Southwest Research Institute assistance to NASA in biomedical areas of the technology utilization program Final report, 1 Feb. 1969 - 24 Aug. 1970

Research progress in technology transfer by NASA Biomedical Application Tea

Assessment of respiratory mechanics in humans : application to subjects predisposed to apnea

Thèse numérisée par la Direction des bibliothèques de l'Université de Montréal

Adapted Primary Literature (APL): An Effective Authentic Text Option for the Science Classroom

The intention of this literature review is to advocate for the incorporation of Adapted Primary Literature (APL) into secondary science classroom instruction in order to aid such science curriculum in achieving balanced authenticity. APL is a valuable instructional text option due to its novel design, an optimal compromise between authenticity and accessibility. APL is a superior reflection of authentic science as it is for professionals of science and in representation of the nature of science (NOS) than Secondary Literature (SL) and textbooks, the dominating scientific text genres of most secondary science classroom instruction. Yet, APL is more accessible in text sophistication and structure than arguably the most authentic genre, Primary Scientific Literature (PSL). In other words, due to such negotiated design, APL could prove invaluable at addressing a multitude of science education objectives associated with authenticity, such as those pertaining to the following common categorical headings: literacy, argumentation, inquiry, concept competence, and the nature of science, to name a few. In addition, APL may address the contemporary science education goals of increased student interest, motivation, and pursuit of scientific endeavors. After all, the current and likely future direction of the global economy, professional atmosphere, consumer decision-making, technological advancements, and environmental threats has required that science education be concerned with far more than just student memorization of content within an isolated, singular disciplinary year. Suggested remedies for potential incorporation challenges, areas in need of further research, and common contrary research positions will be included to provide a comprehensive and supportive examination of APL implementation. No instructive technique is without tradeoffs. Like any other educative method, the success of APL implementation is greatly influenced by the quality of surrounding instruction. Possessing scientific authenticity “in some defined way is never sufficient justification by itself for engaging in an educational practice. Authenticity is no guarantee of effectiveness” (Norris et al., 2009, p. 407)

Towards clinical photoacoustic imaging: developing next-generation endoscopy systems and exploring new contrast agents

Photoacoustic imaging holds great clinical promise because it achieves high-resolution tomographic imaging at depths. Moreover, its strong spectroscopic imaging capability provides a wealth of molecular and functional information based on. Still, despite recent advances, existing photoacoustic systems cannot be readily applied in the clinical environment. This dissertation aims to push the frontier of clinical photoacoustic imaging from both technological and applicational perspectives. The first part of this dissertation describes the development of photoacoustic endoscopy (PAE) systems for imaging human Barrett\u27s esophagus and studying preterm birth. We have developed optical resolution-PAE, which significantly improved lateral resolutions, laparoscopic-PAE, which can guide minimally-invasive surgeries, and catheter-based-PAE, which opens up new opportunities to image the human esophagus. For each system, we tested and optimized the imaging performance in phantom and animal experiments, and then validated them in humans. The second part of the dissertation describes advanced photoacoustic imaging aided by contrast agents. Specifically, gold nanoparticles were used to quantify biological diffusion photoacoustically. In addition, ion nanosensors were applied for continuously monitoring therapeutic lithium concentration in deep tissue in vivo

Southwest Research Institute assistance to NASA in biomedical areas of the technology

Significant applications of aerospace technology were achieved. These applications include: a miniaturized, noninvasive system to telemeter electrocardiographic signals of heart transplant patients during their recuperative period as graded situations are introduced; and economical vital signs monitor for use in nursing homes and rehabilitation hospitals to indicate the onset of respiratory arrest; an implantable telemetry system to indicate the onset of the rejection phenomenon in animals undergoing cardiac transplants; an exceptionally accurate current proportional temperature controller for pollution studies; an automatic, atraumatic blood pressure measurement device; materials for protecting burned areas in contact with joint bender splints; a detector to signal the passage of animals by a given point during ecology studies; and special cushioning for use with below-knee amputees to protect the integrity of the skin at the stump/prosthesis interface

Some Aspects of Trauma and Soft Tissue Surgery in the Dog and Cat

A retrospective study of 104 road traffic accident cases in the dog and cat, referred to Glasgow University Veterinary Hospital between January 1986 and December 1990, was carried out

Southwest Research Institute assistance to NASA in biomedical areas of the Technology Utilization program

Technology utilization in biomedical areas, particularly for infants and handicapped person

Advanced analyses of physiological signals and their role in Neonatal Intensive Care

Preterm infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) face an array of life-threatening diseases requiring procedures such as resuscitation and invasive monitoring, and other risks related to exposure to the hospital environment, all of which may have lifelong implications. This thesis examined a range of applications for advanced signal analyses in the NICU, from identifying of physiological patterns associated with neonatal outcomes, to evaluating the impact of certain treatments on physiological variability. Firstly, the thesis examined the potential to identify infants at risk of developing intraventricular haemorrhage, often interrelated with factors leading to preterm birth, mechanical ventilation, hypoxia and prolonged apnoeas. This thesis then characterised the cardiovascular impact of caffeine therapy which is often administered to prevent and treat apnoea of prematurity, finding greater pulse pressure variability and enhanced responsiveness of the autonomic nervous system. Cerebral autoregulation maintains cerebral blood flow despite fluctuations in arterial blood pressure and is an important consideration for preterm infants who are especially vulnerable to brain injury. Using various time and frequency domain correlation techniques, the thesis found acute changes in cerebral autoregulation of preterm infants following caffeine therapy. Nutrition in early life may also affect neurodevelopment and morbidity in later life. This thesis developed models for identifying malnutrition risk using anthropometry and near-infrared interactance features. This thesis has presented a range of ways in which advanced analyses including time series analysis, feature selection and model development can be applied to neonatal intensive care. There is a clear role for such analyses in early detection of clinical outcomes, characterising the effects of relevant treatments or pathologies and identifying infants at risk of later morbidity