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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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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2001

Differential expression of neuroleukin in osseous tissues and its involvement in mineralization during osteoblast differentiation

Osteoblast differentiation is a multistep process that involves critical spatial and temporal regulation of cellular processes marked by the presence of a large number of differentially expressed molecules. To identify key functional molecules, we used differential messenger RNA (mRNA) display and compared RNA populations isolated from the defined transition phases (proliferation, matrix formation, and mineralization) of the MC3T3-E1 osteoblast-like cell line. Using this approach, a complementary DNA (cDNA) fragment was isolated and identified as neuroleukin (NLK), a multifunctional cytokine also known as autocrine motility factor (AMF), phosphoglucose isomerase (PGI; phosphohexose isomerase [PHI]), and maturation factor (MF). Northern analysis showed NLK temporal expression during MC3T3-E1 cell differentiation with a 3.5-fold increase during matrix formation and mineralization. Immunocytochemical studies revealed the presence of NLK in MC3T3-E1 cells as well as in the surrounding matrix, consistent with a secreted molecule. In contrast, the NLK receptor protein was detected primarily on the cell membrane. In subsequent studies, a high level of NLK expression was identified in osteoblasts and superficial articular chondrocytes in bone of 1-, 4-, and 8-month-old normal mice, as well as in fibroblasts, proliferating chondrocytes, and osteoblasts within a fracture callus. However, NLK was not evident in hypertrophic chondrocytes or osteocytes. In addition, treatment of MC3T3 cells with 6-phosphogluconic acid (6PGA; a NLK inhibitor) resulted in diminishing alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and mineralization in MC3T3-E1 cells, especially during the matrix formation stage of differentiating cells. Taken together, these data show specific expression of NLK in discrete populations of bone and cartilage cells and suggest a possible role for this secreted protein in bone development and regeneration.

NASA Discipline Musculoskeletal↗
NASA NTRS1991

A contribution with review to the description of mineralization of bone and other calcified tissues in vivo

This manuscript considers certain aspects of mineral deposition in bone and other vertebrate calcifying tissues in order to examine physical, chemical, and biological factors important in the mineralization process. The paper in a discussion format principally presents a new data and the formulation of concepts based on such data as well as a summary of background material as necessary review. Mineralization is found to occur at spatially independent sites throughout the organic extracellular tissue matrices. Matrix vesicles and collagen fibrils each may serve as independent nucleation centers for mineral with vesicle mineralization being local and collagen mineralization dominating the tissues as a whole. Collagen fibril organization is suggested to be such that hole zones are aligned in three dimensions, creating extensive channels for mineral accommodation. Nucleation occurs initially in hole zones and crystal growth leads to the development of plate-like mineral particles whose orientation, disposition, and sizes within fibrils are detailed. Effects of diffusion, crystallinity, and critical nucleation and growth events are described with respect to their influence on mineral deposition in bulk and local regions of tissue matrices.

Review↗
NASA NTRS2014

Coordinated Chemical and Isotopic Imaging of Bells (CM2) Meteorite Matrix

Meteoritic organic matter is a complex conglomeration of species formed in distinct environments and processes in circumstellar space, the interstellar medium, the Solar Nebula and asteroids. Consequently meteorites constitute a unique record of primordial organic chemical evolution. While bulk chemical analysis has provided a detailed description of the range and diversity of organic species present in carbonaceous chondrites, there is little information as to how these species are spatially distributed and their relationship to the host mineral matrix. The distribution of organic phases is nevertheless critical to understanding parent body processes. The CM and CI chondrites all display evidence of low temperature (< 350K) aqueous alteration that may have led to aqueous geochromatographic separation of organics and synthesis of new organics coupled to aqueous mineral alteration. Here we present the results of the first coordinated in situ isotopic and chemical mapping study of the Bells meteorite using a newly developed two-step laser mass spectrometer (mu-L(sup 2)MS) capable of measuring a broad range of organic compounds.

Clemett, S. J.↗
NASA NTRS2013

Potassium Isotopic Compositions of NIST Potassium Standards and 40Ar/39Ar Mineral Standards

Knowledge of the isotopic ratios of standards, spikes, and reference materials is fundamental to the accuracy of many geochronological methods. For example, the 238U/235U ratio relevant to U-Pb geochronology was recently re-determined [1] and shown to differ significantly from the previously accepted value employed during age determinations. These underlying values are fundamental to accurate age calculations in many isotopic systems, and uncertainty in these values can represent a significant (and often unrecognized) portion of the uncertainty budget for determined ages. The potassium isotopic composition of mineral standards, or neutron flux monitors, is a critical, but often overlooked component in the calculation of K-Ar and 40Ar/39Ar ages. It is currently assumed that all terrestrial materials have abundances indistinguishable from that of NIST SRM 985 [2]; this is apparently a reasonable assumption at the 0.25per mille level (1σ) [3]. The 40Ar/39Ar method further relies on the assumption that standards and samples (including primary and secondary standards) have indistinguishable 40K/39K values. We will present data establishing the potassium isotopic compositions of NIST isotopic K SRM 985, elemental K SRM 999b, and 40Ar/39Ar biotite mineral standard GA1550 (sample MD-2). Stable isotopic compositions (41K/39K) were measured by the peak shoulder method with high resolution MC-ICP-MS (Thermo Scientific NEPTUNE Plus), using the accepted value of NIST isotopic SRM 985 [2] for fractionation [4] corrections [5]. 40K abundances were measured by TIMS (Thermo Scientific TRITON), using 41K/39K values from ICP-MS measurements (or, for SRM 985, values from [2]) for internal fractionation corrections. Collectively these data represent an important step towards a metrologically traceable calibration of 40K concentrations in primary 40Ar/39Ar mineral standards and improve uncertainties by ca. an order of magnitude in the potassium isotopic compositions of standards.

Morgan, Leah↗
NASA NTRS1973

Analytical and Radio-Histo-Chemical Experiments of Plants and Tissue Culture Cells Treated with Lunar and Terrestrial Materials

The nature and mechanisms of the apparent simulation of growth originally observed in plants growing in contact with lunar soil during the Apollo project quarantine are examined. Preliminary experiments employing neutron activated lunar soil indicate uptake of a few elements by plants. It was found that while the preliminary neutron activation technique allowed demonstration of uptake of minerals it presented numerous disadvantages for use in critical experiments directed at elucidating possible mechanisms of stimulation.

Halliwell, R. S.↗
NASA NTRS2002

Studies of Gas-Particle Interactions in a Microgravity Flow Cell

The ability to transport particulate materials predictably and efficiently using a flowing gas is likely to play an important role in the development of lunar and Martian environments that are hospitable to humans. Lunar soil contains significant amounts of oxygen, hydrogen and other critical materials that are chemically bound in various minerals. Through appropriate processing, these resources may be recovered for use in propulsion, life support systems and mining operations. Similarly, it is believed that Martian soil contains significant amounts of water which can be electrolyzed into oxygen and hydrogen, again for propellants and life support. The transport of such granular soils from where they are mined and between stages of their processing is likely to involve pneumatic transport carried out in systems of pipes using flows of the liberated gases. On earth, the transport and processing of solid materials are also crucial in a number of applications from the chemical, mining, power and oil industries. For these flows, an appreciation has recently developed for the influence of collisional interactions among particles, both in suspensions where the flow is laminar and turbulent. Collisions between such particles can transfer a significant amount of momentum within the flow and at the boundaries. This provides an additional resistance to the passage of the gas, but it also introduces a mechanism that promotes more homogeneous flows and, at least in small-diameter pipes, may forestall the development of clusters.

Louge, Michel Y.↗
NASA NTRS2010

Preliminary Results of Bisphosphonate ISS Flight Experiment

Bone loss has been recognized as a potential problem from the beginning of human spaceflight. With the spaceflight missions lasting 6 months to potentially 3 years or longer this issue has assumed increased significance. Detailed measurements from the Mir and ISS long duration missions have documented losses in bone mineral density (BMD) from the total skeleton and critical sub-regions. The most important losses are from the femoral hip averaging about -1.6%/mo integral to -2.3%/mo trabecular BMD. Importantly these studies have documented the wide range in individual response from -0.5 to -5%/mo in BMD. Given the small size of any expedition crew, the wide range of responses has to be considered in the implementation of any countermeasure. Assuming that it is unlikely that the susceptibility for bone loss in any given crewmember will be known, a suite of bone loss countermeasures will likely be needed to insure protection of all crewmembers. The hypothesis for this experiment is that the combined effect of anti-resorptive drugs plus the standard in-flight exercise regimen will have a measurable effect on preventing space flight induced bone loss and strength and will reduce renal stone risk. To date, 4 crewmembers have completed the flight portion of the protocol in which crewmembers take a 70-mg alendronate tablet once a week before and during flight, starting 17 days before launch. Compared to previous ISS crewmembers (n=14) not taking alendronate, DXA measurements of the total hip BMD were significantly changed from -1.1 0.5%/mo to 0.04 0.3%/mo (p<0.01); QCT-determined trabecular BMD of the total hip was significantly changed from -2.3 1.0%/mo to -0.3 1.6%/mo (p<0.01). Significance was calculated from a one-tailed t test. While these results are encouraging, the current n (4) is small, and the large SDs indicate that while the means are improved there is still high variability in individual response. Four additional crewmembers have been recruited to participate in this experiment, with expected completion of these flights by late 2011.

LeBlanc, Adrian↗
NASA NTRS2003

Loading Configurations and Ground Reaction Forces During Treadmill Running in Weightlessness

Studies have shown losses in bone mineral density of 1-2% per month in critical weight bearing areas such as the proximal femur during long-term space flight (Grigoriev, 1998). The astronauts currently onboard the International Space Station (ISS) use a treadmill as an exercise countermeasure to bone loss that occurs as a result of prolonged exposure to weightlessness. A crewmember exercising on the treadmill is attached by a harness and loading device. Ground reaction forces are obtained through the loading device that pulls the crewn1ember towards the treadmill surface during locomotion. McCrory et al. (2002) found that the magnitude of the peak ground reaction force (pGRF) during horizontal suspension running, or simulated weightlessness, was directly related to the load applied to the subject. It is thought that strain magnitude and strain rate affects osteogenesis, and is a function of the magnitude and rate of change of the ground reaction force. While it is not known if a minimum stimulus exists for osteogenesis, it has been hypothesized that in order to replicate the bone formation occurring in normal gravity (1 G), the exercise in weightlessness should mimic the forces that occur on earth. Specifically, the pGRF obtained in weightlessness should be comparable to that achieved in 1 G.

DeWitt, John↗
NASA NTRS2013

Dietary Formulas Fortify Antioxidant Supplements

The astronaut's life and work is so different from our own daily experiences that it s easy to forget that astronauts are people, too. Just like everyone else, astronauts have basic nutritional needs, such as five to nine servings of fruit and vegetables per day, in order to maintain optimal health. Here on Earth, it can be a challenge to incorporate the recommended amount of fruit and veggies into our diets, despite easy access to fresh produce. In space, it becomes even more difficult, as astronauts must take everything they need with them. And in the harsh conditions of space, many miles from medical assistance, proper nutrition takes on added importance. As NASA makes plans to send astronauts on missions that could take months and even years, the Agency explores new ways to provide astronauts with a daily dose of nutrition equivalent to that provided by fresh produce. These foods are critically important because they provide the essential vitamins, minerals, pigments, and other micronutrients (substances required in small amounts for human health) that promote everything from healthy skin to a strong heart.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS2003

The Effect of Simulated Microgravity Environment of RWV Bioreactors on Surface Reactions and Adsorption of Serum Proteins on Bone-bioactive Microcarriers

Biomimetically modified bioactive materials with bone-like surface properties are attractive candidates for use as microcarriers for 3-D bone-like tissue engineering under simulated microgravity conditions of NASA designed rotating wall vessel (RWV) bioreactors. The simulated microgravity environment is attainable under suitable parametric conditions of the RWV bioreactors. Ca-P containing bioactive glass (BG), whose stimulatory effect on bone cell function had been previously demonstrated, was used in the present study. BG surface modification via reactions in solution, resulting formation of bone-like minerals at the surface and adsorption of serum proteins is critical for obtaining the stimulatory effect. In this paper, we report on the major effects of simulated microgravity conditions of the RWV on the BG reactions surface reactions and protein adsorption in physiological solutions. Control tests at normal gravity were conducted at static and dynamic conditions. The study revealed that simulated microgravity remarkably enhanced reactions involved in the BG surface modification, including BG dissolution, formation of bone-like minerals at the surface and adsorption of serum proteins. Simultaneously, numerical models were developed to simulate the mass transport of chemical species to and from the BG surface under normal gravity and simulated microgravity conditions. The numerical results showed an excellent agreement with the experimental data at both testing conditions.

Radin, Shula↗
NASA NTRS1973

Mechanics and thermodynamics in lubrication

The causes for breakdown in the lubricant film of mineral oils are discussed. It is stated that the critical point is caused by desorption of the naturally occurring surface active agent and can be described by thermodynamic analysis. The effect of different metals in lubrication is surveyed. The problem of breakdown in elastohydrodynamic lubrication is treated phenomenologically by studying traction. The topics considered are classical and non-Newtonian explanations, anomalous film thickness and viscosity effects, surface roughness contributions, and solidification of the lubricant. Reasons for the apparent granular traction characteristics are examined.

Cameron, A.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Site preferences of Ni/2+/ and Co/2+/ in clinopyroxene and olivine - Limitations of the statistical approach.

Criticism of a statistical approach used by Dasgupta (1972) in analyzing Snyder's (1959) chemical data for minerals from the Duluth Complex in Minnesota. Apart from obvious mathematical objections to citing correlation coefficients to four significant figures from Snyder's relatively inaccurate analytical data, several more fundamental criticisms are leveled at the statistical approach of Dasgupta. These relate to compositional zoning and disequilibrium in the minerals, inhomogeneities of the samples caused by inclusions and exsolved phases, measured site population data for the major cations in olivines and pyroxenes, and the importance of coupled substitutions in the crystal structures. It is concluded that the crystal field predictions of relative enrichments of Ni(2+) and Co(2+) ions in olivine and pyroxene structures have not been disproved by Dasgupta's statistical approach.

Burns, R. G.↗
NASA NTRS2013

Carbonate Mineral Formation on Mars: Clues from Stable Isotope Variation Seen in Cryogenic Laboratory Studies of Carbonate Salts

The geologic history of water on the planet Mars is intimately connected to the formation of carbonate minerals through atmospheric CO2 and its control of the climate history of Mars. Carbonate mineral formation under modern martian atmospheric conditions could be a critical factor in controlling the martian climate in a means similar to the rock weathering cycle on Earth. The combination of evidence for liquid water on the martian surface and cold surface conditions suggest fluid freezing could be very common on the surface of Mars. Cryogenic calcite forms readily when a rise in pH occurs as a result of carbon dioxide degassing quickly from freezing Ca-bicarbonate-rich water solutions. This is a process that has been observed in some terrestrial settings such as arctic permafrost cave deposits, lakebeds of the Dry Valleys of Antarctica, and in aufeis (river icings) from rivers of N.E. Alaska. We report here the results of a series of laboratory experiments that were conducted to simulate potential cryogenic carbonate formation on the planet Mars. These results indicate that carbonates grown under martian conditions (controlled atmospheric pressure and temperature) show enrichments from starting bicarbonate fluids in both carbon and oxygen isotopes beyond equilibrium values with average delta13C(DIC-CARB) values of ~20.5%0 which exceed the expected equilibrium fractionation factor of [10(sup 3) ln alpha = ~13%0] at 0 degC. Oxygen isotopes showed a smaller enrichment with delta18O(H2O-CARB) values of ~35.5%0, slightly exceeding the equilibrium fractionation factor of [10(sup 3) ln alpha = ~34%0 ] at 0degC. Large kinetic carbon isotope effects during carbonate precipitation could substantially affect the carbon isotope evolution of CO2 on Mars allowing for more efficient removal of 13C from the Noachian atmosphere enriched by atmospheric loss. This mechanism would be consistent with the observations of large carbon isotope variations in martian materials despite the relative paucity of carbonate minerals in the martian crust.

Socki, Richard↗
NASA NTRS2012

The Spatial Distribution of Organic Matter and Mineralogical Relationships in Carbonaceous Chondrites

Organic matter present within primitive carbonaceous meteorites represents the complex conglomeration of species formed in a variety of physically and temporally distinct environments including circumstellar space, the interstellar medium, the Solar Nebula & Jovian sub-nebulae and asteroids. In each case, multiple chemical pathways would have been available for the synthesis of organic molecules. Consequently these meteorites constitute a unique record of organic chemical evolution in the Universe and one of the biggest challenges in organic cosmochemistry has been in deciphering this record. While bulk chemical analysis has provided a detailed description of the range and diversity of organic species present in carbonaceous chondrites, there is virtually no hard experimental data as to how these species are spatially distributed and their relationship to the host mineral matrix, (with one exception). The distribution of organic phases is nevertheless critical to understanding parent body processes. The CM and CI chondrites all display evidence of low temperature (< 350K) interaction with aqueous fluids, which based on O isotope data, flowed along thermal gradients within the respective parent bodies. This pervasive aqueous alteration may have led to aqueous geochromatographic separation of organics and synthesis of new organics coupled to aqueous mineral alteration. To address such issues we have applied the technique of microprobe two-step laser desorption / photoionization mass spectrometry (L2MS) to map in situ the spatial distribution of a broad range of organic species at the micron scale in the freshly exposed matrices of the Bells, Tagish Lake and Murchison (CM2) carbonaceous chondrites.

Clemett, S. J.↗
NASA NTRS2014

Martian Cryogenic Carbonate Formation: Stable Isotope Variations Observed in Laboratory Studies

The history of water on Mars is tied to the formation of carbonates through atmospheric CO2 and its control of the climate history of the planet. Carbonate mineral formation under modern martian atmospheric conditions could be a critical factor in controlling the martian climate in a means similar to the rock weathering cycle on Earth. The combination of evidence for liquid water on the martian surface and cold surface conditions suggest fluid freezing could be very common on the surface of Mars. Cryogenic calcite forms easily from freezing solutions when carbon dioxide degasses quickly from Ca-bicarbonate-rich water, a process that has been observed in some terrestrial settings such as arctic permafrost cave deposits, lake beds of the Dry Valleys of Antarctica, and in aufeis (river icings) from rivers of N.E. Alaska. A series of laboratory experiments were conducted that simulated cryogenic carbonate formation on Mars in order to understand their isotopic systematics. The results indicate that carbonates grown under martian conditions show variable enrichments from starting bicarbonate fluids in both carbon and oxygen isotopes beyond equilibrium values.

Socki, Richard A.↗
NASA NTRS2019

Electron Beam Damage in Apatite: Limitations for SKα Measurements of S6+/∑S

In magmatic systems, the availabil- ity of excess oxygen that can react with multivalent elements such as Fe and S to change their charge (oxi- dation of Fe2+ to Fe3+ or reduction of S6+ to S2-) is characterized by a parameter called the oxygen fugacity (ƒO2). The ƒO2 controls the availability of these ions and consequently the minerals—and the chemistry of those minerals—that crystallize from a melt. Mineral mode and chemistry control how magmas evolve, and given that ƒO2 varies by many orders of magnitude on different planets [2], understanding the ƒO2 of a mag- ma is critical to relating observations about a magma to the body on which it forms. The mineral apatite was long thought to only incor- porate S6+ in a coupled substitution for P5+, but recently natural apatites with S2- were identified in lunar mare basalts that crystallized at low ƒO2 [3]. This suggests that apatite can be used as a monitor of ƒO2 assuming that one can 1) measure S6+/∑S (S6+ over total sulfur), and 2) determine some partitioning relationship be- tween apatite and melt for S6+ and S2-. The most common method for measuring S6+/∑S is X-ray Absorption Near-Edge Spectroscopy (XANES), but given the limited access to synchrotron facilities, it is wise to explore the potential of other methods for measuring S6+/∑S. One such possible method relies upon the shift in energy of the sulfur K-α peak on the electron microprobe. However, apatite is subject to well-documented beam damage [4, 5], so it is neces- sary to evaluate under what conditions can reliable S6+ ethod.

de Chizelle, J. Kuhn↗
NASA NTRS1992

Lunar Resources Using Moderate Spectral Resolution Visible and Near-infrared Spectroscopy: Al/si and Soil Maturity

Modern visible and near-infrared detectors are critically important for the accurate identification and relative abundance measurement of lunar minerals; however, even a very small number of well-placed visible and near-infrared bandpass channels provide a significant amount of general information about crucial lunar resources. The Galileo Solid State Imaging system (SSI) multispectral data are an important example of this. Al/Si and soil maturity will be discussed as examples of significant general lunar resource information that can be gleaned from moderate spectral resolution visible and near-infrared data with relative ease. Because quantitative-albedo data are necessary for these kinds of analyses, data such as those obtained by Galileo SSI are critical. SSI obtained synoptic digital multispectral image data for both the nearside and farside of the Moon during the first Galileo Earth-Moon encounter in December 1990. The data consist of images through seven filters with bandpasses ranging from 0.40 microns in the ultraviolet to 0.99 microns in the near-infrared. Although these data are of moderate spectral resolution, they still provide information for the following lunar resources: (1) titanium content of mature mare soils based upon the 0.40/0.56-micron (UV/VIS) ratio; (2) mafic mineral abundance based upon the 0.76/0.99-micron ratio; and (3) the maturity or exposure age of the soils based upon the 0.56-0.76-micron continuum and the 0.76/0.99-micron ratio. Within constraints, these moderate spectral resolution visible and near-infrared reflectance data can also provide elemental information such as Al/Si for mature highland soils.

Fischer, Erich M.↗
NASA NTRS1997

Interactions between integrin receptors and fibronectin are required for calvarial osteoblast differentiation in vitro

We previously showed that anti-fibronectin antibodies or soluble fibronectin fragments containing the central cell-binding domain inhibit formation of mineralized nodules by fetal calvarial osteoblasts in vitro. These findings suggest a critical role for fibronectin in osteoblast differentiation and morphogenesis. In this study we tested the hypothesis that fibronectin's effects on osteogenesis are mediated via direct interactions with integrin receptors for fibronectin on osteoblasts. Immunocytochemical analysis identified the integrin fibronectin receptor alpha5ss1 in fetal rat calvarial tissue and in cultured osteoblasts at all stages of differentiation. Three other integrins, alpha3ss1, alpha8ss1 and alphavss3, which can bind fibronectin, as well as other matrix components, were also identified in tissue and at all stages of cell culture. Immunoprecipitation data showed that alpha5ss1 levels are constant throughout osteoblast differentiation whereas levels of alpha3ss1 and alpha8ss1 decline in mature mineralized cultures. To determine whether integrin fibronectin receptors are required for osteoblast formation of mineralized nodules, we examined the extent of nodule formation in the presence and absence of function-perturbing anti-integrin antibodies. The antibodies were present continuously in cultures beginning at confluence (day 3), and nodule formation was measured at days 10 and 20. An anti-alpha5 integrin subunit antibody reduced nodule formation to less than 5% of control values at both time points. Inhibition of nodule formation was reversible and did not affect cell attachment and viability. Function-perturbing antibodies against alpha3ss1 and alpha8ss1 also reduced nodule formation, to less than 20% of control values. In contrast, function-perturbing antibodies to alphavss3 and alphavss5 did not affect nodule formation, indicating that the inhibitions noted were indeed specific. To determine the effect of antibody treatment on gene expression, steady-state mRNA expression was examined and found to be suppressed for osteoblast markers alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin. Together, these results indicate that direct osteoblast interactions with the extracellular matrix are mediated by a select group of integrin receptors that includes alpha5ss1, alpha3ss1 and alpha8ss1. We further conclude that the specific alpha5ss1 fibronectin receptor mediates critical interactions between osteoblasts and fibronectin required for both bone morphogenesis and osteoblast differentiation.

NASA Center ARC↗