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At least 109 records · Page 6

Physiological water model development

The water of the human body can be categorized as existing in two main compartments: intracellular water and extracellular water. The intracellular water consists of all the water within the cells and constitutes over half of the total body water. Since red blood cells are surrounded by plasma, and all other cells are surrounded by interstitial fluid, the intracellular compartment has been subdivided to represent these two cell types. The extracellular water, which includes all of the fluid outside of the cells, can be further subdivided into compartments which represent the interstitial fluid, circulating blood plasma, lymph, and transcellular water. The interstitial fluid surrounds cells outside of the vascular system whereas plasma is contained within the blood vessels. Avascular tissues such as dense connective tissue and cartilage contain interstitial water which slowly equilibrates with tracers used to determine extracellular fluid volume. For this reason, additional compartments are sometimes used to represent these avascular tissues. The average size of each compartment, in terms of percent body weight, has been determined for adult males and females. These compartments and the forces which cause flow between them are presented. The kidneys, a main compartment, receive about 25 percent of the cardiac output and filters out a fluid similar to plasma. The composition of this filtered fluid changes as it flows through the kidney tubules since compounds are continually being secreted and reabsorbed. Through this mechanism, the kidneys eliminate wastes while conserving body water, electrolytes, and metabolites. Since sodium accounts for over 90 percent of the cations in the extracellular fluid, and the number of cations is balanced by the number of anions, considering the renal handling sodium and water only should sufficiently describe the relationship between the plasma compartment and kidneys. A kidney function model is presented which has been adapted from a previous model of normal renal function in man. To test the validity of the proposed kidney model, results predicted by the model will be compared to actual data involving injected or ingested fluids and subsequent urine flow rates. Comparison of the model simulation to actual data following the ingestion of 1 liter of water is shown. The model simulation is also shown with actual data following the intravenous infusion of hypertonic saline.

Doty, Susan↗

The Influence of C and Si on the Flow Behavior of NiAl Single Crystals

Alloys based on the intermetallic compound NiAl are considered potential replacements for Ni and Co-based superalloys in high temperature structural applications due to their excellent oxidation resistance, low densities, high thermal conductivities, and increased melting points. Unfortunately, NiAl exhibits low tensile ductility at room temperature and low strengths at elevated temperatures which have combined to hinder its development. Recent efforts, have revealed that NiAl in the presence of sufficient solute levels, is subject to the phenomenon of strain aging which manifests itself as: sharp yield points, abnormally low strain rate sensitivities (SRS), plateaus or peaks in yield stress and work hardening rate as a function of temperature, flow stress transients upon an upward change in strain rate, reduced tensile elongations at elevated temperatures, and serrated stress-strain curves. Though recent efforts via either alloying or the removal of interstitial impurities, have resulted in consistent room-temperature tensile elongations exceeding 5% and the elimination of serrated flow, the effects of particular substitutional and interstitial elements and the mechanisms by which they might enhance or hinder the mechanical properties remain unknown. Consequently, the purpose of the present paper is to provide a preliminary assessment of the influence of common substitutional and interstitial impurities on the deformation behavior of NiAl. To accomplish this goal a series of NiAl single crystal alloys containing various interstitial solutes were prepared and their mechanical properties were evaluated between 77 and 1100 K. Because Si is a common impurity in conventional purity single crystals grown by the Bridgman method, Si concentrations were also varied in order to determine the influence of this element.

Weaver, M. L.↗

Ventilation-perfusion matching during exercise

In normal subjects, exercise widens the alveolar-arterial PO2 difference (P[A-a]O2) despite a more uniform topographic distribution of ventilation-perfusion (VA/Q) ratios. While part of the increase in P(A-a)O2 (especially during heavy exercise) is due to diffusion limitation, a considerable amount is caused by an increase in VA/Q mismatch as detected by the multiple inert gas elimination technique. Why this occurs is unknown, but circumstantial evidence suggests it may be related to interstitial pulmonary edema rather than to factors dependent on ventilation, airway gas mixing, airway muscle tone, or pulmonary vascular tone. In patients with lung disease, the gas exchange consequences of exercise are variable. Thus, arterial PO2 may increase, remain the same, or fall. In general, patients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or interstitial fibrosis who exercise show a fall in PO2. This is usually not due to worsening VA/Q relationships but mostly to the well-known fall in mixed venous PO2, which itself results from a relatively smaller increase in cardiac output than VO2. However, in interstitial fibrosis (but not COPD), there is good evidence that a part of the fall in PO2 on exercise is caused by alveolar-capillary diffusion limitation of O2 transport; in COPD (but not interstitial fibrosis), a frequent additional contributing factor to the hypoxemia of exercise is an inadequate ventilatory response, such that minute ventilation does not rise as much as does CO2 production or O2 uptake, causing arterial PCO2 to increase and PO2 to fall.

Non-NASA Center↗

Tin-Essako 001: A Metal-Rich Ureilite?

Introduction: Metal-rich achondrites include a variety of types, and likely have a variety of origins. Models range from gravitational mixing at the core-mantle boundaries of differentatiated asteroids, to complex impact mixing scenarios. We describe a new type of metal-rich achondrite that might be the first metal-rich ureilite. Sample: Tin-Essako (TE) 001 (~4.3 g) was found in Mali in 2020 and purchased by Jay Piatek in 2021. It was classified as a metal-rich ungrouped achondrite, with olivine and oxygen isotope (d18O=8.2810‰, d17O=3.718‰, avg. 3) compositions suggesting affinity to ureilites [1]. We studied one polished section (~187.7 mm2) of TE 001. Petrography: TE 001 consists of ~60% metal and 40% silicates, heterogeneously distributed. The metal is largely fresh, but iron oxides (presumably terrestrial) occur along one edge and in some patches and veins in the interior. The silicates are dominantly olivine (≥90%), with melt-textured areas of plagioclase + Si-rich glass. Minor phases include chromite and carbon. Olivine occurs as rounded grains (up to ~2.5 mm) in metal, commonly with rims of melt-textured plagioclase + glass. Olivine also occurs in more massive areas having a “honeycomb” texture, with rounded olivine “cells” surrounded by an interstitial network of reduced olivine riddled with tiny metal grains, plus melt-textured plagioclase + Si-rich glass. Chromite occurs as subhedral to rounded grains; smaller grains (30-250 mm) are included in olivine and a few larger grains (400-500 mm) are isolated within metal. A carbon phase occurs as lacy-textured rims around olivine grains in metal, or small patches within metal. Mineral Compositions: The olivine (excluding interstitial areas) is Fo 73.9±0.5, with 0.25±0.02 wt.% CaO, 0.31±0.01 wt% Cr2O3, 0.01 wt.% NiO, and molar Fe/Mn=49.8±2.2 (53 analyses). Olivine in interstitial areas has Fo up to at least 91. Smaller chromite grains have Fe# (molar Fe/[Fe+Mg]) = 0.54±0.01, Cr# (molar Cr/[Cr+Al]) = 0.52±0.01, 0.52±0.02 wt.% V2O3 and 0.21±0.04 wt% ZnO (28 analyses). One larger grain is zoned from Fe# = 0.45, Cr# =0.52 to Fe# = 0.40, Cr# =0.57, and contains thin Al-rich lamellae not resolved by EMPA. One irregularly shaped patch of chromite included in olivine has Fe# =0.26 and contains no ZnO. Plagioclase laths are An ~53-60, with ≤0.01 wt.% K2O. Glass contains 75-76 wt% SiO2 and ~16 wt% Al2O3. The metal contains 5.2±0.2 wt% Ni, 0.46±0.02 wt.% Co, and 0.01±0.01 wt.% Cr, with Si and P below detection (168 analyses). Discussion: The olivine + chromite assemblage in TE 001 is similar to the most ferroan ureilites (Fo ~75-79 [2]), as are the oxygen isotopes [1]. The presence of a carbon phase supports this, although the identity of this phase (graphite as in ureilites?) remains to be determined. The “honeycomb” textured areas, in particular, the presence of olivine “reduction rims,” resemble shock-smelted olivine areas in ureilites [3], but interstitial melt-textured plagioclase laths + glass like those in TE 001 have not been reported in such (or any) ureilites. Olivine in TE 001 is marginally more ferroan than in the most FeO-rich ureilite, with Fe-Mg-Mn composition offset from the trend of olivine + low-Ca pyroxene ureilites similar to augite-bearing ureilites [4]. CaO and Cr2O3 contents are in the range of those in ureilite olivine [ ] , though Cr2O3 is at the extreme low end of the range [5]. Chromites (except the unusual one) have similar Fe# to the most ferroan primary chromites in ureilites [2], but distinctly lower Cr# (0.52 vs. 0.71). Metal compositions are with the range for metal in ureilites [7]. The absence of pyroxene and sulfide, and the high abundance of metal in TE 001, are unlike ureilites. One possibility is that a ferroan, chromite-bearing, pyroxene-poor ureilite was invaded (possibly due to impact) by a metallic liquid (low S content suggests very high temperature), resulting in complete melting of pyroxene and smelting of olivine, with rapid recrystallization of melted silicate as plagioclase + glass. Alternatively, a pre-existing metal-rich ureilite assemblage may have been impact melted. Additional types of data will be obtained to evaluate these hypotheses (i.e., is the metal indigenous?) and assess affinity to ureilites.

olivine↗

Preliminary study of niobium alloy contamination by transport through helium

Preliminary tests were conducted to determine if interstitial element transport through a circulating helium working fluid was a potential problem in Brayton and Stirling space power systems. Test specimens exposed to a thermal gradient for up to 3000-hr included Nb-1%Zr, a Sm-Co alloy (referred to as SmCo in this paper), Hiperco 50 steel, and alumina to simulate various engine components of the Brayton and Stirling systems. Results indicate that helium transport of interstitial contaminants can be minimized over a 7-yr life with a monometallic Nb-1%Zr design. Exposure with other materials indicated a potential for interstitial contaminant transport. Determination of contamination kinetics and the effects on structural integrity will require additional testing.

Scheuermann, Coulson M.↗

Transcapillary fluid shifts in head and neck tissues 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: capillary pressures increased from 27.2 +/- 5 mm Hg pre-HDT to 33.9 +/- 1.7 mm Hg by the end of tilt. 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. These results indicate that facial edema resulting from HDT is primarily caused by elevated capillary pressures and decreased plasma colloid osmotic pressures. Elevation of cephalic capillary pressures sustained for 4 hr after HDT suggests that there is a compensatory vasodilation to maintain microvascular perfusion. The negativity of interstitial fluid pressures above heart level also has implications for the maintenance of tissue fluid balance in upright posture.

Parazynski, S. E.↗

Electronic characterization of defects in narrow gap semiconductors

The study of point defects in semiconductors has a long and honorable history. In particular, the detailed understanding of shallow defects in common semiconductors traces back to the classic work of Kohn and Luttinger. However, the study of defects in narrow gap semiconductors represents a much less clear story. Here, both shallow defects (caused by long range potentials) and deep defects (from short range potentials) are far from being completely understood. In this study, all results are calculational and our focus is on the chemical trend of deep levels in narrow gap semiconductors. We study substitutional (including antisite), interstitial and ideal vacancy defects. For substitutional and interstitial impurities, the efects of relaxation are included. For materials like Hg(1-x)Cd(x)Te, we study how the deep levels vary with x, of particular interest is what substitutional and interstitial atoms yield energy levels in the gap i.e. actually produce deep ionized levels. Also, since the main technique utilized is Green's functions, we include some summary of that method.

Patterson, James D.↗

Neutron Diffraction Study Oxygen Dissolution Alpha(sub 2)-Ti3Al

Rietveld refinements of neutron powder diffraction data on alpha(sub 2)-Ti3Al have been performed to determine the crystal structure as a function of interstitial oxygen (O) concentration for three alloys with a Ti/Al ratio of approximately equal to 2.34 and O concentrations of 0.25%, 3.99% and 7.71%. The structures of the allows are hexagonal in space group P6(sub 3)/mmc where Ti and Al atoms populate unique sites with excess Al at the Ti site and O atoms occupy octahedral interstitial sites surrounded by six Ti sites. The length of the c-axis was found to increase linearly as the O occupancy of the interstitial sites increased; this lattice lengthening effect was much less pronounced along the alpha axis. Correspondingly, the increases in the lengths of Ti-Al and Ti-Ti bonds with a major component of their direction parallel to the c-axis were roughly an order of magnitude greater than the increases in the lengths of Ti-al and Ti-Ti bonds more closely aligned with the alpha-axis. Densities calculated form the lattice parameters and occupancy factors fall in the range (4.118 plus or minus 0.004) grams per cubic centimeter to (4.194 plus or minus 0.004) grams per cubic centimeter, and exhibit a nearly linear increase with oxygen concentration. Measured densities of (4.113 plus or minus 0.001) grams per cubic centimeter, (4.146 plus or minus 0.009) grams per cubic centimeter, and (4.191 plus or minus 0.002) grams per cubic centimeter for these alloys agree with the results of the refinements.

Jones, Camille Y.↗

Sphere based fluid systems

Systems are described for using multiple closely-packed spheres. In one system for passing fluid, a multiplicity of spheres lie within a container, with all of the spheres having the same outside diameter and with the spheres being closely nested in one another to create multiple interstitial passages of a known size and configuration and smooth walls. The container has an inlet and outlet for passing fluid through the interstitial passages formed between the nested spheres. The small interstitial passages can be used to filter out material, especially biological material such as cells in a fluid, where the cells can be easily destroyed if passed across sharp edges. The outer surface of the spheres can contain a material that absorbs a constitutent in the flowing fluid, such as a particular contamination gas, or can contain a catalyst to chemically react the fluid passing therethrough, the use of multiple small spheres assuring a large area of contact of these surfaces of the spheres with the fluid. In a system for storing and releasing a fluid such as hydrogen as a fuel, the spheres can include a hollow shell containing the fluid to be stored, and located within a compressable container that can be compressed to break the shells and release the stored fluid.

Elleman, Daniel D.↗

Time-to-Fatigue and Intramuscular pH Measured via NIRS During Handgrip Exercise in Trained and Sedentary Individuals

In exercising muscles force production and muscular endurance are impaired by a decrease in intramuscular pH. The effects of aerobic training (AT) on preventing acidosis and prolonging exercise time in muscles not specifically targeted by the training are unknown. Purpose: To compare interstitial pH, measured non-invasively with near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), in the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) during rhythmic handgrip exercise in sedentary subjects and those who participate in AT activities that target the lower body. Methods: Maximal isometric force (MIF) was measured on three separate days in AT (n=5) and sedentary (n=8) subjects using a handgrip dynamometer (HGD). Isometric muscular endurance (IME) was measured during five trials, each separated by at least 48 hrs. For each IME trial subjects rhythmically squeezed (4 sec at 40% of MVC) and relaxed (2 sec) to fatigue or failure to reach the target force in three consecutive contractions or four non-consecutive contractions. Interstitial pH was derived from spectra collected using a NIRS sensor adhered to the skin over the FDP. The first four IME trials served to familiarize subjects with the protocol; the fifth trial was used for analysis. NIRS-derived pH was averaged in 30 sec increments. Between group differences in MIF and exercise time were tested using paired t-tests. A repeated measures ANOVA was used to analyze effects of AT and exercise time on pH. Results: MIF was not different between groups (mean SD; aerobic=415.6 95.4 N vs. sedentary =505.1 107.4 N). Time to fatigue was greater in the AT than in the sedentary group (mean SD: 611 173 sec vs. 377 162 sec, p<0.05). pH was not different between groups at any time point. Average pH decreased (p<0.05) in both groups from rest (pH=7.4) through 90 sec of exercise (pH=6.9), but did not decrease further throughout the remainder of exercise. Conclusion: Although between group differences in pH were not detected, differences during the onset of exercise may exist with a more frequent sampling. AT individuals appear to better tolerate decreased interstitial pH and are able to continue submaximal muscular work, possibly due to psychological familiarization to muscular fatigue and/or systemic physiological benefits.

Everett, M. E.↗

Transmission Electron Microscopy of Iron Metal in Almahata Sitta Ureilite

Almahata Sitta (AS) is a polymict breccia mainly composed of variable ureilite lithologies with small amounts of chondritic lithologies [1]. Fe metal is a common accessory phase in ureilites, but our earlier study on Fe metals in one of AS fragments (#44) revealed a unique mineralogy never seen in other ureilites [2,3]. In this abstract we report detailed transmission electron microscopy (TEM) on these metal grains to better understand the thermal history of ureilites. We prepared FIB sections of AS#44 by JEOL JIB-4000 from the PTS that was well characterized by SEM-EBSD in our earlier study [2]. The sections were then observed by STEM (JEOL JEM- 2100F). One of the FIB sections shows a submicron-sized symplectic intergrown texture composed of Fe metal (kamacite), Fe carbide (cohenite), Fe phosphide (schreibersite), and Fe sulfide (troilite). Each phase has an identical SAED pattern in spite of its complex texture, suggesting co-crystallization of all phases. This is probably caused by shock re-melting of pre-existing metal + graphite to form a eutectic-looking texture. The other FIB section is mostly composed of homogeneous Fe metal (93 wt% Fe, 5 wt% Ni, and 2 wt% Si), but BF-STEM images exhibited the presence of elongated lathy grains (approx. 2 microns long) embedded in the interstitial matrix. The SAED patterns from these lath grains could be indexed by alpha-Fe (bcc) while interstitial areas are gamma-Fe (fcc). The elongated alpha-Fe grains show tweed-like structures suggesting martensite transformation. Such a texture can be formed by rapid cooling from high temperature where gamma-Fe was stable. Subsequently alpha-Fe crystallized, but gamma-Fe remained in the interstitial matrix due to quenching from high temperature. This scenario is consistent with very rapid cooling history of ureilites suggested by silicate mineralogy.

Mikouchi, T.↗

Measurement of apparent thermal conductivity of multilayer insulations at low compressive loads.

A description is presented of the test calorimeter, the experimental technique, and the results obtained in an evaluation of four multilayer insulations selected for application on future multilaunch space vehicles utilizing liquid hydrogen and oxygen for orbital operations. Particular attention is paid to techniques for minimizing error in obtaining thermal conductivity data. The effective conductivity for four high-performance insulations was determined at a minimum of four compressive loads in the range from 0.0001 to 0.1 psi. Results show that the thermal conductivity of multilayer insulations is insensitive to small changes in mechanical loading at 1 torr interstitial gas pressure, but becomes increasingly more sensitive to mechanical loading as the interstitial gas pressure is reduced.

Holmes, V. L.↗

Ultrastructural changes in rat lung during long-term exposure to oxygen.

The pathogenesis of oxygen toxicity in the lung of rats was studied by electron microscopy. The following long-term effects were established: (1) a progressive destruction of the blood-air barrier beginning with the endothelial cell layer; (2) a profuse edema in the interstitial spaces in the pleural space in the alveoli and in the cytoplasm and organelles; (3) a continuing increase in the quantity and complexity of the alveolar exudate; (4) gradual hemolysis of red blood cells; and (5) eventual subsiding of the interstitial edema in surviving rats with a concomitant development of emphysema.

Harrison, G. A.↗

Oxidation at through-hole defects in fused slurry silicide coated columbium alloys FS-85 and Cb-752

Metal recession and interstitial contamination at 0.08-centimeter-diameter through-hole intentional defects in fused slurry silicide coated FS-85 and Cb-752 columbium alloys were studied to determine the tolerance of these materials to coating defects. Five external pressure reentry simulation exposures to 1320 C and 4.7 x 1,000 N/sq m (maximum pressure) resulted in a consumed metal zone having about twice the initial defect diameter for both alloys with an interstitial contamination zone extending about three to four initial defect diameters. Self-healing occurred in the 1.33 x 10 N/sq m, 1320 C exposures and to a lesser extent in internal pressure reentry cycles to 1320 C and 1.33 x 100 N/sq m (maximum pressure).

Levine, S. R.↗

Partial pressures of oxygen, phosphorus and fluorine in some lunar lavas

Lunar sample 14310 is a feldspar-rich basalt which shows no evidence of shock deformation or recrystallization. Pyroxenes include Mg-rich orthopyroxene, pigeonite and augite; pyroxferroite occurs in the interstitial residuum. Plagioclase feldspars are zoned from An(96) to An(67), and variations in feldspar compositions do not necessarily indicate loss of Na during eruption of the lava. Opaque phases include ilmenite, ulvospinel, metallic iron, troilite, and schreibersite. Both whitlockite and apatite are present, and the interstitial residua contain baddeleyite, tranquillityite and barium-rich sanidine. Theoretical calculations provide estimates of partial pressures of oxygen, phosphorus, and fluorine in lunar magmas. In general, partial pressures of oxygen are restricted by the limiting assemblages of iron-wuestite and ilmenite-iron-rutile; phosphorus partial pressures are higher in lunar magmas than in terrestrial lavas. The occurrence of whitlockite indicates significantly lower fugacities of fluorine in lunar magmas than in terrestrial magmas.

Nash, W. P.↗

A self-lubricating bearing

An improved bearing structure is described which includes a permanently magnetized porous body filled with an interstitial magnetic lubricant for extending the operational life of self-lubricating bearings. The bearing structure is characterized by a permanently magnetized retainer formed of a porous material and filled with an interstitial magnetic lubricant, whereby the pores serve as lubricant reservoirs from which the lubricant continuously is delivered to a film disposed between contiguous bearing surfaces.

Whitaker, A. F.↗

Models of prebiological phosphorylation

The model of phosphorylation in aqueous solutions considered involves the cyanogen-induced activation of orthophosphate. In this reaction, preferential phosphorylation of reducing sugars occurs, to produce the corresponding glycosyl phosphates. Attention is given to the molecular mechanism of phosphate uptake as it occurs in contemporary cells. It is proposed that the site of prebiological phosphorylation may have been in the interstitial water of sediment. It is also suggested that the site to search for forms of life on other planets is in the interstitial water, which possibly may be found, e.g., in the canyons of Mars.

Halmann, M.↗

Lafayette meteorite - Petrology and opaque mineralogy

The Lafayette meteorite is a calcium-rich achondrite composed predominantly of cumulus clinopyroxene with minor iron-rich olivine and rare interstitial feldspar. The opaque oxide minerals are magnetite-ilmenite intergrowths, an apparently homogenous Cr-rich titaniferous magnetite, and discrete ilmenite. Pyrite, the major sulfide mineral, occasionally displays lamellar intergrowths of marcasite that appear to be of primary origin. Troilite occurs as inclusions in ilmenite or interstitial to the silicate minerals. Bulk chemical composition of the glass in the fusion crust is comparable with that of the Nakhla meteorite. The glass contains abundant skeletal crystals of magnetite as well as very rare, zoned magnetite grains with rims enriched in Mg and depleted in Ti relative to the cores. Although no brecciation is visible in the Lafayette meteorite, the presence of deformed twin lamellae in the clinopyroxene indicates some deformation has occurred.

Boctor, N. Z.↗