Space-Shuttle Emulator Software

A package of software has been developed to execute a raw binary image of the space shuttle flight software for simulation of the computational effects of operation of space shuttle avionics. This software can be run on inexpensive computer workstations. Heretofore, it was necessary to use real flight computers to perform such tests and simulations. The package includes a program that emulates the space shuttle orbiter general- purpose computer [consisting of a central processing unit (CPU), input/output processor (IOP), master sequence controller, and buscontrol elements]; an emulator of the orbiter display electronics unit and models of the associated cathode-ray tubes, keyboards, and switch controls; computational models of the data-bus network; computational models of the multiplexer-demultiplexer components; an emulation of the pulse-code modulation master unit; an emulation of the payload data interleaver; a model of the master timing unit; a model of the mass memory unit; and a software component that ensures compatibility of telemetry and command services between the simulated space shuttle avionics and a mission control center. The software package is portable to several host platforms

Changes in serum carotenoids in subjects with colorectal adenomas after 24 mo of β-carotene supplementation

The effect of β-carotene supplementation on major serum carotenoid fractions (lutein/zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, α-carotene, and β-carotene) was investigated in 224 people with colorectal adenomas (139 men, 85 women) recruited for the Australian Polyp Prevention Project (APPP). Each subject was randomly assigned to take either 20 mg β-carotene/d or placebo over 24 mo. Besides the expected increase in serum concentration of β-carotene (1073% in men, 839% in women), lycopene (176% in men) and α- carotene (211% in men and 166% in women) concentrations were also increased after body mass index, baseline concentration, change in respective carotenoid intake, and other confounding factors were adjusted for. The increase in serum concentrations of these carotenoids after β-carotene supplementation suggests that β-carotene may interact biologically with other carotenoids and such interaction would need to be taken into consideration when the protective effect of β-carotene supplementation for cancer or other diseases is examined

Exercise Professionals with Advanced Clinical Training Should be Afforded Greater Responsibility in Pre-Participation Exercise Screening: A New Collaborative Model between Exercise Professionals and Physicians

© 2018 The Author(s) Regular exercise improves health but can also induce adverse responses. Although such episodes are rare, many guidelines for pre-participation exercise screening have historically had a low threshold for recommending medical clearance prior to the commencement of exercise, placing the responsibility for decision making about exercise participation on physicians. The ‘clearance to exercise’ model still occurs widely in practice, but creates cost burdens and barriers to the uptake of exercise. Moreover, many physicians are not provided the training, nor time in a standard consultation, to be able to effectively perform this role. We present a model for pre-participation exercise screening and the initial assessment of clients wishing to commence an exercise programme. It is designed to guide professional practice for the referral, assessment and prescription of exercise for people across the health spectrum, from individuals who are apparently healthy, through to clients with pre-existing or occult chronic conditions. The model removes the request that physicians provide a ‘clearance’ for patients to engage in exercise programmes. Instead the role of physicians is identified as providing relevant clinical guidance to suitably qualified exercise professionals to allow them to use their knowledge, skills and expertise in exercise prescription to assess and manage any risks related to the prescription and delivery of appropriate exercise programmes. It is anticipated that removing unjustified barriers to exercise participation, such as mandated medical review, will improve the uptake of exercise by the unacceptably high proportion of the population who do not undertake sufficient physical activity for health benefit