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At least 127 records · Page 7

Neurobehavioral Effects Of Five-Ion GCRSim Exposure In Male And Female Mice

Exposure to space galactic cosmic radiation is a principal consideration of spaceflight missions, and with upcoming missions to the Moon and Mars, it is increasingly imperative to elucidate the detrimental effects of space travel beyond the lower Earth orbit. Additionally, with the first female astronaut to soon travel to the Moon and beyond lower Earth orbit, there is a strong need to understand the biological sex differences to adaptation to the deep space environment. While the effects of spaceflight on the nervous system are not fully known, studies in animal models have shown that exposure to ionizing radiation can cause neuronal damage and lead to downstream cognitive and behavioral deficits. Therefore, we investigated the neurobehavioral responses to space environment-like radiation exposure. Male and female 23–24-week-old mice (age-matched to average astronaut age) were exposed to 5, 15 and 50 cGy via Five-Ion Galactic Cosmic Ray Simulation at the NASA National Space Radiation Laboratory at Brookhaven National Laboratory. Both early (72hrs post exposure) and late (1-4 months post exposure) cognitive and behavioral deficits were investigated. In-cage behavior was analyzed as frequency/duration of digging, rearing, and grooming and nestlet building using a 5-stage Deacon score. Additionally, at NASA Ames, behavior tests included Catwalk (gait), Zero Maze (anxiety), Adhesive Removal (sensory motor), Novel Object Recognition and Barnes Maze (working memory). There were pronounced sex differences in both early and late time points. Females typically performed the tests better than males, specifically in nestlet building, gait and working memory, though males performed better at the sensory motor (adhesive removal) test. Dose effects were primarily observed at 50 cGy for both sexes, particularly with the Barnes Maze (working memory), where both males and females exposed to 50 cGy showed little to no improvement in test performance, though females again performed better than males. Currently, we are investigating the correlations between the observed behavior and cytokine levels in the plasma and brain. Future studies will continue to investigate cognitive consequences of galactic cosmic radiation in combination with other space-like environment stressors, including antigravity and social versus single housing.

S. Puukila↗

Early And Late Neurobehavioral Effects Of Male And Female Mice Exposed To Five-Ion GCRSim

With upcoming missions to the Moon and beyond to Mars, it is increasingly imperative to elucidate the detrimental effects of space travel beyond the lower Earth orbit, particularly to galactic cosmic radiation. Additionally, with the first female astronaut to soon travel to the Moon there is a strong need to understand the biological sex differences to adaptation to the deep space environment. While the effects of spaceflight on the nervous system are not fully known, studies in animal models have shown that exposure to ionizing radiation can cause neuronal damage and lead to downstream cognitive and behavioral deficits. Here, we investigated the neurobehavioral responses to space environment-like radiation exposure. Male and female 23–24-week-old mice (age-matched to average astronaut age) were exposed to 5, 15 and 50 cGy via Five-Ion Galactic Cosmic Ray Simulation at the NASA National Space Radiation Laboratory at Brookhaven National Laboratory. Both early (72hrs post exposure) and late (1-4 months post exposure) cognitive and behavioral deficits were investigated. Early analysis was performed by observing in-cage behavior including frequency/duration of digging, rearing, and grooming and nestlet building. Additionally, late effects were analyzed at NASA Ames via in-cage behavior as well as Catwalk (gait), Zero Maze (anxiety), Adhesive Removal (sensory motor), Novel Object Recognition and Barnes Maze (working memory). There were pronounced sex differences in both early and late time points. Females scored better than males in nestlet building, gait and working memory while males scored better at the sensory motor (adhesive removal) test. Dose effects were primarily observed at 50 cGy for both sexes, particularly with the Barnes Maze (working memory), where both males and females exposed to 50 cGy showed little to no improvement in test performance, though females again performed better than males. Currently, we are investigating the correlations between the observed behavior and cytokine levels in the plasma and brain. Future studies will continue to investigate cognitive consequences of galactic cosmic radiation in combination with other space-like environment stressors, including antigravity and social versus single housing.

S Puukila↗

NASA Institutional Scientific Collection and Biospecimen Sharing Program at Ames Research Center

For decades, NASA and their international partners have flown and conducted non-human biological experiments in space to understand the effects of spaceflight and address potential biological hazards. It is imperative to understand the basic science and health risks associated with spaceflight, along with developing countermeasures, as humanity ventures back to the Moon, and then to Mars and beyond. Sending organisms into space is a costly endeavor which makes space-flown biological specimens a valuable resource. To enable maximum scientific return, samples not required by the Principal Investigators are harvested, preserved and archived in NASA’s Institutional Scientific Collection (ISC) at Ames Research Center (ARC). These specimens are collected according to well-established SOPs that maintain their quality and integrity. To enable new discoveries, the samples are then made available to the international scientific community through NASA’s Biospecimen Sharing Program (BSP). The NASA ISC currently stores over 32,000 specimens from Shuttle, International Space Station and ground-based investigations. Tissues are predominantly from mice and rats, though samples are also available from bacteria and quail. The specimens include tissues from all biological systems including musculoskeletal, neurosensory, reproductive, respiratory, circulatory, and digestive and are stored at -80°C, -20°C, +4°C, or ambient. Descriptive metadata is available for all samples. Historically, these tissues have been used for a wide range of analyses, including histology, genomics, and transcriptomics. Also available through the ISC are tissue from NASA’s Space Radiation Laboratory. To study the effects of space radiation, researchers irradiate biological specimens and unused samples are made available through the LSDA. These biospecimens and data are made available through the public Life Sciences Data Archive (LSDA) website to promote basic discovery, pre-clinical and clinical science. Visit the NASA ISC-BSP website for more information. Websites: https://lsda.jsc.nasa.gov/ ; https://www.nasa.gov/ames/research/space-biosciences/isc-bsp

Space Flown Biospecimens↗

NASA Institutional Scientific Collection and Biospecimen Sharing Program at Ames Research Center

For decades, NASA and their international partners have flown and conducted non-human biological experiments in space to understand the effects of spaceflight and address potential biological hazards. It is imperative to understand the basic science and health risks associated with spaceflight, along with developing countermeasures, as humanity ventures back to the Moon, and then to Mars and beyond. Sending organisms into space is a costly endeavor which makes space-flown biological specimens a valuable resource. To enable maximum scientific return, samples not required by the Principal Investigators are harvested, preserved and archived in NASA’s Institutional Scientific Collection (ISC) at Ames Research Center (ARC). These specimens are collected according to well-established SOPs that maintain their quality and integrity. To enable new discoveries, the samples are then made available to the international scientific community through NASA’s Biospecimen Sharing Program (BSP). The NASA ISC currently stores over 32,000 specimens from Shuttle, International Space Station and ground-based investigations. Tissues are predominantly from mice and rats, though samples are also available from bacteria and quail. The specimens include tissues from all biological systems including musculoskeletal, neurosensory, reproductive, respiratory, circulatory, and digestive and are stored at -80°C, -20°C, +4°C, or ambient. Descriptive metadata is available for all samples. Historically, these tissues have been used for a wide range of analyses, including histology, genomics, and transcriptomics. Also available through the ISC are tissue from NASA’s Space Radiation Laboratory. To study the effects of space radiation, researchers irradiate biological specimens and unused samples are made available through the LSDA. These biospecimens and data are made available through the public Life Sciences Data Archive (LSDA) website to promote basic discovery, pre-clinical and clinical science. Visit the NASA ISC-BSP website for more information.

Space Flown Biospecimens↗

A state of the art current-septum dipole magnet

Here, the acceleration process of charged particle beams often requires the use of few acceleration stages to provide the beam with the desired energy. The extraction of the beam from one acceleration stage and the injection to the next, both require a special type of magnet which comes under the name septum magnet. Such a magnet generates a strong field in one region and a very low field in another region with the two regions separated by a very thin material (septum). The septum thickness of such a magnet should be as thin as possible to reduce the strength of other devices, like kickers, which are involved in the extraction or injection processes. A thin septum is also advantageous during the slow beam extraction process to reduce the beam losses at the septum. One of the methods which in theory can generate very large differences in field strength in adjacent field regions separated by a thin septum, is the use of two thin parallel current sheets of infinite dimensions. In practice we use other devices that can approximate such an abrupt change of the magnetic field within the septum thickness. In this paper we describe such a device, the DC current septum, we present results from the study of its electromagnetic properties, and we discuss a method to minimize the magnetic field in the region which requires a very small magnetic field. We also provide some results from the experimental measurements of the magnetic field generated by the D6 current septum magnet which is installed in the experimental beam line of the NASA’s Space Radiation Laboratory (NSRL) facility [1],[2] at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL). This septum magnet is part of the beam’s extraction system from the AGS-Booster into the NSRL beam line for material and biological studies.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Backward elastic pd scattering at 316, 364, 470 and 590 MeV

Preliminary results are reported from a part of the data obtained at the NASA Space Radiation Effect Laboratory for the elastic scattering of protons by deuterons in the backward hemisphere. The data is averaged over a proton angle interval which corresponds to the angular resolution on the correlation angle, given the proton bin used in the data analysis.

Alder, J. C.↗

Proton irradiation of stem cells: Radiation damage and chemical radioprotection

Effects of high energy protons on erythropoietic stem cells and radioprotection by chemicals were investigated in NASA Space Radiation Effects Laboratory. The effects of a parallel beam of 600 MeV protons. The fluence, when converted to dose, were referenced to the synchrocyclotron beam monitors which were then used to administer radiation exposures. Mice were given graded doses to 300 rads to determine dose-response curve. Other mice received saline, AET, or 5-hydroxytryptamine 10 to 15 minutes before exposure.

Riley, R. C.↗

Backward elastic pd scattering at 316, 364, 470 and 590 MeV.

The elastic scattering of protons by deuterons in the backward hemisphere was studied at the NASA Space Radiation Effect Laboratory. Preliminary data resulting from this study, which include the proton laboratory scattering angle, the laboratory differential cross section, the proton center-of-mass scattering angle, and the center-of-mass differential cross section, are tabulated, given graphically, and analyzed.

Alder, J. C.↗

Design, performance, and calculated error of a Faraday cup for absolute beam current measurements of 600-MeV protons

A mobile self-contained Faraday cup system for beam current measurments of nominal 600 MeV protons was designed, constructed, and used at the NASA Space Radiation Effects Laboratory. The cup is of reentrant design with a length of 106.7 cm and an outside diameter of 20.32 cm. The inner diameter is 15.24 cm and the base thickness is 30.48 cm. The primary absorber is commercially available lead hermetically sealed in a 0.32-cm-thick copper jacket. Several possible systematic errors in using the cup are evaluated. The largest source of error arises from high-energy electrons which are ejected from the entrance window and enter the cup. A total systematic error of -0.83 percent is calculated to be the decrease from the true current value. From data obtained in calibrating helium-filled ion chambers with the Faraday cup, the mean energy required to produce one ion pair in helium is found to be 30.76 + or - 0.95 eV for nominal 600 MeV protons. This value agrees well, within experimental error, with reported values of 29.9 eV and 30.2 eV.

Beck, S. M.↗

Heavy Ion Testing at the Galactic Cosmic Ray Energy Peak

A 1 GeV/u 5 6Fe ion beam allows for true 90deg tilt irradiations of various microelectronic c-0mponents and reveals relevant upset trends at the GCR Hux energy peak. Three SRAMs and an SRAM-based FPGA evaluated at the NASA Space Radiation Effects Laboratory demonstrate that a 90deg tilt irradiation yields a unique device response. These tilt angle effects need t-0 be screened for, and if found, pursued with radiation transport simulations to quantify their impact on event rate calculations.

Pellish, Jonathan A.↗

Effects Of Five-Ion Galactic Cosmic Radiation Simulation On Immune Function, Brain, And Behavior In Male And Female Mice

Exposure to galactic cosmic radiation is a principal consideration of spaceflight missions, and with upcoming missions to the Moon and Mars, it is increasingly imperative to elucidate the effects of space travel beyond the lower Earth orbit. Additionally, with the first female astronaut to soon travel to the Moon there is a strong need to understand the biological sex differences to adaptation to the deep space environment. While the effects of spaceflight on the nervous system are not fully known, studies in animal models have shown that exposure to ionizing radiation can cause neuronal damage and lead to downstream cognitive and behavioral deficits. To simulate the type of radiation exposure occurring during spaceflight, model organisms can be exposed to relevant doses via Five-Ion Galactic Cosmic Radiation Simulation at the NASA National Space Radiation Laboratory at Brookhaven National Laboratory. We have investigated the neurobehavioral responses to space environment-like radiation exposure. Male and female 23–24-week-old mice (age-matched to average astronaut age) were exposed to 5, 15 and 50 cGy. Following exposure, immune, brain and behavioral (sensorimotor, risk-taking and cognitive) measures were acquired at ‘Acute’ (IR+24hrs, IR+72hrs), ‘Intermediate’ (IR+14 days) and ‘Delayed’ (IR+28 to IR+124 days) to inform biological responses anticipated during a transit to Moon and Mars. There were pronounced sex differences observed in all outcome measurements, while very few radiation induced effects were observed. Those dose effects that were observed were primarily in cytokine expression and less so in behavioral measurements. Further studies will investigate if radiation, microgravity and social isolation combine synergistically to trigger an oxidative stress response that alters immune homeostasis, brain structure/function, and neurobehavioral/cognitive performance, ultimately to characterize risks and identify appropriate countermeasures in both women and men in anticipation of future deep space missions.

Stephanie Puukila↗

SRAG Measurements Performed During the Orion EFT-1 Mission

The Exploration Flight Test 1 (EFT-1) was the first flight of the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV). The flight was launched on December 5, 2014, by a Delta IV Heavy rocket and lasted 4.5 hours. The EFT-1 trajectory involved one low altitude orbit and one high altitude orbit with an apogee of almost 6000 km. As a result of this particular flight profile, the Orion MPCV passed through intense regions of trapped protons and electron belts. In support of the radiation measurements aboard the EFT-1, the Space Radiation Analysis Group (SRAG) provided a Battery-operated Independent Radiation Detector (BIRD) based on Timepix radiation monitoring technology similar to that employed by the ISS Radiation Environmental Monitors (REM). In addition, SRAG provided a suite of optically and thermally stimulated luminescence detectors, with 2 Radiation Area Monitor (RAM) units collocated with the BIRD instrument for comparison purposes, and 6 RAM units distributed at different shielding configurations within the Orion MPCV. A summary of the EFT-1 Radiation Area Monitors (RAM) mission dose results obtained from measurements performed in the Space Radiation Dosimetry Laboratory at the NASA Johnson Space Center will be presented. Each RAM included LiF:Mg,Ti (TLD-100), (6)LiF:Mg,Ti (TLD-600), (7)LiF:Mg,Ti (TLD-700), Al2O3:C (Luxel trademark), and CaF2:Tm (TLD-300). The RAM mission dose values will be compared with the BIRD instrument total mission dose. In addition, a similar comparison will be shown for the ISS environment by comparing the ISS RAM data with data from the six Timepix-based REM units deployed on ISS as part of the NASA REM Technology Demonstration.

Gaza, Ramona↗

NASA Facility for the Study of Space Radiation Effects

Space particulate radiation from the Van Allen belts, solar flares, galactic cosmic, and manmade sources have energies and fluxes which are capable of producing damage in space mission payloads. NASA - Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia, has initiated the construction of a ground-based Space Radiation Effects Laboratory which simulates most of the space particulate energy spectrum and which can be used in a radiation research program for minimizing or eliminating deleterious radiation effects. A 600-megaelectronvolt synchrocyclotron of variable energy and electron accelerators from 1 to 10 megaelectronvolts will be included in the laboratory for accelerated testing. The plan of the proposed test areas reflects the latest advances in the state of the art as it pertains to the engineering and basic experimental requirements in flexibility, radiation background levels, shielding, and isolation. The laboratory operational plan permits three Virginia institutions of higher learning to cooperate with the Langley Research Center in carrying out radiation programs.

RADIATION EFFECT↗

The NASA Microelectronics Space Radiation Effects Program (MSREP) at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory

The primary objective of the Microelectronics Space Radiation Effects Program (MSREP) at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is to assist NASA in the selection of radiation hardened microelectronic parts for insertion in NASA space systems through radiation testing and research. Prior to presenting examples of the research and testing on Single Event Effects (SEE) and Total Ionizing Dose (TID) effects, the space radiation environment and radiation requirements for the CRAFT/Cassini program, a typical JPL space project, are discussed.

Barnes, C.↗

Spaceflight Biospecimen and Data Sharing in Support of Science Discovery and Exploration

For decades, NASA and international partners have conducted biological experiments in space to understand effects of spaceflight and address potential hazards. To enable spaceflight back to the Moon, and then to Mars and beyond, it is imperative to further understand basic science and health risks associated with spaceflight, along with developing countermeasures. The sending of experiments and organisms into space is a costly endeavor. To maximize scientific return, sharing with the scientific community both space-flown biospecimens and data from completed experiments is essential. New fundamental, applied, and bioinformatic science insights can be gained from specimen and data sharing efforts. Data reuse enables spaceflight health risk modeling, analyzing adverse outcomes across spaceflight hazards, and deep space autonomous support for the flight medical officer. Space-flown biospecimens not required by mission Principal Investigators are regularly archived and made available for scientific request. The largest biorepository of these samples are found within NASA’s Institutional Scientific Collection at Ames Research Center (ISC-ARC), which stores over 32,000 specimens mostly from Shuttle and International Space Station (ISS) missions, but also some ground-based analog samples. The Ames Life Sciences Data Archive manages the ISC-ARC. Tissues are predominantly from mice and rats, though samples are also available from bacteria and quail. Only a handful of other similar collections exist worldwide. Rodent biospecimens exposed to simulated space radiation at Brookhaven National Laboratory are archived under the purview of NASA HRP Space Radiation Element. Microbial collection and analyses from 20 years of routine environmental monitoring of air, surfaces, and water systems of the ISS were performed to ensure a safe environment for astronauts. Samples from the ISC-ARC, space radiation and microbial collections are searchable and requestable through the NASA Life Sciences Data Archive (LSDA). Decades of planetary protection microbial isolates derived from spacecraft bioburden are archived in JPL’s microbial collection. Rodent biospecimens from spaceflight investigations conducted by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) are archived and available at the JAXA Biorepository at Tsukuba Space Center. The Russian Institute of Biomedical Problems also has a collection of animal, microbial, cellular, and fungi available for research from ground analog experiments. Several data repositories exist for scientists to utilize. The LSDA is the primary NASA source of life sciences research data and information. It contains decades of spaceflight and ground-analog research involving human, microbial, cellular, plant, and animal subjects. Data is collected from NASA-funded investigations through the Human Research Program and the Space Biology Program. The NASA Lifetime Surveillance of Astronaut Health collects and grants access to clinical and occupational health monitoring data from astronauts, with a list and description of data collected available for request through the LSDA. NASA GeneLab at ARC collects genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic data from any species. It is a repository and platform for collaborative open-science bioinformatic approaches. JAXA is establishing an ‘omics-based repository in collaboration with the Tohoku Medical Megabank (ToMMo), called the JAXA-ToMMo Integrated Biobank for Space Life Science. Overall, the sharing of these biospecimen and data resources can assist researchers worldwide in understanding spaceflight effects on biology, along with enabling next generation data science applications for space exploration platforms. Websites: https://lsda.jsc.nasa.gov/ ; https://www.nasa.gov/ames/research/space-biosciences/isc-bsp ; https://www.nasa.gov/ames/research/space-biosciences/alsda

Ryan T. Scott↗