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/ || \ Starfleet Command
/ || \ USS-Crazy Horse
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./ || \. Argon - Report
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Contents |
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1) Introduction
2) Star system
3) Argon Planet
4) Natural Resources
5) Government
A. Old Argonian Government
B. Modern Argonian Government
6) History
7) Society
8) Religion
9) Culture
10) Technology
A. General
B. Transportation
11) Argonians - Appearance
12) Anatomy
A. General
B. Basic Brain Anatomy
a. General
b. Areas of the Argonian Brain
c. Common Problems with the Argonian Brain
13) Disease and Cures on the Planet Argon.
A. Introductioin
B. Common Argonian Ailments/Diseases and Cures
a. Respiratory Disorders
b. Non-respiratory disorders
c. Unknown Diseases & Unknown Cures
C. Conclusion
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1) Introduction
This report contains background information about the planet Argon
and its inhabitants. It has been compiled to assist the Federation
Council in its deliberation regarding the Argonian application for
membership.
2) Star system
Argon is in the Argonian System, on the edge of the Federation space.
It is midway between SB 514 and DS 12 in the alpha quadrant.
Note: Names of star and planets are of Argonian origin.
Hashron.
Hashron is the central star. It is a Type F star, which its main color
is white with a shade of yellow. The surface temperature is 7140
Kelvin (K) and the core temperature is 29,300 Kelvin (K). The diameter
of Hashron is 1,742,000 km. The star mass is 2.253e30 kg. The stars
energy output is 3.98e33 ergs/sec or 402 billion megawatts,
which is produced by nuclear fusion reactions.
There are a total of four planets in the system. There are two planets
located in Hashron's hot zone. One located in the cold zone and Argon
located in Hashron's habitable zone.
Ordrel
Ordrel is the first planet orbiting Hashron. Ordrel is a Class G
planet. The diameter of the planet is 11,789 km with a mass of
2.021e24 kg. Ordrel orbits Hashron at 92,523,000 km. Ordrel
has no moons orbiting it.
Flangar.
Flangar is the second planet orbiting Hashron. Flangar is a Class G
planet. The diameter of the planet is 11,247 km and has a mass of
2.095e24 kg. Flangar orbits Hashron at 152,673,000 km. Flangar
has no moons orbiting it.
Argon.
Argon is the third planet orbiting Hashron. Argon is a Class N
planet, with 98% of the planet covered in water. The diameter of the
planet is 12,175 km with a mass of 4.3061e24 kg. The planets
atmosphere is made up of 76% Nitrogen, 22% Oxygen, and has massive
amounts of Carbon Dioxide. Argon orbit from Hashron is 322,365,000 km.
Argon has one moon orbiting it. Azron. Azron's diameter is
km, its mass is 6.64e22 kg, and orbits from Argon at 261,000 km.
Gratron.
Gratron is the forth planet orbiting Hashron. Gratron is a Class L planet,
with 98% of the planet covered in frozen water. Gratron's diameter is
9,244 km with a mass of 5.9983e23 kg. Gratron's orbit from Hashron is
515,473,000 km. Gratron has one moon, Flatron. Flatron is 2,946 km in
diameter, its mass is 6.96e22 km, and orbits Gatron at 247,000 km.
Object Name Diameter Orbit from Hashron
-------------------------------------------------------------
Class G = Ordril 11,789 km 92,523,000 km
Class G = Flangar 11,247 km 152,673,000 km
Class N = Argon 12,175 km 322,365,000 km
Moon = Azron 2,952 km 261,000 km
Class L = Gratron 9,244 km 515,473,000 km
Moon = Flatron 2,946 km 247,000 km
3) Argon - Planet
Temperature ranges from 35-110 F depending on placement of orbit
around its star.
The planet has a wide variety of plant life and tree life. The
Argonians are able to grow most of their own food.
The planet has 2 Major Continents, with many small islands. The Continent
in the western hemisphere is nearly all desert with very little plant
life and limited wildlife. This Continent is controlled by the Argonian
Government and mainly used to mine Ore which in the planets major export.
The mines on the western continent employ about 60% of the population.
The Continent in the Eastern Hemisphere is much more "green". Most the
planets population live on this continent. There is a wide variety of
plantlife and wildlife.
Total Population: 6 billion
4) Natural resources
The Planets composition is made of 74% Iron. The iron ore is to mine and
serves as Argons major export. Other resources include a large amount of
water and some copper.
5) Government
A. Old Argonian Government
Argon is governed by five trade guilds namely "Whenua, Onua, Nuju, Kopaka,
Onewa", Argon has a main leader, an aged, old man called "Banwaw",
he is really seen in public and has family connections with the "Kopaka"
guild.
The trade guilds control their own areas of the planet, and can produce
anything from the simple nut and bolt to sub light space craft, which
are sold through out their system, over recent years outsiders namely
the "Ferengi", have arrived on the planet and offered production assistance
to all the guilds, which they have greedily excepted.
Daily the Guild leaders, meet at the trade council,located at the capital
"Aragonite city", where they barter and squabble with each other, this
is where the "Kopaka" guild first put through the motion of joining the
federation, a few of the guilds were against the idea, however through
blackmail and threats, have now warmed to the idea.
The Guilds suffer on a daily basis, cross border attacks from nearby
guilds, to the extent, were the labours in the factories defend their
place of work as if it was their own home, loyalty to their own guild
is utmost.
Nick had also located information that pertained to a sixth Guild
called "Pohatu", this guild was wiped off the planet, about 50 earths
years ago, every man, woman and child was murdered by the other guilds,
who for the first time had come together, no trace of this guild can
be located, however it its believed that this guild had realised,
what destructive route the planet was heading, but before they could
act they were massed murdered. it is also believed that the rebels
on the planet my belong to the "Pohatu" guild.
B. Modern Argonian Government
The Argon government is made up of a congress consisting of 64 members,
one from each of the 64 provinces on Argon. These members are elected
by a majority vote of their constituents. There is a general election
held every six years and there are no term limits. The person who has
held his seat in the congress the longest ins the "Head" of the congress
and the figure head for the Planet. In reality he has no more power than
any other member of the congress however being the most experienced he
usually has more influence. All decisions are made with a majority vote.
There are two major parties with in the system. The Socialist party
which believes in big government and more government control and there
is the People's Party which believes more in the rights of the
individual to take care of themselves. There is a majority leader
and a Minority leader within the Government that represents each of
the party agendas. The Government appears to be stable and the system
seems to be approved of by the citizens and does not infringe on any
civil liberties.
6) History
Argon began to record history approxamently 2000 years ago. The
following dates are based on the Argonian Calendar. The population
began on the Eastern continent. In the year 450 the western
continent was discovered. It took nearly 500 years for it to be
completely mapped. Colonization of the western continent was
attempted several times unsuccessfully due to the inability to grow
food and raise livestock. In 1323 Argonians invented AirTravel
using steam engines. By 1450 they had achieved space flight and
had explored their own solar system. First contact was made with
the Argon in 1474 by a passing Ferengie freighter. The Argon system
was ignored by most space going races due to its small size and
remote location. In 1510 the value of the ore on Argon was
discovered by a Ferangie named Damon Grable. He made a deal
with the Argonian government. He exchanged the technology of
interstellar travel for the rights to mine on the western continent.
Thus began the 500 year period of pollution and corruption that led
to the request of this petition. Grable established the Argonian
Mining Corporation (AMC). The AMC saw Argon as a place to strip
mine. It used the Argonians for laborers and established no
environmental controls on the mining equipment. What was once
a healthy clean atmosphere over time became unbearable and now
the Argonians have to have filtered air pumped into buildings and
use respirators out doors. The AMC hired mercenaries to protect
its interests in the mines and also to influence the Argonian
Government. In 2015 A majority of the congress met secretly and
drafted a petition to send to the federation. They saw that their
planet was dieing and in need of help. Gamma Fleet Command
received the petition and sent the USS Crazy Horse top
investigate the situation. The Argonians revolted against
the AMC and the corrupt members of congress. The AMC has been
removed from the planet and the Government has taken over
control of all mining operations. They have begun to establish
clean air procedures and have solicited the Federations help
in development of clean air technology.
7) Society
Argonian society seems to revolve around a strong work ethic.
All the males work and most women tend to the young. The family
unit is very strong and on average Argonian families consist
of 3 generations. Argonians have one life mate and the philosophy
of marriage. Divorce is very rare and happens only 15% of the time.
Remarriage never happens not even after the death of a spouse.
This family values system has kept the population at a manageable
level.
8) Religion
Argonian Religious beliefs were not easy to define. It seems
that they have no concept of "God" but rather the family seems
to be the driving force behind their convictions. The desire
to perpetuate the Family name and family honor. It is believed
that family as a whole though out the generations is "Eternal
Being". The time spent on Argon is simply a manifestation of
that being in a small fraction of Eternity. Death is but the
return to the Eternal and Life is but the next visitor to this
small fraction of eternity. The religious beliefs are sound in
principle and would in no way discredit or bring undo distress
to the Federation.
9) Culture
The Argonian Culture is also based on the Family. Providing
for the family and increasing the honor of the "Eternal" Family.
Mutual respect is Key in the Argonian Culture. Most Argonian
believe that this existence in just one of many brief stints
that the "Eternal" will be a part of. The honor of the "family
name" is key. Standing in the community is achieved though
respect and honor of the family rather than personal positions
or income.
10) Technology
A. General
Before the arrival of the AMC 500 years ago Argon was in a
nuclear age. The rate of progress was steady and taking the
natural course. Once the AMC arrived some technologies came
with them. But for the most part Argon remained steady on a
natural course. Warp technology was achieved with the Arrival
of the AMC however most Argonians chose to remain on Argon with
no real need or desire to explore. Currently Argon is in the
tail end of the fusion age.
B. Transportation
The Planet Argon, to fully understand the Planet Argons Transport
Structure you must first look at the Planets History and
Envirmental Features.
The Planet Argon was Very much a Beautiful Planet, with large
continents covered in large Areas of Rainforest, Jungle and
Savanna, for this the people of Argon adopted
The Planet Argon is in a some what sheltered part of the
Galaxy on the edge of Federation Space and Romulin Space,
but as the ancestors of the Man they wished to Travel to
space and the Unknown, for this they developed a Special
Council to develop the Technology needed to get one of their
Young Pilots into Space. The Project Name was "Starlight",
at the Technology Level (The Technology level would have
been that of 1980 Earth) they were at they developed the
required the Technology and a Basic Fuel + Oxygen Engine
Design comparable to the Early Saturn 5 Rockets used on
the Early Flights into Space made by the Terrain's in
their 20th Century. The First Test of the Rocket system
was 1398 and had developed enough thrust, that the Fuel
Supply could be cut to barely a Fifth of the Original
Fuel Supply Needed. The First Flight of the "Probe" was
made by Lt Domie Frekon (which I might add was a Female)
in 1402. The "Probe" Broke though the Planet Argons
Atmosphere and successfully reached Orbit Altuilte and
orbited 17 times before breaking orbit and heading for
Home, this was the First of Many Flights and these Flights
Got Longer as they developed better Systems and Technology.
The First Space Station was "Sky Keeper" Named after a
God from a Period in their Culture. This was a small
Affair about the Same Size as the Mir Space Station build
by the Russians on Earth, the Station was Limited in size
and resources but did get them a Permanent Presents in
Space. The Argons had Also Developed a Some what Advanced
ION Propulsion System for their Deep Space Probes.
When the Ferengi Came they Gave the Argons impulse Engines
for their Craft and Warp Engines, which the Argons Quickly
Fitted to their small and unsophisticated Space Craft, as
you can Imagine there were a lot of accidents in the Early
few years due to you Pilots pushing their craft to the
limits of their Design Envelope.
But with the Intervention by the Ferengi this Proud Tradition
of Astronauts was cut short, the Feregni gave these People
Impulse Engines and Low Warp Speed Engines (Warp 2 - 4.78)
for their Craft and Weapon Systems that would make a Federation
Starship Take Note!
At Present there are Four Large Space Ports in orbit of the
Planet, 1 being used at the main Space and hub for
transportation of Materials and Equipment to and from
the Surface of the Planet it is roughly the Size of the
Cardassian Build Deep Space Nine, the technology and
Materials used in its construction is below standard
Starfleet requirements for Safety and should, in the
event of Entrance in the Federation the Station should
be assessed by Starfleet Engineers for the possibly of
repair or upgrade to meet Starfleet Safety Regulations.
The Station it Self can easily accommodate anything up
to 5 Galaxy sized Craft at one time, it is cuboid in
construction with, out reaching Docking platforms. The
3 smaller Space Stations are similar but on a smaller
scale, these are the ones that are mainly used for the
transportation of People to and from the Mines.
The Argons have a Very Advanced Transport Network for
the Transportation of Raw Materials but their civil Space
Transport system is lacking.
11) Argonians - Appearance
The Argonian species that evolved on the planet Argon
are a biped race. Their physical structure resembles many
other humanoid species. Normal skin pigmentation is a
bright red colour that varies slightly from an orange to
maroon across the population. Populations near the equator
have developed darker skin tones as a result of the increased
radiation exposure and vice versa.
As in Humans, Argonians have two arms on either side of
the chest. The each arm has two joints, on half way
down (elbow) and another connecting the hand (wrist).
The elbow joints have a 180-degree range of motion.
A unique feature about their wrists is that they have
a 360-degree range of motion. There is no solid
connection between the forearm and hand; this allows the
hand to rotate freely. Rotation is controlled completely
by a fluidic material that can change from solid to liquid
instantly. The hands have 5 have stubby fingers, ranging
from 2cm to 6cm in length. The legs of the Argonians look
similar to Human legs, but are better built. The knees are
located 13cm lower then a typical Human knee. The foot looks
similar to a Human foot, but with no toes.
Average height of an Argonian male is 170cm; average height
of a female is 180cm. There are several subtle differences
between males and females besides height. Females have much
larger breasts then males, primarily for child raising purposes.
The cranial ridges are also less defined on females. The hip
joints on females also have the special feature of the wrist-hand
joint. A dynamic material acts as the joint, changing from liquid
to solid as directed by electrical impulses; this allows a full
range of motion.
12) Argonian-Anatomy:
A. General
Argonians have many of the same organs as humans, performing
the basic functions required to sustain life. Many adaptations
have been made through evolution that has made the Argonians
more resistant to the pollutants on their world.
The digestive system consists of a Mouth, Oesophagus, Stomach,
Primary Intestine, Secondary Intestine, and Tertiary Intestine.
The mouth and oesophagus are lined with a thick mucus coating
to protect the tissue. The stomach contains strong acids to
breakdown materials. The primary intestine is where the food
is purified by numerous chemical reactions that neutralize the
toxic substances present in the food. Heavy metals are extracted
into the blood stream where they are filtered out by six kidneys.
The secondary intestine is where nutrients are extracted from the
food by numerous enzymes. The nutrients are extracted into the
blood stream where they are taken through the body to be used or
stored. The tertiary intestine is where solid waste is stored
before excretion. At this stage, a portion of body fat is
excreted into the intestine is be excreted with the waste.
Due to the high levels of fat soluble pollutants in the environment,
many toxins are stored in the fatty tissue for many years.
This evolutionary adaptation allows Argonians to eliminate a
percentage of those toxins. Water soluble pollutants are
rapidly excreted though the urinary tract, therefore posing
less of a health hazard.
Another benefactor of adaptation is the nervous system; resistant
to many of the known federation neurotoxins. Likely due to the
high levels of pollutants in the atmosphere, the Argonian nervous
system has developed a resistance. There are numerous antibodies
and chemical agents designed to protect basic nervous system
functions. The spinal cord is suspended in a viscous liquid
which is encased in a flexible membrane. The spinal suspension
fluid is comprised of several types of electrolytes that assist
in the transmission of impulses. The spinal suspension fluid
also has anti-biotic properties, with a high white blood cell
count. The brain, similar to the spinal cord is also suspended
in a viscous fluid, encased in a membrane. The brain usually
has the lowest concentration of toxins in the entire body. This
is due to the filtering that goes on before the blood enters in
the brain. Of the six kidneys in the Argonian body, two are
located in the head. The two small organs, about the size of
plumb, are located at the base of the brain, surrounding the
point where the spinal cord attaches to the brain. All blood
that enters the brain is filtered through these two kidneys.
The skeletal infrastructure of the Argonian is typical of
humanoid species. A ribcage protects the vital organs, and
a protective skull, the brain. One obvious difference is
the lack of a joint between the hand-wrist and hip in female.
The bone material of Argonians has lower calcium content than
humans, or other humanoid species. A characteristic of the
body's filtering systems is to store heavy metals in the bones,
this results in a high metal content. Argonian males have a
large pelvic opening allowing for child birth, this is the
opposite to that of a human.
The muscular system of an Argonian is also similar to that
of humans except that their ability to sustain skeletal
muscle ability is more advanced then that of a human.
When muscles are stressed, waste products are produced
that reduce oxygen absorption. Argonians have high levels
of enzymes that remove this dampening by-product. This
results in an above average level of endurance when
compared to humans.
The lymphatic system plays a major role in the Argonian
anatomy. By destroying toxins and distributing antibodies,
the lymphatic system acts as primary line of defense against
infections and foreign organisms. Tests reveal that the
Argonian lymphatic system is several times more efficient
and effective then a humans, but data as to why is not
available at this time.
The Argonian endocrine system as in humans regulates the
release of hormones into the bloodstream. Hormones play
an important role in the proper operation of all humanoid
organisms. Aspects such as growth, metabolism and sexual
development are regulated by the release of hormones.
The endocrine system in Argonians performs these same
functions plus one more. A unique feature only found
in Argonians is a special hormone that regulates immune
system activity. When high levels of this hormone are
released, the immune system increases activity, resulting
in a more effective system, but increasing energy usage.
These two factors are kept in balance depending on needs.
The cardiovascular system of Argonians is quite complex, as
the blood flows through many organs. Argonians have one
heart and two lungs like humans. The heart is three times
as large as a typical human heart; this is because of the
higher viscosity of Argonian blood from carrying waste
products through the body. The lungs are approximately
the same size as an average human's, except that the
alveoli are more resistant to damage by toxins and chemicals.
The lungs are constantly being exposed to high levels of
toxins, over centuries natural immunities have developed,
but the current rate of increasing pollution is too fast
for natural adaptation. The lung tissue is very efficient
as transferring oxygen, much more so then a human's. The
lung tissue is denser and organized in a methodical pattern
to maximize surface area. Lung cancer is currently the
leading cause of death on Argon. Blood flow to the
indirectly connected portions of the body occurs through
osmosis of blood through the viscous fluid.
The urinary tract filters the waste products out of the
blood stream and excretes them from the body. Argonians
have six kidneys which perform the function of extraction.
The waste product is then moved down to the bladder for
storage through six pairs of tubes called the ureters.
From the bladder, the waste is expelled through the
urethra when convenient. The urethra in Argonian males is
a tube leading to the exterior of the body through the urinary
duct, an exterior appendage located in the groin. This is
separate from the reproductive organ, which is also an
exterior appendage.
The Argonian male reproductive system differs from that
of human males largely. Argonians have the equivalent
of a penis which is used for the transfer of semen into
the female to fertilize the ova. Sperm cells are produced
in three testicles located inside the pelvis. Unlike humans,
Argonians can produce sperm regardless of body temperature.
Fertilization of the ova occurs through intercourse with a
female. After the ovum has been fertilized, the zygote is
transferred to the male for the remainder of the gestational
period through intercourse once again. The average gestational
period for an Argonian is 15months.
The Argonian female reproductive system is almost identical
to that a human females. Ova are produced in the ovaries
which there are two of. The uterus is much smaller then
that of a human female, this is due to the fact that the
female only carries the embryo for several days, at which
point it is transferred to the male for the remainder of
the gestational period.
B. Basic Brain Anatomy
a. General
The Argonian brain is basically split into three sections,
the left, the right and centeral cerebral cortex's. The
right cortex is the more Logical area of the brain, whereas,
the left cortex is more emotional and the centeral is
linguistically talented.
In humans however the brain is basically split into two
halves, the left and the right cerebral hemispheres. The
right hemisphere is the more emotional area of the brain,
whereas, the left hemisphere is more analytical and
linguistically talented.
The brain is made up of a dense network of cells, most of
which are there to hold the brain together. 3 in 10 of the
total number of cells in the brain, actually do the work,
these are neurons, whereas humans only have 1 in 10 neurons.
There are a few different kinds of neurons and each neuron
can join up with up to 30,000 neighbours (10,000 in humans).
The parts that join up are called Axons and Dendrites. Axons
conduct electrical signals AWAY from the cell nucleus, and
the dendrites RECEIVE information.
When an axon connects with a dendrite there is a small gap,
this gap is the Synaptic gap. It is in the synaptic gap,
where, the work really happens. When a cell is active the
axon secretes Neurotransmitters into this gap. This sets
off a chain reaction with the other cells, creating
activity amongst millions of cells.
It is these neurotransmitters with hormones, which
interplay and send information about the state of the body
to the Hypothalamus. In the Argonian Brain the Hypothalamus
is very well developed, more than 3 1/2 times larger than
that of a human, it also has more neurological connections
to other areas of the brain, enabling it to monitor more
states of the body and regulate these states more
efficiently.
b. Areas of the Argonian Brain
All major functions and organs within the Argonian body
are controlled by the Cerebellum/brainstem (like that in
humans), this is i highly efficient part of the brain,
that keeps the Argonians alive.
The Argonian brain enables better control of Language and
Lingustics, as these are handled seperatly in the left and
centeral cortex's however, Humans use the same cortex to
control both systems, which proves that the Argonian brain
is better talented to these fields, as they are controlled
independantly. The young Arongoian Language area is fully
develpoed at the age of 4 earth years, whereas in the human
it is not fully developed until 9. There proves to be a
fault within this system however; the corpus callosum (a
band of tissue and neurons, smaller than that of human brains),
negotiates information between the three cortexs of the brain,
has to negotiate the the functions language, lingustics and
emotion. The negtion between these three systems slows down
as the information has to travel through all the areas. This
makes the Argonians able to concentrate very well on each
independant area.Argonian people can be emotional, but when
another area is required to over-ride another in a task(for
example Emotion eg fear) this proves to be slow, and quite
often Argonian's take the more logical approach to a problem
more readily, and tend not to rely on instinct/emotion.
The motor functions of the Argonian's is controlled in
the Central cortex in the Paretial (centeral) lobe. Motor
functions tend to be very similar of that of a human, and
they have similar reflex actions.
The imagination and visual area of the brain is situated in
the Occipital lobe (at the back of the head), and although
this is a vast area of the Argonian brain it tends to be
used for memory functions. When shown an image an Argonian
can remember this image and any phrase, place or number
attatched to this for numerous weeks. This area however
tend not to be used for imaginationary functions, and when
asked to be creative, they tend to use previous memories
rather than creating something from scratch.
All sensory functions are controlled by the Temporal lobe
(at the side of the head), this also being a highly
efficient part of the Argonian brain. It interprets the
surroundings very quickly and passes this information to
the Occipital area where it is stored until it is required
for recollection at a later date. The combination of these
two areas of the brain, enables the Argonians to be highly
effiecient at remembering directions/places etc.
The Hypothalamus as mentioned before regulates the body, it
controls the temperature of the body, (eg. perspiring in the
heat), it also controls the appetie of the Argonian (eg.
hunger/thirst) the hypothalamus also controls the sex drive
of the Argobnian. As Argonians are like humans, they do not
reproduce as a survival instict, but more as an act of love.
Their brains have evolved to feel pleasure in sexual bonding
and pain in separation. Euphoric feelings involved in falling
in love are a combination of dopamine and phenyethylamine (PEA)
chemicals. The medial preoptic area of the hypothalamus is
responsible for sexual responses. The hypothalamic nucleus
INAH3 in the medial preoptic area is 2 ½ times larger in males
than females. It contains more Androgen (male hormone) sensitive
cells than any other part of the brain. The medial preoptic area
creates the sex drive males have towards females, signals from here
are sent to the temporal cortex, producing conscious excitement,
the signals are also sent to the penis, resulting in an erection.
The Ventromedial Nucleus, however, prompts female typical sexual
behaviour. This is the same cluster of cells that are involved in
turning on the appetite for food. When it is stimulated in a
sexual manner, it encourages Lordosis (genital display).
c. Common Problems with the Argonian Brain.
The Argonian's tend to have similar neurological problems
to that of humans, but mainly they tend to be more receptive
to tumors and epilepsy, due to the vast amount of
neurological pathways they have and the additinal third
cortex. They are also more likely to develop language
disorders such as Autism. This where the subject will have
speech abnormalities but they also tend to be of average of
above average intelligence, they tend to remove themsleves
form socialisation and work independantly on a subject they
feel strongly about.
Conclusion
In conclusion i have found there to be a lot of very
remarkable similarities to the average human brain, although
the Argonian mind is slightly more advanced to that of the
human. They are cope with language, and logistical tasks very
well, they prove to be in good control of their emotions and
have above the human average level of intelligence. There well
developed brains have well developed problems too, with
increases suseptibility to the above named disorders.
13) Report on Disease and Cures on the Planet Argon.
A. Introduction
Due to the vast amount of diseases that occur to the body, I
feel that it would be in appropriate to report on such
diseases that we as Strafleet Medical officers are welll
versed in the cures and treatments of. Due to the comparable
likenesses between the Argonian body and that of the Human
body, we find also there are likenesses to Immuno responses.
However the Argonian atmosphere is well poluted with toxins
that pose threats to the human respiratory system, and this
being the Argonian homeworld, it only proves to be likely
that the Argonian Immune system would tackle this problem
more efficiently than the human immune system. This does not
prove to be without its faults, and although the Argoian
sytem can tackle the disease well, there is increased risk
for aquiring these disorders, and if a patient is in
post-recovery from a disorder, (can be as minor as a cold)
their immune system becomes weak to an attack and some
disorders can lead to be fatal. This has led Argonian
scientists and Doctors to find cures and treatments for
these, as they are common ailments on this planet.
I have broken this report down into two main sections, the
first covering the common ailments/diseases and cures the
Argonians have encountered. The second section covers
Unknown Diseases to Starfleet & cures/treatments for these.
B. Common Argonian Ailments/Diseases and Cures
a. Respiratory Disorders
As mentioned in a previous report by Dr Galler, it has been
prove conclusive that Argonians suffer from respiratory
disorders, even though they are well adapted to it. The
respiratory disorders include such disorders as Asthma,
chronic Broncitis, Lymphangioleiomyomatosis and Pulmonary
hypertension, but these are well controlled and I feel there
is no reason to mention these. The disorders I have
mentioned are Emphysema and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. I
have mentioned emphysema due to the remarkable advacement in
nano-technology and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis due to the
high mortality rates.
Emphysema
Classic emphysema develops after many years of assault on
lung tissues, namely from the Argonian pollution. The walls
between the tiniest air sacs within the lungs break down,
and those compartments become unnaturally enlarged.
Elasticity of the lung tissue is lost, and the lungs become
distended, unable to expand and contract normally. As
emphysema progresses, the effort needed to breathe increases
and, ultimately, each breath becomes a chore.
Argonian treatment
The Argonians have developed highly sophisticated
nano-technology that entombs the air sacs like a spiders
web. This expands and contracts pulling the air sac walls
with it, taking some of the chore out of breathing. This
technology is currently reserved for people who have
developed more advanced symptoms of the disorder. For
patients with more actute symptoms, they generally undergo a
course of genetic modification drugs, to try and stabalise
the condition or cure it completely. In the long-term the
average Argonian can expect almost a full recovery from the
symptoms of the disorder if they had the acute form of the
illness. The long-term for a patient undergoing nano
therapy, is promising, as they tend to lead normal lives,
but have to undergo regular replacement and updating of the
technology. The Argonians are conducting further research in
long-term treatment for nano therapy patients, as it is a
recent medical advancement.
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (referred to as IPF) is a
disease of inflammation that results in scarring or
fibrosis, of the lungs. In time, this fibrosis can build up
to the point where the lungs are unable to provide oxygen to
the tissues of the body. Currently, Argonian researchers
believe that IPF may result from either an autoimmune
disorder, a condition in which the body's immune system
attacks its own tissues, or the after effects of an
infection, most likely a virus, they belive this could be an
airbourne virus, present in the atmosphere among the
pollutants..
Early symptoms of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis are usually
similar to those of other lung diseases. Very often, for
example, patients suffer from a dry cough and dyspnea
(shortness of breath). As the disease progresses, dyspnea
becomes the major problem. Day-to-day activities such as
climbing stairs, walking short distances, dressing, and even
talking on the phone and eating become more difficult and
sometimes nearly impossible. Enlargement (clubbing) of the
fingertips may develop. The patient may also become less
able to fight infection. In advanced stages of the illness,
the patient may need oxygen all the time.
Argonian Treatment
The Argonians are currently researching treatment in this
area with limited success. They have found a course of
genetic modification drugs will halt the fibrosis, but they
have still to find (what they believe is a virus) the cause.
Once they have the cuase of the problem they can begin
working on wasys to eliminate the virus, either from the
immune system or from the air itself. The long-term effects
from treatment are so far inconclusive and there is a high
mortality rate from suffers of this disorder, around 78.4%
of all patients die within 2 months of diagnosis.
b. Non-respiratory disorders
As mentioned, the Argonians are very similar to humans, and
I find no reason to mention areas where there are no
differences in treatment, care or the disorder itself. For
this reason I will mention Neurofibromatosis, Kaposi’s
sarcoma and Ankylosing Spondylitis.
Ankylosing spondylitis
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a member of the family of
diseases that attack the spine called spondylarthropathies.
In addition to AS, these diseases include Reiter’s
syndrome, some cases of psoriatic arthritis and the arthitis
of inflammatory bowel disease. is a rheumatic disease that
causes arthritis of the spine and sacroiliac joints and can
cause inflammation of the eyes, lungs, and heart valves. It
varies from intermittent episodes of back pain that occur
throughout life to a severe chronic disease that attacks the
spine, peripheral joints and other body organs, resulting in
severe joint and back stiffness, loss of motion and
deformity as life progresses.
AS is a member of the family of diseases that attack the
spine called spondylarthropathies, in addition to AS, these
diseases include Reiter’s syndrome, some cases of
psoriatic arthritis and the arthitis of inflammatory bowel
disease.
As artritic problems are common among the Argon population,
it is not surprising that it has spread to the spine. As
previously mentioned bt Dr.Galler Hyper-Viscous Sydrome is
common and it is believed by the Argonian scientists that AS
is caused by HVS, but some cases without the HVS background
has been known. There has been few known AS related deaths,
reported on Argon, but these are generally due to a severing
of the spinal cord from a symptom of the spinal arthritis.
This generally happens when the patient’s vertebrae
are rubbing during a manual maneuvre placing a lot of weight
onto the spine. There is friction between the vertebrea and
one will work in conflict with another to the extent it
slides away, severing the spinal cord in the
process. The patient will die instantly. There have only
been 2 reported deaths on Argon of this manner where AS has
been the root cause of the severing of the cord. This is one
of the most common arthritic ailments, and Starfleet
pyhsicians are unaware deaths can be caused from AS.
Argonian Treatment
As mentioned by Dr.Galler, there are limited treatments for
arthritic disorders; medical treatment mainly consists of
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications and
rehabilitation therapy. Rehabilitation therapies are proving
to be essential. Proper sleep and walking positions, coupled
with abdominal and back exercises, help maintain posture.
Exercises help maintain joint flexibility. Breathing
exercises enhance lung capacity, and swimming provides
aerobic exercise. Even with optimal treatment, some people
will develop a stiff or "ankylosed" spine, but they will
remain functional if this fusion occurs in an upright
position. Continuing care is critical. AS is a lifelong
problem, and people often fail to continue treatment, in
which case permanent posture and mobility losses occur.
Kaposi's Sarcoma
Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a disease in which cancer
(malignant) cells are found in the tissues under the skin or
mucous membranes that line the mouth, nose, and anus. KS
causes red or purple patches (lesions) on the skin and/or
mucous membranes and spreads to other organs in the body,
such as the lungs, liver, or intestinal tract, but not the
kidneys. Kaposi's Sarcoma is one of the most diagnosed
diseases in the Argonian youth community, with over 70% of
the 18-year-old population diagnosed. If there are signs of
KS, a medical practioner will examine the skin and lymph
nodes carefully (lymph nodes are small bean-shaped
structures that are found throughout the body; they produce
and store infection-fighting cells). The practioner also may
order other tests to see if the patient has other diseases.
The chance of recovery (prognosis) depends on what type of
Kaposi's sarcoma the patient has, the patient's age and
general health. The overall recovery rate for the
18-year-old population is also high with an 79% full
recovery, 8% short-term recovery (lapsing into long term
illness) and a 13% mortality rate. It is belived this
mortality rate could be reduced if the health service was
not as stretched and could cope with these high levels of
disease.
Argonian Treatment
The Argonian's maedical advancment is not as advanced
as it is with Pulmonary care, but they are working towards
these high levels of research and treatment. The general
treatments consist of; surgery (removal of the cancer),
chemotherapy (using drugs to kill cancer cells), radiation
therapy (using high-dose x-rays to kill cancer cells),
biological therapy (using the body's immune system to fight
cancer) and now they have recently introduced Nano
technology. It is still unclear how the nano technology
works, and how it is advancing. There have been few trials
and with limited success, they hope to try courses of
Genetic modifying drugs also and were continuing ongoing
researching this at the time of this report.
Neurofibromatosis
The neurofibromatoses are genetic disorders of the nervous
system that primarily affect the development and growth of
neural (nerve) cell tissues. These disorders cause tumors to
grow on nerves and produce other abnormalities such as skin
changes and bone deformities. Although many affected persons
inherit the disorder, between 30 and 50 percent of new cases
arise spontaneously through mutation (change) in an
individual's genes, one cause for this could be place with
the third cortex as mentioned in my previous report. Once
this change has taken place, the mutant gene can be passed
on to succeeding generations. Argonian scientists have
classified the disorders as neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1)
and neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2). NF1 is the more common
type of the neurofibromatoses. In diagnosing NF1, a
physician looks for changes in skin appearance, tumors, or
bone abnormalities, and/ora parent, sibling, or child with
NF1. Symptoms of NF1, particularly those on the skin, are
often evident at birth or during infancy and almost always
by the time a child is about 10 years old. NF2 is less
common. NF2 is characterized by bilateral (occurring on both
sides of the body) tumors on the eighth cranial nerve (also
in rare curcumstances the sixth cranial nerve present in the
third cortex). The tumors cause pressure damage to
neighboring nerves. To determine whether an individual has
NF2, a physician looks for bilateral eighth nerve tumors and
similar signs and symptoms in a parent, sibling, or child.
Affected individuals may notice hearing loss as early as the
teen years. Other early symptoms may include tinnitus
(ringing noise in the ear) and poor balance. Headache,
facial pain, or facial numbness, caused by pressure from the
tumors, may also occur.
Argonian Treatment
Treatments for both NF1 and NF2 are presently aimed at
controlling symptoms. Surgery can help some NF1 bone
malformations and remove painful or disfiguring tumors;
however, there is a chance that the tumors may grow back and
in greater numbers. In the rare instances when tumors become
malignant (3 to 5 % of all cases), treatment may include
surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. For NF2, improved
diagnostic technologies, such as MRI (magnetic resonance
imaging), can reveal tumors as small as a few millimeters in
diameter, thus allowing early treatment. Surgery to remove
tumors completely is one option but may result in hearing
loss. Other options include partial removal of tumors,
radiation, and if the tumors are not progressing rapidly,
the conservative approach of watchful waiting. Genetic
testing is available for families with documented cases of
NF1 and NF2. New (spontaneous) mutations cannot be confirmed
genetically. Prenatal diagnosis of familial NF1 or NF2 is
also possible utilizing amniocentesis or chorionic villus
sampling procedures. It appears that the Argonians are
continuing research but this remains at the bottom of a
large pile of research they are carrying out and treatments
within this field are being neglected, thus the reason why
they are merely controlling the symptoms. There are a lot of
plans in development, but if they are implemented is to be
desired.
c. Unknown Diseases & Unknown Cures
Unknown Diseases
Idioneuro-CardioPulmonary delapidation
This is one of the most frightening and fascinating diseases
I have encountered during my time here. In it’s
broadest sense the name means “Unknown decay of brain
heart and lungs.” This disease has a long history on
the planet Argon, earliest cases reported to have been
several hundered years ago. This is unknown to
Starfeet’s medical database and training and it is
believed to be unique to the planet.
Idioneuro-CardioPulmonary delapidation (ICPD) is a disease
that decays tissue. ICPD is a genetic disorder and has
unknown origins, it is believed also that ICPD can be
transmitted through airbourne contaminants carrying the host
gene. It is also believed that it can be transmitted into
the bloodstream, but porves ineffective against sexual
transmission, due to the bodily secrition in sexual
orifices. The host gene’s main source of contamination
is through the heriditory routes. When ICPD is inside the
bloodstream, (or appears after dormant periods – as in
hereditory cases) it normally takes upto 6 earth-months
before any noticable changes in the patients health will
occur. ICPD first targets the neurology of the patient and
the patient will first show signs of depriciated neurology,
either loss of memory, loss of emotion, loss of language
etc. These symptoms appear within the first six months and
ICPD is not instantly recognised as the cause. After
approximatly 8 months speech patterns are non-aknowledable,
the patient has no memory and bno emotion, it is at this
point very clear there is a neurological problem, but still
ICPD remains undiagnosed. The host gene at this point has
manifested itself in the brain or spinal cord of the
patient, where it signals to the Lymph nodes passing on
complex genetic material, causing the white blood cells to
attack organd and systems within the body and begin
rejecting the patients own organs. During the ninth month
the patient will experience symptoms similar to that of
emphysema, and it is at this point, diagnosable. Over the
next four weeks the patient will loose almost all of either
of both lungs, before the attack on the heart is over. The
patient will normally die within four to five weeks of ICPD
diagnosable symptoms.
Argonian Treatment
There are no known treatments available for ICPD due to the
complexity of the host gene and the rarety of the disease.
There has been a total of 78 cases in 230 years, 12 of which
within the last 5 years. The Argonians are reviewing all
data to try and find something they can fight this disease
with.
C. Conclusion
The Argonians have numerous health issues, which they are
addressing, some more efficiently than others. They have
increased mortality (in comparison to humans) to Pulmonary
and Neurological disorders aswell as cancer. They have a
fascinating uncurable disease that I hope they will one day
find a cure for, but this cannot come without its cost to
Argonian lives.
_________________________________________________________
| Starfleet Command |
____________________________________________________
| ...Report Terminates... |
Col Chuck Taylor Lt. Jimmy Galler
Research Team Leader Chief Medical Officer
USS Crazy Horse USS Crazy Horse
Lt Nick Parsons Ens Matt Jacob Goodson
Operations Officer Assistant Medical Officer
USS Crazy Horse USS Crazy Horse
Lt Cmdr Philip McCready
Chief Flight Operations
USS Crazy Horse