Correcting thermal-emission-induced detector saturation in infrared spectroscopy.

We found that temperature-dependent infrared spectroscopy measurements (i.e., reflectance or transmittance) using a Fourier-transform spectrometer can have substantial errors, especially for elevated sample temperatures and collection using an objective lens. These errors can arise as a result of partial detector saturation due to thermal emission from the measured sample reaching the detector, resulting in nonphysical apparent reduction of reflectance or transmittance with increasing sample temperature. Here, we demonstrate that these temperature-dependent errors can be corrected by implementing several levels of optical attenuation that enable convergence testing of the measured reflectance or transmittance as the thermal-emission signal is reduced, or by applying correction factors that can be inferred by looking at the spectral regions where the sample is not expected to have a substantial temperature dependence.

The Complex, Unique, and Powerful Imaging Instrument for Dynamics (CUPI2D) at the Spallation Neutron Source (invited).

The Oak Ridge National Laboratory is planning to build the Second Target Station (STS) at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS). STS will host a suite of novel instruments that complement the First Target Station's beamline capabilities by offering an increased flux for cold neutrons and a broader wavelength bandwidth. A novel neutron imaging beamline, named the Complex, Unique, and Powerful Imaging Instrument for Dynamics (CUPI2D), is among the first eight instruments that will be commissioned at STS as part of the construction project. CUPI2D is designed for a broad range of neutron imaging scientific applications, such as energy storage and conversion (batteries and fuel cells), materials science and engineering (additive manufacturing, superalloys, and archaeometry), nuclear materials (novel cladding materials, nuclear fuel, and moderators), cementitious materials, biology/medical/dental applications (regenerative medicine and cancer), and life sciences (plant-soil interactions and nutrient dynamics). The innovation of this instrument lies in the utilization of a high flux of wavelength-separated cold neutrons to perform real time in situ neutron grating interferometry and Bragg edge imaging-with a wavelength resolution of δλ/λ ≈ 0.3%-simultaneously when required, across a broad range of length and time scales. This manuscript briefly describes the science enabled at CUPI2D based on its unique capabilities. The preliminary beamline performance, a design concept, and future development requirements are also presented.

Late failure of a single-coil transvenous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator lead associated with conductor separation.

Two patients with the same model of single-coil active fix implantable defibrillator lead presented with evidence of lead malfunction, in one case with an abrupt rise in pacing impedance and threshold and in the other with evidence of over-sensing. In both cases, the chest radiograph showed separation of conductors in the defibrillation lead from the main body of the lead.

Employment Trends in Rhode Island From 2011 to 2017 for Adults With Intellectual Disability and Developmental Disabilities.

This study reports on state-level data in Rhode Island on employment and non-work activities of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities receiving services between 2011 and 2017. The goal was to examine the complex patterns of change over time in individual-level employment outcomes and the potential short-term impacts of a consent decree entered into by the state of Rhode Island to address integrated employment outcomes. Findings suggest that policy initiatives such as the consent decree can lead to reductions in reliance on facility-based work, but also highlight the importance of planning for the transition to competitive, integrated employment and not simply a shift toward non-work activities. Further, the data support the notion that the best predictor of integrated employment over time is previous experiences in integrated employment (not facility-based or other work or non-work activities), suggesting the role of ongoing supported employment and transition services that create and support the maintenance of integrated employment.

Examining the Impact of the SDLMI and Whose Future Is It? Over a Two-Year Period With Students With Intellectual Disability.

The purpose of this study was to examine self-determination outcome data in the year following a one-year cluster randomized controlled trial (C-RCT) comparing the impacts of a Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction (SDLMI) only condition to a SDLMI + Whose Future Is It? (SDLMI + WF) condition. Using multilevel B-spline model analysis with Bayesian estimation, we examined ongoing patterns of growth after the trial ended and all students were exposed to SDLMI + WF. The findings suggest that the inclusion of an additional year of outcome data provided additional insight into the impact of more intensive intervention conditions over time. Specifically, after the initial year of implementation, the SDLMI + WF condition predicted greater annual gains than the SDLMI only condition, unlike findings in the first year which reflected the opposite pattern. This evidence suggests a nonlinear growth pattern over multiple years of intervention with more intensive interventions. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.

A Review of Driving Restrictions in Patients at Risk of Syncope and Cardiac Arrhythmias Associated with Sudden Incapacity: Differing Global Approaches to Regulation and Risk.

The ability to drive is a highly valued freedom in the developed world. Sudden incapacitation while driving can result in injury or death for the driver and passengers or bystanders. Cardiovascular conditions are a primary cause for sudden incapacitation and regulations have long existed to restrict driving for patients with cardiac conditions at high risk of sudden incapacitation. Significant variation occurs between these rules in different countries and legislatures. Quantification of the potential risk of harm associated with various categories of drivers has attempted to make these regulations more objective. The assumptions on which these calculations are based are now old and less likely to reflect the reality of modern driving. Ultimately, a more individual assessment of risk with a combined assessment of the medical condition and the patient's driving behaviour may be appropriate. The development of driverless technologies may also have an impact on decision making in this field.

An apparatus for the study of high temperature water radiolysis in a nuclear reactor: calibration of dose in a mixed neutron/gamma radiation field.

The cooling water of nuclear reactors undergoes radiolytic decomposition induced by gamma, fast electron, and neutron radiation in the core. To model the process, recombination reaction rates and radiolytic yields for the water radical fragments need to be measured at high temperature and pressure. Yields for the action of neutron radiation are particularly hard to determine independently because of the beta/gamma field also present in any reactor. In this paper we report the design of an apparatus intended to measure neutron radiolysis yields as a function of temperature and pressure. A new methodology for separation of neutron and beta/gamma radiolysis yields in a mixed radiation field is proposed and demonstrated.

Routine issuance of clinical magnets to patients receiving implantable defibrillators: retention of information and appropriateness of use.

BACKGROUND: The application of a clinical magnet over an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) can be used to suspend tachycardia therapies in patients receiving recurrent or inappropriate shocks. In our institution, they have been routinely issued to patients undergoing ICD implantation during the past 5 years. The purpose of this survey was to investigate how well information concerning their use had been retained, and in what circumstances the magnets had been used. METHODS: We sent a questionnaire to 476 patients, and received a response from 343 (72%). Data was collated using 'Microsoft Excel', cross-referenced against our own pacing database, and analysed using basic statistical methods. RESULTS: 256 (74.6%) patients recalled being issued with a magnet. 48% of these were still in possession of their written information leaflet at the time of survey; 62% felt that they were able to remember when and how to use the magnet-with patients who had received written instructions and verbal reinforcement demonstrating the best recall. 8% of patients had used their magnets and the most common reason for use was multiple or inappropriate shocks. In addition, almost half of the patients who had suffered inappropriate shocks had been able to successfully use their magnets. No cases of harm related to magnet use were identified. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our survey suggest that routinely issuing clinical magnets to ICD patients is a safe and effective practice, and a small but significant number of patients were able to utilise their magnets in clinically important situations.

Combined subpectoral implantation of a cardioverter defibrillator and breast augmentation surgery in a patient with Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy.

We present the case of a 28-year-old female with Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy and breast hypoplasia, who underwent implantation of a subpectoral defibrillator and bilateral breast augmentation during a single elective procedure at our institution.