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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 145 records · Page 8

Rhythmic Mechanisms Governing CAM Photosynthesis in Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi : High-Resolution Temporal Transcriptomics

Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) is a specialized photosynthetic pathway that enhances water-use efficiency by temporally separating nocturnal CO 2 uptake from daytime decarboxylation and carbon fixation. To uncover the regulatory mechanisms coordinating these temporal dynamics, we generated high-resolution, 48 h time-course transcriptomes for the CAM model Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi under both 12 h/12 h light/dark (LD) cycles and continuous light (LL). A rhythmicity analysis revealed that diel light cues are the dominant driver of transcript oscillations: 16,810 genes (54.3% of annotated genes) exhibited rhythmic expression only under LD, whereas just 399 genes (1.3%) remained rhythmic under LL. A smaller set of 3009 genes (9.7%) oscillated in both conditions, indicating that the intrinsic circadian clock sustains rhythmicity for a limited subset of the transcriptome. A gene co-expression network analysis revealed extensive integration between circadian clock components, core CAM pathway enzymes, and stomatal regulators, defining regulatory modules that coordinate metabolic and physiological timing. Notably, key hub genes associated with post-translational and post-transcriptional regulation, including the E3 ubiquitin ligase HUB2 and several pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) proteins, act as central nodes in CAM-associated networks. This discovery implicates epigenetic and organellar regulation as previously unrecognized critical tiers of control in CAM. Together, our results support a regulatory model in which CAM rhythmicity is governed by both external light/dark cues and the endogenous circadian clock through multi-level control spanning transcriptional and protein-level regulation. To support community exploration, we also provide an interactive eFP (electronic Fluorescent Pictograph) browser for visualizing time-resolved gene expression profiles.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

MODIS information, data and control system (MIDACS) level 2 functional requirements

The MODIS Information, Data and Control System (MIDACS) Level 2 Functional Requirements Document establishes the functional requirements for MIDACS and provides a basis for the mutual understanding between the users and the designers of the EosDIS, including the requirements, operating environment, external interfaces, and development plan. In defining the requirements and scope of the system, this document describes how MIDACS will operate as an element of the EOS within the EosDIS environment. This version of the Level 2 Requirements Document follows an earlier release of a preliminary draft version. The sections on functional and performance requirements do not yet fully represent the requirements of the data system needed to achieve the scientific objectives of the MODIS instruments and science teams. Indeed, the team members have not yet been selected and the team has not yet been formed; however, it has been possible to identify many relevant requirements based on the present concept of EosDIS and through interviews and meetings with key members of the scientific community. These requirements have been grouped by functional component of the data system, and by function within each component. These requirements have been merged with the complete set of Level 1 and Level 2 context diagrams, data flow diagrams, and data dictionary.

Han, D.↗

Thrust Stand for Electric Propulsion Performance Evaluation

An electric propulsion thrust stand capable of supporting thrusters with total mass of up to 125 kg and 1 mN to 1 N thrust levels has been developed and tested. The mechanical design features a conventional hanging pendulum arm attached to a balance mechanism that transforms horizontal motion into amplified vertical motion, with accommodation for variable displacement sensitivity. Unlike conventional hanging pendulum thrust stands, the deflection is independent of the length of the pendulum arm, and no reference structure is required at the end of the pendulum. Displacement is measured using a non-contact, optical linear gap displacement transducer. Mechanical oscillations are attenuated using a passive, eddy current damper. An on-board microprocessor-based level control system, which includes a two axis accelerometer and two linear-displacement stepper motors, continuously maintains the level of the balance mechanism - counteracting mechanical %era drift during thruster testing. A thermal control system, which includes heat exchange panels, thermocouples, and a programmable recirculating water chiller, continuously adjusts to varying thermal loads to maintain the balance mechanism temperature, to counteract thermal drifts. An in-situ calibration rig allows for steady state calibration both prior to and during thruster testing. Thrust measurements were carried out on a well-characterized 1 kW Hall thruster; the thrust stand was shown to produce repeatable results consistent with previously published performance data.

Markusic, T. E.↗

Management and control of self-replicating systems: A systems model

In 1980, a conceptual engineering approach to self-replicating systems was achieved. The design was based on von Newmann's kinematic version of self-replicating automata. The systems management and control and the organization of the control elements are reported. After developing the functional requirements of such a system, a hierarchy of three management and control levels is described. These are an autonomous, an external, and an intelligent management and control system. Systems recycling, systems specialization, and information replication are discussed.

Vontiesenhausen, G.↗

Alleviation of whirl-flutter on a joined-wing tilt-rotor aircraft configuration using active controls

The feasibility of using active controls to delay the onset of whirl-flutter on a joined-wing tilt rotor aircraft was investigated. The CAMRAD/JA code was used to obtain a set of linear differential equations which describe the motion of the joined-wing tilt-rotor aircraft. The hub motions due to wing/body motion is a standard input to CAMRAD/JA and were obtained from a structural dynamics model of a representative joined-wing tilt-rotor aircraft. The CAMRAD/JA output, consisting of the open-loop system matrices, and the airframe free vibration motion were input to a separate program which performed the closed-loop, active control calculations. An eigenvalue analysis was performed to determine the flutter stability of both open- and closed-loop systems. Sensor models, based upon the feedback of pure state variables and based upon hub-mounted sensors, providing physically measurable accelerations, were evaluated. It was shown that the onset of tilt-rotor whirl-flutter could be delayed from 240 to above 270 knots by feeding back vertical and span-wise accelerations, measured at the rotor hub, to the longitudinal cyclic pitch. Time response calculations at a 270-knot cruise condition showed an active cyclic pitch control level of 0.009 deg, which equates to a very acceptable 9 pound active-control force applied at the rotor hub.

Vanaken, Johannes M.↗

Universal computer control system (UCCS) for space telerobots

A universal computer control system (UCCS) is under development for all motor elements of a space telerobot. The basic hardware architecture and software design of UCCS are described, together with the rich motor sensing, control, and self-test capabilities of this all-computerized motor control system. UCCS is integrated into a multibus computer environment with direct interface to higher level control processors, uses pulsewidth multiplier power amplifiers, and one unit can control up to sixteen different motors simultaneously at a high I/O rate. UCCS performance capabilities are illustrated by a few data.

Bejczy, Antal K.↗

Prostaglandin E2 Restores Cancellous Bone to Immobilized Limb and Adds Bone to Overloaded Limb in Right Hindlimb Immobilization Rats

The purpose of this study was to determine whether prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) can restore cancellous bone mass and architecture to osteopenic, continuously immobilized (IM), proximal tibial metaphysis (PTM) in female rats. The right hindlimb of three and one-half-month-old Sprague-Dawley female rats were immobilized by right hindlimb immobilization (RHLI) in which the right hindlimb was underloaded and the contralateral left limb was overloaded during ambulation. After 4 or 12 weeks of RHLI, the rats were treated with 3 or 6 mg PGE2/kg/day and RHLI for 8 or 16 weeks. Bone histomorphometry was performed on microradiographs of PTM. Immobilization (IM) induced a transient cancellous bone loss and decreased trabecular thickness, number and node density, and increased free end density that established a new steady state after 4 weeks of IM. Three or 6 mg PGE2/kg/d for 8 weeks beginning at 4 or 12 weeks of IM completely restored cancellous bone mass (+127 to +188 percent) and structure to the age-related control levels in spite of continuous IM. Another 8 weeks of treatment maintained bone mass and architecture at these levels. No differences in cancellous bone mass and architecture were found between the overloaded PTM or RHLI rats and the age-related controls. However, 3 and 6 mg/kg/d of PGE2 treatment started at 4 or 12 weeks for 8 weeks significantly increased cancellous bone mass in the overloaded PTM (+45 to +74% of untreated controls), and another 8 weeks of treatment maintained bone mass at these levels. Our findings indicate that daily 3 or 6 mg PGE2/kg/d treatment restores and maintains PTM cancellous bone mass in continuously immobilized (right) tibiae, and adds and maintains extra bone to slightly overloaded PTM cancellous bone in female rats.

Li, M.↗

Effects of exercise and excitement on mesenteric and renal dynamics in conscious, unrestrained baboons

Radiotelemetry was used to measure arterial pressure and mesenteric and renal blood flows from nine unrestrained, conscious baboons during periods of rest, moderate exercise, and extreme excitement. A description of the experiments hardware is presented, including artificial depressants phenylcyclidine hydrochloride, 0.5-1.0 mg/kg, and pentobarbital sodium, 15 mg/kg, and an ultrasonic telemetry flow meter. Results showed rising heart rate and arterial pressure coupled with a reduction of mesenteric and renal flows as the level of exercise was increased. These findings are compared with mesenteric and renal flows somewhat above control level, but relatively stable heart rate and arterial pressure, postprandially. Attention is given to a quantitative analysis of the experimental results.

Vatner, S. F.↗

Local Data Processing for a Robot Hand

Integrated-circuit microcomputers process signals among sensors, external controls, and end-effector motor. Multiple-microprocessor system within end effector of remote manipulator accepts data from sensors in end effector, commumnicates with external control system, and controls end-effector motor. External system includes central control computer (which interacts with operator) and display. Local dataprocessing system in end effector relieves external control system of some of its computational load and minimizes data communication load with external higher level controller.

Bejczy, A. K.↗

Fluid and electrolyte homeostasis in space - A primate model to look at mechanisms

To elucidate the physiological mechanisms involved in the cardiovascular and renal responses to spaceflight, a ground-based primate model has been developed which uses lower body positive pressure (LBPP) to simulate the chronic central vascular expansion associated with weightlessnes. Four male squirrel monkeys with chronically implanted arterial and venous catheters and the capacity for continuous urine collection were subjected to LBPP for 4 days. Onset of LBPP resulted in an immediate diuresis, natriuresis and kaliuresis and a significant fall in plasma aldosterone and potassium levels. By day 2 the level of natriuresis had decreased by half, while potassium excretion and plasma aldosterone values had returned to control levels despite the persistence of a significantly reduced plasma potassium concentration. It is concluded that the low plasma potassium level appears not to stimulate a compensatory fall in plasma aldosterone because of the simultaneous presence of body volume contraction acting to raise aldosterone levels.

Moore-Ede, M. C.↗

Planning and reasoning in the JPL telerobot testbed

The Telerobot Interactive Planning System is developed to serve as the highest autonomous-control level of the Telerobot Testbed. A recent prototype is described which integrates an operator interface for supervisory control, a task planner supporting disassembly and re-assembly operations, and a spatial planner for collision-free manipulator motion through the workspace. Each of these components is described in detail. Descriptions of the technical problem, approach, and lessons learned are included.

Peters, Stephen↗

The characteristics and limitations of the MPS/MMS battery charging system

A series of tests was conducted on two 12 ampere hour nickel cadmium batteries under a simulated cycle regime using the multiple voltage versus temperature levels designed into the modular power system (MPS). These tests included: battery recharge as a function of voltage control level; temperature imbalance between two parallel batteries; a shorted or partially shorted cell in one of the two parallel batteries; impedance imbalance of one of the parallel battery circuits; and disabling and enabling one of the batteries from the bus at various charge and discharge states. The results demonstrate that the eight commandable voltage versus temperature levels designed into the MPS provide a very flexible system that not only can accommodate a wide range of normal power system operation, but also provides a high degree of flexibility in responding to abnormal operating conditions.

Ford, F. E.↗

Analysis of several glidepath and speed control autopilot concepts for a powered lift STOL aircraft

Longitudinal performance and control utilization data are compared for several different automatic approach autopilot implementations in a powered lift STOL aircraft. As few as two, to as many as four laws reflecting both backside and frontside control techniques. The data are developed from analysis and simulation, but represent configurations which were demonstrated in flight. Transient response characteristics from initial glidepath offsets are presented, along with system operation in turbulence. In furnishing quantitative data in controlled levels of simulated turbulence, these results provide a useful supplement to various flight investigations (including those employing manual control) that involved a comparison of control techniques in this type of aircraft.

Hindson, W. S.↗

Integrated flight/propulsion control study for STOVL applications

The STOVL Integrated Flight Propulsion Controls (IFPC) Program, initiated by NASA Lewis and NASA Ames to develop the necessary technologies for integrating the flight and propulsion controls of a future STOVL aircraft, is described. A major element of the STOVL IFPC Program is the STOVL Controls Integration Program (SCIP), which focuses on the development of an integrated flight propulsion control for the advanced vectored thrust STOVL concept. The SCIP has progressed to the point of generating top level control requirements.

Mihaloew, James R.↗

+Gz tolerance after 14 days bed rest and the effects of rehydration.

Measurement of the reduction in centrifugation tolerance after two weeks of bedrest with moderate daily exercise, with an attempt to determine if rehydration improves +Gz tolerance. There were significant reductions in +Gz tolerance during bedrest periods at three acceleration levels. Rehydration resulted in a significant increase in tolerance at 2.1G but it did not restore tolerance to control levels. Rehydration did not affect tolerance at 3.2G and 3.8G.

Greenleaf, J. E.↗

Hematologic responses to hypobaric hyperoxia.

Study of the effects of hypoxia, activity, and G forces on human hematopoiesis in an attempt to elucidate these phenomena more precisely. Eight subjects were exposed to an atmosphere of 100% O2 at 258 mm Hg for 30 days, and thereafter immediately exposed to transverse G forces, simulating the Gemini flights' reentry profile. All subjects displayed a significant continuous decline in red cell mass during the exposure period, as measured by the carbon monoxide-dilution method. The Cr51 method also indicated a decline in red blood corpuscle mass. The decrease in red cell mass was due to suppression of erythropoiesis and to hemolysis. After exposure to hyperoxia, all subjects exhibited elevated plasma hemoglobin levels, decreased reticulocyte counts, and decreased red cell survivals. CO production rates and urine erythropoietin levels were unchanged. Two hours after termination of exposure to hyperoxia, all subjects exhibited increased reticulocyte counts which were sustained for longer than two weeks. The progressive decrease in red cell mass was promptly arrested on return to ground level atmospheres. Within 116 days after exposure to hyperoxia, the hematologic parameters of all eight subjects had returned to control levels.

Larkin, E. C.↗

An example of requirements for Advanced Subsonic Civil Transport (ASCT) flight control system using structured techniques

The requirements are presented for an Advanced Subsonic Civil Transport (ASCT) flight control system generated using structured techniques. The requirements definition starts from initially performing a mission analysis to identify the high level control system requirements and functions necessary to satisfy the mission flight. The result of the study is an example set of control system requirements partially represented using a derivative of Yourdon's structured techniques. Also provided is a research focus for studying structured design methodologies and in particular design-for-validation philosophies.

Mclees, Robert E.↗