Transfer Function for Relative Blast Overpressure Through Porcine and Human Skulls In Situ.

Introduction: The overarching objective of the Office of Naval Research sponsored Blast Load Assessment Sense and Test (BLAST) program was to quantify neurofunctional risk from repeated blast exposure. However, human studies have limitations in data collection that can only be addressed by animal models. To utilize a large animal model in this work, researchers developed an approach for scaling blast exposure data from animal to human-equivalent loading.

The Application of Machine Learning to Identify Large Animal Blast Exposure Thresholds.

Introduction: The Office of Naval Research sponsored the Blast Load Assessment Sense and Test program to develop a rapid, in-field solution that could be used by team leaders, commanders, and medical personnel to make science-based stand-down decisions for service members exposed to blast overpressure. Toward this goal, the authors propose an ensemble approach based on machine learning (ML) methods to derive a threshold surface for potential neurological deficits that encompasses the intensity of the blast events, the number of exposures, and the period over which the exposures occurred. Because of collection challenges presented by human subjects, the authors utilized data representing a comprehensive set of measures, including structural, behavioral, and cellular changes, from preclinical large animal studies on minipig models.

Evaluation of a Field-Ready Neurofunctional Assessment Tool for Use in a Military Environment.

Introduction: The Office of Naval Research sponsored the Blast Load Assessment Sense and Test (BLAST) program to develop a rapid, in-field solution that could be used by team leaders, commanders, and medical personnel to provide a standardized approach to operationally relevant monitoring and analysis of service members exposed to single or repeated low-level blast. A critical piece of the BLAST team's solution was the development of the Brain Gauge technology which includes a cognitive assessment device that measures neurofunctional changes by testing sensory perceptions and a suite of mathematical algorithms that analyze the results of the test. The most recent versions of the technology are easily portable; the device is in the size and shape of a computer mouse.

When physics meets biology: low and high-velocity penetration, blunt impact, and blast injuries to the brain.

The incidence of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in the US has reached epidemic proportions with well over 2 million new cases reported each year. TBI can occur in both civilians and warfighters, with head injuries occurring in both combat and non-combat situations from a variety of threats, including ballistic penetration, acceleration, blunt impact, and blast. Most generally, TBI is a condition in which physical loads exceed the capacity of brain tissues to absorb without injury.

Marine Corps Breacher Training Study: auditory and vestibular findings.

This article presents an overview of a contemporary research protocol conducted at the Marine Corps Weapons Training Battalion, Quantico, VA. The study was a comprehensive collaborative research initiative that evaluated a variety of environmental, auditory, and vestibular factors among Marines enrolled in the Breacher Training Course. The length of each course is 2 weeks and involves multiple exposures to blast overpressure and physical shock from ingress strategies used during the training.