Low-energy particle radiation environment at synchronous altitude

The degradation of thermal control coatings of satellites due to the effects of low energy charged particles in the space environment is discussed. Data obtained from ATS-5 satellite measurement of proton and electron fluxes are presented. The variations in electron density, proton density, and magnetic activity are presented to show correlations which exist between these space factors

A study of ion composition and dynamics at Comet Halley

This report details the participation by Lockheed co-investigators in the reduction, analysis, and interpretation of data obtained by the Ion Mass Spectrometer onboard the Giotto mission to Comet Halley. The data analysis activities and much of the scientific collaboration was shared by this team. One objective of the effort under this contract was to use data obtained by the Giotto Ion Mass Spectrometer (IMS) during the encounter with comet Halley for the purpose of advancing our understanding of the chemistry and physics of the interaction of the solar wind with comets and obtaining new information on the comet's composition. An additional objective was to make this unique data set available in a format which can be easily used by the reset of the cometary science community for other analysis in the future. The IMS has two sensors: the High Intensity Spectrometer (HIS) and the High Energy Range Spectrometer (HERS)

Finding Identity through \u27Place\u27: African Retention in African American Poetry

This research explores the geographic concept of place and its relationship to identity in contemporary poetry performances. Identity is the most prominent issue of New World African folklore studies, stemming from problems with race, nationhood, and colonial influences. Moreover, many scholars recognize that there is significantly less discernible African retention in African American folklore compared to other New World African folklore. Thus, this research examines contemporary African American storytelling through observing performances of poetry, a notable representation of folklore, to investigate whether African memory has been mobilized in today’s African American folklore. The qualitative method of nonparticipant observation was used to collect data, which included 25 poetry performances by African American poets and artists. This contemporary form of storytelling was coded, analyzed, and then compared to traditional African storytelling traits. Conclusions from this research indicate parallels between storytelling traits observed in contemporary African American poetry and traits that historically have been demonstrated in African storytelling

Comparing primary prevention with secondary prevention to explain decreasing Coronary Heart Disease death rates in Ireland, 1985-2000.

BACKGROUND: To investigate whether primary prevention might be more favourable than secondary prevention (risk factor reduction in patients with coronary heart disease(CHD)). METHODS: The cell-based IMPACT CHD mortality model was used to integrate data for Ireland describing CHD patient numbers, uptake of specific treatments, trends in major cardiovascular risk factors, and the mortality benefits of these specific risk factor changes in CHD patients and in healthy people without recognised CHD. RESULTS: Between 1985 and 2000, approximately 2,530 fewer deaths were attributable to reductions in the three major risk factors in Ireland. Overall smoking prevalence declined by 14% between 1985 and 2000, resulting in about 685 fewer deaths (minimum estimate 330, maximum estimate 1,285) attributable to smoking cessation: about 275 in healthy people and 410 in known CHD patients. Population total cholesterol concentrations fell by 4.6%, resulting in approximately 1,300 (minimum estimate 1,115, maximum estimate 1,660) fewer deaths attributable to dietary changes(1,185 in healthy people and 115 in CHD patients) plus 305 fewer deaths attributable to statin treatment (45 in people without CHD and 260 in CHD patients). Mean population diastolic blood pressure fell by 7.2%, resulting in approximately 170 (minimum estimate 105, maximum estimate 300) fewer deaths attributable to secular falls in blood pressure (140 in healthy people and 30 in CHD patients), plus approximately 70 fewer deaths attributable to antihypertensive treatments in people without CHD. Of all the deaths attributable to risk factor falls, some 1,715 (68%) occurred in people without recognized CHD and 815(32%) in CHD patients. CONCLUSION: Compared with secondary prevention, primary prevention achieved a two-fold larger reduction in CHD deaths. Future national CHD policies should therefore prioritize nationwide interventions to promote healthy diets and reduce smoking

Nutrition process improvements for adult inpatients with inborn errors of metabolism using the i-PARIHS framework

This project aimed to implement consensus recommendations and innovations that improve dietetic services to promote timely referral to optimise nutritional management for adult inpatients with inborn errors of metabolism (IEM).The i-PARIHS framework was used to identify service gaps, implement innovations and evaluate the innovations within this single-site study. The constructs of this framework are: (i) review of the evidence; (ii) recognising patients and staff knowledge and attitudes; (iii) acknowledging the local context; and (iv) the facilitators role. This included a literature review and metabolic centre service comparisons to investigate dietetic referral and foodservice processes to inform the innovation. A 12-month chart audit (6 months retrospective and prospective of implemented innovation, respectively) to evaluate newly established dietetic referral and IEM nutrition provision procedures was also completed.The innovations implemented encompassed a clinical alert triggering urgent referral, nutrition sick day plans and metabolic diet and formula prescription via an 'alert' tab in electronic records. Eleven metabolic protein-restricted diets and nine formula recipes were introduced. Prior to the innovations, only 53% (n = 19/36) of inpatients with IEM were assessed by the dietitian and received appropriate nutrition within 24 hours. Following implementation of the innovations, 100% (n = 11/11) of inpatients with IEM received timely dietetic assessment and therapeutic nutrition.Implementation of innovations developed using the i-PARIHS framework is effective in timely notification of the metabolic dietitian of referrals. This ensures optimal nutritional management during admissions which is required in this group of high-risk patients

Establishing an evidenced-based dietetic model of care in haemodialysis using implementation science

To establish an evidence-based dietetics service in an in-centre haemodialysis unit utilising implementation science.The service was developed through the Knowledge-to-Action Framework. The steps of the Action Cycle were addressed through a literature review, identification of evidence-based guidelines, benchmarking and local staff engagement. The theoretical domains framework (TDF) was used to identify barriers/enablers, and behaviour change wheel to determine appropriate interventions. To monitor, evaluate outcomes and assess sustained knowledge use we employed multidisciplinary team engagement and database use. Audit data were collected at baseline, 6 and 12 months on nutrition assessment (Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment), intervention timeliness and alignment to dietetic workforce recommendations. Descriptive statistics, McNemar tests and a linear mixed model were applied.Barriers existed in the knowledge, skills, environmental context and resources TDF domains. Suitable interventions were identified with training on nutritional management of haemodialysis patients delivered to 148 nurses, and nutrition management recommendations summarised into local procedural resources. A database to prompt and monitor outcome measures was created and indicated that over 18 months post-service commencement, eligible patients received nutrition assessment at least 6-monthly, aligning with recommendations. Prevalence of malnutrition was 28% (n = 9/32) at baseline, 23% (n = 5/22) at 6 months and 20% (n = 4/20) at 12 months (P = 0.50).We demonstrated benefits to service development and implementation with implementation science providing a structured and methodical approach to translating guidelines into practice. Development of training, resources and prompts for outcome measures has supported the establishment of an evidence-based dietetics service in a haemodialysis unit

Benchmarking Fast-to-Alfven Mode Conversion in a Cold MHD Plasma

Alfv\'en waves may be generated via mode conversion from fast magneto-acoustic waves near their reflection level in the solar atmosphere, with implications both for coronal oscillations and for active region helio-seismology. In active regions this reflection typically occurs high enough that the Alfv\'en speed $a$ greatly exceeds the sound speed $c$, well above the $a=c$ level where the fast and slow modes interact. In order to focus on the fundamental characteristics of fast/Alfv\'en conversion, stripped of unnecessary detail, it is therefore useful to freeze out the slow mode by adopting the gravitationally stratified cold MHD model $c\to0$. This provides a benchmark for fast-to-Alfv\'en mode conversion in more complex atmospheres. Assuming a uniform inclined magnetic field and an exponential Alfv\'en speed profile with density scale height $h$, the Alfv\'en conversion coefficient depends on three variables only; the dimensionless transverse-to-the-stratification wavenumber $\kappa=kh$, the magnetic field inclination from the stratification direction $\theta$, and the polarization angle $\phi$ of the wavevector relative to the plane containing the stratification and magnetic field directions. We present an extensive exploration of mode conversion in this parameter space and conclude that near-total conversion to outward-propagating Alfv\'en waves typically occurs for small $\theta$ and large $\phi$ ($80^\circ$--$90^\circ$), though it is absent entirely when $\theta$ is exactly zero (vertical field). For wavenumbers of helioseismic interest, the conversion region is broad enough to encompass the whole chromosphere.Comment: 14 pages plus supplementary tables. Astrophys J (accepted 25 May 2011). Two ancillary animations (animated gif) attache