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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 451 records · Page 25
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1979

Trace element release from estuarine sediments of South Mosquito Lagoon near Kennedy Space Center

Analytical partitioning of four trace metals in estuarine sediments collected from eight sites in South Mosquito Lagoon near Kennedy Space Center, in terms of four different categories was accomplished using four different extraction techniques. The concentrations of the four trace metals, Zn, Mn, Cd, and Cu, released in interstitial water extract, 1 N ammonium acetate extract, conc. HCl extract and fusion extract of sediments as well as their concentrations in water samples collected from the same location were determined using flame atomic absorption technique. From the analytical results the percentages of total amount of each metal distributed among four different categories, interstitial water phase, acetate extractable, acid extractable and detrital crystalline material, were determined. Our results suggest that analytical partitioning of trace metals in estuarine sediments may be used to study the mechanism of incorporation of trace metals with sediments from natural waters. A correlation between the seasonal variation in the concentration of acetate extractable trace metals in the sediment and similar variation in their concentration in water was observed. A mechanism for the release of trace metals from estuarine sediments to natural water is also suggested.

Menon, M. P.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Muon spin rotation research program

Data from cyclotron experiments and room temperature studies of dilute iron alloys and iron crystals under strain were analyzed. The Fe(Mo) data indicate that the effect upon the contact hyperfine field in Fe due to the introduction of Mo is considerably less than that expected from pure dilution, and the muon (+) are attracted to the Mo impurity sites. There is a significant change in the interstitial magnetic field with Nb concentration. The Fe(Ti) data, for which precession could clearly be observed early only at 468K and above, show that the Ti impurities are attractive to muon (+), and the magnitude of B(hf) is reduced far beyond the amount expected from pure dilution. Changes in the intersitital magnetic field with the introduction of Cr, W, Ge, and Si are also discussed. When strained to the elastic limit, the interstitial magnetic field in Fe crystals is reduced by 33 gauss, and the relaxation rate of the precession signal increases by 47%.

Stronach, C. E.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Fluid shifts in vascular and extravascular compartments of humans during and after simulated weightlessness

A study is presented of the transcapillary pressures and the possible fluid shifts in muscles and subcutaneous tissue of the lower leg before, during, and after head-down tilt. Results showed that the subjects experienced facial edema, headache, nasal congestion, diuresis, and decreased lower-leg volume in response to 8 hours of 5 degree head-down tilt. Also found were significant decreases in systolic and diastolic pressures 2 hours after initiation of tilt, although blood pressure normalized thereafter. The lower-leg volume, urine output and interstitial fluid pressures of the tibialis anterior muscle and overlying subcutaneous tissue also changed significantly. No significant change was found in the colloid osmotic pressures of blood or interstitial fluid. It is concluded that these results indicate the need for countermeasures to maintain precapillary-muscle tone during long space flights in order to prevent swelling of lower-leg tissues upon readjustment to earth's gravity.

Hargens, A. R.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Fluid shifts and muscle function in humans during acute simulated weightlessness

The acute effects of simulated weightlessness on transcapillary fluid balance, tissue fluid shifts, muscle function, and triceps surface reflex time were studied in eight supine human subjects who were placed in a 5 degrees head-down tilt position for 8 hr. Results show a cephalic fluid shift from the legs as indicated by facial edema, nasal congestion, increased urine flow, decreased creatinine excretion, reduced calf girth, and decreased lower leg volume. The interstitial fluid pressure in the tibialis anterior muscle and subcutaneous tissue of the lower leg was found to fall significantly, while other transcapillary pressures (capillary and interstitial fluid colloid osmotic pressures) were relatively unchanged. The total water content of the soleus muscle was unchanged during the head-down tilt. After head-down tilt, isometric strength and isokinetic strength of the plantar flexors were unchanged, while the triceps surae reflex time associated with plantar flexion movement slowed slightly. These results demonstrate a dehydration effect of head-down tilt on muscle and subcutaneous tissue of the lower leg that may affect muscle function.

Hargens, A. R.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Mode of incorporation of phosphorus in Hg(0.8)Cd(0.2)Te

Selim and Kroeger (1977) have studied the mode of incorporation of phosphorus in CdTe. According to their findings, phosphorus behaves amphoterically in CdTe acting as an acceptor interstitially and on Te lattice sites, and as a triple donor on Cd lattice sites. The present investigation is concerned with the role of phosphorus in Hg(0.8)Cd(0.2)Te, taking into account Hall-effect and mobility measurements on phosphorus-doped crystals quenched from a temperature in the range from 450 to 600 C subsequent to anneals in different partial pressures of Hg. It is found that the behavior of phosphorus in Hg(0.8)Cd(0.2)Te is similar to that established for CdTe, except that all the electrically active phosphorus defect centers in Hg(0.8)Cd(0.2)Te appear to be only singly ionized. At low Hg pressure, phosphorus is incorporated as a single donor occupying Hg lattice sites, and at high Hg pressure, as a single acceptor on interstitial sites and Te lattice sites.

Vydyanath, H. R.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Melt segregation in plagioclase-poikilitic mesosiderites

The Budalan and Mincy mesosiderites contain a poikilitic-plagioclase matrix with orthopyroxene chadacrysts and interstitial-subophitic inverted pigeonite. Orthopyroxene chadacrysts in both mesosiderites are uniformly more aluminous than orthopyroxene clasts, suggesting that they were not derived from clasts by metamorphism. Interstitial inverted pigeonite is more ferroan than adjacent orthopyroxene in the matrix, consistent with the crystallization of a melt with the sequence orthopyroxene followed by pigeonite. The magnesium chadcrysts in Mincy could not have formed from a melt in equilibrium with the clasts but could have crystallized from impact melt. The most Mg chadacrysts are enclosed in large reversely zoned plagioclase crystals as a result of the undercooling in melt-lacking plagioclase clasts and associated nuclei. Mincy contains both plagioclase-poor and plagioclase-rich regions, explained by a separation of silicate melt into pools. Reckling Peak A80258, a plagioclase-poikilitic mesosiderite with a very high chadacryst/plagioclase ratio, resembles Mincy material from which melt has been extracted. It is suggested that the origin of the plagioclase-poikilitic mesosiderites is impact melting of a metal-silicate mixture.

Hewins, R. H.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Projections from the rostral mesencephalic reticular formation to the spinal cord - An HRP and autoradiographical tracing study in the cat

Horseradish peroxidase was injected, or implanted unilaterally, into various levels of the spinal cord of anesthetized cats, to trace the distribution of projections to the spinal cord, of neurons in Field H of Forel, including the rostral interstitial nucleus of the medial longitudinal fasciculus (riMLF), and the interstitial nucleus of Cajal with adjacent reticular formation (INC-RF). Results indicate that, unlike the neurons projecting to the extraocular muscle motoneurons, the major portion of the spinally projecting neurons are not located in the riMLF or INC proper, but in adjacent areas, i.e., the ventral and lateral parts of the caudal third of the Field H of Forel and in the INC-RF. Neurons in caudal Field H of Forel, project, via the ventral part of the ventral funicululs, to the lateral part of the upper cervical ventral horn.

Holstege, G.↗
NASA NTRS1990

The performance of multilayer insulation in a rapidly depressurizing environment

The performance of multilayer insulation in a rapidly depressurizing environment is determined by the variation of heat transfer with internal pressure and the pressure history of the interstitial gas. Measurements of thermal performance were made on three multilayer insulation configurations at room temperature and steady state pressures from 10(exp -6) to 10(exp -1) torr. The heat transfer due to gas conduction alone correlated with the kinetic theory of gases in the molecular flow regime. Pressure histories were measured in a unique apparatus which simulated the depressurization rate of a boost vehicle. The pressure histories on both sides of two of the configurations were measured to bound the actual interstitial pressure. The results of the two types of measurements agreed with earlier work and were combined to make performance predictions using an actual ascent pressure history.

Efromson, Ronald A.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Transcapillary fluid shifts in tissues of the head and neck during and after simulated microgravity

To understand the mechanism, magnitude, and time course of facial puffiness that occurs in microgravity, seven male subjects were tilted 6 degrees head down for 8 hr, and all four Starling transcapillary pressures were directly measured before, during , and after tilt. Head-down tilt (HDT) caused facial edema and a significant elevation of microvascular pressures measured in the lower lip. Subcutaneous and intramuscular interstitial fluid pressures in the neck also increased as a result of HDT, while interstitial fluid colloid osmotic pressures remained unchanged. Plasma colloid osmotic pressures dropped significantly after 4 hr of HDT, suggesting a transition from fluid filtration to absorption in capillary beds between the heart and feet during HDT. After 4 hr of seated recovery from HDT, microvascular pressures remained significantly elevated by 5 to 8 mm Hg above baseline values despite a significant HDT diuresis and the orthostatic challenge of an upright, seated posture. During the control (baseline) period, urine output was 46.7 ml/hr; during HDT, it was 126.5 ml/hr.

Hargens, A. R.↗
NASA NTRS1992

A unique, (almost) unaltered spinel-rich fine-grained inclusion in Kainsaz

A unique, spinel-rich, extremely porous fine-grained inclusion in the Kainsaz (CO3) meteorite is reported. This inclusion is the least altered fine-grained inclusion yet discovered, having escaped almost entirely the secondary alterations experienced by Allende fine-grained inclusions. The inclusion is comprised of loosely packed 5-30 microns spinel grains mantled by thin layers of melilite, anorthite, and diopsidic pyroxene. The inclusion, which has over 30 vol pct void space, is one of the most spinel-rich, most porous fine-grained inclusions seen to date. The mineralogy of the inclusion matches that which has been predicted for a precursor of the altered mineral assemblages of Allende fine-grained inclusions, though a lack of interstitial material in the Kainsaz inclusion reduces the likelihood of a direct genetic relationship between the two (Allende fine-grained inclusions contain abundant interstitial material). Its mineralogical composition confirms that the precursors of other, more altered, fine-grained inclusions were assemblages of refractory minerals exclusively.

Holmberg, B. B.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Fluid compartment and renal function alterations in the rat during 7 and 14 day head down tilt

Exposure to conditions of microgravity for any extended duration can modify the distribution of fluid within the vascular and interstitial spaces, and eventually intracellular volume. Whether the redistribution of fluid and resetting of volume homeostasis mechanisms is appropriate for the long term environmental requirements of the body in microgravity remains to be fully defined. The event that initiates the change in fluid volume homeostasis is the cephalad movement of fluid which potentially triggers volume sensors and stretch receptors (atrial stretch with the resulting release of atrial natriuretic peptide) and suppresses adrenergic activity via the carotid and aortic arch baroreceptors. All these events act in concert to reset blood and interstitial volume to new levels, which in turn modify the renin-angiotensin system. All these factors have an influence on the kidney, the end organ for fluid volume control. How the fluid compartment volume changes interrelate with alterations in renal functions under conditions of simulated microgravity is the focus of the present investigation which utilizes 25-30 deg head-down tilt in the rat.

Tucker, Bryan J.↗
NASA NTRS1994

ALH84001, a cumulate orthopyroxenite member of the Martian meteorite clan

ALH84001, originally classified as a diogenite, is a coarse-grained, cataclastic, orthopyroxenite meteorite related to the martian (SNC) meteorites. The orthopyroxene is relatively uniform in composition, with a mean composition of Wo3.3En69.4Fs27.3. Minor phases are euhedral to subhedral chromite and interstitial maskelynite, An31.1Ab63.2Or5.7, with accessory augite, Wo42.2En45.1Fs12.7, apatite, pyrite and carbonates, Cc11.5Mg58.0Sd29.4Rd1.1. The pyroxenes and chromites in ALH84001 are similar in composition to these phases in EETA79001 lithology a megacrysts but are more homogeneous. Maskelynite is similar in composition to feldspars in the nakhlites and Chassigny. Two generations of carbonates are present, early (pre-shock) strongly zoned carbonates and late (post-shock) carbonates. The high Ca content of both types of carbonates indicates that they were formed at moderately high temperature, possibly approximately 700 C. ALH84001 has a slightly LREE-depleted pattern with La 0.67x and Lu 1.85x CI abundances and with a negative Eu anomaly (Eu/Sm 0.56x CI). The uniform pyroxene composition is unusual for martian meteorites, and suggests that ALH84001 cooled more slowly than did the shergottites, nakhlites of Chassigny. The nearly monomineralic composition, coarse-grain size, homogeneous orthopyroxene and chromite compositions, the interstitial maskelynite and apatite, and the REE pattern suggest that ALH84001 is a cumulate orthopyroxenite containing minor trapped, intercumulus material.

Mittlefehldt, David W.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Manifestations of Dynamic Strain Aging in Soft-Oriented NiAl Single Crystals

The tensile and compressive properties of six NiAl-base single-crystal alloys have been investigated at temperatures between 77 and 1200 K. The normalized critical resolved shear stresses (CRSS/E) and work-hardening rates (Theta/E) for these alloys generally decreased with increasing temperature. However, anomalous peaks or plateaus for these properties were observed in conventional purity (CPNiAl), Si-doped (NiAl-Si), C-doped low Si (UF-NiAl1), and Mo-doped (NiAl-Mo) alloys at intermediate temperatures (600 to 1000 K). This anomalous behavior was not observed in high-purity, low interstitial material (HP-NiAl). Low or negative strain-rate sensitivities (SRS) also were observed in all six alloys in this intermediate temperature range. Coincident with the occurrence of negative strain-rate sensitivities was the observation of serrated stress-strain curves in the CPNiAl and NiAl-Si alloys. These phenomena have been attributed to dynamic strain aging (DSA). Chemical analysis of the alloys used in this study suggests that the main specie responsible for strain aging in NiAl is C but indicate that residual Si impurities can enhance the strain aging effects. The corresponding dislocation microstructures at low temperatures (300 to 600 K) were composed of well-defined cells. At intermediate temperatures (600 to 900 K), either poorly defined cells or coarse bands of localized slip, reminiscent of the vein structures observed in low-cycle fatigue specimens deformed in the DSA regime, were observed in conventional purity, Si-doped, and in Mo-doped alloys. In contrast, a well-defined cell structure persisted in the low interstitial, high-purity alloy. At elevated temperatures (greater than or equal to 1000 K), more uniformly distributed dislocations and sub-boundaries were observed in all alloys. These observations are consistent with the occurrence of DSA in NiAl single-crystal alloys at intermediate temperatures.

Weaver, M. L.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Development of Low Density Titanium Alloys for Structural Applications

In this report the results of a program designed to reduce the density of titanium by adding magnesium are presented. Because these two elements are immiscible under conventional ingot metallurgy techniques, two specialized powder metallurgy methods namely, mechanical alloying (MA) and physical vapor deposition (PVD) were implemented. The mechanical alloying experiments were done both at the University of Idaho and at the Defense Research Agency in UK. Since titanium is reactive with interstitial elements, a secondary goal of this research was to correlate solubility extensions with interstitial contamination content, especially oxygen and nitrogen. MA was carried out in SPEX 8000 shaker mils and different milling containers were utilized to control the level of contamination. Results showed that solubilities of Mg in Ti were obtained up to 28 at.% (16.4 wt. %) Mg in Ti for Ti-39.6 at. % (25 wt. %) Mg alloys, which greatly exceed those obtained under equilibrium conditions. This reflects a density reduction of approximately 26 %. Contamination of oxygen and nitrogen seemed to increase the solubility of magnesium in titanium in some cases; however, we were not able to make a clear correlation between contamination levels with solubilities. Work at the DRA has emphasized optimization of present PVD equipment, specifically composition and temperature control. Preliminary PVD data has shown Ti-Mg deposits have successfully been made up to 2 mm thick and that solubility extensions were achieved. The potential for density reduction of titanium by alloying with magnesium has been demonstrated; however, this work has only scratched the surface of the development of such low density alloys. Much research is needed before such alloys could be implemented into industry. Further funding is required in order to optimize the MA/PVD processes including contamination control, determination of optimal alloy compositions, microstructure development, and mechanical property determination.

Froes, F. H.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Physiology of Fluid and Electrolyte Responses During Inactivity: Water Immersion and Bed Rest

This manuscript emphasizes the physiology of fluid-electrolyte-hormonal responses during the prolonged inactivity of bed rest and water immersion. An understanding of the total mechanism of adaptation (deconditioning) should provide more insight into the conditioning process. Findings that need to be confirmed during bed rest and immersion are: (1) the volume and tissues of origin of fluid shifted to the thorax and head; (2) interstitial fluid pressure changes in muscle and subcutaneous tissue, particularly during immersion; and (3) the composition of the incoming presumably interstitial fluid that contributes to the early hypervolemia. Better resolution of the time course and source of the diuretic fluid is needed. Important data will be forthcoming when hypotheses are tested involving the probable action of the emerging diuretic and natriuretic hormones, between themselves and among vasopressin and aldosterone, on diuresis and blood pressure control.

Greenleaf, John E.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Microminiature Monitor for Vital Electrolyte and Metabolite Levels of Astronauts

Ions, such as proton (pH) and potassium, play a crucial role in body fluids to maintain proper basic functioning of cells and tissues. Metabolites, such as glucose, control the energy available to the entire human body in normal as well as stress situations, and before, during, and after meals. These molecules diffuse easily between blood in the capillaries and the interstitial fluid residing between cells and tissues. We have developed and approach to monitoring of critical ions (called electrolytes) and glucose in the interstitial fluid under the human skin. Proton and potassium levels sensed using optode technology that translates the respective ionic concentrations into variable colors of corresponding ionophore/dye/polymeric liquid membranes. Glucose is monitored indirectly, by coupling through immobilized glucose oxidase with local pH that is then detected using a similar color scheme. The monitor consists of a tiny plastic bar, 100-200 microns wide and 1-2 mm long, placed just under the skin, with color changing spots for each analyte as well as blanks. The colors are read and translated into concentration values by a CCD camera. Direct optical coupling between the in vivo sensing bar and the ex vivo detector device requires no power, and thus eliminates the need for wires or optical fibers crossing the skin. The microminiature bar penetrates the skin easily and painlessly, so that astronauts could insert it themselves. The approach is fully compatible with telemetry in space, and thus, in vivo clinical data will be available real time in the Earth based command center once the device is fully developed. The information provided can be used for collecting hitherto unavailable vital data on clinical effects of space travel. Managing clinical emergencies in space with the sensor already in place should also become much more efficient than without a continuous monitor, as is currently the case. Civilian applications may include better glucose control of patients with moderate to severe diabetes: a growing health problem in the US and World-wide.

Tohda, Koji↗
NASA NTRS2002

Smart medical systems with application to nutrition and fitness in space

Smart medical systems are being developed to allow medical treatments to address alterations in chemical and physiologic status in real time. In a smart medical system, sensor arrays assess subject status, which is interpreted by computer processors that analyze multiple inputs and recommend treatment interventions. The response of the subject to the treatment is again assessed by the sensor arrays, thus closing the loop. An early form of "smart medicine" has been practiced in space to assess nutrition. Nutrient levels are assessed with food frequency questionnaires, which are interpreted by flight surgeons to recommend inflight alterations in diet. In the future, sensor arrays will directly probe body chemistry. Near-infrared spectroscopy can be used to non-invasively measure several blood and tissue parameters that are important in the assessment of nutrition and fitness. In particular, this technology can be used to measure blood hematocrit and interstitial fluid pH. The non-invasive measurement of interstitial pH is discussed as a surrogate for blood lactate measurement for the development and real-time assessment of exercise protocols in space. Earth-based application of these sensors is also described.

NASA Discipline Life Sciences Technologies↗
NASA NTRS2002

Bystander effects in radiation-induced genomic instability

Exposure of GM10115 hamster-human hybrid cells to X-rays can result in the induction of chromosomal instability in the progeny of surviving cells. This instability manifests as the dynamic production of novel sub-populations of cells with unique cytogenetic rearrangements involving the "marker" human chromosome. We have used the comet assay to investigate whether there was an elevated level of endogenous DNA breaks in chromosomally unstable clones that could provide a source for the chromosomal rearrangements and thus account for the persistent instability observed. Our results indicate no significant difference in comet tail measurement between non-irradiated and radiation-induced chromosomally unstable clones. Using two-color fluorescence in situ hybridization we also investigated whether recombinational events involving the interstitial telomere repeat-like sequences in GM10115 cells were involved at frequencies higher than random processes would otherwise predict. Nine of 11 clones demonstrated a significantly higher than expected involvement of these interstitial telomere repeat-like sequences at the recombination junction between the human and hamster chromosomes. Since elevated levels of endogenous breaks were not detected in unstable clones we propose that epigenetic or bystander effects (BSEs) lead to the activation of recombinational pathways that perpetuate the unstable phenotype. Specifically, we expand upon the hypothesis that radiation induces conditions and/or factors that stimulate the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). These reactive intermediates then contribute to a chronic pro-oxidant environment that cycles over multiple generations, promoting chromosomal recombination and other phenotypes associated with genomic instability.

NASA Discipline Radiation Health↗