Magnetic phase diagram and electronic structure of UPt 2 Si 2 at high magnetic fields: A possible field-induced Lifshitz transition

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

Grachtrup, D. Schulze; Steinki, N.; Süllow, S.

2017-04-14

We have measured Hall effect, magnetotransport and magnetostriction on the field induced phases of single crystalline UPt2Si2 in magnetic fields up to 60T at temperatures down to 50mK, this way firmly establishing the phase diagram for magnetic fields Bka and c axes. Moreover, for Bkc axis we observe strong changes in the Hall effect at the phase boundaries. From a comparison to band structure calculations utilizing the concept of a dual nature of the uranium 5f electrons, we propose that these represent field induced topological changes of the Fermi surface due to at least one Lifshitz transition. Furthermore, we findmore » a unique history dependence of the magnetotransport and magnetostriction data, indicating that the proposed Lifshitz type transition is of a discontinuous nature, as predicted for interacting electron systems.« less

Aeronautical Wind Tunnels, Europe and Asia

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-02-01

User Fees Contact Information Dr. Surjatin Wiriadidjaja, UPT-LAGG, BPP Teknologi, Puspiptek, Serpong, Tangerang 15310, Indonesia. Tel: (62) 21 756...of the tunnel, FFA T1500 Transonic Wind Tunnel Circuit (Sweden) manufactured by The Swedish Defense Research Agency (FOI). 2.4 m Transonic Wind

Designing biochars for in situ remediation of metal contaminated mine spoils

EPA Science Inventory

Biochar in conjunction with other soil amendments can be used for in situ remediation of metal-contaminated mine spoils for improved site phytostabilization. For successful phytostabilization to occur, biochar must improve mine spoil health with respect to plant rooting plus upt...

Designing biochars for in situ remediation of metal contaminated mine spoils.

EPA Science Inventory

Biochar in conjunction with other soil amendments can be used for in situ remediation of metal-contaminated mine spoils for improved site phytostabilization. For successful phytostabilization to occur, biochar must improve mine spoil health with respect to plant rooting plus upt...

Contracting Deployment Customer Guide.

DTIC Science & Technology

1996-12-01

functional managers from the major commands expressed the need to develop a Customer Guide for contingency deployments which would standardize, simplify, and...streamline the support our Contingency Contracting Officers (CCOs) provide to our customers .

Economically viable biochemical processes for the advanced rural biorefinery and downstream recovery operations

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Rural biorefineries offer an alternative to traditional ethanol production by providing the opportunity to produce fuel on site to reduce costs associated with biomass transportation thus making the fuel economically viable. Widespread installation of rural biorefineries could lead to increased upt...

Maintenance decision support system deployment guide

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2008-07-01

This is a guide for transportation professionals on why and how to deploy winter Maintenance Decision Support Systems (MDSS). Adverse winter weather can cause traffic delays and crashes. Treating the effects of winter weather can also have impacts on...

Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction and magnetic anisotropies in Uranium compounds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sandratskii, L. M.

2018-05-01

We report on the first-principles study of complex noncollinear magnetic structures in Uranium compounds. We contrast two cases. The first is the periodic magnetic structure of U2Pd2In with exactly orthogonal atomic moments, the second is an incommensurate plane spiral structure of UPtGe where the angle between atomic moments of nearest neighbors is also close to 90°. We demonstrate that the hierarchy of magnetic interactions leading to the formation of the magnetic structure is opposite in the two cases. In U2Pd2In, the magnetic anisotropy plays the leading role, followed by the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction (DMI) interaction specifying the chirality of the structure. Here, the interatomic exchange interaction does not play important role. In UPtGe the hierarchy of the interactions is opposite. The leading interaction is the interatomic exchange interaction responsible for the formation of the incommensurate spiral structure followed by the DMI responsible for the selected chirality of the helix. The magnetic anisotropy is very weak that is a prerequisite for keeping the distortion of the helical structure weak.

VOLTTRON 3.0: User Guide

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

Lutes, Robert G.; Haack, Jereme N.; Katipamula, Srinivas

This document is a user guide for the deployment of the transactional network platform and agent/application development within VOLTTRON. The intent of this user guide is to provide a description of the functionality of the transactional network platform. This document describes how to deploy the platform, including installation, use, guidance, and limitations. It also describes how additional features can be added to enhance its current functionality.

VOLTTRON 2.0: User Guide

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

Lutes, Robert G.; Haack, Jereme N.; Katipamula, Srinivas

This document is a user guide for the deployment of the transactional network platform and agent/application development within VOLTTRON. The intent of this user guide is to provide a description of the functionality of the transactional network platform. This document describes how to deploy the platform, including installation, use, guidance, and limitations. It also describes how additional features can be added to enhance its current functionality.

Army Guide to Deployment Health: Health Threat Information and Countermeasures

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-01-01

TITLE AND SUBTITLE Army Guide to Deployment Health 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR (S) 5d. PROJECT...duration of deployment, whichever is less (amount required may vary – confirm individual requirements with a health care provider, medical authority ...feeding rodents can contaminate food and they can spread serious life-threatening diseases such as Hantavirus or plague. ` do not allow trash or garbage

Nodal lines and nodal loops in nonsymmorphic odd-parity superconductors

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

Micklitz, T.; Norman, M. R.

2017-01-01

We discuss the nodal structure of odd-parity superconductors in the presence of nonsymmorphic crystal symmetries, both with and without spin-orbit coupling, and with and without time-reversal symmetry. We comment on the relation of our work to previous work in the literature, and also the implications for unconventional superconductors such as UPt3.

Advanced Simulation in Undergraduate Pilot Training: Systems Integration. Final Report (February 1972-March 1975).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Larson, D. F.; Terry, C.

The Advanced Simulator for Undergraduate Pilot Training (ASUPT) was designed to investigate the role of simulation in the future Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT) program. The problem addressed in this report was one of integrating two unlike components into one synchronized system. These two components were the Basic T-37 Simulators and their…

The Deployment Life Study: Longitudinal Analysis of Military Families Across the Deployment Cycle

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-01-01

psychological and physical aggression than they reported prior to the deployment. 1 H. Fischer, A Guide to U.S. Military Casualty Statistics ...analyses include a large number of statistical tests and thus the results pre- sented in this report should be viewed in terms of patterns, rather...Military Children and Families,” The Future of Children, Vol. 23, No. 2, 2013, pp. 13–39. Fischer, H., A Guide to U.S. Military Casualty Statistics

Advanced Simulation in Undergraduate Pilot Training: Automatic Instructional System. Final Report for the Period March 1971-January 1975.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Faconti, Victor; Epps, Robert

The Advanced Simulator for Undergraduate Pilot Training (ASUPT) was designed to investigate the role of simulation in the future Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT) program. The Automated Instructional System designed for the ASUPT simulator was described in this report. The development of the Automated Instructional System for ASUPT was based upon…

Impact of Increased Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT) Activity Duty Service Commitment on the Air National Guard (ANG)

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-05-01

index of retention. To maintain the pilot force, USAF needs a CCR of about sixty percent-and the overall rate Is running lower thatt that. SOJA (E Aor...159th Tactical Fighter Group, USNAS New Orleans, New Orleans, LA : 22 January 1988. 23 22. Doty, James F. Major, ANG. Telephone Interview with

Occupational Survey Report. AFSC 4M0X1 Aerospace Physiology

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-05-01

Chamber NCOIC Job Hyperbaric Chamber Specialist Job • Perform Type 2, 4 and 1 chamber flights • Perform inside observer duties during hypobaric ...78% Hyperbaric Chamber Specialist Independent Job 4% Not Grouped 2% U2 Aerospace Physiology Cluster 10% Job Structure Sample size: 168 Aerospace...Altitude Chamber Cluster (N=130) Hypobaric Chamber Instructor/Monitor Job HAAMS Job Altitude Chamber Apprentice Job 78% UPT Parasail Job Altitude

Proceedings of the Workshop on High Temperature Superconductivity

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-11-01

such magnetic excitations in neutron scattering studies of UPt3 and measured a corresponding Debye energy owc = 2 K, in excellent agreement with the...procedure of Budhani et al. Propylene carbonate has been found to be a suitable vehicle for direct painting, while poly (ethylene glycol methyl ether ...through neutron irradiation and chemical means will also be discussed. Specifically, results of comparative studies on the kinetics of flux motion in

The effect of differences in altitude location of an aquaculture on fish’s hematocrit and fish’s haemoglobin of Carp fish and resistance to bacterial attack

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rosidah; Rizal, A.; Rustikawati, I.; Octavia, F.

2018-04-01

The aim for this research is to analyze the relation between the height place of aquaculture and life directness towards Aeromonas hydrophila attack for hematocrit and hemoglobin degrees on Cyprinus carpio L. This research have been doing on February - March 2017 at UPT PTBP Kepanjen (as Group 1), Malang (332 amsl) and UPT PBAT Umbulan IBAT as Group 2 (955 amsl). The treatment that be used is Cyprinus carpio infected by Aeromonas hydrophila. Parameters was observed, are hematocrit, hemoglobin degrees, clinical symptom of fish and the quality of water. The result of this investigation, hematocrit and hemoglobin degrees of Cyprinus carpio in level low land (Group 1, 332 amsl) around 12.8 % and 9.58 g/dL, meanwhile hematocrit and hemoglobin degrees in level up land (Group 2, 955 amsl) around 24.19 % and 12.64 g/dL. Cyprinus carpio L. after infected by Aeromonas hydrophila, it shows the clinical symptoms : its mucus be left, bleeding, its scale get peeled off and dropsy. The life directness of that Cyprinus carpio L. maintaining in 15 days 0 %. The differences between the height level of aquaculture for hematocrit and hemoglobin degrees also life directness towards Aeromonas hydrophila attack on Cyprinus carpio L.

Alternative System Designs for Navy Undergraduate Pilot Training, Post 1975.

DTIC Science & Technology

1975-06-01

Experimental Center (NAFEC), Atlantic City, New Jersey and for the val Training Equipment Center at Marine Corps Air Station, El Toro , lifornia. The...appendix A and to the individuals too numerous to identify who provided data and ad- vice during the course of this study. Particular appreciation is...section, but no attempt has been made to compare their relative merits. Navy UPT, current and planned, was critically examined to assess strong and weak

Aiding USAF/UPT (Undergraduate Pilot Training) Aircrew Scheduling Using Network Flow Models.

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-06-01

51 3.4 Heuristic Modifications ............ 55 CHAPTER 4 STUDENT SCHEDULING PROBLEM (LEVEL 2) 4.0 Introduction 4.01 Constraints ............. 60 4.02...Covering" Complete Enumeration . . .. . 71 4.14 Heuristics . ............. 72 4.2 Heuristic Method for the Level 2 Problem 4.21 Step I ............... 73...4.22 Step 2 ............... 74 4.23 Advantages to the Heuristic Method. .... .. 78 4.24 Problems with the Heuristic Method. . ... 79 :,., . * CHAPTER5

Relationship of the Basic Attributes Test to Tactical Reconnaissance Pilot Performance

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-01-01

ulysk 36 4.. Pscoa- Test: Pefcrman Regression Analysis 66 5. Decsison Making Speed: Ped~cnance Regrssiop Analysis 68 6. Item Recognitio . Pefixmanc...agreement between 12 TRS and 91 TRS supcrvisors. This indicated that those most likely to be faced with the task of determining the performance capabilities...those UPT check flights requiring quick, consistent, and accurate responses. Item Recognitio Test Ihe item recognition test reduced to seven scors. Thet

Tertiary treatment of landfill leachates by adsorption.

PubMed

Marañón, Elena; Castrillón, Leonor; Fernández-Nava, Yoland; Fernández-Méndez, Alejandro; Fernández-Sánchez, Arcadio

2009-08-01

The leachates produced at the municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill of Asturias (Spain) were submitted to a biological treatment consisting of a pressurized nitrification-denitrification process followed by ultrafiltration. The effluent from this treatment plant has a high chemical oxygen demand : biochemical oxygen demand (COD : BOD( 5)) ratio (about 25 : 1). The COD values of the effluent are above the discharge limits permitted by current legislation and therefore require a final treatment. In the present study, adsorption was investigated as a possible post-treatment. Three activated carbons (Organosorb 10, Organosorb 10MB and Filtracarb CC65/1240) were selected and equilibrium and column data were obtained. The best results were obtained with Organosorb 10MB, although adsorption capacities obtained were low and equilibrium was unfavourable. Adsorption capacities ranged between 150 and 157 mg COD g(-1) for an activated carbon dosage of 1 mg L(-1) and between 13.3 and 18.4 mg COD g(-1) for a dosage of 20 mg L(-1). As regards colour, adsorption capacities ranged between 145 and 175 UPtCo g(-1) for the lower dosage and between 16 and 29 UPtCo g(-1) for the higher dosage. Removal efficiency increased with the dosage of activated carbon employed, obtaining maximum COD and colour removals of 63 and 45%, respectively, for a dosage of 20 mg L(-1) after 5 h contact time.

CVISN guide to top-level design : preliminary version P1.1

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1999-06-25

The CVISN (Commercial Vehicle Information Systems and Networks) guide to top-level design shows the initial steps in the process of deploying CVISN in a state. For purposes of these guides, top-level design encompasses setting the scope of the projec...

TransGuide : model deployment initiative design report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1998-09-01

This report documents the high-level design of the TransGuide MDI project and discusses the design trade-off decisions. A detailed, specific project level design is provided in each projects System Design document.

Canada's Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) : deployment and integration plan : applicant's guide

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-02-01

This document is the applicant's guide for proposing intelligent transportation systems projects to Transport Canada and details such matters as eligibility, Transport Canada's program objectives and assessment of projects

Contingency Contracting Customer Guide

DTIC Science & Technology

1996-12-01

I CONTINGENCY CONTRACTING CUSTOMER GUIDE PROJECT NUMBER: LC9619100 PROJECT MANAGER: CAPT TOM SNYDER TEAM MEMBERS MAJ JOHN PERRY CAPT ROBBIN VAUGHN...Report 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE 5. FUNDING NUMBERS Contracting Deployment Customer Guide 6. AUTHOR(S) Capt.Thomas J. Snyder, AFLMA/LGC, DSN 596-4085 7...individual customers on the process, the customer support guide provides the necessary explanations without straining valuable manpower resources. The

Analysis of nucleotide diversity among alleles of the major bacterial blight resistance gene Xa27 in cultivars of rice (Oryza sativa) and its wild relatives.

PubMed

Bimolata, Waikhom; Kumar, Anirudh; Sundaram, Raman Meenakshi; Laha, Gouri Shankar; Qureshi, Insaf Ahmed; Reddy, Gajjala Ashok; Ghazi, Irfan Ahmad

2013-08-01

Xa27 is one of the important R-genes, effective against bacterial blight disease of rice caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo). Using natural population of Oryza, we analyzed the sequence variation in the functionally important domains of Xa27 across the Oryza species. DNA sequences of Xa27 alleles from 27 rice accessions revealed higher nucleotide diversity among the reported R-genes of rice. Sequence polymorphism analysis revealed synonymous and non-synonymous mutations in addition to a number of InDels in non-coding regions of the gene. High sequence variation was observed in the promoter region including the 5'UTR with 'π' value 0.00916 and 'θ w ' = 0.01785. Comparative analysis of the identified Xa27 alleles with that of IRBB27 and IR24 indicated the operation of both positive selection (Ka/Ks > 1) and neutral selection (Ka/Ks ≈ 0). The genetic distances of alleles of the gene from Oryza nivara were nearer to IRBB27 as compared to IR24. We also found the presence of conserved and null UPT (upregulated by transcriptional activator) box in the isolated alleles. Considerable amino acid polymorphism was localized in the trans-membrane domain for which the functional significance is yet to be elucidated. However, the absence of functional UPT box in all the alleles except IRBB27 suggests the maintenance of single resistant allele throughout the natural population.

The effects of formalized and trained non-reciprocal peer teaching on psychosocial, behavioral, pedagogical, and motor learning outcomes in physical education.

PubMed

Whipp, Peter R; Jackson, Ben; Dimmock, James A; Soh, Jenny

2015-01-01

Peer teaching is recognized as a powerful instructional method; however, there is a paucity of studies that have evaluated the outcomes experienced by peer-teachers and their student recipients in the context of trained, non-reciprocal, high school physical education (PE). Accordingly, the effectiveness of a formalized and trained non-reciprocal peer teaching (T-PT) program upon psychosocial, behavioral, pedagogical, and student learning outcomes within high school PE classes was investigated. Students from eight intact classes (106 males, 94 females, Mage = 12.46, SD = 0.59) were randomly assigned to either a T-PT intervention group (taught by a volunteer peer-teacher who was trained in line with a tactical games approach) or untrained group (U-PT; where volunteer peer-teachers received no formal training, but did receive guidance on the game concepts to teach). Data were collected over 10 lessons in a 5-week soccer unit. Mixed-model ANOVAs/MANOVAs revealed that, in comparison to U-PT, the T-PT program significantly enhanced in-game performance actions and academic learning time among student recipients. Those in the T-PT also provided greater levels of feedback and structured learning time, as well as reporting more positive feelings about peer teaching and fewer perceived barriers to accessing learning outcomes. These findings show that non-reciprocal peer-teachers who receive formalized support through training and tactical games approach-based teaching resources can enhance behavioral, pedagogical, and motor performance outcomes in PE.

The effects of formalized and trained non-reciprocal peer teaching on psychosocial, behavioral, pedagogical, and motor learning outcomes in physical education

PubMed Central

Whipp, Peter R.; Jackson, Ben; Dimmock, James A.; Soh, Jenny

2015-01-01

Peer teaching is recognized as a powerful instructional method; however, there is a paucity of studies that have evaluated the outcomes experienced by peer-teachers and their student recipients in the context of trained, non-reciprocal, high school physical education (PE). Accordingly, the effectiveness of a formalized and trained non-reciprocal peer teaching (T-PT) program upon psychosocial, behavioral, pedagogical, and student learning outcomes within high school PE classes was investigated. Students from eight intact classes (106 males, 94 females, Mage = 12.46, SD = 0.59) were randomly assigned to either a T-PT intervention group (taught by a volunteer peer-teacher who was trained in line with a tactical games approach) or untrained group (U-PT; where volunteer peer-teachers received no formal training, but did receive guidance on the game concepts to teach). Data were collected over 10 lessons in a 5-week soccer unit. Mixed-model ANOVAs/MANOVAs revealed that, in comparison to U-PT, the T-PT program significantly enhanced in-game performance actions and academic learning time among student recipients. Those in the T-PT also provided greater levels of feedback and structured learning time, as well as reporting more positive feelings about peer teaching and fewer perceived barriers to accessing learning outcomes. These findings show that non-reciprocal peer-teachers who receive formalized support through training and tactical games approach-based teaching resources can enhance behavioral, pedagogical, and motor performance outcomes in PE. PMID:25741309

Detection of cell and tissue surface antigens using up-converting phosphors: a new reporter technology.

PubMed

Zijlmans, H J; Bonnet, J; Burton, J; Kardos, K; Vail, T; Niedbala, R S; Tanke, H J

1999-02-01

A novel luminescent reporter for the sensitive detection of antigens in tissue sections or on cell membranes is described. It consists of submicron-size phosphor crystals (0.2-0.4 microm), which are surface labeled with avidin or antibodies and capable of binding specifically to antigens on intact cells or in tissue sections. These phosphor reporters exhibit two-photon, anti-Stokes luminescence by up-converting infrared to visible light and are named Up-converting Phosphor Technology (UPT). They typically consist of yttriumoxysulfides doped with two different lanthanides exhibiting photostable, strong emission in the visible (blue, green, and red) upon excitation in the infrared. This report describes the conjugation of phosphor particles to NeutrAvidin with the subsequent use of this conjugate in a model system consisting of prostate-specific antigen in tissue sections and the CD4 membrane antigen on human lymphocytes. An epi-illumination fluorescence microscope was adapted to provide near-IR excitation using a xenon lamp for visualization of the visible emission. Advantages of UPT are (i) permanent, strong, anti-Stokes emission of discrete wavelengths; (ii) unmatched contrast in biological specimens due to the absence of autofluorescence upon excitation with IR light; (iii) simultaneous detection of multiple target analytes; and (iv) low-cost microscope modifications. The new methodology has not only high potential value in diagnostic pathology as described here, but may offer advantages for the detection of proteins or nucleic acids when applied to molecular biology, genomic research, virology, and microbiology. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.

Studies of Nonconventional Superfluids: Ultrasound Propagation in HELIUM-3-BORON and the Microwave Surface Impedance of the Heavy-Fermion Superconductor Uranium PLATINUM(3)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Zuyu

1990-06-01

Two nonconventional superfluids, superfluid ^3He-B and the heavy fermion superconductor UPt_3 have been studied using different techniques: (1) A study of ^3He -B was performed in an acoustic sound cell with a path length of 381mum using the single-ended, c.w., acoustic impedance technique. The fundamental frequency of the x-cut quartz transducer employed in the experiments was 12.80 MHz. The following studies were performed: (a) A systematic measurement was made on the pair-breaking edge in zero magnetic field with ultrasonic frequencies of 64.3 MHz, 90.1 MHz, 141.6 MHz and 167.4 MHz, in the pressure range from 3 bar to 28 bar. The results of our measurements indirectly support the temperature scale of Greywall and the weak coupling plus (WCP) model of Rainer and Serene for the gap function. The pair-breaking edge was also measured in magnetic fields up to 1.36 kG perpendicular to the sound propagation direction and the predicted shift of the effective pair-breaking threshold (from 2 Delta(T) in zero field) by Omega = {gamma Hover 1+{1 over3}F_sp{o}{a}(2+Y) }(the renormalized Larmor frequency) has been observed. (b) The (imaginary) squashing mode was excited with sound frequencies of 141.6 MHz and 115.8 MHz. A doublet splitting (of about 0.3 MHz) of this mode was observed. This doublet splitting was found to be strongly pressure and frequency dependent, but independent of the magnetic field (at the low fields studied). Possible causes of this splitting include superfluid flow induced texture effects and finite wavevector (dispersion) effects. (c) Structure was observed with a sound frequency of 64.3 MHz in the vicinity of 2Delta(T) in a magnetic field of about 580 Gauss which is thought to be J_{z} = -1 component of the J = 1^- collective mode. (2) A surface impedance study of heavy Fermion superconductor UPt_3 was performed with an X-band microwave spectrometer (f ~eq 11.42 GHz) integrated with an Oxford 400 TLE dilution refrigerator so as to have top-loading capability. (3) Using a top loading magnetometer, measurements of the H_{cl} on UPt_3 were performed and kinks were observed along the c axis and in the basal plane. The results support a model of unconventional superconductivity by Hess, Tokuyasu and Sauls.

Mechanism Design Principle for Optical-Precision, Deployable Instruments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lake, Mark S.; Hachkowski, M. Roman

2000-01-01

The present paper is intended to be a guide for the design of 'microdynamically quiet' deployment mechanisms for optical-precision structures, such as deployable telescope mirrors and optical benches. Many of the guidelines included herein come directly from the field of optomechanical engineering, and are neither newly developed guidelines nor are they uniquely applicable to high-precision deployment mechanisms. However, the application of these guidelines to the design of deployment mechanisms is a rather new practice, so efforts are made herein to illustrate the process through the discussion of specific examples. The present paper summarizes a more extensive set of design guidelines for optical-precision mechanisms that are under development.

The Joint Staff Officer’s Guide 2000

DTIC Science & Technology

2000-01-01

sociological problems created by differences in customs, religions , and standards of living. These fac- tors point to the need for a different mental...deployment data. See also time- phased force and deployment data. (JP 1-02) times. (DOD) (C-, D-, M-days end at 2400 hours Universal Time ( zulu time

Deploying SHRP2 renewal 10 guidebook for project management strategies for complex projects in the Georgia Department of Transportation.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2017-01-01

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) was selected by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for the Strategic Highway Research Program 2 (SHRP2) Lead Adopter Incentive Implementation Assistance Grant to deploy the Renewal 10 (R10) Guide...

Recommended practices for DSRC licensing and spectrum management : a guide for management, regulation, deployment, and administration for a connected vehicle environment.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2015-12-01

The goal of this document is to make licensing requirements transparent and best practices accessible to any organization, public or private, seeking to deploy Connected Vehicle Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC) Roadside Units (RSU) a...

Vulnerability Analysis of the MAVLink Protocol for Command and Control of Unmanned Aircraft

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-03-27

the cheapest computers currently on the market (the $35 Raspberry Pi [New13, Upt13]) to distribute the workload, a determined attacker would incur a...cCost of Brute-Force) for 6,318 Raspberry Pi systems (x) at $82 per 3DR-enabled Raspberry Pi (RPCost of RasPi) [3DR13, New13] to brute-force all 3,790,800...NIST, 2004. [New13] Newark. Order the Raspberry Pi , November 2013. last accessed: 19 Febru- ary 2014. URL: http://www.newark.com/jsp/search

Method for Optimal Sensor Deployment on 3D Terrains Utilizing a Steady State Genetic Algorithm with a Guided Walk Mutation Operator Based on the Wavelet Transform

PubMed Central

Unaldi, Numan; Temel, Samil; Asari, Vijayan K.

2012-01-01

One of the most critical issues of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) is the deployment of a limited number of sensors in order to achieve maximum coverage on a terrain. The optimal sensor deployment which enables one to minimize the consumed energy, communication time and manpower for the maintenance of the network has attracted interest with the increased number of studies conducted on the subject in the last decade. Most of the studies in the literature today are proposed for two dimensional (2D) surfaces; however, real world sensor deployments often arise on three dimensional (3D) environments. In this paper, a guided wavelet transform (WT) based deployment strategy (WTDS) for 3D terrains, in which the sensor movements are carried out within the mutation phase of the genetic algorithms (GAs) is proposed. The proposed algorithm aims to maximize the Quality of Coverage (QoC) of a WSN via deploying a limited number of sensors on a 3D surface by utilizing a probabilistic sensing model and the Bresenham's line of sight (LOS) algorithm. In addition, the method followed in this paper is novel to the literature and the performance of the proposed algorithm is compared with the Delaunay Triangulation (DT) method as well as a standard genetic algorithm based method and the results reveal that the proposed method is a more powerful and more successful method for sensor deployment on 3D terrains. PMID:22666078

ITS enhanced bus rapid transit. Research and deployment program. [Draft for comment

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-02-01

The purpose of this guide is to provide a resource on worldwide transportation libraries and information centers for domestic and international professionals in the highway transportation field. This guide, Volume 1, is part of a multi-volume set of ...

The Development and Deployment of a Virtual Unit Operations Laboratory

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vaidyanath, Sreeram; Williams, Jason; Hilliard, Marcus; Wiesner, Theodore

2007-01-01

Computer-simulated experiments offer many benefits to engineering curricula in the areas of safety, cost, and flexibility. We report our experience in developing and deploying a computer-simulated unit operations laboratory, driven by the guiding principle of maximum fidelity to the physical lab. We find that, while the up-front investment in…

Choosing the route to traveler information systems deployment : decision factors for creating public-private business plans : an action guide

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1998-01-01

This document presents a guide designed to help public private partnerships in their efforts to provide Advanced Traveler Information Systems (ATIS) services. It first examines why ATIS can be useful in managing transportation networks and increasing...

Military Wives' Transition and Coping: Deployment and the Return Home

PubMed Central

Marnocha, Suzanne

2012-01-01

The objective of this qualitative study is to explore the experiences of wives of deployed soldiers. Semistructured interviews were used to answer the research questions. Meleis' Transitions Theory was used to guide the understanding of the wives' experiences. Phase One: news of deployment, property of awareness, themes of emotional chaos and making preparations. Phase Two: during deployment, property of engagement, themes of taking the reins and placing focus elsewhere, along with the property of change and difference, with themes of emotional and physical turmoil, staying strong, and reaching out. Phase Three: after deployment, property of time span, themes of absence makes the heart grow fonder and reestablishing roles. The study concluded that the wife often feels forgotten during deployment. Nurses can give better care by understanding how the different phases of deployment and separation affect the wife's coping ability and her physical and emotional health. PMID:22844613

Evidence for Intact Memory-Guided Attention in School-Aged Children

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dixon, Matthew L.; Zelazo, Philip David; De Rosa, Eve

2010-01-01

Visual scenes contain many statistical regularities such as the likely identity and location of objects that are present; with experience, such regularities can be encoded and can ultimately facilitate the deployment of spatial attention to important locations. Memory-guided attention has been extensively examined in adults with the "contextual…

50 CFR 300.61 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... the time period between the first deployment of fishing gear into the water from a vessel after any... who holds an annual sport guide license issued by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, or a person who provides sport fishing guide services. Charter vessel operator, for purposes of § 300.65(d), means...

Perceptions of Individual and Family Functioning Among Deployed Female National Guard Members.

PubMed

Kelly, Patricia J; Cheng, An-Lin; Berkel, LaVerne A; Nilsson, Johanna

2016-08-01

Females currently make up 15% of U.S. military service members. Minimal attention has been paid to families of female National Guard members who have been deployed and their subsequent reintegration challenges. This cross-sectional Internet-based survey of female members of four National Guard units compared those who were and were not deployed. Instruments, guided by the variables of the Family Resilience Model, measured individual, family, and deployment-related factors. Bivariate analysis and ordinal logistic regression were done to assess differences between the groups. Of the 239 National Guard members surveyed, deployed women (n = 164) had significantly higher levels of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD; p < .001) and lower coping skills (p = .003) than non-deployed women (n = 75). Perceptions of overall family functioning were higher among deployed when compared with never deployed women. Results indicate community interventions that focus on strengthening coping skills of female Guard members would be useful for this population. © The Author(s) 2016.

Heavy Fermions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sugiyama, K.; Ónuki, Y.

Recent experimental results of high-field magnetization and de Haas-van Alphen experiments in f-electron systems are presented. The magnetic moment and the electronic state are simultaneously discussed because both properties are connected with each other. The first example is a drastic change of the Fermi surface in the antiferromagnet NdIn3. The second is the metamagnetic transition based on the quadrupolar interaction in PrCu2. The third is the metamagnetic transition in a typical heavy fermion compound CeRu2Si2, together with the heavy fermion uranium compounds such as UPd2Al3, URu2Si2 and UPt3.

Real-time magnetic resonance imaging-guided transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

PubMed

Miller, Justin G; Li, Ming; Mazilu, Dumitru; Hunt, Tim; Horvath, Keith A

2016-05-01

To demonstrate the feasibility of Real-time magnetic resonance imaging (rtMRI) guided transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with an active guidewire and an MRI compatible valve delivery catheter system in a swine model. The CoreValve system was minimally modified to be MRI-compatible by replacing the stainless steel components with fluoroplastic resin and high-density polyethylene components. Eight swine weighing 60-90 kg underwent rtMRI-guided TAVR with an active guidewire through a left subclavian approach. Two imaging planes (long-axis view and short-axis view) were used simultaneously for real-time imaging during implantation. Successful deployment was performed without rapid ventricular pacing or cardiopulmonary bypass. Postdeployment images were acquired to evaluate the final valve position in addition to valvular and cardiac function. Our results show that the CoreValve can be easily and effectively deployed through a left subclavian approach using rtMRI guidance, a minimally modified valve delivery catheter system, and an active guidewire. This method allows superior visualization before deployment, thereby allowing placement of the valve with pinpoint accuracy. rtMRI has the added benefit of the ability to perform immediate postprocedural functional assessment, while eliminating the morbidity associated with radiation exposure, rapid ventricular pacing, contrast media renal toxicity, and a more invasive procedure. Use of a commercially available device brings this rtMRI-guided approach closer to clinical reality. Copyright © 2016 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Management of Retained Intervention Guide-wire: A Literature Review

PubMed Central

Al-Moghairi, Abdulrahman M; Al-Amri, Hussein S

2013-01-01

Percutaneous coronary angioplasty is increasingly employed in the treatment of patients with complex coronary artery disease. Different steerable guide wires used to open occluded vessel and facilitate balloon and stent deployment. However, the guide-wire itself is not without hazard: it may perforate or dissect the vessel, but fracture or entrapment is uncommon. Its management depends on the clinical situation of the patient, as well as the position and length of the remnant. In this review we discuss the angioplasty guide-wire fracture and entrapment risk factors, potential risks and management. PMID:23116055

Tailoring ISO/IEC 27001 for SMEs: A Guide to Implement an Information Security Management System in Small Settings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Valdevit, Thierry; Mayer, Nicolas; Barafort, Béatrix

While Information Security Management Systems (ISMS) are being adopted by the biggest IT companies, it remains quite difficult for smaller entities to implement and maintain all the requirements of ISO/IEC 27001. In order to increase information security in Luxembourg, the Public Research Centre Henri Tudor has been charged by the Luxembourg Ministry of Economy and Foreign Trade to find solutions to facilitate ISMS deployment for SMEs. After an initial experiment aiming at assisting a SME in getting the first national ISO/IEC 27001 certification for a private company, an implementation guide for deploying an ISMS, validated by local experts and experimented in SMEs, has been released and is presented in this paper.

The Amplatz canine duct occluder: a novel device for patent ductus arteriosus occlusion.

PubMed

Nguyenba, Thaibinh P; Tobias, Anthony H

2007-11-01

The Amplatz canine duct occluder (ACDO) is a nitinol mesh device with a short waist that separates a flat distal disc from a cupped proximal disc. The device is designed to conform to the morphology of the canine patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). PDA dimensions are determined by angiography, and a guiding catheter is advanced into the main pulmonary artery via the aorta and PDA. An ACDO with a waist diameter approximately twice the angiographic minimal ductal diameter (MDD) is advanced via the catheter using an attached delivery cable until the flat distal disc deploys within the main pulmonary artery. The partially deployed ACDO, guiding catheter, and delivery cable are retracted until the distal disc engages the pulmonic ostium of the PDA. With the delivery cable stabilized, the catheter is retracted to deploy the waist across the pulmonic ostium and cupped proximal disc within the ductal ampulla. Tension on the delivery cable is released, and correct ACDO positioning and stability are confirmed by observing that the device assumes its native shape, back-and-forth maneuvering of the delivery cable, and a small contrast injection made through the guiding catheter. The delivery cable is detached and removed with the guiding catheter. To assess for any residual ductal flow, an angiogram is performed at the conclusion of the procedure, followed by Doppler echocardiography at 1 day and 3 months post-procedure. PDA occlusion in dogs with the ACDO is straightforward and extremely effective across a wide range of body weights, somatotypes, MDDs, and ductal morphologies.

Design of Mechanisms for Deployable, Optical Instruments: Guidelines for Reducing Hysteresis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lake, Mark S.; Hachkowski, M. Roman

2000-01-01

This paper is intended to facilitate the development of deployable, optical instruments by providing a rational approach for the design, testing, and qualification of high-precision (i.e., low-hysteresis) deployment mechanisms for these instruments. Many of the guidelines included herein come directly from the field of optomechanical engineering, and are, therefore, neither newly developed guidelines, nor are they uniquely applicable to the design of high-precision deployment mechanisms. This paper is to be regarded as a guide to design and not a set of NASA requirements, except as may be defined in formal project specifications. Furthermore, due to the rapid pace of advancement in the field of precision deployment, this paper should be regarded as a preliminary set of guidelines. However, it is expected that this paper, with revisions as experience may indicate to be desirable, might eventually form the basis for a set of uniform design requirements for high-precision deployment mechanisms on future NASA space-based science instruments.

Children of Military Service Members Resource Guide

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-01-01

follows 9-year-old lizzie as she writes to her mother, who is deployed overseas. child-like handwriting and colorful illustrations are used as lizzie...978-1615467242 Pages: 32 My Daddy is a Soldier uses simple words and images to help young children understand what it means when parents say ...Military Mom follows 9-year-old lizzie as she writes to her mother, who is deployed overseas. child-like handwriting and colorful illustrations are used as

A Novel Concept for the Rapid Deployment of Electric Power Cables. Phase 1.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-04-30

cable toward the tactical position that requires power. The approach effectively neutralisasl both man-made and naturally occurring deployment...guided system with a reputation for extreme accuracy, it is anticipated that the cable can be delivered to a user located within a 1000 foot range...thus readily available, because it is an effective and reliable weapon system. The system has been up-graded several times which indicates that its

Renewable Energy Data Explorer User Guide

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

Cox, Sarah L; Grue, Nicholas W; Tran, July

This publication provides a user guide for the Renewable Energy Data Explorer and technical potential tool within the Explorer. The Renewable Energy Data Explorer is a dynamic, web-based geospatial analysis tool that facilitates renewable energy decision-making, investment, and deployment. It brings together renewable energy resource data and other modeled or measured geographic information system (GIS) layers, including land use, weather, environmental, population density, administrative, and grid data.

5-Beam ADCP Deployment Strategy Considerations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moore, T.; Savidge, D. K.; Gargett, A.

2016-02-01

With the increasing availability of 5 beam ADCPs and expanding opportunities for their deployment within both observatory and dedicated process study settings, refinements in deployment strategies are needed.Measuring vertical velocities directly with a vertically oriented acoustic beam requires that the instrument be stably mounted and leveled within fractions of a degree. Leveled shallow water deployments to date have utilized divers to jet pipes into the sand for stability, manually mount the instruments on the pipes, and level them. Leveling has been guided by the deployed instrument's pitch and roll output, available in real-time because of the observatory settings in which the deployments occurred. To expand the range of feasible deployments to deeper, perhaps non-real-time capable settings, alternatives to diver deployment and leveling must be considered. To determine stability requirements, mooring motion (heading, pitch and roll) has been sampled at 1Hz by gimballed ADCPs at a range of instrument deployment depths, and in shrouded and unshrouded cages. Conditions under which ADCP cages resting on the bottom experience significant shifts in tilt, roll or heading are assessed using co-located wind and wave measurements. The accuracy of estimating vertical velocities using all five beams relative to a well leveled vertical single beam is assessed from archived high frequency five beam data, to explore whether easing the leveling requirement is feasible.

Orbital Winch for High-Strength, Space-Survivable Tethers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hoyt, Robert; Barnes, Ian; Slostad, Jeffrey; Frank, Scott

2010-01-01

An Orbital Winch mechanism enables high-load, multi-line tethers to be deployed and retracted without rotating the spool on which the tether is wound. To minimize damage to the tether and the wound package during retraction or deployment under load, it can incorporate a Tension Management Module that reduces the infeed tension by a factor of 15 through the use of a powered capstan with guide rollers. This design eliminates the need for rotating high-voltage electrical connections in tether systems that use propellantless electro-dynamic propulsion. It can also eliminate the need for rotating optical connections in applications where the tether contains optical fibers. This winch design was developed to deploy a 15-km-long, 15-kg high-strength Hoytether structure incorporating conductive wires as part of the MXER-1 demonstration mission concept. Two slewing rings that orbit around the tether spool, combined with translation of one of the slewing rings back and forth along the spool axis to traverse the wind point, enables the winch to wind the tether. Variations of the traverse motion of the slewing ring can accomplish level winds and conical pirn winds. By removing the non-traversing slewing ring, and adding an actuated guide arm, the winch can manage rapid, low-drag deployment of a tether off the end of a pirn-wound spool, followed by controlled retraction and rewinding, in a manner very similar to a spin-casting reel. The winch requires at least two motor driver controller units to coordinate the action of two stepper motors to accomplish tether deployment or retraction.

When memory is not enough: Electrophysiological evidence for goal-dependent use of working memory representations in guiding visual attention

PubMed Central

Carlisle, Nancy B.; Woodman, Geoffrey F.

2014-01-01

Biased competition theory proposes that representations in working memory drive visual attention to select similar inputs. However, behavioral tests of this hypothesis have led to mixed results. These inconsistent findings could be due to the inability of behavioral measures to reliably detect the early, automatic effects on attentional deployment that the memory representations exert. Alternatively, executive mechanisms may govern how working memory representations influence attention based on higher-level goals. In the present study, we tested these hypotheses using the N2pc component of participants’ event-related potentials (ERPs) to directly measure the early deployments of covert attention. Participants searched for a target in an array that sometimes contained a memory-matching distractor. In Experiments 1–3, we manipulated the difficulty of the target discrimination and the proximity of distractors, but consistently observed that covert attention was deployed to the search targets and not the memory-matching distractors. In Experiment 4, we showed that when participants’ goal involved attending to memory-matching items that these items elicited a large and early N2pc. Our findings demonstrate that working memory representations alone are not sufficient to guide early deployments of visual attention to matching inputs and that goal-dependent executive control mediates the interactions between working memory representations and visual attention. PMID:21254796

Ultrasonic studies of aluminium-substituted Bi(Pb)-2223 superconductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Solunke, M. B.; Sharma, P. U.; Pandya, M. P.; Lakhani, V. K.; Modi, K. B.; Venugopal Reddy, P.; Shah, S. S.

2005-09-01

The compositional dependence of elastic properties of Al^{3+}-substitu- ted Bi(Pb)-2223 superconducting system with the general formula Bi_{1.7-x}Al_xPb_{0.3}Sr_2Ca_2- Cu_3O_y (x = 0.0, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3) have been studied by means of ultrasonic pulse transmission (UPT) technique at 1 MHz (300 K). The elastic moduli of the specimens are computed and corrected to zero porosity. The observed variation of elastic constants with aluminium substitution has been explained on the basis of the strength of interatomic bonding. The applicability of heterogeneous metal mixture rule for estimating elastic constants and transition temperature has been tested.

ITS strategic plan for Texas.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-07-01

The purpose of this research was to provide a framework to guide the development and deployment of an : integrated statewide program for Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). ITS is a critical component of the : transportation infrastructure that...

Design and Implementation of Context-Aware Musuem Guide Agents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Satoh, Ichiro

This paper presents an agent-based system for building and operating context-aware services in public spaces, including museums. The system provides users with agents and detects the locations of users and deploys location-aware user-assistant agents at computers near the their current locations by using active RFID-tags. When a visitor moves between exhibits in a museum, this dynamically deploys his/her agent at the computers close to the exhibits by using mobile agent technology. It annotates the exhibits in his/her personalized form and navigate him/her user to the next exhibits along his/her routes. It also introduces user movement as a natural approach to interacting between users and agents. To demonstrate the utility and effectiveness of the system, we constructed location/user-aware visitor-guide services and experimented them for two weeks in a public museum.

Solar Access to Public Capital (SAPC) Working Group: Best Practices in PV System Installation; Version 1.0, March 2015; Period of Performance, October 2014 - September 2015

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

Doyle, C.; Truitt, A.; Inda, D.

The following Photovoltaics Installation Best Practices Guide is one of several work products developed by the Solar Access to Public Capital (SAPC) working group, which works to open capital market investment. SAPC membership includes over 450 leading solar developers, financiers and capital managers, law firms, rating agencies, accounting and engineering firms, and other stakeholders engaged in solar asset deployment. SAPC activities are directed toward foundational elements necessary to pool project cash flows into tradable securities: standardization of power purchase and lease contracts for residential and commercial end customers; development of performance and credit data sets to facilitate investor due diligencemore » activities; comprehension of risk perceived by rating agencies; and the development of best practice guides for PV system installation and operations and maintenance (O&M) in order to encourage high-quality system deployment and operation that may improve lifetime project performance and energy production. This PV Installation Best Practices Guide was developed through the SAPC Installation Best Practices subcommittee, a subgroup of SAPC comprised of a wide array of solar industry leaders in numerous fields of practice. The guide was developed over roughly one year and eight months of direct engagement by the subcommittee and two working group comment periods.« less

Interventional magnetic resonance imaging-guided cell transplantation into the brain with radially branched deployment.

PubMed

Silvestrini, Matthew T; Yin, Dali; Martin, Alastair J; Coppes, Valerie G; Mann, Preeti; Larson, Paul S; Starr, Philip A; Zeng, Xianmin; Gupta, Nalin; Panter, S S; Desai, Tejal A; Lim, Daniel A

2015-01-01

Intracerebral cell transplantation is being pursued as a treatment for many neurological diseases, and effective cell delivery is critical for clinical success. To facilitate intracerebral cell transplantation at the scale and complexity of the human brain, we developed a platform technology that enables radially branched deployment (RBD) of cells to multiple target locations at variable radial distances and depths along the initial brain penetration tract with real-time interventional magnetic resonance image (iMRI) guidance. iMRI-guided RBD functioned as an "add-on" to standard neurosurgical and imaging workflows, and procedures were performed in a commonly available clinical MRI scanner. Multiple deposits of super paramagnetic iron oxide beads were safely delivered to the striatum of live swine, and distribution to the entire putamen was achieved via a single cannula insertion in human cadaveric heads. Human embryonic stem cell-derived dopaminergic neurons were biocompatible with the iMRI-guided RBD platform and successfully delivered with iMRI guidance into the swine striatum. Thus, iMRI-guided RBD overcomes some of the technical limitations inherent to the use of straight cannulas and standard stereotactic targeting. This platform technology could have a major impact on the clinical translation of a wide range of cell therapeutics for the treatment of many neurological diseases.

GEOS axial booms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schmidt, G. K.

1979-01-01

A booms and mechanisms subsystem was designed, developed, and qualified for the geostationary scientific satellite GEOS. Part of this subsystem consist of four axial booms consisting of one pair of 1 m booms and one pair of 2.5 m booms. Each of these booms is carrying one bird cage electric field sensor. Alignment accuracy requirements led to a telescopic type solution. Deployment is performed by pressurized nitrogen. At deployment in orbit two of these booms showed some anomalies and one of these two deployed only about 80%. Following this malfunction a detailed failure investigation was performed resulting in a design modification of some critical components as release mechanism, guide sleeves of the telescopic elements, and pressure system.

Deployment Effects on Children and Adolescents: Designing and Deploying a Developmentally Appropriate Education and Screening Video Program for Military Families

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-03-22

the videos. 24% of children felt they could talk more easily about issues after seeing the program. Facilitator’s guides were provided to stimulate ...be physical, sexual , or psychological to a current or former dating partner or spouse (Plichta. 2004). took place in 2002 at Fort Bragg, North...video format, available on the Internet, will be particularly useful for children with visual and/or auditory learning preferences for whom

Military youth and the deployment cycle: emotional health consequences and recommendations for intervention.

PubMed

Esposito-Smythers, Christianne; Wolff, Jennifer; Lemmon, Keith M; Bodzy, Mary; Swenson, Rebecca R; Spirito, Anthony

2011-08-01

The United States military force includes over 2.2 million volunteer service members. Three out of five service members who are deployed or are preparing for deployment have spouses and/or children. Stressors associated with the deployment cycle can lead to depression, anxiety, and behavior problems in children, as well as psychological distress in the military spouse. Further, the emotional and behavioral health of family members can affect the psychological functioning of the military service member during the deployment and reintegration periods. Despite widespread acknowledgment of the need for emotional and behavioral health services for youth from military families, many professionals in a position to serve them struggle with how to best respond and select appropriate interventions. The purpose of this paper is to provide an empirically based and theoretically informed review to guide service provision and the development of evidence based treatments for military youth in particular. This review includes an overview of stressors associated with the deployment cycle, emotional and behavioral health consequences of deployment on youth and their caretaking parent, and existing preventative and treatment services for youth from military families. It concludes with treatment recommendations for older children and adolescents experiencing emotional and behavioral health symptoms associated with the deployment cycle.

Military Youth and the Deployment Cycle: Emotional Health Consequences and Recommendations for Intervention

PubMed Central

Esposito-Smythers, Christianne; Wolff, Jennifer; Lemmon, Keith M.; Bodzy, Mary; Swenson, Rebecca R.; Spirito, Anthony

2011-01-01

The United States military force includes over 2.2 million volunteer service members. Three out of five service members who are deployed or are preparing for deployment have spouses and/or children. Stressors associated with the deployment cycle can lead to depression, anxiety, and behavior problems in children, as well as psychological distress in the military spouse. Further, the emotional and behavioral health of family members can affect the psychological functioning of the military service member during the deployment and re-integration periods. Despite widespread acknowledgement of the need for emotional and behavioral health services for youth from military families, many professionals in a position to serve them struggle with how to best respond and select appropriate interventions. The purpose of this paper is to provide an empirically-based and theoretically informed review to guide service provision and the development of evidence based treatments for military youth in particular. This review includes an overview of stressors associated with the deployment cycle, emotional and behavioral health consequences of deployment on youth and their caretaking parent, and existing preventative and treatment services for youth from military families. It concludes with treatment recommendations for older children and adolescents experiencing emotional and behavioral health symptoms associated with the deployment cycle. PMID:21707172

Establishing a Methodology to Examine the Effects of War-Zone PTSD on the Family: The Family Foundations Study

PubMed Central

Vasterling, Jennifer J.; Taft, Casey T.; Proctor, Susan P.; MacDonald, Helen Z.; Lawrence, Amy; Kalill, Kathleen; Kaiser, Anica P.; Lee, Lewina O.; King, Daniel W.; King, Lynda A.; Fairbank, John A.

2015-01-01

Military deployment may adversely affect not only returning veterans, but their families, as well. As a result, researchers have increasingly focused on identifying risk and protective factors for successful family adaptation to war-zone deployment, re-integration of the returning veteran, and the longer-term psychosocial consequences of deployment experienced by some veterans and families. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among returning veterans may pose particular challenges to military and military veteran families; however, questions remain regarding the impact of the course of veteran PTSD and other potential moderating factors on family adaptation to military deployment. The Family Foundations Study builds upon an established longitudinal cohort of Army soldiers (i.e., the Neurocognition Deployment Health Study) to help address remaining knowledge gaps. This report describes the conceptual framework and key gaps in knowledge that guided the study design, methodological challenges and special considerations in conducting military family research, and how these gaps, challenges, and special considerations are addressed by the study. PMID:26077194

The VolturnUS 1:8 Floating Wind Turbine: Design, Construction, Deployment, Testing, Retrieval, and Inspection of the First Grid-Connected Offshore Wind Turbine in US

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

Dagher, Habib; Viselli, Anthony; Goupee, Andrew

Volume II of the Final Report for the DeepCwind Consortium National Research Program funded by US Department of Energy Award Number: DE-EE0003278.001 summarizes the design, construction, deployment, testing, numerical model validation, retrieval, and post-deployment inspection of the VolturnUS 1:8-scale floating wind turbine prototype deployed off Castine, Maine on June 2nd, 2013. The 1:8 scale VolturnUS design served as a de-risking exercise for a commercial multi-MW VolturnUS design. The American Bureau of Shipping Guide for Building and Classing Floating Offshore Wind Turbine Installations was used to design the prototype. The same analysis methods, design methods, construction techniques, deployment methods, mooring, andmore » anchoring planned for full-scale were used. A commercial 20kW grid-connected turbine was used and was the first offshore wind turbine in the US.« less

NMCI: History, Implementation, and Change

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-09-01

RAS Remote Access Service RFP Request for Proposal SAME Similar to Automated Maintenance Environment SDG Site Deployment Guide...instead of participants individually with different sections of the organization maintaining their own information supply , and when they need something

Missouri commercial vehicle operations : state business plan

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1998-05-15

This business plan is intended to assist this state in improving its commercial vehicle operation regulation, guide the deployment and installation of intelligent transportation systems and to implement these systems in an efficient and cost effectiv...

Topological Weyl superconductor to diffusive thermal Hall metal crossover in the B phase of UPt3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goswami, Pallab; Nevidomskyy, Andriy H.

2015-12-01

The recent phase-sensitive measurements in the superconducting B phase of UPt3 provide strong evidence for the triplet, chiral kz(kx±i ky) 2 pairing symmetries, which endow the Cooper pairs with orbital angular momentum projections Lz=±2 along the c axis. In the absence of disorder such pairing can support both line and point nodes, and both types of nodal quasiparticles exhibit nontrivial topology in the momentum space. The point nodes, located at the intersections of the closed Fermi surfaces with the c axis, act as the double monopoles and the antimonopoles of the Berry curvature, and generalize the notion of Weyl quasiparticles. Consequently, the B phase should support an anomalous thermal Hall effect, the polar Kerr effect, in addition to the protected Fermi arcs on the (1 ,0 ,0 ) and the (0 ,1 ,0 ) surfaces. The line node at the Fermi surface equator acts as a vortex loop in the momentum space and gives rise to the zero-energy, dispersionless Andreev bound states on the (0 ,0 ,1 ) surface. At the transition from the B phase to the A phase, the time-reversal symmetry is restored, and only the line node survives inside the A phase. As both line and double-Weyl point nodes possess linearly vanishing density of states, we show that weak disorder acts as a marginally relevant perturbation. Consequently, an infinitesimal amount of disorder destroys the ballistic quasiparticle pole, while giving rise to a diffusive phase with a finite density of states at the zero energy. The resulting diffusive phase exhibits T -linear specific heat, and an anomalous thermal Hall effect. We predict that the low-temperature thermodynamic and transport properties display a crossover between a ballistic thermal Hall semimetal and a diffusive thermal Hall metal. By contrast, the diffusive phase obtained from a time-reversal-invariant pairing exhibits only the T -linear specific heat without any anomalous thermal Hall effect.

Robot-assisted real-time magnetic resonance image-guided transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

PubMed

Miller, Justin G; Li, Ming; Mazilu, Dumitru; Hunt, Tim; Horvath, Keith A

2016-05-01

Real-time magnetic resonance imaging (rtMRI)-guided transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) offers improved visualization, real-time imaging, and pinpoint accuracy with device delivery. Unfortunately, performing a TAVR in a MRI scanner can be a difficult task owing to limited space and an awkward working environment. Our solution was to design a MRI-compatible robot-assisted device to insert and deploy a self-expanding valve from a remote computer console. We present our preliminary results in a swine model. We used an MRI-compatible robotic arm and developed a valve delivery module. A 12-mm trocar was inserted in the apex of the heart via a subxiphoid incision. The delivery device and nitinol stented prosthesis were mounted on the robot. Two continuous real-time imaging planes provided a virtual real-time 3-dimensional reconstruction. The valve was deployed remotely by the surgeon via a graphic user interface. In this acute nonsurvival study, 8 swine underwent robot-assisted rtMRI TAVR for evaluation of feasibility. Device deployment took a mean of 61 ± 5 seconds. Postdeployment necropsy was performed to confirm correlations between imaging and actual valve positions. These results demonstrate the feasibility of robotic-assisted TAVR using rtMRI guidance. This approach may eliminate some of the challenges of performing a procedure while working inside of an MRI scanner, and may improve the success of TAVR. It provides superior visualization during the insertion process, pinpoint accuracy of deployment, and, potentially, communication between the imaging device and the robotic module to prevent incorrect or misaligned deployment. Copyright © 2016 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Flow-independent dynamics in aneurysm (FIDA): pressure measurements following partial and complete flow impairment in experimental aneurysm model

PubMed Central

Watanabe, Masaki; Chaudhry, Saqib A; Qureshi, Adnan I

2014-01-01

Background: There have been growing concerns regarding delayed aneurysm rupture subsequent to the flow-diverting stent deployment. Therefore, more investigations are needed regarding hemodynamic changes secondary to flow-diverting stent deployment. Objective: To study intra-aneurysmal and perianeurysmal pressures after partial and complete flow impairment into the aneurysm. Methods A silicone model of an 8-mm-sized aneurysm (neck diameter: 5 mm, vessel size: 4 mm) was used. The aneurysm wall was encapsulated and sealed within a 5 ml syringe filled with saline and a pressure sensor guide wire (ComboWire, Volcano Corp.) to detect pressure changes in the perivascular compartment (outer aneurysm wall). A second pressure sensor guide wire was advanced inside the aneurysm sac. Both pressure sensors were continuously measuring pressure inside and outside the aneurysm under pulsatile flow under the following conditions: 1) baseline (reference); 2) a 16 mm by 3.75 mm flow-diverting stent (ev3/Covidien Vascular, Mansfield, MA) deployed in front of the aneurysm; 3) two flow-diverting stents (16 mm by 3.5 mm) were deployed; and 4) a covered stent (4 mm by 16 mm VeriFlex coronary artery stent covered with rubber sheet) was deployed. Results: Mean (±SD) baseline pressures inside and outside the aneurysm were 53.9 (±2.4) mmHg (range 120–40 mmHg) and 15.4 (±0.7) mmHg (range 40–8mmHg), respectively. There was no change in pressure inside and outside the aneurysm after deploying the first and second flow-diverting stents (partial flow impairment) and it remained at 53.9 (±2.7) mmHg and 14.9 (±1) mmHg for the pressure inside and outside the aneurysm, respectively. The pressure recording from outside the aneurysm dropped from 15.4 (±0.7) mmHg to 0.3 (±0.7) mmHg after deploying the covered stent (complete flow impairment). There was no change in pressure inside the aneurysm after deploying the covered stent. Mean (±SD) pressure within the aneurysm was 55.1 (±1.7) mmHg and it remained 54.7 (±1.7) mmHg after covered stent deployment. Conclusion: Our findings suggest a major discordance between the pressures within the aneurysm and partial or complete flow impairment (flow independent). The outer wall pressure is reduced after covered stent placement. These finding may assist clinicians in better understanding of aneurysm hemodynamics and rupture after flow-diverting stent deployment. PMID:25298859

Cognitive Control Network Contributions to Memory-Guided Visual Attention

PubMed Central

Rosen, Maya L.; Stern, Chantal E.; Michalka, Samantha W.; Devaney, Kathryn J.; Somers, David C.

2016-01-01

Visual attentional capacity is severely limited, but humans excel in familiar visual contexts, in part because long-term memories guide efficient deployment of attention. To investigate the neural substrates that support memory-guided visual attention, we performed a set of functional MRI experiments that contrast long-term, memory-guided visuospatial attention with stimulus-guided visuospatial attention in a change detection task. Whereas the dorsal attention network was activated for both forms of attention, the cognitive control network (CCN) was preferentially activated during memory-guided attention. Three posterior nodes in the CCN, posterior precuneus, posterior callosal sulcus/mid-cingulate, and lateral intraparietal sulcus exhibited the greatest specificity for memory-guided attention. These 3 regions exhibit functional connectivity at rest, and we propose that they form a subnetwork within the broader CCN. Based on the task activation patterns, we conclude that the nodes of this subnetwork are preferentially recruited for long-term memory guidance of visuospatial attention. PMID:25750253

Best Practices in Photovoltaic System Operations and Maintenance: 2nd Edition

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

Whaley, Cass

This best practices guide encourages high-quality system deployment and operation that improves lifetime project performance and energy production while reducing, or at least optimizing, costs to deliver an operation and maintenance program.

0-6672 : ITS strategic plan for Texas : project summary.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-08-01

The purpose of this research was to provide a : framework to guide the development and : deployment of an integrated statewide program for : intelligent transportation systems (ITS).ITS is a : critical component of the transportation : infrastructure...

Returning from the War Zone: A Guide for Military Personnel

MedlinePlus

Hed Returning from the War Zone AGuide for Military Personnel Welcome home! Thank you for your service ... here in the U.S. Your experiences in the military and during deployment have helped make you more ...

Rotational atherectomy ablation for an unexpandable stent under the guide of IVUS

PubMed Central

Si, Daoyuan; Liu, Guohui; Tong, Yaliang; He, Yuquan

2018-01-01

Abstract Rationale: Inadequate stent expansion due to rigid calcified may result in restenosis lesions, but the available options are limited. Patient concerns: We report a case via the trans-radial approach of the severely underexpanded freshly deployed stent due to heavily calcified plaques Diagnoses: Coronary angiography revealed that there was no adequate expansion of the freshly deployed stent. Interventions: Under the guide of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), rotational atherectomy (RA) successfully ablated the stent layers and the protruding calcified plaque. Followed by balloon angioplasty, the ablated segment was scaffolded with another stent, well expanded and documented by IVUS. Outcomes: The patient was uneventful during the procedure and remained angina free at the point of one year of clinical follow-up. Lessons: This case indicated that RA via the trans-radial approach could be a useful remedy in the situation of under-expansion of implanted stents, and the debulking should be performed under IVUS-guidance. PMID:29443790

Issues for Deployment of Mobile Learning by Nurses in Australian Healthcare Settings.

PubMed

Mather, Carey; Cummings, Elizabeth

2016-01-01

Undergraduate nursing curricula are being redesigned to include strategies for deployment of mobile learning as a legitimate nursing function. A recent online survey exploring the use of mobile learning by undergraduate student nurses revealed barriers, challenges, risks, and benefits to using mobile learning at the workplace. Inability to access mobile learning at both individual and organisational levels impacted on student learning and teaching opportunities. Students also indicated that educational preparation for ensuring appropriate use of mobile learning is necessary to guide learning and teaching in situ at point of care. This highlights the need for the development of policy to guide best practice that will enable this new pedagogy to be fully utilised for learning and teaching in healthcare settings. Until governance of mobile learning in educational and healthcare settings in Australia is addressed, harnessing the indubitable benefit of mobile learning and teaching will be unachievable.

Guide Catheter Extension Device Is Effective in Renal Angioplasty for Severely Calcified Lesions.

PubMed

Sugimoto, Takeshi; Nomura, Tetsuya; Hori, Yusuke; Yoshioka, Kenichi; Kubota, Hiroshi; Miyawaki, Daisuke; Urata, Ryota; Kikai, Masakazu; Keira, Natsuya; Tatsumi, Tetsuya

2017-05-23

BACKGROUND The GuideLiner catheter extension device is a monorail-type "Child" support catheter that facilitates coaxial alignment with the guide catheter and provides an appropriate back-up force. This device has been developed in the field of coronary intervention, and now is becoming widely applied in the field of endovascular treatment. However, there has been no report on the effectiveness of the guide catheter extension device in percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty (PTRA). CASE REPORT We encountered a case of atherosclerotic subtotal occlusion at the ostium of the left renal artery. Due to the severely calcified orifice and weaker back-up force provided by a JR4 guide catheter, we could not pass any guidewires through the target lesion. Therefore, we introduced a guide catheter extension device, the GuideLiner catheter, through the guide catheter and achieved good guidewire maneuverability. We finally deployed 2 balloon-expandable stents and successfully performed all PTRA procedures. CONCLUSIONS The guide catheter extension device can be effective in PTRA for severely calcified subtotal occlusion.

DeepInfer: open-source deep learning deployment toolkit for image-guided therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mehrtash, Alireza; Pesteie, Mehran; Hetherington, Jorden; Behringer, Peter A.; Kapur, Tina; Wells, William M.; Rohling, Robert; Fedorov, Andriy; Abolmaesumi, Purang

2017-03-01

Deep learning models have outperformed some of the previous state-of-the-art approaches in medical image analysis. Instead of using hand-engineered features, deep models attempt to automatically extract hierarchical representations at multiple levels of abstraction from the data. Therefore, deep models are usually considered to be more flexible and robust solutions for image analysis problems compared to conventional computer vision models. They have demonstrated significant improvements in computer-aided diagnosis and automatic medical image analysis applied to such tasks as image segmentation, classification and registration. However, deploying deep learning models often has a steep learning curve and requires detailed knowledge of various software packages. Thus, many deep models have not been integrated into the clinical research work ows causing a gap between the state-of-the-art machine learning in medical applications and evaluation in clinical research procedures. In this paper, we propose "DeepInfer" - an open-source toolkit for developing and deploying deep learning models within the 3D Slicer medical image analysis platform. Utilizing a repository of task-specific models, DeepInfer allows clinical researchers and biomedical engineers to deploy a trained model selected from the public registry, and apply it to new data without the need for software development or configuration. As two practical use cases, we demonstrate the application of DeepInfer in prostate segmentation for targeted MRI-guided biopsy and identification of the target plane in 3D ultrasound for spinal injections.

DeepInfer: Open-Source Deep Learning Deployment Toolkit for Image-Guided Therapy.

PubMed

Mehrtash, Alireza; Pesteie, Mehran; Hetherington, Jorden; Behringer, Peter A; Kapur, Tina; Wells, William M; Rohling, Robert; Fedorov, Andriy; Abolmaesumi, Purang

2017-02-11

Deep learning models have outperformed some of the previous state-of-the-art approaches in medical image analysis. Instead of using hand-engineered features, deep models attempt to automatically extract hierarchical representations at multiple levels of abstraction from the data. Therefore, deep models are usually considered to be more flexible and robust solutions for image analysis problems compared to conventional computer vision models. They have demonstrated significant improvements in computer-aided diagnosis and automatic medical image analysis applied to such tasks as image segmentation, classification and registration. However, deploying deep learning models often has a steep learning curve and requires detailed knowledge of various software packages. Thus, many deep models have not been integrated into the clinical research workflows causing a gap between the state-of-the-art machine learning in medical applications and evaluation in clinical research procedures. In this paper, we propose "DeepInfer" - an open-source toolkit for developing and deploying deep learning models within the 3D Slicer medical image analysis platform. Utilizing a repository of task-specific models, DeepInfer allows clinical researchers and biomedical engineers to deploy a trained model selected from the public registry, and apply it to new data without the need for software development or configuration. As two practical use cases, we demonstrate the application of DeepInfer in prostate segmentation for targeted MRI-guided biopsy and identification of the target plane in 3D ultrasound for spinal injections.

DeepInfer: Open-Source Deep Learning Deployment Toolkit for Image-Guided Therapy

PubMed Central

Mehrtash, Alireza; Pesteie, Mehran; Hetherington, Jorden; Behringer, Peter A.; Kapur, Tina; Wells, William M.; Rohling, Robert; Fedorov, Andriy; Abolmaesumi, Purang

2017-01-01

Deep learning models have outperformed some of the previous state-of-the-art approaches in medical image analysis. Instead of using hand-engineered features, deep models attempt to automatically extract hierarchical representations at multiple levels of abstraction from the data. Therefore, deep models are usually considered to be more flexible and robust solutions for image analysis problems compared to conventional computer vision models. They have demonstrated significant improvements in computer-aided diagnosis and automatic medical image analysis applied to such tasks as image segmentation, classification and registration. However, deploying deep learning models often has a steep learning curve and requires detailed knowledge of various software packages. Thus, many deep models have not been integrated into the clinical research workflows causing a gap between the state-of-the-art machine learning in medical applications and evaluation in clinical research procedures. In this paper, we propose “DeepInfer” – an open-source toolkit for developing and deploying deep learning models within the 3D Slicer medical image analysis platform. Utilizing a repository of task-specific models, DeepInfer allows clinical researchers and biomedical engineers to deploy a trained model selected from the public registry, and apply it to new data without the need for software development or configuration. As two practical use cases, we demonstrate the application of DeepInfer in prostate segmentation for targeted MRI-guided biopsy and identification of the target plane in 3D ultrasound for spinal injections. PMID:28615794

Flat-Panel Cone-Beam Ct-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation of Very Small (≤1.5 cm) Liver Tumors: Technical Note on a Preliminary Experience

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

Cazzato, Roberto Luigi, E-mail: r.cazzato@unicampus.it; Buy, Xavier, E-mail: x.buy@bordeaux.unicancer.fr; Alberti, Nicolas, E-mail: nicoalbertibdx@gmail.com

2015-02-15

PurposeThe aim of the present study was to investigate the technical feasibility of flat-panel cone-beam CT (CBCT)-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of very small (<1.5 cm) liver tumors.Materials and MethodsPatients included were candidates for hepatic percutaneous RFA as they had single biopsy-proven hepatic tumors sized ≤1.5 cm and poorly defined on ultrasonography. Following apnea induction, unenhanced CBCT scans were acquired and used to deploy the RF electrode with the aid of a virtual navigation system. If the tumor was not clearly identified on the unenhanced CBCT scan, a right retrograde arterial femoral access was established to carry out hepatic angiography and localize themore » tumor. Patients’ lesions and procedural variables were recorded and analyzed.ResultsThree patients (2 male and 1 female), aged 68, 76, and 87 years were included; 3 lesions (2 hepato-cellular carcinoma and 1 metastasis from colorectal cancer) were treated. One patient required hepatic angiography. Cycles of apnea used to acquire CBCT images and to deploy the electrode lasted <120 s. Mean fluoroscopic time needed to deploy the electrode was 36.6 ± 5.7 min. Mean overall procedural time was 66.0 ± 22.9 min. No peri- or post-procedural complications were noted. No cases of incomplete ablation were noted at 1-month follow-up.ConclusionPercutaneous CBCT-guided liver RFA with or without arterial hepatic angiography is technically feasible.« less

South Dakota ITS/CVO business plan

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1998-01-01

This report defines an ITS/CVO program for the State of South Dakota. It is a Business Plan to guide the deployment of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) technology for improving commercial vehicle operations (CVO) in South Dakota. This ITS/CVO...

ITS/CVO technical project management for non-technical managers : participant guide

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1998-09-01

In 1996, the FHWA Office of Motor Carriers (OMC) identified the need to develop a Technical Training Program to support the deployment of Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) technologies for Commercial Vehicle Operations (CVO). The workforce -...

An Evaluation Guide for Fuel Cell Deployments at EPA Superfund Sites

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This guidebook aims to educate potential project site personnel and regional planners on various considerations to be evaluated when pursuing a hydrogen fuel cell project on an EPA Superfund site for on-site energy generation needs.

A user's guide to the Flexible Spacecraft Dynamics and Control Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fedor, J. V.

1984-01-01

A guide to the use of the Flexible Spacecraft Dynamics Program (FSD) is presented covering input requirements, control words, orbit generation, spacecraft description and simulation options, and output definition. The program can be used in dynamics and control analysis as well as in orbit support of deployment and control of spacecraft. The program is applicable to inertially oriented spinning, Earth oriented or gravity gradient stabilized spacecraft. Internal and external environmental effects can be simulated.

Eco-approach and Eco-departure planning study : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-01-31

A long term (10 year) research roadmap is proposed to guide the development and potential deployment of Eco-Approach and Departure (Eco A/D) functionality at signalized intersections, with a focus on commercialization of initial system concepts in 5+...

National ITS Program Plan Intelligent Transportation Systems Volume I

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1995-03-01

ADVANCED TRAVELER INFORMATION SYSTEMS OR ATIS : THE PURPOSE OF THE NATIONAL ITS PROGRAM PLAN IS TO GUIDE THE DEVELOPMENT AND DEPLOYMENT OF INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS (ITS) IN THE UNITED STATES. THIS, THE FIRST EDITION OF THE PLAN WAS A JOINT ...

A Descriptive Guide to Trade Space Analysis

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-09-01

Development QFD Quality Function Deployment RSM Response Surface Method RSE Response Surface Equation SE Systems Engineering SME Subject Matter...surface equations ( RSEs ) as surrogate models. It uses the RSEs with Monte Carlo simulation to quantitatively explore changes across the surfaces to

South Dakota ITS/CVO business plan : executive summary

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1998-01-19

This report defines an ITS/CVO program for the State of South Dakota. It is a Business Plan to guide the deployment of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) technology for improving commercial vehicle operations (CVO) in South Dakota. This ITS/CVO...

Virginia PROGRESS : the Virginia Department of Transportation's intelligent vehicle-highway systems strategic plan.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1993-01-01

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is committed to Virginia PROGRESS, which is a program for Intelligent Vehicle-Highway System (IVHS) research, development, and deployment. This document, VDOT's IVHS Strategic Plan, will guide the Depa...

National ITS Program Plan Executive Summary

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1995-03-01

THE PURPOSE OF THE NATIONAL ITS PROGRAM PLAN IS TO GUIDE THE DEVELOPMENT AND DEPLOYMENT OF INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS (ITS) IN THE UNITED STATES. THIS FIRST EDITION OF THE PLAN WAS A JOINT EFFORT OF ITS AMERICA AND THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMEN...

Early identification of posttraumatic stress following military deployment: Application of machine learning methods to a prospective study of Danish soldiers.

PubMed

Karstoft, Karen-Inge; Statnikov, Alexander; Andersen, Søren B; Madsen, Trine; Galatzer-Levy, Isaac R

2015-09-15

Pre-deployment identification of soldiers at risk for long-term posttraumatic stress psychopathology after home coming is important to guide decisions about deployment. Early post-deployment identification can direct early interventions to those in need and thereby prevents the development of chronic psychopathology. Both hold significant public health benefits given large numbers of deployed soldiers, but has so far not been achieved. Here, we aim to assess the potential for pre- and early post-deployment prediction of resilience or posttraumatic stress development in soldiers by application of machine learning (ML) methods. ML feature selection and prediction algorithms were applied to a prospective cohort of 561 Danish soldiers deployed to Afghanistan in 2009 to identify unique risk indicators and forecast long-term posttraumatic stress responses. Robust pre- and early postdeployment risk indicators were identified, and included individual PTSD symptoms as well as total level of PTSD symptoms, previous trauma and treatment, negative emotions, and thought suppression. The predictive performance of these risk indicators combined was assessed by cross-validation. Together, these indicators forecasted long term posttraumatic stress responses with high accuracy (pre-deployment: AUC = 0.84 (95% CI = 0.81-0.87), post-deployment: AUC = 0.88 (95% CI = 0.85-0.91)). This study utilized a previously collected data set and was therefore not designed to exhaust the potential of ML methods. Further, the study relied solely on self-reported measures. Pre-deployment and early post-deployment identification of risk for long-term posttraumatic psychopathology are feasible and could greatly reduce the public health costs of war. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) Guide. Volume II.

DTIC Science & Technology

1998-06-01

Deployment Guide JA 274 Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act - Outline and References JA 275 Model Tax Assistance Program JA 276 Preventive...uniformed services. (b) It is the sense of Congress that the Federal Government should be a model employer in carrying out the provisions of this...Under CSRS .-Section 8351(b) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: A-29 (11) In applying section 8432b to

Advanced public transportation systems deployment in the United States

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2003-01-01

Traffic control devices shall be defined as all signs, signals, markings, and other devices used to regulate, warn, or guide traffic, placed on, over, or adjacent to a street, highway, pedestrian facility, or bikeway by authority of a public agency h...

Long-term pavement performance pavement loading user guide (LTPP PLUG).

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-07-01

With the passage of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) in 1998, Congress reaffirmed the role of the United States Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) in advancing the development and integrated deployment of ITS technolog...

Decision-making tool for applying adaptive traffic control systems : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-03-01

Adaptive traffic signal control technologies have been increasingly deployed in real world situations. The objective of this project was to develop a decision-making tool to guide traffic engineers and decision-makers who must decide whether or not a...

National ITS Program Plan, Intelligent Transportation Systems, Synopsis

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

THE PURPOSE OF THE NATIONAL ITS PROGRAM PLAN IS TO GUIDE THE DEVELOPMENT AND DEPLOYMENT OF INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS (ITS) IN THE UNITED STATES. THIS, THE FIRST EDITION OF THE PLAN WAS A JOINT EFFORT OF ITS AMERICA AND THE UNITED STATES DEPA...

New Technique for the Preservation of the Left Common Carotid Artery in Zone 2a Endovascular Repair of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm

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

Juszkat, Robert, E-mail: radiologiamim@wp.pl; Kulesza, Jerzy; Zarzecka, Anna

2011-02-15

To describe a technique for the preservation of the left common carotid artery (CCA) in zone 2 endovascular repair of thoracic aortic aneurysm. This technique involves the placement of a guide wire into the left CCA via the right brachial artery before stent graft deployment to enable precise visualization and protection of the left CCA during the whole procedure. Of the 107 patients with thoracic endovascular aortic repair in our study, 32 (30%) had the left subclavian artery intentionally covered (landing zone 2). Eight (25%) of those 32 had landing zone 2a-the segment distally the origin of the left CCA,more » halfway between the origin of the left CCA and the left subclavian artery. In all patients, a guide wire was positioned into the left CCA via the right brachial artery before stent graft deployment. It is a retrospective study in design. In seven patients, stent grafts were positioned precisely. In the remaining patient, the positioning was imprecise; the origin of the left CCA was partially covered by the graft. A stent was implanted into the left CCA to restore the flow into the vessel. All procedures were performed successfully. The technique of placing a guide wire into the left CCA via the right brachial artery before stent graft deployment is a safe and effective method that enables the precise visualization of the left CCA during the whole procedure. Moreover, in case of inadvertent complete or partial coverage of the origin of the left CCA, it supplies safe and quick access to the artery for stent implantation.« less

Ancrage des vortex dans les supraconducteurs Description phénoménologique de la réponse linéaire d'un de vortex ancré

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lütke-Entrup, N.; Plaçais, B.; Mathieu, P.; Simon, Y.

Vortices pinning in supraconductors In this article we report on the investigation of the dynamics of vortices based on the high frequency linear response. We present a serie of measurements of the complex penetration depth in the mixed state in a variety of samples, including conventional materials (Nb, V, PbIn), the non-conventional heavy fermion UPt3, and the high-T_c cuprate YBaCuO. We have explored a large frequency range (1 kHz 10 MHz) so as to cover the cross-over from the quasi-static response, which is dominated by elastic interactions between vortices and sample defects, to the high-frequency regime, which is governed by viscous damping due to vortex friction against the host crystal. For a quantitative description of the frequency spectrum we start from a phenomenological theory which makes a rigorous distinction between vortex lines, along a vortex field omega, and magnetic field lines B. It predicts a second electrodynamical mode, which is linked to the vortex line tension and has a rather short range. We show that, in the limit of small vortex oscillations, amplitude and phase of the linear response are governed by an additional boundary condition for the vortex lattice at the sample surface ; it takes the form of a slipping condition with a characteristic length that depends on the surface roughness. The frequency spectrum deduced from this mechanism is clearly different from the Campbell spectrum, which is the common signature of all bulk pinning mechanisms. Our results on samples of PbIn, Nb, V, and YBaCuO entirely confirm our model, including some non-intuitive size effects which appear at low frequency when the sample becomes transparent to the flux flow mode. However, our measurements in the B and C phases of UPt3 reveal and important contribution of the bulk to the vortex pinning. Ce travail porte sur l'étude de l'ancrage des vortex par la réponse linéaire haute fréquence. Nous présentons une série de mesures de la profondeur de pénétration complexe dans l'état mixte sur une variété d'échantillons qui va des supraconducteurs classiques (Nb, V, PbIn), aux composés de fermions lourds non-conventionnels (UPt3), en passant par les cuprates à haute température critique (YBaCuO). La large gamme des fréquences explorées (1 kHz 10 MHz) permet de couvrir le changement de régime entre la réponse quasistatique dominée par l'interaction élastique des vortex avec les défauts, et la réponse haute fréquence amortie par la friction visqueuse du réseau de vortex au cristal ionique. Pour décrire quantitativement le spectre de fréquence, nous nous appuyons sur une théorie phénoménologique qui fait une distinction explicite et rigoureuse entre lignes de vortex, décrites par un champ omega, et lignes de champ magnétique B. On prédit ainsi l'existence d'un second mode électrodynamique, évanescent et de courte portée, lié à la tension de ligne des vortex. On montre que la réponse aux petits mouvements, amplitude et phase, est réglée par une condition limite supplémentaire sur le réseau de vortex à la surface ; elle prend la forme d'une condition de glissement avec une longueur phénoménologique contrôlée par la rugosité de l'échantillon. Le spectre de fréquence associé à ce mécanisme se distingue nettement du spectre de Campbell, générique des modèles d'ancrage en volume. Nos mesures sur des échantillons PbIn, Nb, V et YBaCuO confirment entièrement notre modèle, y compris des effets de taille peu intuitifs qui se produisent à basse fréquence quand l'échantillon devient transparent au mode flux flow. En revanche, l'étude des vortex dans les phases B et C d'UPt3 montre une contribution importante du volume à l'ancrage des vortex.

Occupational differences in US Army suicide rates.

PubMed

Kessler, R C; Stein, M B; Bliese, P D; Bromet, E J; Chiu, W T; Cox, K L; Colpe, L J; Fullerton, C S; Gilman, S E; Gruber, M J; Heeringa, S G; Lewandowski-Romps, L; Millikan-Bell, A; Naifeh, J A; Nock, M K; Petukhova, M V; Rosellini, A J; Sampson, N A; Schoenbaum, M; Zaslavsky, A M; Ursano, R J

2015-11-01

Civilian suicide rates vary by occupation in ways related to occupational stress exposure. Comparable military research finds suicide rates elevated in combat arms occupations. However, no research has evaluated variation in this pattern by deployment history, the indicator of occupation stress widely considered responsible for the recent rise in the military suicide rate. The joint associations of Army occupation and deployment history in predicting suicides were analysed in an administrative dataset for the 729 337 male enlisted Regular Army soldiers in the US Army between 2004 and 2009. There were 496 suicides over the study period (22.4/100 000 person-years). Only two occupational categories, both in combat arms, had significantly elevated suicide rates: infantrymen (37.2/100 000 person-years) and combat engineers (38.2/100 000 person-years). However, the suicide rates in these two categories were significantly lower when currently deployed (30.6/100 000 person-years) than never deployed or previously deployed (41.2-39.1/100 000 person-years), whereas the suicide rate of other soldiers was significantly higher when currently deployed and previously deployed (20.2-22.4/100 000 person-years) than never deployed (14.5/100 000 person-years), resulting in the adjusted suicide rate of infantrymen and combat engineers being most elevated when never deployed [odds ratio (OR) 2.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.1-4.1], less so when previously deployed (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1-2.1), and not at all when currently deployed (OR 1.2, 95% CI 0.8-1.8). Adjustment for a differential 'healthy warrior effect' cannot explain this variation in the relative suicide rates of never-deployed infantrymen and combat engineers by deployment status. Efforts are needed to elucidate the causal mechanisms underlying this interaction to guide preventive interventions for soldiers at high suicide risk.

Occupational differences in US Army suicide rates

PubMed Central

Kessler, R. C.; Stein, M. B.; Bliese, P. D.; Bromet, E. J.; Chiu, W. T.; Cox, K. L.; Colpe, L. J.; Fullerton, C. S.; Gilman, S. E.; Gruber, M. J.; Heeringa, S. G.; Lewandowski-Romps, L.; Millikan-Bell, A.; Naifeh, J. A.; Nock, M. K.; Petukhova, M. V.; Rosellini, A. J.; Sampson, N. A.; Schoenbaum, M.; Zaslavsky, A. M.; Ursano, R. J.

2016-01-01

Background Civilian suicide rates vary by occupation in ways related to occupational stress exposure. Comparable military research finds suicide rates elevated in combat arms occupations. However, no research has evaluated variation in this pattern by deployment history, the indicator of occupation stress widely considered responsible for the recent rise in the military suicide rate. Method The joint associations of Army occupation and deployment history in predicting suicides were analysed in an administrative dataset for the 729 337 male enlisted Regular Army soldiers in the US Army between 2004 and 2009. Results There were 496 suicides over the study period (22.4/100 000 person-years). Only two occupational categories, both in combat arms, had significantly elevated suicide rates: infantrymen (37.2/100 000 person-years) and combat engineers (38.2/100 000 person-years). However, the suicide rates in these two categories were significantly lower when currently deployed (30.6/100 000 person-years) than never deployed or previously deployed (41.2–39.1/100 000 person-years), whereas the suicide rate of other soldiers was significantly higher when currently deployed and previously deployed (20.2–22.4/100 000 person-years) than never deployed (14.5/100 000 person-years), resulting in the adjusted suicide rate of infantrymen and combat engineers being most elevated when never deployed [odds ratio (OR) 2.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.1–4.1], less so when previously deployed (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1–2.1), and not at all when currently deployed (OR 1.2, 95% CI 0.8–1.8). Adjustment for a differential ‘healthy warrior effect’ cannot explain this variation in the relative suicide rates of never-deployed infantrymen and combat engineers by deployment status. Conclusions Efforts are needed to elucidate the causal mechanisms underlying this interaction to guide preventive interventions for soldiers at high suicide risk. PMID:26190760

National ITS Program Plan, Intelligent Transportation Systems Volume II

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1995-03-01

THE PURPOSE OF THE NATIONAL ITS PROGRAM PLAN IS TO GUIDE THE DEVELOPMENT AND DEPLOYMENT OF INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS (ITS) IN THE UNITED STATES. THIS, THE FIRST EDITION OF THE PLAN WAS A JOINT EFFORT OF ITS AMERICA AND THE UNITED STATES DEPA...

Observations of Local Seychelles Circulation

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-09-30

long term deployments. Addtitionally, we have been in touch with Julie MacClean and Tommy Jenson regarding model output, both for use as boundary...help guide regional model boundary condition placement while Tommy is in the process of extracting numerical mooring outputs near the locations of our

Data Architecture in an Open Systems Environment.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bernbom, Gerald; Cromwell, Dennis

1993-01-01

The conceptual basis for structured data architecture, and its integration with open systems technology at Indiana University, are described. Key strategic goals guiding these efforts are discussed: commitment to improved data access; migration to relational database technology, and deployment of a high-speed, multiprotocol network; and…

Deployable reflector design for Ku-band operation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tankersley, B. C.

1974-01-01

A project was conducted to extend the deployable antenna technology state-of-the art through the design, analysis, construction, and testing of a lightweight, high surface tolerance, 12.5 foot diameter reflector for Ku-band operation. The applicability of the reflector design to the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) program was one requirement to be met. A documentary of the total program is presented. The performance requirements used to guide and constrain the design are discussed. The radio frequency, structural/dynamic, and thermal performance results are reported. Appendices are used to provide test data and detailed fabrication drawings of the reflector.

Guide Catheter Extension Device Is Effective in Renal Angioplasty for Severely Calcified Lesions

PubMed Central

Sugimoto, Takeshi; Nomura, Tetsuya; Hori, Yusuke; Yoshioka, Kenichi; Kubota, Hiroshi; Miyawaki, Daisuke; Urata, Ryota; Kikai, Masakazu; Keira, Natsuya; Tatsumi, Tetsuya

2017-01-01

Patient: Male, 69 Final Diagnosis: Atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis Symptoms: None Medication: — Clinical Procedure: — Specialty: Radiology Objective: Unusual setting of medical care Background: The GuideLiner catheter extension device is a monorail-type “Child” support catheter that facilitates coaxial alignment with the guide catheter and provides an appropriate back-up force. This device has been developed in the field of coronary intervention, and now is becoming widely applied in the field of endovascular treatment. However, there has been no report on the effectiveness of the guide catheter extension device in percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty (PTRA). Case Report: We encountered a case of atherosclerotic subtotal occlusion at the ostium of the left renal artery. Due to the severely calcified orifice and weaker back-up force provided by a JR4 guide catheter, we could not pass any guide-wires through the target lesion. Therefore, we introduced a guide catheter extension device, the GuideLiner catheter, through the guide catheter and achieved good guidewire maneuverability. We finally deployed 2 balloon-expandable stents and successfully performed all PTRA procedures. Conclusions: The guide catheter extension device can be effective in PTRA for severely calcified subtotal occlusion. PMID:28533503

Best practices for modifying transportation design, planning, and project evaluation in Texas.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2017-03-01

This guidebook is a desktop guide for TxDOT staff to facilitate an understanding of CAV technologies and the current trends in development and deployment. The overview should aid in anticipating the evolution of the Texas fleet and its use under vari...

Trouble-shooting deployment and recovery options for various stationary passive acoustic monitoring devices in both shallow- and deep-water applications.

PubMed

Dudzinski, Kathleen M; Brown, Shani J; Lammers, Marc; Lucke, Klaus; Mann, David A; Simard, Peter; Wall, Carrie C; Rasmussen, Marianne Helene; Magnúsdóttir, Edda Elísabet; Tougaard, Jakob; Eriksen, Nina

2011-01-01

Deployment of any type of measuring device into the ocean, whether to shallow or deeper depths, is accompanied by the hope that this equipment and associated data will be recovered. The ocean is harsh on gear. Salt water corrodes. Currents, tides, surge, storms, and winds collaborate to increase the severity of the conditions that monitoring devices will endure. All ocean-related research has encountered the situations described in this paper. In collating the details of various deployment and recovery scenarios related to stationary passive acoustic monitoring use in the ocean, it is the intent of this paper to share trouble-shooting successes and failures to guide future work with this gear to monitor marine mammal, fish, and ambient (biologic and anthropogenic) sounds in the ocean-in both coastal and open waters.

Guided waves in a monopile of an offshore wind turbine.

PubMed

Zernov, V; Fradkin, L; Mudge, P

2011-01-01

We study the guided waves in a structure which consists of two overlapping steel plates, with the overlapping section grouted. This geometry is often encountered in support structures of large industrial offshore constructions, such as wind turbine monopiles. It has been recognized for some time that the guided wave technology offers distinctive advantages for the ultrasonic inspections and health monitoring of structures of this extent. It is demonstrated that there exist advantageous operational regimes of ultrasonic transducers guaranteeing a good inspection range, even when the structures are totally submerged in water, which is a consideration when the wind turbines are deployed off shore. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

First magnetic resonance imaging-guided aortic stenting and cava filter placement using a polyetheretherketone-based magnetic resonance imaging-compatible guidewire in swine: proof of concept.

PubMed

Kos, Sebastian; Huegli, Rolf; Hofmann, Eugen; Quick, Harald H; Kuehl, Hilmar; Aker, Stephanie; Kaiser, Gernot M; Borm, Paul J A; Jacob, Augustinus L; Bilecen, Deniz

2009-05-01

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate feasibility of percutaneous transluminal aortic stenting and cava filter placement under magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guidance exclusively using a polyetheretherketone (PEEK)-based MRI-compatible guidewire. Percutaneous transluminal aortic stenting and cava filter placement were performed in 3 domestic swine. Procedures were performed under MRI-guidance in an open-bore 1.5-T scanner. The applied 0.035-inch guidewire has a PEEK core reinforced by fibres, floppy tip, hydrophilic coating, and paramagnetic markings for passive visualization. Through an 11F sheath, the guidewire was advanced into the abdominal (swine 1) or thoracic aorta (swine 2), and the stents were deployed. The guidewire was advanced into the inferior vena cava (swine 3), and the cava filter was deployed. Postmortem autopsy was performed. Procedural success, guidewire visibility, pushability, and stent support were qualitatively assessed by consensus. Procedure times were documented. Guidewire guidance into the abdominal and thoracic aortas and the inferior vena cava was successful. Stent deployments were successful in the abdominal (swine 1) and thoracic (swine 2) segments of the descending aorta. Cava filter positioning and deployment was successful. Autopsy documented good stent and filter positioning. Guidewire visibility through applied markers was rated acceptable for aortic stenting and good for venous filter placement. Steerability, pushability, and device support were good. The PEEK-based guidewire allows either percutaneous MRI-guided aortic stenting in the thoracic and abdominal segments of the descending aorta and filter placement in the inferior vena cava with acceptable to good device visibility and offers good steerability, pushability, and device support.

First Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Guided Aortic Stenting and Cava Filter Placement Using a Polyetheretherketone-Based Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Compatible Guidewire in Swine: Proof of Concept

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

Kos, Sebastian, E-mail: skos@gmx.d; Huegli, Rolf; Hofmann, Eugen

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate feasibility of percutaneous transluminal aortic stenting and cava filter placement under magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guidance exclusively using a polyetheretherketone (PEEK)-based MRI-compatible guidewire. Percutaneous transluminal aortic stenting and cava filter placement were performed in 3 domestic swine. Procedures were performed under MRI-guidance in an open-bore 1.5-T scanner. The applied 0.035-inch guidewire has a PEEK core reinforced by fibres, floppy tip, hydrophilic coating, and paramagnetic markings for passive visualization. Through an 11F sheath, the guidewire was advanced into the abdominal (swine 1) or thoracic aorta (swine 2), and the stents were deployed. Themore » guidewire was advanced into the inferior vena cava (swine 3), and the cava filter was deployed. Postmortem autopsy was performed. Procedural success, guidewire visibility, pushability, and stent support were qualitatively assessed by consensus. Procedure times were documented. Guidewire guidance into the abdominal and thoracic aortas and the inferior vena cava was successful. Stent deployments were successful in the abdominal (swine 1) and thoracic (swine 2) segments of the descending aorta. Cava filter positioning and deployment was successful. Autopsy documented good stent and filter positioning. Guidewire visibility through applied markers was rated acceptable for aortic stenting and good for venous filter placement. Steerability, pushability, and device support were good. The PEEK-based guidewire allows either percutaneous MRI-guided aortic stenting in the thoracic and abdominal segments of the descending aorta and filter placement in the inferior vena cava with acceptable to good device visibility and offers good steerability, pushability, and device support.« less

TU-AB-201-03: A Robot for the Automated Delivery of An Electromagnetic Tracking Sensor for the Localization of Brachytherapy Catheters

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

Don, S; Cormack, R; Viswanathan, A

Purpose: To present a programmable robotic system for the accurate and fast deployment of an electromagnetic (EM) sensor for brachytherapy catheter localization. Methods: A robotic system for deployment of an EM sensor was designed and built. The system was programmed to increment the sensor position at specified time and space intervals. Sensor delivery accuracy was measured in a phantom using the localization of the EM sensor and tested in different environmental conditions. Accuracy was tested by measuring the distance between the physical locations reached by the sensor (measured by the EM tracker) and the intended programmed locations. Results: The systemmore » consisted of a stepper motor connected to drive wheels (that grip the cable to move the sensor) and a series of guides to connect to a brachytherapy transfer tube, all controlled by a programmable Arduino microprocessor. The total cost for parts was <$300. The positional accuracy of the sensor location was within 1 mm of the expected position provided by the motorized guide system. Acquisition speed to localize a brachytherapy catheter with 20 cm of active length was 10 seconds. The current design showed some cable slip and warping depending on environment temperature. Conclusion: The use of EM tracking for the localization of brachytherapy catheters has been previously demonstrated. Efficient data acquisition and artifact reduction requires fast and accurate deployment of an EM sensor in consistent, repeatable patterns, which cannot practically be achieved manually. The design of an inexpensive, programmable robot allowing for the precise deployment of stepping patterns was presented, and a prototype was built. Further engineering is necessary to ensure that the device provides efficient independent localization of brachytherapy catheters. This research was funded by the Kaye Family Award.« less

511, America's traveler information number. Deployment assistance report #5, Public transportation content on 511 services

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2003-06-01

The purpose of this report is to share information regarding the types of public transportation data that can be provided via 511 and the issues associated with this provision [...] The rationale for this report is to produce a "511 basics" guide for...

Virulence diversity of Phakopsora pachyrhizi isolates from East Africa compared to a geographically diverse collection

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Soybean rust, caused by the biotrophic pathogen Phakopsora pachyrhizi, is a highly destructive disease causing substantial yield losses in many soybean producing regions throughout the world. Knowledge about P. pachyrhizi virulence is needed to guide development and deployment of soybean germplasm w...

Hybrid DynaCT-guided electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopic biopsy†.

PubMed

Ng, Calvin S H; Yu, Simon C H; Lau, Rainbow W H; Yim, Anthony P C

2016-01-01

Electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy-guided biopsy of small pulmonary nodules can be challenging. Navigational error of the system and movement of the biopsy tool during its deployment adversely affect biopsy success. Furthermore, conventional methods to confirm navigational success such as fluoroscopy and radial endobronchial ultrasound become less useful for the biopsy of small lesions. A hybrid operating theatre can provide unparalleled real-time imaging through DynaCT scan to guide and confirm successful navigation and biopsy of difficult-to-reach or small lesions. We describe our technique for DynaCT image-guided electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopic biopsy of a small pulmonary nodule in the hybrid operating theatre. The advantages, disadvantages and special considerations in adopting this approach are discussed. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.

Memory-Guided Attention: Independent Contributions of the Hippocampus and Striatum.

PubMed

Goldfarb, Elizabeth V; Chun, Marvin M; Phelps, Elizabeth A

2016-01-20

Memory can strongly influence how attention is deployed in future encounters. Though memory dependent on the medial temporal lobes has been shown to drive attention, how other memory systems could concurrently and comparably enhance attention is less clear. Here, we demonstrate that both reinforcement learning and context memory facilitate attention in a visual search task. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, we dissociate the mechanisms by which these memories guide attention: trial by trial, the hippocampus (not the striatum) predicted attention benefits from context memory, while the striatum (not the hippocampus) predicted facilitation from rewarded stimulus-response associations. Responses in these regions were also distinctly correlated with individual differences in each type of memory-guided attention. This study provides novel evidence for the role of the striatum in guiding attention, dissociable from hippocampus-dependent context memory.

Memory-Guided Attention: Independent Contributions of the Hippocampus and Striatum

PubMed Central

Goldfarb, Elizabeth V.; Chun, Marvin M.; Phelps, Elizabeth A.

2015-01-01

SUMMARY Memory can strongly influence how attention is deployed in future encounters. Though memory dependent on the medial temporal lobes has been shown to drive attention, how other memory systems could concurrently and comparably enhance attention is less clear. Here, we demonstrate that both reinforcement learning and context memory facilitate attention in a visual search task. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, we dissociate the mechanisms by which these memories guide attention: trial by trial, the hippocampus (not the striatum) predicted attention benefits from context memory, while the striatum (not the hippocampus) predicted facilitation from rewarded stimulus-response associations. Responses in these regions were also distinctly correlated with individual differences in each type of memory-guided attention. This study provides novel evidence for the role of the striatum in guiding attention, dissociable from hippocampus-dependent context memory. PMID:26777274

Cognitive Control Network Contributions to Memory-Guided Visual Attention.

PubMed

Rosen, Maya L; Stern, Chantal E; Michalka, Samantha W; Devaney, Kathryn J; Somers, David C

2016-05-01

Visual attentional capacity is severely limited, but humans excel in familiar visual contexts, in part because long-term memories guide efficient deployment of attention. To investigate the neural substrates that support memory-guided visual attention, we performed a set of functional MRI experiments that contrast long-term, memory-guided visuospatial attention with stimulus-guided visuospatial attention in a change detection task. Whereas the dorsal attention network was activated for both forms of attention, the cognitive control network(CCN) was preferentially activated during memory-guided attention. Three posterior nodes in the CCN, posterior precuneus, posterior callosal sulcus/mid-cingulate, and lateral intraparietal sulcus exhibited the greatest specificity for memory-guided attention. These 3 regions exhibit functional connectivity at rest, and we propose that they form a subnetwork within the broader CCN. Based on the task activation patterns, we conclude that the nodes of this subnetwork are preferentially recruited for long-term memory guidance of visuospatial attention. Published by Oxford University Press 2015. This work is written by (a) US Government employee(s) and is in the public domain in the US.

Magnetic navigation for thoracic aortic stent-graft deployment using ultrasound image guidance.

PubMed

Luo, Zhe; Cai, Junfeng; Wang, Su; Zhao, Qiang; Peters, Terry M; Gu, Lixu

2013-03-01

We propose a system for thoracic aortic stent-graft deployment that employs a magnetic tracking system (MTS) and intraoperative ultrasound (US). A preoperative plan is first performed using a general public utilities-accelerated cardiac modeling method to determine the target position of the stent-graft. During the surgery, an MTS is employed to track sensors embedded in the catheter, cannula, and the US probe, while a fiducial landmark based registration is used to map the patient's coordinate to the image coordinate. The surgical target is tracked in real time via a calibrated intraoperative US image. Under the guidance of the MTS integrated with the real-time US images, the stent-graft can be deployed to the target position without the use of ionizing radiation. This navigation approach was validated using both phantom and animal studies. In the phantom study, we demonstrate a US calibration accuracy of 1.5 ± 0.47 mm, and a deployment error of 1.4 ± 0.16 mm. In the animal study, we performed experiments on five porcine subjects and recorded fiducial, target, and deployment errors of 2.5 ± 0.32, 4.2 ± 0.78, and 2.43 ± 0.69 mm, respectively. These results demonstrate that delivery and deployment of thoracic stent-graft under MTS-guided navigation using US imaging is feasible and appropriate for clinical application.

Application of Business Process Management to drive the deployment of a speech recognition system in a healthcare organization.

PubMed

González Sánchez, María José; Framiñán Torres, José Manuel; Parra Calderón, Carlos Luis; Del Río Ortega, Juan Antonio; Vigil Martín, Eduardo; Nieto Cervera, Jaime

2008-01-01

We present a methodology based on Business Process Management to guide the development of a speech recognition system in a hospital in Spain. The methodology eases the deployment of the system by 1) involving the clinical staff in the process, 2) providing the IT professionals with a description of the process and its requirements, 3) assessing advantages and disadvantages of the speech recognition system, as well as its impact in the organisation, and 4) help reorganising the healthcare process before implementing the new technology in order to identify how it can better contribute to the overall objective of the organisation.

Superconducting phase transitions in mK temperature range in splat-cooled U0.85Pt0.15 alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim-Ngan, N.-T. H.; Tarnawski, Z.; Chrobak, M.; Sowa, S.; Duda, A.; Paukov, M.; Buturlim, V.; Havela, L.

2018-05-01

We present the temperature and magnetic-field dependence of the electrical resistivity (ρ(T,B)) in the mK temperature range used as a diagnostic tool for the superconductivity of U-Pt alloys prepared by splat-cooling technique. In most of the investigated alloys, a single resistivity drop was observed at the superconducting transition. For splat-cooled U0.85Pt0.15 (U-15 at% Pt) alloys, two drops were revealed around 0.6 K and 1 K tentatively attributed to the superconducting phase transitions of the γ-U phase and α-U phase. The ρ(T,B) characteristics were found to depend on the cooling rate. The superconductivity is characterized by very high upper critical fields, reaching 4.5 T in the 0 K limit.

Disregarding Familiarity during Recollection Attempts: Content-Specific Recapitulation as a Retrieval Orientation Strategy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gray, Stephen J.; Gallo, David A.

2015-01-01

People can use a content-specific recapitulation strategy to trigger memories (i.e., mentally reinstating encoding conditions), but how people deploy this strategy is unclear. Is recapitulation naturally used to guide all recollection attempts, or is it only used selectively, after retrieving incomplete information that requires additional…

77 FR 39186 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-07-02

[email protected]zodiac.com ; Internet http://www.zodiacaerospace.com . You may review copies of the referenced service... A321 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of the escape slide of the raft inflation system not deploying when activated due to the rotation of the cable guide in a direction which...

Generalized provisional seed zones for native plants

Treesearch

Andrew D. Bower; J. Bradley St.Clair; Vicky Erickson

2014-01-01

Deploying well-adapted and ecologically appropriate plant materials is a core component of successful restoration projects. We have developed generalized provisional seed zones that can be applied to any plant species in the United States to help guide seed movement. These seed zones are based on the intersection of high-resolution climatic data for winter minimum...

Dengue and Chikungunya Vector Control Pocket Guide

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-01-27

Aedes aegypti readily bites people indoors and will rest on wall surfaces after taking a...countries are areas where dengue risk is well known. Aedes aegypti , Ae. albopictus and Ae. polynesiensis are three mosquito species that are...vectors of dengue. Aedes aegypti accounts for >95% of all cases worldwide. During deployments, all three species must be

Massachusetts Air National Guard dad deploys with his son for final time >

Science.gov Websites

Mission Sustainability Training ARNG Distributed Learning Program Training & Technology Battle Lab (T3BL) Civil Support Simulation Exercises Regional Training Site Maintenance Battle Focused Training Strategy Battle Staff Training Resources News Publications Civic Leader's Guide ARNG Vision 2020 Posture

A guide to onboard checkout. Volume 6: Structures/mechanics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1971-01-01

The structures and mechanical subsystem of a space station are considered. The subsystem includes basic structure (pressurization, equipment support, meteoroid protection, radiators, insulation, and docking interfaces), the docking mechanisms, spacecraft access (hatches, airlocks, and view ports), and antenna deployment mechanisms. Checkout is discussed in terms of reliability, failure analysis, and maintenance.

From the Director - Continuum Magazine | NREL

Science.gov Websites

-changing innovations respond to the marketplace. NREL's depth of foundational science, guided by our world breakthroughs. Q. Why is it important to demonstrate clean energy technologies in a real-world deployment informed decisions while working side-by-side with world-renowned scientists and analysts. Q. How does NREL

CRISPR-Cas9 nuclear dynamics and target recognition in living cells

PubMed Central

Ma, Hanhui; Tu, Li-Chun; Zhang, Shaojie; Grunwald, David

2016-01-01

The bacterial CRISPR-Cas9 system has been repurposed for genome engineering, transcription modulation, and chromosome imaging in eukaryotic cells. However, the nuclear dynamics of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)–associated protein 9 (Cas9) guide RNAs and target interrogation are not well defined in living cells. Here, we deployed a dual-color CRISPR system to directly measure the stability of both Cas9 and guide RNA. We found that Cas9 is essential for guide RNA stability and that the nuclear Cas9–guide RNA complex levels limit the targeting efficiency. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching measurements revealed that single mismatches in the guide RNA seed sequence reduce the target residence time from >3 h to as low as <2 min in a nucleotide identity- and position-dependent manner. We further show that the duration of target residence correlates with cleavage activity. These results reveal that CRISPR discriminates between genuine versus mismatched targets for genome editing via radical alterations in residence time. PMID:27551060

Recent Experiences and Challenges of Military Physiotherapists Deployed to Afghanistan: A Qualitative Study

PubMed Central

Carpenter, Christine

2011-01-01

ABSTRACT Purpose: Military physiotherapists in the Canadian Forces meet the unique rehabilitation needs of military personnel. Recently, the physiotherapy officer role has evolved in response to the Canadian Forces' involvement in the combat theatre of operations of Afghanistan, and this has created new and unique challenges and demands. The purpose of this study was to describe the experiences and challenges of military physiotherapists deployed to Afghanistan. Methods: A qualitative research design guided by descriptive phenomenology involved recruitment of key informants and in-depth interviews as the data collection method. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and the data analyzed using a foundational thematic analysis approach. Strategies of peer review and member checking were incorporated into the study design. Results: Six military physiotherapists were interviewed. They described rewarding experiences that were stressful yet highly career-satisfying. Main challenges revolved around heavy workloads, an expanded scope of practice as sole-charge practitioners, and the consequences and criticality of their clinical decisions. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that enhanced pre-deployment training and the implementation of a stronger support network will improve the capabilities of military physiotherapists deployed to difficult theatres of operations. This type of systematic and comprehensive research is needed to assist the Canadian Forces in proactively preparing and supporting physiotherapists deployed on future missions. PMID:22942524

Double Guiding Catheters for Complex Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

PubMed Central

Chou, Shing-Hsien; Lin, Chia-Pin; Lin, Yen-Chen; Kuo, Chi-Tai; Lin, Ming-Shyan; Chang, Chi-Jen

2012-01-01

A large-lumen guiding catheter is often used for complex percutaneous coronary intervention—particularly when a final kissing-balloon or 2-stent technique is required. However, catheter insertion is sometimes restricted by diseased vascular access sites or a tortuous vascular route. We report 2 cases in which a unique double guiding catheter technique was used to create a lumen of sufficient size for complex percutaneous coronary intervention. In each patient, two 6F guiding catheters were used concurrently to engage the ostium of 1 target vessel. In 1 patient, these catheters were used for the delivery of 2 balloons to complete kissing-balloon dilation after single-stent placement. In the other patient, the catheters were used to deliver 2 stents sequentially to their respective target lesions. The stents were then deployed simultaneously as kissing stents, followed by high-pressure kissing-balloon postdilation. PMID:22412243

Development of a multi-behavioral mHealth app for women smokers

PubMed Central

Armin, Julie; Johnson, Thienne; Hingle, Melanie; Giacobbi, Peter; Gordon, Judith S.

2017-01-01

Objective This paper describes the development of the See Me Smoke-Free™ (SMSF) mobile health application, which uses guided imagery to support women in smoking cessation, eating a healthy diet, and increasing physical activity. Materials and Methods Focus group discussions, with member checks, were conducted to refine the intervention content and app user interface. Data related to the context of app deployment were collected via user testing sessions and internal quality control testing, which identified and addressed functionality issues, content problems, and bugs. Results Interactive app features include playback of guided imagery audio files, notification pop-ups, award-sharing on social media, a tracking calendar, content resources, and direct call to the local tobacco quitline. Focus groups helped design the user interface, and identified several themes for incorporation into app content, including positivity, the rewards of smoking cessation, and the integrated benefits maintaining a healthy lifestyle. User testing improved app functionality and usability on many Android phone models. Discussion Changes to the app content and function were made iteratively by the development team as a result of focus group and user testing. Despite extensive internal and user testing, unanticipated data collection and reporting issues emerged during deployment due to the variety of Android software and hardware, but also due to individual phone settings and use. Conclusion Focus group interviews helped thematically frame the intervention and maximize user engagement. Testing caught many bugs and usability concerns, but missed some of the data transmission problems encountered during deployment. PMID:28121240

The Trouble with Triplets in Biodiversity Informatics: A Data-Driven Case against Current Identifier Practices

PubMed Central

Guralnick, Robert; Conlin, Tom; Deck, John; Stucky, Brian J.; Cellinese, Nico

2014-01-01

The biodiversity informatics community has discussed aspirations and approaches for assigning globally unique identifiers (GUIDs) to biocollections for nearly a decade. During that time, and despite misgivings, the de facto standard identifier has become the “Darwin Core Triplet”, which is a concatenation of values for institution code, collection code, and catalog number associated with biocollections material. Our aim is not to rehash the challenging discussions regarding which GUID system in theory best supports the biodiversity informatics use case of discovering and linking digital data across the Internet, but how well we can link those data together at this moment, utilizing the current identifier schemes that have already been deployed. We gathered Darwin Core Triplets from a subset of VertNet records, along with vertebrate records from GenBank and the Barcode of Life Data System, in order to determine how Darwin Core Triplets are deployed “in the wild”. We asked if those triplets follow the recommended structure and whether they provide an easy and unambiguous means to track from specimen records to genetic sequence records. We show that Darwin Core Triplets are often riddled with semantic and syntactic errors when deployed and curated in practice, despite specifications about how to construct them. Our results strongly suggest that Darwin Core Triplets that have not been carefully curated are not currently serving a useful role for relinking data. We briefly consider needed next steps to overcome current limitations. PMID:25470125

Variable porosity of the pipeline embolization device in straight and curved vessels: a guide for optimal deployment strategy.

PubMed

Shapiro, M; Raz, E; Becske, T; Nelson, P K

2014-04-01

Low-porosity endoluminal devices for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms, also known as flow diverters, have been in experimental and clinical use for close to 10 years. Despite rigorous evidence of their safety and efficacy in well-controlled trials, a number of key factors concerning their use remain poorly defined. Among these, none has received more attention to date than the debate on how many devices are optimally required to achieve a safe, effective, and economical outcome. Additional, related questions concern device sizing relative to the parent artery and optimal method of deployment of the devices. While some or all of these issues may be ultimately answered on an empiric basis via subgroup analysis of growing treatment cohorts, we believe that careful in vitro examination of relevant device properties can also help guide its in vivo use. We conducted a number of benchtop experiments to investigate the varied porosity of Pipeline Embolization Devices deployed in a simulated range of parent vessel diameters and applied these results toward conceptualizing optimal treatment strategies of fusiform and wide-neck aneurysms. The results of our studies confirm a predictable parabolic variability in device porosity based on the respective comparative sizes of the device and recipient artery, as well as device curvature. Even modest oversizing leads to a significant increase in porosity. The experiments demonstrate various deleterious effects of device oversizing relative to the parent artery and provide strategies for addressing size mismatches when they are unavoidable.

A NATO Guide for Assessing Deployability for Military Personnel with Medical Conditions (Guide OTAN d’evaluation de l’aptitude medicale a la projection du personnel militaire)

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-06-01

Pulmonary Embolism (PE) / Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) 3-9 3.2.16.3 Venous Insufficiency 3-9 3.2.17 Vision/Ophthalmology 3-9 3.2.17.1 Refractive Surgery...Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms 3-63 3.3.16.2 History of Pulmonary Embolism (PE) or Deep Venous Thrombosis 3-65 (DVT) 3.3.16.3 Venous Insufficiency 3-67...Drugs OCD Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder PASI Psoriasis Area and Severity Index PE Pulmonary Embolism PEF Peak Expiratory Flow PHA Periodic

Fault-zone guided waves from explosions in the San Andreas fault at Parkfield and Cienega Valley, California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Li, Y.-G.; Ellsworth, W.L.; Thurber, C.H.; Malin, P.E.; Aki, K.

1997-01-01

Fault-zone guided waves were successfully excited by near-surface explosions in the San Andreas fault zone both at Parkfield and Cienega Valley, central California. The guided waves were observed on linear, three-component seismic arrays deployed across the fault trace. These waves were not excited by explosions located outside the fault zone. The amplitude spectra of guided waves show a maximum peak at 2 Hz at Parkfield and 3 Hz at Cienega Valley. The guided wave amplitude decays sharply with observation distance from the fault trace. The explosion-excited fault-zone guided waves are similar to those generated by earthquakes at Parkfield but have lower frequencies and travel more slowly. These observations suggest that the fault-zone wave guide has lower seismic velocities as it approaches the surface at Parkfield. We have modeled the waveforms as S waves trapped in a low-velocity wave guide sandwiched between high-velocity wall rocks, resulting in Love-type fault-zone guided waves. While the results are nonunique, the Parkfield data are adequately fit by a shallow wave guide 170 m wide with an S velocity 0.85 km/sec and an apparent Q ??? 30 to 40. At Cienega Valley, the fault-zone wave guide appears to be about 120 m wide with an S velocity 0.7 km/sec and a Q ??? 30.

Peace umbrella, a vague policy and checkered past. Research report

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

Biszak, G.A.

1997-03-01

With the break-up of the former Soviet Union, the United Nations Security Council enjoyed a greater consensus among its members in confronting aggression and participation in humanitarian and peace operations. Deploying significant military forces under the peace umbrella at the beginning of this decade was highly unlikely. However, since 1990, 25 deployments have been conducted with the majority falling under the peace umbrella. This paper analyzes current national and military strategy in regards to the peace umbrella, specifically peace enforcement, military doctrine, and the case of Somalia. In addition, this paper looks at doctrine and directives that currently guide deploymentmore » of forces and the potential for future peace operations.« less

EarthScope's Transportable Array: Status of the Alaska Deployment and Guide to Resources for Lower48 Deployment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Busby, R. W.; Woodward, R.; Aderhold, K.; Frassetto, A.

2017-12-01

The Alaska Transportable Array deployment is completely installed, totaling 280 stations, with 194 new stations and 86 existing stations, 28 of those upgraded with new sensor emplacement. We briefly summarize the deployment of this seismic network, describe the added meteorological instruments and soil temperature gauges, and review our expectations for operation and demobilization. Curation of data from the contiguous Lower-48 States deployment of Transportable Array (>1800 stations, 2004-2015) has continued with the few gaps in real-time data replaced by locally archived files as well as minor adjustments in metadata. We highlight station digests that provide more detail on the components and settings of individual stations, documentation of standard procedures used throughout the deployment and other resources available online. In cooperation with IRIS DMC, a copy of the complete TA archive for the Lower-48 period has been transferred to a local disk to experiment with data access and software workflows that utilize most or all of the seismic timeseries, in contrast to event segments. Assembling such large datasets reliably - from field stations to a well managed data archive to a user's workspace - is complex. Sharing a curated and defined data volume with researchers is a potentially straightforward way to make data intensive analyses less difficult. We note that data collection within the Lower-48 continues with 160 stations of the N4 network operating at increased sample rates (100 sps) as part of the CEUSN, as operational support transitions from NSF to USGS.

The Operator Guide: An Ambient Persuasive Interface in the Factory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meschtscherjakov, Alexander; Reitberger, Wolfgang; Pöhr, Florian; Tscheligi, Manfred

In this paper we introduce the context of a semiconductor factory as a promising area for the application of innovative interaction approaches. In order to increase efficiency ambient persuasive interfaces, which influence the operators' behaviour to perform in an optimized way, could constitute a potential strategy. We present insights gained from qualitative studies conducted in a specific semiconductor factory and provide a description of typical work processes and already deployed interfaces in this context. These findings informed the design of a prototype of an ambient persuasive interface within this realm - the "Operator Guide". Its overall aim is to improve work efficiency, while still maintaining a minimal error rate. We provide a detailed description of the Operator Guide along with an outlook of the next steps within a user-centered design approach.

Naval Systems Engineering Guide

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-10-01

Decision Critical Design Review System Integration Activities IOC FRP Decision Review Production & Deployment Sustainment IOT & FOC Sustainmen...reentered when things change significantly, such as funding, requirements, or schedule. This process must start at the very beginning of a Major...outputs through sub-processes will reveal a number of things : a. Determine the level of process applicability and tailoring required. b. Additional

Using Indicators in Planning Education for Rural People: A Practical Guide

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sauvageot, Claude; Da Graca, Patricia Dias

2007-01-01

Despite all the efforts deployed by the countries of the world and the vigorous mobilization of the international community, rural people are lagging far behind in education and are particularly hard hit by poverty and hunger. In developing countries, the slow progress towards universal education is largely due to the sluggish growth of school…

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

Werling, Eric

This report presents the Building America Research-to-Market Plan (Plan), including the integrated Building America Technology-to-Market Roadmaps (Roadmaps) that will guide Building America’s research, development, and deployment (RD&D) activities over the coming years. The Plan and Roadmaps will be updated as necessary to adapt to research findings and evolving stakeholder needs, and they will reflect input from DOE and stakeholders.

Research on optical biosensor with up-converting phosphor marker

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Yongkai; Zhou, Lei; Wang, Jing; Huang, Lihua; Yan, Zhongqiang; Huang, Huijie; Yang, Ruifu; Liu, Lei; Ren, Bingqiang; Wang, Xiangzhao

2006-08-01

An optical biosensor with up-converting phosphor (UCP) marker is developed for the sensitive rapid immunoassay to the specific biomolecule. UCP can emit visible light when excited by infrared light. Through detecting and analyzing the content of UCP particles on the test strip after immunoreaction, the concentration of target analyte in the sample can be obtained. The detection sensitivity to plague IgG is better than 5 ng/ml; to plague FI-Ab is better than 100 pg/ml; to plague Yersinia pestis cell is better than 3*10^(4) CFU/ml. Good linear response characteristics and an excellent correlation (R2>=0.95) have been verified by quantitative detection results. In the practical application, detection results to 167 analytic samples have an excellent consistency with those obtained by reverse hemagglutination test. The up-converting phosphor technology (UPT) based biosensor has stable, reliable, and sensitive performances. It can meet the need of various bioassay applications.

Retrieval of a subintimal fractured guide wire from the brachial artery following saphenous vein graft stenting.

PubMed

Danson, Edward J; Ward, Michael

2015-06-01

We present a case of a 58-year-old woman with diabetes mellitus with a history of angina, coronary artery bypass 24 years previously and who underwent retrieval of a fractured coronary buddy wire from the right brachial artery following attempted coronary intervention to a saphenous vein graft via the right radial route. Attempted removal of the guide wire had caused guide catheter-induced dissection of the vein graft in addition to a distal stent edge dissection before fracture in the brachial artery. The fractured end of the buddy wire was found to be in the subintimal space and could only be retrieved by advancing the wire into the subclavian artery by means of wrapping its free portion around the guiding catheter. Its fractured end could then be snared into the guiding catheter but could only be withdrawn from behind the stented segment in the vein graft by means of a trap balloon in the guiding catheter. Successful stenting of a guide catheter-induced dissection and distal stent edge dissection within the vein graft was then performed. This case highlights the hazards of deploying stents over buddy wires and of fractured guide wires in coronary intervention. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Balancing Europe's wind power output through spatial deployment informed by weather regimes.

PubMed

Grams, Christian M; Beerli, Remo; Pfenninger, Stefan; Staffell, Iain; Wernli, Heini

2017-08-01

As wind and solar power provide a growing share of Europe's electricity1, understanding and accommodating their variability on multiple timescales remains a critical problem. On weekly timescales, variability is related to long-lasting weather conditions, called weather regimes2-5, which can cause lulls with a loss of wind power across neighbouring countries6. Here we show that weather regimes provide a meteorological explanation for multi-day fluctuations in Europe's wind power and can help guide new deployment pathways which minimise this variability. Mean generation during different regimes currently ranges from 22 GW to 44 GW and is expected to triple by 2030 with current planning strategies. However, balancing future wind capacity across regions with contrasting inter-regime behaviour - specifically deploying in the Balkans instead of the North Sea - would almost eliminate these output variations, maintain mean generation, and increase fleet-wide minimum output. Solar photovoltaics could balance low-wind regimes locally, but only by expanding current capacity tenfold. New deployment strategies based on an understanding of continent-scale wind patterns and pan-European collaboration could enable a high share of wind energy whilst minimising the negative impacts of output variability.

Coral larvae change their settlement preference for crustose coralline algae dependent on availability of bare space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elmer, Franziska; Bell, James J.; Gardner, Jonathan P. A.

2018-06-01

Competition for space is a major factor affecting coral survival. Since adult coral colonies are sessile, the settlement preferences of larvae have a strong impact on the competition for space that corals will face post-metamorphosis and will therefore influence long-term survival. Laboratory-based studies show that in simplified systems coral larvae use cues to guide them to suitable settlement locations, an adaptation that enhances post-settlement survival. Settlement preferences have also been reported from the field, where coral larvae encounter a wide variety of different potential settlement surfaces as the availability of free substratum (bare space) changes over time. In this field-based study, the abundance of different encrusting organisms and bare space present on settlement tiles was compared to their abundance under newly settled pocilloporid and poritid recruits, to determine if recruits choose their settlement substratum randomly. Tiles deployed for 3, 9, 12 and 15 months were used to determine if settlement choice varied as a function of benthic community successional stage. We found that pocilloporid and poritid larvae changed their settlement preference depending on the age of the benthic community they encountered. They reacted neutrally to crustose coralline algae (CCA) on tiles deployed for 3 months when bare space was abundant, but showed a clear preference for settlement on CCA on tiles deployed for 9-15 months once bare space was limited. Simultaneously, poritid recruits showed a decreasing preference over time to settle on biofilm. This change in preference is not linked to the availability of CCA because its abundance did not change significantly between tiles deployed for 3 versus 9-15 months. These results indicate that coral recruits react to several settlement cues simultaneously, guiding them to different settlement locations as the benthos changes over time. Furthermore, recruits from both families reacted similarly, suggesting that this is an evolutionarily old adaption.

Medical impulsive therapy (MIT): the impact of 1 week of preoperative tamsulosin on deployment of 16-French ureteral access sheaths without preoperative ureteral stent placement.

PubMed

Kaler, Kamaljot S; Safiullah, Shoaib; Lama, Daniel J; Parkhomenko, Egor; Okhunov, Zhamshid; Ko, Young H; Huynh, Linda; Patel, Roshan M; Landman, Jaime; Clayman, Ralph V

2018-05-25

Medical expulsive therapy is based on pharmacologic ureteral relaxation. We hypothesized this concept may facilitate the deployment of the large 16 French (F) ureteral access sheath (UAS) when patients are intentionally pre-treated with oral tamsulosin, i.e., medical impulsive therapy. We retrospectively analyzed our experience with UAS deployment during endoscopic-guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy in prone position in patients pre-treated for 1 week with oral tamsulosin with a contemporary untreated cohort. Between January 2015 and September 2016, seventy-seven patients without a pre-existing ureteral stent met inclusion criteria. Demographic data, tamsulosin usage, UAS size, deployment failure, ureteral injuries, stone-free rates, and complications were recorded. Univariate and multivariate analysis was conducted to assess the impact of tamsulosin on deployment of the 16F UAS. There was no statistical difference between the tamsulosin (n = 40) group and non-tamsulosin (n = 37) group in regard to demographic data. The tamsulosin group had a significantly higher percentage of 16F UAS deployment, 87 vs. 43% (p < 0.001), and no significant difference in ureteral injuries (p = 0.228). Univariate and multivariate analysis revealed that tamsulosin significantly increased the odds ratio (9.3 and 19.4, respectively) for successful passage of a 16F UAS. Despite a larger stone volume, there was no significant difference in computed tomography scan complete stone-free rates (29 vs. 42%; p = 0.277) at median post-operative time of only 3 days. In this retrospective study, 1 week of preoperative tamsulosin was associated with an increase in the deployment of a 16F UAS in patients without preoperative ureteral stent placement.

Health impact of US military service in a large population-based military cohort: findings of the Millennium Cohort Study, 2001-2008

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Combat-intense, lengthy, and multiple deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan have characterized the new millennium. The US military's all-volunteer force has never been better trained and technologically equipped to engage enemy combatants in multiple theaters of operations. Nonetheless, concerns over potential lasting effects of deployment on long-term health continue to mount and are yet to be elucidated. This report outlines how findings from the first 7 years of the Millennium Cohort Study have helped to address health concerns related to military service including deployments. Methods The Millennium Cohort Study was designed in the late 1990s to address veteran and public concerns for the first time using prospectively collected health and behavioral data. Results Over 150 000 active-duty, reserve, and National Guard personnel from all service branches have enrolled, and more than 70% of the first 2 enrollment panels submitted at least 1 follow-up survey. Approximately half of the Cohort has deployed in support of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Conclusion The Millennium Cohort Study is providing prospective data that will guide public health policymakers for years to come by exploring associations between military exposures and important health outcomes. Strategic studies aim to identify, reduce, and prevent adverse health outcomes that may be associated with military service, including those related to deployment. PMID:21281496

Occupational correlates of low back pain among U.S. Marines following combat deployment.

PubMed

MacGregor, Andrew J; Dougherty, Amber L; Mayo, Jonathan A; Rauh, Mitchell J; Galarneau, Michael R

2012-07-01

Many U.S. Marines have experienced routine combat deployments during Operation Iraqi Freedom, which present numerous occupational hazards that may result in low back pain (LBP). The objective of this retrospective cohort study was to identify new-onset LBP among Marines following initial deployment to Operation Iraqi Freedom. Active duty Marines deployed to Iraq or Kuwait between 2005 and 2008 were identified from deployment records and linked to medical databases (n = 36,680). The outcome of interest was an International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification code indicating LBP (724.2) within 1 year postdeployment. Multivariate logistic regression examined the effect of occupation on LBP. Overall, 4.1% (n = 1,517) of Marines were diagnosed with LBP. After adjusting for covariates, the service/supply (odds ratio 1.33, 95% confidence interval, 1.12-1.59) and electrical/mechanical/craftsworker occupations (odds ratio 1.31, 95% confidence interval, 1.12-1.53) had higher odds of LBP when compared to the administrative/other referent group. Within these groups, the highest LBP prevalence was in the construction (8.6%) and law enforcement (6.2%) subgroups. Although infantry occupations purposefully engage the enemy and often face sustained physical rigors of combat, LBP was most prevalent in noninfantry occupations. Future studies should include detailed exposure histories to elucidate occupation-specific etiologies of LBP in order to guide prevention efforts.

Deploying Six Sigma in a health care system as a work in progress.

PubMed

Christianson, Jon B; Warrick, Louise H; Howard, Richard; Vollum, John

2005-11-01

An integrated health care system deployed Six Sigma in four clinical projects. The selected projects targeted Medicare profitability, emergency department cycle time reduction, clinic patient preparation, and medication safety. CROSS-PROJECT ANALYSIS: The six-month start-up period yielded several lessons. For example, the selection and sequence for implementing strategic performance improvement (PI) projects, and the decision to use Six Sigma methods, should be guided by an overall system of project portfolio management. Fairview Health Services (FHS) had begun with a partial deployment with the intent of using the experience to inform subsequent full deployment. Yet even before completing analyses of project outcomes, FHS decided to proceed with full deployment. Leaders developed strategic and communication plans, allocated resources, and provided for further training. In 2005, three years after the initial implementation period, Six Sigma implementation has continued. A systemwide method for setting priorities for PI projects is in place, supported by a Web-based system for managing, tracking, monitoring, and communicating results. Cultural change is a challenge in any environment where staff is rooted in a single PI methodology and is skeptical about the credibility of Six Sigma because of its tie to manufacturing. Health care organizations will need to find better ways to engage physicians, especially community physicians whose patients and clinical practices could be affected by Six Sigma projects.

Dynamics of anchor last deployment of submersible buoy system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Zhongqiang; Xu, Jianpeng; Huang, Peng; Wang, Lei; Yang, Xiaoguang; Chang, Zongyu

2016-02-01

Submersible buoy systems are widely used for oceanographic research, ocean engineering and coastal defense. Severe sea environment has obvious effects on the dynamics of submersible buoy systems. Huge tension can occur and may cause the snap of cables, especially during the deployment period. This paper studies the deployment dynamics of submersible buoy systems with numerical and experimental methods. By applying the lumped mass approach, a three-dimensional multi-body model of submersible buoy system is developed considering the hydrodynamic force, tension force and impact force between components of submersible buoy system and seabed. Numerical integration method is used to solve the differential equations. The simulation output includes tension force, trajectory, profile and dropping location and impact force of submersible buoys. In addition, the deployment experiment of a simplified submersible buoy model was carried out. The profile and different nodes' velocities of the submersible buoy are obtained. By comparing the results of the two methods, it is found that the numerical model well simulates the actual process and conditions of the experiment. The simulation results agree well with the results of the experiment such as gravity anchor's location and velocities of different nodes of the submersible buoy. The study results will help to understand the conditions of submersible buoy's deployment, operation and recovery, and can be used to guide the design and optimization of the system.

Development and Deployment of Systems-Based Approaches for the Management of Soilborne Plant Pathogens.

PubMed

Chellemi, D O; Gamliel, A; Katan, J; Subbarao, K V

2016-03-01

Biological suppression of soilborne diseases with minimal use of outside interventive actions has been difficult to achieve in high input conventional crop production systems due to the inherent risk of pest resurgence. This review examines previous approaches to the management of soilborne disease as precursors to the evolution of a systems-based approach, in which plant disease suppression through natural biological feedback mechanisms in soil is incorporated into the design and operation of cropping systems. Two case studies are provided as examples in which a systems-based approach is being developed and deployed in the production of high value crops: lettuce/strawberry production in the coastal valleys of central California (United States) and sweet basil and other herb crop production in Israel. Considerations for developing and deploying system-based approaches are discussed and operational frameworks and metrics to guide their development are presented with the goal of offering a credible alternative to conventional approaches to soilborne disease management.

Knowledge mobilized by a critical thinking process deployed by nursing students in practical care situations: a qualitative study.

PubMed

Lechasseur, Kathleen; Lazure, Ginette; Guilbert, Louise

2011-09-01

This paper is a report of a qualitative study of mobilization of knowledge within the critical thinking process deployed by female undergraduate nursing students in practical care situations. Holistic practice is based on variety of knowledge mobilized by a critical thinking process. Novices and, more specifically, students experience many difficulties in this regard. Therefore, a better understanding of the knowledge they mobilize in their practice is important for nurse educators. A qualitative study, guided by grounded theory, was carried out. Sixteen nursing students, registered in an undergraduate programme in an Eastern Canadian university, were recruited. Descriptions of practical care situations were obtained through explicitation interviews in 2007. A sociodemographic questionnaire, semi-structured interviews and field notes were also used. Data were analysed using an approach based on grounded theory. An additional stage of analysis involved data condensation. Various types of knowledge guide nursing students' practice. These include intrapersonal, interpersonal, perceptual, moral/ethical, experiential, practical, scientific and contextual knowledge. The mobilization of these types of knowledge is only possible when the process of critical thinking has attained a higher level, giving rise to a new knowledge that we have termed combinational constructive knowledge rather than aesthetic knowledge. Clarification of the types of knowledge guiding the practice of student nurses and of the role of critical thinking in their mobilization could lead to innovative educational strategies. The findings provide guidance for the revision and development of both academic and clinical training programmes. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Feasibility of real-time magnetic resonance-guided angioplasty and stenting of renal arteries in vitro and in Swine, using a new polyetheretherketone-based magnetic resonance-compatible guidewire.

PubMed

Kos, Sebastian; Huegli, Rolf; Hofmann, Eugen; Quick, Harald H; Kuehl, Hilmar; Aker, Stephanie; Kaiser, Gernot M; Borm, Paul J; Jacob, Augustinus L; Bilecen, Deniz

2009-04-01

Demonstrate the usability of a new polyetheretherketone (PEEK)-based MR-compatible guidewire for renal artery catheterization, angioplasty, and stenting under MR-guidance using MR-visible markers, in vitro and in vivo. The new 0.035'' guidewire with fiber-reinforced PEEK core, a soft tip, and a hydrophilic coating was used. Paramagnetic markings were coated on the wire and nonbraided catheters for passive visualization. Bending stiffness of the guidewire was compared with available hydrophilic guidewires (Terumo Glidewire Stiff and Standard). A human aortic silicon phantom and 2 pigs were used. The study was animal care and use approved by the committee. Under MR-guidance, renal arteries were catheterized, balloon angioplasty was performed, and balloon expandable renal artery stents were deployed in vivo. Post mortem autopsy was performed. Guidewire visibility, pushability, steerability, and device-support capabilities of the marked guidewire were qualitatively assessed. Procedure times were recorded. Bending stiffness of the new PEEK-based wire was comparable with Standard Glidewire. In vitro and in vivo guidewire guidance, catheter configuration, renal artery catheterization, and balloon angioplasty were successful. In pigs, stent deployments were successful in both renal arteries. Autopsy revealed acceptable stent positioning. Guidewire visibility through applied markers was acceptable. Steerability, pushability, and device support were good in vitro and in vivo. The PEEK-based guide allows percutaneous MR-guided renal artery angioplasty and stenting with sufficient visibility, good steerability, pushability, and device support.

The Motivational Interviewing Navigation Guide: A Process for Enhancing Teachers' Motivation to Adopt and Implement School-Based Interventions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Frey, Andy J.; Lee, Jon; Small, Jason W.; Seeley, John R.; Walker, Hill M.; Feil, Edward G.

2013-01-01

There is a critical need to engage theory-driven research related to the deployment of mental health promotion initiatives and student outcomes. A growing body of research supporting the use of motivational interviewing and engagement strategies in education suggests that this approach may be promising to better understand mechanisms through which…

CPTAC Releases Cancer Proteome Confirmatory Ovarian Study Data | Office of Cancer Clinical Proteomics Research

Cancer.gov

A catalogue of molecular aberrations that cause ovarian cancer is critical for developing and deploying diagnostics and therapies that will improve patients’ lives. Because a comprehensive molecular view of cancer is important for ultimately guiding treatment, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium (CPTAC) has released the cancer proteome confirmatory ovarian study data sets.

From Muddleton Manor to Clarity Cathedral: Improving Year 12's Extended Writing through an Enhanced Sense of the Reader

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brown, Mary

2013-01-01

Mary Brown recognised that her A-level students were finding extended writing difficult, particularly in terms of guiding the reader through the argument with appropriate "signposting". To help her students manage this, Brown devised a metaphor to represent the construction of a piece of argumentative writing which she deployed over a…

Florida specific NTCIP MIB development for actuated signal controller (ASC), closed-circuit television (CCTV), and center-to-center (C2C) communications with SunGuideSM software and ITS device test procedure development : technical report documentation pa

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-06-30

The project has been focused on National Transportation Communications for ITS Protocol : (NTCIP) research and testing across the entire life cycle of traffic operations, ITS, and statewide : communications deployments. This life cycle includes desig...

Security Engineering and Educational Initiatives for Critical Information Infrastructures

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-06-01

standard for cryptographic protection of SCADA communications. The United Kingdom’s National Infrastructure Security Co-ordination Centre (NISCC...has released a good practice guide on firewall deployment for SCADA systems and process control networks [17]. Meanwhile, National Institute for ...report. APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE; DISTRIBUTION UNLIMITED 18 The SCADA gateway collects the data gathered by sensors, translates them from

ATRAN Terrain Sensing Guidance-The Grand-Daddy System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koch, Richard F.; Evans, Donald C.

1980-12-01

ATRAN was the pioneer terrain sensing guidance system developed in the 1950 era and deployed in Europe on the Air Force's mobile, ground launched TM-76A MACE cruise missile in the late 1950's and early 1960's. The background, principles and technology are described for this system which was the forerunner of todays modern autonomous standoff terrain sensing guided weapons.

Blocking and guiding adult sea lamprey with pulsed direct current from vertical electrodes

USGS Publications Warehouse

Johnson, Nicholas S.; Thompson, Henry T.; Holbrook, Christopher M.; Tix, John A.

2014-01-01

Controlling the invasion front of aquatic nuisance species is of high importance to resource managers. We tested the hypothesis that adult sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus), a destructive invasive species in the Laurentian Great Lakes, would exhibit behavioral avoidance to dual-frequency pulsed direct current generated by vertical electrodes and that the electric field would not injure or kill sea lamprey or non-target fish. Laboratory and in-stream experiments demonstrated that the electric field blocked sea lamprey migration and directed sea lamprey into traps. Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and white sucker (Catostomus commersoni), species that migrate sympatrically with sea lamprey, avoided the electric field and had minimal injuries when subjected to it. Vertical electrodes are advantageous for fish guidance because (1) the electric field produced varies minimally with depth, (2) the electric field is not grounded, reducing power consumption to where portable and remote deployments powered by solar, wind, hydro, or a small generator are feasible, and (3) vertical electrodes can be quickly deployed without significant stream modification allowing rapid responses to new invasions. Similar dual-frequency pulsed direct current fields produced from vertical electrodes may be advantageous for blocking or trapping other invasive fish or for guiding valued fish around dams.

Feasibility of virtual 3-Fr percutaneous coronary intervention using standard guiding catheters

PubMed Central

Fujimoto, Kazuteru; Miyao, Yuji

2014-01-01

Introduction Recent studies have reported the efficacy of sheathless percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using hydrophilic-coated 5-Fr guiding catheters that are one to two Fr sizes smaller in diameter than the corresponding introducer sheath (virtual 3-Fr PCI). However, the limited number of shapes of hydrophilic-coated guiding catheters occasionally makes them difficult to engage and control. Aim To evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of virtual 3-Fr PCI using standard guiding catheters of various shapes. Material and methods We identified 35 consecutive patients with stable angina, who underwent virtual 3-Fr PCI using either hydrophilic-coated guiding catheters (Works™, Medikit, Japan) or standard guiding catheters (Heartrail™, Terumo, Japan). Results Thirty-five patients were identified (63% men; mean age 70 ±13 years). In 2 cases, hydrophilic-coated guiding catheters were exchanged to standard guiding catheters because of difficulty in engaging the target coronary arteries. Ultimately, standard guiding catheters were used in 20 patients (57%) and hydrophilic-coated catheters were used in 15 (43%). One of 20 patients treated with standard guiding catheters and 1 of 15 treated with hydrophilic-coated guiding catheters underwent the 4-in-3 “slender mother and child” PCI technique due to difficulty of stent deployment. There were no differences between the two groups in PCI procedural variables such as procedural time, fluoroscopy time, radiation dose, or contrast dye volume. There were no access site-related complications in this study. Conclusions These findings indicate that virtual 3-Fr PCI using standard guiding catheters is as efficient and safe as virtual 3-Fr PCI using hydrophilic-coated guiding catheters. PMID:25489315

Developing Visualization Techniques for Semantics-based Information Networks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Keller, Richard M.; Hall, David R.

2003-01-01

Information systems incorporating complex network structured information spaces with a semantic underpinning - such as hypermedia networks, semantic networks, topic maps, and concept maps - are being deployed to solve some of NASA s critical information management problems. This paper describes some of the human interaction and navigation problems associated with complex semantic information spaces and describes a set of new visual interface approaches to address these problems. A key strategy is to leverage semantic knowledge represented within these information spaces to construct abstractions and views that will be meaningful to the human user. Human-computer interaction methodologies will guide the development and evaluation of these approaches, which will benefit deployed NASA systems and also apply to information systems based on the emerging Semantic Web.

Refining the approach to vaccines against influenza A viruses with pandemic potential

PubMed Central

Czako, Rita; Subbarao, Kanta

2015-01-01

Vaccination is the most effective strategy for prevention and control of influenza. Timely production and deployment of seasonal influenza vaccines is based on an understanding of the epidemiology of influenza and on global disease and virologic surveillance. Experience with seasonal influenza vaccines guided the initial development of pandemic influenza vaccines. A large investment in pandemic influenza vaccines in the last decade has resulted in much progress and a body of information that can now be applied to refine the established paradigm. Critical and complementary considerations for pandemic influenza vaccines include improved assessment of the pandemic potential of animal influenza viruses, proactive development and deployment of pandemic influenza vaccines, and application of novel platforms and strategies for vaccine production and administration. PMID:26587050

Solar Electric Power System Analyses for Mars Surface Missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kerslake, Thomas W.; Kohout, Lisa L.

1999-01-01

The electric power system is a crucial element of any architecture supporting human surface exploration of Mars. In this paper, we describe the conceptual design and detailed analysis of solar electric power system using photovoltaics and regenerative fuel cells to provide surface power on Mars. System performance, mass and deployed area predictions are discussed along with the myriad environmental factors and trade study results that helped to guide system design choices. Based on this work, we have developed a credible solar electric power option that satisfies the surface power requirements of a human Mars mission. The power system option described in this paper has a mass of approximately 10 metric tons, a approximately 5000-sq m deployable photovoltaic array using thin film solar cell technology.

Monitoring of bolted joints using piezoelectric active-sensing for aerospace applications

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

Park, Gyuhae; Farrar, Charles R; Park, Chan - Yik

2010-01-01

This paper is a report of an initial investigation into tracking and monitoring the integrity of bolted joints using piezoelectric active-sensors. The target application of this study is a fitting lug assembly of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), where a composite wing is mounted to a UAV fuselage. The SHM methods deployed in this study are impedance-based SHM techniques, time-series analysis, and high-frequency response functions measured by piezoelectric active-sensors. Different types of simulated damage are introduced into the structure, and the capability of each technique is examined and compared. Additional considerations encountered in this initial investigation are made to guide furthermore » thorough research required for the successful field deployment of this technology.« less

Evaluation of a Mobile Platform for Proof-of-Concept Autonomous Site Selection and Preparation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gammell, Jonathan

A mobile robotic platform for Autonomous Site Selection and Preparation (ASSP) was developed for an analogue deployment to Mauna Kea, Hawai`i. A team of rovers performed an autonomous Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey and constructed a level landing pad. They used interchangeable payloads that allowed the GPR and blade to be easily exchanged. Autonomy was accomplished by integrating the individual hardware devices with software based on the ArgoSoft framework previously developed at UTIAS. The rovers were controlled by an on-board netbook. The successes and failures of the devices and software modules are evaluated within. Recommendations are presented to address problems discovered during the deployment and to guide future research on the platform.

Collaboration within the Context of the Healthy School Approach (HSA): The Case of a Disadvantaged Elementary School in Quebec

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rivard, Marie-Claude; Deslandes, Rollande; Beaudoin, Charlotte

2011-01-01

This case study focuses on the groundwork aiming at developing school-family-community collaboration in the deployment of the HSA in a low socio-economic status elementary school. Two theoretical models--the HSA and Hoover-Dempsey et al. (1997, 2010) models--guided the analysis of five discussion groups (N = 31) regarding their perceptions of the…

YouTube War: Fighting in a World of Cameras in Every Cell Phone and Photoshop on Every Computer

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-11-01

free MovieMaker 2 program that Microsoft includes with its Windows XP operating system. Mike Wendland, “From ENG to SNG : TV Technology for Covering the...the deployed soldier. 51. Wendland, “From ENG to SNG .” 52. This is based in part on the typology in Ben Venzke, “Jihadi Master Video Guide, JMVG

Fathering after military deployment: parenting challenges and goals of fathers of young children.

PubMed

Walsh, Tova B; Dayton, Carolyn J; Erwin, Michael S; Muzik, Maria; Busuito, Alexandra; Rosenblum, Katherine L

2014-02-01

Although often eagerly anticipated, reunification after deployment poses challenges for families, including adjusting to the parent-soldier's return, re-establishing roles and routines, and the potentially necessary accommodation to combat-related injuries or psychological effects. Fourteen male service members, previously deployed to a combat zone, parent to at least one child under seven years of age, were interviewed about their relationships with their young children. Principles of grounded theory guided data analysis to identify key themes related to parenting young children after deployment. Participants reported significant levels of parenting stress and identified specific challenges, including difficulty reconnecting with children, adapting expectations from military to family life, and coparenting. Fathers acknowledged regret about missing an important period in their child's development and indicated a strong desire to improve their parenting skills. They described a need for support in expressing emotions, nurturing, and managing their tempers. Results affirm the need for support to military families during reintegration and demonstrate that military fathers are receptive to opportunities to engage in parenting interventions. Helping fathers understand their children's behavior in the context of age-typical responses to separation and reunion may help them to renew parent-child relationships and reengage in optimal parenting of their young children.

ACTIVE DELIVERY CABLE TUNED TO DEVICE DEPLOYMENT STATE: ENHANCED VISIBILITY OF NITINOL OCCLUDERS DURING PRE-CLINICAL INTERVENTIONAL MRI

PubMed Central

Bell, Jamie A.; Saikus, Christina E.; Ratnayaka, Kanishka; Barbash, Israel M.; Faranesh, Anthony Z.; Franson, Dominique N.; Sonmez, Merdim; Slack, Michael C.; Lederman, Robert J.; Kocaturk, Ozgur

2012-01-01

Purpose To develop an active delivery system that enhances visualization of nitinol cardiac occluder devices during deployment under real-time MRI. Materials and Methods We constructed an active delivery cable incorporating a loopless antenna and a custom titanium microscrew to secure the occluder devices. The delivery cable was tuned and matched to 50Ω at 64 MHz with the occluder device attached. We used real-time balanced SSFP in a wide-bore 1.5T scanner. Device-related images were reconstructed separately and combined with surface-coil images. The delivery cable was tested in vitro in a phantom and in vivo in swine using a variety of nitinol cardiac occluder devices. Results In vitro, the active delivery cable provided little signal when the occluder device was detached and maximal signal with the device attached. In vivo, signal from the active delivery cable enabled clear visualization of occluder device during positioning and deployment. Device release resulted in decreased signal from the active cable. Post-mortem examination confirmed proper device placement. Conclusions The active delivery cable enhanced the MRI depiction of nitinol cardiac occluder devices during positioning and deployment, both in conventional and novel applications. We expect enhanced visibility to contribute to effectiveness and safety of new and emerging MRI-guided treatments. PMID:22707441

Deep intubation of 8 Fr guiding catheter to deliver coronary stent graft to seal coronary perforation: a case report.

PubMed

Salwan, R; Mathur, A; Jhamb, D K; Seth, A

2001-09-01

Coronary perforation is an uncommon complication of angioplasty and is a challenging situation to manage. We describe a case of complex multivessel coronary angioplasty complicated by coronary perforation following balloon rupture that was successfully managed with a coronary stent graft. Delivery of the stent graft to the site of vessel rupture required deep intubation of an 8 Fr guiding catheter over the shaft of an inflated balloon. In addition to the availability of covered stents, it is essential to be familiar with various skills necessary to deploy these stents. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2001;54:59-62. Copyright 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Seeing through rose-colored glasses: How optimistic expectancies guide visual attention

PubMed Central

Bristle, Mirko; Aue, Tatjana

2018-01-01

Optimism bias and positive attention bias have important highly similar implications for mental health but have only been examined in isolation. Investigating the causal relationships between these biases can improve the understanding of their underlying cognitive mechanisms, leading to new directions in neurocognitive research and revealing important information about normal functioning as well as the development, maintenance, and treatment of psychological diseases. In the current project, we hypothesized that optimistic expectancies can exert causal influences on attention deployment. To test this causal relation, we conducted two experiments in which we manipulated optimistic and pessimistic expectancies regarding future rewards and punishments. In a subsequent visual search task, we examined participants’ attention to positive (i.e., rewarding) and negative (i.e., punishing) target stimuli, measuring their eye gaze behavior and reaction times. In both experiments, participants’ attention was guided toward reward compared with punishment when optimistic expectancies were induced. Additionally, in Experiment 2, participants’ attention was guided toward punishment compared with reward when pessimistic expectancies were induced. However, the effect of optimistic (rather than pessimistic) expectancies on attention deployment was stronger. A key characteristic of optimism bias is that people selectively update expectancies in an optimistic direction, not in a pessimistic direction, when receiving feedback. As revealed in our studies, selective attention to rewarding versus punishing evidence when people are optimistic might explain this updating asymmetry. Thus, the current data can help clarify why optimistic expectancies are difficult to overcome. Our findings elucidate the cognitive mechanisms underlying optimism and attention bias, which can yield a better understanding of their benefits for mental health. PMID:29466420

Clinical implementation of intraoperative cone-beam CT in head and neck surgery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Daly, M. J.; Chan, H.; Nithiananthan, S.; Qiu, J.; Barker, E.; Bachar, G.; Dixon, B. J.; Irish, J. C.; Siewerdsen, J. H.

2011-03-01

A prototype mobile C-arm for cone-beam CT (CBCT) has been translated to a prospective clinical trial in head and neck surgery. The flat-panel CBCT C-arm was developed in collaboration with Siemens Healthcare, and demonstrates both sub-mm spatial resolution and soft-tissue visibility at low radiation dose (e.g., <1/5th of a typical diagnostic head CT). CBCT images are available ~15 seconds after scan completion (~1 min acquisition) and reviewed at bedside using custom 3D visualization software based on the open-source Image-Guided Surgery Toolkit (IGSTK). The CBCT C-arm has been successfully deployed in 15 head and neck cases and streamlined into the surgical environment using human factors engineering methods and expert feedback from surgeons, nurses, and anesthetists. Intraoperative imaging is implemented in a manner that maintains operating field sterility, reduces image artifacts (e.g., carbon fiber OR table) and minimizes radiation exposure. Image reviews conducted with surgical staff indicate bony detail and soft-tissue visualization sufficient for intraoperative guidance, with additional artifact management (e.g., metal, scatter) promising further improvements. Clinical trial deployment suggests a role for intraoperative CBCT in guiding complex head and neck surgical tasks, including planning mandible and maxilla resection margins, guiding subcranial and endonasal approaches to skull base tumours, and verifying maxillofacial reconstruction alignment. Ongoing translational research into complimentary image-guidance subsystems include novel methods for real-time tool tracking, fusion of endoscopic video and CBCT, and deformable registration of preoperative volumes and planning contours with intraoperative CBCT.

Seeing through rose-colored glasses: How optimistic expectancies guide visual attention.

PubMed

Kress, Laura; Bristle, Mirko; Aue, Tatjana

2018-01-01

Optimism bias and positive attention bias have important highly similar implications for mental health but have only been examined in isolation. Investigating the causal relationships between these biases can improve the understanding of their underlying cognitive mechanisms, leading to new directions in neurocognitive research and revealing important information about normal functioning as well as the development, maintenance, and treatment of psychological diseases. In the current project, we hypothesized that optimistic expectancies can exert causal influences on attention deployment. To test this causal relation, we conducted two experiments in which we manipulated optimistic and pessimistic expectancies regarding future rewards and punishments. In a subsequent visual search task, we examined participants' attention to positive (i.e., rewarding) and negative (i.e., punishing) target stimuli, measuring their eye gaze behavior and reaction times. In both experiments, participants' attention was guided toward reward compared with punishment when optimistic expectancies were induced. Additionally, in Experiment 2, participants' attention was guided toward punishment compared with reward when pessimistic expectancies were induced. However, the effect of optimistic (rather than pessimistic) expectancies on attention deployment was stronger. A key characteristic of optimism bias is that people selectively update expectancies in an optimistic direction, not in a pessimistic direction, when receiving feedback. As revealed in our studies, selective attention to rewarding versus punishing evidence when people are optimistic might explain this updating asymmetry. Thus, the current data can help clarify why optimistic expectancies are difficult to overcome. Our findings elucidate the cognitive mechanisms underlying optimism and attention bias, which can yield a better understanding of their benefits for mental health.

STS-69 Parachute Deployed after Touch Down on Runway 33

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1995-01-01

STS-69 Mission Commander David M. Walker guides the orbiter Endeavour to an end-of-mission landing on Runway 33 of KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility. Main gear touchdown at 7:37:56 a.m. EDT marked the 25th end-of-mission landing at Kennedy. The fifth Space Shuttle flight of 1995 was a multifaceted one. For the first time, two spacecraft -- the Wake Shield Facility-2 and the Spartan-201-3 -- were deployed and later retrieved on the same flight. An extravehicular activity, or spacewalk, was conducted and the crew oversaw a variety of experiments located in both the orbiter payload bay and middeck. Besides Walker, the crew included Pilot Kenneth D. Cockrell; Payload Commander James S. Voss; and Mission Specialists Michael L. Gernhardt and James H. Newman.

Robotic-assisted real-time MRI-guided TAVR: from system deployment to in vivo experiment in swine model.

PubMed

Chan, Joshua L; Mazilu, Dumitru; Miller, Justin G; Hunt, Timothy; Horvath, Keith A; Li, Ming

2016-10-01

Real-time magnetic resonance imaging (rtMRI) guidance provides significant advantages during transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) as it provides superior real-time visualization and accurate device delivery tracking. However, performing a TAVR within an MRI scanner remains difficult due to a constrained procedural environment. To address these concerns, a magnetic resonance (MR)-compatible robotic system to assist in TAVR deployments was developed. This study evaluates the technical design and interface considerations of an MR-compatible robotic-assisted TAVR system with the purpose of demonstrating that such a system can be developed and executed safely and precisely in a preclinical model. An MR-compatible robotic surgical assistant system was built for TAVR deployment. This system integrates a 5-degrees of freedom (DoF) robotic arm with a 3-DoF robotic valve delivery module. A user interface system was designed for procedural planning and real-time intraoperative manipulation of the robot. The robotic device was constructed of plastic materials, pneumatic actuators, and fiber-optical encoders. The mechanical profile and MR compatibility of the robotic system were evaluated. The system-level error based on a phantom model was 1.14 ± 0.33 mm. A self-expanding prosthesis was successfully deployed in eight Yorkshire swine under rtMRI guidance. Post-deployment imaging and necropsy confirmed placement of the stent within 3 mm of the aortic valve annulus. These phantom and in vivo studies demonstrate the feasibility and advantages of robotic-assisted TAVR under rtMRI guidance. This robotic system increases the precision of valve deployments, diminishes environmental constraints, and improves the overall success of TAVR.

Cascadia Initiative Ocean Bottom Seismograph Performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Evers, B.; Aderhold, K.

2017-12-01

The Ocean Bottom Seismograph Instrument Pool (OBSIP) provided instrumentation and operations support for the Cascadia Initiative community experiment. This experiment investigated geophysical processes across the Cascadia subduction zone through a combination of onshore and offshore seismic data. The recovery of Year 4 instruments in September 2015 marked the conclusion of a multi-year experiment that utilized 60 ocean-bottom seismographs (OBSs) specifically designed for the subduction zone boundary, including shallow/deep water deployments and active fisheries. The new instruments featured trawl-resistant enclosures designed by Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory (LDEO) and Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) for shallow deployment [water depth ≤ 500 m], as well as new deep-water instruments designed by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute (WHOI). Existing OBSIP instruments were also deployed along the Blanco Transform Fault and on the Gorda Plate through complementary experiments. Station instrumentation included weak and strong motion seismometers, differential pressure gauges (DPG) and absolute pressure gauges (APG). All data collected from the Cascadia, Blanco, and Gorda deployments is available through the Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS) Data Management Center (DMC). The Cascadia Initiative is the largest amphibious seismic experiment undertaken to date, encompassing a diverse technical implementation and demonstrating an effective structure for community experiments. Thus, the results from Cascadia serve as both a technical and operational resource for the development of future community experiments, such as might be contemplated as part of the SZ4D Initiative. To guide future efforts, we investigate and summarize the quality of the Cascadia OBS data using basic metrics such as instrument recovery and more advanced metrics such as noise characteristics through power spectral density analysis. We also use this broad and diverse deployment to explore other environmental and configuration factors that can impact sensor and network performance and inform the design of future deployments.

Transcatheter Amplatzer vascular plug-embolization of a giant postnephrectomy arteriovenous fistula combined with an aneurysm of the renal pedicle by through-and-through, arteriovenous access

PubMed Central

Kayser, Ole; Schäfer, Philipp

2013-01-01

Although endovascular transcatheter embolization of arteriovenous fistulas is minimally invasive, the torrential flow prevailing within a fistula implies the risk of migration of the deployed embolization devices into the downstream venous and pulmonary circulation. We present the endovascular treatment of a giant postnephrectomy arteriovenous fistula between the right renal pedicle and the residual renal vein in a 63-year-old man. The purpose of this case report is to demonstrate that the Amplatzer vascular plug (AVP) can be safely positioned to embolize even relatively large arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs). Secondly, we illustrate that this occluder can even be introduced to the fistula via a transvenous catheter in cases where it is initially not possible to advance the deployment-catheter through a tortuous feeder artery. Migration of the vascular plug was ruled out at follow-up 4 months subsequently to the intervention. Thus, the Amplatzer vascular plug and the arteriovenous through-and-through guide wire access with subsequent transvenous deployment should be considered in similar cases. PMID:23326248

MSL EDL Entry Guidance using the Entry Terminal Point Controller

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2006-01-01

The Mars Science Laboratory will be the first Mars mission to attempt a guided entry with the objective of safely delivering the entry vehicle to a survivable parachute deploy state within 10 km of the pre-designated landing site. The Entry Terminal Point Controller guidance algorithm is derived from the final phase Apollo Command Module guidance and, like Apollo, modulates the bank angle to control range based on deviations in range, altitude rate, and drag acceleration from a reference trajectory. For application to Mars landers which must make use of the tenuous Martian atmosphere, it is critical to balance the lift of the vehicle to minimize the range while still ensuring a safe deploy altitude. An overview of the process to generate optimized guidance settings is presented, discussing improvements made over the last four years. Performance tradeoffs between ellipse size and deploy altitude will be presented, along with imposed constraints of entry acceleration and heating. Performance sensitivities to the bank reversal deadbands, heading alignment, attitude initialization error, and atmospheric delivery errors are presented. Guidance settings for contingency operations, such as those appropriate for severe dust storm scenarios, are evaluated.

Usefulness and Safety of a Guide Catheter Extension System for the Percutaneous Treatment of Complex Coronary Lesions by a Transradial Approach

PubMed Central

García-Blas, Sergio; Núñez, Julio; Mainar, Luis; Miñana, Gema; Bonanad, Clara; Racugno, Paolo; Rodríguez, Juan Carlos; Moyano, Patricia; Sanchis, Juan

2015-01-01

Objective The aim of this study was to describe our initial experience with the GuideLiner® catheter (Vascular Solutions Inc.) in the transradial treatment of complex lesions. Materials and Methods The clinical, angiographic and procedural data of percutaneous coronary interventions where GuideLiner was used during 2013 were collected. The transradial approach was used in all cases. The indication for its use, efficacy and periprocedural complications were determined. Sixteen consecutive procedures (in 15 patients; 12 males and 3 females) were evaluated. The indication for the use of GuideLiner was a difficulty to advance and properly position a stent through a tortuous and/or calcified artery despite using high-support guide catheters or other useful techniques. Results Of the 16 angiographic procedures, 14 (87.5s%) were successful (stent deployment in 13 cases and a drug-eluting balloon in 1 case). Unsuccessful cases were a chronic total occlusion and a diffusely diseased left anterior descendant artery. A type B dissection of a proximal left circumflex artery was the only periprocedural complication. Conclusion Use of the GuideLiner was an effective and safe technique for the percutaneous treatment of complex coronary lesions in which the adequate progress of angioplasty devices had failed. GuideLiner was particularly helpful when using the transradial approach. Only one minor complication was recorded. PMID:25531292

Usefulness and safety of a guide catheter extension system for the percutaneous treatment of complex coronary lesions by a transradial approach.

PubMed

García-Blas, Sergio; Núñez, Julio; Mainar, Luis; Miñana, Gema; Bonanad, Clara; Racugno, Paolo; Rodríguez, Juan Carlos; Moyano, Patricia; Sanchis, Juan

2015-01-01

The aim of this study was to describe our initial experience with the GuideLiner® catheter (Vascular Solutions Inc.) in the transradial treatment of complex lesions. The clinical, angiographic and procedural data of percutaneous coronary interventions where GuideLiner was used during 2013 were collected. The transradial approach was used in all cases. The indication for its use, efficacy and periprocedural complications were determined. Sixteen consecutive procedures (in 15 patients; 12 males and 3 females) were evaluated. The indication for the use of GuideLiner was a difficulty to advance and properly position a stent through a tortuous and/or calcified artery despite using high-support guide catheters or other useful techniques. Of the 16 angiographic procedures, 14 (87.5%) were successful (stent deployment in 13 cases and a drug-eluting balloon in 1 case). Unsuccessful cases were a chronic total occlusion and a diffusely diseased left anterior descendant artery. A type B dissection of a proximal left circumflex artery was the only periprocedural complication. Use of the GuideLiner was an effective and safe technique for the percutaneous treatment of complex coronary lesions in which the adequate progress of angioplasty devices had failed. GuideLiner was particularly helpful when using the transradial approach. Only one minor complication was recorded. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Diagnosis and deployment of a self-expanding foam for abdominal exsanguination: Translational questions for human use.

PubMed

Rago, Adam P; Marini, John; Duggan, Michael J; Beagle, John; Runyan, Gem; Sharma, Upma; Peev, Miroslav; King, David R

2015-03-01

We have previously described the hemostatic efficacy of a self-expanding polyurethane foam in lethal venous and arterial hemorrhage models. A number of critical translational questions remain, including prehospital diagnosis of hemorrhage, use with diaphragmatic injury, effects on spontaneous respiration, the role of omentum, and presence of a laparotomy on foam properties. In Experiment 1, diagnostic blood aspiration was attempted through a Veress needle before foam deployment during exsanguination (n = 53). In Experiment 2: a lethal hepatoportal injury/diaphragmatic laceration was created followed by foam (n = 6) or resuscitation (n = 10). In Experiment 3, the foam was deployed in naïve, spontaneously breathing animals (n = 7), and respiration was monitored. In Experiments 4 and 5, the foam was deployed above (n = 6) and below the omentum (n = 6) and in naïve animals (n = 6). Intra-abdominal pressure and organ contact were assessed. In Experiment 1, blood was successfully aspirated from a Veress needle in 70% of lethal iliac artery injuries and 100% of lethal hepatoportal injuries. In Experiment 2, in the presence of a diaphragm injury, between 0 cc and 110 cc of foam was found within the pleural space. Foam treatment resulted in a survival benefit relative to the control group at 1 hour (p = 0.03). In Experiment 3, hypercarbia was observed: mean (SD) Pco2 was 48 (9.4) mm Hg at baseline and 65 (14) mm Hg at 60 minutes. In Experiment 4, abdominal omentum seemed to influence organ contact and transport in two foam deployments. In Experiment 5, there was no difference in intra-abdominal pressure following foam deployment in the absence of a midline laparotomy. In a series of large animal studies, we addressed key translational issues surrounding safe use of foam treatment. These additional data, from diagnosis to deployment, will guide human experiences with foam treatment for massive abdominal exsanguination where no other treatments are available.

CT-guided bipolar and multipolar radiofrequency ablation (RF ablation) of renal cell carcinoma: specific technical aspects and clinical results.

PubMed

Sommer, C M; Lemm, G; Hohenstein, E; Bellemann, N; Stampfl, U; Goezen, A S; Rassweiler, J; Kauczor, H U; Radeleff, B A; Pereira, P L

2013-06-01

This study was designed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of CT-guided bipolar and multipolar radiofrequency ablation (RF ablation) of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and to analyze specific technical aspects between both technologies. We included 22 consecutive patients (3 women; age 74.2 ± 8.6 years) after 28 CT-guided bipolar or multipolar RF ablations of 28 RCCs (diameter 2.5 ± 0.8 cm). Procedures were performed with a commercially available RF system (Celon AG Olympus, Berlin, Germany). Technical aspects of RF ablation procedures (ablation mode [bipolar or multipolar], number of applicators and ablation cycles, overall ablation time and deployed energy, and technical success rate) were analyzed. Clinical results (local recurrence-free survival and local tumor control rate, renal function [glomerular filtration rate (GFR)]) and complication rates were evaluated. Bipolar RF ablation was performed in 12 procedures and multipolar RF ablation in 16 procedures (2 applicators in 14 procedures and 3 applicators in 2 procedures). One ablation cycle was performed in 15 procedures and two ablation cycles in 13 procedures. Overall ablation time and deployed energy were 35.0 ± 13.6 min and 43.7 ± 17.9 kJ. Technical success rate was 100 %. Major and minor complication rates were 4 and 14 %. At an imaging follow-up of 15.2 ± 8.8 months, local recurrence-free survival was 14.4 ± 8.8 months and local tumor control rate was 93 %. GFR did not deteriorate after RF ablation (50.8 ± 16.6 ml/min/1.73 m(2) before RF ablation vs. 47.2 ± 11.9 ml/min/1.73 m(2) after RF ablation; not significant). CT-guided bipolar and multipolar RF ablation of RCC has a high rate of clinical success and low complication rates. At short-term follow-up, clinical efficacy is high without deterioration of the renal function.

Hedge math: Theoretical limits on minimum stockpile size across nuclear hedging strategies

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

Lafleur, Jarret Marshall; Roesler, Alexander W.

2016-09-01

In June 2013, the Department of Defense published a congressionally mandated, unclassified update on the U.S. Nuclear Employment Strategy. Among the many updates in this document are three key ground rules for guiding the sizing of the non-deployed U.S. nuclear stockpile. Furthermore, these ground rules form an important and objective set of criteria against which potential future stockpile hedging strategies can be evaluated.

Analysis of Alternative Watch Schedules for Shipboard Operations: A Guide for Commanders

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-03-01

legally impaired in the U.S. Memory and creativity are both negatively impacted by sleep deprivation (Butcher, 2000; Stickgold, 2005; Wagner, Gais ...section watch sections, which were analyzed in the FAST program. A. SAN JACINTO SURVEY DATA SET While on deployment in 2010, CAPT Cordle, the... Thomas , M., Sing, H., Redmond, D., Balkin, T. (2003). Patterns of performance degradation and restoration during sleep restriction and subsequent

Deployment Guide

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-02-01

military administration). D. Notarial acts performed under 10 U.S.C. 5 1044a are legally effective as notarial acts for all purposes in all states...and to execute all necessary documents, instruments or papers and perform all acts necessary to carry out the foregoing. Clearing Quarters To effect ...attorney in fact to perform all necessary acts in the execution of the aforesaid authorization with the same validity as I could effect if personally

Development of a Multi-Behavioral mHealth App for Women Smokers.

PubMed

Armin, Julie; Johnson, Thienne; Hingle, Melanie; Giacobbi, Peter; Gordon, Judith S

2017-02-01

This article describes the development of the See Me Smoke-Free™ (SMSF) mobile health application, which uses guided imagery to support women in smoking cessation, eating a healthy diet, and increasing physical activity. Focus group discussions, with member checks, were conducted to refine the intervention content and app user interface. Data related to the context of app deployment were collected via user testing sessions and internal quality control testing, which identified and addressed functionality issues, content problems, and bugs. Interactive app features include playback of guided imagery audio files, notification pop-ups, award-sharing on social media, a tracking calendar, content resources, and direct call to the local tobacco quitline. Focus groups helped design the user interface and identified several themes for incorporation into app content, including positivity, the rewards of smoking cessation, and the integrated benefits of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. User testing improved app functionality and usability on many Android phone models. Changes to the app content and function were made iteratively by the development team as a result of focus group and user testing. Despite extensive internal and user testing, unanticipated data collection and reporting issues emerged during deployment due not only to the variety of Android software and hardware but also to individual phone settings and use.

Memory-guided attention during active viewing of edited dynamic scenes.

PubMed

Valuch, Christian; König, Peter; Ansorge, Ulrich

2017-01-01

Films, TV shows, and other edited dynamic scenes contain many cuts, which are abrupt transitions from one video shot to the next. Cuts occur within or between scenes, and often join together visually and semantically related shots. Here, we tested to which degree memory for the visual features of the precut shot facilitates shifting attention to the postcut shot. We manipulated visual similarity across cuts, and measured how this affected covert attention (Experiment 1) and overt attention (Experiments 2 and 3). In Experiments 1 and 2, participants actively viewed a target movie that randomly switched locations with a second, distractor movie at the time of the cuts. In Experiments 1 and 2, participants were able to deploy attention more rapidly and accurately to the target movie's continuation when visual similarity was high than when it was low. Experiment 3 tested whether this could be explained by stimulus-driven (bottom-up) priming by feature similarity, using one clip at screen center that was followed by two alternative continuations to the left and right. Here, even the highest similarity across cuts did not capture attention. We conclude that following cuts of high visual similarity, memory-guided attention facilitates the deployment of attention, but this effect is (top-down) dependent on the viewer's active matching of scene content across cuts.

Scanning Probe Microscopies and Their Applications Towards the Study of Superconductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Helfrich, Jennifer Ann

1995-11-01

The invention of the scanning tunneling microscope (STM) in 1982 made it possible to study surfaces and structures at resolutions previously believed unattainable. Adapting the STM for low temperatures makes it possible to study superconductors with new methods and to obtain valuable information. This thesis describes a novel low temperature STM (LTSTM) that was designed and built at Northwestern University for the purpose of studying superconductors in the mixed state. At low temperatures, this LTSTM has a scan range an order of magnitude larger than other LTSTM's designed elsewhere. It is capable of low temperature imaging and obtaining dI/dV vs. V curves. A detailed study of magnetic force microscopy (MFM) probes is also presented. The fields and forces between probe and surface were computer modeled. These results are compared with results from electron holographs of MFM probes. The final section of the thesis describes an a.c. susceptibility measurement on a UPt_3 sphere. Results are presented and discussed.

Chiral superconductors.

PubMed

Kallin, Catherine; Berlinsky, John

2016-05-01

Chiral superconductivity is a striking quantum phenomenon in which an unconventional superconductor spontaneously develops an angular momentum and lowers its free energy by eliminating nodes in the gap. It is a topologically non-trivial state and, as such, exhibits distinctive topological modes at surfaces and defects. In this paper we discuss the current theory and experimental results on chiral superconductors, focusing on two of the best-studied systems, Sr2RuO4, which is thought to be a chiral triplet p-wave superconductor, and UPt3, which has two low-temperature superconducting phases (in zero magnetic field), the lower of which is believed to be chiral triplet f-wave. Other systems that may exhibit chiral superconductivity are also discussed. Key signatures of chiral superconductivity are surface currents and chiral Majorana modes, Majorana states in vortex cores, and the possibility of half-flux quantum vortices in the case of triplet pairing. Experimental evidence for chiral superconductivity from μSR, NMR, strain, polar Kerr effect and Josephson tunneling experiments are discussed.

Genitourinary Surgical Workload at Deployed U.S. Facilities in Iraq and Afghanistan, 2002-2016.

PubMed

Turner, Caryn A; Orman, Jean A; Stockinger, Zsolt T; Hudak, Steven J

2018-06-13

Genitourinary surgery constitutes approximately 1.15% of procedures performed for combat injuries. During forward deployment, surgeons usually deploy without urology support. To better understand the training and skills maintenance needs for genitourinary procedures by describing in detail the genitourinary surgical workload during 15 years of combat operations and compare our findings with those from previously published articles. A retrospective analysis of the Department of Defense Trauma Registry (DoDTR) was performed for all Roles 2 and 3 medical treatment facilities in Iraq and Afghanistan, from January 2002 to May 2016. The 177 ICD-9-CM procedure codes identified as genitourinary procedures were grouped into 15 anatomic categories by subject matter experts. Select groups were further subdivided by procedure types. Descriptive analyses were performed and stratified workload percentiles were calculated for the 10th, 50th, and 90th percentiles. Data analysis was performed using Stata Version 14 (College Station, TX, USA). This quality improvement project was deemed exempt from institutional review board review by the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research. A total of 3,963 genitourinary surgical procedures were identified, the majority occurring at Role 3 medical treatment facilities (3,512, 88.6%). The most common procedure groups were testis (20.6%), bladder (18.8%), scrotum (17.7%), and kidney (13.5%). The single most common individual procedures performed were unilateral orchiectomy (394, 9.9%), suture of laceration of scrotum and tunica vaginalis (373, 9.4%), nephroureterectomy (360, 9.1%), and other suprapubic cystostomy (268, 6.8%). Of the 77 gynecological procedures, 15 were C-sections. Genitourinary caseload per facility was low, never exceeding nine procedures per month. All deploying surgeons may be required to evaluate, stage, and surgically manage genitourinary, gynecologic, and obstetrical conditions. Surgery on the male genitalia, bladder, and kidney were the most commonly required genitourinary operative procedures in deployed facilities; therefore, non-urological surgeons should receive pre-deployment training in these techniques. The workload data from our study can be used to help guide the development of pre-deployment training to ensure military surgeons have the skills to perform the specialty procedures required while deployed.

Trillium Horizon, A Small Portable Observatory Grade Seismometer For Direct Bury And Vault Use

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moores, A.; Parker, T.; Bainbridge, G.

2017-12-01

As of August 2017 almost 5 years of data have been collected from broadband seismic sensors designed for direct burial applications. These first posthole instruments have been deployed in a wide range of extremely challenging environments such as dynamic ice and snow environments, extreme wet and dry conditions in soils of high clay content, and steep creeping terrain. In all use cases the direct burial approach has consistently provided high quality data when compared to shallow vault installations. In this presentation we extract and analyze operational performance data, including tilt information from mass position time series recorded at direct burial installations and at temporary shallow vault deployments. This data shows that while higher tilt tolerance is required for data quality outcome certainty in some installations, the majority of installations can be addressed by a smaller instrument with a narrower tilt range hence reducing size and cost. The lessons learned from this real world field data have guided the development of a new smaller, less expensive instrument, Trillium Horizon.Based on this analysis and and user feedback from many direct burial deployments, the Trillium Horizon seismometer has been developed as a simple versatile instrument to span the majority of deployment scenarios and specific use cases including shallow direct bury deployments, traditional piers, and problematic wet vault installs. With its small size, robust waterproof case and connector, +/-1.5° tilt range, dual-purpose cable, and accessories for both posthole and vault installation, Trillium Horizon is optimized for usability as well as performance.

Exploring the Martian Highlands using a Rover-Deployed Ground Penetrating Radar

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grant, J. A.; Schutz, A. E.; Campbell, B. A.

2001-01-01

The Martian highlands record a long and often complex history of geologic activity that has shaped the planet over time. Results of geologic mapping and new data from the Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft reveal layered surfaces created by multiple processes that are often mantled by eolian deposits. Knowledge of the near-surface stratigraphy as it relates to evolution of surface morphology will provide critical context for interpreting rover/lander remote sensing data and for defining the geologic setting of a highland lander. Rover-deployed ground penetrating radar (GPR) can directly measure the range and character of in situ radar properties, thereby helping to constrain near-surface geology and structure. As is the case for most remote sensing instruments, a GPR may not detect water unambiguously on Mars. Nevertheless, any local, near-surface occurrence of liquid water will lead to large, easily detected dielectric contrasts. Moreover, definition of stratigraphy and setting will help in evaluating the history of aqueous activity and where any water might occur and be accessible. GPR data can also be used to infer the degree of any post-depositional pedogenic alteration or weathering, thereby enabling assessment of pristine versus secondary morphology. Most importantly perhaps, GPR can provide critical context for other rover and orbital instruments/data sets. Hence, rover-deployment of a GPR deployment should enable 3-D mapping of local stratigraphy and could guide subsurface sampling.

Guide for Transitioning Army Missile Systems From Development to Production.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-07-01

cost reduction ideas. 3 e! M. atumtion0 !eM . One missile system currently In fall *"I* develoluft, MM9 bee foregone the traditional engineering... costs , delivery schedules and deployment dates. Because of these difficulties and a desire to improve the weapon systems acquisition process, the...tered during the transition of new missile systems into production include: 1. High production unit costs - Occasionally the number of systems to be

JPRS Report, China

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-12-31

inconsistent with Japan’s declared policy of opening up her markets. JPRS-CAR-87-061 31 December 1987 28 ECONOMIC 2. The "three lows "— low oil prices, the...intermediate- range warheads in Soviet Asia and the United States, respectively. But the United States and some Western European nations soon demanded...Union insisted on keeping 100 intermediate- range guided missiles in Asia while balking at the U.S. demand that it be allowed to deploy an equal

Improving Command and Control in the Mexican Army and Air Force to Support Land Operations

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-06-09

of operations is supported by a robust structure of personnel and equipment ready to deploy anywhere in the world. Marine elements are properly...would grow based on the achieved results and availability of economic resources. The organizational solution described the possible organization of...current capabilities based on the available options in the U.S Doctrine. The analysis process of the study is guided by the Capability Based

Thinking about Air and Space Power in 2025: Five Guiding Principles

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-06-01

conflicts show the need for thinking about this principle in the design as well as the use of platforms. Any such analysis neces- sitates drawing on all...space and the commonplace employment of medium- and high - altitude drones. The self-deployment of drones and their integra- tion into air traffic will...technical advances will lead to the de- velopment of stratospheric drones ( high - altitude platforms), adding the benefits of increased persistence

An Approach for Preoperative Planning and Performance of MR-guided Interventions Demonstrated With a Manual Manipulator in a 1.5T MRI Scanner

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

Seimenis, Ioannis; Tsekos, Nikolaos V.; Keroglou, Christoforos

2012-04-15

Purpose: The aim of this work was to develop and test a general methodology for the planning and performance of robot-assisted, MR-guided interventions. This methodology also includes the employment of software tools with appropriately tailored routines to effectively exploit the capabilities of MRI and address the relevant spatial limitations. Methods: The described methodology consists of: (1) patient-customized feasibility study that focuses on the geometric limitations imposed by the gantry, the robotic hardware, and interventional tools, as well as the patient; (2) stereotactic preoperative planning for initial positioning of the manipulator and alignment of its end-effector with a selected target; andmore » (3) real-time, intraoperative tool tracking and monitoring of the actual intervention execution. Testing was performed inside a standard 1.5T MRI scanner in which the MR-compatible manipulator is deployed to provide the required access. Results: A volunteer imaging study demonstrates the application of the feasibility stage. A phantom study on needle targeting is also presented, demonstrating the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed preoperative and intraoperative stages of the methodology. For this purpose, a manually actuated, MR-compatible robotic manipulation system was used to accurately acquire a prescribed target through alternative approaching paths. Conclusions: The methodology presented and experimentally examined allows the effective performance of MR-guided interventions. It is suitable for, but not restricted to, needle-targeting applications assisted by a robotic manipulation system, which can be deployed inside a cylindrical scanner to provide the required access to the patient facilitating real-time guidance and monitoring.« less

Extended use of the GuideLiner in complex coronary interventions.

PubMed

Chan, Pak Hei; Alegria-Barrero, Eduardo; Foin, Nicholas; Paulo, Manuel; Lindsay, Alistair C; Viceconte, Nicola; Di Mario, Carlo

2015-07-01

Challenging coronary anatomies including chronic total occlusions (CTO), extreme vessel tortuosity, diseased bypass grafts, and anomalous coronary arteries pose difficulties in coronary interventions. The GuideLiner is a monorail catheter originally developed to facilitate delivery of stents to target lesions in tortuous vessels. We conducted a study on the feasibility and safety of utilising this catheter in a wider array of complex coronary interventions. Consecutive patients undergoing coronary or peripheral interventions where a GuideLiner was used were recruited into this study. Patient demographics, lesion and vessel characteristics, procedural details and outcomes were prospectively entered into our database and analysed. From September 2009 to October 2011, 54 consecutive patients underwent coronary intervention in our institution using a GuideLiner; 21 out of 54 coronary applications were motivated by the need to increase support to cross CTOs, predominantly of the RCA. Anomalous or angulated take-off of the treatment vessels (31%), previously deployed proximal stents (15%), heavy proximal calcification (9%) and tortuosity (7%) accounted for the remaining reasons. One patient had successful renal denervation with the aid of a GuideLiner catheter. Procedural success was 98% in our series with no device-related periprocedural complications such as ostial dissection or myocardial necrosis. The use of a GuideLiner facilitates the approach to complex coronary interventions including chronic total occlusion and saphenous vein graft intervention by providing greater back-up support and easier engagement of coronary ostia.

Successful percutaneous coronary intervention with GuideLiner® catheter for subtotal occlusive lesion in the right coronary artery with anomalous origin from the left sinus of Valsalva: a case report.

PubMed

Shirota, Ayumi; Nomura, Tetsuya; Kubota, Hiroshi; Taminishi, Shunta; Urata, Ryota; Sugimoto, Takeshi; Higuchi, Yusuke; Kato, Taku; Keira, Natsuya; Tatsumi, Tetsuya

2015-07-28

Because of the unusual anatomy of an anomalous origin of the right coronary artery from the left sinus of Valsalva, selective cannulation of the guiding catheter in percutaneous coronary intervention for these cases is always challenging. A 58-year-old Japanese man was admitted to our hospital complaining of worsening exertional chest pain. He was suspected of having unstable angina pectoris and underwent cardiac catheterization. We found a subtotal occlusive lesion in the mid-portion of his right coronary artery that originated from the left sinus of Valsalva. On the previous percutaneous coronary intervention, we failed to cannulate the guiding catheter to the anomalous orifice of the right coronary artery. Therefore, we decided to use the GuideLiner catheter for stable back-up support from the beginning. A 6Fr GuideLiner catheter was introduced into the right coronary artery by anchoring it coaxially with a semi-compliant balloon catheter. And we successfully deployed two drug-eluting stents by crossing over the posterior-descending artery. Final angiography demonstrated favorable dilatation of the target lesion, and native blood flow in the right coronary artery was completely recovered. GuideLiner is a monorail-type "child" support catheter that facilitates coaxial guiding catheter engagement and an appropriate back-up force, achieving successful device delivery to target lesions in this kind of complex percutaneous coronary intervention.

Hand placement near the visual stimulus improves orientation selectivity in V2 neurons

PubMed Central

Sergio, Lauren E.; Crawford, J. Douglas; Fallah, Mazyar

2015-01-01

Often, the brain receives more sensory input than it can process simultaneously. Spatial attention helps overcome this limitation by preferentially processing input from a behaviorally-relevant location. Recent neuropsychological and psychophysical studies suggest that attention is deployed to near-hand space much like how the oculomotor system can deploy attention to an upcoming gaze position. Here we provide the first neuronal evidence that the presence of a nearby hand enhances orientation selectivity in early visual processing area V2. When the hand was placed outside the receptive field, responses to the preferred orientation were significantly enhanced without a corresponding significant increase at the orthogonal orientation. Consequently, there was also a significant sharpening of orientation tuning. In addition, the presence of the hand reduced neuronal response variability. These results indicate that attention is automatically deployed to the space around a hand, improving orientation selectivity. Importantly, this appears to be optimal for motor control of the hand, as opposed to oculomotor mechanisms which enhance responses without sharpening orientation selectivity. Effector-based mechanisms for visual enhancement thus support not only the spatiotemporal dissociation of gaze and reach, but also the optimization of vision for their separate requirements for guiding movements. PMID:25717165

Precision Airdrop Technology Conference and Demonstration 2007

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-04-01

not deployed. 10. Onyx 300 – Atair Aerospace, Inc. The Onyx 3006 is a hybrid system used for delivering 0 to 300 lbs of cargo. The Onyx 300...payloads or damage-induced asymmetries while in flight. Six Onyx 300 systems were airdropped during PATCAD. The first stick of three was dropped on 24...11. Onyx Ultra Light (UL) – Atair Aerospace, Inc. The Onyx Ultra Light (UL) uses an autonomous, GPS guided AGU that is capable of interfacing

Medical Fitness for Expeditionary Missions: A NATO Guide for Assessing Deployability for Military Personnel with Medical Conditions. Task Group 174, Human Factors and Medicine Panel

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-07-30

preventing movement of the thrombus toward the lungs. Pulmonary embolism is the obstruction of a pulmonary artery due to the presence of air, fat , blood...Organization NSAID Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs OCD Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder PASI Psoriasis Area & Severity Index PE Pulmonary embolism PEF...as cancer, infection, cauda equina syndrome, spinal stenosis or radiculopathy, vertebral compression fracture or ankylosing spondylitis); OR

Distance Support In-Service Engineering for the High Energy Laser

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-03-01

Wilson, Johnson, Tierney, and Saltzman 2014). A USN Arleigh Burke Class Guided Missile Destroyer has four gas turbine engines. With a typical deployment...lasting six 57 months, this means the data generated by the gas turbine engines alone would total to be 87,658 terabytes or 87 petabytes. If this...accounts for the gas turbine engines alone and does not include the rest of the systems on board of the ship (such as radar, communication, weapons

Republic of the Marshall Islands. Energy Project Development Options and Technical Assessment (2013)

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

Conrad, Misty Dawn; Olis, Dan; Ness, J. Erik

2015-09-01

The advancement of renewable energy and energy efficient technologies continues to be fluid. There are many technical opportunities and strategies that can be utilized to guide communities to deploy cost-effective commercial alternative energy options; however, to achieve aggressive economic, environmental, and security goals, it requires a comprehensive, integrated approach. This document reports on the initial findings of an energy assessment that was conducted for the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

Deploying TSP on a National Scale: An Experience Report from Pilot Projects in Mexico

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-03-01

the culture of Western businesses. To address this, the Ministry of Economy, in coordination with business organizations, education- al institutions...commercial desk- top client -server applications. The TSP builds on and enables the Personal Software Process. The PSP guides individual soft- ware developers...they do their day-to-day work. Al - though a great deal of data is available to manage the project and to manage individual perfor- mance, engineers

Ocean Bottom Seismograph Performance during the Cascadia Initiative

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aderhold, K.; Evers, B.

2015-12-01

The Ocean Bottom Seismograph Instrument Pool (OBSIP) provides instrumentation and operations support for the Cascadia Initiative community experiment. This experiment investigates geophysical processes across the Cascadia subduction zone through a combination of onshore and offshore seismic data. The recovery of Year 4 instruments in September 2015 marks the conclusion of a multi-year experiment that utilized 60 ocean-bottom seismographs (OBSs) specifically designed for the subduction zone boundary, including shallow/deep water deployments and active fisheries. The new instruments feature trawl-resistant enclosures designed by Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory (LDEO) and Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) for shallow deployment [water depth ≤ 500 m], as well as new deep-water instruments designed by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute (WHOI). Existing OBSIP instruments were also deployed along the Blanco Transform Fault and on the Gorda Plate through complementary experiments. Stations include differential pressure gauges (DPG) and absolute pressure gauges (APG). All data collected from the Cascadia, Blanco, and Gorda deployments will be freely available through the Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS) Data Management Center (DMC). The Cascadia Initiative is the largest amphibious seismic experiment undertaken to date and demonstrates an effective structure for community experiments through collaborative efforts from the Cascadia Initiative Expedition Team (CIET), OBSIP (institutional instrument contributors [LDEO, SIO, WHOI] and Management Office [IRIS]), and the IRIS DMC. The successes and lessons from Cascadia are a vital resource for the development of a Subduction Zone Observatory (SZO). To guide future efforts, we investigate the quality of the Cascadia OBS data using basic metrics such as instrument recovery and more advanced metrics such as noise characteristics through power spectral density analysis. We also use this broad and diverse deployment to determine how water depth and instrument shielding influence recorded data. Additionally, multi-year data collection allows us to identify temporal noise trends so that we can take advantage of quieter seasons for future deployments.

Military children from birth to five years.

PubMed

Osofsky, Joy D; Chartrand, Molinda M

2013-01-01

Because most research on military families has focused on children who are old enough to go to school, we know the least about the youngest and perhaps most vulnerable children in these families. Some of what we do know, however, is worrisome--for example, multiple deployments, which many families have experienced during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, may increase the risk that young children will be maltreated. Where the research on young military children is thin, Joy Osofsky and Lieutenant Colonel Molinda Chartrand extrapolate from theories and research in other contexts--especially attachment theory and research on families who have experienced disasters. They describe the circumstances that are most likely to put young children in military families at risk, and they point to ways that families, communities, the military, and policy makers can help these children overcome such risks and thrive. They also review a number of promising programs to build resilience in young military children. Deployment, Osofsky and Chartrand write, is particularly stressful for the youngest children, who depend on their parents for nearly everything. Not only does deployment separate young children from one of the central figures in their lives, it can also take a psychological toll on the parent who remains at home, potentially weakening the parenting relationship. Thus one fundamental way to help young military children become resilient is to help their parents cope with the stress of deployment. Parents and caregivers themselves, Osofsky and Chartrand write, can be taught ways to support their young children's resilience during deployment, for example, by keeping routines consistent and predictable and by finding innovative ways to help the child connect with the absent parent. The authors conclude by presenting 10 themes, grounded in research and theory, that can guide policies and programs designed to help young military children.

VOLTTRON™: Tech-to-Market Best-Practices Guide for Small- and Medium-Sized Commercial Buildings

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

Cort, Katherine A.; Haack, Jereme N.; Katipamula, Srinivas

VOLTTRON™ is an open-source distributed control and sensing platform developed by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory for the U.S. Department of Energy. It was developed to be used by the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy to support transactive controls research and deployment activities. VOLTTRON is designed to be an overarching integration platform that could be used to bring together vendors, users, and developers and enable rapid application development and testing. The platform is designed to support modern control strategies, including the use of agent- and transaction-based controls. It also is designed to support the management of a wide rangemore » of applications, including heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems; electric vehicles; and distributed-energy and whole-building loads. This report was completed as part of the Building Technologies Office’s Technology-to-Market Initiative for VOLTTRON’s Market Validation and Business Case Development efforts. The report provides technology-to-market guidance and best practices related to VOLTTRON platform deployments and commercialization activities for use by entities serving small- and medium-sized commercial buildings. The report characterizes the platform ecosystem within the small- and medium-sized commercial building market and articulates the value proposition of VOLTTRON for three core participants in this ecosystem: 1) platform owners/adopters, 2) app developers, and 3) end-users. The report also identifies key market drivers and opportunities for open platform deployments in the small- and medium-sized commercial building market. Possible pathways to the market are described—laboratory testing to market adoption to commercialization. We also identify and address various technical and market barriers that could hinder deployment of VOLTTRON. Finally, we provide “best practice” tech-to-market guidance for building energy-related deployment efforts serving small- and medium-sized commercial buildings.« less

Contextual cueing of pop-out visual search: when context guides the deployment of attention.

PubMed

Geyer, Thomas; Zehetleitner, Michael; Müller, Hermann J

2010-05-01

Visual context information can guide attention in demanding (i.e., inefficient) search tasks. When participants are repeatedly presented with identically arranged ('repeated') displays, reaction times are faster relative to newly composed ('non-repeated') displays. The present article examines whether this 'contextual cueing' effect operates also in simple (i.e., efficient) search tasks and if so, whether there it influences target, rather than response, selection. The results were that singleton-feature targets were detected faster when the search items were presented in repeated, rather than non-repeated, arrangements. Importantly, repeated, relative to novel, displays also led to an increase in signal detection accuracy. Thus, contextual cueing can expedite the selection of pop-out targets, most likely by enhancing feature contrast signals at the overall-salience computation stage.

Ethical triage and scarce resource allocation during public health emergencies: tenets and procedures.

PubMed

Kuschner, Ware G; Pollard, John B; Ezeji-Okoye, Stephen C

2007-01-01

Public health emergencies may result in mass casualties and a surge in demand for hospital-based care. Healthcare standards may need to be altered to respond to an imbalance between demands for care and resources. Clinical decisions that involve triage and scarce resource allocation may present unique ethical challenges. To address these challenges, the authors detailed tenets and procedures to guide triage and scarce resource allocation during public health emergencies. The authors propose health care organizations deploy a Triage and Scarce Resource Allocation Team to over-see and guide ethically challenging clinical decision-making during a crisis period. The authors' goal is to help healthcare organizations and clinicians balance public health responsibilities and their duty to individual patients during emergencies in as equitable and humane a manner as possible.

Entry Guidance for the 2011 Mars Science Laboratory Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mendeck, Gavin F.; Craig, Lynn E.

2011-01-01

The 2011 Mars Science Laboratory will be the first Mars mission to attempt a guided entry to safely deliver the rover to a touchdown ellipse of 25 km x 20 km. The Entry Terminal Point Controller guidance algorithm is derived from the final phase Apollo Command Module guidance and, like Apollo, modulates the bank angle to control the range flown. For application to Mars landers which must make use of the tenuous Martian atmosphere, it is critical to balance the lift of the vehicle to minimize the range error while still ensuring a safe deploy altitude. An overview of the process to generate optimized guidance settings is presented, discussing improvements made over the last nine years. Key dispersions driving deploy ellipse and altitude performance are identified. Performance sensitivities including attitude initialization error and the velocity of transition from range control to heading alignment are presented.

Ball Screw Actuator Including a Stop with an Integral Guide

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wingett, Paul T. (Inventor); Perek, John (Inventor); Geck, Kellan (Inventor)

2015-01-01

An actuator includes a housing assembly, a ball nut, a ball screw, and a ball screw stop. The ball nut is rotationally mounted in the housing assembly, is adapted to receive an input torque, and is configured, upon receipt thereof, to rotate and supply a drive force. The ball screw is mounted within the housing assembly and extends through the ball nut. The ball screw has a first end and a second end, and is coupled to receive the drive force from the ball nut. The ball screw is configured, upon receipt of the drive force, to selectively translate between a stow position and a deploy position. The ball screw stop is mounted on the ball screw to translate therewith and is configured to at selectively engage the housing assembly while the ball screw is translating, and engage the ball nut when the ball screw is in the deploy position.

Public health foodborne illness case study during a Special Operations Forces deployment to South America.

PubMed

McCown, Michael; Grzeszak, Benjamin

2010-01-01

Although many public health articles have been published detailing foodborne illness outbreaks, a medical literature search revealed no articles that detail a case study or a specific response of a deployed U.S. military unit to a potential foodborne illness. This article describes a recent public health case study of a U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) team sickened while deployed to South America. It highlights public health factors which may affect U.S. personnel deployed or serving overseas and may serve as a guide for a deployed SOF medic to reference in response to a potential food- or waterborne illness outbreak. Eight food samples and five water samples were collected. The food samples were obtained from the host nation kitchen that provided food to the SOF team. The water samples were collected from the kitchen as well as from multiple sites on the host nation base. These samples were packaged in sterile containers, stored at appropriate temperatures, and submitted to a U.S. Army diagnostic laboratory for analysis. Laboratory results confirmed the presence of elevated aerobic plate counts (APCs) in the food prepared by the host nation and consumed by the SOF team. High APCs in food are the primary indicator of improper sanitation of food preparation surfaces and utensils. This case study concluded that poor kitchen sanitation, improper food storage, preparation, and/or holding were the probable conditions that led to the team?s symptoms. These results emphasize the importance of ensuring safe food and water for U.S. personnel serving overseas, especially in a deployment or combat setting. Contaminated food and/or water will negatively impact the health and availability of forces, which may lead to mission failure. The SOF medic must respond to potential outbreaks and be able to (1) critically inspect food preparation areas and accurately advise commanders in order to correct deficiencies and (2) perform food/water surveillance testing consistently throughout a deployment and at any time in response to a potential outbreak.

CloudDOE: a user-friendly tool for deploying Hadoop clouds and analyzing high-throughput sequencing data with MapReduce.

PubMed

Chung, Wei-Chun; Chen, Chien-Chih; Ho, Jan-Ming; Lin, Chung-Yen; Hsu, Wen-Lian; Wang, Yu-Chun; Lee, D T; Lai, Feipei; Huang, Chih-Wei; Chang, Yu-Jung

2014-01-01

Explosive growth of next-generation sequencing data has resulted in ultra-large-scale data sets and ensuing computational problems. Cloud computing provides an on-demand and scalable environment for large-scale data analysis. Using a MapReduce framework, data and workload can be distributed via a network to computers in the cloud to substantially reduce computational latency. Hadoop/MapReduce has been successfully adopted in bioinformatics for genome assembly, mapping reads to genomes, and finding single nucleotide polymorphisms. Major cloud providers offer Hadoop cloud services to their users. However, it remains technically challenging to deploy a Hadoop cloud for those who prefer to run MapReduce programs in a cluster without built-in Hadoop/MapReduce. We present CloudDOE, a platform-independent software package implemented in Java. CloudDOE encapsulates technical details behind a user-friendly graphical interface, thus liberating scientists from having to perform complicated operational procedures. Users are guided through the user interface to deploy a Hadoop cloud within in-house computing environments and to run applications specifically targeted for bioinformatics, including CloudBurst, CloudBrush, and CloudRS. One may also use CloudDOE on top of a public cloud. CloudDOE consists of three wizards, i.e., Deploy, Operate, and Extend wizards. Deploy wizard is designed to aid the system administrator to deploy a Hadoop cloud. It installs Java runtime environment version 1.6 and Hadoop version 0.20.203, and initiates the service automatically. Operate wizard allows the user to run a MapReduce application on the dashboard list. To extend the dashboard list, the administrator may install a new MapReduce application using Extend wizard. CloudDOE is a user-friendly tool for deploying a Hadoop cloud. Its smart wizards substantially reduce the complexity and costs of deployment, execution, enhancement, and management. Interested users may collaborate to improve the source code of CloudDOE to further incorporate more MapReduce bioinformatics tools into CloudDOE and support next-generation big data open source tools, e.g., Hadoop BigTop and Spark. CloudDOE is distributed under Apache License 2.0 and is freely available at http://clouddoe.iis.sinica.edu.tw/.

CloudDOE: A User-Friendly Tool for Deploying Hadoop Clouds and Analyzing High-Throughput Sequencing Data with MapReduce

PubMed Central

Chung, Wei-Chun; Chen, Chien-Chih; Ho, Jan-Ming; Lin, Chung-Yen; Hsu, Wen-Lian; Wang, Yu-Chun; Lee, D. T.; Lai, Feipei; Huang, Chih-Wei; Chang, Yu-Jung

2014-01-01

Background Explosive growth of next-generation sequencing data has resulted in ultra-large-scale data sets and ensuing computational problems. Cloud computing provides an on-demand and scalable environment for large-scale data analysis. Using a MapReduce framework, data and workload can be distributed via a network to computers in the cloud to substantially reduce computational latency. Hadoop/MapReduce has been successfully adopted in bioinformatics for genome assembly, mapping reads to genomes, and finding single nucleotide polymorphisms. Major cloud providers offer Hadoop cloud services to their users. However, it remains technically challenging to deploy a Hadoop cloud for those who prefer to run MapReduce programs in a cluster without built-in Hadoop/MapReduce. Results We present CloudDOE, a platform-independent software package implemented in Java. CloudDOE encapsulates technical details behind a user-friendly graphical interface, thus liberating scientists from having to perform complicated operational procedures. Users are guided through the user interface to deploy a Hadoop cloud within in-house computing environments and to run applications specifically targeted for bioinformatics, including CloudBurst, CloudBrush, and CloudRS. One may also use CloudDOE on top of a public cloud. CloudDOE consists of three wizards, i.e., Deploy, Operate, and Extend wizards. Deploy wizard is designed to aid the system administrator to deploy a Hadoop cloud. It installs Java runtime environment version 1.6 and Hadoop version 0.20.203, and initiates the service automatically. Operate wizard allows the user to run a MapReduce application on the dashboard list. To extend the dashboard list, the administrator may install a new MapReduce application using Extend wizard. Conclusions CloudDOE is a user-friendly tool for deploying a Hadoop cloud. Its smart wizards substantially reduce the complexity and costs of deployment, execution, enhancement, and management. Interested users may collaborate to improve the source code of CloudDOE to further incorporate more MapReduce bioinformatics tools into CloudDOE and support next-generation big data open source tools, e.g., Hadoop BigTop and Spark. Availability: CloudDOE is distributed under Apache License 2.0 and is freely available at http://clouddoe.iis.sinica.edu.tw/. PMID:24897343

Mars Science Laboratory: Entry, Descent, and Landing System Performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Way, David W.; Powell, Richard W.; Chen, Allen; SanMartin, A. Miguel; Burkhart, P. Daniel; Mendeck, Gavin F.

2007-01-01

In 2010, the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) mission will pioneer the next generation of robotic Entry, Descent, and Landing (EDL) systems, by delivering the largest and most capable rover to date to the surface of Mars. To do so, MSL will fly a guided lifting entry at a lift-to-drag ratio in excess of that ever flown at Mars, deploy the largest parachute ever at Mars, and perform a novel Sky Crane maneuver. Through improved altitude capability, increased latitude coverage, and more accurate payload delivery, MSL is allowing the science community to consider the exploration of previously inaccessible regions of the planet. The MSL EDL system is a new EDL architecture based on Viking heritage technologies and designed to meet the challenges of landing increasing massive payloads on Mars. In accordance with level-1 requirements, the MSL EDL system is being designed to land an 850 kg rover to altitudes as high as 1 km above the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter defined areoid within 10 km of the desired landing site. Accordingly, MSL will enter the largest entry mass, fly the largest 70 degree sphere-cone aeroshell, generate the largest hypersonic lift-to-drag ratio, and deploy the largest Disk-Gap-Band supersonic parachute of any previous mission to Mars. Major EDL events include a hypersonic guided entry, supersonic parachute deploy and inflation, subsonic heatshield jettison, terminal descent sensor acquisition, powered descent initiation, sky crane terminal descent, rover touchdown detection, and descent stage flyaway. Key performance metrics, derived from level-1 requirements and tracked by the EDL design team to indicate performance capability and timeline margins, include altitude and range at parachute deploy, time on radar, and propellant use. The MSL EDL system, which will continue to develop over the next three years, will enable a notable extension in the advancement of Mars surface science by delivering more science capability than ever before to the surface of Mars. This paper describes the current MSL EDL system performance as predicted by end-to-end EDL simulations, highlights the sensitivity of this baseline performance to several key environmental assumptions, and discusses some of the challenges faced in delivering such an unprecedented rover payload to the surface of Mars.

Mars Science Laboratory: Entry, Descent, and Landing System Performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Way, David W.; Powell, Richard W.; Chen, Allen; Steltzner, Adam D.; San Martin, Alejandro M.; Burkhart, Paul D.; mendeck, Gavin F.

2006-01-01

In 2010, the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) mission will pioneer the next generation of robotic Entry, Descent, and Landing (EDL) systems, by delivering the largest and most capable rover to date to the surface of Mars. To do so, MSL will fly a guided lifting entry at a lift-to-drag ratio in excess of that ever flown at Mars, deploy the largest parachute ever at Mars, and perform a novel Sky Crane maneuver. Through improved altitude capability, increased latitude coverage, and more accurate payload delivery, MSL is allowing the science community to consider the exploration of previously inaccessible regions of the planet. The MSL EDL system is a new EDL architecture based on Viking heritage technologies and designed to meet the challenges of landing increasing massive payloads on Mars. In accordance with level-1 requirements, the MSL EDL system is being designed to land an 850 kg rover to altitudes as high as 1 km above the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter defined areoid within 10 km of the desired landing site. Accordingly, MSL will enter the largest entry mass, fly the largest 70 degree sphere-cone aeroshell, generate the largest hypersonic lift-to-drag ratio, and deploy the largest Disk-Gap-Band supersonic parachute of any previous mission to Mars. Major EDL events include a hypersonic guided entry, supersonic parachute deploy and inflation, subsonic heatshield jettison, terminal descent sensor acquisition, powered descent initiation, sky crane terminal descent, rover touchdown detection, and descent stage flyaway. Key performance metrics, derived from level-1 requirements and tracked by the EDL design team to indicate performance capability and timeline margins, include altitude and range at parachute deploy, time on radar, and propellant use. The MSL EDL system, which will continue to develop over the next three years, will enable a notable extension in the advancement of Mars surface science by delivering more science capability than ever before to the surface of Mars. This paper describes the current MSL EDL system performance as predicted by end-to-end EDL simulations, highlights the sensitivity of this baseline performance to several key environmental assumptions, and discusses some of the challenges faced in delivering such an unprecedented rover payload to the surface of Mars.

STS-30 Magellan spacecraft processing at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) SAEF-2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1989-01-01

Magellan spacecraft is hoisted from the transport trailer of the Payload Environmental Transportation System (PETS) to the floor of the clean room in the Space Assembly and Encapsulation Facility 2 (SAEF-2) at Kennedy Space Center (KSC). Clean-suited technicians guide Magellan into place. The spacecraft, destined for unprecedented studies of Venusian topographic features, will be deployed by the crew of NASA's STS-30 mission in April 1989. View provided by KSC with alternate number KSC-88PC-1084.

Implementing Strategic Planning Capabilities Within the Mars Relay Operations Service

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hy, Franklin

2011-01-01

Throughout this development and deployment process we have followed a few guiding principles: (1) Ensure ubiquitous access through ReSTful and web interfaces; (2) Design a system that is mission and even planet agnostic so that future missions may be added with little hassle, and the system itself may be redeployed for other planetary relay networks; (3) Accept constant input and feedback between mission operators and the development team to ensure that there is a useful product that may be used for years to come.

Advanced earth observation spacecraft computer-aided design software: Technical, user and programmer guide

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Farrell, C. E.; Krauze, L. D.

1983-01-01

The IDEAS computer of NASA is a tool for interactive preliminary design and analysis of LSS (Large Space System). Nine analysis modules were either modified or created. These modules include the capabilities of automatic model generation, model mass properties calculation, model area calculation, nonkinematic deployment modeling, rigid-body controls analysis, RF performance prediction, subsystem properties definition, and EOS science sensor selection. For each module, a section is provided that contains technical information, user instructions, and programmer documentation.

Astronaut Thomas P. Stafford - Training - Parasail - Gemini-Titan (GT)-5 Pilot - Galveston Bay, TX

NASA Image and Video Library

1965-08-23

S65-51948 (23 Aug. 1965) --- Astronaut Thomas P. Stafford, Gemini-6 prime crew pilot, stands ready to take part in parasail training in Galveston Bay, Texas. Wearing spacesuit, helmet and carrying water survival gear, he will be lifted into the air by a deployed parachute and guided over the Bay where he will drop into the water to test airdrop and water survival techniques. Photo credit: NASA or National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Is It in U.S. National Interests to Maintain Forward Deployed Military Forces in Asia

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-05-01

also desires to purchase four Arleigh Burke -Class Guided Missile Destroyers (AEGIS) from the U.S. to provide it the capability to intercept China’s land...missile defense with the 7th Fleet’s two Aleigh Burke -Class Destroyers. Even if President George W. Bush’s Administration decides to sell Taiwan the...East, ed. Joe C. Dixon (Washington D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1980), 21. 16 Claude A. Buss , The United States and the Philippines

Insider Threat Control: Using Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device Auditing to Detect Possible Data Exfiltration by Malicious Insiders

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-01-01

under Contract No. FA8721-05- C -0003 with Carnegie Mellon University for the operation of the Software Engineering Institute, a federally funded...logging capabilities or further modify the control to best suit its needs. 1.1 Audience and Structure of This Report This report is a hands -on guide...the follow- ing directory: C :\\Admin_Tools\\USB_Audit\\ When selecting a deployment path, avoid using spaces in directory names since this will cause

A Guide to Interagency Support for DoD: Military Force Deployment, Civilian Noncombatant Repatriation, and Military Patient Regulation

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-10-01

organizations for facility support of bulk petrole - um products if necessary. Military construction of petroleum storage terminals is a joint responsibili...and MSC in arranging for domestic transport of petrole - um products. These two TOAs have specific responsibilities, depending on the type of vehicle...Military Liaison Office, Kuwait U.S. Liaison Office, Tunisia U.S. Mutual Defense Assistance Office U.S. Military Group U.S. Military Liaison Office U.S

Distinct hippocampal versus frontoparietal-network contributions to retrieval and memory-guided exploration

PubMed Central

Bridge, Donna J.; Cohen, Neal J.; Voss, Joel L.

2017-01-01

Memory can profoundly influence new learning, presumably because memory optimizes exploration of to-be-learned material. Although hippocampus and frontoparietal networks have been implicated in memory-guided exploration, their specific and interactive roles have not been identified. We examined eye movements during fMRI scanning to identify neural correlates of the influences of memory retrieval on exploration and learning. Following retrieval of one object in a multi-object array, viewing was strategically directed away from the retrieved object toward non-retrieved objects, such that exploration was directed towards to-be-learned content. Retrieved objects later served as optimal reminder cues, indicating that exploration caused memory to become structured around the retrieved content. Hippocampal activity was associated with memory retrieval whereas frontoparietal activity varied with strategic viewing patterns deployed following retrieval, thus providing spatiotemporal dissociation of memory retrieval from memory-guided learning strategies. Time-lagged fMRI connectivity analyses indicated that hippocampal activity predicted frontoparietal activity to a greater extent for a condition in which retrieval guided exploration than for a passive control condition in which exploration was not influenced by retrieval. This demonstrates network-level interaction effects specific to influences of memory on strategic exploration. These findings show how memory guides behavior during learning and demonstrate distinct yet interactive hippocampal-frontoparietal roles in implementing strategic exploration behaviors that determine the fate of evolving memory representations. PMID:28471729

Distinct Hippocampal versus Frontoparietal Network Contributions to Retrieval and Memory-guided Exploration.

PubMed

Bridge, Donna J; Cohen, Neal J; Voss, Joel L

2017-08-01

Memory can profoundly influence new learning, presumably because memory optimizes exploration of to-be-learned material. Although hippocampus and frontoparietal networks have been implicated in memory-guided exploration, their specific and interactive roles have not been identified. We examined eye movements during fMRI scanning to identify neural correlates of the influences of memory retrieval on exploration and learning. After retrieval of one object in a multiobject array, viewing was strategically directed away from the retrieved object toward nonretrieved objects, such that exploration was directed toward to-be-learned content. Retrieved objects later served as optimal reminder cues, indicating that exploration caused memory to become structured around the retrieved content. Hippocampal activity was associated with memory retrieval, whereas frontoparietal activity varied with strategic viewing patterns deployed after retrieval, thus providing spatiotemporal dissociation of memory retrieval from memory-guided learning strategies. Time-lagged fMRI connectivity analyses indicated that hippocampal activity predicted frontoparietal activity to a greater extent for a condition in which retrieval guided exploration occurred than for a passive control condition in which exploration was not influenced by retrieval. This demonstrates network-level interaction effects specific to influences of memory on strategic exploration. These findings show how memory guides behavior during learning and demonstrate distinct yet interactive hippocampal-frontoparietal roles in implementing strategic exploration behaviors that determine the fate of evolving memory representations.

SEE Design Guide and Requirements for Electrical Deadfacing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Berki, Joe M.; Sargent, Noel; Kauffman, W. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

The purpose of this design guide is to present information for understanding and mitigating the potential hazards associated with de-mating and mating powered electrical connectors on space flight vehicles. The process of staging is a necessary function in the launching of space vehicles and in the deployment of satellites, and now in manned assembly of systems in space. During this electrical interconnection process, various environments may be encountered that warrant the restriction of the voltage and current present across the pins of an electrical connector prior to separation, mating, or in a static open non-mated configuration. This process is called deadfacing. These potentially hazardous environments encompass the obvious explosive fuel vapors and human shock hazard, to multiple Electro-Magnetic Interference (EMI) phenomena related to the rapid rate of change in current as well as exposure to Radio Frequency (RF) fields.

[Knowledge transfer to prevent falls in a cardiovascular setting].

PubMed

Malouin-Benoit, Marie-Christine; Cossette, Sylvie

2012-01-01

The objective of the clinical project was to plan and deploy a knowledge translation approach to prevent falls among elderly patients hospitalized in a unit of cardiovascular medicine. A combination of education strategies built around interactive workshops enabled the implementation of a screening tool and of an up-to-date preventive intervention guide. Twenty-four workshops were conducted in all three work shifts and an implementation follow-up was made. The participation rate was 93% of the unit's active staff The increased use of prevention tools and of an intervention guide to prevent falls suggests an increased level of awareness as a result of the project. The staff expressed their satisfaction on having been consulted and involved early in the implementation process. Moreover, the flexible schedule and focus on a bilateral sharing of knowledge through brief interactive workshops were appreciated.

UPT scenarios: Implications for system reliability

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Walsh, Daniel W.

1992-01-01

The objective of this project was to examine the corrosion resistance of 316L stainless steel in several urine pre-treat solutions. Four solutions were examined: untreated urine (control); urine pretreated with oxone (potassium peroxymonosulfate sulfate); urine pretreated with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl); and urine pretreated with ozone (O3). In accordance with current procedures, all solutions but the control were acidified to a pH of 2.5 using sulfuric acid--this suppresses the generation of ammonia in the solutions and is intended to limit microbial growth. Welded and unwelded coupons were exposed to each solution. In addition, Titanium coupons (welded and unwelded) were exposed to biologically active environmental control and life support system (ECLSS) water. Microbial attachment and biofilm growth were monitored. Ozone was examined as a biocide/oxidizer/corrosion preventative (simultaneous addition) and as a remediation method (added one week after exposure). In an unrelated effort, HP 9-4-30 coupons were exposed to biologically active solutions. Corrosion rates for welded and unwelded samples were determined--results were correlated to the ongoing HP 9-4-30 weldment stress corrosion study.

Human resources issues and Australian Disaster Medical Assistance Teams: results of a national survey of team members.

PubMed

Aitken, Peter; Leggat, Peter; Harley, Hazel; Speare, Richard; Leclercq, Muriel

2012-01-01

Calls for disaster medical assistance teams (DMATs) are likely to continue in response to international disasters. As part of a national survey, this study was designed to evaluate Australian DMAT experience in relation to the human resources issues associated with deployment. Data was collected via an anonymous mailed survey distributed via State and Territory representatives on the Australian Health Protection Committee, who identified team members associated with Australian DMAT deployments from the 2004 South East Asian Tsunami disaster. The response rate for this survey was 50% (59/118). Most personnel had deployed to the Asian Tsunami affected areas with DMAT members having significant clinical and international experience. While all except one respondent stated they received a full orientation prior to deployment, only 34% of respondents (20/59) felt their role was clearly defined pre deployment. Approximately 56% (33/59) felt their actual role matched their intended role and that their clinical background was well suited to their tasks. Most respondents were prepared to be available for deployment for 1 month (34%, 20/59). The most common period of notice needed to deploy was 6-12 hours for 29% (17/59) followed by 12-24 hours for 24% (14/59). The preferred period of overseas deployment was 14-21 days (46%, 27/59) followed by 1 month (25%, 15/59) and the optimum shift period was felt to be 12 hours by 66% (39/59). The majority felt that there was both adequate pay (71%, 42/59) and adequate indemnity (66%, 39/59). Almost half (49%, 29/59) stated it was better to work with people from the same hospital and, while most felt their deployment could be easily covered by staff from their workplace (56%, 33/59) and caused an inconvenience to their colleagues (51%, 30/59), it was less likely to interrupt service delivery in their workplace (10%, 6/59) or cause an inconvenience to patients (9%, 5/59). Deployment was felt to benefit the affected community by nearly all (95%, 56/59) while less (42%, 25/59) felt that there was a benefit for their own local community. Nearly all felt their role was recognised on return (93%, 55/59) and an identical number (93%, 55/59) enjoyed the experience. All stated they would volunteer again, with 88% strongly agreeing with this statement. This study of Australian DMAT members provides significant insights into a number of human resources issues and should help guide future deployments. The preferred 'on call' arrangements, notice to deploy, period of overseas deployment and shift length are all identified. This extended period of operations needs to be supported by planning and provision of rest cycles, food, temporary accommodation and rest areas for staff. The study also suggests that more emphasis should be placed on team selection and clarification of roles. While the majority felt that there was both adequate pay and adequate indemnity, further work clarifying this, based on national conditions of service should be, and are, being explored currently by the state based teams in Australia. Importantly, the deployment was viewed positively by team members who all stated they would volunteer again, which allows the development of an experienced cohort of team members.

Services oriented architectures and rapid deployment of ad-hoc health surveillance systems: lessons from Katrina relief efforts.

PubMed

Mirhaji, Parsa; Casscells, S Ward; Srinivasan, Arunkumar; Kunapareddy, Narendra; Byrne, Sean; Richards, David Mark; Arafat, Raouf

2006-01-01

During the Hurricane Katrina relief efforts, a new city was born overnight within the City of Houston to provide accommodation and health services for thousands of evacuees deprived of food, rest, medical attention, and sanitation. The hurricane victims had been exposed to flood water, toxic materials, physical injury, and mental stress. This scenario was an invitation for a variety of public health hazards, primarily infectious disease outbreaks. Early detection and monitoring of morbidity and mortality among evacuees due to unattended health conditions was an urgent priority and called for deployment of real-time surveillance to collect and analyze data at the scene, and to enable and guide appropriate response and planning activities. The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHSC) and the Houston Department of Health and Human Services (HDHHS) deployed an ad hoc surveillance system overnight by leveraging Internet-based technologies and Services Oriented Architecture (SOA). The system was post-coordinated through the orchestration of Web Services such as information integration, natural language processing, syndromic case finding, and online analytical processing (OLAP). Here we will report the use of Internet-based and distributed architectures in providing timely, novel, and customizable solutions on demand for unprecedented events such as natural disasters.

Scheduling whole-air samples above the Trade Wind Inversion from SUAS using real-time sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Freer, J. E.; Greatwood, C.; Thomas, R.; Richardson, T.; Brownlow, R.; Lowry, D.; MacKenzie, A. R.; Nisbet, E. G.

2015-12-01

Small Unmanned Air Systems (SUAS) are increasingly being used in science applications for a range of applications. Here we explore their use to schedule the sampling of air masses up to 2.5km above ground using computer controlled bespoked Octocopter platforms. Whole-air sampling is targeted above, within and below the Trade Wind Inversion (TWI). On-board sensors profiled the TWI characteristics in real time on ascent and, hence, guided the altitudes at which samples were taken on descent. The science driver for this research is investigation of the Southern Methane Anomaly and, more broadly, the hemispheric-scale transport of long-lived atmospheric tracers in the remote troposphere. Here we focus on the practical application of SUAS for this purpose. Highlighting the need for mission planning, computer control, onboard sensors and logistics in deploying such technologies for out of line-of-sight applications. We show how such a platform can be deployed successfully, resulting in some 60 sampling flights within a 10 day period. Challenges remain regarding the deployment of such platforms routinely and cost-effectively, particularly regarding training and support. We present some initial results from the methane sampling and its implication for exploring and understanding the Southern Methane Anomaly.

Goals, History and Current Programs of Workshop

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2001-01-01

Mr. Robert Fusaro, coordinator for the Glenn Research Center Space Mechanisms program, presented the goals of the workshop, history of previous workshops and gave an overview of current space mechanisms work performed by Glenn Research Center. Highlights of his presentation are shown. Following the presentation, Mr. Fusaro demonstrated the new NASA Space Mechanisms Handbook and Reference Guide CD ROM, which was featured as a highlight of the workshop. The handbook is an authoritative guide for design and testing of space mechanisms and related components. Over 600 pages of guidelines written by 25 experts in the field provide in-depth information on how to design space mechanisms and components, including: deployables, release devices, latches, rotating and pointing mechanisms, dampers, motors, gears, fasteners, valves, etc. The handbook provides details on appropriate environmental and tribological testing methods and practices required to evaluate new mechanisms and components. Distribution of the Handbook and Reference Guide is limited by ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations). It is available only to US companies and citizens. A request form for the CD ROM can be found on the Space Mechanisms Project website at http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/spacemech/.

Using Multidimensional Grief Theory to Explore Effects of Deployment, Reintegration, and Death on Military Youth and Families

PubMed Central

Kaplow, Julie B.; Layne, Christopher M.; Saltzman, William R.; Cozza, Stephen J.; Pynoos, Robert S.

2015-01-01

To date, the U.S. military has made major strides in acknowledging and therapeutically addressing trauma and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in service members and their families. However, given the nature of warfare and high rates of losses sustained by both military members (e.g., deaths of fellow unit members) and military families (e.g., loss of a young parent who served in the military), as well as the ongoing threat of loss that military families face during deployment, we propose that a similar focus on grief is also needed to properly understand and address many of the challenges encountered by bereaved service members, spouses, and children. In this article, we describe a newly developed theory of grief (Multidimensional Grief Theory) and apply it to the task of exploring major features of military-related experiences during the phases of deployment, reintegration, and the aftermath of combat death—especially as they impact children. We also describe implications for designing preventive interventions during each phase and conclude with recommended avenues for future research. Primary aims are to illustrate: (1) the indispensable role of theory in guiding efforts to describe, explain, predict, prevent, and treat maladaptive grief in military service members, children, and families; (2) the relevance of multidimensional grief theory for addressing both losses due to physical death as well as losses brought about by extended physical separations to which military children and families are exposed during and after deployment; and (3) a focus on military-related grief as a much-needed complement to an already-established focus on military-related PTSD. PMID:23760905

A Dynamic Optimization Technique for Siting the NASA-Clark Atlanta Urban Rain Gauge Network (NCURN)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shepherd, J. Marshall; Taylor, Layi

2003-01-01

NASA satellites and ground instruments have indicated that cities like Atlanta, Georgia may create or alter rainfall. Scientists speculate that the urban heat island caused by man-made surfaces in cities impact the heat and wind patterns that form clouds and rainfall. However, more conclusive evidence is required to substantiate findings from satellites. NASA, along with scientists at Clark Atlanta University, are implementing a dense, urban rain gauge network in the metropolitan Atlanta area to support a satellite validation program called Studies of PRecipitation Anomalies from Widespread Urban Landuse (SPRAWL). SPRAWL will be conducted during the summer of 2003 to further identify and understand the impact of urban Atlanta on precipitation variability. The paper provides an. overview of SPRAWL, which represents one of the more comprehensive efforts in recent years to focus exclusively on urban-impacted rainfall. The paper also introduces a novel technique for deploying rain gauges for SPRAWL. The deployment of the dense Atlanta network is unique because it utilizes Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Decision Support Systems (DSS) to optimize deployment of the rain gauges. These computer aided systems consider access to roads, drainage systems, tree cover, and other factors in guiding the deployment of the gauge network. GIS and DSS also provide decision-makers with additional resources and flexibility to make informed decisions while considering numerous factors. Also, the new Atlanta network and SPRAWL provide a unique opportunity to merge the high-resolution, urban rain gauge network with satellite-derived rainfall products to understand how cities are changing rainfall patterns, and possibly climate.

Using multidimensional grief theory to explore the effects of deployment, reintegration, and death on military youth and families.

PubMed

Kaplow, Julie B; Layne, Christopher M; Saltzman, William R; Cozza, Stephen J; Pynoos, Robert S

2013-09-01

To date, the US military has made major strides in acknowledging and therapeutically addressing trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in service members and their families. However, given the nature of warfare and high rates of losses sustained by both military members (e.g., deaths of fellow unit members) and military families (e.g., loss of a young parent who served in the military), as well as the ongoing threat of loss that military families face during deployment, we propose that a similar focus on grief is also needed to properly understand and address many of the challenges encountered by bereaved service members, spouses, and children. In this article, we describe a newly developed theory of grief (multidimensional grief theory) and apply it to the task of exploring major features of military-related experiences during the phases of deployment, reintegration, and the aftermath of combat death--especially as they impact children. We also describe implications for designing preventive interventions during each phase and conclude with recommended avenues for future research. Primary aims are to illustrate: (1) the indispensable role of theory in guiding efforts to describe, explain, predict, prevent, and treat maladaptive grief in military service members, children, and families; (2) the relevance of multidimensional grief theory for addressing both losses due to physical death as well as losses brought about by extended physical separations to which military children and families are exposed during and after deployment; and (3) a focus on military-related grief as a much-needed complement to an already-established focus on military-related PTSD.

Masked Visual Analysis: Minimizing Type I Error in Visually Guided Single-Case Design for Communication Disorders

PubMed Central

Hitchcock, Elaine R.; Ferron, John

2017-01-01

Purpose Single-case experimental designs are widely used to study interventions for communication disorders. Traditionally, single-case experiments follow a response-guided approach, where design decisions during the study are based on participants' observed patterns of behavior. However, this approach has been criticized for its high rate of Type I error. In masked visual analysis (MVA), response-guided decisions are made by a researcher who is blinded to participants' identities and treatment assignments. MVA also makes it possible to conduct a hypothesis test assessing the significance of treatment effects. Method This tutorial describes the principles of MVA, including both how experiments can be set up and how results can be used for hypothesis testing. We then report a case study showing how MVA was deployed in a multiple-baseline across-subjects study investigating treatment for residual errors affecting rhotics. Strengths and weaknesses of MVA are discussed. Conclusions Given their important role in the evidence base that informs clinical decision making, it is critical for single-case experimental studies to be conducted in a way that allows researchers to draw valid inferences. As a method that can increase the rigor of single-case studies while preserving the benefits of a response-guided approach, MVA warrants expanded attention from researchers in communication disorders. PMID:28595354

Masked Visual Analysis: Minimizing Type I Error in Visually Guided Single-Case Design for Communication Disorders.

PubMed

Byun, Tara McAllister; Hitchcock, Elaine R; Ferron, John

2017-06-10

Single-case experimental designs are widely used to study interventions for communication disorders. Traditionally, single-case experiments follow a response-guided approach, where design decisions during the study are based on participants' observed patterns of behavior. However, this approach has been criticized for its high rate of Type I error. In masked visual analysis (MVA), response-guided decisions are made by a researcher who is blinded to participants' identities and treatment assignments. MVA also makes it possible to conduct a hypothesis test assessing the significance of treatment effects. This tutorial describes the principles of MVA, including both how experiments can be set up and how results can be used for hypothesis testing. We then report a case study showing how MVA was deployed in a multiple-baseline across-subjects study investigating treatment for residual errors affecting rhotics. Strengths and weaknesses of MVA are discussed. Given their important role in the evidence base that informs clinical decision making, it is critical for single-case experimental studies to be conducted in a way that allows researchers to draw valid inferences. As a method that can increase the rigor of single-case studies while preserving the benefits of a response-guided approach, MVA warrants expanded attention from researchers in communication disorders.

Long-term Disability Associated With War-related Experience Among Vietnam Veterans

PubMed Central

Gregory, Robert; Salomon, Joshua A.

2015-01-01

Background: Recent combat operations have involved large numbers of personnel. Long-term health effects of military deployment remain largely unknown. Objectives: To examine patterns and trends in long-term disability among combat veterans and to relate disability to aspects of wartime experience. Participants: A total of 60,228 Australian military personnel deployed between 1962 and 1975 during the Vietnam War, and 82,877 military personnel who were not deployed overseas. Outcome Measures: Accepted physician-assessed disability claims were evaluated over follow-up periods up to 50 years after deployment, and compared with age-matched controls. Multivariable analysis was used to examine differences by service branch, rank, age, and deployment duration. Results: The steepest rise in disability incidence was observed among Vietnam veterans starting in the 1990s, around 20–30 years after deployment for most veterans. After 1994, when Statements of Principles were introduced to guide evaluation of disability claims, the hazard ratio for disability incidence was 1.53 (95% confidence interval, 1.32–1.77) compared with the prior period. By January 2011, after an average follow-up of 42.5 years, 69.7% (95% confidence interval, 69.4%–70.1%) of veterans had at least 1 war-related disability. Many veterans had multiple disabilities, with leading causes being eye and ear disorders (48.0%), mental health conditions (47.9%), and musculoskeletal disorders (18.4%). For specific categories of disability, relative risks for accepted claims among veterans compared with controls were highest for mental health disorders, at 22.9 (21.9–24.0) and lowest for injuries, at 1.5 (1.4–1.6) with a relative risk for any disability of 3.7 (3.7–3.8). Veterans with service of >1 year were 2.5 (2.2–2.7) times more likely to have a mental health disability than those who served <100 days, and 2.3 (2.1–2.5) times more likely to have other disabilities. Conclusions: Long-term effects of deployment into military conflicts are substantial, and likelihood of war-related disability is associated with service history. If similar patterns follow from more recent conflicts, significant additional resources will be needed to prevent and treat long-term health conditions among veterans. PMID:25768060

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided transmural drainage of postoperative pancreatic collections.

PubMed

Tilara, Amy; Gerdes, Hans; Allen, Peter; Jarnagin, William; Kingham, Peter; Fong, Yuman; DeMatteo, Ronald; D'Angelica, Michael; Schattner, Mark

2014-01-01

Pancreatic leak is a major cause of morbidity after pancreatectomy. Traditionally, peripancreatic fluid collections have been managed by percutaneous or operative drainage. Data for endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainage of postoperative fluid collections are limited. Here we report on the safety, efficacy, and timing of EUS-guided drainage of postoperative peripancreatic collections. This is a retrospective review of 31 patients who underwent EUS-guided drainage of fluid collections after pancreatic resection. Technical success was defined as successful transgastric deployment of at least one double pigtail plastic stent. Clinical success was defined as resolution of the fluid collection on follow-up CT scan and resolution of symptoms. Early drainage was defined as initial transmural stent placement within 30 days after surgery. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage was performed effectively with a technical success rate of 100%. Clinical success was achieved in 29 of 31 patients (93%). Nineteen of the 29 patients (65%) had complete resolution of their symptoms and collection with the first endoscopic procedure. Repeat drainage procedures, including some with necrosectomy, were required in the remaining 10 patients, with eventual resolution of collection and symptoms. Two patients who did not achieve durable clinical success required percutaneous drainage by interventional radiology. Seventeen (55%) of 31 patients had successful early drainage completed within 30 days of their operation. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage of fluid collections after pancreatic resection is safe and effective. Early drainage (<30 days) of postoperative pancreatic fluid collections was not associated with increased complications in this series. Copyright © 2014 American College of Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

What gets missed when deploying new technologies in A&E?

PubMed

Broome, C; Adams, A

2005-06-01

This paper presents a longitudinal study (over 4 months) of an A&E department where the existing whiteboards were replaced with PC-based computer systems. The study was conducted in two parts - an observation of the physical whiteboard usage and in-depth interviews with all users of both the traditional whiteboard usage and the replacement technology. The research was conducted with the systems manager and all whiteboard users (i.e. nursing management, nurses, doctors, porters, and agency staff) across a spread of time frames. Although the technology supported simple information requirements, complex co-ordination, collaboration, and awareness issues were left unsupported. The important role of a pen-holder (information co-ordinator) was poorly supported by the replacement technology as was the task of annotating information with changing situations and needs. Specific deployment issues are derived from these findings that should guide designers when implementing technology replacements for current physical information formats (e.g. whiteboards, notice boards, shared paper notes).

A strategic approach for prioritizing research and action to prevent suicide.

PubMed

Pringle, Beverly; Colpe, Lisa J; Heinssen, Robert K; Schoenbaum, Michael; Sherrill, Joel T; Claassen, Cynthia A; Pearson, Jane L

2013-01-01

It is time to strategically apply science and accountability to the public health problem of preventable suicide. U.S. suicide rates have remained stable for decades. More than 36,000 individuals now die by suicide each year. A public health-based approach to quickly and substantially reduce suicides requires strategic deployment of existing evidence-based interventions, rapid development of new interventions, and measures to increase accountability for results. The purpose of this Open Forum is to galvanize researchers to further develop and consolidate knowledge needed to guide these actions. As researchers overcome data limitations and methodological challenges, they enable better prioritization of high-risk subgroups for targeted suicide prevention efforts, identification of effective interventions ready for deployment, estimation of the implementation impact of effective interventions in real-world settings, and assessment of time horizons for taking implementation to scale. This new knowledge will permit decision makers to take strategic action to reduce suicide and stakeholders to hold them accountable for results.

The ATLAS EventIndex: architecture, design choices, deployment and first operation experience

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barberis, D.; Cárdenas Zárate, S. E.; Cranshaw, J.; Favareto, A.; Fernández Casaní, Á.; Gallas, E. J.; Glasman, C.; González de la Hoz, S.; Hřivnáč, J.; Malon, D.; Prokoshin, F.; Salt Cairols, J.; Sánchez, J.; Többicke, R.; Yuan, R.

2015-12-01

The EventIndex is the complete catalogue of all ATLAS events, keeping the references to all files that contain a given event in any processing stage. It replaces the TAG database, which had been in use during LHC Run 1. For each event it contains its identifiers, the trigger pattern and the GUIDs of the files containing it. Major use cases are event picking, feeding the Event Service used on some production sites, and technical checks of the completion and consistency of processing campaigns. The system design is highly modular so that its components (data collection system, storage system based on Hadoop, query web service and interfaces to other ATLAS systems) could be developed separately and in parallel during LSI. The EventIndex is in operation for the start of LHC Run 2. This paper describes the high-level system architecture, the technical design choices and the deployment process and issues. The performance of the data collection and storage systems, as well as the query services, are also reported.

Design, development and deployment of public service photovoltaic power/load systems for the Gabonese Republic

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kaszeta, William J.

1987-01-01

Five different types of public service photovoltaic power/load systems installed in the Gabonese Republic are discussed. The village settings, the systems, performance results and some problems encountered are described. Most of the systems performed well, but some of the systems had problems due to failure of components or installation errors. The project was reasonably successful in collecting and reporting data for system performance evaluation that will be useful for guiding officials and system designers involved in village power applications in developing countries.

Calibration and Measurement Uncertainty Estimation of Radiometric Data: Preprint

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

Habte, A.; Sengupta, M.; Reda, I.

2014-11-01

Evaluating the performance of photovoltaic cells, modules, and arrays that form large solar deployments relies on accurate measurements of the available solar resource. Therefore, determining the accuracy of these solar radiation measurements provides a better understanding of investment risks. This paper provides guidelines and recommended procedures for estimating the uncertainty in calibrations and measurements by radiometers using methods that follow the International Bureau of Weights and Measures Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty (GUM). Standardized analysis based on these procedures ensures that the uncertainty quoted is well documented.

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

Karp, A.

Observers of Third World security watch for new weapon systems that promise to make the poor the military equals of the rich. Ballistic missiles, which combine the nuclear weapon and precision-guided munition, are a disturbing possibility that warrants regulation of the flow of ballistic missile technology. It is imperative to have a policy delineating the risks involved with ballistic missiles as a basis for action and consistency and for working with other technology suppliers. The US should initiate discussions aimed at establishing a missile technology suppliers' regime before Third World countries actually deploy nuclear missiles.

Optimizing Safety, Fidelity and Usability of an Intelligent Clinical Support Tool (ICST) For Acute Hospital Care: an Australian Case Study Using a Multi-Method Delphi Process.

PubMed

Botti, Mari; Redley, Bernice; Nguyen, Lemai; Coleman, Kimberley; Wickramasinghe, Nilmini

2015-01-01

This research focuses on a major health priority for Australia by addressing existing gaps in the implementation of nursing informatics solutions in healthcare. It serves to inform the successful deployment of IT solutions designed to support patient-centered, frontline acute healthcare delivery by multidisciplinary care teams. The outcomes can guide future evaluations of the contribution of IT solutions to the efficiency, safety and quality of care delivery in acute hospital settings.

Intellectual property strategy in bioinformatics and biochips.

PubMed

Fernandez, Dennis; Chow, Mary

2005-07-15

Intellectual property rights are essential in today's technology-driven age. A strong intellectual property protection strategy is crucial in the bioinformatics and biochips technology spaces as monetary and temporal resources are tremendous in finding a blockbuster drug or gene therapy, as well as in deploying advanced biosensor and other medical systems. Current problems and intellectual property practice in the genomic space are presented and analyzed. Various strategy and solutions are proposed to guide bioinformatic and biochip companies in forming an aggressive strategy to protect one's intellectual property and competitive positioning.

Mars entry-to-landing trajectory optimization and closed loop guidance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ilgen, Marc R.; Manning, Raymund A.; Cruz, Manuel I.

1991-01-01

The guidance strategy of the Mars Rover Sample Return mission is presented in detail. Aeromaneuver versus aerobrake trades are examined, and an aerobrake analysis is presented which takes into account targeting, guidance, flight control, trajectory profile, delivery accuracy. An aeromaneuver analysis is given which includes the entry corridor, maneuver footprint, guidance, preentry phase, constant drag phase, equilibrium guide phase, variable drag phase, influence of trajectory profile on the entry flight loads, parachute deployment conditions and strategies, and landing accuracy. The Mars terminal descent phase is analyzed.

KSC-98pc1413

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-10-22

In the Space Station Processing Facility, workers at the side and on the floor of the payload canister guide the Unity connecting module into position for transfer to the launch pad. Part of the International Space Station (ISS), Unity is scheduled for launch aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour on Mission STS-88 in December. The Unity is a connecting passageway to the living and working areas of ISS. While on orbit, the flight crew will deploy Unity from the payload bay and attach Unity to the Russian-built Zarya control module which will be in orbit at that time

NEUTRON RADIATION DAMAGE IN CCD CAMERAS AT JOINT EUROPEAN TORUS (JET).

PubMed

Milocco, Alberto; Conroy, Sean; Popovichev, Sergey; Sergienko, Gennady; Huber, Alexander

2017-10-26

The neutron and gamma radiations in large fusion reactors are responsible for damage to charged couple device (CCD) cameras deployed for applied diagnostics. Based on the ASTM guide E722-09, the 'equivalent 1 MeV neutron fluence in silicon' was calculated for a set of CCD cameras at the Joint European Torus. Such evaluations would be useful to good practice in the operation of the video systems. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Case based reasoning in criminal intelligence using forensic case data.

PubMed

Ribaux, O; Margot, P

2003-01-01

A model that is based on the knowledge of experienced investigators in the analysis of serial crime is suggested to bridge a gap between technology and methodology. Its purpose is to provide a solid methodology for the analysis of serial crimes that supports decision making in the deployment of resources, either by guiding proactive policing operations or helping the investigative process. Formalisation has helped to derive a computerised system that efficiently supports the reasoning processes in the analysis of serial crime. This novel approach fully integrates forensic science data.

Reward-Guided Learning with and without Causal Attribution

PubMed Central

Jocham, Gerhard; Brodersen, Kay H.; Constantinescu, Alexandra O.; Kahn, Martin C.; Ianni, Angela M.; Walton, Mark E.; Rushworth, Matthew F.S.; Behrens, Timothy E.J.

2016-01-01

Summary When an organism receives a reward, it is crucial to know which of many candidate actions caused this reward. However, recent work suggests that learning is possible even when this most fundamental assumption is not met. We used novel reward-guided learning paradigms in two fMRI studies to show that humans deploy separable learning mechanisms that operate in parallel. While behavior was dominated by precise contingent learning, it also revealed hallmarks of noncontingent learning strategies. These learning mechanisms were separable behaviorally and neurally. Lateral orbitofrontal cortex supported contingent learning and reflected contingencies between outcomes and their causal choices. Amygdala responses around reward times related to statistical patterns of learning. Time-based heuristic mechanisms were related to activity in sensorimotor corticostriatal circuitry. Our data point to the existence of several learning mechanisms in the human brain, of which only one relies on applying known rules about the causal structure of the task. PMID:26971947

Mini-mast CSI testbed user's guide

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tanner, Sharon E.; Pappa, Richard S.; Sulla, Jeffrey L.; Elliott, Kenny B.; Miserentino, Robert; Bailey, James P.; Cooper, Paul A.; Williams, Boyd L., Jr.; Bruner, Anne M.

1992-01-01

The Mini-Mast testbed is a 20 m generic truss highly representative of future deployable trusses for space applications. It is fully instrumented for system identification and active vibrations control experiments and is used as a ground testbed at NASA-Langley. The facility has actuators and feedback sensors linked via fiber optic cables to the Advanced Real Time Simulation (ARTS) system, where user defined control laws are incorporated into generic controls software. The object of the facility is to conduct comprehensive active vibration control experiments on a dynamically realistic large space structure. A primary goal is to understand the practical effects of simplifying theoretical assumptions. This User's Guide describes the hardware and its primary components, the dynamic characteristics of the test article, the control law implementation process, and the necessary safeguards employed to protect the test article. Suggestions for a strawman controls experiment are also included.

Reliability and utility of citizen science reef monitoring data collected by Reef Check Australia, 2002-2015.

PubMed

Done, Terence; Roelfsema, Chris; Harvey, Andrew; Schuller, Laura; Hill, Jocelyn; Schläppy, Marie-Lise; Lea, Alexandra; Bauer-Civiello, Anne; Loder, Jennifer

2017-04-15

Reef Check Australia (RCA) has collected data on benthic composition and cover at >70 sites along >1000km of Australia's Queensland coast from 2002 to 2015. This paper quantifies the accuracy, precision and power of RCA benthic composition data, to guide its application and interpretation. A simulation study established that the inherent accuracy of the Reef Check point sampling protocol is high (<±7% error absolute), in the range of estimates of benthic cover from 1% to 50%. A field study at three reef sites indicated that, despite minor observer- and deployment-related biases, the protocol does reliably document moderate ecological changes in coral communities. The error analyses were then used to guide the interpretation of inter-annual variability and long term trends at three study sites in RCA's major 2002-2015 data series for the Queensland coast. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Overcoming Spatial and Temporal Barriers to Public Access Defibrillators Via Optimization

PubMed Central

Sun, Christopher L. F.; Demirtas, Derya; Brooks, Steven C.; Morrison, Laurie J.; Chan, Timothy C.Y.

2016-01-01

BACKGROUND Immediate access to an automated external defibrillator (AED) increases the chance of survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Current deployment usually considers spatial AED access, assuming AEDs are available 24 h a day. OBJECTIVES We sought to develop an optimization model for AED deployment, accounting for spatial and temporal accessibility, to evaluate if OHCA coverage would improve compared to deployment based on spatial accessibility alone. METHODS This was a retrospective population-based cohort study using data from the Toronto Regional RescuNET cardiac arrest database. We identified all nontraumatic public-location OHCAs in Toronto, Canada (January 2006 through August 2014) and obtained a list of registered AEDs (March 2015) from Toronto emergency medical services. We quantified coverage loss due to limited temporal access by comparing the number of OHCAs that occurred within 100 meters of a registered AED (assumed 24/7 coverage) with the number that occurred both within 100 meters of a registered AED and when the AED was available (actual coverage). We then developed a spatiotemporal optimization model that determined AED locations to maximize OHCA actual coverage and overcome the reported coverage loss. We computed the coverage gain between the spatiotemporal model and a spatial-only model using 10-fold cross-validation. RESULTS We identified 2,440 atraumatic public OHCAs and 737 registered AED locations. A total of 451 OHCAs were covered by registered AEDs under assumed 24/7 coverage, and 354 OHCAs under actual coverage, representing a coverage loss of 21.5% (p < 0.001). Using the spatiotemporal model to optimize AED deployment, a 25.3% relative increase in actual coverage was achieved over the spatial-only approach (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS One in 5 OHCAs occurred near an inaccessible AED at the time of the OHCA. Potential AED use was significantly improved with a spatiotemporal optimization model guiding deployment. PMID:27539176

Four generations of sodium guide star lasers for adaptive optics in astronomy and space situational awareness

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

d'Orgeville, Céline; Fetzer, Gregory J.

2016-07-01

This paper recalls the history of sodium guide star laser systems used in astronomy and space situational awareness adaptive optics, analyzing the impact that sodium laser technology evolution has had on routine telescope operations. While it would not be practical to describe every single sodium guide star laser system developed to date, it is possible to characterize their evolution in broad technology terms. The first generation of sodium lasers used dye laser technology to create the first sodium laser guide stars in Hawaii, California, and Spain in the late 1980s and 1990s. These experimental systems were turned into the first laser guide star facilities to equip mediumto- large diameter adaptive optics telescopes, opening a new era of Laser Guide Star Adaptive Optics (LGS AO)-enabled diffraction-limited imaging from the ground. Although they produced exciting scientific results, these laser guide star facilities were large, power-hungry and messy. In the USA, a second-generation of sodium lasers was developed in the 2000s that used cleaner, yet still large and complex, solid-state laser technology. These are the systems in routine operation at the 8 to 10m-class astronomical telescopes and 4m-class satellite imaging facilities today. Meanwhile in Europe, a third generation of sodium lasers was being developed using inherently compact and efficient fiber laser technology, and resulting in the only commercially available sodium guide star laser system to date. Fiber-based sodium lasers are being or will soon be deployed at three astronomical telescopes and two space surveillance stations. These highly promising systems are still relatively large to install on telescopes and they remain significantly expensive to procure and maintain. We are thus proposing to develop a fourth generation of sodium lasers: based on semiconductor technology, these lasers could provide a definitive solution to the problem of sodium LGS AO laser sources for all astronomy and space situational awareness applications.

From Dye Laser Factory to Portable Semiconductor Laser: Four Generations of Sodium Guide Star Lasers for Adaptive Optics in Astronomy and Space Situational Awareness

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

d'Orgeville, C.; Fetzer, G.

This presentation recalls the history of sodium guide star laser systems used in astronomy and space situational awareness adaptive optics, analysing the impact that sodium laser technology evolution has had on routine telescope operations. While it would not be practical to describe every single sodium guide star laser system developed to date, it is possible to characterize their evolution in broad technology terms. The first generation of sodium lasers used dye laser technology to create the first sodium laser guide stars in Hawaii, California, and Spain in the late 1980's and 1990's. These experimental systems were turned into the first laser guide star facilities to equip medium-to-large diameter adaptive optics telescopes, opening a new era of LGS AO-enabled diffraction-limited imaging from the ground. Although they produced exciting scientific results, these laser guide star facilities were large, power-hungry and messy. In the USA, a second-generation of sodium lasers was developed in the 2000's that used cleaner, yet still large and complex, solid-state laser technology. These are the systems in routine operation at the 8-10m class astronomical telescopes and 4m-class satellite imaging facilities today. Meanwhile in Europe, a third generation of sodium lasers was being developed using inherently compact and efficient fiber laser technology, and resulting in the only commercially available sodium guide star laser system to date. Fiber-based sodium lasers will be deployed at two astronomical telescopes and at least one space debris tracking station this year. Although highly promising, these systems remain significantly expensive and they have yet to demonstrate high performance in the field. We are proposing to develop a fourth generation of sodium lasers: based on semiconductor technology, these lasers could provide the final solution to the problem of sodium laser guide star adaptive optics for all astronomy and space situational awareness applications.

Sociodemographic and career history predictors of suicide mortality in the United States Army 2004-2009.

PubMed

Gilman, S E; Bromet, E J; Cox, K L; Colpe, L J; Fullerton, C S; Gruber, M J; Heeringa, S G; Lewandowski-Romps, L; Millikan-Bell, A M; Naifeh, J A; Nock, M K; Petukhova, M V; Sampson, N A; Schoenbaum, M; Stein, M B; Ursano, R J; Wessely, S; Zaslavsky, A M; Kessler, R C

2014-09-01

The US Army suicide rate has increased sharply in recent years. Identifying significant predictors of Army suicides in Army and Department of Defense (DoD) administrative records might help focus prevention efforts and guide intervention content. Previous studies of administrative data, although documenting significant predictors, were based on limited samples and models. A career history perspective is used here to develop more textured models. The analysis was carried out as part of the Historical Administrative Data Study (HADS) of the Army Study to Assess Risk and Resilience in Servicemembers (Army STARRS). De-identified data were combined across numerous Army and DoD administrative data systems for all Regular Army soldiers on active duty in 2004-2009. Multivariate associations of sociodemographics and Army career variables with suicide were examined in subgroups defined by time in service, rank and deployment history. Several novel results were found that could have intervention implications. The most notable of these were significantly elevated suicide rates (69.6-80.0 suicides per 100 000 person-years compared with 18.5 suicides per 100 000 person-years in the total Army) among enlisted soldiers deployed either during their first year of service or with less than expected (based on time in service) junior enlisted rank; a substantially greater rise in suicide among women than men during deployment; and a protective effect of marriage against suicide only during deployment. A career history approach produces several actionable insights missed in less textured analyses of administrative data predictors. Expansion of analyses to a richer set of predictors might help refine understanding of intervention implications.

Eye Injuries from Air Bags with Seamless Module Covers

PubMed Central

Duma, Stefan M.; Crandall, Jeff R.

1999-01-01

Air bag deployment through a seamless module cover may release foam particles at high velocities that could result in eye injuries. This paper presents the results of twenty-one (n = 21) tests in which foam particles, similar to those observed from air bag deployments, were impacted onto porcine eyes. A pneumatic cannon was designed to propel the foam disks at speeds representative of actual foam particle velocities as observed in prototype air bag deployments. Five foam types, which varied in density and stiffness, were used. All tests were recorded with high speed video (1000 fps). The mass of the impacting particles varied from 0.155 g to 0.653 g with velocities from 18 m/s to 87.6 m/s. Injury analysis was performed using three techniques: fluorescein dye to reveal corneal abrasions, ophthalmic ultrasound to determine lens displacements and retinal detachments, and necropsy to examine tissue damage. As seen in case reports of air bag induced eye injuries, corneal abrasions were the most recorded injuries in the porcine eye impact tests. A logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the combination of mass and velocity in the form of kinetic energy was the most significant contributor to injury (p = 0.0023). An injury risk curve was generated based on kinetic energy which gave a 50% risk of corneal abrasion at 0.183 J. Over the range of materials used, the foam type was a poor contributor to the model (p = 0.45). The injury risk function presented for the kinetic energy of the particles offers a design guide to minimize corneal abrasions, if the production of foam particles during air bag deployment is unavoidable.

Sociodemographic and career history predictors of suicide mortality in the United States Army 2004–2009

PubMed Central

Gilman, S. E.; Bromet, E. J.; Cox, K. L.; Colpe, L. J.; Fullerton, C. S.; Gruber, M. J.; Heeringa, S.G.; Lewandowski-Romps, L.; Millikan-Bell, A.M.; Naifeh, J. A.; Nock, M. K.; Petukhova, M. V.; Sampson, N. A.; Schoenbaum, M.; Stein, M. B.; Ursano, R. J.; Wessely, S.; Zaslavsky, A.M.; Kessler, R. C.

2014-01-01

Background The US Army suicide rate has increased sharply in recent years. Identifying significant predictors of Army suicides in Army and Department of Defense (DoD) administrative records might help focus prevention efforts and guide intervention content. Previous studies of administrative data, although documenting significant predictors, were based on limited samples and models. A career history perspective is used here to develop more textured models. Method The analysis was carried out as part of the Historical Administrative Data Study (HADS) of the Army Study to Assess Risk and Resilience in Servicemembers (Army STARRS). De-identified data were combined across numerous Army and DoD administrative data systems for all Regular Army soldiers on active duty in 2004–2009. Multivariate associations of sociodemographics and Army career variables with suicide were examined in subgroups defined by time in service, rank and deployment history. Results Several novel results were found that could have intervention implications. The most notable of these were significantly elevated suicide rates (69.6–80.0 suicides per 100000 person-years compared with 18.5 suicides per 100000 person-years in the total Army) among enlisted soldiers deployed either during their first year of service or with less than expected (based on time in service) junior enlisted rank; a substantially greater rise in suicide among women than men during deployment; and a protective effect of marriage against suicide only during deployment. Conclusions A career history approach produces several actionable insights missed in less textured analyses of administrative data predictors. Expansion of analyses to a richer set of predictors might help refine understanding of intervention implications. PMID:25055175

Design and performance of an integrated ground and space sensor web for monitoring active volcanoes.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lahusen, Richard; Song, Wenzhan; Kedar, Sharon; Shirazi, Behrooz; Chien, Steve; Doubleday, Joshua; Davies, Ashley; Webb, Frank; Dzurisin, Dan; Pallister, John

2010-05-01

An interdisciplinary team of computer, earth and space scientists collaborated to develop a sensor web system for rapid deployment at active volcanoes. The primary goals of this Optimized Autonomous Space In situ Sensorweb (OASIS) are to: 1) integrate complementary space and in situ (ground-based) elements into an interactive, autonomous sensor web; 2) advance sensor web power and communication resource management technology; and 3) enable scalability for seamless addition sensors and other satellites into the sensor web. This three-year project began with a rigorous multidisciplinary interchange that resulted in definition of system requirements to guide the design of the OASIS network and to achieve the stated project goals. Based on those guidelines, we have developed fully self-contained in situ nodes that integrate GPS, seismic, infrasonic and lightning (ash) detection sensors. The nodes in the wireless sensor network are linked to the ground control center through a mesh network that is highly optimized for remote geophysical monitoring. OASIS also features an autonomous bidirectional interaction between ground nodes and instruments on the EO-1 space platform through continuous analysis and messaging capabilities at the command and control center. Data from both the in situ sensors and satellite-borne hyperspectral imaging sensors stream into a common database for real-time visualization and analysis by earth scientists. We have successfully completed a field deployment of 15 nodes within the crater and on the flanks of Mount St. Helens, Washington. The demonstration that sensor web technology facilitates rapid network deployments and that we can achieve real-time continuous data acquisition. We are now optimizing component performance and improving user interaction for additional deployments at erupting volcanoes in 2010.

Development and Evaluation of a Novel Curved Biopsy Device for CT-Guided Biopsy of Lesions Unreachable Using Standard Straight Needle Trajectories

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

Schulze-Hagen, Maximilian Franz, E-mail: mschulze@ukaachen.de; Pfeffer, Jochen; Zimmermann, Markus

PurposeTo evaluate the feasibility of a novel curved CT-guided biopsy needle prototype with shape memory to access otherwise not accessible biopsy targets.Methods and MaterialsA biopsy needle curved by 90° with specific radius was designed. It was manufactured using nitinol to acquire shape memory, encased in a straight guiding trocar to be driven out for access of otherwise inaccessible targets. Fifty CT-guided punctures were conducted in a biopsy phantom and 10 CT-guided punctures in a swine corpse. Biposies from porcine liver and muscle tissue were separately gained using the biopsy device, and histological examination was performed subsequently.ResultsMean time for placement ofmore » the trocar and deployment of the inner biopsy needle was ~205 ± 69 and ~93 ± 58 s, respectively, with a mean of ~4.5 ± 1.3 steps to reach adequate biopsy position. Mean distance from the tip of the needle to the target was ~0.7 ± 0.8 mm. CT-guided punctures in the swine corpse took relatively longer and required more biopsy steps (~574 ± 107 and ~380 ± 148 s, 8 ± 2.6 steps). Histology demonstrated appropriate tissue samples in nine out of ten cases (90%).ConclusionsTargets that were otherwise inaccessible via standard straight needle trajectories could be successfully reached with the curved biopsy needle prototype. Shape memory and preformed size with specific radius of the curved needle simplify the target accessibility with a low risk of injuring adjacent structures.« less

iMuseumA: an agent-based context-aware intelligent museum system.

PubMed

Ayala, Inmaculada; Amor, Mercedes; Pinto, Mónica; Fuentes, Lidia; Gámez, Nadia

2014-11-10

Currently, museums provide their visitors with interactive tour guide applications that can be installed in mobile devices and provide timely tailor-made multimedia information about exhibits on display. In this paper, we argue that mobile devices not only could provide help to visitors, but also to museum staff. Our goal is to integrate, within the same system, multimedia tour guides with the management facilities required by museums. In this paper, we present iMuseumA (intelligent museum with agents), a mobile-based solution to customize visits and perform context-aware management tasks. iMuseumA follows an agent-based approach, which makes it possible to interact easily with the museum environment and make decisions based on its current status. This system is currently deployed in the Museum of Informatics at the Informatics School of the University of Málaga, and its main contributions are: (i) a mobile application that provides management facilities to museum staff by means of sensing and processing environmental data; (ii) providing an integrated solution for visitors, tour guides and museum staff that allows coordination and communication enrichment among different groups of users; (iii) using and benefiting from group communication for heterogeneous groups of users that can be created on demand.

Endodontic applications of 3D printing.

PubMed

Anderson, J; Wealleans, J; Ray, J

2018-02-27

Computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) technologies can leverage cone beam computed tomography data for production of objects used in surgical and nonsurgical endodontics and in educational settings. The aim of this article was to review all current applications of 3D printing in endodontics and to speculate upon future directions for research and clinical use within the specialty. A literature search of PubMed, Ovid and Scopus was conducted using the following terms: stereolithography, 3D printing, computer aided rapid prototyping, surgical guide, guided endodontic surgery, guided endodontic access, additive manufacturing, rapid prototyping, autotransplantation rapid prototyping, CAD, CAM. Inclusion criteria were articles in the English language documenting endodontic applications of 3D printing. Fifty-one articles met inclusion criteria and were utilized. The endodontic literature on 3D printing is generally limited to case reports and pre-clinical studies. Documented solutions to endodontic challenges include: guided access with pulp canal obliteration, applications in autotransplantation, pre-surgical planning and educational modelling and accurate location of osteotomy perforation sites. Acquisition of technical expertise and equipment within endodontic practices present formidable obstacles to widespread deployment within the endodontic specialty. As knowledge advances, endodontic postgraduate programmes should consider implementing 3D printing into their curriculums. Future research directions should include clinical outcomes assessments of treatments employing 3D printed objects. Published 2018. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Toward computer-assisted image-guided congenital heart defect repair: an initial phantom analysis.

PubMed

Kwartowitz, David M; Mefleh, Fuad N; Baker, G Hamilton

2017-10-01

Radiation exposure in interventional cardiology is an important consideration, due to risk of cancer and other morbidity to the patient and clinical staff. Cardiac catheterizations rely heavily on fluoroscopic imaging exposing both patient and clinician to ionizing radiation. An image-guided surgery system capable of facilitating cardiac catheterizations was developed and tested to evaluate dose reduction. Several electromagnetically tracked tools were constructed specifically a 7-Fr catheter with five 5-degree-of-freedom magnetic seeds. Catheter guidance was accomplished using our image guidance system Kit for Navigation by Image-Focused Exploration and fluoroscopy alone. A cardiac phantom was designed and 3D printed to validate the image guidance procedure. In mock procedures, an expert clinician guided and deployed an occluder across the septal defect of the phantom heart. The image guidance method resulted in a dose of 1.26 mSv of radiation dose per procedure, while traditional guidance resulted in a dose of 3.33 mSv. Average overall dose savings for the image-guided method was nearly 2.07 mSv or 62 %. The work showed significant ([Formula: see text]) decrease in radiation dose with use of image guidance methods at the expense of a modest increase in procedure time. This study lays the groundwork for further exploration of image guidance applications in pediatric cardiology.

Nodal gap detection through polar angle-resolved density of states measurements in uniaxial superconductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsutsumi, Yasumasa; Nomoto, Takuya; Ikeda, Hiroaki; Machida, Kazushige

2016-12-01

We propose a spectroscopic method to identify the nodal gap structure in unconventional superconductors. This method is best suited for locating the horizontal line node and for pinpointing the isolated point nodes by measuring polar angle (θ ) resolved zero-energy density of states N (θ ) . This is measured by specific heat or thermal conductivity at low temperatures under a magnetic field. We examine a variety of uniaxially symmetric nodal structures, including point and/or line nodes with linear and quadratic dispersions, by solving the Eilenberger equation in vortex states. It is found that (a) the maxima of N (θ ) continuously shift from the antinodal to the nodal direction (θn) as a field increases accompanying the oscillation pattern reversal at low and high fields. Furthermore, (b) local minima emerge next to θn on both sides, except for the case of the linear point node. These features are robust and detectable experimentally. Experimental results of N (θ ) performed on several superconductors, UPd2Al3,URu2Si2,CuxBi2Se3 , and UPt3, are examined and commented on in light of the present theory.

STS-30 Magellan spacecraft is unpacked at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) SAEF-2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1989-01-01

At the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) inside the Space Assembly and Encapsulation Facility 2 (SAEF-2) (planetary checkout facility), the cover of the Payload Environmental Transportation System (PETS) is removed so that the Magellan spacecraft can be hoisted from the PETS trailer to the clean room floor. Clean-suited technicians guide the cover above plastic-wrapped spacecraft using rope. The spacecraft, destined for unprecedented studies of the Venusian topographic features, is to be deployed by the crew of NASA STS-30 mission in April 1989. View provided by KSC with alternate number KSC-88PC-1083.

Some guidelines for the ethical development of ubiquitous computing.

PubMed

Greenfield, Adam

2008-10-28

At a time when both the landscape of everyday life and the choices available to us there are increasingly conditioned by ubiquitous information processing systems, it seems wise to articulate some general principles guiding their ethical design and deployment. I here enunciate five broad guidelines for the designers of such systems, including recommendations that they be devised in such a way as to default to harmlessness, be conservative of time, be conservative of face, be self-disclosing and be deniable. I conclude with some observations about the likelihood of any such principles winning usefully widespread voluntary adherence.

The Unity connecting module is moved to payload canister

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1998-01-01

In the Space Station Processing Facility, workers at the side and on the floor of the payload canister guide the Unity connecting module into position for transfer to the launch pad. Part of the International Space Station (ISS), Unity is scheduled for launch aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour on Mission STS-88 in December. The Unity is a connecting passageway to the living and working areas of ISS. While on orbit, the flight crew will deploy Unity from the payload bay and attach Unity to the Russian-built Zarya control module which will be in orbit at that time.

Requirements for an Integrated UAS CNS Architecture

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Templin, Fred L.; Jain, Raj; Sheffield, Greg; Taboso-Ballesteros, Pedro; Ponchak, Denise

2017-01-01

Communications, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS) requirements must be developed in order to establish a CNS architecture supporting Unmanned Air Systems integration in the National Air Space (UAS in the NAS). These requirements must address cybersecurity, future communications, satellite-based navigation and APNT, and scalable surveillance and situational awareness. CNS integration, consolidation and miniaturization requirements are also important to support the explosive growth in small UAS deployment. Air Traffic Management (ATM) must also be accommodated to support critical Command and Control (C2) for Air Traffic Controllers (ATC). This document therefore presents UAS CNS requirements that will guide the architecture.

AVIRIS user's guide

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, Howell K.; Green, Robert O.

1995-01-01

This paper serves as a brief overview of the AVIRIS instrument (Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer). The AVIRIS sensor collects data that will be used for quantitative characterization of the Earth's surface and atmosphere from geometrically coherent spectroradiometric measurements. This data can be applied to studies in the fields of oceanography, environmental science, snow hydrology, geology, volcanology, soil and land management, atmospheric and aerosol studies, agriculture, and limnology. Applications under development include the assessment and monitoring of environmental hazards such as toxic waste, oil spills, and land/air/water pollution. Mission planning and flight operations are discussed, and recommendations are given regarding the deployment of ground truth experiments.

Sensor Suitcase Tablet Software

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

The Retrocommissioning Sensor Suitcase is targeted for use in small commercial buildings of less than 50,000 square feet of floor space that regularly receive basic services such as maintenance and repair, but don't have in-house energy management staff or buildings experts. The Suitcase is designed to be easy-to-use by building maintenance staff, or other professionals such as telecom and alarm technicians. The software in the hand-held is designed to guide the staff to input the building and system information, deploy the sensors in proper location, configure the sensor hardware, and start the data collection.

Strategic planning in an academic radiation medicine program.

PubMed

Hamilton, J L; Foxcroft, S; Moyo, E; Cooke-Lauder, J; Spence, T; Zahedi, P; Bezjak, A; Jaffray, D; Lam, C; Létourneau, D; Milosevic, M; Tsang, R; Wong, R; Liu, F F

2017-12-01

In this paper, we report on the process of strategic planning in the Radiation Medicine Program (rmp) at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. The rmp conducted a strategic planning exercise to ensure that program priorities reflect the current health care environment, enable nimble responses to the increasing burden of cancer, and guide program operations until 2020. Data collection was guided by a project charter that outlined the project goal and the roles and responsibilities of all participants. The process was managed by a multidisciplinary steering committee under the guidance of an external consultant and consisted of reviewing strategic planning documents from close collaborators and institutional partners, conducting interviews with key stakeholders, deploying a program-wide survey, facilitating an anonymous and confidential e-mail feedback box, and collecting information from group deliberations. The process of strategic planning took place from December 2014 to December 2015. Mission and vision statements were developed, and core values were defined. A final document, Strategic Roadmap to 2020, was established to guide programmatic pursuits during the ensuing 5 years, and an implementation plan was developed to guide the first year of operations. The strategic planning process provided an opportunity to mobilize staff talents and identify environmental opportunities, and helped to enable more effective use of resources in a rapidly changing health care environment. The process was valuable in allowing staff to consider and discuss the future, and in identifying strategic issues of the greatest importance to the program. Academic programs with similar mandates might find our report useful in guiding similar processes in their own organizations.

Strategic planning in an academic radiation medicine program

PubMed Central

Hamilton, J.L.; Foxcroft, S.; Moyo, E.; Cooke-Lauder, J.; Spence, T.; Zahedi, P.; Bezjak, A.; Jaffray, D.; Lam, C.; Létourneau, D.; Milosevic, M.; Tsang, R.; Wong, R.; Liu, F.F.

2017-01-01

Background In this paper, we report on the process of strategic planning in the Radiation Medicine Program (rmp) at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. The rmp conducted a strategic planning exercise to ensure that program priorities reflect the current health care environment, enable nimble responses to the increasing burden of cancer, and guide program operations until 2020. Methods Data collection was guided by a project charter that outlined the project goal and the roles and responsibilities of all participants. The process was managed by a multidisciplinary steering committee under the guidance of an external consultant and consisted of reviewing strategic planning documents from close collaborators and institutional partners, conducting interviews with key stakeholders, deploying a program-wide survey, facilitating an anonymous and confidential e-mail feedback box, and collecting information from group deliberations. Results The process of strategic planning took place from December 2014 to December 2015. Mission and vision statements were developed, and core values were defined. A final document, Strategic Roadmap to 2020, was established to guide programmatic pursuits during the ensuing 5 years, and an implementation plan was developed to guide the first year of operations. Conclusions The strategic planning process provided an opportunity to mobilize staff talents and identify environmental opportunities, and helped to enable more effective use of resources in a rapidly changing health care environment. The process was valuable in allowing staff to consider and discuss the future, and in identifying strategic issues of the greatest importance to the program. Academic programs with similar mandates might find our report useful in guiding similar processes in their own organizations. PMID:29270061

Attention in natural scenes: Affective-motivational factors guide gaze independently of visual salience.

PubMed

Schomaker, Judith; Walper, Daniel; Wittmann, Bianca C; Einhäuser, Wolfgang

2017-04-01

In addition to low-level stimulus characteristics and current goals, our previous experience with stimuli can also guide attentional deployment. It remains unclear, however, if such effects act independently or whether they interact in guiding attention. In the current study, we presented natural scenes including every-day objects that differed in affective-motivational impact. In the first free-viewing experiment, we presented visually-matched triads of scenes in which one critical object was replaced that varied mainly in terms of motivational value, but also in terms of valence and arousal, as confirmed by ratings by a large set of observers. Treating motivation as a categorical factor, we found that it affected gaze. A linear-effect model showed that arousal, valence, and motivation predicted fixations above and beyond visual characteristics, like object size, eccentricity, or visual salience. In a second experiment, we experimentally investigated whether the effects of emotion and motivation could be modulated by visual salience. In a medium-salience condition, we presented the same unmodified scenes as in the first experiment. In a high-salience condition, we retained the saturation of the critical object in the scene, and decreased the saturation of the background, and in a low-salience condition, we desaturated the critical object while retaining the original saturation of the background. We found that highly salient objects guided gaze, but still found additional additive effects of arousal, valence and motivation, confirming that higher-level factors can also guide attention, as measured by fixations towards objects in natural scenes. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

On possible plume-guided seismic waves

USGS Publications Warehouse

Julian, B.R.; Evans, J.R.

2010-01-01

Hypothetical thermal plumes in the Earth's mantle are expected to have low seismic-wave speeds and thus would support the propagation of guided elastic waves analogous to fault-zone guided seismic waves, fiber-optic waves, and acoustic waves in the oceanic SOund Fixing And Ranging channel. Plume-guided waves would be insensitive to geometric complexities in the wave guide, and their dispersion would make them distinctive on seismograms and would provide information about wave-guide structure that would complement seismic tomography. Detecting such waves would constitute strong evidence of a new kind for the existence of plumes. A cylindrical channel embedded in an infinite medium supports two classes of axially symmetric elastic-wave modes, torsional and longitudinal-radial. Torsional modes have rectilinear particle motion tangent to the cylinder surface. Longitudinal-radial modes have elliptical particle motion in planes that include the cylinder axis, with retrograde motion near the axis. The direction of elliptical particle motion reverses with distance from the axis: once for the fundamental mode, twice for the first overtone, and so on. Each mode exists only above its cut-off frequency, where the phase and group speeds equal the shear-wave speed in the infinite medium. At high frequencies, both speeds approach the shear-wave speed in the channel. All modes have minima in their group speeds, which produce Airy phases on seismograms. For shear wave-speed contrasts of a few percent, thought to be realistic for thermal plumes in the Earth, the largest signals are inversely dispersed and have dominant frequencies of about 0.1-1 Hz and durations of 15-30 sec. There are at least two possible sources of observable plume waves: (1) the intersection of mantle plumes with high-amplitude core-phase caustics in the deep mantle; and (2) ScS-like reflection at the core-mantle boundary of downward-propagating guided waves. The widespread recent deployment of broadband seismometers makes searching for these waves possible.

Monitoring iCCM: a feasibility study of the indicator guide for monitoring and evaluating integrated community case management.

PubMed

Roberton, Timothy; Kasungami, Dyness; Guenther, Tanya; Hazel, Elizabeth

2016-07-01

Most countries in sub-Saharan Africa have now adopted integrated community case management (iCCM) of common childhood illnesses as a strategy to improve child health. In March 2014, the iCCM Task Force published an Indicator Guide for Monitoring and Evaluating iCCM: a 'menu' of recommended indicators with globally agreed definitions and methodology, to guide countries in developing robust iCCM monitoring systems. The Indicator Guide was conceived as an evolving document that would incorporate collective experience and learning as iCCM programmes themselves evolve. This article presents findings from two studies that examined the feasibility of collecting the Indicator Guide's 18 routine monitoring indicators with the iCCM monitoring systems that countries currently have in place. We reviewed iCCM monitoring tools, protocols and reports from a purposive sample of 10 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. We developed a scorecard system to assess which of the Indicator Guide's 18 routine monitoring indicators could be calculated with the given monitoring tools, and at which level of the health system the relevant information would be available. We found that the data needed to calculate many of the Indicator Guide's routine monitoring indicators are already being collected through existing monitoring systems, although much of these data are only available at health facility level and not aggregated to district or national levels. Our results highlight challenge of using supervision checklists as a data source, and the need for countries to maintain accurate deployment data for CHWs and CHW supervisors. We suggest that some of the recommended indicators need revising. Routine monitoring will be more feasible, effective and efficient if iCCM programmes focus on a smaller set of high-value indicators that are easy to measure, reliably interpreted and useful both for global and national stakeholders and for frontline health workers themselves. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press in association with The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

Incidental learning speeds visual search by lowering response thresholds, not by improving efficiency: evidence from eye movements.

PubMed

Hout, Michael C; Goldinger, Stephen D

2012-02-01

When observers search for a target object, they incidentally learn the identities and locations of "background" objects in the same display. This learning can facilitate search performance, eliciting faster reaction times for repeated displays. Despite these findings, visual search has been successfully modeled using architectures that maintain no history of attentional deployments; they are amnesic (e.g., Guided Search Theory). In the current study, we asked two questions: 1) under what conditions does such incidental learning occur? And 2) what does viewing behavior reveal about the efficiency of attentional deployments over time? In two experiments, we tracked eye movements during repeated visual search, and we tested incidental memory for repeated nontarget objects. Across conditions, the consistency of search sets and spatial layouts were manipulated to assess their respective contributions to learning. Using viewing behavior, we contrasted three potential accounts for faster searching with experience. The results indicate that learning does not result in faster object identification or greater search efficiency. Instead, familiar search arrays appear to allow faster resolution of search decisions, whether targets are present or absent.

Finite-element-based matching of pre- and intraoperative data for image-guided endovascular aneurysm repair

PubMed Central

Dumenil, Aurélien; Kaladji, Adrien; Castro, Miguel; Esneault, Simon; Lucas, Antoine; Rochette, Michel; Goksu, Cemil; Haigron, Pascal

2013-01-01

Endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms is a well-established technique throughout the medical and surgical communities. Although increasingly indicated, this technique does have some limitations. Because intervention is commonly performed under fluoroscopic control, two-dimensional (2D) visualization of the aneurysm requires the injection of a contrast agent. The projective nature of this imaging modality inevitably leads to topographic errors, and does not give information on arterial wall quality at the time of deployment. A specially-adapted intraoperative navigation interface could increase deployment accuracy and reveal such information, which preoperative three-dimensional (3D) imaging might otherwise provide. One difficulty is the precise matching of preoperative data (images and models) and intraoperative observations affected by anatomical deformations due to tool-tissue interactions. Our proposed solution involves a finite element-based preoperative simulation of tool/tissue interactions, its adaptive tuning regarding patient specific data, and the matching with intra-operative data. The biomechanical model was first tuned on a group of 10 patients and assessed on a second group of 8 patients. PMID:23269745

An augmented magnetic navigation system for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation.

PubMed

Luo, Zhe; Cai, Junfeng; Nie, Yuanyuan; Wang, Guotai; Gu, Lixu

2013-01-01

This research proposes an augmented magnetic navigation system for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) employing a magnetic tracking system (MTS) combined with a dynamic aortic model and intra-operative ultrasound (US) images. The dynamic 3D aortic model is constructed based on the preoperative 4D computed tomography (CT), which is animated according to the real time electrocardiograph (ECG) input of patient. And a preoperative planning is performed to determine the target position of the aortic valve prosthesis. The temporal alignment is performed to synchronize the ECG signals, intra-operative US image and tracking information. Afterwards, with the assistance of synchronized ECG signals, the contour of aortic root automatic extracted from short axis US image is registered to the dynamic aortic model by a feature based registration intra-operatively. Then the augmented MTS guides the interventionist to confidently position and deploy the aortic valve prosthesis to target. The system was validated by animal studies on three porcine subjects, the deployment and tilting errors of which are 3.17 ± 0.91 mm and 7.40 ± 2.89° respectively.

Subsampled Numerical Experiments as a Guide for Field Deployment of Thermistor Chains

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shaw, Justin; Stastna, Marek

2017-11-01

Thermistor chains are a standard tool for recording temperature profiles in geophysical flows. Density values can be inferred from readings and the resulting density field analyzed for the passage of internal waves, Kelvin-Helmholtz billows, and other dynamic events. The number and spacing of the thermistors, both on and between chains, determines which events can be identified in the dataset. We examine the effect of changing these variables by subsampling a set of numerical experiments to simulate thermistor chain locations. A pseudo spectral method was used to solve the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations under the Boussinesq approximation. The resulting flows are a set of high resolution seiches where the depth was held constant across experiments, and the length was varied. Sampling a known, commonly occurring flow with relatively simple geometry allows for a clear analysis of the effects of thermistor placement in the capture of dynamic events. We will discuss three dimensional deployment strategies, as well as EOF and DMD analyses if there is time. Funded by a Grant from the National Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.

A highly articulated robotic surgical system for minimally invasive surgery.

PubMed

Ota, Takeyoshi; Degani, Amir; Schwartzman, David; Zubiate, Brett; McGarvey, Jeremy; Choset, Howie; Zenati, Marco A

2009-04-01

We developed a novel, highly articulated robotic surgical system (CardioARM) to enable minimally invasive intrapericardial therapeutic delivery through a subxiphoid approach. We performed preliminary proof of concept studies in a porcine preparation by performing epicardial ablation. CardioARM is a robotic surgical system having an articulated design to provide unlimited but controllable flexibility. The CardioARM consists of serially connected, rigid cyclindrical links housing flexible working ports through which catheter-based tools for therapy and imaging can be advanced. The CardioARM is controlled by a computer-driven, user interface, which is operated outside the operative field. In six experimental subjects, the CardioARM was introduced percutaneously through a subxiphoid access. A commercial 5-French radiofrequency ablation catheter was introduced through the working port, which was then used to guide deployment. In all subjects, regional ("linear") left atrial ablation was successfully achieved without complications. Based on these preliminary studies, we believe that the CardioARM promises to enable deployment of a number of epicardium-based therapies. Improvements in imaging techniques will likely facilitate increasingly complex procedures.

The Effects of a Dynamic Spectrum Access Overlay in LTE-Advanced Networks

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

Juan D. Deaton; Ryan E. lrwin; Luiz A. DaSilva

As early as 2014, wireless network operators spectral capacity will be overwhelmed by a data tsunami brought on by new devices and applications. To augment spectral capacity, operators could deploy a Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA) overlay. In the light of the many planned Long Term Evolution (LTE) network deployments, the affects of a DSA overlay have not been fully considered into the existing LTE standards. Coalescing many different aspects of DSA, this paper develops the Spectrum Accountability (SA) framework. The SA framework defines specific network element functionality, protocol interfaces, and signaling flow diagrams for LTE to support service requests andmore » enforce rights of responsibilities of primary and secondary users, respectively. We also include a network simulation to quantify the benefits of using DSA channels to augment capacity. Based on our simulation we show that, network operators can benefit up to %40 increase in operating capacity when sharing DSA bands to augment spectral capacity. With our framework, this paper could serve as an guide in developing future LTE network standards that include DSA.« less

Development of a SMA-Based Slat-Cove Filler for Reduction of Aeroacoustic Noise Associated With Transport-Class Aircraft Wings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Turner, Travis L.; Kidd, Reggie T.; Hartl, Darren J.; Scholten, William D.

2013-01-01

Airframe noise is a significant part of the overall noise produced by typical, transport-class aircraft during the approach and landing phases of flight. Leading-edge slat noise is a prominent source of airframe noise. The concept of a slat-cove filler was proposed in previous work as an effective means of mitigating slat noise. Bench-top models were deployed at 75% scale to study the feasibility of producing a functioning slat-cove filler. Initial results from several concepts led to a more-focused effort investigating a deformable structure based upon pseudoelastic SMA materials. The structure stows in the cavity between the slat and main wing during cruise and deploys simultaneously with the slat to guide the aerodynamic flow suitably for low noise. A qualitative parametric study of SMA-enabled, slat-cove filler designs was performed on the bench-top. Computational models were developed and analyses were performed to assess the displacement response under representative aerodynamic load. The bench-top and computational results provide significant insight into design trades and an optimal design.

Accelerating Industrial Adoption of Metal Additive Manufacturing Technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vartanian, Kenneth; McDonald, Tom

2016-03-01

While metal additive manufacturing (AM) technology has clear benefits, there are still factors preventing its adoption by industry. These factors include the high cost of metal AM systems, the difficulty for machinists to learn and operate metal AM machines, the long approval process for part qualification/certification, and the need for better process controls; however, the high AM system cost is the main barrier deterring adoption. In this paper, we will discuss an America Makes-funded program to reduce AM system cost by combining metal AM technology with conventional computerized numerical controlled (CNC) machine tools. Information will be provided on how an Optomec-led team retrofitted a legacy CNC vertical mill with laser engineered net shaping (LENS®—LENS is a registered trademark of Sandia National Labs) AM technology, dramatically lowering deployment cost. The upgraded system, dubbed LENS Hybrid Vertical Mill, enables metal additive and subtractive operations to be performed on the same machine tool and even on the same part. Information on the LENS Hybrid system architecture, learnings from initial system deployment and continuing development work will also be provided to help guide further development activities within the materials community.

Space-Time Localization of Plasma Turbulence Using Multiple Spacecraft Radio Links

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Armstrong, John W.; Estabrook, Frank B.

2011-01-01

Space weather is described as the variability of solar wind plasma that can disturb satellites and systems and affect human space exploration. Accurate prediction requires information of the heliosphere inside the orbit of the Earth. However, for predictions using remote sensing, one needs not only plane-of-sky position but also range information the third spatial dimension to show the distance to the plasma disturbances and thus when they might propagate or co-rotate to create disturbances at the orbit of the Earth. Appropriately processed radio signals from spacecraft having communications lines-of-sight passing through the inner heliosphere can be used for this spacetime localization of plasma disturbances. The solar plasma has an electron density- and radio-wavelength-dependent index of refraction. An approximately monochromatic wave propagating through a thin layer of plasma turbulence causes a geometrical-optics phase shift proportional to the electron density at the point of passage, the radio wavelength, and the thickness of the layer. This phase shift is the same for a wave propagating either up or down through the layer at the point of passage. This attribute can be used for space-time localization of plasma irregularities. The transfer function of plasma irregularities to the observed time series depends on the Doppler tracking mode. When spacecraft observations are in the two-way mode (downlink radio signal phase-locked to an uplink radio transmission), plasma fluctuations have a two-pulse response in the Doppler. In the two-way mode, the Doppler time series y2(t) is the difference between the frequency of the downlink signal received and the frequency of a ground reference oscillator. A plasma blob localized at a distance x along the line of sight perturbs the phase on both the up and down link, giving rise to two events in the two-way tracking time series separated by a time lag depending the blob s distance from the Earth: T2-2x/c, where T2 is the two-way time-of-flight of radio waves to/from the spacecraft and c is the speed of light. In some tracking situations, more information is available. For example, with the 5-link Cassini radio system, the plasma contribution to the up and down links, y(sub up)(t) and y(sub dn)(t), can be computed separately. The times series y(sub up)(t) and y(sub dn)(t) respond to a localized plasma blob with one event in each time series. These events are also separated in time by T2-2x/c. By cross-correlating the up and down link Doppler time series, the time separation of the plasma events can be measured and hence the plasma blob s distance from the Earth determined. Since the plane-of-sky position is known, this technique allows localization of plasma events in time and three space dimensions.

Incidental biasing of attention from visual long-term memory.

PubMed

Fan, Judith E; Turk-Browne, Nicholas B

2016-06-01

Holding recently experienced information in mind can help us achieve our current goals. However, such immediate and direct forms of guidance from working memory are less helpful over extended delays or when other related information in long-term memory is useful for reaching these goals. Here we show that information that was encoded in the past but is no longer present or relevant to the task also guides attention. We examined this by associating multiple unique features with novel shapes in visual long-term memory (VLTM), and subsequently testing how memories for these objects biased the deployment of attention. In Experiment 1, VLTM for associated features guided visual search for the shapes, even when these features had never been task-relevant. In Experiment 2, associated features captured attention when presented in isolation during a secondary task that was completely unrelated to the shapes. These findings suggest that long-term memory enables a durable and automatic type of memory-based attentional control. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved).

Guide-bound structures of an RNA-targeting A-cleaving CRISPR–Cas13a enzyme

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

Knott, Gavin J.; East-Seletsky, Alexandra; Cofsky, Joshua C.

CRISPR adaptive immune systems protect bacteria from infections by deploying CRISPR RNA (crRNA)-guided enzymes to recognize and cut foreign nucleic acids. Type VI-A CRISPR–Cas systems include the Cas13a enzyme, an RNA-activated RNase capable of crRNA processing and single-stranded RNA degradation upon target-transcript binding. Here we present the 2.0-Å resolution crystal structure of a crRNA-bound Lachnospiraceae bacterium Cas13a (LbaCas13a), representing a recently discovered Cas13a enzyme subtype. This structure and accompanying biochemical experiments define the Cas13a catalytic residues that are directly responsible for crRNA maturation. In addition, the orientation of the foreign-derived target-RNA-specifying sequence in the protein interior explains the conformational gatingmore » of Cas13a nuclease activation. These results describe how Cas13a enzymes generate functional crRNAs and how catalytic activity is blocked before target-RNA recognition, with implications for both bacterial immunity and diagnostic applications.« less

Guide-bound structures of an RNA-targeting A-cleaving CRISPR–Cas13a enzyme

DOE PAGES

Knott, Gavin J.; East-Seletsky, Alexandra; Cofsky, Joshua C.; ...

2017-09-11

CRISPR adaptive immune systems protect bacteria from infections by deploying CRISPR RNA (crRNA)-guided enzymes to recognize and cut foreign nucleic acids. Type VI-A CRISPR–Cas systems include the Cas13a enzyme, an RNA-activated RNase capable of crRNA processing and single-stranded RNA degradation upon target-transcript binding. Here we present the 2.0-Å resolution crystal structure of a crRNA-bound Lachnospiraceae bacterium Cas13a (LbaCas13a), representing a recently discovered Cas13a enzyme subtype. This structure and accompanying biochemical experiments define the Cas13a catalytic residues that are directly responsible for crRNA maturation. In addition, the orientation of the foreign-derived target-RNA-specifying sequence in the protein interior explains the conformational gatingmore » of Cas13a nuclease activation. These results describe how Cas13a enzymes generate functional crRNAs and how catalytic activity is blocked before target-RNA recognition, with implications for both bacterial immunity and diagnostic applications.« less

Analytical considerations for mass spectrometry profiling in serum biomarker discovery.

PubMed

Whiteley, Gordon R; Colantonio, Simona; Sacconi, Andrea; Saul, Richard G

2009-03-01

The potential of using mass spectrometry profiling as a diagnostic tool has been demonstrated for a wide variety of diseases. Various cancers and cancer-related diseases have been the focus of much of this work because of both the paucity of good diagnostic markers and the knowledge that early diagnosis is the most powerful weapon in treating cancer. The implementation of mass spectrometry as a routine diagnostic tool has proved to be difficult, however, primarily because of the stringent controls that are required for the method to be reproducible. The method is evolving as a powerful guide to the discovery of biomarkers that could, in turn, be used either individually or in an array or panel of tests for early disease detection. Using proteomic patterns to guide biomarker discovery and the possibility of deployment in the clinical laboratory environment on current instrumentation or in a hybrid technology has the possibility of being the early diagnosis tool that is needed.

Review of MRI positioning devices for guiding focused ultrasound systems.

PubMed

Yiallouras, C; Damianou, C

2015-06-01

This article contains a review of positioning devices that are currently used in the area of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guided focused ultrasound surgery (MRgFUS). The paper includes an extensive review of literature published since the first prototype system was invented in 1991. The technology has grown into a fast developing area with application to any organ accessible to ultrasound. The initial design operated using hydraulic principles, while the latest technology incorporates piezoelectric motors. Although, in the beginning there were fears regarding MRI safety, during recent years, the deployment of MR-safe positioning devices in FUS has become routine. Many of these positioning devices are now undergoing testing in clinical trials. Existing MRgFUS systems have been utilized mostly in oncology (fibroids, brain, liver, kidney, bone, pancreas, eye, thyroid, and prostate). It is anticipated that, in the near future, there will be a positioning device for every organ that is accessible by focused ultrasound. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Technical Report of the Use of a Novel Eye Tracking System to Measure Impairment Associated with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

This technical report details the results of an uncontrolled study of EyeGuide Focus, a 10-second concussion management tool which relies on eye tracking to determine the potential impairment of visual attention, an indicator often of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Essentially, people who can visually keep steady and accurate attention on a moving object in their environment likely suffer from no impairment. However, if after a potential mTBI event, subjects cannot keep attention on a moving object in a normal way as demonstrated on their previous healthy baseline tests. This may indicate possible neurological impairment. Now deployed at multiple locations across the United States, Focus (EyeGuide, Lubbock, Texas, United States) to date, has recorded more than 4,000 test scores. Our data analysis of these results shows the promise of Focus as a low-cost, ocular-based impairment test for assessing potential neurological impairment caused by mTBI in subjects ages eight and older.  PMID:28630809

Technical Report of the Use of a Novel Eye Tracking System to Measure Impairment Associated with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.

PubMed

Kelly, Michael

2017-05-15

This technical report details the results of an uncontrolled study of EyeGuide Focus, a 10-second concussion management tool which relies on eye tracking to determine the potential impairment of visual attention, an indicator often of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Essentially, people who can visually keep steady and accurate attention on a moving object in their environment likely suffer from no impairment. However, if after a potential mTBI event, subjects cannot keep attention on a moving object in a normal way as demonstrated on their previous healthy baseline tests. This may indicate possible neurological impairment. Now deployed at multiple locations across the United States, Focus (EyeGuide, Lubbock, Texas, United States) to date, has recorded more than 4,000 test scores. Our data analysis of these results shows the promise of Focus as a low-cost, ocular-based impairment test for assessing potential neurological impairment caused by mTBI in subjects ages eight and older.

Overcoming Spatial and Temporal Barriers to Public Access Defibrillators Via Optimization.

PubMed

Sun, Christopher L F; Demirtas, Derya; Brooks, Steven C; Morrison, Laurie J; Chan, Timothy C Y

2016-08-23

Immediate access to an automated external defibrillator (AED) increases the chance of survival for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Current deployment usually considers spatial AED access, assuming AEDs are available 24 h a day. The goal of this study was to develop an optimization model for AED deployment, accounting for spatial and temporal accessibility, to evaluate if OHCA coverage would improve compared with deployment based on spatial accessibility alone. This study was a retrospective population-based cohort trial using data from the Toronto Regional RescuNET Epistry cardiac arrest database. We identified all nontraumatic public location OHCAs in Toronto, Ontario, Canada (January 2006 through August 2014) and obtained a list of registered AEDs (March 2015) from Toronto Paramedic Services. Coverage loss due to limited temporal access was quantified by comparing the number of OHCAs that occurred within 100 meters of a registered AED (assumed coverage 24 h per day, 7 days per week) with the number that occurred both within 100 meters of a registered AED and when the AED was available (actual coverage). A spatiotemporal optimization model was then developed that determined AED locations to maximize OHCA actual coverage and overcome the reported coverage loss. The coverage gain between the spatiotemporal model and a spatial-only model was computed by using 10-fold cross-validation. A total of 2,440 nontraumatic public OHCAs and 737 registered AED locations were identified. A total of 451 OHCAs were covered by registered AEDs under assumed coverage 24 h per day, 7 days per week, and 354 OHCAs under actual coverage, representing a coverage loss of 21.5% (p < 0.001). Using the spatiotemporal model to optimize AED deployment, a 25.3% relative increase in actual coverage was achieved compared with the spatial-only approach (p < 0.001). One in 5 OHCAs occurred near an inaccessible AED at the time of the OHCA. Potential AED use was significantly improved with a spatiotemporal optimization model guiding deployment. Copyright © 2016 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Safety and Efficacy of Modified Preoperative Lung Nodule Microcoil Localization Without Pleural Marking: A Pilot Study.

PubMed

Kha, Lan-Chau T; Hanneman, Kate; Donahoe, Laura; Chung, Taebong; Pierre, Andrew F; Yasufuku, Kazuhiro; Keshavjee, Shafique; Mayo, John R; Paul, Narinder S; Nguyen, Elsie T

2016-01-01

The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of preoperative computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous microcoil lung nodule localization without pleural marking compared with the established technique with pleural marking. Sixty-three consecutive patients (66.7% female, mean age 61.6±11.4 y) with 64 lung nodules resected between October 2008 and January 2014 were retrospectively evaluated. Of the nodules, 29.7% (n=19) had microcoil deployment with pleural marking (control group) and 70.3% (n=45) had microcoil deployment without pleural marking (pilot group). Clinical, pathologic, and imaging characteristics, radiation dose, CT procedure and operating room time, and complete resection and complication rates were compared between the pilot and control groups. There was no significant difference in nodule size (P=0.552) or distance from the pleural surface (P=0.222) between the pilot and control groups. However, mean procedure duration (53.6±18.3 vs. 72.8±25.3 min, P=0.001) and total effective radiation dose (5.1±2.6 vs. 7.1±4.9 mSv, P=0.039) were significantly lower in the pilot group compared with the control group. CT procedure-related complications (P=0.483) [including pneumothoraces (P=0.769) and pulmonary hemorrhage (P=1.000)], operating room time (P=0.926), complete resection rates (P=0.520), intraoperative complications (P=0.549), and postoperative complications (P=1.000) were similar between the pilot and control groups. Preoperative CT-guided lung nodule microcoil localization performed without visceral pleural marking appears to decrease the CT procedure time and radiation dose while maintaining equivalent complete resection rates and procedural and surgical complications, when compared with microcoil localization performed with pleural marking.

Novel intravascular ultrasound-guided method to create transintimal arterial communications: initial experience in peripheral occlusive disease and aortic dissection.

PubMed

Saket, Ramin R; Razavi, Mahmood K; Padidar, Arash; Kee, Stephen T; Sze, Daniel Y; Dake, Michael D

2004-06-01

To report our experience using a commercially available catheter-based system equipped with an intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) transducer to achieve controlled true lumen re-entry in patients undergoing subintimal angioplasty for chronic total occlusions (CTO) or aortic dissections. During an 8-month period, 10 patients (6 men; mean age 73.4 years) with lower extremity (LE) ischemia from CTOs (n=7) or true lumen collapse from aortic dissections (n=3) were treated. Subintimal access and controlled re-entry of the CTOs were performed with a commercially available 6.2-F dual-lumen catheter, which contained an integrated 64-element phased-array IVUS transducer and a deployable 24-G needle through which a guidewire was passed once the target lumen was reached. The occluded segments were balloon dilated; self-expanding nitinol stents were deployed. In the aortic dissections, fenestrations were performed using the same device, with the IVUS unit acting as the guide. The fenestrations were balloon dilated and stented to support the true lumen. Time to effective re-entry ranged from 6 to 10 minutes (mean 7) in the CTOs; antegrade flow was restored in all 7 CTOs, and the patients were free of ischemic symptoms at up to 8-month follow-up. In the aortic dissection cases, the fenestrations equalized pressures between the lumens and restored flow into the compromised vessels. There were no complications related to the use of this device in any of the 10 patients. Our preliminary results demonstrate the feasibility of using this catheter-based system for subintimal recanalization with controlled re-entry in CTOs and for aortic flap fenestrations in aortic dissections. This approach can improve the technical success rate, reduce the time of the procedure, and minimize potential complications.

Customized CT angiogram planning for intraoperative transesophageal echography-guided endovascular exclusion of thoracic aorta penetrating ulcer.

PubMed

Piazza, Michele; Lupia, Mario; Grego, Franco; Antonello, Michele

2015-04-01

The technique is demonstrated in a 78-year-old man; the preoperative CT angiogram showed a descending thoracic aorta ulcer of 5.9 cm in maximum diameter and 3.8 cm longitudinal extension. A ZTEG-2P-36-127-PF (Cook Medical) single tubular endograft was planned to be deployed. From the preoperative CT angiogram we planned to land 4.7 cm above the midline of the descending thoracic aorta ulcer and 8.0 cm below. In the operating room, under radioscopic vision the centre of the transesophageal echography probe was used as marker to identify the correspondent midline of the descending thoracic aorta ulcer and a centimeter-sized pigtail catheter in the aorta was used to calculate the desired length above and below the ulcer midline. The endograft was introduced and placed in the desired position compared to the transesophageal echography probe and the catheter; under transesophageal echography vision the graft was finally deployed. The CT angiogram at 1 month showed the correct endograft position, descending thoracic aorta ulcer exclusion with no signs of endoleak. In selected cases, this method allows planning in advance safe stent graft positioning and deployment totally assisted by transesophageal echography, with no risk of periprocedural contrast-related renal failure and reduced radiation exposure for the patient and operators. © The Author(s) 2014 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav.

Technical Note: Error metrics for estimating the accuracy of needle/instrument placement during transperineal magnetic resonance/ultrasound-guided prostate interventions.

PubMed

Bonmati, Ester; Hu, Yipeng; Villarini, Barbara; Rodell, Rachael; Martin, Paul; Han, Lianghao; Donaldson, Ian; Ahmed, Hashim U; Moore, Caroline M; Emberton, Mark; Barratt, Dean C

2018-04-01

Image-guided systems that fuse magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound (US) images for performing targeted prostate needle biopsy and minimally invasive treatments for prostate cancer are of increasing clinical interest. To date, a wide range of different accuracy estimation procedures and error metrics have been reported, which makes comparing the performance of different systems difficult. A set of nine measures are presented to assess the accuracy of MRI-US image registration, needle positioning, needle guidance, and overall system error, with the aim of providing a methodology for estimating the accuracy of instrument placement using a MR/US-guided transperineal approach. Using the SmartTarget fusion system, an MRI-US image alignment error was determined to be 2.0 ± 1.0 mm (mean ± SD), and an overall system instrument targeting error of 3.0 ± 1.2 mm. Three needle deployments for each target phantom lesion was found to result in a 100% lesion hit rate and a median predicted cancer core length of 5.2 mm. The application of a comprehensive, unbiased validation assessment for MR/US guided systems can provide useful information on system performance for quality assurance and system comparison. Furthermore, such an analysis can be helpful in identifying relationships between these errors, providing insight into the technical behavior of these systems. © 2018 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

Guide to active vaccine safety surveillance: Report of CIOMS working group on vaccine safety - executive summary.

PubMed

Heininger, U; Holm, K; Caplanusi, I; Bailey, S R

2017-07-13

In 2013, the Council for International Organizations of Medical Sciences (CIOMS) created a Working Group on Vaccine Safety (WG) to address unmet needs in the area of vaccine pharmacovigilance. Generating reliable data about specific vaccine safety concerns is becoming a priority due to recent progress in the development and deployment of new vaccines of global importance, as well as novel vaccines targeting diseases specifically endemic to many resource-limited countries (RLCs), e.g. malaria, dengue. The WG created a Guide to Active Vaccine Safety Surveillance (AVSS) to assist national regulatory authorities and national immunization program officers in RLCs in determining the best course of action with regards to non-routine pharmacovigilance activities, when confronted with a launch of a new vaccine or a vaccine that is new to their country. Here we summarize the results of the WG, further detailed in the Guide, which for the first time provides a structured approach to identifying and analyzing specific vaccines safety knowledge gaps, while considering all available sources of information, in order to determine whether AVSS is an appropriate solution. If AVSS is confirmed as being the appropriate tool, the Guide provides additional essential information on AVSS, a detailed overview of common types of AVSS and practical implementation considerations. It also provides a framework for a well-constructed and informative AVSS when needed, thus aiming to ensure the best possible safety of immunization in this new landscape. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Study of light backgrounds from relativistic electrons in air light-guides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Riordan, S.; Zhao, Y. X.; Baunack, S.; Becker, D.; Clarke, C.; Dehmelt, K.; Deshpande, A.; Gericke, M.; Gläser, B.; Imai, K.; Kutz, T.; Maas, F. E.; McNulty, D.; Pan, J.; Park, S.; Rahman, S.; Souder, P. A.; Wang, P.; Wellman, B.; Kumar, K. S.

2018-07-01

The MOLLER experiment proposed at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility plans a precision low energy determination of the weak mixing angle via the measurement of the parity-violating asymmetry in the scattering of high energy longitudinally polarized electrons from electrons bound in a liquid hydrogen target (Møller scattering). A relative measure of the scattering rate is planned to be obtained by intercepting the Møller scattered electrons with a circular array of thin fused silica tiles attached to air light guides, which facilitate the transport of Cherenkov photons generated within the tiles to photomultiplier tubes (PMTs). The scattered flux will also pass through the light guides of downstream tiles, generating additional Cherenkov as well as scintillation light and is a potential background. In order to estimate the rate of these backgrounds, a gas-filled tube detector was designed and deployed in an electron beam at the MAMI facility at Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany. Described in this paper is the design of a detector to measure separately the scintillation and Cherenkov responses of gas mixtures from relativistic electrons, the results of studies of several gas mixtures with comparisons to simulations, and conclusions about the implications for the design of the MOLLER detector apparatus.

Design, development, and testing of the DCT Cassegrain instrument support assembly

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bida, Thomas A.; Dunham, Edward W.; Nye, Ralph A.; Chylek, Tomas; Oliver, Richard C.

2012-09-01

The 4.3m Discovery Channel Telescope delivers an f/6.1 unvignetted 0.5° field to its RC focal plane. In order to support guiding, wavefront sensing, and instrument installations, a Cassegrain instrument support assembly has been developed which includes a facility guider and wavefront sensor package (GWAVES) and multiple interfaces for instrumentation. A 2-element, all-spherical, fused-silica corrector compensates for field curvature and astigmatism over the 0.5° FOV, while reducing ghost pupil reflections to minimal levels. Dual roving GWAVES camera probes pick off stars in the outer annulus of the corrected field, providing simultaneous guiding and wavefront sensing for telescope operations. The instrument cube supports 5 co-mounted instruments with rapid feed selection via deployable fold mirrors. The corrected beam passes through a dual filter wheel before imaging with the 6K x 6K single CCD of the Large Monolithic Imager (LMI). We describe key development strategies for the DCT Cassegrain instrument assembly and GWAVES, including construction of a prime focus test assembly with wavefront sensor utilized in fall 2011 to begin characterization of the DCT primary mirror support. We also report on 2012 on-sky test results of wavefront sensing, guiding, and imaging with the integrated Cassegrain cube.

Risk-based analysis and decision making in multi-disciplinary environments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Feather, Martin S.; Cornford, Steven L.; Moran, Kelly

2003-01-01

A risk-based decision-making process conceived of and developed at JPL and NASA, has been used to help plan and guide novel technology applications for use on spacecraft. These applications exemplify key challenges inherent in multi-disciplinary design of novel technologies deployed in mission-critical settings. 1) Cross-disciplinary concerns are numerous (e.g., spacecraft involve navigation, propulsion, telecommunications). These concems are cross-coupled and interact in multiple ways (e.g., electromagnetic interference, heat transfer). 2) Time and budget pressures constrain development, operational resources constrain the resulting system (e.g., mass, volume, power). 3) Spacecraft are critical systems that must operate correctly the first time in only partially understood environments, with no chance for repair. 4) Past experience provides only a partial guide: New mission concepts are enhanced and enabled by new technologies, for which past experience is lacking. The decision-making process rests on quantitative assessments of the relationships between three classes of information - objectives (the things the system is to accomplish and constraints on its operation and development), risks (whose occurrence detracts from objectives), and mitigations (options for reducing the likelihood and or severity of risks). The process successfully guides experts to pool their knowledge, using custom-built software to support information gathering and decision-making.

iMuseumA: An Agent-Based Context-Aware Intelligent Museum System

PubMed Central

Ayala, Inmaculada; Amor, Mercedes; Pinto, Mónica; Fuentes, Lidia; Gámez, Nadia

2014-01-01

Currently, museums provide their visitors with interactive tour guide applications that can be installed in mobile devices and provide timely tailor-made multimedia information about exhibits on display. In this paper, we argue that mobile devices not only could provide help to visitors, but also to museum staff. Our goal is to integrate, within the same system, multimedia tour guides with the management facilities required by museums. In this paper, we present iMuseumA (intelligent museum with agents), a mobile-based solution to customize visits and perform context-aware management tasks. iMuseumA follows an agent-based approach, which makes it possible to interact easily with the museum environment and make decisions based on its current status. This system is currently deployed in the Museum of Informatics at the Informatics School of the University of Málaga, and its main contributions are: (i) a mobile application that provides management facilities to museum staff by means of sensing and processing environmental data; (ii) providing an integrated solution for visitors, tour guides and museum staff that allows coordination and communication enrichment among different groups of users; (iii) using and benefiting from group communication for heterogeneous groups of users that can be created on demand. PMID:25390409

Towards real-time cardiovascular magnetic resonance guided transarterial CoreValve implantation: in vivo evaluation in swine

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Real-time cardiovascular magnetic resonance (rtCMR) is considered attractive for guiding TAVI. Owing to an unlimited scan plane orientation and an unsurpassed soft-tissue contrast with simultaneous device visualization, rtCMR is presumed to allow safe device navigation and to offer optimal orientation for precise axial positioning. We sought to evaluate the preclinical feasibility of rtCMR-guided transarterial aortic valve implatation (TAVI) using the nitinol-based Medtronic CoreValve bioprosthesis. Methods rtCMR-guided transfemoral (n = 2) and transsubclavian (n = 6) TAVI was performed in 8 swine using the original CoreValve prosthesis and a modified, CMR-compatible delivery catheter without ferromagnetic components. Results rtCMR using TrueFISP sequences provided reliable imaging guidance during TAVI, which was successful in 6 swine. One transfemoral attempt failed due to unsuccessful aortic arch passage and one pericardial tamponade with subsequent death occurred as a result of ventricular perforation by the device tip due to an operating error, this complication being detected without delay by rtCMR. rtCMR allowed for a detailed, simultaneous visualization of the delivery system with the mounted stent-valve and the surrounding anatomy, resulting in improved visualization during navigation through the vasculature, passage of the aortic valve, and during placement and deployment of the stent-valve. Post-interventional success could be confirmed using ECG-triggered time-resolved cine-TrueFISP and flow-sensitive phase-contrast sequences. Intended valve position was confirmed by ex-vivo histology. Conclusions Our study shows that rtCMR-guided TAVI using the commercial CoreValve prosthesis in conjunction with a modified delivery system is feasible in swine, allowing improved procedural guidance including immediate detection of complications and direct functional assessment with reduction of radiation and omission of contrast media. PMID:22453050

Towards real-time cardiovascular magnetic resonance guided transarterial CoreValve implantation: in vivo evaluation in swine.

PubMed

Kahlert, Philipp; Parohl, Nina; Albert, Juliane; Schäfer, Lena; Reinhardt, Renate; Kaiser, Gernot M; McDougall, Ian; Decker, Brad; Plicht, Björn; Erbel, Raimund; Eggebrecht, Holger; Ladd, Mark E; Quick, Harald H

2012-03-27

Real-time cardiovascular magnetic resonance (rtCMR) is considered attractive for guiding TAVI. Owing to an unlimited scan plane orientation and an unsurpassed soft-tissue contrast with simultaneous device visualization, rtCMR is presumed to allow safe device navigation and to offer optimal orientation for precise axial positioning. We sought to evaluate the preclinical feasibility of rtCMR-guided transarterial aortic valve implatation (TAVI) using the nitinol-based Medtronic CoreValve bioprosthesis. rtCMR-guided transfemoral (n = 2) and transsubclavian (n = 6) TAVI was performed in 8 swine using the original CoreValve prosthesis and a modified, CMR-compatible delivery catheter without ferromagnetic components. rtCMR using TrueFISP sequences provided reliable imaging guidance during TAVI, which was successful in 6 swine. One transfemoral attempt failed due to unsuccessful aortic arch passage and one pericardial tamponade with subsequent death occurred as a result of ventricular perforation by the device tip due to an operating error, this complication being detected without delay by rtCMR. rtCMR allowed for a detailed, simultaneous visualization of the delivery system with the mounted stent-valve and the surrounding anatomy, resulting in improved visualization during navigation through the vasculature, passage of the aortic valve, and during placement and deployment of the stent-valve. Post-interventional success could be confirmed using ECG-triggered time-resolved cine-TrueFISP and flow-sensitive phase-contrast sequences. Intended valve position was confirmed by ex-vivo histology. Our study shows that rtCMR-guided TAVI using the commercial CoreValve prosthesis in conjunction with a modified delivery system is feasible in swine, allowing improved procedural guidance including immediate detection of complications and direct functional assessment with reduction of radiation and omission of contrast media.

Angiocrine functions of organ-specific endothelial cells

PubMed Central

Rafii, Shahin; Butler, Jason M; Ding, Bi-Sen

2016-01-01

Preface Endothelial cells lining blood vessel capillaries are not just passive conduits for delivering blood. Tissue-specific endothelium establish specialized vascular niches that deploy specific sets of growth factors, known as angiocrine factors, which actively participate in inducing, specifying, patterning, and guiding organ regeneration and maintaining homeostasis and metabolism. Angiocrine factors upregulated in response to injury orchestrates self-renewal and differentiation of tissue-specific repopulating resident stem and progenitor cells into functional organs. Uncovering the precise mechanisms whereby physiological-levels of angiocrine factors are spatially and temporally produced, and distributed by organotypic endothelium to repopulating cells, will lay the foundation for driving organ repair without scarring. PMID:26791722

Reducing Uncertainty for Acute Febrile Illness in Resource-Limited Settings: The Current Diagnostic Landscape

PubMed Central

Robinson, Matthew L.; Manabe, Yukari C.

2017-01-01

Diagnosing the cause of acute febrile illness in resource-limited settings is important—to give the correct antimicrobials to patients who need them, to prevent unnecessary antimicrobial use, to detect emerging infectious diseases early, and to guide vaccine deployment. A variety of approaches are yielding more rapid and accurate tests that can detect more pathogens in a wider variety of settings. After decades of slow progress in diagnostics for acute febrile illness in resource-limited settings, a wave of converging advancements will enable clinicians in resource-limited settings to reduce uncertainty for the diagnosis of acute febrile illness. PMID:28719277

Smart Waste Collection System with Low Consumption LoRaWAN Nodes and Route Optimization.

PubMed

Lozano, Álvaro; Caridad, Javier; De Paz, Juan Francisco; Villarrubia González, Gabriel; Bajo, Javier

2018-05-08

New solutions for managing waste have emerged due to the rise of Smart Cities and the Internet of Things. These solutions can also be applied in rural environments, but they require the deployment of a low cost and low consumption sensor network which can be used by different applications. Wireless technologies such as LoRa and low consumption microcontrollers, such as the SAM L21 family make the implementation and deployment of this kind of sensor network possible. This paper introduces a waste monitoring and management platform used in rural environments. A prototype of a low consumption wireless node is developed to obtain measurements of the weight, filling volume and temperature of a waste container. This monitoring allows the progressive filling data of every town container to be gathered and analysed as well as creating alerts in case of incidence. The platform features a module for optimising waste collection routes. This module dynamically generates routes from data obtained through the deployed nodes to save energy, time and consequently, costs. It also features a mobile application for the collection fleet which guides every driver through the best route—previously calculated for each journey. This paper presents a case study performed in the region of Salamanca to evaluate the efficiency and the viability of the system’s implementation. Data used for this case study come from open data sources, the report of the Castilla y León waste management plan and data from public tender procedures in the region of Salamanca. The results of the case study show a developed node with a great lifetime of operation, a large coverage with small deployment of antennas in the region, and a route optimization system which uses weight and volume measured by the node, and provides savings in cost, time and workforce compared to a static collection route approach.

Smart Waste Collection System with Low Consumption LoRaWAN Nodes and Route Optimization

PubMed Central

De Paz, Juan Francisco

2018-01-01

New solutions for managing waste have emerged due to the rise of Smart Cities and the Internet of Things. These solutions can also be applied in rural environments, but they require the deployment of a low cost and low consumption sensor network which can be used by different applications. Wireless technologies such as LoRa and low consumption microcontrollers, such as the SAM L21 family make the implementation and deployment of this kind of sensor network possible. This paper introduces a waste monitoring and management platform used in rural environments. A prototype of a low consumption wireless node is developed to obtain measurements of the weight, filling volume and temperature of a waste container. This monitoring allows the progressive filling data of every town container to be gathered and analysed as well as creating alerts in case of incidence. The platform features a module for optimising waste collection routes. This module dynamically generates routes from data obtained through the deployed nodes to save energy, time and consequently, costs. It also features a mobile application for the collection fleet which guides every driver through the best route—previously calculated for each journey. This paper presents a case study performed in the region of Salamanca to evaluate the efficiency and the viability of the system’s implementation. Data used for this case study come from open data sources, the report of the Castilla y León waste management plan and data from public tender procedures in the region of Salamanca. The results of the case study show a developed node with a great lifetime of operation, a large coverage with small deployment of antennas in the region, and a route optimization system which uses weight and volume measured by the node, and provides savings in cost, time and workforce compared to a static collection route approach. PMID:29738472

Incidence and mechanisms of longitudinal stent deformation associated with Biomatrix, Resolute, Element, and Xience stents: Angiographic and case-by-case review of 1,800 PCIs.

PubMed

Arnous, Samer; Shakhshir, Nizar; Wiper, Andrew; Ordoubadi, Farzin-Farth; Williams, Paul; Clarke, Bernard; Mahadavan, Vaikom; El-Omar, Magdi; Mamas, Mamas; Fraser, Douglas

2015-11-15

There is conflicting evidence regarding the incidence of longitudinal stent deformation (LSD) in contemporary practice. To assess the incidence and mechanism of LSD across commonly used DES platforms, we performed a case-by-case review of 1,800 PCI cases involving 450 consecutive procedures using Biomatrix Flex, Resolute Integrity, Promus Element, and Xience V stents, respectively, between January 2009 and December 2011. LSD was detected in a higher proportion with Promus Element [15 (3.1%)] compared with other platforms (Xience V [4 (0.9%)], Biomatrix [3 (0.7%)], Resolute [3 (0.7%)]; P = 0.002). LSD was characterized as guide catheter/guide extension induced, or as impact from secondary devices such as postdilatation balloons or IVUS catheters. The incidence of guide catheter/guide extension LSD was similar across platforms; (Promus Element [5 (1.1%)], Xience V [4 (0.9%)], Biomatrix [3 (0.7%)], Resolute [3 (0.7%)]; P = 0.85). Secondary device LSD occurred exclusively with Promus Element (9/450 cases [2%] (P < 0.0001). Re-entering the deformed stent was more difficult in cases of secondary device LSD (6/9 compared with 0/12 treated cases; P < 0.001). Univariate predictors of LSD were previous CABG, culprit vessel, ostial involvement, and lesion tortuosity. Multivariate predictors of LSD were the Promus Element stent (OR 5.53 CI[1.54-19.85]), Guideliner use (OR 22.09 CI[4.73-103]), postdilation balloons (OR 5.47 CI[1.31-22.81]) and number of stents deployed (OR 2.06 CI[1.45-2.9]. LSD is more common than previously reported. LSD by a guide catheter/guide extension occurred equally with all platforms, however, LSD associated with secondary devices only occurred with the Element stent. These findings have important implications regarding current and future stent designs. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Design of an everting balloon to deploy a microendoscope to the fallopian tubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Keenan, Molly; Howard, Caitlin; Tate, Tyler; McGuiness, Ian; Sauer-Budge, Alexis; Black, John; Utzinger, Urs; Barton, Jennifer K.

2016-02-01

The 5-year survival rate for ovarian cancer is only 45% largely due to lack of effective screening methods. Current methods include palpation, transvaginal ultrasound, and the CA-125 blood test. Finding disease reliably and at an early stage increase survival to 92%. We have designed and built a 0.7 mm endoscope for the early detection of ovarian cancer. Inserted transvaginally through the working channel of a hysteroscope, the falloposcope creates a minimally invasive procedure for the screening of high risk women. To improve the ease-of-use and safety of falloposcope deployment, we are working to create an everting balloon. Currently, the falloposcope would require a skilled user to operate due to the challenging anatomy of the fallopian tubes - a small opening from the uterus (< 1 mm), tortuous path, and delicate lumenal features. A balloon delivery system would gently open the fallopian tube and guide the falloposcope down the center of lumen. We show balloon design and discuss integration with the falloposcope prototype. We test possible mechanical damage to the tissue due to scraping, puncture, or overstretching. Successful introduction of the everting balloon to simplify falloposcope delivery could expand screening beyond specialized centers to smaller clinical locations.

An exploration of the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of professional, multitasked community health workers in Tanzania.

PubMed

Baynes, Colin; Semu, Helen; Baraka, Jitihada; Mushi, Hildegalda; Ramsey, Kate; Kante, Almamy Malick; Phillips, James F

2017-08-01

Despite four decades of global experience with community-based primary health care, the strategic details of community health worker (CHW) recruitment, training, compensation, and deployment remain the subject of continuing discussion and debate. Responsibilities and levels of clinical expertise also vary greatly, as well as contrasting roles of public- versus private-sector organisations as organisers of CHW effort. This paper describes a programme of implementation research in Tanzania, known as the Connect Project, which aims to guide national policies with evidence on the impact and process of deploying of paid, professional CHWs. Connect is a randomised-controlled trial of community exposure to CHW integrated primary health-care services. A qualitative appraisal of reactions to CHW implementation of community stakeholders, frontline workers, supervisors, and local managers is reviewed. Results highlight the imperative to plan and implement CHW programmes as a component of a broader, integrated effort to strengthen the health system. Specifically, the introduction of a CHW programme in Tanzania should draw upon community structures and institutions and strengthen mechanisms to sustain their participation in primary health care. This should be coordinated with efforts to address poorly functioning logistics and supervisory systems and human resource and management challenges.

Reward can modulate attentional capture, independent of top-down set.

PubMed

Munneke, Jaap; Hoppenbrouwers, Sylco S; Theeuwes, Jan

2015-11-01

The traditional distinction between exogenous and endogenous attentional control has recently been enriched with an additional mode of control, termed "selection history." Recent findings have indicated, for instance, that previously rewarded or punished stimuli capture more attention than their physical attributes would predict. As such, the value that is associated with certain stimuli modulates attentional capture. This particular influence has also been shown for endogenous attention. Although recent leads have emerged, elucidating the influences of reward on exogenous and endogenous attention, it remains unclear to what extent exogenous attention is modulated by reward when endogenous attention is already deployed. We used a Posner cueing task in which exogenous and endogenous cues were presented to guide attention. Crucially, the exogenous cue also indicated the reward value. That is, the color of the exogenous cue indicated how much reward could be obtained on a given trial. The results showed main effects of endogenous and exogenous attention (i.e., speeded reaction times when either cue was valid, as compared to when it was invalid). Crucially, an interaction between exogenous cue validity and reward level was observed, indicating that reward-based associative-learning processes rapidly influence attentional capture, even when endogenous attention has been actively deployed.

Optimized Autonomous Space - In-situ Sensorweb: A new Tool for Monitoring Restless Volcanoes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lahusen, R. G.; Kedar, S.; Song, W.; Chien, S.; Shirazi, B.; Davies, A.; Tran, D.; Pieri, D.

2007-12-01

An interagency team of earth scientists, space scientists and computer scientists are collaborating to develop a real-time monitoring system optimized for rapid deployment at restless volcanoes. The primary goals of this Optimized Autonomous Space In-situ Sensorweb (OASIS) are: 1) integrate complementary space and in-situ (ground-based) elements into an interactive, autonomous sensorweb; 2) advance sensorweb power and communication resource management technology; and 3) enable scalability for seamless infusion of future space and in-situ assets into the sensorweb. A prototype system will be deployed on Mount St. Helens by December 2009. Each node will include GPS, seismic, infrasonic and lightning (for ash plume detection) sensors plus autonomous decision making capabilities and interaction with EO-1 multi-spectral satellite. This three year project is jointly funded by NASA AIST program and USGS Volcano Hazards Program. Work has begun with a rigorous multi-disciplinary discussion and resulted in a system requirements document aimed to guide the design of OASIS and future networks and to achieve the project's stated goals. In this presentation we will highlight the key OASIS system requirements, their rationale and the physical and technical challenges they pose. Preliminary design decisions will be presented.

Incidental learning speeds visual search by lowering response thresholds, not by improving efficiency: Evidence from eye movements

PubMed Central

Hout, Michael C.; Goldinger, Stephen D.

2011-01-01

When observers search for a target object, they incidentally learn the identities and locations of “background” objects in the same display. This learning can facilitate search performance, eliciting faster reaction times for repeated displays (Hout & Goldinger, 2010). Despite these findings, visual search has been successfully modeled using architectures that maintain no history of attentional deployments; they are amnesic (e.g., Guided Search Theory; Wolfe, 2007). In the current study, we asked two questions: 1) under what conditions does such incidental learning occur? And 2) what does viewing behavior reveal about the efficiency of attentional deployments over time? In two experiments, we tracked eye movements during repeated visual search, and we tested incidental memory for repeated non-target objects. Across conditions, the consistency of search sets and spatial layouts were manipulated to assess their respective contributions to learning. Using viewing behavior, we contrasted three potential accounts for faster searching with experience. The results indicate that learning does not result in faster object identification or greater search efficiency. Instead, familiar search arrays appear to allow faster resolution of search decisions, whether targets are present or absent. PMID:21574743

Lowering risk score profile during PCI in multiple vessel disease is associated with low adverse events: The ERACI risk score.

PubMed

Rodriguez, Alfredo E; Fernandez-Pereira, Carlos; Mieres, Juan; Pavlovsky, Hernan; Del Pozo, Juan; Rodriguez-Granillo, Alfredo M; Antoniucci, David

2018-02-13

In recent years angiographic risk scores have been introduced in clinical practice to stratify different levels of risk after percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). The SYNTAX score included all intermediate lesions in vessels ≥1.5 mm, consequently, multiple stent implantation was required. Four years ago, we built a new angiographic score in order to guide PCI strategy avoiding stent deployment both in intermediate stenosis as in small vessels, therefore these were not scored (ERACI risk score). The purpose of this mini review is to validate the strategy of PCI guided by this scoring, taking into account long term follow up outcomes of two observational and prospective registries where this policy was used. With this new risk score we have modified risk profile of our patient's candidates for PCI or coronary artery bypass surgery lowering the risk and <20% of them are now included anatomically as high risk for PCI. The simple exclusion of small vessels and intermediate stenosis from the revascularization approach resulted in clinical outcome comparable with the one of fractional flow reserve guided revascularization. Low events rate at late follow up observed in both studies was also in agreement with guided PCI by functional lesion assessment observed by Syntax II registry, where investigators found lower events rate in spite of a few number of stents implanted per patient. use of ERACI risk scores may significantly reclassify patients into a lower risk category and be associated with low adverse events rate. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Challenges in image-guided therapy system design.

PubMed

Dimaio, Simon; Kapur, Tina; Cleary, Kevin; Aylward, Stephen; Kazanzides, Peter; Vosburgh, Kirby; Ellis, Randy; Duncan, James; Farahani, Keyvan; Lemke, Heinz; Peters, Terry; Lorensen, William Bill; Gobbi, David; Haller, John; Clarke, Laurence Larry; Pizer, Stephen; Taylor, Russell; Galloway, Robert; Fichtinger, Gabor; Hata, Nobuhiko; Lawson, Kimberly; Tempany, Clare; Kikinis, Ron; Jolesz, Ferenc

2007-01-01

System development for image-guided therapy (IGT), or image-guided interventions (IGI), continues to be an area of active interest across academic and industry groups. This is an emerging field that is growing rapidly: major academic institutions and medical device manufacturers have produced IGT technologies that are in routine clinical use, dozens of high-impact publications are published in well regarded journals each year, and several small companies have successfully commercialized sophisticated IGT systems. In meetings between IGT investigators over the last two years, a consensus has emerged that several key areas must be addressed collaboratively by the community to reach the next level of impact and efficiency in IGT research and development to improve patient care. These meetings culminated in a two-day workshop that brought together several academic and industrial leaders in the field today. The goals of the workshop were to identify gaps in the engineering infrastructure available to IGT researchers, develop the role of research funding agencies and the recently established US-based National Center for Image Guided Therapy (NCIGT), and ultimately to facilitate the transfer of technology among research centers that are sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Workshop discussions spanned many of the current challenges in the development and deployment of new IGT systems. Key challenges were identified in a number of areas, including: validation standards; workflows, use-cases, and application requirements; component reusability; and device interface standards. This report elaborates on these key points and proposes research challenges that are to be addressed by a joint effort between academic, industry, and NIH participants.

Surface-structured bacterial cellulose with guided assembly-based biolithography (GAB).

PubMed

Bottan, Simone; Robotti, Francesco; Jayathissa, Prageeth; Hegglin, Alicia; Bahamonde, Nicolas; Heredia-Guerrero, José A; Bayer, Ilker S; Scarpellini, Alice; Merker, Hannes; Lindenblatt, Nicole; Poulikakos, Dimos; Ferrari, Aldo

2015-01-27

A powerful replica molding methodology to transfer on-demand functional topographies to the surface of bacterial cellulose nanofiber textures is presented. With this method, termed guided assembly-based biolithography (GAB), a surface-structured polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) mold is introduced at the gas-liquid interface of an Acetobacter xylinum culture. Upon bacterial fermentation, the generated bacterial cellulose nanofibers are assembled in a three-dimensional network reproducing the geometric shape imposed by the mold. Additionally, GAB yields directional alignment of individual nanofibers and memory of the transferred geometrical features upon dehydration and rehydration of the substrates. Scanning electron and atomic force microscopy are used to establish the good fidelity of this facile and affordable method. Interaction of surface-structured bacterial cellulose substrates with human fibroblasts and keratinocytes illustrates the efficient control of cellular activities which are fundamental in skin wound healing and tissue regeneration. The deployment of surface-structured bacterial cellulose substrates in model animals as skin wound dressing or body implant further proves the high durability and low inflammatory response to the material over a period of 21 days, demonstrating beneficial effects of surface structure on skin regeneration.

Assessment of the Reconstructed Aerodynamics of the Mars Science Laboratory Entry Vehicle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schoenenberger, Mark; Van Norman, John W.; Dyakonov, Artem A.; Karlgaard, Christopher D.; Way, David W.; Kutty, Prasad

2013-01-01

On August 5, 2012, the Mars Science Laboratory entry vehicle successfully entered Mars atmosphere, flying a guided entry until parachute deploy. The Curiosity rover landed safely in Gale crater upon completion of the Entry Descent and Landing sequence. This paper compares the aerodynamics of the entry capsule extracted from onboard flight data, including Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) accelerometer and rate gyro information, and heatshield surface pressure measurements. From the onboard data, static force and moment data has been extracted. This data is compared to preflight predictions. The information collected by MSL represents the most complete set of information collected during Mars entry to date. It allows the separation of aerodynamic performance from atmospheric conditions. The comparisons show the MSL aerodynamic characteristics have been identified and resolved to an accuracy better than the aerodynamic database uncertainties used in preflight simulations. A number of small anomalies have been identified and are discussed. This data will help revise aerodynamic databases for future missions and will guide computational fluid dynamics (CFD) development to improved prediction codes.

Guide-bound structures of an RNA-targeting A-cleaving CRISPR-Cas13a enzyme

PubMed Central

Knott, Gavin J.; East-Seletsky, Alexandra; Cofsky, Joshua C.; Holton, James M.; Charles, Emeric; O’Connell, Mitchell R.; Doudna, Jennifer A.

2018-01-01

CRISPR adaptive immune systems protect bacteria from infections by deploying CRISPR RNA (crRNA)-guided enzymes to recognize and cut foreign nucleic acids. Type VI-A CRISPR-Cas systems include the Cas13a enzyme, an RNA-activated ribonuclease (RNase) capable of crRNA processing and single-stranded RNA degradation upon target transcript binding. Here we present the 2.0 Å resolution crystal structure of a crRNA-bound L. bacterium Cas13a (LbaCas13a), representing a recently discovered Cas13a enzyme subtype. This structure and accompanying biochemical experiments define for the first time the Cas13a catalytic residues that are directly responsible for crRNA maturation. In addition, the orientation of the foreign-derived target RNA-specifying sequence in the protein interior explains the conformational gating of Cas13a nuclease activation. These results describe how Cas13a enzymes generate functional crRNAs and how catalytic activity is blocked prior to target RNA recognition, with implications for both bacterial immunity and diagnostic applications. PMID:28892041

Does Contextual Cueing Guide the Deployment of Attention?

PubMed Central

Kunar, Melina A.; Flusberg, Stephen; Horowitz, Todd S.; Wolfe, Jeremy M.

2008-01-01

Contextual cueing experiments show that when displays are repeated, reaction times (RTs) to find a target decrease over time even when observers are not aware of the repetition. It has been thought that the context of the display guides attention to the target. We tested this hypothesis by comparing the effects of guidance in a standard search task to the effects of contextual cueing. Firstly, in standard search, an improvement in guidance causes search slopes (derived from RT × Set Size functions) to decrease. In contrast, we found that search slopes in contextual cueing did not become more efficient over time (Experiment 1). Secondly, when guidance is optimal (e.g. in easy feature search) we still found a small, but reliable contextual cueing effect (Experiments 2a and 2b), suggesting that other factors, such as response selection, contribute to the effect. Experiment 3 supported this hypothesis by showing that the contextual cueing effect disappeared when we added interference to the response selection process. Overall, our data suggest that the relationship between guidance and contextual cueing is weak and that response selection can account for part of the effect. PMID:17683230

KAPAO-Alpha: An On-The-Sky Testbed for Adaptive Optics on Small Aperture Telescopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morrison, Will; Choi, P. I.; Severson, S. A.; Spjut, E.; Contreras, D. S.; Gilbreth, B. N.; McGonigle, L. P.; Rudy, A. R.; Xue, A.; Baranec, C.; Riddle, R.

2012-05-01

We present initial in-lab and on-sky results of a natural guide star adaptive optics instrument, KAPAO-Alpha, being deployed on Pomona College’s 1-meter telescope at Table Mountain Observatory. The instrument is an engineering prototype designed to help us identify and solve design and integration issues before building KAPAO, a low-cost, dual-band, natural guide star AO system currently in active development and scheduled for first light in 2013. The Alpha system operates at visible wavelengths, employs Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensing, and is assembled entirely from commercially available components that include: off-the-shelf optics, a 140-actuator BMC deformable mirror, a high speed SciMeasure Lil’ Joe camera, and an EMCCD for science image acquisition. Wavefront reconstruction operating at 1-kHz speeds is handled with a consumer-grade computer running custom software adopted from the Robo-AO project. The assembly and integration of the Alpha instrument has been undertaken as a Pomona College undergraduate thesis. As part of the larger KAPAO project, it is supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0960343.

Niche construction theory: a practical guide for ecologists.

PubMed

Odling-Smee, John; Erwin, Douglas H; Palkovacs, Eric P; Feldman, Marcus W; Laland, Kevin N

2013-03-01

Niche construction theory (NCT) explicitly recognizes environmental modication by organisms ("niche construction") and their legacy overtime ("ecological inheritance") to be evolutionary processes in their own right. Here we illustrate how niche construction theory provides usedl conceptual tools and theoretical insights for integrating ecosystem ecology and evolutionary theory. We begin by briefly describing NCT, and illustrating how it deifers from conventional evolutionary approaches. We then distinguish between two aspects ofniche construction--environment alteration and subsequent evolution in response to constructed environments--equating the first of these with "ecosystem engineering." We describe some of the ecological and evolutionary impacts on ecosystems of niche construction, ecosystem engineering and ecological inheritance, and illustrate how these processes trigger ecological and evolutionary feedbacks and leave detectable ecological signatures that are open to investigation. FIinally, we provide a practical guide to how NCT could be deployed by ecologists and evolutionary biologists to aeplore ecoeoolutionay dynamics. We suggest that, by highlighting the ecological and evolutionay ramifications of changes that organisms bring about in ecosystems, NCT helps link ecosystem ecology to evolutionary biology, potentially leading to a deeper understanding of how ecosystems change over time.

Cross-sectional prevalence survey of intimate partner violence perpetration and victimization in Canadian military personnel

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Intimate partner violence (IPV) is prevalent and is associated with a broad range of adverse consequences. In military organizations, IPV may have special implications, such as the potential of service-related mental disorders to trigger IPV. However, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) have limited data to guide their prevention and control efforts. Methods Self-reported IPV perpetration, victimization, and their correlates were assessed on a cross-sectional survey of a stratified random sample of currently-serving Canadian Regular Forces personnel (N = 2157). The four primary outcomes were perpetration or victimization of any physical and/or sexual or emotional and/or financial IPV over the lifespan of the current relationship. Results Among the 81% of the population in a current relationship, perpetration of any physical and/or sexual IPV was reported in 9%; victimization was reported in 15%. Any emotional and/or financial abuse was reported by 19% (perpetration) and 22% (victimization). Less physically injurious forms of abuse predominated. Logistic regression modelling showed that relationship dissatisfaction was independently associated with all four outcomes (OR range = 2.3 to 3.7). Probable depression was associated with all outcomes except physical and/or sexual IPV victimization (OR range = 2.5 – 2.7). PTSD symptoms were only associated with physical and/or sexual IPV perpetration (OR = 3.2, CI = 1.4 to 7.9). High-risk drinking was associated with emotional and/or financial abuse. Risk of IPV was lowest in those who had recent deployment experience; remote deployment experience (vs. never having deployed) was an independent risk factor for all IPV outcomes (OR range = 2.0 – 3.4). Conclusions IPV affects an important minority of military families; less severe cases predominate. Mental disorders, high-risk drinking, relationship dissatisfaction, and remote deployment were independently associated with abuse outcomes. The primary limitations of this analysis are its use of self-report data from military personnel (not their intimate partners) and the cross-sectional nature of the survey. Prevention efforts in the CAF need to target the full spectrum of IPV. Mental disorders, high-risk drinking, and relationship dissatisfaction are potential targets for risk reduction. Additional research is needed to understand the association of remote deployment with IPV. PMID:24165440

Mining a differential sialotranscriptome of Rhipicephalus microplus guides antigen discovery to formulate a vaccine that reduces tick infestations.

PubMed

Maruyama, Sandra R; Garcia, Gustavo R; Teixeira, Felipe R; Brandão, Lucinda G; Anderson, Jennifer M; Ribeiro, José M C; Valenzuela, Jesus G; Horackova, Jana; Veríssimo, Cecília J; Katiki, Luciana M; Banin, Tamy M; Zangirolamo, Amanda F; Gardinassi, Luiz G; Ferreira, Beatriz R; de Miranda-Santos, Isabel K F

2017-04-26

Ticks cause massive damage to livestock and vaccines are one sustainable substitute for the acaricides currently heavily used to control infestations. To guide antigen discovery for a vaccine that targets the gamut of parasitic strategies mediated by tick saliva and enables immunological memory, we exploited a transcriptome constructed from salivary glands from all stages of Rhipicephalus microplus ticks feeding on genetically tick-resistant and susceptible bovines. Different levels of host anti-tick immunity affected gene expression in tick salivary glands; we thus selected four proteins encoded by genes weakly expressed in ticks attempting to feed on resistant hosts or otherwise abundantly expressed in ticks fed on susceptible hosts; these sialoproteins mediate four functions of parasitism deployed by male ticks and that do not induce antibodies in naturally infected, susceptible bovines. We then evaluated in tick-susceptible heifers an alum-adjuvanted vaccine formulated with recombinant proteins. Parasite performance (i.e. weight and numbers of females finishing their parasitic cycle) and titres of antigen-specific antibodies were significantly reduced or increased, respectively, in vaccinated versus control heifers, conferring an efficacy of 73.2%; two of the antigens were strong immunogens, rich in predicted T-cell epitopes and challenge infestations boosted antibody responses against them. Mining sialotranscriptomes guided by the immunity of tick-resistant hosts selected important targets and infestations boosted immune memory against salivary antigens.

Percutaneous needle placement using laser guidance: a practical solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Sheng; Kapoor, Ankur; Abi-Jaoudeh, Nadine; Imbesi, Kimberly; Hong, Cheng William; Mazilu, Dumitru; Sharma, Karun; Venkatesan, Aradhana M.; Levy, Elliot; Wood, Bradford J.

2013-03-01

In interventional radiology, various navigation technologies have emerged aiming to improve the accuracy of device deployment and potentially the clinical outcomes of minimally invasive procedures. While these technologies' performance has been explored extensively, their impact on daily clinical practice remains undetermined due to the additional cost and complexity, modification of standard devices (e.g. electromagnetic tracking), and different levels of experience among physicians. Taking these factors into consideration, a robotic laser guidance system for percutaneous needle placement is developed. The laser guidance system projects a laser guide line onto the skin entry point of the patient, helping the physician to align the needle with the planned path of the preoperative CT scan. To minimize changes to the standard workflow, the robot is integrated with the CT scanner via optical tracking. As a result, no registration between the robot and CT is needed. The robot can compensate for the motion of the equipment and keep the laser guide line aligned with the biopsy path in real-time. Phantom experiments showed that the guidance system can benefit physicians at different skill levels, while clinical studies showed improved accuracy over conventional freehand needle insertion. The technology is safe, easy to use, and does not involve additional disposable costs. It is our expectation that this technology can be accepted by interventional radiologists for CT guided needle placement procedures.

A general architecture for intelligent training systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Loftin, R. Bowen

1987-01-01

A preliminary design of a general architecture for autonomous intelligent training systems was developed. The architecture integrates expert system technology with teaching/training methodologies to permit the production of systems suitable for use by NASA, other government agencies, industry, and academia in the training of personnel for the performance of complex, mission-critical tasks. The proposed architecture consists of five elements: a user interface, a domain expert, a training session manager, a trainee model, and a training scenario generator. The design of this architecture was guided and its efficacy tested through the development of a system for use by Mission Control Center Flight Dynamics Officers in training to perform Payload-Assist Module Deploys from the orbiter.

Assessment of an alternative postdeployment reintegration strategy with soldiers returning from Iraq.

PubMed

Sipos, Maurice L; Foran, Heather M; Wood, Michael D; Wright, Kathleen M; Barnhart, Vincent J; Riviere, Lyndon A; Adler, Amy B

2014-05-01

The present study examined behavioral health outcomes, risk behaviors, aggression, alcohol misuse, marital satisfaction, and attitudes toward reintegration associated with an alternative, front-loaded reintegration strategy compared with a more standardized reintegration process in soldiers returning from combat deployments. The type of reintegration strategy used did not predict differences in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, alcohol misuse, aggression, and marital satisfaction, although slightly higher reports of risk behaviors were found in the unit using the standard reintegration approach even after controlling for demographic covariates and combat exposure. These findings may help guide leadership when making decisions regarding reintegration approaches in the future. PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved.

Free-space optical communications research and demonstrations at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory.

PubMed

Rabinovich, W S; Moore, C I; Mahon, R; Goetz, P G; Burris, H R; Ferraro, M S; Murphy, J L; Thomas, L M; Gilbreath, G C; Vilcheck, M; Suite, M R

2015-11-01

Free-space optical communication can allow high-bandwidth data links that are hard to detect, intercept, or jam. This makes them attractive for many applications. However, these links also require very accurate pointing, and their availability is affected by weather. These challenges have limited the deployment of free-space optical systems. The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory has, for the last 15 years, engaged in research into atmospheric propagation and photonic components with a goal of characterizing and overcoming these limitations. In addition several demonstrations of free-space optical links in real-world Navy applications have been conducted. This paper reviews this work and the principles guiding it.

Opportunities and pitfalls in clinical proof-of-concept: principles and examples.

PubMed

Chen, Chao

2018-04-01

Clinical proof-of-concept trials crucially inform major resource deployment decisions. This paper discusses several mechanisms for enhancing their rigour and efficiency. The importance of careful consideration when using a surrogate endpoint is illustrated; situational effectiveness of run-in patient enrichment is explored; a versatile tool is introduced to ensure a strong pharmacological underpinning; the benefits of dose-titration are revealed by simulation; and the importance of adequately scheduled observations is shown. The general process of model-based trial design and analysis is described and several examples demonstrate the value in historical data, simulation-guided design, model-based analysis and trial adaptation informed by interim analysis. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A Solar Dynamic Power Option for Space Solar Power

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mason, Lee S.

1999-01-01

A study was performed to determine the potential performance and related technology requirements of Solar Dynamic power systems for a Space Solar Power satellite. Space Solar Power is a concept where solar energy is collected in orbit and beamed to Earth receiving stations to supplement terrestrial electric power service. Solar Dynamic systems offer the benefits of high solar-to-electric efficiency, long life with minimal performance degradation, and high power scalability. System analyses indicate that with moderate component development, SD systems can exhibit excellent mass and deployed area characteristics. Using the analyses as a guide, a technology roadmap was -enerated which identifies the component advances necessary to make SD power generation a competitive option for the SSP mission.

Laser Guidestar Satellite for Ground-based Adaptive Optics Imaging of Geosynchronous Satellites and Astronomical Targets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marlow, W. A.; Cahoy, K.; Males, J.; Carlton, A.; Yoon, H.

2015-12-01

Real-time observation and monitoring of geostationary (GEO) satellites with ground-based imaging systems would be an attractive alternative to fielding high cost, long lead, space-based imagers, but ground-based observations are inherently limited by atmospheric turbulence. Adaptive optics (AO) systems are used to help ground telescopes achieve diffraction-limited seeing. AO systems have historically relied on the use of bright natural guide stars or laser guide stars projected on a layer of the upper atmosphere by ground laser systems. There are several challenges with this approach such as the sidereal motion of GEO objects relative to natural guide stars and limitations of ground-based laser guide stars; they cannot be used to correct tip-tilt, they are not point sources, and have finite angular sizes when detected at the receiver. There is a difference between the wavefront error measured using the guide star compared with the target due to cone effect, which also makes it difficult to use a distributed aperture system with a larger baseline to improve resolution. Inspired by previous concepts proposed by A.H. Greenaway, we present using a space-based laser guide starprojected from a satellite orbiting the Earth. We show that a nanosatellite-based guide star system meets the needs for imaging GEO objects using a low power laser even from 36,000 km altitude. Satellite guide star (SGS) systemswould be well above atmospheric turbulence and could provide a small angular size reference source. CubeSatsoffer inexpensive, frequent access to space at a fraction of the cost of traditional systems, and are now being deployed to geostationary orbits and on interplanetary trajectories. The fundamental CubeSat bus unit of 10 cm cubed can be combined in multiple units and offers a common form factor allowing for easy integration as secondary payloads on traditional launches and rapid testing of new technologies on-orbit. We describe a 6U CubeSat SGS measuring 10 cm x 20 cm x 30 cm with laser power on the order of milliwatts, and a commercial off the shelf based attitude determination and control system, among others. Different from standard 1U and 3U buses, the 6U form factor allows for a propulsion system for navigating around multiple targets in the GEO belt.

Very High-Temperature Reactor (VHTR) Proliferation Resistance and Physical Protection (PR&PP)

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

Moses, David Lewis

2011-10-01

This report documents the detailed background information that has been compiled to support the preparation of a much shorter white paper on the design features and fuel cycles of Very High-Temperature Reactors (VHTRs), including the proposed Next-Generation Nuclear Plant (NGNP), to identify the important proliferation resistance and physical protection (PR&PP) aspects of the proposed concepts. The shorter white paper derived from the information in this report was prepared for the Department of Energy Office of Nuclear Science and Technology for the Generation IV International Forum (GIF) VHTR Systems Steering Committee (SSC) as input to the GIF Proliferation Resistance and Physicalmore » Protection Working Group (PR&PPWG) (http://www.gen-4.org/Technology/horizontal/proliferation.htm). The short white paper was edited by the GIF VHTR SCC to address their concerns and thus may differ from the information presented in this supporting report. The GIF PR&PPWG will use the derived white paper based on this report along with other white papers on the six alternative Generation IV design concepts (http://www.gen-4.org/Technology/systems/index.htm) to employ an evaluation methodology that can be applied and will evolve from the earliest stages of design. This methodology will guide system designers, program policy makers, and external stakeholders in evaluating the response of each system, to determine each system's resistance to proliferation threats and robustness against sabotage and terrorism threats, and thereby guide future international cooperation on ensuring safeguards in the deployment of the Generation IV systems. The format and content of this report is that specified in a template prepared by the GIF PR&PPWG. Other than the level of detail, the key exception to the specified template format is the addition of Appendix C to document the history and status of coated-particle fuel reprocessing technologies, which fuel reprocessing technologies have yet to be deployed commercially and have only been demonstrated in testing at a laboratory scale.« less

Altitude-Limiting Airbrake System for Small to Medium Scale Rockets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Aaron, Robert F., III

2013-01-01

The goal of the overall internship opportunity this semester was to learn and practice the elements of engineering design through direct exposure to real engineering problems. The primary exposure was to design and manufacture an airbrake device for use with small-medium scale rocket applications. The idea was to take the presented concept of a solution and transform said concept into a reliable fully-functioning and reusable mechanism. The mechanism was to be designed as an insurance feature so that the overall altitude of a rocket with relatively undetermined engine capabilities does not unexpectedly exceed the imposed 10,000 foot ceiling, per range requirements. The airbrake concept was introduced to the Prototype Development Lab as a rotation-driven four tiered offset track pin mechanism, i.e. the airbrake was deployed by rotating a central shaft attached directly to the bottom plate. The individual airbrake fins were subsequently deployed using multiple plates with tracks of offset curvature. The fins were created with guide pins to follow the tracks in each of the offset plates, thus allowing the simultaneous rotational deployment of all fins by only rotating one plate. The concept of this solution was great; though it did not function in application. The rotating plates alone brought up problems like the entire back half of the rocket rotating according to the motion of the aforementioned base plate. Subsequently, the solution currently under development became a static linear actuator-driven spring-loaded fin release system. This solution is almost instantaneously triggered electronically when the avionics detect that the rocket has reached the calculated altitude of deceleration. This altitude will allow enough time remaining to the overall ceiling to adequately decelerate the rocket prior to reaching the ceiling.

Expectancy and surprise predict neural and behavioral measures of attention to threatening stimuli

PubMed Central

Browning, Michael; Harmer, Catherine J.

2012-01-01

Attention is preferentially deployed toward those stimuli which are threatening and those which are surprising. The current paper examines the intersection of these phenomena; how do expectations about the threatening nature of stimuli influence the deployment of attention? The predictions tested were that individuals would direct attention toward stimuli which were expected to be threatening (regardless of whether they were or not) and toward stimuli which were surprising. As anxiety has been associated with deficient control of attention to threat, it was additionally predicted that high levels of trait anxiety would be associated with deficits in the use of threat-expectation to guide attention. During fMRI scanning, 29 healthy volunteers completed a simple task in which threat-expectation was manipulated by altering the frequency with which fearful or neutral faces were presented. Individual estimates of threat-expectation and surprise were created using a Bayesian computational model. The degree to which the model derived estimates of threat-expectation and surprise were able to explain both a behavioral measure of attention to the faces and activity in the visual cortex and anterior attentional control areas was then tested. As predicted, increased threat-expectation and surprise were associated with increases in both the behavioral and neuroimaging measures of attention to the faces. Additionally, regions of the orbitofrontal cortex and left amygdala were found to covary with threat-expectation whereas anterior cingulate and lateral prefrontal cortices covaried with surprise. Individuals with higher levels of trait anxiety were less able to modify neuroimaging measures of attention in response to threat-expectation. These results suggest that continuously calculated estimates of the probability of threat may plausibly be used to influence the deployment of visual attention and that use of this information is perturbed in anxious individuals. PMID:21945791

Optical Science: Deploying Technical Concepts and Engaging Participation through Digital Storytelling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thomas, R. G.; Berry, K.; Arrigo, J.; Hooper, R. P.

2013-12-01

Technical 'hands-on' training workshops are designed to bring together scientists, technicians, and program managers from universities, government agencies, and the private sector to discuss methods used and advances made in instrumentation and data analysis. Through classroom lectures and discussions combined with a field-day component, hands-on workshop participants get a 'full life cycle' perspective from instrumentation concepts and deployment to data analysis. Using film to document this process is becoming increasingly more popular, allowing scientists to add a story-telling component to their research. With the availability of high-quality and low priced professional video equipment and editing software, scientists are becoming digital storytellers. The science video developed from the 'hands-on' workshop, Optical Water Quality Sensors for Nutrients: Concepts, Deployment, and Analysis, encapsulates the objectives of technical training workshops for participants. Through the use of still photography, video, interviews, and sound, the short video, An Introduction to CUAHSI's Hands-on Workshops, produced by a co-instructor of the workshop acts as a multi-purpose tool. The 10-minute piece provides an overview of workshop field day activities and works to bridge the gap between classroom learning, instrumentation application and data analysis. CUAHSI 'hands-on' technical workshops have been collaboratively executed with faculty from several universities and with the U.S. Geological Survey. The video developed was designed to attract new participants to these professional development workshops, to stimulate a connection with the environment, to act as a workshop legacy resource, and also serve as a guide for prospective hands-on workshop organizers. The effective use of film and short videos in marketing scientific programs, such as technical trainings, allows scientists to visually demonstrate the technologies currently being employed and to provide a more intriguing perspective on scientific research.

Building multidevice pipeline constructs of favorable metal coverage: a practical guide.

PubMed

Shapiro, M; Raz, E; Becske, T; Nelson, P K

2014-08-01

The advent of low-porosity endoluminal devices, also known as flow diverters, exemplified by the Pipeline in the United States, produced the greatest paradigm shift in cerebral aneurysm treatment since the introduction of detachable coils. Despite robust evidence of efficacy and safety, key questions regarding the manner of their use remain unanswered. Recent studies demonstrated that the Pipeline device geometry can dramatically affect its metal coverage, emphasizing the negative effects of oversizing the device relative to its target vessels. This follow-up investigation focuses on the geometry and coverage of multidevice constructs. A number of Pipeline devices were deployed in tubes of known diameters and photographed, and the resultant coverage was determined by image segmentation. Multidevice segmentation images were created to study the effects of telescoped devices and provide an estimate of coverages resulting from device overlap. Double overlap yields a range of metal coverage, rather than a single value, determined by the diameters of both devices, the size of the recipient artery, and the degree to which strands of the overlapped devices are coregistered with each other. The potential variation in coverage is greatest during overlap of identical-diameter devices, for example, ranging from 24% to 41% for two 3.75-mm devices deployed in a 3.5-mm vessel. Overlapping devices of progressively different diameters produce correspondingly more uniform ranges of coverage, though reducing the maximum achievable value, for example, yielding a 33%-34% range for 3.75- and 4.75-mm devices deployed in the same 3.5-mm vessel. Rational strategies for building multidevice constructs can achieve favorable geometric outcomes. © 2014 by American Journal of Neuroradiology.

Sample Acquisition and Handling System from a Remote Platform

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Badescu, Mircea; Sherrit, Stewart; Jones, Jack A.

2011-01-01

A system has been developed to acquire and handle samples from a suspended remote platform. The system includes a penetrator, a penetrator deployment mechanism, and a sample handler. A gravity-driven harpoon sampler was used for the system, but other solutions can be used to supply the penetration energy, such as pyrotechnic, pressurized gas, or springs. The deployment mechanism includes a line that is attached to the penetrator, a spool for reeling in the line, and a line engagement control mechanism. The penetrator has removable tips that can collect liquid, ice, or solid samples. The handling mechanism consists of a carousel that can store a series of identical or different tips, assist in penetrator reconfiguration for multiple sample acquisition, and deliver the sample to a series of instruments for analysis. The carousel sample handling system was combined with a brassboard reeling mechanism and a penetrator with removable tips. It can attach the removable tip to the penetrator, release and retrieve the penetrator, remove the tip, and present it to multiple instrument stations. The penetrator can be remotely deployed from an aerobot, penetrate and collect the sample, and be retrieved with the sample to the aerobot. The penetrator with removable tips includes sample interrogation windows and a sample retainment spring for unconsolidated samples. The line engagement motor can be used to control the penetrator release and reeling engagement, and to evenly distribute the line on the spool by rocking between left and right ends of the spool. When the arm with the guiding ring is aligned with the spool axis, the line is free to unwind from the spool without rotating the spool. When the arm is perpendicular to the spool axis, the line can move only if the spool rotates.

Engaging older adults in the visualization of sensor data facilitated by an open platform for connected devices.

PubMed

Bock, Christian; Demiris, George; Choi, Yong; Le, Thai; Thompson, Hilaire J; Samuel, Arjmand; Huang, Danny

2016-03-11

The use of smart home sensor systems is growing primarily due to the appeal of unobtrusively monitoring older adult health and wellness. However, integrating large-scale sensor systems within residential settings can be challenging when deployment takes place across multiple environments, requiring customization of applications, connection across various devices and effective visualization of complex longitudinal data. The objective of the study was to demonstrate the implementation of a smart home system using an open, extensible platform in a real-world setting and develop an application to visualize data real time. We deployed the open source Lab of Things platform in a house of 11 residents as a demonstration of feasibility over the course of 3 months. The system consisted of Aeon Labs Z-wave Door/Window sensors and an Aeon Labs Multi-sensor that collected data on motion, temperature, luminosity, and humidity. We applied a Rapid Iterative Testing and Evaluation approach towards designing a visualization interface engaging gerontological experts. We then conducted a survey with 19 older adult and caregiver stakeholders to inform further design revisions. Our initial visualization mockups consisted of a bar chart representing activity level over time. Family members felt comfortable using the application. Older adults however, indicated it would be difficult to learn to use the application, and had trouble identifying utility. A key for older adults was ensuring that the data collected could be utilized by their family members, physicians, or caregivers. The approach described in this work is generalizable towards future smart home deployments and can be a valuable guide for researchers to scale a study across multiple homes and connected devices, and to create personalized interfaces for end users.

Value of MR contrast media in image-guided body interventions.

PubMed

Saeed, Maythem; Wilson, Mark

2012-01-28

In the past few years, there have been multiple advances in magnetic resonance (MR) instrumentation, in vivo devices, real-time imaging sequences and interventional procedures with new therapies. More recently, interventionists have started to use minimally invasive image-guided procedures and local therapies, which reduce the pain from conventional surgery and increase drug effectiveness, respectively. Local therapy also reduces the systemic dose and eliminates the toxic side effects of some drugs to other organs. The success of MR-guided procedures depends on visualization of the targets in 3D and precise deployment of ablation catheters, local therapies and devices. MR contrast media provide a wealth of tissue contrast and allows 3D and 4D image acquisitions. After the development of fast imaging sequences, the clinical applications of MR contrast media have been substantially expanded to include pre- during- and post-interventions. Prior to intervention, MR contrast media have the potential to localize and delineate pathologic tissues of vital organs, such as the brain, heart, breast, kidney, prostate, liver and uterus. They also offer other options such as labeling therapeutic agents or cells. During intervention, these agents have the capability to map blood vessels and enhance the contrast between the endovascular guidewire/catheters/devices, blood and tissues as well as direct therapies to the target. Furthermore, labeling therapeutic agents or cells aids in visualizing their delivery sites and tracking their tissue distribution. After intervention, MR contrast media have been used for assessing the efficacy of ablation and therapies. It should be noted that most image-guided procedures are under preclinical research and development. It can be concluded that MR contrast media have great value in preclinical and some clinical interventional procedures. Future applications of MR contrast media in image-guided procedures depend on their safety, tolerability, tissue specificity and effectiveness in demonstrating success of the interventions and therapies.

Purposeful creation of a pneumothorax and chest tube placement to facilitate CT-guided coil localization of lung nodules before video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical wedge resection.

PubMed

Iqbal, Shams I; Molgaard, Christopher; Williamson, Christina; Flacke, Sebastian

2014-07-01

To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of pneumothorax creation and chest tube insertion before computed tomography (CT)-guided coil localization of small peripheral lung nodules for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical (VATS) wedge resection. From May 2011 to October 2013, 21 consecutive patients (seven men; mean age, 62 y; range, 42-76 y) scheduled for VATS wedge resection required CT-guided coil localization for small, likely nonpalpable peripheral lung lesions at a single institution. Outcomes were evaluated retrospectively for technical success and complications. There were 12 nodules and nine ground-glass opacities. Mean lesion distance from the pleural surface was 15 mm (range, 5-35 mm), and average size was 13 mm (range, 7-30 mm). A pneumothorax was successfully created in all patients with a Veress needle, and a chest tube was inserted. All target lesions were marked successfully, leaving one end of the coil within/beyond the lesion and the other end of the coil in the pleural space. The inserted chest tube was used to insufflate air to widen the pleural space during coil positioning and to aspirate any residual air before transfer of the patient to the operating room holding area. Intraparenchymal hemorrhages smaller than 7 cm in diameter developed in two patients during coil placement. All lesions were successfully resected with VATS. Histologic examinaiton revealed 13 primary adenocarcinomas, four metastases, and four benign lesions. Pneumothorax creation and chest tube placement before CT-guided coil localization of peripheral lung nodules for VATS wedge resection facilitates the deployment of the peripheral end of the coil in the pleural space and provides effective management of procedure-related pneumothorax until surgery. Copyright © 2014 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Efficacy of a novel IGS system in atrial septal defect repair

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mefleh, Fuad N.; Baker, G. Hamilton; Kwartowitz, David M.

2013-03-01

Congenital heart disease occurs in 107.6 out of 10,000 live births, with Atrial Septal Defects (ASD) accounting for 10% of these conditions. Historically, ASDs were treated with open heart surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass, allowing a patch to be sewn over the defect. In 1976, King et al. demonstrated use of a transcatheter occlusion procedure, thus reducing the invasiveness of ASD repair. Localization during these catheter based procedures traditionally has relied on bi-plane fluoroscopy; more recently trans-esophageal echocardiography (TEE) and intra-cardiac echocardiography (ICE) have been used to navigate these procedures. Although there is a high success rate using the transcatheter occlusion procedure, fluoroscopy poses radiation dose risk to both patient and clinician. The impact of this dose to the patients is important as many of those undergoing this procedure are children, who have an increased risk associated with radiation exposure. Their longer life expectancy than adults provides a larger window of opportunity for expressing the damaging effects of ionizing radiation. In addition, epidemiologic studies of exposed populations have demonstrated that children are considerably more sensitive to the carcinogenic effects radiation. Image-guided surgery (IGS) uses pre-operative and intra-operative images to guide surgery or an interventional procedure. Central to every IGS system is a software application capable of processing and displaying patient images, registration between multiple coordinate systems, and interfacing with a tool tracking system. We have developed a novel image-guided surgery framework called Kit for Navigation by Image Focused Exploration (KNIFE). In this work we assess the efficacy of this image-guided navigation system for ASD repair using a series of mock clinical experiments designed to simulate ASD repair device deployment.

Low-loss terahertz ribbon waveguides.

PubMed

Yeh, Cavour; Shimabukuro, Fred; Siegel, Peter H

2005-10-01

The submillimeter wave or terahertz (THz) band (1 mm-100 microm) is one of the last unexplored frontiers in the electromagnetic spectrum. A major stumbling block hampering instrument deployment in this frequency regime is the lack of a low-loss guiding structure equivalent to the optical fiber that is so prevalent at the visible wavelengths. The presence of strong inherent vibrational absorption bands in solids and the high skin-depth losses of conductors make the traditional microstripline circuits, conventional dielectric lines, or metallic waveguides, which are common at microwave frequencies, much too lossy to be used in the THz bands. Even the modern surface plasmon polariton waveguides are much too lossy for long-distance transmission in the THz bands. We describe a concept for overcoming this drawback and describe a new family of ultra-low-loss ribbon-based guide structures and matching components for propagating single-mode THz signals. For straight runs this ribbon-based waveguide can provide an attenuation constant that is more than 100 times less than that of a conventional dielectric or metallic waveguide. Problems dealing with efficient coupling of power into and out of the ribbon guide, achieving low-loss bends and branches, and forming THz circuit elements are discussed in detail. One notes that active circuit elements can be integrated directly onto the ribbon structure (when it is made with semiconductor material) and that the absence of metallic structures in the ribbon guide provides the possibility of high-power carrying capability. It thus appears that this ribbon-based dielectric waveguide and associated components can be used as fundamental building blocks for a new generation of ultra-high-speed electronic integrated circuits or THz interconnects.

Modulation of Neural Activity during Guided Viewing of Visual Art.

PubMed

Herrera-Arcos, Guillermo; Tamez-Duque, Jesús; Acosta-De-Anda, Elsa Y; Kwan-Loo, Kevin; de-Alba, Mayra; Tamez-Duque, Ulises; Contreras-Vidal, Jose L; Soto, Rogelio

2017-01-01

Mobile Brain-Body Imaging (MoBI) technology was deployed to record multi-modal data from 209 participants to examine the brain's response to artistic stimuli at the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo (MARCO) in Monterrey, México. EEG signals were recorded as the subjects walked through the exhibit in guided groups of 6-8 people. Moreover, guided groups were either provided with an explanation of each art piece (Guided-E), or given no explanation (Guided-NE). The study was performed using portable Muse (InteraXon, Inc, Toronto, ON, Canada) headbands with four dry electrodes located at AF7, AF8, TP9, and TP10. Each participant performed a baseline (BL) control condition devoid of artistic stimuli and selected his/her favorite piece of art (FP) during the guided tour. In this study, we report data related to participants' demographic information and aesthetic preference as well as effects of art viewing on neural activity (EEG) in a select subgroup of 18-30 year-old subjects (Nc = 25) that generated high-quality EEG signals, on both BL and FP conditions. Dependencies on gender, sensor placement, and presence or absence of art explanation were also analyzed. After denoising, clustering of spectral EEG models was used to identify neural patterns associated with BL and FP conditions. Results indicate statistically significant suppression of beta band frequencies (15-25 Hz) in the prefrontal electrodes (AF7 and AF8) during appreciation of subjects' favorite painting, compared to the BL condition, which was significantly different from EEG responses to non-favorite paintings (NFP). No significant differences in brain activity in relation to the presence or absence of explanation during exhibit tours were found. Moreover, a frontal to posterior asymmetry in neural activity was observed, for both BL and FP conditions. These findings provide new information about frequency-related effects of preferred art viewing in brain activity, and support the view that art appreciation is independent of the artists' intent or original interpretation and related to the individual message that viewers themselves provide to each piece.

Environmental Models as a Service: Enabling Interoperability ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Achieving interoperability in environmental modeling has evolved as software technology has progressed. The recent rise of cloud computing and proliferation of web services initiated a new stage for creating interoperable systems. Scientific programmers increasingly take advantage of streamlined deployment processes and affordable cloud access to move algorithms and data to the web for discoverability and consumption. In these deployments, environmental models can become available to end users through RESTful web services and consistent application program interfaces (APIs) that consume, manipulate, and store modeling data. RESTful modeling APIs also promote discoverability and guide usability through self-documentation. Embracing the RESTful paradigm allows models to be accessible via a web standard, and the resulting endpoints are platform- and implementation-agnostic while simultaneously presenting significant computational capabilities for spatial and temporal scaling. RESTful APIs present data in a simple verb-noun web request interface: the verb dictates how a resource is consumed using HTTP methods (e.g., GET, POST, and PUT) and the noun represents the URL reference of the resource on which the verb will act. The RESTful API can self-document in both the HTTP response and an interactive web page using the Open API standard. This lets models function as an interoperable service that promotes sharing, documentation, and discoverability. Here, we discuss the

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

Trott, Christian Robert; Lopez, Graham; Shipman, Galen

This report documents the completion of milestone STPM12-2 Kokkos User Support Infrastructure. The goal of this milestone was to develop and deploy an initial Kokkos support infrastructure, which facilitates communication and growth of the user community, adds a central place for user documentation and manages access to technical experts. Multiple possible support infrastructure venues were considered and a solution was put into place by Q1 of FY 18 consisting of (1) a Wiki programming guide, (2) github issues and projects for development planning and bug tracking and (3) a “Slack” channel for low latency support communications with the Kokkos usermore » community. Furthermore, the desirability of a cloud based training infrastructure was recognized and put in place in order to support training events.« less

On-instrument wavefront sensor design for the TMT infrared imaging spectrograph (IRIS) update

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dunn, Jennifer; Reshetov, Vladimir; Atwood, Jenny; Pazder, John; Wooff, Bob; Loop, David; Saddlemyer, Leslie; Moore, Anna M.; Larkin, James E.

2014-08-01

The first light instrument on the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) project will be the InfraRed Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS). IRIS will be mounted on a bottom port of the facility AO instrument NFIRAOS. IRIS will report guiding information to the NFIRAOS through the On-Instrument Wavefront Sensor (OIWFS) that is part of IRIS. This will be in a self-contained compartment of IRIS and will provide three deployable wavefront sensor probe arms. This entire unit will be rotated to provide field de-rotation. Currently in our preliminary design stage our efforts have included: prototyping of the probe arm to determine the accuracy of this critical component, handling cart design and reviewing different types of glass for the atmospheric dispersion.

Trail pheromones: an integrative view of their role in social insect colony organization.

PubMed

Czaczkes, Tomer J; Grüter, Christoph; Ratnieks, Francis L W

2015-01-07

Trail pheromones do more than simply guide social insect workers from point A to point B. Recent research has revealed additional ways in which they help to regulate colony foraging, often via positive and negative feedback processes that influence the exploitation of the different resources that a colony has knowledge of. Trail pheromones are often complementary or synergistic with other information sources, such as individual memory. Pheromone trails can be composed of two or more pheromones with different functions, and information may be embedded in the trail network geometry. These findings indicate remarkable sophistication in how trail pheromones are used to regulate colony-level behavior, and how trail pheromones are used and deployed at the individual level.

Angle-resolved low-coherence interferometry: an optical biopsy technique for clinical detection of dysplasia in Barrett’s esophagus

PubMed Central

Zhu, Yizheng; Terry, Neil G; Wax, Adam

2012-01-01

Angle-resolved low-coherence interferometry (a/LCI) is an optical biopsy technique that measures scattered light from tissue to determine nuclear size with submicron-level accuracy. The a/LCI probe can be deployed through the accessory channel of a standard endoscope and provides feedback to physicians to guide physical biopsies. The technique has been validated in animal and ex vivo human studies, and has been used to detect dysplasia in Barrett’s esophagus patients in vivo. In a recent clinical study of 46 Barrett’s esophagus patients, a/LCI was able to detect dysplasia with 100% sensitivity and 84% specificity. This report reviews the technique and discusses its potential clinical utility. PMID:22149580

Measurement of drug facilitated sexual assault agents in simulated sweat by ion mobility spectrometry.

PubMed

Demoranville, Leonard T; Verkouteren, Jennifer R

2013-03-15

Ion mobility spectrometry has found widespread use for the detection of explosives and illicit drugs. The technique offers rapid results with high sensitivity and little sample preparation. As such, it is well suited for field deployed screening settings. Here the response of ion mobility spectrometers for three drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) agents - flunitrazepam, ketamine, and MDMA - and related metabolites has been studied in the presence of a simulated sweat. While all three DFSA agents present certain challenges for qualitative identification, IMS can provide useful information to guide the early treatment and investigation of sexual assault cases. Used as a presumptive test, the identification of DFSA agents would later require confirmatory analysis by other techniques. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Using Acoustic Sensors to Improve the Efficiency of the Forest Value Chain in Canada: A Case Study with Laminated Veneer Lumber

PubMed Central

Achim, Alexis; Paradis, Normand; Carter, Peter; Hernández, Roger E.

2011-01-01

Engineered wood products for structural use must meet minimum strength and stiffness criteria. This represents a major challenge for the industry as the mechanical properties of the wood resource are inherently variable. We report on a case study that was conducted in a laminated veneer lumber (LVL) mill in order to test the potential of an acoustic sensor to predict structural properties of the wood resource prior to processing. A population of 266 recently harvested aspen logs were segregated into three sub-populations based on measurements of longitudinal acoustic speed in wood using a hand tool equipped with a resonance-based acoustic sensor. Each of the three sub-populations were peeled into veneer sheets and graded for stiffness with an ultrasonic device. The average ultrasonic propagation time (UPT) of each subpopulation was 418, 440 and 453 microseconds for the green, blue, and red populations, respectively. This resulted in contrasting proportions of structural veneer grades, indicating that the efficiency of the forest value chain could be improved using acoustic sensors. A linear regression analysis also showed that the dynamic modulus of elasticity (MOE) of LVL was strongly related to static MOE (R2 = 0.83), which suggests that acoustic tools may be used for quality control during the production process. PMID:22163922

Self-guided strategy-adaption training for older adults: Transfer effects to everyday tasks.

PubMed

Bottiroli, Sara; Cavallini, Elena; Dunlosky, John; Vecchi, Tomaso; Hertzog, Christopher

2017-09-01

The goal of the present research was to examine the potential of a learner-oriented approach to improving older adults' performance in tasks that are similar to real-life situations that require strategic deployment of cognitive resources. A crucial element of this approach involves encouraging older adults to explicitly analyze tasks to consider how to adapt trained skills to a new task context. In an earlier study, a specialist-directed intervention produced training gains and transfer to some untrained memory tasks. In the present study, older adults received a manual instructing them about principles of task analysis, two memory strategies, and strategy adaptation. Self-guided strategy-adaption training involved practicing some memory tasks as well as instructions on how the trained skills could be applied to new tasks that were not practiced. The criterion tasks involved practice tasks, non-practiced tasks that were discussed in the manual, and transfer tasks that were never mentioned in the manual. Two of the tests were from the Everyday Cognition Battery (inductive reasoning and working memory). As compared to a waiting-list control group, older adults assigned to self-guided strategy-adaption training showed memory improvements on tasks that were practiced or discussed during training. Most important, the learner-oriented approach produced transfer to the everyday tasks. Our findings show the potential of instructing task appraisal processes as a basis for fostering transfer, including improving older adults' performance in simulated everyday tasks. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Does contextual cuing guide the deployment of attention?

PubMed

Kunar, Melina A; Flusberg, Stephen; Horowitz, Todd S; Wolfe, Jeremy M

2007-08-01

Contextual cuing experiments show that when displays are repeated, reaction times to find a target decrease over time even when observers are not aware of the repetition. It has been thought that the context of the display guides attention to the target. The authors tested this hypothesis by comparing the effects of guidance in a standard search task with the effects of contextual cuing. First, in standard search, an improvement in guidance causes search slopes (derived from Reaction Time x Set Size functions) to decrease. In contrast, the authors found that search slopes in contextual cuing did not become more efficient over time (Experiment 1). Second, when guidance was optimal (e.g., in easy feature search), they still found a small but reliable contextual cuing effect (Experiments 2a and 2b), suggesting that other factors, such as response selection, contribute to the effect. Experiment 3 supported this hypothesis by showing that the contextual cuing effect disappeared when the authors added interference to the response selection process. Overall, the data suggest that the relationship between guidance and contextual cuing is weak and that response selection can account for part of the effect. (c) 2007 APA, all rights reserved

Successful Deployment of High Flow Nasal Cannula in a Peruvian Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Using Implementation Science-Lessons Learned.

PubMed

Nielsen, Katie R; Becerra, Rosario; Mallma, Gabriela; Tantaleán da Fieno, José

2018-01-01

Acute lower respiratory infections are the leading cause of death outside the neonatal period for children less than 5 years of age. Widespread availability of invasive and non-invasive mechanical ventilation in resource-rich settings has reduced mortality rates; however, these technologies are not always available in many low- and middle-income countries due to the high cost and trained personnel required to implement and sustain their use. High flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is a form of non-invasive respiratory support with growing evidence for use in pediatric respiratory failure. Its simple interface makes utilization in resource-limited settings appealing, although widespread implementation in these settings lags behind resource-rich settings. Implementation science is an emerging field dedicated to closing the know-do gap by incorporating evidence-based interventions into routine care, and its principles have guided the scaling up of many global health interventions. In 2016, we introduced HFNC use for respiratory failure in a pediatric intensive care unit in Lima, Peru using implementation science methodology. Here, we review our experience in the context of the principles of implementation science to serve as a guide for others considering HFNC implementation in resource-limited settings.

Modulating signaling networks by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated transposable element insertion.

PubMed

Vaschetto, Luis María

2018-04-01

In a recent past, transposable elements (TEs) were referred to as selfish genetic components only capable of copying themselves with the aim of increasing the odds of being inherited. Nonetheless, TEs have been initially proposed as positive control elements acting in synergy with the host. Nowadays, it is well known that TE movement into host genome comprises an important evolutionary mechanism capable of increasing the adaptive fitness. As insights into TE functioning are increasing day to day, the manipulation of transposition has raised an interesting possibility of setting the host functions, although the lack of appropriate genome engineering tools has unpaved it. Fortunately, the emergence of genome editing technologies based on programmable nucleases, and especially the arrival of a multipurpose RNA-guided Cas9 endonuclease system, has made it possible to reconsider this challenge. For such purpose, a particular type of transposons referred to as miniature inverted-repeat transposable elements (MITEs) has shown a series of interesting characteristics for designing functional drivers. Here, recent insights into MITE elements and versatile RNA-guided CRISPR/Cas9 genome engineering system are given to understand how to deploy the potential of TEs for control of the host transcriptional activity.

An organized, comprehensive, and security-enabled strategic response to the Haiti earthquake: a description of pre-deployment readiness preparation and preliminary experience from an academic anesthesiology department with no preexisting international disaster response program.

PubMed

McCunn, Maureen; Ashburn, Michael A; Floyd, Thomas F; Schwab, C William; Harrington, Paul; Hanson, C William; Sarani, Babak; Mehta, Samir; Speck, Rebecca M; Fleisher, Lee A

2010-12-01

On Tuesday, January 12, 2010 at 16:53 local time, a magnitude 7.0 M(w) earthquake struck Haiti. The global humanitarian attempt to respond was swift, but poor infrastructure and emergency preparedness limited many efforts. Rapid, successful deployment of emergency medical care teams was accomplished by organizations with experience in mass disaster casualty response. Well-intentioned, but unprepared, medical teams also responded. In this report, we describe the preparation and planning process used at an academic university department of anesthesiology with no preexisting international disaster response program, after a call from an American-based nongovernmental organization operating in Haiti requested medical support. The focus of this article is the pre-deployment readiness process, and is not a post-deployment report describing the medical care provided in Haiti. A real-time qualitative assessment and systematic review of the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania's communications and actions relevant to the Haiti earthquake were performed. Team meetings, conference calls, and electronic mail communication pertaining to planning, decision support, equipment procurement, and actions and steps up to the day of deployment were reviewed and abstracted. Timing of key events was compiled and a response timeline for this process was developed. Interviews with returning anesthesiology members were conducted. Four days after the Haiti earthquake, Partners in Health, a nonprofit, nongovernmental organization based in Boston, Massachusetts, with >20 years of experience providing medical care in Haiti contacted the University of Pennsylvania Health System to request medical team support. The departments of anesthesiology, surgery, orthopedics, and nursing responded to this request with a volunteer selection process, vaccination program, and systematic development of equipment lists. World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control guidelines, the American Society of Anesthesiology Committee on Trauma and Emergency Preparedness, published articles, and in-country contacts were used to guide the preparatory process. An organized strategic response to medical needs after an international natural disaster emergency can be accomplished safely and effectively within 6 to 12 days by an academic anesthesiology department, with medical system support, in a center with no previously established response system. The value and timeliness of this response will be determined with further study. Institutions with limited experience in putting an emergency medical team into the field may be able to quickly do so when such efforts are executed in a systematic manner in coordination with a health care organization that already has support infrastructure at the site of the disaster.

The AWED trial (Applying Wolbachia to Eliminate Dengue) to assess the efficacy of Wolbachia-infected mosquito deployments to reduce dengue incidence in Yogyakarta, Indonesia: study protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial.

PubMed

Anders, Katherine L; Indriani, Citra; Ahmad, Riris Andono; Tantowijoyo, Warsito; Arguni, Eggi; Andari, Bekti; Jewell, Nicholas P; Rances, Edwige; O'Neill, Scott L; Simmons, Cameron P; Utarini, Adi

2018-05-31

Dengue and other arboviruses transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, including Zika and chikungunya, present an increasing public health challenge in tropical regions. Current vector control strategies have failed to curb disease transmission, but continue to be employed despite the absence of robust evidence for their effectiveness or optimal implementation. The World Mosquito Program has developed a novel approach to arbovirus control using Ae. aegypti stably transfected with Wolbachia bacterium, with a significantly reduced ability to transmit dengue, Zika and chikungunya in laboratory experiments. Modelling predicts this will translate to local elimination of dengue in most epidemiological settings. This study protocol describes the first trial to measure the efficacy of Wolbachia in reducing dengue virus transmission in the field. The study is a parallel, two-arm, non-blinded cluster randomised controlled trial conducted in a single site in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The aim is to determine whether large-scale deployment of Wolbachia-infected Ae. aegypti mosquitoes leads to a measurable reduction in dengue incidence in treated versus untreated areas. The primary endpoint is symptomatic, virologically confirmed dengue virus infection of any severity. The 26 km 2 study area was subdivided into 24 contiguous clusters, allocated randomly 1:1 to receive Wolbachia deployments or no intervention. We use a novel epidemiological study design, the cluster-randomised test-negative design trial, in which dengue cases and arbovirus-negative controls are sampled concurrently from among febrile patients presenting to a network of primary care clinics, with case or control status classified retrospectively based on the results of laboratory diagnostic testing. Efficacy is estimated from the odds ratio of Wolbachia exposure distribution (probability of living in a Wolbachia-treated area) among virologically confirmed dengue cases compared to test-negative controls. A secondary per-protocol analysis allows for individual Wolbachia exposure levels to be assessed to account for movements outside the cluster and the heterogeneity in local Wolbachia prevalence among treated clusters. The findings from this study will provide the first experimental evidence for the efficacy of Wolbachia in reducing dengue incidence. Together with observational evidence that is accumulating from pragmatic deployments of Wolbachia in other field sites, this will provide valuable data to estimate the effectiveness of this novel approach to arbovirus control, inform future cost-effectiveness estimates, and guide plans for large-scale deployments in other endemic settings. ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT03055585 . Registered on 14 February 2017.

Computed tomography angiography-fluoroscopy image fusion allows visceral vessel cannulation without angiography during fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair.

PubMed

Schwein, Adeline; Chinnadurai, Ponraj; Behler, Greg; Lumsden, Alan B; Bismuth, Jean; Bechara, Carlos F

2018-07-01

Fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (FEVAR) is an evolving technique to treat juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). Catheterization of visceral and renal vessels after the deployment of the fenestrated main body device is often challenging, usually requiring additional fluoroscopy and multiple digital subtraction angiograms. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical utility and accuracy of a computed tomography angiography (CTA)-fluoroscopy image fusion technique in guiding visceral vessel cannulation during FEVAR. Between August 2014 and September 2016, all consecutive patients who underwent FEVAR at our institution using image fusion guidance were included. Preoperative CTA images were fused with intraoperative fluoroscopy after coregistering with non-contrast-enhanced cone beam computed tomography (syngo 3D3D image fusion; Siemens Healthcare, Forchheim, Germany). The ostia of the visceral vessels were electronically marked on CTA images (syngo iGuide Toolbox) and overlaid on live fluoroscopy to guide vessel cannulation after fenestrated device deployment. Clinical utility of image fusion was evaluated by assessing the number of dedicated angiograms required for each visceral or renal vessel cannulation and the use of optimized C-arm angulation. Accuracy of image fusion was evaluated from video recordings by three raters using a binary qualitative assessment scale. A total of 26 patients (17 men; mean age, 73.8 years) underwent FEVAR during the study period for juxtarenal AAA (17), pararenal AAA (6), and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (3). Video recordings of fluoroscopy from 19 cases were available for review and assessment. A total of 46 vessels were cannulated; 38 of 46 (83%) of these vessels were cannulated without angiography but based only on image fusion guidance: 9 of 11 superior mesenteric artery cannulations and 29 of 35 renal artery cannulations. Binary qualitative assessment showed that 90% (36/40) of the virtual ostia overlaid on live fluoroscopy were accurate. Optimized C-arm angulations were achieved in 35% of vessel cannulations (0/9 for superior mesenteric artery cannulation, 12/25 for renal arteries). Preoperative CTA-fluoroscopy image fusion guidance during FEVAR is a valuable and accurate tool that allows visceral and renal vessel cannulation without the need of dedicated angiograms, thus avoiding additional injection of contrast material and radiation exposure. Further refinements, such as accounting for device-induced aortic deformation and automating the image fusion workflow, will bolster this technology toward optimal routine clinical use. Copyright © 2017 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Cognitive ability and risk of post-traumatic stress disorder after military deployment: an observational cohort study

PubMed Central

Karstoft, Karen-Inge; Vedtofte, Mia S.; Nielsen, Anni B.S.; Osler, Merete; Mortensen, Erik L.; Christensen, Gunhild T.; Andersen, Søren B.

2017-01-01

Background Studies of the association between pre-deployment cognitive ability and post-deployment post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have shown mixed results. Aims To study the influence of pre-deployment cognitive ability on PTSD symptoms 6–8 months post-deployment in a large population while controlling for pre-deployment education and deployment-related variables. Method Study linking prospective pre-deployment conscription board data with post-deployment self-reported data in 9695 Danish Army personnel deployed to different war zones in 1997–2013. The association between pre-deployment cognitive ability and post-deployment PTSD was investigated using repeated-measure logistic regression models. Two models with cognitive ability score as the main exposure variable were created (model 1 and model 2). Model 1 was only adjusted for pre-deployment variables, while model 2 was adjusted for both pre-deployment and deployment-related variables. Results When including only variables recorded pre-deployment (cognitive ability score and educational level) and gender (model 1), all variables predicted post-deployment PTSD. When deployment-related variables were added (model 2), this was no longer the case for cognitive ability score. However, when educational level was removed from the model adjusted for deployment-related variables, the association between cognitive ability and post-deployment PTSD became significant. Conclusions Pre-deployment lower cognitive ability did not predict post-deployment PTSD independently of educational level after adjustment for deployment-related variables. Declaration of interest None. Copyright and usage © The Royal College of Psychiatrists 2017. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Non-Commercial, No Derivatives (CC BY-NC-ND) license. PMID:29163983

Health of women after wartime deployments: correlates of risk for selected medical conditions among females after initial and repeat deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq, active component, U.S. Armed Forces.

PubMed

2012-07-01

Women account for approximately 10 percent of all U.S. military deployers to Afghanistan and Iraq. This analysis estimates the percentages of female deployers (n=154,548) who were affected by selected illnesses and injuries after first through third deployments to Iraq/Afghanistan in relation to age group, service branch, military occupation, marital status, pre-deployment medical history, "dwell time" prior to 2nd and 3rd deployments, and length of deployment. Of these factors, diagnosis of a condition before deployment was by far the strongest predictor of diagnosis of the condition after deployment. Durations of dwell times before repeat deployments were not strong predictors of post-deployment diagnoses of any of the conditions considered. For several conditions (e.g., PTSD, disorders of joints, peripheral enthesopathies, infertility), the percentages of deployers diagnosed with the conditions sharply increased with deployment length. Post-deployment morbidity moderately increased with increasing numbers of deployments in the case of some conditions (e.g., PTSD, migraine, musculoskeletal disorders), but not others. The findings suggest that limiting wartime deployments to nine months may have broad beneficial effects on the post-deployment health of female service members. However, limiting the number of wartime deployments and lengthening "dwell times" before repeat deployments would likely not have strong and broad beneficial effects on the health of female veterans. Further research to mitigate the effects of heavy loads and repetitive stresses on the musculoskeletal systems of combat deployed females is indicated.

A Petri Net-Based Software Process Model for Developing Process-Oriented Information Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yu; Oberweis, Andreas

Aiming at increasing flexibility, efficiency, effectiveness, and transparency of information processing and resource deployment in organizations to ensure customer satisfaction and high quality of products and services, process-oriented information systems (POIS) represent a promising realization form of computerized business information systems. Due to the complexity of POIS, explicit and specialized software process models are required to guide POIS development. In this chapter we characterize POIS with an architecture framework and present a Petri net-based software process model tailored for POIS development with consideration of organizational roles. As integrated parts of the software process model, we also introduce XML nets, a variant of high-level Petri nets as basic methodology for business processes modeling, and an XML net-based software toolset providing comprehensive functionalities for POIS development.

Practical and generalizable architecture for an intelligent tutoring system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaplan, Randy M.; Trenholm, Harriet

1993-03-01

In this paper we describe an intelligent tutoring system (ITS) called HYDRIVE (hydraulics interactive video experience). This system is built using several novel approaches to intelligent tutoring. The underlying rationale for HYDRIVE is based on the results of a cognitive task analysis. The reasoning component of the system makes extensive use of a hierarchical knowledge representation. Reasoning within the system is accomplished using a logic-based approach and is linked to a highly interactive interface using multimedia. The knowledge representation contains information that drives the multimedia elements of the system, and the reasoning components select the appropriate information to assess student knowledge or guide the student at any particular moment. As this system will be deployed throughout the Air Force maintenance function, the implementation platform is the IBM PC.

Intelligent personal health record: experience and open issues.

PubMed

Luo, Gang; Tang, Chunqiang; Thomas, Selena B

2012-08-01

Web-based personal health records (PHRs) are under massive deployment. To improve PHR's capability and usability, we previously proposed the concept of intelligent PHR (iPHR). By introducing and extending expert system technology and Web search technology into the PHR domain, iPHR can automatically provide users with personalized healthcare information to facilitate their daily activities of living. Our iPHR system currently provides three functions: guided search for disease information, recommendation of home nursing activities, and recommendation of home medical products. This paper discusses our experience with iPHR as well as the open issues, including both enhancements to the existing functions and potential new functions. We outline some preliminary solutions, whereas a main purpose of this paper is to stimulate future research work in the area of consumer health informatics.

A model for mHealth skills training for clinicians: meeting the future now

PubMed Central

Malvey, Donna M.; Neigel, Alexis R.

2017-01-01

We describe the current state of mHealth skills acquisition, education, and training available to clinical professionals in educational programs. We discuss how telemedicine experienced exponential growth due in large part to the ubiquity of the mobile phone. An outcome of this unprecedented growth has been the emergence of the need for technology skills training programs for clinicians that address extant curricula gaps. We propose a model to guide the development of future training programs that incorporate effective training strategies across five domains: (I) digital communication skills; (II) technology literacy and usage skills; (III) deploying telehealth products and services; (VI) regulatory and compliance issues; and (V) telehealth business case. These domains are discussed within the context of interprofessional teams and broader organizational factors. PMID:28736733

Shape memory alloy/shape memory polymer tools

DOEpatents

Seward, Kirk P.; Krulevitch, Peter A.

2005-03-29

Micro-electromechanical tools for minimally invasive techniques including microsurgery. These tools utilize composite shape memory alloy (SMA), shape memory polymer (SMP) and combinations of SMA and SMP to produce catheter distal tips, actuators, etc., which are bistable. Applications for these structures include: 1) a method for reversible fine positioning of a catheter tip, 2) a method for reversible fine positioning of tools or therapeutic catheters by a guide catheter, 3) a method for bending articulation through the body's vasculature, 4) methods for controlled stent delivery, deployment, and repositioning, and 5) catheters with variable modulus, with vibration mode, with inchworm capability, and with articulated tips. These actuators and catheter tips are bistable and are opportune for in vivo usage because the materials are biocompatible and convenient for intravascular use as well as other minimal by invasive techniques.

Are HIV/AIDS Prevention Interventions for Heterosexually Active Men in the United States Gender-Specific?

PubMed Central

Fullilove, Robert E.; Peacock, Dean

2009-01-01

Although gender-specific theories are often deployed in interventions to reduce women's HIV risks, the same is often not true for interventions among men. Theories of masculinity are not guiding most US research on the risky sexual behavior of heterosexual men or on what can be done to intervene. We first assess the extent to which evidence-based HIV-prevention interventions among heterosexually active men in the United States draw upon relevant theories of masculinity. Next, we introduce a useful framework within masculinity and gender studies that can be applied to HIV-prevention interventions with heterosexually active men. Finally, we make suggestions to improve the gender specificity of HIV-prevention interventions for heterosexually active men in the United States. PMID:19372506

The Guaymas Basin Hiking Guide to Hydrothermal Mounds, Chimneys, and Microbial Mats: Complex Seafloor Expressions of Subsurface Hydrothermal Circulation

PubMed Central

Teske, Andreas; de Beer, Dirk; McKay, Luke J.; Tivey, Margaret K.; Biddle, Jennifer F.; Hoer, Daniel; Lloyd, Karen G.; Lever, Mark A.; Røy, Hans; Albert, Daniel B.; Mendlovitz, Howard P.; MacGregor, Barbara J.

2016-01-01

The hydrothermal mats, mounds, and chimneys of the southern Guaymas Basin are the surface expression of complex subsurface hydrothermal circulation patterns. In this overview, we document the most frequently visited features of this hydrothermal area with photographs, temperature measurements, and selected geochemical data; many of these distinct habitats await characterization of their microbial communities and activities. Microprofiler deployments on microbial mats and hydrothermal sediments show their steep geochemical and thermal gradients at millimeter-scale vertical resolution. Mapping these hydrothermal features and sampling locations within the southern Guaymas Basin suggest linkages to underlying shallow sills and heat flow gradients. Recognizing the inherent spatial limitations of much current Guaymas Basin sampling calls for comprehensive surveys of the wider spreading region. PMID:26925032

Percutaneous coil embolization of massive pelvic pseudoaneurysm in an infant.

PubMed

Lillis, Anna P; Shaikh, Raja; Alomari, Ahmad I; Chaudry, Gulraiz

2015-06-01

Iatrogenic pseudoaneurysm formation is an uncommon but potentially serious complication of cardiac catheterization. This case report describes diagnosis and treatment of a large left external iliac artery pseudoaneurysm in a 3-month-old boy following cardiac catheterization and aortic balloon dilatation for aortic coarctation. A 4-cm pulsatile mass in the left hemipelvis was discovered on MRI performed 6 weeks later for possible tethered spinal cord. Sonography and angiography showed a large pseudoaneurysm of the left external iliac artery just distal to the iliac bifurcation with no flow in the external iliac artery distal to the pseudoaneurysm. Percutaneous US-guided thrombin injection was performed twice, with partial recanalization after each treatment. The residual portion of the pseudoaneurysm was then successfully embolized with percutaneous coils deployed under US and fluoroscopic guidance.

Multisource energy system project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dawson, R. W.; Cowan, R. A.

1987-03-01

The mission of this project is to investigate methods of providing uninterruptible power to Army communications and navigational facilities, many of which have limited access or are located in rugged terrain. Two alternatives are currently available for deploying terrestrial stand-alone power systems: (1) conventional electric systems powered by diesel fuel, propane, or natural gas, and (2) alternative power systems using renewable energy sources such as solar photovoltaics (PV) or wind turbines (WT). The increased cost of fuels for conventional systems and the high cost of energy storage for single-source renewable energy systems have created interest in the hybrid or multisource energy system. This report will provide a summary of the first and second interim reports, final test results, and a user's guide for software that will assist in applying and designing multi-source energy systems.

An Automated DAKOTA and VULCAN-CFD Framework with Application to Supersonic Facility Nozzle Flowpath Optimization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Axdahl, Erik L.

2015-01-01

Removing human interaction from design processes by using automation may lead to gains in both productivity and design precision. This memorandum describes efforts to incorporate high fidelity numerical analysis tools into an automated framework and applying that framework to applications of practical interest. The purpose of this effort was to integrate VULCAN-CFD into an automated, DAKOTA-enabled framework with a proof-of-concept application being the optimization of supersonic test facility nozzles. It was shown that the optimization framework could be deployed on a high performance computing cluster with the flow of information handled effectively to guide the optimization process. Furthermore, the application of the framework to supersonic test facility nozzle flowpath design and optimization was demonstrated using multiple optimization algorithms.

STS-69 Sideview of Shuttle Touch Down

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1995-01-01

STS-69 Mission Commander David M. Walker guides the orbiter Endeavour to an end-of-mission landing on Runway 33 of KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility. Main gear touchdown at 7:37:56 a.m. EDT marked the 25th end-of-mission landing at Kennedy. The fifth Space Shuttle flight of 1995 was a multifaceted one. For the first time, two spacecraft -- the Wake Shield Facility-2 and the Spartan-201-3 -- were deployed and later retrieved on the same flight. An extravehicular activity, or spacewalk, was conducted and the crew oversaw a variety of experiments located in both the orbiter payload bay and middeck. Besides Walker, the crew included Pilot Kenneth D. Cockrell; Payload Commander James S. Voss; and Mission Specialists Michael L. Gernhardt and James H. Newman.

STS-69 Main Gear Touch Down at Shuttle Landing Facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1995-01-01

STS-69 Mission Commander David M. Walker guides the orbiter Endeavour to an end-of-mission landing on Runway 33 of KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility. Main gear touchdown at 7:37:56 a.m. EDT marked the 25th end-of-mission landing at Kennedy. The fifth Space Shuttle flight of 1995 was a multifaceted one. For the first time, two spacecraft -- the Wake Shield Facility-2 and the Spartan-201-3 -- were deployed and later retrieved on the same flight. An extravehicular activity, or spacewalk, was conducted and the crew oversaw a variety of experiments located in both the orbiter payload bay and middeck. Besides Walker, the crew included Pilot Kenneth D. Cockrell; Payload Commander James S. Voss; and Mission Specialists Michael L. Gernhardt and James H. Newman.

An early warning and control system for urban, drinking water quality protection: China's experience.

PubMed

Hou, Dibo; Song, Xiaoxuan; Zhang, Guangxin; Zhang, Hongjian; Loaiciga, Hugo

2013-07-01

An event-driven, urban, drinking water quality early warning and control system (DEWS) is proposed to cope with China's urgent need for protecting its urban drinking water. The DEWS has a web service structure and provides users with water quality monitoring functions, water quality early warning functions, and water quality accident decision-making functions. The DEWS functionality is guided by the principles of control theory and risk assessment as applied to the feedback control of urban water supply systems. The DEWS has been deployed in several large Chinese cities and found to perform well insofar as water quality early warning and emergency decision-making is concerned. This paper describes a DEWS for urban water quality protection that has been developed in China.

Orbital venous malformation: percutaneous treatment using an electrolytically detachable fibred coil.

PubMed

Diolaiuti, Sara; Iizuka, Tateyuki; Schroth, Gerhard; Remonda, Luca; Laedrach, Kurt; El-Koussy, Marwan; Frueh, Beatrice E; Goldblum, David

2009-03-01

To report the efficacy of percutaneous treatment of an orbital venous malformation with an electrolytically detachable fibred coil. We report an instance of radiography-guided percutaneous treatment with an electrolytically detachable fibred coil in a 16-year-old boy with acute, spontaneous, painless proptosis on the left side, which progressed with time. Magnetic resonance imaging, angiography and orbitophlebography revealed a low-flow, intraorbital venous malformation. Percutaneous puncture and drainage were followed by a short remission. Following an acute recurrence, a single detachable fibred coil was deployed via a percutaneous approach under angiographic guidance. No radiological or clinical recurrences were observed over 4 years. Embolization of a deep orbital venous malformation with detachable fibred coils via a percutaneous approach can be highly effective, and may be considered before proceeding with open surgery.

A model for mHealth skills training for clinicians: meeting the future now.

PubMed

Slovensky, Donna J; Malvey, Donna M; Neigel, Alexis R

2017-01-01

We describe the current state of mHealth skills acquisition, education, and training available to clinical professionals in educational programs. We discuss how telemedicine experienced exponential growth due in large part to the ubiquity of the mobile phone. An outcome of this unprecedented growth has been the emergence of the need for technology skills training programs for clinicians that address extant curricula gaps. We propose a model to guide the development of future training programs that incorporate effective training strategies across five domains: (I) digital communication skills; (II) technology literacy and usage skills; (III) deploying telehealth products and services; (VI) regulatory and compliance issues; and (V) telehealth business case. These domains are discussed within the context of interprofessional teams and broader organizational factors.

Purple: a modular system for developing and deploying behavioral intervention technologies.

PubMed

Schueller, Stephen M; Begale, Mark; Penedo, Frank J; Mohr, David C

2014-07-30

The creation, deployment, and evaluation of Web-based and mobile-based applications for health, mental health, and wellness within research settings has tended to be siloed, with each research group developing their own systems and features. This has led to technological features and products that are not sharable across research teams, thereby limiting collaboration, reducing the speed of dissemination, and raising the bar for entry into this area of research. This paper provides an overview of Purple, an extensible, modular, and repurposable system created for the development of Web-based and mobile-based applications for health behavior change. Purple contains features required to construct applications and to manage and evaluate research trials using these applications. Core functionality of Purple includes elements that support user management, content authorship, content delivery, and data management. We discuss the history and development of the Purple system guided by the rationale of producing a system that allows greater collaboration and understanding across research teams interested in investigating similar questions and using similar methods. Purple provides a useful tool to meet the needs of stakeholders involved in the creation, provision, and usage of eHealth and mHealth applications. Housed in a non-profit, academic institution, Purple also offers the potential to facilitate the diffusion of knowledge across the research community and improve our capacity to deliver useful and usable applications that support the behavior change of end users.

Evaluating the Potential for Marine and Hydrokinetic Devices to Act As Artificial Reefs or Fish Aggregating Devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kramer, S.; Nelson, P.

2016-02-01

Wave energy converters (WECs) and tidal energy converters (TECs) are only beginning to be deployed along the U.S. West Coast and in Hawai'i, and a better understanding of their ecological effects on fish, particularly on special status fish is needed to facilitate project siting, design and environmental permitting. The structures of WECs and TECs placed on to the seabed, such as anchors and foundations, may function as artificial reefs that attract reef associated fishes, while the midwater and surface structures, such as mooring lines, buoys, and wave or tidal power devices, may function as fish aggregating devices (FADs). We evaluated these potential ecological interactions by comparing them to surrogate structures, such as artificial reefs, natural reefs, kelp vegetation, floating and sunken debris, oil and gas platforms, anchored FADs deployed to enhance fishing opportunities, net cages used for mariculture, and piers and marinas. We also conducted guided discussions with scientists and resource managers to provide unpublished observations. Our findings indicate the structures of WECs and TECs placed on or near the seabed in coastal waters of the U.S. West Coast and Hawai`i likely will function as small scale artificial reefs and attract potentially high densities of reef associated fishes and the midwater and surface structures of WECs placed in the tropical waters of Hawai`i likely will function as de facto FADs.

Purple: A Modular System for Developing and Deploying Behavioral Intervention Technologies

PubMed Central

Schueller, Stephen M; Begale, Mark; Penedo, Frank J

2014-01-01

The creation, deployment, and evaluation of Web-based and mobile-based applications for health, mental health, and wellness within research settings has tended to be siloed, with each research group developing their own systems and features. This has led to technological features and products that are not sharable across research teams, thereby limiting collaboration, reducing the speed of dissemination, and raising the bar for entry into this area of research. This paper provides an overview of Purple, an extensible, modular, and repurposable system created for the development of Web-based and mobile-based applications for health behavior change. Purple contains features required to construct applications and to manage and evaluate research trials using these applications. Core functionality of Purple includes elements that support user management, content authorship, content delivery, and data management. We discuss the history and development of the Purple system guided by the rationale of producing a system that allows greater collaboration and understanding across research teams interested in investigating similar questions and using similar methods. Purple provides a useful tool to meet the needs of stakeholders involved in the creation, provision, and usage of eHealth and mHealth applications. Housed in a non-profit, academic institution, Purple also offers the potential to facilitate the diffusion of knowledge across the research community and improve our capacity to deliver useful and usable applications that support the behavior change of end users. PMID:25079298

Bird and bat species' global vulnerability to collision mortality at wind farms revealed through a trait-based assessment.

PubMed

Thaxter, Chris B; Buchanan, Graeme M; Carr, Jamie; Butchart, Stuart H M; Newbold, Tim; Green, Rhys E; Tobias, Joseph A; Foden, Wendy B; O'Brien, Sue; Pearce-Higgins, James W

2017-09-13

Mitigation of anthropogenic climate change involves deployments of renewable energy worldwide, including wind farms, which can pose a significant collision risk to volant animals. Most studies into the collision risk between species and wind turbines, however, have taken place in industrialized countries. Potential effects for many locations and species therefore remain unclear. To redress this gap, we conducted a systematic literature review of recorded collisions between birds and bats and wind turbines within developed countries. We related collision rate to species-level traits and turbine characteristics to quantify the potential vulnerability of 9538 bird and 888 bat species globally. Avian collision rate was affected by migratory strategy, dispersal distance and habitat associations, and bat collision rates were influenced by dispersal distance. For birds and bats, larger turbine capacity (megawatts) increased collision rates; however, deploying a smaller number of large turbines with greater energy output reduced total collision risk per unit energy output, although bat mortality increased again with the largest turbines. Areas with high concentrations of vulnerable species were also identified, including migration corridors. Our results can therefore guide wind farm design and location to reduce the risk of large-scale animal mortality. This is the first quantitative global assessment of the relative collision vulnerability of species groups with wind turbines, providing valuable guidance for minimizing potentially serious negative impacts on biodiversity. © 2017 The Author(s).

Acoustic guided waves in cylindrical solid-fluid structures: Modeling with a sweeping frequency finite element method and experimental validation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yang; D'Angelo, Ralph M.; Sinha, Bikash K.; Zeroug, Smaine

2017-02-01

Modeling and understanding the complex elastic-wave physics prevalent in solid-fluid cylindrically-layered structures is of importance in many NDE fields, and most pertinently in the domain of well integrity evaluation of cased holes in the oil and gas industry. Current sonic measurements provide viable techniques for well integrity evaluation yet their practical effectiveness is hampered by the current lack of knowledge of acoustic wave fields particularly in complicated cased-hole geometry where for instance two or more nested steel strings are present in the borehole. In this article, we propose and implement a Sweeping Frequency Finite Element Method (SFFEM) for acoustic guided waves simulation in complex geometries that include double steel strings cemented to each other and to the formation and where the strings may be non-concentric. Transient dynamic finite element models are constructed with sweeping frequency signals being applied as the excitation sources. The sources and receivers disposition simulate current sonic measurement tools deployed in the oilfield. Synthetic wavetrains are recorded and processed with modified matrix pencil method to isolate both the dispersive and non-dispersive propagating guided wave modes. Scaled experiments of fluid-filled double strings with dimensions mimicking the real ones encountered in the field have also been carried out to generate reference data. A comparison of the experimental and numerical results indicates that the SFFEM is capable of accurately reproducing the rich and intricate higher-order multiple wave fields observed experimentally in the fluid-filled double string geometries.

Image-guided biopsy in the esophagus through comprehensive optical frequency domain imaging and laser marking: a study in living swine.

PubMed

Suter, Melissa J; Jillella, Priyanka A; Vakoc, Benjamin J; Halpern, Elkan F; Mino-Kenudson, Mari; Lauwers, Gregory Y; Bouma, Brett E; Nishioka, Norman S; Tearney, Guillermo J

2010-02-01

Random biopsy esophageal surveillance can be subject to sampling errors, resulting in diagnostic uncertainty. Optical frequency domain imaging (OFDI) is a high-speed, 3-dimensional endoscopic microscopy technique. When deployed through a balloon-centering catheter, OFDI can automatically image the entire distal esophagus (6.0 cm length) in approximately 2 minutes. To test a new platform for guided biopsy that allows the operator to select target regions of interest on an OFDI dataset, and then use a laser to mark the esophagus at corresponding locations. The specific goals include determining the optimal laser parameters, testing the accuracy of the laser marking process, evaluating the endoscopic visibility of the laser marks, and assessing the amount of mucosal damage produced by the laser. Experimental study conducted in 5 swine in vivo. Massachusetts General Hospital. Success rate, including endoscopic visibility of laser marks and accuracy of the laser marking process for selected target sites, and extent of the thermal damage caused by the laser marks. All of the laser-induced marks were visible by endoscopy. Target locations were correctly marked with a success rate of 97.07% (95% confidence interval, 89.8%-99.7%). Thermal damage was limited to the superficial layers of the mucosa and was observed to partially heal within 2 days. An animal study with artificially placed targets to simulate pathology. The study demonstrates that laser marking of esophageal sites identified in comprehensive OFDI datasets is feasible and can be performed with sufficient accuracy, precision, and visibility to guide biopsy in vivo.

Evaluation of accuracy in implant site preparation performed in single- or multi-step drilling procedures.

PubMed

Marheineke, Nadine; Scherer, Uta; Rücker, Martin; von See, Constantin; Rahlf, Björn; Gellrich, Nils-Claudius; Stoetzer, Marcus

2018-06-01

Dental implant failure and insufficient osseointegration are proven results of mechanical and thermal damage during the surgery process. We herein performed a comparative study of a less invasive single-step drilling preparation protocol and a conventional multiple drilling sequence. Accuracy of drilling holes was precisely analyzed and the influence of different levels of expertise of the handlers and additional use of drill template guidance was evaluated. Six experimental groups, deployed in an osseous study model, were representing template-guided and freehanded drilling actions in a stepwise drilling procedure in comparison to a single-drill protocol. Each experimental condition was studied by the drilling actions of respectively three persons without surgical knowledge as well as three highly experienced oral surgeons. Drilling actions were performed and diameters were recorded with a precision measuring instrument. Less experienced operators were able to significantly increase the drilling accuracy using a guiding template, especially when multi-step preparations are performed. Improved accuracy without template guidance was observed when experienced operators were executing single-step versus multi-step technique. Single-step drilling protocols have shown to produce more accurate results than multi-step procedures. The outcome of any protocol can be further improved by use of guiding templates. Operator experience can be a contributing factor. Single-step preparations are less invasive and are promoting osseointegration. Even highly experienced surgeons are achieving higher levels of accuracy by combining this technique with template guidance. Hereby template guidance enables a reduction of hands-on time and side effects during surgery and lead to a more predictable clinical diameter.

MRI follow-up after concordant, histologically benign diagnosis of breast lesions sampled by MRI-guided biopsy.

PubMed

Li, Jie; Dershaw, D David; Lee, Carol H; Kaplan, Jennifer; Morris, Elizabeth A

2009-09-01

Follow-up MRI can be useful to confirm a benign diagnosis after MRI-guided breast biopsy. This retrospective study was undertaken to evaluate appropriate timing and imaging interpretation for the initial follow-up MRI when a benign, concordant histology is obtained using MRI-guided breast biopsy. Retrospective review was performed of 177 lesions visualized only by MRI in 172 women who underwent 9-gauge, vacuum-assisted core biopsy and marker placement with imaging-concordant benign histology. All underwent follow-up MRI within 12 months. Timing of the follow-up study, change in size, results of second biopsy if performed, and distance of localizing marker to the lesion on the follow-up study were recorded. At initial follow-up, 155 lesions were decreased or gone, 14 lesions were stable, and eight were enlarged. Seventeen (9.6%, 17/177) lesions underwent a second biopsy, including six enlarging, 10 stable, and one decreasing. Of these, four were malignant. Enlargement was seen in two carcinomas at 6 and 12 months. Two carcinomas, one stable at 2 months and another stable at 3 and 11 months, were rebiopsied because of suspicion of a missed lesion in the former and worrisome mammographic and sonographic changes in the latter. The distance of the marker from the lesion on follow-up did not correlate with biopsy accuracy. Follow-up MRI did not detect missed cancers because of lesion enlargement before 6 months after biopsy; two of four missed cancers were stable. The localizing marker can deploy away from the target despite successful sampling.

The impact of antecedent trauma exposure and mental health symptoms on the post-deployment mental health of Afghanistan-deployed Australian troops.

PubMed

Searle, Amelia K; Van Hooff, Miranda; Lawrence-Wood, Ellie R; Grace, Blair S; Saccone, Elizabeth J; Davy, Carol P; Lorimer, Michelle; McFarlane, Alexander C

2017-10-01

Both traumatic deployment experiences and antecedent traumas increase personnel's risk of developing PTSD and depression. However, only cross-sectional studies have assessed whether antecedent trauma moderates stress reactions to deployment experiences. This study prospectively examines whether antecedent trauma moderates the association between deployment trauma and post-deployment PTSD and depressive symptoms after accounting for antecedent mental health problems, in a large Australian Defence Force (ADF) sample. In the ADF Middle East Area of Operations Prospective Study, currently-serving military personnel deployed to Afghanistan across 2010-2012 (n = 1122) completed self-reported measures at pre-deployment and post-deployment. Within multivariable regressions, associations between deployment trauma and PTSD and depressive symptoms at post-deployment were stronger for personnel with greater antecedent trauma. However, once adjusting for antecedent mental health problems, these significant interaction effects disappeared. Instead, deployment-related trauma and antecedent mental health problems showed direct associations with post-deployment mental health problems. Antecedent trauma was also indirectly associated with post-deployment mental health problems through antecedent mental health problems. Similar associations were seen with prior combat exposure as a moderator. Antecedent and deployment trauma were reported retrospectively. Self-reports may also suffer from social desirability bias, especially at pre-deployment. Our main effects results support the pervasive and cumulative negative effect of trauma on military personnel, regardless of its source. While antecedent trauma does not amplify personnel's psychological response to deployment trauma, it is indirectly associated with increased post-deployment mental health problems. Antecedent mental health should be considered within pre-deployment prevention programs, and deployment-trauma within post-operational screening. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Deployment and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: Primary Findings and Methodological Considerations.

PubMed

Katon, Jodie; Cypel, Yasmin; Raza, Mubashra; Zephyrin, Laurie; Reiber, Gayle; Yano, Elizabeth M; Barth, Shannon; Schneiderman, Aaron

2017-02-01

Objective To characterize the pregnancy outcomes of women Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) Veterans including prevalence of preterm delivery, low birth weight, and macrosomia, and to highlight methodological limitations that can impact findings. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted starting in 2014 analyzing data from the 2009 to 2011 National Health Study for a New Generation of US Veterans, which sampled Veterans deployed and not deployed to OIF/OEF. All pregnancies resulting in a live birth were included, and categorized as occurring among non-deployers, before deployment, during deployment, or after deployment. Outcomes included preterm birth, low birth weight, and macrosomia. The association of deployment with selected outcomes was estimated using separate general estimating equations to account for lack of outcome independence among women contributing multiple pregnancies. Adjustment variables included maternal age at outcome, and race/ethnicity. Results There were 2276 live births (191 preterm births, 153 low birth weight infants, and 272 macrosomic infants). Compared with pregnancies before deployment, pregnancies among non-deployers and those after deployment appeared to have greater risk of preterm birth [non-deployers: odds ratio (OR) = 2.16, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.25, 3.72; after deployment: OR = 1.90, 95 % CI 0.90, 4.02]. A similar pattern was observed for low birth weight. No association of deployment with macrosomia was detected. Discussion Compared with non-deployers, those who eventually deploy appear to have better pregnancy outcomes prior to deployment, but this advantage is no longer apparent after deployment. Non-deployers may not be an appropriate reference group to study the putative health impacts of deployment on pregnancy outcomes.

AMEE Guide 32: e-Learning in medical education Part 1: Learning, teaching and assessment.

PubMed

Ellaway, Rachel; Masters, Ken

2008-06-01

In just a few years, e-learning has become part of the mainstream in medical education. While e-learning means many things to many people, at its heart it is concerned with the educational uses of technology. For the purposes of this guide, we consider the many ways that the information revolution has affected and remediated the practice of healthcare teaching and learning. Deploying new technologies usually introduces tensions, and e-learning is no exception. Some wish to use it merely to perform pre-existing activities more efficiently or faster. Others pursue new ways of thinking and working that the use of such technology affords them. Simultaneously, while education, not technology, is the prime goal (and for healthcare, better patient outcomes), we are also aware that we cannot always predict outcomes. Sometimes, we have to take risks, and 'see what happens.' Serendipity often adds to the excitement of teaching. It certainly adds to the excitement of learning. The use of technology in support of education is not, therefore, a causal or engineered set of practices; rather, it requires creativity and adaptability in response to the specific and changing contexts in which it is used. Medical Education, as with most fields, is grappling with these tensions; the AMEE Guide to e-Learning in Medical Education hopes to help the reader, whether novice or expert, navigate them. This Guide is presented both as an introduction to the novice, and as a resource to more experienced practitioners. It covers a wide range of topics, some in broad outline, and others in more detail. Each section is concluded with a brief 'Take Home Message' which serves as a short summary of the section. The Guide is divided into two parts. The first part introduces the basic concepts of e-learning, e-teaching, and e-assessment, and then focuses on the day-to-day issues of e-learning, looking both at theoretical concepts and practical implementation issues. The second part examines technical, management, social, design and other broader issues in e-learning, and it ends with a review of emerging forms and directions in e-learning in medical education.

Heart rate variability: Pre-deployment predictor of post-deployment PTSD symptoms

PubMed Central

Pyne, Jeffrey M.; Constans, Joseph I.; Wiederhold, Mark D.; Gibson, Douglas P.; Kimbrell, Timothy; Kramer, Teresa L.; Pitcock, Jeffery A.; Han, Xiaotong; Williams, D. Keith; Chartrand, Don; Gevirtz, Richard N.; Spira, James; Wiederhold, Brenda K.; McCraty, Rollin; McCune, Thomas R.

2017-01-01

Heart rate variability is a physiological measure associated with autonomic nervous system activity. This study hypothesized that lower pre-deployment HRV would be associated with higher post-deployment post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Three-hundred-forty-three Army National Guard soldiers enrolled in the Warriors Achieving Resilience (WAR) study were analyzed. The primary outcome was PTSD symptom severity using the PTSD Checklist – Military version (PCL) measured at baseline, 3- and 12-month post-deployment. Heart rate variability predictor variables included: high frequency power (HF) and standard deviation of the normal cardiac inter-beat interval (SDNN). Generalized linear mixed models revealed that the pre-deployment PCL*ln(HF) interaction term was significant (p < 0.0001). Pre-deployment SDNN was not a significant predictor of post-deployment PCL. Covariates included age, pre-deployment PCL, race/ethnicity, marital status, tobacco use, childhood abuse, pre-deployment traumatic brain injury, and previous combat zone deployment. Pre-deployment heart rate variability predicts post-deployment PTSD symptoms in the context of higher pre-deployment PCL scores. PMID:27773678

Real-time Cure Monitoring of Composites Using a Guided wave-based System with High Temperature Piezoelectric Transducers, Fiber Bragg Gratings, and Phase-shifted Fiber Bragg Gratings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hudson, Tyler Blake

An in-process, in-situ cure monitoring technique utilizing a guided wave-based concept for carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites was investigated. Two automated cure monitoring systems using guided-wave ultrasonics were developed for characterizing the state of the cure. In the first system, surface mounted high-temperature piezoelectric transducer arrays were employed for actuation and sensing. The second system motivated by the success of the first system includes a single piezoelectric disc, bonded onto the surface of the composite for excitation; fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) and/or phase-shifted fiber Bragg gratings (PSFBGs) were embedded in the composite for distributed cure sensing. Composite material properties (viscosity and degree of cure) evolved during cure of the panels fabricated from HexcelRTM IM7/8552 prepreg correlated well to the amplitude, time of arrival, and group velocity of the guided wave-based measurements during the cure cycle. In addition, key phase transitions (gelation and vitrification) were clearly identified from the experimental data during the same cure cycle. The material properties and phase transitions were validated using cure process modeling software (e.g., RAVENRTM). The high-temperature piezoelectric transducer array system demonstrated the feasibility of a guided wave-based, in-process, cure monitoring and provided the framework for defect detection during cure. Ultimately, this system could provide a traceable data stream for non-compliance investigations during serial production and perform closed-loop process control to maximize composite panel quality and consistency. In addition, this system could be deployed as a "smart" caul/tool plate to existing production lines without changing the design of the aircraft/structure. With the second system, strain in low frequency (quasi-static) and the guided wavebased signals in several hundred kilohertz range were measured almost simultaneously using the same FBG or PS-FBG throughout the cure cycle. Also, the residual strain can be readily determined at the end of the cure. This system demonstrated a real-time, in-situ, cure monitoring system using embedded multiplexed FBG/PS-FBG sensors to record both guided wave-based signals and strain. The distinct advantages of a fiber optic-based system include multiplexing, small size, embedding, utilization in harsh environments, electrically passive operation, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) immunity. The embedded multiplexed FBG/PS-FBG fiber optic sensor can monitor the entire life-cycle of the composite structure from curing, post-cure/assembly, and in-service for creating "smart structures".

Logistic support provided to Australian disaster medical assistance teams: results of a national survey of team members

PubMed Central

Aitken, Peter; Leggat, Peter; Harley, Hazel; Speare, Richard; Leclercq, Muriel

2012-01-01

Background It is likely that calls for disaster medical assistance teams (DMATs) continue in response to international disasters. As part of a national survey, the present study was designed to evaluate the Australian DMAT experience and the need for logistic support. Methods Data were collected via an anonymous mailed survey distributed via State and Territory representatives on the Australian Health Protection Committee, who identified team members associated with Australian DMAT deployments from the 2004 Asian Tsunami disaster. Results The response rate for this survey was 50% (59/118). Most of the personnel had deployed to the South East Asian Tsunami affected areas. The DMAT members had significant clinical and international experience. There was unanimous support for dedicated logistic support with 80% (47/59) strongly agreeing. Only one respondent (2%) disagreed with teams being self sufficient for a minimum of 72 hours. Most felt that transport around the site was not a problem (59%; 35/59), however, 34% (20/59) felt that transport to the site itself was problematic. Only 37% (22/59) felt that pre-deployment information was accurate. Communication with local health providers and other agencies was felt to be adequate by 53% (31/59) and 47% (28/59) respectively, while only 28% (17/59) felt that documentation methods were easy to use and reliable. Less than half (47%; 28/59) felt that equipment could be moved easily between areas by team members and 37% (22/59) that packaging enabled materials to be found easily. The maximum safe container weight was felt to be between 20 and 40 kg by 58% (34/59). Conclusions This study emphasises the importance of dedicated logistic support for DMAT and the need for teams to be self sufficient for a minimum period of 72 hours. There is a need for accurate pre deployment information to guide resource prioritisation with clearly labelled pre packaging to assist access on site. Container weights should be restricted to between 20 and 40 kg, which would assist transport around the site, while transport to the site was seen as problematic. There was also support for training of all team members in use of basic equipment such as communications equipment, tents and shelters and water purification systems. PMID:22461849

Ranking businesses and municipal locations by spatiotemporal cardiac arrest risk to guide public defibrillator placement

PubMed Central

Sun, Christopher L. F.; Brooks, Steven C.; Morrison, Laurie J.; Chan, Timothy C.Y.

2017-01-01

Background Efforts to guide automated external defibrillator (AED) placement for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) treatment have focused on identifying broadly defined location categories without considering hours of operation. Broad location categories may be composed of many businesses with varying accessibility. Identifying specific locations for AED deployment incorporating operating hours and time of OHCA occurrence may improve AED accessibility. We aim to identify specific businesses and municipal locations that maximize OHCA coverage based on spatiotemporal assessment of OHCA risk in the immediate vicinity of franchise locations. Methods This study was a retrospective population-based cohort study using data from the Toronto Regional RescuNET Epistry cardiac arrest database. We identified all non-traumatic public OHCAs occurring in Toronto, Canada from Jan. 2007–Dec. 2015. We identified 41 unique businesses and municipal location types with 20 or more locations in Toronto from the YellowPages, Canadian Franchise Association, and the City of Toronto Open Data Portal. We obtained their geographic coordinates and hours of operation from websites, phone, or in-person. We determined the number of OHCAs that occurred within 100 m of each location when it was open (spatiotemporal coverage) for Toronto overall and downtown. The businesses and municipal locations were then ranked by spatiotemporal OHCA coverage. To evaluate temporal stability of the rankings, we calculated intra-class correlation (ICC) of the annual coverage values. Results There were 2,654 non-traumatic public OHCAs. Tim Hortons ranked first in Toronto covering 286 OHCAs. Starbucks ranked first in downtown covering 110 OHCAs. Coffee shops and bank machines from the five largest Canadian banks occupied eight of the top 10 spots in both Toronto and downtown. The rankings exhibited high temporal stability with ICC values of 0.88 (95% CI, 0.83–0.93) in Toronto and 0.79 (95% CI, 0.71–0.86) in downtown. Conclusions We identified and ranked businesses and municipal locations by spatiotemporal OHCA risk in their immediate vicinity. This approach may help policy makers and funders to identify and prioritize potential partnerships for AED deployment in public access defibrillator programs. PMID:28320803

Ranking Businesses and Municipal Locations by Spatiotemporal Cardiac Arrest Risk to Guide Public Defibrillator Placement.

PubMed

Sun, Christopher L F; Brooks, Steven C; Morrison, Laurie J; Chan, Timothy C Y

2017-03-21

Efforts to guide automated external defibrillator placement for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) treatment have focused on identifying broadly defined location categories without considering hours of operation. Broad location categories may be composed of many businesses with varying accessibility. Identifying specific locations for automated external defibrillator deployment incorporating operating hours and time of OHCA occurrence may improve automated external defibrillator accessibility. We aim to identify specific businesses and municipal locations that maximize OHCA coverage on the basis of spatiotemporal assessment of OHCA risk in the immediate vicinity of franchise locations. This study was a retrospective population-based cohort study using data from the Toronto Regional RescuNET Epistry cardiac arrest database. We identified all nontraumatic public OHCAs occurring in Toronto, ON, Canada, from January 2007 through December 2015. We identified 41 unique businesses and municipal location types with ≥20 locations in Toronto from the YellowPages, Canadian Franchise Association, and the City of Toronto Open Data Portal. We obtained their geographic coordinates and hours of operation from Web sites, by phone, or in person. We determined the number of OHCAs that occurred within 100 m of each location when it was open (spatiotemporal coverage) for Toronto overall and downtown. The businesses and municipal locations were then ranked by spatiotemporal OHCA coverage. To evaluate temporal stability of the rankings, we calculated intraclass correlation of the annual coverage values. There were 2654 nontraumatic public OHCAs. Tim Hortons ranked first in Toronto, covering 286 OHCAs. Starbucks ranked first in downtown, covering 110 OHCAs. Coffee shops and bank machines from the 5 largest Canadian banks occupied 8 of the top 10 spots in both Toronto and downtown. The rankings exhibited high temporal stability with intraclass correlation values of 0.88 (95% confidence interval, 0.83-0.93) in Toronto and 0.79 (95% confidence interval, 0.71-0.86) in downtown. We identified and ranked businesses and municipal locations by spatiotemporal OHCA risk in their immediate vicinity. This approach may help policy makers and funders to identify and prioritize potential partnerships for automated external defibrillator deployment in public-access defibrillator programs. © 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.

Military Service Member and Veteran Reintegration: A Conceptual Analysis, Unified Definition, and Key Domains

PubMed Central

Elnitsky, Christine A.; Fisher, Michael P.; Blevins, Cara L.

2017-01-01

Returning military service members and veterans (MSMVs) may experience a variety of stress-related disorders and challenges when reintegrating from the military to the community. Facilitating the reintegration, transition, readjustment and coping, and community integration, of MSMVs is a societal priority. To date, research addressing MSMV reintegration has not identified a comprehensive definition of the term or defined the broader context within which the process of reintegration occurs although both are needed to promote valid and reliable measurement of reintegration and clarify related challenges, processes, and their impact on outcomes. Therefore, this principle-based concept analysis sought to review existing empirical reintegration measurement instruments and identify the problems and needs of MSMV reintegration to provide a unified definition of reintegration to guide future research, clinical practice, and related services. We identified 1,459 articles in the health and social sciences literature, published between 1990 and 2015, by searching multiple electronic databases. Screening of abstracts and full text review based on our inclusion/exclusion criteria, yielded 117 articles for review. Two investigators used constant conceptual comparison to evaluate relevant articles independently. We examined the term reintegration and related terms (i.e., transition, readjustment, community integration) identifying trends in their use over time, analyzed the eight reintegration survey instruments, and synthesized service member and veteran self-reported challenges and needs for reintegration. More reintegration research was published during the last 5 years (n = 373) than in the previous 10 years combined (n = 130). The research suggests coping with life stresses plays an integral role in military service member and veteran post-deployment reintegration. Key domains of reintegration include individual, interpersonal, community organizations, and societal factors that may facilitate or challenge successful reintegration, and results suggest that successful coping with life stressors plays an integral role in post-deployment reintegration. Overall, the literature does not provide a comprehensive representation of reintegration among MSMVs. Although, previous research describes military service member and veteran reintegration challenges, this concept analysis provides a unified definition of the phenomenon and identifies key domains of reintegration that may broaden our understanding and guide reintegration research and practice. PMID:28352240

Military Service Member and Veteran Reintegration: A Conceptual Analysis, Unified Definition, and Key Domains.

PubMed

Elnitsky, Christine A; Fisher, Michael P; Blevins, Cara L

2017-01-01

Returning military service members and veterans (MSMVs) may experience a variety of stress-related disorders and challenges when reintegrating from the military to the community. Facilitating the reintegration, transition, readjustment and coping, and community integration, of MSMVs is a societal priority. To date, research addressing MSMV reintegration has not identified a comprehensive definition of the term or defined the broader context within which the process of reintegration occurs although both are needed to promote valid and reliable measurement of reintegration and clarify related challenges, processes, and their impact on outcomes. Therefore, this principle-based concept analysis sought to review existing empirical reintegration measurement instruments and identify the problems and needs of MSMV reintegration to provide a unified definition of reintegration to guide future research, clinical practice, and related services. We identified 1,459 articles in the health and social sciences literature, published between 1990 and 2015, by searching multiple electronic databases. Screening of abstracts and full text review based on our inclusion/exclusion criteria, yielded 117 articles for review. Two investigators used constant conceptual comparison to evaluate relevant articles independently. We examined the term reintegration and related terms (i.e., transition, readjustment, community integration) identifying trends in their use over time, analyzed the eight reintegration survey instruments, and synthesized service member and veteran self-reported challenges and needs for reintegration. More reintegration research was published during the last 5 years ( n = 373) than in the previous 10 years combined ( n = 130). The research suggests coping with life stresses plays an integral role in military service member and veteran post-deployment reintegration. Key domains of reintegration include individual, interpersonal, community organizations, and societal factors that may facilitate or challenge successful reintegration, and results suggest that successful coping with life stressors plays an integral role in post-deployment reintegration. Overall, the literature does not provide a comprehensive representation of reintegration among MSMVs. Although, previous research describes military service member and veteran reintegration challenges, this concept analysis provides a unified definition of the phenomenon and identifies key domains of reintegration that may broaden our understanding and guide reintegration research and practice.

Risk of adverse health outcomes associated with frequency and duration of deployment with the Australian Defence Force.

PubMed

Bleier, Jonathan; McFarlane, Alexander; McGuire, Annabel; Treloar, Susan; Waller, Michael; Dobson, Annette

2011-02-01

The operational tempo of the Australian Defence Force has increased over the last two decades. We examine the relationship between health of personnel and the frequency and duration of their deployment. Self-reported health measures (number of symptoms, Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist) were compared for people who had never deployed to those who had deployed only once and for those who had deployed at least twice with at least one deployment to East Timor and one deployment to Afghanistan or Iraq. Comparisons were also made between people who had deployed for at least one month and those who had deployed for longer periods. Frequency of deployment but not duration of deployment was associated with poorer health.

Using a Network Model to Assess Risk of Forest Pest Spread via Recreational Travel

PubMed Central

Koch, Frank H.; Yemshanov, Denys; Haack, Robert A.; Magarey, Roger D.

2014-01-01

Long-distance dispersal pathways, which frequently relate to human activities, facilitate the spread of alien species. One pathway of concern in North America is the possible spread of forest pests in firewood carried by visitors to campgrounds or recreational facilities. We present a network model depicting the movement of campers and, by extension, potentially infested firewood. We constructed the model from US National Recreation Reservation Service data documenting more than seven million visitor reservations (including visitors from Canada) at campgrounds nationwide. This bi-directional model can be used to identify likely origin and destination locations for a camper-transported pest. To support broad-scale decision making, we used the model to generate summary maps for 48 US states and seven Canadian provinces that depict the most likely origins of campers traveling from outside the target state or province. The maps generally showed one of two basic spatial patterns of out-of-state (or out-of-province) origin risk. In the eastern United States, the riskiest out-of-state origin locations were usually found in a localized region restricted to portions of adjacent states. In the western United States, the riskiest out-of-state origin locations were typically associated with major urban areas located far from the state of interest. A few states and the Canadian provinces showed characteristics of both patterns. These model outputs can guide deployment of resources for surveillance, firewood inspections, or other activities. Significantly, the contrasting map patterns indicate that no single response strategy is appropriate for all states and provinces. If most out-of-state campers are traveling from distant areas, it may be effective to deploy resources at key points along major roads (e.g., interstate highways), since these locations could effectively represent bottlenecks of camper movement. If most campers are from nearby areas, they may have many feasible travel routes, so a more widely distributed deployment may be necessary. PMID:25007186

Using a network model to assess risk of forest pest spread via recreational travel.

PubMed

Koch, Frank H; Yemshanov, Denys; Haack, Robert A; Magarey, Roger D

2014-01-01

Long-distance dispersal pathways, which frequently relate to human activities, facilitate the spread of alien species. One pathway of concern in North America is the possible spread of forest pests in firewood carried by visitors to campgrounds or recreational facilities. We present a network model depicting the movement of campers and, by extension, potentially infested firewood. We constructed the model from US National Recreation Reservation Service data documenting more than seven million visitor reservations (including visitors from Canada) at campgrounds nationwide. This bi-directional model can be used to identify likely origin and destination locations for a camper-transported pest. To support broad-scale decision making, we used the model to generate summary maps for 48 US states and seven Canadian provinces that depict the most likely origins of campers traveling from outside the target state or province. The maps generally showed one of two basic spatial patterns of out-of-state (or out-of-province) origin risk. In the eastern United States, the riskiest out-of-state origin locations were usually found in a localized region restricted to portions of adjacent states. In the western United States, the riskiest out-of-state origin locations were typically associated with major urban areas located far from the state of interest. A few states and the Canadian provinces showed characteristics of both patterns. These model outputs can guide deployment of resources for surveillance, firewood inspections, or other activities. Significantly, the contrasting map patterns indicate that no single response strategy is appropriate for all states and provinces. If most out-of-state campers are traveling from distant areas, it may be effective to deploy resources at key points along major roads (e.g., interstate highways), since these locations could effectively represent bottlenecks of camper movement. If most campers are from nearby areas, they may have many feasible travel routes, so a more widely distributed deployment may be necessary.

Use of Sodium Dithionite as Part of a More Efficient Groundwater Restoration Method Following In-situ Recovery of Uranium at the Smith-Ranch Highland Site in Wyoming

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harris, R.; Reimus, P. W.; Ware, D.; Williams, K.; Chu, D.; Perkins, G.; Migdissov, A. A.; Bonwell, C.

2017-12-01

Uranium is primarily mined for nuclear power production using an aqueous extraction technique called in-situ recovery (ISR). ISR can pollute groundwater with residual uranium and other heavy metals. Reverse osmosis and groundwater sweep are currently used to restore groundwater after ISR mining, but are not permanent solutions. Sodium dithionite is being tested as part of a method to more permanently restore groundwater after ISR mining at the Smith-Ranch Highland site in Wyoming. Sodium dithionite is a chemical reductant that can reduce sediments that were oxidized during ISR. The reduced sediments can reduce soluble uranium (VI) in the groundwater to insoluble uranium (IV). Laboratory studies that use sodium dithionite to treat sediments and waters from the site may help predict how it will behave during a field deployment. An aqueous batch experiment showed that sodium dithionite reduced uranium in post-mined untreated groundwater from 38 ppm to less than 1 ppm after 1 day. A sediment reduction batch experiment showed that sodium dithionite-treated sediments were capable of reducing uranium in post-mined untreated groundwater from 38 ppm to 2 ppm after 7 days. One column experiment is showing post-mined sodium dithionite-treated sediments are capable of reducing uranium in post-mined groundwater for over 30 pore volumes past the initial injection. While these results are promising for field deployments of sodium dithionite, another column experiment with sodium dithionite-treated sediments containing uranium rich organic matter is showing net production of uranium instead of uranium uptake. Sodium dithionite appears to liberate uranium from the organic matter. Another sediment reduction experiment is being conducted to further investigate this hypothesis. These experiments are helping guide plans for field deployments of sodium dithionite at uranium ISR mining sites.

Extravehicular Activity Operations Concepts Under Communication Latency and Bandwidth Constraints

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beaton, Kara H.; Chappell, Steven P.; Abercromby, Andrew F. J.; Miller, Matthew J.; Nawotniak, Shannon Kobs; Hughes, Scott; Brady, Allyson; Lim, Darlene S. S.

2017-01-01

The Biologic Analog Science Associated with Lava Terrains (BASALT) project is a multi-year program dedicated to iteratively develop, implement, and evaluate concepts of operations (ConOps) and supporting capabilities intended to enable and enhance human scientific exploration of Mars. This pa-per describes the planning, execution, and initial results from the first field deployment, referred to as BASALT-1, which consisted of a series of 10 simulated extravehicular activities (EVAs) on volcanic flows in Idaho's Craters of the Moon (COTM) National Monument. The ConOps and capabilities deployed and tested during BASALT-1 were based on previous NASA trade studies and analog testing. Our primary research question was whether those ConOps and capabilities work acceptably when performing real (non-simulated) biological and geological scientific exploration under 4 different Mars-to-Earth communication conditions: 5 and 15 min one-way light time (OWLT) communication latencies and low (0.512 Mb/s uplink, 1.54 Mb/s downlink) and high (5.0 Mb/s uplink, 10.0 Mb/s downlink) bandwidth conditions representing the lower and higher limits of technical communication capabilities currently proposed for future human exploration missions. The synthesized results of BASALT-1 with respect to the ConOps and capabilities assessment were derived from a variety of sources, including EVA task timing data, network analytic data, and subjective ratings and comments regarding the scientific and operational acceptability of the ConOp and the extent to which specific capabilities were enabling and enhancing, and are presented here. BASALT-1 established preliminary findings that baseline ConOp, software systems, and communication protocols were scientifically and operationally acceptable with minor improvements desired by the "Mars" extravehicular (EV) and intravehicular (IV) crewmembers, but unacceptable with improvements required by the "Earth" Mission Support Center. These data will provide a basis for guiding and prioritizing capability development for future BASALT deployments and, ultimately, future human exploration missions.

Resolving uncertainties in the urban air quality, climate, and vegetation nexus through citizen science, satellite imagery, and atmospheric modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jenerette, D.; Wang, J.; Chandler, M.; Ripplinger, J.; Koutzoukis, S.; Ge, C.; Castro Garcia, L.; Kucera, D.; Liu, X.

2017-12-01

Large uncertainties remain in identifying the distribution of urban air quality and temperature risks across neighborhood to regional scales. Nevertheless, many cities are actively expanding vegetation with an expectation to moderate both climate and air quality risks. We address these uncertainties through an integrated analysis of satellite data, atmospheric modeling, and in-situ environmental sensor networks maintained by citizen scientists. During the summer of 2017 we deployed neighborhood-scale networks of air temperature and ozone sensors through three campaigns across urbanized southern California. During each five-week campaign we deployed six sensor nodes that included an EPA federal equivalent method ozone sensor and a suite of meteorological sensors. Each node was further embedded in a network of 100 air temperature sensors that combined a randomized design developed by the research team and a design co-created by citizen scientists. Between 20 and 60 citizen scientists were recruited for each campaign, with local partners supporting outreach and training to ensure consistent deployment and data gathering. We observed substantial variation in both temperature and ozone concentrations at scales less than 4km, whole city, and the broader southern California region. At the whole city scale the average spatial variation with our ozone sensor network just for city of Long Beach was 26% of the mean, while corresponding variation in air temperature was only 7% of the mean. These findings contrast with atmospheric model estimates of variation at the regional scale of 11% and 1%. Our results show the magnitude of fine-scale variation underestimated by current models and may also suggest scaling functions that can connect neighborhood and regional variation in both ozone and temperature risks in southern California. By engaging citizen science with high quality sensors, satellite data, and real-time forecasting, our results help identify magnitudes of climate and air quality risk variation across scales and can guide individual decisions and urban policies surrounding vegetation to moderate these risks.

Advanced framework for digital forensic technologies and procedures.

PubMed

Trček, Denis; Abie, Habtamu; Skomedal, Asmund; Starc, Iztok

2010-11-01

Recent trends in global networks are leading toward service-oriented architectures and sensor networks. On one hand of the spectrum, this means deployment of services from numerous providers to form new service composites, and on the other hand this means emergence of Internet of things. Both these kinds belong to a plethora of realms and can be deployed in many ways, which will pose serious problems in cases of abuse. Consequently, both trends increase the need for new approaches to digital forensics that would furnish admissible evidence for litigation. Because technology alone is clearly not sufficient, it has to be adequately supported by appropriate investigative procedures, which have yet become a subject of an international consensus. This paper therefore provides appropriate a holistic framework to foster an internationally agreed upon approach in digital forensics along with necessary improvements. It is based on a top-down approach, starting with legal, continuing with organizational, and ending with technical issues. More precisely, the paper presents a new architectural technological solution that addresses the core forensic principles at its roots. It deploys so-called leveled message authentication codes and digital signatures to provide data integrity in a way that significantly eases forensic investigations into attacked systems in their operational state. Further, using a top-down approach a conceptual framework for forensics readiness is given, which provides levels of abstraction and procedural guides embellished with a process model that allow investigators perform routine investigations, without becoming overwhelmed by low-level details. As low-level details should not be left out, the framework is further evaluated to include these details to allow organizations to configure their systems for proactive collection and preservation of potential digital evidence in a structured manner. The main reason behind this approach is to stimulate efforts on an internationally agreed "template legislation," similarly to model law in the area of electronic commerce, which would enable harmonized national implementations in the area of digital forensics. © 2010 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

Lightweight Multifunctional Planetary Probe for Extreme Environment Exploration and Locomotion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bayandor, Javid (Principal Investigator); Schroeder, Kevin; Samareh, Jamshid

2017-01-01

The demand to explore new worlds requires the development of advanced technologies that enable landed science on uncertain terrains or in hard to reach locations. As a result, contemporary Entry, Descent, Landing, (EDL) and additional locomotion (EDLL) profiles are becoming increasingly more complex, with the introduction of lifting/guided entries, hazard avoidance on descent, and a plethora of landing techniques including airbags and the skycrane maneuver. The inclusion of each of these subsystems into a mission profile is associated with a substantial mass penalty. This report explores the new all-in-one entry vehicle concept, TANDEM, a new combined EDLL concept, and compares it to the current state of the art EDL systems. The explored system is lightweight and collapsible and provides the capacity for lifting/guided entry, guided descent, hazard avoidance, omnidirectional impact protection and surface locomotion without the aid of any additional subsystems. This Phase I study explored: 1. The capabilities and feasibility of the TANDEM concept as an EDLL vehicle. 2. Extensive impact analysis to ensure mission success in unfavorable landing conditions, and safe landing in Tessera regions. 3. Development of a detailed design for a conceptual mission to Venus. As a result of our work it was shown that: 1. TANDEM provides additional benefits over the Adaptive, Deployable Entry Placement Technology (ADEPT) including guided descent and surface locomotion, while reducing the mass by 38% compared to the ADEPT-VITaL mission. 2. Demonstrated that the design of tensegrity structures, and TANDEM specifically, grows linearly with an increase in velocity, which was previously unknown. 3. Investigation of surface impact revealed a promising results that suggest a properly configured TANDEM vehicle can safely land and preform science in the Tessera regions, which was previously labeled by the Decadal Survey as, largely inaccessible despite its high scientific interest. This work has already resulted in a NASA TM and will be submitted to the Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets.

Gender differences in the effects of deployment-related stressors and pre-deployment risk factors on the development of PTSD symptoms in National Guard Soldiers deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan.

PubMed

Polusny, Melissa A; Kumpula, Mandy J; Meis, Laura A; Erbes, Christopher R; Arbisi, Paul A; Murdoch, Maureen; Thuras, Paul; Kehle-Forbes, Shannon M; Johnson, Alexandria K

2014-02-01

Although women in the military are exposed to combat and its aftermath, little is known about whether combat as well as pre-deployment risk/protective factors differentially predict post-deployment PTSD symptoms among women compared to men. The current study assesses the influence of combat-related stressors and pre-deployment risk/protective factors on women's risk of developing PTSD symptoms following deployment relative to men's risk. Participants were 801 US National Guard Soldiers (712 men, 89 women) deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan who completed measures of potential risk/protective factors and PTSD symptoms one month before deployment (Time 1) and measures of deployment-related stressors and PTSD symptoms about 2-3 months after returning from deployment (Time 2). Men reported greater exposure to combat situations than women, while women reported greater sexual stressors during deployment than men. Exposure to the aftermath of combat (e.g., witnessing injured/dying people) did not differ by gender. At Time 2, women reported more severe PTSD symptoms and higher rates of probable PTSD than did men. Gender remained a predictor of higher PTSD symptoms after accounting for pre-deployment symptoms, prior interpersonal victimization, and combat related stressors. Gender moderated the association between several risk factors (combat-related stressors, prior interpersonal victimization, lack of unit support and pre-deployment concerns about life/family disruptions) and post-deployment PTSD symptoms. Elevated PTSD symptoms among female service members were not explained simply by gender differences in pre-deployment or deployment-related risk factors. Combat related stressors, prior interpersonal victimization, and pre-deployment concerns about life and family disruptions during deployment were differentially associated with greater post-deployment PTSD symptoms for women than men. Copyright © 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Optimization of nanoparticle structure for improved conversion efficiency of dye solar cell

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

Mohamed, Norani Muti, E-mail: noranimuti-mohamed@petronas.com.my; Zaine, Siti Nur Azella, E-mail: ct.azella@gmail.com.my

2014-10-24

Heavy dye loading and the ability to contain the light within the thin layer (typically ∼12 μm) are the requirement needed for the photoelectrode material in order to enhance the harvesting efficiency of dye solar cell. This can be realized by optimizing the particle size with desirable crystal structure. The paper reports the investigation on the dependency of the dye loading and light scattering on the properties of nanostructured photoelectrode materials by comparing 4 different samples of TiO{sub 2} in the form of nanoparticles and micron-sized TiO{sub 2} aggregates which composed of nanocrystallites. Their properties were evaluated by using scanningmore » electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and UVVis spectroscopy while the performance of the fabricated test cells were measured using universal photovoltaic test system (UPTS) under 1000 W/cm{sup 2} intensity of radiation. Nano sized particles provide large surface area which allow for greater dye adsorption but have no ability to retain the incident light in the TiO{sub 2} film. In contrast, micron-sized particles in the form of aggregates can generate light scattering allowing the travelling distance of the light to be extended and increasing the interaction between the photons and dye molecules adsorb on TiO{sub 2}nanocrystallites. This resulted in an improvement in the conversion efficiency of the aggregates that demonstrates the close relation between light scattering effect and the structure of the photolectrode film.« less

Calibration of infiltration parameters on hydrological tank model using runoff coefficient of rational method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suryoputro, Nugroho; Suhardjono, Soetopo, Widandi; Suhartanto, Ery

2017-09-01

In calibrating hydrological models, there are generally two stages of activity: 1) determining realistic model initial parameters in representing natural component physical processes, 2) entering initial parameter values which are then processed by trial error or automatically to obtain optimal values. To determine a realistic initial value, it takes experience and user knowledge of the model. This is a problem for beginner model users. This paper will present another approach to estimate the infiltration parameters in the tank model. The parameters will be approximated by the runoff coefficient of rational method. The value approach of infiltration parameter is simply described as the result of the difference in the percentage of total rainfall minus the percentage of runoff. It is expected that the results of this research will accelerate the calibration process of tank model parameters. The research was conducted on the sub-watershed Kali Bango in Malang Regency with an area of 239,71 km2. Infiltration measurements were carried out in January 2017 to March 2017. Analysis of soil samples at Soil Physics Laboratory, Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Brawijaya. Rainfall and discharge data were obtained from UPT PSAWS Bango Gedangan in Malang. Temperature, evaporation, relative humidity, wind speed data was obtained from BMKG station of Karang Ploso, Malang. The results showed that the infiltration coefficient at the top tank outlet can be determined its initial value by using the approach of the coefficient of runoff rational method with good result.

Growth and characterization of high quality UPt(3) single crystals and high resolution NMR study of superfluid He-3-B

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kycia, Jan Bronislaw

An ultra-high-vacuum crystal growth facility using the electron beam float zone refining method was designed and built. High quality single crystals of UPtsb3 were grown. Material quality was characterized by mass spectrometry and x-ray scattering techniques. Low temperature resistivity, AC susceptibility and specific heat measurements were also conducted. We find that the transition temperature of the material can be varied systematically by annealing. The suppression of the superconducting transition from defects is consistent with a modified Abrikosov-Gorkov formula that includes anisotropic pairing, Fermi surface anisotropy and anisotropic scattering by defects. High resolution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements of bulk superfluid sp3He-B were performed at temperatures above 0.5 mK and at pressures from 0.3 to 28.8 bar. The resonance frequency of the bulk superfluid sp3He-B is shifted from the Larmor frequency of the normal fluid. According to the theory of Greaves the frequency shift at the superfluid transition determines a specific combination, betasb{345}, of the five fourth-order coefficients of the order parameter invariants used in the Ginzburg-Landau description of superfluid sp3He. NMR measurements were performed to determine the coefficient betasb{345} and its dependence on pressure. The results are in agreement with the theoretical calculations of Sauls and Serene that are based on strong coupling contributions which are enhanced at higher pressures.

Development of algae biorefinery concepts for biofuels and bioproducts; a perspective on process-compatible products and their impact on cost-reduction

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

Laurens, Lieve M. L.; Markham, Jennifer; Templeton, David W.

Identifying and addressing critical improvements in biomass, bioproduct and biofuel productivity is a priority for the nascent algae-based bioeconomy. Economic and sustainability principles should guide these developing improvements and help to unravel the contentious water–food–energy–environment nexus that algae inhabit. Understanding the biochemistry of the storage carbon metabolism of algae to produce biofuels and bioproducts can bring to light the key barriers that currently limit the overall carbon efficiency and the photosynthetic efficiency, and ultimately guide productivity and commercial viability in the context of limiting resources. In the analysis reported here, we present different potential pathways for a conceptual algae biorefinerymore » framework, with each pathway addressing one of the main identified barriers to future deployment. We highlight the molecular identification, in the form of an extensive literature review, of potential bioproducts that may be derived directly from both biomass and fractions produced through a conversion pathway, for three important commercially-relevant genera of algae, Scenedesmus, Chlorella and Nannochloropsis. Here, we establish a relationship between each of the potential bioproducts, describe relevant conversion and extraction processes, and discuss market opportunities with values and sizes as they relate to commercial development of the products.« less

First-in-human experience using the Volcano VIBE-RX vascular imaging balloon catheter system (Volcano IVUS-guided Balloon Evaluation - New Zealand: VIBE-NZ Study).

PubMed

Watson, Timothy; El-Jack, Seifeddin; Stewart, James T; Ormiston, John

2013-09-01

Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is a proven and safe imaging modality used to guide percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The Volcano VIBE™ RX Vascular Imaging Balloon Catheter is a novel rapid exchange, 0.014" wire-compatible multi-lumen conventional balloon catheter modified with the addition of an IVUS transducer proximal to the balloon, delivered via a standard 6 Fr sheath. We sought to evaluate the safety, balloon performance, and image quality of the VIBE™ RX in patients scheduled for coronary intervention. Patients aged >21 and <85 years with single or multivessel coronary disease scheduled for PCI due to coronary ischaemic symptoms were included. Those with angiographic features that precluded the safe or informative use of the device were excluded. Twenty-nine patients having angiography because of ischaemic symptoms underwent 44 VIBE RX imaging runs, with balloon dilation in 20. Successful device deployment was achieved in all but one patient. All images were adequate and reproducible. One patient had a non-ST-elevation MI felt to be due to the complexity of the procedure rather than directly related to the VIBE™ RX. The study demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of the VIBE™ RX for its intended purpose with minimal failure rate and no directly related complications.

Side-Branch and Coaxial Intravascular Ultrasound Guided Wire Re-Entry after Failed Retrograde Approach of Chronic Total Occlusion Intervention.

PubMed

Chou, Ruey-Hsing; Lai, Chih-Hung; Lu, Tse-Min

2016-05-01

Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) can provide valuable information during the intervention of difficult chronic total occlusion (CTO) lesion. Stumpless CTO lesions with an adjacent side branch are associated with a significantly lower success rate because the proper entry point is not always clearly identified and the guidewires easily slip into the side branch. Herein we presented a case of a stumpless middle left circumflex (LCX) artery CTO lesion with auto-collateral from obtuse marginal branch. Initially, we positioned the IVUS into the side-branch to find the entry point of LCX-CTO lesion. However, the punctured wire went into the false lumen. A retrograde approach was tried but later failed. Therefore, we used IVUS to find the entry point where the true lumen transited to the false lumen, and used a stiff guidewire to puncture the entry point. After we confirmed with IVUS that the whole guidewire was in the true lumen, we deployed 3 drug-eluting stents. The final angiogram showed TIMI 3 flow with preservation of all side branches. The patient was angina-free during the 6-month follow-up. By presenting this case, we have demonstrated the application of both side-branch and coaxial IVUS-guided recanalization technique in the stumpless CTO lesion.

A Finite Element Study on Variations in Mass Transport in Stented Porcine Coronary Arteries Based on Location in the Coronary Arterial Tree

PubMed Central

Keyes, Joseph T.; Simon, Bruce R.; Vande Geest, Jonathan P.

2013-01-01

Drug-eluting stents have a significant clinical advantage in late-stage restenosis due to the antiproliferative drug release. Understanding how drug transport occurs between coronary arterial locations can better help guide localized drug treatment options. Finite element models with properties from specific porcine coronary artery sections (left anterior descending (LAD), right (RCA); proximal, middle, distal regions) were created for stent deployment and drug delivery simulations. Stress, strain, pore fluid velocity, and drug concentrations were exported at different time points of simulation (0–180 days). Tests indicated that the highest stresses occurred in LAD sections. Higher-than-resting homeostatic levels of stress and strain existed at upwards of 3. mm away from the stented region, whereas concentration of species only reached 2.7 mm away from the stented region. Region-specific concentration showed 2.2 times higher concentrations in RCA artery sections at times corresponding to vascular remodeling (peak in the middle segment) compared to all other segments. These results suggest that wall transport can occur differently based on coronary artery location. Awareness of peak growth stimulators and where drug accumulation occurs in the vasculature can better help guide local drug delivery therapies. PMID:23699720

Development of algae biorefinery concepts for biofuels and bioproducts; a perspective on process-compatible products and their impact on cost-reduction

DOE PAGES

Laurens, Lieve M. L.; Markham, Jennifer; Templeton, David W.; ...

2017-07-10

Identifying and addressing critical improvements in biomass, bioproduct and biofuel productivity is a priority for the nascent algae-based bioeconomy. Economic and sustainability principles should guide these developing improvements and help to unravel the contentious water–food–energy–environment nexus that algae inhabit. Understanding the biochemistry of the storage carbon metabolism of algae to produce biofuels and bioproducts can bring to light the key barriers that currently limit the overall carbon efficiency and the photosynthetic efficiency, and ultimately guide productivity and commercial viability in the context of limiting resources. In the analysis reported here, we present different potential pathways for a conceptual algae biorefinerymore » framework, with each pathway addressing one of the main identified barriers to future deployment. We highlight the molecular identification, in the form of an extensive literature review, of potential bioproducts that may be derived directly from both biomass and fractions produced through a conversion pathway, for three important commercially-relevant genera of algae, Scenedesmus, Chlorella and Nannochloropsis. Here, we establish a relationship between each of the potential bioproducts, describe relevant conversion and extraction processes, and discuss market opportunities with values and sizes as they relate to commercial development of the products.« less

The safety and feasibility of guidezilla catheter in complex coronary interventions and an observational study.

PubMed

Ma, Jianying; Hou, Lei; Qian, Juying; Ge, Lei; Zhang, Feng; Chang, Shufu; Xu, Rende; Qin, Qing; Ge, Junbo

2017-10-01

The monorail Guidezilla guide extension catheter was designed to provide additional backup and facilitate device delivery in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for complex coronary anatomy such as chronic total occlusion (CTO), extreme vessel tortuosity, diseased bypass grafts, and anomalous coronary arteries, among others.The present retrospective, single-center study included 188 consecutive patients who underwent PCI using the Guidezilla catheter from March 2015 to August 2016. Study outcomes were rates of target lesion crossing success, procedural success, and complications.The Guidezilla catheter was used most commonly in PCI of CTOs (45%) and heavy proximal calcification (37%), followed by tortuosity (10%), previously deployed proximal stents (4%), and coronary artery anomaly (4%). The right coronary artery (48%) was most commonly intervened followed by the left ascending (35%) and left circumflex (17%) arteries. Rates of target lesion crossing success and procedural success were both 99%, with one device-related periprocedural complication, namely proximal vessel dissection secondary to deep insertion which was successfully treated with stent implantation. Ninety percent of PCI were performed and completed successfully by radial access.In a single center with experienced operators, the use of the Guidezilla guide extension catheter in PCI of complex coronary anatomy performed mostly via radial artery access appeared safe and efficacious, and greatly facilitated device delivery.

The safety and feasibility of guidezilla catheter in complex coronary interventions and an observational study

PubMed Central

Ma, Jianying; Hou, Lei; Qian, Juying; Ge, Lei; Zhang, Feng; Chang, Shufu; Xu, Rende; Qin, Qing; Ge, Junbo

2017-01-01

Abstract The monorail GuidezillaTM guide extension catheter was designed to provide additional backup and facilitate device delivery in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for complex coronary anatomy such as chronic total occlusion (CTO), extreme vessel tortuosity, diseased bypass grafts, and anomalous coronary arteries, among others. The present retrospective, single-center study included 188 consecutive patients who underwent PCI using the Guidezilla catheter from March 2015 to August 2016. Study outcomes were rates of target lesion crossing success, procedural success, and complications. The Guidezilla catheter was used most commonly in PCI of CTOs (45%) and heavy proximal calcification (37%), followed by tortuosity (10%), previously deployed proximal stents (4%), and coronary artery anomaly (4%). The right coronary artery (48%) was most commonly intervened followed by the left ascending (35%) and left circumflex (17%) arteries. Rates of target lesion crossing success and procedural success were both 99%, with one device-related periprocedural complication, namely proximal vessel dissection secondary to deep insertion which was successfully treated with stent implantation. Ninety percent of PCI were performed and completed successfully by radial access. In a single center with experienced operators, the use of the Guidezilla guide extension catheter in PCI of complex coronary anatomy performed mostly via radial artery access appeared safe and efficacious, and greatly facilitated device delivery. PMID:28984768

KAPAO: a MEMS-based natural guide star adaptive optics system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Severson, Scott A.; Choi, Philip I.; Contreras, Daniel S.; Gilbreth, Blaine N.; Littleton, Erik; McGonigle, Lorcan P.; Morrison, William A.; Rudy, Alex R.; Wong, Jonathan R.; Xue, Andrew; Spjut, Erik; Baranec, Christoph; Riddle, Reed

2013-03-01

We describe KAPAO, our project to develop and deploy a low-cost, remote-access, natural guide star adaptive optics (AO) system for the Pomona College Table Mountain Observatory (TMO) 1-meter telescope. We use a commercially available 140-actuator BMC MEMS deformable mirror and a version of the Robo-AO control software developed by Caltech and IUCAA. We have structured our development around the rapid building and testing of a prototype system, KAPAO-Alpha, while simultaneously designing our more capable final system, KAPAO-Prime. The main differences between these systems are the prototype's reliance on off-the-shelf optics and a single visible-light science camera versus the final design's improved throughput and capabilities due to the use of custom optics and dual-band, visible and near-infrared imaging. In this paper, we present the instrument design and on-sky closed-loop testing of KAPAO-Alpha as well as our plans for KAPAO-Prime. The primarily undergraduate-education nature of our partner institutions, both public (Sonoma State University) and private (Pomona and Harvey Mudd Colleges), has enabled us to engage physics, astronomy, and engineering undergraduates in all phases of this project. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0960343.

Consumption of human milk glycoconjugates by infant-associated bifidobacteria: mechanisms and implications

PubMed Central

Garrido, Daniel; Dallas, David C.

2013-01-01

Human milk is a rich source of nutrients and energy, shaped by mammalian evolution to provide all the nutritive requirements of the newborn. In addition, several molecules in breast milk act as bioactive agents, playing an important role in infant protection and guiding a proper development. While major breast milk nutrients such as lactose, lipids and proteins are readily digested and consumed by the infant, other molecules, such as human milk oligosaccharides and glycosylated proteins and lipids, can escape intestinal digestion and transit through the gastrointestinal tract. In this environment, these molecules guide the composition of the developing infant intestinal microbiota by preventing the colonization of enteric pathogens and providing carbon and nitrogen sources for other colonic commensals. Only a few bacteria, in particular Bifidobacterium species, can gain access to the energetic content of milk as it is displayed in the colon, probably contributing to their predominance in the intestinal microbiota in the first year of life. Bifidobacteria deploy exquisite molecular mechanisms to utilize human milk oligosaccharides, and recent evidence indicates that their activities also target other human milk glycoconjugates. Here, we review advances in our understanding of how these microbes have been shaped by breast milk components and the strategies associated with their consumption of milk glycoconjugates. PMID:23460033

Effects of combat deployment on risky and self-destructive behavior among active duty military personnel.

PubMed

Thomsen, Cynthia J; Stander, Valerie A; McWhorter, Stephanie K; Rabenhorst, Mandy M; Milner, Joel S

2011-10-01

Although research has documented negative effects of combat deployment on mental health, few studies have examined whether deployment increases risky or self-destructive behavior. The present study addressed this issue. In addition, we examined whether deployment effects on risky behavior varied depending on history of pre-deployment risky behavior, and assessed whether psychiatric conditions mediated effects of deployment on risky behavior. In an anonymous survey, active duty members of the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy (N = 2116) described their deployment experiences and their participation in risky recreational activities, unprotected sex, illegal drug use, self-injurious behavior, and suicide attempts during three time frames (civilian, military pre-deployment, and military post-deployment). Respondents also reported whether they had problems with depression, anxiety, or PTSD during the same three time frames. Results revealed that risky behavior was much more common in civilian than in military life, with personnel who had not deployed, compared to those who had deployed, reporting more risky behavior and more psychiatric problems as civilians. For the current time period, in contrast, personnel who had deployed (versus never deployed) were significantly more likely to report both risky behavior and psychiatric problems. Importantly, deployment was associated with increases in risky behavior only for personnel with a pre-deployment history of engaging in risky behavior. Although psychiatric conditions were associated with higher levels of risky behavior, psychiatric problems did not mediate associations between deployment and risky behavior. Implications for understanding effects of combat deployment on active duty personnel and directions for future research are discussed. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Post-deployment Mental Health in Reserve and National Guard Service Members: Deploying With or Without One's Unit and Deployment Preparedness.

PubMed

Ursano, Robert J; Wang, Jing; Fullerton, Carol S; Ramsawh, Holly; Gifford, Robert K; Russell, Dale; Cohen, Gregory H; Sampson, Laura; Galea, Sandro

2018-01-01

Given the greater prevalence of post-deployment mental health concerns among reservists, the higher likelihood of deploying without their regular unit, and potentially lower rates of deployment preparedness, we examined associations between deploying with or without one's regular unit (individual augmentee status, IAS), deployment preparedness, and mental health problems including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression (MDD), and binge drinking in a nationally representative sample of Reserve Component (RC) Army and Marine-enlisted males (n = 705). A series of multivariate regressions examined the association of mental health with IAS and deployment preparedness, adjusting for demographics. To examine whether deployment preparedness varied by IAS, an IAS × deployment preparedness interaction was included. In an adjusted model, being an individual augmentee and low deployment preparedness were associated with any mental health problem (screening positive for PTSD, MDD, binge drinking, or any combination of the three). There was a significant IAS × deployment preparedness interaction. Mental health problems did not vary by preparedness among individual augmentees. Participants deploying with regular units with low-medium preparedness had greater risk for mental health problems (odds ratio [OR] = 3.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.78-7.62 and OR = 2.29, 95% CI = 1.12-4.71), than those with high preparedness. RC-enlisted male personnel who deployed without their regular unit were five times more likely to have a mental health problem, and were 61% more likely to report binge drinking. Additionally, those with lower levels of deployment preparedness were up to three times more likely to have a mental health problem and up to six times more likely to report PTSD. The current investigation found that both IAS and deployment preparedness were associated with negative mental health outcomes in a large representative sample of previously deployed RC-enlisted male personnel. In particular, low deployment preparedness was associated with an increased likelihood of PTSD, and deploying without one's regular unit was associated with increased rates of binge drinking. There were also significant main and interaction effects of IAS and deployment preparedness on having a mental health problem. It is possible that limiting the number of RC personnel deploying without their regular unit may help to decrease alcohol misuse among U.S. Armed Services reservists during and after future conflicts. Also, to the extent that deployment preparedness is a modifiable risk factor, future studies should examine whether increasing deployment preparedness could mitigate some of the correlates of deployment-related trauma exposure. Finally, future investigation is needed to explain why those who deploy without their regular unit, but who report high deployment preparedness, remain at elevated risk for mental health problems. It is possible that individual augmentees can benefit from a specific preparation for deployment. Those deploying without their regular unit had higher rates of mental health problems regardless of preparedness. These findings have implications for deployment preparedness training for those deploying without their regular unit. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Association of Military Surgeons of the United States 2017. This work is written by (a) US Government employee(s) and is in the public domain in the US.

A module concept for a cable-mesh deployable antenna

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meguro, Akira

1993-01-01

This paper describes the design, manufacture, and deployment tests of a modular mesh deployable antenna. Reaction forces and moments created by a mesh and cable network are estimated using CASA. Deployment analysis is carried out using DADS. Three types of deployable antenna modules are developed and fabricated. Their design approach and deployment characteristics are also presented. Ground deployment tests are performed to verify design criteria.

Pre-deployment Year Mental Health Diagnoses and Treatment in Deployed Army Women

PubMed Central

Adams, Rachel Sayko; Mohr, Beth A.; Jeffery, Diana D.; Funk, Wendy; Williams, Thomas V.; Larson, Mary Jo

2016-01-01

We estimated the prevalence of select mental health diagnoses (MHDX) and mental health treatment (MHT), and identified characteristics associated with MHT during the pre-deployment year (365 days before deployment) in active duty Army women (N = 14,633) who returned from Iraq or Afghanistan deployments in FY2010. Pre-deployment year prevalence estimates were: 26.2 % for any select MHDX and 18.1 % for any MHT. Army women who had physical injuries since FY2002 or any behavioral health treatment between FY2002 and the pre-deployment year had increased odds of pre-deployment year MHT. During the pre-deployment year, a substantial percentage of Army women had MHDX and at least one MHT encounter or stay. Future research should determine if pre-deployment MHDX among Army women reflect vulnerability to future MHDX, or if pre-deployment MHT results in protection from chronic symptoms. PMID:27368233

Pre-deployment Year Mental Health Diagnoses and Treatment in Deployed Army Women.

PubMed

Wooten, Nikki R; Adams, Rachel Sayko; Mohr, Beth A; Jeffery, Diana D; Funk, Wendy; Williams, Thomas V; Larson, Mary Jo

2017-07-01

We estimated the prevalence of select mental health diagnoses (MHDX) and mental health treatment (MHT), and identified characteristics associated with MHT during the pre-deployment year (365 days before deployment) in active duty Army women (N = 14,633) who returned from Iraq or Afghanistan deployments in FY2010. Pre-deployment year prevalence estimates were: 26.2 % for any select MHDX and 18.1 % for any MHT. Army women who had physical injuries since FY2002 or any behavioral health treatment between FY2002 and the pre-deployment year had increased odds of pre-deployment year MHT. During the pre-deployment year, a substantial percentage of Army women had MHDX and at least one MHT encounter or stay. Future research should determine if pre-deployment MHDX among Army women reflect vulnerability to future MHDX, or if pre-deployment MHT results in protection from chronic symptoms.

Connected Vehicle Pilot Deployment Program phase 1 : application deployment plan : New York City : final application deployment plan.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-08-04

This document is the Task 7 Application Deployment Plan deliverable for the New York City Connected Vehicle Pilot Deployment. It describes the process that the deployment team will follow to acquire and test the connected vehicle safety applications....

Differential Child Maltreatment Risk Across Deployment Periods of US Army Soldiers.

PubMed

Taylor, Christine M; Ross, Michelle E; Wood, Joanne N; Griffis, Heather M; Harb, Gerlinde C; Mi, Lanyu; Song, Lihai; Strane, Douglas; Lynch, Kevin G; Rubin, David M

2016-01-01

We described the risk for maltreatment among toddlers of US Army soldiers over different deployment cycles to develop a systematic response within the US Army to provide families appropriate supports. We conducted a person-time analysis of substantiated maltreatment reports and medical diagnoses among children of 112,325 deployed US Army soldiers between 2001 and 2007. Risk of maltreatment was elevated after deployment for children of soldiers deployed once but not for children of soldiers deployed twice. During the 6 months after deployment, children of soldiers deployed once had 4.43 substantiated maltreatment reports and 4.96 medical diagnoses per 10,000 child-months. The highest maltreatment rate among children of soldiers deployed twice occurred during the second deployment for substantiated maltreatment (4.83 episodes per 10,000 child-months) and before the first deployment for medical diagnoses of maltreatment (3.78 episodes per 10,000 child-months). We confirmed an elevated risk for child maltreatment during deployment but also found a previously unidentified high-risk period during the 6 months following deployment, indicating elevated stress within families of deployed and returning soldiers. These findings can inform efforts by the military to initiate and standardize support and preparation to families during periods of elevated risk.

Differential Child Maltreatment Risk Across Deployment Periods of US Army Soldiers

PubMed Central

Ross, Michelle E.; Wood, Joanne N.; Griffis, Heather M.; Harb, Gerlinde C.; Mi, Lanyu; Song, Lihai; Strane, Douglas; Lynch, Kevin G.; Rubin, David M.

2016-01-01

Objectives. We described the risk for maltreatment among toddlers of US Army soldiers over different deployment cycles to develop a systematic response within the US Army to provide families appropriate supports. Methods. We conducted a person-time analysis of substantiated maltreatment reports and medical diagnoses among children of 112 325 deployed US Army soldiers between 2001 and 2007. Results. Risk of maltreatment was elevated after deployment for children of soldiers deployed once but not for children of soldiers deployed twice. During the 6 months after deployment, children of soldiers deployed once had 4.43 substantiated maltreatment reports and 4.96 medical diagnoses per 10 000 child-months. The highest maltreatment rate among children of soldiers deployed twice occurred during the second deployment for substantiated maltreatment (4.83 episodes per 10 000 child-months) and before the first deployment for medical diagnoses of maltreatment (3.78 episodes per 10 000 child-months). Conclusions. We confirmed an elevated risk for child maltreatment during deployment but also found a previously unidentified high-risk period during the 6 months following deployment, indicating elevated stress within families of deployed and returning soldiers. These findings can inform efforts by the military to initiate and standardize support and preparation to families during periods of elevated risk. PMID:26562128

The interplay between scent trails and group-mass recruitment systems in ants.

PubMed

Planqué, Robert; van den Berg, Jan Bouwe; Franks, Nigel R

2013-10-01

Large ant colonies invariably use effective scent trails to guide copious ant numbers to food sources. The success of mass recruitment hinges on the involvement of many colony members to lay powerful trails. However, many ant colonies start off as single queens. How do these same colonies forage efficiently when small, thereby overcoming the hurdles to grow large? In this paper, we study the case of combined group and mass recruitment displayed by some ant species. Using mathematical models, we explore to what extent early group recruitment may aid deployment of scent trails, making such trails available at much smaller colony sizes. We show that a competition between group and mass recruitment may cause oscillatory behaviour mediated by scent trails. This results in a further reduction of colony size to establish trails successfully.

Chronic care model implementation in the California State Prison System.

PubMed

Ha, Betsy Chang; Robinson, Greg

2011-04-01

The chronic care model (CCM) deployed through a learning collaborative strategy, such as the Institute for Healthcare Improvement's Breakthrough Series (BTS), is a widely adopted approach to improve care that has guided clinical quality initiatives nationally and internationally. The BTS collaborative approach has been used to improve chronic conditions at national and state levels and in single health care delivery systems but not in correctional health care. Combining the CCM with a learning collaborative strategy in prison health care is a new frontier. This article describes the adoption of the CCM using a learning collaborative approach in the California prison system under the mandate of a federal receivership and elucidates some barriers to implementation. Results from the first phase of a pilot study were positive in terms of benefit/ cost analysis and suggest financial and political viability to continue the program.

Development of and feedback on a fully automated virtual reality system for online training in weight management skills.

PubMed

Thomas, J Graham; Spitalnick, Josh S; Hadley, Wendy; Bond, Dale S; Wing, Rena R

2015-01-01

Virtual reality (VR) technology can provide a safe environment for observing, learning, and practicing use of behavioral weight management skills, which could be particularly useful in enhancing minimal contact online weight management programs. The Experience Success (ES) project developed a system for creating and deploying VR scenarios for online weight management skills training. Virtual environments populated with virtual actors allow users to experiment with implementing behavioral skills via a PC-based point and click interface. A culturally sensitive virtual coach guides the experience, including planning for real-world skill use. Thirty-seven overweight/obese women provided feedback on a test scenario focused on social eating situations. They reported that the scenario gave them greater skills, confidence, and commitment for controlling eating in social situations. © 2014 Diabetes Technology Society.

Development of and Feedback on a Fully Automated Virtual Reality System for Online Training in Weight Management Skills

PubMed Central

Spitalnick, Josh S.; Hadley, Wendy; Bond, Dale S.; Wing, Rena R.

2014-01-01

Virtual reality (VR) technology can provide a safe environment for observing, learning, and practicing use of behavioral weight management skills, which could be particularly useful in enhancing minimal contact online weight management programs. The Experience Success (ES) project developed a system for creating and deploying VR scenarios for online weight management skills training. Virtual environments populated with virtual actors allow users to experiment with implementing behavioral skills via a PC-based point and click interface. A culturally sensitive virtual coach guides the experience, including planning for real-world skill use. Thirty-seven overweight/obese women provided feedback on a test scenario focused on social eating situations. They reported that the scenario gave them greater skills, confidence, and commitment for controlling eating in social situations. PMID:25367014

KSC-00pp1217

NASA Image and Video Library

2000-08-30

In the Space Station Processing Facility, workers help guide a solar array into position for installation on the Integrated Equipment Assembly. Solar Array Wing-3 is already in place. Components of the International Space Station, the arrays are scheduled to be launched on mission STS-97 in late November along with the P6 truss. The Station’s electrical power system (EPS) will use eight photovoltaic solar arrays to convert sunlight to electricity. Each of the eight solar arrays will be 112 feet long by 39 feet wide. The solar arrays are mounted on a “blanket” that can be folded like an accordion for delivery. Once in orbit, astronauts will deploy the blankets to their full size. Gimbals will be used to rotate the arrays so that they will face the Sun to provide maximum power to the Space Station

Mission Accomplished? We Need a Guide to the 'Post Release' World of Wolbachia for Aedes-borne Disease Control.

PubMed

Ritchie, Scott A; van den Hurk, Andrew F; Smout, Michael J; Staunton, Kyran M; Hoffmann, Ary A

2018-03-01

Historically, sustained control of Aedes aegypti, the vector of dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika viruses, has been largely ineffective. Subsequently, two novel 'rear and release' control strategies utilizing mosquitoes infected with Wolbachia are currently being developed and deployed widely. In the incompatible insect technique, male Aedes mosquitoes, infected with Wolbachia, suppress populations through unproductive mating. In the transinfection strategy, both male and female Wolbachia-infected Ae. aegypti mosquitoes rapidly infect the wild population with Wolbachia, blocking virus transmission. It is critical to monitor the long-term stability of Wolbachia in host populations, and also the ability of this bacterium to continually inhibit virus transmission. Ongoing release and monitoring programs must be future-proofed should political support weaken when these vectors are successfully controlled. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Workshop report: Malaria vaccine development in Europe--preparing for the future.

PubMed

Viebig, Nicola K; D'Alessio, Flavia; Draper, Simon J; Sim, B Kim Lee; Mordmüller, Benjamin; Bowyer, Paul W; Luty, Adrian J F; Jungbluth, Stefan; Chitnis, Chetan E; Hill, Adrian V S; Kremsner, Peter; Craig, Alister G; Kocken, Clemens H M; Leroy, Odile

2015-11-17

The deployment of a safe and effective malaria vaccine will be an important tool for the control of malaria and the reduction in malaria deaths. With the launch of the 2030 Malaria Vaccine Technology Roadmap, the malaria community has updated the goals and priorities for the development of such a vaccine and is now paving the way for a second phase of malaria vaccine development. During a workshop in Brussels in November 2014, hosted by the European Vaccine Initiative, key players from the European, North American and African malaria vaccine community discussed European strategies for future malaria vaccine development in the global context. The recommendations of the European malaria community should guide researchers, policy makers and funders of global health research and development in fulfilling the ambitious goals set in the updated Malaria Vaccine Technology Roadmap. Copyright © 2015.

Improving Customer Satisfaction in an R and D Environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alexander, Anita; Liou, Y. H. Andrew

1998-01-01

Satisfying customer needs is critical to the sustained competitive advantage of service suppliers. It is therefore important to understand the types of customer needs which, if fulfilled or exceeded, add value and contribute to overall customer satisfaction. This study identifies the needs of various research and development (R&D) customers who contract for engineering and design support services. The Quality Function Deployment (QFD) process was used to organize and translate each customer need into performance measures that, if implemented, can improve customer satisfaction. This study also provides specific performance measures that will more accurately guide the efforts of the engineering supplier. These organizations can either implement the QFD methodology presented herein or extract a few performance measures that are specific to the quality dimensions in need of improvement. Listening to 'what' customers talk about is a good first start.

Design, Development & Flight Testing Of The U.S. Army 4200 sq ft Parafoil Recovery System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bennett, Thomas W.; Fox, Roy

2007-01-01

The purpose of this paper is to describe the design, development and flight testing of the U.S. Army 4200 ft(sup 2) parafoil recovery system built under NASA Contract NAS9-00076. The 4200 ft(sup 2) parafoil described herein was a potential candidate to fulfill the U.S. Army requirement for a 10,000 lb useable payload precision guided recovery system. Design heritage as well as specific features, like lower surface inlets, confluence fitting, upper surface energy modulator design, deployment bag design and 60 ft diameter Ringslot drogue will be discussed. Initial flight test results, ground testing of various components to verify design margin and configuration changes will also be discussed. The 4200 ft(sup 2) parafoil recovery system completed three flight tests during 2003 at payload weights of over 15,000 lbs.

A description of the lunar ranging station at McDonald Observatory.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Silverberg, E. C.; Currie, D. G.

1972-01-01

The equipment of this station which has been in operation since the deployment of the first corner reflector by the Apollo 11 astronauts. The McDonald 2.7-m telescope is used for both transmission and reception of pulsed ruby laser light during three 45-minute daily laser runs about three weeks in a month. The present laser pulse width, timing system, calibration procedures, and signal levels are designed to achieve ranging with an accuracy to 1 nanosecond. The data rates obtained since September, 1970, are consistent with the scientific commitments of the lunar ranging program. Most of the over 200 acquisitions obtained have an accuracy to better than plus or minus 30 cm. Details of the telescope matching optics, guiding and timing equipment, and calibration procedures are discussed. Representative lunar range data are included.

Design, Development and Flight Testing of the U.S. Army 4200 sq ft Parafoil Recovery System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bennett, Thomas W.; Fox, Roy, Jr.

2005-01-01

The purpose of this paper is to describe the design, development and flight-testing of the U.S. Army 4200 sq ft parafoil recovery system built under NASA Contract NAS 9-00076. The 4200 f? parafoil described herein was a potential candidate to fulfill the U.S. Army requirement for a 10,000 lb useable payload precision guided recovery system. Design heritage as well as specific features, like lower surface inlets, confluence fitting, upper surface energy modulator design, deployment bag design and 60 ft diameter Ringslot drogue will be discussed. Initial flight test results, ground testing of various components to verify design margin and configuration changes will also be discussed. The 4200 sq ft parafoil recovery system completed three flight tests during 2003 at payload weights of over 15,000 Ibs

Development of the first-mention bias*

PubMed Central

HARTSHORNE, JOSHUA K.; NAPPA, REBECCA; SNEDEKER, JESSE

2015-01-01

In many contexts, pronouns are interpreted as referring to the character mentioned first in the previous sentence, an effect called the ‘first-mention bias’. While adults can rapidly use the first-mention bias to guide pronoun interpretation, it is unclear when this bias emerges during development. Curiously, experiments with children between two and three years old show successful use of order of mention, while experiments with older children (four to five years old) do not. While this could suggest U-shaped development, it could also reflect differences in the methodologies employed. We show that children can indeed use first-mention information, but do so too slowly to have been detected in previous work reporting null results. Comparison across the present and previously published studies suggests that the speed at which children deploy first-mention information increases greatly during the preschool years. PMID:24735525

The Population Biology and Transmission Dynamics of Loa loa.

PubMed

Whittaker, Charles; Walker, Martin; Pion, Sébastien D S; Chesnais, Cédric B; Boussinesq, Michel; Basáñez, María-Gloria

2018-04-01

Endemic to Central Africa, loiasis - or African eye worm (caused by the filarial nematode Loa loa) - affects more than 10 million people. Despite causing ocular and systemic symptoms, it has typically been considered a benign condition, only of public health relevance because it impedes mass drug administration-based interventions against onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis in co-endemic areas. Recent research has challenged this conception, demonstrating excess mortality associated with high levels of infection, implying that loiasis warrants attention as an intrinsic public health problem. This review summarises available information on the key parasitological, entomological, and epidemiological characteristics of the infection and argues for the mobilisation of resources to control the disease, and the development of a mathematical transmission model to guide deployment of interventions. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Deployment cycle stressors and post-traumatic stress symptoms in Army National Guard women: the mediating effect of resilience.

PubMed

Wooten, Nikki R

2012-01-01

This study examined the associations between deployment cycle stressors, post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), and resilience in Army National Guard (ARNG) women deployed to Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Resilience was also tested as a mediator. Hierarchical linear regression indicated that deployment and post-deployment stressors were positively associated, and resilience was negatively associated with PTSS. Resilience fully mediated the association between post-deployment stressors and PTSS. Findings suggest assessing deployment and post-deployment stressors in ARNG women may be helpful in identifying those at risk for severe PTSS; and highlight the potential of individual-level resilient characteristics in mitigating the adverse impact of post-deployment stressors.

About Regional Energy Deployment System Model-ReEDS | Regional Energy

Science.gov Websites

Deployment System Model | Energy Analysis | NREL About Regional Energy Deployment System Model -ReEDS About Regional Energy Deployment System Model-ReEDS The Regional Energy Deployment System (ReEDS ) is a long-term, capacity-expansion model for the deployment of electric power generation technologies

A Novel Deployment Method for Communication-Intensive Applications in Service Clouds

PubMed Central

Liu, Chuanchang; Yang, Jingqi

2014-01-01

The service platforms are migrating to clouds for reasonably solving long construction periods, low resource utilizations, and isolated constructions of service platforms. However, when the migration is conducted in service clouds, there is a little focus of deploying communication-intensive applications in previous deployment methods. To address this problem, this paper proposed the combination of the online deployment and the offline deployment for deploying communication-intensive applications in service clouds. Firstly, the system architecture was designed for implementing the communication-aware deployment method for communication-intensive applications in service clouds. Secondly, in the online-deployment algorithm and the offline-deployment algorithm, service instances were deployed in an optimal cloud node based on the communication overhead which is determined by the communication traffic between services, as well as the communication performance between cloud nodes. Finally, the experimental results demonstrated that the proposed methods deployed communication-intensive applications effectively with lower latency and lower load compared with existing algorithms. PMID:25140331

Injuries before and after deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq.

PubMed

Knapik, J J; Spiess, A; Grier, T; Sharp, M A; Lester, M E; Marin, R; Jones, B H

2012-06-01

To examine outpatient injuries before and after deployments of elements of the 10th Mountain Division to Afghanistan (n = 505 men) and the 1st Cavalry Division to Iraq (n = 3242 men). Observational. The military units provided a list of deployed soldiers, and soldiers' outpatient medical encounters were obtained from the Defense Medical Surveillance System. Cumulative injury incidence was examined for two consecutive 90-day periods before the deployments (Periods 1-2) and two consecutive 90-day periods after the deployments (Periods 3-4). Both groups showed post-deployment increases in the overall incidence of injury (Afghanistan group = 14.1%, 14.1%, 16.4, 23.4%; Iraq Group = 15.1%, 12.4%, 35.4%, 43.4%; Periods 1-4, respectively). Soldiers with pre-deployment injuries were 1.4-3.0 times more likely to experience post-deployment injuries. This study found a post-deployment increase in the incidence of outpatient injury. Also, soldiers with pre-deployment injuries were more likely to experience post-deployment injuries. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

A novel deployment method for communication-intensive applications in service clouds.

PubMed

Liu, Chuanchang; Yang, Jingqi

2014-01-01

The service platforms are migrating to clouds for reasonably solving long construction periods, low resource utilizations, and isolated constructions of service platforms. However, when the migration is conducted in service clouds, there is a little focus of deploying communication-intensive applications in previous deployment methods. To address this problem, this paper proposed the combination of the online deployment and the offline deployment for deploying communication-intensive applications in service clouds. Firstly, the system architecture was designed for implementing the communication-aware deployment method for communication-intensive applications in service clouds. Secondly, in the online-deployment algorithm and the offline-deployment algorithm, service instances were deployed in an optimal cloud node based on the communication overhead which is determined by the communication traffic between services, as well as the communication performance between cloud nodes. Finally, the experimental results demonstrated that the proposed methods deployed communication-intensive applications effectively with lower latency and lower load compared with existing algorithms.

USDOT guidance summary for connected vehicle deployments : application deployment.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-07-01

This document provides guidance material in regards to the Application Deployment Plan for the CV Pilots DeploymentConcept Development Phase. Methods for application deployment are discussed with definitions for the successfulmanagement of each aspec...

Design and analysis considerations for deployment mechanisms in a space environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vorlicek, P. L.; Gore, J. V.; Plescia, C. T.

1982-01-01

On the second flight of the INTELSAT V spacecraft the time required for successful deployment of the north solar array was longer than originally predicted. The south solar array deployed as predicted. As a result of the difference in deployment times a series of experiments was conducted to locate the cause of the difference. Deployment rate sensitivity to hinge friction and temperature levels was investigated. A digital computer simulation of the deployment was created to evaluate the effects of parameter changes on deployment. Hinge design was optimized for nominal solar array deployment time for future INTELSAT V satellites. The nominal deployment times of both solar arrays on the third flight of INTELSAT V confirms the validity of the simulation and design optimization.

Risk Factors, Methods, and Timing of Suicide Attempts Among US Army Soldiers

PubMed Central

Ursano, Robert J.; Kessler, Ronald C.; Stein, Murray B.; Naifeh, James A.; Aliaga, Pablo A.; Fullerton, Carol S.; Wynn, Gary H.; Vegella, Patti L.; Ng, Tsz Hin Hinz; Zhang, Bailey G.; Wryter, Christina L.; Sampson, Nancy A.; Kao, Tzu-Cheg; Colpe, Lisa J.; Schoenbaum, Michael; McCarroll, James E.; Cox, Kenneth L.; Heeringa, Steven G.

2016-01-01

IMPORTANCE Suicide attempts in the US Army have risen in the past decade. Understanding the association between suicide attempts and deployment, as well as method and timing of suicide attempts, can assist in developing interventions. OBJECTIVE To examine suicide attempt risk factors, methods, and timing among soldiers currently deployed, previously deployed, and never deployed at the time this study was conducted. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This longitudinal, retrospective cohort study of Regular Army–enlisted soldiers on active duty from 2004 through 2009 used individual-level person-month records to examine risk factors (sociodemographic, service related, and mental health), method, and time of suicide attempt by deployment status (never, currently, and previously deployed). Administrative data for the month before each of 9650 incident suicide attempts and an equal-probability sample of 153 528 control person-months for other soldiers were analyzed using a discrete-time survival framework. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Suicide attempts and career, mental health, and demographic predictors were obtained from administrative and medical records. RESULTS Of the 9650 enlisted soldiers who attempted suicide, 86.3% were male, 68.4% were younger than 30 years, 59.8% were non-Hispanic white, 76.5%were high school educated, and 54.7% were currently married. The 40.4% of enlisted soldiers who had never been deployed (n = 12 421 294 person-months) accounted for 61.1% of enlisted soldiers who attempted suicide (n = 5894 cases). Risk among those never deployed was highest in the second month of service (103 per 100 000 person-months). Risk among soldiers on their first deployment was highest in the sixth month of deployment (25 per 100 000 person-months). For those previously deployed, risk was highest at 5 months after return (40 per 100 000 person-months). Currently and previously deployed soldiers were more likely to attempt suicide with a firearm than those never deployed (currently deployed: OR, 4.0; 95% CI, 2.9–5.6; previously deployed: OR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.8–3.9). Across deployment status, suicide attempts were more likely among soldiers who were women (currently deployed: OR, 3.4; 95% CI, 3.0–4.0; previously deployed: OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.4–1.7; and never deployed: OR, 2.4; 95% CI, 2.3–2.6), in their first 2 years of service (currently deployed: OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.5–2.3; previously deployed: OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.9–2.7; and never deployed: OR, 3.1; 95% CI, 2.7–3.6), and had a recently received a mental health diagnosis in the previous month (currently deployed: OR, 29.8; 95% CI, 25.0–35.5; previously deployed: OR, 22.2; 95% CI, 20.1–24.4; and never deployed: OR, 15.0; 95% CI, 14.2–16.0). Among soldiers with 1 previous deployment, odds of a suicide attempt were higher for those who screened positive for depression or posttraumatic stress disorder after return from deployment and particularly at follow-up screening, about 4 to 6 months after deployment (depression: OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.1–1.9; posttraumatic stress disorder: OR, 2.4; 95% CI, 2.1–2.8). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Identifying the timing and risk factors for suicide attempt in soldiers requires consideration of environmental context, individual characteristics, and mental health. These factors can inform prevention efforts. PMID:27224848

Risk Factors, Methods, and Timing of Suicide Attempts Among US Army Soldiers.

PubMed

Ursano, Robert J; Kessler, Ronald C; Stein, Murray B; Naifeh, James A; Aliaga, Pablo A; Fullerton, Carol S; Wynn, Gary H; Vegella, Patti L; Ng, Tsz Hin Hinz; Zhang, Bailey G; Wryter, Christina L; Sampson, Nancy A; Kao, Tzu-Cheg; Colpe, Lisa J; Schoenbaum, Michael; McCarroll, James E; Cox, Kenneth L; Heeringa, Steven G

2016-07-01

Suicide attempts in the US Army have risen in the past decade. Understanding the association between suicide attempts and deployment, as well as method and timing of suicide attempts, can assist in developing interventions. To examine suicide attempt risk factors, methods, and timing among soldiers currently deployed, previously deployed, and never deployed at the time this study was conducted. This longitudinal, retrospective cohort study of Regular Army-enlisted soldiers on active duty from 2004 through 2009 used individual-level person-month records to examine risk factors (sociodemographic, service related, and mental health), method, and time of suicide attempt by deployment status (never, currently, and previously deployed). Administrative data for the month before each of 9650 incident suicide attempts and an equal-probability sample of 153 528 control person-months for other soldiers were analyzed using a discrete-time survival framework. Suicide attempts and career, mental health, and demographic predictors were obtained from administrative and medical records. Of the 9650 enlisted soldiers who attempted suicide, 86.3% were male, 68.4% were younger than 30 years, 59.8% were non-Hispanic white, 76.5% were high school educated, and 54.7% were currently married. The 40.4% of enlisted soldiers who had never been deployed (n = 12 421 294 person-months) accounted for 61.1% of enlisted soldiers who attempted suicide (n = 5894 cases). Risk among those never deployed was highest in the second month of service (103 per 100 000 person-months). Risk among soldiers on their first deployment was highest in the sixth month of deployment (25 per 100 000 person-months). For those previously deployed, risk was highest at 5 months after return (40 per 100 000 person-months). Currently and previously deployed soldiers were more likely to attempt suicide with a firearm than those never deployed (currently deployed: OR, 4.0; 95% CI, 2.9-5.6; previously deployed: OR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.8-3.9). Across deployment status, suicide attempts were more likely among soldiers who were women (currently deployed: OR, 3.4; 95% CI, 3.0-4.0; previously deployed: OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.4-1.7; and never deployed: OR, 2.4; 95% CI, 2.3-2.6), in their first 2 years of service (currently deployed: OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.5-2.3; previously deployed: OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.9-2.7; and never deployed: OR, 3.1; 95% CI, 2.7-3.6), and had a recently received a mental health diagnosis in the previous month (currently deployed: OR, 29.8; 95% CI, 25.0-35.5; previously deployed: OR, 22.2; 95% CI, 20.1-24.4; and never deployed: OR, 15.0; 95% CI, 14.2-16.0). Among soldiers with 1 previous deployment, odds of a suicide attempt were higher for those who screened positive for depression or posttraumatic stress disorder after return from deployment and particularly at follow-up screening, about 4 to 6 months after deployment (depression: OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.1-1.9; posttraumatic stress disorder: OR, 2.4; 95% CI, 2.1-2.8). Identifying the timing and risk factors for suicide attempt in soldiers requires consideration of environmental context, individual characteristics, and mental health. These factors can inform prevention efforts.

Self-Deployable Membrane Structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sokolowski, Witold M.; Willis, Paul B.; Tan, Seng C.

2010-01-01

Currently existing approaches for deployment of large, ultra-lightweight gossamer structures in space rely typically upon electromechanical mechanisms and mechanically expandable or inflatable booms for deployment and to maintain them in a fully deployed, operational configuration. These support structures, with the associated deployment mechanisms, launch restraints, inflation systems, and controls, can comprise more than 90 percent of the total mass budget. In addition, they significantly increase the stowage volume, cost, and complexity. A CHEM (cold hibernated elastic memory) membrane structure without any deployable mechanism and support booms/structure is deployed by using shape memory and elastic recovery. The use of CHEM micro-foams reinforced with carbon nanotubes is considered for thin-membrane structure applications. In this advanced structural concept, the CHEM membrane structure is warmed up to allow packaging and stowing prior to launch, and then cooled to induce hibernation of the internal restoring forces. In space, the membrane remembers its original shape and size when warmed up. After the internal restoring forces deploy the structure, it is then cooled to achieve rigidization. For this type of structure, the solar radiation could be utilized as the heat energy used for deployment and space ambient temperature for rigidization. The overall simplicity of the CHEM self-deployable membrane is one of its greatest assets. In present approaches to space-deployable structures, the stow age and deployment are difficult and challenging, and introduce a significant risk, heavy mass, and high cost. Simple procedures provided by CHEM membrane greatly simplify the overall end-to-end process for designing, fabricating, deploying, and rigidizing large structures. The CHEM membrane avoids the complexities associated with other methods for deploying and rigidizing structures by eliminating deployable booms, deployment mechanisms, and inflation and control systems that can use up the majority of the mass budget

USDOT guidance summary for connected vehicle deployments : deployment outreach.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-07-01

This document provides guidance material in regards to the outreach activities in the CV Pilot Deployment ConceptDevelopment Phase and deployment outreach plan in the Deployment Phases. This guidance provides keyrequirements and references in develop...

Assessing Health Outcomes After Environmental Exposures Associated With Open Pit Burning in Deployed US Service Members.

PubMed

Rohrbeck, Patricia; Hu, Zheng; Mallon, Col Timothy M

2016-08-01

This study assessed the long-term health impact of environmental exposures associated with open pit burning in deployed US service members. Two hundred individuals deployed to Balad, Iraq, and Bagram, Afghanistan, with known exposure to open pits, were matched to 200 non-deployed service members. Both cohorts were observed for adverse health outcomes after returning from deployment. Slight increased risks were observed for respiratory diseases in the Bagram cohort (adj RR: 1.259), and for cardiovascular disease in the Balad cohort (adj RR: 1.072), but the findings were not significant. The combined deployed cohort showed lower risks for adverse health outcomes, suggesting a healthy deployer effect. In conclusion, this study did not find significantly increased risks for selected health outcomes after burn pit exposure during deployment among two deployed cohorts compared with a non-deployed cohort.

Origami-inspired, on-demand deployable and collapsible mechanical metamaterials with tunable stiffness

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhai, Zirui; Wang, Yong; Jiang, Hanqing

2018-03-01

Origami has been employed to build deployable mechanical metamaterials through folding and unfolding along the crease lines. Deployable metamaterials are usually flexible, particularly along their deploying and collapsing directions, which unfortunately in many cases leads to an unstable deployed state, i.e., small perturbations may collapse the structure along the same deployment path. Here we create an origami-inspired mechanical metamaterial with on-demand deployability and selective collapsibility through energy analysis. This metamaterial has autonomous deployability from the collapsed state and can be selectively collapsed along two different paths, embodying low stiffness for one path and substantially high stiffness for another path. The created mechanical metamaterial yields load-bearing capability in the deployed direction while possessing great deployability and collapsibility. The principle in this work can be utilized to design and create versatile origami-inspired mechanical metamaterials that can find many applications.

Origami-inspired, on-demand deployable and collapsible mechanical metamaterials with tunable stiffness.

PubMed

Zhai, Zirui; Wang, Yong; Jiang, Hanqing

2018-02-27

Origami has been employed to build deployable mechanical metamaterials through folding and unfolding along the crease lines. Deployable metamaterials are usually flexible, particularly along their deploying and collapsing directions, which unfortunately in many cases leads to an unstable deployed state, i.e., small perturbations may collapse the structure along the same deployment path. Here we create an origami-inspired mechanical metamaterial with on-demand deployability and selective collapsibility through energy analysis. This metamaterial has autonomous deployability from the collapsed state and can be selectively collapsed along two different paths, embodying low stiffness for one path and substantially high stiffness for another path. The created mechanical metamaterial yields load-bearing capability in the deployed direction while possessing great deployability and collapsibility. The principle in this work can be utilized to design and create versatile origami-inspired mechanical metamaterials that can find many applications. Copyright © 2018 the Author(s). Published by PNAS.

Origami-inspired, on-demand deployable and collapsible mechanical metamaterials with tunable stiffness

PubMed Central

Zhai, Zirui; Wang, Yong

2018-01-01

Origami has been employed to build deployable mechanical metamaterials through folding and unfolding along the crease lines. Deployable metamaterials are usually flexible, particularly along their deploying and collapsing directions, which unfortunately in many cases leads to an unstable deployed state, i.e., small perturbations may collapse the structure along the same deployment path. Here we create an origami-inspired mechanical metamaterial with on-demand deployability and selective collapsibility through energy analysis. This metamaterial has autonomous deployability from the collapsed state and can be selectively collapsed along two different paths, embodying low stiffness for one path and substantially high stiffness for another path. The created mechanical metamaterial yields load-bearing capability in the deployed direction while possessing great deployability and collapsibility. The principle in this work can be utilized to design and create versatile origami-inspired mechanical metamaterials that can find many applications. PMID:29440441

Fixed-axis electric sail deployment dynamics analysis using hub-mounted momentum control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fulton, JoAnna; Schaub, Hanspeter

2018-03-01

The deployment dynamics of a spin stabilized electric sail (E-sail) with a hub-mounted control actuator are investigated. Both radial and tangential deployment mechanisms are considered to take the electric sail from a post-launch stowed configuration to a fully deployed configuration. The tangential configuration assumes the multi-kilometer tethers are wound up on the exterior of the spacecraft hub, similar to yo-yo despinner configurations. The deployment speed is controlled through the hub rate. The radial deployment configuration assumes each tether is on its own spool. Here both the hub and spool rate are control variables. The sensitivity of the deployment behavior to E-sail length, maximum rate and tension parameters is investigated. A constant hub rate deployment is compared to a time varying hub rate that maintains a constant tether tension condition. The deployment time can be reduced by a factor of 2 or more by using a tension controlled deployment configuration.

A combination of spatial and recursive temporal filtering for noise reduction when using region of interest (ROI) fluoroscopy for patient dose reduction in image guided vascular interventions with significant anatomical motion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Setlur Nagesh, S. V.; Khobragade, P.; Ionita, C.; Bednarek, D. R.; Rudin, S.

2015-03-01

Because x-ray based image-guided vascular interventions are minimally invasive they are currently the most preferred method of treating disorders such as stroke, arterial stenosis, and aneurysms; however, the x-ray exposure to the patient during long image-guided interventional procedures could cause harmful effects such as cancer in the long run and even tissue damage in the short term. ROI fluoroscopy reduces patient dose by differentially attenuating the incident x-rays outside the region-of-interest. To reduce the noise in the dose-reduced regions previously recursive temporal filtering was successfully demonstrated for neurovascular interventions. However, in cardiac interventions, anatomical motion is significant and excessive recursive filtering could cause blur. In this work the effects of three noise-reduction schemes, including recursive temporal filtering, spatial mean filtering, and a combination of spatial and recursive temporal filtering, were investigated in a simulated ROI dose-reduced cardiac intervention. First a model to simulate the aortic arch and its movement was built. A coronary stent was used to simulate a bioprosthetic valve used in TAVR procedures and was deployed under dose-reduced ROI fluoroscopy during the simulated heart motion. The images were then retrospectively processed for noise reduction in the periphery, using recursive temporal filtering, spatial filtering and a combination of both. Quantitative metrics for all three noise reduction schemes are calculated and are presented as results. From these it can be concluded that with significant anatomical motion, a combination of spatial and recursive temporal filtering scheme is best suited for reducing the excess quantum noise in the periphery. This new noise-reduction technique in combination with ROI fluoroscopy has the potential for substantial patient-dose savings in cardiac interventions.

Data model, dictionaries, and desiderata for biomolecular simulation data indexing and sharing

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Few environments have been developed or deployed to widely share biomolecular simulation data or to enable collaborative networks to facilitate data exploration and reuse. As the amount and complexity of data generated by these simulations is dramatically increasing and the methods are being more widely applied, the need for new tools to manage and share this data has become obvious. In this paper we present the results of a process aimed at assessing the needs of the community for data representation standards to guide the implementation of future repositories for biomolecular simulations. Results We introduce a list of common data elements, inspired by previous work, and updated according to feedback from the community collected through a survey and personal interviews. These data elements integrate the concepts for multiple types of computational methods, including quantum chemistry and molecular dynamics. The identified core data elements were organized into a logical model to guide the design of new databases and application programming interfaces. Finally a set of dictionaries was implemented to be used via SQL queries or locally via a Java API built upon the Apache Lucene text-search engine. Conclusions The model and its associated dictionaries provide a simple yet rich representation of the concepts related to biomolecular simulations, which should guide future developments of repositories and more complex terminologies and ontologies. The model still remains extensible through the decomposition of virtual experiments into tasks and parameter sets, and via the use of extended attributes. The benefits of a common logical model for biomolecular simulations was illustrated through various use cases, including data storage, indexing, and presentation. All the models and dictionaries introduced in this paper are available for download at http://ibiomes.chpc.utah.edu/mediawiki/index.php/Downloads. PMID:24484917

Image-Guided Biopsy in the Esophagus through Comprehensive Optical Frequency Domain Imaging and Laser Marking: A Study in Living Swine

PubMed Central

Suter, Melissa J.; Jillella, Priyanka A.; Vakoc, Benjamin J.; Halpern, Elkan F.; Mino-Kenudson, Mari; Lauwers, Gregory Y.; Bouma, Brett E.; Nishioka, Norman S.; Tearney, Guillermo J.

2010-01-01

Background Random biopsy esophageal surveillance can be subject to sampling errors, resulting in diagnostic uncertainty. Optical frequency domain imaging (OFDI) is a high-speed, three-dimensional endoscopic microscopy technique. When deployed through a balloon-centering catheter, OFDI can automatically image the entire distal esophagus (6.0 cm length) in approximately 2 minutes. Objective To test a new platform for guided biopsy that allows the operator to select target regions of interest on an OFDI dataset, and then use a laser to mark the esophagus at corresponding locations. The specific goals include determining the optimal laser parameters, testing the accuracy of the laser marking process, evaluating the endoscopic visibility of the laser marks, and assessing the amount of mucosal damage produced by the laser. Design Experimental study conducted in five swine in vivo. Setting Massachusetts General Hospital. Main Outcome Measurements Success rate, including endoscopic visibility of laser marks and accuracy of the laser marking process for selected target sites, and extent of the thermal damage caused by the laser marks. Results All of the laser-induced marks were visible by endoscopy. Target locations were correctly marked with a success rate of 97.07% (95% CI, 89.8%-99.7%). Thermal damage was limited to the superficial layers of the mucosa and was observed to partially heal within 2 days. Limitations An animal study with artificially placed targets to simulate pathology. Conclusions The study demonstrates that laser marking of esophageal sites identified in comprehensive OFDI datasets is feasible and can be performed with sufficient accuracy, precision, and visibility to guide biopsy in vivo. PMID:19879573

Enabling digital pathology in the diagnostic setting: navigating through the implementation journey in an academic medical centre.

PubMed

Cheng, Chee Leong; Azhar, Rafay; Sng, Shi Hui Adeline; Chua, Yong Quan; Hwang, Jacqueline Siok Gek; Chin, Jennifer Poi Fun; Seah, Waih Khuen; Loke, Janel Chui Ling; Ang, Roy Hang Leng; Tan, Puay Hoon

2016-09-01

As digital pathology (DP) and whole slide imaging (WSI) technology advance and mature, there is an increasing drive to incorporate DP into the diagnostic environment. However, integration of DP into the diagnostic laboratory is a non-trivial task and filled with unexpected challenges unlike standalone implementations. We share our journey of implementing DP in the diagnostic laboratory setting, highlighting seven key guiding principles that drive the progression through implementation into deployment and beyond. The DP implementation with laboratory information system integration was completed in 8 months, including validation of the solution for diagnostic use in accordance with College of American Pathologists guidelines. We also conducted prospective validation via paired delivery of glass slides and WSI to our pathologists postdeployment. Common themes in our guiding principles included emphasis on workflow and being comprehensive in the approach, looking beyond pathologist user champions and expanding into an extended project team involving laboratory technicians, clerical/data room staff and archival staff. Concordance between glass slides and WSI ranged from 93% to 100% among various applications on validation. We also provided equal opportunities for every pathologist throughout the department to be competent and confident with DP through prospective validation, with overall concordance of 96% compared with glass slides, allowing appreciation of the advantages and limitations of WSI, hence enabling the use of DP as a useful diagnostic modality. Smooth integration of DP into the diagnostic laboratory is possible with careful planning, discipline and a systematic approach adhering to our guiding principles. 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/

Multimode C-arm fluoroscopy, tomosynthesis, and cone-beam CT for image-guided interventions: from proof of principle to patient protocols

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Siewerdsen, J. H.; Daly, M. J.; Bachar, G.; Moseley, D. J.; Bootsma, G.; Brock, K. K.; Ansell, S.; Wilson, G. A.; Chhabra, S.; Jaffray, D. A.; Irish, J. C.

2007-03-01

High-performance intraoperative imaging is essential to an ever-expanding scope of therapeutic procedures ranging from tumor surgery to interventional radiology. The need for precise visualization of bony and soft-tissue structures with minimal obstruction to the therapy setup presents challenges and opportunities in the development of novel imaging technologies specifically for image-guided procedures. Over the past ~5 years, a mobile C-arm has been modified in collaboration with Siemens Medical Solutions for 3D imaging. Based upon a Siemens PowerMobil, the device includes: a flat-panel detector (Varian PaxScan 4030CB); a motorized orbit; a system for geometric calibration; integration with real-time tracking and navigation (NDI Polaris); and a computer control system for multi-mode fluoroscopy, tomosynthesis, and cone-beam CT. Investigation of 3D imaging performance (noise-equivalent quanta), image quality (human observer studies), and image artifacts (scatter, truncation, and cone-beam artifacts) has driven the development of imaging techniques appropriate to a host of image-guided interventions. Multi-mode functionality presents a valuable spectrum of acquisition techniques: i.) fluoroscopy for real-time 2D guidance; ii.) limited-angle tomosynthesis for fast 3D imaging (e.g., ~10 sec acquisition of coronal slices containing the surgical target); and iii.) fully 3D cone-beam CT (e.g., ~30-60 sec acquisition providing bony and soft-tissue visualization across the field of view). Phantom and cadaver studies clearly indicate the potential for improved surgical performance - up to a factor of 2 increase in challenging surgical target excisions. The C-arm system is currently being deployed in patient protocols ranging from brachytherapy to chest, breast, spine, and head and neck surgery.

Deployable wing model considering structural flexibility and aerodynamic unsteadiness for deployment system design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Otsuka, Keisuke; Wang, Yinan; Makihara, Kanjuro

2017-11-01

In future, wings will be deployed in the span direction during flight. The deployment system improves flight ability and saves storage space in the airplane. For the safe design of the wing, the deployment motion needs to be simulated. In the simulation, the structural flexibility and aerodynamic unsteadiness should be considered because they may lead to undesirable phenomena such as a residual vibration after the deployment or a flutter during the deployment. In this study, the deployment motion is simulated in the time domain by using a nonlinear folding wing model based on multibody dynamics, absolute nodal coordinate formulation, and two-dimensional aerodynamics with strip theory. We investigate the effect of the structural flexibility and aerodynamic unsteadiness on the time-domain deployment simulation.

U.S. Service Member Deployment in Response to the Ebola Crisis: The Psychological Perspective.

PubMed

Sipos, Maurice L; Kim, Paul Y; Thomas, Stephen J; Adler, Amy B

2018-03-01

In the fall of 2014, the United States and other nations responded to the worst outbreak of the Ebola virus disease in history. As part of this effort, U.S. service members deployed to West Africa to support a spectrum of activities that did not involve direct patient care. Although previous studies identified the psychological impact of responding to an outbreak, these studies were limited to retrospective data, small sample sizes, and medical personnel. The goals of the present study were to (a) document the mental health and well-being of troops deploying in response to an infectious disease outbreak; (b) identify their stressors, attitudes toward deployment, and health risk concerns; and (c) understand the role of combat experience in adjusting to these types of missions. Study participants at both pre- and during deployment were active duty U.S. soldiers in a combat aviation battalion from a large U.S. military installation. U.S. soldiers were surveyed (n = 251) 3 wk before deploying to Liberia (October 2014) and surveyed again during their deployment (February 2015; n = 173). Participants were primarily male (86.1%), junior ranking (56.0%), and just over half had previous combat deployment experience (51.2%). Surveys were anonymous and not linked to one another over time. Overall rates of mental health problems were low (2.4% at pre-deployment and 5.8% during deployment), whereas sleep problems were reported by 4.9% at pre-deployment and 12% during deployment. At pre-deployment, top stressors focused on health threats; fewer stressors were reported during deployment. Soldiers were relatively less concerned about contracting Ebola than other more prevalent diseases. Soldiers with combat experience reported more somatic and sleep problems at pre-deployment than those without previous combat experience. There were no significant differences during deployment between those with and without previous combat experience. Overall, a small proportion of respondents reported significant rates of mental health problems. In contrast, sleep problems were reported by 12% during deployment. In terms of attitudes toward the mission, the vast majority reported that they knew what to do to protect themselves from disease and that they understood the potential risk involved. The study also confirmed previous findings that soldiers with previous combat experience had more somatic symptoms at pre-deployment than those without, although this distinction appeared limited to the pre-deployment phase. Results can be used to address anxiety by personnel during pre-deployment and to inform leadership preparing personnel to deploy in response to future infectious disease outbreaks.

Next-generation airbags and the possibility of negative outcomes due to thoracic injury.

PubMed

Khouzam, Rami N; Al-Mawed, Saleem; Farah, Victor; Mizeracki, Adam

2014-04-01

Airbags have been shown to decrease morbidity and mortality associated with motor vehicle accidents when used in conjunction with seat belts. Airbag deployment alone however, has recently been implicated as a cause of significant thoracic injuries to unrestrained drivers. Resulting injuries include major cardiovascular and pulmonary complications. Airbags provide safety to occupants of cars and reduce mortality by 25%-30%. When not used in accordance with international standards, however, they can cause serious injury. We searched online databases from 1970 to January 2013 and included 17 retrospective studies, 12 systematic review articles, 18 case reports, 5 prospective studies, 1 lab study, 3 cohort studies, and 1 meta-analysis. Outcomes included clinical/functional response, left ventricular remodelling, hospitalizations, and mortality. Physicians must maintain a high index of suspicion for injury when evaluating drivers who were not wearing seat belts when airbags deployed, regardless of the speed of the collision, because increased risk of thoracic injury with airbags has been described in the literature. Our review indicates that even new technology, specifically the side air bag, has been associated with a risk of thoracic injury. Considering that regulations are a driving force for airbag technology, further research and scrutiny by medical teams is needed to consider the effects of airbag technology advancements on morbidity and mortality rates of car accidents, to help in guiding further improvement, and to help lawmakers in implementing rules that protect the safety of occupants. Copyright © 2014 Canadian Cardiovascular Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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

Lee, Cheng-Hung; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan; Jhong, Guan-Heng

The deployment of metallic stents during percutaneous coronary intervention has become common in the treatment of coronary bifurcation lesions. However, restenosis occurs mostly at the bifurcation area even in present era of drug-eluting stents. To achieve adequate deployment, physicians may unintentionally apply force to the strut of the stents through balloon, guiding catheters, or other devices. This force may deform the struts and impose excessive mechanical stresses on the arterial vessels, resulting in detrimental outcomes. This study investigated the relationship between the distribution of stress in a stent and bifurcation angle using finite element analysis. The unintentionally applied force followingmore » stent implantation was measured using a force sensor that was made in the laboratory. Geometrical information on the coronary arteries of 11 subjects was extracted from contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan data. The numerical results reveal that the application of force by physicians generated significantly higher mechanical stresses in the arterial bifurcation than in the proximal and distal parts of the stent (post hoc P < 0.01). The maximal stress on the vessels was significantly higher at bifurcation angle <70° than at angle ≧70° (P < 0.05). The maximal stress on the vessels was negatively correlated with bifurcation angle (P < 0.01). Stresses at the bifurcation ostium may cause arterial wall injury and restenosis, especially at small bifurcation angles. These finding highlight the effect of force-induced mechanical stress at coronary artery bifurcation stenting, and potential mechanisms of in-stent restenosis, along with their relationship with bifurcation angle.« less

The GMOD Drupal bioinformatic server framework.

PubMed

Papanicolaou, Alexie; Heckel, David G

2010-12-15

Next-generation sequencing technologies have led to the widespread use of -omic applications. As a result, there is now a pronounced bioinformatic bottleneck. The general model organism database (GMOD) tool kit (http://gmod.org) has produced a number of resources aimed at addressing this issue. It lacks, however, a robust online solution that can deploy heterogeneous data and software within a Web content management system (CMS). We present a bioinformatic framework for the Drupal CMS. It consists of three modules. First, GMOD-DBSF is an application programming interface module for the Drupal CMS that simplifies the programming of bioinformatic Drupal modules. Second, the Drupal Bioinformatic Software Bench (biosoftware_bench) allows for a rapid and secure deployment of bioinformatic software. An innovative graphical user interface (GUI) guides both use and administration of the software, including the secure provision of pre-publication datasets. Third, we present genes4all_experiment, which exemplifies how our work supports the wider research community. Given the infrastructure presented here, the Drupal CMS may become a powerful new tool set for bioinformaticians. The GMOD-DBSF base module is an expandable community resource that decreases development time of Drupal modules for bioinformatics. The biosoftware_bench module can already enhance biologists' ability to mine their own data. The genes4all_experiment module has already been responsible for archiving of more than 150 studies of RNAi from Lepidoptera, which were previously unpublished. Implemented in PHP and Perl. Freely available under the GNU Public License 2 or later from http://gmod-dbsf.googlecode.com.

The strategies WDK: a graphical search interface and web development kit for functional genomics databases

PubMed Central

Fischer, Steve; Aurrecoechea, Cristina; Brunk, Brian P.; Gao, Xin; Harb, Omar S.; Kraemer, Eileen T.; Pennington, Cary; Treatman, Charles; Kissinger, Jessica C.; Roos, David S.; Stoeckert, Christian J.

2011-01-01

Web sites associated with the Eukaryotic Pathogen Bioinformatics Resource Center (EuPathDB.org) have recently introduced a graphical user interface, the Strategies WDK, intended to make advanced searching and set and interval operations easy and accessible to all users. With a design guided by usability studies, the system helps motivate researchers to perform dynamic computational experiments and explore relationships across data sets. For example, PlasmoDB users seeking novel therapeutic targets may wish to locate putative enzymes that distinguish pathogens from their hosts, and that are expressed during appropriate developmental stages. When a researcher runs one of the approximately 100 searches available on the site, the search is presented as a first step in a strategy. The strategy is extended by running additional searches, which are combined with set operators (union, intersect or minus), or genomic interval operators (overlap, contains). A graphical display uses Venn diagrams to make the strategy’s flow obvious. The interface facilitates interactive adjustment of the component searches with changes propagating forward through the strategy. Users may save their strategies, creating protocols that can be shared with colleagues. The strategy system has now been deployed on all EuPathDB databases, and successfully deployed by other projects. The Strategies WDK uses a configurable MVC architecture that is compatible with most genomics and biological warehouse databases, and is available for download at code.google.com/p/strategies-wdk. Database URL: www.eupathdb.org PMID:21705364

Guide for mass prophylaxis of hospital employees in preparation for a bioterrorist attack.

PubMed

Lee, Jeremy John; Johnson, Shannon John; Sohmer, Michael J

2009-03-15

The key elements required for the health-system pharmacist to prepare and implement a hospital-based mass prophylaxis distribution effort for hospital employees are described. A bioterrorist attack may involve multiple jurisdictions which would necessitate a regional response. Pharmacists should collaborate not only with colleagues in their immediate areas, but also with pharmacists and emergency-management planners in neighboring counties and jurisdictions. Pharmacists must also develop antibiotic drug selection protocols and define the quantity needed to maintain hospital operations after a bioterrorist attack. Once the desired antibiotics have been selected and the number of employees has been determined, along with the length of prophylaxis therapy, it should be determined how much money will be needed to purchase and store enough medications to meet the need. Next, provisions must be made to acquire and store the antibiotic cache, with attention paid to cache rotation and packaging and repackaging recommendations. A detailed procedure for the deployment of an antibiotic cache must be developed. This procedure should include job descriptions and job action sheets for deployment team members and plans for receiving and dispensing antibiotics from the Strategic National Stockpile. Once the employee prophylaxis procedure is developed, staff must be educated about it, and exercises should be conducted to identify possible weaknesses in the procedure. Health-system pharmacists should play an active role in designing and implementing an antibiotic prophylaxis plan for employees for a potential bioterrorist attack. Understanding and following procedures provided in the tool kit are critical to their successful readiness.

Pre-deployment dissociation and personality as risk factors for post-deployment post-traumatic stress disorder in Danish soldiers deployed to Afghanistan

PubMed Central

Ponce de León, Beatriz; Andersen, Søren; Karstoft, Karen-Inge; Elklit, Ask

2018-01-01

ABSTRACT Objective: This study investigated whether pre-deployment dissociation was associated with previously identified post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom trajectories from before to 2.5 years after military deployment. Furthermore, it examined whether the tendency to dissociate, pre-deployment personality factors, conceptualized by the Big Five model, and previous trauma represented independent risk factors for post-deployment PTSD symptoms. Method: This prospective study included the entire team of 743 soldiers from the Danish Contingent of the International Security Assistance Force 7 deployed to Afghanistan in 2009. Data consisted of self-report measures and were collected six times: before deployment; during deployment; and 1–3 weeks, 2 months, 7 months and 2.5 years after homecoming. Results: The findings indicate significant associations between pre-deployment dissociation and six PTSD trajectories (p < 0.001, η2 = 0.120). Based on mean differences in dissociation for the six trajectories, two main groups emerged: a group with high dissociation scores at pre-deployment, which had moderate PTSD symptom levels at pre-deployment and fluctuated over time; and a group with low dissociation scores at pre-deployment, which had low initial PTSD symptom levels and diverged over time. Our study also confirmed previous findings of a positive association between neuroticism and dissociation (r = 0.31, p < 0.001). This suggests that negative emotionality may be a vulnerability that enhances dissociative experiences, although a causal link cannot be concluded from the findings. Finally, pre-deployment dissociation, pre-deployment neuroticism and a history of traumatic events, as independent factors, were significant predictors of post-deployment PTSD (p < 0.001, R2 = 0.158). Conclusions: The study emphasizes the multiplicity of factors involved in the development of PTSD, and group differences in dissociative symptoms support the heterogeneity in PTSD. Further, this study points to specific aspects of personality that may be targeted in a clinical setting and in pre-deployment assessments in the military. PMID:29707166

Coverage-guaranteed sensor node deployment strategies for wireless sensor networks.

PubMed

Fan, Gaojuan; Wang, Ruchuan; Huang, Haiping; Sun, Lijuan; Sha, Chao

2010-01-01

Deployment quality and cost are two conflicting aspects in wireless sensor networks. Random deployment, where the monitored field is covered by randomly and uniformly deployed sensor nodes, is an appropriate approach for large-scale network applications. However, their successful applications depend considerably on the deployment quality that uses the minimum number of sensors to achieve a desired coverage. Currently, the number of sensors required to meet the desired coverage is based on asymptotic analysis, which cannot meet deployment quality due to coverage overestimation in real applications. In this paper, we first investigate the coverage overestimation and address the challenge of designing coverage-guaranteed deployment strategies. To overcome this problem, we propose two deployment strategies, namely, the Expected-area Coverage Deployment (ECD) and BOundary Assistant Deployment (BOAD). The deployment quality of the two strategies is analyzed mathematically. Under the analysis, a lower bound on the number of deployed sensor nodes is given to satisfy the desired deployment quality. We justify the correctness of our analysis through rigorous proof, and validate the effectiveness of the two strategies through extensive simulation experiments. The simulation results show that both strategies alleviate the coverage overestimation significantly. In addition, we also evaluate two proposed strategies in the context of target detection application. The comparison results demonstrate that if the target appears at the boundary of monitored region in a given random deployment, the average intrusion distance of BOAD is considerably shorter than that of ECD with the same desired deployment quality. In contrast, ECD has better performance in terms of the average intrusion distance when the invasion of intruder is from the inside of monitored region.

The role of stress sensitization in progression of posttraumatic distress following deployment.

PubMed

Smid, Geert E; Kleber, Rolf J; Rademaker, Arthur R; van Zuiden, Mirjam; Vermetten, Eric

2013-11-01

Military personnel exposed to combat are at risk for experiencing post-traumatic distress that can progress over time following deployment. We hypothesized that progression of post-traumatic distress may be related to enhanced susceptibility to post-deployment stressors. This study aimed at examining the concept of stress sensitization prospectively in a sample of Dutch military personnel deployed in support of the conflicts in Afghanistan. In a cohort of soldiers (N = 814), symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were assessed before deployment as well as 2, 7, 14, and 26 months (N = 433; 53 %) after their return. Data were analyzed using latent growth modeling. Using multiple group analysis, we examined whether high combat stress exposure during deployment moderated the relation between post-deployment stressors and linear change in post-traumatic distress after deployment. A higher baseline level of post-traumatic distress was associated with more early life stressors (standardized regression coefficient = 0.30, p < 0.001). In addition, a stronger increase in posttraumatic distress during deployment was associated with more deployment stressors (standardized coefficient = 0.21, p < 0.001). A steeper linear increase in posttraumatic distress post-deployment (from 2 to 26 months) was predicted by more post-deployment stressors (standardized coefficient = 0.29, p < 0.001) in high combat stress exposed soldiers, but not in a less combat stress exposed group. The group difference in the predictive effect of post-deployment stressors on progression of post-traumatic distress was significant (χ²(1) = 7.85, p = 0.005). Progression of post-traumatic distress following combat exposure may be related to sensitization to the effects of post-deployment stressors during the first year following return from deployment.

Cigarette smoking and military deployment: a prospective evaluation.

PubMed

Smith, Besa; Ryan, Margaret A K; Wingard, Deborah L; Patterson, Thomas L; Slymen, Donald J; Macera, Caroline A

2008-12-01

The stress of military deployment may compound occupational stress experienced in the military and manifest in maladaptive coping behaviors such as cigarette smoking. The current study describes new smoking among never-smokers, smoking recidivism among past smokers, and change in daily smoking among smokers in relation to military deployment. The Millennium Cohort is a 21-year longitudinal study. The current analysis utilized participants (N=48,304) who submitted baseline data (July 2001-June 2003) before the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan and follow-up data (June 2004-January 2006) on health measures. New smoking was identified among baseline never-smokers, smoking recidivism among baseline past smokers, and increased or decreased daily smoking among baseline smokers. Analyses were conducted March 2007-April 2007. Among never-smokers, smoking initiation was identified in 1.3% of nondeployers and 2.3% of deployers. Among past smokers, smoking resumption occurred in 28.7% of nondeployers and 39.4% of those who deployed. Smoking increased 44% among nondeployers and 57% among deployers. Those who deployed and reported combat exposures were at 1.6 times greater odds of initiating smoking among baseline never-smokers (95% CI=1.2, 2.3) and at 1.3 times greater odds of resuming smoking among baseline past smokers when compared to those who did not report combat exposures. Other deployment factors independently associated with postdeployment smoking recidivism included deploying for >9 months and deploying multiple times. Among those who smoked at baseline, deployment was not associated with changes in daily amount smoked. Military deployment is associated with smoking initiation and, more strongly, with smoking recidivism, particularly among those with prolonged deployments, multiple deployments, or combat exposures. Prevention programs should focus on the prevention of smoking relapse during or after deployment.

Connected Vehicle Pilot Deployment Program phase I : comprehensive Pilot Deployment Plan : Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-07-01

The Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) Connected Vehicle (CV) Pilot Deployment Program is part of a national effort to advance CV technologies by deploying, demonstrating, testing and offering lessons learned for future deployers. The THE...

What pre-deployment and early post-deployment factors predict health function after combat deployment?: a prospective longitudinal study of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF)/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) soldiers

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Physical and mental function are strong indicators of disability and mortality. OEF/OIF Veterans returning from deployment have been found to have poorer function than soldiers who have not deployed; however the reasons for this are unknown. Methods A prospective cohort of 790 soldiers was assessed both pre- and immediately after deployment to determine predictors of physical and mental function after war. Results On average, OEF/OIF Veterans showed significant declines in both physical (t=6.65, p<.0001) and mental function (t=7.11, p<.0001). After controlling for pre-deployment function, poorer physical function after deployment was associated with older age, more physical symptoms, blunted systolic blood pressure reactivity and being injured. After controlling for pre-deployment function, poorer mental function after deployment was associated with younger age, lower social desirability, lower social support, greater physical symptoms and greater PTSD symptoms. Conclusions Combat deployment was associated with an immediate decline in both mental and physical function. The relationship of combat deployment to function is complex and influenced by demographic, psychosocial, physiological and experiential factors. Social support and physical symptoms emerged as potentially modifiable factors. PMID:23631419

Concentric Tube Robots as Steerable Needles: Achieving Follow-the-Leader Deployment

PubMed Central

Gilbert, Hunter B.; Neimat, Joseph; Webster, Robert J.

2015-01-01

Concentric tube robots can enable new clinical interventions if they are able to pass through soft tissue, deploy along desired paths through open cavities, or travel along winding lumens. These behaviors require the robot to deploy in such a way that the curved shape of its shaft remains unchanged as the tip progresses forward (i.e., “follow-the-leader” deployment). Follow-the-leader deployment is challenging for concentric tube robots due to elastic (and particularly torsional) coupling between the tubes that form the robot. However, as we show in this paper, follow-the-leader deployment is possible, provided that tube precurvatures and deployment sequences are appropriately selected. We begin by defining follow-the-leader deployment and providing conditions that must be satisfied for a concentric tube robot to achieve it. We then examine several useful special cases of follow-the-leader deployment, showing that both circular and helical precurvatures can be employed, and provide an experimental illustration of the helical case. We also explore approximate follow-the-leader behavior and provide a metric for the similarity of a general deployment to a follow-the-leader deployment. Finally, we consider access to the hippocampus in the brain to treat epilepsy, as a motivating clinical example for follow-the-leader deployment. PMID:26622208

Concentric Tube Robots as Steerable Needles: Achieving Follow-the-Leader Deployment.

PubMed

Gilbert, Hunter B; Neimat, Joseph; Webster, Robert J

2015-04-01

Concentric tube robots can enable new clinical interventions if they are able to pass through soft tissue, deploy along desired paths through open cavities, or travel along winding lumens. These behaviors require the robot to deploy in such a way that the curved shape of its shaft remains unchanged as the tip progresses forward (i.e., "follow-the-leader" deployment). Follow-the-leader deployment is challenging for concentric tube robots due to elastic (and particularly torsional) coupling between the tubes that form the robot. However, as we show in this paper, follow-the-leader deployment is possible, provided that tube precurvatures and deployment sequences are appropriately selected. We begin by defining follow-the-leader deployment and providing conditions that must be satisfied for a concentric tube robot to achieve it. We then examine several useful special cases of follow-the-leader deployment, showing that both circular and helical precurvatures can be employed, and provide an experimental illustration of the helical case. We also explore approximate follow-the-leader behavior and provide a metric for the similarity of a general deployment to a follow-the-leader deployment. Finally, we consider access to the hippocampus in the brain to treat epilepsy, as a motivating clinical example for follow-the-leader deployment.

Reported stressors and health care needs of active duty Navy personnel during three phases of deployment in support of the war in Iraq.

PubMed

McNulty, Peggy Anne Fisher

2005-06-01

Literature has generously documented the stress of military members and their families during deployments in noncombat periods. Deployment has been shown to increase the needs of family members for health care, both physical and psychological. The purpose of this study was to describe the health care needs and perceived stressors of active duty members deployed to Iraq during the predeployment, mid-deployment, and postdeployment phases. Active duty Navy service members deployed on three aircraft carriers during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2002-2003 were randomly selected to participate in an anonymous study that evaluated member well-being, adaptation, coping, anxiety, stress, and health care needs during three phases of deployment. Data were obtained from 474 Navy members in predeployment, 445 in mid-deployment, and 276 in postdeployment. Logistic regression analyses indicated that many variables predicted extreme anxiety during deployment, including mid-deployment phase, age of under 25 years, being childless, nonattendance at church, being enlisted, zero- or one-deployment history; no high school education, and being currently in counseling. Active duty members in all phases of deployment had equally disturbing levels of anxiety. All phases reported suicidal ideation at alarming rates (2.4% in predeployment, 4.9% in mid-deployment, and 3% in postdeployment). This study sheds new light on the stressors and subsequent health care needs of active duty members on carriers during war and provides valuable information for the prevention of high-risk anxieties and subsequent health risks for all service members during similar deployments.

Perspectives on Carbon Capture and Sequestration in the United States

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wong-Parodi, Gabrielle Mei-Ling

Overall, this dissertation examines a sequence of important interconnected issues: the perspectives of potential and actual CCS host communities, the perspectives of the environmental community on the rationality of CCS as viable mitigation solution for the United States, and strategies for engaging with the public on CCS. Much of the research in this dissertation is original work addressing major interdisciplinary gaps in existing literature as well as in industry and government public engagement practice. Each of the chapters is a stand-alone paper that provides a unique contribution to a series of different types of carbon management technologies and academic disciplines. They are assembled together to provide a unique integrated evaluation of these related problems. Collectively, these chapters capture some of the major challenges facing mitigation technology engagement from the potentially time consuming need for careful social site characterization to the opportunities for using citizen-guided marketing methods to identify factors that may enhance effective public engagement. Chapters 2 and 3 are essays on the perspectives of potential and actual CCS host communities. Chapter 2 finds that host communities in California's Central Valley are more concerned with the social risks of hosting a CCS project (e.g. fear of neglect should something go wrong) rather than with the technical risks of the technology. Chapter 3 finds that host communities across the US are more concerned with social risks, and want a say in how those risks should be mitigated. This Chapter concludes with a discussion of how a 'social site characterization' conducted along side a traditional site characterization when evaluating the potential for a CCS project may be a good way to both encourage positive relationships with community members and mitigate potential concerns. Chapter 4 is an essay on the perspectives of the environmental community towards the potential of CCS as a viable mitigation solution in the US. This Chapter shows that environmental non-governmental organizations' position on CCS falls into one of four camps who believe: CCS should be developed and deployed in the near-term (Enthusiasts), CCS should be studied (Prudents), CCS will likely need to be deployed but only as a last resort (Reluctants), and CCS should not be deployed (Opponents). This Chapter finds that only Enthusiasts plan on educating the public about the technology in the near-term, however their ability to influence the public may be limited because they are more adept at targeting policymakers (not as experienced with the public) and receive much of their funding from industry (not seen as particularly trustworthy). In this dissertation, Chapter 5 is an essay on using citizen-guided emotional messages about CCS as a way to effectively communicate with the energy veteran public. This Chapter finds that Wyoming citizens believe information about CCS presented within an emotionally self-referent framework is likely to be a more persuasive way to garner support for or rejection of the technology amongst the Wyoming public than just the presentation of the same information alone.

Meeting the Science Needs of the Nation in the Wake of Hurricane Sandy-- A U.S. Geological Survey Science Plan for Support of Restoration and Recovery

USGS Publications Warehouse

Buxton, Herbert T.; Andersen, Matthew E.; Focazio, Michael J.; Haines, John W.; Hainly, Robert A.; Hippe, Daniel J.; Sugarbaker, Larry J.

2013-01-01

n late October 2012, Hurricane Sandy came ashore during a spring high tide on the New Jersey coastline, delivering hurricane-force winds, storm tides exceeding 19 feet, driving rain, and plummeting temperatures. Hurricane Sandy resulted in 72 direct fatalities in the mid-Atlantic and northeastern United States, and widespread and substantial physical, environmental, ecological, social, and economic impacts estimated at near $50 billion. Before the landfall of Hurricane Sandy, the USGS provided forecasts of potential coastal change; collected oblique aerial photography of pre-storm coastal morphology; deployed storm-surge sensors, rapid-deployment streamgages, wave sensors, and barometric pressure sensors; conducted Light Detection And Ranging (lidar) aerial topographic surveys of coastal areas; and issued a landslide alert for landslide prone areas. During the storm, Tidal Telemetry Networks provided real-time water-level information along the coast. Long-term network and rapid-deployment real-time streamgages and water-quality monitors reported on river levels and changes in water quality. Immediately after the storm, the USGS serviced real-time instrumentation, retrieved data from over 140 storm-surge sensors, and collected other essential environmental data, including more than 830 high-water marks mapping the extent and elevation of the storm surge. Post-storm lidar surveys documented storm impacts to coastal barriers informing response and recovery and providing a new baseline to assess vulnerability of the reconfigured coast. The USGS Hazard Data Distribution System served storm related information from many agencies on the Internet on a daily basis. This science plan was developed immediately following Hurricane Sandy to coordinate continuing USGS activities with other agencies and to guide continued data collection and analysis to ensure support for recovery and restoration efforts. The data, information, and tools that are produced by implementing this plan will: (1) further characterize impacts and changes, (2) guide mitigation and restoration of impacted communities and ecosystems, (3) inform a redevelopment strategy aimed at developing resilient coastal communities and ecosystems, (4) improve preparedness and responsiveness to the next hurricane or similar coastal disaster, and (5) enable improved hazard assessment, response, and recovery for future storms along the hurricane prone shoreline of the United States. The activities outlined in this plan are organized in five themes based on impact types and information needs. These USGS science themes are: Theme 1: Coastal topography and bathymetry. Theme 2: Impacts to coastal beaches and barriers. Theme 3: Impacts of storm surge and estuarine and bay hydrology. Theme 4: Impacts on environmental quality and persisting contaminant exposures. Theme 5: Impacts to coastal ecosystems, habitats, and fish and wildlife. A major emphasis in the implementation of this plan will be on interacting with stakeholders to better understand their specific data and information needs, to define the best way to make information available, and to support applications of USGS science and expertise to decisionmaking.