NASA Scientific and Technical Aerospace Reports

The purposes of this study are to provide quantitative estimates of 1) the effective amount of vitamin D produced in the
skin as a function of skin pigmentation; and 2) the rate of utilization of vitamin D as a function of ethnicity. The outcome will
be estimates of the amount of vitamin D that must be given orally to military personnel of different races and in different
assigned locations so as to ensure and maintain normal vitamin D status. In the first 15 months’ work (the period covered by
this report), we have accumulated about 50% of the targeted measurements for both objectives, in a racially diverse sample.
No quantitative results will be available until all the measurements have been made and analyzed as a unit.
DTIC
Calciferol; Ethnic Factors; Exposure; Personnel
20040050725 Academy of Health Sciences (Army), Fort Sam Houston, TX
Neurosurgical Provider Proficiency: Clairification of Readiness and Management Implications
Dole, Mark J.; Apr. 2001; 97 pp.; In English
Report No.(s): AD-A421024; HCA-31-01; No Copyright; Avail: CASI; A05, Hardcopy
This research project used qualitative research methods to clarify the concept of surgical proficiency among U. S. Army
neurosurgeons. The purpose is to assist effective management decisions and policies through a greater understanding of the
complexities of defining, measuring, and influencing proficiency. The data collection included focused interviews with 23
military and civilian experts designed to clarify the concept of proficiency and semi-structured interviews with 9 of 19 active
duty neurosurgeons to understand their perspective and concerns. The results found, with very high consistency, that the
established proxies of credentialing, board certification, and accreditation are what an organization can and should consider
at this time. Additionally, the interviewees expressed that the evaluation of physicians is, at its core, a local function best
conducted by peers. In this regard the Army Medical Department has the proper structure and processes that encourage
proficiency. Concerning the management of neurosurgeons, the results articulated the persistent dissatisfaction with pay,
support staff, and assignments. The management of human resources, including retention and career management, is a critical
obstacle in maintaining and improving proficiency in this specialty. This research strongly supports the neurosurgical
consultant s recommendations submitted to the U.S. Army Surgeon General concerning consolidating assignments,
encouraging resource sharing agreements with the Veteran s Affairs, and issues of morale. In addition, this research indicates
that significant research and changes are necessary to align the Army s use of this specialty with the critical elements of
surgical proficiency.
DTIC
Health; Management Planning
20040050726 Emory Univ., Atlanta, GA
Kainate Receptors in the Striatum: Implications for Excitotoxicity in Huntington’s Disease
Smith, Yoland; Aug. 2003; 12 pp.; In English; Original contains color illustrations
Contract(s)/Grant(s): DAMD17-99-1-9546
Report No.(s): AD-A421025; No Copyright; Avail: CASI; A03, Hardcopy
Huntington’s disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative condition characterized by a loss of projection neurons in the striatum.
Although various hypotheses have been proposed to explain the mechanisms that underlie the striatal neuronal death,
excitotoxicity still deserves major interest. Recent findings indicate that changes in the genotype of the kainate receptor
subunit, GluR6, are associated with variation in the age of onset of HE), which implicates the kalnate receptors in the
pathogenesis of HD. The rationale of this project is that pre-synaptic kainate receptors control the release of glutamate from
cortical or thalamic terminals, and that an abnormal regulation of these receptors is involved in the death of striatal neurons
in HD. We, therefore, propose to use state-of-the-art electron microscope techniques to test a series of hypotheses that will
help to elucidate the localization and understand better the role of kainate receptors in the primate striatum. The results of these
studies will provide a strong basis for studying the potential mechanisms by which these receptors participate in the death of
striatofugal neurons in HE). Moreover, they will help the development of novel therapeutic strategies aimed at targeting
pre-synaptic kainate receptors in HE) and other basal ganglia disorders.
DTIC
Diseases; Receptors (Physiology); Striation
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