The NASA SBIR product catalog

The purpose of this catalog is to assist small business firms in making the community aware of products emerging from their efforts in the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. It contains descriptions of some products that have advanced into Phase 3 and others that are identified as prospective products. Both lists of products in this catalog are based on information supplied by NASA SBIR contractors in responding to an invitation to be represented in this document. Generally, all products suggested by the small firms were included in order to meet the goals of information exchange for SBIR results. Of the 444 SBIR contractors NASA queried, 137 provided information on 219 products. The catalog presents the product information in the technology areas listed in the table of contents. Within each area, the products are listed in alphabetical order by product name and are given identifying numbers. Also included is an alphabetical listing of the companies that have products described. This listing cross-references the product list and provides information on the business activity of each firm. In addition, there are three indexes: one a list of firms by states, one that lists the products according to NASA Centers that managed the SBIR projects, and one that lists the products by the relevant Technical Topics utilized in NASA's annual program solicitation under which each SBIR project was selected

Holography: A survey

The development of holography and the state of the art in recording and displaying information, microscopy, motion, pictures, and television applications are discussed. In addition to optical holography, information is presented on microwave, acoustic, ultrasonic, and seismic holography. Other subjects include data processing, data storage, pattern recognition, and computer-generated holography. Diagrams of holographic installations are provided. Photographs of typical holographic applications are used to support the theoretical aspects

Point-of-care mobile digital microscopy and deep learning for the detection of soil-transmitted helminths and Schistosoma haematobium

Background: Microscopy remains the gold standard in the diagnosis of neglected tropical diseases. As resource limited, rural areas often lack laboratory equipment and trained personnel, new diagnostic techniques are needed. Low-cost, point-of-care imaging devices show potential in the diagnosis of these diseases. Novel, digital image analysis algorithms can be utilized to automate sample analysis. Objective: Evaluation of the imaging performance of a miniature digital microscopy scanner for the diagnosis of soil-transmitted helminths and Schistosoma haematobium, and training of a deep learning-based image analysis algorithm for automated detection of soil-transmitted helminths in the captured images. Methods: A total of 13 iodine-stained stool samples containing Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and hookworm eggs and 4 urine samples containing Schistosoma haematobium were digitized using a reference whole slide-scanner and the mobile microscopy scanner. Parasites in the images were identified by visual examination and by analysis with a deep learning-based image analysis algorithm in the stool samples. Results were compared between the digital and visual analysis of the images showing helminth eggs. Results: Parasite identification by visual analysis of digital slides captured with the mobile microscope was feasible for all analyzed parasites. Although the spatial resolution of the reference slide-scanner is higher, the resolution of the mobile microscope is sufficient for reliable identification and classification of all parasites studied. Digital image analysis of stool sample images captured with the mobile microscope showed high sensitivity for detection of all helminths studied (range of sensitivity = 83.3-100%) in the test set (n = 217) of manually labeled helminth eggs. Conclusions: In this proof-of-concept study, the imaging performance of a mobile, digital microscope was sufficient for visual detection of soil-transmitted helminths and Schistosoma haematobium. Furthermore, we show that deep learning-based image analysis can be utilized for the automated detection and classification of helminths in the captured images.Peer reviewe

Program of Research in Aeronautics

A prospectus of the educational and research opportunities available at the Joint Institute for Advancement of Flight Sciences, operated at NASA Langley Research Center in conjunction with George Washington University's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences is presented. Requirements of admission to various degree programs are given as well as the course offerings in the areas of acoustics, aeronautics, environmental modelling, materials science, and structures and dynamics. Research facilities for each field of study are described. Presentations and publications (including dissertations and theses) generated by each program are listed as well as faculty members visting scientists and engineers

Creation of a Virtual Atlas of Neuroanatomy and Neurosurgical Techniques Using 3D Scanning Techniques

Neuroanatomy is one of the most challenging and fascinating topics within the human anatomy, due to the complexity and interconnection of the entire nervous system. The gold standard for learning neurosurgical anatomy is cadaveric dissections. Nevertheless, it has a high cost (needs of a laboratory, acquisition of cadavers, and fixation), is time-consuming, and is limited by sociocultural restrictions. Due to these disadvantages, other tools have been investigated to improve neuroanatomy learning. Three-dimensional modalities have gradually begun to supplement traditional 2-dimensional representations of dissections and illustrations. Volumetric models (VM) are the new frontier for neurosurgical education and training. Different workflows have been described to create these VMs -photogrammetry (PGM) and structured light scanning (SLS). In this study, we aimed to describe and use the currently available 3D scanning techniques to create a virtual atlas of neurosurgical anatomy. Dissections on post-mortem human heads and brains were performed at the skull base laboratories of Stanford University - NeuroTraIn Center and the University of California, San Francisco - SBCVL (skull base and cerebrovascular laboratory). Then VMs were created following either SLS or PGM workflow. Fiber tract reconstructions were also generated from DICOM using DSI-studio and incorporated into VMs from dissections. Moreover, common creative license materials models were used to simplify the understanding of the specific anatomical region. Both methods yielded VMs with suitable clarity and structural integrity for anatomical education, surgical illustration, and procedural simulation. We described the roadmap of SLS and PGM for creating volumetric models, including the required equipment and software. We have also provided step-by-step procedures on how users can post-processing and refine these images according to their specifications. The VMs generated were used for several publications, to describe the step-by-step of a specific neurosurgical approach and to enhance the understanding of an anatomical region and its function. These models were used in neuroanatomical education and research (workshops and publications). VMs offer a new, immersive, and innovative way to accurately visualize neuroanatomy. Given the straightforward workflow, the presently described techniques may serve as a reference point for an entirely new way of capturing and depicting neuroanatomy and offer new opportunities for the application of VMs in education, simulation, and surgical planning. The virtual atlas, divided into specific areas concerning different neurosurgical approaches (such as skull base, cortex and fiber tracts, and spine operative anatomy), will increase the viewer's understanding of neurosurgical anatomy. The described atlas is the first surgical collection of VMs from cadaveric dissections available in the medical field and could be a used as reference for future creation of analogous collection in the different medical subspeciality.La neuroanatomia è, grazie alle intricate connessioni che caratterizzano il sistema nervoso e alla sua affascinante complessità, una delle discipline più stimolanti della anatomia umana. Nonostante il gold standard per l’apprendimento dell’anatomia neurochirurgica sia ancora rappresentato dalle dissezioni cadaveriche, l’accessibilità a queste ultime rimane limitata, a causa della loro dispendiosità in termini di tempo e costi (necessità di un laboratorio, acquisizione di cadaveri e fissazione), e alle restrizioni socioculturali per la donazione di cadaveri. Al fine di far fronte a questi impedimenti, e con lo scopo di garantire su larga scala l’apprendimento tridimensionale della neuroanatomia, nel corso degli anni sono stati sviluppati nuovi strumenti e tecnologie. Le tradizionali rappresentazioni anatomiche bidimensionali sono state gradualmente sostituite dalle modalità 3-dimensionali (3D) – foto e video. Tra questi ultimi, i modelli volumetrici (VM) rappresentano la nuova frontiera per l'istruzione e la formazione neurochirurgica. Diversi metodi per creare questi VM sono stati descritti, tra cui la fotogrammetria (PGM) e la scansione a luce strutturata (SLS). Questo studio descrive l’utilizzo delle diverse tecniche di scansione 3D grazie alle quali è stato creato un atlante virtuale di anatomia neurochirurgica. Le dissezioni su teste e cervelli post-mortem sono state eseguite presso i laboratori di base cranica di Stanford University -NeuroTraIn Center e dell'Università della California, San Francisco - SBCVL. I VM dalle dissezioni sono stati creati seguendo i metodi di SLS e/o PGM. Modelli di fibra bianca sono stati generate utilizzando DICOM con il software DSI-studio e incorporati ai VM di dissezioni anatomiche. Inoltre, sono stati utilizzati VM tratti da common creative license material (materiale con licenze creative comuni) al fine di semplificare la comprensione di alcune regioni anatomiche. I VM generati con entrambi i metodi sono risultati adeguati, sia in termini di chiarezza che di integrità strutturale, per l’educazione anatomica, l’illustrazione medica e la simulazione chirurgica. Nel nostro lavoro sono stati esaustivamente descritti tutti gli step necessari, di entrambe le tecniche (SLS e PGM), per la creazione di VM, compresi le apparecchiature e i software utilizzati. Sono state inoltre descritte le tecniche di post-elaborazione e perfezionamento dei VM da poter utilizzare in base alle necessità richieste. I VM generati durante la realizzazione del nostro lavoro sono stati utilizzati per molteplici pubblicazioni, nella descrizione step-by-step di uno specifico approccio neurochirurgico o per migliorare la comprensione di una regione anatomica e della sua funzione. Questi modelli sono stati utilizzati a scopo didattico per la formazione neuroanatomica di studenti di medicina, specializzandi e giovani neurochirurghi. I VM offrono un modo nuovo, coinvolgente e innovativo con cui poter raggiungere un’accurata conoscenza tridimensionale della neuroanatomia. La metodologia delle due tecniche descritte può servire come punto di riferimento per un nuovo modo di acquisizione e rappresentazione della neuroanatomia, ed offrire nuove opportunità di utilizzo dei VM nella formazione didattica, nella simulazione e nella pianificazione chirurgica. L'atlante virtuale qui descritto, suddiviso in aree specifiche relative a diversi approcci neurochirurgici, aumenterà la comprensione dell'anatomia neurochirurgica da parte dello spettatore. Questa è la prima raccolta chirurgica di VM da dissezioni anatomiche disponibile in ambito medico e potrebbe essere utilizzato come riferimento per la futura creazione di analoga raccolta nelle diverse sotto specialità mediche

NASA SBIR product catalog, 1991

This catalog is a partial list of products of NASA SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) projects that have advanced to some degree into Phase 3. While most of the products evolved from work conducted during SBIR Phase 1 and 2, a few advanced to commercial status solely from Phase 1 activities. The catalog presents information provided to NASA by SBIR contractors who wished to have their products exhibited at Technology 2001, a NASA-sponsored technology transfer conference held in San Jose, California, on December 4, 5, and 6, 1991. The catalog presents the product information in the following technology areas: computer and communication systems; information processing and AI; robotics and automation; signal and image processing; microelectronics; electronic devices and equipment; microwave electronic devices; optical devices and lasers; advanced materials; materials processing; materials testing and NDE; materials instrumentation; aerodynamics and aircraft; fluid mechanics and measurement; heat transfer devices; refrigeration and cryogenics; energy conversion devices; oceanographic instruments; atmosphere monitoring devices; water management; life science instruments; and spacecraft electromechanical systems

Deep learning enhanced mobile-phone microscopy

Mobile-phones have facilitated the creation of field-portable, cost-effective imaging and sensing technologies that approach laboratory-grade instrument performance. However, the optical imaging interfaces of mobile-phones are not designed for microscopy and produce spatial and spectral distortions in imaging microscopic specimens. Here, we report on the use of deep learning to correct such distortions introduced by mobile-phone-based microscopes, facilitating the production of high-resolution, denoised and colour-corrected images, matching the performance of benchtop microscopes with high-end objective lenses, also extending their limited depth-of-field. After training a convolutional neural network, we successfully imaged various samples, including blood smears, histopathology tissue sections, and parasites, where the recorded images were highly compressed to ease storage and transmission for telemedicine applications. This method is applicable to other low-cost, aberrated imaging systems, and could offer alternatives for costly and bulky microscopes, while also providing a framework for standardization of optical images for clinical and biomedical applications

LASER Tech Briefs, September 1993

This edition of LASER Tech briefs contains a feature on photonics. The other topics include: Electronic Components and Circuits. Electronic Systems, Physical Sciences, Materials, Computer Programs, Mechanics, Machinery, Fabrication Technology, Mathematics and Information Sciences, Life Sciences and books and reports