At Your Service--Results of the Readership Survey “H

SPECIAL REPORT

At Your Service--Results of the Readership Survey

PAMELA C. DAY AND JAMES T. WEBB

ow may I help you?", "At your service", "May I There are 64% whofeel the relevance of ASEM articles to “Htake your order, please?" These are all phrases we their work is good or excellent (Table III). are used to hearing in customer-oriented scenarios. At Over half are willing to pay for the CD project, which the Aerospace Medical Association, you--the members-- is now proceeding. We will soon be able to offer 77 years are the customers and we need to know how we can of aerospace medicine articles in a CD set. serve you. And unless we occasionally ask you, the Interestingly, many felt that the journal would be more member, what your opinion is, any efforts on our part to professional if the news portion were moved online only; improve are likely to fall short of the mark. What value however, many also felt that this would decrease its do you receive as a member of the Aerospace Medical value to them as readers. It was pretty equal between Association? …As a reader of Aviation, Space, and those who want it both online and in the journal (as we Environmental Medicine? We recently sent a membership do now) vs. those who want it online only. Although 12% survey to all of our members and hope to gain further in- indicated they would rather have the AsMA News as a sights into how we can improve the association and separate printed newsletter--NOT included in the jour- member benefits. nal, only one of the individuals with that answer was In November 2005, we sent a web-based Readership willing to pay extra for it--funny how when a good idea Survey to 1,000 of AsMA's members; 260 e-mails has a price, it ceases to be such a good idea! bounced(!) and about 150 of you actually responded More people find the online journal valuable than (15%). By comparison, in 1999 we sent out 2,922 surveys have actually used it--hopefully that means that many by mail and received 154 returns via fax or mail (5.3% re- more of you will begin to use the online journal, now sponse rate)! Back in 1994, when we used a $1 incentive that it is available free with your membership. and a reply envelope, we received 520 usable responses Most (81%) have visited the website recently and the out of 1,000 sent (52%). That says something about the majority found it very easy or at least somewhat easy to power of the almighty dollar! TABLE I. DEGREES HELD BY RESPONDENTS (2 HIGHEST). Though we must be cautious in drawing too many conclusions from such a small response, the survey cer- Response (%) Response Total tainly gives the journal staff and your executive committee valuable insight into your wishes and reading habits Medical Doctor, M.D., D.O., or equivalent 79% 87 as we seek to improve the journal and our other means Ph.D. or equivalent of communication, most notably the website. without above 1 14% 15 The Readership Survey indicates that Aviation, Space, Baccalaureate, Masters and Environmental Medicine is going in the right general or equivalent 6% 7 direction with most of the features and articles, with one Total Respondents 110 important caveat - there is always room for improvement. And our respondents were very willing to provide TABLE II. CURRENT JOB TITLE AS SPECIFIED BY RESPONDENT. suggestions as to how to make that happen. Response (%) Response Total Here are some highlights from the survey responses. Physician 73% 81 We are predominantly a medical organization with Researcher 7% 8 79% indicating they have an M.D. degree (Table I) and Human Factors Professional 6% 7 74% listing physician as their primary job (Table II). Administrator/Manager 3% 3 Nearly one-third have been members for more than 15 Physiologist 3% 3 years. The ratio of U.S. to international members who re- Nurse 0% 0 Biomedical Engineer 0% 0 sponded was 2:1 (2/3 U.S. to 1/3 international) versus Other (please specify) 8% 9 3:1 for actual membership. Total Respondents 111 While 45% of all respondents read every issue of ASEM, 92% have an excellent or good overall opinion of the journal. Two-thirds (64%) feel the writing quality is From the Aerospace Medical Association, Alexandria, VA. Address reprint requests to: The Aerospace Medical Association, good and 25% excellent and only 6% are not satisfied 320 S. Henry St., Alexandria, VA 22314; www.asma.org. with the Research Articles. The most popular segment of Reprint & Copyright © by Aerospace Medical Association, the journal is the "You're the Flight Surgeon" section. Alexandria, VA.

Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine • Vol. 77, No. 5 • May 2006 561 READERSHIP SURVEY RESULTS---DAY & WEBB find what they were looking for. This is good news for we have been posting supplemental material such as those of us who have been working to update informa- long tables, questionnaires, and color graphics, online tion and make it more accessible to our membership. only through Ingenta. In addition, our AsMA website has Many participants took the time to complete several evolved in recent years to become our most valuable re- important open-ended source for communi- TABLE III. RESULTS REGARDING READING HABITS AND OVERALL OPINION OF questions, giving JOURNAL (Number of Responses/Total Responses). cating all things re- AsMA valuable sug- lated to the Assoc- gestions for the future. • 45% read every issue of ASEM (52/115) iation. There are links We have already to the journal online begun to address some • 30% have an excellent overall impression of ASEM (31/115) and Editorial Mana- • 62% have a good overall impression of ASEM (40/115) of your concerns and ger, the manuscript suggestions. For exam- • 25% feel the quality of writing in ASEM is excellent (28/113) submission and re- ple, we are reprinting • 64% feel the quality of writing in ASEM is good (72/113) view site. We publish case reports from the our bylaws, minutes, • 64% feel the relevance of ASEM articles to their work is good or excellent Federal Air Surgeon's (72/113) our directory of mem- Bulletin in an effort to bers (we stopped pub- provide more clinical • 22% are very satisfied with the Research Articles (25/113) lishing a printed direc- material; we will be • 50% are satisfied with the Research Articles (57/113) tory in 2000!), our printing historical pho- • 22% are neutral regarding satisfaction with the Research Articles (25/113) committees and re- tographs as space al- Most read portions of ASEM: ports, mentorship, job lows; the journal is • 46% read You're the Flight Surgeon every issue (52/115) postings, registration now very easy to ac- • 44% read Clinical Medicine/Case Reports every issue (50/114) and membership cess online through the • 40% read Review Articles every issue (46/115) forms, meeting infor- • 40% read Research Article/s every issue (46/115) Members Home page • 37% read President's Page every issue (42/115) mation, member an- on the website and has • 35% read News of Members every issue (40/115) nouncements and a search engine • 34% read Medical News every issue (39/115) news, and links to through Ingenta; we • 33% read Short Communications every issue (37/112) constituent organiza- are even working on a tions and the abstract new journal cover! submission site. We no longer put everything in the jour- One perception that causes some concern is that using nal, so unless you use the website, you are missing out the website doesn't matter because everything that is im- on much of what we have to offer! portant is printed in the journal. How many of our mem- Again, AsMA thanks all of you who participated in bers feel this way? Since the advent of the online journal this survey. After all, this is your organization!

562 Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine • Vol. 77, No. 5 • May 2006 President’s Page

Those of us living in temperate climates look forward to the beginning of Spring with new life and growth, and a renewed hope for the future. The buds on the trees burst open and we enjoy the beauty of the blossom and the new flowers. The new growth is ephemeral as the blossom fades, but we observe maturing nature as life moves forward. Sometimes I think this is analogous to the election of a new President and Executive Committee, with new hope and ideas and a fresh approach to the governance of our association. However, the analogy stops before we meet Autumn and the onset of dreary Winter, because Michael Bagshaw, M.B., B.Ch. each President hands on to the next just as those early plans and ideas are maturing. So I feel that Behind the scenes, we have reviewed many we are somewhere in the mid Summer of my aspects of our finances, including paying off the Presidential vision as I hand over the reigns to the mortgage on our headquarters building and re- very capable hands of Dr. Richard Jennings. viewing our investment strategy to gain improved It has been a great privilege and a pleasure to returns. I wish to pay tribute to Dr. James DeVoll, serve as your President. But as I have said many chairman of the Finance Committee, for seeing times during the year, the President does not func- through the work begun by his predecessor Dr. tion in isolation. Robert Weien (now vice-president for member ser- The day-to-day activities of the Association depend vices). on the work of Dr. Russell Rayman and his team at Vice-presidents Dr. Dan Callan and Dr. James the Home Office, and I wish to publicly acknowl- Webb have done an inordinate amount of work in edge the work they do on behalf of us all. reviewing processes and procedures, supporting I have been fortunate to be supported by an President-elect Dr. Richard Jennings in ensuring ap- outstanding Executive Committee. The flow of new propriate governance of the organisation. The jour- ideas and the willingness to challenge what and nal is now available on-line free to all members, how we do things has been breathtaking. Many and we will soon have available a CD containing changes have been made to process and adminis- all the past issues. tration, all the time driven by my mantra of com- Finally I wish to acknowledge the drive and munication being the life-blood of any organisa- energy of Vice-president Andy Bellenkes who has tion. You are probably not aware of many of the worked so hard with Dr. Warren Silberman in seek- processes which have evolved, but I hope it will be ing the cause and solution for our declining mem- seen in an improvement to the services delivered to bership. the membership. There has been no 'big bang', but For me it has been a great year, but there is rather a gradual evolution which I know will con- still much left to do. I thank you for your support tinue. and friendship; now over to you Dr. Jennings.

Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine • Vol. 77, No.5 • May 2006 563 of sleep/wake state transitions using validated mounted Advanced Digital Signal Processing weighted moving average algorithms such as (DSP) actigraph (PCD, Inc., Fort Walton Beach, that of Cole, et al. (2); and 2.) small size, low Florida) allows recording and characterization weight and power requirements, computa- of individual movements and patterns of Science & tional capacity, and other electrical and elec- movements without destroying the informa- tronic features realizable as a user-accepted de- tion contained within them. Such features as Technology vice of reasonable cost. duration, waveshape, amplitude, and compo- This optimization produces very sharp and nent frequencies may be used to describe Watch deliberate limitations of the information origi- movements as they occur. These features may nally contained in the movement signal and be saved and analyzed in relation to sleep, fa- passed on to the scoring algorithm. As dis- tigue, exposure to neuro-motor toxins, or spe- cussed in Redmond and Hegge (6), there are cific environmental conditions. four main areas of design constraint: Digital signal processing technology at- 1. The sensitivity of the sensor must be tempts to utilize detailed accelerometric infor- such as to respond to "normal" arm move- mation which had previously been discarded. Keeping You Informed Of The Latest ments, but not be overwhelmed by the waking For example, current studies are demonstrat- Advances In Science And Technology movements of a very active person, or by ing very low-level respiratory and ballisto- sources of external noise and vibration. In graphic signatures (8, 9). Low frequency ********** conventional actigraphy, information from breathing movements from analysis of the sig- Although best known for its application in distin- very fine, subtle movement is sacrificed. nal within a 0.1 to 3 Hz bandwidth are seen. guishing wake from sleep, recently the wrist- 2. The frequency response of the conven- Ballistocardiobursts follow electrocardio- mounted actigraph has been applied to other funda- tional accelerometric sensor system is sharply graphic signals by several milliseconds in syn- mental questions of human physiology. Advances confined to a band of 2 to 3 cycles per second chronized tracings. The time-linked relation- in actigraph technology have enabled capture of fine (Hz). At the low end, this is to eliminate ship indicates consistency between the motor biovibrations previously unrecognized. This counts from slow-wave excursions of the sen- chest-recorded cardiac-generated electrical sig- month's Watch will briefly review the history of sor (e.g., due to breathing or vehicle motion). nals and the wrist-recorded flow-generated wrist-mounted actigraphy and discuss emerging At frequencies above 3 Hz, this response helps pulse waves. The flow-generated pulse waves advanced actigraphy technology and applications. eliminate false counts due to tremor and vibra- often appear in the shape of a "W," possibly re- *********** tion. flecting soft tissue oscillation. Ablation of both 3. The translation of a complex movement cardioballistic and respiratory signals is appar- Digital Signal Processing signal into threshold-crossing counts elimi- ent when the heart and ventilation are stopped nated signal characteristics such as duration, during coronary bypass surgery. The return of Actigraphy amplitude, and power. the W-wave may be seen when cardiopul- 4. The use of 1- or 2-min memory bins monary bypass is terminated and the heart be- M. Russo1, A. Vo2, R. Conlan3, D. Redmond2 keeps data sets down to workable length in gins beating again. electronic memory and matches the temporal Motion signals are captured along a range 1United States Army Aeromedical Research 2 scale expected by validated sleep/wake algo- of frequencies, referred to as the bandpass. Laboratory, Fort Rucker, AL; Comprehensive rithms, but this integration of sensor data over When the bandpass filters are configured to Neurosciences Program, Uniform Services time smoothes over potentially useful physio- record motion in the 0.1 to 9 Hz frequency University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD / logic data, such as both rhythmic signals (e.g., range, and sensitivity is maximized, the acti- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the tremor) and transient bursts of sensor activity graph registers non-zero counts continuously, Advancement of Military Medicine, Rockville, 3 (aperiodic movements). so long as the device is being worn. This ac- MD; Precision Control Design, Inc., Fort Walton The wrist-mounted actigraph was re- tivity may be considered a lifesigns signal, and Beach, FL designed in the early 1990s to permit the auto- may be related to the microvibrations de- mated setting of alternate sensitivities (high scribed by Rohracher (7). According to The application of human body accelerom- [gain = 26] and low [gain = 5]), counting Rohracher, a low-level tremor occurs in the fre- etry by using miniature motion sensors to thresholds (high [24 mV] and low [6 mV]), and quency band of 7.5 to 12.5 Hz, and is readily study the macro- (gross) and micro- (barely frequency response bands (0.1 to 1 Hz, 0.1 to 3 detected by actigraphy. Bircher, et al. (1) con- discernible) motor activities associated with Hz, 0.1 to 9 Hz, 2 to 3 Hz, and 2 to 9 Hz). The sidered that alterations in these micro-tremors human motion is termed actigraphy. design intent was to allow investigation of may be related to body stress levels. The hy- Actigraphy was originally developed in the varied settings (or information content), while pothesis of Russo, et al. (8) is that these mi- 1920s to objectively measure and quantify normal usage emulated the original, standard- crovibrations may be the peripherally mea- sleep based on body movements. The first ized settings. sured motion associated with rhythmic such study was performed by Szymansky (10), Elsmore, et al. (3) compared the varied physiologic activities. The largest component who constructed a device that was sensitive to wrist-mounted actigraphy settings against of this lifesigns signal is the heartbeat, with the gross body movements of subjects as they polysomnographically (PSG) scored sleep. lesser contributions from gastrointestinal, res- lay in bed. Their report confirmed agreement with PSG piration, and skeletal muscle activities. As In the 1970s and 1980s, wrist-mounted ac- sleep in the range of 79% to 93% for standard such, this signal may be an essential indicator celerometers were developed that made long- wrist-actigraph settings, using both Cole and of life. Data from a study conducted at Walter term portable measurement and recording of Sadeh algorithms. However, the authors Reed Army Medical Center (9) demonstrate movement data feasible (6). An early pilot found that the broad-band frequency settings that life and death can be differentiated using study to address validation issues was con- (0.1 to 3 or 9 Hz) and the low threshold setting actigraph output. ducted by Kripke, et al. (5). Using five normal produced such high counts in sleep as to ren- The ballistic actigraph accomplishes the subjects, excellent agreement was reported (r = der the standard sleep-scoring algorithms use- high-resolution capture of motion data 0.98) between actigraphically-derived, manu- less. through an array of high order Butterworth fil- ally-scored and polysomnographically-deter- That experience and others reported by ters, variable rate sampler, A/D conversion, mined measures of sleep duration. Webster, et Kelly, et al. (4), point again to a fundamental and storage in a large flash memory. al. (11) published the first algorithm that could limitation when using the wrist-mounted acti- The DSP actigraph has virtually seismic be used to automatically score wrist-mounted graph to explore outside the bounds of opti- sensitivity. It can detect human motion from actigraphic data. They determined a correla- mization. The chosen settings for gain, thresh- about 0.2 to14 Hz. When the DSP actigraph is tion of 85% between conventional polysomog- old, and passband are arbitrary, with no near a major pulse or breathing site (the wrist raphy and actigraphically-scored sleep and means of readily adjusting them for compari- is not one of these sites) and body motion is demonstrated the utility of the actigraph for son's sake while controlling for movement not too severe, heartbeat and breathing se- ambulatory monitoring. characteristics. quences can be detected 100's of times during Current conventional actigraph design rep- A general-purpose ballistic wrist-mounted a night of sleep. PCD, Inc. uses these lifesigns resents an optimization of past technology actigraph, one that will work across a broad signals as parameters to detect "off wrist," an based on two key considerations: 1.) consis- range of signal waveforms, has recently been important factor in the application of wrist- tent reliability of the output data (counts of used to detect and quantify physiological mi- mounted actigraphy towards performance and threshold crossings) as input for the detection crovibration characteristics. This wrist- See SCI-TECH WATCH, p. 566

564 Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine • Vol. 77, No. 5 • May 2006 in a state of stimulation, noticeable or sublimi- oximeter is accurate and reliable for monitor- This Month in Aerospace nal. Moreover, if there is no sensation of mo- ing patients during flights" (2). Medicine History-- tion and acceleration, the gravireceptors of the Heat stress in the pilots of the F-4 (USAF May 2006 labyrinth and the peripherally located School of Aerospace Medicine, Brooks AFB, TX mechanoreceptors are more probably not and RAF Institute of Aviation Medicine, By Walter Dalitsch III, M.D., M.P.H. stimulated at all. This is what actually hap- Farnborough, Hampshire, England): "Heat stress pens in the weightless state: Practically all of can be a serious problem in aircraft flown at Seventy-five Years Ago our subjects reported sensations of rest or low altitudes in warm-to-hot environments. Annual Scientific Meeting location and usual 'floating'; a few persons observed sensations Data are reported here on 36 flights by F-4 air- travel discounts: "The Aero Medical Association of motion during the transition phase. This craft at Eglin AFB, FL. Ground dry-bulb tem- will hold its 1931 meeting in Kansas City, seems to indicate that in the first case the peratures (Tdb,g) were 19-33ºC (mean 28ºC) Missouri. While it is the policy of this otoliths do not register in spite of the fact that with psychrometric wet-bulb temperatures Association to hold its meetings whenever the subject is moving toward the center of the (Twb) 14-24ºC (mean 20ºC). Environmental possible in connection with the National Air earth with an acceleration of 9.81 meters per and physiological data were recorded in both Races or some other outstanding aeronautical second, per second; and that in the second front and rear cockpits at 2-min intervals event, this year such an arrangement did not case they may discharge impulses at a rate throughout each mission, which simulated appear to be advisable. The National Air which is characteristic for weightlessness" (3). low-level ground attack and lasted 94-126 Races are to be held at Cleveland, Ohio. In Monkeys, then men, then large manned satel- min. Data were analyzed for four phases, A) view of the fact that our last meeting was held lites: "In the important research area of space preflight taxi, B) low-level flight, C) ordnance in Chicago and the previous one in Detroit, medicine, future satellites will be indispens- delivery, and D) postflight taxi. Cockpit dry- the Council felt that it would be very unfair to able tools of experimentation. They will carry bulb temperature (Tdb,c) exceeded Tdb,g dur- our members in other sections of the country small animals into space first, just as animals ing ground operations; the front cockpit to hold the meeting this year in the same gen- and not men have made the pioneer rides in cooled in flight, while the rear remained hot. eral locality as the two previous meetings… existing research rockets. But no one is Linear relationships appeared for Tdb,c vs. "Railroad representatives have assured us equipped to tell at this time when man him- Tdb,g in the four mission phases, and for if 125 or more attend the meeting that we will self will venture into space. Yet, whether we globe temperature vs. Tdb,c. Aircrew mean have the advantage of the usual reduced rail- live to see it or not, we are now going ahead skin temperature was significantly related to road rates. There will be a special program for to prepare for this day. Like the modest satel- Tdb,c, and core (ear canal) temperature rose ladies attending the meeting. Headquarters of lites we have on our drawing boards, a big slightly with heat stress. Sweat rates reflected the Association will be established in the manned satellite will find its primary use as a both Tdb,c and clothing worn." (6) President Hotel. Further details will be sent to research tool for advancement of the earth sci- Vision, the vestibule, and visual displays each member as soon as they are decided. In ences. For a long time to come, our own (Naval Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory, the meantime, it is hoped that everyone will planet will remain the prime goal of space Naval Air Station Pensacola, FL): "Legibility of a make special plans to attend this meeting" (7). flight" (5). head-fixed display and visual suppression of First stratospheric flight: On May 27, 1931, So what exactly is aviation medicine? the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) were found Swiss physicist Auguste Piccard and his flying "Aviation medicine - A branch of medicine to be superior when vestibular stimuli and companion Charles Knipfer departed from concerned with the study, prevention, cure, or optokinetic stimuli were of like direction (i.e. Augsburg, Germany, in a balloon, becoming alleviation of diseases or other bodily ailments would produce the same direction of nystag- the first humans to fly into the stratosphere. arising from conditions encountered in, or mus) and inferior when they were opposite in In their 17-hour flight, they ultimately reached brought on by, aviation… Aviation medicine direction. Velocities (relating to the head) or a height of 51,793 feet. After descent, the bal- is used as an inclusive term embracing both peripheral optokinetic stimuli ranging be- loon landed near Innsbruck, Austria, on the aeromedicine (in its restricted sense) and tween -18º/s and +180º/s interacted effec- surface of a glacier (10). space medicine" (8). tively with vestibular stimuli to influence visi- bility of a head-fixed display. This indicates Fifty Years Ago Twenty-five Years Ago that peripheral optokinetic stimulation can in- Can medical personnel keep up with the com- The Annual Meeting: The Fifty-Second fluence visual suppression of the VOR at ve- plexities of space flight? "Space flight is the sub- Annual Scientific Meeting of the Aerospace locities that far surpass effective production of ject of intensive study today by military ser- Medical Association was held from May 3 optokinetic nystagmus" (4). vices and private organizations. Of more through May 7, 1981, at the Convention immediate interest to us is their research into Center in San Antonio, TX. REFERENCES the effects on the human body of the upper Can an accident-prone pilot be identified? edge of the troposphere and part of the strato- (U.S. Naval Safety Center, Naval Air Station, 1. Borowsky MS. Dual accident pilots in sphere. These altitudes, between 40,000 and Norfolk, VA): "Flight activity of all aviators fly- naval aircraft. Aviat Space Environ Med 1981; 100,000 feet, are receiving the concerted atten- ing naval aircraft and aircraft accident data 52(5):310-1. tion of our best scientific and military minds. were analyzed to determine if pilots having 2. Cissik JH, Yockey CC, Byrd RB. Evalua- Surprisingly, some of the problems are greater pilot factor accidents early in their careers ex- tion of the Hewlett-Packard Ear Oximeter for than in interplanetary space flight, for the skin hibit higher future accident liability than avia- use during routine air transport of patients. friction created by high speed aircraft flying tors who do not. The results showed that the Aviat Space Environ Med 1981; 52(5):312-4. through the atmosphere causes severe heat aviators who had accidents in their first 1,000 3. Gerathewohl SJ. Personal experiences dur- problems and necessitates cooling the pilot. In h had a higher subsequent accident potential ing short periods of weightlessness reported addition, during ejection, provision must be than pilots who did not. The actual number of by sixteen subjects. Acta Astronaut 1956; 2. made to protect the escaping air crewman pilots who had more than one accident was, 4. Guedry FE Jr, Lentz JM, Jell RM, Norman from wind blast, which at supersonic speeds however, relatively small, and the significance JW. Visual-vestibular interactions: the direc- is one of the most deadly perils for man, to- level was 0.19" (1). tional component of visual background move- gether with the deceleration forces to which Emerging technologies: an ear oximeter ment. Aviat Space Environ Med 1981; 52(5): he is subjected when ejected. It is realized that (Department of Pulmonary Disease, USAF 304-9. these problems would also apply to a space Medical Center, Scott Air Force Base, IL): "The 5. Haber H. Space satellites - Tools of earth vehicle during its course through the atmo- Hewlett-Packard 47201 Ear Oximeter was research. National Geographic Magazine 1956 sphere, but they are more pertinent to the mil- evaluated to determine the feasibility of its (Apr). itary aircraft of today. The complexity of these use aboard aircraft. At altitudes up to 2438 m 6. Nunneley SA, Stribley RF, Allan JR. Heat difficulties increases as the speed and ceiling (8000 ft), there was no significant difference stress in front and rear cockpits of F-4 aircraft. of aircraft constantly increase, and there is a between the mean predicted percent satura- Aviat Space Environ Med 1981; 52(5):287-90. grim race by the aviation industry and its tion of hemoglobin and the measured percent 7. The third annual meeting of the Aero medical personnel to keep pace with the re- saturation in 25 non-smokers (94.6 ± 1.9 vs. Medical Association. J Aviat Med 1931; 2 quirements" (9). 94.1 ± 2.4; p>0.10) and 20 smokers (94.9 ± 1.8 (1):66. Weightlessness and the otoliths: "In space vs. 94.2 ± 2.5; p>0.10). The accuracy of the 8. United States Air Force Dictionary, 1956. flight, the state of zero-gravity will prevail… oximeter readings on five individuals was fur- 9. Walker TW. The challenge of space flight. In this case changes in motion or acceleration ther confirmed with a blood gas analyzer The Project Engineer 1956 (May). will not occur, but the gravireceptors may be aboard the aircraft. We conclude that the ear 10. www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0004537.html

Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine • Vol. 77, No. 5 • May 2006 565 SCI TECH WATCH, from p. 564. The AsMA Science and Technology Committee fatigue modeling. The data is then digitized provide this Science and Technology Watch AsMA Future Meetings Column as a forum to introduce and discuss a va- and stored in a flash data card. May 14-18, 2006 The real science begins with the flash data riety of topics involving all aspects of civil and mil- file. This file of waveform samples is chrono- itary aerospace medicine. The Watch can accom- Caribe Royale Hotel logically arranged in real time. Depending on modate up to three columns of text, which may Orlando, FL the type of experiment conducted, it is com- include a figure or picture to illustrate your con- mon to see a classic time series emerge - cept. May 13-17, 2007 breathing waveform modulating a heart Please send your submissions and comments Sheraton and Marriott Hotels waveform directly from the longitudinal data via e-mail to: [email protected] New Orleans file. By using Fourier transforms or wavelet You can retrieve your favorite copies of previous analyses, frequency domain plots clearly show Watch columns at the AsMA website May 11-15, 2008 heart and breath frequencies standing out (www.asma.org). Open the link under Publications Sheraton and Hilton Hotels from random movement. for the Aviation, Space and Environmental Boston, MA The advances in technology discussed above Medicine page and click on AsMA News. permit application of wrist-mounted actigraphy to identification of subtle physiologic MEETINGS CALENDAR 2006 motor signals, thereby extending actigraph MIT Detector May Speed Up utility. As uses of wrist-mounted actigraphy Interplanetary Communications September 10-14, 2006, Bangalore, continue to expand beyond wake-sleep deter- India. 54th International Congress of Aviation mination, Digital Signal Processing actigraphy CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--MIT researchers and Space Medicine. This meeting is being will most likely play an increasingly promi- have developed a tiny light detector that may hosted by the Indian Society of Aerospace nent role in clinical and operational settings. allow for super-fast broadband communica- Medicine. A preliminary registration form Department of Defense Disclaimer tions over interplanetary distances. Currently, may be found at http://www.isam-india.org/ Citations of commercial organizations and even still images from other planets are diffi- conference44/newreg.php. trade names in this report do not constitute an cult to retrieve. October 16-20, 2006, Moscow, Russia. official Department of the Army endorsement "It can take hours with the existing wire- 5th International Scientific and Practical or approval of the products or services of these less radio frequency technology to get useful Congress. For more info, please call Mr. organizations. The opinions or assertions con- scientific information back from Mars to Valentin Vlasov at 095-953-5842, or Mrs. tained herein are the private views of the au- Earth. But an optical link can do that thou- Dina Valeeva or Mrs. Natalia Mitrokhina at thors and are not to be construed as official or sands of times faster," said Karl Berggren, as- phone/fax 095-239-9851; or e-mail as reflecting the views of the Department of sistant professor in the Department of [email protected], attn: Mr. Vlasov V.D. or e- the Army or the Department of Defense. Electrical Engineering and Computer Science mail [email protected], attn: Mr. Gabbasov (EECS). Berggren, who is also affiliated with I.Z.; or by fax at 095-953-3508. the Research Laboratory of Electronics (RLE), October 23-25, 2006, Reno, NV. SAFE REFERENCES developed the detector with colleagues from Association 44th Annual Symposium. For 1. Bircher M, Kohl J, Nigg B, Koller EA. The the RLE, Lincoln Laboratory and Moscow more info: Ms. Jeani Benton, (541) 895-3012; microvibrations of the body, an index for ex- State Pedagogical University. [email protected]; www.safeassociation.org. amination stress. Euro J App Phys 1978; 39:99- The new detector improves the detection November 9-12, 2006, Eilat, Israel. Air 109. efficiency to 57% at a wavelength of 1,550 Travel and Health. This symposium will deal 2. Cole RJ, Kripke, DF, Gruen W, et al. nanometers (billionths of a meter), the same with flight physiology and a wide array of Automatic sleep/wake identification from wavelength used by optical fibers that carry health issues in air travelers. For more info, wrist actigraphy. Sleep 1992; 15:461-9. broadband signals to offices and homes visit www.palexconventions.co.il/ath2006. 3. Elsmore TF, Naitoh P. Monitoring of activ- today. That's nearly three times the current April 22-26, 2007, Dayton, OH. ity with a wrist worn actigraph: effects of am- detector efficiency of 20%. The result will be International Symposium on Aviation plifier passband and threshold variations. San real-time collection of large amounts of data Psychology: “Airspace as a Cognitive Diego: Naval Health Research Center; 1993; from space. The work may ultimately permit System.” For more info, visit Technical Report 93-18. the transmission of color video between as- www.wright.edu/isap. 4. Kelly TL, Ryman DH, Schlangen K, et al. tronauts or equipment in outer space and The effects of a single dose of pemoline on scientists on Earth. performance and mood during sleep depriva- SAFE Call for Papers The detector, which uses nanowires and tion. Mil Psych 1997; 9:213-25. superconductor technology, can sense ex- 5. Kripke DF, Mullaney DJ, Messin S, SAFE has issued a call for papers, pan- tremely low light or laser signals in the in- Wyborney VG. Wrist actigraphic measures of els, workshop, briefings, demonstrations frared part of the optical spectrum -- down sleep and rhythms. Electroenceph Clin & open forums for its upcoming 44th to a single photon, the smallest and most Neurophys 1978; 44:674-6. Annual Symposium. The Symposium will basic unit of light. That has not been possible 6. Redmond DP, Hegge FW. Observations on be held October 23-25, 2006 at the Reno using conventional optical systems. the design and specifications of a wrist-worn Hilton Hotel, Reno, NV. Berggren and his colleagues published human activity monitoring system. Behav Res The Deadline for entries is June 30, their discovery in the January 23 issue of Met Instr Comp 1985; 17:659-69. 2006. The SAFE symposium is the premier Optics Express. The researchers are now 7. Rohracher H. Permanente rhythmische international showcase for the profession- working to make the detector even more effi- Mikrobewegungen des Warmbluter- als, inventors, equipment, and systems cient. Organismus ("Microvibration"). that have shaped safety in aviation, space, This work was funded in part by the U.S. Naturwissenschften 1962; 49:145-9. land, and military disciplines. Tentative Air Force. 8. Russo M, Vo A, Labutta R, et al. Human areas of discovery include: Commercial For further information contact: Elizabeth biovibrations: assessment of human life signs, and Military Crash Safety; NBC A. Thomson, MIT News Office, 617-258- motor activity and cognitive performance Protection; Acceleration; Altitude; 5402;[email protected]; web.mit.edu/newsof- using actigraphy. Aviat Space Environ Med Ejection; Life Support Systems; NTSB & fice/www. 2005; 76 (7, Suppl.):C64-74 FAA Accident Investigation; Human Factors; Biodynamics & Physiology; 9. Russo M, Vo A, Labutta R, et al. Human AsMA MENTORSHIP PROGRAM microvibration patterns during coma to death Hearing Protection; Homeland Security; transition differ from sleep, as measured by and many more. actigraphy. J Sleep Res 2004; 13(s1):1-832. AsMA has a Mentorship Program for our All abstracts must be submitted elec- 10. Szymansky JS. Aktivitaet und ruhe bei younger members. Go to our website and tronically to the SAFE Office at den menschen. Z Angew Psychology 1922; click on “Members Login.” At the Member [email protected]. To receive a form for sub- 20:192-222. Home page, click on Mentorship Program. mission contact SAFE Association, P.O.Box 11. Webster JB, Kripke DF, Messin S, et al. An You can sign up as a Mentor or Mentee, or 130, Creswell, OR 97426; (541)895-3012; activity-based sleep monitor system for ambu- view Participating Mentors. [email protected]. latory use. Sleep 1982; 5:189-99.

566 Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine • Vol. 77, No. 5 • May 2006 Send information for publication on this page to: Susan Northrup, M.D. [email protected] CAMA NEWS

Get ready for the Third Annual CAMA tific meeting in October dedicated to current Sunday from 8:00 am to noon, May 14th, 2006 civilian aviation medicine clinical topics. This The Aerospace Physiology at the Caribe Royale Hotel! We cordially invite year the meeting will be in Ottawa, Canada. all individuals attending the Aerospace There will be over 20 hours of CME with an Society Luncheon & Social Medical Association Scientific Meeting to at- international flavor and opportunities to see tend. It is FREE and a great way to interact some of the local sites. Meeting details will be AsPS Luncheon: The annual with the regulators from several countries. The available as they develop at the CAMA web- Aerospace Physiology Society title of the session is Evidence-Based Medical site: http://www.civilavmed.com/ Luncheon will be held on Certification: An International Challenge. The CAMA welcomes questions about our or- Wednesday May 17th at 12:00. Mr. projected speakers are listed in the box below. ganization and stands ready to assist with Scot Best from Naval Air Systems The CAMA luncheon will be on Monday civilian aviation medical issues. Feel free to Command (NAVAIRSYSCOM) will the 15th of May in the Caribe Royale as well. contact us via our web site or at: deliver the Smith Ames Lecture. Our speaker will be Frederick E. Tilton, M.D., CAMA Headquarters FAA Federal Air Surgeon. His topic will be Mr. Best is currently the Lead Crew P.O. Box 23864 Systems Engineer for the V-22 Aviation Medical Goals and Objectives. Oklahoma City, OK 73123 Tickets are availabe via pre-registration or at Phone: (405) 840-0199 Osprey Program at NAVAIR. the ticket booth in Registration. Tickets go fast, Fax: (405) 848-1053 so buy early! Last year we had to turn several Email: [email protected] Evening Social: The people away at the door. We hope to see you We look forward to seeing you in Orlando! Physiology Society will hold an there! evening social on Wednesday, 17 In addition, CAMA hosts an annual scien- May at 18:00 at Friday's Front Row Evidence-Based Medical Certification: restaurant located on International Drive in Orlando. Dinner features An International Challenge a buffet menu including salad, baked ziti, Italian sausage, garlic- Speaker Topic Hours/minutes marinated chicken, vegetables, rolls, soft drinks, and dessert. Jack Hastings Introduction 0:06 There will be a cash bar available. Dave Bryman Moderator/Introductions 0:14 Space is limited and tickets will be CAMA President (2 minutes per speaker to on sale at the Society information open/close each presentation) table. Cost is $25 for Society mem- Jorg Siedenburg JAA 0:30 bers and $30 for nonmembers. Sally Evans UK 0:30 Dougal Watson New Zealand 0:30 Hugh O'Neill Canada 0:30 Fred Tilton FAA 0:30 Tony Evans ICAO 0:30 AsPS Member Benefits Panel Discussion All Speakers 0:37 The outstanding network potential and Questions the chance to gain knowledge from the Interactive field’s top minds. Audience Participation The opportunity to take part in forums for Closing Statement Bryman/Hastings 0:03 the integration and utilization of experts in many diverse professional fields. Our members have shared their expertise in multina- Jensen, Program Chair, at [email protected]. ISAP 2007 Call for Proposals tional and multi-service working groups for Panel or full session proposals should in- altitude effects, acceleration, spatial disorien- clude a one-page description, plus a list of You are invited to participate in the con- tation, passenger and patient transport, and potential contributors and the e-mail address tinuation of the International Symposium on human factors. for each. Your proposal must include the Aviation Psychology to be held in Dayton, The opportunity to recognize scientific title, your name, full postal address, phone OH, April 22-26, 2007. The theme for this acheivement in the field of aerospace physi- number, and e-mail address (and that of all symposium is “Airspace as a Cognitive ology. There are three Society awards pre- authors). Please check our website at System.” Proposals are sought for papers, sented each year. www.wright.edu/isap for the exact format sessions, workshops, panels, or posters to be The chance to contribute to the success for proposals. The deadline for proposals is presented in any of the major topics in the and quality of the annual AsMA conference. July 31, 2006. field including cockpit and air traffic control The Society’s Education and Training Day has design, crew management, cognitive been one of the most widely attended ses- processes, physiological factors, stress and FREE Online Journal sions during the annual conference. fatigue, communication, cultural factors, Membership is only $10. For more informa- simulation, pilot selection and/or training, tion, please contact Joe Essex at etc. We are also interested in proposals for a The online version of Aviation, Space, [email protected], or write to: small number of sessions directed at human and Environmental Medicine is now performance in domains other than aviation, available to Members for FREE. LCDR Joe Essex, MSC, USN to the extent that generalizations from or to Simply go to www.asma.org, log into BLDG 2272 Suite 345 the aviation domain are relevant (e.g., medi- the Member Home page, and follow 47123 Buse Rd cine, highway safety, supervisory control, the link to the online journal, avail- Patuxent River, MD 20670 etc.). One-page proposals describing your pre- able through Ingenta. sentation should be e-mailed to Richard

Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine • Vol. 77, No. 5 • May 2006 567 Send information for publication on this page to: Dale Orford 15516 E Acacia Way, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268 WING NEWS & NOTES 480-837-7919; [email protected]

From Caterpillars to career development, parenting, goal setting, women, who have nurtured spouses and chil- communication, or work/life balance. dren, taken wrong paths or been abused or Butterflies Members of PWG are invited to “shop” in the just made bad decisions. They deserve sec- DFS boutique to continue to build upon their ond, third, even fourth chances to make their by Jo Ivan professional wardrobe. The Dress for Success world right. It is such a feeling of empower- “boutique” in DFSSA consists of a large open ment to encourage them to go forward and As each of the members of the WING cinder block space deep in the bowels of meet these challenges with the confidence and starts to experience “empty nest syndrome,” Crossroads Mall, where the doors are always professional skills of a professional woman. we look for other venues, such as community locked behind us so the DFSSA clients can service, hobbies, and philanthropic work to fill have a better sense of safety and security as those empty spaces. Empty nests can be filled many have been sequestered from abusive re- Meet Nonja Bisgard with anything from all day kindergartners to lationships and they now are attempting to college bound students, to finally retiring from create a life of their own. Nonja grew up in Cincinnati, OH, before the “paid” work force. For me, personally, I have had the personal privilege of being attending Northwestern University where she “Dress for Success, San Antonio (DFSSA),” has one of their speakers at a PWG meeting as a obtained both her undergraduate and master’s been the spirit lifting gift I found to fill the home based business proprietor. We talked degrees in chemistry. It was there that she met void of one less person in the house. Their about wardrobe coordination and creation, her husband, Cris, in Dr. Perry’s religion class. motto is “From Suits to Self-Sufficiency”….but sources for inexpensive accessories, as well as Dr. Perry married them in the University’s personally, I believe it should be “From taking the time to create a packaged look that chapel, but being an absent minded professor, Caterpillars to Butterflies”!! is consistent for a professional woman. The he was an hour late for the service. Says Dress for Success (DFS) was founded in group ranged in age from 18 to 60 and they Nonja, “The women came to see if I had 1996 by a New York woman who had received each walked away with a gift of confidence shown up and the men checked on Cris, while a small inheritance of $3000. She developed knowing they have all the right ingredients; the organist went through her repertoire sev- DFS in her own home basement, but it has ex- they just needed to know how to package it. eral times. Cris’s grandmother had a stroke panded rapidly and now has affiliates in 73 On a personal level, this has been one of and went to the ER. She did well, but we went cities which also include 9 locations outside of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I to the hospital after the ceremony and missed the U.S. DFSSA is a local non-profit agency have shed many tears as I watch these women the reception.” A memorable wedding to be which provides free economic, social, and pro- walk out the door with a swagger they did not sure! fessional development and clothing to low-in- have when they walked through this portal. The Bisgards currently live in Seattle, WA, come women transitioning from public assis- To watch the self esteem and confidence of a which Nonja says is their 26th move. Their tance to the workforce, hence the motto – from woman who entered the agency with drooped youngest daughter, Erika, moved there first, suits to self-sufficiency. DFS must rely on the shoulders, unable to have eye contact and the then when Cris retired, he and Nonja fol- San Antonio community in order to sustain weight of the world upon her, and then to see lowed. Says Nonja, “We love the scenery, the their operations; including financial contribu- her emerge from that cocoon of desperation to weather and the relaxed life style. We have the tions, donations of clothing, and volunteer become this butterfly who now knows she same amount of rain as in Chicago. We just hours. They do not receive funding from looks beautiful and confident and job worthy. have misty days instead of deluges.” Dress for Success Worldwide. How does she actually know that? It is be- “We have two daughters. Erika is an inside Who is eligible for services? Women who cause we reassure her, repeatedly, confidently sales rep for Philips ultrasound equipment are job-ready, at or below poverty level, and and sincerely. They have actually walked out here. Our other daughter, Kirsten, works in transitioning from public assistance to the the door, giddy with the anticipation of “strut- marketing for Avaya in New Jersey and has workforce are eligible for services. DFSSA ting their stuff” in the public work force in a three children, Alexa, Noah, and Josh. We have served approximately 400 low income women way that will make employers stand up and a Siamese/mix kitty, Quiggs. He was a rescue each year in 2003 and 2004. Currently, more take notice of this qualified, talented human and we never changed his name. than 5,000 San Antonio area women have ben- being that stands now before them. “I have been a research chemist and a efited from DFSSA services. We at the Wing are a privileged group. We teacher of chemistry and physics. My favorite What assistance is provided? Each client have had careers which have given us skills job was teaching at San Francisco State receives a professional outfit for a job inter- and confidence. We lead a comfortable University. I have also been a real estate agent. view, work-appropriate clothing when she lifestyle which is not shared by a large portion Now that I am retired I can indulge my inter- gets a job, and continued professional ward- of our society. My personal need was to be est in watercolor painting. robe development through the Professional able to give back to this community, these “I have been a member of the Wing for Women’s Group (PWG). In addition to pro- many years. Helen Lestage and I did member- viding women with suitable professional at- ship in the 80’s. I was treasurer for 2 years and tire, DFSSA helps clients to develop the profes- did arrangements for the Atlanta meeting in sional and personal skills that increase 1996. I truly enjoy seeing people at the meet- self-esteem and employment potential. ings and maintaining friendships over the Trained professional staff and volunteers are years. Wing members have the luxury of hav- able to provide personalized one-on-one assis- ing friends all over the world.” tance to DFSSA clients based on their individual needs. How to attain services? Clients are re- Join the Wing! ferred by non-profit and governmental organizations working with low-income women, Dues are $20 per such as AARP, the Battered Women’s Shelter, and the Texas Workforce Centers. year. For further in- What is the Professional Women’s Group formation, contact: (PWG)? As hard as it is to get a job, it is often Judy Waring, 4127 Kenyon St., harder to keep the job. The PWG is a net- working, support group exclusively for clients Seattle, WA 98136; (206) 933- of DFSSA. Each meeting consists of network- 0884; e-mail: ing and training; an expert from the commu- Nonja Bisgard and Jennifer Faulkner in [email protected] nity discusses topics such as financial literacy, Alaska.

568 Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine • Vol. 77, No. 5 • May 2006 Send information for publication on this page to: Corporate News Aerospace Medical Association 320 S. Henry Street NEWS OF CORPORATE MEMBERS Alexandria, VA 22314-3579

Defense Mentor-Protégé Program’s 2006 ETC Announces NASTAR Center Nunn-Perry Award. The Mentor-Protégé Environmental Tectonics Corporation ETC’s ADMS to be Demontrated at Program encourages large defense contractors (ETC) has recently expanded the Tactical AsMA Conference to develop the technical capabilities of small, Flight Simulation and Aviation Training and disadvantaged businesses and to enable organizations employing the severely disabled to Research Center capabilities to include space ETC Simulation's Advanced Disaster compete more effectively for defense-related tourist and traveler training. The Center has Management Simulator, ADMS, will be work. The Nunn-Perry Award, honoring for- been renamed the National AeroSpace demonstrated at the AsMA Conference on mer U.S. Sen. Sam Nunn and former Secretary Training and Research (NASTAR) Center. It Wednesday, May 17th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. of Defense William Perry, recognizes outstand- will open in January 2007 and will offer a every hour on the hour. Room location info ing mentor-protégé teams which excel in tech- complete range of aviation training and re- will be posted at registration. nical developments and cost efficiencies, as search support as well as space training ser- ADMS simulates emergency incidents well as increase business opportunities for vices. The NASTAR Center will provide such as terrorist acts, Weapons of Mass small, disadvantaged firms. world-class aviation training and research Destruction, hazardous material spills, Lockheed Martin and M & M Technical support for military and civil aviation and multi-vehicle road accidents, fires, and nat- Services began their Mentor-Protégé relation- space travel / tourism. ural disasters. ADMS simultaneously trains ship in 2003. M & M Technical Services is a The Center will offer state-of-the-art equip- entire response teams in the four C's of dis- small business that provides a variety of infor- ment and professional instructors to train mili- aster management: Command, Control, mation systems and engineering services. tary and commercial pilots and crews in how Coordination, and Communication. ADMS Initiated in 1991, the Department of Defense’s to cope with the effects of tactical flight opera- authentically simulates the dynamic ele- Mentor-Protégé Program has served hundreds tions (military air crews), high G exposure ments of the environment (people, vehicles, of large corporations and small businesses as a (military fighter and aerobatic pilots), altitude threats) that are significant in a disaster situ- positive, constructive, and useful means for exposure, spatial disorientation, aircraft upsets ation, and the outcomes of actions taken pro- building stronger business relationships, ele- and recoveries, night vision and night vision vide authentic feedback, resulting in real vating small business firms to a higher level, goggle operations (military and paramilitary skill building. For over a decade, ADMS has transferring technology, and fulfilling the sup- aircrew), and loss of situational awareness. For been in use at U.S. Airports and major fire- ply needs of the nation’s military. The Nunn- space travelers, the NASTAR Center will offer fighting and emergency response training fa- Perry Award recognizing mentor-protégé training in how to cope with the effects of sus- cilities worldwide, and is an industry- teams was first presented in 1995. tained elevated G exposure, altitude exposure, proven and mature solution for optimal and spatial disorientation. Unlike air travel emergency preparedness. For more info, About Lockheed Martin today, space travelers/tourists will need to be visit www.ADMSTraining.com. Headquartered in Bethesda, MD, Lockheed physiologically screened and will further need Martin employs about 135,000 people world- specialized training to help them cope with wide and is principally engaged in the re- About ETC: For more than 37 years, ETC’s the physiological stress that they will en- search, design, development, manufacture, in- pioneering technologies have created train- counter. tegration and sustainment of advanced ing solutions for the most rigorous stresses The NASTAR Center will house such aero- technology systems, products and services. encountered during high performance airspace training and research equipment as the craft flight including effects of altitude expo- ATFS-400 Authentic Tactical Flight Simulator; sure, high G exposure, spatial disorientation, AOPA Works for General Aviation GYROLAB GL-2000 Advanced Spatial and escape from a disabled aircraft. ETC will Disorientation Trainer; a hypobaric chamber; Tax Exemptions now provide solutions for travel into the and a night vision and night vision goggle next frontier…space. training system. AOPA is working with lawmakers in four states to show them that an exemption from sales and use taxes for aviation-related ser- Focus on Corporate Member: formed under the Alaska Native Claims vices, sales, and equipment is a good idea— SpecPro Becomes Corporate Settlement Act of December 18, 1971. It is not only for pilots and aircraft owners, but made up of 7,300 shareholders who are also for the states’ economies. State officials in Member of AsMA Eskimo, Indian, and Aleut. The Bristol Bay re- Connecticut and Illinois are considering bills gion is 150 miles southwest of Anchorage, that would exempt aircraft and parts from SpecPro, Inc., an Alaskan Native corpora- AK, and is 40,000 square miles in size. sales and use tax. Meanwhile, in Kentucky, a tion with over 16 years of professional service SpecPro, along with TerraHealth Inc., won measure would exempt personal aircraft from specializing in Engineering and Technical the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Nunn- local property taxation as well as the state’s Services, Information Management Services, Perry Award in 2005 for their achievements in sales and use tax. AOPA is working with legis- and Environmental Services, recently became the Mentor-Protege Program. The team was lators in Mississippi to extend a sales tax ex- a Corporate Member of the Aerospace also selected to give a presentation entitled emption on repairs and services to general avi- Medical Association (AsMA). They provide “Elements of a Successful Agreement” during ation (GA) aircraft. The bill originally applied survivability and vulnerability analysis and the March Mentor-Protege conference held in to all aircraft, but an amendment restricted it systems engineering to government and pri- Orlando, FL. The Nunn-Perry Award recog- to those used for foreign or interstate trans- vate industry. SpecPro’s staff have a wide nizes mentor and protege companies that portation. range of technical and academic credentials achieve cost efficiencies, enhance technical ca- with numerous industry and government pabilities, and increase small business oppor- About AOPA professional registrations and certifications. tunities for DoD prime contracts and subcon- With a membership base of more than Their goal is to always maintain positive cus- tracts. 400,000, or two-thirds of all pilots in the tomer and community relations while empha- United States, AOPA is the largest, most influ- sizing the “SpecPro Advantage.” SpecPro’s ential aviation association in the world. AOPA current clients include the U.S. Army, Air Lockheed Martin’s Undersea has achieved its prominent position through Force, Navy, Drug Enforcement Agency, Systems Wins DoD Award effective advocacy, enlightened leadership, Department of Energy, Environmental technical competence, and hard work. AOPA Protection Agency, U.S. Army Corps of Lockheed Martin’s Undersea Systems busi- provides member services that range from Engineers, and Department of Agriculture. ness, in Manassas, VA, and M & M Technical 0representation at the federal, state, and local SpecPro’s parent company is Bristol Bay Services, Inc., of Woodbridge, VA, have been levels to legal services, advice, and other assis- Native Corporation (BBNC), which was named joint-recipients of the Department of tance.

Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine • Vol. 77, No. 5 • May 2006 569 Baxter Commences Phase II Adult previously poorly understood player in a key glass tip about 2,000 times smaller than the Stem Cell Trial in U.S. sorting process cells use. This player is called point of a pin to pick up single protein mole- Vta1. The Mayo Clinic discoveries were made cules. It then stretches and compresses them Baxter Healthcare Corporation recently an- with the use of an increasingly common like miniature springs to directly measure tiny nounced that it has initiated the first human “model organism” in molecular biology labs: changes in elasticity that correspond to the un- Phase II adult stem cell therapy trial in the the single-celled yeast, which has the same folding and refolding of different parts of the U.S. designed to investigate the efficacy, tolera- basic compartmented cell structure as human protein. Information gained from this and sim- bility, and safety of blood-derived selected cells and also shares some key genes with hu- ilar experiments may greatly advance scien- CD34+ stem cells to improve symptoms and mans. The Mayo Clinic collaboration discov- tists’ understanding of the basic problem of clinical outcomes in patients with chronic my- ered the following aspects about the role of protein folding—the process by which a linear ocardial ischemia (CMI), a severe form of coro- Vta1 in cell sorting events: chain of hundreds or thousands of amino nary artery disease. CMI is a serious heart con- Vta1 acts on Vps4 to promote proper re- acids spontaneously assembles itself into the dition that involves narrowing of coronary moval of a group of proteins — called proper shape to do a specific job in a living or- arteries and results in limited blood flow to ESCRT— late in the protein-sorting process. To ganism. the heart, affecting hundreds of thousands of activate Vps4, Vta1 works via an identifiable Single-molecule studies of titin proteins new patients each year. This prospective, ran- region located at the end of its structure — could yield critical insights into the way ge- domized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, which acts as sort of an accelerator for the sort- netic mutations alter protein shapes to pro- multi-center study will involve approximately ing process. Moreover, these accelerator re- duce such disorders as hypertrophic car- 150 adult patients who are currently on maxi- gions for Vps4 are found not only in yeast, but diomyopathy (excessive thickness of the heart mal medical therapy and are not suitable can- also in organisms as diverse as a member of muscle), polycystic kidney disease, and tibial didates for conventional procedures to im- the mustard plant family, in rats and in hu- muscular dystrophy, as well as titin’s role as a prove blood flow to the heart, such as mans. Vta1 performed these sorting and acti- force-sensitive signaling “switchboard” for angioplasty, stents, or coronary artery bypass vating roles using purified protein in a test cells. Beyond titin, Oberhauser said, the tech- surgery. tube and in living organisms. This is important nique holds promise as a tool for studying Douglas Losordo, M.D., chief of cardiovas- because it shows that findings in isolation in a protein misfolding disorders like Alzheimer’s cular research at Caritas St. Elizabeth’s tube translate into the complex biology of the disease and mad cow disease. It could also Medical Center in Boston, is the principal in- whole organism. In cell cultures, the team per- serve as a source of crucial data for computer vestigator of his institution’s Phase I trial. formed experiments in which Vta1 was models of protein folding, a key tool for ratio- While data from this multi-center trial have deleted and compared those results to experi- nal drug design. not been fully analyzed, researchers are en- ments when Vta1 was intact. Defective cell About UTMB couraged by preliminary anecdotal patient re- sorting resulted when Vta1 was deleted but The mission of UTMB at Galveston is to ports. Of the 24 total study subjects, 16 re- proceeded normally in the presence of Vta1. provide scholarly teaching, innovative scien- ported feeling better with reductions in chest About Mayo Clinic tific investigation, and state-of-the-art patient pain and improved exercise capacity during Mayo Clinic is the first and largest inte- care in a learning environment to better the the early stage of the trial. Though not suffi- grated group practice in the world. Doctors health of society. UTMB’s education programs ciently powered to demonstrate efficacy, these from every medical specialty work together to enable the state’s talented individuals to be- promising results led directly to Baxter’s deci- care for patients, joined by common systems come outstanding practitioners, teachers, and sion to sponsor the Phase II trial. Dr. Losordo and a philosophy of “the needs of the patient investigators in the health care sciences, will be the lead investigator of the Phase II come first.” More than 2,500 physicians and thereby meeting the needs of the people of study. scientists and 42,000 allied health staff work at Texas and its national and international neigh- About Baxter Healthcare the original clinic in Rochester, Minn., and bors. UTMB’s comprehensive primary, spe- Baxter Healthcare Corporation is the principal newer clinics in Jacksonville, Fla., and cialty, and sub-specialty care clinical programs U.S. operating subsidiary of Baxter Scottsdale/Phoenix, Ariz. Collectively, the support the educational mission and are com- International Inc. Baxter International Inc., three clinics treat more than half a million peo- mitted to the health and well-being of all through its subsidiaries, assists healthcare pro- ple each year. Texans through the delivery of state-of-the-art fessionals and their patients with treatment of preventive, diagnostic, and treatment services. complex medical conditions, including cancer, hemophilia, immune disorders, kidney dis- UTMB Researchers Probe Insect ease, and trauma. The company applies its ex- Flight Muscles Want to see Your pertise in medical devices, pharmaceuticals, Company’s News and biotechnology to make a meaningful dif- Using an instrument able to manipulate ference in patients’ lives. For more information single molecules with unprecedented preci- Printed Here? about Baxter, please visit www.baxter.com. sion, researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston (UTMB) have Become a Corporate made the first direct measurements of the me- Member of AsMA! Mayo Collaboration Discovery in chanical properties of the muscle proteins that How Cell Sorting Works help insects fly. UTMB associate professor of neuroscience and cell biology Andres Benefits include: Mayo Clinic researchers, with collaborators Oberhauser and UTMB graduate student • Link from our website to yours from Utah, have identified the workings of a Tzintuni Garcia collaborated on the research • Subscription to AsMA’s Journal new component in the protein-sorting system with scientists from the University of Oxford, • Special news section in this — the system that determines which cellular the universities of Heidelberg and Muenster, journal proteins are saved, recycled, or destroyed. and the European Molecular Biology • Advertising discount in journal These outcomes profoundly impact cell Laboratory. • Exhibit space discount at growth and behavior, and possibly the infec- The insect proteins, dubbed “projectin” AsMA’s Annutal Scientific tion process from retroviruses such as HIV. and “kettin,” are members of a protein family Meeting Knowing where the missteps can occur in the known as the titins, which includes proteins • Registration discount at cell’s regulation of sorting is the first move to- found in human muscle. Tiny defects in Annual Scientific Meeting ward designing new and better therapies that human titins, caused by mutations at single can prevent or reverse diseases as diverse as points in their genetic code, have been linked For information on becoming to congenital heart and kidney disorders. cancer, heart disease, and AIDS. a Corporate Member, please call Optimal cell surface conditions promote Recent studies have shown that the titins are correct functioning, efficiency and productiv- also capable of sensing forces applied to the Gloria Carter at (703)739-2240, ity. When cells function correctly they main- body and releasing signals that affect genes ext. 106, [email protected]; or tain health; when they malfunction they create linked to muscle growth. Dr. Marian Sides at mb- errors that can lead to disease. The Mayo The UTMB researchers probed projectin [email protected] Clinic team has now identified the role of a and kettin with a custom-built atomic force microscope. The device uses a gold-coated

570 Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine • Vol. 77, No.5 • May 2006 Send information for publication on this page to: News of Members Aerospace Medical Association 320 S. Henry Street Alexandria, VA 22314-3579 NEWS OF MEMBERS [email protected]

In Memoriam Elkins, Amanda N., B.S., Clemson, SC Journal CME/MOC Evans, James R., M.D., Arlington, VA John W. Frazier Higgins, Dianne L., M.D., M.P.H., Notice Minden, NV Hirayanagi, Kaname, Ph.D., Tokyo, Japan John W. Frazier, Wilmington, OH, died in Beginning this summer, AsMA March at the age of 69, after a short battle Kovats, Peter B., Lt.Col., USAF, MC, San with cancer. Mr. Frazier was an active mem- will begin a new feature that ac- Antonio, TX ber of AsMA and was credits certain articles published Mann, William F., M.D., Pensacola, FL instrumental in nomi- in Aviation, Space, and Mantell, Susan K., MAJ, MC, USA, Sidney, IL nating our association Mejia, Alexandra, Captain, M.D., Houston, TX Environmental Medicine for Moffitt, Gary L., M.D., Lowell, AR to the Aviation Hall of Continuing Medical Education Fame in 2004. He was a Moye, Stanley J., M.D., Albany, GA true friend to the (CME) and Maintenance of Peterson, John E., D.O., Blue Springs, MO Association and we will Certification (MOC). Three arti- Piotrowski, Anastasia M., 2LT, USA, MC, miss seeing him at our cles will be selected every issue Grovetown, GA Porcher, Carole G., R.N., League City, TX annual meetings. for which there will be questions. Mr. Frazier was a Porges, Carlos R., Psy.D., ABPP, Orlando, FL 1954 graduate of Physicians desiring CME/MOC Rettig, Laurae D., M.D., South Bend, IN Wilmington High must answer the questions on a Rivero, Luis R., MAJ, MC, USA, Pensacola, FL School and a 1971 graduate of Wilmington form and submit it with payment Seoane, Sergio, M.D., Bartow, FL College. He began a distinguished 43-year ca- Stroud, Kenneth J., Ph.D., Seabrook, TX to the Home Office. The Home Woltz, John W., D.O., Logan, OH reer with Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, in 1956. Office will grade the questions By the time he had retired, John had had Wong, Jason D., LCDR, MC, USN, Jackson- some level of involvement with nearly every and archive CME/MOC credit. ville, FL centrifuge experiment run at WPAFB during a This means a physician can accu- Wright, Kurt A., M.D., Ann Arbor, MI 40-year period, including the selection of the mulate a maximum of 33 hours original project Mercury astronauts in the of CME/MOC each year. 1950s. An expert in the field of flight physiol- Remember! ogy, John authored or co-authored more than (Because the March issue con- 60 publications in the area of acceleration and tains only abstracts of the Annual AsMA Council Meetings and its effects on pilot performance and safety. Scientific Meeting, only 11 issues Business Meetings are open to all Mr. Frazier's research with acceleration will have questions.) Specific in- members of the AsMA. The next protection equipment, especially the anti-G structions will accompany each Council meeting will be on May 14, valve, resulted in improvements to this en- accredited article. 2006, in Orlando, FL. semble, which helped save pilots' lives. His The Annual Business Meeting will pioneering research in human performance Russell B. Rayman, M.D. be May 16, 2006, in Orlando, FL. and restraint systems in the multi-acceleration Executive Director axes environment helped establish safety cri- Lunch is optional. teria for life support equipment for U.S. Your input and attendance at both Department of Defense and space applica- sustained acceleration research for high per- meetings are always welcome. Please tions. Many of his research findings are being formance aircraft and spaceflight; and a final come and participate in your Associa- used today around the world to better protect retirement acknowledgement letter from tion. high performance aircraft pilots and astro- President Bill Clinton. nauts. In addition to being a world class re- Following his "retirement," John was active in the community as a tennis coach and searcher, Mr. Frazier also served as a test sub- Want to see Your News ject in numerous centrifuge experiments part time professor at Wilmington College, a including being tied for the record for highest driver for Wilmington City Cab, a consultant Printed Here and Online? G level exposure at 16.5 Gx, longest G expo- on various aerospace projects, and as coach of Send an e-mail to sure (3 Gz for 1 hour), and an exposure to 3 the Stacey's softball team. [email protected] or Gz for 60 minutes to define long term dura- [email protected] tion tolerance to gravity effects on physical Obituary Listing performance. In 1993, he collaborated with This publication is available in University of Texas researchers in collecting the first known full body motion data on a re- Andres I. Karstens, M.D., College Place, WA, microform from ProQuest volving centrifuge for mathematical modeling passed away on March 16. He joined AsMA applications. in 1950. He became a Fellow in 1961. He was ProQuest He was a Fellow of the Aerospace Medical an aviation medical examiner and was certi- 300 N. Zeeb Rd, PO Box 1346, Association, a member of the Aerospace fied in Aerospace Medicine. Ann Arbor, MI 48106-1346. Physiology Society, Space Medicine Branch, www.proquest.com Aerospace Human Factors Association, Life Sciences and Biomedical Engineering Branch, New Members and a Chapter past president of SAFE. INDEX TO ADVERTISERS Highlights of John's distinguished career Andrews, Bruce, CPT, USA, DeLeon include receiving the Armstrong Laboratory Springs, FL Aerospace Medical Association highest scientific honor in 1989--the Harry G. Bowen, Thomas W., Yuba City, CA Armstrong Award; the Aerospace Physiology Corporate Members ...... 572 Bradford, John P., Burlington, ON, Canada Information for Authors . .Cover III Society's Paul Bert Award, also in 1989; the Butcher, Janus D., M.D., Daluth, MN SAFE Chapter Senior Scientist and President's Campbell, Rebekah A., Paris, TX Membership Application ...... ii Awards; the 1996 Eric Liljencrantz Award for Coupe, George H., D.O., P.A., Clearwater, FL ETC ...... Cover IV his 40 years of contributions in the field of Dillon, Jade E., M.D., Denver, CO

Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine • Vol. 77, No. 5 • May 2006 571 Corporate and Sustaining Members of the Aerospace Medical Association

The financial resources of individual members alone cannot sustain the Association’s pursuit of its broad national goals and objectives. Its 77-year history is documented by innumerable medical contributions toward flying health and safety that have become daily expectations by the world’s entire flying population—commercial, military, and private aviation. However, support from private and industrial sources is essential. The following organizations, who share the Association’s objectives or have ben- efitted from its past or current activities, have affirmed their support of the Association through Corporate Membership.

Aeromedic Innovations International Federation of Air Line Air Canada Pilots Associations Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Japan Airlines Air Line Pilots Association Korean Air Force Safety Center (AFSC) AirSep Corporation Lockheed Martin Corporation Martin-Baker Aircraft Company Ltd. American Airlines Mayo Clinic Aerospace Medicine Autoflug Libelle GmbH MedAire, Inc. Aviation Medicine Center at the Pilot Medical Solutions University of Texas Medical Branch Sanofi-Aventis Pharmaceuticals Baxter Healthcare Corporation SpecPro, Inc. Carleton Life Support Systems Inc. United Airlines David Clark Company, Inc. United States Aviation Underwriters Education Enterprises, Inc. Universities Space Research Environmental Tectonics Corporation Association (USRA) Essilor of America/Varilux Harvey W. Watt & Company Gentex Corporation Wyle Laboratories, Inc.

572 Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine • Vol. 77, No. 5 • May 2006