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At least 37 records · Page 2

Human mononuclear cell function after 4 C storage during 1-G and microgravity conditions of spaceflight

To investigate the possibility of restoring immune competence of crewmembers during a prolonged spaceflight by infusions of autologous blood components, the effect of storage at 4 C aboard Space Shuttle Columbia (Mission 61-c) on the activity of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs), stored as leukocyte concentrates in autologous plasa, was investigated. The results of preflight storage at 4 C demonstrated a progressive daily loss in mitogen-stimulated protein synthesis, and thymidine uptake, as well as a progressive reduction in the percentage of PBMNCs expressing cell-surface phenotype markers. The ability of PBMNCs stored at 4 C for 8 d in Columbia's middeck, to become activated and proliferate in vitro was similar to that of cells that remained for 7 d on ground.

Meehan, Richard↗

Oxidative Stress Responses to Simulated Spaceflight in Mineralized and Marrow Compartments of Bone and Associated Vasculature

Long-term spaceflight causes profound changes to the musculoskeletal system attributable to unloading and fluid shifts in microgravity. Future space explorations beyond the earth’s magnetosphere will expose astronauts to space radiation, which may cause additional skeletal deficits that are not yet fully understood. Our long-term goals are twofold: to define the mechanisms and risk of bone loss in the spaceflight environment and to facilitate the development of effective countermeasures if necessary. Our central hypothesis is that oxidative stress plays a key role in progressive bone loss and vascular dysfunction caused by spaceflight. In animal’s models, overproduction of free radicals is associated with increased bone resorption, lower bone formation, and decrements in bone mineral density and structure which can ultimately lead to skeletal fragility. Evidence in support of a possible causative role for oxidative stress in spaceflight-induced bone loss derive from knockout and transgenic mouse studies and the use of pharmacological interventions with known anti-oxidant properties. In our studies to simulate spaceflight, 16-wk old, male C56Bl/6J mice were assigned to one of four groups: hind limb unloading to simulate weightlessness (HU), normally loaded Controls (‘NL’) (sham irradiated, no hind limb unloading), irradiated at NASA Space Radiation Laboratory ‘IR’ with 1-2Gy of (600MeV/n) alone, or in combination with protons (0.5Gy Protons/0.5Gy 56Fe), (IR) or both hind limb unloaded and irradiated, ‘HU+IR’. Mice were exposed to radiation 3 days after initiating HU and tissues harvested were 1-14 days after initiating treatments for analyses. Results from our laboratories, which employ various biochemical, gene expression, functional, and transgenic animal model methods, implicate dynamic regulation of redox-related pathways by spaceflight-related environmental factors. As one example, we found that combined HU and radiation exposure caused oxidative damage in skeletal tissues (lipid peroxidation) of wildtype mice, whereas bone from transgenic mice that overexpress human catalase in mitochondria were protected. Interestingly, marrow cells grown under culture conditions that select for endothelial progenitor cells (EPC), showed that HU but not IR reduced EPC cell migration; in contrast HU and IR each inhibited growth of marrow-derived osteoblast progenitors. Taken together, these results indicate that unloading and ionizing elicit distinct effects on progenitor and mature cells of vascular and skeletal tissue, and that oxidative damage may contribute to skeletal and vascular deficits that may emerge during extended space travel.

Globus, R. K.↗

Dried Plum Protects From Radiation-Induced Bone Loss by Attenuating Pro-Osteoclastic and Oxidative Stress Responses

Future space explorations beyond the earths magnetosphere will increase human exposure to space radiation and associated risks to skeletal health. We hypothesize that oxidative stress resulting from radiation exposure plays a major role in progressive bone loss and dysfunction in associated tissue. In animal studies, increased free radical formation is associated with pathological changes in bone structure, enhanced bone resorption, reduced bone formation and decreased bone mineral density, which can lead to skeletal fragility. Our long-term goals are to define the mechanisms and risk of bone loss in the spaceflight environment and to facilitate the development of effective countermeasures. We had previously reported that exposure to low or high-LET radiation correlates with an acute increase in the expression of pro-osteoclastic and oxidative stress genes in bone during the early response to radiation followed by pathological changes in skeletal structure. We then conducted systematic screening for potential countermeasures against bone loss where we tested the ability of various antioxidants to mitigate the radiation-induced increase in expression of these markers. For the screen, 16-week old C57Bl6J mice were treated with a dietary antioxidant cocktail, injectable DHLA or a dried plum-enriched diet (DP). Mice were then exposed to 2Gy 137Cs radiation and one day later, marrow cells were collected and the relevant genes analyzed for expression levels. Among the candidate countermeasures tested, DP was most effective in reducing the expression of genes associated with bone loss. Furthermore, analysis of skeletal structure by microcomputed tomography (microCT) revealed that DP also prevents the radiation-induced deterioration in skeletal microarchitecture as indicated by parameters such as percent bone volume (BVTV), trabecular spacing and trabecular number. We also found that DP has similar protective effects on skeletal structure in a follow-up study using 1 Gy of sequential proton and iron, radiation species relevant to spaceflight. When cultured ex vivo under osteogenic conditions, bone marrow-derived cells from DP-fed animals exhibited increased colony numbers compared to control diet-fed animals. These findings suggest that DP exerts pro-osteogenic effects apart from its previously demonstrated anti-resorptive action, which may be one of the mechanisms underlying its radioprotective effect on bone. In conclusion, a diet enriched in certain types of antioxidants may be useful as an intervention for radiation-induced bone loss.

Bone-loss↗

Human mononuclear cell function after 4 degrees C storage during 1-G and microgravity conditions of spaceflight

Future space missions of long duration may require that autologous leukocytes be stored in flight for infusion to restore normal immune competence in crewmembers. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs), as leukocyte concentrates in autologous plasma and 2% dextrose, were stored in the microgravity conditions provided by the U.S. Space Shuttle Columbia (Mission 61-C). Activity of PBMNC after space flight was compared with that from a series of preflight ground control experiments, which demonstrated in culture a progressive daily loss in mitogen-stimulated protein synthesis at 24 h and thymidine uptake at 72 h after storage for 7 d at 4 degrees C. Post-storage viabilities were at least 90% as determined by trypan dye exclusion. A progressive reduction in the percentage of PBMNC expressing cell-surface phenotype markers, which was similar for monocytes, B cells, and T-cell subsets, also occurred after storage. The ability of PBMNC, stored for 8 d in Columbia's middeck, to become activated and proliferate in vitro was similar to that of cells that remained in identical flight lockers on the ground as 1-G controls, thus indicating that PBMNCs were not adversely affected by storage under microgravity conditions.

NASA Discipline Number 00-00↗

Volatile degassing of basaltic achondrite parent bodies Evidence from alkali elements and phosphorus

The Na, K, Rb, Cs, and P abundances in eucrites, diogenites, basaltic clasts from polymict eucrite, howardites, and mesosiderites are examined, and compared with an average of highly incompatible refractory (AHIR) elements normalized to cosmic abundances. It is observed that basaltic eucrites and basaltic clasts show a positive correlation between K, Rb, and Cs, and alkali element/AHIR ratios; the volatile loss of the alkali elements from the basalt affects the parent body inventory of volatile elements. The data reveal that for diogenites, the alkali /AHIR ratios are 1.4-2 times greater than in basaltic eucrites and are more variable; and the negative relation between K, Rb, Cs, and the alkali/AHIR ratio correlate with progressive alkali loss through volatile outgassing during crystallization of one or more magmas resulting in a greater than 90 percent loss of the volatile element inventory from the parent body. It is also detected that P displays volatile loss from the basaltic eucrites and elevated P/AHIR ratios in diogenites.

Mittlefehldt, David W.↗

Bone Quest - A Space-Based Science and Health Education Unit

This proposal addresses the need for effective and innovative science and health education materials that focus on space bone biology and its implications for bone health on Earth. The focus of these materials, bone biology and health, will increase science knowledge as well as health awareness. Current investigations of the bone loss observed after long-duration space missions provide a link between studies of bone health in space, and studies of osteoporosis, a disease characterized by bone loss and progressive skeletal weakness. The overall goal of this project is to design and develop web-based and print-based materials for high school science students, that will address the following: a) knowledge of normal bone biology and bone biology in a microgravity environment; b) knowledge of osteoporosis; c) knowledge of treatment modalities for space- and Earth-based bone loss; and d} bone-related nutrition knowledge and behavior. To this end, we propose to design and develop a Bone Biology Tutorial which will instruct students about normal bone biology, bone biology in a microgravity environment, osteoporosis - its definition, detection, risk factors, and prevention, treatment modalities for space- and Earth-based bone loss, and the importance of nutrition in bone health. Particular emphasis will be placed on current trends in . adolescent nutrition, and their relationships to bone health. Additionally, we propose to design and develop two interactive nutrition/health ' education activities that will allow students to apply the information provided in the Bone Biology Tutorial. In the first, students will apply constructs provided in the Bone Biology Tutorial to design "Bone Health Plans" for space travelers.

Smith, Scott M.↗

Fluid/electrolyte balance and cardiovascular responses - Head-down tilted rats

Results are presented on cardiovascular and fluid/electrolyte balance responses of rats to a 7-day-long whole-body suspension (WBS) with about 20-deg head-down tilt (HDT), followed by 7 days of recovery. Compared with horizontally positioned (N-HDT) rats serving as controls, the Na intake of HDT rats was significantly reduced during the first 3 days of HDT, and urinary and fecal Na loss exceeded the Na intake during days 5 and 6. Changes during the days of recovery showed adjustments and reestablishment of Na balance. Urinary K losses increased progressively during the 7 days of HDT, but, with the exception of days 1-3 of HDT, when the K intake was significantly reduced, the K balance was retained. Changes in cardiac responses (including elevations in mean, diastolic, and systolic arterial pressures) paralleled changes in fluid and electrolyte balance during the HDT period.

Musacchia, X. J.↗

Mitigating HZE Radiation-Induced Deficits in Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Progenitor Cells and Skeletal Structure

Future long-duration space exploration beyond the earths magnetosphere will increase human exposure to space radiation and associated risks to skeletal health. We hypothesize that oxidative stress resulting from radiation exposure causes progressive bone loss and dysfunction in associated tissue. In animal studies, increased free radical formation is associated with pathological changes in bone structure, enhanced bone resorption, reduced bone formation and decreased bone mineral density, which can lead to skeletal fragility.

cells↗

Progress of Stirling cycle analysis and loss mechanism characterization

An assessment of Stirling engine thermodynamic modeling and design codes shows a general deficiency; this deficiency is due to poor understanding of the fluid flow and heat transfer phenomena that occur in the oscillating flow and pressure level environment within the engines. Stirling engine thermodynamic loss mechanisms are listed. Several experimental and computational research efforts now underway to characterize various loss mechanisms are reviewed. The need for additional experimental rigs and rig upgrades is discussed. Recent developments and current efforts in Stirling engine thermodynamic modeling are also reviewed.

Tew, R. C., Jr.↗

Time-Varying Ice Sheet Mask: Implications on Ice-Sheet Mass Balance and Crustal Uplift

Mass-balance estimates of the polar ice sheets presently rely on static ice masks to identify the area under investigation. However, the vintage of available ice masks can differ by more than a decade and the resolution of the imagery used to delineate ice extent can differ by an order of magnitude, despite evidence of ongoing ice-sheet retreat. We show that using a fine resolution, time-varying ice mask significantly improves mass-balance estimates of the northwestern sector of the Greenland Ice Sheet and affects interpretation of local crustal uplift. Accounting for ice margin retreat using a time-varying ice mask between 2003–2015 results in 1.0–6.8% less ice-sheet mass loss relative to assuming one of several existing static ice masks. This indicates that mass-balance estimates that use a static ice mask will progressively overestimate mass loss where the ice sheet is predominantly retreating, meaning a negative bias on mass-balance. This trend is anticipated to be amplified in a future warming scenario unless updated ice masks are incorporated. For altimetry-derived mass-balance estimates, this ice-mask induced bias approaches the magnitude of the ice-sheet-wide uncertainty presently associated with spatiotemporal variability in modeled firn compaction. Further, at five GNET stations, the ice-mask-induced bias is equivalent to 5–15% of the modeled uplift due to elastic deformation. Given present and projected negative trends in Greenland Ice Sheet mass-balance and areal extent, we conclude that studies of its mass-balance should begin incorporating dynamic, periodically updated, fine-resolution ice masks. This methodological refinement will reduce bias in estimates of both ice-sheet mass-balance and crustal uplift.

Kristian K. Kjeldsen↗

Short term hearing loss in general aviation operations, phase 1, part 1

The effects of light aircraft noise on six subjects during flight operations were investigated. The noise environment in the Piper Apache light aircraft was found to be capable of producing hearing threshold shifts. The following are the principal findings and conclusions: (1) Through most of the frequency range for which measurements were taken (500 to 6000 Hz), there was a regular progression showing increased loss of auditory acuity as a function of increased exposure time. (2) Extensive variability was found in the results among subjects, and in the measured loss at discrete frequencies for each subject. (3) The principal loss of hearing occurred at the low frequencies, around 500 Hz.

Parker, J. F., Jr.↗

Acquisition and Early Losses of Rare Gases from the Deep Earth

Direct observations show that the deep Earth contains rare gases of solar composition distinct from those in the atmosphere. We examine the implications of mantle rare gas characteristics on acquisition of rare gases from the solar nebula and subsequent losses due to a large impact. Deep mantle rare gas concentrations and isotopic compositions can be obtained from a model of transport and distribution of mantle rare gases. This model assumes the lower mantle closed early, while the upper mantle is open to subduction from the atmosphere and mass transfer from the lower mantle. Constraints are derived that can be incorporated into models for terrestrial volatile acquisition: (1) Calculated lower-mantle Xe-isotopic ratios indicate that the fraction of radiogenic Xe produced by I-129 and Pu-244 during the first about 10(exp 8) yr was lost, a conclusion also drawn for atmospheric Xe. Thus, either the Earth was made from materials that had lost >99% of rare gases about (0.7-2) x 10(exp 8) yr after the solar system formed, or gases were then lost from the fully formed Earth. (2) Concentrations of 3He and 20Ne in the lower mantle were established after these losses. (3) Neon-isotopic data indicates that mantle Ne has solar composition. The model allows for solar Ar/Ne and Xe/Ne in the lower mantle if a dominant fraction of upper mantle Ar and Xe are subduction-derived. If Earth formed in the presence of the solar nebula, it could have been melted by accretional energy and the blanketing effect of a massive, nebula-derived atmosphere. Gases from this atmosphere would have been sequestered within the molten Earth by dissolution at the surface and downward mixing. It was found that too much Ne would be dissolved in the Earth unless the atmosphere began to escape when the Earth was only partially assembled. Here we consider conditions required to initially dissolve sufficient rare gases to account for the present lower mantle concentrations after subsequent losses at 10(exp 8) yr. It is assumed that equilibration of the atmosphere with a thoroughly molten mantle was rapid, so that initial abundances of gases retained in any mantle layer reflected surface conditions when the layer solidified. For subsequent gas loss of 99.5% and typical solubility coefficients, a total pressure of 100 atm was required for an atmosphere of solar composition. Calculations of the pressure at the base of a primordial atmosphere indicate that this value might be exceeded by an order of magnitude or more for an atmosphere supported by accretional energy. Surface temperatures of about 4000 K would have been produced, probably high enough to melt the deep mantle. Initial distributions of retained rare gases would then be determined by the history of surface pressure and temperature during mantle cooling and solidification, i.e., the coupled cooling of Earth and atmosphere. The Earth's thermal state was determined by its surface temperature and the efficiency of convection in the molten mantle, estimated to be sufficient to maintain an adiabatic gradient. Because the melting curve is steeper than the adiabat, solidification of the mantle proceeded outward from the interior. Incorporation of atmospheric gases in the mantle therefore occurred over a range in surface temperature of a few thousand degrees Kelvin. The thermal state of the atmosphere was controlled by total luminosity of the Earth (energy) released by accreting planetesimals and the cooling Earth), nebular temperature and pressure, and atmospheric opacity. The energy released by accretion declined with time as did nebular pressure. Analytical solutions for an idealized (constant opacity radiative atmosphere show that declining energy sources under constant nebular conditions result in slowly diminishing surface temperature but dramatically increasing surface pressure. For such an atmosphere with declining nebular pressure but constant total luminosity, surface pressure decreases gradually with decreasing temperaure. A decline in accretion luminosity might be compensated by energy released as the mantle cools for about 10(exp 5) year, after which luminosity must decline. The total complement of dissolved rare gases will depend on the particular evolutionary path determined by the declining accretional luminosity, the Earth thermal history, removal of the nebula, and opacity variations of the atmosphere. Models for these coupled evolutionary histories for Earth's acquisition of nebular-derived noble gases are in progress. The later losses required at about 10(exp 8) yr (depleting the interior concentrations of the sequestered solar gases by a factor of > 100) were presumably related to the major impact in which the Moon formed.

Porcelli, D.↗

Experiment M-6: Bone Demineralization

Densitometric evaluations of serial radiographs of "normal" subjects have often shown rather frequent changes in bone mass within relatively short periods of time. For this reason it was decided to make two pre-flight and two post flight radiographs of the Gemini V backup crew. In comparing the changes observed preflight and post flight as the conventional os calcis scanning site between the two crews, it was found that no changes greater than 4 percent were evident in either member of the backup crew. In comparing the changes observed preflight and postflight as the conventional o calcis scanning site between the two crews, it was found that no changes greater than 4 percent were evident in either member of the backup crew. This is in contract to the 15.1 and 8.9 percent losses observed in the prime crew. It has long been known that the skeletal system experiences a general loss of mineral under immobilization or extended bed rest. However, in both Gemini IV and Gemini V studies, bone mass losses were greater in both the os calcis and phalanx than were shown by the TWU bed-rest subjects during the same period of time. Although the bone mass losses in the 8-day Gemini V flight were generally greater than in the 4-day Gemini IV flight, the information to date is still insufficient to conclude that the losses tend to progress linearly with time, or whether a form of physiological adaptation may occur in longer space flights.

Mack, Pauline B.↗

Development of a Composite Material Aerodynamic Demise Model for the Object Reentry Survival Analysis Tool (ORSAT)

The reentry demise of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites is an increasing concern for modern spacecraft at end of life. Unlike traditional materials such as metals, shredding of the material by aerodynamic forces appears to be a major component of the reentry demise mechanism. This paper will describe a new mechanical, strength-based, material demise model for the Object Reentry Survival Analysis Tool (ORSAT) Version 7.1. The model is based on laboratory in-situ and residual strength tests of several FRP materials performed during the NASA Orbital Debris Program Office’s Phase II Composite Material Demise test campaign. To test the residual strength of partially charred FRP materials, the authors tested 107 rectangular shaped samples of different thicknesses that were previously exposed to high-enthalpy flow at the University of Texas at Austin’s Inductively Coupled Plasma Torch facility. Tests were performed under normal atmospheric conditions at NASA Johnson Space Center’s Experimental Impact Laboratory using a Chatillon TCD1000 tensile test machine configured with a three-point bending jig. Mean fracture load, residual strength, delamination, and flexural modulus were measured for each test. An engineering model of aeromechanical demise for each material was developed by correlating the measured residual strength of the samples with the duration and magnitude of the applied heat flux and the mass loss and char progression. This model has been implemented in ORSAT 7.1 for the built-in, charring carbon fiber/epoxy and charring glass fiber/epoxy material models. The new model was verified by calculating the demise of hundreds of FRP composite fragments of various shapes and sizes and checking the calculations for consistency, with specific focus on material characterization in one-dimension. Further tests are planned in hypersonic flow facilities to validate the assumptions used in the model.

Priscilla A. Mendoza↗

Development of a Composite Material Aerodynamic Demise Model for the Object Reentry Survival Analysis Tool (ORSAT)

The reentry demise of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites is an increasing concern for modern spacecraft at end of life. Unlike traditional materials such as metals, shredding of the material by aerodynamic forces appears to be a major component of the reentry demise mechanism. This paper will describe a new mechanical, strength-based, material demise model for the Object Reentry Survival Analysis Tool (ORSAT) Version 7.1. The model is based on laboratory in-situ and residual strength tests of several FRP materials performed during the NASA Orbital Debris Program Office’s Phase II Composite Material Demise test campaign. To test the residual strength of partially charred FRP materials, the authors tested 107 rectangular shaped samples of different thicknesses that were previously exposed to high-enthalpy flow at the University of Texas at Austin’s Inductively Coupled Plasma Torch facility. Tests were performed under normal atmospheric conditions at NASA Johnson Space Center’s Experimental Impact Laboratory using a Chatillon TCD1000 tensile test machine configured with a three-point bending jig. Mean fracture load, residual strength, delamination, and flexural modulus were measured for each test. An engineering model of aeromechanical demise for each material was developed by correlating the measured residual strength of the samples with the duration and magnitude of the applied heat flux and the mass loss and char progression. This model has been implemented in ORSAT 7.1 for the built-in, charring carbon fiber/epoxy and charring glass fiber/epoxy material models. The new model was verified by calculating the demise of hundreds of FRP composite fragments of various shapes and sizes and checking the calculations for consistency, with specific focus on material characterization in one-dimension. Further tests are planned in hypersonic flow facilities to validate the assumptions used in the model.

Priscilla A. Mendoza↗

Reaction wheels for kinetic energy storage

In contrast to all existing reaction wheel implementations, an order of magnitude increase in speed can be obtained efficiently if power to the actuators can be recovered. This allows a combined attitude control-energy storage system to be developed with structure mounted reaction wheels. The feasibility of combining reaction wheels with energy storage wwheels is demonstrated. The power required for control torques is a function of wheel speed but this energy is not dissipated; it is stored in the wheel. The I(2)R loss resulting from a given torque is shown to be constant, independent of the design speed of the motor. What remains, in order to efficiently use high speed wheels (essential for energy storage) for control purposes, is to reduce rotational losses to acceptable levels. Progress was made in permanent magnet motor design for high speed operation. Variable field motors offer more control flexibility and efficiency over a broader speed range.

Studer, P. A.↗

Lunar resources: Oxygen from rocks and soil

The first set of hydrogen reduction experiments to use actual lunar material was recently completed. The sample, 70035, is a coarse-grained vesicular basalt containing 18.46 wt. percent FeO and 12.97 wt. percent TiO2. The mineralogy includes pyroxene, ilmenite, plagioclase, and minor olivine. The sample was crushed to a grain size of less than 500 microns. The crushed basalt was reduced with hydrogen in seven tests at temperatures of 900-1050 C and pressures of 1-10 atm for 30-60 minutes. A capacitance probe, measuring the dew point of the gas stream, was used to follow reaction progress. Experiments were also conducted using a terrestrial basalt similar to some lunar mare samples. Minnesota Lunar Simulant (MLS-1) contains 13.29 wt. percent FeO, 2.96 wt. percent Fe2O3, and 6.56 wt. percent TiO2. The major minerals include plagioclase, pyroxene, olivine, ilmenite, and magnetite. The rock was ground and seived, and experiments were run on the less than 74- and 500-1168-micron fractions. Experiments were also conducted on less than 74-micron powders of olivine, pyroxene, synthetic ilmenite, and TiO2. The terrestrial rock and mineral samples were reduced with flowing hydrogen at 1100 C in a microbalance furnace, with reaction progress monitored by weight loss. Experiments were run at atmospheric pressure for durations of 3-4 hr. Solid samples from both sets of experiments were analyzed by Mossbauer spectroscopy, petrographic microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, tunneling electron microscopy, and x-ray diffraction. Apollo 17 soil 78221 was examined for evidence of natural reduction in the lunar environment. This sample was chosen based on its high maturity level (I sub s/FeO = 93.0). The FeO content is 11.68 wt. percent and the TiO2 content is 3.84 wt. percent. A polished thin section of the 90-150 micron size fraction was analyzed by petrographic microscopy and scanning electron microscopy.

Allen, C. C.↗