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At least 937 records · Page 52

Metabolic analyzer

An apparatus is described for the measurement of metabolic rate and breathing dynamics in which inhaled and exhaled breath are sensed by sealed, piston-displacement type spirometers. These spirometers electrically measure the volume of inhaled and exhaled breath. A mass spectrometer analyzes simultaneously for oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen and water vapor. Computation circuits are responsive to the outputs of the spirometers, mass spectrometer, temperature, pressure and timing signals and compute oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production, minute volume and respiratory exchange ratio. A selective indicator provides for read-out of these data at predetermined cyclic intervals.

Rummel, J. A.↗

Automated microbial metabolism laboratory

The design and rationale of an advanced labeled release experiment based on single addition of soil and multiple sequential additions of media into each of four test chambers are outlined. The feasibility for multiple addition tests was established and various details of the methodology were studied. The four chamber battery of tests include: (1) determination of the effect of various atmospheric gases and selection of that gas which produces an optimum response; (2) determination of the effect of incubation temperature and selection of the optimum temperature for performing Martian biochemical tests; (3) sterile soil is dosed with a battery of C-14 labeled substrates and subjected to experimental temperature range; and (4) determination of the possible inhibitory effects of water on Martian organisms is performed initially by dosing with 0.01 ml and 0.5 ml of medium, respectively. A series of specifically labeled substrates are then added to obtain patterns in metabolic 14CO2 (C-14)O2 evolution.

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Cycles in metabolism and heat loss

Using calorimetric techniques, subjects' metabolism, thermoregulation, and body temperatures were monitored continuously for 24-hour days, using three types of experimental routines. A water cooling garment (WCG) was used for direct calorimetry, while partitional calorimetry was used to establish a non-suited comparison for one of the routines. In this replicated routine, called the quiet day, the subjects were sedentary throughout the daytime hours and slept normally at night. Results indicate that the WCG may act to reduce 24-hour total oxygen consumption (VO2) or heat production, possibly due to the lowered energy cost of thermoregulation.

Annis, J. F.↗

The metabolic and hemodynamic effects of prolonged bed rest in normal subjects

Investigation in six normal subjects of the effects of chronic bed rest on the interrelationships between cardiovascular hemodynamics, catecholamine metabolism, vascular reactivity, renin and aldosterone activity, and electrolyte and fluid balance. Negative sodium and potassium balances and reductions in plasma volume were observed in all subjects, but plasma renin activity and aldosterone secretory rate showed no significant change. Other findings included the observation that major decreases in sodium balance and plasma volume occurred in the early bed rest period and did not correlate closely with the degree of orthostatic intolerance.

Chobanian, A. V.↗

Red cell metabolism studies on Skylab

On the basis of these background data, metabolic studies were performed on humans involved in space flight. These studies included the Skylab experiences. The primary purpose of the investigations was to study red cells for: (1) evidences of lipid peroxidation, or (2) changes at various points in the glycolytic pathway. The Skylab missions were an opportunity to study blood samples before, during, and after flight and to compare results with simultaneous controls. No direct evidence that lipid peroxidation had occurred in the red blood cells was apparent in the studies.

Mengel, C. E.↗

Microbial metabolism and dynamic changes in the electrical conductivity of soil solutions - A method for detecting extraterrestrial life

Experiments are reported which show that measuring metabolic activity in soil solutions by means of dynamic changes in electrical conductivity, water-soluble Ca, or water-soluble Mg is a feasible life detection method. The addition of 0.5% glucose solutions to 12 different air-dried soils always resulted in increases in all three of these parameters. The kinetics and magnitude of these changes for at least two and usually all three of the parameters over a 14-day period were clearly distinguishable from the changes in heat-sterilized controls or unsterilized controls without added glucose. In general, maximal values were achieved more rapidly under aerobic than under anaerobic incubation.

Silverman, M. P.↗

Skylab experiment M-171 'Metabolic Activity' - Results of the first manned mission

The experiment was performed to ascertain whether man's ability to perform mechanical work would be altered as a result of exposure to the weightless environment. Skylab II crewmen were exercised on a bicycle ergometer at loads approximating 25%, 50%, and 75% of their maximum oxygen uptake while their physiological responses were monitored. The results of these tests indicate that the crewmen had no significant decrement in their response to exercise during their exposure to zero gravity. Immediately postflight, however, all crewmen demonstrated an inability to perform the programmed exercise with the same metabolic effectiveness as they did both preflight and inflight. The most significant changes were elevated heart rates for the same work load and oxygen consumption (decreased oxygen pulse), decreased stroke volume, and decreased cardiac output at the same oxygen consumption level. It is apparent that the changes occurred inflight, but did not manifest themselves until the crewmen attempted to readapt to the 1-G environment.

Michel, E. L.↗

The role of depressed metabolism in increased radio-resistance

The results of experiments on hamsters and rats to determine physiological responses to various temperature conditions are presented. The experimental methods described are considered to be applicable to future mammalian experiments in space. Renal function was examined in the golden hamster as a function of body temperature. Hamsters were also acclimated to heat and metabolic rates, body temperature, skin temperature, cardiac distribution and whole body hematocrits were measured. In addition, the effects of heat stress on the intestinal transport of sugars in the hamster and rat were studied. The biological effects of prolonged space flight and methods of simulating weightlessness are also discussed.

Musacchia, X. J.↗

Metabolic and endocrine studies - The second manned Skylab mission

Complete metabolic collections were performed on the Skylab 3 crew in the preflight, inflight, and postflight phases of the mission. Changes in fluid and electrolyte balance have been correlated with weight loss, changes in the excretion of aldosterone, vasopressin, and fluid compartments. The initial changes observed were consistent with an increase in thoractic blood volume upon transition to a zero gravity environment, producing a net fluid loss. Compensatory mechanisms reestablished positive water balance. The indicators investigated returned to thin preflight levels during the recovery period postflight

Leach, C. S.↗

Mineral and nitrogen metabolic studies, experiment M071

The similarity between bed rest test and space flight effects on human mineral and nitrogen metabolisms indicates impairment of capable musculoskeletal functions. A pattern of urinary calcium increases and total calcium shifts suggests that calcium losses continue with time. Significant losses of nitrogen and phosphorus are associated with reduction in muscle tissue. It is concluded that capable musculoskeletal function is likely to be impaired during space flights of 1 1/2 to 3 years duration.

Whedon, G. D.↗

Red cell metabolism studies on Skylab

Blood samples from Spacelab crewmembers were studied for possible environment effects on red cell components. Analysis involved peroxidation of red cell lipids, enzymes of red cell metabolism, and levels of 2,3-diphosphoglyceric acid and adenosine triphosphate. Results show that there is no evidence of lipid peroxidation, that biochemical effect known to be associated with irreversible red cell damage. Changes observed in glycolytic intermediates and enzymes cannot be directly implicated as indicating evidence of red cell damage.

Mengel, C. E.↗

Results of Skylab medical experiment M171-metabolic activity

The primary objective of the experiment was to determine whether man's metabolic effectiveness while performing mechanical work was progressively altered by exposure to the space environment. The secondary objective was to evaluate the M171 bicycle ergometer as an in-flight crew personal exerciser. This manuscript is the report of the third (Skylab 4) manned mission and a summary of what was learned from all three Skylab manned missions about the physiological response to exercise during and after periods of 28 days, 59 days, and 84 days of weightlessness, respectively.

Michel, E. L.↗

Halobacterium saccharovorum sp. nov., a carbohydrate-metabolizing, extremely halophilic bacterium

The previously described extremely halophilic bacterium, strain M6, metabolizes a variety of carbohydrates with the production of acid. In addition, the organism produces nitrite (but no gas) from nitrate, is motile, and grows most rapidly at about 50 C. These characteristics distinguish it from all previously described halophilic bacteria in the genus Halobacterium. It is suggested that it be designated as a new species, Halobacterium saccharovorum.

Tomlinson, G. A.↗

Cooling system for removing metabolic heat from an hermetically sealed spacesuit

An improved cooling and ventilating system is described for removing metabolic heat, waste gases and water vapor generated by a wearer of an hermetically sealed spacesuit. The cooling system was characterized by a body suit, having a first circuit for simultaneously establishing a cooling flow of water through the thorax and head sections of the body suit. Circulation patches were included mounted in the thorax section and head section of the body suit. A second circuit for discharing a flow of gas throughout the spacesuit and a disconnect unit for coupling the circuits with a life support system externally related to the spacesuit were provided.

Webbon, B. W.↗

Metabolic rate meter and method

A method is described for measuring the dynamic metabolic rate of a human or animal. The ratio of the exhaled carbon dioxide to a known amount of C(13)02 introduced into the exhalation is determined by mass spectrometry. This provides an instantaneous measurement of the carbon dioxide generated.

Taylor, T. I.↗

Strontium metabolism in the rebuilding of skeletal tissue

The relationship between calcium and strontium in bone metabolism is described. Whole body comparisons in the form of balance studies, plasma kinetics, and biochemical bone differences are briefly reviewed. The value of strontium as a qualitative calcium mimetic is established. A procedure of strontium deposition in the bones is presented as a means to study postflight bone rebuilding and to locate areas of inflight demineralization.

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A brief review of space flight calcium metabolism: Results and methodologies

Space flight induced osteoporosis was described. The techniques that were used to measure and detect the osteoporosis were also described. Areas of calcium metabolism were shown to be very important in the investigation into more sensitive detection and measurement techniques of bone demineralization.

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Continuous metabolic and cardiovascular measurements on a monkey subject during a simulated 6-day Spacelab mission

A 10-kg male pig-tailed monkey (Macaca nemestrina) was selected as an optimal species for spaceflight studies on weightlessness. Three days before the simulated launch, the animal was placed in a fiberglass pod system to provide continuous measurement of respiratory gas exchange. Attention is given to examining the effects of weightlessness on several basic parameters of metabolic and cardiovascular function in an adult nonhuman primate. The 10.7-day total simulated-experiment period consisted of preflight 2.6 days, inflight 6.3 days, and postflight 1.8 days. Statistically significant diurnal variation was noted in oxygen consumption and CO2 production rates, body temperature and HR, but not in respiratory quotient or blood pressure. The high quality of the continuous data obtained demonstrates the feasibility of performing sound physiological experimentation on nonhuman primates in the Spacelab environment.

Pace, N.↗