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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 199 records · Page 11

Psychophysiological Assessment of Fatigue in Commercial Aviation Operations

The overall goal of this study is to improve our understanding of crew work hours, workload, sleep, fatigue, and performance, and the relationships between these variables on actual flight deck performance. Specifically, this study will provide objective measures of physiology and performance, which may benefit investigators in identifying fatigue levels of operators in commercial aviation and provide a way to better design strategies to limit crew fatigue. This research was supported by an agreement between NASA Ames Research Center and easyJet Airline Company, Ltd., Luton, UK. Twenty commercial pilots volunteered to participant in the study that included 15 flight duty days. Participants wore a Zephyr Bioharness ambulatory physiological monitor each flight day, which measured their heart rate, respiration rate, skin temperature, activity and posture. In addition, pilots completed sleep log diaries, self-report scales of mood, sleepiness and workload, and a Performance Vigilance Task (PVT). All data were sent to NASA researchers for processing and analyses. Heart rate variability data of several subjects were subjected to a spectral analysis to examine power in specific frequency bands. Increased power in low frequency band was associated with reports of higher subjective sleepinesss in some subjects. Analyses of other participants data are currently underway.

Hernandez, Norma↗

Continuous metabolic and cardiovascular measurements on a monkey subject during a simulated 6-day Spacelab mission

An adult male pig-tailed monkey (Macaca nemestrina) with surgically implanted biotelemetry unit was inserted into a fiberglass pod system which was installed in a Spacelab mock-up to simulate a 6-day mission during which extensive physiological measurements were obtained. The purpose of the pod was to make possible the study of respiratory gas exchange. Body temperature and selected cardiovascular parameters were recorded continuously for 2.6 days prior to 'launch', 6.3 days during 'flight', and 1.8 days after 'landing'. The results are surveyed, and it is concluded that it is feasible to perform sound physiological experiments on nonhuman primates in the Spacelab environment

Pace, N.↗

Hemodynamic and thermal responses to head and neck cooling in men and women

Personal cooling systems are used to alleviate symptoms of multiple sclerosis and to prevent increased core temperature during daily activities. The objective of this study was to determine the operating characteristics and the physiologic changes produced by short term use of one commercially available thermal control system. A Life Support Systems, Inc. Mark VII portable cooling system and a liquid cooling helmet were used to cool the head and neck regions of 12 female and 12 male subjects (25-55 yr) in this study. The healthy subjects, seated in an upright position at normal room temperature (approximately 21 degrees C), were tested for 30 min with the liquid cooling garment operated at its maximum cooling capacity. Electrocardiograms and scalp and intracranial blood flows were recorded periodically during each test sequence. Scalp, right and left ear, and oral temperatures and cooling system parameters were logged every 5 min. Scalp, right and left ear canal, and oral temperatures were all significantly (P <0.05) reduced by 30 min of head and neck cooling. Oral temperatures decreased approximately 0.2-0.6 degrees C after 30 min and continued to decrease further (approximately 0.1-0.2 degrees C) for a period of approximately 10 min after removal of the cooling helmet. Intracranial blood flow decreased significantly (P < 0.05) during the first 10 min of the cooling period. Both right and left ear temperatures in the women were significantly lower than those of the men during the cooling period. These data indicate that head and neck cooling may be used to reduce core temperature to that needed for symptomatic relief of both male and female multiple sclerosis patients. This study quantifies the operating characteristics of one liquid cooling garment as an example of the information needed to compare the efficiency of other garments operated under different test conditions.

NASA Center ARC↗

Predicting fatal heat and humidity using the heat index model

A unique wet-bulb temperature of 35°C is often used as the threshold for human survivability, but recent experiments have shown that a person’s core temperature starts to rise at a wide range of critical wet-bulb temperatures. Here, it is shown that the model underlying the heat index correctly predicts those critical wet-bulb temperatures, explaining 95% of the variance in the values observed in laboratory heat-stress experiments. This is the first time the heat-index model has been validated against physiological data from laboratory experiments. For light and moderate exertion in an indoor setting, the heat index model predicts that the critical wet-bulb temperature ranges from 20 to 32°C, depending on the relative humidity, consistent with experimental results. Furthermore, for the same setting and exertion, the heat index model predicts fatal wet-bulb temperatures ranging from 24 to 37°C. Recent experiments have identified the critical combinations of heat and humidity, in an indoor setting, above which an individual is unable to maintain a standard core temperature, indicating severe heat stress. It is shown here why this state of severe heat stress cannot be predicted using the wet-bulb temperature. Instead, it is shown that the recently extended heat index model can explain nearly all of the variance in the observed critical combinations of temperature and humidity, and can be used to calculate fatal combinations.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Basic cryogenics and materials. Phase 1

The effects of cryogenic temperatures on the mechanical and physical properties of materials are summarized. Heat capacity and thermal conductivity are considered in the context of conservation of liquid nitrogen, thermal stability of the gas stream, and the response time for changes in operating temperature. Particular attention is given to the effects of differential expansion and failure due to thermal fatigue. Factors affecting safety are discussed, including hazards created due to the inadvertent production of liquid oxygen and the physiological effects of exposure to liquid and gaseous nitrogen, such as cold burns and asphyxiation. The preference for using f.c.c. metals at low temperatures is explained in terms of their superior toughness. The limitations on the use of ferritic steels is also considered. Nonmetallic materials are discussed, mainly in the context of their LOX compatibility and their use in the form of foams and fibers as insultants, seals, and fiber reinforced composites.

Wigley, D. A.↗

Basic cryogenics and materials

The effects of cryogenic temperatures on the mechanical and physical properties of materials are summarized. Heat capacity and thermal conductivity are considered in the context of conservation of liquid nitrogen, thermal stability of the gas stream, and the response time for changes in operating temperature. Particular attention is given to the effects of differential expansion and failure due to thermal fatigue. Factors affecting safety are discussed, including hazards created due to the inadvertent production of liquid oxygen and the physiological effects of exposure to liquid and gaseous nitrogen, such as cold burns and asphyxiation. The preference for using f.c.c. metals at low temperatures is explained in terms of their superior toughness. The limitations on the use of ferritic steels is also considered. Nonmetallic materials are discussed, mainly in the context of their LOX compatibility and their use in the form of foams and fibers as insulatants, seals, and fiber reinforced composites.

Wigley, D. A.↗

Determination of Thiol Protonation States by Sulfur X-ray Spectroscopy in Biological Systems

Cysteine is one of the most functionally diverse of the proteinogenic amino acids, owing to its reactive thiol side chain that can undergo deprotonation to form a strongly nucleophilic thiolate. However, few techniques can directly interrogate sulfur charge and covalency in cysteine, particularly in proteins. X-ray spectroscopies provide an element specific probe of sulfur. We demonstrate the sensitivity of S Kβ and Kα X-ray emission spectroscopy (XES) to cysteine ionization and compare it to S K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) in the physiologically relevant biomolecules l-cysteine and N-acetyl-l-cysteine at room temperature in solution phase. Kβ XES and K-edge XAS are most sensitive to chemical changes at the cysteine thiol and can be used to evaluate the composition of thiol/thiolate mixtures. Furthermore, these results provide a foundation for assessing the pK a of functionally significant cysteine residues in proteins and open the door to time-resolved studies of cysteine-dependent enzymes.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Thermal environment

The physiological effects, discomfort, and performance degradation associated with an imbalanced thermal environment are discussed. Temperature tolerance limits are set using thermoregulation models and experimental results. The effects of interacting environmental factors, individual variations, and exposure duration on tolerance limits are considered.

Waligora, J. M.↗

Pre-Launch Tasks Proposed in our Contract of December 1991

We propose, during the pre-EOS phase to: (1) develop, with other MODIS Team Members, a means of discriminating different major biome types with NDVI and other AVHRR-based data. (2) develop a simple ecosystem process model for each of these biomes, BIOME-BGC (3) relate the seasonal trend of weekly composite NDVI to vegetation phenology and temperature limits to develop a satellite defined growing season for vegetation; and (4) define physiologically based energy to mass conversion factors for carbon and water for each biome. Our final core at-launch product will be simplified, completely satellite driven biome specific models for net primary production. We will build these biome specific satellite driven algorithms using a family of simple ecosystem process models as calibration models, collectively called BIOME-BGC, and establish coordination with an existing network of ecological study sites in order to test and validate these products. Field datasets will then be available for both BIOME-BGC development and testing, use for algorithm developments of other MODIS Team Members, and ultimately be our first test point for MODIS land vegetation products upon launch. We will use field sites from the National Science Foundation Long-Term Ecological Research network, and develop Glacier National Park as a major site for intensive validation.

Running, Steven W.↗

Pre-Launch Tasks Proposed in our Contract of December 1991

We propose, during the pre-EOS phase to: (1) develop, with other MODIS Team Members, a means of discriminating different major biome types with NDVI and other AVHRR-based data; (2) develop a simple ecosystem process model for each of these biomes, BIOME-BGC; (3) relate the seasonal trend of weekly composite NDVI to vegetation phenology and temperature limits to develop a satellite defined growing season for vegetation; and (4) define physiologically based energy to mass conversion factors for carbon and water for each biome. Our final core at-launch product will be simplified, completely satellite driven biome specific models for net primary production. We will build these biome specific satellite driven algorithms using a family of simple ecosystem process models as calibration models, collectively called BIOME-BGC, and establish coordination with an existing network of ecological study sites in order to test and validate these products. Field datasets will then be available for both BIOME-BGC development and testing, use for algorithm developments of other MODIS Team Members, and ultimately be our first test point for MODIS land vegetation products upon launch. We will use field sites from the National Science Foundation Long-Term Ecological Research network, and develop Glacier National Park as a major site for intensive validation.

Source record↗

Evidence for vestibular regulation of autonomic functions in a mouse genetic model

Physiological responses to changes in the gravitational field and body position, as well as symptoms of patients with anxiety-related disorders, have indicated an interrelationship between vestibular function and stress responses. However, the relative significance of cochlear and vestibular information in autonomic regulation remains unresolved because of the difficulties in distinguishing the relative contributions of other proprioceptive and interoceptive inputs, including vagal and somatic information. To investigate the role of cochlear and vestibular function in central and physiological responses, we have examined the effects of increased gravity in wild-type mice and mice lacking the POU homeodomain transcription factor Brn-3.1 (Brn-3bPou4f3). The only known phenotype of the Brn-3.1(-/-) mouse is related to hearing and balance functions, owing to the failure of cochlear and vestibular hair cells to differentiate properly. Here, we show that normal physiological responses to increased gravity (2G exposure), such as a dramatic drop in body temperature and concomitant circadian adjustment, were completely absent in Brn-3.1(-/-) mice. In line with the lack of autonomic responses, the massive increase in neuronal activity after 2G exposure normally detected in wild-type mice was virtually abolished in Brn-3.1(-/-) mice. Our results suggest that cochlear and vestibular hair cells are the primary regulators of autonomic responses to altered gravity and provide genetic evidence that these cells are sufficient to alter neural activity in regions involved in autonomic and neuroendocrine control.

Non-NASA Center↗

Crew State and Risk Model (CSRM) - Medication Impacts on Physiologic Models for Exploration Class EVA Predictive Modeling and Operations

EVA and Environmental Physiology Laboratory (EEPL) wanted to expand upon the previous CSRM Physiologic Map to visually demonstrate the impact of medications on various modeling inputs that map to the seven physiologic models. It is acknowledged various physiologic states present during EVA could impact drug pharmacokinetics (i.e. pressure changes, core body temperature), which could impact pharmacodynamics. However, that is outside the scope of this document. The medications below represent the authors’ assumption of what medications will be available and able to impact an Artemis EVA and do not include the full ISS formulary, a final Artemis medical kit, or additional personal medications for individual crewmember’s chronic medical conditions.

Emma Ives↗

Energy balance in the DSSAT-CSM-CROPGRO model

One potential way to improve crop growth models is for the models to predict energy balance and evapotranspiration (ET) from first principles, thus serving as a check on “engineered” ET methodology. In this paper, we present new implementations and the results of an energy balance model (EBL) developed by Jagtap and Jones (1989) and then implemented in DSSAT’s CROPGRO (CG-EBL) model by Pickering et al. (1995) as a linked energy balance-photosynthesis model that has not been field-tested until now. The energy balance code computes evapotranspiration and other energy balance components, as well as a canopy air temperature, based on three sources (sunlit leaves, shaded leaves, soil surface). Model performance was evaluated with measured biomass and energy fluxes from two sites in Nebraska, namely, the US-Ne2 irrigated maize-soybean rotation field and the US-Ne3 rainfed maize-soybean rotation field, which are part of the Ameriflux eddy covariance network (htt ps://ameriflux.lbl.gov/sites). After implementing new aerodynamic resistances and the stomatal conductance model of the Ball–Berry–Leuning, crop growth, evapotranspiration and soil temperature were simulated well by the EBL model. The EBL improved ET predictions slightly over the often-used FAO56 method [Penman–Monteith (Allen et al., 1998)] for 4 of the 5 years evaluated for both irrigated and rainfed conditions. Further, a significant improvement was achieved using EBL for the simulation of soil temperature at the various depths compared to STEMP, the original subroutine in DSSAT for simulating soil temperature. Compared to the other available DSSAT methods, the EBL explicitly simulates the impacts of crop morphology, physiology and management on the crop’s environment and energy and mass exchange, which in turn directly affect the water use and irrigation requirements, phenology, photosynthesis, growth, sterility, and yield of the crop.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Permanent Stress Adaptation and Unexpected High Light Tolerance in the Shade-Adapted Chlamydomonas priscui

The Antarctic photopsychrophile, Chlamydomonas priscui UWO241, is adapted to extreme environmental conditions, including permanent low temperatures, high salt, and shade. During long-term exposure to this extreme habitat, UWO241 appears to have lost several short-term mechanisms in favor of constitutive protection against environmental stress. This study investigated the physiological and growth responses of UWO241 to high-light conditions, evaluating the impacts of long-term acclimation to high light, low temperature, and high salinity on its ability to manage short-term photoinhibition. We found that UWO241 significantly increased its growth rate and photosynthetic activity at growth irradiances far exceeding native light conditions. Furthermore, UWO241 exhibited robust protection against short-term photoinhibition, particularly in photosystem I. Lastly, pre-acclimation to high light or low temperatures, but not high salinity, enhanced photoinhibition tolerance. These findings extend our understanding of stress tolerance in extremophilic algae. In the past 2 decades, climate change-related increasing glacial stream flow has perturbed long-term stable conditions, which has been associated with lake level rise, the thinning of ice covers, and the expansion of ice-free perimeters, leading to perturbations in light and salinity conditions. Our findings have implications for phytoplankton survival and the response to change scenarios in the light-limited environment of Antarctic ice-covered lakes.

Plant Sciences↗

Contrasting anther glucose–6–phosphate dehydrogenase activities between two bean varieties suggest an important role in reproductive heat tolerance

Common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) are highly sensitive to elevated temperatures, and rising global temperatures threaten bean production. Plants at the reproductive stage are especially susceptible to heat stress due to damage to male (anthers) and female (ovary) reproductive tissues, with anthers being more sensitive to heat. Heat damage promotes early tapetal cell degradation, and in beans this was shown to cause male infertility. In this study, we focus on understanding how changes in leaf carbon export in response to elevated temperature stress contribute to heat-induced infertility. We hypothesize that anther glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) activity plays an important role at elevated temperature and promotes thermotolerance. To test this hypothesis, we compared heat-tolerant and susceptible common bean genotypes using a combination of phenotypic, biochemical, and physiological approaches. Our results identified changes in leaf sucrose export, anther sugar accumulation and G6PDH activity and anther H 2 O 2 levels and antioxidant-related enzymes between genotypes at elevated temperature. Further, anther respiration rate was found to be lower at high temperature in both bean varieties. Overall, our results support the hypothesis that enhanced male reproductive heat tolerance involves changes in the anther oxidative pentose phosphate pathway, which supplies reductants to critical H 2 O 2 scavenging enzymes.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

A circadian rhythm of conidiation in Neurospora crassa (L-12)

Two fungi growth chambers containing six growth tubes each are used in this experiment. One chamber is for the space experiment; the other is for the simultaneous ground control experiment. The hyphae of Neurospora crassa band A mutant are inoculated at one end of each tube. Both the chambers are kept at 3 C plus or minus 1.5 C to stop hyphae growth until the Spacelab is activated. After the activation, each chamber is transferred simultaneously to the Spacelab and a phytotron in KSC and kept in continuous light at the same temperature. After about 24 hours of light exposure, each chamber is inserted into a growth chamber bag to keep it in constant darkness. The circadian rhythm of conidiation is initiated by this light to dark transition. After the dark incubation for 5 days at room temperature, both the growth chambers are kept at 3 C plus or minus 1.5 C to stop growth of the hyphae. After the space shuttle lands, both conidiation patterns are compared and analyzed. It has been known that numerous physiological phenomena show circadian rhythms. They are characterized by the fact that the oscillation can persist under constant conditions of light and temperature. Therefore, it has been accepted by most investigators that the generation mechanism of the circadian rhythm is endogeneous. However, one cannot reject the possibility that these rhythms are caused by some geophysical exogeneous factor having a 24-hour period, such as atmospheric pressure, gravity, or electromagnetic radiation. We use Neurospora crassa band A mutual which shows an obvious circadian rhythm in its spore-forming (conidiation) on the ground, and we intend to attempt the conidation of this mutant in the Spacelab where 24-hour periodicity is severely attenuated and to elucidate the effect of the geophysical exogeneous factor in the generation mechanism of the circadian rhythm.

Miyoshi, Yashuhiro↗

A Unique Facility For Metabolic and Thermoregulatory Studies

A unique exercise facility has been developed and used to perform tipper body ergometry tests for space applications. Originally designed to simulate the muscular, cardiovascular and thermoregulatory responses to working in zero gravity, this facility may be used to conduct basic thermoregulatory investigations applicable to multiple sclerosis patients. An environmental chamber houses the tipper body ergometer and permits control of temperature, air now and humidify. The chamber is a closed system and recirculate-s air after conditioning if. A Cybex Lipper body ergometer has been mounted horizontally on the wall of the environmental chamber. In this configuration, the subject lies underneath the arm crank on a supine seat in order to turn the crank. The supine seat can be removed in order to introduce other equipment into the chamber such as a stool to allow upright arm cranking, or a treadmill to allow walk-run experiments. Physiological and environmental signals are fed into a Strawberry Tree data acquisition system while being monitored and logged using the Workbench software program. Physiological monitoring capabilities include 3-lead EKG using an H-P patient monitor, 5 site skin temperature and core temperature using YSI thermistors, and O2 consumption and CO2 production using AMFTFK Applied Electrochemistry analyzers and sensors. This comprehensive data acquisition set tip allows for calculation of various thermoregulatory indices including heat storage, evaporative heat loss, latent heat loss, and metabolic rate. The current system is capable of adding more data acquisition channels if needed. Some potential studies that could be carried out using the facility include: 1) An investigation into the efficiency of cooling various segments of the body to lower Tc 1-2 F. 2) A series of heat and mass balance studies comparing various LCG configurations.

Williamson, Rebecca C.↗