Long-term measurements of the neutron flux aboard the “MIR”-type space station

1992 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.P. Lobakov ◽  
V.I. Lyagushin ◽  
M.I. Panasyuk ◽  
V.M. Petrov ◽  
P.I. Shavrin
Keyword(s):  
Neutron Flux ◽  
Space Station ◽  
Type Space

REPEATED LONG-TERM SPACE FLIGHTS: PROTEOMIC INVESTIGATIONS OF COSMONAUTS' BLOOD

2020 ◽  
Vol 54 (5) ◽  
pp. 15-22
Author(s):  
I.M. Larina ◽  
◽  
D.N. Kashirina ◽  
K.S. Kireev ◽  
A.I. Grigoriev ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Structure ◽  
Space Station ◽  
The Body ◽  
Coagulation Cascade ◽  
Chemical Components ◽  
Blood Proteins ◽  
Blood Indices ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Biochemical Indices

We performed the first ever comparative analysis of modifications in the proteome, ionogram and some other blood plasma biochemical indices of 18 male cosmonauts (44 ± 6 years of age) before and after maiden or repeated long-term missions to the Russian segment of the International space station (ISS RS). Levels of proteins, substrates and ions as well as chemical components were measured using the LC-MS-based proteomics and routine biochemical techniques. A total of 256 to 281 indices were investigated with the methods of descriptive statistic, regression analysis, and access to bioinformatics resources. It was shown that blood indices recovery from the maiden and repeated missions reflects changes in the body systems and goes at a various speed. The results of measurements made prior to launch and on day 7 after landing are dependent on the number of missions. The bioinformatics techniques showed that after maiden missions both the mediator proteins of alkaline phosphatase (AP) and blood proteins with reliably changing concentrations are associated with the bio-processes including stress, metabolism and DNA reparation, apoptosis, catabolism and proteolysis. During early re-adaptation from repeated missions the AP level was affected by bone remodeling, phosphorylation, angiogenesis and coagulation cascade suggesting a distinct and urgent trigger of the processes of bone structure and mineralization.

scholarly journals Effect of Spaceflight on Tomato Seed Quality and Biochemical Characteristics of Mature Plants

Horticulturae ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. 89
Author(s):  
Elena Dzhos ◽  
Nadezhda Golubkina ◽  
Marina Antoshkina ◽  
Irina Kondratyeva ◽  
Andrew Koshevarov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Seed Quality ◽  
Space Station ◽  
Field Conditions ◽  
Tomato Seed ◽  
Tomato Plants ◽  
Biochemical Characteristics ◽  
Tomato Seeds ◽  
Genetic Modifications ◽  
Total Antioxidant

Intensive space exploration includes profound investigations on the effect of weightlessness and cosmic radiation on plant growth and development. Tomato seeds are often used in such experiments though up to date the results have given rather vague information about biochemical changes in mature plants grown from seeds subjected to spaceflight. The effect of half a year of storage in the International Space Station (ISS) on tomato seeds (cultivar Podmoskovny ranny) was studied by analyzing the biochemical characteristics and mineral content of mature plants grown from these seeds both in greenhouse and field conditions. A significant increase was recorded in ascorbic acid, polyphenol and carotenoid contents, and total antioxidant activity (AOA), with higher changes in the field conditions compared to greenhouse. Contrary to control plants, the ones derived from space-stored seeds demonstrated a significant decrease in root AOA. The latter plants also showed a higher yield, but lower content of fruit dry matter, sugars, total dissolved solids and organic acids. The fruits of plants derived from space-stored seeds demonstrated decreased levels of Fe, Cu and taste index. The described results reflect the existence of oxidative stress in mature tomato plants as a long-term consequence of the effect of spaceflight on seed quality, whereas the higher yield may be attributed to genetic modifications.

scholarly journals Long-Term Microgravity Effects on Isometric Handgrip and Precision Pinch Force with Visual and Proprioceptive Feedback

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Ilario Puglia ◽  
Michele Balsamo ◽  
Marco Vukich ◽  
Valfredo Zolesi
Keyword(s):  
Maximum Voluntary Contraction ◽  
Space Station ◽  
Voluntary Contraction ◽  
Force Output ◽  
Isometric Handgrip ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Space Flights ◽  
Pinch Force ◽  
Long Duration

The study and analysis of human physiology during short- and long-duration space flights are the most valuable approach in order to evaluate the effect of microgravity on the human body and to develop possible countermeasures in prevision of future exploratory missions and Mars expeditions. Hand performances such as force output and manipulation capacity are fundamental for astronauts’ intra- and extravehicular activities. Previous studies on upper limb conducted on astronauts during short-term missions (10 days) indicated a temporary partial reduction in the handgrip maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) followed by a prompt recovery and adaptation to weightlessness during the last days of the mission. In the present study, we report on the “Crew’s Health: Investigation on Reduced Operability” (CHIRO) protocol, developed for handgrip and pinch force investigations, performed during the six months increment 7 and increment 8 (2003-2004) onboard International Space Station (ISS). We found that handgrip and pinch force performance are reduced during long-term increments in space and are not followed by adaptation during the mission, as conversely reported during short-term increment experiments. The application of protocols developed in space will be eligible to astronauts during long-term space missions and to patients affected by muscle atrophy diseases or nervous system injury on Earth.

Thermoelectric Applications as Related to Biomedical Engineering for Nasa Johnson Space Center

1997 ◽  
Vol 478 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. D. Kramer ◽  
P.E.
Keyword(s):  
International Space Station ◽  
Space Station ◽  
Space Environment ◽  
Space Applications ◽  
International Space ◽  
Future Technology ◽  
Technological Developments ◽  
Environment Noise ◽  
Scientific Value

AbstractThis paper presents current NASA biomedical developments and applications using thermoelectrics. Discussion will include future technology enhancements that would be most beneficial to the application of thermoelectric technology.A great deal of thermoelectric applications have focused on electronic cooling. As with all technological developments within NASA, if the application cannot be related to the average consumer, the technology will not be mass-produced and widely available to the public (a key to research and development expenditures and thermoelectric companies). Included are discussions of thermoelectric applications to cool astronauts during launch and reentry. The earth-based applications, or spin-offs, include such innovations as tank and race car driver cooling, to cooling infants with high temperatures, as well as, the prevention of hair loss during chemotherapy. In order to preserve the scientific value of metabolic samples during long-term space missions, cooling is required to enable scientific studies. Results of one such study should provide a better understanding of osteoporosis and may lead to a possible cure for the disease.In the space environment, noise has to be kept to a minimum. In long-term space applications such as the International Space Station, thermoelectric technology provides the acoustic relief and the reliability for food, as well as, scientific refrigeration/freezers. Applications and future needs are discussed as NASA moves closer to a continued space presence in Mir, International Space Station, and Lunar-Mars Exploration.

scholarly journals Recent progress on the Chinese space programme and radiation research

2020 ◽  
Vol 49 (1_suppl) ◽  
pp. 213-216
Author(s):  
G. Zhou ◽  
W. Hu ◽  
H. Pei ◽  
H. Chen ◽  
T.K. Hei
Keyword(s):  
Space Exploration ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Space Station ◽  
Space Radiation ◽  
Alpha Particles ◽  
Assessment System ◽  
Substantial Progress ◽  
Potential Strategy ◽  
Radiation Research

Manned space exploration was initiated in China in 1992, and substantial progress has been made. The next step is to build the Chinese Space Station (CSS), which is planned to be launched in 2020. The CSS will provide an on-orbit laboratory for experimental studies including space radiation research. The health risk of space radiation, especially carcinogenesis, is a major concern for long-term space exploration. Establishing a risk assessment system suitable for Chinese astronauts and developing effective countermeasures are major tasks for Chinese space radiobiologists. The Institute of Space Life Sciences, Soochow University has focused on these topics for years. We established cancer models with low-dose-rate exposure of alpha particles, and elucidated a microRNA-TGFβ network regulating bystander effects and a lncRNA-cytoskeleton network regulating genomic instability induced by ionising radiation. We also confirmed the radioresistance of quiescent cells, which inspires a potential strategy to improve individual radioresistance during long-term space travel. However, we believe that a multi-disciplinary strategy must be developed to protect astronauts from highly energised space radiation.

scholarly journals An X-Ray All Sky Monitor for a Japanese Experimental Module on the Space Station

1990 ◽  
Vol 123 ◽  
pp. 463-468
Author(s):  
M. Matsuoka ◽  
N. Kawai ◽  
T. Imai ◽  
M. Yamauchi ◽  
A. Yoshida ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Space Station ◽  
Transient Phenomena ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Sky Monitor ◽  
Image Position ◽  
Japanese Experimental Module

AbstractWe propose an X-ray all sky monitor for Japanese Experimental Module (JEM) on the space station. Considering practical circumstances, we show as a case study that the all sky monitor with slit hole cameras is most promising for monitoring the short-term and long-term X-ray transients. We call this all sky monitor as MAXI (Monitor of All-sky X-ray Image). Position determination of gamma-ray bursts could be achieved with accuracy less than one degree observing the X-ray component of the burst. Weak X-ray sources such as active galactic nuclei could be also monitored with time resolution less than one day. The X-ray all sky monitor will work to discover X-ray novae and transient phenomena and give us the alarm for further detailed observations. The obtained data will be also used for archival study.

Long-term (6-wk) hindlimb suspension inhibits spermatogenesis in adult male rats

2002 ◽  
Vol 92 (3) ◽  
pp. 1191-1198 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph S. Tash ◽  
Donald C. Johnson ◽  
George C. Enders
Keyword(s):  
Adult Male ◽  
Inguinal Canal ◽  
Space Station ◽  
Male Rats ◽  
Hindlimb Suspension ◽  
Spermatogenic Cells ◽  
Cage Floor ◽  
Seminal Vesicle Weight ◽  
The Impact

The International Space Station will allow extended habitation in space and long-term exposure to microgravity (μG). A concern is the impact of long-term μG exposure on the ability of species to reproduce. The model often used to simulate μG is rat hindlimb suspension (HLS), where the hindlimbs are elevated above the cage floor with a tail harness. Experiments described here are the first to examine the effect of long-term HLS on testicular function in adult male rats. Free-roaming (controls), animals with only the tail harnessed but hindlimbs in contact with the cage floor (TO), and HLS animals were tested for 6 wk. Cryptorchidism was prevented in TO and HLS animals by partial constriction of the inguinal canal with sutures. All parameters were compared at the end of the 6-wk experiment. Testicular weights and spermatogenesis were significantly reduced by HLS, such that no spermatogenic cells beyond round spermatids were present and epididymides were devoid of mature sperm. In many tubules, loss of all germ cells, except a few spermatogonia, resulting in histopathology similar to the Sertoli cell, was observed. Spermatogenesis appeared unaffected in control and TO animals. Sertoli and Leydig cell appearance, testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone levels, and epididymal and seminal vesicle weight were unchanged by HLS. Cortisone was not elevated by HLS; thus stress may not be a factor. These results demonstrate that spermatogenesis is severely inhibited by long-term HLS, whereas testicular androgen production is not. These results have significant implications regarding serious effects of long-term exposure to μG on the reproductive capability of scrotal mammals, including humans.

scholarly journals Light Yield Response of Neutron Scintillation Screens to Sudden Flux Changes

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (12) ◽  
pp. 134
Author(s):  
Tobias Neuwirth ◽  
Bernhard Walfort ◽  
Simon Sebold ◽  
Michael Schulz
Keyword(s):  
Neutron Flux ◽  
Light Yield ◽  
Neutron Imaging ◽  
Frame Rate ◽  
Yield Response ◽  
High Frame Rate ◽  
Long Term Stability ◽  
High Light Yield ◽  
Different Temperatures

We performed a study of the initial and long term light yield of different scintillation screen mixtures for neutron imaging during constant neutron irradiation. We evaluated the light yield during different neutron flux levels as well as at different temperatures. As high frame rate imaging is a topic of interest in the neutron imaging community, the decay characteristics of scintillation screens are of interest as well. Hence, we also present and discuss the decay behavior of the different scintillation screen mixtures on a time scale of seconds. We have found that the decay time of ZnS:Cu/6LiF excited with a high neutron flux is potentially much longer than typically stated. While most of the tested scintillation screens do not provide a significant improvement over currently used scintillation screen materials, Zn(Cd)S:Ag/6LiF seems to be a good candidate for high frame rate imaging due to its high light yield, long-term stability as well as fast decay compared to the other evaluated scintillation screens.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document