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At least 271 records · Page 15

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NASA NTRS1983

Optimal feedback strategies for pursuit-evasion and interception in a plane

Variable-speed pursuit-evasion and interception for two aircraft moving in a horizontal plane are analyzed in terms of a coordinate frame fixed in the plane at termination. Each participant's optimal motion can be represented by extremal trajectory maps. These maps are used to discuss sub-optimal approximations that are independent of the other participant. A method of constructing sections of the barrier, dispersal, and control-level surfaces and thus determining feedback strategies is described. Some examples are shown for pursuit-evasion and the minimum-time interception of a straight-flying target.

Rajan, N.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Short hyperdynamic profiles influence primate temperature regulation

Primates have been shown to be sensitive to hyperdynamic fields. That is, when exposed to + 2Gz, body temperature falls. The purpose of this study was to examine the relative sensitivity of these animals to short centrifugation profiles which mimic the gravitational envelope seen on the Space Shuttle during launch (8 minutes, 2.9 Gz max) and re-entry (19 min, 1.7 Gz max). Four loosely restrained squirrel monkeys, isolated from additional external stimuli, were exposed to these profiles. During launch simulation, the temperatures never fell markedly below control levels. However, subsequent to return to 1G, the recovery phase showed decreases in body temperature in all four animals averaging 0.4 C over the next 10 to 15 minutes. The two animals exposed to the reentry profile showed decreases in body temperature within five minutes of the onset of centrifugation. Maximum fall in body temperature was reached by the end of the centrifugation phase and averaged 0.7 C. Thus, the temperature regulation system of this primate is sensitive to short hyperdynamic field exposures.

Fuller, C. A.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Effect of denervation and reinnervation on oxidation of 6-(C-14) glucose by rat skeletal muscle homogenates

The effects of denervation and reinnervation of the rat extensor digitorum longus muscle on the oxidation of 6-(C-14) glucose to (C-14)O2 is investigated. Results show that the rate of (C-14)O2 production decreased dramatically following denervation and the decrease became significant 20 days after nerve section. The changes which occurred prior to day 20 apparently reflected the decline of muscle mass. The decreased (C-14)O2 production was found to be due to reduced capacity of the enzymatic system, while there was no change in the apparent affinity for glucose. Results of mixing experiments showed that the loss of oxidative capacity following denervation is not caused by the production of soluble inhibitors by degenerating muscle. Measurements of the (C-14)O2 revealed that oxidative metabolism recovered during reinnervation. The specific activity in reinnervated muscles displayed an 'overshoot' of approximately 50 percent, which returned to control levels by day 60. The time-course of the denervation-mediated change indicates that altered oxidative capacity is secondary to events that initiate dennervation changes in muscle, although diminished oxidative capacity may be of considerable metabolic significance in denervated muscle.

Dubois, D. C.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Qualification testing for a central station

Qualification testing for a Central Station Photovoltaic (PV) Facility depends to a great extent on the system design, (fixed versus tracking), and the level of data acquisition/control which is incorporated into the system. The basic elements which require qualification tests include: dc power production/collection; tracker conversion systems; ac utility interface; system level control; and data acquisition/reporting. The qualification tests from the Lungo (ARCO) 1 MW Facility which were completed in January 1983 are discussed. The philosophy and many of the procedures are applicable to any central station PV facility.

Forrester, D. L.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Rat hindlimb muscle responses to suspension hypokinesia/hypodynamia

Hypokinetic/hyupodynamic (H/H) whole body suspension of rats eliminates hindlimb load bearing functions while permitting continued use of the forelimbs. Responses of hindlimb muscles were assessed in terms of absolute and relative weights during 1 and 2 weeks of H/H suspension. Muscle mass loss was in the order soleus greater than gastrocnemius equal to plantaris greater than extensor digitorum longus (EDL). The soleus, a postural antigravity muscle composed mainly of slow twitch fibers, was most sensitive, losing 35 and 45 percent of its weight during the first and second weeks, respectively. The gastrocnemius and plantaris showed losses during the first week but no significant loss during the second wee. The EDL showed little or no weight loss. During post suspension recovery all muscles showed a weight gain. H/H suspended rats failed to grow; following removal from suspension they gained weight linearly, comparable to controls. Products of muscle metabolism including urea, ammonia, and 3-methylhistidine increased in the urine during H/H suspension and were significantly reduced approaching control levels during recovery. This suspension model offers considerable promise for comparison with H/H responses during weightlessness.

Musacchia, X. J.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Metabolic alkalosis during immobilization in monkeys (M. nemestrina)

The systemic and renal acid-base response of monkeys during ten weeks of immobilization was studied. By three weeks of immobilization, arterial pH and bicarbonate concentrations were elevated (chronic metabolic alkalosis). Net urinary acid excretion increased in immobilized animals. Urinary bicarbonate excretion decreased during the first three weeks of immobilization, and then returned to control levels. Sustained increases in urinary ammonium excretion were seen throughout the time duration of immobilization. Neither potassium depletion nor hypokalemia was observed. Most parameters returned promptly to the normal range during the first week of recovery. Factors tentatively associated with changes in acid-base status of monkeys include contraction of extracellular fluid volume, retention of bicarbonate, increased acid excretion, and possible participation of extrarenal buffers.

Young, D. R.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Effect of disuse on sarcoplasmic reticulum in fast and slow skeletal muscle

The effect of 6 weeks of hindlimb immobilization on rat skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) was determined in the slow-twitch, type 1 soleus (SOL), the fast-twitch, type 2A deep region of the vastus lateralis (DVL), and the fast-twitch, type 2B superficial region of the vastus lateralis (SVL). Immobilization produced a significant decline in the Ca(2+) uptake rate (V sub max) of SR vesicles from the slow SOL, while the SR V sub max increased in the fast SVL and was unaltered in the DVL. Vesicles from the fast SVL and DVL also exhibited a higher total Ca(2+) uptake capacity following immobilization. An evaluation of the time course of the immobilization-mediated effect revealed an increased Ca(2+) uptake capacity in all three samples after 1 wk. In the SOL total Ca(2+) uptake returned to control level after 2 wk, while in the fast-twitch muscles the higher capacities were maintained. The Ca(2+)-stimulated SR ATPase activity was not altered in any of the muscle studies.

Kim, D. H.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Acid phosphatase and protease activities in immobilized rat skeletal muscles

The effect of hind-limb immobilization on selected Iysosomal enzyme activities was studied in rat hing-limb muscles composed primarily of type 1. 2A, or 2B fibers. Following immobilization, acid protease and acid phosphatase both exhibited signifcant increases in their activity per unit weight in all three fiber types. Acid phosphatase activity increased at day 14 of immobilization in the three muscles and returned to control levels by day 21. Acid protease activity also changed biphasically, displaying a higher and earlier rise than acid phosphatase. The pattern of change in acid protease, but not acid phosphatase, closely parallels observed muscle wasting. The present data therefore demonstrate enhanced proteolytic capacity of all three fiber types early during muscular atrophy. In addition, the data suggest a dependence of basal hydrolytic and proteolytic activities and their adaptive response to immobilization on muscle fiber composition.

Witzmann, F. A.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Increased cytosolic androgen receptor binding in rat striated muscle following denervation and disuse

The effects of denervation and disuse on cytosolic androgen receptor binding by rat striated muscle are investigated. Denervation of the extensor digitorum longus and tibialis anterior muscles caused by a 40-50-percent increase in cytosolic androgen receptor concentration with no change in apparent binding affinity. This effect was evident at 6 h postdenervation, maximal at 24 h, and declined to 120 percent of the control level 72 h after denervation. A 40-percent increase in cytosolic androgen receptor concentration was also noted 24 hr after denervation of the hormone-sensitive levator ani muscle. The effect of denervation on androgen receptors was blocked by in vivo injection of cycloheximide; therefore, de novo receptor synthesis probably is not involved in the observed increase. Disuse, produced by subperineurial injection of tetrodotoxin into the tibial and common peroneal branches of the sciatic nerve, mimicked the effect of denervation on androgen receptor binding, suggesting that neuromuscular activity is important in regulation of receptor concentration. Possible mechanisms subserving this effect are discussed.

Bernard, P. A.↗

NASA NTRS1986

In vitro cytogenetic studies of organic chemicals found as contaminants in spacecraft cabin atmospheres

Astronauts can be exposed during spaceflight to organic chemical contaminants in the spacecraft cabin atmosphere. Toxic exposures may cause lesions in the cellular DNA which are subsequently expressed as sister-chromatid exchanges (SCE). Analysis of SCE is a sensitive short-term assay technique to detect and quantitate exposures to DNA-damaging (mutagenic) substances. The increase in SCE incidence over baseline (control) levels is generally proportional to the concentration of the mutagen and to the duration of exposure. Dichloromethane (methylene chloride) was chosen for this study since it occurred as an atmospheric contaminant in ten of the first 12 STS flights, and has been reported to have toxic and mutagenic effects in various test systems. Glutaraldehyde was chosen because relatively few data are available on the toxicity or mutagenicity of this common biological fixative, which is carried on STS flights for use in biological experiments. The BHK-21 baby hamster kidney cell line was the in vitro test system used in this study. Neither dichloromethane (10 ppm to 500 ppm) nor glutaraldehyde (1 ppm to 10 ppm) increased SCE levels following 20-hour exposure of BHK-21 cells to the test chemicals.

Torres, J.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Recovery in skeletal muscle contractile function after prolonged hindlimb immobilization

The effect of three-month hindlimb immobilization (IM) in rats on contractile properties of slow-twitch soleus (SOL), fast-twitch extensor digitorum longus, and fast-twitch superficial region of the vastus lateralis were measured after 0, 14, 28, 60, and 90 days of recovery on excized, horizontally suspended muscles stimulated electrically to maximal twitch tension. IM caused decreases in muscle-to-body weight ratios for all muscles, with no complete recovery even after 90 days. The contractile properties of the fast-twitch muscles were less affected by IM than those of the slow-twitch SOL. The SOL isometric twitch duration was shortened, due to reduced contraction and half-relaxation time, both of which returned to control levels after 14 days of recovery. The peak tetanic tension, P(O), g/sq cm,, decreased with IM by 46 percent in the SOL, but recovered by the 28th day. The maximum shortening velocity was not altered by IM in any of the muscles. Thus, normal contractile function could recover after prolonged limb IM.

Fitts, R. H.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Thymic involution in the suspended rat - Adrenal hypertrophy and glucocorticoid receptor content

The relationship between thymic involution and adrenal hypertrophy is studied. The thymus, adrenal glands, and tissue water content are evaluated in male Sprague rats suspended in antiorthostatic (AO) or orthostatic (O) positions. A 50 percent decrease in the wet weight of the thymus and hypertrophy of the adrenal glands are observed during the seven days of AO suspension. After seven days of recovery the thymus weight is increased to control level; however, the hypertrophy of the adrenal glands remains unchanged. Thymic and renal responses in O postioned rats are similar to AO reactions. Thymic glucocorticoid (GC) receptor concentrations in the rats are analyzed; a 20 percent decrease in GC receptor site concentration, which is related to thymic involution, is detected in both AO and O rats. It is concluded that there is a temporal correlation between thymic involution and adrenal hypertrophy, which is not affected by AO positioning, and thymic involution is not associated with an increased sensitivity to GC.

Steffen, J. M.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Early adaptation to altered gravitational environments in the squirrel monkey

The feeding behavior of two squirrel monkeys flown in Spacelab 3 is compared to that of six monkeys exposed to 1.5 G through centrifugation. The monkeys in the centrifugation study were housed unrestrained in cages, maintained at 25 C + or - 1 C, exposed to a 12:12 light/dark cycle, and had unrestrained access to food and water. The Spacelab monkeys were maintained at 26 C, exposed to a 12:12 light/dark cycle and had unlimited food and water. It is observed that the centrifuge rats displayed a change in feeding behavior for 4 days prior to resuming a normal pattern; one Spacelab monkey exhibited a 6 day depression before recover to control levels, and the feeding pattern of the second monkey was not influenced by the environment. It is noted that the effect of an altered dynamic environment is variable on the feeding behavior of individual monkeys.

Fuller, C. A.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Genetic toxicity studies of organic chemicals found as contaminants in spacecraft cabin atmospheres

Astronauts can be exposed during spaceflight to organic chemical contaminants in the spacecraft cabin atmosphere. Toxic exposures may cause lesions in the cellular DNA which are subsequently expressed as sister-chromatid exchanges (SCE). Analysis of SCE is a sensitive short term assay techinque to detect and quantitate exposures to DNA damaging (mutagenic) substances. The increase in SCE incidence over baseline (control) levels is generally proportional to the concentration of the mutagen and to the duration of exposure. The BHK-21 baby hamster kidney cell line was the in vitro test system used. Test organics were added to the culture media for 18 hrs, in concentrations ranging from one to 20 ppm. Acetaldehyde and carbon disulfide were chosen for this study since they have occurred as atmospheric contaminants in many of the STS flights, and have been reported to have toxic and mutagenic effects in various test systems. Glutaraldehyde was chosen because few data are available on the mutagenicity of this common fixative, which is carried on STS flights for use in biological experiments. Acetaldehyde was a very strong inducer of SCE at concentrations of 2 ppm and above. Glutaraldehyde and carbon disulfide failed to induce SCE.

Torres, Joseph, Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1988

An experimental study of an adaptive-wall wind tunnel

A series of adaptive wall ventilated wind tunnel experiments was carried out to demonstrate the feasibility of using the side wall pressure distribution as the flow variable for the assessment of compatibility with free air conditions. Iterative and one step convergence methods were applied using the streamwise velocity component, the side wall pressure distribution and the normal velocity component in order to investigate their relative merits. The advantage of using the side wall pressure as the flow variable is to reduce the data taking time which is one the major contributors to the total testing time. In ventilated adaptive wall wind tunnel testing, side wall pressure measurements require simple instrumentation as opposed to the Laser Doppler Velocimetry used to measure the velocity components. In ventilated adaptive wall tunnel testing, influence coefficients are required to determine the pressure corrections in the plenum compartment. Experiments were carried out to evaluate the influence coefficients from side wall pressure distributions, and from streamwise and normal velocity distributions at two control levels. Velocity measurements were made using a two component Laser Doppler Velocimeter system.

Celik, Zeki↗

NASA NTRS1988

Flight demonstration of redundancy management algorithms for a skewed array of inertial sensors

Flight test results for two fault-tolerance algorithms developed for a redundant strapdown inertial measurement unit consisting of four 2-DOF gyros and accelerometers mounted on the faces of a semioctahedron are presented. Although both algorithms provided timely detection and isolation of flight control level failures, the generalized likelihood test algorithm provided more timely detection and isolation of low-level sensor failures than the edge vector test algorithm. The generalized likelihood test produced a false isolation for the case of a dual low-level failure applied to the sensitive axes of an accelerometer. Both of the algorithms were shown to provide dual fail-operational performance for the skewed array of inertial sensors.

Morrell, F. R.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Influence of spaceflight on rat skeletal muscle

The effect of a 7-day spaceflight (aboard NASA's SL-3) on the size and the metabolism of single fibers from several rat muscles was investigated along with the specificity of these responses as related to the muscle type and the size of fibers. It was found that the loss of mass after flight was varied from 36 percent in the soleus to 15 percent in the extensor digitorum longus. Results of histochemical analyses showed that the succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity in muscles of flight-exposed rats was maintained at the control levels, whereas the alpha-glycerol phosphate dehydrogenase (GPD) activity was either maintained or increased. The analyses of the metabolic profiles of ATPase, SDH, and GPD indicated that, in some muscles, there was an increase in the poportion of fast oxidative-glycolytic fibers.

Martin, Thomas P.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Drag-n-fly: a Proposal in Response to a Low Reynolds Number Station Keeping Mission

The Drag-n-Fly is a remotely piloted, low Reynolds number vehicle. It was designed to maintain level controlled flight and fly a closed course at flight speeds corresponding to Reynolds numbers of less than 2 x 10(exp 5) and as close to 1 x 10(exp 5) as possible. The success of the mission will be associated with achieving the lowest mean chord Reynolds number possible and maximizing loiter time on the course. The flight plan for the Drag-n-Fly calls for the vehicle to ascent to a cruise altitude of 25 ft. The airfoil selected for the Drag-n-Fly is a Spica chosen for its high lift coefficient at low Reynolds number. The propulsion system for the Drag-n-Fly consists of a 10 inch diameter propeller mounted on the front of the vehicle. Structural support for the Drag-n-Fly comes from four box beams running the length of the fuselage. The tail and horizontal stabilizers are located far aft of the lifting surface in order to assure proper static stability. The present design for the Drag-n-Fly will meet the criteria for the present mission.

Foohey, Mark↗