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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 469 records · Page 26
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2014

A Multiple Parameters Biodosimetry Tool with Various Blood Cell Counts - the Hemodose Approach

There continue to be important concerns about the possibility of the occurrence of acute radiation syndromes following nuclear and radiological terrorism or accidents that may result in mass casualties in densely populated areas. To guide medical personnel in their clinical decisions for effective medical management and treatment of the exposed individuals, biological markers are usually applied to examine radiation induced biological changes to assess the severity of radiation injury to sensitive organ systems. Among these the peripheral blood cell counts are widely used to assess the extent of radiation induced bone marrow injury. This is due to the fact that the hematopoietic system is the most vulnerable part of the human body to radiation damage. Particularly, the lymphocyte, granulocyte, and platelet cells are the most radiosensitive of the blood elements, and monitoring their changes after exposure is regarded as a practical and recommended laboratory test to estimate radiation dose and injury. Based upon years of physiological and pathophysiological investigation of mammalian hematopoietic systems, and rigorous coarse-grained bio-mathematical modeling and validation on species from mouse, to dog, monkey, and human, we have developed a set of software tools Hemodose, which can use single or serial granulocyte, lymphocyte, leukocyte, or platelet counts after exposure to estimate absorbed doses of adult victims very rapidly and accurately. Some patient data from historical accidents are utilized as examples to demonstrate the capabilities of these tools as a rapid point-of-care diagnostic or centralized high-throughput assay system in a large-scale radiological disaster scenario. Most significant to the improvement of national and local preparedness of a potential nuclear/radiological disaster, this HemoDose approach establishes robust correlations between the absorbed doses and victim's various types of blood cell counts not only in the early time window (1 or 2 days), but also in the very late phase (up to 4 weeks) after exposure.

Hu, Shaowen↗
DOE OSTI2015

Anthroposophic lifestyle influences the concentration of metals in placenta and cord blood

Allergic diseases develop in genetically susceptible individuals in a complex interplay with the environment, usually early in life. We have previously shown that the anthroposophic lifestyle is associated with reduced risk of allergic disease in children, but details on the influencing environmental factors are largely unknown. This study aims to elucidate if anthroposophic lifestyle influences fetal exposure to selected toxic and essential elements. Randomly selected non-smoking mothers with (n=40) and without (n=40) anthroposophic lifestyle from the prospective birth cohort ALADDIN were included. Concentrations of 12 toxic and essential elements were analyzed in full term placentas and in the erythrocyte fractions of maternal peripheral blood and of umbilical cord blood, using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Cadmium concentrations in maternal blood and placenta were significantly higher in mothers with an anthroposophic lifestyle (p<0.001), while concentrations in cord blood were generally low, irrespective of lifestyle. Cobalt concentrations were higher in both maternal blood, placenta and cord blood in the anthroposophic group. Lead concentrations were higher in maternal blood and cord blood, but not placenta, of mothers with anthroposophic lifestyle. Analysis of covariance, including lifestyle, parity, maternal age, gestational age, vegetarian diet, use of herbal medicine and occupation in the model, showed that mainly the anthroposophic lifestyle was significantly associated with cadmium concentrations. In conclusion, women with an anthroposophic lifestyle had higher concentrations of cadmium, cobalt and lead concentrations. Cadmium concentrations might have been influenced by a diet rich in vegetables and/or low iron status of the mothers. - Highlights: • Toxic elements in mother–newborn pairs in relation to anthroposophic lifestyle. • Anthroposophic lifestyle was associated with higher levels of cadmium, cobalt and lead. • A diet rich in vegetables and/or low iron status may explain observed findings. • Nine other elements showed no differences by lifestyle.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2017

Environmental exposure to human carcinogens in teenagers and the association with DNA damage

Background: We investigated whether human environmental exposure to chemicals that are labeled as (potential) carcinogens leads to increased (oxidative) damage to DNA in adolescents. Material and methods: Six hundred 14–15-year-old youngsters were recruited all over Flanders (Belgium) and in two areas with important industrial activities. DNA damage was assessed by alkaline and formamidopyrimidine DNA glycosylase (Fpg) modified comet assays in peripheral blood cells and analysis of urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels. Personal exposure to potentially carcinogenic compounds was measured in urine, namely: chromium, cadmium, nickel, 1-hydroxypyrene as a proxy for exposure to other carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), t,t-muconic acid as a metabolite of benzene, 2,5-dichlorophenol (2,5-DCP), organophosphate pesticide metabolites, and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) metabolites. In blood, arsenic, polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners 118 and 156, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) were analyzed. Levels of methylmercury (MeHg) were measured in hair. Multiple linear regression models were used to establish exposure-response relationships. Results: Biomarkers of exposure to PAHs and urinary chromium were associated with higher levels of both 8-OHdG in urine and DNA damage detected by the alkaline comet assay. Concentrations of 8-OHdG in urine increased in relation with increasing concentrations of urinary t,t-muconic acid, cadmium, nickel, 2,5-DCP, and DEHP metabolites. Increased concentrations of PFOA in blood were associated with higher levels of DNA damage measured by the alkaline comet assay, whereas DDT was associated in the same direction with the Fpg-modified comet assay. Inverse associations were observed between blood arsenic, hair MeHg, PCB 156 and HCB, and urinary 8-OHdG. The latter exposure biomarkers were also associated with higher fish intake. Urinary nickel and t,t-muconic acid were inversely associated with the alkaline comet assay. Conclusion: This cross-sectional study found associations between current environmental exposure to (potential) human carcinogens in 14–15-year-old Flemish adolescents and short-term (oxidative) damage to DNA. Prospective follow-up will be required to investigate whether long-term effects may occur due to complex environmental exposures. - Highlights: • Exposure to (potential) carcinogens is associated with (oxidative) damage to DNA. • Most associations of exposures are with urinary 8-OHdG. • 1-Hydroxypyrene and chromium are associated with the comet assay and 8-OHdG. • PFOA is associated with higher levels of DNA damage in the alkaline comet assay.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2013

Charmonium and e + e - pair photoproduction at mid-rapidity in ultra-peripheral Pb–Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\mathrm{NN}}} $ = 2.76 TeV

The ALICE Collaboration at the LHC has measured the J/ψ and ψ' photoproduction at mid-rapidity in ultra-peripheral Pb-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\mathrm{NN}}} $ = 2.76 Tev. The charmonium is identified via its leptonic decay for events where the hadronic activity is required to be minimal. The analysis is based on an event sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of about 23 μb -1 . The cross section for coherent and incoherent J/ψ production in the rapidity interval -0.9 < y < 0.9, are dσ coh J/ψ /dy = 2.38 +0.34 –0.24 (sta + sys) mb and dσ inc J/ψ /dy = 0.98 +0.19 –0.17 (sta + sys) mb, respectively. The results are compared to theoretical models for J/ψ production and the coherent cross section is found to be in good agreement with those models incorporating moderate nuclear gluon shadowing at Bjorken-x around 10 –3 , such as EPS09 parametrization. In addition the cross section for the process γγ→e + e – has been measured and found to be in agreement with models implementing QED at leading order.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2019

Energy dependence of exclusive $$\mathrm {J}/\psi $$ J / ψ photoproduction off protons in ultra-peripheral p–Pb collisions at $$\sqrt{s_{\mathrm {\scriptscriptstyle NN}}} = 5.02$$ s NN = 5.02 TeV

The ALICE Collaboration has measured the energy dependence of exclusive photoproduction of J / ψ vector mesons off proton targets in ultra–peripheral p–Pb collisions at a centre-of-mass energy per nucleon pair sNN=5.02 TeV. The e + e - and μ + μ - decay channels are used to measure the cross section as a function of the rapidity of the J / ψ in the range - 2.5 < y< 2.7 , corresponding to an energy in the γp centre-of-mass in the interval 40 < W γp < 550 GeV. The measurements, which are consistent with a power law dependence of the exclusive J / ψ photoproduction cross section, are compared to previous results from HERA and the LHC and to several theoretical models. They are found to be compatible with previous measurements.

Acharya, S.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Effect of upright tilt on ventricular/vascular coupling in chronically instrumented primates

Studies of the hydraulic loading conditions on the heart in humans, especially pulsatile load, have primarily been limited to the supine state. Therefore, we have chosen a nonhuman primate model, the baboon, to assess left ventricular/vascular coupling in both supine and upright positions. Primate subjects were studied by catheterization under sedation and then after surgical implantation of transducers. This allowed the evaluation of postural stress in the chronically instrumented conscious baboon and then after light dissociative doses of ketamine. Basic hemodynamic variables were evaluated for baboons in supine and upright positions. Fourier analysis was applied to aortic pressure and flow to obtain input and characteristic impedance and the ratio of pulsatile (Wp) to total (Wt) left ventricular power (Wp/Wt). The aortic reflected, or backward, pressure was also calculated. Peripheral resistance increased (P = 0.01) and reflected pressure decreased (17.74 +/- 1.50 vs. 15.21 +/- 2 mmHg; P < 0.01) in upright subjects. Characteristic impedance and Wp/Wt were unchanged. Postoperatively, peripheral resistance increased (2,651 +/- 311 vs. 3,667 +/- 276; P < 0.05) and mean power and Wt decreased (P < 0.01) without changes in reflected pressure. All variables were unchanged after light dissociative doses of ketamine. Thus there is no significant change in efficiency of left ventricular/vascular coupling formulated in terms of Wp/Wt or input impedance with postural stress.

NASA Program Space Physiology and Countermeasures↗
DOE OSTI2025

Model Development and Analysis of a High-Fidelity Neutron Transport Sensor: The Quadrupole Detector Concept for Measurement of the Neutron Flux Gradient

Accurate reconstruction of the neutron flux distribution within a reactor core is essential for safe and efficient reactor operation. Traditional power shape synthesis in Light Water Reactors relies on hundreds of in-core detectors. However, this approach becomes impractical for Advanced Reactors and Microreactors due to limited space and harsh environments. To address this challenge, we propose a data-driven methodology that combines high-fidelity modeling with real-time ex-core sensor measurements, enabling the reconstruction of core power distribution while minimizing the reliance on intrusive in-core instrumentation. This project began in FY24 and achieved two initial milestones: (1) the definition of a three-year development plan for a Digital Twin framework and (2) the development of high-fidelity neutronics models of the Purdue University Reactor One (PUR-1) using both MCNP6 and OpenMC. The PUR-1 reactor, a zero-power facility, was selected due to its suitability for neutronics-focused modeling and the availability of experimental data for validation. Both models were benchmarked using neutron flux measurements obtained from irradiated gold foils, which were strategically placed within the core during a dedicated campaign in July 2024. This report marks the continuation and completion of those foundational tasks. The OpenMC model has been refined (improved geometric accuracy, expanded cross-section libraries, and refined sampling) and validated using additional experimental data. An updated sensor design—based on quadrupole configuration—was designed to measure both ex-core flux and its spatial gradient. These measurements will serve as inputs to a neural network-based reconstruction algorithm. Finally, the methodology was demonstrated on a two-dimensional test case representative of the heterogeneous material composition of the PUR-1 reactor core. A neural network implementation of the Kirchhoff-Helmholtz integral equation was employed to solve the boundary value problem using peripheral sensor measurements. The preliminary results confirm the strong potential of the proposed approach for accurate and minimally invasive neutron flux reconstruction.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2016

RAPID PENUMBRA AND LORENTZ FORCE CHANGES IN AN X1.0 SOLAR FLARE

We present observations of the violent changes in photospheric magnetic structures associated with an X1.1 flare, which occurred in a compact δ-configuration region in the following part of AR 11890 on 2013 November 8. In both central and peripheral penumbra regions of the small δ sunspot, these changes took place abruptly and permanently in the reverse direction during the flare: the inner/outer penumbra darkened/disappeared, where the magnetic fields became more horizontal/vertical. Particularly, the Lorentz force (LF) changes in the central/peripheral region had a downward/upward and inward direction, meaning that the local pressure from the upper atmosphere was enhanced/released. It indicates that the LF changes might be responsible for the penumbra changes. These observations can be well explained as the photospheric response to the coronal field reconstruction within the framework of the magnetic implosion theory and the back reaction model of flares.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2016

Polyhedral 3D structure of human plasma very low density lipoproteins by individual particle cryo-electron tomography

Human VLDLs assembled in the liver and secreted into the circulation supply energy to peripheral tissues. VLDL lipolysis yields atherogenic LDLs and VLDL remnants that strongly correlate with CVD. Although the composition of VLDL particles has been well-characterized, their 3D structure is elusive because of their variations in size, heterogeneity in composition, structural flexibility, and mobility in solution. Here, we employed cryo-electron microscopy and individual-particle electron tomography to study the 3D structure of individual VLDL particles (without averaging) at both below and above their lipid phase transition temperatures. The 3D reconstructions of VLDL and VLDL bound to antibodies revealed an unexpected polyhedral shape, in contrast to the generally accepted model of a spherical emulsion-like particle. The smaller curvature of surface lipids compared with HDL may also reduce surface hydrophobicity, resulting in lower binding affinity to the hydrophobic distal end of the N-terminal β-barrel domain of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) compared with HDL. The directional binding of CETP to HDL and VLDL may explain the function of CETP in transferring TGs and cholesteryl esters between these particles. This first visualization of the 3D structure of VLDL could improve our understanding of the role of VLDL in atherogenesis.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2012

Investigating the dosimetric and tumor control consequences of prostate seed loss and migration

Purpose: Low dose-rate brachytherapy is commonly used to treat prostate cancer. However, once implanted, the seeds are vulnerable to loss and movement. The goal of this work is to investigate the dosimetric and radiobiological effects of the types of seed loss and migration commonly seen in prostate brachytherapy. Methods: Five patients were used in this study. For each patient three treatment plans were created using Iodine-125, Palladium-103, and Cesium-131 seeds. The three seeds that were closest to the urethra were identified and modeled as the seeds lost through the urethra. The three seeds closest to the exterior of prostatic capsule were identified and modeled as those lost from the prostate periphery. The seed locations and organ contours were exported from Prowess and used by in-house software to perform the dosimetric and radiobiological evaluation. Seed loss was simulated by simultaneously removing 1, 2, or 3 seeds near the urethra 0, 2, or 4 days after the implant or removing seeds near the exterior of the prostate 14, 21, or 28 days after the implant. Results: Loss of one, two or three seeds through the urethra results in a D{sub 90} reduction of 2%, 5%, and 7% loss, respectively. Due to delayed loss of peripheral seeds, the dosimetric effects are less severe than for loss through the urethra. However, while the dose reduction is modest for multiple lost seeds, the reduction in tumor control probability was minimal. Conclusions: The goal of this work was to investigate the dosimetric and radiobiological effects of the types of seed loss and migration commonly seen in prostate brachytherapy. The results presented show that loss of multiple seeds can cause a substantial reduction of D{sub 90} coverage. However, for the patients in this study the dose reduction was not seen to reduce tumor control probability.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Performance Audit Report: Automated Meteorological Monitoring Stations, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

The Waste and Air Quality Offices Group at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory operates two main meteorological monitoring sites near Livermore, California. The primary met tower (Site 200) is located in the northwest corner of the lab and consists of a fifty-two (52) meter tower with vertical wind speed sensors, horizontal wind speed and direction sensors and air temperature sensors at fifty-two (52) meters, twenty-three (23) meters and ten (10) meters. In addition, there is a temperature and humidity probe at ten (10) meters. At two (2) meters there are upward and downward facing solar and infrared radiation sensors, an air temperature sensor, barometric pressure sensor and a temperature and relative humidity probe. At ground level there is a tipping bucket rain gauge located to the southwest of the tower. The datalogger, communication peripherals and the barometric pressure sensor are housed in a small building near the tower. The Site 300 met site is located approximately 10 miles east of Livermore within the boundary of the LLNL blast test site. This site also consists of a 52-meter tower which is configured the same as the 52-meter tower at Site 200. There is also a building at this site that houses the datalogger, communication peripherals and the barometric pressure sensor. At both Site 200 and Site 300, data are collected by Ethernet with telephone modem collection as a backup. The data collection interval for both sites is fifteen (15) minutes via workstations running Loggernet software located at the main lab facility. The audits of the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory’s two automated meteorological stations located near Livermore, California were performed on October 24 & 25, 2023. These audits were performed under the guidelines of the Quality Assurance Handbook for Air Pollution Measurement Systems, Volume IV, Version 2 and the On-Site Meteorological Program Guidance for Regulatory Modeling Applications, U.S. EPA.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS2014

HEMODOSE: A Set of Multi-parameter Biodosimetry Tools

There continues to be important concerns of the possibility of the occurrence of acute radiation syndromes following nuclear and radiological terrorism or accidents that may result in mass casualties in densely populated areas. To guide medical personnel in their clinical decisions for effective medical management and treatment of the exposed individuals, biological markers are usually applied to examine radiation induced biological changes to assess the severity of radiation injury to sensitive organ systems. Among these the peripheral blood cell counts are widely used to assess the extent of radiation induced bone marrow (BM) injury. This is due to the fact that hematopoietic system is a vulnerable part of the human body to radiation damage. Particularly, the lymphocyte, granulocyte, and platelet cells are the most radiosensitive of the blood elements, and monitoring their changes after exposure is regarded as a practical and recommended laboratory test to estimate radiation dose and injury. In this work we describe the HEMODOSE web tools, which are built upon solid physiological and pathophysiological understanding of mammalian hematopoietic systems, and rigorous coarse-grained biomathematical modeling and validation. Using single or serial granulocyte, lymphocyte, leukocyte, or platelet counts after exposure, these tools can estimate absorbed doses of adult victims very rapidly and accurately to assess the severity of BM radiation injury. Some patient data from historical accidents are utilized as examples to demonstrate the capabilities of these tools as a rapid point-of-care diagnostic or centralized high-throughput assay system in a large-scale radiological disaster scenario. HEMODOSE web tools establish robust correlations between the absorbed doses and victim's various types of blood cell counts not only in the early time window (1 or 2 days), but also in very late phase (up to 4 weeks) after exposure.

Hu, Shaowen↗
DOE OSTI2015

Macrophage-derived microvesicles promote proliferation and migration of Schwann cell on peripheral nerve repair

Background: Macrophages have been implicated in peripheral nerve regeneration. However, whether macrophages-derived microvesicles (MVs) are involved in this process remains unknown. In the present study, the effects of macrophages-derived MVs on proliferation and migration of Schwann cells (SCs) were evaluated in both in vitro and in vivo. Methods: Human monocytic leukaemia cell line (THP-1) was successfully driven to M1 and M2 phenotypes by delivery of either IFN-γ or IL-4, respectively. SCs incubated with M1 or M2 macrophages-derived MVs, the cell migration and proliferation were assessed, and expression levels of nerve growth factor (NGF) and Laminin were measured. A rat model of sciatic nerve was established and the effects of macrophages-derived MVs on nerve regeneration were investigated. Results: M2-derived MVs elevated migration, proliferation, NFG and Laminin protein levels of SCs compared with M1-or M0-derived MVs. The relative expression levels of miR-223 were also increased in M2 macrophages and M2-derived MVs. Transfected M2 macrophages with miR-223 inhibitor then co-incubated with SCs, an inhibition of cell migration and proliferation and a down-regulated levels of NFG and Laminin protein expression were observed. In vivo, M2-derived MVs significantly increased the infiltration and axon number of SCs. Conclusion: M2-derived MVs promoted proliferation and migration of SCs in vitro and in vivo, which provided a therapeutic strategy for nerve regeneration. - Highlights: • M2 macrophages-derived MVs elevated migration and proliferation of SCs. • M2 macrophages-derived MVs up-regulated NFG and Laminin expression of SCs. • MiR-223 expression was increased in M2 macrophages-derived MVs. • MiR-223 inhibitor reduced migration and proliferation of SCs co-incubated with MVs. • MiR-223 inhibitor down-regulated NFG and Laminin levels of SCs co-incubated with MVs.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2015

Exercise suppresses tumor growth through epinephrine- and IL-6-dependent mobilization and redistribution of NK cells

Regular exercise reduces the risk of cancer and disease recurrence. Yet the mechanisms behind this protection remain to be elucidated. In this study, tumor-bearing mice randomized to voluntary wheel running showed significant exercise related reduction in tumor incidence and growth across several tumor models including transplantable tumors (Lewis lung and B16 melanoma), chemically (diethylnitrosamine (DEN) induced liver cancer, and a model of spontaneous melanoma (Tg(Grm1)EPv transgenic mice). Microarray analysis revealed exercise-induced up-regulation of pathways associated with immune function, prompting further investigations. NK cell infiltration was significantly increased in tumors from exercising mice, and depletion of NK cells by anti-asialo-GM1 administration increased tumor growth and blunted the exercise-dependent tumor suppression. Mechanistic analyses showed that NK cells were engaged through an epinephrine-dependent mobilization, and blockade of this response by ß-adrenergic blockade blunted the exercise-dependent tumor inhibition. Moreover, exercise-induced IL-6 facilitated redistribution of NK cells to peripheral tissues and induced a shift towards more cytotoxic (CD11b-, CD27+) NK cells at the tumor site. Together these results link exercise, epinephrine and IL-6 to NK cell mobilization and activation, and ultimately to improved control of tumor growth.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

Intestinal single-cell atlas reveals novel lymphocytes in pigs with similarities to human cells

Lymphocytes can heavily influence intestinal health, but resolving intestinal lymphocyte function is challenging as the intestine contains a vastly heterogeneous mixture of cells. Pigs are an advantageous biomedical model, but deeper understanding of intestinal lymphocytes is warranted to improve model utility. Twenty-six cell types were identified in the porcine ileum by single-cell RNA sequencing and further compared with cells in human and murine ileum. Though general consensus of cell subsets across species was revealed, some porcine-specific lymphocyte subsets were identified. Differential tissue dissection and in situ analyses conferred spatial context, revealing similar locations of lymphocyte subsets in Peyer’s patches and epithelium in pig-to-human comparisons. Like humans, activated and effector lymphocytes were abundant in the ileum but not periphery of pigs, suggesting tissue-specific and/or activation-associated gene expression. Gene signatures for peripheral and ileal innate lymphoid cells newly discovered in pigs were defined and highlighted similarities to human innate lymphoid cells. Overall, we reveal novel lymphocyte subsets in pigs and highlight utility of pigs for intestinal research applications.

Life Sciences & Biomedicine - Other Topics↗
DOE OSTI2014

Accurate Gene Expression-Based Biodosimetry Using a Minimal Set of Human Gene Transcripts

Purpose: Rapid and reliable methods for conducting biological dosimetry are a necessity in the event of a large-scale nuclear event. Conventional biodosimetry methods lack the speed, portability, ease of use, and low cost required for triaging numerous victims. Here we address this need by showing that polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on a small number of gene transcripts can provide accurate and rapid dosimetry. The low cost and relative ease of PCR compared with existing dosimetry methods suggest that this approach may be useful in mass-casualty triage situations. Methods and Materials: Human peripheral blood from 60 adult donors was acutely exposed to cobalt-60 gamma rays at doses of 0 (control) to 10 Gy. mRNA expression levels of 121 selected genes were obtained 0.5, 1, and 2 days after exposure by reverse-transcriptase real-time PCR. Optimal dosimetry at each time point was obtained by stepwise regression of dose received against individual gene transcript expression levels. Results: Only 3 to 4 different gene transcripts, ASTN2, CDKN1A, GDF15, and ATM, are needed to explain ≥0.87 of the variance (R{sup 2}). Receiver-operator characteristics, a measure of sensitivity and specificity, of 0.98 for these statistical models were achieved at each time point. Conclusions: The actual and predicted radiation doses agree very closely up to 6 Gy. Dosimetry at 8 and 10 Gy shows some effect of saturation, thereby slightly diminishing the ability to quantify higher exposures. Analyses of these gene transcripts may be advantageous for use in a field-portable device designed to assess exposures in mass casualty situations or in clinical radiation emergencies.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗
NASA NTRS1995

Catecholaminergic effects of prolonged head-down bed rest

Prolonged head-down bed rest (HDBR) provides a model for examining responses to chronic weightlessness in humans. Eight healthy volunteers underwent HDBR for 2 wk. Antecubital venous blood was sampled for plasma levels of catechols [norepinephrine (NE), epinephrine, dopamine, dihydroxyphenylalanine, dihydroxyphenylglycol, and dihydroxyphenylacetic acid] after supine rest on a control (C) day and after 4 h and 7 and 14 days of HDBR. Urine was collected after 2 h of supine rest during day C, 2 h before HDBR, and during the intervals 1-4, 4-24, 144-168 (day 7), and 312-336 h (day 14) of HDBR. All subjects had decreased plasma and blood volumes (mean 16%), atriopeptin levels (31%), and peripheral venous pressure (26%) after HDBR. NE excretion on day 14 of HDBR was decreased by 35% from that on day C, without further trends as HDBR continued, whereas plasma levels were only variably and nonsignificantly decreased. Excretion rates of dihydroxyphenylglycol and dihydroxyphenylalanine decreased slightly during HDBR; excretion rates of epinephrine, dopamine, and dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and plasma levels of catechols were unchanged. The results suggest that HDBR produces sustained inhibition of sympathoneural release, turnover, and synthesis of NE without affecting adrenomedullary secretion or renal dopamine production. Concurrent hypovolemia probably interferes with detection of sympathoinhibition by plasma levels of NE and other catechols in this setting. Sympathoinhibition, despite decreased blood volume, may help to explain orthostatic intolerance in astronauts returning from spaceflights.

Non-NASA Center↗
NASA NTRS2020

Motion Sickness and Concerns for Urban Air Mobility Vehicles: A Literature Review

Motion sickness is a general term for a constellation of signs and symptoms, generally due to exposure to abrupt, periodic, or unnatural accelerations, especially when traveling in a vehicle. Motion sickness results from a mismatch of the visual and nonvisual (vestibular and kinesthetic) information, the observed scene and the motion felt or lack of it. Motion sickness onset is associated with a pattern of physiological changes in heart rate, peripheral blood flow, respiration, and skin conductance and the pattern is repeatable for a particular subject but variable between subjects. Demographic factors such as gender and age that affect motion sickness are well known with children, women, and older adults more likely to be susceptible. Often motion sickness is assessed and quantified using variations of the motion sickness susceptibility questionnaires including the Pensacola Diagnostic Rating Scale and the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire. Even though symptoms are easily identified by such questionnaires, they commonly are subjective. Tools such as these questionnaires for screening individuals susceptible to motion sickness are useful, however, they are only mildly predictive. Moreover, models for predicting motion sickness, which have largely been developed for sea sickness, do not consider task characteristics. Predictions of motion sickness rates and prevalence for Urban Air Mobility (UAM) vehicles are not possible at present because data from actual flight or full-fidelity simulation are simply not yet available. Extrapolation from other modes of transportation (i.e., automobiles, buses, trains, boats, other types of aircraft) is difficult because of differences in the motion stimulus experienced, trip duration, and other factors. How UAM vehicles will change the social dynamics of passenger interaction and vehicle interior design changes (e.g., seat orientations) is unknown. Should motion sickness prove to be an issue, vehicle design modifications such as having passengers face forward, providing additional seat recline, giving each person their own climate control for airflow, perhaps ensuring the horizon is visible to all passengers (reducing visual occlusion by the headrest) and visually stabilizing displays on carry-on devices (smart phones, tablets, etc.) may benefit passengers. Several commercial companies provide wearable devices for physiological monitoring that have been validated and are suitable for use with passengers in UAM vehicles or high-fidelity simulators. Potential countermeasures for motion sickness include user-worn devices, anti-motion sickness medications, and non-pharmacological approaches such as biofeedback and Autogenic Feedback Training Exercise. Both simulator and in-vehicle UAM research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of any potential countermeasure.

motion sickness↗