Dynamic upper atmospheric force model on stabilized vehicles for a high-precision trajectory computer program

The upper atmosphere model draws heavily on the behavior of the earth's upper atmosphere which exhibits cyclic as well as irregular variations in density profile, temperature, pressure, and composition in unison with solar activities as deduced from the more recent land-based and satellite observations. The lift and drag model is designed specifically for inertially stabilized vehicles of the Mariner class, with possible extension to gravity gradient stabilized vehicles of the GEOS class. The model considers operation in the free molecular flow regimes with large Knudsen numbers. The vehicle is considered a composite structure with basic components having well-defined shapes, each with its own surface characteristics in terms of temperature, reflectivity, and accommodation of free stream molecules. The model takes into account both the calculation of precise aerodynamic force coefficients in terms of expansion of modified Bessel functions in speed ratios and angle of attack, and approximate force coefficients when the speed ratios approach infinity. Other considerations include specular and diffused reflectivity, shielding, and shadow effects

Double precision trajectory program /DPTRAJ 2.2C/

Four part program computes trajectory of space probe moving in solar system and subject to variety of forces

Use of evidence to support healthy public policy: a policy effectiveness-feasibility loop

Public policy plays a key role in improving population health and in the control of diseases, including non-communicable diseases. However, an evidence-based approach to formulating healthy public policy has been difficult to implement, partly on account of barriers that hinder integrated work between researchers and policy-makers. This paper describes a “policy effectiveness–feasibility loop” (PEFL) that brings together epidemiological modelling, local situation analysis and option appraisal to foster collaboration between researchers and policy-makers. Epidemiological modelling explores the determinants of trends in disease and the potential health benefits of modifying them. Situation analysis investigates the current conceptualization of policy, the level of policy awareness and commitment among key stakeholders, and what actually happens in practice, thereby helping to identify policy gaps. Option appraisal integrates epidemiological modelling and situation analysis to investigate the feasibility, costs and likely health benefits of various policy options. The authors illustrate how PEFL was used in a project to inform public policy for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes in four parts of the eastern Mediterranean. They conclude that PEFL may offer a useful framework for researchers and policy-makers to successfully work together to generate evidence-based policy, and they encourage further evaluation of this approach

Structural, magnetic, electrical and supraconducting properties of the high temperature superconductor Nd(SrBa)Cu3O6+z Effect of argon annealing

We have studied the structural and superconducting properties of two samples superconductors Nd(SrBa)Cu3O6+z. One was a conventionally annealed sample at 450°C in oxygen (0) and the other was heated in argon at 850°C followed by oxygen annealing (A0). The Tc of the sample (O) was 68 K and that of (AO) sample was 78 K. This was confirmed by our AC susceptibility, resistivity and Seebeck effect measurements. Further, there was an enhancement in the shielding and the intergranular critical current. The X-ray and neutron data showed a tetragonal structure, and that the (O) sample had a higher impurity level arising from Nd entering the Sr/Ba sites that may result in a decrease in the carrier density (p) which also was confirmed by our thermopower measurements. A combination of several factors such as changes in the Cu (1) apical oxygen distance, chain oxygen ordering, increase in p and in-phase purity for the (AO) sample may qualitatively account for the observed data.We have studied the structural and superconducting properties of two samples superconductors Nd(SrBa)Cu3O6+z. One was a conventionally annealed sample at 450°C in oxygen (0) and the other was heated in argon at 850°C followed by oxygen annealing (A0). The Tc of the sample (O) was 68 K and that of (AO) sample was 78 K. This was confirmed by our AC susceptibility, resistivity and Seebeck effect measurements. Further, there was an enhancement in the shielding and the intergranular critical current. The X-ray and neutron data showed a tetragonal structure, and that the (O) sample had a higher impurity level arising from Nd entering the Sr/Ba sites that may result in a decrease in the carrier density (p) which also was confirmed by our thermopower measurements. A combination of several factors such as changes in the Cu (1) apical oxygen distance, chain oxygen ordering, increase in p and in-phase purity for the (AO) sample may qualitatively account for the observed data

The optic nerve head in glaucoma

All types of glaucoma involve glaucomatous optic neuropathy. The key to detection and management of glaucoma is understanding how to examine the optic nerve head (ONH). This article addresses the following issues: • How to examine the ONH • Normal characteristics of the ONH • Characteristics of a glaucomatous ONH • How to tell if the glaucomatous optic neuropathy is getting worse

Aqueous outflow imaging techniques and what they tell us about intraocular pressure regulation.

Recent advances in the medical and surgical management of open-angle glaucoma have increased the number of treatment options available. Several new intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering treatments target the conventional aqueous outflow (AO) system. However, success rates are variable and outcomes in individual patients are often difficult to predict. Variable treatment responses remain unexplained and highlight deficiencies in our current understanding of AO regulation and IOP homeostasis. Imaging is often relied upon to confirm diagnoses and monitor treatment responses in other ocular and systemic pathologies. As yet no suitable AO imaging tool has been developed to fulfil this role in glaucoma. A variety of imaging techniques have been used to study the AO tracts of humans and animals in ex vivo and in vivo eyes. In this review, results from novel imaging techniques that assess aqueous drainage through the episcleral venous system are considered and we argue these provide new insights into AO regulation. We suggest that the ability to objectively measure AO responses to interventions would be a significant clinical advance, and we have demonstrated that this can be achieved with direct visualisation of aqueous drainage. We predict that the evolution of AO imaging technology will continue to reveal critical components of AO and IOP regulation, and that personalised IOP-lowering treatment in glaucoma care may well become a reality in the near future.1. A core support grant from the Wellcome Trust and MRC to the Wellcome Trust – Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute 2. Haemoglobin Video Imaging facilities funded by Sydney Eye Hospital Foundation, Carl Zeiss Meditec, and Glaukos Corporatio

Implications of telemedicine in care homes: considerations for the evolving risk landscape

This white paper explores the evolving risk portfolio of care homes, as well as the risk management and insurance implications of introducing telemedicine into the care environment. Telemedicine allows remote tracking and monitoring of patients’ health data, gathering and securely transferring patient data to a cloud-based platform that is accessed by the relevant health professionals, detecting any irregularities and sudden changes in real time, as well as administering medication. With proven benefits during times of crisis, we have recently seen a higher dependence on telemedicine and telehealth technologies, which have helped ensure continuous healthcare provision. Earlier this year, Lockton published a white paper on cyber threats within care homes due to the advances in the application of Internet of Things (IoT) and medical technologies, which includes telemedicine. However, the associated exposures span beyond the cyber landscape, including potential medical malpractice exposures, as well as weakened patient-healthcare provider relationships and lack of trust in the quality of services provided due to the limited face-to-face interactions

Ghrelin for the management of cachexia associated with cancer

This is the protocol for a review and there is no abstract. The objectives are as follows: To assess the efficacy and safety of ghrelin on improving food intake, body composition and survival in patients with cachexia associated with cancer. © 2016 The Cochrane Collaboratio

Tendon-like Electrospun PLGA Scaffolds with Optimized Physical Cues Induced Tenogenic Differentiation and Boosted Immunomodulatory Properties on Amniotic Epithelial Stem Cells.

Introduction: The advanced strategies in the field of Tissue Engineering might render possible overcoming the unsatisfactory results of conventional treatments to deal with tendinopathies. In this context, the design of tendon biomimetic electrospun scaffolds engineered with Amniotic Epithelial Stem Cells (AECs), which have shown a high teno-regenerative and immunomodulatory potential in tendon-defect models, can represent a promising solution for tendon regeneration. Methods: Poly(lactide-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) scaffolds were fabricated using the electrospinning technique to mimic the native tendon biomechanics and extracellular matrix by optimizing: fiber alignment and diameter size (1.27 and 2.5 µm), and surface chemistry using the Cold Atmospheric Plasma (CAP) Technique. Moreover, the teno-inductive and immunomodulatory effects of these parameters on AECs have been also assessed. Results: The fabricated PLGA scaffolds with highly aligned fibers and small diameter size (1.27 µm) induced a stepwise tenogenic differentiation on AECs with an early epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), followed by their tenogenic differentiation. Indeed, SCX, an early tendon marker, was significantly more efficiently translated into the downstream effector TNMD, a mature tendon marker. Moreover, 1.27 µm fiber diameter induced on AECs a higher expression of anti-inflammatory interleukin mRNAs (IL-4 and IL-10). The CAP treated PLGA scaffolds showed an improved cell adhesion and infiltration without altering their topological structure and teno-inductive properties. In fact, AECs engineered with CAP treated fibers, expressed in their cytoplasm TNMD. Moreover, CAP treatment did not alter the mechanical properties of PLGA scaffolds. Conclusions: The developed electrospun PLGA scaffolds with the optimized features represent an ideal tendon-like construct that could be applied in in-vivo models to evaluate their biosafety and teno-regenerative potential