Real-Time Flux Density Measurements of the 2011 Draconid Meteor Outburst

During the 2011 outburst of the Draconid meteor shower, members of the Video Meteor Network of the International Meteor Organization provided, for the first time, fully automated flux density measurements in the optical domain. The data set revealed a primary maximum at 20:09 UT ± 5 min on 8 October 2011 (195.036° solar longitude) with an equivalent meteoroid flux density of (118 ± 10) × 10/km/h at a meteor limiting magnitude of +6.5, which is thought to be caused by the 1900 dust trail. We also find that the outburst had a full width at half maximum of 80 min, a mean radiant position of α = 262.2°, δ = +56.2° (±1.3°) and geocentric velocity of v = 17.4 km/s (±0.5 km/s). Finally, our data set appears to be consistent with a small sub-maximum at 19:34 UT ±7 min (195.036° solar longitude) which has earlier been reported by radio observations and may be attributed to the 1907 dust trail. We plan to implement automated real-time flux density measurements for all known meteor showers on a regular basis soon.Peer reviewedFinal Accepted Versio

Difficult Cases in Surgery of Gunshot Wounds to the Skull and Brain - A Single Center Experience

Aim: To analyze the results of treatment of patients with difficultcombat traumatic brain injuries caused by a gunshot (gTBI), todevelop practical recommendations for their treatment on the basisof personal experience and analysis of literature sources.Method: The results of treatment of 2,120 wounded May 2014 toJanuary 2017 have been analyzed. Combat gTBIs were diagnosedin 160 patients. The following groups have been referred to severegTBIs: А. By the kind of the wounding shell: bullet, multiplefragmentation mine and explosive brain injuries, B. By the natureof the wound canal: diametrical, diagonal. С. By the location of thewound canal: bilateral, transventricular, transbasal, penetratingwounds with the injury of paranasal sinuses. D. By the presenceof severe structural injuries of the brain substance: injuries ofsubcortical ganglia, brain stem, and cerebellum, extended loci ofbrain contusion and crushing, multiple loci of brain contusion andcrushing. E. By the presence of injuries of functionally importantbrain vessels: main arteries (trunks and their major branches).venous sinuses.Results: Difficult severe injuries were diagnosed in 74 (46.25%)patients out of 160 cases of combat gTBIs. 18 patients out of160 patients with gTBIs died. Mortality comprised 11.25%. Themortality rate for severe combat gTBIs is 24.3%.Conclusion: Detection at the stage of diagnosing of severe combatgTBIs takes surgical tactics and intensive therapy into the rightdirection in accordance with developed practical recommendations

Modern Concepts of Microsurgical Treatment of Large and Giant Vestibular Schwannomas

Aim: To improve the results of treating large and giant vestibularschwannomas. Method: A prospective study of surgical treatment of 67 consecutivepatients with vestibular schwannomas (VS) during the period from 2011 to 2016. All patients were operated on by the author of thestudy. The results of treatment were compared with the previousperiod (2006 - 2010). VSs were removed using the retrosigmoidapproach. The function of the facial nerve was analyzed. In addition, English sources on the Internet were analyzed. Results: Two (3%) patients with medium VS, 12 (17.9%) withmoderately large VS, 31 (46.3%) with large VS and 22 (32.8%) withgiant VS were operated on. Thus, large and giant schvannomasoccurred in 79.1% of cases. Total removal of VS was performed in59 (88.1%) cases, subtotal in 7 (10.4%), and partial in 1 (1.5%) case. In the study group 2 patients died. Postoperative mortality rate - 3%. Conclusion: In the surgical series of studies patients with large andgiant VSs, which were discovered in 79.1% of cases, predominate. The main objective of VS surgery is a maximum complete removalof the tumor while preserving function of the brain stem, bloodvessels and cranial nerves. Application of modern technologies (ultrasound aspiration, trepanation of the internal auditory canal, neuromonitoring of the facial nerve function, preoperative surgeryplanning based on multimodal operation support) allows toincrease radicality of surgeries and to improve functional outputseven for large and giant VSs

Electro-optical rendezvous and docking sensors

Electro-optical sensors provide unique and critical functionality for space missions requiring rendezvous, docking, and berthing. McDonnell Douglas is developing a complete rendezvous and docking system for both manned and unmanned missions. This paper examines our sensor development and the systems and missions which benefit from rendezvous and docking sensors. Simulation results quantifying system performance improvements in key areas are given, with associated sensor performance requirements. A brief review of NASA-funded development activities and the current performance of electro-optical sensors for space applications is given. We will also describe current activities at McDonnell Douglas for a fully functional demonstration to address specific NASA mission needs