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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 NTRS1998

Simulated Microgravity Induced Cytoskeletal Rearrangements are Modulated by Protooncogenes

Microgravity is the environment living systems encounter during space flight and gravitational unloading is the effect of this environment on living systems. The cell, being a multiphasic chemical system, is a useful starting point to study the potential impact of gravity unloading on physiological function. In the absence of gravity, sedimentation of organelles including chromosomes, mitochondria, nuclei, the Golgi apparatus, vacuoles, and the endoplasmic reticulum may be affected. Most of these organelles, however, are somewhat held in place by cytoskeleton. Hansen and Igber suggest that intermediate filaments act to stabilize the nuleus against rotational movement, and integrate cell and nuclear structure. The tensegrity theory supports the idea that mechanical or physical forces alters the cytoskeletal structures of a cell resulting in the changes in cell: matrix interactions and receptor-signaling coupling. This type of stress to the cytoskeleton may be largely responsible regulating cell shape, growth, movement and metabolism. Mouse MC3T3 El cells under microgravity exhibited significant cytoskeletal changes and alterations in cell growth. The alterations in cytoskeleton architecture may be due to changes in the expression of actin related proteins or integrins. Philopott and coworkers reported on changes in the distribution of microtubule and cytoskeleton elements in the cells of heart tissue from space flight rats and those centrifuged at 1.7g. Other researchers have showed that microgravity reduced EGF-induced c-fos and c-jun expression compared to 1 g controls. Since c-fos and c-jun are known regulators of cell growth, it is likely that altered signal transduction involving protooncogenes may play a crucial role in the reduced growth and alterations in cytoskeletal arrangements found during space flight. It is clear that a microgravity environment induces a number of changes in cell shape, cell surface molecules, gene expression, and cytoskeletal reorganization. However the underlying mechanism for these cellular changes have not been clearly defined. We examined alterations in endothelial migration, and cytoskeleton architecture (microfilamentous f-actin and vimentin-rich- intermediate filaments) following wounding under simulated microgravity. We also examined the possibility that altered signal transduction pathways, involving protooncogenes, may play a crucial role in microgravity-induced retardation of cell migration and alterations in cytoskeletal organization. We hypothesize that, based on the tensegrity theory, cytoskeletal organization respond to gravitational unloading and through this response, cell behavior, function and gene expression are modified.

Melhado, C. D.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Characteristics of central collision events in Fe-nucleus interactions for 20 - 60 GeV/nucleon

A counter emulsion hybrid chamber in Japanese-American Cooperative Emulsion Experiment (JACEE-3) was flown on a balloon at the altitude (5.4 g/sq cm) in 1982 with the objective of probing the heavy nuclear collisions above 20 GeV per nucleon. In the energy region, it is suggested that nucleus-nucleus collisions provide dense collisions complex through compression and secondary particle production. In the lower energy region, an evidence of collective flow has been reported. And also, at higher energy region, it has been argued that nucleus has rather large stopping power. In this paper, the high multiplicity characteristics of Fe nucleus central collisions with energies 20 to 50 GeV/nucleon are presented. This is considered to be relevant to compressibility and collective flow of nuclear matter.

Burnett, T. H.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Search for anomalons using plastic nuclear track detectors

A stack of CR39 track detectors containing Ag foils was exposed to 1.7 GeV/nucleon Fe-56 beam and the anomalous mean free path effect investigated. Neither the whole set of 7517 nor a subset of 2542 interacting fragments produced probably in the Ag target show an effect. By combining the data of this and an earlier experiment we can also exclude an effect for 3219 interacting fragments produced in delta Z=1 collisions.

Heinrich, W.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Interactions of silicate glasses with aqueous environments under conditions of prolonged contact and flow

This paper discusses mechanisms involving saturation and reactions that lead to the formation of altered phases in silicate glasses considered for use in geologic repositories for nuclear waste. It is shown that the rate of dissolution of silicate glasses exposed to a broad range of contact times, leachant compositions, and surface-to-volume ratios is strongly affected by the presence of reactive species such as Al, Mg, and Fe. The reactive materials may originate in the leachant or, under conditions of high surface-to-volume ratio, in the glass itself. The effects of glass composition on the course of the corrosion process can be viewed in terms of the formation of a surface layer on the leached glass; the type, composition, and structure of this layer control the dissolution behavior of the glass.

Barkatt, Aaron↗
NASA NTRS2002

A method for calculating proton-nucleus elastic cross-sections

Recently [Nucl. Instr. and Meth. B 145 (1998) 277; Extraction of in-medium nucleon-nucleon amplitude from experiment, NASA-TP, 1998], we developed a method of extracting nucleon-nucleon (N-N) cross-sections in the medium directly from experiment. The in-medium N-N cross-sections form the basic ingredients of several heavy-ion scattering approaches including the coupled-channel approach developed at the NASA Langley Research Center. We investigated [Proton-nucleus total cross-sections in coupled-channel approach, NASA/TP, 2000; Nucl. Instr. and Meth. B 173-174 (2001) 391] the ratio of real to imaginary part of the two body scattering amplitude in the medium. These ratios are used in combination with the in-medium N-N cross-sections to calculate proton-nucleus elastic cross-sections. The agreement is excellent with the available experimental data. These cross-sections are needed for the radiation risk assessment of space missions. c2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

NASA Center LaRC↗
NASA NTRS2002

Hubble Space Telescope Imaging of the Circumnuclear Environments of the CfA Seyfert Galaxies: Nuclear Spirals and Fueling

We present archival Hubble Space Telescope (HST) images of the nuclear regions of 43 of the 46 Seyfert galaxies found in the volume limited,spectroscopically complete CfA Redshift Survey sample. Using an improved method of image contrast enhancement, we created detailed high-quality " structure maps " that allow us to study the distributions of dust, star clusters, and emission-line gas in the circumnuclear regions (100-1000 pc scales) and in the associated host galaxy. Essentially all of these Seyfert galaxies have circumnuclear dust structures with morphologies ranging from grand-design two-armed spirals to chaotic dusty disks. In most Seyfert galaxies there is a clear physical connection between the nuclear dust spirals on hundreds of parsec scales and large-scale bars and spiral arms in the host galaxies proper. These connections are particularly striking in the interacting and barred galaxies. Such structures are predicted by numerical simulations of gas flows in barred and interacting galaxies and may be related to the fueling of active galactic nuclei by matter inflow from the host galaxy disks. We see no significant differences in the circumnuclear dust morphologies of Seyfert 1s and 2s, and very few Seyfert 2 nuclei are obscured by large-scale dust structures in the host galaxies. If Sevfert 2s are obscured Sevfert Is, then the obscuration must occur on smaller scales than those probed by HST.

Pogge, Richard W.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Numerical simulation of tornado wind loading on structures

A numerical simulation of a tornado interacting with a building was undertaken in order to compare the pressures due to a rotational unsteady wind with that due to steady straight winds used in design of nuclear facilities. The numerical simulations were performed on a two-dimensional compressible hydrodynamics code. Calculated pressure profiles for a typical building were then subjected to a tornado wind field and the results were compared with current quasisteady design calculations. The analysis indicates that current design practices are conservative.

Maiden, D. E.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Thermochemistry of Aerospace Materials

The reliability and development of aerospace materials in extreme environments relies on a comprehensive understanding of their thermochemical properties. Such properties are commonly used for equilibrium phase stability calculations of interactions with corrosive environments at very high temperatures. These calculations can lead to in-depth understanding of degradation mechanisms in both coatings and components for applications such as nuclear thermal propulsion and gas turbine engines, both of which are part of NASA’s current R&D focus for improving propulsion systems for aerospace missions. The first part of this talk summarizes and discuss our current thermochemical calculations of the behavior of ceramic-ceramic (cercer) UN-based fuels and their coating systems during nuclear thermal rocket operation. The second part of the talk summarizes and discuss the energetics of reactions of ceramic coating materials and their binary oxide components with silicate melts measured by high temperature reaction calorimetry.

Nuclear Thermal propulsion↗
NASA NTRS1997

Light element production by low energy nuclei from massive stars

The Orion complex is a source of gamma rays attributed to the de-excitation of fast carbon and oxygen nuclei excited through interactions with ambient hydrogen and helium. This has consequences for the production and evolution of light isotopes in the Galaxy, as massive stars appear as prolific sources of C-O rich low energy nuclei. The different stages of massive star evolution are considered in relation to the acceleration of nuclei to moderate energies. It is concluded that the low energy nuclear component originating from massive stars plays a larger role than the usual Galactic cosmic rays in shaping the evolution of Li-6, Be-9, B-10 and B-11, especially in the early Galactic evolution. The enhancement of the B-11/B-10 ratio observed in meteorites and in the interstellar medium is attributed to the interaction of low energy carbon nuclei with ambient H and to a lesser degree, to neutrino spallation.

Vangioni-Flam, E.↗
NASA NTRS2022

Final Report - Hypergravity Effects on Chromatin Conformation and Nuclear Structure in Cultured Cells using High-throughput Sequencing

The conformation of the human genome is known to play an important role in transcriptional control of gene expression. Our aim is to assess whether exposure of cultured human cardiomyocytes to hypergravity can induce changes in chromatin organization as assayed by Hi-C proximity ligation technique. Hi-C is used to analyze chromatin interactions by using formaldehyde to crosslink regions of chromatin that are in close proximity. The DNA is then fragmented using a restriction enzyme and ligated under dilute conditions to favor intramolecular ligation of cross-linked fragments. Finally, the DNA is sequenced, allowing reconstruction of genomic structure. iCell cardiomyocyte cultures will be exposed to 40 g via an engineered device (incu-fuge) that allows for the chemical fixation of cells on a spinning centrifuge. Additionally, we plan on using fluorescence microscopy to analyze the nuclear and actin cytoskeletal conformation of cardiomyocytes post hypergravity exposure. We hypothesize that chromatin will rearrange in hypergravity conditions, both rapidly due to direct mechanical forces, as well as over longer time frames due to changes to structures necessary for transcriptional responses such as the de novo formation of promoter-enhancer loops. A negative result–no change between 1 g and hypergravity conditions–would nevertheless be an important data point in our understanding of the rheology of the nucleus, and how cells and cellular structures respond to different gravity fields. The cellular physiology of hypergravity has clinical relevance for spaceflight, and can further inform our understanding of microgravity physiology.

chromatin↗
NASA NTRS1985

Estimation of the total inelasticity coefficient in interaction of greater than or equal to 20 TeV hadrons with lead

Experimental data on the interaction mean free path of hadrons with energy E 20 TeV in lead obtained with multilayer X-ray emulsion chambers(XEC) are compared with results of simulation of nuclear-electromagnetic cascades in lead chamber. It is shown that, to explain experimental data, the value of the inelasticity coefficients, K .8 should be assumed.

Kanevsky, B. L.↗
NASA NTRS1987

A statistical analysis of the Einstein normal galaxy sample. III - Radio and X-ray properties of elliptical and S0 galaxies

Radioastronomy, optical and X-ray data were used to probe the cause of high X-ray luminosities of 28 radio-quiet elliptical galaxies (RQE) and S0 galaxies previously scanned by the Einstein Observatory. Comparisons were made with similar data on double-lobed 3CR galaxies. Radio luminosities were highly correlated with the X-ray luminosities, agreeing with models of radio nuclear sources in early-type galaxies as accreting compact objects. Additionally, 3CR galaxies seemed to be large-scale versions of normal RQE. The significance of interstellar medium/intracluster medium interactions for high correlations between the core and total radio power from X-ray emitting galaxies is discussed.

Fabbiano, G.↗
NASA NTRS1989

A complete sample of double-lobed radio quasars for VLBI tests of source models - Definition and statistics

A complete, flux-density-limited sample of double-lobed radio quasars is defined, with nuclei bright enough to be mapped with the Mark III VLBI system. It is shown that the statistics of linear size, nuclear strength, and curvature are consistent with the assumption of random source orientations and simple relativistic beaming in the nuclei. However, these statistics are also consistent with the effects of interaction between the beams and the surrounding medium. The distribution of jet velocities in the nuclei, as measured with VLBI, will provide a powerful test of physical theories of extragalactic radio sources.

Hough, D. H.↗
NASA NTRS1989

SONGS - A high resolution imaging gamma-ray spectrometer for the Space Station

The overall design and the instrumental features of the Space-Station Observer for Nuclear Gamma-ray Spectroscopy (SONGS) instrument are described. SONGS comprises an array of 19 two-segment n-type Ge detectors, which have the capability of determining the interaction site in either the upper or the lower segment or in both segments. The detectors provide high energy resolution of 1 keV at 100 keV and of 2 keV at 1 MeV. The close-packed Ge sensor array provides a natural sensitivity for the measurement of gamma ray polarization in the 100 keV to 1 MeV energy range, making it possible to obtain information on the structure of the magnetosphere of neutron stars and of the accretion disk of black holes.

Nakano, G. H.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Theoretical investigation of gas-surface interactions

A Dirac-Hartree-Fock code was developed for polyatomic molecules. The program uses integrals over symmetry-adapted real spherical harmonic Gaussian basis functions generated by a modification of the MOLECULE integrals program. A single Gaussian function is used for the nuclear charge distribution, to ensure proper boundary conditions at the nuclei. The Gaussian primitive functions are chosen to satisfy the kinetic balance condition. However, contracted functions which do not necessarily satisfy this condition may be used. The Fock matrix is constructed in the scalar basis and transformed to a jj-coupled 2-spinor basis before diagonalization. The program was tested against numerical results for atoms with a Gaussian nucleus and diatomic molecules with point nuclei. The energies converge on the numerical values as the basis set size is increased. Full use of molecular symmetry (restricted to D sub 2h and subgroups) is yet to be implemented.

Dyall, Kenneth G.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Secondary Neutron Production from Space Radiation Interactions: Advances in Model and Experimental Data Base Development

For humans engaged in long-duration missions in deep space or near-Earth orbit, the risk from exposure to galactic and solar cosmic rays is an important factor in the design of spacecraft, spacesuits, and planetary bases. As cosmic rays are transported through shielding materials and human tissue components, a secondary radiation field is produced. Neutrons are an important component of that secondary field, especially in thickly-shielded environments. Calculations predict that 50% of the dose-equivalent in a lunar or Martian base comes from neutrons, and a recent workshop held at the Johnson Space Center concluded that as much as 30% of the dose in the International Space Station may come from secondary neutrons. Accelerator facilities provide a means for measuring the effectiveness of various materials in their ability to limit neutron production, using beams and energies that are present in cosmic radiation. The nearly limitless range of beams, energies, and target materials that are present in space, however, means that accelerator-based experiments will not provide a complete database of cross sections and thick-target yields that are necessary to plan and design long-duration missions. As such, accurate nuclear models of neutron production are needed, as well as data sets that can be used to compare with, and verify, the predictions from such models. Improvements in a model of secondary neutron production from heavy-ion interactions are presented here, along with the results from recent accelerator-based measurements of neutron-production cross sections. An analytical knockout-ablation model capable of predicting neutron production from high-energy hadron-hadron interactions (both nucleon-nucleus and nucleus-nucleus collisions) has been previously developed. In the knockout stage, the collision between two nuclei result in the emission of one or more nucleons from the projectile and/or target. The resulting projectile and target remnants, referred to as prefragments, then decay by the emission of nucleons, composites, and gamma rays. Recent improvements to the model have incorporated coalescence effects, which effectively tie up single nucleons in the formation of composites during final-state interactions. Comparison of the improved model s predictions with neutron production data near 0 deg in the CA-40+ H reaction at 357 and 565 MeV/nucleon show marked improvement.

Heilbronn, Lawrence H.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Nuclear fragmentation parameters needed for interpretation of observed fluxes of UH cosmic ray nuclei

Any study of the origin of the UH nuclei in the cosmic rays requires that their observed abundances be propagated back to the source. This demands a knowledge of the interaction cross sections in the materials of the detectors, any local overlying matter, and the interstellar medium. New measurements of interaction probabilities of 10.6 GeV/n gold nuclei show significant differences from previous measurements made at less than 1.0 GeV/n nuclei. These differences are particularly marked for a hydrogen target. Hence, those cross sections previously measured at low energies should not be applied to cosmic ray observations made at energies greater than or = 2 GeV/n. Without a measurement of the energy dependence of these cross sections it will be difficult to make reliable propagation calculations, since the differences between measured and predicted cross sections are still at the 20 to 30% level.

Waddington, C. J.↗