Brooks AFB Research Articles

Fifty Years of Decompression Sickness Research at Brooks AFB, TX: 1960–2010

INTRODUCTION, FACILITIES, AND METHODS: Decompression sickness (DCS) occurring in hypobaric environments related to aviation or spaceflight was a major focus of research at Brooks AFB/City-Base, TX, throughout the period 1960-2010. Multiple hypobaric chambers and extensive support facilities were built for research on altitude DCS using both human subjects and animal models. Areas of study included symptomatology, incidence, prediction, and prevention of DCS. High-altitude aviation, spacecraft atmospheres, and pressure suits were evaluated with various decompression and prebreathing schedules to reduce DCS risk. FACTORS AFFECTING DCS INCIDENCE: The results from these efforts were recorded in an extensive Altitude DCS Research Database which served as a resource for developing reports and exploring relationships of various parameters such as altitude, time at altitude, prebreathe time, and mode of activity while decompressed. PREVENTION AND PREDICTION OF DCS: Individual susceptibility to DCS was also evaluated in an effort to tailor preventive measures and predict susceptibility. Completion of the 26 human-use protocols provided information which was incorporated into NASA and USAF operational practices to reduce DCS risk. DCS researchers working at Brooks throughout this period produced 177 papers documenting results of thousands of subject-exposures and other experiments. An Altitude DCS Risk Assessment Computer Model was fielded in 2005. This review centers on the results of research at Brooks and notes questions about operational DCS risk that have not yet been answered.

Dedication: Eleanor Reed Adair

BioelectromagneticsVolume 24, Issue S6 p. S1-S2 DedicationFree Access Dedication: Eleanor Reed Adair† Michael R. Murphy, Corresponding Author Michael R. Murphy [email protected] Radio Frequency Radiation Branch, Directed Energy Bioeffects Division, Air Force Research Laboratory, Books City-Base, Texas, USAUS Air Force Research Lab, 8315 Hawks Road, Brooks AFB, TX 78235-5102.Search for more papers by this author Michael R. Murphy, Corresponding Author Michael R. Murphy [email protected] Radio Frequency Radiation Branch, Directed Energy Bioeffects Division, Air Force Research Laboratory, Books City-Base, Texas, USAUS Air Force Research Lab, 8315 Hawks Road, Brooks AFB, TX 78235-5102.Search for more papers by this author First published: 14 November 2003 https://doi.org/10.1002/bem.10152Citations: 1 † This article is a US government work, and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America. AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL No abstract is available for this article.Citing Literature Volume24, IssueS62003Pages S1-S2 RelatedInformation

Human exposure to 2450 MHz CW energy at levels outside the IEEE C95.1 standard does not increase core temperature.

Permission was received from the Brooks AFB Institutional Review Board and the AF Surgeon General's Office to exceed the peak power density (PD = 35 mW/cm(2)) we had previously studied during partial body exposure of human volunteers at 2450 MHz. Two additional peak PD were tested (50 and 70 mW/cm(2)). The higher of these PD (normalized peak local SAR = 15.4 W/kg) is well outside the IEEE C95.1 guidelines for partial body exposure, as is the estimated whole body SAR approximately 1.0 W/kg. Seven volunteers (four males, three females) were tested at each PD in three ambient temperatures (T(a) = 24, 28, and 31 degrees C) under our standard protocol (30 min baseline, 45 min RF exposure, 10 min baseline). The thermophysiological data (esophageal and six skin temperatures, metabolic heat production, local sweat rate, and local skin blood flow) were combined with comparable data at PD = 0, 27, and 35 mW/cm(2) from our 1999 study to generate response functions across PD. No change in esophageal temperature or metabolic heat production was recorded at any PD in any T(a). At PD = 70 mW/cm(2), skin temperature on the upper back (irradiated directly) increased 4.0 degrees C in T(a) = 24 degrees C, 2.6 degrees C in T(a) = 28 degrees C, and 1.8 degrees C in T(a) = 31 degrees C. These differences were primarily due to the increase in local sweat rate, which was greatest in T(a) = 31 degrees C. Also at PD = 70 mW/cm(2), local skin blood flow on the back increased 65% over baseline levels in T(a) = 31 degrees C, but only 40% in T(a) = 24 degrees C. Although T(a) becomes an important variable when RF exposure exceeds the C95.1 partial body exposure limits, vigorous heat loss responses of blood flow and sweating maintain thermal homeostasis efficiently. It is also clear that strong sensations of heat and thermal discomfort will motivate a timely retreat from a strong RF field, long before these physiological responses are exhausted. Published 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Determination of head/neck loads during manoeuvring acceleration

: Neck injury risk can increase when aircrew wear head mounted equipment while exposed to +Gz-loads. The effects of added weight and change in centre-of-gravity were determined during a centrifuge study using an instrumented manikin at Brooks AFB, Texas. Data included centrifuge Gz, head acceleration (three axes), and head and C7-TI pitch moment, compressive and shear forces. Helicopter (0.5G/s at +1.75 and +4Gz) and tactical aircraft (2Gk and 6GIs from +4 to 12Gz) accelerations were simulated (5s plateau at each level). Effect of added weights (up to overall 2.7kg) were measured in the forward pitch and lateral planes and tested using ANOVA. Seven real helmet systems were also tested. Head Gx and Gy increased with increasing +Gz-load, head weight, as CG shifted in the forward pitch plane, and onset rate. Head Gz was greatest when weight was distributed laterally. The resultant head and neck force and moment increased with increasing weight, pitch angle, and +Gz load. Neck forces and moments were significantly larger than those measured in the head.

Natural history of lone atrial fibrillation in 234 males: Follow-up of 22 years Ants Palm-Leis, Theodore V. Arevelo, Jeb S. Pickard, William B. Kruyer. USAF School of Medicine, Brooks AFB, TX

Natural history of lone atrial fibrillation in 234 males: Follow-up of 22 years Ants Palm-Leis, Theodore V. Arevelo, Jeb S. Pickard, William B. Kruyer. USAF School of Medicine, Brooks AFB, TX

Natural history of asymptomatic angiographic coronary artery disease in 575 young men: Long-term study of 15 years Patrick J. Fitzsimmons, II, William T. Thompson, Sharon Barnett, William B. Kruyer. USAF School of Aerospace Medicine, Brooks AFB, TX

Natural history of asymptomatic angiographic coronary artery disease in 575 young men: Long-term study of 15 years Patrick J. Fitzsimmons, II, William T. Thompson, Sharon Barnett, William B. Kruyer. USAF School of Aerospace Medicine, Brooks AFB, TX

99/02778 Aircraft engine and auxiliary power unit emissions from combusting JP-8 fuel

Due to safety considerations and in an effort to standardize Department of Defense fuels, the US Air Force (USAF) replaced the naptha-based JP-4, MIL-T-5624, with the kerosene-based JP-8, MIL-T-83133, as the standard turbine fuel. Although engine emissions from combustion of JP-4 are well documented for criteria pollutants, little information exists for criteria and hazardous air pollutants from combustion of JP-8 fuel. Due to intrinsic differences between these two raw fuels, their combustion products were expected to differ. As part of a broader engine testing program, the Air Force, through the Human Systems Center at Brooks AFB, TX, has contracted to have the emissions characterized from aircraft engines and auxiliary power units (APUs). Criteria pollutant and targeted HAP emissions of selected USAF aircraft engines were quantified during the test program. Emission test results will be used to develop emission factors for the tested aircraft engines and APUs. The Air Force intends to develop a mathematical relationship, using the data collected during this series of tests and from previous tests, to extrapolate existing JP-4 emission factors to representative JP-8 emission factors for other engines. This paper reports sampling methodologies for the following aircraft engine emissions tests: F110-GE-100, F101-GE-102, TF33-P-102, F108-CF-100, T56-A-15, andmore » T39-GE-1A/C. The UH-60A helicopter engine, T700-GE-700, and the C-5A/B and C-130H auxiliary power units (GTCP165-1 and GTCP85-180, respectively) were also tested. Testing was performed at various engine settings to determine emissions of particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, total hydrocarbon, and selected hazardous air pollutants. Ambient monitoring was conducted concurrently to establish background pollutant concentrations for data correction.« less

Laser Radiation

David H. Sliney, PhD, Medical Physicist, US Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD. Bruce E. Stuck, MS, Physicist, US Army Medical Research Detachment, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Brooks AFB, TX.

Evaluation of transit-time and electromagnetic flow measurement in a chronically instrumented nonhuman primate model.

The Physiology Research Branch at Brooks AFB conducts both human and nonhuman primate experiments to determine the effects of microgravity and hypergravity on the cardiovascular system and to identify the particular mechanisms that invoke these responses. Primary investigative efforts in our nonhuman primate model require the determination of total peripheral resistance, systemic arterial compliance, and pressure-volume loop characteristics. These calculations require beat-to-beat measurement of aortic flow. This study evaluated accuracy, linearity, biocompatability, and anatomical features of commercially available electromagnetic (EMF) and transit-time flow measurement techniques. Five rhesus monkeys were instrumented with either EMF (3 subjects) or transit-time (2 subjects) flow sensors encircling the proximal ascending aorta. Cardiac outputs computed from these transducers taken over ranges of 0.5 to 2.0 L/min were compared to values obtained using thermodilution. In vivo experiments demonstrated that the EMF probe produced an average error of 15% (r = .896) and 8.6% average linearity per reading, and the transit-time flow probe produced an average error of 6% (r = .955) and 5.3% average linearity per reading. Postoperative performance and biocompatability of the probes were maintained throughout the study. The transit-time sensors provided the advantages of greater accuracy, smaller size, and lighter weight than the EMF probes. In conclusion, the characteristic features and performance of the transit-time sensors were superior to those of the EMF sensors in this study.

MAXIMAL EXERCISE-INDUCED CHANGES IN LEG BLOOD FLOW FOLLOWING 16 DAYS OF HEAD-DOWN TILT.

Department of Physiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL; NASA-Kennedy Space Center; NASA-Ames Research Center; Physiology Research Branch, Brooks AFB; Anesthesia Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.

Development of a Causal Model of Processes Determining Job Performance

6. M. Morales, The function of general and spe cific abilities in the validity of the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test, unpublished master's thesis, St. Mary's University of Texas, San Antonio (1991). 7. M.J. Ree, J.A. Earles, and M. Teachout, Gen era/ Cognitive Ability Predicts Job Performance, AL TR-1991-0057 (Armstrong Laboratory, Brooks AFB, TX, 1991). 8. N. Stewart, A.G.C.T. scores of Army person nel grouped by occupation, Occupations, 26, 1-37 (1947). It is interesting to note that job hierarchies are not new and that Deuteronomy 29:9 presents a list with managers and overseers at the top and hew ers of wood at the bottom. A.R. Jensen noted that even relatively mundane tasks such as cooking rely on intelligence: Army cooks who could successfully make jelly rolls had higher scores on g-loaded tests than those who could not; Straight Talk About Men tal Tests (Free Press, New York, 1981). 9. R.J. Sternberg, Death, taxes, and bad intelli gence tests, Intelligence, 15, 257-269 (1991). There are a few people who want competency tests, which are even more content specific than typical aptitude tests. The rationale for competency tests has been dispelled by G.V. Barrett and R.L. Depinet, A re consideration of testing for competence rather than for intelligence, American Psychologist, 46, 1012? 1024(1991). 10. R. Cattell, Intelligence: Its Structure, Growth and Action (Elsevier Science Publishing, New York, 1987). This is a revised version of Cattell's Abilities: Their Structure, Growth and Action, published in 1971. In this revision, he elucidates the investment theory and his concepts of fluid and crystallized in telligence. Note the significant change in the title from the original.

The Air Force's Central Reference Laboratory: Maximizing Service While Minimizing Cost

The Laboratory Services Branch (Epi Lab) of the Epidemiology Division, Brooks AFB, Texas, is designated by regulation to serve as the Air Force's central reference laboratory, providing clinical laboratory testing support to all Air Force medical treatment facilities (MTFs). Epi Lab recognized that it was not offering the MTFs a service comparable to civilian reference laboratories and that, as a result, the Air Force medical system was spending hundreds of thousands of dollars yearly for commercial laboratory support. An in-house laboratory upgrade program was proposed to and approved by the USAF Surgeon General, as a Congressional Efficiencies Add project, to launch a two-phase initiative consisting of a 1-year field trial of 30 MTFs, followed by expansion to another 60 MTFs. Major components of the program include overnight air courier service to deliver patient samples to Epi Lab, a mainframe computer laboratory information system and electronic reporting of results to the MTFs throughout the CONUS. Application of medical marketing concepts and the Total Quality Management (TQM) philosophy allowed Epi to provide dramatically enhanced reference service at a cost savings of about $1 million to the medical system. The Epi Lab upgrade program represents an innovative problem-solving approach, combining technical and managerial improvements, resulting in substantial patient care service and financial dividends. It serves as an example of successful application of TQM and marketing within the military medical system.

Centrifuges for studying the effects of sustained acceleration on human physiology

The operation, development, and use of high-performance centrifuges with high G-onset rates, similar to those found in modern fighter aircraft, are discussed. Their performance characteristics are examined, and the USAFSAM centrifuge at Brooks AFB in Texas is then described. Centrifuges for space research and large-radius track centrifuges are considered. The benefits of the latter are discussed.

Indole compounds do not cause false positives with the TDx cannabinoid assay.

Journal Article Indole compounds do not cause false positives with the TDx cannabinoid assay. Get access D A Armbruster, D A Armbruster Epidemiol. Division, USAF School of Aerospace Medicine, Brooks AFB TX 78235-5301 Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar D T Green D T Green Epidemiol. Division, USAF School of Aerospace Medicine, Brooks AFB TX 78235-5301 Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar Clinical Chemistry, Volume 35, Issue 2, 1 February 1989, Page 323, https://doi.org/10.1093/clinchem/35.2.323 Published: 01 February 1989

Empty sample cups may mimic patients' results with the Stratus analyzer.

Journal Article Empty sample cups may mimic patients' results with the Stratus analyzer. Get access D Armbruster, D Armbruster Clin. Chem. Section, USAF School of Aerospace Medicine, Human Systems Division (AFSC), Brooks AFB, TX 78235-5301 Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar D C Jirinzu D C Jirinzu Clin. Chem. Section, USAF School of Aerospace Medicine, Human Systems Division (AFSC), Brooks AFB, TX 78235-5301 Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar Clinical Chemistry, Volume 34, Issue 9, 1 September 1988, Page 1931, https://doi.org/10.1093/clinchem/34.9.1931 Published: 01 September 1988

Methoprene dust for flea (Siphonaptera: Ceratophyllidae) suppression on ground squirrels (Rodentia: Sciuridae).

Burrows of the Mexican Ground Squirrel, Spermophilus mexicanus parvidens , on Brooks AFB, Texas, USA, were dusted with methoprene at the rate of 0.05 g active ingredient per burrow. Early spring posthibernation and fall prehibernation dustings were evaluated for their efficacy in reducing populations of Oropsylla fotus , the only flea species found on the ground squirrels. The early spring treatment was found ineffective, while the fall application significantly reduced flea populations the following spring. This flea was found to be a coolweather species, with its most significant reproductive period in the cool winter months in south Texas. Adult fleas completely disappeared from squirrels from mid-June until late fall. Additionally, male ground squirrels were more heavily infested with fleas than were females.

Diving Accident Network begins 2nd year

ABSTRACT Recently, a scuba diving student in Texas made what appeared to be a normal ascent after about 15 minutes at 7.5 m below the water's surface. But then he lost consciousness and began having convulsions.After it was determined that there were gas bubbles in the pericardium and other tissues, the diver was rushed by military helicopter to Brooks AFB, San Antonio, some 130 km away, where there is a hyperbaric chamber (JAMA [MEDICAL NEWS] 1981; 246:1057-1066; 1171-1178). After treatment there as well as in a civilian hospital's chamber, the patient appeared to regain most functions and was enrolled in physical therapy.Later, in response to a news reporter's question, Maj Luis A. Matos, MC, USAF, a medical officer at Brooks, commented: People who scuba dive should know the location of the nearest hyperbaric chamber so they can receive treatment, should they ever need it, as quickly as possible.That

Smoking Sam Goes to School

Journal of School HealthVolume 50, Issue 9 p. 510-513 Smoking Sam Goes to School Paula Bode, Corresponding Author Paula Bode Paula Bode, RN, BSN (Corresponding author), Education Coordinator, Family Planning, Bexar County Hospital District, Robert B. Green Hospital, 527 N. Leona, San Antonio, TX 78207Education Coordinator, Family Planning, Bexar County Hospital District, Robert B. Green Hospital, 527 N. Leona, San Antonio, TX 78207Search for more papers by this authorCarla G. Cran, Carla G. Cran Carla G. Cran, BS, Area III Director of Public Education, American Cancer Society, 8214 Wurzbach Road, San Antonio, TX 78229;Search for more papers by this authorArden G. Christen, Arden G. Christen Arden G. Christen, DDS, MSD, MA. Chief, Dental Investigation Service, USAF School of Aerospace Medicine, Brooks AFB, TX 78235.Search for more papers by this author Paula Bode, Corresponding Author Paula Bode Paula Bode, RN, BSN (Corresponding author), Education Coordinator, Family Planning, Bexar County Hospital District, Robert B. Green Hospital, 527 N. Leona, San Antonio, TX 78207Education Coordinator, Family Planning, Bexar County Hospital District, Robert B. Green Hospital, 527 N. Leona, San Antonio, TX 78207Search for more papers by this authorCarla G. Cran, Carla G. Cran Carla G. Cran, BS, Area III Director of Public Education, American Cancer Society, 8214 Wurzbach Road, San Antonio, TX 78229;Search for more papers by this authorArden G. Christen, Arden G. Christen Arden G. Christen, DDS, MSD, MA. Chief, Dental Investigation Service, USAF School of Aerospace Medicine, Brooks AFB, TX 78235.Search for more papers by this author First published: November 1980 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1746-1561.1980.tb02075.x AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Volume50, Issue9November 1980Pages 510-513 RelatedInformation

THE EFFECTS OF HEAT STRESS ON CARDIAC OUTPUT DURING REST AND SUBMAXIMAL EXERCISE

Laboratory of Environmental Patho-Physiology, Desert Research Institute, Boulder City, Nevada, and the USAF School of Aerospace Medicine, Brooks AFB, TX Indiana University School of Medicine Myers Hall Bloomlngton. IN 47401

OXYGEN DEPENDENCE OF NEAR‐ULTRAVIOLET INDUCED CORNEAL DAMAGE*

Photochemistry and PhotobiologyVolume 25, Issue 1 p. 133-135 OXYGEN DEPENDENCE OF NEAR-ULTRAVIOLET INDUCED CORNEAL DAMAGE* Joseph A. Zuclich, Joseph A. Zuclich Life Sciences Division, Technology Incorporated, 8531 N. New Braunfels Avenue, San Antonio, TX 78217, U.S.A.Search for more papers by this authorWilliam E. Kurtin, William E. Kurtin Department of Chemistry, Trinity University, San Antonio, TX 78284, U.S.A. †National Science Foundation Faculty Research Participant at Technology Incorporated, 1975.Search for more papers by this author Joseph A. Zuclich, Joseph A. Zuclich Life Sciences Division, Technology Incorporated, 8531 N. New Braunfels Avenue, San Antonio, TX 78217, U.S.A.Search for more papers by this authorWilliam E. Kurtin, William E. Kurtin Department of Chemistry, Trinity University, San Antonio, TX 78284, U.S.A. †National Science Foundation Faculty Research Participant at Technology Incorporated, 1975.Search for more papers by this author First published: January 1977 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-1097.1977.tb07434.xCitations: 17 † *Supported by Contract F41609–73-C-0017, Aerospace Medical Division, Air Force Systems Command. Work performed in the Laser Effects Branch, Radiobiology Division, USAF School of Aerospace Medicine, Brooks AFB. TX, U.S.A. AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Citing Literature Volume25, Issue1January 1977Pages 133-135 RelatedInformation