Missions for Asteroid Insertion into Earth-Mars Cycler

This paper analyzes the feasibility of insertion of a 1000-metric ton asteroid into an Earth-Mars cycler. An electric propulsion space tug comparable to the one selected for the now-canceled Asteroid Robotic Redirect Mission is considered. An indirect optimization method is used to compute the low-thrust trajectories. Resonant and non-resonant trajectories that allow for multiple Earth encounters are explored to define the trajectory structure in order to limit the propellant consumption to feasible values. Two examples for the insertion of asteroid 2010 UY7 into Earth-Mars S1L1 cyclers are presented

Indirect Optimization of Satellite Deployment into a Highly Elliptic Orbit

The analysis of the optimal strategies for the deployment of a spacecraft into a highly elliptic orbit is carried out by means of an indirect optimization procedure, which is based on the theory of optimal control. The orbit peculiarities require that several perturbations are taken into account: an 8x8 model of the Earth's potential is adopted and gravitational perturbations from Moon and Sun together with solar radiation pressure are considered. A procedure to guarantee convergence and define the optimal switching structure is outlined. Results concerning mission with up to 4.5 revolutions around the Earth are given and significant features of this kind of deployment are highlighte

Computed Tomography Evaluation of Normal Canine Abdominal Lymph Nodes: Retrospective Study of Size and Morphology According to Body Weight and Age in 45 Dogs

The morphological characteristics of the largest lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes of the body have been described through ultrasonography, although food and gas in the gastrointestinal tract can often have negative effects on the response of small abdominal structures. The aim of the study was to describe the size of normal abdominal lymph nodes (ALs) in dogs affected by disease, not including lymphadenomegaly or lymphadenopathy, and divided according to body weight and age. The ALs studied included the jejunal, medial iliac, portal, gastric, splenic, and pancreaticoduodenal lymph nodes. Statistical correlation considering body weight and age as continuous variables showed that all measurements of the ALs increased according to body weight changes (p p p < 0.05). Other characteristics (shape, attenuation, and enhancement) are subsequently reported. The resulting data can be used to categorize CT measurements of normal ALs displayed based on the body weight and age of the subjects. This study aimed to propose a new parameter of normalcy that may serve as a reference for the evaluation of infectious or neoplastic events

pericardial patch as a palliative treatment in three dogs affected by unresectable cardiac tumor

Abstract This report is aimed at describing a pericardial patch for unresectable cardiac tumors as a palliative technique to prevent pleural effusion. Each dog underwent the same diagnostic protocol including a cardiological assessment, hematology and biochemistry profile, urinary test, abdominal and heart ultrasonography and chest radiographs. Computed tomography was always performed in order to exclude any potential metastatic lesions. All dogs underwent open pericardiectomy: the pericardium was opened and transposed on the mass according to its shape. Biopsy of the mass was always performed. Histopathological evaluation of the masses described two HAS and one chemodectoma. Chemotherapy protocol includes doxorubicin that was weekly administered. Dogs with HSA survived 65 and 85 days respectively without pleural effusion, while the dog with chemodectoma died after six months for reasons unrelated to the tumor. No evidence of pleural effusion was observed during the heart recheck, monthly performed. Pericardial patch is a potential choice as a palliative treatment for unresectable cardiac tumors. No pleural effusion was seen in three dogs affected by unresectable cardiac tumors

Clinical Value of CT-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration and Tissue-Core Biopsy of Thoracic Masses in the Dog and Cat

Diagnosis of thoracic lesions on the basis of history and physical examination is often challenging. Diagnostic imaging is therefore of paramount importance in this field. Radiology has traditionally been considered the diagnostic procedure of choice for these diseases. Nevertheless, it is often not possible to differentiate inflammatory/infectious lesions from neoplastic diseases. A correct cytological and histopathologic diagnosis is therefore needed for an accurate diagnosis and subsequent prognostic and therapeutic approach. In human medicine, Computed Tomography (CT) and CT-guided biopsy are used in the presence of lesions which are not adequately diagnosed with other procedures. In the present study, thoracic lesions from 52 dogs and 10 cats of different sex, breed and size underwent both CT-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNAB) and tissue-core biopsy (TCB). Clinical examination, hematobiochemical analysis and chest radiography were performed on all animals. In this study, 59 of 62 histopathological samples were diagnostic (95.2%). Cytology was diagnostic in 43 of 62 samples (69.4%). General sensitivity, accuracy and PPV for FNAB and TCB were 67.7%, 67.7% and 100% and 96.7%, 95.2% and 98.3%, respectively. Combining the two techniques, the overall mean accuracy for diagnosis was 98.4%. Nineteen of 62 cases showed complications (30.6%). Mild pneumothorax was seen in 16 cases, whereas mild hemorrhage occurred in three cases. No major complications were encountered. CT-guided FNAB cytology can be considered a useful and reliable technique, especially for small lesions or lesions located close to vital organs and therefore dangerous to biopsy in other way

Clinical correlations between lumbar superficial veins and Batson's epidural plexus congestion in chronic low back pain: analysis of two case reports.

Batson's epidural venous plexus plays a crucial role for the generation of vascular back pain, in particular in those conditions characterized by venous congestion, such as heart failure or pregnancy. Except some rudimentary cuspids, the vertebral venous system is considered to be a valveless anastomotic system; as a result the blood is supposed to flow in either direction depending on changes of cardiovascular conditions during the day. Within the narrow boundaries of the neural canal, the epidural veins can therefore get congested, inducing low back pain. The aim of this case report was to highlight a correlation between lumbar superficial veins in patients with chronic low back pain and epidural deep venous plexus congestion. The patients selected underwent a morphologic examination of venous epidural plexus (included its connections with lumbar superficial blood vessels) through a 3D dynamic contrast-enhanced Magnetic Resonance Angiography. The Authors found two different radiological behaviours: total and partial congestion of the vertebral deep venous system. Clinical consequences were discussed and therapeutic strategies were suggested