Nuclear Export and Expression of Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus Type 1 tax/rex mRNA Are RxRE/Rex Dependent

PubMed Central

Bai, X. T.; Sinha-Datta, U.; Ko, N. L.; Bellon, M.

2012-01-01

Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is a complex retrovirus associated with the lymphoproliferative disease adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) and the neurodegenerative disorder tropical spastic paraparesis/HTLV-1-associated myelopathy (TSP/HAM). Replication of HTLV-1 is under the control of two major trans-acting proteins, Tax and Rex. Previous studies suggested that Tax activates transcription from the viral long terminal repeat (LTR) through recruitment of cellular CREB and transcriptional coactivators. Other studies reported that Rex acts posttranscriptionally and allows the cytoplasmic export of unspliced or incompletely spliced viral mRNAs carrying gag/pol and env only. As opposed to HIV's Rev-responsive element (RRE), the Rex-responsive element (RxRE) is present in all viral mRNAs in HTLV-1. However, based on indirect observations, it is believed that nuclear export and expression of the doubly spliced tax/rex RNA are Rex independent. In this study, we demonstrate that Rex does stimulate Tax expression, through nuclear-cytoplasmic export of the tax/rex RNA, even though a Rex-independent basal export mechanism exists. This effect was dependent upon the RxRE element and the RNA-binding activity of Rex. In addition, Rex-mediated export of tax/rex RNA was CRM1 dependent and inhibited by leptomycin B treatment. RNA immunoprecipitation (RNA-IP) experiments confirmed Rex binding to the tax/rex RNA in both transfected cells with HTLV-1 molecular clones and HTLV-1-infected T cells. Since both Rex and p30 interact with the tax/rex RNA and with one another, this may offer a temporal and dynamic regulation of HTLV-1 replication. Our results shed light on HTLV-1 replication and reveal a more complex regulatory network than previously anticipated. PMID:22318152

Expression of endogenous retroviruses is negatively regulated by the pluripotency marker Rex1/Zfp42

PubMed Central

Guallar, D.; Pérez-Palacios, R.; Climent, M.; Martínez-Abadía, I.; Larraga, A.; Fernández-Juan, M.; Vallejo, C.; Muniesa, P.; Schoorlemmer, J.

2012-01-01

Rex1/Zfp42 is a Yy1-related zinc-finger protein whose expression is frequently used to identify pluripotent stem cells. We show that depletion of Rex1 levels notably affected self-renewal of mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells in clonal assays, in the absence of evident differences in expression of marker genes for pluripotency or differentiation. By contrast, marked differences in expression of several endogenous retroviral elements (ERVs) were evident upon Rex1 depletion. We demonstrate association of REX1 to specific elements in chromatin-immunoprecipitation assays, most strongly to muERV-L and to a lower extent to IAP and musD elements. Rex1 regulates muERV-L expression in vivo, as we show altered levels upon transient gain-and-loss of Rex1 function in pre-implantation embryos. We also find REX1 can associate with the lysine-demethylase LSD1/KDM1A, suggesting they act in concert. Similar to REX1 binding to retrotransposable elements (REs) in ES cells, we also detected binding of the REX1 related proteins YY1 and YY2 to REs, although the binding preferences of the two proteins were slightly different. Altogether, we show that Rex1 regulates ERV expression in mouse ES cells and during pre-implantation development and suggest that Rex1 and its relatives have evolved as regulators of endogenous retroviral transcription. PMID:22844087

Hopane Biomarkers Traced from Bedrock to Recent Sediments and Ice at the Haughton Impact Structure, Devon Island: Implications for the Search for Biomarkers on Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Parnell, J.; Osinski, G. R.; Lee, P.; Cockell, C. C.; Taylor, C. W.

2004-01-01

Hopanoid biomarkers have been successsfully traced from Palaeozoic target bedrock to Miocene impact-processed rocks, post-impact sediments, and Qu aternary ice at the Haughton impact Structure, Devon Island, High Arctic, suggesting that similar biomarkers and techniques to detect them might provide a promising strategy in the search for biomarkers in rocks, sediments and ice on Mars.

Promotion of family planning services in practice leaflets.

PubMed

Marshall, M N; Gray, D J; Pearson, V; Phillips, D R; Owen, M

1994-10-08

Providing 75% of family planning services in the United Kingdom, general practitioners are required to produce leaflets which describe the contraceptive services they provide. The authors analyzed information about family planning provided to clients through practice leaflets. 88% of practice leaflets from the 198 practices in Devon were available from the Devon Family Health Services Authority for analysis. It was determined that the leaflets are not being best used to advertise the range and potential of family planning services. Although all practices in Devon offer contraceptive services, only 90% of leaflets mentioned that the services are available. Reference to postcoital contraception and information about services outside the practice for people who might not want to see their family doctor are also sorely lacking. A clear need exists to provide patients with more information. Finally, the authors found that group practices and those with female partners are most likely to give high priority to family planning issues in their leaflets.

The redox-sensing protein Rex modulates ethanol production in Thermoanaerobacterium saccharolyticum

PubMed Central

Lanahan, Anthony A.; Lynd, Lee R.

2018-01-01

Thermoanaerobacterium saccharolyticum is a thermophilic anaerobe that has been engineered to produce high amounts of ethanol, reaching ~90% theoretical yield at a titer of 70 g/L. Here we report the physiological changes that occur upon deleting the redox-sensing transcriptional regulator Rex in wild type T. saccharolyticum: a single deletion of rex resulted in a two-fold increase in ethanol yield (from 40% to 91% theoretical yield), but the resulting strains grew only about a third as fast as the wild type strain. Deletion of the rex gene also had the effect of increasing expression of alcohol dehydrogenase genes, adhE and adhA. After several serial transfers, the ethanol yield decreased from an average of 91% to 55%, and the growth rates had increased. We performed whole-genome resequencing to identify secondary mutations in the Δrex strains adapted for faster growth. In several cases, secondary mutations had appeared in the adhE gene. Furthermore, in these strains the NADH-linked alcohol dehydrogenase activity was greatly reduced. Complementation studies were done to reintroduce rex into the Δrex strains: reintroducing rex decreased ethanol yield to below wild type levels in the Δrex strain without adhE mutations, but did not change the ethanol yield in the Δrex strain where an adhE mutation occurred. PMID:29621294

Slope Gullies on Devon Island, Canadian Arctic: Possible Analogs for Gullies on Mars and Evidence for Recent Transient Environmental Change on Mars.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, P.

2002-12-01

The origin and evolution of the relatively youthful slope gully features on Mars first reported by Malin and Edgett (2000) remain enigmatic. Two prevailing hypotheses concerning their formation involve the discharge of subsurface H2O at the gully sites: groundwater seepage (1) and/or the melting of ground-ice (2, 3). In the course of geologic field investigations on Devon Island, Canadian Arctic, we have identified morphologic and contextual analogs for the martian gullies that result from a radically different mechanism of formation (4). The gullies on Devon result mainly from the episodic melting of transient surface snow and ice deposits, with little contribution from subsurface H2O reservoirs. Timescales for gully formation on Devon Island are ­š104 years (5). The gullies on Devon suggest that the formation of gully features on Mars might not necessarily have involved discharges of subsurface H2O at the gully sites. Instead, gullies on Mars might be the result of transient surface snow and ice melting, which in turn might be the result of short-term changes in regional surface environmental conditions (on time-scales of ­š105-108 years?) possibly in association with high obliquity-induced climate change (6, 7) and/or volcanic activity. Acknowledgements: This research was conducted under the auspices of the NASA Haughton-Mars Project (HMP) with support from NASA and the National Geographic Society. References: (1) Malin, M. C. and K. S. Edgett 2000. Science 288, 2330-2335. (2) Mellon, M. T. and R. J. Phillips 2001. J. Geophys. Res. 106, 23165-23179. (3) Costard, F. et al. 2002. Science 295, 110-112. (4) Lee, P. et al. 2001. LPSC. XXXII, Houston, TX, Mar 12-16, 2001. (5) Lee, P, et al. 2002. LPSC XXXIII, Houston, TX, Mar 11-15, 2002. (6) Ward, W. R. (1973) Science 181, 260-262. (7) Touma, J. and J. Wisdom (1993) Science 259, 1294-1296.

Estimating maximum bite performance in Tyrannosaurus rex using multi-body dynamics

PubMed Central

Bates, K. T.; Falkingham, P. L.

2012-01-01

Bite mechanics and feeding behaviour in Tyrannosaurus rex are controversial. Some contend that a modest bite mechanically limited T. rex to scavenging, while others argue that high bite forces facilitated a predatory mode of life. We use dynamic musculoskeletal models to simulate maximal biting in T. rex. Models predict that adult T. rex generated sustained bite forces of 35 000–57 000 N at a single posterior tooth, by far the highest bite forces estimated for any terrestrial animal. Scaling analyses suggest that adult T. rex had a strong bite for its body size, and that bite performance increased allometrically during ontogeny. Positive allometry in bite performance during growth may have facilitated an ontogenetic change in feeding behaviour in T. rex, associated with an expansion of prey range in adults to include the largest contemporaneous animals. PMID:22378742

Estimating maximum bite performance in Tyrannosaurus rex using multi-body dynamics.

PubMed

Bates, K T; Falkingham, P L

2012-08-23

Bite mechanics and feeding behaviour in Tyrannosaurus rex are controversial. Some contend that a modest bite mechanically limited T. rex to scavenging, while others argue that high bite forces facilitated a predatory mode of life. We use dynamic musculoskeletal models to simulate maximal biting in T. rex. Models predict that adult T. rex generated sustained bite forces of 35 000-57 000 N at a single posterior tooth, by far the highest bite forces estimated for any terrestrial animal. Scaling analyses suggest that adult T. rex had a strong bite for its body size, and that bite performance increased allometrically during ontogeny. Positive allometry in bite performance during growth may have facilitated an ontogenetic change in feeding behaviour in T. rex, associated with an expansion of prey range in adults to include the largest contemporaneous animals.

Northeast Artificial Intelligence Consortium Annual Report for 1987. Volume 7. Parallel, Structural, and Optimal Techniques in Vision

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-03-01

Toys, is a model of the dinosaur Tyrannosaurus Rex . This particular test case is characterized by sharply discontinuous depths varying over a wide...are not shown in these figures). 7B-C-13 Figure 7: T. Rex Scene - Figure 8: T. Rex Scene - Left Image of Tinker Right Image Toy Object (j 1/’.) C...8217: Figure 9: T. Rex Scene - Figure 10: T. Rex Scene - Connected Contours Extracted Connected Contours Extracted from Left Image from Right Image 7B-C-14 400

HTLV-1 Rex is required for viral spread and persistence in vivo but is dispensable for cellular immortalization in vitro

PubMed Central

Ye, Jianxin; Silverman, Lee; Lairmore, Michael D.; Green, Patrick L.

2010-01-01

Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is associated with leukemia/lymphoma and neurologic disorders. Although the viral transcriptional activator Tax is the critical viral oncoprotein, Rex, which regulates the expression of the viral structural and enzymatic genes, is essential for efficient viral replication. Herein, we investigate the contribution of Rex in HTLV-1 immortalization of primary T cells in vitro and viral survival in an infectious rabbit animal model. A Rex-deficient HTLV-1 (HTLVRex−) was constructed and characterized for viral gene expression, protein production, and immortalization capacity. Cells transiently transfected with the HTLVRex− proviral clone produced low detectable levels of p19 Gag. 729HTLVRex− stable transfectants produced functional Tax, but undetectable levels of Rex or p19 Gag. Coculture of irradiated 729HTLVRex− cells with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) resulted in sustained interleukin-2 (IL-2)–dependent growth of primary T lymphocytes. These cells carried the HTLVRex− genome and expressed tax/rex mRNA but produced no detectable Rex or p19 Gag. Rabbits inoculated with irradiated 729HTLVRex− cells or 729HTLVRex− cells transiently transfected with a Rex cDNA expression plasmid failed to become persistently infected or mount a detectable antibody response to the viral gene products. Together, our results provide the first direct evidence that Rex and its function to modulate viral gene expression and virion production is not required for in vitro immortalization by HTLV-1. However, Rex is critical for efficient infection of cells and persistence in vivo. PMID:12907436

Impact of resistance exercise during bed rest on skeletal muscle sarcopenia and myosin isoform distribution

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bamman, M. M.; Clarke, M. S.; Feeback, D. L.; Talmadge, R. J.; Stevens, B. R.; Lieberman, S. A.; Greenisen, M. C.

1998-01-01

Because resistance exercise (REx) and bed-rest unloading (BRU) are associated with opposing adaptations, our purpose was to test the efficacy of REx against the effects of 14 days of BRU on the knee-extensor muscle group. Sixteen healthy men were randomly assigned to no exercise (NoEx; n = 8) or REx (n = 8). REx performed five sets of leg press exercise with 80-85% of one repetition maximum (1 RM) every other day during BRU. Muscle samples were removed from the vastus lateralis muscle by percutaneous needle biopsy. Myofiber distribution was determined immunohistochemically with three monoclonal antibodies against myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms (I, IIa, IIx). MHC distribution was further assessed by quantitative gel electrophoresis. Dynamic 1-RM leg press and unilateral maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVC) were determined. Maximal neural activation (root mean squared electromyogram) and rate of torque development (RTD) were measured during MVC. Reductions (P < 0.05) in type I (15%) and type II (17%) myofiber cross-sectional areas were found in NoEx but not in REx. Electrophoresis revealed no changes in MHC isoform distribution. The percentage of type IIx myofibers decreased (P < 0.05) in REx from 9 to 2% and did not change in NoEx. 1 RM was reduced (P < 0.05) by 9% in NoEx but was unchanged in REx. MVC fell by 15 and 13% in NoEx and REx, respectively. The agonist-to-antagonist root mean squared electromyogram ratio decreased (P < 0.05) 19% in REx. RTD slowed (P < 0.05) by 54% in NoEx only. Results indicate that REx prevented BRU-induced myofiber atrophy and also maintained training-specific strength. Unlike spaceflight, BRU did not induce shifts in myosin phenotype. The reported benefits of REx may prove useful in prescribing exercise for astronauts in microgravity.

NASA's OSIRIS-REx Spacecraft In Thermal Vacuum Testing

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-12-08

The OSIRIS-REx spacecraft being lifted into the thermal vacuum chamber at Lockheed Martin for environmental testing. Credits: Lockheed Martin Read more: www.nasa.gov/feature/goddard/2016/osiris-rex-in-thermal-vac

TOPOGRAPHIC VIEW OF THE REX T. BARBER BRIDGE ARCH CONSTRUCTION, ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

TOPOGRAPHIC VIEW OF THE REX T. BARBER BRIDGE ARCH CONSTRUCTION, VIEW TO SOUTHEAST. - Rex T. Barber Veterans Memorial Bridge, Spanning Crooked River Gorge, Dalles-California Highway (US 97), Terrebonne, Deschutes County, OR

ELEVATION VIEW OF THE REX T. BARBER BRIDGE ARCH CONSTRUCTION, ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

ELEVATION VIEW OF THE REX T. BARBER BRIDGE ARCH CONSTRUCTION, VIEW TO NORTH. - Rex T. Barber Veterans Memorial Bridge, Spanning Crooked River Gorge, Dalles-California Highway (US 97), Terrebonne, Deschutes County, OR

PERSPECTIVE VIEW OF THE REX T. BARBER BRIDGE ARCH CONSTRUCTION, ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

PERSPECTIVE VIEW OF THE REX T. BARBER BRIDGE ARCH CONSTRUCTION, VIEW TO NORTH ON WEST SIDE. - Rex T. Barber Veterans Memorial Bridge, Spanning Crooked River Gorge, Dalles-California Highway (US 97), Terrebonne, Deschutes County, OR

A critical role for phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-trisphosphate-dependent Rac exchanger 1 in endothelial junction disruption and vascular hyperpermeability

PubMed Central

Naikawadi, Ram P.; Cheng, Ni; Vogel, Stephen M.; Qian, Feng; Wu, Dianqing; Malik, Asrar B.; Ye, Richard D.

2013-01-01

Rationale The small GTPase Rac is critical to vascular endothelial functions, yet its regulation in endothelial cells remains unclear. Understanding the upstream pathway may delineate Rac activation mechanisms and its role in maintaining vascular endothelial barrier integrity. Objective By investigating P-Rex1, one of the Rac-specific guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) previously known for G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling, we sought to determine whether Rac-GEF is a nodal for signal integration and potential target for drug intervention. Methods and Results Using gene deletion and siRNA silencing approach, we investigated the role of P-Rex1 in lung microvascular endothelial cells (HLMVECs). TNF-α exposure led to disruption of endothelial junctions, and silencing P-Rex1 protected junction integrity. TNF-α stimulated Rac activation and ROS production in a P-Rex1-dependent manner. Removal of P-Rex1 significantly reduced ICAM-1 expression, PMN transendothelial migration and leukocyte sequestration in TNF-α challenged mouse lungs. The P-Rex1 knockout mice were also refractory to lung vascular hyper-permeability and edema in a LPS-induced sepsis model. Conclusions These results demonstrate for the first time that P-Rex1 expressed in endothelial cells is activated downstream of TNF-α, which is not a GPCR agonist. Our data identify P-Rex1 as a critical mediator of vascular barrier disruption. Targeting P-Rex1 may effectively protect against TNF-α and LPS-induced endothelial junction disruption and vascular hyper-permeability. PMID:22965143

OSIRIS-REx Prelaunch News Conference

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-09-06

In the Kennedy Space Center’s Press Site auditorium, Scott Messer, program manager for NASA missions at United Launch Alliance in Centennial, Colorado; Michael Donnelly, OSIRIS-REx project manager at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland; and Rich Kuhns, OSIRIS-REx program manager for Lockheed Martin Space Systems in Denver; speak to members of the media at a prelaunch news conference for the agency’s Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer, or OSIRIS-REx spacecraft.

Tunka-Rex: Status, Plans, and Recent Results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schröder, F. G.; Bezyazeekov, P. A.; Budnev, N. M.; Fedorov, O.; Gress, O. A.; Haungs, A.; Hiller, R.; Huege, T.; Kazarina, Y.; Kleifges, M.; Korosteleva, E. E.; Kostunin, D.; Krömer, O.; Kungel, V.; Kuzmichev, L. A.; Lubsandorzhiev, N.; Mirgazov, R. R.; Monkhoev, R.; Osipova, E. A.; Pakhorukov, A.; Pankov, L.; Prosin, V. V.; Rubtsov, G. I.; Wischnewski, R.; Zagorodnikov, A.

2017-03-01

Tunka-Rex, the Tunka Radio extension at the TAIGA facility (Tunka Advanced Instrument for cosmic ray physics and Gamma Astronomy) in Siberia, has recently been expanded to a total number of 63 SALLA antennas, most of them distributed on an area of one square kilometer. In the first years of operation, Tunka-Rex was solely triggered by the co-located air-Cherenkov array Tunka-133. The correlation of the measurements by both detectors has provided direct experimental proof that radio arrays can measure the position of the shower maximum. The precision achieved so far is 40 g/cm2, and several methodical improvements are under study. Moreover, the cross-comparison of Tunka-Rex and Tunka-133 shows that the energy reconstruction of Tunka-Rex is precise to 15 %, with a total accuracy of 20 % including the absolute energy scale. By using exactly the same calibration source for Tunka-Rex and LOPES, the energy scale of their host experiments, Tunka-133 and KASCADE-Grande, respectively, can be compared even more accurately with a remaining uncertainty of about 10 %. The main goal of Tunka-Rex for the next years is a study of the cosmic-ray mass composition in the energy range above 100 PeV: For this purpose, Tunka-Rex now is triggered also during daytime by the particle detector array Tunka-Grande featuring surface and underground scintillators for electron and muon detection.

Resistance exercise prevents plantar flexor deconditioning during bed rest

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bamman, M. M.; Hunter, G. R.; Stevens, B. R.; Guilliams, M. E.; Greenisen, M. C.

1997-01-01

Because resistance exercise (REX) and unloading induce opposing neuromuscular adaptations, we tested the efficacy of REX against the effects of 14 d of bed rest unloading (BRU) on the plantar flexor muscle group. Sixteen men were randomly assigned to no exercise (NOE, N = 8) or REX (N = 8). REX performed 5 sets x 6-10 repetitions to failure of constant resistance concentric/eccentric plantar flexion every other day during BRU. One-repetition maximum (1RM) strength was tested on the training device. The angle-specific torque-velocity relationship across 5 velocities (0, 0.52, 1.05, 1.75, and 2.97 rad.s-1) and the full range-of-motion power-velocity relationship were assessed on a dynamometer. Torque-position analyses identified strength changes at shortened, neutral, and stretched muscle lengths. Concentric and eccentric contractile work were measured across ten repetitions at 1.05 rad.s-1. Maximal neural activation was measured by surface electromyography (EMG). 1RM decreased 9% in NOE and improved 11% in REX (P < 0.05). Concentric (0.52 and 1.05 rad.s-1), eccentric (0.52 and 2.97 rad.s-1), and isometric angle-specific torques decreased (P < 0.05) in NOE, averaging 18%, 17%, and 13%, respectively. Power dropped (P < 0.05) in NOE at three eccentric (21%) and two concentric (14%) velocities. REX protected angle-specific torque and average power at all velocities. Concentric and eccentric strength decreased at stretched (16%) and neutral (17%) muscle lengths (P < 0.05) in NOE while REX maintained or improved strength at all joint positions. Concentric (15%) and eccentric (11%) contractile work fell in NOE (P < 0.05) but not in REX. Maximal plantar flexor EMG did not change in either group. In summary, constant resistance concentric/eccentric REX completely prevented plantar flexor performance deconditioning induced by BRU. The reported benefits of REX should prove useful in prescribing exercise for astronauts in microgravity and for patients susceptible to functional decline during bed- or chair-bound hospital stays.

ELEVATION VIEW OF THE REX T. BARBER BRIDGE ARCH CONSTRUCTION, ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

ELEVATION VIEW OF THE REX T. BARBER BRIDGE ARCH CONSTRUCTION, VIEW OF NORTH ARCH FOLLOWING REMOVAL OF TRAVELING FORMWORK, VIEW TO EAST. - Rex T. Barber Veterans Memorial Bridge, Spanning Crooked River Gorge, Dalles-California Highway (US 97), Terrebonne, Deschutes County, OR

PERSPECTIVE VIEW OF THE REX T. BARBER BRIDGE ARCH CONSTRUCTION, ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

PERSPECTIVE VIEW OF THE REX T. BARBER BRIDGE ARCH CONSTRUCTION, VIEW OF SOUTH TRAVELING FORMWORK AND NORTH ARCH PRIOR TO CLOSURE POUR. - Rex T. Barber Veterans Memorial Bridge, Spanning Crooked River Gorge, Dalles-California Highway (US 97), Terrebonne, Deschutes County, OR

PERSPECTIVE VIEW OF THE REX T. BARBER BRIDGE ARCH CONSTRUCTION, ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

PERSPECTIVE VIEW OF THE REX T. BARBER BRIDGE ARCH CONSTRUCTION, VIEW TO SOUTH OF SOUTHERN TRAVELING FORMWORK AND CABLE STAY TOWER. - Rex T. Barber Veterans Memorial Bridge, Spanning Crooked River Gorge, Dalles-California Highway (US 97), Terrebonne, Deschutes County, OR

Simplified Method of the Growth of Human Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TIL) in Gas-Permeable Flasks to Numbers Needed for Patient Treatment

PubMed Central

Jin, Jianjian; Sabatino, Marianna; Somerville, Robert; Wilson, John R.; Dudley, Mark E.; Stroncek, David F.; Rosenberg, Steven A.

2012-01-01

Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) of metastatic melanoma with autologous tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) is clinically effective, but TIL production can be challenging. Here we describe a simplified method for initial TIL culture and rapid expansion in gas-permeable flasks. TIL were initially cultured from tumor digests and fragments in 40 mL capacity flasks with a 10 cm2 gas-permeable silicone bottom, G-Rex10. A TIL rapid expansion protocol (REP) was developed using 500 mL capacity flasks with a 100 cm2 gas-permeable silicone bottom, G-Rex100. TIL growth was successfully initiated in G-Rex10 flasks from tumor digests from 13 of 14 patients and from tumor fragments in all 11 tumor samples tested. TIL could then be expanded to 8–10×109 cells in a two-step REP which began by seeding 5 × 106 TIL into a G-Rex100 flask, followed by expansion at day 7 into 3 G-Rex100 flasks. To obtain the 30 to 60 × 109 cells used for patient treatment we seeded 6 G-Rex100 flasks with 5×106 cells and expanded into 18 G-Rex100 flasks. Large scale TIL REP in gas-permeable flasks requires approximately 9 to 10 liters of media, about 3 to 4 times less than other methods. In conclusion, TIL initiation and REP in gas-permeable G-Rex flasks require fewer total vessels, less media, less incubator space and less labor than initiation and REP in 24-well plates, tissue culture flasks and bags. TIL culture in G-Rex flasks will facilitate the production of TIL at the numbers required for patient treatment at most cell processing laboratories. PMID:22421946

Prevalence in the General Population of a CFH Sequence Variant Associated with Atypical Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome in an Extensive Family from Southwest England

PubMed Central

Hamilton, Alexander J.; Lyons, Carl B.A.; Goodship, Timothy H.J.; Bingham, Coralie

2013-01-01

Background/Aims Twenty-five members of a family from the county of Devon in England have been affected by atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome (aHUS) associated with a CFH mutation (c.3643C>G; p.Arg1215Gly). A 65-year-old male was diagnosed with aHUS after losing a renal transplant to a thrombotic microangiopathy. Subsequent mutation screening revealed the same CFH mutation without him being knowingly related to the local kindred. We designed a study to investigate the prevalence of this mutation in the local area. In addition, we examined the diagnoses of pre-existing haemodialysis patients to determine whether other patients might unknowingly be at risk of carrying the same CFH mutation. Methods The Exeter Ten Thousand (EXTEND) study aims to recruit 10,000 healthy volunteers over the age of 18 years living within 25 miles of Exeter in Devon. We genotyped DNA from 4,000 EXTEND subjects for CFH c.3643C>G; p.Arg1215Gly. We reviewed the diagnoses of 294 haemodialysis patients in the Devon area and genotyped 7 patients with either end-stage renal disease of unknown aetiology, malignant hypertension or renovascular disease. Results CFH c.3643C>G; p.Arg1215Gly was not detected in any of the 7 haemodialysis patients or the 4,000 individuals within the EXTEND study. Conclusions We conclude that CFH c.3643C>G; p.Arg1215Gly is not endemic in Devon. This reinforces our existing practice of genotyping only patients with kidney disease and evidence of a thrombotic microangiopathy for this mutation. This is the first study looking at the prevalence of CFH mutations in the general population. PMID:24163689

The OVIRS Visible/IR Spectrometer on the OSIRIS-Rex Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reuter, D. C.; Simon-Miller, A. A.

2012-01-01

The OSIRIS-REx (Origins Spectral Interpretation Resource Identification Security Regolith Explorer) Mission is a planetary science mission to study, and return a sample from, the carbonaceous asteroid 1999 RQ-36. The third mission selected under NASA's New Frontiers Program, it is scheduled to be launched in 2016. It is led by PI Dante Lauretta at the University of Arizona and managed by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. The spacecraft and the asteroid sampling mechanism, TAGSAM (Touch-And-Go Sample Acquisition Mechanism) will be provided by Lockheed Martin Space Systems. Instrumentation for studying the asteroid include: OCAMS (the OSIRIS-REx Camera Suite), OLA (the OSIRIS-REx Laser Altimeter, a scanning LIDAR), OTES (The OSIRIS-REx Thermal Emission Spectrometer, a 4-50 micron point spectrometer) and OVIRS (the OSIRIS-REx Visible and IR Spectrometer, a 0.4 to 4.3 micron point spectrometer). The payload also includes REXIS (the Regolith X-ray Imaging Spectrometer) a student provided experiment. This paper presents a description of the OVIRS instrument.

The OSIRIS-REx Laser Altimeter (OLA) Investigation and Instrument

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Daly, M. G.; Barnouin, O. S.; Dickinson, C.; Seabrook, J.; Johnson, C. L.; Cunningham, G.; Haltigin, T.; Gaudreau, D.; Brunet, C.; Aslam, I.; Taylor, A.; Bierhaus, E. B.; Boynton, W.; Nolan, M.; Lauretta, D. S.

2017-10-01

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) has contributed to the Origins Spectral Interpretation Resource Identification Security-Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) spacecraft the OSIRIS-REx Laser Altimeter (OLA). The OSIRIS-REx mission will sample asteroid 101955 Bennu, the first B-type asteroid to be visited by a spacecraft. Bennu is thought to be primitive, carbonaceous, and spectrally most closely related to CI and/or CM meteorites. As a scanning laser altimeter, the OLA instrument will measure the range between the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft and the surface of Bennu to produce digital terrain maps of unprecedented spatial scales for a planetary mission. The digital terrain maps produced will measure ˜7 cm per pixel globally, and ˜3 cm per pixel at specific sample sites. In addition, OLA data will be used to constrain and refine the spacecraft trajectories. Global maps and highly accurate spacecraft trajectory estimates are critical to infer the internal structure of the asteroid. The global and regional maps also are key to gain new insights into the surface processes acting across Bennu, which inform the selection of the OSIRIS-REx sample site. These, in turn, are essential for understanding the provenance of the regolith sample collected by the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft. The OLA data also are important for quantifying any hazards near the selected OSIRIS-REx sample site and for evaluating the range of tilts at the sampling site for comparison against the capabilities of the sample acquisition device.

OSIRIS-REx NASA Social

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-09-07

Social media followers were briefed by NASA scientists on asteroids, how they relate to the origins of our solar system and the search for life beyond Earth, during a NASA Social presentation in the Operations Support Building II at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The presentation took place before launch of the agency’s Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer, or OSIRIS-REx spacecraft. From the left, are Dante Lauretta, OSIRIS-REx principal investigator from the University of Arizona at Tucson, and Christina Richey, OSIRIS-REx deputy program scientists at NASA Headquarters in Washington.

OSIRIS-REx A NASA Mission to a Near Earth Asteroid!...and Other Recent Happenings in the Solar System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moreau, Michael C.

2015-01-01

The OSIRIS-REx Mission launches in 2016 Arrives at Asteroid Bennu-2018 Returns a sample to Earth -2023 The mission, OSIRIS-REx, will visit an asteroid and return a sample from the early Solar System to help us understand how our Solar System formed.

Physical evidence of predatory behavior in Tyrannosaurus rex.

PubMed

DePalma, Robert A; Burnham, David A; Martin, Larry D; Rothschild, Bruce M; Larson, Peter L

2013-07-30

Feeding strategies of the large theropod, Tyrannosaurus rex, either as a predator or a scavenger, have been a topic of debate previously compromised by lack of definitive physical evidence. Tooth drag and bone puncture marks have been documented on suggested prey items, but are often difficult to attribute to a specific theropod. Further, postmortem damage cannot be distinguished from intravital occurrences, unless evidence of healing is present. Here we report definitive evidence of predation by T. rex: a tooth crown embedded in a hadrosaurid caudal centrum, surrounded by healed bone growth. This indicates that the prey escaped and lived for some time after the injury, providing direct evidence of predatory behavior by T. rex. The two traumatically fused hadrosaur vertebrae partially enclosing a T. rex tooth were discovered in the Hell Creek Formation of South Dakota.

Physical evidence of predatory behavior in Tyrannosaurus rex

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

DePalma, Robert A., II; Burnham, David A.; Martin, Larry D.; Rothschild, Bruce M.; Larson, Peter L.

2013-07-01

Feeding strategies of the large theropod, Tyrannosaurus rex, either as a predator or a scavenger, have been a topic of debate previously compromised by lack of definitive physical evidence. Tooth drag and bone puncture marks have been documented on suggested prey items, but are often difficult to attribute to a specific theropod. Further, postmortem damage cannot be distinguished from intravital occurrences, unless evidence of healing is present. Here we report definitive evidence of predation by T. rex: a tooth crown embedded in a hadrosaurid caudal centrum, surrounded by healed bone growth. This indicates that the prey escaped and lived for some time after the injury, providing direct evidence of predatory behavior by T. rex. The two traumatically fused hadrosaur vertebrae partially enclosing a T. rex tooth were discovered in the Hell Creek Formation of South Dakota.

Physical evidence of predatory behavior in Tyrannosaurus rex

PubMed Central

DePalma, Robert A.; Burnham, David A.; Martin, Larry D.; Rothschild, Bruce M.; Larson, Peter L.

2013-01-01

Feeding strategies of the large theropod, Tyrannosaurus rex, either as a predator or a scavenger, have been a topic of debate previously compromised by lack of definitive physical evidence. Tooth drag and bone puncture marks have been documented on suggested prey items, but are often difficult to attribute to a specific theropod. Further, postmortem damage cannot be distinguished from intravital occurrences, unless evidence of healing is present. Here we report definitive evidence of predation by T. rex: a tooth crown embedded in a hadrosaurid caudal centrum, surrounded by healed bone growth. This indicates that the prey escaped and lived for some time after the injury, providing direct evidence of predatory behavior by T. rex. The two traumatically fused hadrosaur vertebrae partially enclosing a T. rex tooth were discovered in the Hell Creek Formation of South Dakota. PMID:23858435

Transcriptional activation of the suppressor of cytokine signaling-3 (SOCS-3) gene via STAT3 is increased in F9 REX1 (ZFP-42) knockout teratocarcinoma stem cells relative to wild-type cells.

PubMed

Xu, Juliana; Sylvester, Renia; Tighe, Ann P; Chen, Siming; Gudas, Lorraine J

2008-03-14

Rex1 (Zfp42), first identified as a gene that is transcriptionally repressed by retinoic acid (RA), encodes a zinc finger transcription factor expressed at high levels in F9 teratocarcinoma stem cells, embryonic stem cells, and other stem cells. Loss of both alleles of Rex1 by homologous recombination alters the RA-induced differentiation of F9 cells, a model of pluripotent embryonic stem cells. We identified Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling-3 (SOCS-3) as a gene that exhibits greatly increased transcriptional activation in RA, cAMP, and theophylline (RACT)-treated F9 Rex1(-/-) cells (approximately 25-fold) as compared to wild-type (WT) cells ( approximately 2.5-fold). By promoter deletion, mutation, and transient transfection analyses, we have shown that this transcriptional increase is mediated by the STAT3 DNA-binding elements located between -99 to -60 in the SOCS-3 promoter. Overexpression of STAT3 dominant-negative mutants greatly diminishes this SOCS-3 transcriptional increase in F9 Rex1(-/-) cells. This increase in SOCS-3 transcription is associated with a four- to fivefold higher level of tyrosine-phosphorylated STAT3 in the RACT-treated F9 Rex1(-/-) cells as compared to WT. Dominant-negative Src tyrosine kinase, Jak2, and protein kinase A partially reduce the transcriptional activation of the SOCS 3 gene in RACT-treated F9 Rex1 null cells. In contrast, parathyroid hormone peptide enhances the effect of RA in F9 Rex1(-/-) cells, but not in F9 WT. Thus, Rex1, which is highly expressed in stem cells, inhibits signaling via the Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway, thereby modulating the differentiation of F9 cells.

Could Tyrannosaurus rex have been a scavenger rather than a predator? An energetics approach.

PubMed

Ruxton, Graeme D; Houston, David C

2003-04-07

Arguments on whether Tyrannosaurus rex was likely to have been an active predator or a scavenger have been based on evidence from jaw morphology and/or dentition. Here, we adopt an entirely novel approach, using energetic arguments to estimate the minimum productivity that would be required for an ecosystem to support a scavenger of the size of T. rex. We argue that an ecosystem as productive as the current Serengeti would provide sufficient carrion for such a scavenger. Hence, T. rex need not have been an active predator and could have found sufficient food purely by scavenging.

Enhanced conformational sampling of nucleic acids by a new Hamiltonian replica exchange molecular dynamics approach.

PubMed

Curuksu, Jeremy; Zacharias, Martin

2009-03-14

Although molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have been applied frequently to study flexible molecules, the sampling of conformational states separated by barriers is limited due to currently possible simulation time scales. Replica-exchange (Rex)MD simulations that allow for exchanges between simulations performed at different temperatures (T-RexMD) can achieve improved conformational sampling. However, in the case of T-RexMD the computational demand grows rapidly with system size. A Hamiltonian RexMD method that specifically enhances coupled dihedral angle transitions has been developed. The method employs added biasing potentials as replica parameters that destabilize available dihedral substates and was applied to study coupled dihedral transitions in nucleic acid molecules. The biasing potentials can be either fixed at the beginning of the simulation or optimized during an equilibration phase. The method was extensively tested and compared to conventional MD simulations and T-RexMD simulations on an adenine dinucleotide system and on a DNA abasic site. The biasing potential RexMD method showed improved sampling of conformational substates compared to conventional MD simulations similar to T-RexMD simulations but at a fraction of the computational demand. It is well suited to study systematically the fine structure and dynamics of large nucleic acids under realistic conditions including explicit solvent and ions and can be easily extended to other types of molecules.

The Phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-Trisphosphate-dependent Rac Exchanger 1·Ras-related C3 Botulinum Toxin Substrate 1 (P-Rex1·Rac1) Complex Reveals the Basis of Rac1 Activation in Breast Cancer Cells.

PubMed

Lucato, Christina M; Halls, Michelle L; Ooms, Lisa M; Liu, Heng-Jia; Mitchell, Christina A; Whisstock, James C; Ellisdon, Andrew M

2015-08-21

The P-Rex (phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-trisphosphate (PIP3)-dependent Rac exchanger) family (P-Rex1 and P-Rex2) of the Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factors (Rho GEFs) activate Rac GTPases to regulate cell migration, invasion, and metastasis in several human cancers. The family is unique among Rho GEFs, as their activity is regulated by the synergistic binding of PIP3 and Gβγ at the plasma membrane. However, the molecular mechanism of this family of multi-domain proteins remains unclear. We report the 1.95 Å crystal structure of the catalytic P-Rex1 DH-PH tandem domain in complex with its cognate GTPase, Rac1 (Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate-1). Mutations in the P-Rex1·Rac1 interface revealed a critical role for this complex in signaling downstream of receptor tyrosine kinases and G protein-coupled receptors. The structural data indicated that the PIP3/Gβγ binding sites are on the opposite surface and markedly removed from the Rac1 interface, supporting a model whereby P-Rex1 binding to PIP3 and/or Gβγ releases inhibitory C-terminal domains to expose the Rac1 binding site. © 2015 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Comment on "Protein sequences from mastodon and Tyrannosaurus rex revealed by mass spectrometry".

PubMed

Pevzner, Pavel A; Kim, Sangtae; Ng, Julio

2008-08-22

Asara et al. (Reports, 13 April 2007, p. 280) reported sequencing of Tyrannosaurus rex proteins and used them to establish the evolutionary relationships between birds and dinosaurs. We argue that the reported T. rex peptides may represent statistical artifacts and call for complete data release to enable experimental and computational verification of their findings.

The Field Museum brings T. Rex Arm to Argonne

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

Makovicky, Peter; Soriano Hoyuelos, Carmen

The tiny arms on the otherwise mighty Tyrannosaurus Rex are one of the biggest and most enduring mysteries in paleontology. Researchers will soon get more insight because an arm bone from the most famous T. Rex in history — the Field Museum's SUE — was recently studied at the Advanced Photon Source at Argonne National Laboratory.

OSIRIS-REx NASA Social

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-09-07

Daniel Glavin, OSIRIS-REx co-investigator at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, talks to social media followers during a NASA Social in the Operations Support Building II at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The presentation took place before launch of the agency’s Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer, or OSIRIS-REx spacecraft.

OSIRIS-REx NASA Social

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-09-07

Tim Linn, chief system engineer with Lockheed Martin, discusses the unique design of the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft during a NASA Social with social media followers in the Operations Support Building II at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The presentation took place before launch of the agency’s Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer, or OSIRIS-REx spacecraft.

Transposable elements in fish chromosomes: a study in the marine cobia species.

PubMed

Costa, G W W F; Cioffi, M B; Bertollo, L A C; Molina, W F

2013-01-01

Rachycentron canadum, a unique representative of the Rachycentridae family, has been the subject of considerable biotechnological interest due to its potential use in marine fish farming. This species has undergone extensive research concerning the location of genes and multigene families on its chromosomes. Although most of the genome of some organisms is composed of repeated DNA sequences, aspects of the origin and dispersion of these elements are still largely unknown. The physical mapping of repetitive sequences on the chromosomes of R. canadum proved to be relevant for evolutionary and applied purposes. Therefore, here, we present the mapping by fluorescence in situ hybridization of the transposable element (TE) Tol2, the non-LTR retrotransposons Rex1 and Rex3, together with the 18S and 5S rRNA genes in the chromosome of this species. The Tol2 TE, belonging to the family of hAT transposons, is homogeneously distributed in the euchromatic regions of the chromosomes but with huge colocalization with the 18S rDNA sites. The hybridization signals for Rex1 and Rex3 revealed a semi-arbitrary distribution pattern, presenting differentiated dispersion in euchromatic and heterochromatic regions. Rex1 elements are associated preferentially in heterochromatic regions, while Rex3 shows a scarce distribution in the euchromatic regions of the chromosomes. The colocalization of TEs with 18S and 5S rDNA revealed complex chromosomal regions of repetitive sequences. In addition, the nonpreferential distribution of Rex1 and Rex3 in all heterochromatic regions, as well as the preferential distribution of the Tol2 transposon associated with 18S rDNA sequences, reveals a distinct pattern of organization of TEs in the genome of this species. A heterogeneous chromosomal colonization of TEs may confer different evolutionary rates to the heterochromatic regions of this species.

The New Horizons Radio Science Experiment: Expected Performance in Measurements of Pluto's Atmospheric Structure, Surface Pressure, and Surface Temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hinson, D. P.; Linscott, I.; Woods, W. W.; Tyler, G. L.; Bird, M. K.; Paetzold, M.; Strobel, D. F.

2014-12-01

The New Horizons (NH) payload includes a Radio Science Experiment (REX) for investigating key characteristics of Pluto and Charon during the upcoming flyby in July 2015. REX flight equipment augments the NH radio transceiver used for spacecraft communications and tracking. The REX hardware implementation requires 1.6 W and 160 g. This presentation will focus on the final design and the predicted performance of two high-priority observations. First, REX will receive signals from a pair of 70-m antennas on Earth - each transmitting 20 kW at 4.2-cm wavelength - during a diametric radio occultation by Pluto. The data recorded by REX will reveal the surface pressure, the temperature structure of the lower atmosphere, and the surface radius. Second, REX will measure the thermal emission from Pluto at 4.2-cm wavelength during two linear scans across the disk at close range when both the dayside and the nightside are visible, allowing the surface temperature and its spatial variations to be determined. Both scans extend from limb to limb with a resolution of about 10 pixels; one bisects Pluto whereas the second crosses the winter pole. We will illustrate the capabilities of REX by reviewing the method of analysis and the precision achieved in a lunar occultation observed by New Horizons in May 2011. Re-analysis of radio occultation measurements by Voyager 2 at Triton is also under way. More generally, REX objectives include a radio occultation search for Pluto's ionosphere; examination of Charon through both radio occultation and radiometry; a search for a radar echo from Pluto's surface; and improved knowledge of the Pluto system mass and the Pluto-Charon mass ratio from a combination of two-way and one-way Doppler frequency measurements.

T.Rex

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

2016-06-08

T.Rex is used to explore tabular data sets containing up to ten million records to help rapidly understand a previously unknown data set. Analysis can quickly identify patterns of interest and the records and fields that capture those patterns. T.Rex contains a growing set of deep analytical tools and supports robust export capabilities that selected data can be incorporated into to other specialized tools for further analysis. T.Rex is flexible in ingesting different types and formats of data, allowing the user to interactively experiment and perform trial and error guesses on the structure of the data; and also has amore » variety of linked visual analytic tools that enable exploration of the data to find relevant content, relationships among content, trends within the content, and capture knowledge about the content. Finally, T.Rex has a rich export capability, to extract relevant subsets of a larger data source, to further analyze their data in other analytic tools.« less

Family influence and psychiatric care: Physical treatments in Devon mental hospitals, c. 1920 to the 1970s☆

PubMed Central

Baur, Nicole

2013-01-01

‘What is it that appears to make the mentally ill so vulnerable to therapeutic experimentation?’1 One commentator wrote in the 1990s, regarding mental hospitals as repressive, coercive and custodial institutions where medical staff subjected patients to orgies of experimentation. A careful study of surviving documents of the Devon County Lunatic Asylum (DCLA), however, paints a different picture. Rather than medical staff, patients’ relatives and the wider community exercised a considerable influence over a patient's hospital admission and discharge, rendering the therapeutic regime in the middle of the 20th century the result of intense negotiations between the hospital and third parties. PMID:23876990

Evacuation and deprivation: the wartime experience of the Devon and Exeter City Mental Hospitals.

PubMed

Pearce, David

2011-09-01

In Exeter, the need for space to treat casualties in World War II led to a significant reduction in capacity at one psychiatric hospital and the closure of another. In spite of this, inpatient stays were longer than in peacetime, partly due to relatives who had to weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of having their unwell kin returned to them. In the latter years of the war, admissions from the Devon catchment area were higher than in peacetime. Having more patients who stayed longer was largely compensated for by utilizing free space as opposed to reducing admissions, leading to overcrowding and a restricted inpatient regime.

The Field Museum brings T. Rex Arm to Argonne

ScienceCinema

Makovicky, Peter; Soriano Hoyuelos, Carmen

2018-06-13

The tiny arms on the otherwise mighty Tyrannosaurus Rex are one of the biggest and most enduring mysteries in paleontology. Researchers will soon get more insight because an arm bone from the most famous T. Rex in history — the Field Museum's SUE — was recently studied at the Advanced Photon Source at Argonne National Laboratory.

Could Tyrannosaurus rex have been a scavenger rather than a predator? An energetics approach.

PubMed Central

Ruxton, Graeme D; Houston, David C

2003-01-01

Arguments on whether Tyrannosaurus rex was likely to have been an active predator or a scavenger have been based on evidence from jaw morphology and/or dentition. Here, we adopt an entirely novel approach, using energetic arguments to estimate the minimum productivity that would be required for an ecosystem to support a scavenger of the size of T. rex. We argue that an ecosystem as productive as the current Serengeti would provide sufficient carrion for such a scavenger. Hence, T. rex need not have been an active predator and could have found sufficient food purely by scavenging. PMID:12713747

Replica Exchange Gaussian Accelerated Molecular Dynamics: Improved Enhanced Sampling and Free Energy Calculation.

PubMed

Huang, Yu-Ming M; McCammon, J Andrew; Miao, Yinglong

2018-04-10

Through adding a harmonic boost potential to smooth the system potential energy surface, Gaussian accelerated molecular dynamics (GaMD) provides enhanced sampling and free energy calculation of biomolecules without the need of predefined reaction coordinates. This work continues to improve the acceleration power and energy reweighting of the GaMD by combining the GaMD with replica exchange algorithms. Two versions of replica exchange GaMD (rex-GaMD) are presented: force constant rex-GaMD and threshold energy rex-GaMD. During simulations of force constant rex-GaMD, the boost potential can be exchanged between replicas of different harmonic force constants with fixed threshold energy. However, the algorithm of threshold energy rex-GaMD tends to switch the threshold energy between lower and upper bounds for generating different levels of boost potential. Testing simulations on three model systems, including the alanine dipeptide, chignolin, and HIV protease, demonstrate that through continuous exchanges of the boost potential, the rex-GaMD simulations not only enhance the conformational transitions of the systems but also narrow down the distribution width of the applied boost potential for accurate energetic reweighting to recover biomolecular free energy profiles.

Rexin-G, a targeted genetic medicine for cancer.

PubMed

Gordon, Erlinda M; Hall, Frederick L

2010-05-01

Rexin-G, a tumor-targeted retrovector bearing a cytocidal cyclin G1 construct, is the first targeted gene therapy vector to gain fast track designation and orphan drug priorities for multiple cancer indications in the US. This review describes the major milestones in the clinical development of Rexin-G: from the molecular cloning and characterization of the human cyclin G1 proto-oncogene in 1994, to the design of the first knockout constructs and genetic engineering of the targeted delivery system from 1995 to 1997, through the initial proofs-of-concept, molecular pharmacology and toxicology studies of Rexin-G in preclinical cancer models from 1997 to 2001, to the pioneering clinical studies in humans from 2002 to 2004, which--together with the advancements in bioprocess development of high-potency clinical grade vectors circa 2005 - 2006--led to the accelerated approval of Rexin-G for all solid tumors by the Philippine FDA in 2007 and the rapid progression of clinical studies from 2007 to 2009 to the cusp of pivotal Phase III trials in the US. In recording the development of Rexin-G as a novel form of targeted biological therapy, this review also highlights important aspects of vector design engineering which served to overcome the physiological barriers to gene delivery as it addresses the key regulatory issues involved in the development of a targeted gene therapy product. Progressive clinical development of Rexin-G demonstrates the potential safety and efficacy of targeted genetic medicine, while validating the design engineering of the molecular biotechnology platform.

The Subglacial Drainage Patterns of Devon Island, Canada

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grau Galofre, A.; Jellinek, M.; Osinski, G. R.

2016-12-01

Meltwater drainage patterns incised underneath ice masses can appear strikingly similar to fluvially dissected landscapes. We introduce a landscape evolution model to describe the longitudinal profiles of subglacial meltwater channels (tunnel valleys).We propose a way to identify them from topography data and imagery on the basis of the vertical scale of undulations compared to the total elevation gain. We test the model with field data from tunnel valleys exposed in Devon Island, NU, Canada. We use field measurements of longitudinal profiles, photogrammetry and 3D LIDAR to establish a quantitative comparison of tunnel valleys and fluvial channels. Tunnel valleys are oriented parallel to former ice flow lines and are characterized by undulating longitudinal profiles. We use these features to identify quantitatively tunnel valleys in central Devon Island (figure 1). We ground truth our observations with imagery of tunnel valleys appearing at the edges of the actively retreating ice cap. Longitudinal profiles show undulations with amplitudes up to 14m over a total elevation gain of 20m and with wavelengths comparable to the channel width. These "overdeepenings" are not observed in any fluvial channels in the area and are consistent with expectations of flow driven by variations in ice thickness. Our identification scheme rigorously distinguishes fluvial and subglacial dissected landscapes.

Effect of foliar application of chitosan and salicylic acid on the growth of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) varieties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hasanah, Y.; Sembiring, M.

2018-02-01

Elicitors such as chitosan and salicylic acid could be used not only to increase isoflavone concentration of soybean seeds, but also to increase the growth and seed yield. The objective of the present study was to determine the effects of foliar application of elicitor compounds (i.e. chitosan, and salicylic acid)on the growth of two soybean varieties under dry land conditions. Experimental design was a randomized block design with 2 factors and 3 replications. The first factor was soybean varieties (Wilis and Devon). The second factor was foliar application of elicitors consisted of without elicitor; chitosan at V4 (four trifoliate leaves are fully developed); chitosan at R3 (early podding); chitosan at V4 and R3; salicylic acid at V4; salicylic acid at R3 and salicylic acid at V4 and R3. Parameters observed was plant height at 2-7 week after planting (WAP), shoot dry weight and root dry weight. The results suggest that the Wilis variety had higher plant height 7 WAP than Devon. The foliar application of chitosan increased the plant height at 7 WAP, shoot dry weight and root dry weight. The foliar application of chitosan at V4 and R3 on Devon variety increased shoot dry weight.

Weighing the mass spectrometric evidence for authentic Tyrannosaurus rex collagen

PubMed Central

Buckley, Mike; Walker, Angela; Ho, Simon Y. W.; Yang, Yue; Smith, Colin; Ashton, Peter; Oates, Jane Thomas; Cappellini, Enrico; Koon, Hannah; Penkman, Kirsty; Elsworth, Ben; Ashford, Dave; Solazzo, Caroline; Andrews, Phil; Strahler, John; Shapiro, Beth; Ostrom, Peggy; Gandhi, Hasand; Miller, Webb; Raney, Brian; Zylber, Maria Ines; Gilbert, M. Thomas P.; Prigodich, Richard V.; Ryan, Michael; Rijsdijk, Kenneth F.; Janoo, Anwar; Collins, Matthew J.

2009-01-01

We use authentication tests developed for ancient DNA to evaluate claims by Asara et al. of collagen peptide sequences recovered from mastodon and Tyrannosaurus rex fossils. Although the mastodon passes, absence of amino acid composition data, lack of evidence for peptide deamidation, and association of the α1(I) peptide sequences with amphibians not birds, suggests that T. rex does not. PMID:18174420

Femur bone strength in Tyrannosaurus rex: A study of sexual dimorphism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Scott

2012-04-01

Tyrannosaurus rex is the iconic species of a fearsome predator and is held in fascination by virtually everyone. Like many other species, Tyrannosaurs rex displayed sexual dimorphism with the females larger than the males. The femur bones of 14 fossil specimens were examined to determine if the maximum running abilities were significantly different for the two genders. No significant difference is observed.

OSIRIS-REx NASA Social

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-09-07

Social media followers were briefed by NASA scientists on asteroids, how they relate to the origins of our solar system and the search for life beyond Earth, during a NASA Social presentation in the Operations Support Building II at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The presentation took place before launch of the agency’s Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer, or OSIRIS-REx spacecraft. From the left, are Jarmaine Ollivierre, OSIRIS-REx lead flight designs with NASA’s Launch Services Program; and Gordon McLemore, with United Launch Alliance (ULA). OSIRIS-REx will launch aboard a ULA Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

Structural Basis for NADH/NAD+ Redox Sensing by a Rex Family Repressor

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

McLaughlin, K.J.; Soares, A.; Strain-Damerell, C. M.

2010-05-28

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotides have emerged as key signals of the cellular redox state. Yet the structural basis for allosteric gene regulation by the ratio of reduced NADH to oxidized NAD{sup +} is poorly understood. A key sensor among Gram-positive bacteria, Rex represses alternative respiratory gene expression until a limited oxygen supply elevates the intracellular NADH:NAD{sup +} ratio. Here we investigate the molecular mechanism for NADH/NAD{sup +} sensing among Rex family members by determining structures of Thermus aquaticus Rex bound to (1) NAD{sup +}, (2) DNA operator, and (3) without ligand. Comparison with the Rex/NADH complex reveals that NADH releases Rexmore » from the DNA site following a 40{sup o} closure between the dimeric subunits. Complementary site-directed mutagenesis experiments implicate highly conserved residues in NAD-responsive DNA-binding activity. These rare views of a redox sensor in action establish a means for slight differences in the nicotinamide charge, pucker, and orientation to signal the redox state of the cell.« less

Age and growth dynamics of Tyrannosaurus rex.

PubMed

Horner, John R; Padian, Kevin

2004-09-22

Tyrannosaurus rex is the most commonly found North American latest Cretaceous theropod, but until the 1980s only five specimens had been discovered, and no more than six have received a full description. Consequently there has been little information on how old Tyrannosaurus specimens were at maturity or death. Histological analysis of seven individuals provided, for the first time, an opportunity to assess the age represented by the bone cortex, to estimate the average individual age of these skeletons, to determine whether they represented fully grown individuals, and to predict their individual longevity. Though a range of ages (15-25 years) was found for the specimens studied, the seven individuals demonstrate that T. rex reached effectively full size in less than 20 years. The growth rate of T. rex was comparable to that of the African elephant, which has a similar mass and time to maturity. Some of the known specimens of T. rex did not quite reach full size; others do not seem to have survived long after achieving it.

Age and growth dynamics of Tyrannosaurus rex.

PubMed Central

Horner, John R.; Padian, Kevin

2004-01-01

Tyrannosaurus rex is the most commonly found North American latest Cretaceous theropod, but until the 1980s only five specimens had been discovered, and no more than six have received a full description. Consequently there has been little information on how old Tyrannosaurus specimens were at maturity or death. Histological analysis of seven individuals provided, for the first time, an opportunity to assess the age represented by the bone cortex, to estimate the average individual age of these skeletons, to determine whether they represented fully grown individuals, and to predict their individual longevity. Though a range of ages (15-25 years) was found for the specimens studied, the seven individuals demonstrate that T. rex reached effectively full size in less than 20 years. The growth rate of T. rex was comparable to that of the African elephant, which has a similar mass and time to maturity. Some of the known specimens of T. rex did not quite reach full size; others do not seem to have survived long after achieving it. PMID:15347508

Optical Navigation Simulation and Performance Analysis for Osiris-Rex Proximity Operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jackman, Coralie D.; Nelson, Derek S.; Mccarthy, Leilah K.; Liounis, Andrew J.; Leonard, Jason M.; Antreasian, Peter G.; Getzandanner, Kenneth M.; Moreau, Michael C.

2017-01-01

The OSIRIS-REx mission timeline with OpNav milestones is presented in Figure 1. The first three proximity operations (ProxOps) mission phases focus on Navigation. During these phases, OSIRIS-REx approaches Bennu, conducts equatorial and polar flybys in Preliminary Survey, and inserts into the first mission orbit: Orbit A. During these phases, the OpNav techniques evolve from point-source to resolved-body centroiding to landmark tracking.

Forelimbs of "Tyrannosaurus Rex": A Pathetic Vestigial Organ or an Integral Part of a Fearsome Predator?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lee, Scott A.; Thomas, Joshua D.

2014-01-01

In this paper, we examine a first-year torque and angular acceleration problem to address a possible use of the forelimbs of "Tyrannosaurus rex." A 1/40th-scale model (see Fig. 1) is brought to the classroom to introduce the students to the quandary: given that the forelimbs of "T. rex" were too short to reach its mouth, what…

The bacterial communities associated with fecal types and body weight of rex rabbits

PubMed Central

Zeng, Bo; Han, Shushu; Wang, Ping; Wen, Bin; Jian, Wensu; Guo, Wei; Yu, Zhiju; Du, Dan; Fu, Xiangchao; Kong, Fanli; Yang, Mingyao; Si, Xiaohui; Zhao, Jiangchao; Li, Ying

2015-01-01

Rex rabbit is an important small herbivore for fur and meat production. However, little is known about the gut microbiota in rex rabbit, especially regarding their relationship with different fecal types and growth of the hosts. We characterized the microbiota of both hard and soft feces from rex rabbits with high and low body weight by using the Illumina MiSeq platform targeting the V4 region of the 16S rDNA. High weight rex rabbits possess distinctive microbiota in hard feces, but not in soft feces, from the low weight group. We detected the overrepresentation of several genera such as YS2/Cyanobacteria, and Bacteroidales and underrepresentation of genera such as Anaeroplasma spp. and Clostridiaceae in high weight hard feces. Between fecal types, several bacterial taxa such as Ruminococcaceae, and Akkermansia spp. were enriched in soft feces. PICRUSt analysis revealed that metabolic pathways such as “stilbenoid, diarylheptanoid, gingerol biosynthesis” were enriched in high weight rabbits, and pathways related to “xenobiotics biodegradation” and “various types of N-glycan biosynthesis” were overrepresented in rabbit soft feces. Our study provides foundation to generate hypothesis aiming to test the roles that different bacterial taxa play in the growth and caecotrophy of rex rabbits. PMID:25791609

Forelimbs of Tyrannosaurus Rex: A pathetic vestigial organ or an integral part of a fearsome predator?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Scott A.; Thomas, Joshua D.

2014-12-01

In this paper, we examine a first-year torque and angular acceleration problem to address a possible use of the forelimbs of Tyrannosaurus rex. A 1/40th-scale model (see Fig. 1) is brought to the classroom to introduce the students to the quandary: given that the forelimbs of T. rex were too short to reach its mouth, what function did the forelimbs serve? This issue crosses several scientific disciplines including paleontology, ecology, and physics, making it a great starting point for thinking "outside the box." Noted paleontologist Kenneth Carpenter has suggested that the forelimbs of T. rex were an integral part of its predatory behavior. Given the large teeth of T. rex, it is assumed that they killed with their teeth. Lipkin and Carpenter1 have suggested that the forelimbs were used to hold a struggling victim (which had not been dispatched with the first bite) while the final, lethal bite was applied. If that is the case, then the forelimbs must be capable of large angular accelerations α in order to grab the animal attempting to escape. The concepts of the typical first-year physics course are sufficient to test this hypothesis by solving α =τ /I . Naturally, students love solving any problem related to Tyrannosaurus rex!

Interference of P-REX2a may inhibit proliferation and reverse the resistance of SGC7901 cells to doxorubicin.

PubMed

Ai, Yaowei; Zhou, Qiaohui; Li, Ling; Pan, Zhihong; Guo, Mingwen; Han, Jingbo

2018-03-01

Drug resistance inhibits the efficacy of doxorubicin in gastric cancer. Phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate RAC exchanger 2a (P-REX2a) activates the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway by binding to and inactivating phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), which functions as a tumor promoter in a number of types of cancer. However, there is no research concerning the association between P-REX2a expression and drug resistance in gastric cancer. In the present study, the expression of P-REX2a in clinical gastric cancer tissues was detected, and the mechanism of doxorubicin resistance in the gastric cancer cell line SGC7901 was investigated. Using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, it was demonstrated that the mRNA and protein expression of P-REX2a was increased in gastric cancer tissues. MTT assays were also used to determine proliferation, and proliferation was revealed to be reduced following transfection of P-REX2a small interfering (si)RNA. When the cells were treated with 0.3 µM doxorubicin for 24 h, the rate of apoptosis in the siRNA-transfected groups significantly increased and no marked changes in of PTEN and Akt expression were observed. By contrast, the activity of PTEN increased, and the expression of p-Akt (S473) decreased in the P-REX2a siRNA-transfected group compared with the control. The detection of PTEN enzymatic activity in the present study was based on phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate. Therefore, it was concluded that P-REX2a may participate in the generation of resistance to doxorubicin in gastric cancer, and this may be associated with the upregulation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway via inactivation of PTEN.

The OSIRIS-REx Asteroid Sample Return Mission Operations Design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gal-Edd, Jonathan S.; Cheuvront, Allan

2015-01-01

OSIRIS-REx is an acronym that captures the scientific objectives: Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security-Regolith Explorer. OSIRIS-REx will thoroughly characterize near-Earth asteroid Bennu (Previously known as 1019551999 RQ36). The OSIRIS-REx Asteroid Sample Return Mission delivers its science using five instruments and radio science along with the Touch-And-Go Sample Acquisition Mechanism (TAGSAM). All of the instruments and data analysis techniques have direct heritage from flown planetary missions. The OSIRIS-REx mission employs a methodical, phased approach to ensure success in meeting the mission's science requirements. OSIRIS-REx launches in September 2016, with a backup launch period occurring one year later. Sampling occurs in 2019. The departure burn from Bennu occurs in March 2021. On September 24, 2023, the Sample Return Capsule (SRC) lands at the Utah Test and Training Range (UTTR). Stardust heritage procedures are followed to transport the SRC to Johnson Space Center, where the samples are removed and delivered to the OSIRIS-REx curation facility. After a six-month preliminary examination period the mission will produce a catalog of the returned sample, allowing the worldwide community to request samples for detailed analysis. Traveling and returning a sample from an Asteroid that has not been explored before requires unique operations consideration. The Design Reference Mission (DRM) ties together spacecraft, instrument and operations scenarios. Asteroid Touch and Go (TAG) has various options varying from ground only to fully automated (natural feature tracking). Spacecraft constraints such as thermo and high gain antenna pointing impact the timeline. The mission is sensitive to navigation errors, so a late command update has been implemented. The project implemented lessons learned from other "small body" missions. The key lesson learned was 'expect the unexpected' and implement planning tools early in the lifecycle. This paper summarizes the ground and spacecraft design as presented at OSIRIS-REx Critical Design Review(CDR) held April 2014.

PHERMEX, REX, AND THOMSON-GENERATED XUV CALCULATIONS

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

THOMAS P. HUGHES; RANDY M. CLARK - MISSION RESEARCH CORP. RANDOLPH L. CARLSON; DAVID C. MOIR - LANL

1993-05-01

We report on calculations carried out during 1990 in support of on-going and planned beam experiments at M-4. A higher-current injector for PHERMEX is under consideration and we have modeled a REX-like diode geometry which can deliver 1--1.5 kA. A three+coil focusing configuration has been designed to maintain low beam emittance in the diode region. We show that the existing two transport magnets are marginally capable of transporting a 1 kA beam to the a-cavity. This work is described in Sec. 2. In Sec. 3, we look at the possibility of accelerating a 4 kA, 4 MV beam, which couldmore » be provided by the REX machine, through the PHERMEX a cavity. Simulation results indicate that this is feasible. Because of the high cost and limited pulse length of a REX injector, however, a 1-1.5 kA upgrade is a more attractive option at this time. Computations in support of ongoing REX experiments are described in Sec. 4. We have modeled the generation of transverse beam oscillations through the excitation of an electromagnetic dipole mode in the diode cavity. Results show that oscillating magnetic fields on the order of 1--2 gauss are sufficient to cause the oscillation amplitudes observed. A simulation was carried to look at the effect of placing iron rings inside the windings of the REX anode magnet. We conclude that this causes no significant degradation of beam emittance. We have also looked at the focusing produced when the REX beam is injected into a laser-ionized plasma channel. This is a possible alternative to a magnetic lens to obtain a small spot-size. Finally, in Sec. 5, we give results of preliminary calculations of XUV and X-ray photon production through laser backscattering off a relativistic electron beam. There are plans to carry out such an experiment on REX in the near future.« less

Comment on "Protein sequences from mastodon and Tyrannosaurus rex revealed by mass spectrometry".

PubMed

Buckley, Mike; Walker, Angela; Ho, Simon Y W; Yang, Yue; Smith, Colin; Ashton, Peter; Oates, Jane Thomas; Cappellini, Enrico; Koon, Hannah; Penkman, Kirsty; Elsworth, Ben; Ashford, Dave; Solazzo, Caroline; Andrews, Phillip; Strahler, John; Shapiro, Beth; Ostrom, Peggy; Gandhi, Hasand; Miller, Webb; Raney, Brian; Zylber, Maria Ines; Gilbert, M Thomas P; Prigodich, Richard V; Ryan, Michael; Rijsdijk, Kenneth F; Janoo, Anwar; Collins, Matthew J

2008-01-04

We used authentication tests developed for ancient DNA to evaluate claims by Asara et al. (Reports, 13 April 2007, p. 280) of collagen peptide sequences recovered from mastodon and Tyrannosaurus rex fossils. Although the mastodon samples pass these tests, absence of amino acid composition data, lack of evidence for peptide deamidation, and association of alpha1(I) collagen sequences with amphibians rather than birds suggest that T. rex does not.

Molecular phylogenetics of mastodon and Tyrannosaurus rex.

PubMed

Organ, Chris L; Schweitzer, Mary H; Zheng, Wenxia; Freimark, Lisa M; Cantley, Lewis C; Asara, John M

2008-04-25

We report a molecular phylogeny for a nonavian dinosaur, extending our knowledge of trait evolution within nonavian dinosaurs into the macromolecular level of biological organization. Fragments of collagen alpha1(I) and alpha2(I) proteins extracted from fossil bones of Tyrannosaurus rex and Mammut americanum (mastodon) were analyzed with a variety of phylogenetic methods. Despite missing sequence data, the mastodon groups with elephant and the T. rex groups with birds, consistent with predictions based on genetic and morphological data for mastodon and on morphological data for T. rex. Our findings suggest that molecular data from long-extinct organisms may have the potential for resolving relationships at critical areas in the vertebrate evolutionary tree that have, so far, been phylogenetically intractable.

77 FR 41332 - Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Arrowtooth Flounder, Flathead Sole, Rex Sole...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-07-13

...NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for arrowtooth flounder, flathead sole, rex sole, deep-water flatfish, and shallow-water flatfish in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to limit incidental catch of Pacific ocean perch by vessels fishing for arrowtooth flounder, flathead sole, rex sole, deep-water flatfish, and shallow-water flatfish in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA.

Evaluation of the New B-REX Fatigue Testing System for Multi-Megawatt Wind Turbine Blades: Preprint

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

White, D.; Musial, W.; Engberg, S.

2004-12-01

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) recently developed a new hybrid fatigue testing system called the Blade Resonance Excitation (B-REX) test system. The new system uses 65% less energy to test large wind turbine blades in half the time of NREL's dual-axis forced-displacement test method with lower equipment and operating costs. The B-REX is a dual-axis test system that combines resonance excitation with forced hydraulic loading to reduce the total test time required while representing the operating strains on the critical inboard blade stations more accurately than a single-axis test system. The analysis and testing required to fully implement themore » B-REX was significant. To control unanticipated blade motion and vibrations caused by dynamic coupling between the flap, lead-lag, and torsional directions, we needed to incorporate additional test hardware and control software. We evaluated the B-REX test system under stable operating conditions using a combination of various sensors. We then compared our results with results from the same blade, tested previously using NREL's dual-axis forced-displacement test method. Experimental results indicate that strain levels produced by the B-REX system accurately replicated the forced-displacement method. This paper describes the challenges we encountered while developing the new blade fatigue test system and the experimental results that validate its accuracy.« less

BENNU’S JOURNEY

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-12-08

Asteroid Bennu is a time capsule, containing the raw ingredients of the solar system. Bennu has settled in a near-Earth orbit. Today, a NASA spacecraft OSIRIS-REx is going to retrieve a sample to learn more about our Solar System’s history. OSIRIRS-REx is a NASA sample return mission to visit Asteroid Bennu. We plan to grab a piece of Bennu, because it’s a time capsule that can tell us about the origins of our planet and our entire solar system. Watch the full video: youtu.be/gtUgarROs08 Learn more about NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission and the making of Bennu’s Journey: www.nasa.gov/content/goddard/bennus-journey/ More information on the OSIRIS-REx mission is available at: www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/osiris-rex/index.html www.asteroidmission.org NASA image use policy. NASA Goddard Space Flight Center enables NASA’s mission through four scientific endeavors: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Solar System Exploration, and Astrophysics. Goddard plays a leading role in NASA’s accomplishments by contributing compelling scientific knowledge to advance the Agency’s mission. Follow us on Twitter Like us on Facebook Find us on Instagram

Latest results of the Tunka Radio Extension

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kostunin, D.; Bezyazeekov, P. A.; Budnev, N. M.; Fedorov, O.; Gress, O. A.; Haungs, A.; Hiller, R.; Huege, T.; Kazarina, Y.; Kleifges, M.; Korosteleva, E. E.; Krömer, O.; Kungel, V.; Kuzmichev, L. A.; Lubsandorzhiev, N.; Marshalkina, T.; Mirgazov, R. R.; Monkhoev, R.; Osipova, E. A.; Pakhorukov, A.; Pankov, L.; Prosin, V. V.; Rubtsov, G. I.; Schröder, F. G.; Wischnewski, R.; Zagorodnikov, A.

2017-06-01

The Tunka Radio Extension (Tunka-Rex) is an antenna array consisting of 63 antennas at the location of the TAIGA facility (Tunka Advanced Instrument for cosmic ray physics and Gamma Astronomy) in Eastern Siberia, nearby Lake Baikal. Tunka-Rex is triggered by the air-Cherenkov array Tunka-133 during clear and moonless winter nights and by the scintillator array Tunka-Grande during the remaining time. Tunka-Rex measures the radio emission from the same air-showers as Tunka-133 and Tunka-Grande, but with a higher threshold of about 100 PeV. During the first stages of its operation, Tunka-Rex has proven, that sparse radio arrays can measure air-showers with an energy resolution of better than 15% and the depth of the shower maximum with a resolution of better than 40 g/cm2. To improve and interpret our measurements as well as to study systematic uncertainties due to interaction models, we perform radio simulations with CORSIKA and CoREAS. In this overview we present the setup of Tunka-Rex, discuss the achieved results and the prospects of mass-composition studies with radio arrays.

The OSIRIS-REx Mission Sample Site Selection Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beshore, Edward C.; Lauretta, Dante

2014-11-01

In September of 2016, the OSIRIS-REx (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security, REgolith eXplorer) spacecraft will depart for asteroid (101955) Bennu, and in doing so, will turn an important corner in the exploration of the solar system. After arriving at Bennu in the fall of 2018, OSIRIS-REx will undertake a program of observations designed to select a site suitable for retrieving a sample that will be returned to the Earth in 2023. The third mission in NASA’s New Frontiers program, OSIRIS-REx will return over 60 grams from Bennu’s surface.OSIRIS-REx is unique because the science team will have an operational role to play in preparing data products needed to select a sample site. These include products used to ensure flight system safety — topographic maps and shape models, temperature measurements, maps of hazards — as well as assessments of sampleability and science value. The timing and production of these will be presented, as will the high-level decision-making tools and processes for the interim and final site selection processes.

BENNU’S JOURNEY Poster

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-12-08

The Origins Spectral Interpretation Resource Identification Security -- Regolith Explorer spacecraft (OSIRIS-REx) will travel to a near-Earth asteroid, called Bennu, and bring a sample back to Earth for study. The mission will help scientists investigate how planets formed and how life began, as well as improve our understanding of asteroids that could impact Earth. OSIRIS-REx is scheduled for launch in late 2016. As planned, the spacecraft will reach its asteroid target in 2018 and return a sample to Earth in 2023. Watch the full video: youtu.be/gtUgarROs08 Learn more about NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission and the making of Bennu’s Journey: www.nasa.gov/content/goddard/bennus-journey/ More information on the OSIRIS-REx mission is available at: www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/osiris-rex/index.html www.asteroidmission.org NASA image use policy. NASA Goddard Space Flight Center enables NASA’s mission through four scientific endeavors: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Solar System Exploration, and Astrophysics. Goddard plays a leading role in NASA’s accomplishments by contributing compelling scientific knowledge to advance the Agency’s mission. Follow us on Twitter Like us on Facebook Find us on Instagram

Thermal assessment of sunlight impinging on OSIRIS-REx OCAMS PolyCam, OTES, and IMU-sunshade MLI blankets in flight

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, Michael K.

2017-09-01

The NASA Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security, Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) spacecraft was successfully launched into orbit on September 8, 2016. It is traveling to a near-Earth asteroid (101955) Bennu, study it in detail, and bring back a pristine sample to Earth for scientific analyses. At the Outbound Cruise nominal spacecraft attitude, with Sun on +X, sunlight impinges on the OSIRIS-REx camera suite (OCAMS) PolyCam sunshade multilayer insulation (MLI) with microporous black polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a portion of the PolyCam optics support tube (MLI with germanium black Kapton (GBK)), a portion of the OSIRIS-REx Thermal Emission Spectrometer (OTES) sunshade (MLI with GBK), the Inertia Measurement Unit (IMU) sunshade (MLI with GBK), and the OSIRIS-REx Laser Altimeter (OLA) sunshade (MLI with GBK). Sunlight is reflected or scattered by the above MLIs to the other components on the forward (+Z) deck. It illuminates the forward deck. A detailed thermal assessment on the solar impingement has been performed for the Proximity Ops at the asteroid, Touch-and-Go sample acquisition, and Return Cruise mission phases.

Conceptual Design of Tail-Research EXperiment (T-REX) on Space Plasma Environment Research Facility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiao, Qingmei; Wang, Xiaogang; E, Peng; Shen, Chao; Wang, Zhibin; Mao, Aohua; Xiao, Chijie; Ding, Weixing; Ji, Hantao; Ren, Yang

2016-10-01

Space Environment Simulation Research Infrastructure (SESRI), a scientific project for a major national facility of fundamental researches, has recently been launched at Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT). The Space Plasma Environment Research Facility (SPERF) for simulation of space plasma environment is one of the components of SESRI. It is designed to investigate fundamental issues in space plasma environment, such as energetic particles transportation and the interaction with waves in magnetosphere, magnetic reconnection at magnetopause and magnetotail, etc. Tail-Research Experiment (T-REX) is part of the SPERF for laboratory studies of space physics relevant to tail reconnection and dipolarization process. T-REX is designed to carry out two kinds of experiments: the tail plasmamoid for magnetic reconnection and magnetohydrodynamic waves excited by high speed plasma jet. In this presentation, the scientific goals and experimental plans for T-REX together with the means applied to generate the plasma with desired parameters are reviewed. Two typical scenarios of T-REX with operations of plasma sources and various magnetic configurations to study specific physical processes in space plasmas will also be presented.

Investigating the running abilities of Tyrannosaurus rex using stress-constrained multibody dynamic analysis.

PubMed

Sellers, William I; Pond, Stuart B; Brassey, Charlotte A; Manning, Philip L; Bates, Karl T

2017-01-01

The running ability of Tyrannosaurus rex has been intensively studied due to its relevance to interpretations of feeding behaviour and the biomechanics of scaling in giant predatory dinosaurs. Different studies using differing methodologies have produced a very wide range of top speed estimates and there is therefore a need to develop techniques that can improve these predictions. Here we present a new approach that combines two separate biomechanical techniques (multibody dynamic analysis and skeletal stress analysis) to demonstrate that true running gaits would probably lead to unacceptably high skeletal loads in T. rex . Combining these two approaches reduces the high-level of uncertainty in previous predictions associated with unknown soft tissue parameters in dinosaurs, and demonstrates that the relatively long limb segments of T. rex -long argued to indicate competent running ability-would actually have mechanically limited this species to walking gaits. Being limited to walking speeds contradicts arguments of high-speed pursuit predation for the largest bipedal dinosaurs like T. rex , and demonstrates the power of multiphysics approaches for locomotor reconstructions of extinct animals.

The Quality of Feeling.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wilkinson, Andrew

1985-01-01

Describes the efforts of the Crediton Project, an ongoing research project in Devon, England, to develop an assessment scheme that accounts for cognitive, affective, moral, and stylistic development in children's writing. (DF)

T-REX: education and formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marconi, A.; Marano, B.

An important goal of the T-REX project is the creation and the formation of new experts and professional profiles with extremely high specialisation to prepare tomorrow astronomers and instrument scientists that will take full advantage of E-ELT and that will make the Italian participation a success. The existing tight interaction and integration between INAF institutes and universities as allowed the T-REX Project to fund and support a total of 4 PhD grants. Here we briefly summarise their present and future activities.

Results of the first interim analysis of the RAPPER II trial in patients with spinal cord injury: ambulation and functional exercise programs in the REX powered walking aid.

PubMed

Birch, Nick; Graham, Jon; Priestley, Tom; Heywood, Chris; Sakel, Mohamed; Gall, Angela; Nunn, Andrew; Signal, Nada

2017-06-19

The RAPPER II study investigates the feasibility, safety and acceptability of using the REX self-stabilising robotic exoskeleton in people with spinal cord injury (SCI) who are obligatory wheelchair users. Feasibility is assessed by the completion of transfer into the REX device, competency in achieving autonomous control and completion of upper body exercise in an upright position in the REX device. Safety is measured by the occurrence of serious adverse events. Device acceptability is assessed with a user questionnaire. RAPPER II is a prospective, multi-centre, open label, non-randomised, non-comparative cohort study in people with SCI recruited from neurological rehabilitation centres in the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. This is the planned interim report of the first 20 participants. Each completed a transfer into the REX, were trained to achieve machine control and completed Timed Up and Go (TUG) tests as well as upper body exercises in standing in a single first time session. The time to achieve each task as well as the amount of assistance required was recorded. After finishing the trial tasks a User Experience questionnaire, exploring device acceptability, was completed. All participants could transfer into the REX. The mean transfer time was 439 s. Nineteen completed the exercise regime. Eighteen could achieve autonomous control of the REX, 17 of whom needed either no assistance or the help of just one therapist. Eighteen participants completed at least one TUG test in a mean time of 313 s, 15 with the assistance of just one therapist. The questionnaire demonstrated high levels of acceptability amongst users. There were no Serious Adverse Events. This first interim analysis of RAPPER II shows that it is feasible and safe for people with SCI to use the REX powered assisted walking device to ambulate and exercise in. Participants with tetraplegia and paraplegia could walk and perform a functional exercise program when standing needing only modest levels of assistance in most cases. User acceptability was high. ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT02417532 . Registered 11 April 2015.

The Rtr1p CTD phosphatase autoregulates its mRNA through a degradation pathway involving the REX exonucleases

PubMed Central

Hodko, Domagoj; Ward, Taylor; Chanfreau, Guillaume

2016-01-01

Rtr1p is a phosphatase that impacts gene expression by modulating the phosphorylation status of the C-terminal domain of the large subunit of RNA polymerase II. Here, we show that Rtr1p is a component of a novel mRNA degradation pathway that promotes its autoregulation through turnover of its own mRNA. We show that the 3′UTR of the RTR1 mRNA contains a cis element that destabilizes this mRNA. RTR1 mRNA turnover is achieved through binding of Rtr1p to the RTR1 mRNP in a manner that is dependent on this cis element. Genetic evidence shows that Rtr1p-mediated decay of the RTR1 mRNA involves the 5′-3′ DExD/H-box RNA helicase Dhh1p and the 3′-5′ exonucleases Rex2p and Rex3p. Rtr1p and Rex3p are found associated with Dhh1p, suggesting a model for recruiting the REX exonucleases to the RTR1 mRNA for degradation. Rtr1p-mediated decay potentially impacts additional transcripts, including the unspliced BMH2 pre-mRNA. We propose that Rtr1p may imprint its RNA targets cotranscriptionally and determine their downstream degradation mechanism by directing these transcripts to a novel turnover pathway that involves Rtr1p, Dhh1p, and the REX family of exonucleases. PMID:26843527

Continuous non-marine inputs of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances to the High Arctic: a multi-decadal temporal record

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pickard, Heidi M.; Criscitiello, Alison S.; Spencer, Christine; Sharp, Martin J.; Muir, Derek C. G.; De Silva, Amila O.; Young, Cora J.

2018-04-01

Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) are persistent, in some cases, bioaccumulative compounds found ubiquitously within the environment. They can be formed from the atmospheric oxidation of volatile precursor compounds and undergo long-range transport (LRT) through the atmosphere and ocean to remote locations. Ice caps preserve a temporal record of PFAA deposition making them useful in studying the atmospheric trends in LRT of PFAAs in polar or mountainous regions, as well as in understanding major pollutant sources and production changes over time. A 15 m ice core representing 38 years of deposition (1977-2015) was collected from the Devon Ice Cap in Nunavut, providing us with the first multi-decadal temporal ice record in PFAA deposition to the Arctic. Ice core samples were concentrated using solid phase extraction and analyzed by liquid and ion chromatography methods. Both perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) and perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFSAs) were detected in the samples, with fluxes ranging from < LOD to 141 ng m-2 yr-1. Our results demonstrate that the PFCAs and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) have continuous and increasing deposition on the Devon Ice Cap, despite recent North American and international regulations and phase-outs. We propose that this is the result of on-going manufacture, use and emissions of these compounds, their precursors and other newly unidentified compounds in regions outside of North America. By modelling air mass transport densities, and comparing temporal trends in deposition with production changes of possible sources, we find that Eurasian sources, particularly from Continental Asia, are large contributors to the global pollutants impacting the Devon Ice Cap. Comparison of PFAAs to their precursors and correlations of PFCA pairs showed that deposition of PFAAs is dominated by atmospheric formation from volatile precursor sources. Major ion analysis confirmed that marine aerosol inputs are unimportant to the long-range transport mechanisms of these compounds. Assessments of deposition, homologue profiles, ion tracers, air mass transport models, and production and regulation trends allow us to characterize the PFAA depositional profile on the Devon Ice Cap and further understand the LRT mechanisms of these persistent pollutants.

Immune system changes during simulated planetary exploration on Devon Island, high arctic

PubMed Central

Crucian, Brian; Lee, Pascal; Stowe, Raymond; Jones, Jeff; Effenhauser, Rainer; Widen, Raymond; Sams, Clarence

2007-01-01

Background Dysregulation of the immune system has been shown to occur during spaceflight, although the detailed nature of the phenomenon and the clinical risks for exploration class missions have yet to be established. Also, the growing clinical significance of immune system evaluation combined with epidemic infectious disease rates in third world countries provides a strong rationale for the development of field-compatible clinical immunology techniques and equipment. In July 2002 NASA performed a comprehensive immune assessment on field team members participating in the Haughton-Mars Project (HMP) on Devon Island in the high Canadian Arctic. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of mission-associated stressors on the human immune system. To perform the study, the development of techniques for processing immune samples in remote field locations was required. Ten HMP-2002 participants volunteered for the study. A field protocol was developed at NASA-JSC for performing sample collection, blood staining/processing for immunophenotype analysis, whole-blood mitogenic culture for functional assessments and cell-sample preservation on-location at Devon Island. Specific assays included peripheral leukocyte distribution; constitutively activated T cells, intracellular cytokine profiles, plasma cortisol and EBV viral antibody levels. Study timepoints were 30 days prior to mission start, mid-mission and 60 days after mission completion. Results The protocol developed for immune sample processing in remote field locations functioned properly. Samples were processed on Devon Island, and stabilized for subsequent analysis at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. The data indicated that some phenotype, immune function and stress hormone changes occurred in the HMP field participants that were largely distinct from pre-mission baseline and post-mission recovery data. These immune changes appear similar to those observed in astronauts following spaceflight. Conclusion The immune system changes described during the HMP field deployment validate the use of the HMP as a ground-based spaceflight/planetary exploration analog for some aspects of human physiology. The sample processing protocol developed for this study may have applications for immune studies in remote terrestrial field locations. Elements of this protocol could possibly be adapted for future in-flight immunology studies conducted during space missions. PMID:17521440

Case studies on design, simulation and visualization of control and measurement applications using REX control system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ozana, Stepan; Pies, Martin; Docekal, Tomas

2016-06-01

REX Control System is a professional advanced tool for design and implementation of complex control systems that belongs to softPLC category. It covers the entire process starting from simulation of functionality of the application before deployment, through implementation on real-time target, towards analysis, diagnostics and visualization. Basically it consists of two parts: the development tools and the runtime system. It is also compatible with Simulink environment, and the way of implementation of control algorithm is very similar. The control scheme is finally compiled (using RexDraw utility) and uploaded into a chosen real-time target (using RexView utility). There is a wide variety of hardware platforms and real-time operating systems supported by REX Control System such as for example Windows Embedded, Linux, Linux/Xenomai deployed on SBC, IPC, PAC, Raspberry Pi and others with many I/O interfaces. It is modern system designed both for measurement and control applications, offering a lot of additional functions concerning data archiving, visualization based on HTML5, and communication standards. The paper will sum up possibilities of its use in educational process, focused on control of case studies of physical models with classical and advanced control algorithms.

Synaptic P-Rex1 signaling regulates hippocampal long-term depression and autism-like social behavior

PubMed Central

Li, Jun; Chai, Anping; Wang, Lifang; Ma, Yuanlin; Wu, Zhiliu; Yu, Hao; Mei, Liwei; Lu, Lin; Zhang, Chen; Yue, Weihua; Xu, Lin; Rao, Yi; Zhang, Dai

2015-01-01

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of highly inheritable mental disorders associated with synaptic dysfunction, but the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms remain to be clarified. Here we report that autism in Chinese Han population is associated with genetic variations and copy number deletion of P-Rex1 (phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate-dependent Rac exchange factor 1). Genetic deletion or knockdown of P-Rex1 in the CA1 region of the hippocampus in mice resulted in autism-like social behavior that was specifically linked to the defect of long-term depression (LTD) in the CA1 region through alteration of AMPA receptor endocytosis mediated by the postsynaptic PP1α (protein phosphase 1α)–P-Rex1–Rac1 (Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1) signaling pathway. Rescue of the LTD in the CA1 region markedly alleviated autism-like social behavior. Together, our findings suggest a vital role of P-Rex1 signaling in CA1 LTD that is critical for social behavior and cognitive function and offer new insight into the etiology of ASDs. PMID:26621702

OSIRIS-REx Asteroid Sample-Return Mission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

DellaGiustina, D. N.; Lauretta, D. S.

2016-12-01

Launching in September 2016, the primary objective of the Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security-Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) mission is to return a pristine sample of asteroid (101955) Bennu to Earth for sample analysis. Bennu is a carbonaceous primitive near-Earth object, and is expected to be rich in volatile and organic material leftover from the formation of the Solar System. OSIRIS-REx will return a minimum of 60 g of bulk surface material from this body using a novel "touch-and-go" sample acquisition mechanism. Analyses of these samples will provide unprecedented knowledge about presolar history, from the initial stages of planet formation to the origin of life. Before sample acquisition, OSIRIS-REx will perform global mapping of Bennu, detailing the asteroid's composition and texture, resolving surface features, revealing its geologic and dynamic history, and providing context for the returned samples. The mission will also document the sampling site in situ at sub-centimeter scales, as well as the asteroid sampling event. In addition, OSIRIS-REx will measure the Yarkovsky effect, a non-Keplerian force affecting the orbit of this potentially hazardous asteroid, and provide a ground truth data for the interpretation of telescopic observations of carbonaceous asteroids.

The forelimb of Tyrannosaurus rex: a pathetic vestigial organ or an integral part of a fearsome predator?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Scott A.; Thomas, Joshua

2014-03-01

The function of the forelimb of Tyrannosaurus rex remains a controversial topic since it was too short to transfer food directly to the mouth. Since Tyrannosaurus rex was bipedal, the forelimb was not involved in locomotion. Suggestions for its possible use include providing an initial push for a laying animal to stand or to hold position during mating. We report numerical calculations performed to determine the moment of inertia of the forearm and the torques generated by the muscles of the arm, based on three-dimensional representations of the forelimb. Our results imply that the forelimb was capable of very high angular accelerations, on the order of 130 radians/s2. This corresponds to a tangential acceleration of the manus on the order of 90 m/s2 or about 9g, indicating that the manus could be moved extremely quickly to control a struggling prey animal immediately before the death blow was delivered by the teeth of Tyrannosaurus rex. Rather than a pathetic vestigial organ, these calculations suggest that the forelimbs were an integral part of the predation tactics of Tyrannosaurus rex.

OSIRIS-REx Solar Array Illumination Test

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-08-05

Inside the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, illumination testing is underway on the power-producing solar arrays for the agency’s Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer, or OSIRIS-REx spacecraft. Targeted for liftoff Sept. 8, 2016, OSIRIS-Rex will be the first U.S. mission to sample an asteroid, retrieve at least two ounces of surface material and return it to Earth for study. The asteroid, Bennu, may hold clues to the origin of the solar system and the source of water and organic molecules found on Earth.

OSIRIS-REx Solar Array Illumination Test

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-08-05

Inside the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, illumination testing is underway on the power -producing solar arrays for the agency’s Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer, or OSIRIS-REx spacecraft. Targeted for liftoff Sept. 8, 2016, OSIRIS-Rex will be the first U.S. mission to sample an asteroid, retrieve at least two ounces of surface material and return it to Earth for study. The asteroid, Bennu, may hold clues to the origin of the solar system and the source of water and organic molecules found on Earth.

Illiteracy in Devon During the Industrial Revolution, 1754-1844

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stephens, W. B.

1976-01-01

Indicates the likelihood that the initial period of the Industrial Revolution was one of deteriorating educational standards in most areas, especially in those that were seats of displaced domestic textile industries. (Author)

A Computational Analysis of Limb and Body Dimensions in Tyrannosaurus rex with Implications for Locomotion, Ontogeny, and Growth

PubMed Central

Hutchinson, John R.; Bates, Karl T.; Molnar, Julia; Allen, Vivian; Makovicky, Peter J.

2011-01-01

The large theropod dinosaur Tyrannosaurus rex underwent remarkable changes during its growth from <10 kg hatchlings to >6000 kg adults in <20 years. These changes raise fascinating questions about the morphological transformations involved, peak growth rates, and scaling of limb muscle sizes as well as the body's centre of mass that could have influenced ontogenetic changes of locomotion in T. rex. Here we address these questions using three-dimensionally scanned computer models of four large, well-preserved fossil specimens as well as a putative juvenile individual. Furthermore we quantify the variations of estimated body mass, centre of mass and segment dimensions, to characterize inaccuracies in our reconstructions. These inaccuracies include not only subjectivity but also incomplete preservation and inconsistent articulations of museum skeletons. Although those problems cause ambiguity, we conclude that adult T. rex had body masses around 6000–8000 kg, with the largest known specimen (“Sue”) perhaps ∼9500 kg. Our results show that during T. rex ontogeny, the torso became longer and heavier whereas the limbs became proportionately shorter and lighter. Our estimates of peak growth rates are about twice as rapid as previous ones but generally support previous methods, despite biases caused by the usage of scale models and equations that underestimate body masses. We tentatively infer that the hindlimb extensor muscles masses, including the large tail muscle M. caudofemoralis longus, may have decreased in their relative size as the centre of mass shifted craniodorsally during T. rex ontogeny. Such ontogenetic changes would have worsened any relative or absolute decline of maximal locomotor performance. Regardless, T. rex probably had hip and thigh muscles relatively larger than any extant animal's. Overall, the limb “antigravity” muscles may have been as large as or even larger than those of ratite birds, which themselves have the most muscular limbs of any living animal. PMID:22022500

PREFACE: REXS 2013 - Workshop on Resonant Elastic X-ray Scattering in Condensed Matter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beutier, G.; Mazzoli, C.; Yakhou, F.; Brown, S. D.; Bombardi, A.; Collins, S. P.

2014-05-01

The aim of this workshop was to bring together experts in experimental and theoretical aspects of resonant elastic x-ray scattering, along with researchers who are new to the field, to discuss important recent results and the fundamentals of the technique. The meeting was a great success, with the first day dedicated to students and new researchers in the field, who received introductory lectures and tutorials. All conference delegates were invited either to make an oral presentation or to present a poster, accompanied by a short talk. The first two papers selected for the REXS13 proceedings (Grenier & Joly and Helliwell) give a basic background to the theory of REXS and applications across a wide range of scientific areas. The remainder of the papers report on some of the latest scientific results obtained by applying the REXS technique to contemporary problems in condensed matter, materials and x-ray physics. It is hoped that these proceedings provide a snapshot of the current status of a vibrant and diverse scientific technique that will be of value not just to those who attended the workshop but also to any other reader with an interest in the subject. Local Scientific Committee REXS13 International Scientific Advisory Committee M Altarelli, European XFEL, Germany F de Bergevin, European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, France J Garcia-Ruiz, Universidad de Zaragoza, Spain A I Goldman, Iowa State University, USA M Goldmann, Institut Nanosciences, France T Schulli, European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, France C R Natoli, Laboratori Nazionali de Frascati, Italy G Materlik, Diamond Light Source, UK L Paolasini, European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, France U Staub, Paul Scherrer Institut, Switzerland K Finkelstein, Cornell University, USA Y Murakami, Photon Factory, Japan REXS13 Local Scientific Committee G Beutier, CNRS Grenoble, France C Mazzoli, Politecnico di Milano, Italy F Yakhou, European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, France S D Brown, XMaS UK CRG, France A Bombardi, Diamond Light Source, UK S P Collins, Diamond Light Source, UK http://www.rexs2013.org/

Communicating Science on YouTube and Beyond: OSIRIS-REx Presents 321Science!

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spitz, Anna H.; Dykhuis, Melissa; Platts, Symeon; Keane, James T.; Tanquary, Hannah E.; Zellem, Robert; Hawley, Tiffany; Lauretta, Dante; Beshore, Ed; Bottke, Bill; Hergenrother, Carl; Dworkin, Jason P.; Patchell, Rose; Spitz, Sarah E.; Bentley, Zoe

2014-11-01

NASA’s OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample return mission launched OSIRIS-REx Presents 321Science!, a series of short videos, in December 2013 at youtube.com/osirisrex. A multi-disciplinary team of communicators, film and graphic arts students, teens, scientists, and engineers produces one video per month on a science and engineering topic related to the OSIRIS-REx mission. The format is designed to engage all members of the public, but especially younger audiences with the science and engineering of the mission. The videos serve as a resource for team members and others, complementing more traditional formats such as formal video interviews, mission animations, and hands-on activities. In creating this new form of OSIRIS-REx engagement, we developed 321Science! as an umbrella program to encourage expansion of the concept and topics beyond the OSIRIS-REx mission through partnerships. Such an expansion strengthens and magnifies the reach of the OSIRIS-REx efforts.321Science! has a detailed proposed schedule of video production through launch in 2016. Production plans are categorized to coincide with the course of the mission beginning with Learning the basics - about asteroids and the mission - and proceeding to Building the spacecraft, Run up to launch, Cruising to Bennu, Run up to rendezvous, Mapping Bennu, Sampling, Analyzing data, Cruising home and Returning and analyzing the sample. The video library will host a combination of videos on broad science topics and short specialized concepts with an average length of 2-3 minutes. Video production also takes into account external events, such as other missions’ milestones, to draw attention to our videos. Production will remain flexible and responsive to audience interests and needs and to developments in the mission, science, and external events. As of August 2014, 321Science! videos have over 22,000 views. We use YouTube analytics to evaluate our success and we are investigating additional and more rigorous evaluation methods for future analysis.

A computational analysis of limb and body dimensions in Tyrannosaurus rex with implications for locomotion, ontogeny, and growth.

PubMed

Hutchinson, John R; Bates, Karl T; Molnar, Julia; Allen, Vivian; Makovicky, Peter J

2011-01-01

The large theropod dinosaur Tyrannosaurus rex underwent remarkable changes during its growth from <10 kg hatchlings to >6000 kg adults in <20 years. These changes raise fascinating questions about the morphological transformations involved, peak growth rates, and scaling of limb muscle sizes as well as the body's centre of mass that could have influenced ontogenetic changes of locomotion in T. rex. Here we address these questions using three-dimensionally scanned computer models of four large, well-preserved fossil specimens as well as a putative juvenile individual. Furthermore we quantify the variations of estimated body mass, centre of mass and segment dimensions, to characterize inaccuracies in our reconstructions. These inaccuracies include not only subjectivity but also incomplete preservation and inconsistent articulations of museum skeletons. Although those problems cause ambiguity, we conclude that adult T. rex had body masses around 6000-8000 kg, with the largest known specimen ("Sue") perhaps ∼9500 kg. Our results show that during T. rex ontogeny, the torso became longer and heavier whereas the limbs became proportionately shorter and lighter. Our estimates of peak growth rates are about twice as rapid as previous ones but generally support previous methods, despite biases caused by the usage of scale models and equations that underestimate body masses. We tentatively infer that the hindlimb extensor muscles masses, including the large tail muscle M. caudofemoralis longus, may have decreased in their relative size as the centre of mass shifted craniodorsally during T. rex ontogeny. Such ontogenetic changes would have worsened any relative or absolute decline of maximal locomotor performance. Regardless, T. rex probably had hip and thigh muscles relatively larger than any extant animal's. Overall, the limb "antigravity" muscles may have been as large as or even larger than those of ratite birds, which themselves have the most muscular limbs of any living animal.

Digital Elevation Models of Patterned Ground in the Canadian Arctic and Implications for the Study of Mars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Knightly, P.; Murakami, Y.; Clarke, J.; Sizemore, H.; Siegler, M.; Rupert, S.; Chevrier, V.

2017-12-01

Patterned ground forms in periglacial zones from both expansion and contraction of permafrost by freeze-thaw and sub-freezing temperature changes and has been observed on both Earth and Mars from orbital and the surface at the Phoneix and Viking 2 landing sites. The Phoenix mission to Mars studied patterned ground in the vicinity of the spacecraft including the excavation of a trench revealing water permafrost beneath the surface. A study of patterned ground at the Haughton Impact structure on Devon Island used stereo-pair imaging and three-dimensional photographic models to catalog the type and occurrence of patterned ground in the study area. This image catalog was then used to provide new insight into photographic observations gathered by Phoenix. Stereo-pair imagery has been a valuable geoscience tool for decades and it is an ideal tool for comparative planetary geology studies. Stereo-pair images captured on Devon Island were turned into digital elevation models (DEMs) and comparisons were noted between the permafrost and patterned ground environment of Earth and Mars including variations in grain sorting, active layer thickness, and ice table depth. Recent advances in 360° cameras also enabled the creation of a detailed, immersive site models of patterned ground at selected sites in Haughton crater on Devon Island. The information from this ground truth study will enable the development and refinement of existing models to better evaluate patterned ground on Mars and predict its evolution.

Devon island ice cap: core stratigraphy and paleoclimate.

PubMed

Koerner, R M

1977-04-01

Valuable paleoclimatic information can be gained by studying the distribution of melt layers in deep ice cores. A profile representing the percentage of ice in melt layers in a core drilled from the Devon Island ice cap plotted against both time and depth shows that the ice cap has experienced a period of very warm summers since 1925, following a period of colder summers between about 1600 and 1925. The earlier period was coldest between 1680 and 1730. There is a high correlation between the melt-layer ice percentage and the mass balance of the ice cap. The relation between them suggests that the ice cap mass balance was zero (accumulation equaled ablation) during the colder period but is negative in the present warmer one. There is no firm evidence of a present cooling trend in the summer conditions on the ice cap. A comparison with the melt-layer ice percentage in cores from the other major Canadian Arctic ice caps shows that the variation of summer conditions found for the Devon Island ice cap is representative for all the large ice caps for about 90 percent of the time. There is also a good correlation between melt-layer percentage and summer sea-ice conditions in the archipelago. This suggests that the search for the northwest passage was influenced by changing climate, with the 19th-century peak of the often tragic exploration coinciding with a period of very cold summers.

Using pixel intensity as a self-regulating threshold for deterministic image sampling in Milano Retinex: the T-Rex algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lecca, Michela; Modena, Carla Maria; Rizzi, Alessandro

2018-01-01

Milano Retinexes are spatial color algorithms, part of the Retinex family, usually employed for image enhancement. They modify the color of each pixel taking into account the surrounding colors and their position, catching in this way the local spatial color distribution relevant to image enhancement. We present T-Rex (from the words threshold and Retinex), an implementation of Milano Retinex, whose main novelty is the use of the pixel intensity as a self-regulating threshold to deterministically sample local color information. The experiments, carried out on real-world pictures, show that T-Rex image enhancement performance are in line with those of the Milano Retinex family: T-Rex increases the brightness, the contrast, and the flatness of the channel distributions of the input image, making more intelligible the content of pictures acquired under difficult light conditions.

OSIRIS-REx Contamination Control Strategy and Implementation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dworkin, J. P.; Adelman, L. A.; Ajluni, T.; Andronikov, A. V.; Aponte, J. C.; Bartels, A. E.; Beshore, E.; Bierhaus, E. B.; Brucato, J. R.; Bryan, B. H.;

OSIRIS-REx Contamination Control Strategy and Implementation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dworkin, J. P.; Adelman, L. A.; Ajluni, T.; Andronikov, A. V.; Aponte, J. C.; Bartels, A. E.; Beshore, E.; Bierhaus, E. B.; Brucato, J. R.; Bryan, B. H.; Burton, A. S.; Callahan, M. P.; Castro-Wallace, S. L.; Clark, B. C.; Clemett, S. J.; Connolly, H. C.; Cutlip, W. E.; Daly, S. M.; Elliott, V. E.; Elsila, J. E.; Enos, H. L.; Everett, D. F.; Franchi, I. A.; Glavin, D. P.; Graham, H. V.; Hendershot, J. E.; Harris, J. W.; Hill, S. L.; Hildebrand, A. R.; Jayne, G. O.; Jenkens, R. W.; Johnson, K. S.; Kirsch, J. S.; Lauretta, D. S.; Lewis, A. S.; Loiacono, J. J.; Lorentson, C. C.; Marshall, J. R.; Martin, M. G.; Matthias, L. L.; McLain, H. L.; Messenger, S. R.; Mink, R. G.; Moore, J. L.; Nakamura-Messenger, K.; Nuth, J. A.; Owens, C. V.; Parish, C. L.; Perkins, B. D.; Pryzby, M. S.; Reigle, C. A.; Righter, K.; Rizk, B.; Russell, J. F.; Sandford, S. A.; Schepis, J. P.; Songer, J.; Sovinski, M. F.; Stahl, S. E.; Thomas-Keprta, K.; Vellinga, J. M.; Walker, M. S.

2018-02-01

OSIRIS-REx will return pristine samples of carbonaceous asteroid Bennu. This article describes how pristine was defined based on expectations of Bennu and on a realistic understanding of what is achievable with a constrained schedule and budget, and how that definition flowed to requirements and implementation. To return a pristine sample, the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft sampling hardware was maintained at level 100 A/2 and <180 ng/cm2 of amino acids and hydrazine on the sampler head through precision cleaning, control of materials, and vigilance. Contamination is further characterized via witness material exposed to the spacecraft assembly and testing environment as well as in space. This characterization provided knowledge of the expected background and will be used in conjunction with archived spacecraft components for comparison with the samples when they are delivered to Earth for analysis. Most of all, the cleanliness of the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft was achieved through communication among scientists, engineers, managers, and technicians.

OSIRIS-REx Contamination Control Strategy and Implementation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dworkin, J. P.; Adelman, L. A.; Ajluni, T. M.; Andronikov, A. V.; Aponte, J. S.; Bartels, A. E.; Beshore, E.; Bierhaus, E. B.; Brucato, J. R.; Bryan, B. H.;

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

T.Rex is used to explore tabular data sets containing up to ten million records to help rapidly understand a previously unknown data set. Analysis can quickly identify patterns of interest and the records and fields that capture those patterns. T.Rex contains a growing set of deep analytical tools and supports robust export capabilities that selected data can be incorporated into to other specialized tools for further analysis. T.Rex is flexible in ingesting different types and formats of data, allowing the user to interactively experiment and perform trial and error guesses on the structure of the data; and also has amore » variety of linked visual analytic tools that enable exploration of the data to find relevant content, relationships among content, trends within the content, and capture knowledge about the content. Finally, T.Rex has a rich export capability, to extract relevant subsets of a larger data source, to further analyze their data in other analytic tools.« less

Spectral Characterization of Analog Samples in Anticipation of OSIRIS-REx's Arrival at Bennu

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Donaldson Hanna, K. L.; Schrader, D. L.; Bowles, N. E.; Clark, B. E.; Cloutis, E. A.; Connolly, H. C., Jr.; Hamilton, V. E.; Keller, L. P.; Lauretta, D. S.; Lim, L. F.;

Composition of the Rex Chert and associated rocks of the Permian Phosphoria Formation: Soda Springs area, SE Idaho

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hein, James R.; McIntyre, Brandie; Perkins, Robert B.; Piper, David Z.; Evans, James

2002-01-01

This study, one in a series, reports bulk chemical and mineralogical compositions, as well as petrographic and outcrop descriptions of rocks collected from three measured outcrop sections of the Rex Chert member of the Phosphoria Formation in SE Idaho. The three measured sections were chosen from ten outcrops of Rex Chert that were described in the field. The Rex Chert overlies the Meade Peak Phosphatic Shale Member of the Phosphoria Formation, the source of phosphate ore in the region. Rex Chert removed as overburden comprises part of the material disposed in waste-rock piles during phosphate mining. It has been proposed that the chert be used to cap and isolate waste piles, thereby inhibiting the leaching of potentially toxic elements into the environment. It is also used to surface roads in the mining district. The rock samples studied here constitute a set of individual chert beds that are representative of each stratigraphic section sampled. The informally named cherty shale member that overlies the Rex Chert in measured section 1 was also described and sampled. The upper Meade Peak and the transition zone to the Rex Chert were described and sampled in section 7. The cherts are predominantly spicularite composed of granular and mosaic quartz, and sponge spicules, with various but minor amounts of other fossils and detrital grains. The cherty shale member and transition rocks between the Meade Peak and Rex Chert are siliceous siltstones and argillaceous cherts with ghosts of sponge spicules and somewhat more detrital grains than the chert. The overwhelmingly dominant mineral is quartz, although carbonate beds are rare in each section and are composed predominantly of calcite and dolomite in addition to quartz. Feldspar, mica, clay minerals, calcite, dolomite, and carbonate fluorapatite are minor to trace minerals in the chert. The mean concentrations of oxides and elements in the Rex Chert and the cherty shale member are dominated by SiO2, which averages 94.6%. Organic-carbon contents are generally very low in the chert, but are up to 1.8 wt. % in cherty shale member samples and up to 3.3% in samples from the transition between the Meade Peak and Rex Chert. Likewise, phosphate (P2O5) is generally low in the chert, but can be up to 3.1% in individual beds. Selenium concentrations in Rex Chert and cherty shale member samples vary from Q-mode factors are interpreted to represent the following rock and mineral components: chert-silica component consisting of Si (± Ba); phosphorite-phosphate component composed of P, Ca, As, Y, V, Cr, Sr, and La (± Fe, Zn, Cu, Ni, Li, Se, Nd, Hg); shale component composed of Al, Na, Zr, K, Ba, Li, and organic C (± Ti, Mg, Se, Ni, Fe, Sr, V, Mn, Zn); carbonate component (dolomite, calcite, silicified carbonates) composed of carbonate C, Mg, Ca, and Si (± Mn); tentatively organic matter-hosted elements (and/or sulfide-sulfate phases) composed of Cu (± organic C, Zn, Mn Si, Ni, Hg, and Li). Selenium shows a dominant association with the shale component, but correlations and Qmode factors also indicate that organic matter (within the shale component) and carbonate fluorapatite may host a portion of the Se. Consideration of larger numbers of factors in Qmode analysis indicates that native Se (a factor containing Se (± Ba)) may also comprise a minor component of the Se compliment.

P-REx: The Piston Reconstruction Experiment for infrared interferometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Widmann, Felix; Pott, Jörg-Uwe; Velasco, Sergio

2018-03-01

For sensitive infrared interferometry, it is crucial to control the differential piston evolution between the used telescopes. This is classically done by the use of a fringe tracker. In this work, we develop a new method to reconstruct the temporal piston variation from the atmosphere, by using real-time data from adaptive optics (AO) wavefront sensing: the Piston Reconstruction Experiment (P-REx). In order to understand the principle performance of the system in a realistic multilayer atmosphere, it is first extensively tested in simulations. The gained insights are then used to apply P-REx to real data, in order to demonstrate the benefit of using P-REx as an auxiliary system in a real interferometer. All tests show positive results, which encourages further research and eventually a real implementation. Especially, the tests on on-sky data showed that the atmosphere is, under decent observing conditions, sufficiently well structured and stable, in order to apply P-REx. It was possible to conveniently reconstruct the piston evolution in two-thirds of the data sets from good observing conditions (r0 ˜ 30 cm). The main conclusion is that applying the piston reconstruction in a real system would reduce the piston variation from around 10 μm down to 1-2 μm over time-scales of up to two seconds. This suggests an application for mid-infrared interferometry, for example for MATISSE at the very large telescope interferometer or the large binocular telescope interferometer. P-REx therefore provides the possibility to improve interferometric measurements without the need for more complex AO systems than already in regular use at 8-m-class telescopes.

RExPrimer: an integrated primer designing tool increases PCR effectiveness by avoiding 3' SNP-in-primer and mis-priming from structural variation

PubMed Central

2009-01-01

Background Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is very useful in many areas of molecular biology research. It is commonly observed that PCR success is critically dependent on design of an effective primer pair. Current tools for primer design do not adequately address the problem of PCR failure due to mis-priming on target-related sequences and structural variations in the genome. Methods We have developed an integrated graphical web-based application for primer design, called RExPrimer, which was written in Python language. The software uses Primer3 as the primer designing core algorithm. Locally stored sequence information and genomic variant information were hosted on MySQLv5.0 and were incorporated into RExPrimer. Results RExPrimer provides many functionalities for improved PCR primer design. Several databases, namely annotated human SNP databases, insertion/deletion (indel) polymorphisms database, pseudogene database, and structural genomic variation databases were integrated into RExPrimer, enabling an effective without-leaving-the-website validation of the resulting primers. By incorporating these databases, the primers reported by RExPrimer avoid mis-priming to related sequences (e.g. pseudogene, segmental duplication) as well as possible PCR failure because of structural polymorphisms (SNP, indel, and copy number variation (CNV)). To prevent mismatching caused by unexpected SNPs in the designed primers, in particular the 3' end (SNP-in-Primer), several SNP databases covering the broad range of population-specific SNP information are utilized to report SNPs present in the primer sequences. Population-specific SNP information also helps customize primer design for a specific population. Furthermore, RExPrimer offers a graphical user-friendly interface through the use of scalable vector graphic image that intuitively presents resulting primers along with the corresponding gene structure. In this study, we demonstrated the program effectiveness in successfully generating primers for strong homologous sequences. Conclusion The improvements for primer design incorporated into RExPrimer were demonstrated to be effective in designing primers for challenging PCR experiments. Integration of SNP and structural variation databases allows for robust primer design for a variety of PCR applications, irrespective of the sequence complexity in the region of interest. This software is freely available at http://www4a.biotec.or.th/rexprimer. PMID:19958502

Devon Island

Atmospheric Science Data Center

2013-04-17

... researchers from NASA's Haughton-Mars Project and the Mars Society reside at this "polar desert" location to study the geologic and ... NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA, for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Washington, D.C. The Terra spacecraft is managed ...

78 FR 45052 - Airworthiness Directives; Hartzell Propeller, Inc. Propellers

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-07-26

... Planes, IL 60018; phone: 847-294-7377; fax: 847-294- 7834; email: [email protected] . SUPPLEMENTARY... Certification Office, FAA, Propulsion Branch, 2300 E. Devon Avenue, Des Planes, IL 60018; phone: 847-294-7377...

The Influence of TUTT Cells on Tropical Cyclone Motion in the Northwest Pacific Ocean

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-08-01

150, 2ft to Rex2 30’N Babs 12’N RexI 25N 330 0 33 o 330’ 3o0 * o 3oQ 6, 9 300’ , 4 3 14 42 1 13 4 543 21 34 5 24T 120, 24tr vo* 24Y IV 210’ 50. 211...cell associated with RexI at (a) 06Z 25 August and 24 hours later at (b) 06Z 26 August 1998. The "T" represents the approximate 200 hPa TUTT cell

Microsatellite markers for the endangered Roanoke logperch, Percina rex (Percidae) and their potential utility for other darter species

USGS Publications Warehouse

Dutton, D.J.; Roberts, J.H.; Angermeier, P.L.; Hallerman, E.M.

2008-01-01

The Roanoke logperch (Percina rex Jordan and Evermann), an endangered fish, occurs in only six watersheds in the Roanoke and Chowan river drainages of Virginia, USA. The species' population genetic structure is poorly known. We developed 16 microsatellite markers that were reliably scorable and polymorphic P. rex. Markers were also screened in seven other darter species of the genus Percina. Most markers exhibited successful amplification and polymorphism in several species. These markers may therefore prove useful for population genetic studies in other darters, a diverse but highly imperiled group. ?? 2008 The Authors.

Spectral Characterization of Analog Samples in Anticipation of OSIRIS-REx's Arrival at Bennu

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Donaldson Hanna, K. L.; Schrader, D. L.; Bowles, N. E.; Clark, B. E.; Cloutis, E. A.; Connolly, H. C., Jr.; Hamilton, V. E.; Keller, L. P.; Lauretta, D. S.; Lim, L. F.;

Similar mandibular osseous lesions in Tyrannosaurus rex and man.

PubMed

Neiburger, E J

2005-01-01

This report identifies several cases of similar-appearing multiple lesions in the mandibles of both humans and the dinosaur Tyrannosaurus rex (T. rex). A diagnosis and potential etiologies are discussed. The appearance of these lesions in prehistoric fossils suggests that this pathology is an ancient affliction which predates humans and our mammalian ancestors. Lytic lesions of the oral structures have occurred in man and higher animals throughout time. The causes range from congenital anomalies, trauma, and infections to benign and metastatic neoplasms. Not only mammals suffer from these conditions; reptiles and birds experience similar diseases.

Case studies on design, simulation and visualization of control and measurement applications using REX control system

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

Ozana, Stepan, E-mail: stepan.ozana@vsb.cz; Pies, Martin, E-mail: martin.pies@vsb.cz; Docekal, Tomas, E-mail: docekalt@email.cz

REX Control System is a professional advanced tool for design and implementation of complex control systems that belongs to softPLC category. It covers the entire process starting from simulation of functionality of the application before deployment, through implementation on real-time target, towards analysis, diagnostics and visualization. Basically it consists of two parts: the development tools and the runtime system. It is also compatible with Simulink environment, and the way of implementation of control algorithm is very similar. The control scheme is finally compiled (using RexDraw utility) and uploaded into a chosen real-time target (using RexView utility). There is a widemore » variety of hardware platforms and real-time operating systems supported by REX Control System such as for example Windows Embedded, Linux, Linux/Xenomai deployed on SBC, IPC, PAC, Raspberry Pi and others with many I/O interfaces. It is modern system designed both for measurement and control applications, offering a lot of additional functions concerning data archiving, visualization based on HTML5, and communication standards. The paper will sum up possibilities of its use in educational process, focused on control of case studies of physical models with classical and advanced control algorithms.« less

REX2000 Version 2.5: Improved DATA Handling and Enhanced User-Interface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taguchi, Takeyoshi

2007-02-01

XAFS analysis can be applied to various fields such as material science, environmental study, biological science, etc. and is widely used for characterization in those fields. In the early days that XAFS technique was started to be used, scientists wrote their own code for XAFS data analysis. As XAFS technique became very popular and XAFS community grew big, a several analysis code or package had been developed and submitted for people to use. The REX2000 is one of those XAFS analysis packages, which is commercially available. Counting up from its predecessor "REX", REX2000 has been used for more than 15 years in XAFS society. From the previous modification in 2003, a major change was made in this year of 2006. For a dynamical study of advanced material, many XAFS DATA were measured (quick XAFS and in-situ XAFS) and hundreds of DATA sets need to be processed. The REX2000's DATA handling is improved to cope with those huge volume DATA at once and report the fitting result as CSV file. Well-established user-interface is enhanced so that user can customize initial values for data analysis and specify the options through graphical interface. Many small changes are made and described in this paper.

Intra-guild competition and its implications for one of the biggest terrestrial predators, Tyrannosaurus rex

PubMed Central

Carbone, Chris; Turvey, Samuel T.; Bielby, Jon

2011-01-01

Identifying tradeoffs between hunting and scavenging in an ecological context is important for understanding predatory guilds. In the past century, the feeding strategy of one of the largest and best-known terrestrial carnivores, Tyrannosaurus rex, has been the subject of much debate: was it an active predator or an obligate scavenger? Here we look at the feasibility of an adult T. rex being an obligate scavenger in the environmental conditions of Late Cretaceous North America, given the size distributions of sympatric herbivorous dinosaurs and likely competition with more abundant small-bodied theropods. We predict that nearly 50 per cent of herbivores would have been within a 55–85 kg range, and calculate based on expected encounter rates that carcasses from these individuals would have been quickly consumed by smaller theropods. Larger carcasses would have been very rare and heavily competed for, making them an unreliable food source. The potential carcass search rates of smaller theropods are predicted to be 14–60 times that of an adult T. rex. Our results suggest that T. rex and other extremely large carnivorous dinosaurs would have been unable to compete as obligate scavengers and would have primarily hunted large vertebrate prey, similar to many large mammalian carnivores in modern-day ecosystems. PMID:21270037

Intra-guild competition and its implications for one of the biggest terrestrial predators, Tyrannosaurus rex.

PubMed

Carbone, Chris; Turvey, Samuel T; Bielby, Jon

2011-09-07

Identifying tradeoffs between hunting and scavenging in an ecological context is important for understanding predatory guilds. In the past century, the feeding strategy of one of the largest and best-known terrestrial carnivores, Tyrannosaurus rex, has been the subject of much debate: was it an active predator or an obligate scavenger? Here we look at the feasibility of an adult T. rex being an obligate scavenger in the environmental conditions of Late Cretaceous North America, given the size distributions of sympatric herbivorous dinosaurs and likely competition with more abundant small-bodied theropods. We predict that nearly 50 per cent of herbivores would have been within a 55-85 kg range, and calculate based on expected encounter rates that carcasses from these individuals would have been quickly consumed by smaller theropods. Larger carcasses would have been very rare and heavily competed for, making them an unreliable food source. The potential carcass search rates of smaller theropods are predicted to be 14-60 times that of an adult T. rex. Our results suggest that T. rex and other extremely large carnivorous dinosaurs would have been unable to compete as obligate scavengers and would have primarily hunted large vertebrate prey, similar to many large mammalian carnivores in modern-day ecosystems.

An Architecture for Real-Time Processing of OSIRIS-REx Engineering and Science Data, from Raw Telemetry to PDS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Selznick, S. H.

2017-06-01

Herein we describe an architecture developed for processing engineering and science data for the OSIRIS-REx mission. The architecture is soup-to-nuts, starting with raw telemetry and ending with submission to PDS.

Range-wide assessment of habitat suitability for Roanoke logperch (Percina rex).

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2007-01-01

The Roanoke logperch (Percina rex) is a federally endangered darter endemic to Virginia. Knowledge of its distribution and habitat requirements is limited. Before this study, it was known to occur in the Smith, Pigg, Roanoke and Nottoway river waters...

Water Requirements and Sustainable Sources in the Barnett Shale, March 29, 2011

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This paper will focus on the water requirements and sustainable sources in the Barnett Shale. Devon Energy Corporation is committed to the principles of water conservation and reuse where feasible in its operations.

Radon in Devon and Cornwall and paediatric malignancies.

PubMed

Thorne, R; Foreman, N K; Mott, M G

1996-02-01

Exposure to radon in dwellings may cause cancer including paediatric malignancies. Devon and Cornwall have the highest exposure to radon of the counties of England. However, within these counties there is considerable variation in exposure. Exposure to radon in the 283 postcode sectors of the two counties has been published. The incidence of childhood malignancies between 1976 and 1985 was studied to compare postcode sectors of radon exposures > or = 100 Bq/m3 with sectors < 100 Bq/m3. No significant difference in the incidence rate of 106.7 per million child years in the high radon postcode sectors and 121.7 in the low (P = 0.29) was found. When the incidences of individual tumours were examined, a significantly increased rate of neuroblastoma (P = 0.02) and a non-significant increased rate of acute myeloid leukaemia were found in the high exposure postcode sectors. No association between radon exposure and overall rate of childhood malignancy was found.

Using SERVQUAL in health libraries across Somerset, Devon and Cornwall.

PubMed

Martin, Susan

2003-03-01

This study provides the results of a survey conducted in the autumn of 2001 by ten NHS library services across Somerset, Devon and Cornwall. The aim of the project was to measure the service quality of each individual library and to provide an overall picture of the quality of library services within the south-west peninsula. The survey was based on SERVQUAL, a diagnostic tool developed in the 1980s, which measures service quality in terms of customer expectations and perceptions of service. The survey results have provided the librarians with a wealth of information about service quality. The service as a whole is perceived to be not only meeting but also exceeding expectations in terms of reliability, responsiveness, empathy and assurance. For the first time, the ten health library services can measure their own service quality as well as benchmark themselves against others.

The VAMOS Ocean-Cloud-Atmosphere-Land Study Regional Experiment (VOCALS-REx): Goals, platforms, and field operations

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

Wood, R.; Springston, S.; Mechoso, C. R.

2011-01-21

The VAMOS Ocean-Cloud-Atmosphere-Land Study Regional Experiment (VOCALS-REx) was an international field program designed to make observations of poorly understood but critical components of the coupled climate system of the southeast Pacific. This region is characterized by strong coastal upwelling, the coolest SSTs in the tropical belt, and is home to the largest subtropical stratocumulus deck on Earth. The field intensive phase of VOCALS-REx took place during October and November 2008 and constitutes a critical part of a broader CLIVAR program (VOCALS) designed to develop and promote scientific activities leading to improved understanding, model simulations, and predictions of the southeastern Pacificmore » (SEP) coupled ocean-atmosphere-land system, on diurnal to interannual timescales. The other major components of VOCALS are a modeling program with a model hierarchy ranging from the local to global scales, and a suite of extended observations from regular research cruises, instrumented moorings, and satellites. The two central themes of VOCALS-REx focus upon (a) links between aerosols, clouds and precipitation and their impacts on marine stratocumulus radiative properties, and (b) physical and chemical couplings between the upper ocean and the lower atmosphere, including the role that mesoscale ocean eddies play. A set of hypotheses designed to be tested with the combined field, monitoring and modeling work in VOCALS is presented here. A further goal of VOCALS-REx is to provide datasets for the evaluation and improvement of large-scale numerical models. VOCALS-REx involved five research aircraft, two ships and two surface sites in northern Chile. We describe the instrument payloads and key mission strategies for these platforms and give a summary of the missions conducted.« less

REX, a 5-MV pulsed-power source for driving high-brightness electron beam diodes

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

Carlson, R.L.; Kauppila, T.J.; Ridlon, R.N.

1991-01-01

The Relativistic Electron-beam Experiment, or REX accelerator, is a pulsed-power source capable of driving a 100-ohm load at 5 MV, 50 kA, 45 ns (FWHM) with less than a 10-ns rise and 15-ns fall time. This paper describes the pulsed-power modifications, modelling, and extensive measurements on REX to allow it to drive high impedance (100s of ohms) diode loads with a shaped voltage pulse. A major component of REX is the 1.83-m-diam {times} 25.4-cm-thick Lucite insulator with embedded grading rings that separates the output oil transmission line from the vacuum vessel that contains the re-entrant anode and cathode assemblies. Amore » radially tailored, liquid-based resistor provides a stiff voltage source that is insensitive to small variations of the diode current and, in addition, optimizes the electric field stress across the vacuum side of the insulator. The high-current operation of REX employs both multichannel peaking and point-plane diverter switches. This mode reduces the prepulse to less than 2 kV and the postpulse to less than 5% of the energy delivered to the load. Pulse shaping for the present diode load is done through two L-C transmission line filters and a tapered, glycol-based line adjacent to the water PFL and output switch. This has allowed REX to drive a diode producing a 4-MV, 4.5-kA, 55-ns flat-top electron beam with a normalized Lapostolle emittance of 0.96 mm-rad corresponding to a beam brightness in excess of 4.4 {times} 10{sup 8} A/m{sup 2} {minus}rad{sup 2}. 6 refs., 13 figs.« less

The OSIRIS-REx Visible and InfraRed Spectrometer (OVIRS): Spectral Maps of the Asteroid Bennu

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reuter, D. C.; Simon, A. A.; Hair, J.; Lunsford, A.; Manthripragada, S.; Bly, V.; Bos, B.; Brambora, C.; Caldwell, E.; Casto, G.; Dolch, Z.; Finneran, P.; Jennings, D.; Jhabvala, M.; Matson, E.; McLelland, M.; Roher, W.; Sullivan, T.; Weigle, E.; Wen, Y.; Wilson, D.; Lauretta, D. S.

2018-03-01

The OSIRIS-REx Visible and Infrared Spectrometer (OVIRS) is a point spectrometer covering the spectral range of 0.4 to 4.3 microns (25,000-2300 cm-1). Its primary purpose is to map the surface composition of the asteroid Bennu, the target asteroid of the OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample return mission. The information it returns will help guide the selection of the sample site. It will also provide global context for the sample and high spatial resolution spectra that can be related to spatially unresolved terrestrial observations of asteroids. It is a compact, low-mass (17.8 kg), power efficient (8.8 W average), and robust instrument with the sensitivity needed to detect a 5% spectral absorption feature on a very dark surface (3% reflectance) in the inner solar system (0.89-1.35 AU). It, in combination with the other instruments on the OSIRIS-REx Mission, will provide an unprecedented view of an asteroid's surface.

Region Evolution eXplorer - A tool for discovering evolution trends in ontology regions.

PubMed

Christen, Victor; Hartung, Michael; Groß, Anika

2015-01-01

A large number of life science ontologies has been developed to support different application scenarios such as gene annotation or functional analysis. The continuous accumulation of new insights and knowledge affects specific portions in ontologies and thus leads to their adaptation. Therefore, it is valuable to study which ontology parts have been extensively modified or remained unchanged. Users can monitor the evolution of an ontology to improve its further development or apply the knowledge in their applications. Here we present REX (Region Evolution eXplorer) a web-based system for exploring the evolution of ontology parts (regions). REX provides an analysis platform for currently about 1,000 versions of 16 well-known life science ontologies. Interactive workflows allow an explorative analysis of changing ontology regions and can be used to study evolution trends for long-term periods. REX is a web application providing an interactive and user-friendly interface to identify (un)stable regions in large life science ontologies. It is available at http://www.izbi.de/rex.

Pelvic and hindlimb musculature of Tyrannosaurus rex (Dinosauria: Theropoda).

PubMed

Carrano, Matthew T; Hutchinson, John R

2002-09-01

In this article, we develop a new reconstruction of the pelvic and hindlimb muscles of the large theropod dinosaur Tyrannosaurus rex. Our new reconstruction relies primarily on direct examination of both extant and fossil turtles, lepidosaurs, and archosaurs. These observations are placed into a phylogenetic context and data from extant taxa are used to constrain inferences concerning the soft-tissue structures in T. rex. Using this extant phylogenetic bracket, we are able to offer well-supported inferences concerning most of the hindlimb musculature in this taxon. We also refrain from making any inferences for certain muscles where the resulting optimizations are ambiguous. This reconstruction differs from several previous attempts and we evaluate these discrepancies. In addition to providing a new and more detailed understanding of the hindlimb morphology of T. rex--the largest known terrestrial biped--this reconstruction also helps to clarify the sequence of character-state change along the line to extant birds. Copyright 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Protein sequences from mastodon and Tyrannosaurus rex revealed by mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Asara, John M; Schweitzer, Mary H; Freimark, Lisa M; Phillips, Matthew; Cantley, Lewis C

2007-04-13

Fossilized bones from extinct taxa harbor the potential for obtaining protein or DNA sequences that could reveal evolutionary links to extant species. We used mass spectrometry to obtain protein sequences from bones of a 160,000- to 600,000-year-old extinct mastodon (Mammut americanum) and a 68-million-year-old dinosaur (Tyrannosaurus rex). The presence of T. rex sequences indicates that their peptide bonds were remarkably stable. Mass spectrometry can thus be used to determine unique sequences from ancient organisms from peptide fragmentation patterns, a valuable tool to study the evolution and adaptation of ancient taxa from which genomic sequences are unlikely to be obtained.

T.Rex Visual Analytics for Transactional Exploration

ScienceCinema

None

2018-01-16

T.Rex is PNNL's visual analytics tool that specializes in tabular structured data, like you might open with Excel. It's a client-server application, allowing the server to do a lot of the heavy lifting and the client to open spreadsheets with millions of rows. With datasets of that size, especially if you're unfamiliar with the contents, it's very hard to get a good grasp of what's in it using traditional tools. With T.Rex, the multiple views allow you to see categorical, temporal, numerical, relational, and summary data. The interactivity lets you look across your data and see how things relate to each other.

Microsatellite markers for the endangered Roanoke logperch, Percina rex (Percidae) and their potential utility for other darter species.

PubMed

Dutton, Daniel J; Roberts, James H; Angermeier, Paul L; Hallerman, Eric M

2008-07-01

The Roanoke logperch (Percina rex Jordan and Evermann), an endangered fish, occurs in only six watersheds in the Roanoke and Chowan river drainages of Virginia, USA. The species' population genetic structure is poorly known. We developed 16 microsatellite markers that were reliably scorable and polymorphic P. rex. Markers were also screened in seven other darter species of the genus Percina. Most markers exhibited successful amplification and polymorphism in several species. These markers may therefore prove useful for population genetic studies in other darters, a diverse but highly imperiled group. © 2008 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2008 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

T.Rex Visual Analytics for Transactional Exploration

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

None

2014-07-01

T.Rex is PNNL's visual analytics tool that specializes in tabular structured data, like you might open with Excel. It's a client-server application, allowing the server to do a lot of the heavy lifting and the client to open spreadsheets with millions of rows. With datasets of that size, especially if you're unfamiliar with the contents, it's very hard to get a good grasp of what's in it using traditional tools. With T.Rex, the multiple views allow you to see categorical, temporal, numerical, relational, and summary data. The interactivity lets you look across your data and see how things relate tomore » each other.« less

OSIRIS-REx Atlas V Wet Dress Rehearsal

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-08-25

The booster and Centaur upper stage of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V vent gaseous propellant during a “wet dress rehearsal” test at Space Launch Complex 41 on Florida’s Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The rocket will boost NASA’s Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer, or OSIRIS-REx spacecraft. Targeted for liftoff Sept. 8, 2016, OSIRIS-REx will be the first U.S. mission to sample an asteroid, retrieve at least two ounces of surface material and return it to Earth for study. The asteroid, Bennu, may hold clues to the origin of the solar system and the source of water and organic molecules found on Earth.

Aspects of Apache's Acquisition of Mariner Energy and Selected Devon Energy Assets

EIA Publications

2010-01-01

The Energy Information Administration reviews mergers, acquisitions, and alliances by companies that are respondents to Form EIA-28 (Financial Reporting System (FRS)), or that result in a company that meets the FRS reporting criteria.

Impacts of Human Activity on the Microbial Communities of Devon Island, Canadian High Arctic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bywaters, K. B.; Burton, A. S.; Wallace, S. L.; Glass, B. J.

2016-09-01

The impacts of human activities on microbial communities in arctic environments are poorly understood. This project compares the distribution of microbes at the HMP Mars analog site prior to and after human settlement.

Well Planning and Construction Haynesville Shale - East Texas

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This paper will focus on the well planning and construction techniques Devon uses in the Haynesville Shale. It will briefly cover issues that are related to designing and drilling the well safely and protecting subsurface drinking water sources.

76 FR 14006 - Sunshine Act Meeting Notice

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-03-15

... Matters. A-2 AD02-7-000 Customer Matters, Reliability, Security and Market Operations. Electric E-1 ER03-563-066 Devon Power LLC. E-2 OMITTED. E-3 NP10-18-000 North American Electric Reliability Corporation. [[Page 14007

T-REX Version 1.5 User's Guide for Calculating Pesticide Residues on Avian and Mammalian Food Items - Appendix B - Initial Pesticide Residues on Arthropods

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Obtain empirical data from the scientific literature and registrant-submitted studies to refine the initial residue assumptions of pesticides on arthropods that are simulated with TIM, T-REX, and T-HERPS

OSIRIS-REx Launch Event at Goddard Visitor Center. NASA's first

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-09-08

OSIRIS-REx Launch Event at Goddard Visitor Center. NASA's first asteroid sampling mission launched into space at 7:05 p.m. EDT Thursday from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, beginning a journey that could revolutionize our understanding of the early solar system.

Radio measurements of the energy and the depth of the shower maximum of cosmic-ray air showers by Tunka-Rex

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

Bezyazeekov, P.A.; Budnev, N.M.; Gress, O.A.

2016-01-01

We reconstructed the energy and the position of the shower maximum of air showers with energies E ∼> 100 PeV applying a method using radio measurements performed with Tunka-Rex. An event-to-event comparison to air-Cherenkov measurements of the same air showers with the Tunka-133 photomultiplier array confirms that the radio reconstruction works reliably. The Tunka-Rex reconstruction methods and absolute scales have been tuned on CoREAS simulations and yield energy and X{sub max} values consistent with the Tunka-133 measurements. The results of two independent measurement seasons agree within statistical uncertainties, which gives additional confidence in the radio reconstruction. The energy precision of Tunka-Rex is comparablemore » to the Tunka-133 precision of 15%, and exhibits a 20% uncertainty on the absolute scale dominated by the amplitude calibration of the antennas. For X{sub max}, this is the first direct experimental correlation of radio measurements with a different, established method. At the moment, the X{sub max} resolution of Tunka-Rex is approximately 40 g/cm{sup 2}. This resolution can probably be improved by deploying additional antennas and by further development of the reconstruction methods, since the present analysis does not yet reveal any principle limitations.« less

Pathotropic nanoparticles for cancer gene therapy Rexin-G IV: three-year clinical experience.

PubMed

Gordon, Erlinda M; Lopez, Francisco F; Cornelio, Gerardo H; Lorenzo, Conrado C; Levy, John P; Reed, Rebecca A; Liu, Liqiong; Bruckner, Howard W; Hall, Frederick L

2006-11-01

Metastatic cancer is a life-threatening illness with a predictably fatal outcome, thereby representing a major unmet medical need. In 2003, Rexin-G became the world's first targeted injectable vector approved for clinical trials in the treatment of intractable metastatic disease. Uniquely suited, by design, to function within the context of the human circulatory system, Rexin-G is a pathotropic (disease-seeking) gene delivery system bearing a designer killer gene; in essence, a targeted nanoparticle that seeks out and selectively accumulates in metastatic sites upon intravenous infusion. The targeted delivery of the cytocidal gene to primary tumors and metastatic foci, in effective local concentrations, compels both cancer cells and tumor-associated neovasculature to self-destruct, without causing untoward collateral damage to non-target organs. In this study: i) we report the results of three distinctive clinical studies which demonstrate the initial proofs of concept, safety, and efficacy of Rexin-G when used as a single agent for advanced or metastatic cancer, ii) we introduce the quantitative foundations of an innovative personalized treatment regimen, designated the 'Calculus of Parity', based on a patient's calculated tumor burden, iii) we propose a refinement of surrogate end-points commonly used for defining success in cancer therapy, and iv) we map out a strategic plan for the accelerated approval of Rexin-G based on the oncologic Threshold of Credibility paradigm being developed by the Food and Drug Administration.

Combined Rex-bypass shunt with pericardial devascularization alleviated prehepatic portal hypertension caused by cavernomatous transformation of portal vein.

PubMed

Wang, Ruo-Yi; Wang, Jun-Feng; Liu, Qian; Ma, Nan; Chen, Wei-Xiu; Li, Jin-Liang

2017-09-01

To evaluate the effects of combined Rex-bypass shunt and pericardial devascularization on prehepatic portal hypertension secondary to cavernomatous transformation of portal vein (CTPV). Forty-two patients aged from 3 years to 49 years (divided into 3 groups), 26 cases male and 16 female, with prehepatic vascular hepertention were treated with Rex-bypass shunt combined with pericardial devascularization. In each patient, preoperative assessment included ultrasound and computed tomographic angiography of the portal vein and blood analysis. The procedure was Rex-bypass shunt (with or without graft), and patients with moderate or severe gastroesophageal varices required additional paraesophagogastric devascularization. Splenectomy or subtotal splenectomy was performed if combined hypersplenism co-existed. All data were analyzed retrospectively. No intraoperative death occurred, blood routine analysis improved (P < 0.05), the blood flow velocity (P < 0.05) and diameter (P < 0.05) of the left portal vein (LPV) significantly increased, the esophageal and gastric varices significantly relieved in 34 patients (P < 0.05), and better effects of earlier operations were demonstrated than the delayed ones (P < 0.05). During the period of follow-up from 6 to 64 months, the overall patency rate was 85.7% and the younger the age the better of the effect. Rex-bypass shunt combined with pericardial devascularization is a safe and effective procedure for prehepatic portal hypertension caused by CTPV.

BENNU’S JOURNEY - Early Earth

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-12-08

This is an artist's concept of the young Earth being bombarded by asteroids. Scientists think these impacts could have delivered significant amounts of organic matter and water to Earth. Image Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center Conceptual Image Lab The Origins Spectral Interpretation Resource Identification Security -- Regolith Explorer spacecraft (OSIRIS-REx) will travel to a near-Earth asteroid, called Bennu, and bring a sample back to Earth for study. The mission will help scientists investigate how planets formed and how life began, as well as improve our understanding of asteroids that could impact Earth. OSIRIS-REx is scheduled for launch in late 2016. As planned, the spacecraft will reach its asteroid target in 2018 and return a sample to Earth in 2023. Watch the full video: youtu.be/gtUgarROs08 Learn more about NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission and the making of Bennu’s Journey: www.nasa.gov/content/goddard/bennus-journey/ More information on the OSIRIS-REx mission is available at: www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/osiris-rex/index.html www.asteroidmission.org NASA image use policy. NASA Goddard Space Flight Center enables NASA’s mission through four scientific endeavors: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Solar System Exploration, and Astrophysics. Goddard plays a leading role in NASA’s accomplishments by contributing compelling scientific knowledge to advance the Agency’s mission. Follow us on Twitter Like us on Facebook Find us on Instagram

Scaling in Theropod Dinosaurs: Femoral Bone Dimensions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lee, Scott A.

2014-01-01

Finding topics that inspire students is an important aspect of any physics course. Virtually everyone is fascinated by "Tyrannosaurus rex," and the excitement of the class is palpable when we explore scaling effects in "T. rex" and other bipedal theropod dinosaurs as part of our discussion of mechanics and elasticity. In this…

76 FR 51066 - Post Office Closing

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-08-17

... POSTAL REGULATORY COMMISSION [Docket No. A2011-42; Order No. 798] Post Office Closing AGENCY... the closing of the Rex, North Carolina post office has been filed. It identifies preliminary steps and... determination to close the post office in Rex, North Carolina. The petition was filed by James E. Shaw...

OSIRIS-REx Launch Event at Goddard Visitor Center. NASA's first

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-09-08

OSIRIS-REx Launch Event at Goddard Visitor Center. NASA's first asteroid sampling mission launched into space at 7:05 p.m. EDT Thursday from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida beginning a journey that could revolutionize our understanding of the early solar system. Lucy McFadden

The First Record for the Americas of Loxodes rex, a Flagship Ciliate with an Alleged Restricted Biogeography.

PubMed

Hines, Hunter N; McCarthy, Peter J; Esteban, Genoveva F

2016-01-01

As the foundations of food webs, protozoa are essential to the success of an ecological system. These organisms are often overlooked, and research in the Americas is sparse. Recent samplings conducted in freshwater canals and ponds in Florida, USA, have revealed Loxodes rex, an alleged endemic ciliate species. Originally described as endemic to tropical Africa, L. rex has been considered a prime candidate for proof of microbial endemism. Our studies have shown this giant, non-encysting ciliate to be thriving in subtropical Florida. Our observations are novel and include both the first record of occurrence for the Americas and the first high-quality in vivo images for this charismatic species.

The Osiris-Rex Mission - Sample Acquisitions Strategy and Evidence for the Nature of Regolith on Asteroid (101955) 1999 RQ36

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lauretta, D. S.; Barucci, M. A.; Bierhaus, E. B.; Brucato, J. R.; Campins, H.; Christensen, P. R.; Clark, B. C.; Connolly, H. C.; Dotto, E.; Dworkin, J. P.;

On Teaching "Oedipus Rex": A Compromise Interpretation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pallante, James J.

This paper discusses the problems of interpeting "Oedipus Rex" and argues that morality was not the primary question being raised in this play, nor was Sophocles urging people to humility and piety. Instead, Sophocles was primarily interested in the insufficiency of human knowledge. The gods and their role in destiny, the character and…

Ontogenetic shifts in habitat use by the endangered Roanoke logperch (Percina rex)

Treesearch

Amanda Rosenberger; Paul L. Angermeier

2003-01-01

1. Conservation of the federally endangered Roanoke logperch (Percina rex, Jordan and Evermann) necessitates protection of habitat that is critical for all age classes. We examined habitat use patterns of individual logperch to determine: (1) if age classes of logperch in the Nottoway and Roanoke Rivers exhibit habitat selectivity, (2) if...

50 CFR 679.82 - Rockfish Program use caps and sideboard limits.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... not participate in directed fishing for arrowtooth flounder, deep-water flatfish, and rex sole in the GOA (or in waters adjacent to the GOA when arrowtooth flounder, deep-water flatfish, and rex sole... authority of all eligible LLP licenses in the catcher/processor sector. (ii) For the deep-water halibut PSC...

50 CFR 679.82 - Rockfish Program use caps and sideboard limits.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... not participate in directed fishing for arrowtooth flounder, deep-water flatfish, and rex sole in the GOA (or in waters adjacent to the GOA when arrowtooth flounder, deep-water flatfish, and rex sole... authority of all eligible LLP licenses in the catcher/processor sector. (ii) For the deep-water halibut PSC...

Remembering Dr. Rex Munday.

PubMed

Botana, Luis M; Vasconcelos, Vitor

2017-08-24

Rex Munday was a scientist working for AgResearch Ltd. in New Zealand. He was a leading figure in the area of marine toxin toxicity. His passing in July 2017 marked a loss for his family, as well as for colleagues who knew him as a dedicated professional, and a lively scientist with a great sense of humor.

OSIRIS-REx Launch Event at Goddard Visitor Center. NASA's first

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-09-08

OSIRIS-REx Launch Event at Goddard Visitor Center. NASA's first asteroid sampling mission launched into space at 7:05 p.m. EDT Thursday from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida beginning a journey that could revolutionize our understanding of the early solar system. Dr. Jim Glavin.Lucy McFadden.Dr. Jose Aponte

Spectroscopy of neutron-rich nuclei at REX-ISOLDE with MINIBALL

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

Kroell, Th.

2007-08-15

We report on 'safe' Coulomb excitation of neutron-rich nuclei. The radioactive nuclei have been produced by ISOLDE at CERN and postaccelerated by the REX-ISOLDE facility. The {gamma} rays emitted by the decay of excited states have been detected by the MINIBALL array. Recent results are presented and compared to theoretical models.

Tunka-Rex: energy reconstruction with a single antenna station

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hiller, R.; Bezyazeekov, P. A.; Budnev, N. M.; Fedorov, O.; Gress, O. A.; Haungs, A.; Huege, T.; Kazarina, Y.; Kleifges, M.; Korosteleva, E. E.; Kostunin, D.; Krömer, O.; Kungel, V.; Kuzmichev, L. A.; Lubsandorzhiev, N.; Mirgazov, R. R.; Monkhoev, R.; Osipova, E. A.; Pakhorukov, A.; Pankov, L.; Prosin, V. V.; Rubtsov, G. I.; Schröder, F. G.; Wischnewski, R.; Zagorodnikov, A.

2017-03-01

The Tunka-Radio extension (Tunka-Rex) is a radio detector for air showers in Siberia. From 2012 to 2014, Tunka-Rex operated exclusively together with its host experiment, the air-Cherenkov array Tunka-133, which provided trigger, data acquisition, and an independent air-shower reconstruction. It was shown that the air-shower energy can be reconstructed by Tunka-Rex with a precision of 15% for events with signal in at least 3 antennas, using the radio amplitude at a distance of 120 m from the shower axis as an energy estimator. Using the reconstruction from the host experiment Tunka-133 for the air-shower geometry (shower core and direction), the energy estimator can in principle already be obtained with measurements from a single antenna, close to the reference distance. We present a method for event selection and energy reconstruction, requiring only one antenna, and achieving a precision of about 20%. This method increases the effective detector area and lowers thresholds for zenith angle and energy, resulting in three times more events than in the standard reconstruction.

BENNU’S JOURNEY

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-12-08

This large asteroid, a proto-star undergoes fusion and our sun is born. This is the parent of Asteroid Bennu. Today, a NASA Spacecraft has the chance to retrieve a sample from Bennu to reveal the history of our solar system. OSIRIRS-REx is a NASA sample return mission to visit Asteroid Bennu. We plan to grab a piece of Bennu, because it’s a time capsule that can tell us about the origins of our planet and our entire solar system. Watch the full video: youtu.be/gtUgarROs08 Learn more about NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission and the making of Bennu’s Journey: www.nasa.gov/content/goddard/bennus-journey/ More information on the OSIRIS-REx mission is available at: www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/osiris-rex/index.html www.asteroidmission.org NASA image use policy. NASA Goddard Space Flight Center enables NASA’s mission through four scientific endeavors: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Solar System Exploration, and Astrophysics. Goddard plays a leading role in NASA’s accomplishments by contributing compelling scientific knowledge to advance the Agency’s mission. Follow us on Twitter Like us on Facebook Find us on Instagram

Investigating the running abilities of Tyrannosaurus rex using stress-constrained multibody dynamic analysis

PubMed Central

Pond, Stuart B.; Brassey, Charlotte A.; Manning, Philip L.; Bates, Karl T.

2017-01-01

The running ability of Tyrannosaurus rex has been intensively studied due to its relevance to interpretations of feeding behaviour and the biomechanics of scaling in giant predatory dinosaurs. Different studies using differing methodologies have produced a very wide range of top speed estimates and there is therefore a need to develop techniques that can improve these predictions. Here we present a new approach that combines two separate biomechanical techniques (multibody dynamic analysis and skeletal stress analysis) to demonstrate that true running gaits would probably lead to unacceptably high skeletal loads in T. rex. Combining these two approaches reduces the high-level of uncertainty in previous predictions associated with unknown soft tissue parameters in dinosaurs, and demonstrates that the relatively long limb segments of T. rex—long argued to indicate competent running ability—would actually have mechanically limited this species to walking gaits. Being limited to walking speeds contradicts arguments of high-speed pursuit predation for the largest bipedal dinosaurs like T. rex, and demonstrates the power of multiphysics approaches for locomotor reconstructions of extinct animals. PMID:28740745

The New Horizons Radio Science Experiment: Performance and Measurements of Pluto's Atmospheric Structure, Surface Pressure, and Surface Temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Linscott, I.; Hinson, D. P.; Bird, M. K.; Stern, A.; Weaver, H. A., Jr.; Olkin, C.; Young, L. A.; Ennico Smith, K.

2015-12-01

The New Horizons (NH) spacecraft payload contained the Radio Science Experiment (REX) for determining key characteristics of Pluto and Charon during the July 14, 2015, flyby of the Pluto/Charon system. The REX flight equipment augments the NH X-band radio transceiver by providing a high precision, narrow band recording of high power uplink transmissions from Earth stations, as well as a record of broadband radiometric power. This presentation will review the performance and initial results of two high- priority observations. First, REX received two pair of 20-kW signals, one pair per polarization, transmitted from the DSN at 4.2-cm wavelength during a diametric radio occultation by Pluto. REX recorded these uplink signals and determined precise measurement of the surface pressure, the temperature structure of the lower atmosphere, and the surface radius of Pluto. The ingress portion of one polarization was played back from the spacecraft in July and processed to obtain the pressure and temperature structure of Pluto's atmosphere. Second, REX measured the thermal emission from Pluto at 4.2- cm wavelength during two linear scans across the disk at close range when both the dayside and the night side are visible. Both scans extend from limb to limb with a resolution of one-tenth Pluto's disk and temperature resolution of 0.1 K. Occultation and radiometric temperature results presented here will encompass additional data scheduled for playback in September.

OSIRIS-REx Asterod Sample Return Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nakamura-Messinger, Keiki; Connolly, Harold C. Jr.; Messenger, Scott; Lauretta, Dante S.

2017-01-01

OSIRIS-REx is NASA's third New Frontiers Program mission, following New Horizons that completed a flyby of Pluto in 2015 and the Juno mission to Jupiter that has just begun science operations. The OSIRIS-REx mission's primary objective is to collect pristine surface samples of a carbonaceous asteroid and return to Earth for analysis. Carbonaceous asteroids and comets are 'primitive' bodies that preserved remnants of the Solar System starting materials and through their study scientists can learn about the origin and the earliest evolution of the Solar System. The OSIRIS-REx spacecraft was successfully launched on September 8, 2016, beginning its seven year journey to asteroid 101955 Bennu. The robotic arm will collect 60-2000 grams of material from the surface of Bennu and will return to Earth in 2023 for worldwide distribution by the Astromaterials Curation Facility at NASA Johnson Space Center. The name OSIRIS-REx embodies the mission objectives (1) Origins: Return and analyze a sample of a carbonaceous asteroid, (2) Spectral Interpretation: Provide ground-truth for remote observation of asteroids, (3) Resource Identification: Determine the mineral and chemical makeup of a near-Earth asteroid (4) Security: Measure the non-gravitational that changes asteroidal orbits and (5) Regolith Explorer: Determine the properties of the material covering an asteroid surface. Asteroid Bennu may preserve remnants of stardust, interstellar materials and the first solids to form in the Solar System and the molecular precursors to the origin of life and the Earth's oceans. Bennu is a potentially hazardous asteroid, with an approximately 1 in 2700 chance of impacting the Earth late in the 22nd century. OSIRIS-REx collects from Bennu will help formulate the types of operations and identify mission activities that astronauts will perform during their expeditions. Such information is crucial in preparing for humanity's next steps beyond low Earthy orbit and on to deep space destinations.

Internal artificial vagina (IAV) to assess breeding behavior of young Bos taurus and Bos indicus bulls.

PubMed

Cruz, F B; Lohn, L; Marinho, L S R; Mezzalira, J C; Neto, S Gaudencio; Martins, L T; Vieira, A D; Barth, A; Mezzalira, A

2011-07-01

Bull breeding soundness evaluation (BBSE) usually neglects the libido and mating ability evaluation. The internal artificial vagina (IAV) permits semen sampling, as well as mating ability evaluation. Few studies have been performed using IAV with young bulls and there are none with Bos indicus bulls. The present study evaluated sexual behavior, mating ability and semen quality in young Bos taurus (Devon) and B. indicus (Nellore) bulls using the IAV device. In the first experiment, 52 Devon bulls, 18-25 months old were observed, and the behavior and mating ability recorded over a 10-min period within a restrained mount-cow with an IAV inserted. In the second experiment, 20 Nellore bulls, 20-30 months old were evaluated over a 20 min period. Of the 52 Devon bulls, 45 (86.5%) had semen recovered with the IAV, 31 (69.0%) were considered satisfactory. Nellore bulls exhibited a different sexual behavior, with 10 bulls not showing any interest in the females. Four bulls demonstrated sexual interest only once, e.g., sniffing, two showed interest on more than one occasion, and four had more than two mounts or mounting attempts. None out of the Nellore bulls was collected with IAV. The IAV was an effective and welfare-promoting animal technology for the evaluation of semen quality and mating ability of B. taurus bulls. However, the IAV was not adequate for young Nellore bulls, probably due to their quiescent sexual behavior and delayed sexual maturity. Further studies are needed to evaluate the performance of the IAV for older Nellore bulls. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Traverse Planning Experiments for Future Planetary Surface Exploration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hoffman, S. J.; Voels, S. A.; Mueller, R. P.; Lee, P. C.

2011-01-01

This paper describes the results of a recent (July-August 2010 and July 2011) planetary surface traverse planning experiment. The purpose of this experiment was to gather data relevant to robotically repositioning surface assets used for planetary surface exploration. This is a scenario currently being considered for future human exploration missions to the Moon and Mars. The specific scenario selected was a robotic traverse on the lunar surface from an outpost at Shackleton Crater to the Malapert Massif. As these are exploration scenarios, the route will not have been previously traversed and the only pre-traverse data sets available will be remote (orbital) observations. Devon Island was selected as an analog location where a traverse route of significant length could be planned and then traveled. During the first half of 2010, a team of engineers and scientists who had never been to Devon Island used remote sensing data comparable to that which is likely to be available for the Malapert region (eg., 2-meter/pixel imagery, 10-meter interval topographic maps and associated digital elevation models, etc.) to plan a 17-kilometer (km) traverse. Surface-level imagery data was then gathered on-site that was provided to the planning team. This team then assessed whether the route was actually traversable or not. Lessons learned during the 2010 experiment were then used in a second experiment in 2011 for which a much longer traverse (85 km) was planned and additional surface-level imagery different from that gathered in 2010 was obtained for a comparative analysis. This paper will describe the route planning techniques used, the data sets available to the route planners and the lessons learned from the two traverses planned and carried out on Devon Island.

75 FR 18496 - Notice of Complaint Filing

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-04-12

... marketing LLC, Connecticut Jet Power LLC, Devon Power LLC, Middletown Power LLC, Montville Power LLC... Resources & Trade, LLC, PSEG Power Connecticut LLC, NRG Power marketing LLC, Connecticut Jet Power LLC... subscribed docket(s). For assistance with any FERC Online service, please e-mail [email protected

Remembering Dr. Rex Munday

PubMed Central

Vasconcelos, Vitor

2017-01-01

Rex Munday was a scientist working for AgResearch Ltd. in New Zealand. He was a leading figure in the area of marine toxin toxicity. His passing in July 2017 marked a loss for his family, as well as for colleagues who knew him as a dedicated professional, and a lively scientist with a great sense of humor. PMID:28837074

Statically vs dynamically balanced gait: Analysis of a robotic exoskeleton compared with a human.

PubMed

Barbareschi, Giulia; Richards, Rosie; Thornton, Matt; Carlson, Tom; Holloway, Catherine

2015-01-01

In recent years exoskeletons able to replicate human gait have begun to attract growing popularity for both assistive and rehabilitative purposes. Although wearable robots often need the use of external support in order to maintain stability, the REX exoskeleton by REX Bionics is able to self-balance through the whole cycle. However this statically balanced gait presents important differences with the dynamically balanced gait of human subjects. This paper will examine kinematic and kinetic differences between the gait analysis performed on a subject wearing the REX exoskeleton and human gait analysis data as presented in literature. We will also provide an insight on the impact that these differences can have for both rehabilitative and assistive applications.

OSIRIS-REx Touch-And-Go (TAG) Mission Design and Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Berry, Kevin; Sutter, Brian; May, Alex; Williams, Ken; Barbee, Brent W.; Beckman, Mark; Williams, Bobby

2013-01-01

The Origins Spectral Interpretation Resource Identification Security Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) mission is a NASA New Frontiers mission launching in 2016 to rendezvous with the near-Earth asteroid (101955) 1999 RQ36 in late 2018. After several months in formation with and orbit about the asteroid, OSIRIS-REx will fly a Touch-And-Go (TAG) trajectory to the asteroid s surface to obtain a regolith sample. This paper describes the mission design of the TAG sequence and the propulsive maneuvers required to achieve the trajectory. This paper also shows preliminary results of orbit covariance analysis and Monte-Carlo analysis that demonstrate the ability to arrive at a targeted location on the surface of RQ36 within a 25 meter radius with 98.3% confidence.

General Mission Analysis Tool (GMAT)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hughes, Steven P. (Compiler)

2016-01-01

This is a software tutorial and presentation demonstrating the application of the General Mission Analysis Tool (GMAT) to the critical design phase of NASA missions. The demonstration discusses GMAT basics, then presents a detailed example of GMAT application to the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) mission. Other examples include OSIRIS-Rex. This talk is a combination of existing presentations; a GMAT basics and overview, and technical presentations from the TESS and OSIRIS-REx projects on their application of GMAT to critical mission design. The GMAT basics slides are taken from the open source training material. The OSIRIS-REx slides are from a previous conference presentation. The TESS slides are a streamlined version of the CDR package provided by the project with SBU and ITAR data removed by the TESS project.

Pressure and temperature induced elastic properties of rare earth chalcogenides

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

Shriya, S.; Sapkale, R., E-mail: sapkale.raju@rediffmail.com; Varshney, Dinesh, E-mail: vdinesh33@rediffmail.com

2016-05-06

The pressure and temperature dependent mechanical properties as Young modulus, Thermal expansion coefficient of rare earth REX (RE = La, Pr, Eu; X = O, S, Se, and Te) chalcogenides are studied. The rare earth chalcogenides showed a structural phase transition (B1–B2). Pressure dependence of Young modulus discerns an increase in pressure inferring the hardening or stiffening of the lattice as a consequence of bond compression and bond strengthening. Suppressed Young modulus as functions of temperature infers the weakening of the lattice results in bond weakening in REX. Thermal expansion coefficient demonstrates that REX (RE = La, Pr, Eu; Xmore » = O, S, Se, and Te) chalcogenides is mechanically stiffened, and thermally softened on applied pressure and temperature.« less

Cannibalism in Tyrannosaurus rex.

PubMed

Longrich, Nicholas R; Horner, John R; Erickson, Gregory M; Currie, Philip J

2010-10-15

Tyrannosaurus rex was one of the largest terrestrial carnivores of all time, and consequently its ecology and diet have been the focus of much discussion. However, there is little direct evidence of diet or feeding habits in this species. Examination of museum collections has revealed four specimens of Tyrannosaurus rex that bear tooth marks made by large, carnivorous dinosaurs. Because Tyrannosaurus is the only large carnivore known from the Late Maastrichtian of western North America, we infer that Tyrannosaurus made these tooth marks. The marks are interpreted as feeding traces and these fossils therefore record instances of cannibalism. Given that this behavior has a low preservation potential, cannibalism seems to have been a surprisingly common behavior in Tyrannosaurus, and this behavior may have been relatively common in carnivorous dinosaurs.

78 FR 26023 - Combined Notice of Filings #1

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-05-03

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Combined Notice of Filings 1 Take notice... I LLC, Cabrillo Power II LLC, Conemaugh Power LLC, Connecticut Jet Power LLC, Cottonwood Energy Company, LP, Devon Power LLC, Dunkirk Power LLC, EL Segundo Energy Center LLC, El Segundo Power, LLC...

Software Auditing: A New Task for U.K. Universities.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fletcher, Mark

1997-01-01

Based on a pilot project at Exeter University (Devon, England) a software audit, comparing number of copies of software installed with number of license agreements, is described. Discussion includes auditing budgets, workstation questionnaires, the scanner program which detects the hardware configuration and staff training, analysis and…

Transcriptomic changes throughout post-hatch development in Gallus gallus pituitary

PubMed Central

Lamont, Susan J; Schmidt, Carl J

2016-01-01

The pituitary gland is a neuroendocrine organ that works closely with the hypothalamus to affect multiple processes within the body including the stress response, metabolism, growth and immune function. Relative tissue expression (rEx) is a transcriptome analysis method that compares the genes expressed in a particular tissue to the genes expressed in all other tissues with available data. Using rEx, the aim of this study was to identify genes that are uniquely or more abundantly expressed in the pituitary when compared to all other collected chicken tissues. We applied rEx to define genes enriched in the chicken pituitaries at days 21, 22 and 42 post-hatch. rEx analysis identified 25 genes shared between all time points, 295 genes shared between days 21 and 22 and 407 genes unique to day 42. The 25 genes shared by all time points are involved in morphogenesis and general nervous tissue development. The 295 shared genes between days 21 and 22 are involved in neurogenesis and nervous system development and differentiation. The 407 unique day 42 genes are involved in pituitary development, endocrine system development and other hormonally related gene ontology terms. Overall, rEx analysis indicates a focus on nervous system/tissue development at days 21 and 22. By day 42, in addition to nervous tissue development, there is expression of genes involved in the endocrine system, possibly for maturation and preparation for reproduction. This study defines the transcriptome of the chicken pituitary gland and aids in understanding the expressed genes critical to its function and maturation. PMID:27856505

The Posture of "Tyrannosaurus rex": Why Do Student Views Lag behind the Science?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ross, Robert M.; Duggan-Haas, Don; Allmon, Warren D.

2013-01-01

Today's students were born well after the dramatic scientific reinterpretations of theropod dinosaur stance and metabolism of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Yet, if asked to draw a picture of "Tyrannosaurus rex," most of these students will likely draw an animal with an upright, tail-dragging posture, remarkably like the original 1905…

Final space shuttle crew training session in the NBL

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-06-13

Photograph final space shuttle crew training session in the NBL with STS-135 Mission Specialists Sandy Magnus & Rex Walheim. STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson serves as Intravehicular suit-up lead, Pilot Doug Hurley serves as robotic arm operator. Mission Specialists Sandy Magnus & Rex Walheim in the water. Photo Date: June 13, 2011. Location: NBL - Pool Topside. Photographer: Robert Markowitz

Strategy for Ranking the Science Value of the Surface of Asteroid 101955 Bennu for Sample Site Selection for Osiris-REx

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nakamura-Messenger, K.; Connolly, H. C., Jr.; Lauretta, D. S.

2014-01-01

OSRIS-REx is NASA's New Frontiers 3 sample return mission that will return at least 60 g of pristine surface material from near-Earth asteroid 101955 Bennu in September 2023. The scientific value of the sample increases enormously with the amount of knowledge captured about the geological context from which the sample is collected. The OSIRIS-REx spacecraft is highly maneuverable and capable of investigating the surface of Bennu at scales down to the sub-cm. The OSIRIS-REx instruments will characterize the overall surface geology including spectral properties, microtexture, and geochemistry of the regolith at the sampling site in exquisite detail for up to 505 days after encountering Bennu in August 2018. The mission requires at the very minimum one acceptable location on the asteroid where a touch-and-go (TAG) sample collection maneuver can be successfully per-formed. Sample site selection requires that the follow-ing maps be produced: Safety, Deliverability, Sampleability, and finally Science Value. If areas on the surface are designated as safe, navigation can fly to them, and they have ingestible regolith, then the scientific value of one site over another will guide site selection.

The New Horizons Bistatic Radio Science Experiment to Measure Pluto's Surface Properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Linscott, I.; Hinson, D. P.; Tyler, G. L.; Vincent, M.

2014-12-01

The New Horizons (NH) payload includes a Radio Science Experiment (REX) for principally occultation and radiometric measurement of Pluto and Charon during the flyby in July 2015. The REX subsystem is contained, together with the NH X-Band radio, in the Integrated Electronics Module (IEM) in the New Horizons spacecraft. REX samples and records in two polarizations both total RF power in a 4.5 MHz bandwidth, and radio signal waveforms in a narrow, 1.25 kHz band. During the encounter, and at closest approach to Pluto, the spacecraft's high gain antenna (HGA) will scan Pluto's equatorial latitudes, intercepting the specular zone, a region near Pluto's limb that geometrically favors reflection from the earth's direction. At the same time, a powerful 80 kW uplink beacon will have been transmitted from earth by the DSN to arrive at Pluto during spacecraft closest approach. Reflection from the specular zone is expected to be sufficiently strong to observe the bistatic uplink in the REX narrowband record. Measurements in both polarizations will then be combined to yield surface reflectivity, roughness and limits on the dielectric constant in the specular zone.

A portrait of prefrontal lobotomy performed at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney by Dr Rex Money.

PubMed

White, Richard T; McGee-Collett, Martin

2016-10-01

The objective of this article is to provide a portrait of prefrontal lobotomy performed at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney by the Head of Neurosurgery Dr Rex Money and to describe Dr Money's role in the promotion of psychosurgery in Sydney. We draw attention to an oral presentation by Dr Rex Money in 1951, a journal article written by Money, archival information held at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, including Dr Money's accounts of his travels and his reports regarding neurosurgery - both internationally and in Australia. Dr Rex Money performed a series of 13 prefrontal lobotomies between 1945 and 1951, and presented the theoretical basis for his series, his operative procedures and the outcomes at the annual meeting of its medical officers' association. Notwithstanding various deficiencies in his clinical research, Money's descriptions give a relatively comprehensive account of one of the first series of prefrontal lobotomies performed in Australia. The current article also describes Dr Money's contributions to the promotion of psychosurgery in Sydney, and illustrates the participation of a senior neurosurgeon and of a major Sydney teaching hospital during the psychosurgery saga. © The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists 2016.

The Biomechanics Behind Extreme Osteophagy in Tyrannosaurus rex.

PubMed

Gignac, Paul M; Erickson, Gregory M

2017-05-17

Most carnivorous mammals can pulverize skeletal elements by generating tooth pressures between occluding teeth that exceed cortical bone shear strength, thereby permitting access to marrow and phosphatic salts. Conversely, carnivorous reptiles have non-occluding dentitions that engender negligible bone damage during feeding. As a result, most reptilian predators can only consume bones in their entirety. Nevertheless, North American tyrannosaurids, including the giant (13 metres [m]) theropod dinosaur Tyrannosaurus rex stand out for habitually biting deeply into bones, pulverizing and digesting them. How this mammal-like capacity was possible, absent dental occlusion, is unknown. Here we analyzed T. rex feeding behaviour from trace evidence, estimated bite forces and tooth pressures, and studied tooth-bone contacts to provide the answer. We show that bone pulverization was made possible through a combination of: (1) prodigious bite forces (8,526-34,522 newtons [N]) and tooth pressures (718-2,974 megapascals [MPa]) promoting crack propagation in bones, (2) tooth form and dental arcade configurations that concentrated shear stresses, and (3) repetitive, localized biting. Collectively, these capacities and behaviors allowed T. rex to finely fragment bones and more fully exploit large dinosaur carcasses for sustenance relative to competing carnivores.

Osiris-Rex and Hayabusa2 Sample Cleanroom Design and Construction Planning at NASA-JSC

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Righter, Kevin; Pace, Lisa F.; Messenger, Keiko

2018-01-01

Final Paper and not the abstract is attached. The OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample return mission launched to asteroid Bennu September 8, 2016. The spacecraft will arrive at Bennu in late 2019, orbit and map the asteroid, and perform a touch and go (TAG) sampling maneuver in July 2020. After confirma-tion of successful sample stowage, the spacecraft will return to Earth, and the sample return capsule (SRC) will land in Utah in September 2023. Samples will be recovered from Utah and then transported and stored in a new sample cleanroom at NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston. All curation-specific ex-amination and documentation activities related to Ben-nu samples will be conducted in the dedicated OSIRIS-REx sample cleanroom to be built at NASA-JSC.

The ISIS Mission Concept: An Impactor for Surface and Interior Science

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chesley, Steven R.; Elliot, John O.; Abell, Paul A.; Asphaug, Erik; Bhaskaran, Shyam; Lam, Try; Lauretta, Dante S.

2013-01-01

The Impactor for Surface and Interior Science (ISIS) mission concept is a kinetic asteroid impactor mission to the target of NASA's OSIRIS-REx (Origins-Spectral Interpretation-Resource Identification-Security-Regolith Explorer) asteroid sample return mission. The ISIS mission concept calls for the ISIS spacecraft, an independent and autonomous smart impactor, to guide itself to a hyper-velocity impact with 1999 RQ36 while the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft observes the collision. Later the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft descends to reconnoiter the impact site and measure the momentum imparted to the asteroid through the impact before departing on its journey back to Earth. In this paper we discuss the planetary science, human exploration and impact mitigation drivers for mission, and we describe the current mission concept and flight system design.

NeuroRex: A Clinical Neural Interface Roadmap for EEG-based Brain Machine Interfaces to a Lower Body Robotic Exoskeleton*

PubMed Central

Contreras-Vidal, Jose L.; Grossman, Robert G.

2013-01-01

In this communication, a translational clinical brain-machine interface (BMI) roadmap for an EEG-based BMI to a robotic exoskeleton (NeuroRex) is presented. This multi-faceted project addresses important engineering and clinical challenges: It addresses the validation of an intelligent, self-balancing, robotic lower-body and trunk exoskeleton (Rex) augmented with EEG-based BMI capabilities to interpret user intent to assist a mobility-impaired person to walk independently. The goal is to improve the quality of life and health status of wheelchair-bounded persons by enabling standing and sitting, walking and backing, turning, ascending and descending stairs/curbs, and navigating sloping surfaces in a variety of conditions without the need for additional support or crutches. PMID:24110003

Cannibalism in Tyrannosaurus rex

PubMed Central

Longrich, Nicholas R.; Horner, John R.; Erickson, Gregory M.; Currie, Philip J.

2010-01-01

Background Tyrannosaurus rex was one of the largest terrestrial carnivores of all time, and consequently its ecology and diet have been the focus of much discussion. However, there is little direct evidence of diet or feeding habits in this species. Methodology/Principal Findings Examination of museum collections has revealed four specimens of Tyrannosaurus rex that bear tooth marks made by large, carnivorous dinosaurs. Because Tyrannosaurus is the only large carnivore known from the Late Maastrichtian of western North America, we infer that Tyrannosaurus made these tooth marks. Conclusions/Significance The marks are interpreted as feeding traces and these fossils therefore record instances of cannibalism. Given that this behavior has a low preservation potential, cannibalism seems to have been a surprisingly common behavior in Tyrannosaurus, and this behavior may have been relatively common in carnivorous dinosaurs. PMID:20976177

OSIRIS-REx, Returning the Asteroid Sample

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ajluni, Thomas, M.; Everett, David F.; Linn, Timothy; Mink, Ronald; Willcockson, William; Wood, Joshua

2015-01-01

This paper addresses the technical aspects of the sample return system for the upcoming Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security-Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) asteroid sample return mission. The overall mission design and current implementation are presented as an overview to establish a context for the technical description of the reentry and landing segment of the mission.The prime objective of the OSIRIS-REx mission is to sample a primitive, carbonaceous asteroid and to return that sample to Earth in pristine condition for detailed laboratory analysis. Targeting the near-Earth asteroid Bennu, the mission launches in September 2016 with an Earth reentry date of September 24, 2023.OSIRIS-REx will thoroughly characterize asteroid Bennu providing knowledge of the nature of near-Earth asteroids that is fundamental to understanding planet formation and the origin of life. The return to Earth of pristine samples with known geologic context will enable precise analyses that cannot be duplicated by spacecraft-based instruments, revolutionizing our understanding of the early Solar System. Bennu is both the most accessible carbonaceous asteroid and one of the most potentially Earth-hazardous asteroids known. Study of Bennu addresses multiple NASA objectives to understand the origin of the Solar System and the origin of life and will provide a greater understanding of both the hazards and resources in near-Earth space, serving as a precursor to future human missions to asteroids.This paper focuses on the technical aspects of the Sample Return Capsule (SRC) design and concept of operations, including trajectory design and reentry retrieval. Highlights of the mission are included below.The OSIRIS-REx spacecraft provides the essential functions for an asteroid characterization and sample return mission: attitude control propulsion power thermal control telecommunications command and data handling structural support to ensure successful rendezvous with Bennu characterization of Bennus properties delivery of the sampler to the surface, and return of the spacecraft to the vicinity of the Earth sample collection, performed by the Touch-and-Go Sample Acquisition Mechanism (TAGSAM), to acquire a regolith sample from the surface Earth re-entry and SRC recovery. Following sample collection, OSIRIS-REx drifts away from Bennu until the Asteroid Departure Maneuver is commanded on March 4, 2021, sending OSIRIS-REx on a ballistic return cruise to Earth. No additional large deterministic maneuvers are required to return the SRC to Earth. During the cruise, tracking and trajectory correction maneuvers (TCMs) are performed as necessary to precisely target the entry corridor. As OSIRIS-REx approaches Earth, the reentry plans are reviewed starting about a year before arrival, and preparations begin. The spacecraft is targeted away from the Earth until 7 days before entry. The final two trajectory correction maneuvers bring the spacecraft on target toward the Utah Test and Training Range (UTTR), with sufficient time for contingency resolution. The SRC releases 4 hours prior to atmospheric entry interface and, using the Stardust capsule heritage design, employs a traditional drogue and main parachute descent system for a soft touchdown.

Carbonate Melt Rocks from the Haughton Impact Structure, Devon Island, Nunavut, Canada

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Osinski, G. R.; Spray, J. G.; Lee, P.

2002-01-01

The target rocks at the Haughton impact structure, Canada, are predominantly carbonates. The well preserved allochthonous crater-fill deposits are reinterpreted here as being carbonatitic impact melt rocks. The implications of our findings will be discussed. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.

The Road to NASA

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meyers, Valerie

2010-01-01

This slide presentation describes the career path and projects that the author worked on during her internship at NASA. As a Graduate Student Research Program (GSRP) participant the assignments that were given include: Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Research, Spaceflight toxicology, Lunar Airborne Dust Toxicity Advisory Group (LADTAG) and a special study at Devon Island.

Reaching Out to Rural Learners. Rural Economy Series Bulletin 1.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Further Education Unit, London (England).

This bulletin explores sociological and technological problems encountered in a project undertaken by the East Devon College of Further Education using an audio teleconferencing system to deliver community college courses to the rural unemployed in English villages. The project team identified the characteristics of several types of rural Devon…

Taking Learning to the Community

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stanistreet, Paul

2009-01-01

These are tough times for adult and community learning, with many providers struggling to sustain a broad curriculum offer that includes a wide-ranging adult learning programme. South Devon College is determined to keep its flourishing adult offer alive but realises that, with funding increasingly scarce, it has to find innovative ways of ensuring…

77 FR 3585 - Airworthiness Directives; Cirrus Design Corporation Airplanes

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-01-25

..., O'Hare Lake Office Center, 2300 East Devon Ave., Des Plaines, Illinois 60018; phone: (847) 294-7870... under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected individuals. We do not control warranty...: (1) Group 1 Airplanes: Cirrus Design Corporation Model SR22T airplanes, serial numbers 0001 through...

77 FR 729 - Airworthiness Directives; Enstrom Helicopter Corporation Helicopters

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-01-06

... subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. DATES: This AD becomes effective January 23, 2012. The Director... Program Manager, FAA, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Room 107, Des Plaines... the circuit breaker to trip before any significant loss of control occurs. After the trim actuator...

Reanalysis of Tyrannosaurus rex Mass Spectra.

PubMed

Bern, Marshall; Phinney, Brett S; Goldberg, David

2009-09-01

Asara et al. reported the detection of collagen peptides in a 68-million-year-old Tyrannosaurus rex bone by shotgun proteomics. This finding has been called into question as a possible statistical artifact. We reanalyze Asara et al.'s tandem mass spectra using a different search engine and different statistical tools. Our reanalysis shows a sample containing common laboratory contaminants, soil bacteria, and bird-like hemoglobin and collagen.

Bottleneck Analysis on the DoD Pre-Milestone B Acquisition Processes

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-04-01

Acquisition Processes Danielle Worger and Teresa Wu, Arizona State University Eugene Rex Jalao, Arizona State University and University of the...Danielle Worger and Teresa Wu, Arizona State University Eugene Rex Jalao, Arizona State University and University of the Philippines Christopher...Air Force Institute of Technology The RITE Approach to Agile Acquisition Timothy Boyce, Iva Sherman, and Nicholas Roussel Space and Naval Warfare

Activation of Peptide ions by blackbody radiation: factors that lead to dissociation kinetics in the rapid energy exchange limit.

PubMed

Price, W D; Williams, E R

1997-11-20

Unimolecular rate constants for blackbody infrared radiative dissociation (BIRD) were calculated for the model protonated peptide (AlaGly)(n) (n = 2-32) using a variety of dissociation parameters. Combinations of dissociation threshold energies ranging from 0.8 to 1.7 eV and transition entropies corresponding to Arrhenius preexponential factors ranging from very "tight" (A(infinity) = 10(9.9) s(-1)) to "loose" (A(infinity) = 10(16.8) s(-1)) were selected to represent dissociation parameters within the experimental temperature range (300-520 K) and kinetic window (k(uni) = 0.001-0.20 s(-1)) typically used in the BIRD experiment. Arrhenius parameters were determined from the temperature dependence of these values and compared to those in the rapid energy exchange (REX) limit. In this limit, the internal energy of a population of ions is given by a Boltzmann distribution, and kinetics are the same as those in the traditional high-pressure limit. For a dissociation process to be in this limit, the rate of photon exchange between an ion and the vacuum chamber walls must be significantly greater than the dissociation rate. Kinetics rapidly approach the REX limit either as the molecular size or threshold dissociation energy increases or as the transition-state entropy or experimental temperature decreases. Under typical experimental conditions, peptide ions larger than 1.6 kDa should be in the REX limit. Smaller ions may also be in the REX limit depending on the value of the threshold dissociation energy and transition-state entropy. Either modeling or information about the dissociation mechanism must be known in order to confirm REX limit kinetics for these smaller ions. Three principal factors that lead to the size dependence of REX limit kinetics are identified. With increasing molecular size, rates of radiative absorption and emission increase, internal energy distributions become relatively narrower, and the microcanonical dissociation rate constants increase more slowly over the energy distribution of ions. Guidelines established here should make BIRD an even more reliable method to obtain information about dissociation energetics and mechanisms for intermediate size molecules.

Activation of Peptide Ions by Blackbody Radiation: Factors That Lead to Dissociation Kinetics in the Rapid Energy Exchange Limit

PubMed Central

Price, William D.

2005-01-01

Unimolecular rate constants for blackbody infrared radiative dissociation (BIRD) were calculated for the model protonated peptide (AlaGly)n (n = 2–32) using a variety of dissociation parameters. Combinations of dissociation threshold energies ranging from 0.8 to 1.7 eV and transition entropies corresponding to Arrhenius preexponential factors ranging from very “tight” (A∞ = 109.9 s−1) to “loose” (A∞ = 1016.8 s−1) were selected to represent dissociation parameters within the experimental temperature range (300–520 K) and kinetic window (kuni = 0.001–0.20 s−1) typically used in the BIRD experiment. Arrhenius parameters were determined from the temperature dependence of these values and compared to those in the rapid energy exchange (REX) limit. In this limit, the internal energy of a population of ions is given by a Boltzmann distribution, and kinetics are the same as those in the traditional high-pressure limit. For a dissociation process to be in this limit, the rate of photon exchange between an ion and the vacuum chamber walls must be significantly greater than the dissociation rate. Kinetics rapidly approach the REX limit either as the molecular size or threshold dissociation energy increases or as the transition-state entropy or experimental temperature decreases. Under typical experimental conditions, peptide ions larger than 1.6 kDa should be in the REX limit. Smaller ions may also be in the REX limit depending on the value of the threshold dissociation energy and transition-state entropy. Either modeling or information about the dissociation mechanism must be known in order to confirm REX limit kinetics for these smaller ions. Three principal factors that lead to the size dependence of REX limit kinetics are identified. With increasing molecular size, rates of radiative absorption and emission increase, internal energy distributions become relatively narrower, and the microcanonical dissociation rate constants increase more slowly over the energy distribution of ions. Guidelines established here should make BIRD an even more reliable method to obtain information about dissociation energetics and mechanisms for intermediate size molecules. PMID:16604162

The distribution of life cycle stages of two deep-water pleuronectids, Dover sole ( Microstomus pacificus) and rex sole ( Glyptocephalus zachirus), at the northern extent of their range in the Gulf of Alaska

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abookire, Alisa A.; Bailey, Kevin M.

2007-02-01

Dover sole ( Microstomus pacificus) and rex sole ( Glyptocephalus zachirus) are both commercially valuable, long-lived pleuronectids that are distributed widely throughout the North Pacific. While their ecology and life cycle have been described for southern stocks, few investigations have focused on these species at higher latitudes. We synthesized historical research survey data among critical developmental stages to determine the distribution of life cycle stages for both species in the northern Gulf of Alaska (GOA). Bottom trawl survey data from 1953 to 2004 (25 519 trawls) were used to characterize adult distribution during the non-spawning and spawning seasons, ichthyoplankton data from 1972 to 2003 (10 776 tows) were used to determine the spatial and vertical distribution of eggs and larvae, and small-meshed shrimp trawl survey data from 1972 to 2004 (6536 trawls) were used to characterize areas utilized by immature stages. During the non-spawning season, adult Dover sole and rex sole were widely distributed from the inner shelf to outer slope. While both species concentrated on the continental slope to spawn, Dover sole spawning areas were more geographically specific than rex sole. Although spawned in deep water, eggs of both species were found in surface waters near spawning areas. Dover sole larvae did not appear to have an organized migration from offshore spawning grounds toward coastal nursery areas, and our data indicated facultative settling to their juvenile habitat in winter. Rex sole larvae progressively moved cross-shelf toward shore as they grew from April to September, and larvae presumably settled in coastal nursery areas in the autumn. In contrast with studies in the southern end of their range, we found no evidence in the GOA that Dover or rex sole have pelagic larval stages longer than nine months; however, more sampling for large larvae is needed in winter offshore of the continental shelf as well as sampling for newly settled larvae over the shelf to verify an abbreviated pelagic larval stage for both species at the northern end of their range.

The planetary spatial data infrastructure for the OSIRIS-REx mission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

DellaGiustina, D. N.; Selznick, S.; Nolan, M. C.; Enos, H. L.; Lauretta, D. S.

2017-12-01

The primary objective of the Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security-Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) mission is to return a pristine sample of carbonaceous material from primitive asteroid (101955) Bennu. Understanding the geospatial context of Bennu is critical to choosing a sample-site and also linking the nature of the sample to the global properties of Bennu and the broader asteroid population. We established a planetary spatial data infrastructure (PSDI) support the primary objective of OSIRIS-REx. OSIRIS-REx is unique among planetary missions in that all remote sensing is performed to support the sample return objective. Prior to sampling, OSIRIS-REx will survey Bennu for nearly two years to select and document the most valuable primary and backup sample sites. During this period, the mission will combine coordinated observations from five science instruments into four thematic maps: deliverability, safety, sampleability, and scientific value. The deliverability map assesses the probability that the flight dynamics team can deliver the spacecraft to the desired location. The safety map indicates the probability that physical hazards are present at the sample-site. The sampleability map quantifies the probability that a sample can be successfully collected from the surface. Finally, the scientific value map shows the probability that the collected sample contains organics and volatiles and also places the sample site in a definitive geological context relative to Bennu's history. The OSIRIS-REx Science Processing and Operations Center (SPOC) serves as the operational PSDI for the mission. The SPOC is tasked with intake of all data from the spacecraft and other ground sources and assimilating these data into a single comprehensive system for processing and presentation. The SPOC centralizes all geographic data of Bennu in a relational database and ensures that standardization and provenance are maintained throughout proximity operations.The SPOC is a live system that handles inputs from spacecraft and science instrument telemetry, and science data producers. It includes multiple levels of validation, both automated and manual to process all data in a robust and reliable manner and eventually deliver it to the NASA Planetary Data System for archive.

Genomic Microsatellites as Evolutionary Chronometers: A Test in Wild Cats

PubMed Central

Driscoll, Carlos A.; Menotti-Raymond, Marilyn; Nelson, George; Goldstein, David; O'Brien, Stephen J.

2002-01-01

Nuclear microsatellite loci (2- to 5-bp tandem repeats) would seem to be ideal markers for population genetic monitoring because of their abundant polymorphism, wide dispersal in vertebrate genomes, near selective neutrality, and ease of assessment; however, questions about their mode of generation, mutation rates and ascertainment bias have limited interpretation considerably. We have assessed the patterns of genomic diversity for ninety feline microsatellite loci among previously characterized populations of cheetahs, lions and pumas in recapitulating demographic history. The results imply that the microsatellite diversity measures (heterozygosity, allele reconstitution and microsatellite allele variance) offer proportionate indicators, albeit with large variance, of historic population bottlenecks and founder effects. The observed rate of reconstruction of new alleles plus the growth in the breadth of microsatellite allele size (variance) was used here to develop genomic estimates of time intervals following historic founder events in cheetahs (12,000 yr ago), in North American pumas (10,000–17,000 yr ago), and in Asiatic lions of the Gir Forest (1000–4000 yr ago). [Supplemental material available online at http://rex.nci.nih.gov/lgd/front_page.htm and at http://www.genome.org.] PMID:11875029

Illumina Miseq platform analysis caecum bacterial communities of rex rabbits fed with different antibiotics.

PubMed

Zou, Fuqin; Zeng, Dong; Wen, Bin; Sun, Hao; Zhou, Yi; Yang, Mingyue; Peng, Zhirong; Xu, Shuai; Wang, Hesong; Fu, Xiangchao; Du, Dan; Zeng, Yan; Zhu, Hui; Pan, Kangcheng; Jing, Bo; Wang, Ping; Ni, Xueqin

2016-12-01

Antibiotics have been widely used for the prevention and the treatment of diseases to humans and animals, and they have fed additives for agricultural animals to promote growth. However, there is a growing concern over the practice due to its side effects on intestinal microbial communities which plays a vital role in animals' health. To investigate the effect of antibiotics on the bacterial population of the caecum in rex rabbits, 80 rex rabbits were randomly divided into four groups: control group (B, basal diet), chlortetracycline group (C, 50 mg/kg), colistin sulfate group (S, 20 mg/kg) and zinc bacitracin group (Z, 40 mg/kg). Caecum microbial communities of rex rabbits from the four groups were analyzed through Illumina Miseq platform after being fed 28 days. The results showed that most obtained sequences belongs to Firmicutes followed by Bacteroidetes, and the ratio of Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes in C group (42.31 %) was higher than that in Z group (21.84 %). Zinc bacitracin supplementation caused a significant decreased of the Proteobacteria phylum and Lactobacillus spp. (P < 0.05), while the Lactobacillus spp. significantly increased in S group (P < 0.05). In addition, Ruminococcus spp., especially Ruminococcus albus were the predominant bacterial species found in both S and Z groups. The proportion of Coprococcus spp. significantly increased in Z group (P < 0.05). These findings suggested that the antibiotics used may cause significant changes in the caecum microbiota of rex rabbits, and we also found C group had a similarity caecum bacteria structure with B group which was probably due to the high levels of chlortetracycline resistance.

Clinical and microperimetric predictors of reading speed in low vision patients: a structural equation modeling approach.

PubMed

Giacomelli, Giovanni; Virgili, Gianni; Giansanti, Fabrizio; Sato, Giovanni; Cappello, Ezio; Cruciani, Filippo; Varano, Monica; Menchini, Ugo

2013-06-27

To investigate the simultaneous association of several psychophysical measures with reading ability in patients with mild and moderate low vision attending rehabilitation services. Standard measurements of reading ability (Minnesota Reading [MNREAD] charts), visual acuity (Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study [ETDRS] charts), contrast sensitivity (Pelli-Robson charts), reading contrast threshold (Reading Explorer [REX] charts), retinal sensitivity, and fixation stability and localization (Micro Perimeter 1 [MP1] fundus perimetry) were obtained in 160 low vision patients with better eye visual acuity ranging from 0.3 to 1.0 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution and affected by either age-related macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy. All variables were moderately associated with reading performance measures (MNREAD reading speed and reading acuity and REX reading contrast threshold), as well as among each other. In a structural equation model, REX reading contrast threshold was highly associated with MNREAD reading speed (standardized coefficient, 0.63) and moderately associated with reading acuity (standardized coefficient, -0.30). REX test also mediated the effects of Pelli-Robson contrast sensitivity (standardized coefficient, 0.44), MP1 fixation eccentricity (standardized coefficient, -0.19), and the mean retinal sensitivity (standardized coefficient, 0.23) on reading performance. The MP1 fixation stability was associated with both MNREAD reading acuity (standardized coefficient, -0.24) and MNREAD reading speed (standardized coefficient, 0.23), while ETDRS visual acuity only affected reading acuity (standardized coefficient, 0.44). Fixation instability and contrast sensitivity loss are key factors limiting reading performance of patients with mild or moderate low vision. REX charts directly assess the impact of text contrast on letter recognition and text navigation and may be a useful aid in reading rehabilitation.

Superconductivity by rare earth doping in the 1038-type compounds (Ca1-xREx) 10(FeAs)10(Pt3As8) with RE=Y, La-Nd, Sm-Lu

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stürzer, Tobias; Derondeau, Gerald; Bertschler, Eva-Maria; Johrendt, Dirk

2015-01-01

We report superconductivity in polycrystalline samples of the 1038-type compounds (Ca1-xREx) 10(FeAs)10(Pt3As8) up to Tc=35 K with RE=Y, La-Nd, Sm, Gd-Lu. The critical temperatures are nearly independent of the trivalent rare earth element used, yielding a common Tc(xRE) phase diagram for electron doping in all these systems. The absence of superconductivity in Eu2+ doped samples, as well as the close resemblance of (Ca1-xREx) 10(FeAs)10(Pt3As8) to the 1048 compound substantiate that the electron doping scenario in the RE-1038 and 1048 phases is analogous to other iron-based superconductors with simpler crystal structures.

Reanalysis of Tyrannosaurus rex Mass Spectra

PubMed Central

Bern, Marshall; Phinney, Brett S.; Goldberg, David

2009-01-01

Asara et al. reported the detection of collagen peptides in a 68-million-year-old T. rex bone by shotgun proteomics. This finding has been called into question as a possible statistical artifact. We reanalyze Asara et al.'s tandem mass spectra using a different search engine and different statistical tools. Our reanalysis shows a sample containing common laboratory contaminants, soil bacteria, and bird-like hemoglobin and collagen. PMID:19603827

Imperial Senate: American Legislative Debates on Empire, 1898-1917

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-09-01

University Press of Kansas, 1980), 19; Edmund Morris , Theodore Rex (New York: Random House, 2001), 479–80. 118 31 Cong. Rec. 3976 (16 April 1898...mid-paragraph Senator Mason abruptly requested unanimous consent for a vote on McEnery’s resolution and amendments the following Tuesday afternoon...libweb.hawaii.edu/digicoll/annexation/annexation.html. Morris , Edmund. Theodore Rex. New York: Random House, 2001. Musicant, Ivan. Empire by

Radio Thermal Emission from Pluto and Charon during the New Horizons Encounter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bird, Michael; Linscott, Ivan; Hinson, David; Tyler, G. L.; Strobel, Darrell F.; New Horizons Science Team

2017-10-01

As part of the New Horizons Radio-Science Experiment REX, radio thermal emission from Pluto and Charon (wavelength: 4.2 cm) was observed during the encounter on 14 July 2015. The primary REX measurement, a determination of the atmospheric height profile from the surface up to about 100 km, was conducted during an uplink radio occultation at both ingress and egress (Hinson et al., Icarus 290, 96-111, 2017). During the interval between ingress and egress, when the Earth and the REX uplink signals were occulted by the Pluto disk, the spacecraft antenna continued to point toward Earth and thus scanned diametrically across the Pluto nightside. The average diameter of the HGA 3 dB beam was ≈1100 km at the surface during this opportunity, thereby providing crudely resolved measurements of the radio brightness temperature across Pluto. The best resolution for the REX radiometry observations occurred shortly after closest approach, when the HGA was scanned twice across Pluto. These observations will be reported elsewhere (Linscott et al., Icarus, submitted, 2017). In addition to the resolved observations, full disk brightness temperature measurements of both bodies were performed during the approach (dayside) and departure (nightside) phases of the encounter. We present the results of these observations and provide a preliminary interpretation of the measured brightness temperatures.

Expression of Pluripotency Markers in Nonpluripotent Human Neural Stem and Progenitor Cells.

PubMed

Vincent, Per Henrik; Benedikz, Eirikur; Uhlén, Per; Hovatta, Outi; Sundström, Erik

2017-06-15

Nonpluripotent neural progenitor cells (NPCs) derived from the human fetal central nervous system were found to express a number of messenger RNA (mRNA) species associated with pluripotency, such as NANOG, REX1, and OCT4. The expression was restricted to small subpopulations of NPCs. In contrast to pluripotent stem cells, there was no coexpression of the pluripotency-associated genes studied. Although the expression of these genes rapidly declined during the in vitro differentiation of NPCs, we found no evidence that the discrete expression was associated with the markers of multipotent neural stem cells (CD133 + /CD24 lo ), the capacity of sphere formation, or high cell proliferation rates. The rate of cell death among NPCs expressing pluripotency-associated genes was also similar to that of other NPCs. Live cell imaging showed that NANOG- and REX1-expressing NPCs continuously changed morphology, as did the nonexpressing cells. Depletion experiments showed that after the complete removal of the subpopulations of NANOG- and REX1-expressing NPCs, the expression of these genes appeared in other NPCs within a few days. The percentage of NANOG- and REX1-expressing cells returned to that observed before depletion. Our results are best explained by a model in which there is stochastic transient expression of pluripotency-associated genes in proliferating NPCs.

Designing to Sample the Unknown: Lessons from OSIRIS-REx Project Systems Engineering

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Everett, David; Mink, Ronald; Linn, Timothy; Wood, Joshua

2017-01-01

On September 8, 2016, the third NASA New Frontiers mission launched on an Atlas V 411. The Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) will rendezvous with asteroid Bennu in 2018, collect a sample in 2020, and return that sample to Earth in September 2023. The development team has overcome a number of challenges in order to design and build a system that will make contact with an unexplored, airless, low-gravity body. This paper will provide an overview of the mission, then focus in on the system-level challenges and some of the key system-level processes. Some of the lessons here are unique to the type of mission, like discussion of operating at a largely-unknown, low-gravity object. Other lessons, particularly from the build phase, have broad implications. The OSIRIS-REx risk management process was particularly effective in achieving an on-time and under-budget development effort. The systematic requirements management and verification and the system validation also helped identify numerous potential problems. The final assessment of the OSIRIS-REx performance will need to wait until the sample is returned in 2023, but this post-launch assessment will capture some of the key systems-engineering lessons from the development team.

The OSIRIS-Rex Asteroid Sample Return: Mission Operations Design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gal-Edd, Jonathan; Cheuvront, Allan

2014-01-01

The OSIRIS-REx mission employs a methodical, phased approach to ensure success in meeting the missions science requirements. OSIRIS-REx launches in September 2016, with a backup launch period occurring one year later. Sampling occurs in 2019. The departure burn from Bennu occurs in March 2021. On September 24, 2023, the SRC lands at the Utah Test and Training Range (UTTR). Stardust heritage procedures are followed to transport the SRC to Johnson Space Center, where the samples are removed and delivered to the OSIRIS-REx curation facility. After a six-month preliminary examination period the mission will produce a catalog of the returned sample, allowing the worldwide community to request samples for detailed analysis.Traveling and returning a sample from an Asteroid that has not been explored before requires unique operations consideration. The Design Reference Mission (DRM) ties together space craft, instrument and operations scenarios. The project implemented lessons learned from other small body missions: APLNEAR, JPLDAWN and ESARosetta. The key lesson learned was expected the unexpected and implement planning tools early in the lifecycle. In preparation to PDR, the project changed the asteroid arrival date, to arrive one year earlier and provided additional time margin. STK is used for Mission Design and STKScheduler for instrument coverage analysis.

Cranial mechanics and feeding in Tyrannosaurus rex.

PubMed

Rayfield, Emily J

2004-07-22

It has been suggested that the large theropod dinosaur Tyrannosaurus rex was capable of producing extremely powerful bite forces and resisting multi-directional loading generated during feeding. Contrary to this suggestion is the observation that the cranium is composed of often loosely articulated facial bones, although these bones may have performed a shock-absorption role. The structural analysis technique finite element analysis (FEA) is employed here to investigate the functional morphology and cranial mechanics of the T. rex skull. In particular, I test whether the skull is optimized for the resistance of large bi-directional feeding loads, whether mobile joints are adapted for the localized resistance of feeding-induced stress and strain, and whether mobile joints act to weaken or strengthen the skull overall. The results demonstrate that the cranium is equally adapted to resist biting or tearing forces and therefore the 'puncture-pull' feeding hypothesis is well supported. Finite-element-generated stress-strain patterns are consistent with T. rex cranial morphology: the maxilla-jugal suture provides a tensile shock-absorbing function that reduces localized tension yet 'weakens' the skull overall. Furthermore, peak compressive and shear stresses localize in the nasals rather than the fronto-parietal region as seen in Allosaurus, offering a reason why robusticity is commonplace in tyrannosaurid nasals. Copyright 2004 The Royal Society

Cranial mechanics and feeding in Tyrannosaurus rex.

PubMed Central

Rayfield, Emily J.

2004-01-01

It has been suggested that the large theropod dinosaur Tyrannosaurus rex was capable of producing extremely powerful bite forces and resisting multi-directional loading generated during feeding. Contrary to this suggestion is the observation that the cranium is composed of often loosely articulated facial bones, although these bones may have performed a shock-absorption role. The structural analysis technique finite element analysis (FEA) is employed here to investigate the functional morphology and cranial mechanics of the T. rex skull. In particular, I test whether the skull is optimized for the resistance of large bi-directional feeding loads, whether mobile joints are adapted for the localized resistance of feeding-induced stress and strain, and whether mobile joints act to weaken or strengthen the skull overall. The results demonstrate that the cranium is equally adapted to resist biting or tearing forces and therefore the 'puncture-pull' feeding hypothesis is well supported. Finite-element-generated stress-strain patterns are consistent with T. rex cranial morphology: the maxilla-jugal suture provides a tensile shock-absorbing function that reduces localized tension yet 'weakens' the skull overall. Furthermore, peak compressive and shear stresses localize in the nasals rather than the fronto-parietal region as seen in Allosaurus, offering a reason why robusticity is commonplace in tyrannosaurid nasals. PMID:15306316

75 FR 59247 - Combined Notice of Filings #1

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-09-27

... Segundo Power II LLC, Long Beach Generation LLC, Long Beach Peakers LLC, NRG Power Marketing Inc., Cabrillo Power I LLC, Cabrillo Power II LLC, El Segundo Power LLC, NRG Solar Blythe LLC, Saguaro Power... LLC, Dunkirk Power LLC, GenConn Energy LLC, GenCon Devon LLC, GenConn Middletown LLC, Huntley Power...

Promoting Statistical Thinking in Schools with Road Injury Data

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Woltman, Marie

2017-01-01

Road injury is an immediately relevant topic for 9-19 year olds. Current availability of Open Data makes it increasingly possible to find locally relevant data. Statistical lessons developed from these data can mutually reinforce life lessons about minimizing risk on the road. Devon County Council demonstrate how a wide array of statistical…

Highly Shocked Low Density Sedimentary Rocks from the Haughton Impact Structure, Devon Island, Nunavut, Canada

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Osinski, G. R.; Spray, J. G.

2001-01-01

We present the preliminary results of a detailed investigation of the shock effects in highly shocked, low density sedimentary rocks from the Haughton impact structure. We suggest that some textural features can be explained by carbonate-silicate immiscibility. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.

Indigenous-Centered Pedagogies: Strategies for Teaching Native American Literature and Culture

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Portillo, Annette

2013-01-01

As a reflection on pedagogy, this essay seeks to provide strategic tools for teaching Native American literature and culture to non-native students. My teaching philosophy is informed by the indigenous-centered, decolonial methodologies as defined by Devon Mihesuah who calls for "indigenizing" the academy by challenging the status quo…

Immunising Children in Primary Care in the UK--What Are the Concerns of Principal Immunisers?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Maconachie, Moira; Lewendon, Gill

2004-01-01

Objective: To determine the levels of concern about risks associated with childhood immunisations among principal immunisers in general practice. Design: Self-administered postal questionnaire survey. Setting: South & West Devon Health Authority. Participants: Eighty-eight/102 general practices: 78 practice nurses, 7 general practitioners, 3…

75 FR 26791 - Chrysler, LLC, Trenton Engine Plant, Including On-Site Leased Workers from Caravan Knight...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-05-12

... DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Employment and Training Administration [TA-W-64,550] Chrysler, LLC, Trenton Engine Plant, Including On-Site Leased Workers from Caravan Knight Facilities Management LLC and Devon Facility Management, Trenton, MI, Amended Certification Regarding Eligibility To Apply for Worker Adjustment Assistance and Alternative Trade...

Mars, Always Cold, Sometimes Wet: New Constraints on Mars Denudation Rates and Climate Evolution from Analog Studies at Haughton Crater, Devon Island, High Arctic

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, Pascal; Boucher, M.; Desportes, C.; Glass, B. J.; Lim, D.; McKay, C. P.; Osinski, G. R.; Parnell, J.; Schutt, J. W.

2005-01-01

Analysis of crater modification on Mars and at Haughton Crater, Devon Island, High Arctic, which was recently shown to be significantly older than previously believed (Eocene age instead of Miocene) [1], suggest that Mars may have never been climatically wet and warm for geological lengths of time during and since the Late Noachian. Impact structures offer particularly valuable records of the evolution of a planet s climate and landscape through time. The state of exposure and preservation of impact structures and their intracrater fill provide clues to the nature, timing, and intensity of the processes that have modified the craters since their formation. Modifying processes include weathering, erosion, mantling, and infilling. In this study, we compare the modification of Haughton through time with that of impact craters in the same size class on Mars. We derive upper limits for time-integrated denudation rates on Mars during and since the Late Noachian. These rates are significantly lower than previously published and provide important constraints for Mars climate evolution.

Analytical results from samples collected during coal-bed methane exploration drilling in Caldwell Parish, Louisiana

USGS Publications Warehouse

Warwick, Peter D.; Breland, F. Clayton; Hackley, Paul C.; Dulong, Frank T.; Nichols, Douglas J.; Karlsen, Alexander W.; Bustin, R. Marc; Barker, Charles E.; Willett, Jason C.; Trippi, Michael H.

2006-01-01

In 2001, and 2002, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the Louisiana Geological Survey (LGS), through a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with Devon SFS Operating, Inc. (Devon), participated in an exploratory drilling and coring program for coal-bed methane in north-central Louisiana. The USGS and LGS collected 25 coal core and cuttings samples from two coal-bed methane test wells that were drilled in west-central Caldwell Parish, Louisiana. The purpose of this report is to provide the results of the analytical program conducted on the USGS/LGS samples. The data generated from this project are summarized in various topical sections that include: 1. molecular and isotopic data from coal gas samples; 2. results of low-temperature ashing and X-ray analysis; 3. palynological data; 4. down-hole temperature data; 5. detailed core descriptions and selected core photographs; 6. coal physical and chemical analytical data; 7. coal gas desorption results; 8. methane and carbon dioxide coal sorption data; 9. coal petrographic results; and 10. geophysical logs.

CFD Investigation of Effect of Depth to Diameter Ratio on Dimple Flow Dynamics

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-06-01

contained dynamic vortical flow structures with behavior varying between each dimple studied. This dynamic vortex activity was observed to be linked... 1 1.1 Research Goals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1.2 Motivation for Research . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1.3...59 F. 1 . Pressure tap for ReD 20500 Rex 5000 0.05 h/D dimple . . . . . 66 F.2. Pressure tap for ReD 20500 Rex 77000 0.05 h/D dimple

Coulomb Excitation of Neutron-Rich Cd Isotopes at REX-ISOLDE

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

Kroell, Th.; Behrens, T.; Kruecken, R.

2005-11-21

We report on the 'safe' Coulomb excitation of neutron-rich Cd isotopes in the vicinity of the doubly magic nucleus 132Sn. The radioactive nuclei have been produced by ISOLDE at CERN and postaccelerated by the REX-ISOLDE facility. The {gamma}-decay of excited states has been detected by the MINIBALL array. Preliminary results for the B(E2) values of 122,124Cd are consistent with expectations from phenomenological systematics.

Coulomb excitation of neutron-rich Cd isotopes at REX-ISOLDE

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

Kroell, Th.; Behrens, T.; Kruecken, R.

2006-04-26

We report on the 'safe' Coulomb excitation of neutron-rich Cd isotopes in the vicinity of the doubly magic nucleus 132Sn. The radioactive nuclei have been produced by ISOLDE at CERN and postaccelerated by the REX-ISOLDE facility. The {gamma}-decay of excited states has been detected by the MINIBALL array. Preliminary results for the B(E2) values of 122,124Cd are consistent with expectations from phenomenological systematics.

Picosecond Pulse Recirculation for High Average Brightness Thomson Scattering-based Gamma-ray Sources

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

Semenov, V. A.

2009-06-12

Pulse recirculation has been successfully demonstrated with the interaction laser system of LLNL's Thomson-Radiated Extreme X-ray (T-REX) source. The recirculation increased twenty-eight times the intensity of the light coming out of the laser system, demonstrating the capability of increasing the gamma-ray flux emitted by T-REX. The technical approach demonstrated could conceivably increase the average gamma-ray flux output by up to a hundred times.

Investigation of Re-X glass ceramic for acceleration insulating columns

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Faltens, A.; Rosenblum, S.

1985-05-01

In an induction linac the accelerating voltage appears along a voltage-graded vacuum insulator column which is a performance limiting and major cost component. Re-X glass ceramic insulators have the long-sought properties of allowing cast-in gradient electrodes, good breakdown characteristics, and compatibility with high vacuum systems. Re-X is a glass ceramic developed by General Electric for use in the manufacture of electrical apparatus, such as vacuum arc interrupters. We have examined vacuum outgassing behavior and voltage breakdown in vacuum and find excellent performance. The housings are in the shape of tubes with type 430 stainless steel terminations. Due to a matched coefficient of thermal expansion between metal and insulator, no vacuum leaks have resulted from any welding operation. The components should be relatively inexpensive to manufacture in large sizes and appear to be a very attractive accelerator column. We are planning to use a standard GE housing in our MBE-4 induction linac.

Thermophysical Characteristics of OSIRIS-REx Target Asteroid (101955) Bennu

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Liangliang; Ji, Jianghui

2016-01-01

In this work, we investigate the thermophysical properties, including thermal inertia, roughness fraction and surface grain size of OSIRIS-REx target asteroid (101955) Bennu by using a thermophysical model with the recently updated 3D radar-derived shape model (Nolan et al., 2013) and mid-infrared observations (Müller et al. 2012, Emery et al., 2014). We find that the asteroid bears an effective diameter of 510+6 -40 m, a geometric albedo of 0.047+0.0083 -0.0011, a roughness fraction of 0.04+0.26 -0.04, and thermal inertia of 240+440 -60 Jm-2s-0.5K-1 for our best-fit solution. The best-estimate thermal inertia suggests that fine-grained regolith may cover a large portion of Bennu's surface, where a grain size may vary from 1.3 to 31 mm. Our outcome suggests that Bennu is suitable for the OSIRIS-REx mission to return samples to Earth.

An Independent Orbit Determination Simulation for the OSIRIS-REx Asteroid Sample Return Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Getzandanner, Kenneth; Rowlands, David; Mazarico, Erwan; Antreasian, Peter; Jackman, Coralie; Moreau, Michael

2016-01-01

After arriving at the near-Earth asteroid (101955) Bennu in late 2018, the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft will execute a series of observation campaigns and orbit phases to accurately characterize Bennu and ultimately collect a sample of pristine regolith from its surface. While in the vicinity of Bennu, the OSIRIS-REx navigation team will rely on a combination of ground-based radiometric tracking data and optical navigation (OpNav) images to generate and deliver precision orbit determination products. Long before arrival at Bennu, the navigation team is performing multiple orbit determination simulations and thread tests to verify navigation performance and ensure interfaces between multiple software suites function properly. In this paper, we will summarize the results of an independent orbit determination simulation of the Orbit B phase of the mission performed to test the interface between the OpNav image processing and orbit determination software packages.

Lockheed Martin T-Rex: Preliminary report

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

NONE

1997-07-31

T-Rex is a robot which may be used in toxic or flammable environments. The assessment of the T-Rex conducted at the Lockheed Martin facility was limited in its scope. The scope of the assessment was directed by the type of equipment being used and the amount of accessibility to the equipment. Due to severe time constraints--the assessment was conducted in one day--human factors interface activities were limited. This should be considered a preliminary assessment. This report covers aspects of the technology that were available to the assessment team. Recommendations for future evaluation of this technology are also included. The contentsmore » are as follows: Electrical Considerations; General Electrical Consideration; Trailing Cables; Grounding; Surface High Voltage Distribution; Low and Medium Voltage Alternating Current Circuits; Potential for Harmful Human Factor Incidents and Enterprise Disablement; Exclusion Zone Emergency Maintenance; and Recommendations.« less

Genesis and evolution of the Baid al Jimalah tungsten deposit, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kamilli, Robert J.

1986-01-01

Baid al Jimalah is similar in character and origin to other tungsten-tin greisen deposits in the world, especially the Hemerdon deposit in Devon, England. It is also analogous to Climax-type molybdenum deposits, which contain virtually identical mineral assemblages, but with the relative intensities of the molybdenum and tungsten mineralization reversed.

Making and Being Made: Wise Humanising Creativity in Interdisciplinary Early Years Arts Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chappell, Kerry Anne; Pender, Tamsin; Swinford, Elizabeth; Ford, Katherine

2016-01-01

This paper focuses on how wise humanising creativity (WHC) is manifested within early years interdisciplinary arts education. It draws on Arts Council-funded participatory research by Devon Carousel Project and University of Exeter's Graduate School of Education. It is grounded in previous AHRC-funded research, which conceptualised WHC in the face…

Longevity of active Phytophthora ramorum in terminal tree hosts following the removal of primary sporulating hosts

Treesearch

Barnaby Wylder; Mick Biddle; Anna Harris; Joan Webber

2017-01-01

The Forestry Commission-managed forest estate located in Plym, Devon (southwest England) was one of the first locations in late summer 2009 to have stands of Larix kaempferi (Japanese larch) confirmed as infected with Phytophthora ramorum (EU1 lineage). The 398 ha forest had a high proportion (>30%) of

Environmental Art as an Innovative Medium for Environmental Education in Biosphere Reserves

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Marks, M.; Chandler, L.; Baldwin, C.

2017-01-01

A key goal of Biosphere Reserves (BR) is to foster environmental education for sustainable development. In this study we systematically analyse two cases in which environmental art is used as a mechanism to engage communities in "building environmental understanding", in Noosa BR in Australia and North Devon BR in the United Kingdom.…

Assessing Informal Learning in an Aquarium Using Pre- and Post-Visit Drawings

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cainey, Jill; Bowker, Robert; Humphrey, Lauren; Murray, Nicola

2012-01-01

This article discusses learning that occurred during primary school visits to the UK National Marine Aquarium (Aquarium). Before visiting, children were asked to independently create a drawing of marine life off the Devon coast and a drawing of tropical reef marine life, allowing an assessment of prior knowledge. Post-visit, children created…

Burbidge, Eleanor Margaret Peachey (1919-)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murdin, P.

2000-11-01

Astrophysicist, born in Devonport, Devon, England, worked in London, Yerkes Observatory, Cambridge, the California Institute of Technology, the Royal Greenwich Observatory and University of California at San Diego. Married and collaborated with Geoffrey Burbidge, a theoretical physicist. It is said that in the days when women were not permitted to observe in their own right with the 200 in telesc...

Diamond fly cutting of aluminum thermal infrared flat mirrors for the OSIRIS-REx Thermal Emission Spectrometer (OTES) instrument

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Groppi, Christopher E.; Underhill, Matthew; Farkas, Zoltan; Pelham, Daniel

2016-07-01

We present the fabrication and measurement of monolithic aluminum flat mirrors designed to operate in the thermal infrared for the OSIRIS-Rex Thermal Emission Spectrometer (OTES) space instrument. The mirrors were cut using a conventional fly cutter with a large radius diamond cutting tool on a high precision Kern Evo 3-axis CNC milling machine. The mirrors were measured to have less than 150 angstroms RMS surface error.

Mechanisms of salt tolerance in habanero pepper plants (Capsicum chinense Jacq.): Proline accumulation, ions dynamics and sodium root-shoot partition and compartmentation

PubMed Central

Bojórquez-Quintal, Emanuel; Velarde-Buendía, Ana; Ku-González, Ángela; Carillo-Pech, Mildred; Ortega-Camacho, Daniela; Echevarría-Machado, Ileana; Pottosin, Igor; Martínez-Estévez, Manuel

2014-01-01

Despite its economic relevance, little is known about salt tolerance mechanisms in pepper plants. To address this question, we compared differences in responses to NaCl in two Capsicum chinense varieties: Rex (tolerant) and Chichen-Itza (sensitive). Under salt stress (150 mM NaCl over 7 days) roots of Rex variety accumulated 50 times more compatible solutes such as proline compared to Chichen-Itza. Mineral analysis indicated that Na+ is restricted to roots by preventing its transport to leaves. Fluorescence analysis suggested an efficient Na+ compartmentalization in vacuole-like structures and in small intracellular compartments in roots of Rex variety. At the same time, Na+ in Chichen-Itza plants was compartmentalized in the apoplast, suggesting substantial Na+ extrusion. Rex variety was found to retain more K+ in its roots under salt stress according to a mineral analysis and microelectrode ion flux estimation (MIFE). Vanadate-sensitive H+ efflux was higher in Chichen-Itza variety plants, suggesting a higher activity of the plasma membrane H+-ATPase, which fuels the extrusion of Na+, and, possibly, also the re-uptake of K+. Our results suggest a combination of stress tolerance mechanisms, in order to alleviate the salt-induced injury. Furthermore, Na+ extrusion to apoplast does not appear to be an efficient strategy for salt tolerance in pepper plants. PMID:25429292

Streptococcus mutans NADH oxidase lies at the intersection of overlapping regulons controlled by oxygen and NAD+ levels.

PubMed

Baker, J L; Derr, A M; Karuppaiah, K; MacGilvray, M E; Kajfasz, J K; Faustoferri, R C; Rivera-Ramos, I; Bitoun, J P; Lemos, J A; Wen, Z T; Quivey, R G

2014-06-01

NADH oxidase (Nox, encoded by nox) is a flavin-containing enzyme used by the oral pathogen Streptococcus mutans to reduce diatomic oxygen to water while oxidizing NADH to NAD(+). The critical nature of Nox is 2-fold: it serves to regenerate NAD(+), a carbon cycle metabolite, and to reduce intracellular oxygen, preventing formation of destructive reactive oxygen species (ROS). As oxygen and NAD(+) have been shown to modulate the activity of the global transcription factors Spx and Rex, respectively, Nox is potentially poised at a critical junction of two stress regulons. In this study, microarray data showed that either addition of oxygen or loss of nox resulted in altered expression of genes involved in energy metabolism and transport and the upregulation of genes encoding ROS-metabolizing enzymes. Loss of nox also resulted in upregulation of several genes encoding transcription factors and signaling molecules, including the redox-sensing regulator gene rex. Characterization of the nox promoter revealed that nox was regulated by oxygen, through SpxA, and by Rex. These data suggest a regulatory loop in which the roles of nox in reduction of oxygen and regeneration of NAD(+) affect the activity levels of Spx and Rex, respectively, and their regulons, which control several genes, including nox, crucial to growth of S. mutans under conditions of oxidative stress. Copyright © 2014, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

PmiRExAt: plant miRNA expression atlas database and web applications

PubMed Central

Gurjar, Anoop Kishor Singh; Panwar, Abhijeet Singh; Gupta, Rajinder; Mantri, Shrikant S.

2016-01-01

High-throughput small RNA (sRNA) sequencing technology enables an entirely new perspective for plant microRNA (miRNA) research and has immense potential to unravel regulatory networks. Novel insights gained through data mining in publically available rich resource of sRNA data will help in designing biotechnology-based approaches for crop improvement to enhance plant yield and nutritional value. Bioinformatics resources enabling meta-analysis of miRNA expression across multiple plant species are still evolving. Here, we report PmiRExAt, a new online database resource that caters plant miRNA expression atlas. The web-based repository comprises of miRNA expression profile and query tool for 1859 wheat, 2330 rice and 283 maize miRNA. The database interface offers open and easy access to miRNA expression profile and helps in identifying tissue preferential, differential and constitutively expressing miRNAs. A feature enabling expression study of conserved miRNA across multiple species is also implemented. Custom expression analysis feature enables expression analysis of novel miRNA in total 117 datasets. New sRNA dataset can also be uploaded for analysing miRNA expression profiles for 73 plant species. PmiRExAt application program interface, a simple object access protocol web service allows other programmers to remotely invoke the methods written for doing programmatic search operations on PmiRExAt database. Database URL: http://pmirexat.nabi.res.in. PMID:27081157

Dynamic proteome profiling of individual proteins in human skeletal muscle after a high-fat diet and resistance exercise.

PubMed

Camera, Donny M; Burniston, Jatin G; Pogson, Mark A; Smiles, William J; Hawley, John A

2017-12-01

It is generally accepted that muscle adaptation to resistance exercise (REX) training is underpinned by contraction-induced, increased rates of protein synthesis and dietary protein availability. By using dynamic proteome profiling (DPP), we investigated the contribution of both synthesis and breakdown to changes in abundance on a protein-by-protein basis in human skeletal muscle. Age-matched, overweight males consumed 9 d of a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet during which time they either undertook 3 sessions of REX or performed no exercise. Precursor enrichment and the rate of incorporation of deuterium oxide into newly synthesized muscle proteins were determined by mass spectrometry. Ninety proteins were included in the DPP, with 28 proteins exhibiting significant responses to REX. The most common pattern of response was an increase in turnover, followed by an increase in abundance with no detectable increase in protein synthesis. Here, we provide novel evidence that demonstrates that the contribution of synthesis and breakdown to changes in protein abundance induced by REX differ on a protein-by-protein basis. We also highlight the importance of the degradation of individual muscle proteins after exercise in human skeletal muscle.-Camera, D. M., Burniston, J. G., Pogson, M. A., Smiles, W. J., Hawley, J. A. Dynamic proteome profiling of individual proteins in human skeletal muscle after a high-fat diet and resistance exercise. © FASEB.

Mechanisms of salt tolerance in habanero pepper plants (Capsicum chinense Jacq.): Proline accumulation, ions dynamics and sodium root-shoot partition and compartmentation.

PubMed

Bojórquez-Quintal, Emanuel; Velarde-Buendía, Ana; Ku-González, Angela; Carillo-Pech, Mildred; Ortega-Camacho, Daniela; Echevarría-Machado, Ileana; Pottosin, Igor; Martínez-Estévez, Manuel

2014-01-01

Despite its economic relevance, little is known about salt tolerance mechanisms in pepper plants. To address this question, we compared differences in responses to NaCl in two Capsicum chinense varieties: Rex (tolerant) and Chichen-Itza (sensitive). Under salt stress (150 mM NaCl over 7 days) roots of Rex variety accumulated 50 times more compatible solutes such as proline compared to Chichen-Itza. Mineral analysis indicated that Na(+) is restricted to roots by preventing its transport to leaves. Fluorescence analysis suggested an efficient Na(+) compartmentalization in vacuole-like structures and in small intracellular compartments in roots of Rex variety. At the same time, Na(+) in Chichen-Itza plants was compartmentalized in the apoplast, suggesting substantial Na(+) extrusion. Rex variety was found to retain more K(+) in its roots under salt stress according to a mineral analysis and microelectrode ion flux estimation (MIFE). Vanadate-sensitive H(+) efflux was higher in Chichen-Itza variety plants, suggesting a higher activity of the plasma membrane H(+)-ATPase, which fuels the extrusion of Na(+), and, possibly, also the re-uptake of K(+). Our results suggest a combination of stress tolerance mechanisms, in order to alleviate the salt-induced injury. Furthermore, Na(+) extrusion to apoplast does not appear to be an efficient strategy for salt tolerance in pepper plants.

The utilization of coconut waste fermentated by aspergillus niger and saccharomyces cerevisiae on meat quality of weaning males rex rabbit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wahyuni, T. H.; Ginting, N.; Yunilas; Hasnudi; Mirwandono, E.; Siregar, G. A.; Sinaga, I. G.; Sembiring, I.

2018-02-01

Coconut waste (CW) could be applied for animal feed while its nutrition quality were low. This study aims to investigate fermented CW effect on meat quality of Rex rabbit which feed by fermented CW either by Aspergillus niger or Tape Yeast. This research was conducted in rabbit farm Brastagi, using 24 male Rex rabbits with initial weight 1012 ± 126.67 gram in July-October 2016. The design used was complete randomized design : 6 treatment 4 replications. Treatment were T1 (unfermented 10%); T2 (unfermented 20%); T3 (a.niger fermentation 10%); T4 (a niger fermentation 20%); T5 (tape yeast fermentation 10%) and T6 (tape yeast fermentation 20%). The parameters were pH, meat texture either raw or cooked, water content, fat content, protein content of meat and cooking loss. The results showed that effect of treatment was not significantly different (P>0.05) on pH and raw meat texture, but significantly different (P< 0.05) on texture of meat cooked and meat fat content and very significantly different effect ( P> 0,01) on cooking loss, water content and protein content of meat. The conclusion of this research was the utilization of fermented CW by Aspergillius niger and Tape Yeast improved the quality of Rex rabbit meat

Phase I Trial of a Pathotropic Retroviral Vector Expressing a Cytocidal Cyclin G1 Construct (Rexin-G) in Patients With Advanced Pancreatic Cancer

PubMed Central

Galanis, Evanthia; Carlson, Stephanie K; Foster, Nathan R; Lowe, Val; Quevedo, Fernando; McWilliams, Robert R; Grothey, Axel; Jatoi, Aminah; Alberts, Steven R; Rubin, Joseph

2009-01-01

Rexin-G is a pathotropic retroviral vector displaying a von Willebrand factor–targeting motif and expressing a dominant negative cyclin G1 gene. We undertook a phase I trial of intravenous (IV) administration of Rexin-G in patients with gemcitabine refractory, metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Twelve patients were treated. Dose escalation was performed from a dose of 1 × 1011 colony forming units (CFU) per cycle to 6 × 1011 CFU per cycle. The treatment was well tolerated. One dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) at dose level 2 (1.5 × 1011 CFU per cycle) was observed, consisting of grade 3 transaminitis. There was no detection of replication-competent virus in patients’ peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) or viral integration in DNA obtained from PBMCs, and no development of neutralizing antibodies. No evidence of antitumor activity was observed. The best objective response was progressive disease in 11 of the 12 study patients, while 1 patient showed radiographically stable disease with clinical deterioration and increase in the CA19.9 tumor marker. Median time to progression was 32 days. The median duration of survival of the study patients was 3.5 months from treatment initiation. Rexin-G is well tolerated in doses up to 6 × 1011 CFU in patients with recurrent pancreatic cancer, but there was no evidence of clinical antitumor activity. PMID:18388964

Appropriate dose of Lactobacillus buchneri supplement improves intestinal microbiota and prevents diarrhoea in weaning Rex rabbits.

PubMed

Zhou, Y; Ni, X; Wen, B; Duan, L; Sun, H; Yang, M; Zou, F; Lin, Y; Liu, Q; Zeng, Y; Fu, X; Pan, K; Jing, B; Wang, P; Zeng, D

2018-04-25

This study examined the effects on intestinal microbiota and diarrhoea of Lactobacillus buchneri supplementation to the diet of weaning Rex rabbits. To this end, rabbits were treated with L. buchneri at two different doses (LC: 10 4 cfu/g diet and HC: 10 5 cfu/g diet) for 4 weeks. PCR-DGGE was used to determine the diversity of the intestinal microbiota, while real-time PCR permitted the detection of individual bacterial species. ELISA and real-time PCR allowed the identification of numerous cytokines in the intestinal tissues. Zonula occludens-1, polymeric immunoglobulin receptor and immunoglobulin A genes were examined to evaluate intestinal barriers. Results showed that the biodiversity of the intestinal microbiota of weaning Rex rabbits improved in the whole tract of the treated groups. The abundance of most detected bacterial species was highly increased in the duodenum, jejunum and ileum after L. buchneri administration. The species abundance in the HC group was more increased than in the LC group when compared to the control. Although the abundance of Enterobacteriaceae exhibited a different pattern, Escherichia coli was inhibited in all treatment groups. Toll-like receptor (TLR)2 and TLR4 genes were down-regulated in all intestinal tissues as the microbiota changed. In the LC group, the secretion of the inflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor-α was reduced, the gene expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-4 was up-regulated and the expression of intestinal-barrier-related genes was enhanced. Conversely, IL-4 expression was increased and the expression of other tested genes did not change in the HC group. The beneficial effects of LC were greater than those of HC or the control in terms of improving the daily weight gain and survival rate of weaning Rex rabbits and reducing their diarrhoea rate. Therefore, 10 4 cfu/g L. buchneri treatment improved the microbiota of weaning Rex rabbits and prevented diarrhoea in these animals.

Condensin-driven remodelling of X chromosome topology during dosage compensation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crane, Emily; Bian, Qian; McCord, Rachel Patton; Lajoie, Bryan R.; Wheeler, Bayly S.; Ralston, Edward J.; Uzawa, Satoru; Dekker, Job; Meyer, Barbara J.

2015-07-01

The three-dimensional organization of a genome plays a critical role in regulating gene expression, yet little is known about the machinery and mechanisms that determine higher-order chromosome structure. Here we perform genome-wide chromosome conformation capture analysis, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), and RNA-seq to obtain comprehensive three-dimensional (3D) maps of the Caenorhabditis elegans genome and to dissect X chromosome dosage compensation, which balances gene expression between XX hermaphrodites and XO males. The dosage compensation complex (DCC), a condensin complex, binds to both hermaphrodite X chromosomes via sequence-specific recruitment elements on X (rex sites) to reduce chromosome-wide gene expression by half. Most DCC condensin subunits also act in other condensin complexes to control the compaction and resolution of all mitotic and meiotic chromosomes. By comparing chromosome structure in wild-type and DCC-defective embryos, we show that the DCC remodels hermaphrodite X chromosomes into a sex-specific spatial conformation distinct from autosomes. Dosage-compensated X chromosomes consist of self-interacting domains (~1 Mb) resembling mammalian topologically associating domains (TADs). TADs on X chromosomes have stronger boundaries and more regular spacing than on autosomes. Many TAD boundaries on X chromosomes coincide with the highest-affinity rex sites and become diminished or lost in DCC-defective mutants, thereby converting the topology of X to a conformation resembling autosomes. rex sites engage in DCC-dependent long-range interactions, with the most frequent interactions occurring between rex sites at DCC-dependent TAD boundaries. These results imply that the DCC reshapes the topology of X chromosomes by forming new TAD boundaries and reinforcing weak boundaries through interactions between its highest-affinity binding sites. As this model predicts, deletion of an endogenous rex site at a DCC-dependent TAD boundary using CRISPR/Cas9 greatly diminished the boundary. Thus, the DCC imposes a distinct higher-order structure onto X chromosomes while regulating gene expression chromosome-wide.

Thermal History of Near-Earth Asteroids: Implications for OSIRIS-REx Asteroid Sample Return

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Springmann, Alessondra; Lauretta, Dante S.

2016-10-01

The connection between orbital and temperature history of small Solar System bodies has only been studied through modeling. The upcoming OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample return mission provides an opportunity to connect thermal modeling predictions with laboratory studies of meteorites to predict past heating and thus dynamical histories of bodies such as OSIRIS-REx mission target asteroid (101955) Bennu. Bennu is a desirable target for asteroid sample return due to its inferred primitive nature, likely 4.5 Gyr old, with chemistry and mineralogy established in the first 10 Myr of solar system history (Lauretta et al. 2015). Delbo & Michel (2011) studied connections between the temperature and orbital history of Bennu. Their results suggest that the surface of Bennu (assuming no regolith turnover) has a 50% probability of being heated to 500 K in the past. Further, the Delbo & Michel simulations show that the temperature within the asteroid below the top layer of regolith could remain at temperatures ~100 K below that of the surface. The Touch-And-Go Sample Acquisition Mechanism on OSIRIS-REx could access both the surface and near surface regolith, collecting primitive asteroid material for study in Earth-based laboratories in 2023. To quantify the effects of thermal metamorphism on the Bennu regolith, laboratory heating experiments on carbonaceous chondrite meteorites with compositions likely similar to that of Bennu were conducted from 300-1200 K. These experiments show mobilization and volatilization of a suite of labile elements (sulfur, mercury, arsenic, tellurium, selenium, antimony, and cadmium) at temperatures that could be reached by asteroids that cross Mercury's orbit. We are able to quantify element loss with temperature for several carbonaceous chondrites and use these results to constrain past orbital histories of Bennu. When OSIRIS-REx samples arrive for analysis we will be able to measure labile element loss in the material, determine maximum past temperature of the samples, and predict the past orbital and thermal history of Bennu.

Condensin-Driven Remodeling of X-Chromosome Topology during Dosage Compensation

PubMed Central

Crane, Emily; Bian, Qian; McCord, Rachel Patton; Lajoie, Bryan R.; Wheeler, Bayly S.; Ralston, Edward J.; Uzawa, Satoru; Dekker, Job; Meyer, Barbara J.

2015-01-01

The three-dimensional organization of a genome plays a critical role in regulating gene expression, yet little is known about the machinery and mechanisms that determine higher-order chromosome structure1,2. Here we perform genome-wide chromosome conformation capture analysis, FISH, and RNA-seq to obtain comprehensive 3D maps of the Caenorhabditis elegans genome and to dissect X-chromosome dosage compensation, which balances gene expression between XX hermaphrodites and XO males. The dosage compensation complex (DCC), a condensin complex, binds to both hermaphrodite X chromosomes via sequence-specific recruitment elements on X (rex sites) to reduce chromosome-wide gene expression by half3–7. Most DCC condensin subunits also act in other condensin complexes to control the compaction and resolution of all mitotic and meiotic chromosomes5,6. By comparing chromosome structure in wild-type and DCC-defective embryos, we show that the DCC remodels hermaphrodite X chromosomes into a sex-specific spatial conformation distinct from autosomes. Dosage-compensated X chromosomes consist of self-interacting domains (~1 Mb) resembling mammalian Topologically Associating Domains (TADs)8,9. TADs on X have stronger boundaries and more regular spacing than on autosomes. Many TAD boundaries on X coincide with the highest-affinity rex sites and become diminished or lost in DCC-defective mutants, thereby converting the topology of X to a conformation resembling autosomes. rex sites engage in DCC-dependent long-range interactions, with the most frequent interactions occurring between rex sites at DCC-dependent TAD boundaries. These results imply that the DCC reshapes the topology of X by forming new TAD boundaries and reinforcing weak boundaries through interactions between its highest-affinity binding sites. As this model predicts, deletion of an endogenous rex site at a DCC-dependent TAD boundary using CRISPR/Cas9 greatly diminished the boundary. Thus, the DCC imposes a distinct higher-order structure onto X while regulating gene expression chromosome wide. PMID:26030525

Soft-tissue vessels and cellular preservation in Tyrannosaurus rex.

PubMed

Schweitzer, Mary H; Wittmeyer, Jennifer L; Horner, John R; Toporski, Jan K

2005-03-25

Soft tissues are preserved within hindlimb elements of Tyrannosaurus rex (Museum of the Rockies specimen 1125). Removal of the mineral phase reveals transparent, flexible, hollow blood vessels containing small round microstructures that can be expressed from the vessels into solution. Some regions of the demineralized bone matrix are highly fibrous, and the matrix possesses elasticity and resilience. Three populations of microstructures have cell-like morphology. Thus, some dinosaurian soft tissues may retain some of their original flexibility, elasticity, and resilience.

Performing Environmental Change: MED Theatre and the Changing Face of Community-Based Performance Research

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schaefer, Kerrie

2012-01-01

This article examines a programme of work produced by community-based theatre company, Manaton and East Dartmoor (MED) Theatre, addressing issues of climate change as they impact on life in rural Devon, UK. After some discussion of MED Theatre's constitution as a community-based company and the group's long-term engagement with the place, history,…

Lunar and Planetary Science XXXV: Astrobiology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2004-01-01

The session "Astrobiology" included the following reports:The Role of Cometary and Meteoritic Delivery in the Origin and Evolution of Life: Biogeological Evidences Revisited; Hopane Biomarkers Traced from Bedrock to Recent Sediments and Ice at the Haughton Impact Structure, Devon Island: Implications for the Search for Biomarkers on Mars; and Survival of Organic Matter After High Temperature Events (Meteorite Impacts, Igneous Intrusions).

An Investigation into Risks Awareness and E-Safety Needs of Children on the Internet: A Study of Devon, UK

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Annansingh, Fenio; Veli, Thomas

2016-01-01

Purpose: This paper aims to investigate children interaction in cyberspace and their use of Web 2.0 technologies. It sought their perception of internet risks as well as their knowledge and experience with electronic safety (e-safety) measures. It also considered parents', teachers' and other stakeholders' perception of internet risks, e-safety…

A geochemical record of the mining history of the Erme Estuary, south Devon, UK.

PubMed

Price, Gregory D; Winkle, Karen; Gehrels, W Roland

2005-12-01

The concentration of selected trace metals (Cu, Pb and Zn) in salt-marsh sediments from within the Erme Estuary have been measured in order to assess possible historical sources of pollution. The Erme Estuary, south Devon, UK is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and has remained largely unaffected by industrialisation, although a number of small silver-lead mines were in operation in the 1800s. Five cores reveal comparable geochemical profiles. An increase of lead at approximately 40 cm depth is observed, reaching maximum values of 427 ppm. Less distinct trends are revealed by zinc and copper, probably reflecting the lack of widespread mining for ores of these elements within the catchment and possible post-depositional mobility rendering the metal concentrations non-contemporaneous with the chemostratigraphy of lead. The geochemical analysis of the salt-marsh sediments provides a fairly robust chemostratigraphic scheme and the likely sources of mine waste can be pinpointed within the catchment. Based upon reference to the historical mining record of these mines chemostratigraphic dating of the sediments can be achieved in order to provide an estimate of salt-marsh accretion rates and sea-level rise.

Discovery of a hypersaline subglacial lake complex beneath Devon Ice Cap, Canadian Arctic

PubMed Central

Blankenship, Donald D.; Schroeder, Dustin M.; Dowdeswell, Julian A.

2018-01-01

Subglacial lakes are unique environments that, despite the extreme dark and cold conditions, have been shown to host microbial life. Many subglacial lakes have been discovered beneath the ice sheets of Antarctica and Greenland, but no spatially isolated water body has been documented as hypersaline. We use radio-echo sounding measurements to identify two subglacial lakes situated in bedrock troughs near the ice divide of Devon Ice Cap, Canadian Arctic. Modeled basal ice temperatures in the lake area are no higher than −10.5°C, suggesting that these lakes consist of hypersaline water. This implication of hypersalinity is in agreement with the surrounding geology, which indicates that the subglacial lakes are situated within an evaporite-rich sediment unit containing a bedded salt sequence, which likely act as the solute source for the brine. Our results reveal the first evidence for subglacial lakes in the Canadian Arctic and the first hypersaline subglacial lakes reported to date. We conclude that these previously unknown hypersaline subglacial lakes may represent significant and largely isolated microbial habitats, and are compelling analogs for potential ice-covered brine lakes and lenses on planetary bodies across the solar system. PMID:29651462

Molecular dynamics simulations using temperature-enhanced essential dynamics replica exchange.

PubMed

Kubitzki, Marcus B; de Groot, Bert L

2007-06-15

Today's standard molecular dynamics simulations of moderately sized biomolecular systems at full atomic resolution are typically limited to the nanosecond timescale and therefore suffer from limited conformational sampling. Efficient ensemble-preserving algorithms like replica exchange (REX) may alleviate this problem somewhat but are still computationally prohibitive due to the large number of degrees of freedom involved. Aiming at increased sampling efficiency, we present a novel simulation method combining the ideas of essential dynamics and REX. Unlike standard REX, in each replica only a selection of essential collective modes of a subsystem of interest (essential subspace) is coupled to a higher temperature, with the remainder of the system staying at a reference temperature, T(0). This selective excitation along with the replica framework permits efficient approximate ensemble-preserving conformational sampling and allows much larger temperature differences between replicas, thereby considerably enhancing sampling efficiency. Ensemble properties and sampling performance of the method are discussed using dialanine and guanylin test systems, with multi-microsecond molecular dynamics simulations of these test systems serving as references.

OSIRIS-REx Touch-And-Go (TAG) Navigation Performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Berry, Kevin; Antreasian, Peter; Moreau, Michael C.; May, Alex; Sutter, Brian

2015-01-01

The Origins Spectral Interpretation Resource identification Security Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) mission is a NASA New Frontiers mission launching in 2016 to rendezvous with the near-Earth asteroid (101955) Bennu in late 2018. Following an extensive campaign of proximity operations activities to characterize the properties of Bennu and select a suitable sample site, OSIRIES-REx will fly a Touch-And-Go (TAG) trajectory to the asteroid's surface to obtain a regolith sample. The paper summarizes the mission design of the TAG sequence, the propulsive required to achieve the trajectory, and the sequence of events leading up to the TAG event. The paper will summarize the Monte-Carlo simulation of the TAG sequence and present analysis results that demonstrate the ability to conduct the TAG within 25 meters of the selected sample site and +-2 cms of the targeted contact velocity. The paper will describe some of the challenges associated with conducting precision navigation operations and ultimately contacting a very small asteroid.

OSIRI-REx Touch and Go (TAG) Navigation Performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Berry, Kevin; Antreasian, Peter; Moreau, Michael C.; May, Alex; Sutter, Brian

2015-01-01

The Origins Spectral Interpretation Resource Identification Security Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) mission is a NASA New Frontiers mission launching in 2016 to rendezvous with the near-Earth asteroid (101955) Bennu in late 2018. Following an extensive campaign of proximity operations activities to characterize the properties of Bennu and select a suitable sample site, OSIRIS-REx will fly a Touch-And-Go (TAG) trajectory to the asteroid's surface to obtain a regolith sample. The paper summarizes the mission design of the TAG sequence, the propulsive maneuvers required to achieve the trajectory, and the sequence of events leading up to the TAG event. The paper also summarizes the Monte-Carlo simulation of the TAG sequence and presents analysis results that demonstrate the ability to conduct the TAG within 25 meters of the selected sample site and 2 cm/s of the targeted contact velocity. The paper describes some of the challenges associated with conducting precision navigation operations and ultimately contacting a very small asteroid.

Lessons Learned from Preparing OSIRIS-REx Spectral Analog Samples for Bennu

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schrader, D. L.; McCoy, T. J.; Cody, G. D.; King, A. J.; Schofield, P. F.; Russell, S. S.; Connolly, H. C., Jr.; Keller, L. P.; Donaldson Hanna, K.; Bowles, N.;

A long Stokes shift red fluorescent Ca2+ indicator protein for two-photon and ratiometric imaging

PubMed Central

Wu, Jiahui; Abdelfattah, Ahmed S.; Miraucourt, Loïs S.; Kutsarova, Elena; Ruangkittisakul, Araya; Zhou, Hang; Ballanyi, Klaus; Wicks, Geoffrey; Drobizhev, Mikhail; Rebane, Aleksander; Ruthazer, Edward S.; Campbell, Robert E.

2016-01-01

The introduction of calcium ion (Ca2+) indicators based on red fluorescent proteins (RFPs) has created new opportunities for multicolour visualization of intracellular Ca2+ dynamics. However, one drawback of these indicators is that they have optimal two-photon excitation outside the near-infrared window (650–1,000 nm) where tissue is most transparent to light. To address this shortcoming, we developed a long Stokes shift RFP-based Ca2+ indicator, REX-GECO1, with optimal two-photon excitation at <1,000 nm. REX-GECO1 fluoresces at 585 nm when excited at 480 nm or 910 nm by a one- or two-photon process, respectively. We demonstrate that REX-GECO1 can be used as either a ratiometric or intensiometric Ca2+ indicator in organotypic hippocampal slice cultures (one- and two-photon) and the visual system of albino tadpoles (two-photon). Furthermore, we demonstrate single excitation wavelength two-colour Ca2+ and glutamate imaging in organotypic cultures. PMID:25358432

Photogrammetric Analysis of Rotor Clouds Observed during T-REX

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Romatschke, U.; Grubišić, V.

2017-12-01

Stereo photogrammetric analysis is a rarely utilized but highly valuable tool for studying smaller, highly ephemeral clouds. In this study, we make use of data that was collected during the Terrain-induced Rotor Experiment (T-REX), which took place in Owens Valley, eastern California, in the spring of 2006. The data set consists of matched digital stereo photographs obtained at high temporal (on the order of seconds) and spatial resolution (limited by the pixel size of the cameras). Using computer vision techniques we have been able to develop algorithms for camera calibration, automatic feature matching, and ultimately reconstruction of 3D cloud scenes. Applying these techniques to images from different T-REX IOPs we capture the motion of clouds in several distinct mountain wave scenarios ranging from short lived lee wave clouds on an otherwise clear sky day to rotor clouds formed in an extreme turbulence environment with strong winds and high cloud coverage. Tracking the clouds in 3D space and time allows us to quantify phenomena such as vertical and horizontal movement of clouds, turbulent motion at the upstream edge of rotor clouds, the structure of the lifting condensation level, extreme wind shear, and the life cycle of clouds in lee waves. When placed into context with the existing literature that originated from the T-REX field campaign, our results complement and expand our understanding of the complex dynamics observed in a variety of different lee wave settings.

T-REX on-demand redox targeting in live cells.

PubMed

Parvez, Saba; Long, Marcus J C; Lin, Hong-Yu; Zhao, Yi; Haegele, Joseph A; Pham, Vanha N; Lee, Dustin K; Aye, Yimon

2016-12-01

This protocol describes targetable reactive electrophiles and oxidants (T-REX)-a live-cell-based tool designed to (i) interrogate the consequences of specific and time-resolved redox events, and (ii) screen for bona fide redox-sensor targets. A small-molecule toolset comprising photocaged precursors to specific reactive redox signals is constructed such that these inert precursors specifically and irreversibly tag any HaloTag-fused protein of interest (POI) in mammalian and Escherichia coli cells. Syntheses of the alkyne-functionalized endogenous reactive signal 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE(alkyne)) and the HaloTag-targetable photocaged precursor to HNE(alkyne) (also known as Ht-PreHNE or HtPHA) are described. Low-energy light prompts photo-uncaging (t 1/2 <1-2 min) and target-specific modification. The targeted modification of the POI enables precisely timed and spatially controlled redox events with no off-target modification. Two independent pathways are described, along with a simple setup to functionally validate known targets or discover novel sensors. T-REX sidesteps mixed responses caused by uncontrolled whole-cell swamping with reactive signals. Modification and downstream response can be analyzed by in-gel fluorescence, proteomics, qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based and dual-luciferase reporters, or flow cytometry assays. T-REX targeting takes 4 h from initial probe treatment. Analysis of targeted redox responses takes an additional 4-24 h, depending on the nature of the pathway and the type of readouts used.

T-REX on-demand redox targeting in live cells

PubMed Central

Parvez, Saba; Long, Marcus J C; Lin, Hong-Yu; Zhao, Yi; Haegele, Joseph A; Pham, Vanha N; Lee, Dustin K; Aye, Yimon

2017-01-01

This protocol describes targetable reactive electrophiles and oxidants (T-REX)—a live-cell-based tool designed to (i) interrogate the consequences of specific and time-resolved redox events, and (ii) screen for bona fide redox-sensor targets. A small-molecule toolset comprising photocaged precursors to specific reactive redox signals is constructed such that these inert precursors specifically and irreversibly tag any HaloTag-fused protein of interest (POI) in mammalian and Escherichia coli cells. Syntheses of the alkyne-functionalized endogenous reactive signal 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE (alkyne)) and the HaloTag-targetable photocaged precursor to HNE (alkyne) (also known as Ht-PreHNE or HtPHA) are described. Low-energy light prompts photo-uncaging (t1/2 <1–2 min) and target-specific modification. The targeted modification of the POI enables precisely timed and spatially controlled redox events with no off-target modification. Two independent pathways are described, along with a simple setup to functionally validate known targets or discover novel sensors. T-REX sidesteps mixed responses caused by uncontrolled whole-cell swamping with reactive signals. Modification and downstream response can be analyzed by in-gel fluorescence, proteomics, qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based and dual-luciferase reporters, or flow cytometry assays. T-REX targeting takes 4 h from initial probe treatment. Analysis of targeted redox responses takes an additional 4–24 h, depending on the nature of the pathway and the type of readouts used. PMID:27809314

NASA Curation Preparation for Ryugu Sample Returned by JAXA's Hayabusa2 Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nakamura-Messenger, Keiko; Righter, Kevin; Snead, Christopher J.; McCubbin, Francis M.; Pace, Lisa F.; Zeigler, Ryan A.; Evans, Cindy

2017-01-01

The NASA OSIRIS-REx and JAXA Hayabusa2 missions to near-Earth asteroids Bennu and Ryugu share similar mission goals of understanding the origins of primitive, organic-rich asteroids. Under an agreement between JAXA and NASA, there is an on-going and productive collaboration between science teams of Hayabusa2 and OSIRIS-REx missions. Under this agreement, a portion of each of the returned sample masses will be exchanged between the agencies and the scientific results of their study will be shared. NASA’s portion of the returned Hayabusa2 sample, consisting of 10% of the returned mass, will be jointly separated by NASA and JAXA. The sample will be legally and physically transferred to NASA’s dedicated Hayabusa2 curation facility at Johnson Space Center (JSC) no later than one year after the return of the Hayabusa2 sample to Earth (December 2020). The JSC Hayabusa2 curation cleanroom facility design has now been completed. In the same manner, JAXA will receive 0.5% of the total returned OSIRIS-REx sample (minimum required sample to return 60 g, maximum sample return capacity of 2 kg) from the rest of the specimen. No later than one year after the return of the OSIRIS-REx sample to Earth (September 2023), legal, physical, and permanent custody of this sample subset will be transferred to JAXA, and the sample subset will be brought to JAXA’s Extraterrestrial Sample Curation Center (ESCuC) at Institute of Space and Astronautical Science, Sagamihara City Japan.

Analyses of soft tissue from Tyrannosaurus rex suggest the presence of protein.

PubMed

Schweitzer, Mary Higby; Suo, Zhiyong; Avci, Recep; Asara, John M; Allen, Mark A; Arce, Fernando Teran; Horner, John R

2007-04-13

We performed multiple analyses of Tyrannosaurus rex (specimen MOR 1125) fibrous cortical and medullary tissues remaining after demineralization. The results indicate that collagen I, the main organic component of bone, has been preserved in low concentrations in these tissues. The findings were independently confirmed by mass spectrometry. We propose a possible chemical pathway that may contribute to this preservation. The presence of endogenous protein in dinosaur bone may validate hypotheses about evolutionary relationships, rates, and patterns of molecular change and degradation, as well as the chemical stability of molecules over time.

The Nature of C Asteroid Regolith from Meteorite Observations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zolensky, M.; Mikouchi, T.; Hagiya, K.; Ohsumi, K.; Komatsu, M.; Jenniskens, P.; Le, L.; Yin, Q.-Z; Kebukawa, Y.; Fries, M.

2013-01-01

Regolith from C (and related) asteroid bodies are a focus of the current missions Dawn at Ceres, Hayabusa 2 and OSIRIS REx. An asteroid as large as Ceres is expected to be covered by a mature regolith, and as Hayabusa demonstrated, flat and therefore engineeringly-safe ponded deposits will probably be the sampling sites for both Hayabusa 2 and OSIRIS REx. Here we examine what we have learned about the mineralogy of fine-grained asteroid regolith from recent meteorite studies and the examination of the samples harvested from asteroid Itokawa by Hayabusa.

Puget Sound Dredged Disposal Analysis (PSDDA). Final Environmental Impact Statement Unconfined Open-Water Disposal for Dredged Material, Phase 2. (North and South Puget Sound)

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-09-01

flathead sole, rex sole, and rock sole all showed indications of blood worm infestations. One liver tumor was found in a rex sole during spring in the ZSF...concentrations Hainly in invertebrates; some trations (.01 ppb) in waters (from lOx to 42Ox reference) in fish livers ; rarely in fish of Puget Sound central...Eagle Harbor, and Sinclair fish livers , and birds in Inlet. Highest elevation industrialized ’-ban areas. along Ruston-Point Defiance Copper is a natural

OSIRIS-REx Rollout for Launch

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-09-07

The United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket arrives at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The launch vehicle will boost NASA’s Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer, or OSIRIS-REx spacecraft. This will be the first U.S. mission to sample an asteroid, retrieve at least two ounces of surface material and return it to Earth for study. The asteroid, Bennu, may hold clues to the origin of the solar system and the source of water and organic molecules found on Earth.

OSIRIS-REx Rollout for Launch

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-09-07

After leaving the Vertical Integration Facility, a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket arrives at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The launch vehicle will boost NASA’s Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer, or OSIRIS-REx spacecraft. This will be the first U.S. mission to sample an asteroid, retrieve at least two ounces of surface material and return it to Earth for study. The asteroid, Bennu, may hold clues to the origin of the solar system and the source of water and organic molecules found on Earth.

OSIRIS-REx Rollout for Launch

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-09-07

The United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket arrives at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The launch vehicle will boost NASA’s Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer, or OSIRIS-REx spacecraft. This will be the first U.S. mission to sample an asteroid, retrieve at least two ounces of surface material and return it to Earth for study. The asteroid, Bennu, may hold clues to the origin of the solar system and the source of water and organic molecules found on Earth. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Report on an Archeological Survey of Five Local Protection Project Dams and Associated Drainage and Diversion Channels in Northwest El Paso, Texas.

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-09-30

r AD-A126 989 REPORTTORN AN ARCHEOLOGICAL SURVEY 0F FIE LOCAL PROTECTION PROJECT CAMS A..U) EL PASO CENTENNIA MUSEUM TX R E GERALD 30 SEP 76 DACW47-6...ARCHEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF FIVE LOCAL PROTECTION PROJECT DAMS AND ASSOCIATED DRAINAGE AND DIVERSION CHANNELS IN NORTHWEST EL PASO, TEXAS By REX E. GERALD, Ph.D...gchelogical. Survey of Five Local9/07___Protection Dand Associated Drainage and Diversion a Channels in Northwest El Paso, Texas Gerald, Rex E

Mechanical stiffening and thermal softening of rare earth chalcogenides

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

Shriya, S.; Varshney, Dinesh; Singh, Namita, E-mail: namita.singh.2050@gmail.com

2014-04-24

The pressure and temperature dependent elastic properties such as melting temperature nature in REX; (RE = La, Pr, Eu; X = O, S, Se, Te) chalcogenides is computed with emphasis on charge transfer interactions and covalent contribution in the effective interionic interaction potential. The pressure dependent elastic constants and melting temperature confirms that REX chalcogens lattice get stiffened as a consequence of bond compression and bond strengthening, however thermal softening arose due to bond expansion and bond weakening is evidenced from temperature dependence of melting temperature (T{sub M})

Space colonization.

PubMed

Parrish, Clyde F

2003-12-01

A series of workshops were sponsored by the Physical Science Division of NASA's Office of Biological and Physical Research to address operational gravity-compliant in-situ resource utilization and life support techologies. Workshop participants explored a Mars simulation study on Devon Island, Canada; the processing of carbon dioxide in regenerative life support systems; space tourism; rocket technology; plant growth research for closed ecological systems; and propellant extraction of planetary regoliths.

Thermal Assessment of Sunlight Impinging on OSIRIS-REx OCAMS PolyCam, OTES, and IMU-Sunshade MLI Blankets in Flight

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Choi, Michael K.

2017-01-01

The NASA Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security, Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) spacecraft was successfully launched into orbit on September 8, 2016. It is traveling to a near-Earth asteroid (101955) Bennu, study it in detail, and bring back a pristine sample to Earth for scientific analyses. At the Outbound Cruise nominal spacecraft attitude, with Sun on +X, sunlight impinges on the OSIRIS-REx camera suite (OCAMS) PolyCam sunshade multilayer insulation (MLI) with microporous black polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a portion of the PolyCam optics support tube (MLI with germanium black Kapton (GBK)), a portion of the OSIRIS-REx Thermal Emission Spectrometer (OTES) sunshade (MLI with GBK), the Inertia Measurement Unit (IMU) sunshade (MLI with GBK), and the OSIRIS-REx Laser Altimeter (OLA) sunshade (MLI with GBK). Sunlight is reflected or scattered by the above MLIs to the other components on the forward (+Z) deck. It illuminates the forward deck. A detailed thermal assessment on the solar impingement has been performed for the Proximity Ops at the asteroid, Touch-and-Go (TAG) sample acquisition, and Return Cruise mission phases.The OSIRIS-REx Outbound Cruise flight temperature telemetry and USM_3_DPC_0_CURRENT flight currenttelemetry data have been analyzed. It is evident that at the nominal Outbound Cruise spacecraft Sun-pointing attitude(i.e., Sun on +X), sunlight impinging on the PolyCam, OTES, IMU-sunshade and OLA-sunshade MLIs is reflected orscattered to the forward deck and components on the forward deck. It illuminates the forward deck. The StowCam imageof Day 265 2016 also provided an evidence. The reflected or scattered sunlight cause warming to the forward deck andcomponents on its +Z side. It may also contribute to degradation of thermal coatings over the mission life. It is a factorthat the OVIRS detector operating temperature exceeds the 105K maximum AFT limit. The OVIRS PrincipalInvestigator indicated that it is not optimum but acceptable for science. With exception of the OVIRS detector, thecorrelated flight system thermal model predictions for the components on the forward deck have adequate margins in theProximity Ops, TAG and Return Cruise phases. The margins are expected to cover the warming caused by the solarimpingement and the contribution to degradation of thermal coatings. The solar impingement is not expected to be athermal risk to the OSIRIS-REx mission. The second SRC Optical Properties characterization will be repeated in theReturn Cruise to provide a good characterization of any changes in optical properties that might have occurred duringthe TAG, or during several years in space. If the SRC battery runs much warmer than that of the first characterization inthe Outbound Cruise, it will be necessary to make some changes to the SRC Release timeline to assure the SRC batterytemperature are within limits. If GBK, instead of microporous black PTFE, were used on the PolyCam sunshade MLI,much more sunlight would have been reflected or scattered to the forward deck and components on its +Z side.Microporous black PTFE should be considered to mitigate the optical and thermal issues of sunlight reflected/scatteredby MLI blankets in future missions.

Tau-REx: A new look at the retrieval of exoplanetary atmospheres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Waldmann, Ingo

2014-11-01

The field of exoplanetary spectroscopy is as fast moving as it is new. With an increasing amount of space and ground based instruments obtaining data on a large set of extrasolar planets we are indeed entering the era of exoplanetary characterisation. Permanently at the edge of instrument feasibility, it is as important as it is difficult to find the most optimal and objective methodologies to analysing and interpreting current data. This is particularly true for smaller and fainter Earth and Super-Earth type planets.For low to mid signal to noise (SNR) observations, we are prone to two sources of biases: 1) Prior selection in the data reduction and analysis; 2) Prior constraints on the spectral retrieval. In Waldmann et al. (2013), Morello et al. (2014) and Waldmann (2012, 2014) we have shown a prior-free approach to data analysis based on non-parametric machine learning techniques. Following these approaches we will present a new take on the spectral retrieval of extrasolar planets. Tau-REx (tau-retrieval of exoplanets) is a new line-by-line, atmospheric retrieval framework. In the past the decision on what opacity sources go into an atmospheric model were usually user defined. Manual input can lead to model biases and poor convergence of the atmospheric model to the data. In Tau-REx we have set out to solve this. Through custom built pattern recognition software, Tau-REx is able to rapidly identify the most likely atmospheric opacities from a large number of possible absorbers/emitters (ExoMol or HiTran data bases) and non-parametrically constrain the prior space for the Bayesian retrieval. Unlike other (MCMC based) techniques, Tau-REx is able to fully integrate high-dimensional log-likelihood spaces and to calculate the full Bayesian Evidence of the atmospheric models. We achieve this through a combination of Nested Sampling and a high degree of code parallelisation. This allows for an exact and unbiased Bayesian model selection and a fully mapping of potential model-data degeneracies. Together with non-parametric data de-trending of exoplanetary spectra, we can reach an un- precedented level of objectivity in our atmospheric characterisation of these foreign worlds.

Postoperative enlargement and prognostic effects of portal venous bypass grafts in children undergoing Rex shunt.

PubMed

Zhang, Jin-Shan; Li, Long; Cheng, Wei

2018-05-22

Patency of the bypass vein after a Rex shunt is an important indicator of prognosis. However, there is no report about the change of caliber of the bypass vein after a Rex shunt. The aim of this study was to identify postoperative changes of the bypass vein and to assess the relationship with prognosis. Between October 2008 and October 2016 in our center, 114 children were diagnosed with extrahepatic portal venous obstruction. The portal cavernoma-portal bypass with interposition of grafted portal vessels was performed in 31 children, the gastroportal shunt was performed in 54 children, and other Rex shunts were performed in another 29 children. At follow-up, the patency and diameter of the bypass vein were assessed with ultrasound and computed tomography. The intraoperative and postoperative diameters of the bypass vein were compared to identify postoperative changes of the bypass vein. Prognosis was compared between children with and children without an enlarged bypass vein. The caliber of the bypass vein was enlarged in 50% of children (40/80) at 6 months postoperatively. The postoperative incidences of rebleeding and esophageal varices were significantly lower in children with an enlarged bypass vein than in those without (P < .05). Postoperatively, the reduced splenic size was significantly higher in children with an enlarged bypass vein than in those without (P < .05). The postoperative increase in platelet count in children with an enlarged bypass vein was significantly higher than in those without (P = .006). There was no significant difference in the flow velocity of the bypass vein between children with and children without an enlarged bypass vein (P = .133). The portal pressure was significantly reduced after surgery in children with an enlarged bypass vein than in children without an enlarged bypass vein (P = .017). The caliber of the bypass vein increases in 50% of children after a Rex shunt using a grafted portal vessel, which is related to a better prognosis. Copyright © 2018 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Common avian infection plagued the tyrant dinosaurs.

PubMed

Wolff, Ewan D S; Salisbury, Steven W; Horner, John R; Varricchio, David J

2009-09-30

Tyrannosaurus rex and other tyrannosaurid fossils often display multiple, smooth-edged full-thickness erosive lesions on the mandible, either unilaterally or bilaterally. The cause of these lesions in the Tyrannosaurus rex specimen FMNH PR2081 (known informally by the name 'Sue') has previously been attributed to actinomycosis, a bacterial bone infection, or bite wounds from other tyrannosaurids. We conducted an extensive survey of tyrannosaurid specimens and identified ten individuals with full-thickness erosive lesions. These lesions were described, measured and photographed for comparison with one another. We also conducted an extensive survey of related archosaurs for similar lesions. We show here that these lesions are consistent with those caused by an avian parasitic infection called trichomonosis, which causes similar abnormalities on the mandible of modern birds, in particular raptors. This finding represents the first evidence for the ancient evolutionary origin of an avian transmissible disease in non-avian theropod dinosaurs. It also provides a valuable insight into the palaeobiology of these now extinct animals. Based on the frequency with which these lesions occur, we hypothesize that tyrannosaurids were commonly infected by a Trichomonas gallinae-like protozoan. For tyrannosaurid populations, the only non-avian dinosaur group that show trichomonosis-type lesions, it is likely that the disease became endemic and spread as a result of antagonistic intraspecific behavior, consumption of prey infected by a Trichomonas gallinae-like protozoan and possibly even cannibalism. The severity of trichomonosis-related lesions in specimens such as Tyrannosaurus rex FMNH PR2081 and Tyrannosaurus rex MOR 980, strongly suggests that these animals died as a direct result of this disease, mostly likely through starvation.

Accelerating Radioactive Ion Beams With REX-ISOLDE

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

Ames, F.; Emhofer, S.; Habs, D.

2003-08-26

The post accelerator REX-ISOLDE is installed at the ISOLDE facility at CERN, where a broad variety of radioactive ions can be addressed. Since the end of 2001 beams at the final energy of 2.2 MeV/u are available. REX-ISOLDE uses a unique system of beam bunching and charge breeding. First a Penning trap accumulates and bunches the ions, which are delivered as a quasi-continuous beam from the ISOLDE target-ion-source, and then an electron beam ion source (EBIS) charge-breeds them to a mass-to-charge ratio below 4.5. This enables a very compact design for the following LINAC, consisting of a 4 rod RFQ,more » an IH structure and three 7-gap-resonators. The later ones allow a variation of the final energy between 0.8 and 2.2 MeV/u. Although the machine is still in the commissioning phase, first physics experiments have been done with neutron rich Na and Mg isotopes and 9Li. A total efficiency of several percent has already been obtained.« less

The REX-ISOLDE charge breeder as an operational machine

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

Wenander, F.; Delahaye, P.; Scrivens, R.

2006-03-15

The charge breeding system of radioactive beam experiment at ISOLDE (REX-ISOLDE), consisting of a large Penning trap in combination with an electron-beam ion source (EBIS), is now a mature concept after having delivered radioactive beams for postacceleration to a number of experiments for three years. The system, preparing ions prior to injection into a compact linear accelerator, has shown to be versatile in terms of the ion species and energies that can be delivered. During the experimental periods 2004 and 2005 a significant part of the ISOLDE beam time was dedicated to REX-ISOLDE experiments. Ion masses in the range betweenmore » A=7 and 153 have been handled with record efficiencies. High-intensity as well as very-short-lived isotope beams were proven to be feasible. Continuous injection into the EBIS has also been successfully tested. Two means of suppressing unwanted beam contaminations were tested and are now in use. In addition, the experience gained from the trap-EBIS concept from a machine operational point of view will be discussed and the limitations described.« less

Gigantism and comparative life-history parameters of tyrannosaurid dinosaurs.

PubMed

Erickson, Gregory M; Makovicky, Peter J; Currie, Philip J; Norell, Mark A; Yerby, Scott A; Brochu, Christopher A

2004-08-12

How evolutionary changes in body size are brought about by variance in developmental timing and/or growth rates (also known as heterochrony) is a topic of considerable interest in evolutionary biology. In particular, extreme size change leading to gigantism occurred within the dinosaurs on multiple occasions. Whether this change was brought about by accelerated growth, delayed maturity or a combination of both processes is unknown. A better understanding of relationships between non-avian dinosaur groups and the newfound capacity to reconstruct their growth curves make it possible to address these questions quantitatively. Here we study growth patterns within the Tyrannosauridae, the best known group of large carnivorous dinosaurs, and determine the developmental means by which Tyrannosaurus rex, weighing 5,000 kg and more, grew to be one of the most enormous terrestrial carnivorous animals ever. T. rex had a maximal growth rate of 2.1 kg d(-1), reached skeletal maturity in two decades and lived for up to 28 years. T. rex's great stature was primarily attained by accelerating growth rates beyond that of its closest relatives.

Orbit Stability of OSIRIS-REx in the Vicinity of Bennu Using a High-Fidelity Solar Radiation Model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, Trevor; Hughes, Kyle; Mashiku, Alinda; Longuski, James

2015-01-01

The OSIRIS-REx mission (Origins Spectral Interpretation Resource Identification Security Regolith EXPlorer) is an asteroid sample return mission to Bennu (RQ36) that is scheduled to launch in 2016. The planned science operations precluding the small retrieval involve operations in terminator orbits (orbit plane is perpendicular to the sun). Over longer durations the solar radiation pressure (SRP) perturbs the orbit causing it to precess. Our work involves: modeling high fidelity SRP model to capture the perturbations during attitude changes; design a stable orbit from the high fidelity models to analyze the stability over time.

OSIRIS-REx Rollout for Launch

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-09-07

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket begins to roll out of the Vertical Integration Facility to Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The launch vehicle will boost NASA’s Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer, or OSIRIS-REx spacecraft. This will be the first U.S. mission to sample an asteroid, retrieve at least two ounces of surface material and return it to Earth for study. The asteroid, Bennu, may hold clues to the origin of the solar system and the source of water and organic molecules found on Earth.

OSIRIS-REx Rollout for Launch

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-09-07

After leaving the Vertical Integration Facility, a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket is on its way to Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The launch vehicle will boost NASA’s Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer, or OSIRIS-REx spacecraft. This will be the first U.S. mission to sample an asteroid, retrieve at least two ounces of surface material and return it to Earth for study. The asteroid, Bennu, may hold clues to the origin of the solar system and the source of water and organic molecules found on Earth.

OSIRIS-REx Rollout for Launch

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-09-07

In a view from above, a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket begins to roll out of the Vertical Integration Facility to Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The launch vehicle will boost NASA’s Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer, or OSIRIS-REx spacecraft. This will be the first U.S. mission to sample an asteroid, retrieve at least two ounces of surface material and return it to Earth for study. The asteroid, Bennu, may hold clues to the origin of the solar system and the source of water and organic molecules found on Earth.

OSIRIS-REx Rollout for Launch

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-09-07

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket rolls out of the Vertical Integration Facility on its way to Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The launch vehicle will boost NASA’s Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer, or OSIRIS-REx spacecraft. This will be the first U.S. mission to sample an asteroid, retrieve at least two ounces of surface material and return it to Earth for study. The asteroid, Bennu, may hold clues to the origin of the solar system and the source of water and organic molecules found on Earth.

OSIRIS-REx Rollout for Launch

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-09-07

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket has left the Vertical Integration Facility and is on its way to Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The launch vehicle will boost NASA’s Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer, or OSIRIS-REx spacecraft. This will be the first U.S. mission to sample an asteroid, retrieve at least two ounces of surface material and return it to Earth for study. The asteroid, Bennu, may hold clues to the origin of the solar system and the source of water and organic molecules found on Earth.

OSIRIS-REx Rollout for Launch

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-09-07

The United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket has made the trek from the Vertical Integration Facility to Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The launch vehicle will boost NASA’s Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer, or OSIRIS-REx spacecraft. This will be the first U.S. mission to sample an asteroid, retrieve at least two ounces of surface material and return it to Earth for study. The asteroid, Bennu, may hold clues to the origin of the solar system and the source of water and organic molecules found on Earth.

OSIRIS-REx Rollout for Launch

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-09-07

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket rolled out of the Vertical Integration Facility and is on its way to Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The launch vehicle will boost NASA’s Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer, or OSIRIS-REx spacecraft. This will be the first U.S. mission to sample an asteroid, retrieve at least two ounces of surface material and return it to Earth for study. The asteroid, Bennu, may hold clues to the origin of the solar system and the source of water and organic molecules found on Earth.

Treatment of extrahepatic portal hypertension following a whipple procedure with a Rex shunt: report of a case.

PubMed

Reichman, Trevor W; Anthony, Tiffany; Testa, Giuliano

2011-02-01

The Rex shunt is a mesenteric vein to left portal vein decompressive shunt used for the treatment of portal vein thrombosis and portal hypertension. Its use has been reported primarily in the pediatric population where portal vein thrombosis occurs with some frequency. The shunt is thought to represent a more physiologic shunt, since it restores hepatopedal blood flow through the liver. This report describes the use of this shunt in an adult who had frequent gastrointestinal bleeding secondary to extrahepatic portal vein thrombosis, which occurred as a complication after a pancreaticoduodenectomy.

A Collision Avoidance Strategy for a Potential Natural Satellite around the Asteroid Bennu for the OSIRIS-REx Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mashiku, Alinda K.; Carpenter, J. Russell

2016-01-01

The cadence of proximity operations for the OSIRIS-REx mission may have an extra induced challenge given the potential of the detection of a natural satellite orbiting the asteroid Bennu. Current ground radar observations for object detection orbiting Bennu show no found objects within bounds of specific size and rotation rates. If a natural satellite is detected during approach, a different proximity operation cadence will need to be implemented as well as a collision avoidance strategy for mission success. A collision avoidance strategy will be analyzed using the Wald Sequential Probability Ratio Test.

Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security, Regolith Explorer Planning (OSIRIS-REx)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nakamura-Messenger, Keiko; Messenger, Scott; Keller, Lindsay; Righter, Kevin

2014-01-01

Scientists at ARES are preparing to curate and analyze samples from the first U.S. mission to return samples from an asteroid. The Origins-Spectral Interpretation- Resource Identification-Security-Regolith Explorer, or OSIRIS-REx, was selected by NASA as the third mission in its New Frontiers Program. The robotic spacecraft will launch in 2016 and rendezvous with the near-Earth asteroid Bennu, in 2020. A robotic arm will collect at least 60 grams of material from the surface of the asteroid to be returned to Earth in 2023 for worldwide distribution by the NASA Astromaterials Curation Facility at ARES.

A Collision Avoidance Strategy for a Potential Natural Satellite Around the Asteroid Bennu for the OSIRIS-REx Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mashiku, Alinda; Carpenter, Russell

2016-01-01

The cadence of proximity operations for the OSIRIS-REx mission may have an extra induced challenge given the potential of the detection of a natural satellite orbiting the asteroid Bennu. Current ground radar observations for object detection orbiting Bennu show no found objects within bounds of specific size and rotation rates. If a natural satellite is detected during approach, a different proximity operation cadence will need to be implemented as well as a collision avoidance strategy for mission success. A collision avoidance strategy will be analyzed using the Wald Sequential Probability Ratio Test.

KSC-20160908-RV-ANG01_0001-OSIRIS_REx_Launch_Broadcast_UCS_3_ISO-3126827

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-09-08

Liftoff of OSIRIS-A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket lifts off from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station carrying NASA’s Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer, or OSIRIS-REx spacecraft on the first U.S. mission to sample an asteroid, retrieve at least two ounces of surface material and return it to Earth for study. Liftoff was at 7:05 p.m. EDT. The asteroid, Bennu, may hold clues to the origin of the solar system and the source of water and organic molecules found on Earth.

KSC-20160908-RV-GEB01_0001-OSIRIS_REx_Launch_Broadcast_Van_1_People_Cutaways_ISO-3126827

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-09-08

Liftoff of OSIRIS-A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket lifts off from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station carrying NASA’s Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer, or OSIRIS-REx spacecraft on the first U.S. mission to sample an asteroid, retrieve at least two ounces of surface material and return it to Earth for study. Liftoff was at 7:05 p.m. EDT. The asteroid, Bennu, may hold clues to the origin of the solar system and the source of water and organic molecules found on Earth.

KSC-20160908-RV-CSH01_0001-OSIRIS_REx_Launch_Broadcast_Van_2_NASA_Causeway_ISO-3126827

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-09-08

Liftoff of OSIRIS-A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket lifts off from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station carrying NASA’s Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer, or OSIRIS-REx spacecraft on the first U.S. mission to sample an asteroid, retrieve at least two ounces of surface material and return it to Earth for study. Liftoff was at 7:05 p.m. EDT. The asteroid, Bennu, may hold clues to the origin of the solar system and the source of water and organic molecules found on Earth.

KSC-20160908-RV-GMM01_0003-OSIRIS_REx_Launch_Broadcast_Ground_ISO-3126827

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-09-08

Liftoff of OSIRIS-A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket lifts off from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station carrying NASA’s Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer, or OSIRIS-REx spacecraft on the first U.S. mission to sample an asteroid, retrieve at least two ounces of surface material and return it to Earth for study. Liftoff was at 7:05 p.m. EDT. The asteroid, Bennu, may hold clues to the origin of the solar system and the source of water and organic molecules found on Earth.

KSC-20160908-RV-GMM01_0002-OSIRIS_REx_Launch_Broadcast_VIF_ISO-3126827

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-09-08

Liftoff of OSIRIS-A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket lifts off from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station carrying NASA’s Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer, or OSIRIS-REx spacecraft on the first U.S. mission to sample an asteroid, retrieve at least two ounces of surface material and return it to Earth for study. Liftoff was at 7:05 p.m. EDT. The asteroid, Bennu, may hold clues to the origin of the solar system and the source of water and organic molecules found on Earth.

KSC-20160908-RV-GMM01_0001-OSIRIS_REx_Launch_Broadcast_VAB_Roof_ISO-3126827

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-09-08

Liftoff of OSIRIS-A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket lifts off from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station carrying NASA’s Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer, or OSIRIS-REx spacecraft on the first U.S. mission to sample an asteroid, retrieve at least two ounces of surface material and return it to Earth for study. Liftoff was at 7:05 p.m. EDT. The asteroid, Bennu, may hold clues to the origin of the solar system and the source of water and organic molecules found on Earth.

KSC-20160908-RV-ULA01_0001-OSIRIS_REx_Launch_Broadcast_Rocket_Cam_Ascent_ISO-3126827

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-09-08

Liftoff of OSIRIS-A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket lifts off from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station carrying NASA’s Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer, or OSIRIS-REx spacecraft on the first U.S. mission to sample an asteroid, retrieve at least two ounces of surface material and return it to Earth for study. Liftoff was at 7:05 p.m. EDT. The asteroid, Bennu, may hold clues to the origin of the solar system and the source of water and organic molecules found on Earth.

Use Of REX Control System For The Ball On Spool Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ožana, Štěpán; Pieš, Martin; Hájovský, Radovan; Dočekal, Tomáš

2015-07-01

This paper deals with the design and implementation of linear quadratic controller (LQR) for modeling of Ball on Spool. The paper presents the entire process, starting from mathematical model through control design towards application of controller with the use of given hardware platform. Proposed solution by means of REX Control System provides a high level of user comfort regarding implementation of control loop, diagnostics and automatically generated visualization based on HTML5. It represents an ideal example of a complex nonlinear mechatronic system with a lot of possibilities to apply other types of controllers.

Gender-specific reproductive tissue in ratites and Tyrannosaurus rex.

PubMed

Schweitzer, Mary H; Wittmeyer, Jennifer L; Horner, John R

2005-06-03

Unambiguous indicators of gender in dinosaurs are usually lost during fossilization, along with other aspects of soft tissue anatomy. We report the presence of endosteally derived bone tissues lining the interior marrow cavities of portions of Tyrannosaurus rex (Museum of the Rockies specimen number 1125) hindlimb elements, and we hypothesize that these tissues are homologous to specialized avian tissues known as medullary bone. Because medullary bone is unique to female birds, its discovery in extinct dinosaurs solidifies the link between dinosaurs and birds, suggests similar reproductive strategies, and provides an objective means of gender differentiation in dinosaurs.

Scaling in Theropod Dinosaurs: Femoral Bone Dimensions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Scott A.

2014-05-01

Finding topics that inspire students is an important aspect of any physics course. Virtually everyone is fascinated by Tyrannosaurus rex, and the excitement of the class is palpable when we explore scaling effects in T. rex and other bipedal theropod dinosaurs as part of our discussion of mechanics and elasticity. In this paper, we explore the role of longitudinal stress in the femur bones due to the weight of the dinosaur in determining how the geometry of the femur changes with size of the theropod. This is one area of allometry the study of how different biological characteristics scale with size.

"I Don't Need Pink Hair Here": Should We Be Seeking to "Reintegrate" Youngsters without Challenging Mainstream School Cultures?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Levinson, Martin

2016-01-01

This article draws on data gathered between 2014 and 2015 through interviews with youngsters and staff, and supplemented by research that took place over a two-year period (2012-14) at a school for excluded youngsters in Devon, UK. The research explored the views of students and staff about reasons for being in alternative education settings, the…

Four-month Moon and Mars crew water utilization study conducted at the Flashline Mars Arctic Research Station, Devon Island, Nunavut

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bamsey, M.; Berinstain, A.; Auclair, S.; Battler, M.; Binsted, K.; Bywaters, K.; Harris, J.; Kobrick, R.; McKay, C.

2009-04-01

A categorized water usage study was undertaken at the Flashline Mars Arctic Research Station on Devon Island, Nunavut in the High Canadian Arctic. This study was conducted as part of a long duration four-month Mars mission simulation during the summer of 2007. The study determined that the crew of seven averaged 82.07 L/day over the expedition (standard deviation 22.58 L/day). The study also incorporated a Mars Time Study phase which determined that an average of 12.12 L/sol of water was required for each crewmember. Drinking, food preparation, hand/face, oral, dish wash, clothes wash, shower, shaving, cleaning, engineering, science, plant growth and medical water were each individually monitored throughout the detailed study phases. It was determined that implementing the monitoring program itself resulted in an approximate water savings of 1.5 L/day per crewmember. The seven person crew averaged 202 distinct water draws a day (standard deviation 34) with high water use periods focusing around meal times. No statistically significant correlation was established between total water use and EVA or exercise duration. Study results suggest that current crew water utilization estimates for long duration planetary surface stays are more than two times greater than that required.

Impact-generated endolithic habitat within crystalline rocks of the Haughton impact structure, Devon Island, Canada.

PubMed

Pontefract, Alexandra; Osinski, Gordon R; Cockell, Charles S; Moore, Casey A; Moores, John E; Southam, Gordon

2014-06-01

The colonization of rocks by endolithic communities is an advantageous trait, especially in environments such as hot or cold deserts, where large temperature ranges, low water availability, and high-intensity ultraviolet radiation pose a significant challenge to survival and growth. On Mars, similar conditions (albeit more extreme) prevail. In these environments, meteorite impact structures could provide refuge for endolithic organisms. Though initially detrimental to biology, an impact event into a rocky body can favorably change the availability and habitability of a substrate for endolithic organisms, which are then able to (re)colonize microfractures and pore spaces created during the impact. Here, we show how shocked gneisses from the Haughton impact structure, Devon Island, Canada, offer significant refuge for endolithic communities. A total of 28 gneiss samples representing a range of shock states were analyzed, collected from in situ, stable field locations. For each sample, the top centimeter of rock was examined with confocal scanning laser microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and bright-field microscopy to investigate the relationship of biomass with shock level, which was found to correlate generally with increased shock state and particularly with increased porosity. We found that gneisses, which experienced pressures between 35 and 60 GPa, provide the most ideal habitat for endolithic organisms.

Emerging investigator series: a 14-year depositional ice record of perfluoroalkyl substances in the High Arctic.

PubMed

MacInnis, John J; French, Katherine; Muir, Derek C G; Spencer, Christine; Criscitiello, Alison; De Silva, Amila O; Young, Cora J

2017-01-25

To improve understanding of long-range transport of perfluoroalkyl substances to the High Arctic, samples were collected from a snow pit on the Devon Ice Cap in spring 2008. Snow was analyzed for perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), including perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) and perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFSAs), as well as perfluorooctane sulfonamide (FOSA). PFAAs were detected in all samples dated from 1993 to 2007. PFAA fluxes ranged from <1 to hundreds of ng per m 2 per year. Flux ratios of even-odd PFCA homologues were mostly between 0.5 and 2, corresponding to molar ratios expected from atmospheric oxidation of fluorotelomer compounds. Concentrations of perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) were much higher than other PFCAs, suggesting PFBA loading on the Devon Ice Cap is influenced by additional sources, such as the oxidation of heat transfer fluids. All PFCA fluxes increased with time, while PFSA fluxes generally decreased with time. No correlations were observed between PFAAs and the marine aerosol tracer, sodium. Perfluoro-4-ethylcyclohexanesulfonate (PFECHS) was detected for the first time in an atmospherically - derived sample, and its presence may be attributed to aircraft hydraulic system leakage. Observations of PFAAs from these samples provide further evidence that atmospheric oxidation of volatile precursors is an important source of PFAAs to the Arctic environment.

Clinical audit and peer review scheme for the South West post-new 2006 dental contract: a report on progress so far.

PubMed

Howard-Williams, P

2009-01-10

With the introduction of personal dental services (PDS) into the South West the Local Assessment Panel (LAP) devised a new scheme consisting of 'cookbook' audits and piloted the scheme amongst the PDS dentists of South and West Devon, Somerset and Avon in 2005/2006. When the new contracting arrangements came into force, and in the absence of guidance from above, the LAP in consultation with the PCTs decided to consolidate the successful pilot audit scheme for PDS dentists and extend the new scheme to all the participating PCTs and their performers. The current scheme covers Devon, Somerset, Avon and Gloucester PCTs and is administrated by Mrs Jackie Derrick on behalf of Somerset PCT. All the audits showed improvement with the exception of the patient satisfaction survey where the first audit cycle showed an average patient satisfaction rating of 99% which cannot be improved on. We have redesigned this audit to try and make it more challenging and informative. The improvement in clinical record keeping was particularly marked. With the advent of new contractual arrangements in April 2009 it is essential that practitioners are able to demonstrate quality assurance in their practice and we believe that the South West scheme is a dentist friendly scheme, relevant to everyday dental practice.

The OSIRIS-REx laser altimeter (OLA): Development progress

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Daly, M.; Barnouin, O.; Johnson, C.; Bierhaus, E.; Seabrook, J.; Dickinson, C.; Haltigin, T.; Gaudreau, D.; Brunet, C.; Cunningham, G.; Lauretta, D.; Boynton, W.; Beshore, E.

2014-07-01

Introduction: The NASA New Frontiers Origins Spectral Interpretation Resource Identification Security Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) mission will be the first to sample the B-type asteroid (101955) Bennu [1]. This asteroid is thought to be primitive and carbonaceous, and is probably closely related to CI and/or CM meteorites [2]. The OSIRIS-REx mission hopes to better understand both the physical and geochemical origin and evolution of carbonaceous asteroids through its investigation of Bennu. The OSIRIS-REx spacecraft will launch in September 2016, and arrive at Bennu two years later. The Canadian Space Agency is contributing a scanning lidar system known as the OSIRIS-REx Laser Altimeter (OLA), to the OSIRIS-REx Mission. The OLA instrument is part of suite of onboard instruments [3] including cameras (OCAMS) [4], a visible and near- infrared spectrometer (OVIRS) [5], a thermal emission spectrometer (OTES), and an X-ray imaging spectrometer (REXIS) [6]. OLA Objectives: The OLA instrument has a suite of scientific and mission operations purposes. At a global scale, it will update the shape and mass of Bennu to provide insights on the geological origin and evolution of Bennu, by, for example, further refining constraints on its bulk density. With a carefully undertaken geodesy campaign, OLA-based precision ranges, constraints from radio science (2-way tracking) data and stereo OCAMS images, it will yield broad-scale, quantitative constraints on any internal heterogeneity of Bennu and hence provide further clues to Bennu's origin and subsequent collisional evolution. OLA-derived global asteroid maps of slopes, elevation relative to the asteroid geoid, and vertical roughness will provide quantitative insights on how local-regional surfaces on Bennu evolved subsequent to the formation of the asteroid. In addition, OLA data and derived products support the assessment of the safety and sampleability of potential sample sites. At the sample-site scale, the OLA instrument will provide detailed information on the geological and geophysical processes which influence the surface regolith at scales relevant to the samples that will be collected. High resolution (meter-scale) spatial measurements of surface topographic slopes, center-of-mass referenced elevation, and vertical roughness within the sample ellipse will provide quantitative data on regolith processes such as surface granular flows that could have displaced the regolith sampled by OSIRIS-REx spacecraft. The OLA system will also be responsible for assessing hazards at any proposed sample site. Specifically, the OLA system will measure the slope distribution within the sample ellipse and characterize backscatter roughness at or below the scale of the OLA spot size. Technical Specifications: The completed OLA instrument is expected to achieve all these objectives through its specifications that are based on the characteristics of Bennu and operational considerations: Maximum Operational Range, 7.5 km; Minimum Operational Range, 0.150 km; Range Accuracy, 5--20 cm (range dependent); Range Resolution, <4 cm; Scanner Field of Regard, ±10 deg. (each axis); Laser Spot Size (on surface), 0.015--2 m (range dependent). Progress To-date: A prototype of the OLA system has been developed and successfully tested. Results from this testing will be presented and compared with the instrument requirements. Simulated OLA datasets will be presented along with the first engineering model hardware and test results.

Mechanism of the photochemical ligand substitution reactions of fac-[Re(bpy)(CO)(3)(PR(3))](+) complexes and the properties of their triplet ligand-field excited states.

PubMed

Koike, Kazuhide; Okoshi, Nobuaki; Hori, Hisao; Takeuchi, Koji; Ishitani, Osamu; Tsubaki, Hideaki; Clark, Ian P; George, Michael W; Johnson, Frank P A; Turner, James J

2002-09-25

We report herein the mechanism of the photochemical ligand substitution reactions of a series of fac-[Re(X(2)bpy)(CO)(3)(PR(3))](+) complexes (1) and the properties of their triplet ligand-field ((3)LF) excited states. The reason for the photostability of the rhenium complexes [Re(X(2)bpy)(CO)(3)(py)](+) (3) and [Re(X(2)bpy)(CO)(3)Cl] (4) was also investigated. Irradiation of an acetonitrile solution of 1 selectively gave the biscarbonyl complexes cis,trans-[Re(X(2)bpy)(CO)(2)(PR(3))(CH(3)CN)](+) (2). Isotope experiments clearly showed that the CO ligand trans to the PR(3) ligand was selectively substituted. The photochemical reactions proceeded via a dissociative mechanism from the (3)LF excited state. The thermodynamical data for the (3)LF excited states of complexes 1 and the corrective nonradiative decay rate constants for the triplet metal-to-ligand charge-transfer ((3)MLCT) states were obtained from temperature-dependence data for the emission lifetimes and for the quantum yields of the photochemical reactions and the emission. Comparison of 1 with [Re(X(2)bpy)(CO)(3)(py)](+) (3) and [Re(X(2)bpy)(CO)(3)Cl] (4) indicated that the (3)LF states of some 3- and 4-type complexes are probably accessible from the (3)MLCT state even at ambient temperature, but these complexes were stable to irradiation at 365 nm. The photostability of 3 and 4, in contrast to 1, can be explained by differences in the trans effects of the PR(3), py, and Cl(-) ligands.

Plasmid Replicons from Pseudomonas Are Natural Chimeras of Functional, Exchangeable Modules

PubMed Central

Bardaji, Leire; Añorga, Maite; Ruiz-Masó, José A.; del Solar, Gloria; Murillo, Jesús

2017-01-01

Plasmids are a main factor for the evolution of bacteria through horizontal gene exchange, including the dissemination of pathogenicity genes, resistance to antibiotics and degradation of pollutants. Their capacity to duplicate is dependent on their replication determinants (replicon), which also define their bacterial host range and the inability to coexist with related replicons. We characterize a second replicon from the virulence plasmid pPsv48C, from Pseudomonas syringae pv. savastanoi, which appears to be a natural chimera between the gene encoding a newly described replication protein and a putative replication control region present in the widespread family of PFP virulence plasmids. We present extensive evidence of this type of chimerism in structurally similar replicons from species of Pseudomonas, including environmental bacteria as well as plant, animal and human pathogens. We establish that these replicons consist of two functional modules corresponding to putative control (REx-C module) and replication (REx-R module) regions. These modules are functionally separable, do not show specificity for each other, and are dynamically exchanged among replicons of four distinct plasmid families. Only the REx-C module displays strong incompatibility, which is overcome by a few nucleotide changes clustered in a stem-and-loop structure of a putative antisense RNA. Additionally, a REx-C module from pPsv48C conferred replication ability to a non-replicative chromosomal DNA region containing features associated to replicons. Thus, the organization of plasmid replicons as independent and exchangeable functional modules is likely facilitating rapid replicon evolution, fostering their diversification and survival, besides allowing the potential co-option of appropriate genes into novel replicons and the artificial construction of new replicon specificities. PMID:28243228

Direct and indirect light emissions from layered ReS2-x Se x (0 ≤ x ≤ 2)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ho, Ching-Hwa; Liu, Zhan-Zhi; Lin, Min-Han

2017-06-01

ReS2 and ReSe2 have recently been enthusiastically studied owing to the specific in-plane electrical, optical and structural anisotropy caused by their distorted one-layer trigonal (1 T) phase, whereas other traditional transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs, e.g. MoS2 and WSe2) have a hexagonal structure. Because of this special property, more and versatile nano-electronics and nano-optoelectronics devices can be developed. In this work, 2D materials in the series ReS2-x Se x (0 ≤ x ≤ 2) have been successfully grown by the method of chemical vapor transport. The direct and indirect resonant emissions of the complete series of layers can be simultaneously detected by polarized micro-photoluminescence (μPL) spectroscopy when the thickness of the ReS2-x Se x is greater than ˜70 nm. When it is less than 70 nm, only three direct excitonic emissions—E 1 ex, E 2 ex and E S ex—are detected. For the thick (bulk) ReS2-x Se x , more stacking of the ReX2 monolayers even flattens and shifts the valence-band maximum from Γ to the other K- or M-related points, thus leading to the coexistence of direct and indirect resonant light emissions from the c-plane ReX2. The transmittance absorption edge of each bulk ReX2 (a few microns thick) usually has a lower energy than those of the direct E 1 ex and E 2 ex excitonic emissions to form indirect absorption. The coexistence of direct and indirect emissions in ReX2 is a unique characteristic of a 2D layered semiconductor possessing triclinic low symmetry.

Touch And Go Camera System (TAGCAMS) for the OSIRIS-REx Asteroid Sample Return Mission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bos, B. J.; Ravine, M. A.; Caplinger, M.; Schaffner, J. A.; Ladewig, J. V.; Olds, R. D.; Norman, C. D.; Huish, D.; Hughes, M.; Anderson, S. K.; Lorenz, D. A.; May, A.; Jackman, C. D.; Nelson, D.; Moreau, M.; Kubitschek, D.; Getzandanner, K.; Gordon, K. E.; Eberhardt, A.; Lauretta, D. S.

2018-02-01

NASA's OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample return mission spacecraft includes the Touch And Go Camera System (TAGCAMS) three camera-head instrument. The purpose of TAGCAMS is to provide imagery during the mission to facilitate navigation to the target asteroid, confirm acquisition of the asteroid sample, and document asteroid sample stowage. The cameras were designed and constructed by Malin Space Science Systems (MSSS) based on requirements developed by Lockheed Martin and NASA. All three of the cameras are mounted to the spacecraft nadir deck and provide images in the visible part of the spectrum, 400-700 nm. Two of the TAGCAMS cameras, NavCam 1 and NavCam 2, serve as fully redundant navigation cameras to support optical navigation and natural feature tracking. Their boresights are aligned in the nadir direction with small angular offsets for operational convenience. The third TAGCAMS camera, StowCam, provides imagery to assist with and confirm proper stowage of the asteroid sample. Its boresight is pointed at the OSIRIS-REx sample return capsule located on the spacecraft deck. All three cameras have at their heart a 2592 × 1944 pixel complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) detector array that provides up to 12-bit pixel depth. All cameras also share the same lens design and a camera field of view of roughly 44° × 32° with a pixel scale of 0.28 mrad/pixel. The StowCam lens is focused to image features on the spacecraft deck, while both NavCam lens focus positions are optimized for imaging at infinity. A brief description of the TAGCAMS instrument and how it is used to support critical OSIRIS-REx operations is provided.

Common Avian Infection Plagued the Tyrant Dinosaurs

PubMed Central

Wolff, Ewan D. S.; Salisbury, Steven W.; Horner, John R.; Varricchio, David J.

2009-01-01

Background Tyrannosaurus rex and other tyrannosaurid fossils often display multiple, smooth-edged full-thickness erosive lesions on the mandible, either unilaterally or bilaterally. The cause of these lesions in the Tyrannosaurus rex specimen FMNH PR2081 (known informally by the name ‘Sue’) has previously been attributed to actinomycosis, a bacterial bone infection, or bite wounds from other tyrannosaurids. Methodology/Principal Findings We conducted an extensive survey of tyrannosaurid specimens and identified ten individuals with full-thickness erosive lesions. These lesions were described, measured and photographed for comparison with one another. We also conducted an extensive survey of related archosaurs for similar lesions. We show here that these lesions are consistent with those caused by an avian parasitic infection called trichomonosis, which causes similar abnormalities on the mandible of modern birds, in particular raptors. Conclusions/Significance This finding represents the first evidence for the ancient evolutionary origin of an avian transmissible disease in non-avian theropod dinosaurs. It also provides a valuable insight into the palaeobiology of these now extinct animals. Based on the frequency with which these lesions occur, we hypothesize that tyrannosaurids were commonly infected by a Trichomonas gallinae-like protozoan. For tyrannosaurid populations, the only non-avian dinosaur group that show trichomonosis-type lesions, it is likely that the disease became endemic and spread as a result of antagonistic intraspecific behavior, consumption of prey infected by a Trichomonas gallinae-like protozoan and possibly even cannibalism. The severity of trichomonosis-related lesions in specimens such as Tyrannosaurus rex FMNH PR2081 and Tyrannosaurus rex MOR 980, strongly suggests that these animals died as a direct result of this disease, mostly likely through starvation. PMID:19789646

Asteroid Bennu Temperature Maps for OSIRIS-REx Spacecraft and Instrument Thermal Analyses

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Choi, Michael K.; Emery, Josh; Delbo, Marco

2014-01-01

A thermophysical model has been developed to generate asteroid Bennu surface temperature maps for OSIRIS-REx spacecraft and instrument thermal design and analyses at the Critical Design Review (CDR). Two-dimensional temperature maps for worst hot and worst cold cases are used in Thermal Desktop to assure adequate thermal design margins. To minimize the complexity of the Bennu geometry in Thermal Desktop, it is modeled as a sphere instead of the radar shape. The post-CDR updated thermal inertia and a modified approach show that the new surface temperature predictions are more benign. Therefore the CDR Bennu surface temperature predictions are conservative.

OSIRIS-REx Rollout for Launch

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-09-07

In a view from ground level looking up, a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket begins to roll out of the Vertical Integration Facility to Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The launch vehicle will boost NASA’s Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer, or OSIRIS-REx spacecraft. This will be the first U.S. mission to sample an asteroid, retrieve at least two ounces of surface material and return it to Earth for study. The asteroid, Bennu, may hold clues to the origin of the solar system and the source of water and organic molecules found on Earth.

OSIRIS-REx Rollout for Launch

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-09-07

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket is reflected in the water as it rolls out of the Vertical Integration Facility on its way to Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The launch vehicle will boost NASA’s Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer, or OSIRIS-REx spacecraft. This will be the first U.S. mission to sample an asteroid, retrieve at least two ounces of surface material and return it to Earth for study. The asteroid, Bennu, may hold clues to the origin of the solar system and the source of water and organic molecules found on Earth.

Transfer Reactions on Neutron-rich Nuclei at REX-ISOLDE

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

Kroell, Th.; Physik-Department E12, Technische Universitaet Muenchen, Garching; Bildstein, V.

2009-08-26

We report on one- and two-neutron transfer reactions to study the single-particle properties of nuclei at the border of the ''island of inversion.'' The (d, p)- and (t, p)-reactions in inverse kinematics on the neutron-rich isotope {sup 30}Mg, delivered as radioactive beam by the REX-ISOLDE facility, have been investigated. The outgoing protons have been detected and identified by a newly built array of Si detectors. The {gamma}-decay of excited states has been detected in coincidence by the MINIBALL array. First results for {sup 31}Mg and from the search for the second, spherical, 0{sup +} state in {sup 32}Mg are presented.

Thermophysiology of Tyrannosaurus rex: Evidence from Oxygen Isotopes.

PubMed

Barrick, R E; Showers, W J

1994-07-08

The oxygen isotopic composition of vertebrate bone phosphate (delta(p)) is related to ingested water and to the body temperature at which the bone forms. The delta(p) is in equilibrium with the individual's body water, which is at a physiological steady state throughout the body. Therefore, intrabone temperature variation and the mean interbone temperature differences of well-preserved fossil vertebrates can be determined from the deltap variation. Values of delta(p) from a well-preserved Tyrannosaurus rex suggest that this species maintained homeothermy with less than 4 degrees C of variability in body temperature. Maintenance of homeothermy implies a relatively high metabolic rate that is similar to that of endotherms.

Selection and dynamics of embryonic stem cell integration into early mouse embryos

PubMed Central

Alexandrova, Stoyana; Kalkan, Tuzer; Humphreys, Peter; Riddell, Andrew; Scognamiglio, Roberta; Trumpp, Andreas; Nichols, Jennifer

2016-01-01

The process by which pluripotent cells incorporate into host embryos is of interest to investigate cell potency and cell fate decisions. Previous studies suggest that only a minority of the embryonic stem cell (ESC) inoculum contributes to the adult chimaera. How incoming cells are chosen for integration or elimination remains unclear. By comparing a heterogeneous mix of undifferentiated and differentiating ESCs (serum/LIF) with more homogeneous undifferentiated culture (2i/LIF), we examine the role of cellular heterogeneity in this process. Time-lapse ex vivo imaging revealed a drastic elimination of serum/LIF ESCs during early development in comparison with 2i/LIF ESCs. Using a fluorescent reporter for naive pluripotency (Rex1-GFP), we established that the acutely eliminated serum/LIF ESCs had started to differentiate. The rejected cells were apparently killed by apoptosis. We conclude that a selection process exists by which unwanted differentiating cells are eliminated from the embryo. However, occasional Rex1− cells were able to integrate. Upregulation of Rex1 occurred in a proportion of these cells, reflecting the potential of the embryonic environment to expedite diversion from differentiation priming to enhance the developing embryonic epiblast. PMID:26586221

Cavitands Endow All-Dielectric Beads With Selectivity for Plasmon-Free Enhanced Raman Detection of Nε-Methylated Lysine.

PubMed

Alessandri, Ivano; Biavardi, Elisa; Gianoncelli, Alessandra; Bergese, Paolo; Dalcanale, Enrico

2016-06-22

SiO2/TiO2 microbeads (T-rex) are promising materials for plasmon-free surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), offering several key advantages in biodiagnostics. In this paper we report the combination of T-rex beads with tetraphosphonate cavitands (Tiiii), which imparts selectivity toward Nε-methylated lysine. SERS experiments demonstrated the efficiency and selectivity of the T-rex-Tiiii assays in detecting methylated lysine hydrochloride (Nε-Me-Lys-Fmoc) from aqueous solutions, even in the presence of the parent Lys-Fmoc hydrochloride as interferent. The negative results obtained in control experiments using TSiiii ruled out any other form of surface recognition or preferential physisorption. MALDI-TOF analyses on the beads exposed to Nε-Me-Lys-Fmoc revealed the presence of the Tiiii•Nε-Me-Lys-Fmoc complex. Raman analyses based on the intensity ratio of Nε-Me-Lys-Fmoc and cavitand-specific modes resulted in a dose-response plot, which allowed for estimating the concentration of Nε-methylated lysine from initial solutions in the 1 × 10(-3) to 1 × 10(-5) M range. These results can set the basis for the development of new Raman assays for epigenetic diagnostics.

A method for rapid 3D scanning and replication of large paleontological specimens

PubMed Central

Das, Anshuman J.; Murmann, Denise C.; Cohrn, Kenneth; Raskar, Ramesh

2017-01-01

We demonstrate a fast and cost-effective technique to perform three dimensional (3D) scanning and replication of large paleontological specimens, in this case the entire skull of a Tyrannosaurus rex (T.rex) with a volume in the range of 2 m3. The technique involves time-of-flight (TOF) depth sensing using the Kinect scanning module commonly used in gesture recognition in gaming. Raw data from the Kinect sensor was captured using open source software and the reconstruction was done rapidly making this a viable method that can be adopted by museums and researchers in paleontology. The current method has the advantage of being low-cost as compared to industrial scanners and photogrammetric methods but also of accurately scanning a substantial volume range which is well suited for large specimens. The depth resolution from the Kinect sensor was measured to be around 0.6 mm which is ideal for scanning large specimens with reasonable structural detail. We demonstrate the efficacy of this method on the skull of FMNH PR 2081, also known as SUE, a near complete T.rex at the Field Museum of Natural History. PMID:28678817

A method for rapid 3D scanning and replication of large paleontological specimens.

PubMed

Das, Anshuman J; Murmann, Denise C; Cohrn, Kenneth; Raskar, Ramesh

2017-01-01

We demonstrate a fast and cost-effective technique to perform three dimensional (3D) scanning and replication of large paleontological specimens, in this case the entire skull of a Tyrannosaurus rex (T.rex) with a volume in the range of 2 m3. The technique involves time-of-flight (TOF) depth sensing using the Kinect scanning module commonly used in gesture recognition in gaming. Raw data from the Kinect sensor was captured using open source software and the reconstruction was done rapidly making this a viable method that can be adopted by museums and researchers in paleontology. The current method has the advantage of being low-cost as compared to industrial scanners and photogrammetric methods but also of accurately scanning a substantial volume range which is well suited for large specimens. The depth resolution from the Kinect sensor was measured to be around 0.6 mm which is ideal for scanning large specimens with reasonable structural detail. We demonstrate the efficacy of this method on the skull of FMNH PR 2081, also known as SUE, a near complete T.rex at the Field Museum of Natural History.

High Efficiency Heat Exchanger for High Temperature and High Pressure Applications

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

Sienicki, James J.; Lv, Qiuping; Moisseytsev, Anton

CompRex, LLC (CompRex) specializes in the design and manufacture of compact heat exchangers and heat exchange reactors for high temperature and high pressure applications. CompRex’s proprietary compact technology not only increases heat exchange efficiency by at least 25 % but also reduces footprint by at least a factor of ten compared to traditional shell-and-tube solutions of the same capacity and by 15 to 20 % compared to other currently available Printed Circuit Heat Exchanger (PCHE) solutions. As a result, CompRex’s solution is especially suitable for Brayton cycle supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2) systems given its high efficiency and significantly lower capitalmore » and operating expenses. CompRex has already successfully demonstrated its technology and ability to deliver with a pilot-scale compact heat exchanger that was under contract by the Naval Nuclear Laboratory for sCO2 power cycle development. The performance tested unit met or exceeded the thermal and hydraulic specifications with measured heat transfer between 95 to 98 % of maximum heat transfer and temperature and pressure drop values all consistent with the modeled values. CompRex’s vision is to commercialize its compact technology and become the leading provider for compact heat exchangers and heat exchange reactors for various applications including Brayton cycle sCO2 systems. One of the limitations of the sCO2 Brayton power cycle is the design and manufacturing of efficient heat exchangers at extreme operating conditions. Current diffusion-bonded heat exchangers have limitations on the channel size through which the fluid travels, resulting in excessive solid material per heat exchanger volume. CompRex’s design allows for more open area and shorter fluid proximity for increased heat transfer efficiency while sustaining the structural integrity needed for the application. CompRex is developing a novel improvement to its current heat exchanger design where fluids are directed to alternating channels so that each fluid is fully surrounded by the opposing fluid. As compared to similar existing compact heat exchangers, the new design converts most secondary surface area to primary surface area, eliminating fin inefficiencies. CompRex requests that all technical information about the heat exchanger designs be protected as proprietary information. To honor that request, only non-proprietay summaries are included in this report.« less

Monitoring of Gully Activity in the Haughton Impact Structure, Devon Island, Canada, as an Analogue for Mars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harrison, T.; Osinski, G.; Godin, E.; Pontefract, A.; Conway, S. J.

2017-12-01

The 22-km-diameter Haughton Impact Structure (75°22' N, 89°41' W) lies in a cold polar desert climate often cited as a terrestrial analogue for Mars. Within Haughton, gullies incise into slopes of the Impact Breccia Unit and the Bay Fjord Formation (Lower Middle Ordovician gypsum-rich limestone emplaced before the impact event). These gullies post-date the last major episode of glaciation on Devon Island. Present-day gully activity is dominated by melting of surface snow and ice deposits, with minor contributions from melting of 8-10 ka subsurface ice deposits from the last glacial maximum. Due to snow cover and poor weather conditions over Devon Island for the majority of the year, the Haughton Impact Structure is only accessible by geologists on the ground for a limited period during mid-summer. The gullies within Haughton are typically on the order of 250 m in length or shorter—poorly resolved by Landsat 8 (30 m) and Sentinel-2 (10 m) satellite data, although some darkening from wetting events within the gullies are detectable. Since spring of 2017, Planet has acquired near-daily coverage of the entire landmass of the Earth at a resolution of 3 m/pixel, providing an unprecedented ability to monitor changes in the Arctic at both high cadence and resolution. PlanetScope data is able to resolve the individual gullies within Haughton. Analysis of Landsat 8, Sentinel-2, RapidEye, and PlanetScope 3-band color data from 2015 through July 2017 clearly show the onset and cessation of gully activity each summer. Snow cover completely drapes the gullies each year until mid-June, at which point wetting from snowmelt (observed in the field) occurs. By the beginning of August, any remnant snowpack in the gully alcoves appears to have melted completely, and wetting events are no longer observed. These observations from satellite data will be combined with weather station data collected over the 2016-2017 field seasons (retrieved in summer 2017) to correlate temperature data with gully activity. Understanding the controls on gully activity at Haughton may help to elucidate the past and present processes involved with martian gully systems.

Subglacial drainage patterns of Devon Island, Canada: detailed comparison of rivers and subglacial meltwater channels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grau Galofre, Anna; Jellinek, A. Mark; Osinski, Gordon R.; Zanetti, Michael; Kukko, Antero

2018-04-01

Subglacial meltwater channels (N-channels) are attributed to erosion by meltwater in subglacial conduits. They exert a major control on meltwater accumulation at the base of ice sheets, serving as drainage pathways and modifying ice flow rates. The study of exposed relict subglacial channels offers a unique opportunity to characterize the geomorphologic fingerprint of subglacial erosion as well as study the structure and characteristics of ice sheet drainage systems. In this study we present detailed field and remote sensing observations of exposed subglacial meltwater channels in excellent preservation state on Devon Island (Canadian Arctic Archipelago). We characterize channel cross section, longitudinal profiles, and network morphologies and establish the spatial extent and distinctive characteristics of subglacial drainage systems. We use field-based GPS measurements of subglacial channel longitudinal profiles, along with stereo imagery-derived digital surface models (DSMs), and novel kinematic portable lidar data to establish a detailed characterization of subglacial channels in our field study area, including their distinction from rivers and other meltwater drainage systems. Subglacial channels typically cluster in groups of ˜ 10 channels and are oriented perpendicular to active or former ice margins. Although their overall direction generally follows topographic gradients, channels can be oblique to topographic gradients and have undulating longitudinal profiles. We also observe that the width of first-order tributaries is 1 to 2 orders of magnitude larger than in Devon Island river systems and approximately constant. Furthermore, our findings are consistent with theoretical expectations drawn from analyses of flow driven by gradients in effective water pressure related to variations in ice thickness. Our field and remote sensing observations represent the first high-resolution study of the subglacial geomorphology of the high Arctic, and provide quantitative and qualitative descriptions of subglacial channels that revisit well-established field identification guidelines. Distinguishing subglacial channels in topographic data is critical for understanding the emergence, geometry, and extent of channelized meltwater systems and their role in ice sheet drainage. The final aim of this study is to facilitate the identification of subglacial channel networks throughout the globe by using remote sensing techniques, which will improve the detection of these systems and help to build understanding of the underlying mechanics of subglacial channelized drainage.

To the North Coast of Devon: Collaborative Navigation While Exploring Unfamiliar Terrain

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clancey, William J.; Lee, Pascal; Cockell, Charles S.; Braham, Stephen; Shafto, Mike

2006-01-01

Navigation-knowing where one is and finding a safe route-is a fundamental aspect of all exploration. In unfamiliar terrain, one may use maps and instruments such as a compass or binoculars to assist, and people often collaborate in finding their way. This paper analyzes a group of people driving a humvee from a base camp to the north coast of Devon Island in the High Canadian Arctic. A complete audio recording and video during most stops allows a quantitative and semantic analysis of the conversations when the team stopped to take bearings and replan a route. Over a period of 2 hours, the humvee stopped 20 times, with an average duration of 3.15 min/pause and 3.85 min moving forward. The team failed to reach its goal due to difficult terrain causing mechanical problems. The analysis attempts to explain these facts by considering a variety of complicating factors, especially the navigation problem of relating maps and the world to locate the humvee and to plan a route. The analysis reveals patterns in topic structure and turn-taking, supporting the view that the collaboration was efficient, but the tools and information were inadequate for the task. This work is relevant for planning and training for planetary surface missions, as well as developing computer systems that could aid navigation.

A critical review of the glaciomarine model for Irish sea deglaciation: evidence from southern Britain, the Celtic shelf and adjacent continental slope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scourse, J. D.; Furze, M. F. A.

2001-07-01

In support of their glaciomarine model for the deglaciation of the Irish Sea basin, Eyles and McCabe cited the occurrence of distal glaciomarine mud drapes onshore in the Isles of Scilly and North Devon, and of arctic beach-face gravels and sands around the shores of the Celtic Sea. Glacial and sea-level data from the southern part of the Irish Sea in the terminal zone of the ice stream and the adjacent continental slope are reviewed here to test this aspect of the model. The suggestion that the glacial sequences of both the Isles of Scilly and Fremington in North Devon are glaciomarine mud drapes is rejected. An actively calving tidewater margin only occurred early in the deglacial sequence close to the terminal zone in the south-central Celtic Sea. Relative sea-levels were lower, and therefore glacio-isostatic depression less, than envisaged in the glaciomarine model. Geochronological, sedimentological and biostratigraphical data indicate that the raised beach sequences around the shores of the Celtic Sea and English Channel were deposited at, or during regression soon after, interglacial eustatic highstands. Evidence for ice-rafting at a time of high relative sea-levels is restricted to a phase(s) earlier than the Late Devensian. These data indicate that the raised beach sequences have no bearing on the style of Irish Sea deglaciation.

Chemistry supports the identification of gender-specific reproductive tissue in Tyrannosaurus rex

PubMed Central

Schweitzer, Mary Higby; Zheng, Wenxia; Zanno, Lindsay; Werning, Sarah; Sugiyama, Toshie

2016-01-01

Medullary bone (MB), an estrogen-dependent reproductive tissue present in extant gravid birds, is texturally, histologically and compositionally distinct from other bone types. Phylogenetic proximity led to the proposal that MB would be present in non-avian dinosaurs, and recent studies have used microscopic, morphological, and regional homologies to identify this reproductive tissue in both theropod and ornithischian dinosaurs. Here, we capitalize on the unique chemical and histological fingerprint of MB in birds to characterize, at the molecular level, MB in the non-avian theropod Tyrannosaurus rex (MOR 1125), and show that the retention of original molecular components in fossils allows deeper physiological and evolutionary questions to be addressed. PMID:26975806

Dr. Jason Dworkin, Project Scientist

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-12-08

Dr. Jason Dworkin, Project Scientist for NASA's OSIRIS-Rex mission is seen hear sealing a glass test tube with a sample of Allende meteorite dust which is 4.567 BILLION years old. Jason is the Chief of NASA Goddard's Astrochemistry Lab. Read more about the mission here: www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/osiris-rex Credit: NASA/Goddard/Debbie Mccallum NASA image use policy. NASA Goddard Space Flight Center enables NASA’s mission through four scientific endeavors: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Solar System Exploration, and Astrophysics. Goddard plays a leading role in NASA’s accomplishments by contributing compelling scientific knowledge to advance the Agency’s mission. Follow us on Twitter Like us on Facebook Find us on Instagram

The REX survey as a Tool to Test the Beaming Model for BL Lacs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Caccianiga, A.; della Ceca, R.; Gioia, I. M.; Maccacaro, T.; Wolter, A.

We present the preliminary properties of the BL Lacs discovered in the REX survey (Caccianiga et al. 1998). In particular, we discuss a few sources with optical spectral properties ``intermediate'' between those of BL Lacs and those of elliptical galaxies. These objects could harbour weak (in the optical band) sources of non-thermal continuum in their nuclei and, if confirmed, they could represent the faint tail of the BL Lac population. The existence of such ``weak'' BL Lacs is matter of discussion in recent literature (e.g. Marcha et al. 1996) and could lead to a revision of the defining criteria of a BL Lac and, consequently, of their cosmological and statistical properties.

One Nucleon Transfer Reactions Around {sup 68}Ni at REX-ISOLDE

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

Patronis, N.; Raabe, R.; Bree, N.

2008-05-12

The newly built position sensitive Si detectors array of nearly 4{pi} angular coverage which is going to be installed at the REX-ISOLDE facility at CERN is briefly presented. This setup will be combined with the Miniball detectors array, constituting a unique tool for the study of one-nucleon transfer reactions. The experimental study of d({sup 66}Ni,p){sup 67}Ni reaction will be proposed, as a starting point for a series of experiments aiming to the study of the single particle character of the levels of the odd mass neutron reach unstable Ni isotopes. In this contribution, the feasibility and sensitivity of the experimentmore » is presented.« less

Chemistry supports the identification of gender-specific reproductive tissue in Tyrannosaurus rex.

PubMed

Schweitzer, Mary Higby; Zheng, Wenxia; Zanno, Lindsay; Werning, Sarah; Sugiyama, Toshie

2016-03-15

Medullary bone (MB), an estrogen-dependent reproductive tissue present in extant gravid birds, is texturally, histologically and compositionally distinct from other bone types. Phylogenetic proximity led to the proposal that MB would be present in non-avian dinosaurs, and recent studies have used microscopic, morphological, and regional homologies to identify this reproductive tissue in both theropod and ornithischian dinosaurs. Here, we capitalize on the unique chemical and histological fingerprint of MB in birds to characterize, at the molecular level, MB in the non-avian theropod Tyrannosaurus rex (MOR 1125), and show that the retention of original molecular components in fossils allows deeper physiological and evolutionary questions to be addressed.

Aging, Loss-of-Coolant Accident (LOCA), and high potential testing of damaged cables

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

Vigil, R.A.; Jacobus, M.J.

1994-04-01

Experiments were conducted to assess the effects of high potential testing of cables and to assess the survivability of aged and damaged cables under Loss-of-Coolant Accident (LOCA) conditions. High potential testing at 240 Vdc/mil on undamaged cables suggested that no damage was incurred on the selected virgin cables. During aging and LOCA testing, Okonite ethylene propylene rubber (EPR) cables with a bonded jacket experienced unexpected failures. The failures appear to be primarily related to the level of thermal aging and the presence of a bonded jacket that ages more rapidly than the insulation. For Brand Rex crosslinked polyolefin (XLPO) cables,more » the results suggest that 7 mils of insulation remaining should give the cables a high probability of surviving accident exposure following aging. The voltage necessary to detect when 7 mils of insulation remain on unaged Brand Rex cables is approximately 35 kVdc. This voltage level would almost certainly be unacceptable to a utility for use as a damage assessment tool. However, additional tests indicated that a 35 kvdc voltage application would not damage virgin Brand Rex cables when tested in water. Although two damaged Rockbestos silicone rubber cables also failed during the accident test, no correlation between failures and level of damage was apparent.« less

Determination of the System Mass and the Individual Masses of Pluto and Charon from New Horizons Radio Tracking

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hahn, M.; Paetzold, M.; Andert, T.; Bird, M. K.; Tyler, G. L.; Hinson, D. P.; Linscott, I.; Stern, A.; Weaver, H. A., Jr.; Young, L. A.; Ennico Smith, K.; Olkin, C.

2016-12-01

One objective of the New Horizons Radio Science Experiment REX is the direct determination of the system mass and the individual masses of Pluto and Charon. About four weeks of two-way radio tracking centered around the closest approach of New Horizons to the Pluto system were processed. Major problems during the processing were the changes in spacecraft attitude by thrusters which applied extra Δv to the spacecraft motion masking partially the continuously perturbed motion caused by the attracting forces of the Pluto system members. The times of the spacecraft thruster activity are known but the applied Δv magnitude needed to be specifically adjusted. No two-way tracking was available during the flyby day on 14th July but slots of the REX one-way uplink observations cover the most important time near closest approach, these are for example the Pluto and Charon Earth occultation entries and exits. The REX data during the flyby day allowed to extract the individual masses of Pluto and Charon from the system mass at high precision. The relative errors of the mass determinations are below 0.02% and 0.2%, respectively. The masses of the 4 small satellites in the Pluto system could not be resolved.

Modeling the expected performance of the REgolith X-ray Imaging Spectrometer (REXIS)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Inamdar, Niraj K.; Binzel, Richard P.; Hong, Jae Sub; Allen, Branden; Grindlay, Jonathan; Masterson, Rebecca A.

2014-09-01

OSIRIS-REx is the third spacecraft in the NASA New Frontiers Program and is planned for launch in 2016. OSIRIS-REx will orbit the near-Earth asteroid (101955) Bennu, characterize it, and return a sample of the asteroid's regolith back to Earth. The Regolith X-ray Imaging Spectrometer (REXIS) is an instrument on OSIRIS-REx designed and built by students at MIT and Harvard. The purpose of REXIS is to collect and image sun-induced fluorescent X-rays emitted by Bennu, thereby providing spectroscopic information related to the elemental makeup of the asteroid regolith and the distribution of features over its surface. Telescopic reflectance spectra suggest a CI or CM chondrite analog meteorite class for Bennu, where this primitive nature strongly motivates its study. A number of factors, however, will influence the generation, measurement, and interpretation of the X-ray spectra measured by REXIS. These include: the compositional nature and heterogeneity of Bennu, the time-variable solar state, X-ray detector characteristics, and geometric parameters for the observations. In this paper, we will explore how these variables influence the precision to which REXIS can measure Bennu's surface composition. By modeling the aforementioned factors, we place bounds on the expected performance of REXIS and its ability to ultimately place Bennu in an analog meteorite class.

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

Curran, Scott; Wagner, Robert M.; Campbell, Russ

The SAE 2016 Range Extenders for Electric Vehicles Symposium was a 2-day technical meeting focused on the role of advanced internal combustion engines (ICEs) and other novel energy converter technologies for extending the range of electric vehicles (EVs). The first-of-its-kind symposium was notable for focusing solely on the range extender (REx) technologies and not the EVs. The technical program featured presentations from international leaders from industry, government, national laboratories, and academia. The opening keynote presentations covered a broad range of topics including consumer behavior, policy implications, regulatory considerations, and REx architectures as enablers for advanced technologies. The technical sessions focusedmore » on an array of REx technologies including conventional ICEs, as well as less conventional or emerging technologies such as microturbines, fuel cells, low-temperature combustion engines, and aluminum-air batteries. The symposium included two panel sessions. The trend toward increasing vehicle electrification and the changing role of ICEs and other auxiliary power unit technologies for use as REx’s is leading to new research and design development needs. The symposium captured the interest of the industry and research communities in exploring the opportunities and challenges associated with REx’s for EVs. This report includes key takeaways, summarized below, and draft notes for each presentation and panel discussion.« less

Spectral slope variations for OSIRIS-REx target Asteroid (101955) Bennu: Possible evidence for a fine-grained regolith equatorial ridge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Binzel, Richard P.; DeMeo, Francesca E.; Burt, Brian J.; Cloutis, Edward A.; Rozitis, Ben; Burbine, Thomas H.; Campins, Humberto; Clark, Beth Ellen; Emery, Joshua P.; Hergenrother, Carl W.; Howell, Ellen S.; Lauretta, Dante S.; Nolan, Michael C.; Mansfield, Megan; Pietrasz, Valerie; Polishook, David; Scheeres, Daniel J.

2015-08-01

Ongoing spectroscopic reconnaissance of the OSIRIS-REx target Asteroid (101955) Bennu was performed in July 2011 and May 2012. Near-infrared spectra taken during these apparitions display slightly more positive ("redder") spectral slopes than most previously reported measurements. While observational systematic effects can produce such slope changes, and these effects cannot be ruled out, we entertain the hypothesis that the measurements are correct. Under this assumption, we present laboratory measurements investigating a plausible explanation that positive spectral slopes indicate a finer grain size for the most directly observed sub-Earth region on the asteroid. In all cases, the positive spectral slopes correspond to sub-Earth latitudes nearest to the equatorial ridge of Bennu. If confirmed by OSIRIS-REx in situ observations, one possible physical implication is that if the equatorial ridge is created by regolith migration during episodes of rapid rotation, that migration is most strongly dominated by finer grain material. Alternatively, after formation of the ridge (by regolith of any size distribution), larger-sized equatorial material may be more subject to loss due to centrifugal acceleration relative to finer grain material, where cohesive forces can preferentially retain the finest fraction (Rozitis, B., Maclennan, E., Emery, J.P. [2014]. Nature 512, 174-176).

Identification of a Gene on Chromosome 18q21 Involved in Suppressing Metastatic Prostate Cancer

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-12-01

manuscript: Padalecki SS, Weldon KS, Reveles XT, Buller CL, Grubbs B, Cui Y, Yin JJ, Hall DC, Hummer BT, Weissman BE, Dallas M , Guise TA, Leach RJ...B, Cui Y, Yin JJ, Hall DC, Hummer BT, Weissman BE, Dallas M , Guise TA, Leach RJ, Johnson-Pais TL 2003. Chromosome 18 suppresses prostate cancer...Postdoctoral Fellow Devon C. Hall – Graduate Student References Chen J, Sun M , Lee S, Zhou G, Rowley JD, Wang SM 2002. Identifying novel

ARC-2007-ACD07-0170-005

NASA Image and Video Library

2007-07-19

Haughton-Mars Project: - Photo credit to Matt Deans (NASA) K-10 Rover 'Black' and K-10 'RED' conducting systematic site survey at Haughton Creater Devon Island, Nunavut, in the Canadian high arctic. Which lies in the 'frost rubble zone' of the Earth, i.e., in a polar desert environment and is the only crater known to lie in such an environment. Beginning in 1997, the crater and its surroundings are studied as a promising Mars analog by the NASA-led Haughton-Mars Project. (photo reference MCD_0888.JPG)

A 3D interactive method for estimating body segmental parameters in animals: application to the turning and running performance of Tyrannosaurus rex.

PubMed

Hutchinson, John R; Ng-Thow-Hing, Victor; Anderson, Frank C

2007-06-21

We developed a method based on interactive B-spline solids for estimating and visualizing biomechanically important parameters for animal body segments. Although the method is most useful for assessing the importance of unknowns in extinct animals, such as body contours, muscle bulk, or inertial parameters, it is also useful for non-invasive measurement of segmental dimensions in extant animals. Points measured directly from bodies or skeletons are digitized and visualized on a computer, and then a B-spline solid is fitted to enclose these points, allowing quantification of segment dimensions. The method is computationally fast enough so that software implementations can interactively deform the shape of body segments (by warping the solid) or adjust the shape quantitatively (e.g., expanding the solid boundary by some percentage or a specific distance beyond measured skeletal coordinates). As the shape changes, the resulting changes in segment mass, center of mass (CM), and moments of inertia can be recomputed immediately. Volumes of reduced or increased density can be embedded to represent lungs, bones, or other structures within the body. The method was validated by reconstructing an ostrich body from a fleshed and defleshed carcass and comparing the estimated dimensions to empirically measured values from the original carcass. We then used the method to calculate the segmental masses, centers of mass, and moments of inertia for an adult Tyrannosaurus rex, with measurements taken directly from a complete skeleton. We compare these results to other estimates, using the model to compute the sensitivities of unknown parameter values based upon 30 different combinations of trunk, lung and air sac, and hindlimb dimensions. The conclusion that T. rex was not an exceptionally fast runner remains strongly supported by our models-the main area of ambiguity for estimating running ability seems to be estimating fascicle lengths, not body dimensions. Additionally, the craniad position of the CM in all of our models reinforces the notion that T. rex did not stand or move with extremely columnar, elephantine limbs. It required some flexion in the limbs to stand still, but how much flexion depends directly on where its CM is assumed to lie. Finally we used our model to test an unsolved problem in dinosaur biomechanics: how fast a huge biped like T. rex could turn. Depending on the assumptions, our whole body model integrated with a musculoskeletal model estimates that turning 45 degrees on one leg could be achieved slowly, in about 1-2s.

OSIRIS-REx OCAMS detector assembly characterization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hancock, J.; Crowther, B.; Whiteley, M.; Burt, R.; Watson, M.; Nelson, J.; Fellows, C.; Rizk, B.; Kinney-Spano, E.; Perry, M.; Hunten, M.

2013-09-01

The OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample return mission carries a suite of three cameras referred to as OCAMS. The Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) at Utah State University is providing the CCD-based detector assemblies for OCAMS to the Lunar Planetary Lab (LPL) at the University of Arizona. Working with the LPL, SDL has designed the electronics to operate a 1K by 1K frame transfer Teledyne DALSA Multi-Pinned Phase (MPP) CCD. The detector assembly electronics provides the CCD clocking, biasing, and digital interface with the OCAMS payload Command Control Module (CCM). A prototype system was built to verify the functionality of the detector assembly design and to characterize the detector system performance at the intended operating temperatures. The characterization results are described in this paper.

EVA training for Exp. 27 crew member Ron Garan, Exp. 28 Mike Fossum and STS-135 Doug Hurley, Rex Walheim and Sandra Magnus

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-01-18

JSC2011-E-003204 (18 Jan. 2011) --- NASA astronauts Rex Walheim, STS-135 mission specialist; and Mike Fossum (foreground), Expedition 28 flight engineer and Expedition 29 commander; use the virtual reality lab in the Space Vehicle Mock-up Facility at NASA's Johnson Space Center to train for some of their duties aboard the space shuttle and space station. This type of computer interface, paired with virtual reality training hardware and software, helps to prepare crew members for dealing with space station elements. STS-135 is planned to be the final mission of the space shuttle program. Photo credit: NASA or National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Orbit Stability of OSIRIS-REx in the Vicinity of Bennu Using a High-Fidelity Solar Radiation Model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, Trevor W.; Hughes, Kyle M.; Mashiku, Alinda K.; Longuski, James M.

2015-01-01

Solar radiation pressure is one of the largest perturbing forces on the OSIRISRex trajectory as it orbits the asteroid Bennu. In this work, we investigate how forces due to solar radiation perturb the OSIRIS-REx trajectory in a high-fidelity model. The model accounts for Bennu's non-spherical gravity field, third-body gravity forces from the Sun and Jupiter, as well as solar radiation forces acting on a simplified spacecraft model. Such high-fidelity simulations indicate significant solar radiation pressure perturbations from the nominal orbit. Modifications to the initial design of the nominal orbit are found using a variation of parameters approach that reduce the perturbation in eccentricity by a factor of one-half.

STS-110 Crew Interview: Rex Walheim

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2002-01-01

STS-110 Mission Specialist Rex Walheim is seen during this preflight interview, where he gives a quick overview of the mission before answering questions about his inspiration to become an astronaut and his career path. Walheim outlines his role in the mission in general, and specifically during the docking and extravehicular activities (EVAs). He describes the payload (S0 Truss and Mobile Transporter) and the dry run installation of the S0 truss that will take place the day before the EVA for the actual installation. Walheim discusses the planned EVAs in detail and outlines what supplies will be left for the resident crew of the International Space Station (ISS). He ends with his thoughts on the most valuable aspect of the ISS.

OSIRIS-REx Executes First Deep Space Maneuver

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-12-08

NASA's Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security–Regolith Explorer, OSIRIS-REx, spacecraft executed its first deep space maneuver Dec. 28, 2016, putting it on course for an Earth flyby in September 2017. The team will continue to examine telemetry and tracking data as it becomes available at the current low data rate and will have more information in January. Image credit: University of Arizona NASA image use policy. NASA Goddard Space Flight Center enables NASA’s mission through four scientific endeavors: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Solar System Exploration, and Astrophysics. Goddard plays a leading role in NASA’s accomplishments by contributing compelling scientific knowledge to advance the Agency’s mission. Follow us on Twitter Like us on Facebook Find us on Instagram

Source apportionment of Pb pollution in saltmarsh sediments from southwest England

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iurian, Andra-Rada; Millward, Geoffrey; Taylor, Alex; Marshall, William; Rodríguez, Javier; Gil Ibarguchi, José Ignacio; Blake, William H.

2017-04-01

The local availability of metal resources played a crucial role in Britain's development during the industrial revolution, but centuries of mining within Cornwall and Devon (UK) have left a legacy of contamination in river basin and estuary sediments. Improved knowledge of historical heavy metal sources, emissions and pathways will result in a better understanding of the contemporary pollution conditions and a better protection of the environment from legacy contaminants. Our study aims to trace historical sources of Pb pollution in the area of east Cornwall and west Devon, UK, using a multi proxy approach for contaminants stored in saltmarsh sediment columns from 3 systems characterized by different contamination patterns. Source apportionment investigations included the determination of Pb concentration and Pb isotopic composition (204Pb, 206Pb, 207Pb, and 208Pb) for selected down-core sediment samples, and for local ore and parent rock materials. General trends in pollutant loading (e.g. Pb) could be identified, with maximum inputs occurring in the middle of the 19th century and decreasing towards the present day, while an increase in the catchment disturbance was apparent for the last decades. The isotopic ratios of Pb further indicate that sediments with higher Pb content have a less radiogenic signature, these particular inputs being derived from Pb mining and smelting sources in the catchment area. Acknowledgements: Andra-Rada Iurian acknowledges the support of a Marie Curie Fellowship (H2020-MSCA-IF-2014, Grant Agreement number: 658863) within the Horizon 2020.

Field-calibrated model of melt, refreezing, and runoff for polar ice caps: Application to Devon Ice Cap

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morris, Richard M.; Mair, Douglas W. F.; Nienow, Peter W.; Bell, Christina; Burgess, David O.; Wright, Andrew P.

2014-09-01

Understanding the controls on the amount of surface meltwater that refreezes, rather than becoming runoff, over polar ice masses is necessary for modeling their surface mass balance and ultimately for predicting their future contributions to global sea level change. We present a modified version of a physically based model that includes an energy balance routine and explicit calculation of near-surface meltwater refreezing capacity, to simulate the evolution of near-surface density and temperature profiles across Devon Ice Cap in Arctic Canada. Uniquely, our model is initiated and calibrated using high spatial resolution measurements of snow and firn densities across almost the entire elevation range of the ice cap for the summer of 2004 and subsequently validated with the same type of measurements obtained during the very different meteorological conditions of summer 2006. The model captures the spatial variability across the transect in bulk snowpack properties although it slightly underestimates the flow of meltwater into the firn of previous years. The percentage of meltwater that becomes runoff is similar in both years; however, the spatial pattern of this melt-runoff relationship is different in the 2 years. The model is found to be insensitive to variation in the depth of impermeable layers within the firn but is very sensitive to variation in air temperature, since the refreezing capacity of firn decreases with increasing temperature. We highlight that the sensitivity of the ice cap's surface mass balance to air temperature is itself dependent on air temperature.

Integrated Software Systems for Crew Management During Extravehicular Activity in Planetary Terrain Exploration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kuznetz, Lawrence; Nguen, Dan; Jones, Jeffrey; Lee, Pascal; Merrell, Ronald; Rafiq, Azhar

2008-01-01

Initial planetary explorations with the Apollo program had a veritable ground support army monitoring the safety and health of the 12 astronauts who performed lunar surface extravehicular activities (EVAs). Given the distances involved, this will not be possible on Mars. A spacesuit for Mars must be smart enough to replace that army. The next generation suits can do so using 2 software systems serving as virtual companions, LEGACI (Life support, Exploration Guidance Algorithm and Consumable Interrogator) and VIOLET (Voice Initiated Operator for Life support and Exploration Tracking). The system presented in this study integrates data inputs from a suite of sensors into the MIII suit s communications, avionics and informatics hardware for distribution to remote managers and data analysis. If successful, the system has application not only for Mars but for nearer term missions to the Moon, and the next generation suits used on ISS as well. Field tests are conducted to assess capabilities for next generation spacesuits at Johnson Space Center (JSC) as well as the Mars and Lunar analog (Devon Island, Canada). LEGACI integrates data inputs from a suite of noninvasive biosensors in the suit and the astronaut (heart rate, suit inlet/outlet lcg temperature and flowrate, suit outlet gas and dewpoint temperature, pCO2, suit O2 pressure, state vector (accelerometry) and others). In the Integrated Walkback Suit Tests held at NASA-JSC and the HMP tests at Devon Island, communication and informatics capabilities were tested (including routing by satellite from the suit at Devon Island to JSC in Houston via secure servers at VCU in Richmond, VA). Results. The input from all the sensors enable LEGACI to compute multiple independent assessments of metabolic rate, from which a "best" met rate is chosen based on statistical methods. This rate can compute detailed information about the suit, crew and EVA performance using test-derived algorithms. VIOLET gives LEGACI voice activation capability, allowing the crew to query the suit, and receive feedback and alerts that will lead to corrective action. LEGACI and VIOLET can also automatically control the astronaut's cooling and consumable use rate without crew input if desired. These findings suggest that non-invasive physiological and environmental sensors supported with data analysis can allow for more effective management of mission task performance during EVA. Integrated remote and local view of data metrics allow crewmember to receive real time feedback in synch with mission control in preventing performance shortcomings for EVA in exploration missions.

Approaching the Minimum Thermal Conductivity in Rhenium-Substituted Higher Manganese Silicides

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

Chen, Xi; Girard, S. N.; Meng, F.

Higher manganese silicides (HMS) made of earth-abundant and non-toxic elements are regarded as promising p-type thermoelectric materials because their complex crystal structure results in low lattice thermal conductivity. It is shown here that the already low thermal conductivity of HMS can be reduced further to approach the minimum thermal conductivity via partial substitu- tion of Mn with heavier rhenium (Re) to increase point defect scattering. The solubility limit of Re in the obtained RexMn1 xSi1.8 is determined to be about x = 0.18. Elemental inhomogeneity and the formation of ReSi1.75 inclusions with 50 200 nm size are found within themore » HMS matrix. It is found that the power factor does not change markedly at low Re content of x 0.04 before it drops considerably at higher Re contents. Compared to pure HMS, the reduced lattice thermal conductivity in RexMn1 xSi1.8 results in a 25% increase of the peak figure of merit ZT to reach 0.57 0.08 at 800 K for x = 0.04. The suppressed thermal conductivity in the pure RexMn1 xSi1.8 can enable further investigations of the ZT limit of this system by exploring different impurity doping strategies to optimize the carrier concentration and power factor.« less

OSIRIS-REx Touch-and-Go (TAG) Mission Design for Asteroid Sample Collection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

May, Alexander; Sutter, Brian; Linn, Timothy; Bierhaus, Beau; Berry, Kevin; Mink, Ron

2014-01-01

The Origins Spectral Interpretation Resource Identification Security Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) mission is a NASA New Frontiers mission launching in September 2016 to rendezvous with the near-Earth asteroid Bennu in October 2018. After several months of proximity operations to characterize the asteroid, OSIRIS-REx flies a Touch-And-Go (TAG) trajectory to the asteroid's surface to collect at least 60 g of pristine regolith sample for Earth return. This paper provides mission and flight system overviews, with more details on the TAG mission design and key events that occur to safely and successfully collect the sample. An overview of the navigation performed relative to a chosen sample site, along with the maneuvers to reach the desired site is described. Safety monitoring during descent is performed with onboard sensors providing an option to abort, troubleshoot, and try again if necessary. Sample collection occurs using a collection device at the end of an articulating robotic arm during a brief five second contact period, while a constant force spring mechanism in the arm assists to rebound the spacecraft away from the surface. Finally, the sample is measured quantitatively utilizing the law of conservation of angular momentum, along with qualitative data from imagery of the sampling device. Upon sample mass verification, the arm places the sample into the Stardust-heritage Sample Return Capsule (SRC) for return to Earth in September 2023.

On the use of the T-REx tetracycline-inducible gene expression system in vivo.

PubMed

Dobrovolsky, Vasily N; Heflich, Robert H

2007-10-15

Components of the commercially available T-REx system were used to create two types of transgenic mice. The first contained the tetracycline-repressor transgene under the control of the CMV promoter/enhancer; the second type contained a green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter transgene under the control of the CMV promoter/enhancer with a tetracycline repressor operator sequence. Transgene expression was unpredictable in animals containing the individual transgenes. Animals with the reporter transgene expressed GFP in only some tissues (e.g., pancreas, kidney), and one line of reporter transgenic animals developed kidney disease, presumably due to expression of the transgene. The two types of transgenic animals were crossbred to produce double-transgenic animals with the object of regulating the expression of the reporter in vivo. When a similar double-transgenic system was constructed in cultured cells, the repressor protein suppressed the transcription of the reporter transgene. The presence of the repressor in double-transgenic animals had no effect on the expression of the reporter; double transgenic animals developed the same kidney disease that was seen in singly transgenic mice with the reporter. Our results indicate that transgenes under the control of the CMV promoter in the T-REx system express somewhat unpredictably and in only a limited number of tissues, making the use of this system for the development of in vivo models problematical. Copyright 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Nesting biology of Paravespa rex (von Schulthess 1924) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Eumeninae) in the Crimea, Ukraine.

PubMed

Fateryga, Alexander V; Ivanov, Sergey P

2013-01-01

Paravespa rex is the only species of the wasp genus Paravespa that occurs in Europe. Females of this species nest in clay loam soil of proluvial terraces and deluvial aprons of badlands. The nests are vertical burrows 10-12 cm deep, surmounted by turrets of two distinct architectural forms: funnel-shaped and curved. The nests contain 1-3 vertical cells (mean-1.9) not different from the other parts of nest burrow. An egg is laid onto the bottom of the cell without attaching; it stands vertically via the moist adhesive surface of the bottom and then with the help of the position of the first prey, which is laid around the egg. The species is univoltine; prepupae hibernate in the cocoon for one or several years. Females hunt for caterpillars of two species of the noctuid genus Heliotis; 3-7 caterpillars (mean-3.7) are stored per cell. Adult feeding is recorded on flowers of Thymus tauricus. Males look for females at their water-collecting sites. Only a third of the cells are successful; the other ones are damaged by rain and the gold wasp, Chrysis valesiana, parasitizing in the nests. Nest-building and hunting activity of the species is described with the duration of certain nesting acts. Nesting biology of Paravespa species, rarity of P. rex, turret function, egg position, and measures for species conservation are discussed.

Engineering design of the Regolith X-ray Imaging Spectrometer (REXIS) instrument: an OSIRIS-REx student collaboration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jones, Michael; Chodas, Mark; Smith, Matthew J.; Masterson, Rebecca A.

2014-07-01

OSIRIS-REx is a NASA New Frontiers mission scheduled for launch in 2016 that will travel to the asteroid Bennu and return a pristine sample of the asteroid to Earth. The REgolith X-ray Imaging Spectrometer (REXIS) is a student collaboration instrument on-board the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft. REXIS is a NASA risk Class D instrument, and its design and development is largely student led. The engineering team consists of MIT graduate and undergraduate students and staff at the MIT Space Systems Laboratory. The primary goal of REXIS is the education of science and engineering students through participation in the development of light hardware. In light, REXIS will contribute to the mission by providing an elemental abundance map of the asteroid and by characterizing Bennu among the known meteorite groups. REXIS is sensitive to X-rays between 0.5 and 7 keV, and uses coded aperture imaging to map the distribution of iron with 50 m spatial resolution. This paper describes the science goals, concept of operations, and overall engineering design of the REXIS instrument. Each subsystem of the instrument is addressed with a high-level description of the design. Critical design elements such as the Thermal Isolation Layer (TIL), radiation cover, coded-aperture mask, and Detector Assembly Mount (DAM) are discussed in further detail.

Regolith X-Ray Imaging Spectrometer (REXIS) Aboard the OSIRIS-REx Asteroid Sample Return Mission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Masterson, R. A.; Chodas, M.; Bayley, L.; Allen, B.; Hong, J.; Biswas, P.; McMenamin, C.; Stout, K.; Bokhour, E.; Bralower, H.; Carte, D.; Chen, S.; Jones, M.; Kissel, S.; Schmidt, F.; Smith, M.; Sondecker, G.; Lim, L. F.; Lauretta, D. S.; Grindlay, J. E.; Binzel, R. P.

2018-02-01

The Regolith X-ray Imaging Spectrometer (REXIS) is the student collaboration experiment proposed and built by an MIT-Harvard team, launched aboard NASA's OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample return mission. REXIS complements the scientific investigations of other OSIRIS-REx instruments by determining the relative abundances of key elements present on the asteroid's surface by measuring the X-ray fluorescence spectrum (stimulated by the natural solar X-ray flux) over the range of energies 0.5 to 7 keV. REXIS consists of two components: a main imaging spectrometer with a coded aperture mask and a separate solar X-ray monitor to account for the Sun's variability. In addition to element abundance ratios (relative to Si) pinpointing the asteroid's most likely meteorite association, REXIS also maps elemental abundance variability across the asteroid's surface using the asteroid's rotation as well as the spacecraft's orbital motion. Image reconstruction at the highest resolution is facilitated by the coded aperture mask. Through this operation, REXIS will be the first application of X-ray coded aperture imaging to planetary surface mapping, making this student-built instrument a pathfinder toward future planetary exploration. To date, 60 students at the undergraduate and graduate levels have been involved with the REXIS project, with the hands-on experience translating to a dozen Master's and Ph.D. theses and other student publications.

A comparison of the cosmic-ray energy scales of Tunka-133 and KASCADE-Grande via their radio extensions Tunka-Rex and LOPES

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Apel, W. D.; Arteaga-Velázquez, J. C.; Bähren, L.; Bezyazeekov, P. A.; Bekk, K.; Bertaina, M.; Biermann, P. L.; Blümer, J.; Bozdog, H.; Brancus, I. M.; Budnev, N. M.; Cantoni, E.; Chiavassa, A.; Daumiller, K.; de Souza, V.; di Pierro, F.; Doll, P.; Engel, R.; Falcke, H.; Fedorov, O.; Fuchs, B.; Gemmeke, H.; Gress, O. A.; Grupen, C.; Haungs, A.; Heck, D.; Hiller, R.; Hörandel, J. R.; Horneffer, A.; Huber, D.; Huege, T.; Isar, P. G.; Kampert, K.-H.; Kang, D.; Kazarina, Y.; Kleifges, M.; Korosteleva, E. E.; Kostunin, D.; Krömer, O.; Kuijpers, J.; Kuzmichev, L. A.; Link, K.; Lubsandorzhiev, N.; Łuczak, P.; Ludwig, M.; Mathes, H. J.; Melissas, M.; Mirgazov, R. R.; Monkhoev, R.; Morello, C.; Oehlschläger, J.; Osipova, E. A.; Pakhorukov, A.; Palmieri, N.; Pankov, L.; Pierog, T.; Prosin, V. V.; Rautenberg, J.; Rebel, H.; Roth, M.; Rubtsov, G. I.; Rühle, C.; Saftoiu, A.; Schieler, H.; Schmidt, A.; Schoo, S.; Schröder, F. G.; Sima, O.; Toma, G.; Trinchero, G. C.; Weindl, A.; Wischnewski, R.; Wochele, J.; Zabierowski, J.; Zagorodnikov, A.; Zensus, J. A.; Tunka-Rex; Lopes Collaborations

2016-12-01

The radio technique is a promising method for detection of cosmic-ray air showers of energies around 100PeV and higher with an array of radio antennas. Since the amplitude of the radio signal can be measured absolutely and increases with the shower energy, radio measurements can be used to determine the air-shower energy on an absolute scale. We show that calibrated measurements of radio detectors operated in coincidence with host experiments measuring air showers based on other techniques can be used for comparing the energy scales of these host experiments. Using two approaches, first via direct amplitude measurements, and second via comparison of measurements with air shower simulations, we compare the energy scales of the air-shower experiments Tunka-133 and KASCADE-Grande, using their radio extensions, Tunka-Rex and LOPES, respectively. Due to the consistent amplitude calibration for Tunka-Rex and LOPES achieved by using the same reference source, this comparison reaches an accuracy of approximately 10% - limited by some shortcomings of LOPES, which was a prototype experiment for the digital radio technique for air showers. In particular we show that the energy scales of cosmic-ray measurements by the independently calibrated experiments KASCADE-Grande and Tunka-133 are consistent with each other on this level.

Knotting probability of self-avoiding polygons under a topological constraint

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uehara, Erica; Deguchi, Tetsuo

2017-09-01

We define the knotting probability of a knot K by the probability for a random polygon or self-avoiding polygon (SAP) of N segments having the knot type K. We show fundamental and generic properties of the knotting probability particularly its dependence on the excluded volume. We investigate them for the SAP consisting of hard cylindrical segments of unit length and radius rex. For various prime and composite knots, we numerically show that a compact formula describes the knotting probabilities for the cylindrical SAP as a function of segment number N and radius rex. It connects the small-N to the large-N behavior and even to lattice knots in the case of large values of radius. As the excluded volume increases, the maximum of the knotting probability decreases for prime knots except for the trefoil knot. If it is large, the trefoil knot and its descendants are dominant among the nontrivial knots in the SAP. From the factorization property of the knotting probability, we derive a sum rule among the estimates of a fitting parameter for all prime knots, which suggests the local knot picture and the dominance of the trefoil knot in the case of large excluded volumes. Here we remark that the cylindrical SAP gives a model of circular DNA which is negatively charged and semiflexible, where radius rex corresponds to the screening length.

Brain selective transgene expression in zebrafish using an NRSE derived motif

PubMed Central

Bergeron, Sadie A.; Hannan, Markus C.; Codore, Hiba; Fero, Kandice; Li, Grace H.; Moak, Zachary; Yokogawa, Tohei; Burgess, Harold A.

2012-01-01

Transgenic technologies enable the manipulation and observation of circuits controlling behavior by permitting expression of genetically encoded reporter genes in neurons. Frequently though, neuronal expression is accompanied by transgene expression in non-neuronal tissues, which may preclude key experimental manipulations, including assessment of the contribution of neurons to behavior by ablation. To better restrict transgene expression to the nervous system in zebrafish larvae, we have used DNA sequences derived from the neuron-restrictive silencing element (NRSE). We find that one such sequence, REx2, when used in conjunction with several basal promoters, robustly suppresses transgene expression in non-neuronal tissues. Both in transient transgenic experiments and in stable enhancer trap lines, suppression is achieved without compromising expression within the nervous system. Furthermore, in REx2 enhancer trap lines non-neuronal expression can be de-repressed by knocking down expression of the NRSE binding protein RE1-silencing transcription factor (Rest). In one line, we show that the resulting pattern of reporter gene expression coincides with that of the adjacent endogenous gene, hapln3. We demonstrate that three common basal promoters are susceptible to the effects of the REx2 element, suggesting that this method may be useful for confining expression from many other promoters to the nervous system. This technique enables neural specific targeting of reporter genes and thus will facilitate the use of transgenic methods to manipulate circuit function in freely behaving larvae. PMID:23293587

STS_135_NLB

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-03-22

NASA astronaut Rex Walheim is lowered into the water to train for spacewalk in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) on Tuesday, March 22, 2011, in Houston. ( NASA Photo / Houston Chronicle, Smiley N. Pool )

The global topography of Bennu: altimetry, photoclinometry, and processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perry, M. E.; Barnouin, O. S.; Daly, M. G.; Seabrook, J.; Palmer, E. E.; Gaskell, R. W.; Craft, K. L.; Roberts, J. H.; Philpott, L.; Asad, M. Al; Johnson, C. L.; Nair, A. H.; Espiritu, R. C.; Nolan, M. C.; Lauretta, D. S.

2017-09-01

The Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security-Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) mission will spend two years observing (101955) Bennu and will then return pristine samples of carbonaceous material from the asteroid [1]. Launched in September 2016, OSIRISREx arrives at Bennu in August 2018, acquires a sample in July 2020, and returns the sample to Earth in September 2023. The instruments onboard OSIRIS-REx will measure the physical and chemical properties of this B-class asteroid, a subclass within the larger group of C-complex asteroids that might be organic-rich. At approximately 500m in average diameter [2], Bennu is sufficiently large to retain substantial regolith and as an Apollo asteroid with a low inclination (6°), it is one of the most accessible primitive near-Earth asteroid.

Secondary Generation of Mountain Waves in the Stratosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Woods, Bryan K.

Secondary generation of mountain waves was documented using in situ aircraft data from the Terrain-Induced Rotor Experiment (T-REX). Mountain waves propagating from the Sierra Nevada generated secondary waves due to stratospheric wave breaking. The seminal Eliassen and Palm (1961) relation of mountain wave energy and momentum fluxes is observationally verified for the first time. One case of reversed wave fluxes in the stratosphere is shown to be the result of multiscale secondary waves propagating down from the stratosphere. The Tropopause Inversion Layer (TIL) is shown to be capable of serving as a wave duct trapping such secondary waves. Simple idealized 2D simulations are shown to reproduce secondary wave patterns that bare striking resemblance to those observed in T-REX. However, 3D simulations are shown to fail to reproduce realistic secondary waves.

OSIRIS-REx "Uncovering the Secrets of Asteroids" Briefing

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-09-07

In a panel discussion in the Kennedy Space Center’s Operations Support Building II, social media followers were briefed by NASA scientists on asteroids, how they relate to the origins of our solar system and the search for life beyond Earth. The discussion took place before launch of the agency’s Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer, or OSIRIS-REx spacecraft. Panelists for this conversation are, from the left, Ellen Stofan, NASA chief scientist; Michelle Thaller, deputy director of science communications for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate; Felicia Chou, NASA Communications; Alex Young, associate director for science in the Heliophysics Science Division at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland; and Lindley Johnson, director of the Planetary Defense Coordination Office in NASA’s Science Mission Directorate.

Tyrannosaur paleobiology: new research on ancient exemplar organisms.

PubMed

Brusatte, Stephen L; Norell, Mark A; Carr, Thomas D; Erickson, Gregory M; Hutchinson, John R; Balanoff, Amy M; Bever, Gabe S; Choiniere, Jonah N; Makovicky, Peter J; Xu, Xing

2010-09-17

Tyrannosaurs, the group of dinosaurian carnivores that includes Tyrannosaurus rex and its closest relatives, are icons of prehistory. They are also the most intensively studied extinct dinosaurs, and thanks to large sample sizes and an influx of new discoveries, have become ancient exemplar organisms used to study many themes in vertebrate paleontology. A phylogeny that includes recently described species shows that tyrannosaurs originated by the Middle Jurassic but remained mostly small and ecologically marginal until the latest Cretaceous. Anatomical, biomechanical, and histological studies of T. rex and other derived tyrannosaurs show that large tyrannosaurs could not run rapidly, were capable of crushing bite forces, had accelerated growth rates and keen senses, and underwent pronounced changes during ontogeny. The biology and evolutionary history of tyrannosaurs provide a foundation for comparison with other dinosaurs and living organisms.

The OSIRIS-REx Thermal Emission Spectrometer (OTES)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamilton, Victoria; Christensen, Philip

2014-05-01

The OSIRIS-REx (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security-Regolith Explorer) mission is a planetary science mission that will study and return a sample from the carbonaceous asteroid Bennu (1999 RQ36). It is the third mission selected under NASA's New Frontiers Program, and is scheduled to be launched in September of 2016 [1]. The spacecraft will carry a suite of instruments designed to map the physical and mineralogical/chemical properties of Bennu at extremely high spatial resolution (down to cm-scales) to both characterize the asteroid in detail (providing context for the returned sample and data for comparison to astronomical observations) and select a safe and scientifically compelling sample site. The OSIRIS-REx Thermal Emission Spectrometer (OTES) is an uncooled, FTIR point spectrometer that will map the thermal flux and spectral properties of the asteroid Bennu to characterize the Yarkovsky effect and map the surface mineralogy. OTES measures from ~5 - 50 µm with a signal to noise ratio (SNR) of >325 between 7.4 and 33.3 μm for a 325 K target. The design of the spectrometer is heritage from the Mars Global Surveyor TES and the Mars Exploration Rovers Mini-TES instruments. The heart of the instrument is a Michelson interferometer that collects one interferogram every two seconds (where each two-second data acquisition is called an ICK, for Incremental Counter Keeper). OTES's spectral resolution is 10 cm-1 and its field of view is 8 mrad, which is achieved with a 15.2-cm f/3.91 Ritchey-Chretien telescope. At Bennu, OTES will have an accuracy of better than 3% and a precision (noise equivalent spectral radiance, NESR) of ≤2.3x10-8 W cm-2 sr-1 /cm-1 between 300 and 1350 cm-1. These values are sufficient to quantify the thermal flux responsible for the Yarkovsky effect and detect signatures of key minerals having band depths ≥5%. OTES in-flight calibration will be achieved via a two-point calibration that uses space and an internal, conical blackbody calibration target. The first in-flight observations will be collected during Earth gravity assist, which also will permit verification of co-alignment with the OSIRIS-REx OVIRS (visible and near infrared) spectrometer [2]. Mapping of the thermal and compositional variation of Bennu will take place at global (~40 m/pixel) and sample site (~4 m/pixel) scales over several mission phases and at multiple times of day, providing a comprehensive data set for thermophysical and compositional studies. [1] Lauretta, D. S. and the OSIRIS-REx Team (2012) Lunar and Planet. Sci., 43, #2491. [2] Simon-Miller, A. A. and D. C. Reuter (2013) Lunar and Planet. Sci., 44, #1100.

Glaciers and Sea Level Rise

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-12-08

Small valley glacier exiting the Devon Island Ice Cap in Canada. To learn about the contributions of glaciers to sea level rise, visit: www.nasa.gov/topics/earth/features/glacier-sea-rise.html Credit: Alex Gardner, Clark University NASA image use policy. NASA Goddard Space Flight Center enables NASA’s mission through four scientific endeavors: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Solar System Exploration, and Astrophysics. Goddard plays a leading role in NASA’s accomplishments by contributing compelling scientific knowledge to advance the Agency’s mission. Follow us on Twitter Like us on Facebook Find us on Instagram

ARC-2007-ACD07-0170-007

NASA Image and Video Library

2007-07-20

Haughton-Mars Project: - Photo credit to Matt Deans (NASA) K-10 Rover 'Red' base camp at Haughton Creater Devon Island, Nunavut, in the Canadian high arctic. Which lies in the 'frost rubble zone' of the Earth, i.e., in a polar desert environment and is the only crater known to lie in such an environment. Beginning in 1997, the crater and its surroundings are studied as a promising Mars analog by the NASA-led Haughton-Mars Project. (photo reference K10-R-haughton.jpg - crop of ACD07-0170-4 MCD_0859.JPG)

GSFC_20170504_2017-13985_015

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-05-04

Canadian Minister of Science, Honourable Kirsty Duncan and staff visited Goddard on May 4, 2017. They toured Hyperwall with talks on Terra, CloudSat, OSIRIS-REx and JWST then visited Robotic Operations Center.

Curating NASA's Astromaterials Collections: Past, Present, and Future

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zeigler, Ryan

2015-01-01

Planning for the curation of samples from future sample return missions must begin during the initial planning stages of a mission. Waiting until the samples have been returned to Earth, or even when you begin to physically build the spacecraft is too late. A lack of proper planning could lead to irreversible contamination of the samples, which in turn would compromise the scientific integrity of the mission. For example, even though the Apollo missions first returned samples in 1969, planning for the curation facility began in the early 1960s, and construction of the Lunar Receiving Laboratory was completed in 1967. In addition to designing the receiving facility and laboratory that the samples will be characterized and stored in, there are many aspects of contamination that must be addressed during the planning and building of the spacecraft: planetary protection (both outbound and inbound); cataloging, documenting, and preserving the materials used to build spacecraft (also known as coupons); near real-time monitoring of the environment in which the spacecraft is being built using witness plates for critical aspects of contamination (known as contamination control); and long term monitoring and preservation of the environment in which the spacecraft is being built for most aspects of potential contamination through the use of witness plates (known as contamination knowledge). The OSIRIS REx asteroid sample return mission, currently being built, is dealing with all of these aspects of contamination in order to ensure they return the best preserved sample possible. Coupons and witness plates from OSIRIS REx are currently being studied and stored (for future studies) at the Johnson Space Center. Similarly, planning for the clean room facility at Johnson Space Center to house the OSIRIS-REx samples is well advanced, and construction of the facility should begin in early 2017 (despite a nominal 2023 return date for OSIRIS-REx samples). Similar development is being done, in concert with JAXA, for the return of Hayabusa 2 samples (nominally in 2020). We are also actively developing advanced techniques like cold curation and organically clean curation in anticipation of future sample return missions such as comet nucleus sample return and Mars sample return.

SPCOLA: Combining laser altimetry and stereophotoclinometery to obtain topography for Bennu

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roberts, J. H.; Barnouin, O. S.; Palmer, E. E.; Gaskell, R. W.; Weirich, J. R.; Daly, M. G.; Seabrook, J.; Nair, H.; Espiritu, R. C.; Lauretta, D. S.; Perry, M. E.

2017-12-01

The Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security-Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) mission will return pristine samples of carbonaceous material from the surface of asteroid (101955) Bennu. Two instruments on OSIRIS-REx enable independent determination of topography: the OSIRIS-REx Laser Altimeter (OLA) and the OSIRIS-REx Camera Suite (OCAMS). OLA is a scanning lidar that ranges to the surface, returning altimetry information. OCAMS returns imaging data that are used to perform stereophotoclinometery (SPC) on these images to construct slope and albedo "maplets", small patches of the surface with central control points. Here we present a technique to combine topographic maplets generated using SPC with a compatible set of "mapolas" generated from OLA data. This "SPCOLA" process leverages the strengths of both while mitigating their respective weaknesses. A key advantage of SPC is that it allows a solution of the topography at accuracies similar to those of the best images used. SPC can make use of images at a wide range of viewing geometries and resolutions to simultaneously solve for slope and albedo. SPC also provides precise control point location from large stereo separation over multiple trajectories and can fill in gaps where point-based lidar data may not exist. Key strengths of lidar ranging include the ability to operate under any illumination conditions (including in the dark), insensitivity to albedo variations, robustness over large changes in slope, and provision of an absolute measurement of the range constraint to the surface. This range can be used to derive a control network for SPC, to improve the knowledge of the spacecraft position, to provide an independent scale for imagery and spectral data, and to provide constraints for any gravity solution obtained with radio science. Our goal in combining OLA data sets with image-based data is to generate Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) with higher accuracy than those using either data set alone. However, this combination requires careful coordination to ensure compatible formats, and some care in appropriately weighting them to achieve meaningful improvement of the DEMs.

PI3K regulates MEK/ERK signaling in breast cancer via the Rac-GEF, P-Rex1

PubMed Central

Ebi, Hiromichi; Costa, Carlotta; Faber, Anthony C.; Nishtala, Madhuri; Kotani, Hiroshi; Juric, Dejan; Della Pelle, Patricia; Song, Youngchul; Yano, Seiji; Mino-Kenudson, Mari; Benes, Cyril H.; Engelman, Jeffrey A.

2013-01-01

The PI3K pathway is genetically altered in excess of 70% of breast cancers, largely through PIK3CA mutation and HER2 amplification. Preclinical studies have suggested that these subsets of breast cancers are particularly sensitive to PI3K inhibitors; however, the reasons for this heightened sensitivity are mainly unknown. We investigated the signaling effects of PI3K inhibition in PIK3CA mutant and HER2 amplified breast cancers using PI3K inhibitors currently in clinical trials. Unexpectedly, we found that in PIK3CA mutant and HER2 amplified breast cancers sensitive to PI3K inhibitors, PI3K inhibition led to a rapid suppression of Rac1/p21-activated kinase (PAK)/protein kinase C-RAF (C-RAF)/ protein kinase MEK (MEK)/ERK signaling that did not involve RAS. Furthermore, PI3K inhibition led to an ERK-dependent up-regulation of the proapoptotic protein, BIM, followed by induction of apoptosis. Expression of a constitutively active form of Rac1 in these breast cancer models blocked PI3Ki-induced down-regulation of ERK phosphorylation, apoptosis, and mitigated PI3K inhibitor sensitivity in vivo. In contrast, protein kinase AKT inhibitors failed to block MEK/ERK signaling, did not up-regulate BIM, and failed to induce apoptosis. Finally, we identified phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate-dependent Rac exchanger 1 (P-Rex1) as the PI(3,4,5)P3-dependent guanine exchange factor for Rac1 responsible for regulation of the Rac1/C-RAF/MEK/ERK pathway in these cells. The expression level of P-Rex1 correlates with sensitivity to PI3K inhibitors in these breast cancer cell lines. Thus, PI3K inhibitors have enhanced activity in PIK3CA mutant and HER2 amplified breast cancers in which PI3K inhibition down-regulates both the AKT and Rac1/ERK pathways. In addition, P-Rex1 may serve as a biomarker to predict response to single-agent PI3K inhibitors within this subset of breast cancers. PMID:24327733

New Rhenium-Doped SrCo1−xRexO3−δ Perovskites Performing as Cathodes in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

PubMed Central

Troncoso, Loreto; Gardey, María Celeste; Fernández-Díaz, María Teresa; Alonso, José Antonio

2016-01-01

In the aim to stabilize novel three-dimensional perovskite oxides based upon SrCoO3−δ, we have designed and prepared SrCo1−xRexO3−δ phases (x = 0.05 and 0.10), successfully avoiding the competitive hexagonal 2H polytypes. Their performance as cathode materials in intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFC) has been investigated. The characterization of these oxides included X-ray (XRD) and in situ temperature-dependent neutron powder diffraction (NPD) experiments for x = 0.10. At room temperature, SrCo1−xRexO3−δ perovskites are defined in the P4/mmm space group, which corresponds to a subtle tetragonal perovskite superstructure with unit-cell parameters a = b ≈ ao, c = 2ao (ao = 3.861 and 3.868 Å, for x = 0.05 and 0.10, respectively). The crystal structure evolves above 380 °C to a simple cubic perovskite unit cell, as observed from in-situ NPD data. The electrical conductivity gave maximum values of 43.5 S·cm−1 and 51.6 S·cm−1 for x = 0.05 and x = 0.10, respectively, at 850 °C. The area specific resistance (ASR) polarization resistance determined in symmetrical cells is as low as 0.087 Ω·cm2 and 0.065 Ω·cm2 for x = 0.05 and x = 0.10, respectively, at 850 °C. In single test cells these materials generated a maximum power of around 0.6 W/cm2 at 850 °C with pure H2 as a fuel, in an electrolyte-supported configuration with La0.8Sr0.2Ga0.83Mg0.17O3−δ (LSGM) as the electrolyte. Therefore, we propose the SrCo1−xRexO3−δ (x = 0.10 and 0.05) perovskite oxides as promising candidates for cathodes in IT-SOFC. PMID:28773844

Commonly used fertility drugs, a diet supplement, and stress force AMPK-dependent block of stemness and development in cultured mammalian embryos.

PubMed

Bolnick, Alan; Abdulhasan, Mohammed; Kilburn, Brian; Xie, Yufen; Howard, Mindie; Andresen, Paul; Shamir, Alexandra M; Dai, Jing; Puscheck, Elizabeth E; Rappolee, Daniel A

2016-08-01

The purpose of the present study is to test whether metformin, aspirin, or diet supplement (DS) BioResponse-3,3'-Diindolylmethane (BR-DIM) can induce AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-dependent potency loss in cultured embryos and whether metformin (Met) + Aspirin (Asa) or BR-DIM causes an AMPK-dependent decrease in embryonic development. The methods used were as follows: culture post-thaw mouse zygotes to the two-cell embryo stage and test effects after 1-h AMPK agonists' (e.g., Met, Asa, BR-DIM, control hyperosmotic stress) exposure on AMPK-dependent loss of Oct4 and/or Rex1 nuclear potency factors, confirm AMPK dependence by reversing potency loss in two-cell-stage embryos with AMPK inhibitor compound C (CC), test whether Met + Asa (i.e., co-added) or DS BR-DIM decreases development of two-cell to blastocyst stage in an AMPK-dependent (CC-sensitive) manner, and evaluate the level of Rex1 and Oct4 nuclear fluorescence in two-cell-stage embryos and rate of two-cell-stage embryo development to blastocysts. Met, Asa, BR-DIM, or hyperosmotic sorbitol stress induces rapid ~50-85 % Rex1 and/or Oct4 protein loss in two-cell embryos. This loss is ~60-90 % reversible by co-culture with AMPK inhibitor CC. Embryo development from two-cell to blastocyst stage is decreased in culture with either Met + Asa or BR-DIM, and this is either >90 or ~60 % reversible with CC, respectively. These experimental designs here showed that Met-, Asa-, BR-DIM-, or sorbitol stress-induced rapid potency loss in two-cell embryos is AMPK dependent as suggested by inhibition of Rex1 and/or Oct4 protein loss with an AMPK inhibitor. The DS BR-DIM or fertility drugs (e.g., Met + Asa) that are used to enhance maternal metabolism to support fertility can also chronically slow embryo growth and block development in an AMPK-dependent manner.

OSIRIS-REx Visible And Infrared Spectrometer - OVIRS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hair, Jason

2016-01-01

Goddard Space Flight Center: Overall Instrument Responsibility; Instrument Scientist and Deputy Instrument Scientist; Management Systems Engineering; Mechanical Hardware; Harness Assemblies; SIDECAR Assembly Code; OVIRS Integration and Environmental Qualification; OVIRS Performance Testing, Calibration and Characterization.

Love and Walheim on MDDK

NASA Image and Video Library

2008-02-14

S122-E-008521 (14 Feb. 2008) --- Astronauts Stanley Love (left) and Rex Walheim, both STS-122 mission specialists, look over checklists on the middeck of Space Shuttle Atlantis while docked with the International Space Station.

GSFC_20170504_2017-13985_005

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-05-04

Canadian Minister of Science Honourable Kirsty Duncan and staff visited Goddard on May 4, 2017. They toured Hyperwall with talks on Terra, CloudSat, OSIRIS-Rex and JWST and had overview of Robotic Operations Center.

GSFC_20170504_2017-13985_029

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-05-04

Canadian Minister of Science Honourable Kirsty Duncan and staff visited Goddard on May 4, 2017. They toured Hyperwall with talks on Terra, CloudSat, OSIRIS-REx and JWST and had an overview of Robotic Operations Center.

Scientific Resource EXplorer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xing, Z.; Wormuth, A.; Smith, A.; Arca, J.; Lu, Y.; Sayfi, E.

2014-12-01

Inquisitive minds in our society are never satisfied with curatedimages released by a typical public affairs office. They always want tolook deeper and play directly on original data. However, most scientificdata products are notoriously hard to use. They are immensely large,highly distributed and diverse in format. In this presentation,we will demonstrate Resource EXplorer (REX), a novel webtop applicationthat allows anyone to conveniently explore and visualize rich scientificdata repositories, using only a standard web browser. This tool leverageson the power of Webification Science (w10n-sci), a powerful enabling technologythat simplifies the use of scientific data on the web platform.W10n-sci is now being deployed at an increasing number of NASA data centers,some of which are the largest digital treasure troves in our nation.With REX, these wonderful scientific resources are open for teachers andstudents to learn and play.

Asteroid Sample Return Mission Launches on This Week @NASA – September 9, 2016

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-09-09

On Sept. 8, NASA launched the Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security - Regolith Explorer, or OSIRIS-REx mission from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. OSIRIS-REx, the first U.S. mission to sample an asteroid, is scheduled to arrive at near-Earth asteroid Bennu in 2018. Mission plans call for the spacecraft to survey the asteroid, retrieve a small sample from its surface, and return the sample to Earth for study in 2023. Analysis of that sample is expected to reveal clues about the history of Bennu over the past 4.5 billion years, as well as clues about the evolution of our solar system. Also, Jeff Williams’ Record-Breaking Spaceflight Concludes, Next ISS Crew Prepares for Launch, Sample Return Robot Challenge, NASA X-Plane Gets its Wing, and Convergent Aeronautics Solutions Showcase!

OSIRIS-REx "Uncovering the Secrets of Asteroids" Briefing

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-09-07

In a panel discussion in the Kennedy Space Center’s Operations Support Building II, social media followers were briefed by NASA scientists on asteroids, how they relate to the origins of our solar system and the search for life beyond Earth. The discussion took place before launch of the agency’s Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer, or OSIRIS-REx spacecraft. Panelists in view are, from the left, Felicia Chou, NASA Communications; Alex Young, associate director for science in the Heliophysics Science Division at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland; and Lindley Johnson, director of the Planetary Defense Coordination Office in NASA’s Science Mission Directorate. Also participating in the panel discussion are Ellen Stofan, NASA chief scientist and Michelle Thaller, deputy director of science communications for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate.

Magnetic Superstructure and Metal-Insulator Transition in Mn-Substituted Sr3Ru2O7

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hossain, M. A.; Bohnenbuck, B.; Chuang, Y.-D.; Geck, J.; Tokura, Y.; Yoshida, Y.; Hussain, Z.; Keimer, B.; Sawatzky, G. A.; Damascelli, A.

2010-03-01

We present a temperature-dependent resonant elastic soft x-ray scattering (REXS) study of the metal-insulator transition in Sr3(Ru1-xMnx)2O7, performed at both Ru and Mn L-edges. Resonant magnetic superstructure reflections, which indicate an incipient instability of the parent compound, are detected below the transition. Based on modelling of the REXS intensity from randomly distributed Mn impurities, we establish the inhomogeneous nature of the metal-insulator transition, with an effective percolation threshold corresponding to an anomalously low x˜0.05 Mn substitution. In collaboration with A.G. Cruz Gonzalez, J.D. Denlinger (Berkeley Lab), I. Zegkinoglou, M.W. Haverkort (MPI, Stuttgart), I.S. Elfimov, D.G. Hawthorn (UBC), R. Mathieu, S. Satow, H. Takagi (Tokyo), H.-H. Wu and C. Sch"ußler-Langeheine (Cologne).

The OSIRIS-REx Contamination Control and Witness Strategy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dworkin, J. P.; Adelman, L.; Ajluni, T. M.; Andronikov, A. V.; Ballou, D. M.; Bartels, A. E.; Beshore, E.; Bierhaus, E. B.; Boynton, W. V.; Brucato, J. R.;

Coplanar Doppler Lidar Retrieval of Rotors from T-REX

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

Hill, Michael; Calhoun, Ron; Fernando, H. J. S.

2010-03-01

Two coherent Doppler lidars were deployed during the Terrain-induced Rotor EXperiment (T-REX). Coplanar Range Height Indicator (RHI) scans by the lidars (along the same azimuthal angle) allowed retrieval of two-dimensional velocity vectors on a vertical/cross-barrier plane using the least squares method. Vortices are shown to evolve and advect in the flow field, allowing analysis of their behavior in the mountain-wave-boundary layer system. The locations, magnitudes, and evolution of the vortices can be studied through calculated fields of velocity, vorticity, streamlines, and swirl. Two classes of vortical motions are identified: rotors and sub-rotors, which differ in scale and behavior. The levelmore » of coordination of the two lidars and the nature of the output (i.e., in range-gates) creates inherent restrictions on the spatial and temporal resolution of retrieved fields.« less

OCAMS: The OSIRIS-REx Camera Suite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rizk, B.; Drouet d'Aubigny, C.; Golish, D.; Fellows, C.; Merrill, C.; Smith, P.; Walker, M. S.; Hendershot, J. E.; Hancock, J.; Bailey, S. H.; DellaGiustina, D. N.; Lauretta, D. S.; Tanner, R.; Williams, M.; Harshman, K.; Fitzgibbon, M.; Verts, W.; Chen, J.; Connors, T.; Hamara, D.; Dowd, A.; Lowman, A.; Dubin, M.; Burt, R.; Whiteley, M.; Watson, M.; McMahon, T.; Ward, M.; Booher, D.; Read, M.; Williams, B.; Hunten, M.; Little, E.; Saltzman, T.; Alfred, D.; O'Dougherty, S.; Walthall, M.; Kenagy, K.; Peterson, S.; Crowther, B.; Perry, M. L.; See, C.; Selznick, S.; Sauve, C.; Beiser, M.; Black, W.; Pfisterer, R. N.; Lancaster, A.; Oliver, S.; Oquest, C.; Crowley, D.; Morgan, C.; Castle, C.; Dominguez, R.; Sullivan, M.

2018-02-01

The OSIRIS-REx Camera Suite (OCAMS) will acquire images essential to collecting a sample from the surface of Bennu. During proximity operations, these images will document the presence of satellites and plumes, record spin state, enable an accurate model of the asteroid's shape, and identify any surface hazards. They will confirm the presence of sampleable regolith on the surface, observe the sampling event itself, and image the sample head in order to verify its readiness to be stowed. They will document Bennu's history as an example of early solar system material, as a microgravity body with a planetesimal size-scale, and as a carbonaceous object. OCAMS is fitted with three cameras. The MapCam will record color images of Bennu as a point source on approach to the asteroid in order to connect Bennu's ground-based point-source observational record to later higher-resolution surface spectral imaging. The SamCam will document the sample site before, during, and after it is disturbed by the sample mechanism. The PolyCam, using its focus mechanism, will observe the sample site at sub-centimeter resolutions, revealing surface texture and morphology. While their imaging requirements divide naturally between the three cameras, they preserve a strong degree of functional overlap. OCAMS and the other spacecraft instruments will allow the OSIRIS-REx mission to collect a sample from a microgravity body on the same visit during which it was first optically acquired from long range, a useful capability as humanity reaches out to explore near-Earth, Main-Belt and Jupiter Trojan asteroids.

Strain Variation in the Transcriptome of the Dengue Fever Vector, Aedes aegypti.

PubMed

Bonizzoni, Mariangela; Dunn, W Augustine; Campbell, Corey L; Olson, Ken E; Marinotti, Osvaldo; James, Anthony A

2012-01-01

Studies of transcriptome dynamics provide a basis for understanding functional elements of the genome and the complexity of gene regulation. The dengue vector mosquito, Aedes aegypti, exhibits great adaptability to diverse ecological conditions, is phenotypically polymorphic, and shows variation in vectorial capacity to arboviruses. Previous genome sequencing showed richness in repetitive DNA and transposable elements that can contribute to genome plasticity. Population genetic studies revealed a varying degree of worldwide genetic polymorphism. However, the extent of functional genetic polymorphism across strains is unknown. The transcriptomes of three Ae. aegypti strains, Chetumal (CTM), Rexville D-Puerto Rico (Rex-D) and Liverpool (LVP), were compared. CTM is more susceptible than Rex- D to infection by dengue virus serotype 2. A total of 4188 transcripts exhibit either no or small variation (<2-fold) among sugar-fed samples of the three strains and between sugar- and blood-fed samples within each strain, corresponding most likely to genes encoding products necessary for vital functions. Transcripts enriched in blood-fed mosquitoes encode proteins associated with catalytic activities, molecular transport, metabolism of lipids, carbohydrates and amino acids, and functions related to blood digestion and the progression of the gonotropic cycle. Significant qualitative and quantitative differences were found in individual transcripts among strains including differential representation of paralogous gene products. The majority of immunity-associated transcripts decreased in accumulation after a bloodmeal and the results are discussed in relation to the different susceptibility of CTM and Rex-D mosquitoes to DENV2 infection.

Launch Load Resistant Spacecraft Mechanism Bearings Made From NiTi Superelastic Intermetallic Materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

DellaCorte, Christopher; Moore, Lewis E., III

2014-01-01

Compared to conventional bearing materials (tool steel and ceramics), emerging Superelastic Intermetallic Materials (SIMs), such as 60NiTi, have significantly lower elastic modulus and enhanced strain capability. They are also immune to atmospheric corrosion (rusting). This offers the potential for increased resilience and superior ability to withstand static indentation load without damage. In this paper, the static load capacity of hardened 60NiTi 50-mm-bore ball bearing races are measured to correlate existing flat-plate indentation load capacity data to an actual bearing geometry through the Hertz stress relations. The results confirmed the validity of using the Hertz stress relations to model 60NiTi contacts; 60NiTi exhibits a static stress capability (approximately 3.1 GPa) between that of 440C (2.4 GPa) and REX20 (3.8 GPa) tool steel. When the reduced modulus and extended strain capability are taken into account, 60NiTi is shown to withstand higher loads than other bearing materials. To quantify this effect, a notional space mechanism, a 5-kg mass reaction wheel, was modeled with respect to launch load capability when supported on standard (catalogue geometry) design 440C; 60NiTi and REX20 tool steel bearings. For this application, the use of REX20 bearings increased the static load capability of the mechanism by a factor of three while the use of 60NiTi bearings resulted in an order of magnitude improvement compared to the baseline 440C stainless steel bearings

Launch Load Resistant Spacecraft Mechanism Bearings Made From NiTi Superelastic Intermetallic Materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dellacorte, Christopher; Moore, Lewis E.

2014-01-01

Compared to conventional bearing materials (tool steel and ceramics), emerging Superelastic Intermetallic Materials (SIMs), such as 60NiTi, have significantly lower elastic modulus and enhanced strain capability. They are also immune to atmospheric corrosion (rusting). This offers the potential for increased resilience and superior ability to withstand static indentation load without damage. In this paper, the static load capacity of hardened 60NiTi 50mm bore ball-bearing races are measured to correlate existing flat-plate indentation load capacity data to an actual bearing geometry through the Hertz stress relations. The results confirmed the validity of using the Hertz stress relations to model 60NiTi contacts; 60NiTi exhibits a static stress capability (3.1GPa) between that of 440C (2.4GPa) and REX20 (3.8GPa) tool steel. When the reduced modulus and extended strain capability are taken into account, 60NiTi is shown to withstand higher loads than other bearing materials. To quantify this effect, a notional space mechanism, a 5kg mass reaction wheel, was modeled with respect to launch load capability when supported on 440C, 60NiTi and REX20 tool steel bearings. For this application, the use of REX20 bearings increased the static load capability of the mechanism by a factor of three while the use of 60NiTi bearings resulted in an order of magnitude improvement compared to the baseline 440C stainless steel bearings.

Validating Cryosat-2 elevation estimates with airborne laser scanner data for the Greenland ice sheet, Austfonna and Devon ice caps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simonsen, Sebastian B.; Sandberg Sørensen, Louise; Nilsson, Johan; Helm, Veit; Langley, Kirsty A.; Forsberg, Rene; Hvidegaard, Sine M.; Skourup, Henriette

2015-04-01

The ESA CryoSat-2 satellite, launched in late 2010, carries a new type of radar altimeter especially designed for monitoring changes of sea and land ice. The radar signal might penetrate into the snow pack and the depth of the radar reflecting surface depends on the ratio between the surface and the volume backscatter, which is a function of several different properties such as snow density, crystal structure and surface roughness. In case of large volume scatter, the radar waveforms become broad and the determination of the range (surface elevation) becomes more difficult. Different algorithms (retrackers) are used for the range determination, and estimated surface penetration is highly dependent on the applied retracker. As part of the ESA-CryoVEx/CryoVal-Land Ice projects, DTU Space has gathered accurate airborne laser scanner elevation measurements. Sites on the Greenland ice sheet, Austfonna and Devon ice caps, has been surveyed repeatedly, aligned with Cryosat-2 ground tracks and surface experiments. Here, we utilize elevation estimates from available Cryosat-2 retrackers (ESA level-2 retracker, DTU retracker, etc.) and validate the elevation measurements against ESA-CryoVEx campaigns. A difference between laser and radar elevations is expected due to radar penetration issues, however an inter-comparison between retrackers will shed light on individual performances and biases. Additionally, the geo-location of the radar return will also be a determining factor for the precision. Ultimately, the use of multiple retrackers can provide information about subsurface conditions and utilize more of the waveform information than presently used in radar altimetry.

Microbial Diversity in Endostromatolites (cf. Fissure Calcretes) and in the Surrounding Permafrost Landscape, Haughton Impact Structure Region, Devon Island, Canada

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pellerin, André; Lacelle, Denis; Fortin, Danielle; Clark, Ian D.; Lauriol, Bernard

2009-11-01

In recent years, endostromatolites, which consist of finely laminated calcite columns that grow orthogonally within millimeter- to centimeter-thick fissures in limestone bedrock outcrops, have been discovered in dolomitic outcrops in the Haughton impact structure region, Devon Island, Canada. The growth mechanism of the endostromatolites is believed to be very slow and possibly intertwined with biotic and abiotic processes. Therefore, to discern how endostromatolites form in this polar desert environment, the composition of the microbial community of endostromatolites was determined by means of molecular phylogenetic analysis and compared to the microbial communities found in the surrounding soils. The microbial community present within endostromatolites can be inferred to be (given the predominant metabolic traits of related organisms) mostly aerobic and chemoheterotrophic, and belongs in large part to the phylum Actinobacteria and the subphylum Alphaproteobacteria. The identification of these bacteria suggests that the conditions within the fissure were mostly oxidizing during the growth of endostromatolite. The DNA sequences also indicate that a number of bacteria that closely resemble Rubrobacter radiotolerans are abundant in the endostromatolites as well as other Actinobacteria and Alphaproteobacteria. Some of these taxa have been associated with calcite precipitation, which suggests that the endostromatolites might in fact be microbially mediated. Bacterial communities from nearby permanently frozen soils were more diverse and harbored all the phyla found in the endostromatolites with additional taxa. This study on the microbial communities preserved in potentially microbially mediated secondary minerals in the Arctic could help in the search for evidence of life-forms near the edge of habitability on other planetary bodies.

The Dart estuary, Devon, UK: a case study of chemical dynamics and pollutant mobility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schuwerack, P.-M. M.; Neal, M.; Neal, C.

2007-01-01

Water, sediments and gill and digestive gland tissues of adult common shore crab (Carcinus maenas), collected at Noss Marina, Sandquay (Britannia Royal Naval College), the Dartmouth Pier, Warfleet Cove and Sugary Cove in the Dart estuary, Devon, UK, were analysed for major, minor and trace elements in spring 2004. Total acid-available measurements analysed included the truly dissolved component and acid-available sediments. Trace metal concentrations are associated largely with particulate and micro-particulate/colloidal phases, the latter being able to pass through standard filter papers. Wide ranges of chemical concentrations were found in the water, sediments and tissues at all the locations. In the water column, 48% of the variance is linked to the sea-salt component (Cl, Na, K, Ca, Mg, B, Li and Sr) and the sediment-associated acid-available fractions are linked to Fe-rich lithogenous materials (Ba, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, V and Zn). In the sediments, trace elements of Cd, Co, Cr, Fe, Pb, Mn, Ni and V are correlated with the sea salts and associated with the fraction of fine sediments within the total sediment. In the gills and the digestive gland tissues of crabs, high concentrations of Al, Cu and Fe are found and there are correlations between acid-available trace metals of Cu, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, Sr and Zn. The relationships between trace metal contaminants, their site-specific concentrations, their temporal and spatial variability and the effects of human activities, such as moorland/agriculture with historic mining and recreational activities in the lower Dart estuary, are discussed.

NASA Social for the Launch of Orion

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-12-03

At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASA leaders spoke to social media participants as the Orion spacecraft and its Delta IV Heavy rocket were being prepared for launch. Speakers included NASA astronaut Rex Walheim.

Possibilities for Nuclear Photo-Science with Intense Lasers

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

Barty, C J; Hartemann, F V; McNabb, D P

2006-06-26

The interaction of intense laser light with relativistic electrons can produce unique sources of high-energy x rays and gamma rays via Thomson scattering. ''Thomson-Radiated Extreme X-ray'' (T-REX) sources with peak photon brightness (photons per unit time per unit bandwidth per unit solid angle per unit area) that exceed that available from world's largest synchrotrons by more than 15 orders of magnitude are possible from optimally designed systems. Such sources offer the potential for development of ''nuclear photo-science'' applications in which the primary photon-atom interaction is with the nucleons and not the valence electrons. Applications include isotope-specific detection and imaging ofmore » materials, inverse density radiography, transmutation of nuclear waste and fundamental studies of nuclear structure. Because Thomson scattering cross sections are small, < 1 barn, the output from a T-REX source is optimized when the laser spot size and the electron spot size are minimized and when the electron and laser pulse durations are similar and short compared to the transit time through the focal region. The principle limitation to increased x-ray or gamma-ray brightness is ability to focus the electron beam. The effects of space charge on electron beam focus decrease approximately linearly with electron beam energy. For this reason, T-REX brightness increases rapidly as a function of the electron beam energy. As illustrated in Figure 1, above 100 keV these sources are unique in their ability to produce bright, narrow-beam, tunable, narrow-band gamma rays. New, intense, short-pulse, laser technologies for advanced T-REX sources are currently being developed at LLNL. The construction of a {approx}1 MeV-class machine with this technology is underway and will be used to excite nuclear resonance fluorescence in variety of materials. Nuclear resonance fluorescent spectra are unique signatures of each isotope and provide an ideal mechanism for identification of nuclear materials. With TREX it is possible to use NRF to provide high spatial resolution (micron scale) images of the isotopic distribution of all materials in a given object. Because of the high energy of the photons, imaging through dense and/or thick objects is possible. This technology will have applicability in many arenas including the survey of cargo for the presence of clandestine nuclear materials. It is also possible to address the more general radiographic challenge of imaging low-density objects that are shielded or placed behind high density objects. In this case, it is the NRF cross section and not the electron density of the material that provides contrast. Extensions of T-REX technology will be dependent upon the evolution of short pulse laser technology to high average powers. Concepts for sources that would produce 10's of kWs of gamma-rays by utilizing MW-class average-power, diode-pumped, short pulse lasers and energy recovery LINAC technology have been developed.« less

Glaciers and Sea Level Rise

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-12-08

This ice cave in Belcher Glacier (Devon Island, Canada) was formed by melt water flowing within the glacier ice. To learn about the contributions of glaciers to sea level rise, visit: www.nasa.gov/topics/earth/features/glacier-sea-rise.html Credit: Angus Duncan, University of Saskatchewan NASA image use policy. NASA Goddard Space Flight Center enables NASA’s mission through four scientific endeavors: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Solar System Exploration, and Astrophysics. Goddard plays a leading role in NASA’s accomplishments by contributing compelling scientific knowledge to advance the Agency’s mission. Follow us on Twitter Like us on Facebook Find us on Instagram

Robotic Follow-Up for Human Exploration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fong, Terrence; Bualat, Maria; Deans, Matthew C.; Adams, Byron; Allan, Mark; Altobelli, Martha; Bouyssounouse, Xavier; Cohen, Tamar; Flueckiger, Lorenzo; Garber, Joshua;

78 FR 28290 - Unblocking of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons Pursuant to Executive Order...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-05-14

..., Solomon Tapfumaneyi Ruzambo (a.k.a. ``NANGO, Rex''); DOB 01 May 1949; Passport ZD001348 (Zimbabwe... Deputy Secretary for Finance (individual) [ZIMBABWE]. 8. TAWENGWA, Solomon; DOB 15 Jun 1940; Former...

STS_135_VR

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-05-13

JSC2011-E-059397 (13 May 2011) --- NASA astronaut Rex Walheim, STS-135 mission specialist, simulates a spacewalk in the Virtual Reality Laboratory at NASA?s Johnson Space Center May 13, 2011. Photo credit: NASA Photo/Houston Chronicle, Smiley N. Pool

Alternative strategy for converting an inverting glycoside hydrolase into a glycosynthase.

PubMed

Honda, Yuji; Fushinobu, Shinya; Hidaka, Masafumi; Wakagi, Takayoshi; Shoun, Hirofumi; Taniguchi, Hajime; Kitaoka, Motomitsu

2008-04-01

The tyrosine residue Y198 is known to support a nucleophilic water molecule with the general base residue, D263, in the reducing-end xylose-releasing exo-oligoxylanase (Rex). A mutation in the tyrosine residue changing it into phenylalanine caused a drastic decrease in the hydrolytic activity and a small increase in the F(-) releasing activity from alpha-xylobiosyl fluoride in the presence of xylose. In contrast, mutations at D263 resulted in the decreased F(-) releasing activity. As a result of the high F(-) releasing activity and low hydrolytic activity, Y198F of Rex accumulates a large amount of product during the glycosynthase reaction. We propose a novel method for producing a glycosynthase from an inverting glycoside hydrolase by mutating a residue that holds the nucleophilic water molecule with the general base residue while keeping the general base residue intact.

The Atmospheres of Pluto and Charon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gladstone, R.; Summers, M. E.; Stern, A.; Ennico Smith, K.; Olkin, C.; Weaver, H. A., Jr.; Young, L. A.; Strobel, D. F.; Hinson, D. P.; Kammer, J.; Parker, A. H.; Steffl, A.; Linscott, I.; Parker, J. W.; Cheng, A. F.; Versteeg, M. H.; Greathouse, T.; Retherford, K. D.; Throop, H.; Woods, W. W.; Singer, K. N.; Tsang, C.; Schindhelm, E.; Wong, M. L.; Yung, Y. L.; Zhu, X.; Curdt, W.; Lavvas, P.; Young, E. F.; Tyler, G. L.

2015-12-01

Major goals of the New Horizons (NH) mission are to explore and characterize the structure and composition of Pluto's atmosphere, and to determine whether Charon has a measurable atmosphere of its own. Several instruments onboard NH contribute to these goals, primarily: 1) the REX instrument, through uplink X-band radio occultations, 2) the Alice instrument, through extreme- and far-ultraviolet solar occultations, and 3) the LORRI panchromatic imager, through high-phase-angle imaging. The associated datasets were obtained following closest approach of NH to Pluto. Pressure and temperature profiles of the lower atmosphere are derived from the REX data, the composition and structure of the extended atmosphere are derived from the Alice data (supported by approach observations of reflected ultraviolet sunlight), and the distribution and properties of Pluto's hazes are derived from the LORRI data. In this talk an overview of the early atmosphere science results will be presented.

Effect of rare-earth substitution at La-site on structural, electrical and thermoelectric properties of La0.7-xRExSr0.3MnO3 compounds (x = 0, 0.2, 0.3; RE = Eu, Gd, Y)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choudhary, Y. R. S.; Mangavati, Suraj; Patil, Siddanagouda; Rao, Ashok; Nagaraja, B. S.; Thomas, Riya; Okram, G. S.; Kini, Savitha G.

2018-04-01

In the present communication, we present results on the effect of rare-earth (RE) substitution at La-site on the structural, electrical and thermoelectric properties of La0.7-xRExSr0.3MnO3 compounds. The lattice parameters are observed to decrease with RE-doping which is attributed to the fact that the substituted RE ions (RE = Eu, Gd and Y) are smaller than that of La ion. In high temperature semiconducting regime, small polaron hopping (SPH) model is valid, whereas, variable hopping model is valid in low temperature metallic region. The resistivity in the entire temperature range follows percolation model. All the samples exhibit sign reversal in thermopower, S. From temperature dependent S data, it is seen that SPH model is applicable in high temperature regime.

Maneuver Strategy for OSIRIS-REx Proximity Operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wibben, Daniel R.; Williams, Kenneth E.; McAdams, James V.; Antreasian, Peter G.; Leonard, Jason M.; Moreau, Michael C.

2017-01-01

The Origins Spectral Interpretation Resource Identification Security Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) asteroid sample return mission will study and observe asteroid (101955) Bennu (previously known as 1999 RQ36) and subsequently collect and return a sample from the asteroid to Earth for further detailed analysis. After a successful launch in September 2016, the spacecraft will be in cruise phase for two years until arrival at asteroid Bennu in late 2018. At that time, aseries of critical maneuvers will provide an initial characterization of Bennu and the dynamical environment surrounding it, ultimately concluding with a successful capture into orbit about the small asteroid. This paper discusses some of the unique navigation challenges presented by these early operational phases in close proximity to Bennu and shares key observations and results from operational tests that have prepared the operations team and help mitigate the risks posed by these challenges.

[Lung dysfunction in patients with severe chronic obstructive bronchitis].

PubMed

Nefedov, V B; Popova, L A; Shergina, E A

2005-01-01

VC, FVC, FEV1, FEV1/VC%, PEF, MEF25, MEF50, MEF75, TCL, TGV, RV, Raw, Rin, Rex, DLCO-SS, PaO2, and PaCO2 were determined in 36 patients with severe chronic obstructive lung disease (FEV1 < 50% of the normal value). All the patients were found to have impaired bronchial patency and changes in lung volumes and capacities; 83.3% of the patients had pulmonary gas exchange dysfunction. Impaired bronchial patency mainly appeared as decreased FEV1, FEV1/VC%, PEF, MEF25, MEF50, MEF75, Raw, Rin, Rex; altered lung volumes and capacities manifested by increased RV, TGV, and TLC, and by decreased VC and FVC; pulmonary gas exchange dysfunction showed up as lowered PaO2 and DLCO-SS, as decreased or increased PaCO2. The observed bronchial patency disorders varied from significant to severe; functional changes in lung volumes and capacities were mild to severe.

Extensive dispersal of Roanoke logperch (Percina rex) inferred from genetic marker data

USGS Publications Warehouse

Roberts, James H.; Angermeier, Paul; Hallerman, Eric M.

2016-01-01

The dispersal ecology of most stream fishes is poorly characterised, complicating conservation efforts for these species. We used microsatellite DNA marker data to characterise dispersal patterns and effective population size (Ne) for a population of Roanoke logperchPercina rex, an endangered darter (Percidae). Juveniles and candidate parents were sampled for 2 years at sites throughout the Roanoke River watershed. Dispersal was inferred via genetic assignment tests (ATs), pedigree reconstruction (PR) and estimation of lifetime dispersal distance under a genetic isolation-by-distance model. Estimates of Ne varied from 105 to 1218 individuals, depending on the estimation method. Based on PR, polygamy was frequent in parents of both sexes, with individuals spawning with an average of 2.4 mates. The sample contained 61 half-sibling pairs, but only one parent–offspring pair and no full-sib pairs, which limited our ability to discriminate natal dispersal of juveniles from breeding dispersal of their parents between spawning events. Nonetheless, all methods indicated extensive dispersal. The AT indicated unrestricted dispersal among sites ≤15 km apart, while siblings inferred by the PR were captured an average of 14 km and up to 55 km apart. Model-based estimates of median lifetime dispersal distance (6–24 km, depending on assumptions) bracketed AT and PR estimates, indicating that widely dispersed individuals do, on average, contribute to gene flow. Extensive dispersal of P. rex suggests that darters and other small benthic stream fishes may be unexpectedly mobile. Monitoring and management activities for such populations should encompass entire watersheds to fully capture population dynamics.

Recovery of Bennu's orientation for the OSIRIS-REx mission: implications for the spin state accuracy and geolocation errors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mazarico, Erwan; Rowlands, David D.; Sabaka, Terence J.; Getzandanner, Kenneth M.; Rubincam, David P.; Nicholas, Joseph B.; Moreau, Michael C.

2017-10-01

The goal of the OSIRIS-REx mission is to return a sample of asteroid material from near-Earth asteroid (101955) Bennu. The role of the navigation and flight dynamics team is critical for the spacecraft to execute a precisely planned sampling maneuver over a specifically selected landing site. In particular, the orientation of Bennu needs to be recovered with good accuracy during orbital operations to contribute as small an error as possible to the landing error budget. Although Bennu is well characterized from Earth-based radar observations, its orientation dynamics are not sufficiently known to exclude the presence of a small wobble. To better understand this contingency and evaluate how well the orientation can be recovered in the presence of a large 1° wobble, we conduct a comprehensive simulation with the NASA GSFC GEODYN orbit determination and geodetic parameter estimation software. We describe the dynamic orientation modeling implemented in GEODYN in support of OSIRIS-REx operations and show how both altimetry and imagery data can be used as either undifferenced (landmark, direct altimetry) or differenced (image crossover, altimetry crossover) measurements. We find that these two different types of data contribute differently to the recovery of instrument pointing or planetary orientation. When upweighted, the absolute measurements help reduce the geolocation errors, despite poorer astrometric (inertial) performance. We find that with no wobble present, all the geolocation requirements are met. While the presence of a large wobble is detrimental, the recovery is still reliable thanks to the combined use of altimetry and imagery data.

Large-scale ex vivo expansion and characterization of natural killer cells for clinical applications

PubMed Central

LAPTEVA, NATALIA; DURETT, APRIL G.; SUN, JIALI; ROLLINS, LISA A.; HUYE, LESLIE L.; FANG, JIAN; DANDEKAR, VARADA; MEI, ZHUYONG; JACKSON, KIMBERLEY; VERA, JUAN; ANDO, JUN; NGO, MINHTRAN C.; COUSTAN-SMITH, ELAINE; CAMPANA, DARIO; SZMANIA, SUSANN; GARG, TARUN; MORENO-BOST, AMBERLY; VANRHEE, FRITS; GEE, ADRIAN P.; ROONEY, CLIONA M.

2016-01-01

Background aims Interest in natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapy has resurged since new protocols for the purification and expansion of large numbers of clinical-grade cells have become available. Methods We have successfully adapted a previously described NK expansion method that uses K562 cells expressing interleukin (IL)-15 and 4-1 BB Ligand (BBL) (K562-mb15-41BBL) to grow NK cells in novel gas-permeable static cell culture flasks (G-Rex). Results Using this system we produced up to 19 × 109 functional NK cells from unseparated apheresis products, starting with 15 × 107 CD3− CD56+ NK cells, within 8–10 days of culture. The G-Rex yielded a higher fold expansion of NK cells than conventional gas-permeable bags and required no cell manipulation or feeding during the culture period. We also showed that K562-mb15-41BBL cells up-regulated surface HLA class I antigen expression upon stimulation with the supernatants from NK cultures and stimulated alloreactive CD8+ T cells within the NK cultures. However, these CD3+ T cells could be removed successfully using the CliniMACS system. We describe our optimized NK cell cryopreservation method and show that the NK cells are viable and functional even after 12 months of cryopreservation. Conclusions We have successfully developed a static culture protocol for large-scale expansion of NK cells in the gas permeable G-Rex system under good manufacturing practice (GMP) conditions. This strategy is currently being used to produce NK cells for cancer immunotherapy. PMID:22900959

Evaluating WRF-Chem aerosol indirect effects in Southeast Pacific marine stratocumulus during VOCALS-REx

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

Saide, Pablo; Spak, S. N.; Carmichael, Gregory

2012-03-30

We evaluate a regional-scale simulation with the WRF-Chem model for the VAMOS (Variability of the American Monsoon Systems) Ocean-Cloud-Atmosphere-Land Study Regional Experiment (VOCALS-REx), which sampled the Southeast Pacific's persistent stratocumulus deck. Evaluation of VOCALS-REx ship-based and aircraft observations focuses on analyzing how aerosol loading affects marine boundary layer (MBL) dynamics and cloud microphysics. We compare local time series and campaign averaged longitudinal gradients, and highlight differences in model simulations with (W) and without wet (NW) deposition processes. The higher aerosol loadings in the NW case produce considerable changes in MBL dynamics and cloud microphysics, in accordance with the established conceptualmore » model of aerosol indirect effects. These include increase in cloud albedo, increase in MBL and cloud heights, drizzle suppression, increase in liquid water content, and increase in cloud lifetime. Moreover, better statistical representation of aerosol mass and number concentration improves model fidelity in reproducing observed spatial and temporal variability in cloud properties, including top and base height, droplet concentration, water content, rain rate, optical depth (COD) and liquid water path (LWP). Together, these help to quantify confidence in WRF-Chem's modeled aerosol-cloud interactions, while identifying structural and parametric uncertainties including: irreversibility in rain wet removal; overestimation of marine DMS and sea salt emissions and accelerated aqueous sulfate conversion. Our findings suggest that WRF-Chem simulates marine cloud-aerosol interactions at a level sufficient for applications in forecasting weather and air quality and studying aerosol climate forcing, including the reliability required for policy analysis and geo-engineering applications.« less

Renal pelvic and ureteral ultrasonographic characteristics of cats with chronic kidney disease in comparison with normal cats, and cats with pyelonephritis or ureteral obstruction.

PubMed

Quimby, Jessica M; Dowers, Kristy; Herndon, Andrea K; Randall, Elissa K

2017-08-01

Objectives The objective was to describe ultrasonographic characteristics of cats with stable chronic kidney disease (CKD) and determine if these were significantly different from cats with pyelonephritis (Pyelo) and ureteral obstruction (UO), to aid in clinical assessment during uremic crisis. Methods Sixty-six cats with stable CKD were prospectively enrolled, as well as normal control cats (n = 10), cats with a clinical diagnosis of Pyelo (n = 13) and cats with UO confirmed by surgical resolution (n = 11). Renal ultrasound was performed and routine still images and cine loops were obtained. Analysis included degree of pelvic dilation, and presence and degree of ureteral dilation. Measurements were compared between groups using non-parametric one-way ANOVA with Dunn's post-hoc analysis. Results In total, 66.6% of CKD cats had measurable renal pelvic dilation compared with 30.0% of normal cats, 84.6% of Pyelo cats and 100% of UO cats. There was no statistically significant difference in renal pelvic widths between CKD cats and normal cats, or CKD cats and Pyelo cats. On almost all measurement categories, UO cats had significantly greater renal pelvic widths compared with CKD cats and normal cats ( P <0.05) but not Pyelo cats. Six percent of stable CKD cats had measurable proximal ureteral dilation on one or both sides vs 46.2% of Pyelo cats and 81.8% of UO cats. There was no statistically significant difference in proximal ureteral width between normal and CKD cats, or between Pyelo and UO cats. There was a statistically significant difference in proximal ureteral width between CKD and Pyelo cats, CKD and UO cats, normal and UO cats, and normal and Pyelo cats. Conclusions and relevance No significant difference in renal pelvic widths between CKD cats and Pyelo cats was seen. These data suggest CKD cats should have a baseline ultrasonography performed so that abnormalities documented during a uremic crisis can be better interpreted.

Love during EVA 3

NASA Image and Video Library

2008-02-15

S122-E-009076 (15 Feb. 2008) --- Astronaut Stanley Love, mission specialist, works on the new Columbus laboratory's exterior during the STS-122 Atlantis crew's final scheduled spacewalk. Astronaut Rex Walheim (out of frame), mission specialist, shared this extravehicular activity with Love.

Walheim during EVA 3

NASA Image and Video Library

2008-02-15

S122-E-008950 (15 Feb. 2008) --- Astronaut Rex Walheim, mission specialist, works on the new Columbus laboratory's exterior during the STS-122 Atlantis crew's final scheduled spacewalk. Astronaut Stanley Love (out of frame), mission specialist, shared this extravehicular activity with Walheim.

Walheim during EVA 3

NASA Image and Video Library

2008-02-15

S122-E-008954 (15 Feb. 2008) --- Astronaut Rex Walheim, mission specialist, works on the new Columbus laboratory's exterior during the STS-122 Atlantis crew's final scheduled spacewalk. Astronaut Stanley Love (out of frame), mission specialist, shared this extravehicular activity with Walheim.

STS-122 Crew Return Ceremony

NASA Image and Video Library

2008-02-21

JSC2008-E-014907 (21 Feb. 2008) --- Johnson Space Center's (JSC) director Michael L. Coats (right) greets astronauts Rex Walheim (left) and Leland Melvin, STS-122 mission specialists, at Ellington Field near JSC prior to the STS-122 crew return ceremonies.

STS_135_NBL

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-03-10

JSC2011-E-040211 (10 March 2011) --- NASA astronaut Rex Walheim, STS-135 mission specialist, prepares to train in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) near NASA?s Johnson Space Center in Houston March 10, 2011. Photo credit: NASA Photo/Houston Chronicle, Smiley N. Pool

WISE-2005: LBNP/Treadmill and Resistive Exercise Countermeasures Maintain Aerobic Capacity during a 60-d Bed Rest

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schneider, Suzanne M.; Lee, Stuart M. C.; Watenpaugh, Donald E.; Macias, Brandon R.; Hargens, Alan R.

2006-01-01

We have previously documented that supine treadmill exercise within lower body negative pressure (LBNPex) performed 6 sessions (raised dot) wk(sup -1) during 15- and 30-day bed rests (BR) maintained upright aerobic capacity (VO2pk). In the present study, ure are evaluating whether aerobic capacity is maintained during a 60-d BR when the LBNPex frequency is reduced to 2-4 sessions (raised dot) wk(sup -1) and resistance exercise (REX) is added 2-3 sessions (raised dot) wk(sup -1). Eight healthy women (32 plus or minus 4 yrs; 56.4 plus or minus 3.6 kg; 164 plus or minus 8 cm; mean plus or minus SD) performed maximal-exertion, graded treadmill tests before and 3 days after a 60-d, 6 deg. head-down tilt BR. (Earliest day the medical monitors would permit a maximal exercise test post-BR). During BR, four subjects performed no exercise (CON), while four other subjects (EX) performed LBNPex and REX on separate days. The LBNPex countermeasure employed an intermittent (40-80% pre-BR VO2pk), 40-min protocol against an LBNP pressure (-49 plus or minus 3 mmHg) applied to provide a footward force equivalent to 1.0-1.2 body weight. REX consisted of maximal concentric and eccentric supine leg press and heel raise exercises using a gravity-independent flywheel ergometer. Comparisons were performed using paired (within-group) or non-paired (between-group) t-tests. Three days post-BR, VO2pk of the CON group was reduced significantly from pre-BR (Pre:37.2 plus or minus 1.2, Post: 29.4 plus or minus 2 ml (raised dot) kg(sup -1) (raised dot) min(sup -1), P less than 0.05), while the VO2pk of the EX group was not significantly reduced (Pre: 39.6 plus or minus 1.9, Post: 38.0 plus or minus 0.6 ml (raised dot) kg(sup -1) (raised dot) min(sup -1)). Peak heart rate, ventilation, rating of perceived exertion, and respiratory exchange ratio were not significantly different between the two groups pre- and post-BR. These preliminary results suggest that the combined LBNPex and REX countermeasures may be sufficient to maintain upright aerobic capacity after long-duration space flights.

Southeast Pacific atmospheric composition and variability sampled along 20˚S during VOCALS-REx

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

Allen, G.; Kleinman, L.; Coe, H.

2011-01-10

The VAMOS Ocean-Climate-Atmosphere-Land Regional Experiment (VOCALS-REx) was conducted from 15 October to 15 November 2008 in the South East Pacific region to investigate interactions between land, sea and atmosphere in this unique tropical eastern ocean environment and to improve the skill of global and regional models in representing the region. This study synthesises selected aircraft, ship and surface site observations from VOCALS-REx to statistically summarise and characterise the atmospheric composition and variability of the Marine Boundary Layer (MBL) and Free Troposphere (FT) along the 20{sup o} S parallel between 70{sup o} W and 85{sup o} W. Significant zonal gradients inmore » mean MBL sub-micron aerosol particle size and composition, carbon monoxide, ozone and sulphur dioxide were seen over the campaign, with a generally more variable and polluted coastal environment and a less variable, more pristine remote maritime regime. Gradients are observed to be associated with strong gradients in cloud droplet number. The FT is often more polluted in terms of trace gases than the MBL in the mean; however increased variability in the FT composition suggests an episodic nature to elevated concentrations. This is consistent with a complex vertical interleaving of airmasses with diverse sources and hence pollutant concentrations as seen by generalised back trajectory analysis, which suggests contributions from both local and long-range sources. Furthermore, back trajectory analysis demonstrates that the observed zonal gradients both in the boundary layer and the free troposphere are characteristic of marked changes in airmass history with distance offshore - coastal boundary layer airmasses having been in recent contact with the local land surface and remote maritime airmasses having resided over ocean for in excess of ten days. Boundary layer composition to the east of 75{sup o} W was observed to be dominated by coastal emissions from sources to the west of the Andes, with evidence for diurnal pumping of the Andean boundary layer above the height of the marine capping inversion. The climatology presented here aims to provide a valuable dataset to inform model simulation and future process studies, particularly in the context of aerosol-cloud interaction and further evaluation of dynamical processes in the SEP region for conditions analogous to those during VOCALS-REx.« less

Integrated science and engineering for the OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample return mission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lauretta, D.

2014-07-01

Introduction: The Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security-Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) asteroid sample return mission will survey near-Earth asteroid (101955) Bennu to understand its physical, mineralogical, and chemical properties, assess its resource potential, refine the impact hazard, and return a sample of this body to the Earth [1]. This mission is scheduled for launch in 2016 and will rendezvous with the asteroid in 2018. Sample return to the Earth follows in 2023. The OSIRIS-REx mission has the challenge of visiting asteroid Bennu, characterizing it at global and local scales, then selecting the best site on the asteroid surface to acquire a sample for return to the Earth. Minimizing the risk of exploring an unknown world requires a tight integration of science and engineering to inform flight system and mission design. Defining the Asteroid Environment: We have performed an extensive astronomical campaign in support of OSIRIS-REx. Lightcurve and phase function observations were obtained with UA Observatories telescopes located in southeastern Arizona during the 2005--2006 and 2011--2012 apparitions [2]. We observed Bennu using the 12.6-cm radar at the Arecibo Observatory in 1999, 2005, and 2011 and the 3.5-cm radar at the Goldstone tracking station in 1999 and 2005 [3]. We conducted near-infrared measurements using the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility at the Mauna Kea Observatory in Hawaii in September 2005 [4]. Additional spectral observations were obtained in July 2011 and May 2012 with the Magellan 6.5-m telescope [5]. We used the Spitzer space telescope to observe Bennu in May 2007 [6]. The extensive knowledge gained as a result of our telescopic characterization of Bennu was critical in the selection of this object as the OSIRIS-REx mission target. In addition, we use these data, combined with models of the asteroid, to constrain over 100 different asteroid parameters covering orbital, bulk, rotational, radar, photometric, spectroscopic, thermal, regolith, and asteroid environmental properties. We have captured this information in a mission configuration-controlled document called the Design Reference Asteroid. This information is used across the project to establish the environmental requirements for the flight system and for overall mission design. Maintaining a Pristine Sample: OSIRIS-REx is driven by the top-level science objective to return >60 g of pristine, carbonaceous regolith from asteroid Bennu. We define a "pristine sample" to mean that no foreign material introduced into the sample hampers our scientific analysis. Basically, we know that some contamination will take place --- we just have to document it so that we can subtract it from our analysis of the returned sample. Engineering contamination requirements specify cleanliness in terms of particle counts and thin- films residues --- scientists define it in terms of bulk elemental and organic abundances. After initial discussions with our Contamination Engineers, we agreed on known, albeit challenging, particle and thin-film contamination levels for the Touch-and-Go Sample Acquisition Mechanism (TAGSAM) and the Sample Return Capsule. These levels are achieved using established cleaning procedures while minimizing interferences for sample analysis. Selecting a Sample Site: The Sample Site Selection decision is based on four key data products: Deliverability, Safety, Sampleability, and Science Value Maps. Deliverability quantifies the probability that the Flight Dynamics team can deliver the spacecraft to the desired location on the asteroid surface. Safety maps assess candidate sites against the capabilities of the spacecraft. Sampleability requires an assessment of the asteroid surface properties vs. TAGSAM capabilities. Scientific value maximizes the probability that the collected sample contains organics and volatiles and can be placed in a geological context definitive enough to determine sample history. Science and engineering teams work collaboratively to produce these key decision-making maps.

Constitutive expression of catABC genes in the aniline-assimilating bacterium Rhodococcus species AN-22: production, purification, characterization and gene analysis of CatA, CatB and CatC

PubMed Central

Matsumura, Eitaro; Sakai, Masashi; Hayashi, Katsuaki; Murakami, Shuichiro; Takenaka, Shinji; Aoki, Kenji

2005-01-01

The aniline-assimilating bacterium Rhodococcus sp. AN-22 was found to constitutively synthesize CatB (cis,cis-muconate cycloisomerase) and CatC (muconolactone isomerase) in its cells growing on non-aromatic substrates, in addition to the previously reported CatA (catechol 1,2-dioxygenase). The bacterium maintained the specific activity of the three enzymes at an almost equal level during cultivation on succinate. CatB and CatC were purified to homogeneity and characterized. CatB was a monomer with a molecular mass of 44 kDa. The enzyme was activated by Mn2+, Co2+ and Mg2+. Native CatC was a homo-octamer with a molecular mass of 100 kDa. The enzyme was stable between pH 7.0 and 10.5 and was resistant to heating up to 90 °C. Genes coding for CatA, CatB and CatC were cloned and named catA, catB and catC respectively. The catABC genes were transcribed as one operon. The deduced amino acid sequences of CatA, CatB and CatC showed high identities with those from other Gram-positive micro-organisms. A regulator gene such as catR encoding a regulatory protein was not observed around the cat gene cluster of Rhodococcus sp. AN-22, but a possible relic of catR was found in the upstream region of catA. Reverse transcriptase-PCR and primer extension analyses showed that the transcriptional start site of the cat gene cluster was located 891 bp upstream of the catA initiation codon in the AN-22 strain growing on both aniline and succinate. Based on these data, we concluded that the bacterium constitutively transcribed the catABC genes and translated its mRNA into CatA, CatB and CatC. PMID:16156722

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the cathepsin S inhibitor, LY3000328, in healthy subjects.

PubMed

Payne, Christopher D; Deeg, Mark A; Chan, Melanie; Tan, Lai Hock; LaBell, Elizabeth Smith; Shen, Tong; DeBrota, David J

2014-12-01

The aim of this study was to assess the safety and tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of LY3000328 when administered as single escalating doses to healthy volunteers. This was a phase 1, placebo-controlled, dose escalation study with LY3000328 in 21 healthy male volunteers. Subjects were administered escalating LY3000328 doses up to 300 mg with food in this single dose study. Blood samples were collected at set times post-dose for the assessment of LY3000328 pharmacokinetics and the measurement of cathepsin S (CatS) activity, CatS mass and calculated CatS specific activity. All doses of LY3000328 were well tolerated, with linear pharmacokinetics up to the 300 mg dose. The pharmacodynamic activity of LY3000328 was measured ex vivo showing a biphasic response to LY3000328, where CatS activity declines, then returns to baseline, and then increases to a level above baseline. CatS mass was also assessed post-dose which increased in a dose-dependent manner, and continued to increase after LY3000328 had been cleared from the body. CatS specific activity was additionally calculated to normalize CatS activity for changes in CatS mass. This demonstrated the increase in CatS activity was attributable to the increase in CatS mass detected in plasma. A specific inhibitor of CatS which is cleared quickly from plasma may produce a transient decrease in plasma CatS activity which is followed by a more prolonged increase in plasma CatS mass which may have implications for the future clinical development of inhibitors of CatS. © 2014 The British Pharmacological Society.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the cathepsin S inhibitor, LY3000328, in healthy subjects

PubMed Central

Payne, Christopher D; Deeg, Mark A; Chan, Melanie; Tan, Lai Hock; LaBell, Elizabeth Smith; Shen, Tong; DeBrota, David J

2014-01-01

Aim The aim of this study was to assess the safety and tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of LY3000328 when administered as single escalating doses to healthy volunteers. Methods This was a phase 1, placebo-controlled, dose escalation study with LY3000328 in 21 healthy male volunteers. Subjects were administered escalating LY3000328 doses up to 300 mg with food in this single dose study. Blood samples were collected at set times post-dose for the assessment of LY3000328 pharmacokinetics and the measurement of cathepsin S (CatS) activity, CatS mass and calculated CatS specific activity. Results All doses of LY3000328 were well tolerated, with linear pharmacokinetics up to the 300 mg dose. The pharmacodynamic activity of LY3000328 was measured ex vivo showing a biphasic response to LY3000328, where CatS activity declines, then returns to baseline, and then increases to a level above baseline. CatS mass was also assessed post-dose which increased in a dose-dependent manner, and continued to increase after LY3000328 had been cleared from the body. CatS specific activity was additionally calculated to normalize CatS activity for changes in CatS mass. This demonstrated the increase in CatS activity was attributable to the increase in CatS mass detected in plasma. Conclusion A specific inhibitor of CatS which is cleared quickly from plasma may produce a transient decrease in plasma CatS activity which is followed by a more prolonged increase in plasma CatS mass which may have implications for the future clinical development of inhibitors of CatS. PMID:25039273

Human factors research as part of a Mars exploration analogue mission on Devon Island

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Binsted, Kim; Kobrick, Ryan L.; Griofa, Marc Ó.; Bishop, Sheryl; Lapierre, Judith

2010-06-01

Human factors research is a critical element of space exploration as it provides insight into a crew's performance, psychology and interpersonal relationships. Understanding the way humans work in space-exploration analogue environments permits the development and testing of countermeasures for and responses to potential hazardous situations, and can thus help improve mission efficiency and safety. Analogue missions, such as the one described here, have plausible mission constraints and operational scenarios, similar to those that a real Mars crew would experience. Long duration analogue studies, such as those being conducted at the Flashline Mars Arctic Research Station (FMARS) on Devon Island, Canada, offer an opportunity to study mission operations and human factors in a semi-realistic environment, and contribute to the design of missions to explore the Moon and Mars. The FMARS XI Long Duration Mission (F-XI LDM) was, at four months, the longest designed analogue Mars mission conducted to date, and thus provides a unique insight into human factors issues for long-duration space exploration. Here, we describe the six human factors studies that took place during F-XI LDM, and give a summary of their results, where available. We also present a meta-study, which examined the impact of the human-factors research itself on crew schedule and workload. Based on this experience, we offer some lessons learnt: some aspects (perceived risk and crew motivation, for example) of analogue missions must be realistic for study results to be valid; human factors studies are time-consuming, and should be fully integrated into crew schedules; and crew-ground communication and collaboration under long-term exploration conditions can present serious challenges.

Haughton-Mars Project Expedition 2005

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

deWeck, Olivier; Simchi-Levi, David

2006-01-01

The 2005 expedition to the Haughton-Mars Project (HMP) research station on Devon Island was part of a NASA-funded project on Space Logistics. A team of nine r&searchers from MIT went to the Canadian Arctic to participate in the annual I-IMP field campaign from July 8 to August 12, 2005. We investigated the applicability of the HMP research station as an analogue for planetary macro- and micro-logistics to the Moon and Mars, and began collecting data for modeling purposes. We also tested new technologies and procedures to enhance the ability of humans and robots to jointly explore remote environments. The expedition had four main objectives. We briefly summarize our key findings in each of these areas. 1. Classes of Supply: First, we wanted to understand what supply items existed at the HMP research station in support of planetary science and exploration research at and around the Haughton Crater. We also wanted to quantify the total amount of imported mass at HMP and compare this with predictions from existing parametric lunar base demand models. 2. Macro-Logistics Transportation Network: Our second objective was to understand the nodes, transportation routes, vehicles, capacities and crew and cargo mass flow rates required to support the HMP logistics network. 3. Agent and Asset Tracking: Since the current inventory management system on ISS relies heavily on barcodes and manual tracking, we wanted to test new automated technologies and procedures such as radio frequency identification RFID) to support exploration logistics. 4. Micro-Logistics (EVA): Finally, we wanted to understand the micro-logistical requirements of conducting both short (<1 day) and long traverses in the Mars-analog terrain on Devon Island. Micro-logistics involves the movement of surface vehicles, people and supplies from base to various exploration sites over short distances (<100 km).

Proxy Constraints on a Warm, Fresh Late Cretaceous Arctic Ocean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Super, J. R.; Li, H.; Pagani, M.; Chin, K.

2015-12-01

The warm Late Cretaceous is thought to have been characterized by open Arctic Ocean temperatures upwards of 15°C (Jenkyns et al., 2004). The high temperatures and low equator-to-pole temperature gradient have proven difficult to reproduce in paleoclimate models, with the role of the atmospheric hydrologic cycle in heat transport being particularly uncertain. Here, sediments, coprolites and fish teeth of Santonian-Campanian age from two high-latitude mixed terrestrial and marine sections on Devon Island in the Canadian High Arctic (Chin et al., 2008) were analyzed using a suite of organic and inorganic proxies to evaluate the temperature and salinity of Arctic seawater. Surface temperature estimates were derived from TEX86 estimates of near-shore, shallow (~100 meters depth) marine sediments (Witkowski et al., 2011) and MBT-CBT estimates from terrestrial intervals and both suggest mean annual temperatures of ~20°C, consistent with previous estimates considering the more southerly location of Devon Island. The oxygen isotope composition of non-diagenetic phosphate from vertebrate coprolites and bony fish teeth were then measured, giving values ranging from +13‰ to +19‰. Assuming the TEX86 temperatures are valid and using the temperature calibration of Puceat 2010, the δ18O values of coprolites imply Arctic Ocean seawater δ18O values between -4‰ and -10‰, implying very fresh conditions. Lastly, the δD of precipitation will be estimated from the hydrogen isotope composition of higher plant leaf waxes (C-25, C-27, C-29 and C-31 n-alkanes) from both terrestrial and marine intervals. Data are used to model the salinity of seawater and the meteoric relationship between δD and δ18O, thereby helping to evaluate the northern high-latitude meteoric water line of the Late Cretaceous.

Principles for Integrating Mars Analog Science, Operations, and Technology Research

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clancey, William J.

2003-01-01

During the Apollo program, the scientific community and NASA used terrestrial analog sites for understanding planetary features and for training astronauts to be scientists. Human factors studies (Harrison, Clearwater, & McKay 1991; Stuster 1996) have focused on the effects of isolation in extreme environments. More recently, with the advent of wireless computing, we have prototyped advanced EVA technologies for navigation, scheduling, and science data logging (Clancey 2002b; Clancey et al., in press). Combining these interests in a single expedition enables tremendous synergy and authenticity, as pioneered by Pascal Lee's Haughton-Mars Project (Lee 2001; Clancey 2000a) and the Mars Society s research stations on a crater rim on Devon Island in the High Canadian Arctic (Clancey 2000b; 2001b) and the Morrison Formation of southeast Utah (Clancey 2002a). Based on this experience, the following principles are proposed for conducting an integrated science, operations, and technology research program at analog sites: 1) Authentic work; 2) PI-based projects; 3) Unencumbered baseline studies; 4) Closed simulations; and 5) Observation and documentation. Following these principles, we have been integrating field science, operations research, and technology development at analog sites on Devon Island and in Utah over the past five years. Analytic methods include work practice simulation (Clancey 2002c; Sierhuis et a]., 2000a;b), by which the interaction of human behavior, facilities, geography, tools, and procedures are formalized in computer models. These models are then converted into the runtime EVA system we call mobile agents (Clancey 2002b; Clancey et al., in press). Furthermore, we have found that the Apollo Lunar Surface Journal (Jones, 1999) provides a vast repository or understanding astronaut and CapCom interactions, serving as a baseline for Mars operations and quickly highlighting opportunities for computer automation (Clancey, in press).

Walheim on Aft Flight Deck during Deorbit Preparations

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-07-21

S135-E-012383 (21 July 2011) --- Astronaut Rex Walheim, STS-135 mission specialist, makes preparations on space shuttle Atlantis' aft flight deck for the mission's re-entry phase and the final landing of a NASA space shuttle. Photo credit: NASA

Walheim during EVA 3

NASA Image and Video Library

2008-02-15

ISS016-E-029500 (15 Feb. 2008) --- Astronaut Rex Walheim, mission specialist, holds onto a handrail on the Columbus laboratory, the newest piece of hardware on the International Space Station. Astronaut Stanley Love (out of frame), mission specialist, shared this extravehicular activity with Walheim.

Walheim during EVA 3

NASA Image and Video Library

2008-02-15

S122-E-008781 (15 Feb. 2008) --- Astronaut Rex Walheim, mission specialist, holds onto a handrail on the Columbus laboratory, the newest piece of hardware on the International Space Station. Astronaut Stanley Love (out of frame), mission specialist, shared this extravehicular activity with Walheim.

Walheim during EVA 3

NASA Image and Video Library

2008-02-15

S122-E-008764 (15 Feb. 2008) --- Astronaut Rex Walheim, mission specialist, holds onto a handrail on the Columbus laboratory, the newest piece of hardware on the International Space Station. Astronaut Stanley Love (out of frame), mission specialist, shared this extravehicular activity with Walheim.

Walheim during EVA 3

NASA Image and Video Library

2008-02-15

S122-E-008727 (15 Feb. 2008) --- Astronaut Rex Walheim, mission specialist, closes one eye while focusing on an extravehicular activity task with the other. Astronaut Stanley Love (out of frame), mission specialist, shared this final spacewalk for the STS-122 Atlantis crew with Walheim.

BROMODICHLOROMETHANE INHIBITS HUMAN PLACENTAL TROPHOBLAST DIFFERENTIATION

EPA Science Inventory

BROMODICHLOROMETHANE INHIBITS HUMAN PLACENTAL
TROPHOBLAST DIFFERENTIATION
Jiangang Chen, Twanda L. Thirkill, Peter N. Lohstroh, Susan R. Bielmeier, Michael
G. Narotsky, Deborah S. Best, Randy A. Harrison, Kala Natarajan, Rex A. Pegram,
Bill L. Lasley, and Gordon C. Do...

STS_135_MB

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-05-06

The crew of STS-135, from left, Doug Hurley, Chris Ferguson, Sandy Magnus and Rex Walheim walk between buildings at the Johnson Space Center after a simulation in the motion based simulator on Friday, May 6, 2011, in Houston. ( NASA Photo / Houston Chronicle, Smiley N. Pool ).

A review of over three decades of research on cat-human and human-cat interactions and relationships.

PubMed

Turner, Dennis C

2017-08-01

This review article covers research conducted over the last three decades on cat-human and human-cat interactions and relationships, especially from an ethological point of view. It includes findings on cat-cat and cat-human communication, cat personalities and cat-owner personalities, the effects of cats on humans, and problems caused by cats. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A Survey of Public Opinion on Cat (Felis catus) Predation and the Future Direction of Cat Management in New Zealand

PubMed Central

Walker, Jessica K.; Bruce, Stephanie J.; Dale, Arnja R.

2017-01-01

Simple Summary The need to balance the benefits of cat ownership with the prevention of wildlife predation in New Zealand evokes strong and opposing views. This paper evaluates public concern for wildlife predation by four categories of cats; owned cats, managed-stray cats, unmanaged-stray cats, and feral cats. In addition, public support for a National Cat Management Strategy and a range of management techniques are investigated. Although the participants expressed concern regarding wildlife predation by all four categories of cats, the highest levels of concern were predation by feral cats, followed by unmanaged stray cats, then managed stray cats, and finally owned cats. The large majority of participants were found to support the implementation of a National Cat Management Strategy. Management techniques for owned cats that obtained public support included; cat exclusion zones, limits on ownership numbers, microchipping, Council registration, and de-sexing. Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) was the favoured management technique for managed stray cats, while TNR and lethal management techniques were equally favoured for unmanaged stray cats. Lethal control methods were favoured for feral cats. The findings presented in this paper will be useful to consider during the development of legislation relating to cat management and predation in New Zealand. Abstract Cat predation is a prominent issue in New Zealand that provokes strong and opposing views. We explored, via 1011 face-to-face questionnaires, public opinion on (a) support for a National Cat Management Strategy (78% support); (b) concern regarding predation of wildlife by owned and un-owned cats (managed stray, unmanaged stray, and feral cats); (c) the acceptability of management techniques for owned cats; and (d) the acceptability of population management techniques for un-owned cats. The highest concern was expressed regarding the predation of non-native and native wildlife by feral cats (60 and 86% repectively), followed by unmanaged stray cats (59 and 86% respectively), managed stray cats (54 and 82% respectively), and finally owned cats (38 and 69% repectively). Limits to the number of cats owned and cat restriction zones received high levels of support (>65%), and compulsory microchipping, Council registration, and de-sexing were supported by the majority (>58%). Public support of population control methods for unowned cats was explored, and the influence of participant demographic variables on responses is described. These findings provide insight into public opinion regarding the management of cats in New Zealand, which should be considered during the development of legislation in this area. PMID:28671609

The Feline Mystique: Dispelling the Myth of the Independent Cat.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Soltow, Willow

1984-01-01

Describes learning activities about cats for primary and intermediate grades. Primary grade activity subjects include cat behavior, needs, breeds, storybook cats, and celestial cats. Intermediate grade activity subjects include cat history, care, language, literary cats, and cats in art. (BC)

Multistate matrix population model to assess the contributions and impacts on population abundance of domestic cats in urban areas including owned cats, unowned cats, and cats in shelters

PubMed Central

Coe, Jason B.

2018-01-01

Concerns over cat homelessness, over-taxed animal shelters, public health risks, and environmental impacts has raised attention on urban-cat populations. To truly understand cat population dynamics, the collective population of owned cats, unowned cats, and cats in the shelter system must be considered simultaneously because each subpopulation contributes differently to the overall population of cats in a community (e.g., differences in neuter rates, differences in impacts on wildlife) and cats move among categories through human interventions (e.g., adoption, abandonment). To assess this complex socio-ecological system, we developed a multistate matrix model of cats in urban areas that include owned cats, unowned cats (free-roaming and feral), and cats that move through the shelter system. Our model requires three inputs—location, number of human dwellings, and urban area—to provide testable predictions of cat abundance for any city in North America. Model-predicted population size of unowned cats in seven Canadian cities were not significantly different than published estimates (p = 0.23). Model-predicted proportions of sterile feral cats did not match observed sterile cat proportions for six USA cities (p = 0.001). Using a case study from Guelph, Ontario, Canada, we compared model-predicted to empirical estimates of cat abundance in each subpopulation and used perturbation analysis to calculate relative sensitivity of vital rates to cat abundance to demonstrate how management or mismanagement in one portion of the population could have repercussions across all portions of the network. Our study provides a general framework to consider cat population abundance in urban areas and, with refinement that includes city-specific parameter estimates and modeling, could provide a better understanding of population dynamics of cats in our communities. PMID:29489854

Multistate matrix population model to assess the contributions and impacts on population abundance of domestic cats in urban areas including owned cats, unowned cats, and cats in shelters.

PubMed

Flockhart, D T Tyler; Coe, Jason B

2018-01-01

Concerns over cat homelessness, over-taxed animal shelters, public health risks, and environmental impacts has raised attention on urban-cat populations. To truly understand cat population dynamics, the collective population of owned cats, unowned cats, and cats in the shelter system must be considered simultaneously because each subpopulation contributes differently to the overall population of cats in a community (e.g., differences in neuter rates, differences in impacts on wildlife) and cats move among categories through human interventions (e.g., adoption, abandonment). To assess this complex socio-ecological system, we developed a multistate matrix model of cats in urban areas that include owned cats, unowned cats (free-roaming and feral), and cats that move through the shelter system. Our model requires three inputs-location, number of human dwellings, and urban area-to provide testable predictions of cat abundance for any city in North America. Model-predicted population size of unowned cats in seven Canadian cities were not significantly different than published estimates (p = 0.23). Model-predicted proportions of sterile feral cats did not match observed sterile cat proportions for six USA cities (p = 0.001). Using a case study from Guelph, Ontario, Canada, we compared model-predicted to empirical estimates of cat abundance in each subpopulation and used perturbation analysis to calculate relative sensitivity of vital rates to cat abundance to demonstrate how management or mismanagement in one portion of the population could have repercussions across all portions of the network. Our study provides a general framework to consider cat population abundance in urban areas and, with refinement that includes city-specific parameter estimates and modeling, could provide a better understanding of population dynamics of cats in our communities.

Whitson,Walheim and Love in A/L

NASA Image and Video Library

2008-02-10

S122-E-007664 (10 Feb. 2008) --- Astronauts Peggy Whitson, Expedition 16 commander; Stanley Love and Rex Walheim (bottom), both STS-122 mission specialists, work in the Quest Airlock of the International Space Station while Space Shuttle Atlantis is docked with the station.

USA Science and Engineering Festival 2014

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-04-25

Astronaut Rex Walheim spoke at the USA Science and Engineering Festival on April 25, 2014. The festival was open to the public on April 26 and 27, 2014 and was held at the Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Comparative study of aural microflora in healthy cats, allergic cats and cats with systemic disease.

PubMed

Pressanti, Charline; Drouet, Clémence; Cadiergues, Marie-Christine

2014-12-01

Twenty healthy cats (group 1) with clinically normal ears, 15 cats with systemic disease (group 2) and 15 allergic cats (group 3) were included in a prospective study. The experimental unit was the ear. A clinical score was established for each ear canal after otoscopic examination. Microbial population was assessed on cytological examination of smears performed with the cotton-tipped applicator smear technique. Fungal population was significantly more prominent in allergic cats (P <0.001) and in diseased cats compared with healthy cats (P <0.02). Bacterial population was significantly higher in allergic cats than in healthy cats (P <0.001) and cats suffering from systemic disease (P <0.001). Bacterial overgrowth was also higher in cats with systemic disease than healthy cats. In cats from group 2, only fungal overgrowth was associated with otitis severity. In group 3, only bacterial overgrowth was associated with otitis severity. © ISFM and AAFP 2014.

Cat Ownership Perception and Caretaking Explored in an Internet Survey of People Associated with Cats

PubMed Central

Zito, Sarah; Vankan, Dianne

2015-01-01

People who feed cats that they do not perceive they own (sometimes called semi-owners) are thought to make a considerable contribution to unwanted cat numbers because the cats they support are generally not sterilized. Understanding people’s perception of cat ownership and the psychology underlying cat semi-ownership could inform approaches to mitigate the negative effects of cat semi-ownership. The primary aims of this study were to investigate cat ownership perception and to examine its association with human-cat interactions and caretaking behaviours. A secondary aim was to evaluate a definition of cat semi-ownership (including an association time of ≥1 month and frequent feeding), revised from a previous definition proposed in the literature to distinguish cat semi-ownership from casual interactions with unowned cats. Cat owners and semi-owners displayed similar types of interactions and caretaking behaviours. Nevertheless, caretaking behaviours were more commonly displayed towards owned cats than semi-owned cats, and semi-owned cats were more likely to have produced kittens (p<0.01). All interactions and caretaking behaviours were more likely to be displayed towards cats in semi-ownership relationships compared to casual interaction relationships. Determinants of cat ownership perception were identified (p<0.05) and included association time, attachment, perceived cat friendliness and health, and feelings about unowned cats, including the acceptability of feeding unowned cats. Encouraging semi-owners to have the cats they care for sterilized may assist in reducing the number of unwanted kittens and could be a valuable alternative to trying to prevent semi-ownership entirely. Highly accessible semi-owner “gatekeepers” could help to deliver education messages and facilitate the provision of cat sterilization services to semi-owners. This research enabled semi-ownership to be distinguished from casual interaction relationships and can assist welfare and government agencies to identify cat semi-owners in order to develop strategies to address this source of unwanted cats. PMID:26218243

Direction discrimination learning in normal and visually deprived cats and the effects of lateral suprasylvian lesions.

PubMed

Burnat, K; Zernicki, B

1997-01-01

We used 5 binocularly deprived cats (BD cats), 4 control cats reared also in the laboratory (C cats) and 4 cats reared in a normal environment (N cats). The cats were trained to discriminate an upward or downward-moving light spot versus a stationary spot (detection task) and then an upward versus a downward spot (direction task). The N and C cats learned slowly. The learning was slower than in previously studied discriminations of stationary stimuli. However, all N and C cats mastered the detection task and except one C cat the direction task. In contrast, 4 BD cats failed in the detection task and all in the direction task. This result is consistent with single-cell recording data showing impairment of direction analysis in the visual system in BD cats. After completing the training the upper part of the middle suprasylvian sulcus was removed unilaterally in 7 cats and bilaterally in 6 cats. Surprisingly, the unilateral lesions were more effective: the clear-cut retention deficits were found in 5 cats lesioned unilaterally, whereas only in one cat lesioned bilaterally.

Glaciers and Sea Level Rise

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-12-08

Aerial view of the Sverdrup Glacier, a river of ice that flows from the interior of the Devon Island Ice Cap (Canada) into the ocean. To learn about the contributions of glaciers to sea level rise, visit: www.nasa.gov/topics/earth/features/glacier-sea-rise.html Credit: Alex Gardner, Clark University NASA image use policy. NASA Goddard Space Flight Center enables NASA’s mission through four scientific endeavors: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Solar System Exploration, and Astrophysics. Goddard plays a leading role in NASA’s accomplishments by contributing compelling scientific knowledge to advance the Agency’s mission. Follow us on Twitter Like us on Facebook Find us on Instagram

Drilling Automation Tests At A Lunar/Mars Analog Site

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Glass, B.; Cannon, H.; Hanagud, S.; Lee, P.; Paulsen, G.

2006-01-01

Future in-situ lunar/martian resource utilization and characterization, as well as the scientific search for life on Mars, will require access to the subsurface and hence drilling. Drilling on Earth is hard - an art form more than an engineering discipline. The limited mass, energy and manpower in planetary drilling situations makes application of terrestrial drilling techniques problematic. The Drilling Automation for Mars Exploration (DAME) project is developing drilling automation and robotics for projected use in missions to the Moon and Mars in the 2011-15 period. This has been tested recently, drilling in permafrost at a lunar/martian analog site (Haughton Crater, Devon Island, Canada).

Acute low-intensity cycling with blood-flow restriction has no effect on metabolic signaling in human skeletal muscle compared to traditional exercise.

PubMed

Smiles, William J; Conceição, Miguel S; Telles, Guilherme D; Chacon-Mikahil, Mara P T; Cavaglieri, Cláudia R; Vechin, Felipe C; Libardi, Cleiton A; Hawley, John A; Camera, Donny M

2017-02-01

Autophagy is an intracellular degradative system sensitive to hypoxia and exercise-induced perturbations to cellular bioenergetics. We determined the effects of low-intensity endurance-based exercise performed with blood-flow restriction (BFR) on cell signaling adaptive responses regulating autophagy and substrate metabolism in human skeletal muscle. In a randomized cross-over design, nine young, healthy but physically inactive males completed three experimental trials separated by 1 week of recovery consisting of either a resistance exercise bout (REX: 4 × 10 leg press repetitions, 70% 1-RM), endurance exercise (END: 30 min cycling, 70% VO 2peak ), or low-intensity cycling with BFR (15 min, 40% VO 2peak ). A resting muscle biopsy was obtained from the vastus lateralis 2 weeks prior to the first exercise trial and 3 h after each exercise bout. END increased ULK1 Ser757 phosphorylation above rest and BFR (~37 to 51%, P < 0.05). Following REX, there were significant elevations compared to rest (~348%) and BFR (~973%) for p38γ MAPK Thr180/Tyr182 phosphorylation (P < 0.05). Parkin content was lower following BFR cycling compared to REX (~20%, P < 0.05). There were no exercise-induced changes in select markers of autophagy following BFR. Genes implicated in substrate metabolism (HK2 and PDK4) were increased above rest (~143 to 338%) and BFR cycling (~212 to 517%) with END (P < 0.001). A single bout of low-intensity cycling with BFR is insufficient to induce intracellular "stress" responses (e.g., high rates of substrate turnover and local hypoxia) necessary to activate skeletal muscle autophagy signaling.

Microbiome of Total Versus Live Bacteria in the Gut of Rex Rabbits

PubMed Central

Fu, Xiangchao; Zeng, Bo; Wang, Ping; Wang, Lihuan; Wen, Bin; Li, Ying; Liu, Hanzhong; Bai, Shiqie; Jia, Gang

2018-01-01

Gastrointestinal bacteria are essential for host health, and only viable microorganisms contribute to gastrointestinal functions. When evaluating the gut microbiota by next generation sequencing method, dead bacteria, which compose a proportion of gut bacteria, may distort analysis of the live gut microbiota. We collected stomach, jejunum, ileum, cecum, and colon contents from Rex rabbits. A modified propidium monoazide (PMA) treatment protocol was used to exclude DNA from dead bacteria. Analysis of untreated samples yielded total bacteria, and analysis of PMA-treated samples yielded live bacteria. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction and 16S rRNA gene sequencing were performed to evaluate the live-to-total bacteria ratio and compare the difference between live and total microbiota in the entire digestive tract. A low proportion of live bacteria in the foregut (stomach 1.12%, jejunum 1.2%, ileum 2.84%) and a high proportion of live bacteria in the hindgut (cecum 24.66%, colon 19.08%) were observed. A significant difference existed between total and live microbiota. Clostridiales, Ruminococcaceae, and S24-7 dominated the hindgut of both groups, while Acinetobacter and Cupriavidus dominated only in live foregut microbiota. Clostridiales and Ruminococcaceae abundance decreased, while S24-7 increased in live hindgut microbiota. The alpha- and beta-diversities differed significantly between groups. Analysis of networks showed the mutual relationship between live bacteria differed vastly when compared with total bacteria. Our study revealed a large number of dead bacteria existed in the digestive tract of Rex rabbits and distorted the community profile of the live microbiota. Total bacteria is an improper representation of the live gut microbiota, particularly in the foregut. PMID:29692775

Photometric Uncertainties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zou, Xiao-Duan; Li, Jian-Yang; Clark, Beth Ellen; Golish, Dathon

2018-01-01

The OSIRIS-REx spacecraft, launched in September, 2016, will study the asteroid Bennu and return a sample from its surface to Earth in 2023. Bennu is a near-Earth carbonaceous asteroid which will provide insight into the formation and evolution of the solar system. OSIRIS-REx will first approach Bennu in August 2018 and will study the asteroid for approximately two years before sampling. OSIRIS-REx will develop its photometric model (including Lommel-Seelinger, ROLO, McEwen, Minnaert and Akimov) of Bennu with OCAM and OVIRS during the Detailed Survey mission phase. The model developed during this phase will be used to photometrically correct the OCAM and OVIRS data.Here we present the analysis of the error for the photometric corrections. Based on our testing data sets, we find:1. The model uncertainties is only correct when we use the covariance matrix to calculate, because the parameters are highly correlated.2. No evidence of domination of any parameter in each model.3. And both model error and the data error contribute to the final correction error comparably.4. We tested the uncertainty module on fake and real data sets, and find that model performance depends on the data coverage and data quality. These tests gave us a better understanding of how different model behave in different case.5. L-S model is more reliable than others. Maybe because the simulated data are based on L-S model. However, the test on real data (SPDIF) does show slight advantage of L-S, too. ROLO is not reliable to use when calculating bond albedo. The uncertainty of McEwen model is big in most cases. Akimov performs unphysical on SOPIE 1 data.6. Better use L-S as our default choice, this conclusion is based mainly on our test on SOPIE data and IPDIF.

Effect of P to A Mutation of the N-Terminal Residue Adjacent to the Rgd Motif on Rhodostomin: Importance of Dynamics in Integrin Recognition

PubMed Central

Chen, Yi-Chun; Chang, Yao-Tsung; Chang, Yung-Sheng; Huang, Chun-Hao; Chuang, Woei-Jer

2012-01-01

Rhodostomin (Rho) is an RGD protein that specifically inhibits integrins. We found that Rho mutants with the P48A mutation 4.4–11.5 times more actively inhibited integrin α5β1. Structural analysis showed that they have a similar 3D conformation for the RGD loop. Docking analysis also showed no difference between their interactions with integrin α5β1. However, the backbone dynamics of RGD residues were different. The values of the R2 relaxation parameter for Rho residues R49 and D51 were 39% and 54% higher than those of the P48A mutant, which caused differences in S2, Rex, and τe. The S2 values of the P48A mutant residues R49, G50, and D51 were 29%, 14%, and 28% lower than those of Rho. The Rex values of Rho residues R49 and D51 were 0.91 s−1 and 1.42 s−1; however, no Rex was found for those of the P48A mutant. The τe values of Rho residues R49 and D51 were 9.5 and 5.1 times lower than those of P48A mutant. Mutational study showed that integrin α5β1 prefers its ligands to contain (G/A)RGD but not PRGD sequences for binding. These results demonstrate that the N-terminal proline residue adjacent to the RGD motif affect its function and dynamics, which suggests that the dynamic properties of the RGD motif may be important in Rho's interaction with integrin α5β1. PMID:22238583

Investigating the Geological History of Asteroid 101955 Bennu Through Remote Sensing and Returned Sample Analyses

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Messenger, S.; Connolly, H. C., Jr.; Lauretta, D. S.; Bottke, W. F.

2014-01-01

The NASA New Frontiers Mission OSRIS-REx will return surface regolith samples from near-Earth asteroid 101955 Bennu in September 2023. This target is classified as a B-type asteroid and is spectrally similar to CI and CM chondrite meteorites [1]. The returned samples are thus expected to contain primitive ancient Solar System materials that formed in planetary, nebular, interstellar, and circumstellar environments. Laboratory studies of primitive astromaterials have yielded detailed constraints on the origins, properties, and evolutionary histories of a wide range of Solar System bodies. Yet, the parent bodies of meteorites and cosmic dust are generally unknown, genetic and evolutionary relationships among asteroids and comets are unsettled, and links between laboratory and remote observations remain tenuous. The OSIRIS-REx mission will offer the opportunity to coordinate detailed laboratory analyses of asteroidal materials with known and well characterized geological context from which the samples originated. A primary goal of the OSIRIS-REx mission will be to provide detailed constraints on the origin and geological and dynamical history of Bennu through coordinated analytical studies of the returned samples. These microanalytical studies will be placed in geological context through an extensive orbital remote sensing campaign that will characterize the global geological features and chemical diversity of Bennu. The first views of the asteroid surface and of the returned samples will undoubtedly bring remarkable surprises. However, a wealth of laboratory studies of meteorites and spacecraft encounters with primitive bodies provides a useful framework to formulate priority scientific questions and effective analytical approaches well before the samples are returned. Here we summarize our approach to unraveling the geological history of Bennu through returned sample analyses.

Sox5 is involved in germ-cell regulation and sex determination in medaka following co-option of nested transposable elements.

PubMed

Schartl, Manfred; Schories, Susanne; Wakamatsu, Yuko; Nagao, Yusuke; Hashimoto, Hisashi; Bertin, Chloé; Mourot, Brigitte; Schmidt, Cornelia; Wilhelm, Dagmar; Centanin, Lazaro; Guiguen, Yann; Herpin, Amaury

2018-01-29

Sex determination relies on a hierarchically structured network of genes, and is one of the most plastic processes in evolution. The evolution of sex-determining genes within a network, by neo- or sub-functionalization, also requires the regulatory landscape to be rewired to accommodate these novel gene functions. We previously showed that in medaka fish, the regulatory landscape of the master male-determining gene dmrt1bY underwent a profound rearrangement, concomitantly with acquiring a dominant position within the sex-determining network. This rewiring was brought about by the exaptation of a transposable element (TE) called Izanagi, which is co-opted to act as a silencer to turn off the dmrt1bY gene after it performed its function in sex determination. We now show that a second TE, Rex1, has been incorporated into Izanagi. The insertion of Rex1 brought in a preformed regulatory element for the transcription factor Sox5, which here functions in establishing the temporal and cell-type-specific expression pattern of dmrt1bY. Mutant analysis demonstrates the importance of Sox5 in the gonadal development of medaka, and possibly in mice, in a dmrt1bY-independent manner. Moreover, Sox5 medaka mutants have complete female-to-male sex reversal. Our work reveals an unexpected complexity in TE-mediated transcriptional rewiring, with the exaptation of a second TE into a network already rewired by a TE. We also show a dual role for Sox5 during sex determination: first, as an evolutionarily conserved regulator of germ-cell number in medaka, and second, by de novo regulation of dmrt1 transcriptional activity during primary sex determination due to exaptation of the Rex1 transposable element.

Mechanisms of direct inhibition of the respiratory sulfate-reduction pathway by (per)chlorate and nitrate.

PubMed

Carlson, Hans K; Kuehl, Jennifer V; Hazra, Amrita B; Justice, Nicholas B; Stoeva, Magdalena K; Sczesnak, Andrew; Mullan, Mark R; Iavarone, Anthony T; Engelbrektson, Anna; Price, Morgan N; Deutschbauer, Adam M; Arkin, Adam P; Coates, John D

2015-06-01

We investigated perchlorate (ClO(4)(-)) and chlorate (ClO(3)(-)) (collectively (per)chlorate) in comparison with nitrate as potential inhibitors of sulfide (H(2)S) production by mesophilic sulfate-reducing microorganisms (SRMs). We demonstrate the specificity and potency of (per)chlorate as direct SRM inhibitors in both pure cultures and undefined sulfidogenic communities. We demonstrate that (per)chlorate and nitrate are antagonistic inhibitors and resistance is cross-inducible implying that these compounds share at least one common mechanism of resistance. Using tagged-transposon pools we identified genes responsible for sensitivity and resistance in Desulfovibrio alaskensis G20. We found that mutants in Dde_2702 (Rex), a repressor of the central sulfate-reduction pathway were resistant to both (per)chlorate and nitrate. In general, Rex derepresses its regulon in response to increasing intracellular NADH:NAD(+) ratios. In cells in which respiratory sulfate reduction is inhibited, NADH:NAD(+) ratios should increase leading to derepression of the sulfate-reduction pathway. In support of this, in (per)chlorate or nitrate-stressed wild-type G20 we observed higher NADH:NAD(+) ratios, increased transcripts and increased peptide counts for genes in the core Rex regulon. We conclude that one mode of (per)chlorate and nitrate toxicity is as direct inhibitors of the central sulfate-reduction pathway. Our results demonstrate that (per)chlorate are more potent inhibitors than nitrate in both pure cultures and communities, implying that they represent an attractive alternative for controlling sulfidogenesis in industrial ecosystems. Of these, perchlorate offers better application logistics because of its inhibitory potency, solubility, relative chemical stability, low affinity for mineral cations and high mobility in environmental systems.

Case report of a modified Meso-Rex bypass as a treatment technique for late-onset portal vein cavernous transformation with portal hypertension after adult deceased-donor liver transplantation.

PubMed

Han, Dongdong; Tang, Rui; Wang, Liang; Li, Ang; Huang, Xin; Shen, Shan; Dong, Jiahong

2017-06-01

Portal vein thrombosis is a complication after liver transplantation and cavernous transformation of the portal vein (CTPV) is a result of portal vein thrombosis, with symptoms of portal hypertension revealed by an enhanced CT scan. Meso-Rex bypass is an artificial shunt connecting the left portal vein to the superior mesenteric vein and is mainly used for idiopathic cavernomas. This technique is also used for post-transplant portal vein thrombosis in pediatric patients thereby bypassing obstructed sites of the extrahepatic portal vein. Here we report about an adult patient who was treated by connecting the cystic part of the portal vein to the splenic vein instead of the superior mesenteric vein. An adult male patient with post-liver transplantation portal vein cavernous transformation suffered from hypersplenism and elevated hepatic enzymes. The last follow up revealed irregular and obvious hypersplenism, and splenomegaly had occurred, while an enhanced CT scan revealed serious esophagogastric varices and CTPV in addition to occluded right and common PV trunks. The patient was treated by connecting the cystic part of the portal vein to the splenic vein instead of the superior mesenteric vein. After the operation, a satisfactory velocity was confirmed 1 month postoperatively and the shunt still remained patent at the 6-month postoperation follow-up. A Meso-Rex bypass intervention connecting the left portal vein to the splenic vein instead of the superior mesenteric vein after liver transplantation in an adult patient with right and common portal vein occlusions has been successfully performed as an alternative approach.

A Generalizable Platform for Interrogating Target- and Signal-Specific Consequences of Electrophilic Modifications in Redox-Dependent Cell Signaling

PubMed Central

Lin, Hong-Yu; Haegele, Joseph A.; Disare, Michael T.; Lin, Qishan; Aye, Yimon

2015-01-01

Despite the known propensity of small-molecule electrophiles to react with numerous cysteine-active proteins, biological actions of individual signal inducers have emerged to be chemotype-specific. To pinpoint and quantify the impacts of modifying one target out of the whole proteome, we develop a target-protein-personalized “electrophile toolbox” with which specific intracellular targets can be selectively modified at a precise time by specific reactive signals. This general methodology—T-REX (targetable reactive electrophiles & oxidants)—is established by: (1) constructing a platform that can deliver a range of electronic and sterically different bioactive lipid-derived signaling electrophiles to specific proteins in cells; (2) probing the kinetics of targeted delivery concept which revealed that targeting efficiency in cells is largely driven by initial on-rate of alkylation; and (3) evaluating the consequences of protein-target- and small-molecule-signal-specific modifications on the strength of downstream signaling. These data show that T-REX allows quantitative interrogations into the extent to which the Nrf2 transcription factor-dependent antioxidant response element (ARE) signaling is activated by selective electrophilic modifications on Keap1 protein—one of several redox-sensitive regulators of the Nrf2–ARE axis. The results document Keap1 as a promiscuous electrophile-responsive sensor able to respond with similar efficiencies to discrete electrophilic signals, promoting comparable strength of Nrf2–ARE induction. T-REX is also able to elicit cell activation in cases in which whole-cell electrophile flooding fails to stimulate ARE induction prior to causing cytotoxicity. The platform presents a previously unavailable opportunity to elucidate the functional consequences of small-molecule-signal- and protein-target-specific electrophilic modifications in an otherwise unaffected cellular background. PMID:25909755

Evaluating WRF-Chem aerosol indirect effects in Southeast Pacific marine stratocumulus during VOCALS-REx

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

Saide P. E.; Springston S.; Spak, S. N.

2012-03-29

We evaluate a regional-scale simulation with the WRF-Chem model for the VAMOS (Variability of the American Monsoon Systems) Ocean-Cloud-Atmosphere-Land Study Regional Experiment (VOCALS-REx), which sampled the Southeast Pacific's persistent stratocumulus deck. Evaluation of VOCALS-REx ship-based and three aircraft observations focuses on analyzing how aerosol loading affects marine boundary layer (MBL) dynamics and cloud microphysics. We compare local time series and campaign-averaged longitudinal gradients, and highlight differences in model simulations with (W) and without (NW) wet deposition processes. The higher aerosol loadings in the NW case produce considerable changes in MBL dynamics and cloud microphysics, in accordance with the established conceptualmore » model of aerosol indirect effects. These include increase in cloud albedo, increase in MBL and cloud heights, drizzle suppression, increase in liquid water content, and increase in cloud lifetime. Moreover, better statistical representation of aerosol mass and number concentration improves model fidelity in reproducing observed spatial and temporal variability in cloud properties, including top and base height, droplet concentration, water content, rain rate, optical depth (COD) and liquid water path (LWP). Together, these help to quantify confidence in WRF-Chem's modeled aerosol-cloud interactions, especially in the activation parameterization, while identifying structural and parametric uncertainties including: irreversibility in rain wet removal; overestimation of marine DMS and sea salt emissions, and accelerated aqueous sulfate conversion. Our findings suggest that WRF-Chem simulates marine cloud-aerosol interactions at a level sufficient for applications in forecasting weather and air quality and studying aerosol climate forcing, and may do so with the reliability required for policy analysis.« less

New insights into the brain, braincase, and ear region of tyrannosaurs (Dinosauria, Theropoda), with implications for sensory organization and behavior.

PubMed

Witmer, Lawrence M; Ridgely, Ryan C

2009-09-01

The braincase region of tyrannosaurs was investigated to provide insights on anatomical attributes relevant to inferences of sensory biology and behavior. CT scanning focused on three specimens of Tyrannosaurus rex, a juvenile Gorgosaurus, and the controversial Cleveland skull (CMNH 7541). Analysis shows that the cerebral hemispheres were enlarged, but conflicting information on the optic lobes suggests that brain conformation was not fully avian. Previous estimates of olfactory bulb size for T. rex were much too large, but even the corrected sizes are relatively larger than other theropods, suggesting that odor detection was indeed of particular importance to tyrannosaurs. The inner ears show a number of coelurosaurian traits, such as elongate and rounded and rostral, lateral semicircular canals, and incipient twisting of the common crus, which we interpret to be related to enhanced reflexes coordinating rapid eye and head movements. The cochlea is elongate, which, coupled with the finding of extensive tympanic pneumaticity, supports the inference of behavioral emphasis of low-frequency sounds. Three main groups of sinuses pneumatized the braincase, and there are a number of perhaps systematically relevant differences. Orientation of the endosseous labyrinth reveals that alert head postures of T. rex and Gorgosaurus were somewhat depressed below the horizontal, but the Cleveland skull had a very strongly down-turned posture. It is concluded that tyrannosaur sensory biology is consistent with their predatory coelurosaurian heritage, with emphasis on relatively quick, coordinated eye and head movements, and probably sensitive low-frequency hearing; tyrannosaurs apomorphically enhanced their olfactory apparatus. The taxonomic status of the Cleveland skull remains unresolved. (c) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

A generalizable platform for interrogating target- and signal-specific consequences of electrophilic modifications in redox-dependent cell signaling.

PubMed

Lin, Hong-Yu; Haegele, Joseph A; Disare, Michael T; Lin, Qishan; Aye, Yimon

2015-05-20

Despite the known propensity of small-molecule electrophiles to react with numerous cysteine-active proteins, biological actions of individual signal inducers have emerged to be chemotype-specific. To pinpoint and quantify the impacts of modifying one target out of the whole proteome, we develop a target-protein-personalized "electrophile toolbox" with which specific intracellular targets can be selectively modified at a precise time by specific reactive signals. This general methodology, T-REX (targetable reactive electrophiles and oxidants), is established by (1) constructing a platform that can deliver a range of electronic and sterically different bioactive lipid-derived signaling electrophiles to specific proteins in cells; (2) probing the kinetics of targeted delivery concept, which revealed that targeting efficiency in cells is largely driven by initial on-rate of alkylation; and (3) evaluating the consequences of protein-target- and small-molecule-signal-specific modifications on the strength of downstream signaling. These data show that T-REX allows quantitative interrogations into the extent to which the Nrf2 transcription factor-dependent antioxidant response element (ARE) signaling is activated by selective electrophilic modifications on Keap1 protein, one of several redox-sensitive regulators of the Nrf2-ARE axis. The results document Keap1 as a promiscuous electrophile-responsive sensor able to respond with similar efficiencies to discrete electrophilic signals, promoting comparable strength of Nrf2-ARE induction. T-REX is also able to elicit cell activation in cases in which whole-cell electrophile flooding fails to stimulate ARE induction prior to causing cytotoxicity. The platform presents a previously unavailable opportunity to elucidate the functional consequences of small-molecule-signal- and protein-target-specific electrophilic modifications in an otherwise unaffected cellular background.

Effect of single-cat versus multi-cat home history on perceived behavioral stress in domestic cats (Felis silvestrus catus) in an animal shelter.

PubMed

Broadley, Heidi M; McCobb, Emily C; Slater, Margaret R

2014-02-01

This study investigates the effect of living with other cats in a prior home on stress levels of cats recently surrendered to an animal shelter. A total of 63 cats was evaluated using a Cat-Stress-Score and an approach test. Cats were categorized in terms of previous home history with or without other cats. No significant difference was found in stress scores between cats from single-cat households and those from multiple-cat households, although single cats that had been in the shelter less than 4 days demonstrated higher stress levels. No significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of approach results. Results of this study suggest that, in traditional individual cage settings, cats that are not accustomed to living with other cats may experience more stress in the initial few days of attempting to adjust to shelter existence. Through the use of such assessments, shelter personnel may develop an increased awareness to the needs of these cats and attempt to provide measures to improve their well-being within the shelter environment.

Risk factors for relinquishment of cats to an animal shelter.

PubMed

Patronek, G J; Glickman, L T; Beck, A M; McCabe, G P; Ecker, C

1996-08-01

To identify feline and household characteristics associated with relinquishment of a pet cat to an animal shelter. Case-control study. Households that relinquished cats for adoption (case households) and a random sample of current cat-owning households in the same community (control households). Potentially modifiable risk factors with the highest population attributable risk for relinquishment were owners having specific expectations about the cat's role in the household, allowing the cat outdoors, owning a sexually intact cat, never having read a book about cat behavior, cats having daily or weekly inappropriate elimination, and inappropriate care expectations. Frequency of inappropriate elimination and aggression toward people were not associated with declaw status, but these behaviors were more common among sexually intact cats, compared with sterilized cats. Owners of cats in case households were more likely than owners in control households to cite cost of sterilization as a reason a cat was sexually intact. Cats found as strays and cats acquired with minimal planning were at decreased risk of relinquishment. The identified risk factors can be modified by cat owners and veterinarians to decrease the estimated 4 million cats euthanatized annually in animal shelters. Owner education programs are needed as well as increased awareness on the part of cat owners and veterinarians of the importance of resolving feline inappropriate elimination problems.

Feral Cats: Too Long a Threat to Hawaiian Wildlife

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hess, Steven C.; Banko, Paul C.

2006-01-01

BACKGROUND Domestic cats (Felis catus) were first brought to Hawai`i aboard sailing ships of European explorers and colonists. The job of these predators was to control mice and rats on the ships during the long voyages. As in other places, cats were taken in and adopted by the families of Hawai`i and soon became household pets known as popoki. But cats have always been very well equipped to live and hunt on their own. On tropical archipelagos like the Hawaiian Islands where no other predatory mammals of comparable size existed, abundant and naive prey were particularly easy game, and cats soon thrived in the wild. Although the details of when cats first came to live in the wild remain little known, adventurers, writers, and naturalists of the day recorded some important observations. Feral cats were observed in remote wilderness around K?ilauea volcano on Hawai`i Island as early as 1840 by explorer William Brackenridge. Mark Twain was so impressed by the great abundance of cats when he visited Honolulu in 1866 that he reported his observations in the Sacramento Union newspaper, which were later reprinted in his book Roughing It: I saw... tame cats, wild cats, singed cats, individual cats, groups of cats, platoons of cats, companies of cats, regiments of cats, armies of cats, multitudes of cats, millions of cats...

Demographics, lifestyle and veterinary care of cats in Australia and New Zealand.

PubMed

Johnston, Laura; Szczepanski, Julia; McDonagh, Phillip

2017-12-01

Objectives The aim of this survey was to provide up-to-date information on the demographics, lifestyle and veterinary care of cats in Australia and New Zealand. Methods An online survey consisting of 19 questions was created using SurveyMonkey. Cat owners were invited to participate through advertisements in veterinary clinics and social media. Results The average number of cats in a household was two. The majority of cats lived in free-standing houses (78%) in the suburbs (66%). The majority of cats were desexed (94% [49% female neutered; 45% male neutered]). A total of 57% of cats had been strays or came from an animal shelter. A total of 40% of owners had intended not to let the cats outside when they first acquired them. A total of 63% of cats were described as indoor-outdoor cats. Although owners described 34% of cats as 'indoor only', 58% of those cats had access to the outdoors. The majority of respondents' cats were vaccinated annually (63%) and visited a vet at least annually (79%). The most common reasons to take a cat to the vet were vaccinations or the cat being unwell. The most common reasons not to regularly take the cat to the vet were that the cat was never unwell, cost or stress for the cat. Conclusions and relevance Consideration of the lifestyle of cats is important to optimise veterinary care. Cats across Australia and New Zealand have a variety of different and changing lifestyles. Therefore, careful owner questioning is required at each visit to maximise healthcare outcomes for cats.

Effects of a synthetic facial pheromone on behavior of cats.

PubMed

Griffith, C A; Steigerwald, E S; Buffington, C A

2000-10-15

TO evaluate the effects of a synthetic feline facial pheromone (FFP) on behavior and food intake of healthy versus clinically ill cats. Original study. 20 cats were used in each of 2 studies. In each study, 7 cats were considered healthy, and 13 cats were determined to be clinically ill. In study 1, cats were assigned either to exposure to FFP (treated group; 4 healthy, 6 ill cats) or to exposure to the vehicle (70% ethanol solution; control group; 3 healthy, 7 ill cats). Cats were placed in a cage containing a small cotton towel that had been sprayed with FFP or vehicle 30 minutes previously. Cats were then videotaped for 125 minutes, and food intake was measured during this period. Videotapes were scored at 5-minute intervals for various behaviors. In study 2, cats were categorized in 1 of 2 groups; group 1 (2 healthy, 8 ill cats) had a cat carrier placed in their cages, and group 2 (5 healthy, 5 ill cats) did not. All cats were exposed to FFP, and 24-hour food intake was measured. Differences between behaviors of healthy versus clinically ill cats were not identified. In the first study, significant increases in grooming and interest in food were found in cats exposed to FFP compared with vehicle. For all cats, significant positive correlations were detected between grooming and facial rubbing, walking and facial rubbing, interest in food and facial rubbing, eating and facial rubbing, grooming and interest in food, and grooming and eating. In the second study, 24-hour food intake was significantly greater in cats exposed to FFP and the cat carrier, compared with cats exposed to FFP alone. Results suggest that exposure to FFP may be useful to increase food intake of hospitalized cats.

77 FR 15803 - Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-03-16

... for OMB Review; Comment Request; Reintegration of Ex-Offenders, Adult Reporting System ACTION: Notice...) sponsored information collection request (ICR) revision titled, ``Reintegration of Ex-Offenders, Adult... (RExO), Adult Program grantees provide selected standardized information pertaining to customers in the...

Solomon Rex and Solomon Grundy.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jorgensen, Brian

1993-01-01

Discusses the basic principles that shaped the development of Boston University's liberal arts core curriculum. Four areas are addressed: history, tradition, greatness, and relevance. Final comments examine the core experience for teacher educators and describe one professor's success at lessening time-killing human behavior in order to accomplish…

Walheim during EVA 3

NASA Image and Video Library

2008-02-15

S122-E-008796 (15 Feb. 2008) --- Astronaut Rex Walheim, mission specialist, uses a power tool while installing a handrail on the Columbus laboratory, the newest piece of hardware on the International Space Station. Astronaut Stanley Love (out of frame), mission specialist, shared this extravehicular activity with Walheim.

Managing the 'Underclass': A Further Note on the Sociology of Race Relations in Britain.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gilroy, Paul

1980-01-01

Criticizes the conceptualizations of class struggle, social stratification, and racial relations in Britain as expounded in a recent book ("Colonial Immigrants in a British City") by John Rex and Sally Tomlinson. Identifies potential problems created by their interpretations. (GC)

50 CFR 660.370 - Specifications and management measures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... rebuild overfished species; to enhance the quality of the recreational fishing experience. (iii) Season... overfished species; to avoid waste; to enhance the quality of the recreational fishing experience. (3) All..., rex, rock, and sand soles, Pacific sanddab, and starry flounder) north and south of latitudinal...

English as "Tyrannosaurus Rex."

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Swales, John M.

1997-01-01

The increasing domination of English as the world's leading medium of international professional communication has begun to impact English for Academic Purposes (EAP) programs, specifically the question of whether English is becoming too successful. The article argues that resistance to the "triumphalism" of English is a responsibility of EAP…

The phylogeny and evolutionary history of tyrannosauroid dinosaurs.

PubMed

Brusatte, Stephen L; Carr, Thomas D

2016-02-02

Tyrannosauroids--the group of carnivores including Tyrannosaurs rex--are some of the most familiar dinosaurs of all. A surge of recent discoveries has helped clarify some aspects of their evolution, but competing phylogenetic hypotheses raise questions about their relationships, biogeography, and fossil record quality. We present a new phylogenetic dataset, which merges published datasets and incorporates recently discovered taxa. We analyze it with parsimony and, for the first time for a tyrannosauroid dataset, Bayesian techniques. The parsimony and Bayesian results are highly congruent, and provide a framework for interpreting the biogeography and evolutionary history of tyrannosauroids. Our phylogenies illustrate that the body plan of the colossal species evolved piecemeal, imply no clear division between northern and southern species in western North America as had been argued, and suggest that T. rex may have been an Asian migrant to North America. Over-reliance on cranial shape characters may explain why published parsimony studies have diverged and filling three major gaps in the fossil record holds the most promise for future work.

Statistical and hydrodynamic properties of double-ring polymers with a fixed linking number between twin rings.

PubMed

Uehara, Erica; Deguchi, Tetsuo

2014-01-28

For a double-ring polymer in solution we evaluate the mean-square radius of gyration and the diffusion coefficient through simulation of off-lattice self-avoiding double polygons consisting of cylindrical segments with radius rex of unit length. Here, a self-avoiding double polygon consists of twin self-avoiding polygons which are connected by a cylindrical segment. We show numerically that several statistical and dynamical properties of double-ring polymers in solution depend on the linking number of the constituent twin ring polymers. The ratio of the mean-square radius of gyration of self-avoiding double polygons with zero linking number to that of no topological constraint is larger than 1, in particular, when the radius of cylindrical segments rex is small. However, the ratio is almost constant with respect to the number of vertices, N, and does not depend on N. The large-N behavior of topological swelling is thus quite different from the case of knotted random polygons.

Mass Determination of Pluto and Charon from New Horizon REX Radio Science Observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paetzold, Martin; Andert, T. P.; Tyler, G.; Bird, M. K.; Hinson, D. P.; Linscott, I. R.

2013-10-01

The anticipated 14 July 2015 New Horizons fly-through of the Pluto system provides the first opportunity to determine both the total system mass and the individual masses of Pluto and Charon by direct observation. This will be accomplished by use of: i) two-way Doppler radio frequency tracking data during intervals along the fly-in and -out trajectory, and ii) one-way uplink Doppler frequency recorded by the on-board radio science instrument, REX, during the day of closest approaches to Pluto and Charon. Continuous tracking is not feasible as a result of pointing sharing with the instruments during the encounter phase. Needed radio tracking will be obtained during time slots shared with i) two-way Doppler tracking for navigation, ii) 'plasma rolls' with the spacecraft antenna pointing to Earth, and iii) during the ingress and egress phases of the occultations. Simulations of the NH encounter indicate the potential accuracies of the combined and individual mass determinations of Pluto and Charon in the order of 0.1%.

New Horizons Observations of the Atmospheres of Pluto and Charon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gladstone, G. R.; Stern, S. A.; Weaver, H. A.; Young, L. A.; Ennico, K. A.; Olkin, C. B.; Cheng, A. F.; Greathouse, T. K.; Hinson, D. P.; Kammer, J. A.; Linscott, I. R.; Parker, A. H.; Parker, J. Wm.; Retherford, K. D.; Schindhelm, E.; Singer, K. N.; Steffl, A. J.; Strobel, D. F.; Summers, M. E.; Tsang, C. C. C.; Tyler, G. L.; Versteeg, M. H.; Woods, W. W.; Cunningham, N.; Curdt, W.

2015-11-01

Major goals of the New Horizons (NH) mission are to explore and characterize the structure and composition of Pluto’s atmosphere, and to establish whether Charon has a measurable atmosphere of its own. The primary instruments onboard NH which contribute to these goals are the REX instrument, through uplink X-band radio occultations, the Alice instrument, through extreme- and far-ultraviolet solar occultations, and the LORRI panchromatic imager, through high-phase-angle imaging. The associated datasets were obtained following closest approach of NH to Pluto. Pressure and temperature profiles of the lower atmosphere are derived from the REX data, the composition and structure of the extended atmosphere are derived from the Alice data (supported by approach observations of reflected ultraviolet sunlight), and the distribution and properties of Pluto’s hazes are derived from the LORRI data. In this talk an overview of the early atmosphere science results will be presented.This work was supported by NASA's New Horizons project.

Determination of the System Mass and the Individual Masses of the Pluto System from New Horizons Radio Tracking

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hahn, Matthias; Pätzold, Martin; Andert, Tom; Bird, Michael K.; Tyler, Leonard G.; Linscott, Ivan; Hinson, Dave P.; Stern, Alan; Weaver, Hal; Olkin, Cathrin; Young, Leslie; Ennico, Kimberly

2015-11-01

One objective of the New Horizons Radio Science Experiment REX is the determination of the system mass and the individual masses of Pluto and Charon. About four weeks of two-way radio tracking centered around the closest approach of New Horizons to the Pluto system were processed. Major problems during the processing were caused by the small net forces of the spacecraft thruster activity, which produce extra Δv on the spacecraft motion superposed onto the continuously perturbed motion caused by the attracting forces of the Pluto system. The times of spacecraft thruster activity are known but the applied Δv needs to be specifically adjusted. No two-way tracking was available for the day of the flyby, but slots of REX one-way uplink tracking are used to cover the most important times near closest approach, e.g. during occultation entries and exits. This will help to separate the individual masses of Pluto and Charon from the system mass.

Mass Determination of Pluto and Charon from New Horizon REX Radio Science Observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pätzold, M.; Andert, T. P.; Tyler, G. L.; Bird, M. K.; Hinson, D. H.; Linscott, I. R.

2013-09-01

The anticipated 14 July 2015 New Horizons flythrough of the Pluto system provides the first opportunity to determine both the total system mass and the individual masses of Pluto and Charon by direct observation. This will be accomplished by use of: i) two-way Doppler radio frequency tracking data during intervals along the fly-in and -out trajectory, and ii) one-way uplink Doppler frequency recorded by the on-board radio science instrument, REX, during the day of closest approaches to Pluto and Charon. Continuous tracking is not feasible as a result of pointing sharing with the instruments during the encounter phase. Needed radio tracking will be obtained during time slots shared with i) two-way Doppler tracking for navigation, ii) 'plasma rolls' with the spacecraft antenna pointing to Earth, and iii) during the ingress and egress phases of the occultations. Simulations of the NH encounter indicate the potential accuracies of the combined and individual mass determinations of Pluto and Charon in the order of 0.1%.

The OSIRIS-REx Radio Science Experiment at Bennu

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McMahon, J. W.; Scheeres, D. J.; Hesar, S. G.; Farnocchia, D.; Chesley, S.; Lauretta, D.

2018-02-01

The OSIRIS-REx mission will conduct a Radio Science investigation of the asteroid Bennu with a primary goal of estimating the mass and gravity field of the asteroid. The spacecraft will conduct proximity operations around Bennu for over 1 year, during which time radiometric tracking data, optical landmark tracking images, and altimetry data will be obtained that can be used to make these estimates. Most significantly, the main Radio Science experiment will be a 9-day arc of quiescent operations in a 1-km nominally circular terminator orbit. The pristine data from this arc will allow the Radio Science team to determine the significant components of the gravity field up to the fourth spherical harmonic degree. The Radio Science team will also be responsible for estimating the surface accelerations, surface slopes, constraints on the internal density distribution of Bennu, the rotational state of Bennu to confirm YORP estimates, and the ephemeris of Bennu that incorporates a detailed model of the Yarkovsky effect.

[Serotoninergic system morphofunctional aspects in control of postural and locomotion function].

PubMed

Gerasimenko, Iu P; Moshonkina, T R; Pavlova, N V; Tomilovskaia, E S; Kozlovskaia, I B

2012-12-01

Different mediator systems including serotoninergic one can influence animal's locomotor behavior. It has been shown that the spinal cord in the absence of supraspinal control is able to induce the locomotor activity in hindlimbs and afferent system can activate this mechanism. In behavioral studies on the rats with complete transection of the spinal cord it has been demonstrated that the pharmacological blocking of serotoninergic system results in depression of motor activity mediated by activation of support reactions. Histological studies did not reveal any effects of activation of support reactions on the safety of neurons as well as on the distribution of synaptic contacts within L2-L4 spinal segments. At the same time it has been shown that blockade of the serotoninergic system results in alterations of cells located in 1-3 laminae of dorsal horns, and in 7 Rexed's lamina as well as in redistribution of synaptic contacts in 1-4 Rexed laminae of the spinal cord dorsal horns.

REgolith X-Ray Imaging Spectrometer (REXIS) Aboard NASA’s OSIRIS-REx Mission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hong, JaeSub; Allen, Branden; Grindlay, Jonathan E.; Binzel, Richard P.; Masterson, Rebecca; Inamdar, Niraj K; Chodas, Mark; Smith, Matthew W; Bautz, Mark W.; Kissel, Steven E; Villasenor, Jesus Noel; Oprescu, Antonia

2014-06-01

The REgolith X-Ray Imaging Spectrometer (REXIS) is a student-led instrument being designed, built, and operated as a collaborative effort involving MIT and Harvard. It is a part of NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission, which is scheduled for launch in September of 2016 for a rendezvous with, and collection of a sample from the surface of the primitive carbonaceous chondrite-like asteroid 101955 Bennu in 2019. REXIS will determine spatial variations in elemental composition of Bennu's surface through solar-induced X-ray fluorescence. REXIS consists of four X-ray CCDs in the detector plane and an X-ray mask. It is the first coded-aperture X-ray telescope in a planetary mission, which combines the benefit of high X-ray throughput of wide-field collimation with imaging capability of a coded-mask, enabling detection of elemental surface distributions at approximately 50-200 m scales. We present an overview of the REXIS instrument and the expected performance.

Book Review: Maxwell's Demon 2: Entropy, classical and quantum information, computing. Harvey Leff and Andrew Rex (Eds.); Institute of Physics, Bristol, 2003, 500pp., US 55, ISBN 0750307595

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shenker, Orly R.

2004-09-01

In 1867, James Clerk Maxwell proposed a perpetuum mobile of the second kind, that is, a counter example for the Second Law of thermodynamics, which came to be known as "Maxwell's Demon." Unlike any other perpetual motion machine, this one escaped attempts by the best scientists and philosophers to show that the Second Law or its statistical mechanical counterparts are universal after all. "Maxwell's demon lives on. After more than 130 years of uncertain life and at least two pronouncements of death, this fanciful character seems more vibrant than ever." These words of Harvey Leff and Andrew Rex (1990), which open their introduction to Maxwell's Demon 2: Entropy, Classical and Quantum Information, Computing (hereafter MD2) are very true: the Demon is as challenging and as intriguing as ever, and forces us to think and rethink about the foundations of thermodynamics and of statistical mechanics.

NASA astronaut Rex Walheim checks out the Dragon spacecraft und

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-01-30

HAWTHORNE, Calif. -- NASA astronaut Rex Walheim checks out the Dragon spacecraft under development by Space Exploration Technologies SpaceX of Hawthorne, Calif., for the agency's Commercial Crew Program. In 2011, NASA selected SpaceX during Commercial Crew Development Round 2 CCDev2) activities to mature the design and development of a crew transportation system with the overall goal of accelerating a United States-led capability to the International Space Station. The goal of CCP is to drive down the cost of space travel as well as open up space to more people than ever before by balancing industry’s own innovative capabilities with NASA's 50 years of human spaceflight experience. Six other aerospace companies also are maturing launch vehicle and spacecraft designs under CCDev2, including Alliant Techsystems Inc. ATK, The Boeing Co., Excalibur Almaz Inc., Blue Origin, Sierra Nevada, and United Launch Alliance ULA. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew. Image credit: Space Exploration Technologies

The dominant alopecia phenotypes Bareskin, Rex-denuded, and Reduced Coat 2 are caused by mutations in gasdermin 3.

PubMed

Runkel, F; Marquardt, A; Stoeger, C; Kochmann, E; Simon, D; Kohnke, B; Korthaus, D; Wattler, F; Fuchs, H; Hrabé de Angelis, M; Stumm, G; Nehls, M; Wattler, S; Franz, T; Augustin, M

2004-11-01

Reduced Coat 2 (Rco2) is an ENU-induced mutation affecting hair follicle morphogenesis by an abnormal and protracted catagen. We describe chromosomal mapping and molecular identification of the autosomal dominant Rco2 mutation. The Rco2 critical region on mouse chromosome 11 encompasses the alopecia loci, Bareskin (Bsk), Rex-denuded (Re(den)), Recombination induced mutation 3 (Rim3), and Defolliculated (Dfl). Recently, the gasdermin (Gsdm) gene was described as predominantly expressed in skin and gastric tissues. We provide evidence for a murine-specific gene cluster consisting of Gsdm and two closely related genes which we designate as Gsdm2 and Gsdm3. We show that Gsdm3 reflects a mutation hotspot and that Gsdm3 mutations cause alopecia in Rco2, Re(den), and Bsk mice. We infer a role of Gsdm3 during the catagen to telogen transition at the end of hair follicle morphogenesis and the formation of hair follicle-associated sebaceous glands.

Results of prototype software development for automation of shuttle proximity operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hiers, Harry K.; Olszewski, Oscar W.

1991-01-01

A Rendezvous Expert System (REX) was implemented on a Symbolics 3650 processor and integrated with the 6 DOF, high fidelity Systems Engineering Simulator (SES) at the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. The project goals were to automate the terminal phase of a shuttle rendezvous, normally flown manually by the crew, and proceed automatically to docking with the Space Station Freedom (SSF). The project goals were successfully demonstrated to various flight crew members, managers, and engineers in the technical community at JSC. The project was funded by NASA's Office of Space Flight, Advanced Program Development Division. Because of the complexity of the task, the REX development was divided into two distinct efforts. One to handle the guidance and control function using perfect navigation data, and another to provide the required visuals for the system management functions needed to give visibility to the crew members of the progress being made towards docking the shuttle with the LVLH stabilized SSF.

Estimating cranial musculoskeletal constraints in theropod dinosaurs.

PubMed

Lautenschlager, Stephan

2015-11-01

Many inferences on the biology, behaviour and ecology of extinct vertebrates are based on the reconstruction of the musculature and rely considerably on its accuracy. Although the advent of digital reconstruction techniques has facilitated the creation and testing of musculoskeletal hypotheses in recent years, muscle strain capabilities have rarely been considered. Here, a digital modelling approach using the freely available visualization and animation software Blender is applied to estimate cranial muscle length changes and optimal and maximal possible gape in different theropod dinosaurs. Models of living archosaur taxa (Alligator mississippiensis, Buteo buteo) were used in an extant phylogenetically bracketed framework to validate the method. Results of this study demonstrate that Tyrannosaurus rex, Allosaurus fragilis and Erlikosaurus andrewsi show distinct differences in the recruitment of the jaw adductor musculature and resulting gape, confirming previous dietary and ecological assumptions. While the carnivorous taxa T. rex and Allo. fragilis were capable of a wide gape and sustained muscle force, the herbivorous therizinosaurian E. andrewsi was constrained to small gape angles.

Estimating cranial musculoskeletal constraints in theropod dinosaurs

PubMed Central

Lautenschlager, Stephan

2015-01-01

Many inferences on the biology, behaviour and ecology of extinct vertebrates are based on the reconstruction of the musculature and rely considerably on its accuracy. Although the advent of digital reconstruction techniques has facilitated the creation and testing of musculoskeletal hypotheses in recent years, muscle strain capabilities have rarely been considered. Here, a digital modelling approach using the freely available visualization and animation software Blender is applied to estimate cranial muscle length changes and optimal and maximal possible gape in different theropod dinosaurs. Models of living archosaur taxa (Alligator mississippiensis, Buteo buteo) were used in an extant phylogenetically bracketed framework to validate the method. Results of this study demonstrate that Tyrannosaurus rex, Allosaurus fragilis and Erlikosaurus andrewsi show distinct differences in the recruitment of the jaw adductor musculature and resulting gape, confirming previous dietary and ecological assumptions. While the carnivorous taxa T. rex and Allo. fragilis were capable of a wide gape and sustained muscle force, the herbivorous therizinosaurian E. andrewsi was constrained to small gape angles. PMID:26716007

[Impaired lung function in patients with moderate chronic obstructive bronchitis].

PubMed

Nefedov, V B; Popova, L A; Shergina, E A

2004-01-01

VC, FVC, FEV1, FEV1/VC%, PEF, MEF25, MEF50, MEF75, TLC, TGV, RV, Raw, Rin, Rex, DLCO-SS, paO2 and paCO2 were determined in 22 patients with moderate chronic obstructive bronchitis (FEV1, 79-50% of the normal value). All the patients were found to have impaired bronchial patency, 90.9% of the patients had lung volume and capacity changes; pulmonary gas exchange dysfunction was present in 72.7%. Bronchial patency impairments were manifested by a decrease in FEV1, FEV1/VC%, PEF, MEF25, MEF50, MEF75, and an increase in Raw, Rin, Rex. Changes in the lung volumes and capacities appeared as higher RV, TGV, TLC, lower VC and FVC. Pulmonary gas exchange dysfunction showed up as a reduction in pO2 and DLCO-SS a reduction and an increase in paCO2. The magnitude of the functional changes observed in most patients was low. Significant and pronounced disorders were seen in one third of the patients.

Feline immunodeficiency virus testing in stray, feral, and client-owned cats of Ottawa

PubMed Central

2005-01-01

Abstract Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) seroprevalence is evaluated in 3 groups of cats. Seventy-four unowned urban strays were tested, as well as 20 cats from a small feral cat colony, and 152 client-owned cats. Of the 246 cats tested, 161 (65%) were male and 85 (35%) were female. Seroprevalence for FIV was 23% in the urban strays, 5% in the feral cat colony, and 5.9% in the client-owned cats. Ten cats (4%) were also positive for Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) antigen, including 2 cats coinfected with FeLV and FIV. Seroprevalence for FIV in cats from Ottawa is similar to that found in other nonrandom studies of cats in North America. PMID:16454381

Feline immunodeficiency virus testing in stray, feral, and client-owned cats of Ottawa.

PubMed

Little, Susan E

2005-10-01

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) seroprevalence is evaluated in 3 groups of cats. Seventy-four unowned urban strays were tested, as well as 20 cats from a small feral cat colony, and 152 client-owned cats. Of the 246 cats tested, 161 (65%) were male and 85 (35%) were female. Seroprevalence for FIV was 23% in the urban strays, 5% in the feral cat colony, and 5.9% in the client-owned cats. Ten cats (4%) were also positive for Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) antigen, including 2 cats coinfected with FeLV and FIV. Seroprevalence for FIV in cats from Ottawa is similar to that found in other nonrandom studies of cats in North America.

Metabolic and hormonal alterations in cats with hepatic lipidosis.

PubMed

Brown, B; Mauldin, G E; Armstrong, J; Moroff, S D; Mauldin, G N

2000-01-01

Hepatic lipidosis in cats is a commonly diagnosed hepatobiliary disease of unknown cause. The purpose of this prospective study was to characterize the blood hormone and lipid status of cats with hepatic lipidosis, and to compare this status to that of cats with other types of liver disease and to control cats. Twenty-three cats with hepatic disease were assigned to 1 of 2 groups on the basis of cytopathologic or histopathologic examination of the liver: group 1, hepatic lipidosis (n = 18); or group 2, cholangiohepatitis (n = 5). Ten healthy young adult cats were used as controls. Food was withheld from control animals for 24 hours before blood collection. Concentrations of plasma glucagon and serum insulin, cortisol, thyroxine, triglycerides, cholesterol, phospholipids, and nonesterified fatty acids (NEFAs) were determined in all cats, in addition to routine hematologic and serum biochemical testing. Cats with hepatic lipidosis had higher serum NEFA concentrations than cats with cholangiohepatitis or control cats (P < .05). Cats with cholangiohepatitis had higher serum cholesterol and phospholipid concentrations than those of cats with lipidosis or control cats (P < .05); their plasma glucagon concentrations were higher than those of control cats (P < .05), but were not different from those of cats with hepatic lipidosis. Serum insulin concentrations were significantly higher in control cats than in diseased cats (P < .05), but neither serum insulin nor the insulin to glucagon ratio was significantly different among the cats with hepatic disease. The high concentration of NEFAs in cats with hepatic lipidosis suggests that at least 1 factor in the pathogenesis of this syndrome may involve the regulation of hormone-sensitive lipase.

Seroprevalence of Coxiella burnetii in domesticated and feral cats in eastern Australia.

PubMed

Shapiro, Amanda J; Bosward, Katrina L; Heller, Jane; Norris, Jacqueline M

2015-05-15

The seroprevalence of Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii) in cats in eastern Australia is unknown, and the risk of transmission from cats to humans is undetermined. This study aimed to determine the exposure of cats to C. burnetii in four distinct cat subpopulations. An indirect immunofluoresence assay (IFA) and an Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) used for detection of anti-C. burnetii antibodies in humans were adapted, verified for use on feline serum, and compared. Cat serum samples (n=712) were tested with IFA from four subpopulations [cattery-confined breeding cats, pet cats, feral cats and shelter cats]. The proportions of seropositive cats were; cattery-confined breeding cats (35/376, 9.3%), pets (2/198, 1%), feral cats (0/50), shelter cats (0/88). The significant variables in C. burnetii seropositivity were cattery-confined breeding cat subpopulation and sterilisation status, with infected cats 17.1 (CI 4.2-70.2; P<0.001) times more likely to be cattery-confined breeding cats and 6.00 (CI 2.13-16.89; P<0.001) times more likely to be entire than sterilised. ELISA was used on 143 of 712 sera tested with IFA, and the Cohen's Kappa coefficient of 0.75 indicated 92.2% agreement between the two assays. These results confirm that Australian cats have been exposed to C. burnetii and that a higher seroprevalence of C. burnetii is seen amongst cattery-confined breeding cats. Cat breeders and veterinary personnel involved in feline reproductive procedures may be at higher risk of exposure to C. burnetii. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of inciting causes, alternative targets, and risk factors associated with redirected aggression in cats.

PubMed

Amat, Marta; Manteca, Xavier; Brech, Susana Le; Ruiz de la Torre, José Luís; Mariotti, Valentina M; Fatjó, Jaume

2008-08-15

To identify inciting causes, alternative targets, and risk factors associated with redirected aggression in cats. Case-control study. 19 cats with a history of redirected aggression and 64 cats with no such history. Medical records were reviewed to identify cats evaluated for problems with redirected aggression (case cats), in which the primary inciting stimulus and alternative target of aggression were clearly identifiable. Data obtained from the records and from follow-up interviews included details about the cats and incidents of redirected aggression. Owners of control cats were interviewed via telephone to obtain similar information on their cats. 22 incidents of redirected aggression were reported for the 19 case cats. In 95% of those incidents, loud noises or interactions with other cats were identified as the inciting stimuli. Case cats most commonly redirected their aggression toward the owner, followed by another cat living in the same household. Compared with control cats, case cats were more likely to have a sound phobia but were less likely to be outdoor cats. In addition, case cats were more likely to be from small households (

Reconciling actual and perceived rates of predation by domestic cats

PubMed Central

McDonald, Jennifer L; Maclean, Mairead; Evans, Matthew R; Hodgson, Dave J

2015-01-01

The predation of wildlife by domestic cats (Felis catus) is a complex problem: Cats are popular companion animals in modern society but are also acknowledged predators of birds, herpetofauna, invertebrates, and small mammals. A comprehensive understanding of this conservation issue demands an understanding of both the ecological consequence of owning a domestic cat and the attitudes of cat owners. Here, we determine whether cat owners are aware of the predatory behavior of their cats, using data collected from 86 cats in two UK villages. We examine whether the amount of prey their cat returns influences the attitudes of 45 cat owners toward the broader issue of domestic cat predation. We also contribute to the wider understanding of physiological, spatial, and behavioral drivers of prey returns among cats. We find an association between actual prey returns and owner predictions at the coarse scale of predatory/nonpredatory behavior, but no correlation between the observed and predicted prey-return rates among predatory cats. Cat owners generally disagreed with the statement that cats are harmful to wildlife, and disfavored all mitigation options apart from neutering. These attitudes were uncorrelated with the predatory behavior of their cats. Cat owners failed to perceive the magnitude of their cats’ impacts on wildlife and were not influenced by ecological information. Management options for the mitigation of cat predation appear unlikely to work if they focus on “predation awareness” campaigns or restrictions of cat freedom. PMID:26306163

Study of relapse and failure cases of CAT I retreated with CAT II under RNTCP--an eleven year follow up.

PubMed

Mehra, R K; Dhingra, V K; Nish, Aggarwal; Vashist, R P

2008-10-01

To analyse the treatment outcome of Cat I smear positive relapse and failure cases and their fate when treated with Cat II regimen under RNTCP. All Cat I smear positive relapse and failure TB patients treated with Category II regimen from 1994 to 2005 in a chest clinic of Delhi were analysed in this retrospective study. The re-treatment outcome data for relapse and failure cases of Cat I when treated with Cat II regimen was reviewed. The study population included 5576 registered as Cat I sputum positive cases in Gulabi Bagh chest clinic from 1994 to 2005. A total of 190 (3.4%) failed on Cat I regimen. Further out of 4905 (87.9%) successfully treated Cat I patients, 442 (9%) presented as relapses. The treatment success rate for relapse and failure cases of Cat I when subsequently treated with Cat II regimen were 76.4% and 48.8% respectively, with a significantly higher failure rate (27.6%) among Cat I failures subsequently treated with Cat II regimen. The failure cases of Cat I subsequently treated with Cat II were observed to have a significantly lower success rates (p < 0.05) as compared to relapse cases. The need for reappraisal of Cat II re-treatment regimen for failure cases among Cat I is suggested.

Are cats (Felis catus) from multi-cat households more stressed? Evidence from assessment of fecal glucocorticoid metabolite analysis.

PubMed

Ramos, D; Reche-Junior, A; Fragoso, P L; Palme, R; Yanasse, N K; Gouvêa, V R; Beck, A; Mills, D S

2013-10-02

Given the social and territorial features described in feral cats, it is commonly assumed that life in multi-cat households is stressful for domestic cats and suggested that cats kept as single pets are likely to have better welfare. On the other hand, it has been hypothesized that under high densities cats can organize themselves socially thus preventing stress when spatial dispersion is unavailable. This study was aimed at comparing the general arousal underpinning emotional distress in single housed cats and in cats from multi-cat households (2 and 3-4 cats) on the basis of fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (GCM) measured via enzyme immunoassay (EIA). GCM did not significantly vary as a function of living style (single, double or group-housing); highly stressed individuals were equally likely in the three groups. Young cats in multi-cat households had lower GCM, and overall cats that tolerate (as opposed to dislike) petting by the owners tended to have higher GCM levels. Other environmental aspects within cat houses (e.g. relationship with humans, resource availability) may play a more important role in day to day feline arousal levels than the number of cats per se. © 2013.

A cross-sectional study of Tritrichomonas foetus infection in feral and shelter cats in Prince Edward Island, Canada.

PubMed

Raab, Oriana; Greenwood, Spencer; Vanderstichel, Raphael; Gelens, Hans

2016-03-01

A cross-sectional study examined the occurrence of Tritrichomonas foetus, and other intestinal parasites, in feral and shelter cats in Prince Edward Island (PEI). Fecal samples were collected from 100 feral cats, 100 cats from the PEI Humane Society, and 5 cats from a private residence. The occurrence of T. foetus, based on fecal culture, was 0% in feral and shelter cats. A single positive sample was obtained from an owned Abyssinian cat that was imported to PEI. Intestinal parasites were identified via fecal flotation in 76% of feral cats and 39% of cats from the humane society. Feral cats had a higher incidence of Toxocara cati than cats from the humane society (P < 0.001), conversely, shelter cats had a higher incidence of Cystoisospora spp. (P < 0.001). These results suggest that while T. foetus is not of importance in feral and shelter cats in PEI, imported cats could serve as reservoirs.

A cross-sectional study of Tritrichomonas foetus infection in feral and shelter cats in Prince Edward Island, Canada

PubMed Central

Raab, Oriana; Greenwood, Spencer; Vanderstichel, Raphael; Gelens, Hans

2016-01-01

A cross-sectional study examined the occurrence of Tritrichomonas foetus, and other intestinal parasites, in feral and shelter cats in Prince Edward Island (PEI). Fecal samples were collected from 100 feral cats, 100 cats from the PEI Humane Society, and 5 cats from a private residence. The occurrence of T. foetus, based on fecal culture, was 0% in feral and shelter cats. A single positive sample was obtained from an owned Abyssinian cat that was imported to PEI. Intestinal parasites were identified via fecal flotation in 76% of feral cats and 39% of cats from the humane society. Feral cats had a higher incidence of Toxocara cati than cats from the humane society (P < 0.001), conversely, shelter cats had a higher incidence of Cystoisospora spp. (P < 0.001). These results suggest that while T. foetus is not of importance in feral and shelter cats in PEI, imported cats could serve as reservoirs. PMID:26933262

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in cats from Durango City, Mexico.

PubMed

Alvarado-Esquivel, C; Liesenfeld, O; Herrera-Flores, R G; Ramírez-Sánchez, B E; González-Herrera, A; Martínez-García, S A; Dubey, J P

2007-10-01

The prevalence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii was determined in sera from 105 domestic cats from Durango City, Mexico. Using a modified agglutination test, antibodies to this parasite were found in 21% of the 105 cats, with titers of 1:25 in 3 cats, 1:50 in 4 cats, 1:200 in 5 cats, 1:400 in 2 cats, 1:800 in 2 cats, 1:1,600 in 4 cats, and 1:3,200 or higher in 2 cats. Cats older than 1 yr had a significantly higher frequency of infection than that found in cats younger than 0.5 yr (41 vs. 13.2%, respectively; odds ratio = 4.55; 95% CI = 1.24-17.18; P = 0.01). Overall, the seroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies in cats in Durango, Mexico, is much lower compared with those reported in other countries.

Association between characteristics of cats and satisfaction of owners who adopted cats from an animal hospital in Japan.

PubMed

Onodera, Nodoka; Uchida, Keiko; Kakuma, Yoshie

2014-05-01

A follow-up questionnaire survey was conducted with 29 cat owners who adopted cats from an animal hospital in Japan. Physical characteristics were found to be important factors for the owners when choosing a cat. There were significant differences between impression of the cat for the owners at present and images of their ideal cats, and the levels of aggression and activeness of the cats at present were rated higher than their ideal cats. A significant negative correlation was found between the degree of satisfaction with the cat and occurrence of house soiling; thus, some behavioral problems may deteriorate the relationship between the owner and the cat.

Expression of cathepsin S antisense transcripts by adenovirus in retinal pigment epithelial cells.

PubMed

Rakoczy, P E; Lai, M C; Baines, M G; Spilsbury, K; Constable, I J

1998-10-01

To show the production of sense or antisense transcripts by recombinant adenoviruses, to investigate whether the transcripts produced were suitable for downregulating the expression of the targeted gene, cathepsin S (CatS), and to examine the effect of antisense transcript production on the biologic function of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, including the regulation of endogenous aspartic protease expression. Ad.MLP.CatSAS, Ad.RSV.CatSAS, and Ad.MLP.CatSS recombinant viruses were produced by homologous recombination. The recombinant viruses were tested by restriction enzyme digestion to confirm the orientation of the inserts. The expression of antisense transcripts was tested by northern blot analysis. Western blot analysis was used to study the regulation of the endogenous CatS protein in ARPE19 cells. The biologic effect of CatS downregulation in ARPE19 cells was tested by proliferation and phagocytosis assays, de novo cathepsin D (CatD) synthesis, and measurement of aspartic protease activity. After characterization of the recombinant adenovirus constructs, the production of antisense and sense CatS transcripts was shown in ARPE19 cells. The transcripts appeared at approximately 1.9 kb 48 hours after transduction, and the expression of the antisense transcripts was similar in constructs carrying either the MLP or the RSV promoter. Western blot analysis showed that ARPE19 cells transduced with Ad.MLP.CatSAS and Ad.RSV.CatSAS had no detectable CatS. In contrast, there was a strong signal appearing at 24 kDa in ARPE19 cells transduced with Ad.MLP.CatSS. ARPE19 cells were transduced to a high level. The transduction of ARPE19 cells with the recombinant adenoviruses did not affect the morphologic appearance of the cells, their proliferation, or their phagocytosing ability. However, ARPE19 cells transduced by Ad.MLP.CatSAS recombinant adenovirus showed a significant downregulation of de novo CatD synthesis and a twofold decrease in aspartic protease activity. Recombinant adenoviruses were shown to be suitable for producing antisense CatS transcripts to modulate endogenous CatS expression in RPE cells. It is proposed that CatS may play an important role, directly or indirectly, in the lysosomal digestion of outer segments through the regulation of other lysosomal enzyme activity, such as the expression of CatD.

Corrosion Program

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-02-01

April 2010 8-10 June 2010 3-5 August 2010 5 Corrosion Assistance Team ( CAT ) Visits Classroom Briefing • General Corrosion Theory • Preventive Maintenance...MD DC CAT Visit 2009 CAT Visit 2008 CAT Visit 2007 CAT Visit 2006 CAT Visit 2005 CAT Visits (calendar year) ME HI Germany ROK Honduras Egypt Japan DE 8

Love during EVA 3

NASA Image and Video Library

2008-02-15

ISS016-E-029466 (15 Feb. 2008) --- Astronaut Stanley Love, STS-122 mission specialist, uses his hands to frame a scene while working on the International Space Station during the STS-122 Atlantis crew's final scheduled spacewalk. Astronaut Rex Walheim (out of frame), mission specialist, shared this extravehicular activity with Love.

Walheim during EVA 3

NASA Image and Video Library

2008-02-15

S122-E-008922 (15 Feb. 2008) --- Astronaut Rex Walheim, mission specialist, performs work on the outside of the Columbus laboratory, the newest piece of hardware on the International Space Station. Astronaut Stanley Love (out of frame), mission specialist, shared this final period of STS-122 extravehicular activity with Walheim.

Walheim during EVA 3

NASA Image and Video Library

2008-02-15

S122-E-008923 (15 Feb. 2008) --- Astronaut Rex Walheim, mission specialist, performs work on the outside of the Columbus laboratory, the newest piece of hardware on the International Space Station. Astronaut Stanley Love (out of frame), mission specialist, shared this final period of STS-122 extravehicular activity with Walheim.