002-04-23

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-111 crew looks at the replacement pitch roll joint for the SSRMS (Canadarm 2) they will be installing on the mission to the International Space Station. The crew comprises Commander Kenneth Cockrell, Pilot Paul Lockhart, and Mission Specialists Franklin Chang-Diaz and Phillippe Perrin, who is with the French Space Agency. Part of the payload on mission STS-111 is the Mobile Base System (MBS), which will be installed on the Mobile Transporter to complete the Canadian Mobile Servicing System, or MSS. The mechanical arm will then have the capability to "inchworm" from the U.S. Lab Destiny to the MSS and travel along the truss to work sites. STS-111 is the second utilization flight (UF-2) to the Space Station and will also carry the Expedition 5 crew to replace Expedition 4. Launch is scheduled for May 30, 2002

KSC-02pd0555

NASA Image and Video Library

2002-04-23

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-111 crew looks at the replacement pitch roll joint for the SSRMS (Canadarm 2) they will be installing on the mission to the International Space Station. The crew comprises Commander Kenneth Cockrell, Pilot Paul Lockhart, and Mission Specialists Franklin Chang-Diaz and Phillippe Perrin, who is with the French Space Agency. Part of the payload on mission STS-111 is the Mobile Base System (MBS), which will be installed on the Mobile Transporter to complete the Canadian Mobile Servicing System, or MSS. The mechanical arm will then have the capability to "inchworm" from the U.S. Lab Destiny to the MSS and travel along the truss to work sites. STS-111 is the second utilization flight (UF-2) to the Space Station and will also carry the Expedition 5 crew to replace Expedition 4. Launch is scheduled for May 30, 2002

Analysis, comparison, and contrast of two primary maintenance contracting techniques used by the Florida Department of Transportation.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-08-01

The Florida Department of Transportations (FDOT) Asset Maintenance Contracting Program (AMC) was analyzed during this study to determine if it reduced cost or affected work quality when compared with more-traditional contracts. A survey was conduc...

PRE-QAPP AGREEMENT (PQA) AND ANALYTICAL METHOD CHECKLISTS (AMCS): TOOLS FOR PLANNING RESEARCH PROJECTS

EPA Science Inventory

The Land Remediation and Pollution Control Division (LRPCD) QA Manager strives to assist LRPCD researchers in developing functional planning documents for their research projects. As part of the planning process, several pieces of information are needed, including information re...

The AIST Managed Cloud Environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cook, S.

2016-12-01

ESTO is currently in the process of developing and implementing the AIST Managed Cloud Environment (AMCE) to offer cloud computing services to ESTO-funded PIs to conduct their project research. AIST will provide projects access to a cloud computing framework that incorporates NASA security, technical, and financial standards, on which project can freely store, run, and process data. Currently, many projects led by research groups outside of NASA do not have the awareness of requirements or the resources to implement NASA standards into their research, which limits the likelihood of infusing the work into NASA applications. Offering this environment to PIs will allow them to conduct their project research using the many benefits of cloud computing. In addition to the well-known cost and time savings that it allows, it also provides scalability and flexibility. The AMCE will facilitate infusion and end user access by ensuring standardization and security. This approach will ultimately benefit ESTO, the science community, and the research, allowing the technology developments to have quicker and broader applications.

Does attention redirection contribute to the effectiveness of attention bias modification on social anxiety?

PubMed

Yao, Nisha; Yu, Hongyu; Qian, Mingyi; Li, Songwei

2015-12-01

Attention bias modification (ABM) is designed to modify threat-related attention bias and thus alleviate anxiety. The current research examined whether consistently directing attention towards targeted goals per se contributes to ABM efficacy. We randomly assigned 68 non-clinical college students with elevated social anxiety to non-valence-specific attend-to-geometrics (AGC), attention modification (AMC), or attention control (ACC) conditions. We assessed subjective, behavioral, and physiological reactivity to a speech task and self-reported social anxiety symptoms. After training, participants in the AMC exhibited an attention avoidance from threat, and those in the AGC responded more rapidly toward targeted geometrics. There was a significant pre- to post-reduction in subjective speech distress across groups, but behavioral and physiological reactivity to speech, as well as self-report social anxiety symptoms, remained unchanged. These results lead to questions concerning effectiveness of ABM training for reducing social anxiety. Further examination of the current ABM protocol is required. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Regulatory impairments following selective kainic acid lesions of the neostriatum.

PubMed

Dunnett, S B; Iversen, S D

1980-12-01

Kainic acid lesions were made to the anteromedial (AMC) or ventrolateral (VLC) caudate nucleus and the projection areas of medial and sulcal prefrontal cortex (PFC), respectively. By the second day following lesion, all control and AMC rats had recovered normal food and water intake. By contrast, VLC lesions resulted in severe aphagia and adipsia lasting 3-15 days, accompanied by a rapid loss in weight. Animals were kept alive by palatable food supplement and force-feeding as required. Once all animals had recovered normal food and water intake (3-5 weeks) drinking to various physiological challenges--5% hypertonic saline s.c., food deprivation, quinine adulteration of water and 40% polyethylene glycol--were found to be normal in both lesion groups. By 3 months after lesion the groups did not differ in weight. Acute aphagia and adipsia had been reported following ablation of the sulcal but not the medial PFC in rats. The present experiment obtains parallel results in the PFC projection areas within the neostriatum.

Automatic Modulation Classification Based on Deep Learning for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.

PubMed

Zhang, Duona; Ding, Wenrui; Zhang, Baochang; Xie, Chunyu; Li, Hongguang; Liu, Chunhui; Han, Jungong

2018-03-20

Deep learning has recently attracted much attention due to its excellent performance in processing audio, image, and video data. However, few studies are devoted to the field of automatic modulation classification (AMC). It is one of the most well-known research topics in communication signal recognition and remains challenging for traditional methods due to complex disturbance from other sources. This paper proposes a heterogeneous deep model fusion (HDMF) method to solve the problem in a unified framework. The contributions include the following: (1) a convolutional neural network (CNN) and long short-term memory (LSTM) are combined by two different ways without prior knowledge involved; (2) a large database, including eleven types of single-carrier modulation signals with various noises as well as a fading channel, is collected with various signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) based on a real geographical environment; and (3) experimental results demonstrate that HDMF is very capable of coping with the AMC problem, and achieves much better performance when compared with the independent network.

Automatic Modulation Classification Based on Deep Learning for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

PubMed Central

Ding, Wenrui; Zhang, Baochang; Xie, Chunyu; Li, Hongguang; Liu, Chunhui; Han, Jungong

2018-01-01

Deep learning has recently attracted much attention due to its excellent performance in processing audio, image, and video data. However, few studies are devoted to the field of automatic modulation classification (AMC). It is one of the most well-known research topics in communication signal recognition and remains challenging for traditional methods due to complex disturbance from other sources. This paper proposes a heterogeneous deep model fusion (HDMF) method to solve the problem in a unified framework. The contributions include the following: (1) a convolutional neural network (CNN) and long short-term memory (LSTM) are combined by two different ways without prior knowledge involved; (2) a large database, including eleven types of single-carrier modulation signals with various noises as well as a fading channel, is collected with various signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) based on a real geographical environment; and (3) experimental results demonstrate that HDMF is very capable of coping with the AMC problem, and achieves much better performance when compared with the independent network. PMID:29558434

Lifelink: 3G-based mobile telemedicine system.

PubMed

Alis, Christian; del Rosario, Carlos; Buenaobra, Bernardino; Mar Blanca, Carlo

2009-04-01

Current wired telemedicine systems encounter difficulties when implemented in archipelagic developing countries because of the high cost of fixed infrastructure. In this research, we devised Lifelink, a mobile real-time telemonitoring and diagnostic facility to command and control remote medical devices through mobile phones. The whole process is phone-based, effectively freeing offsite medical specialists from stationary monitoring consoles and endowing the system with the potential to increase the number participating consultants. The electrocardiogram (ECG) readings are analyzed using a detrended fluctuation technique and classified into pathological cases using an unassisted K-means clustering algorithm. We analyzed 30 batches of 2-hour ECG signals taken from cardiac patients (20 males, 10 females, mean age 46.7 years) with pre-diagnosed pathologies. The method successfully categorized the 30 subjects without user intervention into the following cases: normal (at 86.7% accuracy), congestive heart failure (86.7%), and atrial fibrillation (80.0%). The synergy of mobile monitoring and fluctuation analysis presents a powerful platform to reach remote, underserved communities with poor or nonexistent wired communication structures. It is likely to be essential in the development of new mobile diagnostic and prognostic measures.

Development of an advanced mobile base for personal mobility and manipulation appliance generation II robotic wheelchair.

PubMed

Wang, Hongwu; Candiotti, Jorge; Shino, Motoki; Chung, Cheng-Shiu; Grindle, Garrett G; Ding, Dan; Cooper, Rory A

2013-07-01

This paper describes the development of a mobile base for the Personal Mobility and Manipulation Appliance Generation II (PerMMA Gen II robotic wheelchair), an obstacle-climbing wheelchair able to move in structured and unstructured environments, and to climb over curbs as high as 8 inches. The mechanical, electrical, and software systems of the mobile base are presented in detail, and similar devices such as the iBOT mobility system, TopChair, and 6X6 Explorer are described. The mobile base of PerMMA Gen II has two operating modes: "advanced driving mode" on flat and uneven terrain, and "automatic climbing mode" during stair climbing. The different operating modes are triggered either by local and dynamic conditions or by external commands from users. A step-climbing sequence, up to 0.2 m, is under development and to be evaluated via simulation. The mathematical model of the mobile base is introduced. A feedback and a feed-forward controller have been developed to maintain the posture of the passenger when driving over uneven surfaces or slopes. The effectiveness of the controller has been evaluated by simulation using the open dynamics engine tool. Future work for PerMMA Gen II mobile base is implementation of the simulation and control on a real system and evaluation of the system via further experimental tests.

Development of an advanced mobile base for personal mobility and manipulation appliance generation II robotic wheelchair

PubMed Central

Wang, Hongwu; Candiotti, Jorge; Shino, Motoki; Chung, Cheng-Shiu; Grindle, Garrett G.; Ding, Dan; Cooper, Rory A.

2013-01-01

Background This paper describes the development of a mobile base for the Personal Mobility and Manipulation Appliance Generation II (PerMMA Gen II robotic wheelchair), an obstacle-climbing wheelchair able to move in structured and unstructured environments, and to climb over curbs as high as 8 inches. The mechanical, electrical, and software systems of the mobile base are presented in detail, and similar devices such as the iBOT mobility system, TopChair, and 6X6 Explorer are described. Findings The mobile base of PerMMA Gen II has two operating modes: “advanced driving mode” on flat and uneven terrain, and “automatic climbing mode” during stair climbing. The different operating modes are triggered either by local and dynamic conditions or by external commands from users. A step-climbing sequence, up to 0.2 m, is under development and to be evaluated via simulation. The mathematical model of the mobile base is introduced. A feedback and a feed-forward controller have been developed to maintain the posture of the passenger when driving over uneven surfaces or slopes. The effectiveness of the controller has been evaluated by simulation using the open dynamics engine tool. Conclusion Future work for PerMMA Gen II mobile base is implementation of the simulation and control on a real system and evaluation of the system via further experimental tests. PMID:23820149

Human-Robot Interaction Directed Research Project

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sandor, Aniko; Cross, Ernest V., II; Chang, M. L.

2014-01-01

Human-robot interaction (HRI) is a discipline investigating the factors affecting the interactions between humans and robots. It is important to evaluate how the design of interfaces and command modalities affect the human's ability to perform tasks accurately, efficiently, and effectively when working with a robot. By understanding the effects of interface design on human performance, workload, and situation awareness, interfaces can be developed to appropriately support the human in performing tasks with minimal errors and with appropriate interaction time and effort. Thus, the results of research on human-robot interfaces have direct implications for the design of robotic systems. This DRP concentrates on three areas associated with interfaces and command modalities in HRI which are applicable to NASA robot systems: 1) Video Overlays, 2) Camera Views, and 3) Command Modalities. The first study focused on video overlays that investigated how Augmented Reality (AR) symbology can be added to the human-robot interface to improve teleoperation performance. Three types of AR symbology were explored in this study, command guidance (CG), situation guidance (SG), and both (SCG). CG symbology gives operators explicit instructions on what commands to input, whereas SG symbology gives operators implicit cues so that operators can infer the input commands. The combination of CG and SG provided operators with explicit and implicit cues allowing the operator to choose which symbology to utilize. The objective of the study was to understand how AR symbology affects the human operator's ability to align a robot arm to a target using a flight stick and the ability to allocate attention between the symbology and external views of the world. The study evaluated the effects type of symbology (CG and SG) has on operator tasks performance and attention allocation during teleoperation of a robot arm. The second study expanded on the first study by evaluating the effects of the type of navigational guidance (CG and SG) on operator task performance and attention allocation during teleoperation of a robot arm through uplinked commands. Although this study complements the first study on navigational guidance with hand controllers, it is a separate investigation due to the distinction in intended operators (i.e., crewmembers versus ground-operators). A third study looked at superimposed and integrated overlays for teleoperation of a mobile robot using a hand controller. When AR is superimposed on the external world, it appears to be fixed onto the display and internal to the operators' workstation. Unlike superimposed overlays, integrated overlays often appear as three-dimensional objects and move as if part of the external world. Studies conducted in the aviation domain show that integrated overlays can improve situation awareness and reduce the amount of deviation from the optimal path. The purpose of the study was to investigate whether these results apply to HRI tasks, such as navigation with a mobile robot. HRP GAPS This HRI research contributes to closure of HRP gaps by providing information on how display and control characteristics - those related to guidance, feedback, and command modalities - affect operator performance. The overarching goals are to improve interface usability, reduce operator error, and develop candidate guidelines to design effective human-robot interfaces.

Marine Special Operations Helicopter Unit: Viability in the Joint Force of 2020

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-04-18

competitive globalized environment will increase the requirements for aviation support. With a dedicated Marine Special Operations Helicopter Squadron...efficiency in planning, training, and execution will provide for precise timely and accurate organic fires, direct mobility support, and reduce the...Fulfilling the gap in Marine Special Operations Command with a dedicated Marine special operations helicopter unit is necessary. Concisely, this will

Coast Guard Polar Icebreaker Modernization: Background and Issues for Congress

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-02-11

Efforts to Identify Arctic Requirements Are Ongoing, but More Communication about Agency Planning Efforts Would Be Beneficial, GAO-10- 870, September...icebreakers also have substantial command, control, and communications capabilities. The flexibility and mobility of polar icebreakers would assist...Fisheries enforcement in Bering Sea to prevent foreign fishing in U.S. waters and overfishing —Capability to conduct search and rescue in Beaufort Sea