Neural nets for aligning optical components in harsh environments: Beam smoothing spatial filter as an example

The goal is to develop an approach to automating the alignment and adjustment of optical measurement, visualization, inspection, and control systems. Classical controls, expert systems, and neural networks are three approaches to automating the alignment of an optical system. Neural networks were chosen for this project and the judgements that led to this decision are presented. Neural networks were used to automate the alignment of the ubiquitous laser-beam-smoothing spatial filter. The results and future plans of the project are presented

The Impact of Free Radical Stabilization Techniques on In Vivo Property Changes in Highly Cross-Linked Polyethylene Acetabular Liners

Highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) was introduced into total hip arthroplasty (THA) to reduce long-term wear-related complications. However, HXLPE production and in vivo oxidation can alter mechanical behavior. Mechanical failure of HXLPE liners at the implant rim have been reported. The purpose of this thesis is to determine if thermal free radical stabilization techniques used in HXLPE production alter the mechanical properties, physical properties and oxidative stability of liner rims after extended in vivo time. Retrieved remelted, single annealed and sequentially annealed HXLPE liner rims were mechanically tested using a validated microindentation technique. Oxidation and crystalline phase composition were measured. Results demonstrated remelted liner rims had a decrease in mechanical properties but were oxidatively stable, whereas single and sequentially annealed liners demonstrated oxidation and increased crystallinity despite stable mechanical properties. This suggests mechanical properties change in vivo for certain implants, but this is not due to in vivo oxidation or altered crystallinity

Baron Von Steuben and the military forces in Virginia during the British invasions of 1780-1781

The subject of this thesis is Major-General the Baron von Steuben and his role in military events in Virginia during 1780-1781. Steuben came south in November 1780 with Major-General Nathanael Greene to help re-form, re-equip, and re-man the Southern Army. Finding Virginia potentially valuable, General Greene detached General Steuben soon after their arrival with the primary mission to remain and expedite supplies and manpower southward. While so engaged, Steuben also assumed a secondary mission when he found himself, for a time, military commander of the Continental and state militia forces in Virginia. His performance from November 1780 until October 1781 with an evaluation of his successes, failures, strengths, and weaknesses is the central theme examined here. This thesis is limited to this period of service which was, in itself, filled with events that brought him both praise and criticism

Paradoxical Sleep Suppresses Immediate Early Gene Expression in the Rodent Suprachiasmatic Nuclei

Light stimulates neuronal activity with subsequent expression of the protein product of the immediate early gene, c-fos, in the Suprachiasmatic Nuclei (SCN). Non-photic stimuli is also thought to modulate activity within the SCN. Here, we sought to determine the effects intrinsic stimuli, specifically, the states of sleep upon c-fos protein expression in the SCN. In 16 rats, c-fos protein expression was evaluated at a fixed time of 1600 h (subjective night), following 1 h of electroencephalographically defined sleep. During sleep, as the state of paradoxical sleep (PS) increased, c-fos protein expression decreased (r = −0.41, p < 0.033). The PS-associated reduction of c-fos positive cells occurred equally between animals asleep in the light and those asleep in the dark. We propose a model whereby PS duration might function as a homeostatic-entraining mechanism to reduce neuronal activity within the SCN, and thereby modulate circadian rhythms during sleep

Value-Based Bundled Repayment in Total Joint Arthroplasty

The United States continues to spend an unprecedented amount of annual money on healthcare. However, the costs of providing care may not appropriately reflect the quality of care patients are receiving. This is particularly concerning when examining the projected increase in total joint arthroplasty (TJA) procedures over the next few decades, which are expected to increase to nearly 4 million procedures annually. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has responded by increasingly shifting reimbursements from the less efficient fee-forservice repayment model to value-based repayment. The Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement (CJR) bundle payment model has recently been implemented as part of this shift towards value-based care delivery. The CJR repayment model, developed based on the success of the elective Bundled Payments for Care Improvement (BPCI) initiative, is an episodic bundled payment for TJA procedures, putting more financial responsibility on hospitals with the aim of improving quality of care, reducing costs, and decreasing local and regional cost and quality variability amongst providers and hospitals. I reviewed current studies on the BPCI and CJR model, including benefits associated with reducing patient readmissions to the hospital; limited costs and postoperative complications associated with post-acute care facilities and patient length of stay; and instituting evidence-based protocols for preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative care. Promising data exists that suggests these programs may help incentivize reducing costs and improving the quality of care provided to patients undergoing TJA procedures

PREDICTING POTENTIAL JUMP HEIGHT IN THE POLE VAULT FROM FOUR VARIABLES

This study evaluated how well pole vault performance variables predict vault height. Personal best (PR), flying 30m sprint (F30), ten step long jump (1 OLJ). and straight arm 45" strength test (SA45) were collected from 165 pole vaulters (13-19 years old) during three vaulting camps, Stepwise regressions to predict PR were compared by gender and performance related groups, The males' prediction equation included the F30 and 10LJ and for females included only the F30, Due to gender PR differences, the subjects were re-grouped according to vault height. The higher performers' equation included the F30 and 10LJ and the lower performers' equation used only the F30. Equations based on current capabilities seem to be better than those based on gender