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At least 1,477 records · Page 82
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1975

Proceedings of the 1973 Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center Endocrine Program Conference

Papers given at the conference are presented. Subjects covered include the following: biochemical changes during 28 days of space flight, modulating the pituitary-adrenal response to stress, the significance of biorhythms in space flight, the importance of the rein-angiotensin system in normal cardiovascular homeostasis, a progress report of stress-induced changes in corticosteroid metabolism, recent studies of physiological factors involved in the regulation of serotonin content and turnover in the brain, the role of brain biogenic amines in the control of pituitary-adrenocortical activity, application of the water immersion model to man by studies of acid-base homeostasis during simulated weightlessness, the present status of physiological studies and analysis of calcium homeostasis in the Apollo and Skylab programs, and endocrine considerations in the red-cell-mass and plasma-volume changes of Skylab 2 and 3 crews.

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NASA NTRS1975

Summary and recommendations

An economic analysis using econometric and cost benefit analysis techniques was performed to determine the feasibility of space processing of certain products. The overall objectives of the analysis were (1) to determine specific products or processes uniquely connected with space manufacturing, (2) to select a specific product or process from each of the areas of semiconductors, metals, and biochemicals, and (3) to determine the overall price/cost structure of each product or process considered. The economic elements of the analysis involved a generalized decision making format for analyzing space manufacturing, a comparative cost study of the selected processes in space vs. earth manufacturing, and a supply and demand study of the economic relationships of one of the manufacturing processes. Space processing concepts were explored. The first involved the use of the shuttle as the factory with all operations performed during individual flights. The second concept involved a permanent unmanned space factory which would be launched separately. The shuttle in this case would be used only for maintenance and refurbishment. Finally, some consideration was given to a permanent manned space factory.

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NASA NTRS1974

U.S. National Congress of Applied Mechanics, 7th, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colo., June 3-7, 1974, Proceedings

A series of experimental, theoretical, and review papers dealing with various aspects of applied mechanics, including structural analysis, mathematical methods, and fluid dynamics. Some of the topics covered are: the direct formulation of two-dimensional mechanics problems, the mechanical aspects of athletics, Laplace's tidal equations, cochlear mechanics, dynamic constitutive equations, optical techniques for the determination of displacement and strain fields, chemical and biochemical problems involving nonlinear diffusion processes, thermal stresses, the rotating rod viscometer, finite-element methods in plasticity, ships of minimum resistance, and wide-band random vibration of structures. Individual items are announced in this issue.

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NASA NTRS1975

Skylab experiment results: Hematology studies

Studies were conducted to evaluate specific aspects of man's immunologic and hematologic systems that might be altered by or respond to the space flight environment. Biochemical functions investigated included cytogenetic damage to blood cells, immune resistance to disease, regulation of plasma and red cell volumes, metabolic processes of the red blood cell, and physicochemical aspects of red blood cell function. Measurements of hematocrit value showed significant fluctuations postflight, reflecting observed changes in red cell mass and plasma volume. The capacity of lymphocytes to respond to an in vitro mitogenic challenge was repressed postflight, and appeared to be related to mission duration. Most other deviations from earth function in these systems were minor or transient.

Kimzey, S. L.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Alkyl substituted cyclic ethers in 2,300 M yr old Transvaal algal stromatolite

Two cyclic ethers have been identified for the first time from insoluble polymer-like kerogen in a Precambrian rock by ozonolysis, gas chromatography, and mass spectrometry. The ethers are 2-n-propyl-3-methyltetrahydrofuran and 2-n-propyltetrahydropyran. These compounds could prove to be the oldest indigenous biochemical fossils. The sample was obtained 750 m stratigraphically above the base of the Transvaal Sequence from an outcrop approximately 315 km north-east of Johannesburg, South Africa.

Zumberge, J. E.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Prevention of decompression sickness during a simulated space docking mission

This study has shown that repetitive exchanges between the Apollo space vehicle atmosphere of 100% oxygen at 5 psia (258 torr) and the Soyuz spacecraft atmosphere of 30% oxygen-70% nitrogen at 10 psia (533 torr), as simulated in altitude chambers, will not likely result in any form of decompression sickness. This conclusion is based upon the absence of any form of bends in seven crewmen who participated in 11 tests distributed over three 24-h periods. During each period, three transfers from the 5 to the 10 psia environments were performed by simulating passage through a docking module which served as an airlock where astronauts and cosmonauts first adapted to each other's cabin gases and pressures before transfer. Biochemical tests, subjective fatigue scores, and the complete absence of any form of pain were also indicative that decompression sickness should not be expected if this spacecraft transfer schedule is followed.

Cooke, J. P.↗
NASA NTRS1975

The 1975 Viking mission to Mars

An overall description is presented of the Viking mission and systems as well as what may be learned from this mission. Pre-space-age knowledge about Mars is summarized together with information obtained by the Mariner probes. It is noted that the subject of life on Mars is a prominent theme of the Viking mission, and brief descriptions are given of the mission profile and landing sites. The thirteen scientific investigations to be conducted are outlined, including atmospheric-water mapping, surface thermal mapping, orbiter and lander imaging, radio experiments, measurements of the present physical and chemical state of the Martian atmosphere, and the three biochemical experiments. Relatively detailed descriptions are provided for the space vehicles, launch operations, mission profile, and management responsibilities.

Martin, J. S., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Water Hyacinths for Upgrading Sewage Lagoons to Meet Advanced Wastewater Treatment Standards, Part 1

Water hyacinths, Eichhornia crassipes Mart. Solms, have demonstrated the ability to function as an efficient and inexpensive final filtration system in a secondary domestic sewage lagoon during a three month test period. These plants reduced the suspended solids, biochemical oxygen demanding substances, and other chemical parameters to levels below the standards set by the state pollution control agency. The water hyacinth-covered secondary lagoon utilized in this experiment had a surface area of 0.28 hectare (0.70 acre) with a total capacity of 6.8 million liters (1.5 million gallons), receiving an inflow of 522,100 liters (115,000 gallons) per day from a 1.1 hectare (3.8 acre) aerated primary sewage lagoon. These conditions allowed a retention time of 14 to 21 days depending on the water hyacinth evapotranspiration rates. The desired purity of final sewage effluent can be controlled by the water hyacinth surface area, harvest rate, and the retention time.

Wolverton, B. C.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Evaluation of the gravity independent miniature analytical system

The miniature fast analyzer is an automated, analytical instrument developed for potential use for biochemical analyses conducted in space flight. The gravity independent fast analyzer system is described which consists of a 17 place rotor type spectrophotometer and computerized data acquisition system weighing only 30 pounds and occupying a volume of 1 cubic foot.

Wallace, L. D.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Endocrine, electrolyte, and fluid volume changes associated with Apollo missions

The endocrine and metabolic results obtained before and after the Apollo missions and the results of the limited in-flight sampling are summarized and discussed. The studies were designed to evaluate the biochemical changes in the returning Apollo crewmembers, and the areas studied included balance of fluids and electrolytes, regulation of calcium metabolism, adaptation to the environment, and regulation of metabolic processes.

Carolyn S. Leach↗
NASA NTRS1975

Clinical biochemistry

The objectives of the biochemical studies conducted for the Apollo program were (1) to provide routine laboratory data for assessment of preflight crew physical status and for postflight comparisons; (2) to detect clinical or pathological abnormalities which might have required remedial action preflight; (3) to discover as early as possible any infectious disease process during the postflight quarantine periods following certain missions; and (4) to obtain fundamental medical knowledge relative to man's adjustment to and return from the space flight environment. The accumulated data presented suggest that these requirements were met by the program described. All changes ascribed to the space flight environment were subtle, whereas clinically significant changes were consistent with infrequent illnesses unrelated to the space flight exposure.

W.C. Alexander↗
NASA NTRS1975

Energetics of the host-dependent Mycobacterium Lepraemurium during transition to a capacity for extracellular growth

The ATP measurements were refined to a point where the growth potential of microscopic samples of host-dependent microbes can be measured, even before an increase in microbial numbers has occurred. This tool differs from other biochemical indicators of physiologic states in its sensitivity and in the fact that it can be exploited with unwashed host-dependent and host-grown organisms.

Dhople, A. M.↗
NASA NTRS1976

The physiology and biochemistry of total body immobilization in animals: A compendium of research

Major studies that describe the physiological and biochemical mechanisms which operate during total body restraint (confinement in cages for example) are presented. The metabolism and behavior of various animals used in medical research (dogs, monkeys, rats, fowl) was investigated and wherever possible a detailed annotation for each study is provided under the subheadings: (a) purposes, (b) procedures and methods, (c) results, and (d) conclusions. Selected references are also included.

Dorchak, K. J.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Response of selected microorganisms to experimental planetary environments

The anaerobic utilization of phosphite or phosphine and the significance of this conversion to potential contamination of Jupiter were investigated. A sporeforming organism was isolated from Cape Canaveral soil which anaerobically converts hypophosphite to phosphate. This conversion coincides with an increase in turbidity of the culture and with phosphate accumulation in the medium. Investigations of omnitherms (organisms which grow over a broad temperature range, i.e. 3 -55 C were also conducted. The cellular morphology of 28 of these isolates was investigated, and all were demonstrated to be sporeformers. Biochemical characterizations are also presented. Procedures for replicate plating were evaluated, and those results are also presented. The procedures for different replicate-plating techniques are presented, and these are evaluated on the basis of reproducibility, percentage of viable transfer, and ease of use. Standardized procedures for the enumeration of microbial populations from ocean-dredge samples from Cape Canaveral are also presented.

Foster, T. L.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Particles, environments and possible ecologies in the Jovian atmosphere

The eddy diffusion coefficient is estimated as a function of altitude, separately for the Jovian troposphere and mesosphere. Complex organic molecules produced by the Ly alpha photolysis of methane may possibly be the absorbers in the lower mesosphere which account for the low reflectivity of Jupiter in the near ultraviolet. The optical frequency chromophores are localized at or just below the Jovian tropopause. Candidate chromophore molecules must satisfy the condition that they are produced sufficiently rapidly that convective pyrolysis maintains the observed chromophore optical depth. The condition is satisfied if complex organic chromophores are produced with high quantum yield by NH3 photolysis at less than 2,300 A. Jovian photoautotrophs in the upper troposphere satisfy this condition well, even with fast circulation, assuming only biochemical properties of comparable terrestrial organisms. An organism in the form of a thin, gas filled balloon can grow fast enough to replicate if (1) it can survive at the low mesospheric temperatures, or if (2) photosynthesis occurs in the troposphere.

Sagan, C.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Theories of the origin and nature of the universe

The origin of life on earth is seen arising as a natural consequence of a long series of physical and chemical processes taking place in association with evolution of the universe. The present theory is that any premordial earth atmosphere, resulting from accumulation from the primitive solar nebula, was probably swept away by the very intensive T Tauri stage of the solar wind. Subsequently, the present atmosphere and oceans of the earth were outgassed from the interior. Biochemical components of the gases were mainly water vapor and carbon dioxide.

A. G. W. Cameron↗
NASA NTRS1976

Life sciences payloads analyses and technical program planning studies

Contractural requirements, project planning, equipment specifications, and technical data for space shuttle biological experiment payloads are presented. Topics discussed are: (1) urine collection and processing on the space shuttle, (2) space processing of biochemical and biomedical materials, (3) mission simulations, and (4) biomedical equipment.

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NASA NTRS1976

Viking 1: early results

A brief outline of the Viking 1 mission to Mars is followed by descriptions of the Martian landing site and the scientific instrumentation aboard Viking 1 orbiter and lander. Measurements of the Martian atmosphere provided data on its molecular composition, temperature and pressure. The detection of nitrogen in the Martian atmosphere indicates the existence of life. Panoramic photographs of the Martian surface were also obtained and are shown. Preliminary chemical and biological investigations on samples of Martian soil indicated the presence of the elements iron, calcium, silicon, titanium and aluminum as major constituents. Observed biochemical reactions were judged conducive of biological activity.

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