Solution mechanism guide: implementing innovation within a research & development organization.

In order to create a culture more open to novel problem-solving mechanisms, NASA's Human Health and Performance Directorate (HH&P) created a strategic knowledge management tool that educates employees about innovative problem-solving techniques, the Solution Mechanism Guide (SMG). The SMG is a web-based, interactive guide that leverages existing and innovative problem-solving methods and presents this information as a unique user experience so that the employee is empowered to make the best decision about which problem-solving tool best meets their needs. By integrating new and innovative methods with existing problem solving tools, the SMG seamlessly introduces open innovation and collaboration concepts within HH&P to more effectively address human health and performance risks. This commentary reviews the path of creating a more open and innovative culture within HH&P and the process and development steps that were taken to develop the SMG.

Matrix isolation ESR and theoretical studies of metal phosphides.

The ZnP, (67)ZnP, CdP, (111)CdP, and (113)CdP radicals have been formed by laser ablation of the metal with GaP pressed into the metal surface, isolated in an inert neon matrix at 4.3 K and their electronic structure was established using electron spin resonance spectroscopy. The following magnetic parameters were determined experimentally for ZnP/(67)ZnP, g(⊥)=1.9982(2), A(⊥)(P)=111(6) MHz, A(⊥)((67)Zn)=160(2) MHz, and D=-29 988(3) MHz and estimates were made for the following ZnP/(67)ZnP magnetic parameters: g(∥)=1.9941(2), A(∥)(P)=-5(6) MHz, and A(∥)((67)Zn)=180(50) MHz. The following magnetic parameters for CdP/(111)CdP/(113)CdP were determined experimentally: g(⊥)=1.9963(2), A(⊥)(P)=97(3) MHz, A(⊥)((111)Cd)=862(3) MHz, and A(⊥)((113)Cd)=902(3) MHz. Evidence for the formation of the MgP radical was also obtained and an approximate hyperfine coupling constant of A(⊥)(P)=157(6) MHz was determined. The low-lying electronic states of ZnP and MgP were also investigated using the multiconfigurational self-consistent field technique. Potential energy surfaces, binding energies, optimized bond lengths, energy separations, and dissociation energies have been determined. Both radicals are found to have (4)Σ(-) ground states with a leading configuration at r(e) of 10σ(2)11σ(2)5π(1)5π(1)12σ(1) for ZnP and 7σ(2)8σ(2)3π(1)3π(1)9σ(1) for MgP. Significant mixing to this state is calculated for MgP.

Clinical risk management approach for long-duration space missions.

INTRODUCTION: In the process of crewmember evaluation and certification for long-duration orbital missions, the International Space Station (ISS) Multilateral Space Medicine Board (MSMB) encounters a surprisingly wide spectrum of clinical problems. Some of these conditions are identified within the ISS Medical Standards as requiring special consideration, or as falling outside the consensus Medical Standards promulgated for the ISS program. METHODS: To assess the suitability for long-duration missions on ISS for individuals with medical problems that fall outside of standards or are otherwise of significant concern, the MSMB has developed a risk matrix approach to assess the risks to the individual, the mission, and the program. The goal of this risk assessment is to provide a more objective, evidence- and risk-based approach for aeromedical disposition. Using a 4 x 4 risk matrix, the probability of an event is plotted against the potential impact. Event probability is derived from a detailed review of clinical and aerospace literature, and based on the best available evidence. The event impact (consequences) is assessed and assigned within the matrix. RESULTS: The result has been a refinement of MSMB case assessment based on evidence-based data incorporated into a risk stratification process. This has encouraged an objective assessment of risk and, in some cases, has resulted in recertification of crewmembers with medical conditions which hitherto would likely have been disqualifying. CONCLUSIONS: This paper describes a risk matrix approach developed for MSMB disposition decisions. Such an approach promotes objective, evidence-based decision-making and is broadly applicable within the aerospace medicine community.

International Space Station medical standards and certification for space flight participants.

INTRODUCTION: The medical community of the International Space Station (ISS) has developed joint medical standards and evaluation requirements for Space Flight Participants ("space tourists") which are used by the ISS medical certification board to determine medical eligibility of individuals other than professional astronauts (cosmonauts) for short-duration space flight to the ISS. These individuals are generally fare-paying passengers without operational responsibilities. MATERIAL AND CONTEXT: By means of this publication, the medical standards and evaluation requirements for the ISS Space Flight Participants are offered to the aerospace medicine and commercial spaceflight communities for reference purposes. It is emphasized that the criteria applied to the ISS spaceflight participant candidates are substantially less stringent than those for professional astronauts and/or crewmembers of visiting and long-duration missions to the ISS. CONCLUSIONS: These medical standards are released by the government space agencies to facilitate the development of robust medical screening and medical risk assessment approaches in the context of the evolving commercial human spaceflight industry.

Community noise: health effects and management.

This commentary will reemphasize the importance of urban noise as a health problem and provide a practical approach toward implementing legislative controls. References and a short discussion of accepted ways to measure noise are included. Furthermore, a brief review of relationships between noise and the development of disease is discussed. Finally, a six-part noise control ordinance framework designed to help public health and community leaders start the process of urban and community noise reduction is detailed. The implementation of such enforceable and reasonable noise control ordinances will be good public health policy and will greatly impact the quality, and possibly quantity, of life of both the individual and the community.

Age-related blood flow and capillary changes in the rat utricular macula: a quantitative stereological and microsphere study.

Vascular change may contribute to age-related vestibular dysfunction. Previously, we reported a significant age-related decrease in blood flow (BF) and mean capillary diameter (D(cap)) in the rat posterior canal crista. The purpose of this study was to examine an otolith organ, the utricle, for similar changes. Old male Fischer 344 rats (O; 28-31 mos) were anesthetized, and the left cardiac ventricle was transcutaneously injected with radioactive microspheres to determine BF. The temporal bones were removed, fixed, and decalcified. The utricles were dissected free and placed into a gamma counter with the reference samples. The specimens were then plastic embedded and serially sectioned at 1 microm according to the vertical section technique. Microsphere surface counts were made and neuroepithelial BF calculated. A systematic random set of sections was sampled and analyzed using stereological techniques for estimates of D(cap), capillary surface area/unit volume (S(v,cap)), capillary length/ unit volume (L(v,cap)), and volume of utricular neuroepithelium (V(ut)). Using these data, total capillary surface (S(cap)) and total length (L(cap)) were calculated. Statistical comparisons were made with data from our previous study of young animals (Y; 3-6 mos). Results indicate a significant age-related decrease in BF (Y = 0.125 microL/min, O = 0.062 microL/min; P = 0.003), D(cap) (Y = 5.95 micro, O = 4.57 microm; P = 0.0002), S(vcap) (Y = 12.33 mm2/mm3, = 9.87 mm2/mm3, P = 0.016), S(cap) (Y = 0.178 mm2, O = 0.129 mm2; p = 0.01), and V(ut) (Y = 0.014 mm3, O = 0.013 mm3; P = 0.04) with no significant change in L(v,cap) (Y = 655 mm/mm3, O = 686 mm/mm3, P = 0.41) or L(cap) (Y = 9.47 mm, O = 8.96 mm; P = 0.49). These age-related vascular changes are likely to have a significant impact on utricular physiological and thus, dysequilibrium.