We report the occurrence of a triboelectric phenomenon (static electricity) that mimicked malfunction of a contemporary pacemaker by creating an electrocardiograpic artifact virtually identical to the pacemaker stimuli. The diagnosis was established by observing a subtle overshoot of the questionable deflection that was absent from pacemaker stimuli.

Space Radiation Environment, Essential Basics: Radiation in Space is generated by particles emitted from a variety of sources both within and beyond our solar system. Radiation effects from these particles can not only cause degradation, but can also cause failure of the electronic and electrical systems in space vehicles or satellites. Even high altitude commercial airliners flying polar route...

INTRODUCTION This study determined the trends of reported G-induced loss of consciousness (G-LOC) mishaps from 1980--1999, and determined potential risk factors in pilot characteristics; specifically, 30/60/ 90-h and sortie history, total flight hours, total hours in the aircraft, age, height, weight, and BMI. METHODS Using aircraft malfunction mishaps to reflect a cross-section of USAF pilot...