Architectural design principles for extra-terrestrial habitats

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The Effects of Fatigue on Balance in Individuals with Parkinson\u27s Disease: Influence of Medication and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Genotype

Background and Purpose: The purpose was to investigate the effects of fatigue on balance in individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Because falls in this population can have deleterious consequences, it is important to understand the influence of fatigue and PD medications on balance. Additionally, since brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been shown to be related to motor performance, we explored its role in balance fatigue. Participants: 27 individuals (age= 65.4±8.1; males= 14, females= 13) with neurologist-diagnosed PD. Of the 27, 13 were genotyped for BDNF as Val/Val, 11 as Val/Met, 2 as Met/Met, and one refused genotyping. Methods: Participants were tested twice, first on medication and second off medication, one week apart. On both days, participants completed the following tests before and after a fatiguing condition: mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (mini-BESTest), computerized dynamic posturography (sensory orientation and motor control), functional reach, and gait spatial-temporal parameters at preferred gait speed across an instrumented walking mat. To address the primary aim of the study, a 2 (condition: pre and post) X 2 (medication: on and off) factorial ANOVA was performed for each outcome variable in each of the following domains: 1. anticipatory postural response; 2. adaptive postural responses; 3. Dynamic balance; 4. sensory orientation; and, 5. gait characteristics. For the exploratory aim, independent t-tests were conducted to compare both pre- and post-fatigue states, and on and of medication states for all of the aforementioned balance domains. Results: There were no statistically significant interactions between time (pre and post) and medication (on and off) for anticipatory postural responses, adaptive postural responses, dynamic balance, sensory orientation, or gait characteristics (ps≥.187). Participants with BDNF Met alleles were not significantly different from Val/Val participants in balance or gait (ps≥.111) and response to a fatiguing condition (ps≥.070). Discussion: The results of this study suggest that fatigue does not have a detrimental effect on balance and gait in individuals with PD. Likewise, our results were also in line with other studies that suggest that PD medications are not effective for decreasing risk of falls due to postural instability. Lastly, these results also indicate that individuals with a BDNF Met allele are not at an increased fall risk after a fatiguing condition compared to those with the Val/Val genotype

Exploring mentalization-based psychoeducation groups for people with borderline personality disorder

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a distressing difficulty prevalent within UK secondary-care settings. Previous qualitative studies have examined individual experiences of long term Mentalization-Based Therapy (MBT) groups for people with BPD. However, the psychoeducational component of MBT has not yet been researched coherently. The current study explored lived experiences of manualised MBT-psychoeducation groups for people with BPD within NHS secondary care settings. Eight participants took part in interviews about their recent participation in these groups. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to interpret individual meaning-making of these experiences. While some accounts were characterised by contradictions, MBT-psychoeducation was generally viewed as a challenging but predominantly beneficial experience. Three main themes emerged, comprising eight sub-themes. These highlighted individuals’ attempts to manage complex group processes, strategies for personalising knowledge, and the power and fear of increased self-reflection. Participant’s felt the group had impacted their sense of self, their understanding of others and their impulsivity, particularly within interpersonal relationships. Research and clinical implications of these findings are discussed. Particular importance is given to the implications of some individual’s perceived need for additional support or coping, the desire for further MBT group therapy and the possibility that these findings support propositions that the groups provide a useful mechanism to stimulate mentalizing

Debris/Ice/TPS Assessment and Photographic Analysis for Shuttle Mission STS-41

A Debris/Ice/Thermal Protection System (TPS) assessment and photographic analysis was conducted for Space Shuttle Mission STS-41. Debris inspections of the flight elements and launch pad were performed before and after launch. Ice/frost conditions on the External Tank were assessed by the use of computer programs, nomographs, and infrared scanner data during cryogenic loading of the vehicle followed by on-pad visual inspection. High speed photography was analyzed after launch to identify ice/debris sources and evaluate potential vehicle damage and/or in-flight anomalies. Documented here are the debris/ice/TPS conditions and photographic analysis of Mission STS-41, and their overall effect on the Space Shuttle Program

Debris/ice/TPS assessment and photographic analysis of shuttle mission STS-48

A Debris/Ice/TPS assessment and photographic analysis was conducted for Space Shuttle Mission STS-48. Debris inspection of the flight elements and launch pad were performed before and after launch. Ice/frost conditions on the External Tank were assessed by the use of computer programs, nomographs, and infrared scanner data during cryogenic loading of the vehicle followed by on-pad visual inspection. High speed photography was analyzed after launch to identify ice/debris sources and evaluate potential vehicle damage and/or in-flight anomalies. The debris/ice/TPS conditions and photographic analysis of Mission STS-48 are documented, along with their overall effect on the Space Shuttle Program

Debris/Ice/TPS Assessment and Photographic Analysis for Shuttle Mission STS-38

A debris/ice/TPS assessment and photographic analysis was conducted for the Space Shuttle Mission STS-38. Debris inspection of the flight elements and launch pad were performed before and after launch. Ice/frost conditions on the external tank were assessed by the use of computer programs, nomographs, and infrared scanner data during cryogenic loading of the vehicle followed by on-pad visual inspection. High speed photography was analyzed after launch to identify ice/debris sources and evaluate potential vehicle damage and/or in-flight anomalies. The debris/ice/TPS conditions and photographic analysis of Mission STS-38, and their overall effect on the Space Shuttle Program are documented