NASA Scientific and Technical Aerospace Reports

20040073663 Naval Medical Research Inst., Camp Lejeune, NC
Understanding, Predicting, and Reducing Appointment No-Shows in a Military Medical Treatment Facility
Bertrand, Andrew H.; May 2000; 55 pp.; In English; Original contains color illustrations
Report No.(s): AD-A422554; No Copyright; Avail: CASI; A04, Hardcopy
Appointment non-compliance can disrupt the efficient operation of a medical facility. At Naval Hospital, Camp Lejeune,
the appointment non-compliance rate for 1999 was 11.3%. Although not markedly high, Naval Hospital leaders believed more
could be done to increase appointment compliance. The goal of this study was to identify potential predictors of appointment
no-shows at the Naval Hospital and suggest methods to effectively address the issue.
DTIC
Health; Medical Services; Predictions
20040073665 Michigan Univ., Ann Arbor, MI
Computer-Aided Characterization of Breast Masses on Volumetric Ultrasound Images: An Adjunct to Mammography
Sahiner, Berkman; Oct. 2003; 62 pp.; In English
Contract(s)/Grant(s): DAMD17-01-1-0328
Report No.(s): AD-A422556; No Copyright; Avail: CASI; A04, Hardcopy
The purpose of this project is to develop computer vision techniques for the analysis of sonographic images of breast
masses, and to combine computerized sonographic and mammographic analyses. The techniques developed in this project are
aimed at providing a second opinion to the radiologists in the task of making a biopsy recommendation. In the second year
of the project, we have (1) compared the accuracy of the classifier designed in the first year of this project to that of
experienced radiologists; (2) conducted studies the effect of the developed classifier on radiologists’ characterization of breast
masses on ultrasound images; and (3) investigated methods for combining computer classification methods based on
ultrasound and mammogram images. Our results indicate that the accuracy of our computer classifier is similar to that of
experienced breast radiologists on our data set. We have also shown that experienced radiologists can significantly
(p<O.0O6) improve their mass characterization accuracy on sonograms when aided by our algorithm. Our results on
combining computer classification methods based on ultrasound and mammogram images indicate that multi-modality
computer-aided diagnosis may further improve the classification accuracy.
DTIC
Cancer; Computer Techniques; Data Bases; Diagnosis; Mammary Glands; Sonograms; Ultrasonics
20040073666 Burnham Inst., La Jolla, CA
Are Microtubules Involved in Anoikis?
Frisch, Steven M.; Aug. 2003; 23 pp.; In English; Original contains color illustrations
Contract(s)/Grant(s): DAMD17-00-1-0170
Report No.(s): AD-A422557; No Copyright; Avail: CASI; A03, Hardcopy
This project is investigating the role of microtubule alterations in anoikis, with a view toward re- examining the
mechanism of microtubule-targeting drugs such as taxol. During the past year, we have uncovered a new mechanism by which
cell adhesion controls apoptosis. The death receptor adaptor protein FADD (FAS-associated death domain protein) is critical
for anoikis as well as death ligand (e.g., FASL) induced apoptosis. Recently, we discovered that FADD is primarily in the
nucleus of attached cells, where it is unavailable for apoptosis induction. Detachment of mammary epithelial cells form
extracellular matrix, however, provokes the export of FADD form the nucleus, thus promoting apoptosis. Our preliminary
work suggests that microtubule drugs can promote FADD export, suggesting a new mechanism by which the can promote
apoptosis. This is expected to have major ramifications for optimizing the use of taxol or other microtubule drugs in connection
with other agents that may promote apoptosis. During the latter year of the project, we found that a protein kinase known as
Glycogen Synthase Kinase- 3 (GSK-3) phosphorylates FADD and that this phosphorylation is required for both the transport
of FADD into and out of the nucleus. In that GSD-3 is a microtubule-regulatory kinase, this represents a new link between
microtubules and apoptosis.
DTIC
Apoptosis; Drugs; Enzymes; Microstructure; Phosphorus
20040073670 Georgetown Univ. Hospital, Washington, DC
Short and Long-Term Disability and Workers’ Compensation Health Care Programs: Management Project at
Georgetown University Hospital
Whippen, Thomas; Jun. 2000; 79 pp.; In English
Report No.(s): AD-A422561; HCA-34-00; No Copyright; Avail: CASI; A05, Hardcopy
168