Are there any experimental planes utilizing ion thrusters?… by Tom
I was watching a “documentary” about the “UFO” sightings over Phoenix on Mar 13, 1997 and I was wondering if the lights could be cause by advanced ion thrusters (which are real as you and me) on an experimental aircraft. Is there any known X-planes using ion propulsion or leaks about black budget programs making a ion engine-powered plane?
Best Answer:
Of all the electric thrusters, ion thrusters have been the most seriously considered commercially and academically in the quest for interplanetary missions and orbit raising maneuvers. Ion thrusters are seen as the best solution for these missions as they require very high change in velocity overall that can be built up over long periods of time.
SERT
Several spacecraft have operated with this technology. The first was SERT [3] in the 1970's.
The Hall effect thruster is a type of ion thruster that has been used for decades for station keeping by the Soviet Union and is now also applied in the West: the European Space Agency's satellite Smart 1 used it (Snecma PPS-1350-G). This satellite completed its mission on September 3, 2006, in a controlled collision on the Moon's surface, after a trajectory deviation to be able to see the 3 meter crater the impact created on the visible side of the moon.
On 12 July 2001, the European Space Agency failed to launch their Artemis telecommunication satellite, and left it in a decaying orbit. The satellite's chemical propellant supply was sufficient to transfer it to a semi-stable orbit, and over the next 18 months the experimental onboard ion propulsion system (intended for secondary stationkeeping and maneuvering) was utilized to transfer it to a geostationary orbit. [4]
NASA has developed an ion thruster called NSTAR for use in their interplanetary missions. This thruster was tested in the highly successful space probe Deep Space 1. Hughes has developed the XIPS (Xenon Ion Propulsion System) for performing stationkeeping on geosynchronous satellites. These are electrostatic ion thrusters and work by a different principle than Hall effect thrusters.
Dawn was launched on 27 September 2007 to explore the dwarf planet Ceres and the asteroid Vesta. To cruise from Earth to its targets it will use three Deep Space 1 heritage Xenon ion thrusters (firing only one at a time) to take it in a long outward spiral. An extended mission in which Dawn explores other asteroids after Ceres is also possible. Dawn's ion drive is capable of accelerating from 0-60 mph in 4 days.[5]
The Japanese space agency's Hayabusa, which was launched in 2003 and successfully rendezvoused with the asteroid 25143 Itokawa and remained in close proximity for many months to collect samples and information, is powered by four xenon Ion Engines. It is using xenon ions generated by microwave ECR, and a Carbon / Carbon-composite material for acceleration grid which is resistant to erosion.[6]
LISA Pathfinder is an ESA spacecraft to be launched in 2009. It will not use ion thrusters as its primary propulsion system, but will use both colloid thrusters and FEEP for very precise attitude control - the low thrusts of these propulsion devices make it possible to move the spacecraft incremental distances very accurately. It is a test for the possible LISA mission
In 2003 NASA ground-tested a new version of their ion thruster called High Power Electric Propulsion, or HiPEP. The HiPEP thruster differs from earlier ion thrusters because the xenon ions are produced using a combination of microwave energy and magnetic fields. The ionization is achieved through a process called electron cyclotron resonance (ECR). In ECR, a uniform magnetic field is applied to a chamber holding xenon gas. The small number of free electrons present in the neutral gas orbit around the magnetic field lines at a fixed frequency called the cyclotron frequency. Microwave radiation is applied that is carefully tuned to this frequency, supplying energy to the electrons, which then ionize more xenon atoms through collisions. This process is a highly efficient means of creating a plasma in low density gases. Previously the electrons required were provided by a hollow cathode.
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What have you done to help control you child's eczema?… by angelbel
Any hints or tips will be useful!
Best Answer:
My son has had eczema since he was 4 months old…hydrocortizone worked at first but not for long. I use plain Dove soap for his baths, Cutivate cream (Rx) on his red/dry spots and Atarax (Rx) or Benedryl for the itch (liquid form). Aquaphor Healing ointment works well to smooth out his skin.
Dealing with eczema isn't easy with my son…he just wants to scratch all the time but hopefully he will grow out of it. He'll be 3 in December.
Good luck.
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Birth Control Hormones - Is LEVONORGESTREL & DROSPIRENONE the same hormone or are they different?… by queenbp
Birth Control Hormones - Is LEVONORGESTREL & DROSPIRENONE the same hormone or are they different? If they are different, how are they different? What brand name drug is LEVONORGESTREL used in?
Best Answer:
Levonorgestrel is the hormone used in the Plan B emergency contraceptive. It is a form of progesterone. Drospirenone is a form of progesterone usually used in conjunction with Estradiol for birth control pills such as Yasmin, Angeliq or Yaz.
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What is the better ovulation stimulation medicine?… by j
I'd try to coinceive and I recently notice that I do not ovulate in this cycle.I want your opinions and experiences whit ovulation stimulation medication thah sugested me to use. thanks.
Best Answer:
Some women can't get pregnant because they don't secrete enough LH and FSH at the right time during the cycle and, as a result, they don't ovulate. For these women, the first drug doctors often prescribe is clomiphene citrate (Clomid, Serophene). This synthetic drug stimulates the hypothalamus to release more GnRH, which then prompts the pituitary to release more LH and FSH, and thus increases the stimulation of the ovary to begin to produce a mature egg.
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How do i know if my yeast infection is gone?… by Britta
I was taking antibotics for strep-c and after my period was gone, i noticed the white cottage cheese stuff…. then i was very irritated down there, itchy. I took the 1day treatment, but it didn't seem to work. A few days ago i started the 7 day treatment and i don't have the cottage cheese discharge anymore but i am still a LITTLE irritated and it really burns when i apply the cream and stuff.. but everything else is normal.
so.. How will i know when my yeast infection is gone?? should i continue using the 7day until it's done?
Best Answer:
SECRET? CRANBERRY JUICE AND YOGERT. ANYTIBIOTICS DO PROMOTE YEAST PRODUCTION SO WHAT YOU GOT WAS NORMAL. TRY SOME NIVEA BODY CREAM AND HYDROCORTISON CREAM EXTERNALLY AND VAGISIL ANTI ITCH CREAM TOO. DO GET ANOTHER ROUND OF YEAST INFECTION OR YOU CAN TRY A PILL CALLED- DIFLUCAN TOO.PRESC. FOR YEAST INFECTIONS. TERAZOL 7 IS STRONGER W PRESCRIP TOO SO TRY ALL THAT. IF NON WORK TIME TO SEE YOUR GYN.
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How old does an average cat with a great vet live?… by debli
My cat is 16, had her since she was 5 weeks. I have a great Vet whos one of the best Cat Vets in the world. She goes to him 3 times a year. She gets full blood work done.He says shes very healthy.
She has a thyroid conditon which she takes pills for.
Its hard for her to jump, but can get around by climbing on her own.
How long can I expect her to live?
Had her teeth cleaned last year, cost $1, 200, but the vet said it needed to be done for her health.
With the teeth cleaning, she had to be put out, on IV, have heart monitored while they cleaned the plaque, it was very bad with pus inside.
Best Answer:
I had an elderly cat with similar problems. My vet only gave her 6 months at best. She had hyperthyroidism, and required daily medication (methimazole). She was considered a poor candidate for radioactive iodine, the best treatment. It can be costly, requires a 3-7 day hospital stay, but is low risk and very effective.
She lived for another 3-1/2 years, but I found that the medication lost effectiveness and peaked often, and the dosage continued to increase over time.
Those meds can cause other health problems, as well. I found that my cat had acid reflux, which affected her ability to eat. Along with the thyroid meds she needed 2-1/2 mg of famotidine (pepcid AC) daily to control the stomach acid.
I would ask your vet about radioactive iodine therapy. If she's still relatively healthy, I would do it. That would eliminate the thyroid problem. In the long run it would pay for itself. I think it's less than a $1,200 teeth cleaning and it could give you a few more good years with your cat. You wouldn't need the constant blood tests and daily meds.
******
As for the high cost of your teeth cleaning, I'm guessing that she had an abcess in the jaw, which would explain the pus. This would have required surgery, far more complex than a simple teeth cleaning. I also wouldn't be surprised if she had one or more teeth pulled.
At her advanced age, she would've needed a full blood chemistry panel run, before going under anesthesia. They also may have run T4/T3 tests, to make sure your thyroid meds are still dosed properly.
If it was only a teeth cleaning… you got ripped off.
*****
According to many sources, 15 years is the “natural lifespan” of a domestic cat. Some live well into their 20's.
I believe age span can vary depending on so many factors, like breed, environment, health and nutrition. With all of the advances, I can only assume they're living longer, just like we are.
I hope you and your cat have many good years ahead. Good luck to you both!
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What is the best contraception method for someone who can not take birth control pills?… by wingless1
I was diagnosed with a liver condition a few months ago. My doctor says that the birth control will damage my liver more. He said that my best choice for contraception would be tubal ligation. This is is not an option for me. I am still young and would like to have at least one more child. Any suggestions?
Best Answer:
First suggestion is to change doctors. Any doctor who will suggest a TL over barrier methods is an IDIOT.
As for methods, you can try a diaphragm, Lea's Shield or a cervical cap. Along with spermicide and periodic abstinence, you should be fairly safe (probably better than 90% efficacy if you have regular cycles).
Alternately (although I don't typically advocate them because of personal issues), you could try a Paragard IUD. It has no hormones, and relies upon the copper that is included in the unit to prevent pregnancy. Efficacy rating is better than 99%.
There is also an intrauterine method called Gynefix, which is actually just a set of copper beads attached to the uterine fundus (top) that works similarly to the copper IUD, but doesn't have a plastic form, so perforation is FAR less likely to happen. It also is less likely to cause severe period symptoms common to Paragard.
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What is the most quick and effective medicine to stop vomiting?… by lil sam
That I can pick up at a drug store. More poor friend needs to stop heaving long enough to actually go to a doctor 
Thanks!
I meant my poor friend, nice spellcheck?
Thanks, MM. You're probably right. It's been an ugly 36 hours. Me, her and her bucket are on our way to a doc.
Best Answer:
How long has the friend been vomiting? If your friend can't stop, give him/her a bucket and get him/her into a car and take him/her to a doc. There really isn't an over the counter medication that stops vomiting. Plus, it depends on why the person is vomiting as to whether or not you want it to stop. If your friend has been vomiting several times a day for several days, there is an urgent need for that person to get hydrated and they probably need an IV. If it's a stomach flu and of short duration, hydration is still important and they might like some ice chips to suck on.
Compazine is a medicine a doctor can prescribe which will slow or stop vomiting and it comes in both tablets and suppositories which are administered rectally.
Good luck!
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How long after starting Claritin before one should feel some results?… by Gary
Bad case of allergies. Mostly the nose is involved. Just started Claritin OTC 3 days ago, and have'nt seen any benefit, thus far.
Best Answer:
I used to take Claritin and it took a week for me to see results. It worked about 6 months for me and then stopped working altogether.
Nasal sprays: Nasonex, Flonase, Astelin, Afrin, Zycam
Eye drops: Decadron, Maxidex, Econopred, Patanol
Pills: Tavist, Allegra, Zyrtec, Chlortrimeton, Singulair
Hope this helps. Good luck!
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What could be the cause of uncontrolled hypertension?… by debod
My primary care physician and cardiologist are scratching their heads over my condition. My pressure is ALWAYS around 160/90. They have tried almost every prescription to treat my high blood pressure. Right now I'm on Hyzaar in conjunction with Norvasc, both at the maximum dose and my pressure hasn't budged a millibar. I tried looking for info on uncontrolled hypertension on the Web but I only found vague answers. Maybe someone knows someone that had this. What did they do about it?
Best Answer:
Hyzaar and Norvasc are great medications for treatment of blood pressure, but I agree, a renal sonogram to rule out renal stenosis (or cysts), would be a good start. You may also want to have them do blood work to rule out a Pheochromocytoma by checking for Plasma Free Metanephrine levels; Perform a 24-hour urine collection for creatinine, total catecholamines, vanillylmandelic acid, and metanephrines.
Additionally, you might want to see if the doctors will add an Alpha 2 (like Clonidine) to your regimen, taken 3 times daily. That can usually do the trick.
Hypertension like this is very difficult and trying. I'm certain you've been through a lot dealing with it. I've got a few patients just like you, and it took putting them on Clonidine, and sometimes Alpha 1 meds (like Cardura and Hytrin) before I could get them to goal.
Best of luck to you!!
p.s.: There's a lot of reasons for elevated blood pressure, but eating celery supplements ARE NOT GOING TO SAVE YOU! Anyone here trying to sell Dr. Mercola and his quackery are just fools. He is LESS than received by the general medical population. He makes his money on selling “supplements” rather than sound medical advice.
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