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At least 1,243 records · Page 69

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NASA NTRS1983

Gravitational effects on plant growth hormone concentration

Dolk's (1936) finding that more growth hormone diffuses from the lower side of a gravity-stimulated plant shoot than from the upper side is presently confirmed by means of both an isotope dilution assay and selected ion monitoring-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and it is established that the asymmetrically distributed hormone is indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). This is the first physicochemical demonstration that there is more IAA on the lower sides of a geostimulated plant shoot. It is also found that free IAA primarily occurs in the conductive vascular tissues of the shoot, while IAA esters predominate in the growing cortical cells. A highly sensitive gas chromatographic isotope dilution assay shows that the hormone asymmetry also occurs in the nonvascular tissue.

Bandurski, R. S.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Observations of severe in-flight environments on airplane composite structural components

The development of relatively inexpensive, highly sophisticated avionics systems makes it now possible for general aviation aircraft to fly under more severe weather conditions than formerly. Increased instrument flying increases exposure of aircraft to potentially severe thunderstorm activity such as high rain rates, hail stones, and lightning strikes. In particular, the effects of lightning on aircraft can be catastrophic. Interest in aircraft lightning protection has been stimulated by the introduction of advanced composites as an aircraft structural material. The present investigation has the objective to report experiences with three composite components which have flown in thunderstorms, taking into account three F-106B composite fin caps. The only visible lightning strike damage to a flame sprayed aluminum coated glass/epoxy fin cap was a small area of the aluminum which was burned. Visible lightning strike damage to a Kevlar/epoxy fin cap was limited to the exterior ply of aluminum coated glass fabric. In the case of a graphite/epoxy fin cap, lightning currents could be conducted.

Howell, W. E.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Etiological factors in space motion sickness

The human susceptibility to motion sickness during exposure to sudden-stop stimulation as a function of gravitoinertial force level is studied. It is determined that susceptibility is greatly enhanced, both with eyes-closed and eyes-open, for zero-g and 2-g conditions in parabolic flight compared with 1-g test conditions. It is argued that this change in susceptibility is related to alterations in vestibulo-occular function which result from variations in gravitoinertial force level, the altered patterns of otolithic activity resulting during variations in gravitoinertial force level, and the altered canal-otolith response synergies that result during exposure to gravitoinertial force levels greater or less than terrestrial levels. These factors are found to be related to the etiology of space motion sickness and to the alterations in performance and vestibular function that are experienced by astronauts during reentry. An explanation is presented for the decrease in susceptibility to motion sickness exhibited by the Skylab astronauts inflight and for some period postflight during exposure to cross-coupled angular accelerations.

Lackner, J. R.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Gravitational Study of the Central Nervous System

A series of experiments conducted at 1G are discussed with reference to the role of calcium ions in information processing by the central nervous system. A technique is described which allows thin sections of a mammalian hippocampus to be isolated while maintaining neural activity. Two experiments carried out in hypergravic fields are also addressed; one investigating altered stimulation in the auditory system, the other determining temperature regulation responses in hypergravic fields.

Horowitz, J. M.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Electrodynamic tether experiments in the ionosphere

The physical concepts of the space shuttle-borne electrodynamic tether experiment are reviewed, and the engineering realization of the deployment system for the first electrodynamic tether system is described. Models of the mechanisms involved in closing the current loop ionosphere - collector - tether - shuttle - ionosphere are discussed in terms of measurements to verify the models. Application of the electrodynamic tether to power generation and wave stimulation is considered. The characteristics of the instrumentation required on the deployed collector and on the space shuttle are addressed, and the flight operations necessary to demonstrate the capabilities of the electrodynamic tether are treated.

Raitt, W. J.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Thermal and electrical interaction of tantalum with a low temperature chemically active plasma flow

The paper deals with an experimental study of radiative heat transfer and charge transfer processes from the surface of tantalum plates under conditions of unsteady high-temperature heating and oxidation. It is shown that at plate temperatures of 1800 K, the heat flux may be as high as 400 kW/sq m. Heating is shown to stimulate the emissivity of tantalum and the temperature of the free electrons which surface, through a gas boundary layer, from the plasma onto the metal.

Zake, M. V.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Interpretation of STS-3/plasma diagnostics package results in terms of large space structure plasma interactions

The Plasma Diagnostics Package, which was flown aboard STS-3 recorded various chemical releases from the Orbiter. Changes in the plasma environment were observed to occur during Flash Evaporator System (FES) releases, water dumps and maneuvering thruster operations. During flash evaporator operations, broadband Orbiter-generated electro-static noise is enhanced and plasma density irregularity (delta n/N) is observed to increase by as much as 4 times and is strongly peaked below 6 Hz. In the case of water dumps, background electrostatic noise is enhanced or suppressed depending on frequency and Delta N/N is also seen to increase by as much as 4 times. Various changes in the plasma environment are effected by primary and vernier thruster operations. In addition, thruster activity stimulates electrostatic noise with a spectrum which is most intense at frequencies below 10 kHz.

Kurth, W. S.↗

NASA NTRS1983

The effect of various carbon sources on the growth of single-celled cyanophyta

In 19 strains of unicellular blue-green algae, belonging to general Synechococcus, Synechocystis, Aphanocapsa and Aphanothece, the capacity of growth under mixotrophic conditions in mineral media with organic carbon sources (carbohydrates, polyols) was investigated. At moderate light intensity (1200 lx) and 0.5% of carbon source there was revealed: (1) Stimulation of growth; (2) Partial or complete inhibition of growth; (3) No influence of carbohydrate and polyols on the growth of some algae strains. Three physiological groups for the investigated strains have been outlined on the basis of data obtained. The possibility of using the differences revealed in classification of unicellular blue-green algae is discussed.

Avilov, I. A.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Crew and life support: EVA

Four general recommendations by the EVA subpanel are listed as follows: 1) EVA design standard document needs to be dveloped in the next 6 to 12 months and updated as technology progresses. 2) NASA needs to couple EVA design personnel closer to the user community. 3) there appears to be a lack of centralized NASA responsibility for the EVA community. 4) Panel activity should continue to promote exchange of information and understanding of user problems, and to stimulate technology activity.

Johnston, R. S.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Appropriateness of the small-cage-reared rat as a model for the study of altered-activity effects

Within genetically imposed limits, the fatigue-resistance capability of muscle varies according to the chronic demands of usage imposed on the muscle. Given the fiber-type distribution within a muscle, its fatigue-resistance can be utilized as an indicant of its physiological status. It is suggested that the hindlimb musculature of rats raised in cages constructed to minimum DFA specifications are physiologically inappropriate for the study of altered-activity effects. This proposition is based upon two observations from the medial gastrocnemius muscle (n = 7) of Sprague-Dawley rats (500 g, 100 d); first, a substantial disparity in the peak forces (twitch and tetanic) elicited by neural and direct-muscle stimulation, and second, a reduction in force during the fatigue test (2 min of 1 Hz trains with each train lasting 330 ms and including 13 stimuli) that was greater (79%) than theoretically expected (62%). Both of these observations are critically assessed.

Enoka, R. M.↗

NASA NTRS1984

The roles of callose, elicitors and ethylene in thigmomorphogenesis and gravitropism

A correlation (both temporal and through the inhibitor, 2-deoxy-D-glucose) of callose deposition and ethylene evolution in mechanically perturbed (MP) bean or pine stems or in gravitationally stimulated corn shoots was demonstrated. It was suggested that the callose, which is deposited on the inside of the cell wall, and adjacent to the plasma membrane causes, in some way, the ethylene production. A hypothesis explaining the mechanism is discussed which states that there is a chemical activation of the enzyme system by the callose which is being deposited in apposition with it. Experimental data supporting the hypothesis are presented.

Jaffe, M. J.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Participation of ethylene in gravitropism

In shoots of many plants, of which tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) is an example, ethylene production is substantially increased during gravitropism. As a first step toward elucidating the role of ethylene in gravitropism, detailed time courses of ethylene production in isolated hypocotyl segments and whole plants were measured for gravistimulated and upright tomato seedlings. In the first experiment, seedlings were set upright or laid horizontal and then, at 15 min intervals, sets of hypocotyls were excised and sealed into gas tight vials. A steady long term rise in ethylene production begins after 15 min gravistimulation. It is possible that this increase is a consequence of the accumulation of indoleacetic acid (IAA) in the lower tissue of the hypocotyle. In a second kind of experiment, whole seedlings were enclosed in sealed chambers and air samples were withdrawn at 5 min intervals. Stimulated seedlings produced more ethylene than controls during the first 5 min interval, but not appreciably more during the second. This suggests the possibility that the ethylene production induced during the first 5 min occurs immediately rather than after a lag, and thus much too soon to be controlled by redistribution of IAA.

Harrison, M.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Isolation and characterization of beta-glucan synthase: A potential biochemical regulator of gravistimulated differential cell wall loosening

In plants, gravity stimulates differential growth in the upper and lower halves of horizontally oriented organs. Auxin regulation of cell wall loosening and elongation is the basis for most models of this phenomenon. Auxin treatment of pea stem tissue rapidly increases the activity of Golgi-localized Beta-1,4-glucan synthase, an enzyme involved in biosynthesis of wall xyloglucan which apparently constitutes the substrate for the wall loosening process. The primary objective is to determine if auxin induces de novo formation of Golgi glucan synthase and increases the level of this glucan synthase mRNA. This shall be accomplished by (a) preparation of a monoclonal antibody to the synthase, (b) isolation, and characterization of the glucan synthase, and (c) examination for cross reactivity between the antibody and translation products of auxin induced mRNAs in pea tissue. The antibody will also be used to localize the glucan synthase in upper and lower halves of pea stem tissue before, during and after the response to gravity.

Kuzmanoff, K. M.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Rheoceptive mediators of graviperception in a water flea: Morphological implications of antennal-socket setae in daphnia magna

Aquatic microcrustaceans of the genus Daphnia are known to orient to light during the day. At night, in the absence of visual cues, daphnids were suspected of maintaining equilibrium by monitoring the direction of gravity through their swimming antennae. Recent investigations using simulated, weightlessness conditions coupled with absence of illumination revealed hair like structures or setae on the basal, articulating socket of the antennae that, when surgically removed, resulted in disorientation. Given the simulated weightlessness or neutrally buoyant condition that eliminated sinking of the normally negatively buoyant Daphnia, it was proposed that the antennal socket setae function as rheoceptors stimulated by the upward rush of water currents during gravity induced, sinking phase of daphnid swimming movements. This rheoceptively mediated, gravity perception hypothesis is further supported by morphological investigations. Scanning electron micrographs indicate that antennal socket setae are anatomically similar to proprioceptors used by higher crustaceans to monitor gravitational direction.

Meyers, D. G.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Management of CAD/CAM information: Key to improved manufacturing productivity

A key element to improved industry productivity is effective management of CAD/CAM information. To stimulate advancements in this area, a joint NASA/Navy/Industry project designated Integrated Programs for Aerospace-Vehicle Design (IPAD) is underway with the goal of raising aerospace industry productivity through advancement of technology to integrate and manage information involved in the design and manufacturing process. The project complements traditional NASA/DOD research to develop aerospace design technology and the Air Force's Integrated Computer-Aided Manufacturing (ICAM) program to advance CAM technology. IPAD research is guided by an Industry Technical Advisory Board (ITAB) composed of over 100 repesentatives from aerospace and computer companies. The IPAD accomplishments to date in development of requirements and prototype software for various levels of company-wide CAD/CAM data management are summarized and plans for development of technology for management of distributed CAD/CAM data and information required to control future knowledge-based CAD/CAM systems are discussed.

Fulton, R. E.↗

NASA NTRS1984

The Strength of the Metal. Aluminum Oxide Interface

The strength of the interface between metals and aluminum oxide is an important factor in the successful operation of devices found throughout modern technology. One finds the interface in machine tools, jet engines, and microelectronic integrated circuits. The strength of the interface, however, should be strong or weak depending on the application. The diverse technological demands have led to some general ideas concerning the origin of the interfacial strength, and have stimulated fundamental research on the problem. Present status of our understanding of the source of the strength of the metal - aluminum oxide interface in terms of interatomic bonds are reviewed. Some future directions for research are suggested.

Pepper, S. V.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Effects of chemical releases by the STS-3 Orbiter on the ionosphere

The Plasma Diagnostics Package, flown aboard STS-3 as part of the first Shuttle payload (OSS-1), recorded the effects of various chemical releases from the Orbiter. Changes in the plasma environment was observed during flash evaporator system releases, water dumps and maneuvering thruster operations. During flash evaporator operations, broadband Orbiter-generated electrostatic noise was enhanced and plasma density irregularities were observed to increase by 3 to 30 times with a spectrum which rose steeply and peaked below 6 Hz. In the case of water dumps, background electrostatic noise was enhanced at frequencies below about 3 kHz and suppressed at frequencies above 2 kHz. Thruster activity also stimulated electrostatic noise with a spectrum which peaked at approximately 0.5 kHz. In addition, ions with energies up to 1 keV were seen during some thruster events.

Pickett, J. S.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Suppression of asymmetric acid efflux and gravitropism in maize roots treated with auxin transport inhibitors of sodium orthovanadate

In gravitropically stimulated roots of maize (Zea mays L., hybrid WF9 x 38MS), there is more acid efflux on the rapidly growing upper side than on the slowly growing lower side. In light of the Cholodny/Went hypothesis of gravitropism which states that gravitropic curvature results from lateral redistribution of auxin, the effects of auxin transport inhibitors on the development of acid efflux asymmetry and curvature in gravistimulated roots were examined. All the transport inhibitors tested prevented both gravitropism and the development of asymmetric acid efflux in gravistimulated roots. The results indicate that auxin redistribution may cause the asymmetry of acid efflux, a finding consistent with the Cholodny/Went hypothesis of gravitropism. As further evidence that auxin-induced acid efflux asymmetry may mediate gravitropic curvature, sodium orthovanadate, an inhibitor of auxin-induced H+ efflux was found to prevent both gravitropism and the development of asymmetric acid efflux in gravistimulated roots.

Mulkey, T. J.↗