BST Systems (United States)

Objectives: In this study, certain features of the intrauterine environment were simulated to produce a stress-free environment for females with breast cancer. Design: The key motion used to achieve the effect was a constant wave motion with an amplitude mean of 5 seconds, as recorded with a Terrella6 3-axis gyro sensor (MassMicroelectronics, LLC, Canton MA). Location: The study site was aboard a chartered Pearson Alberg sloop, called HADO ( Japanese for energy) under Capt. Joy Sherman, of Westbrook, CT. Weather ranged from sunny to inclement; the mean temperature of the facility was 26.0 o C (78.0 o F). Subjects: Fourteen women who had been diagnosed with stage II and stage III breast cancer, throughout the state of Connecticut, were recruited from several cancer centers for the study. To participate in the study, all women had to be at least 2 weeks post-treatment or 2 weeks before or after surgery. Intervention: The subjects were placed on berths and rocked gently by using a natural wave motion for 1 hour. A registered nurse observed the subjects for safety. Outcome measures: This experimental group was examined for change in total mood disturbance using the Profile of Mood States and for perceived stress using a visual analogue scale after a single session. These results were compared to related published therapeutic back massage and psychotherapy study outcomes. Results: The experimental group exposed to wave motion compared favorably with outcomes in the literature from prior studies for change in mean mood, 34.7 versus 38.0 (therapeutic massage) and 41.42 (psychotherapy); and had a 73.4% relief of perceived stress. Wave motion therapy did not induce nausea, and no safety problems were encountered. The study will continue, and the subjects will be paired with subjects in a control group using therapeutic chair massage. Conclusion: A wave motion intervention to reduce stress and increase quality of life for women who have survived advanced stage breast cancer needs to be considered for patients with limitations of fatigue or physical discomfort, and who are exercise-challenged or uncomfortable with performing yoga or meditation.

Silver-zinc batteries have been in use for years in many underwater applications. With the advent of AUVs, silver-zinc has been chosen to supply the power for various applications. Although a specialized niche, the silver-zinc electrochemistry offers advantages in size and power that are critical to certain applications.