Marguerita Lightfoot: Award for Distinguished Early Career Contributions to Psychology in the Public Interest

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

American Psychologist, 2012

2012-01-01

Presents a short biography of the winner of the American Psychological Association's Award for Distinguished Early Career Contributions to Psychology in the Public Interest. The 2012 winner is Marguerita Lightfoot for her leadership, innovation, and commitment to applying psychological principles to develop behavioral health interventions for…

The light-footed clapper rail: An update

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wilburn, Cynthia A.; Jorgensen, Paul D.; Massey, Barbara W.; Basham, Venita A.

1979-01-01

A preliminary report on the Light-footed Clapper Rail, Rallus longirostris levipes, estimated a population of 500-750 birds in California (Wilbur, Am. Birds 28:868-870, 1974). Since then, additional work has been accomplished, most notably: (1) an intensive study of Carpinteria Marsh, Santa Barbara County, 1976-1977 (Basham); (2) a series of winter high tide counts at Anaheim Bay, Orange County, 1975-1977 (Massey, C. Collins, J. Lindell, M. Silbernagle); and (3) a detailed investigation of the rail population of Tijuana Slough, San Diego County, 1973-1974 (Jorgensen). These, plus short-term studies by the authors and K. Bender, D. Pinkler, P. Johns, and S. Lockhart, have shown that the original estimate was unrealistic. A more probable winter total is 300 rails, distributed as described below.

Lightfoot Visits Michoud on This Week @NASA – February 18, 2017

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-02-18

NASA’s Acting Administrator Robert Lightfoot visited the agency’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans Feb. 13 to view damage from the Feb. 7 tornado strike, and to speak with employees about ongoing recovery efforts at the facility. The work at Michoud is critical to supporting the production, testing and final integration of the core stage of NASA’s Space Launch System deep space rocket, the largest rocket stage ever built. Also, Flight Control Technology Evaluated, Ochoa, Foale to be Inducted into Hall of Fame, NASA Employees Honored, and Exceptional Public Achievement Award!

NASA Acting Administrator Robert Lightfoot addresses members of the National Space Club at a breakfast meeting in the Jackson Conference Center in Huntsville, Alabama.

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-03-22

NASA Acting Administrator Robert Lightfoot addresses a standing room-only crowd at the March 20 National Space Club Huntsville breakfast. Lightfoot, who recently announced he will be retiring from the agency on April 30, praised NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center and spoke about where the agency is headed over the next two decades. “I get to be nostalgic now, as I leave the Agency. This work was going on before I got here, and it’s going to keep going on after I leave,” said Lightfoot. “In this nation where we hear a lot about what we can't do, NASA is a demonstration of what this nation can do. The Space Launch System rocket is taking shape right here at Marshall. The passion our team has on our exploration journey is second to none and there seems to be a sense of urgency to get to that first launch. Exploration gives us hope for the future, and brings today's generation on board to forge its own path to the next great milestones for humanity.” National Space Club Huntsville's mission is to promote the awareness of civilian and military applications for rocketry and astronautics. Participation in its events helps raise money for scholarships and STEM engagement in the community.

Acting Administrator Lightfoot Comments on New Presidential Space Policy, Return to Moon

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-12-11

Acting NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot comments on Space Policy Directive-1, signed by President Trump at the White House on Monday, Dec. 11.  It directs NASA’s human spaceflight program back to the Moon, as recommended by the National Space Council.    The directive calls for NASA to lead an innovative and sustainable program of exploration with commercial and international partners to enable human expansion across the solar system, and to bring back to Earth new knowledge and opportunities for human advancement. This effort will more effectively organize government, private industry, and international efforts toward returning humans on the Moon, and will lay the foundation that will eventually enable human exploration of Mars.

[Seasonal variation in proximate composition of mussels Tagelus peruvianus (Bivalvia: Solecurtidae) from the Gulf of Nicoya, Puntarenas, Costa Rica].

PubMed

Fonseca Rodríguez, Cristian; Marín-Vindas, Carolina; Chavarría-Solera, Fabián; Agüero Pedro, Toledo

2011-12-01

Marine bivalves are a very important food source for human consumption, and species that has not been of traditional use as a fishery resource are gaining interest. Seasonal variation in proximate composition, condition index and energy or caloric content of the mussel Tagelus peruvianus were studied in the Gulf of Nicoya, Puntarenas, Costa Rica. From November 2007 to October 2008, a total of 35 to 40 specimens per month were collected. The proximate composition using the AOAC methods was determined. Results showed that the condition index during December, January and May decreased, indicative of two spawning periods and one gonadal resting phase. Soft tissues were respectively characterized by protein (61.9 +/- 4.3%), carbohydrates (15.7 +/- 2.4%), ash (14.0 +/- 1.9%) and lipids (8.5 +/- 1.7%). The average caloric content was 5.0 +/- 0.1 kcal/g. The results showed that the decrease in protein and fat percentage, and calories content, occurred during the spawning seasons. We suggest that T. peruvianus has an optimal nutritional value for human consumption because of the low-fat and moderate protein content.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in water, mussels ( Brachidontes sp., Tagelus sp.) and fish ( Odontesthes sp.) from Bahía Blanca Estuary, Argentina

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arias, Andres H.; Spetter, Carla V.; Freije, Rubén H.; Marcovecchio, Jorge E.

2009-10-01

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), one of the major groups of anthropogenic environmental pollutants, were firstly identified and measured in coastal waters, native mussels and fish of an industrialized South American estuary. The aim of this study was to measure the PAHs concentrations and evaluate distribution and sources in surface seawater, native mussels ( Brachidontes sp. and Tagelus sp.) and fish ( Odontesthes sp.) from various coastal sites of the Bahía Blanca Estuary, in order to put the estuary in a global context and assess it ecotoxicological risk. For this, 40 samples of surface water were collected between August 2004 and February 2006 and analyzed by GC/MS for 17 PAHs, including the 16 EPA priority PAHs. In addition, main physicochemical parameters, nutrients and pigments were simultaneously obtained as key parameters to evaluate possible relationships. Finally, several native mussel communities and fish specimens were also analyzed for PAHs contents. The area of study is located at the Argentinean coast and presents an intensive human and industrial activity at the north shoreline. Total PAHs (Σ17 PAHs) in whole surface waters ranged from undetected to more than 4 μg/l. Seasonal PAHs levels relationship with master parameters suggested a relationship between the phytoplankton microbiological cycling and the dissolved/suspended PAHs occurrence in water. In addition, Cluster Analysis was performed to identify the homogeneous groups of individual PAHs in water and Principal Component Analysis to extract underlying common factors. The result of PCA was similar to that of the cluster analysis; both could differentiate two subsets of pyrogenic sources and a petrogenic origin. PAHs levels in indigenous mussels ( Brachidontes sp. and Tagelus sp.) ranged from 348 to 1597 ng/g (dry weight). Fish specimens ( Odontesthes sp.) showed a mean concentration of 1095 ng/g d.w. in whole tissues. Mussel source ratios and PCA results were in good agreement with

Nutritional value of winter foods for whooping cranes

USGS Publications Warehouse

Nelson, J.T.; Slack, R.D.; Gee, G.F.

1996-01-01

We measured metabolizable energy and digestibility of Whooping Crane (Grus americana) winter foods (blue crab [Callinectes sapidus]), common Rangia clam (Rangia cuneata), wolfberry fruit (Lycium carolinianurn [wolfberry]), and live oak acorn (Ouercus virginiana [acorn])] with feeding trials to captive-reared Whooping Cranes. Apparent metabolizable energy coefficients (expressed as %) were for crab (34.1), Rangia clam (75.0), wolfberry (44.8), and acorn (43.2). Digestion coefficients for protein were lower for plant foods (48.9 and 53.4) than for animal foods (69.4 and 75.2). Digestion coefficients for total lipid differed among foods: highest and lowest lipid digestibility was for acorn (87.2) and wolfberry (60.0), respectively. We also determined total energy and percent protein and lipid of the four foods and stout razor clam (Tagelus plebeius); gross energy was 2-5x higher for acorn and wolfberry on a dry-weight basis than for blue crab and stout razor clam. Crude protein was 2-3x higher for blue crab than for wolfberry and stout razor clam. Wolfberry ranked the highest of five foods for metabolic energy and total lipid nutrient availability per kg of food ingested, and blue crab ranked highest for crude protein availability.

Endangered light-footed clapper rail affects parasite community structure in coastal wetlands

USGS Publications Warehouse

Whitney, Kathleen L.; Hechinger, Ryan F.; Kuris, Armand M.; Lafferty, Kevin D.

2007-01-01

An extinction necessarily affects community members that have obligate relationships with the extinct species. Indirect or cascading effects can lead to even broader changes at the community or ecosystem level. However, it is not clear whether generalist parasites should be affected by the extinction of one of their hosts. We tested the prediction that loss of a host species could affect the structure of a generalist parasite community by investigating the role of endangered Light-footed Clapper Rails (Rallus longirostris levipes) in structuring trematode communities in four tidal wetlands in southern California, USA (Carpinteria Salt Marsh, Mugu Lagoon) and Mexico (Estero de Punta Banda, Bahia Falsa–San Quintín). We used larval trematode parasites in first intermediate host snails (Cerithidea californica) as windows into the adult trematodes that parasitize Clapper Rails. Within and among wetlands, we found positive associations between Clapper Rails and four trematode species, particularly in the vegetated marsh habitat where Clapper Rails typically occur. This suggests that further loss of Clapper Rails is likely to affect the abundance of several competitively dominant trematode species in wetlands with California horn snails, with possible indirect effects on the trematode community and changes in the impacts of these parasites on fishes and invertebrates.

Evidence for contrasting accumulation pattern of cadmium in relation to other elements in Senilia senilis and Tagelus adansoni from the Bijagós archipelago, Guinea-Bissau.

PubMed

Catry, Teresa; Figueira, Paula; Carvalho, Lina; Monteiro, Rui; Coelho, Pedro; Lourenço, Pedro Miguel; Catry, Paulo; Tchantchalam, Quintino; Catry, Inês; Botelho, Maria J; Pereira, Eduarda; Granadeiro, José Pedro; Vale, Carlos

2017-11-01

Shellfish harvesting in intertidal areas is a widespread and economically important activity in many countries across West Africa. However, in some areas, there is virtually no information concerning the levels of contaminants (and other elements related to nutritional aspects) in the harvested species. We collected sediments and several individuals of the West African bloody cockle Senilia senilis and of the razor clam Tagelus adansoni during the dry season of 2015 nearby three islands in the Bijagós archipelago, Guinea-Bissau. Aluminium, Ca, Fe, Mg, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn were determined in sediments and whole soft tissues of the two bivalves. Sediments showed uniformly low trace element concentrations, pointing to an ecosystem with low levels of trace element contamination. T. adansoni presented higher concentrations of most elements than S. senilis, with the exception of Cd that showed up to 40 times higher values in S. senilis than in T. adansoni from the same sites. Furthermore, Cd concentrations (25±8.7 mg kg -1 , dw) in S. senilis are clearly above the maximum level established for human consumption. Future studies should clarify whether biological factors are the major responsible for this unusual situation.

Contrasting Physiological Responses of Two Populations of the Razor Clam Tagelus dombeii with Different Histories of Exposure to Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP)

PubMed Central

Navarro, Jorge M.; González, Katerina; Cisternas, Barbara; López, Jorge A.; Chaparro, Oscar R.; Segura, Cristian J.; Córdova, Marco; Suárez-Isla, Benjamín; Fernandez-Reiriz, María J.; Labarta, Uxio

2014-01-01

This study describes the physiological performance of two populations of the razor clam Tagelus dombeii from two geographic areas with different histories of exposure to paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) linked to the toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium catenella. Clams from Melinka-Aysén, which are frequently exposed to PSP, were not affected by the presence of toxins in the diet. However, clams from Corral-Valdivia, which have never been exposed to PSP, exhibited significantly reduced filtration activity and absorption, affecting the energy allocated to scope for growth (SFG). Ammonia excretion and oxygen uptake were not affected significantly by the presence of A. catenella in the diet. Measurements of energy acquisition and expenditure were performed during a 12-day intoxication period. According to three-way repeated measure ANOVAs, the origin of the clams had a highly significant effect on all physiological variables, and the interaction between diet and origin was significant for the clearance and absorption rates and for the scope for growth. The scope for growth index showed similar positive values for both the toxic and non-toxic individuals from the Melinka-Aysén population. However, it was significantly reduced in individuals from Corral-Valdivia when exposed to the diet containing A. catenella. The absence of differences between the physiological response of the toxic and non-toxic clams from Melinka-Aysén may be related to the frequent presence of A. catenella in the environment, indicating that this bivalve does not suffer negative consequences from PSP. By contrast, A. catenella has a negative effect on the physiological performance, primarily on the energy gained from the environment, on T. dombeii from Corral-Valdivia. This study supports the hypothesis that the history of PSP exposure plays an important role in the physiological performance and fitness of filter feeding bivalves. PMID:25153329

Food selection among Atlantic Coast seaducks in relation to historic food habits

USGS Publications Warehouse

Perry, M.C.; Osenton, P.C.; Wells-Berlin, A. M.; Kidwell, D.M.

2005-01-01

Food selection among Atlantic Coast seaducks during 1999-2005 was determined from hunter-killed ducks and compared to data from historic food habits file (1885-1985) for major migrational and wintering areas in the Atlantic Flyway. Food selection was determined by analyses of the gullet (esophagus and proventriculus) and gizzard of 860 ducks and summarized by aggregate percent for each species. When sample size was adequate comparisons were made among age and sex groupings and also among local sites in major habitat areas. Common eiders in Maine and the Canadian Maritimes fed predominantly (53%) on the blue mussel (Mytilus edulis). Scoters in Massachusetts, Maine, and the Canadian Maritimes fed predominantly on the blue mussel (46%), Atlantic jackknife clam (Ensis directus; 19%), and Atlantic surf clam (Spisula solidissima; 15%), whereas scoters in the Chesapeake Bay fed predominantly on hooked mussel (Ischadium recurvum; 42%), the stout razor clam (Tagelus plebeius; 22%), and dwarf surf clam (Mulinia lateralis; 15%). The amethyst gem clam (Gemma gemma) was the predominant food (45%) of long-tailed ducks in Chesapeake Bay. Buffleheads and common goldeneyes fed on a mixed diet of mollusks and soft bodied invertebrates (amphipods, isopods and polychaetes). No major differences were noticed between the sexes in regard to food selection in any of the wintering areas. Comparisons to historic food habits in all areas failed to detect major differences. However, several invertebrate species recorded in historic samples were not found in current samples and two invasive species (Atlantic Rangia, Rangia cuneata and green crab, Carcinas maenas) were recorded in modem samples, but not in historic samples. Benthic sampling in areas where seaducks were collected showed a close correlation between consumption and availability. Each seaduck species appears to fill a unique niche in regard to feeding ecology, although there is much overlap of prey species selected. Understanding

1300322

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-05-22

DAVID BEAMAN, MANAGER OF THE SPACECRAFT & PAYLOAD INTEGRATION OFFICE AT NASA'S SPACE LAUNCH SYSTEM, DISCUSSES THE FINER POINTS OF THE CONSTRUCTIONS OF THE SLS ADAPTER RING WITH NASA ASSOCIATE ADMINISTRATOR ROBERT LIGHTFOOT DURING MR. LIGHTFOOT'S VISIT TO THE MARSHALL SPACE FLIGHT CENTER

1300321

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-05-22

DAVID BEAMAN, MANAGER OF THE SPACECRAFT & PAYLOAD INTEGRATION OFFICE AT NASA'S SPACE LAUNCH SYSTEM, DISCUSSES THE FINER POINTS OF THE CONSTRUCTIONS OF THE SLS ADAPTER RING WITH NASA ASSOCIATE ADMINISTRATOR ROBERT LIGHTFOOT DURING MR. LIGHTFOOT'S VISIT TO THE MARSHALL SPACE FLIGHT CENTER

Molluscs production associated to lunar-tide cycle: a case study in Paraíba State under ethnoecology viewpoint

PubMed Central

Nishida, Alberto K; Nordi, Nivaldo; Alves, Rômulo RN

2006-01-01

Molluscs have been for a long time a very important food resource for humans. Therefore, oysters, clams, and mussels are highly required at seafood markets. Like any commercial food, it is necessary that molluscs present good quality standards, concerning some criteria such as amount of meat and appearance. In bivalves, condition index or fattening index is considered a satisfactory method for estimating the amount of meat related to the shell cavity. Molluscs gatherers of Paraíba State coast, northeastern Brazil, state that molluscan meat production increases during spring tide (designated by them as maré de lançamento) in opposition to the meat decrease which happens during neap tide (maré de quebramento) (they are designated technically in Portuguese as maré de sizígia and maré de quadratura, respectively). Weperformed a survey on the production of unha-de-velho or 'oldman'snail' (Tagelus plebeius) caught by molluscs gatherers in the estuary of River Paraíba do Norte, by observing locally their work, applying questionnaires, searching for a possible scientific relation of that molluscs condition to the gatherers empirical statement. Thus, we estimatedthe molluscs condition index through the method of solids percentage determination. We studied their work and the molluscs condition index during a full lunar-tide cycle. Determinations were carried out between 2nd September and 20th October, 1998, through 20 catches performed to obtain condition index from 400 bivalves. We observed that several biotic and abiotic ecological factors, namely reproduction cycle, biochemical components variations, animal size, and even parasitism, may affect the animal condition index. Despite this aspect, our present results confirmed a high overlapping (80%) of the condition index curve with lunar-tide cycle, in agreement with the gatherers statement. Although we recognize the need for formulating and testing other hypotheses, we consider a priori that the gatherers empirical

“State of NASA” Events Highlight Agency Goals for Space Exploration

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-02-12

On Feb. 12, NASA centers across the country hosted “State of NASA” events, following President Trump’s Fiscal Year 2019 budget proposal delivery to the U.S. Congress. The events included an address, by acting NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot, to the agency’s workforce, from NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, in Huntsville, Alabama. During his speech, Lightfoot highlighted how the budget would help the agency achieve its goals for space exploration.

State of NASA: How Cool Is That?

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-02-13

On Feb. 12, NASA centers across the country hosted “State of NASA” events, following President Trump’s Fiscal Year 2019 budget proposal delivery to the U.S. Congress. The events included an address, by acting NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot, to the agency’s workforce, from NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, in Huntsville, Alabama. During his speech, Lightfoot highlighted how the budget would help the agency achieve its goals for space exploration.

Vice President Mike Pence Visits Kennedy Space Center

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-07-06

Vice President Mike Pence, back to the camera, is greeted by NASA officials at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. From the left are, Deputy Center Director Janet Petro, Center Director Bob Cabana and Acting Administrator Robert Lightfoot. To the right of Lightfoot is Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida. During his visit to Kennedy, the Vice President spoke inside the iconic Vehicle Assembly Building, where he thanked employees for advancing American leadership in space.

Influence of Environmental and Genetic Factors Linked to Celiac Disease Risk on Infant Gut Colonization by Bacteroides Species▿

PubMed Central

Sánchez, Ester; De Palma, Giada; Capilla, Amalia; Nova, Esther; Pozo, Tamara; Castillejo, Gemma; Varea, Vicente; Marcos, Ascensión; Garrote, José Antonio; Polanco, Isabel; López, Ana; Ribes-Koninckx, Carmen; García-Novo, Maria Dolores; Calvo, Carmen; Ortigosa, Luis; Palau, Francesc; Sanz, Yolanda

2011-01-01

Celiac disease (CD) is an immune-mediated enteropathy involving genetic and environmental factors whose interaction might influence disease risk. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of milk-feeding practices and the HLA-DQ genotype on intestinal colonization of Bacteroides species in infants at risk of CD development. This study included 75 full-term newborns with at least one first-degree relative suffering from CD. Infants were classified according to milk-feeding practice (breast-feeding or formula feeding) and HLA-DQ genotype (high or low genetic risk). Stools were analyzed at 7 days, 1 month, and 4 months by PCR and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). The Bacteroides species diversity index was higher in formula-fed infants than in breast-fed infants. Breast-fed infants showed a higher prevalence of Bacteroides uniformis at 1 and 4 months of age, while formula-fed infants had a higher prevalence of B. intestinalis at all sampling times, of B. caccae at 7 days and 4 months, and of B. plebeius at 4 months. Infants with high genetic risk showed a higher prevalence of B. vulgatus, while those with low genetic risk showed a higher prevalence of B. ovatus, B. plebeius, and B. uniformis. Among breast-fed infants, the prevalence of B. uniformis was higher in those with low genetic risk than in those with high genetic risk. Among formula-fed infants, the prevalence of B. ovatus and B. plebeius was increased in those with low genetic risk, while the prevalence of B. vulgatus was higher in those with high genetic risk. The results indicate that both the type of milk feeding and the HLA-DQ genotype influence the colonization process of Bacteroides species, and possibly the disease risk. PMID:21642397

NASA Honors Legacy of Renowned Astrophysicist Stephen Hawking

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-03-14

NASA is honoring visionary physicist Stephen Hawking, who died at his home in Cambridge, England, early Wednesday morning. Acting NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot noted Hawking’s role as a “passionate communicator who wanted to share the excitement of discovery with all,” adding that his “impact cannot be overstated.” “Stephen’s breakthroughs in the fields of physics and astronomy not only changed how we view the cosmos, but also has played, and will continue to play, a pivotal role in shaping NASA’s efforts to explore our solar system and beyond,” said Lightfoot.

Predation scars may influence host susceptibility to pathogens: evaluating the role of corallivores as vectors of coral disease.

PubMed

Nicolet, K J; Chong-Seng, K M; Pratchett, M S; Willis, B L; Hoogenboom, M O

2018-03-27

Infectious diseases not regulated by host density, such as vector-borne diseases, have the potential to drive population declines and extinctions. Here we test the vector potential of the snail Drupella sp. and butterflyfish Chaetodon plebeius for two coral diseases, black band (BBD) and brown band (BrB) disease. Drupella transmitted BrB to healthy corals in 40% of cases immediately following feeding on infected corals, and even in 12% of cases 12 and 24 hours following feeding. However, Drupella was unable to transmit BBD in either transmission treatment. In a field experiment testing the vector potential of naturally-occurring fish assemblages, equivalent numbers of caged and uncaged coral fragments became infected with either BrB, BBD or skeletal eroding band, indicating that corallivorous fish were unlikely to have caused transmission. In aquaria, C. plebeius did not transmit either BBD or BrB, even following extended feeding on both infected and healthy nubbins. A literature review confirmed only four known coral disease vectors, all invertebrates, corroborating our conclusion that polyp-feeding fishes are unlikely to be vectors of coral diseases. This potentially because polyp-feeding fishes produce shallow lesions, not allowing pathogens to invade coral tissues. In contrast, corallivorous invertebrates that create deeper feeding scars increase pathogens transmission.

GSFC_20170907_2017-23105_021

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-09-07

The Role of Men in Sustaining Women in STEM event was held at Lockheed Martin was held on Sept 7, 2017. Acting Administrator Robert LIghtfoot attended to discuss challenges of sustaining women in STEM

FY18 State Of NASA Budget

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-05-22

On May 23, the Acting Administrator Robert Lightfoot gave a State of NASA address at Headquarters to rollout the Fiscal Year 2018 Budget proposal. This video highlights the future-facing vision of those plans.

NASA Advancing Aviation Technology on This Week @NASA – March 3, 2017

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-03-03

On March 2, NASA’s acting Administrator, Robert Lightfoot spoke at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Aviation Summit in Washington, about how the agency’s technology advancements have helped transform the aviation industry. Lightfoot was then joined by Canadian Minister of Transport Marc Garneau, who is a former astronaut and Canadian Space Agency president, and Carol Hallett, counselor to the chamber, for a discussion with NASA’s Shane Kimbrough and Peggy Whitson, via satellite from the International Space Station. The two talked about the vast array of research and technology development conducted aboard the station. Also, Anniversary of One-Year Crew’s Return, IceCube SmallSat Ready for Launch, Orion Propulsion Qualification Module Installed, Small Business Industry Awards, and African American Pioneers in Aviation and Space!

Acting Administrator Lightfoot Visits Ball Aerospace

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-04-06

Acting NASA Deputy Administrator Lesa Roe, center, views a clean room with Tim Schoenweis, senior project engineer for the Ozone Mapping Profiler Suite (OMPS) at Ball Aerospace, left, Thursday, April 6, 2017 at Ball Aerospace in Boulder, Colo. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Acting Administrator Lightfoot Visits Ball Aerospace

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-04-06

Acting NASA Deputy Administrator Lesa Roe, right, speaks with Rob Strain, president of Ball Aerospace, Thursday, April 6, 2017 during a visit to Ball Aerospace in Boulder, Colo. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

NASA Exploration Forum: Human Path to Mars

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-04-29

Robert Lightfoot, NASA Associate Adminstrator, delivers closing remarks at an Exploration Forum showcasing NASA's human exploration path to Mars in the James E. Webb Auditorium at NASA Headquarters on Tuesday, April 29, 2014. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Contemporary Studies of American Schooling.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smith, Hilton

1985-01-01

Six studies of secondary schooling in the United States by Goodlad, Cusick, Lightfoot, Sizer, Boyer, and Adler are discussed. Differences and commonalities among the studies are examined. Problems of some of the studies are also pointed out. (RM)

Revista de Documentacao de Estudos em Linguistica Teorica e Aplicada (DELTA): Novos Estudos em Gamatica Gerativa (Journal of Documentary Studies in Theoretical and Applied Linguistics [DELTA]: New Studies in Generative Grammar).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Revista de Documentacao de Estudos em Linguistica Teorica e Aplicada, 2000

2000-01-01

This issue contains the following articles: "Resumption and Last Resort" (Joseph Aoun); "Existentials, A-Chains, and Reconstruction" (Norbert Hornstein); "How Long Was the Nineteenth Century" (David Lightfoot); "Formal Features and Parameter Setting: A View From Portuguese Past Participles and Romance Future…

78 FR 31977 - NASA Asteroid Initiative Call for Ideas

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-05-28

... NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION [Notice: 13-060] NASA Asteroid Initiative Call for... agency's asteroid initiative planning and to encourage feedback and ideas from the global community and... Perspective--Tom Kalil 9:55-10:15 Asteroid Initiative--Associate Administrator Lightfoot [[Page 31978

NASA's 2017 Solar Eclipse Coverage from 35,000 feet

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-09-13

Robert Lightfoot, NASA’s acting administrator, and Thomas Zurbuchen, NASA science mission directorate’s associate administrator, discuss the importance and scientific value of capturing the 2017 Solar Eclipse from 35,000 feet above the coast of Oregon aboard the agency’s Gulfstream III aircraft.

Pursuing an Ethic of Care: A Case Study of One Female Superintendent

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rico, Rachelle G.

2009-01-01

This instrumental case study explores how the Ethic of Care is experienced within one Midwestern school system as an alternative approach to traditional school system hierarchical infrastructures. Through the qualitative tradition of portraiture (Lawrence-Lightfoot & Davis, 1997), this study documents the caring leadership actions, behaviors…

House NASA FY 19' Budget Hearing

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-03-07

Acting NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot testifies during a House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, Subcommittee on Space, hearing overview of the NASA Budget for Fiscal Year 2019, Wednesday, March 7, 2018, at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Trump revives National Space Council

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnston, Hamish

2017-08-01

US president Donald Trump has signed an executive order to re-establish the US National Space Council. The 12-member council will include key government officials with an interest in space exploration, including NASA’s acting administrator Robert Lightfoot and the secretaries of state, commerce and defence.

Controlling Cancer: Choices for a Healthy Life. Hearing before the Select Committee on Aging. House of Representatives, Ninety-Ninth Congress, First Session (Cranston, RI).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Congress of the U.S., Washington, DC. House Select Committee on Aging.

This paper contains testimony and prepared statements from the Congressional hearing called to examine ways of controlling cancer. Opening statements are included from Representatives Claudine Schneider, Jim Lightfoot, and Ben Blaz. Testimonies are given by Rosemarie Lindgren, a homemaker and former cancer patient, and by Jules Cardin, a patient…

Vice President Mike Pence Visits Kennedy Space Center

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-07-06

NASA's Acting Administrator Robert Lightfoot, left, greets Vide President Mike Pence at the Shuttle Landing Facility at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. During his visit to Kennedy, the Vice President spoke inside the iconic Vehicle Assembly Building, where he thanked employees for advancing American leadership in space.

Senate Hearing on Assured Access to Space

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-07-16

Robert Lightfoot, NASA Associate Administrator, answers a question during testimony in front of the Senate Subcommittee on Strategic Forces and Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on Wednesday, July 16, 2014, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington, DC. The Senate hearing focused on assured access to space.

How To Teach Comprehensive Geography Skills: "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald."

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gordon, Jeffrey J.

1984-01-01

"The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald," a contemporary hit song by Canadian folksinger Gordon Lightfoot describing a shipwreck on Lake Superior in 1975, is used to illustrate how popular music can be used to teach geography to secondary students. Students analyze atlases, topographic maps, nautical charts, and weather maps. (RM)

Senate Hearing on Assured Access to Space

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-07-16

Robert Lightfoot, NASA Associate Administrator, delivers his opening statement during a hearing in front of the Senate Subcommittee on Strategic Forces and Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on Wednesday, July 16, 2014, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington, DC. The Senate hearing focused on assured access to space.

Senate Hearing on Assured Access to Space

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-07-16

Robert Lightfoot, NASA Associate Administrator, third from left, answers a question during testimony in front of the Senate Subcommittee on Strategic Forces and Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on Wednesday, July 16, 2014, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington, DC. The Senate hearing focused on assured access to space.

1100398

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-03-24

CHARLES BOLDEN NASA ADMINISTRATOR TOURING AND SPEAKING AT THE US. SPACE AND ROCKET CENTER, HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA. ACCOMPANYING ADMINISTRATOR BOLDEN ARE DR. DEBORAH BARNHART, CEO OF THE USSARC, ROBERT LIGHTFOOT, CENTER DIRECTOR OF MARSHALL SPACE FLIGHT CENTER AND RETIRED NASA ASTRONAUT ROBERT LEE “HOOT” GIBSON, ADMINISTRATOR BOLDEN’S FIRST SPACE FLIGHT COMMANDER.

1100343

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-03-24

CHARLES BOLDEN, NASA ADMINISTRATOR PRESENTING THE 2010 ADMINISTRATOR’S CUP AWARD TO DAVID BROCK, SMALL BUSINESS SPECIALIST, MSFC. LEFT TO RIGHT GLENN DELGADO, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, NASA, OFFICE OF SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAMS, BYRON BUTLER, DIRECTOR, OFFICE OF PROCUREMENT, MSFC, DAVID BROCK, SMALL BUSINESS SPECIALIST, MSFC, CHARLES BOLDEN, NASA ADMINISTRATOR AND ROBERT LIGHTFOOT, MSFC CENTER DIRECTOR.

Exploration. It's What We Do.

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-02-12

Exploration is a tradition at NASA. We reach for new heights and reveal the unknown for the benefit of humankind. On February, 12, 2018, Acting Administrator Robert Lightfoot gave a State of NASA address to roll out the Fiscal Year 2019 Budget proposal. This video highlights the future-facing vision of those plans. #StateofNASA

House NASA FY 19' Budget Hearing

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-03-07

Rep. Ami Bera, D-Calif., is seen on a monitor behind acting NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot during a House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, Subcommittee on Space, hearing overview of the NASA Budget for Fiscal Year 2019, Wednesday, March 7, 2018, at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Remembering the "S. S. Edmund Fitzgerald"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

DiLisi, Gregory A.; Rarick, Richard A.

2015-01-01

November 10, 2015, marked the 40th anniversary of the sinking of the "S. S. Edmund Fitzgerald," a Great Lakes bulk cargo freighter that suddenly and mysteriously sank during a severe winter storm on Lake Superior. A year after the sinking, Canadian folksinger Gordon Lightfoot wrote and recorded the ballad "The Wreck of the 'Edmund…

Remembering the S. S. Edmund Fitzgerald

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

DiLisi, Gregory A.; Rarick, Richard A.

2015-12-01

November 10, 2015, marked the 40th anniversary of the sinking of the S. S. Edmund Fitzgerald, a Great Lakes bulk cargo freighter that suddenly and mysteriously sank during a severe winter storm on Lake Superior. A year after the sinking, Canadian folksinger Gordon Lightfoot wrote and recorded the ballad "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald." The song became an international hit that made the event the most well-known and controversial shipping disaster on the Great Lakes. The purpose of this article is to commemorate the anniversary of this tragedy by bringing it to the attention of a new generation of students, namely those enrolled in our introductory physics courses. Since most of our students were not yet born when the ship sank, we first establish a historical context for them by providing detailed information about the ship's final voyage and wreckage site. (Lyrics from Lightfoot's ballad headline each of these sections.) We then focus on "rogue waves" and the principle of superposition to produce a simple simulation of the conditions that might have resulted in the giant freighter's sudden sinking.

10th Annual Dr. Wernher von Braun Memorial Symposium

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-10-26

Acting NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot, in his luncheon speech at the symposium Oct. 26, spoke about the newly reestablished National Space Council chaired by Vice President Mike Pence and NASA’s directive to develop a plan for an innovative and sustainable program of exploration with commercial and international partners to enable human expansion across the solar system

Ability Is Ageless. Hearing before the Subcommittee on Health and Long-Term Care of the Select Committee on Aging. House of Representatives, Ninety-Ninth Congress, Second Session.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Congress of the U.S., Washington, DC. House Select Committee on Aging.

This document presents the text of a hearing on the relationship of ability to age, in reference to removing age caps so that age will be irrelevent to getting and keeping a job. Statements by Representatives Ron Wyden, Claude Pepper, Ralph Regula, Bill Schuette, Jim Lightfoot, Ike Skelton, George Wortley, and Don Bonker are included. Testimony by…

House NASA FY 19' Budget Hearing

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-03-07

Rep. Ed Perlmutter, D-Colo. is seen on a monitor as acting NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot, foreground, answers his questions during a House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, Subcommittee on Space, hearing overview of the NASA Budget for Fiscal Year 2019, Wednesday, March 7, 2018, at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Vice President Meets with NASA Leadership

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-04-23

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, left, Vice President Mike Pence, and NASA Chief Financial Officer Jeff DeWit, right, give a standing ovation to former acting administrator Robert Lightfoot, Monday, April 23, 2018 at NASA Headquarters in Washington. Bridenstine was just sworn in by the Vice President as NASA's 13th Administrator. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

50th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-06-23

NASA Associate Administrator Robert Lightfoot delivers closing remarks at an event celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 on Monday, June 23, 2014 in the James E. Webb Auditorium at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC. The event highlighted the influence of the Civil Rights Act on NASA. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

The New Special Relationship: Redefining America’s Strategic Partnership With Germany

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-05-01

confidence in his government, which narrowly succeeded.21 Additionally, both Chancellor Schröder and then-Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer were instrumental...support within international institutions. Foreign Minister Fischer in particular labored to coordinate a common European position as well as...Damon M. Wilson, and Jeff Lightfoot, Anchoring the Alliance (Washington, DC: Atlantic Council of the United States, 2012 33 Sebastian Schulte

Vice President Mike Pence Visits Kennedy Space Center

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-07-06

During his visit of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Vice President Mike Pence signs a Kennedy Space Center guest book as the agency's Acting Administrator Robert Lightfoot, left, and Center Director Bob Cabana look on. During his visit to Kennedy, the Vice President spoke inside the iconic Vehicle Assembly Building, where he thanked employees for advancing American leadership in space.

Acting Administrator Welcomes New CFO

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-04-03

Acting NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot, left, and newly appointed NASA Chief Financial Officer Jeff DeWit, meet on DeWit's first day in office, Tuesday, April 3, 2018 at NASA Headquarters in Washington. As NASA CFO, DeWit ensures the financial health of the agency, which includes effectively employing agency resources toward the achievement of NASA's strategic plan. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

1000507

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-04-01

NASA ADMINISTRATOR CHARLES BOLDEN LOOKS ON AS BALL AEROSPACE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION PRINCIPLE OPTICAL ENGINEER DAVE CHANEY EXPLAINS HOW THE JAMES WEBB SPACE TELESCOPE MIRROR SEGMENTS ARE TESTED IN MARSHALL'S X-RAY AND CRYOGENIC FACILITY. PICTURED FROM LEFT: HELEN COLE, WEBB TELESCOPE ACTIVITIES PROJECT MANAGER AT MARSHALL; CHARLES SCALES, ASSOCIATE DEPUTY ADMINISTRATOR: ROBERT LIGHTFOOT, CENTER DIRECTOR; CHARLES BOLDEN, NASA ADMINISTRATOR; DAVE CHANEY, BALL OPTICAL ENGINEER.

1300327

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-05-22

Robert Lightfoot visited the facility housing the seven-axis milling tool as it performs work on the Spacecraft and Payload Integration adapters for the Space Launch System Program at MSFC. After a short tour, he took a few moment to address the media and answer questions, including how ISERV is examining the damage done by the recent tornado outbreak in Oklahoma, and more information on NASA's asteroid mission.

2017 Total Solar Eclipse

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-08-21

Robert Lightfoot, acting NASA administrator and Thomas Zurbuchen NASA AA for the science mission directorate view a partial eclipse solar eclipse Monday, August 21, 2017, from onboard a NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center’s Gulfstream III 35,000 feet above the Oregon Coast. A total solar eclipse swept across a narrow portion of the contiguous United States from Lincoln Beach, Oregon to Charleston, South Carolina. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Thomas)

Antares Post Launch Press Conference

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-09-18

Robert Lightfoot, associate administrator, NASA, talks during a press conference held after the successful launch of the Antares rocket, with the Cygnus cargo spacecraft aboard, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2013, NASA Wallops Flight Facility, Virginia. Cygnus is on its way to rendezvous with the space station. The spacecraft will deliver about 1,300 pounds (589 kilograms) of cargo, including food and clothing, to the Expedition 37 crew. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

ADDITIONAL FOOTAGE FROM COVERAGE OF THE FIRST MEETING OF THE NATIONAL SPACE COUNCIL

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-10-05

Additional footage from coverage of the first meeting of the National Space Council, held on Oct. 5 at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia. Vice President Mike Pence is the chair of the council. Participants included NASA’s Acting Administrator Robert Lightfoot, as well as a number of Trump Administration cabinet members and senior officials, and aerospace industry leaders.

Vice President Mike Pence visits Kennedy Space Center

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-07-06

Vice President Mike Pence, second from right; NASA Acting Administrator Robert Lightfoot, left; Deputy Director, Kennedy Space Center, Janet Petro, second from left; NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman, center; and Director, Kennedy Space Center, Robert Cabana, right, look at the Orion capsule that will fly on the first integrated flight with the Space Launch System rocket in 2019, during a tour of the Kennedy Space Center's Operations and Checkout Building.

NASA directors' forum

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-11-09

Stennis Space Center Director Patrick Scheuermann (right) hosted directors from six other NASA centers during a forum discussion at the south Mississippi rocket engine test facility Nov. 9. The directors discussed the future of the American space program from their perspectives during an all hands session with Stennis employees. Participants were: (l to r) David McBride, Lesa Roe, Ray Lugo, Bob Cabana, Robert Lightfoot, Mike Coats and Scheuermann.

Vice President Mike Pence Arrival at Kennedy Space Center

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-07-06

Accompanied by a White House staffer, left, NASA Kennedy Space Center Director Robert Cabana, Acting NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot and Kennedy Space Center Deputy Director Janet Petro watch as Air Force Two, carrying Vice President Mike Pence, approaches on the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. During his visit to Kennedy, Pence spoke inside the iconic Vehicle Assembly Building, where he thanked employees for advancing American leadership in space.

Space Policy Directive - 1 Signing

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-12-11

Vice President Mike Pence speaks before President Donald Trump signs Space Policy Directive - 1, directing NASA to return to the moon, alongside President Donald Trump. left, Acting NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot, second left, NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, third from left, NASA astronaut Christina Koch, right, and members of the Senate, Congress, and commercial space companies in the Roosevelt room of the White House in Washington, Monday, Dec. 11, 2017. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Structure of a glycoside hydrolase family 50 enzyme from a subfamily that is enriched in human gut microbiome bacteroidetes.

PubMed

Giles, Kaleigh; Pluvinage, Benjamin; Boraston, Alisdair B

2017-01-01

The polysaccharide utilization locus in Bacteroides plebeius that confers the ability to catabolize porphyran contains a putative GH50 β-agarase (BACPLE_01683, BpGH50). BpGH50 did not show any clear activity on agarose or on the related algal galactans porphyran and carrageenan. However, the 1.4 Å resolution X-ray crystal structure of BpGH50 confirmed its possession of the core (α/β) 8 barrel fold found in GH50 enzymes as well as the structural conservation of the catalytic residues and some substrate binding residues. Examination of the structure supports assignment of this protein as a β-galactosidase but suggests that it may utilize a different, possibly hybrid, algal galactan substrate. Proteins 2016; 85:182-187. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Vice President Mike Pence Visits Kennedy Space Center

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-07-06

Upon his arrival at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Vice President Mike Pence, back to the camera, is greeted by Deputy Center Director Janet Petro. Behind the Vice President, Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, shakes hands with Center Director Bob Cabana. To the right of Cabana is Acting NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot. During his visit to Kennedy, the Vice President spoke inside the iconic Vehicle Assembly Building, where he thanked employees for advancing American leadership in space.

Asteroid Initiative Industry and Partner Day

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-06-18

NASA Associate Administrator Robert Lightfoot, talks during the Asteroid Initiative Industry and Partner Day at NASA Headquarters on Tuesday, June 18, 2013 in Washington. During the event NASA Deputy Administrator Lori Garver and other senior NASA officials discussed the progress being made on NASA's mission to capture, redirect, and explore an asteroid. NASA also announced an Asteroid Grand Challenge focused on finding all asteroid threats to human populations and knowing what to do about them. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Vice President Mike Pence Visits Kennedy Space Center

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-07-06

Kennedy Space Center Bob Cabana, left, and NASA's Acting Administrator Robert Lightfoot, right present Vice President Mike Pence with a framed plaque. On the back of the plaque are patches from each of Cabana's four space shuttle mission, STS-88, STS-53, STS-65, STS-41, and an inscription thanking the Vice President for his support of NASA. During his visit to Kennedy, the Vice President spoke inside the iconic Vehicle Assembly Building, where he thanked employees for advancing American leadership in space.

Asteroid Initiative Industry and Partner Day

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-06-18

NASA Associate Administrator Robert Lightfoot, listens as other NASA senior leadership talk during the Asteroid Initiative Industry and Partner Day at NASA Headquarters on Tuesday, June 18, 2013 in Washington. During the event NASA Deputy Administrator Lori Garver and other senior NASA officials discussed the progress being made on NASA's mission to capture, redirect, and explore an asteroid. NASA also announced an Asteroid Grand Challenge focused on finding all asteroid threats to human populations and knowing what to do about them. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

National Space Council Meeting

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-10-05

Acting NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot, center, along with Deputy Chief Technology Officer of the United States Michael Kratsios, left, and Director of National Intelligence Daniel Coats, right, listen to remarks by panelists during the National Space Council's first meeting, Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017 at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. The National Space Council, chaired by Vice President Mike Pence heard testimony from representatives from civil space, commercial space, and national security space industry representatives. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Vice President Mike Pence Visits Kennedy Space Center

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-07-06

Kennedy Space Center Bob Cabana, left, and NASA's Acting Administrator Robert Lightfoot, right present Vice President Mike Pence with a framed plaque. At the top is an illustration featuring NASA's efforts to explore Mars. Also included is the flag of the Vice President's home state of Indiana that was flown on the SpaceX Commercial Resupply Services-10 flight in February and March this year. During his visit to Kennedy, the Vice President spoke inside the iconic Vehicle Assembly Building, where he thanked employees for advancing American leadership in space.

Day of Remembrance

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-01-25

Mike Oldak, Resnik Family member, left, Chuck Resnik, brother of the late space shuttle Challenger astronaut Judy Resnik, Amy Resnik, sister-in-law of the late Judy Resnik and acting NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot, right, are seen after laying a wreath at the Space Shuttle Columbia Memorial as part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Jan. 25, 2018, Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. Wreaths were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Asteroid Initiative Industry and Partner Day

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-06-18

NASA Associate Administrator Robert Lightfoot, left, talks as NASA Associate Administrator Science John Grunsfeld, Ph.D, listens, during the Asteroid Initiative Industry and Partner Day at NASA Headquarters on Tuesday, June 18, 2013 in Washington. During the event NASA Deputy Administrator Lori Garver and other senior NASA officials discussed the progress being made on NASA's mission to capture, redirect, and explore an asteroid. NASA also announced an Asteroid Grand Challenge focused on finding all asteroid threats to human populations and knowing what to do about them. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Asteroid Initiative Industry and Partner Day

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-06-18

NASA Associate Administrator Robert Lightfoot, left, talks as NASA Associate Administrator Science John Grunsfeld, Ph.D, listens during the Asteroid Initiative Industry and Partner Day at NASA Headquarters on Tuesday, June 18, 2013 in Washington. During the event NASA Deputy Administrator Lori Garver and other senior NASA officials discussed the progress being made on NASA's mission to capture, redirect, and explore an asteroid. NASA also announced an Asteroid Grand Challenge focused on finding all asteroid threats to human populations and knowing what to do about them. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Vice President Pence Tours NASA’s Historic Mission Control in Houston

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-06-07

On June 7, Vice President Mike Pence joined NASA’s Acting Administrator Robert Lightfoot and Johnson Space Center Director Ellen Ochoa to announce the 12 men and women who were selected to the 2017 astronaut class from more than 18,300 applicants. The new astronaut candidates could one day be performing research on the International Space Station, launching from American soil aboard spacecraft built by American companies, and traveling to the moon or even Mars with the help of NASA’s new Orion spacecraft and Space Launch System rocket.

2017 A Day of Remembrance

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-01-26

NASA officials, family members and other invited guests listen to remarks during Kennedy Space Center's Day of Remembrance ceremony. From left to right are Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana; contemporary Christian musician Brandon Heath; Apollo launch team member John Tribe; Sheryl Chaffee, daughter of Apollo 1 astronaut Roger Chaffee; astronaut Michael Collins; NASA Acting Administrator Robert Lightfoot; and astronaut Charlie Duke. Held this year in the Center for Space Education at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, the annual event honors the contributions of all astronauts who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration.

Antares Post Launch Press Conference

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-09-18

Josh Byerly, public affairs officer, NASA, left, Robert Lightfoot, associate administrator, NASA, second from left, Alan Lindenmoyer, program manager, NASA's Commercial Crew and Cargo Program, and, Frank Culbertson, executive vice president, Orbital Sciences Corporation, right, are seen during a press conference held after the successful launch of the Antares rocket, with the Cygnus cargo spacecraft aboard, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2013, NASA Wallops Flight Facility, Virginia. Cygnus is on its way to rendezvous with the space station. The spacecraft will deliver about 1,300 pounds (589 kilograms) of cargo, including food and clothing, to the Expedition 37 crew. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Vice President Mike Pence Visits Kennedy Space Center - Tour of

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-02-21

Vice President Mike Pence tours the SpaceX hangar at Launch Complex 39A, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, on Feb. 21, 2018. SpaceX Director of Launch Pads John Muratore, far right, describes hardware to, from the left Acting NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot, SpaceX President and COO Gwynne Shotwell, NASA astronaut Suni Williams and Pence. During his visit, Pence chaired a meeting of the National Space Council in the high bay of the center's Space Station Processing Facility. The council's role is to advise the president regarding national space policy and strategy, and review the nation's long-range goals for space activities.

Vice President Mike Pence Visits Kennedy Space Center - Tour of

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-02-21

Vice President Mike Pence tours the SpaceX hangar at Launch Complex 39A, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, on Feb. 21, 2018. SpaceX Director of launch Pads John Muratore, far right, describes hardware to, from the left Acting NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot, SpaceX President and COO Gwynne Shotwell, NASA astronaut Suni Williams and Pence. During his visit, Pence chaired a meeting of the National Space Council in the high bay of the center's Space Station Processing Facility. The council's role is to advise the president regarding national space policy and strategy, and review the nation's long-range goals for space activities.

Vice President Mike Pence Visits Kennedy Space Center

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-07-06

Acting NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot addresses agency leaders, U.S. and Florida government officials, and employees inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida during a visit by Vice President Mike Pence. Pence thanked employees for advancing American leadership in space. Behind the podium are, from the left, a flown SpaceX Dragon capsule, the Orion spacecraft flown on Exploration Flight test-1 in 2014, and a mockup of Boeing's CST-100 Starliner. During his visit to Kennedy, the Vice President also toured several facilities highlighting the public-private partnerships, as both NASA and commercial companies prepare to launch American astronauts from the multi-user spaceport.

Estimation of mercury background values in sediment and biota of the Bijagós archipelago, Guinea-Bissau.

PubMed

Coelho, J P; Monteiro, R J R; Catry, T; Lourenço, P M; Catry, P; Regalla, A; Catry, I; Figueira, P; Pereira, E; Vale, C; P Granadeiro, José

2016-10-15

This work evaluates the mercury (Hg) contamination status (sediments and biota) of the Bijagós archipelago, off the coast of Guinea-Bissau. Sediments exhibited very low concentrations (<1-12ngg(-1)), pointing to negligible sources of anthropogenic Hg in the region. Nevertheless, Hg is well correlated to the fine fraction, aluminium, and loss on ignition, indicating the effect of grain size and organic matter content on the presence of Hg in sediments. Mercury in the bivalves Tagelus adansoni and Senilia senilis did not vary considerably among sites, ranging within narrow intervals (0.09-0.12 and 0.12-0.14μgg(-1) (dry weight), respectively). Divergent substrate preferences/feeding tactics may justify slight differences between species. The value 11ngg(-1) is proposed as the sediment background concentration for this West-African coastal region, and concentrations within the interval 8-10ngg(-1) (wet weight) may be considered as reference range for S. senilis and T. adansoni in future monitoring studies. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Sumara Thompson-King Swearing in Ceremony

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-06-02

Sumara Thompson-King is seen here being sworn in by Robert Lightfoot, Associate Administrator (not pictured) at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC on June 2, 2014. Thompson-King assumed the role of General Counsel on Sunday, June 1, 2014 after Michael Wholley, former General Counsel, retired. She started her career at NASA in the Office of Chief Counsel at Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD in 1986. In 1991, she became a senior attorney at NASA Headquarters and in 1995 was promoted to the Deputy Associate General Counsel (Contracts) position. She is the first woman and first African American to serve as General Counsel at NASA Headquarters. (Photo Credit: NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Sumara Thompson-King Swearing in Ceremony

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-06-02

Sumara Thompson-King is seen here being sworn in by Robert Lightfoot, Associate Administrator (left) at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC on June 2, 2014. Thompson-King assumed the role of General Counsel on Sunday, June 1, 2014 after Michael Wholley, former General Counsel, retired. She started her career at NASA in the Office of Chief Counsel at Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD in 1986. In 1991, she became a senior attorney at NASA Headquarters and in 1995 was promoted to the Deputy Associate General Counsel (Contracts) position. She is the first woman and first African American to serve as General Counsel at NASA Headquarters. (Photo Credit: NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Sumara Thompson-King Swearing in Ceremony

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-06-02

Sumara Thompson-King is seen here after being sworn in by Robert Lightfoot, Associate Administrator (left) at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC on June 2, 2014. Thompson-King assumed the role of General Counsel on Sunday, June 1, 2014 after Michael Wholley, former General Counsel, retired. She started her career at NASA in the Office of Chief Counsel at Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD in 1986. In 1991, she became a senior attorney at NASA Headquarters and in 1995 was promoted to the Deputy Associate General Counsel (Contracts) position. She is the first woman and first African American to serve as General Counsel at NASA Headquarters. (Photo Credit: NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

jsc2017e067161

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-06-07

jsc2017e067161 06/07/2017) --- Robert Lightfoot, NASA's Acting Administrator, delivers remarks during an event where 12 new NASA astronaut candidates were introduced; Kayla Barron, Zena Cardman, Raja Chari, Matthew Dominick, Robert Hines, Warren Hoburg, Jonathan Kim, Robb Kulin, Jasmin Moghbeli, Loral O’Hara, Francisco Rubio and Jessica Watkins at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. After completing two years of training, the new astronaut candidates could be assigned to missions performing research on the International Space Station, launching from American soil on spacecraft built by commercial companies, and launching on deep space missions on NASA’s new Orion spacecraft and Space Launch System rocket. Photo Credit: (NASA/James Blair)

Asteroid Initiative Industry and Partner Day

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-06-18

NASA Associate Administrator for Human Exploration and Operations, William Gerstenmaier, right, talks as NASA Associate Administrator Robert Lightfoot, left, NASA Associate Administrator Science John Grunsfeld, Ph.D, second from left, and NASA Associate Administrator for Space Technology, Mike Gazarik, Ph.D, look on during the Asteroid Initiative Industry and Partner Day at NASA Headquarters on Tuesday, June 18, 2013 in Washington. During the event NASA Deputy Administrator Lori Garver and other senior NASA officials discussed the progress being made on NASA's mission to capture, redirect, and explore an asteroid. NASA also announced an Asteroid Grand Challenge focused on finding all asteroid threats to human populations and knowing what to do about them. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Asteroid Initiative Industry and Partner Day

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-06-18

NASA Associate Administrator Robert Lightfoot, left, talks as NASA Associate Administrator Science John Grunsfeld, Ph.D, second from left, NASA Associate Administrator for Space Technology, Mike Gazarik, Ph.D, and, NASA Associate Administrator for Human Exploration and Operations, William Gerstenmaier, right, look on during the Asteroid Initiative Industry and Partner Day at NASA Headquarters on Tuesday, June 18, 2013 in Washington. During the event NASA Deputy Administrator Lori Garver and other senior NASA officials discussed the progress being made on NASA's mission to capture, redirect, and explore an asteroid. NASA also announced an Asteroid Grand Challenge focused on finding all asteroid threats to human populations and knowing what to do about them. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Vice President Mike Pence Visits Kennedy Space Center - Tour of

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-02-21

Vice President Mike Pence, left foreground, tours the SpaceX hangar at Launch Complex 39A, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, on Feb. 21, 2018. NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Bob Behnken describe the type of pressure suit helmet to be worn as crews travel to the International Space Station aboard the company's Crew Dragon spacecraft. Behind Pence is Acting NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot. To the far right is SpaceX President and COO Gwynne Shotwell. During his visit, Pence chaired a meeting of the National Space Council in the high bay of the center's Space Station Processing Facility. The council's role is to advise the president regarding national space policy and strategy, and review the nation's long-range goals for space activities.

Dr. Wernher Von Braun Memorial Dinner

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-10-26

The annual Dr. Wernher Von Braun Memorial Dinner was held at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center's Davidson Center on October 26, 2017 with Keynote speaker General John Hyten, Commander of U.S. Strategic Command. Emcee was Mark Larson of Mark Larson Media Services, Inc. Dr. Wernher Von Braun Memorial Scholarships were presented to 8 college students by the National Space Club. Educator of the Year was awarded to Tammy Thorpe; Community Service award was presented to Huntsville, Al. Mayor Tommy Battle. The Communications Award was presented to retired astronaut Dr. Mike Massimino. The Distinguished Science Award was presented to Dr. Martin Weisskopf. The Astronautics Engineer Award was presented to Douglas R. Cooke. The Dr. Wernher Von Braun Space Flight Trophy was presented to Robert Lightfoot.

National Space Council Meets on This Week @NASA – October 6, 2017

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-10-06

Vice President Mike Pence called for renewed U.S. leadership in space during the first meeting of the National Space Council – outlining exploration goals that include returning American astronauts to the Moon, to build the foundation needed to send Americans to Mars and beyond. The October 5 council meeting, held at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, outside Washington, brought together representatives from all aspects and sectors of the national space enterprise, for the first time in a quarter century – including NASA’s Acting Administrator, Robert Lightfoot. Also, U.S. Spacewalk aboard the Space Station, Eugene Parker Views Solar Probe Spacecraft, Scientists Find Giant Black Hole Pairs, and Parachute Test Platform Launched!

Vice President Mike Pence Visits Kennedy Space Center

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-02-20

Vice President Mike Pence, second from left, tours the Blue Origin Manufacturing Facility near NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, on Feb. 20, 2018. From left, are Karen Pence, Blue Origin CEO Robert Smith, and acting NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot. Vice President Pence viewed the flown New Shepard Booster and Crew Capsule. The booster was the first launch vehicle with a successful vertical takeoff and vertical landing to demonstrate reusability. During his visit, Pence will chair a meeting of the National Space Council on Feb. 21, 2018 in the high bay of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Space Station Processing Facility. The council's role is to advise the president regarding national space policy and strategy, and review the nation's long-range goals for space activities.

Vice President Pence Arrives at Kennedy Space Center for National Space Council Meeting

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-02-20

Vice President Mike Pence arrived at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, Florida on Feb. 20 ahead of the second meeting of the National Space Council. Vice President Pence, and his wife Karen, were greeted by Robert Lightfoot, acting NASA Administrator and Brig. Gen. Wayne Monteith, commander, 45th Space Wing. On Feb. 21, Vice President Pence will lead the National Space Council meeting inside Kennedy’s Space Station Processing Facility. “Moon, Mars, and Worlds Beyond: Winning the Next Frontier” will include testimonials from leaders in the civil, commercial, and national security sectors about the importance of the United States’ space enterprise. The Vice President will conclude his visit with a tour of Kennedy Space Center.

Senate Hearing on Assured Access to Space

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-07-16

From left; Hon. Alan Estevez, Principle Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics; General William Shelton, Commander of the United States Air Force Space Command; Robert Lightfoot, NASA Associate Administrator; Cristina Chaplain, Director of Acquisition and Sourcing Management at the Government Accountability Office; major General Howard Mitchell (USAF Ret.), Vice President for Program Assessments at The Aerospace Corporation; Daniel Dunbacher, Professor of Practice in the Department of Aeronautics and Aerospace Engineering at Purdue University; and Dr. Yool Kim, Senior Engineer at The Rand Corporation; are seen during a hearing in front of the Senate Subcommittee on Strategic Forces and Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on Wednesday, July 16, 2014, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington, DC. The Senate hearing focused on assured access to space.

Vice President Mike Pence Visits Kennedy Space Center

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-02-20

Vice President Mike Pence, second from left, tours the Blue Origin Manufacturing Facility near NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, on Feb. 20, 2018. At left is the vice president's wife, Karen Pence. To his right are Blue Origin CEO Robert Smith, and acting NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot. Vice President Pence viewed the flown New Shepard Booster and Crew Capsule. The booster was the first launch vehicle with a successful vertical takeoff and vertical landing to demonstrate reusability. During his visit, Pence will chair a meeting of the National Space Council on Feb. 21, 2018 in the high bay of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Space Station Processing Facility. The council's role is to advise the president regarding national space policy and strategy, and review the nation's long-range goals for space activities.

Vice President Mike Pence Visits Kennedy Space Center

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-02-20

Vice President Mike Pence, second from left, tours the Blue Origin Manufacturing Facility near NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, on Feb. 20, 2018. To his left is his wife, Karen Pence. To his right are Blue Origin CEO Robert Smith, and acting NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot. Vice President Pence viewed the flown New Shepard Booster and Crew Capsule. The booster was the first launch vehicle with a successful vertical takeoff and vertical landing to demonstrate reusability. During his visit, Pence will chair a meeting of the National Space Council on Feb. 21, 2018 in the high bay of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Space Station Processing Facility. The council's role is to advise the president regarding national space policy and strategy, and review the nation's long-range goals for space activities.

Vice President Mike Pence Visits Kennedy Space Center

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-02-20

Vice President Mike Pence, hidden at right, tours the Blue Origin Manufacturing Facility near NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, on Feb. 20, 2018. At far right is the vice president's wife, Karen Pence. Behind her at right are Blue Origin CEO Robert Smith, and acting NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot. Vice President Pence viewed the flown New Shepard Booster and Crew Capsule. The booster was the first launch vehicle with a successful vertical takeoff and vertical landing to demonstrate reusability. During his visit, Pence will chair a meeting of the National Space Council on Feb. 21, 2018 in the high bay of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Space Station Processing Facility. The council's role is to advise the president regarding national space policy and strategy, and review the nation's long-range goals for space activities.

Vice President Mike Pence Visits Kennedy Space Center

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-02-20

Vice President Mike Pence, second from left, tours the Blue Origin Manufacturing Facility near NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, on Feb. 20, 2018. To his left is acting NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot. At right is the vice president's wife, Karen Pence. At far right is Scott Henderson, Blue Origin director of Test and Flight Operations. Vice President Pence viewed the flown New Shepard Booster and Crew Capsule. The booster was the first launch vehicle with a successful vertical takeoff and vertical landing to demonstrate reusability. During his visit, Pence will chair a meeting of the National Space Council on Feb. 21, 2018 in the high bay of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Space Station Processing Facility. The council's role is to advise the president regarding national space policy and strategy, and review the nation's long-range goals for space activities.

KSC-2009-3673

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-06-11

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Assembly and Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Robert Lightfoot, acting center director of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, speaks to employees who were involved in the processing of the Ares I-X forward assembly (comprising the frustum, forward skirt extension and forward skirt) . The forward assembly is being moved to the Vehicle Assembly Building's High Bay 4 for processing and stacking to the upper stage. Ares I-X is the flight test for the Ares I which will provide NASA an early opportunity to test and prove hardware, facilities and ground operations associated with Ares I, which is part of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond. Launch of the Ares I-X flight test is targeted for August 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

Vice President Mike Pence Visits Kennedy Space Center

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-02-20

Vice President Mike Pence, second from left, tours the Blue Origin Manufacturing Facility near NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, on Feb. 20, 2018. At far left is the vice president's wife, Karen Pence. To the right of Vice President Pence are acting NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot and Blue Origin CEO Robert Smith. Pence viewed the flown New Shepard Booster and Crew Capsule. The Crew Capsule, in view, flew seven times, including a pad abort test and an escape test at maximum dynamic pressure. During his visit, Pence will chair a meeting of the National Space Council on Feb. 21, 2018 in the high bay of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Space Station Processing Facility. The council's role is to advise the president regarding national space policy and strategy, and review the nation's long-range goals for space activities.

Vice President Mike Pence Visits Kennedy Space Center

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-02-20

Vice President Mike Pence, center, signs a guest book during his tour of the Blue Origin Manufacturing Facility near NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, on Feb. 20, 2018. At left is the vice president's wife, Karen Pence. To his right is Blue Origin CEO Robert Smith. Behind them is acting NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot. Vice President Pence viewed the flown New Shepard Booster and Crew Capsule. The booster was the first launch vehicle with a successful vertical takeoff and vertical landing to demonstrate reusability. During his visit, Pence will chair a meeting of the National Space Council on Feb. 21, 2018 in the high bay of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Space Station Processing Facility. The council's role is to advise the president regarding national space policy and strategy, and review the nation's long-range goals for space activities.

Composition of gut microbiota in obese and normal-weight Mexican school-age children and its association with metabolic traits.

PubMed

López-Contreras, B E; Morán-Ramos, S; Villarruel-Vázquez, R; Macías-Kauffer, L; Villamil-Ramírez, H; León-Mimila, P; Vega-Badillo, J; Sánchez-Muñoz, F; Llanos-Moreno, L E; Canizalez-Román, A; Del Río-Navarro, B; Ibarra-González, I; Vela-Amieva, M; Villarreal-Molina, T; Ochoa-Leyva, A; Aguilar-Salinas, C A; Canizales-Quinteros, S

2018-06-01

Childhood obesity is a serious public health problem in Mexico. Adult gut microbiota composition has been linked to obesity, but few studies have addressed the role of gut microbiota in childhood obesity. The aim of this study is to compare gut microbiota composition in obese and normal-weight children and to associate gut microbiota profiles with amino acid serum levels and obesity-related metabolic traits. Microbial taxa relative abundance was determined by 16S rRNA sequencing in 67 normal-weight and 71 obese children aged 6-12 years. Serum amino acid levels were measured by mass spectrometry. Associations between microbiota composition, metabolic parameters and amino acid serum levels were tested. No significant differences in phyla abundances or Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratios were observed between normal-weight and obese children. However, Bacteroides eggerthii abundance was significantly higher in obese children and correlated positively with body fat percentage and negatively with insoluble fibre intake. Additionally, Bacteroides plebeius and unclassified Christensenellaceae abundances were significantly higher in normal-weight children. Abundance of both these species correlated negatively with phenylalanine serum levels, a metabolite also found to be associated with obesity in Mexican children. The study identified bacterial species associated with obesity, metabolic complications and amino acid serum levels in Mexican children. © 2017 World Obesity Federation.

Analysis of Keystone Enzyme in Agar Hydrolysis Provides Insight into the Degradation (of a Polysaccharide from) Red Seaweeds*

PubMed Central

Hehemann, Jan-Hendrik; Smyth, Leo; Yadav, Anuj; Vocadlo, David J.; Boraston, Alisdair B.

2012-01-01

Agars are abundant polysaccharides from marine red algae, and their chemical structure consists of alternating d-galactose and 3,6-anhydro-l-galactose residues, the latter of which are presumed to make the polymer recalcitrant to degradation by most terrestrial bacteria. Here we study a family 117 glycoside hydrolase (BpGH117) encoded within a recently discovered locus from the human gut bacterium Bacteroides plebeius. Consistent with this locus being involved in agarocolloid degradation, we show that BpGH117 is an exo-acting 3,6-anhydro-α-(1,3)-l-galactosidase that removes the 3,6-anhydrogalactose from the non-reducing end of neoagaro-oligosaccharides. A Michaelis complex of BpGH117 with neoagarobiose reveals the distortion of the constrained 3,6-anhydro-l-galactose into a conformation that favors catalysis. Furthermore, this complex, supported by analysis of site-directed mutants, provides evidence for an organization of the active site and positioning of the catalytic residues that are consistent with an inverting mechanism of catalysis and suggests that a histidine residue acts as the general acid. This latter feature differs from the vast majority of glycoside hydrolases, which use a carboxylic acid, highlighting the alternative strategies that enzymes may utilize in catalyzing the cleavage of glycosidic bonds. PMID:22393053

A practical extension of hydrodynamic theory of porous transport for hydrophilic solutes.

PubMed

Bassingthwaighte, James B

2006-03-01

The equations for transport of hydrophilic solutes through aqueous pores provide a fundamental basis for examining capillary-tissue exchange and water and solute flux through transmembrane channels, but the theory remains incomplete for ratios, alpha, of sphere diameters to pore diameters greater than 0.4. Values for permeabilities, P, and reflection coefficients, sigma, from Lewellen, working with Lightfoot et al., at alpha = 0.5 and 0.95, were combined with earlier values for alpha < 0.4, and the physically required values at alpha = 1.0, to provide accurate expressions over the whole range of 0 < alpha < 1. The "data" were the long-accepted theory for alpha < 0.2 and the computational results from Lewellen and Lightfoot et al. on hard spheres (of 5 different alpha's) moving by convection and diffusion through a tight cylindrical pore, accounting for molecular exclusion, viscous forces, pressure drop, torque and rotation of spheres off the center line (averaging across all accessible radial positions), and the asymptotic values at alpha = 1.0. Coefficients for frictional hindrance to diffusion, F(alpha), and drag, G(alpha), and functions for sigma(alpha) and P(alpha), were represented by power law functions and the parameters optimized to give best fits to the combined "data." The reflection coefficient sigma = {1 - [1 - (1 - phi)2]G'(alpha)} + 2alpha2 phi F'(alpha), and the relative permeability P/Pmax = phi F '(alpha)[1 + 9alpha5.5 x (1.0 - alpha5)0.02], where phi is the partition coefficient or volume fraction of the pore available to solute. The new expression for the diffusive hindrance is F'(alpha) = (1 - alpha2)(3/2) phi/[1 + 0.2 x alpha2 x (1 - alpha2)16], and for the drag factor is G'(alpha) = (1 - 2alpha(2)/3 - 0.20217 alpha5)/(1 - 0.75851 alpha5) - 0.0431[1 - (1 - alpha10)]. All of these converge monotonically to the correct limits at alpha = 1. These are the first expressions providing hydrodynamically based estimates of sigma(alpha) and P(alpha) over

President Signs NASA Transition Authorization Act on This Week @NASA – March 24, 2017

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-03-24

On March 21, President Trump signed the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Transition Authorization Act of 2017. The bipartisan legislation reaffirms Congress’ commitment to the agency and directs it to pursue a balanced portfolio for space exploration and space science, including continued development of the Space Launch System, Orion, Commercial Crew Program; space and planetary science missions, such as the James Webb Space Telescope, Wide-Field Infrared Survey Telescope, and Europa mission; and ongoing operations of the International Space Station and Commercial Resupply Services Program. In a statement, acting NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot, who attended the signing, along with two astronauts and members of Congress, thanked the president and Congress for supporting the agency and its mission. Also, Spacewalk Outside the Space Station, SpaceX’s Dragon Returns Safely to Earth, Jeff Williams Visits Washington Area, Advanced Woven Thermal Protection, and Lunar and Planetary Science Conference.

NASA Provides Coverage for First Meeting of the National Space Council

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-10-06

During the first meeting of the National Space Council, on Oct. 5, Vice President Mike Pence – chair of the council – outlined the Trump Administration’s vision and expectations for the council, which include returning American astronauts to the moon – to build the foundation needed to send Americans to Mars and beyond. The meeting, titled “Leading the Next Frontier: An Event with the National Space Council,” was held at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia. Participants included NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot, as well as a number of Trump Administration cabinet members and senior officials, and aerospace industry leaders. The council heard testimony from expert witnesses who represent the sectors of the space industry: Civil Space, Commercial Space, and National Security Space. President Trump signed an executive order reestablishing the National Space Council on June 30.

Leading the Next Frontier: An Event with the National Space Council

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-10-05

During the first meeting of the National Space Council, on Oct. 5, Vice President Mike Pence – chair of the council – outlined the Trump Administration’s vision and expectations for the council, which include returning American astronauts to the moon – to build the foundation needed to send Americans to Mars and beyond. The meeting, titled “Leading the Next Frontier: An Event with the National Space Council,” was held at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia. Participants included NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot, as well as a number of Trump Administration cabinet members and senior officials, and aerospace industry leaders. The council heard testimony from expert witnesses who represent the sectors of the space industry: Civil Space, Commercial Space, and National Security Space. President Trump signed an executive order reestablishing the National Space Council on June 30.

NASA's New Astronauts to Conduct Research Off the Earth , For the Earth and Deep Space Missions

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-06-07

After receiving a record-breaking number of applications to join an exciting future of space exploration, NASA has selected its largest astronaut class since 2000. Rising to the top of more than 18,300 applicants, NASA chose 12 women and men as the agency’s new astronaut candidates. Vice President Mike Pence joined Acting NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot, Johnson Space Center Director Ellen Ochoa, and Flight Operations Director Brian Kelly to welcome the new astronaut candidates during an event June 7 at the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. The astronaut candidates will return to Johnson in August to begin two years of training. Then they could be assigned to any of a variety of missions: performing research on the International Space Station, launching from American soil on spacecraft built by commercial companies, and departing for deep space missions on NASA’s new Orion spacecraft and Space Launch System rocket.

SpaceX CRS-11 Launch Coverage

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-06-03

NASA Television conducted a live broadcast from Kennedy Space Center as SpaceX’s CRS-11 launched atop a Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft will deliver almost 6,000 pounds of cargo to the orbiting laboratory as SpaceX’s eleventh commercial resupply services mission to the International Space Station. The crucial materials will directly support dozens of the more than 250 science and research investigations that will occur during Expeditions 52 and 53. Launch commentary conducted by: -Mike Curie, NASA Launch Commentator -Tori McLendon, NASA Communications Special guests included: -Derrick Matthews, NASA Communications -Kirk Shireman, ISS Program -Amanda Griffin, NASA Communications -Karen Ocorr, Co-investigator, Fruit Fly Lab-02 -Robert Lightfoot, NASA Acting Administrator -Jeremy Banik, Principal Investigator, ROSA -Hans Koenigsmann, Vice President of Flight Reliability, SpaceX

Petitioning for Social Change: Letters to Religious Leaders From Gay Men and Their Family Allies.

PubMed

Etengoff, Chana

2017-01-01

Coming out is often described as challenging, especially for individuals from conservative religious communities (Etengoff, 2013). In an effort to explore how these sociocultural conflicts are mediated, gay men (n = 16) and their family allies (n = 9) from Christian and Jewish communities wrote letters to religious leaders regarding current sexual minority policies and whether they should change or remain the same. Petitioning tasks were selected as letters can shift author-audience relations to allow for non-normative and unscripted expressions (Daiute & Lightfoot, 2004). Sixteen of the 25 participants addressed their letters to a specific religious figure, illustrating the sociorelational applicability of the task. Ninety-three problems and 75 solutions were discussed, supporting prior discussions of petitioning tasks as a form of living history and conflict mediation (Daiute, 2010). Moreover, 20 of the 25 participants wrote about humanization needs (e.g., "We are not freaks at a freak show"), providing new conceptual structures for participatory research efforts, policy initiatives, and clinical applications.

Bacteria of the human gut microbiome catabolize red seaweed glycans with carbohydrate-active enzyme updates from extrinsic microbes.

PubMed

Hehemann, Jan-Hendrik; Kelly, Amelia G; Pudlo, Nicholas A; Martens, Eric C; Boraston, Alisdair B

2012-11-27

Humans host an intestinal population of microbes--collectively referred to as the gut microbiome--which encode the carbohydrate active enzymes, or CAZymes, that are absent from the human genome. These CAZymes help to extract energy from recalcitrant polysaccharides. The question then arises as to if and how the microbiome adapts to new carbohydrate sources when modern humans change eating habits. Recent metagenome analysis of microbiomes from healthy American, Japanese, and Spanish populations identified putative CAZymes obtained by horizontal gene transfer from marine bacteria, which suggested that human gut bacteria evolved to degrade algal carbohydrates-for example, consumed in form of sushi. We approached this hypothesis by studying such a polysaccharide utilization locus (PUL) obtained by horizontal gene transfer by the gut bacterium Bacteroides plebeius. Transcriptomic and growth experiments revealed that the PUL responds to the polysaccharide porphyran from red algae, enabling growth on this carbohydrate but not related substrates like agarose and carrageenan. The X-ray crystallographic and biochemical analysis of two proteins encoded by this PUL, BACPLE_01689 and BACPLE_01693, showed that they are β-porphyranases belonging to glycoside hydrolase families 16 and 86, respectively. The product complex of the GH86 at 1.3 Å resolution highlights the molecular details of porphyran hydrolysis by this new porphyranase. Combined, these data establish experimental support for the argument that CAZymes and associated genes obtained from extrinsic microbes add new catabolic functions to the human gut microbiome.

A molecular method for the detection of sally lightfoot crab larvae (Grapsus grapsus, Brachyura, Grapsidae) in plankton samples

PubMed Central

Ströher, Patrícia R.; Firkowski, Carina R.; Freire, Andrea S.; Pie, Marcio R.

2011-01-01

The decapod Grapsus grapsus is commonly found on oceanic islands of the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of the Americas. In this study, a simple, quick and reliable method for detecting its larvae in plankton samples is described, which makes it ideal for large-scale studies of larval dispersal patterns in the species. PMID:21931530

Maxwell and creation: Acceptance, criticism, and his anonymous publication

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marston, Philip L.

2007-08-01

Although James Clerk Maxwell's religious views and discussions on atoms having the properties of ``manufactured articles'' have been discussed, some aspects of the responses by his contemporaries to his remarks on creation have been neglected. Various responses quoted here include a book from 1878 by ``Physicus'' (George John Romanes) attributing ``arrogance'' to Maxwell for his inferences. Relevant aspects of the evolution of the perspective of Romanes are noted. A response by B. F. Westcott indicated that Maxwell was the author of a related anonymous publication concerned with what eventually became known as the heat death of the universe. In his teaching to theology students, Westcott, a friend of Maxwell, emphasized Maxwell's reasoning based on the dissipation of energy. There are similarities between Maxwell's perspective on creation and Biblical commentaries by fellow Eranus Club members Westcott and J. B. Lightfoot. Interest in Maxwell's remarks extended into the twentieth century. The principal Baptist chapel attended by Maxwell and his wife when in London in the 1860s is identified and some relevant attributes of the chapel and of its pastor are described.

Vice President Pence Leads National Space Council Meeting, Tours Kennedy Space Center

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-02-20

Vice President Mike Pence arrived at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Tuesday, Feb. 20 at 5:10 p.m. aboard Air Force Two. The Vice President was greeted by Robert Lightfoot, acting NASA Administrator and Brig. Gen. Wayne Monteith, commander, 45th Space Wing. After arrival, the vice president toured commercial partner United Launch Alliance’s facility at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station adjacent to Kennedy. He also toured Blue Origin’s new rocket facility located at nearby Exploration Park. On Feb. 21, Vice President Mike Pence led a National Space Council meeting inside NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Space Station Processing Facility. This second meeting of the council, called, “Moon, Mars, and Worlds Beyond: Winning the Next Frontier,” included testimonials from leaders in the civil, commercial, and national security sectors about the importance of the United States’ space enterprise. Vice President Pence concluded his visit with a tour of Kennedy Space Center, which included stops at the Boeing Commercial Crew and Cargo Processing Facility, and SpaceX Launch Complex 39A.

NASA Cassini Mission Prepares for “Grand Finale” on This Week @NASA – April 7, 2017

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-04-07

NASA held a news conference April 4 at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, with participation from NASA headquarters, to preview the final phase of the Cassini spacecraft’s mission to Saturn. On April 26, Cassini will begin its “Grand Finale” – a series of deep dives between the planet and its rings. No other mission has ever explored this unique region that is so close to the planet. Cassini will make 22 orbits that swoop between the rings and the planet before ending its 20-year mission on Sept. 15, with a final plunge into Saturn. The mission team hopes to gain powerful insights into the planet's internal structure and the origins of the rings, obtain the first-ever sampling of Saturn's atmosphere and particles coming from the main rings, and capture the closest-ever views of Saturn's clouds and inner rings. Also, Next Space Station Crew Travels to Launch Site, New Target Launch Date for Orbital ATK Mission to ISS, Lightfoot Visits Industry Partners, Human Exploration Rover Challenge, and John Glenn Interred at Arlington National Cemetery.

Closed recirculating system for shrimp-mollusk polyculture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Xiongfei; Zhao, Zhidong; Li, Deshang; Chang, Kangmei; Tong, Zhuanshang; Si, Liegang; Xu, Kaichong; Ge, Bailin

2005-12-01

This paper deals with a new system of aquaculture, i.e., a closed recirculating system for shrimp-mollusk polyculture. The culture system consisted of several shrimp ponds, a mollusk water-purifying pond and a reservoir. During the production cycle, water circulated between the shrimp and mollusk ponds, and the reservoir compensated for water loss from seepage and evaporation. Constricted tagelus, Sinonovacula constricta, was selected as the cultured mollusk, and Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, as the cultured shrimp. The main managing measures during the production cycle were: setting and using the aerators; introducting the probiotic products timely into the shrimp ponds; adopting a “pen-closing” method for controlling shrimp viral epidemics; setting the flow diversion barriers in the mollusk pond to keep the circulating water flowing through the pond along a sine-like curve and serve as substrate for biofilm; no direct feeding was necessary for the cultured mollusk until the co-cultured shrimp was harvested; natural foods in the water from the shrimp ponds was used for their foods. Two sets of the system were used in the experiment in 2002 and satisfactory results were achieved. The average yield of the shrimp was 11 943.5 kg/hm2, and that of the mollusk was 16 965 kg/hm2. After converting the mollusk yield into shrimp yield at their market price ratio, the food coefficient of the entire system averaged at as low as 0.81. The water quality in the ponds was maintained at a desirable level and no viral epidemics were discovered during the production cycle.

Book Review: Book review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Christina Yan

2017-02-01

The world class Ni-Cu-PGE sulfide deposits associated with the Sudbury Igneous Complex (SIC) are quite unique on earth in the sense that the energy source and origin were triggered by a large meteorite impact event. The ore deposits in the SIC make up one of the largest Ni-Cu-PGE sulfide deposit camps in the world and have now been mined for over 100 years. This is the first complete reference book that focuses entirely on the SIC and covers the fields of economic geology, petrology, geochemistry and geophysics. The purpose of this book is to explore the linkage between sulfide and silicate magmas generated by the 1.85 Ga Sudbury impact event and to unite an understanding of the process of crustal melt sheet evolution with the formation of the magmatic sulfide mineralization. The author, Peter Lightfoot, has been based in Sudbury for 25 years. As a top scientist on magmatic Ni-Cu-PGE sulfide deposits and a Chief Geologist with the Brownfield Exploration group at Vale Base Metals, Peter has been positioned to develop and assemble the ideas presented in this book, which are perfectly balanced between industry and academia.

Transfer of carbohydrate-active enzymes from marine bacteria to Japanese gut microbiota.

PubMed

Hehemann, Jan-Hendrik; Correc, Gaëlle; Barbeyron, Tristan; Helbert, William; Czjzek, Mirjam; Michel, Gurvan

2010-04-08

Gut microbes supply the human body with energy from dietary polysaccharides through carbohydrate active enzymes, or CAZymes, which are absent in the human genome. These enzymes target polysaccharides from terrestrial plants that dominated diet throughout human evolution. The array of CAZymes in gut microbes is highly diverse, exemplified by the human gut symbiont Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, which contains 261 glycoside hydrolases and polysaccharide lyases, as well as 208 homologues of susC and susD-genes coding for two outer membrane proteins involved in starch utilization. A fundamental question that, to our knowledge, has yet to be addressed is how this diversity evolved by acquiring new genes from microbes living outside the gut. Here we characterize the first porphyranases from a member of the marine Bacteroidetes, Zobellia galactanivorans, active on the sulphated polysaccharide porphyran from marine red algae of the genus Porphyra. Furthermore, we show that genes coding for these porphyranases, agarases and associated proteins have been transferred to the gut bacterium Bacteroides plebeius isolated from Japanese individuals. Our comparative gut metagenome analyses show that porphyranases and agarases are frequent in the Japanese population and that they are absent in metagenome data from North American individuals. Seaweeds make an important contribution to the daily diet in Japan (14.2 g per person per day), and Porphyra spp. (nori) is the most important nutritional seaweed, traditionally used to prepare sushi. This indicates that seaweeds with associated marine bacteria may have been the route by which these novel CAZymes were acquired in human gut bacteria, and that contact with non-sterile food may be a general factor in CAZyme diversity in human gut microbes.

Variation in social systems within Chaetodon butterflyfishes, with special reference to pair bonding.

PubMed

Nowicki, Jessica P; O'Connell, Lauren A; Cowman, Peter F; Walker, Stefan P W; Coker, Darren J; Pratchett, Morgan S

2018-01-01

For many animals, affiliative relationships such as pair bonds form the foundation of society and are highly adaptive. Animal systems amenable for comparatively studying pair bonding are important for identifying underlying biological mechanisms, but mostly exist in mammals. Better establishing fish systems will enable comparison of pair bonding mechanisms across taxonomically distant lineages that may reveal general underlying mechanistic principles. We examined the utility of wild butterflyfishes (f: Chaetodontidae; g: Chaetodon) for comparatively studying pair bonding. Using stochastic character mapping, we provide the first analysis of the evolutionary history of butterflyfish sociality, revealing that pairing is ancestral, with at least seven independent transitions to gregarious grouping and solitary behavior since the late Miocene. We then formally verified social systems in six sympatric and wide-spread species representing a clade with one ancestrally reconstructed transition from paired to solitary grouping at Lizard Island, Australia. In situ observations of the size, selective affiliation and aggression, fidelity, and sex composition of social groups confirmed that Chaetodon baronessa, C. lunulatus, and C. vagabundus are predominantly pair bonding, whereas C. rainfordi, C. plebeius, and C. trifascialis are predominantly solitary. Even in the predominantly pair bonding species, C. lunulatus, a proportion of adults (15%) are solitary. Importantly, inter- and intra-specific differences in social systems do not co-vary with other previously established attributes, including parental care. Hence, the proposed butterflyfish populations are promising for inter- and intra-species comparative analyses of pair bonding and its mechanistic underpinnings. Avenues for further developing the system are proposed, including determining whether the aforementioned utility of these species applies across their geographic disruptions.

Variation in social systems within Chaetodon butterflyfishes, with special reference to pair bonding

PubMed Central

O’Connell, Lauren A.; Cowman, Peter F.; Walker, Stefan P. W.; Coker, Darren J.; Pratchett, Morgan S.

2018-01-01

For many animals, affiliative relationships such as pair bonds form the foundation of society and are highly adaptive. Animal systems amenable for comparatively studying pair bonding are important for identifying underlying biological mechanisms, but mostly exist in mammals. Better establishing fish systems will enable comparison of pair bonding mechanisms across taxonomically distant lineages that may reveal general underlying mechanistic principles. We examined the utility of wild butterflyfishes (f: Chaetodontidae; g: Chaetodon) for comparatively studying pair bonding. Using stochastic character mapping, we provide the first analysis of the evolutionary history of butterflyfish sociality, revealing that pairing is ancestral, with at least seven independent transitions to gregarious grouping and solitary behavior since the late Miocene. We then formally verified social systems in six sympatric and wide-spread species representing a clade with one ancestrally reconstructed transition from paired to solitary grouping at Lizard Island, Australia. In situ observations of the size, selective affiliation and aggression, fidelity, and sex composition of social groups confirmed that Chaetodon baronessa, C. lunulatus, and C. vagabundus are predominantly pair bonding, whereas C. rainfordi, C. plebeius, and C. trifascialis are predominantly solitary. Even in the predominantly pair bonding species, C. lunulatus, a proportion of adults (15%) are solitary. Importantly, inter- and intra-specific differences in social systems do not co-vary with other previously established attributes, including parental care. Hence, the proposed butterflyfish populations are promising for inter- and intra-species comparative analyses of pair bonding and its mechanistic underpinnings. Avenues for further developing the system are proposed, including determining whether the aforementioned utility of these species applies across their geographic disruptions. PMID:29641529

Breaching the Devil’s Garden: The 6th New Zealand Brigade in Operation Lightfoot. The Second Battle of El Alamein

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-01-01

innovation was forced on the 8t’ Army because the Deutch-ltalienischen Panzerarmee had emplaced massive numbers of mines in an intricate design...Richard Cassidy and Major Paul Curry of the Royal New Zealand Engineers and representatives of the Italian government for their assistance and...threw them out of eastern Libya in 1941, except for the garrison at Tobruk (see Map 2). This fortress managed to stall his offensive and produced a

Long-term monitoring of growth in the Eastern Elliptio, Elliptio complanata (Bivalvia: Unionidae), in Rhode Island: A transplant experiment

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kesler, D.H.; Newton, T.J.; Green, L.

2007-01-01

The lengths of marked specimens of the freshwater mussel, Eastern Elliptio (Elliptio complanata [Lightfoot 1786]), were monitored annually in 3 lakes in Rhode Island, USA, from 1991 to 2005. Mussels growing in Worden Pond showed a change in mean shell length of only 4.3 mm over 14 y, whereas mussel growth in 2 nearby lakes was 3 to 8x greater than growth in Worden Pond over the same time period. L???, the length at which shell growth stops, was significantly different (p < 0.001) among lakes and ranged from 60.5 to 87.4 mm. Transplant experiments revealed that mussels moved to Worden Pond stopped growing, whereas mussels moved from Worden Pond to the 2 other lakes grew at rates similar to the rates observed for resident mussels in the 2 lakes. Standard water-quality measures did not explain the observed growth cessation and lower condition indices of mussels in Worden Pond. Our growth data are consistent with food limitation. The consistent slow growth of E. complanata in Worden Pond, without high mortality, and its ability to increase growth when placed in environments more favorable than Worden Pond, suggests both growth plasticity and longevity in these animals. ?? 2007 by The North American Benthological Society.

Estimation of heat transfer coefficients for biomass particles by direct numerical simulation using microstructured particle models in the Laminar regime

DOE PAGES

Pecha, M. Brennan; Garcia-Perez, Manuel; Foust, Thomas D.; ...

2016-11-08

Here, direct numerical simulation of convective heat transfer from hot gas to isolated biomass particle models with realistic morphology and explicit microstructure was performed over a range of conditions with laminar flow of hot gas (500 degrees C). Steady-state results demonstrated that convective interfacial heat transfer is dependent on the wood species. The computed heat transfer coefficients were shown to vary between the pine and aspen models by nearly 20%. These differences are attributed to the species-specific variations in the exterior surface morphology of the biomass particles. We also quantify variations in heat transfer experienced by the particle when positionedmore » in different orientations with respect to the direction of fluid flow. These results are compared to previously reported heat transfer coefficient correlations in the range of 0.1 < Pr < 1.5 and 10 < Re < 500. Comparison of these simulation results to correlations commonly used in the literature (Gunn, Ranz-Marshall, and Bird-Stewart-Lightfoot) shows that the Ranz-Marshall (sphere) correlation gave the closest h values to our steady-state simulations for both wood species, though no existing correlation was within 20% of both species at all conditions studied. In general, this work exemplifies the fact that all biomass feedstocks are not created equal, and that their species-specific characteristics must be appreciated in order to facilitate accurate simulations of conversion processes.« less

Estimation of heat transfer coefficients for biomass particles by direct numerical simulation using microstructured particle models in the Laminar regime

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pecha, M. Brennan; Garcia-Perez, Manuel; Foust, Thomas D.

Here, direct numerical simulation of convective heat transfer from hot gas to isolated biomass particle models with realistic morphology and explicit microstructure was performed over a range of conditions with laminar flow of hot gas (500 degrees C). Steady-state results demonstrated that convective interfacial heat transfer is dependent on the wood species. The computed heat transfer coefficients were shown to vary between the pine and aspen models by nearly 20%. These differences are attributed to the species-specific variations in the exterior surface morphology of the biomass particles. We also quantify variations in heat transfer experienced by the particle when positionedmore » in different orientations with respect to the direction of fluid flow. These results are compared to previously reported heat transfer coefficient correlations in the range of 0.1 < Pr < 1.5 and 10 < Re < 500. Comparison of these simulation results to correlations commonly used in the literature (Gunn, Ranz-Marshall, and Bird-Stewart-Lightfoot) shows that the Ranz-Marshall (sphere) correlation gave the closest h values to our steady-state simulations for both wood species, though no existing correlation was within 20% of both species at all conditions studied. In general, this work exemplifies the fact that all biomass feedstocks are not created equal, and that their species-specific characteristics must be appreciated in order to facilitate accurate simulations of conversion processes.« less

Determination of the variability of both hydrophilic and lipophilic toxins in endemic wild bivalves and carnivorous gastropods from the southern part of Chile.

PubMed

Zamorano, Ruben; Marín, Michelle; Cabrera, Fabiola; Figueroa, Diego; Contreras, Cristóbal; Barriga, Andrés; Lagos, Néstor; García, Carlos

2013-01-01

The aim of this study was to analyse and determine the composition of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) toxins and lipophilic toxins in the Region of Aysén, Chile, in wild endemic mussels (Mytilus chilensis, Venus antiqua, Aulacomya ater, Choromytilus chorus, Tagelus dombeii and Gari solida) and in two endemic carnivorous molluscs species (Concholepas concholepas and Argobuccinum ranelliforme). PSP-toxin contents were determined by using HPLC with fluorescence detection, while lipophilic toxins were determined by using LC-MS/MS. Mean concentrations for the total of PSP toxins were in the range 55-2505 μg saxitoxin-equivalent/100 g. The two most contaminated samples for PSP toxicity were bivalve Gari solida and carnivorous Argobuccinum ranelliforme with 2505 ± 101 and 1850 ± 137 μg saxitoxin-equivalent/100 g, respectively (p < 0.05). The lipophilic toxins identified were okadaic acid, dinophysistoxin-1 (DTX-1), azaspiracid-1 (AZA-1), pectenotoxin-2 (PTX-2) and yessotoxins (YTX). All analysed molluscs contained lipophilic toxins at levels ranging from 56 ± 4.8 to 156.1 ± 8.2 μg of okadaic acid-equivalent/kg shellfish together with YTX at levels ranging from 1.0 ± 0.1 to 18 ± 0.9 μg of YTX-equivalent/kg shellfish and AZA at levels ranging from 3.6 ± 0.2 to 31 ± 2.1 μg of AZA-equivalent/kg shellfish. Furthermore, different bivalves and gastropods differ in their capacity of retention of lipophilic toxins, as shown by the determination of their respective lipophilic toxins levels. In all the evaluated species, the presence of lipophilic toxins associated with biotransformation in molluscs and carnivorous gastropods was not identified, in contrast to the identification of PSP toxins, where the profiles identified in the different species are directly related to biotransformation processes. Thus, this study provides evidence that the concentration of toxins in the food intake of the evaluated species (Bivalvia and Gastropoda class) determines the degree of

National Space Council - Moon, Mars, and Worlds Beyond: Winning the Next Frontier

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-02-21

Vice President Mike Pence hosts the second meeting of the National Space Council in the high bay of NASA's Kennedy Space Center's Space Station Processing Facility. The event’s theme is “Moon, Mars and Worlds Beyond: Winning the Next Frontier” and includes testimonials from leaders in the civil, commercial and national security sectors about the importance of the United States’ space enterprise.The National Space Council’s role is to advise the president on America’s space policy and strategy, and review the nation’s long-range goals for space activities. The council includes leaders in government from both civil and military space programs. The council’s historic roots go back to the earliest days of NASA when the agency was established in 1958. Through 1973 it was known as the National Aeronautics and Space Council. From 1989 to 1993 the group was the National Space Council, guiding NASA and helping achieve the agency’s ambitious milestones. On June 30, 2017, President Donald Trump signed an executive order re-establishing the National Space Council to streamline and coordinate national space policy. The first meeting of the new National Space Council took place Oct. 5, 2017, at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia. Afterward, acting NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot praised the vice president for calling for renewed U.S. leadership in space with NASA helping lead and shape the way forward.

Breaching the Devil’s Garden- The 6th New Zealand Brigade in Operation Lightfoot. The Second Battle of El Alamein, 23 October 1942. Appendices

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-02-01

operate, and on this model all officers will be instructed in the stage- management of the battle. Finally all NCOs and men will be shown on the model the...overall management of the construction of the obstacle areas. 7.) It will be constructed: Obstacle Area Al My XXI Italian Corps and the 1641 Infantry...importance. 6.) With all new mining, immediately reduce 20% of all antitank mine are to be secured for resumption. The most careful management of the

Understanding Grammars through Diachronic Change

PubMed Central

Madariaga, Nerea

2017-01-01

In this paper, I will vindicate the importance of syntactic change for the study of synchronic stages of natural languages, according to the following outline. First, I will analyze the relationship between the diachrony and synchrony of grammars, introducing some basic concepts: the notions of I-language/E-language, the role of Chomsky's (2005) three factors in language change, and some assumptions about language acquisition. I will briefly describe the different approaches to syntactic change adopted in generative accounts, as well as their assumptions and implications (Lightfoot, 1999, 2006; van Gelderen, 2004; Biberauer et al., 2010; Roberts, 2012). Finally, I will illustrate the convenience of introducing the diachronic dimension into the study of at least certain synchronic phenomena with the help of a practical example: variation in object case marking of several verbs in Modern Russian, namely, the verbs denoting avoidance and the verbs slušat'sja “obey” and dožidat'sja “expect,” which show two object case-marking patterns, genitive case in standard varieties and accusative case in colloquial varieties. To do so, I will review previous descriptive and/or functionalist accounts on this or equivalent phenomena (Jakobson, 1984 [1936]; Clancy, 2006; Nesset and Kuznetsova, 2015a,b). Then, I will present a formal—but just synchronic—account, applying Sigurðsson (2011) hypothesis on the expression of morphological case to this phenomenon. Finally, I will show that a formal account including the diachronic dimension is superior (i.e., more explanative) than purely synchronic accounts. PMID:28824474

Transport phenomena in environmental engineering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sander, Aleksandra; Kardum, Jasna Prlić; Matijašić, Gordana; Žižek, Krunoslav

2018-01-01

A term transport phenomena arises as a second paradigm at the end of 1950s with high awareness that there was a strong need to improve the scoping of chemical engineering science. At that point, engineers became highly aware that it is extremely important to take step forward from pure empirical description and the concept of unit operations only to understand the specific process using phenomenological equations that rely on three elementary physical processes: momentum, energy and mass transport. This conceptual evolution of chemical engineering was first presented with a well-known book of R. Byron Bird, Warren E. Stewart and Edwin N. Lightfoot, Transport Phenomena, published in 1960 [1]. What transport phenomena are included in environmental engineering? It is hard to divide those phenomena through different engineering disciplines. The core is the same but the focus changes. Intention of the authors here is to present the transport phenomena that are omnipresent in treatment of various process streams. The focus in this chapter is made on the transport phenomena that permanently occur in mechanical macroprocesses of sedimentation and filtration for separation in solid-liquid particulate systems and on the phenomena of the flow through a fixed and a fluidized bed of particles that are immanent in separation processes in packed columns and in environmental catalysis. The fundamental phenomena for each thermal and equilibrium separation process technology are presented as well. Understanding and mathematical description of underlying transport phenomena result in scoping the separation processes in a way that ChEs should act worldwide.

Portraiture in the Large Lecture: Storying One Chemistry Professor's Practical Knowledge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eddleton, Jeannine E.

Practical knowledge, as defined by Freema Elbaz (1983), is a complex, practically oriented set of understandings which teachers use to actively shape and direct their work. The goal of this study is the construction of a social science portrait that illuminates the practical knowledge of a large lecture professor of general chemistry at a public research university in the southeast. This study continues Elbaz's (1981) work on practical knowledge with the incorporation of a qualitative and intentionally interventionist methodology which "blurs the boundaries of aesthetics and empiricism in an effort to capture the complexity, dynamics, and subtlety of human experience and organizational life," (Lawrence-Lightfoot & Davis, 1997). This collection of interviews, observations, writings, and reflections is designed for an eclectic audience with the intent of initiating conversation on the topic of the large lecture and is a purposeful attempt to link research and practice. Social science portraiture is uniquely suited to this intersection of researcher and researched, the perfect combination of methodology and analysis for a project that is both product and praxis. The following research questions guide the study. • Are aspects of Elbaz's practical knowledge identifiable in the research conversations conducted with a large lecture college professor? • Is practical knowledge identifiable during observations of Patricia's large lecture? Freema Elbaz conducted research conversations with Sarah, a high school classroom and writing resource teacher who conducted much of her teaching work one on one with students. Patricia's practice differs significantly from Sarah's with respect to subject matter and to scale.

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Nef protein inhibits NF-kappa B induction in human T cells.

PubMed Central

Niederman, T M; Garcia, J V; Hastings, W R; Luria, S; Ratner, L

1992-01-01

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) can establish a persistent and latent infection in CD4+ T lymphocytes (W. C. Greene, N. Engl. J. Med. 324:308-317, 1991; S. M. Schnittman, M. C. Psallidopoulos, H. C. Lane, L. Thompson, M. Baseler, F. Massari, C. H. Fox, N. P. Salzman, and A. S. Fauci, Science 245:305-308, 1989). Production of HIV-1 from latently infected cells requires host cell activation by T-cell mitogens (T. Folks, D. M. Powell, M. M. Lightfoote, S. Benn, M. A. Martin, and A. S. Fauci, Science 231:600-602, 1986; D. Zagury, J. Bernard, R. Leonard, R. Cheynier, M. Feldman, P. S. Sarin, and R. C. Gallo, Science 231:850-853, 1986). This activation is mediated by the host transcription factor NF-kappa B [G. Nabel and D. Baltimore, Nature (London) 326:711-717, 1987]. We report here that the HIV-1-encoded Nef protein inhibits the induction of NF-kappa B DNA-binding activity by T-cell mitogens. However, Nef does not affect the DNA-binding activity of other transcription factors implicated in HIV-1 regulation, including SP-1, USF, URS, and NF-AT. Additionally, Nef inhibits the induction of HIV-1- and interleukin 2-directed gene expression, and the effect on HIV-1 transcription depends on an intact NF-kappa B-binding site. These results indicate that defective recruitment of NF-kappa B may underlie Nef's negative transcriptional effects on the HIV-1 and interleukin 2 promoters. Further evidence suggests that Nef inhibits NF-kappa B induction by interfering with a signal derived from the T-cell receptor complex. Images PMID:1527859

An examination of key experiences which contribute to a positive change in attitude toward science in two elementary education teacher candidates at the University of Wyoming

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cason, Maggie A.

This investigation utilized life history methodology (Armstrong, 1987; Bogdan & Biklen, 1998; Lawrence-Lightfoot, 1977; Marshall & Rossman, 1995; Patton, 1987; Taylor & Bogdan; 1984) to examine lifelong science experiences of two elementary education teacher candidates at a land grant institution with a large, undergraduate teacher education program. Purposive sampling techniques (Bogdan & Biklen, 1998) led to the selection of two teacher candidates who reported high science anxiety when they began university coursework. The investigation focused on five broad questions: (a) What were key experiences in the elementary teacher education program which contributed to a positive change in attitude toward science? (b) What science experiences, in and out of school, did the teacher candidates encounter while they were in elementary school, junior high school, high school, and college? (c) How did the elementary education program's science course structure, professors, and field experiences contribute to the change in attitude toward science? (d) How much time was involved in the change in attitude toward science? and (e) What were the effects of the change in attitude on the teaching of science in the elementary classroom? Each candidate completed approximately twenty hours of interviews yielding rich descriptions of their lifelong science experiences. Data also included interviews with science and science education professors, journaling, and observations of student teaching experiences. Data analysis revealed four over-arching themes with implications for teacher educators. First, data showed the importance of relationship building between professors and teacher candidates. Professors must know and work with teacher candidates, and provide a structure that encourages question asking. Second, course structure including hands-on teaching strategies and students working in small groups over an extended period of time was vital. Third, integrating language arts with

A systematic catalogue of butterflies of the former Soviet Union (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lituania, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan) with special account to their type specimens (Lepidoptera: Hesperioidea, Papilionoidea).

PubMed

Korb, Stanislav K; Bolshakov, Lavr V

2016-09-01

A catalogue of butterflies of Russia and adjacent countries is given, with special account to the name-bearing types depository. This catalogue contains data about 86 species (3 of them are questionable) of Hesperiidae (22 genera); 47 species of Papilionidae (14 genera); 89 species of Pieridae (5 of them are questionable)  (15 genera); 1 species (1 genus) of Libytheinae(dae); 2 species of Danainae(dae) (2 genera); 160 species of Nymphalinae(dae) (1 of them is questionable) (23 genera); 259 species of Satyrinae(dae) (14 of them are questionable, mainly from genera Oeneis and Pseudochazara) (34 genera); 3 species of Riodinidae (2 genera); 318 species of Lycaenidae (11 of them are questionable, mainly from genera Neolycaena and Plebeius) (57 genera). In total: 965 species of butterflies, 174 genera, by countries: Armenia-244, Azerbaijan-225, Belarus-107, Estonia-113, Georgia-211, Kyrgyzstan-316, Kazakhstan-344, Latvia-115, Lituania-126, Moldova-87, Russia-522, Tajikistan-295, Turkmenistan-159, Ukraine-192, Uzbekistan-241. Detailed distribution and subspecific structure (if present) for every species is provided. Lectotypes of the following species-group taxa are designated: Hesperia poggei Lederer, 1858, Parnassius felderi Bremer, 1861, P. eversmanni Eversmann, 1851, P. boedromius Püngeler, 1901, Limenitis moltrechti Kardakov, 1928, L. sydyi Kindermann, 1853, L. amphyssa Ménétriès, 1859, L. doerriesi Staudinger, 1892, L. helmanni duplicata Staudinger, 1892, L. homeyeri Tancré, 1881, Argynnis penelope Staudinger, 1891, A. thore borealis Staudinger, 1861, Vanessa io geisha Stichel, [1908], Melitaea maturna staudingeri Wnukowsky, 1929 (=uralensis Staudinger, 1871), M. didymina Staudinger, 1895, Papilio fascelis Esper, 1783, Thecla quercivora Staudinger, 1887, Lycaena orion var. ornata Staudinger, 1892. The following nomenclatural acts are established: Neolycaena submontana baitenovi (Zhdanko, 2011), comb. et stat.n. The following new synonymy is provided: Hesperia

Saxitoxins and okadaic acid group: accumulation and distribution in invertebrate marine vectors from Southern Chile.

PubMed

García, Carlos; Pérez, Francisco; Contreras, Cristóbal; Figueroa, Diego; Barriga, Andrés; López-Rivera, Américo; Araneda, Oscar F; Contreras, Héctor R

2015-01-01

Harmful algae blooms (HABs) are the main source of marine toxins in the aquatic environment surrounding the austral fjords in Chile. Huichas Island (Aysén) has an history of HABs spanning more than 30 years, but there is limited investigation of the bioaccumulation of marine toxins in the bivalves and gastropods from the Region of Aysén. In this study, bivalves (Mytilus chilenses, Choromytilus chorus, Aulacomya ater, Gari solida, Tagelus dombeii and Venus antiqua) and carnivorous gastropods (Argobuccinum ranelliformes and Concholepas concholepas) were collected from 28 sites. Researchers analysed the accumulation of STX-group toxins using a LC with a derivatisation post column (LC-PCOX), while lipophilic toxins (OA-group, azapiracids, pectenotoxins and yessotoxins) were analysed using LC-MS/MS with electrospray ionisation (+/-) in visceral (hepatopancreas) and non-visceral tissues (mantle, adductor muscle, gills and foot). Levels of STX-group and OA-group toxins varied among individuals from the same site. Among all tissue samples, the highest concentrations of STX-group toxins were noted in the hepatopancreas in V. antiqua (95 ± 0.1 μg STX-eq 100 g(-1)), T. dombeii (148 ± 1.4 μg STX-eq 100 g(-1)) and G. solida (3232 ± 5.2 μg STX-eq 100 g(-1); p < 0.05); in the adductor muscle in M. chilensis (2495 ± 6.4 μg STX-eq 100 g(-1); p < 0.05) and in the foot in C. concholepas (81 ± 0.7 μg STX-eq 100 g(-1)) and T. dombeii (114 ± 1.2 μg STX-eq 100 g(-1)). The highest variability of toxins was detected in G. solida, where high levels of carbamate derivatives were identified (GTXs, neoSTX and STX). In addition to the detected hydrophilic toxins, OA-group toxins were detected (OA and DTX-1) with an average ratio of ≈1:1. The highest levels of OA-group toxins were in the foot of C. concholepas, with levels of 400.3 ± 3.6 μg OA eq kg(-1) (p < 0.05) and with a toxic profile composed of 90% OA. A wide range of OA-group toxins was detected in M. chilensis with a

Sixty years of interest in flow and transport theories: Sources of inspiration and a few results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raats, Peter A. C.

2016-04-01

By choosing to major in soil physics at Wageningen now exactly 60 years ago, I could combine my interest in exact sciences with my experience of growing up on a farm. I never regretted that choice. In the first twenty years, I profited much from close contacts with members of the immediate post-WW II generation of soil physicists (especially Jerry Bolt, Arnold Klute, Ed Miller, Champ Tanner, Wilford Gardner, John Philip, and Jan van Schilfgaarde), chemical engineers (especially at UW Madison the trio Bob Bird, Warren Stewart and Ed Lightfoot) and experts in continuum mechanics (especially at Johns Hopkins Clifford Truesdell and Jerald Ericksen). As graduate student at Illinois with Klute, to describe flow and transport theories in soil science I initially explored as possible framework thermodynamics of irreversible processes (TIP), but soon switched to the continuum theory of mixtures (CTM), initiated by Truesdell in 1957. In CTM, the balance of forces gave a rational basis for flux equations. CTM allowed me to deal with swelling/shrinkage, role of inertia, boundary conditions, and structured soils. Later, I did use TIP to deal with certain aspects of transfer of water and heat in soils and selective uptake of water and nutrients by plant roots. Recently, a variety of theories for upscaling from the pore scale to the Darcy scale have clarified the potential, limits and common ground of CTM and TIP. A great advantage of CTM is that it provides geometric tools suited for kinematic aspects of flow, transport, and growth/decay processes. In particular, the concept of material coordinates of the solid phase that I used in my PhD thesis to cope with large deformation due to swelling/shrinkage of soils, later also turned to be useful to deal with simultaneous shrinkage and decay in peat soils and compost heaps, and the growth of plant tissues. Also, by focusing on the material coordinates for the water, it became possible to describe transport of solutes in unsaturated

Bacterial Bolsheviks: PS II and the Evolution of the Oxygenic Revolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kopp, R. E.; Kirschvink, J. L.; Newman, D. K.; Nash, C. Z.; Hilburn, I. A.

2003-12-01

environment warmed by a CH4 greenhouse (3) should occur fairly rapidly, within ˜ 10 My. The trigger requires both the evolution of cyanobacteria and sufficiently high nutrient (mainly P) fluxes to allow O2 production to overwhelm reductant fluxes. P flux into the oceans in glaciated worlds correlates with increased continental weathering during glacial intervals (4). Thus, were cyanobacteria present during the Huronian glaciations, which predate 2.22 Ga (5), these glaciations should have triggered the oxygenation event. Instead, the oxygenation event seems to correlate with the Makganyene glaciation, at 2.22 Ga (6). The appearance of red beds in the Upper Timeball Hill formation directly underlying the Makganyene diamictite supports this interpretation. As would be expected from a glaciation associated with the destruction of a CH4 greenhouse, paleomagnetic data indicate the Makganyene glaciation was a global Snowball event (7). Cyanobacteria appear to have evolved in the short interval between the Huronian glaciations and the Makganyene glaciation. The lengthy delay between the earliest life on Earth and the appearance of cyanobacteria suggests that the oxygenic revolution was a fairly low probability event; planets with oxygenic biospheres may be quite rare. 1. J. L. Kirschvink et al., PNAS 97, 1400-1405 (2000). 2. J. Raymond et al., Science 298, 1616-1620 (2002). 3. A. A. Pavlov et al., JGR 105, 11981-11990 (2000). 4. K. B. F”llmi, Geology 23, 503-506 (1995). 5. S. R. Noble, P. C. Lightfoot, Can. J. Earth Sci. 29, 1424-1429 (1992). 6. D. H. Cornell et al., Precamb. Res. 79, 101-123 (1996). 7. D. A. Evans et al., Nature 386, 262-266 (1997).