STERN-Educational Benefits for the Space Industry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schuttauf, K.; Stamminger, A.; Lappohn, K.; Ciezki, H.; Kitsche, W.

2015-09-01

STERN, the German word for star, is also an acronym for STudentische Experimental-RaketeN. It is a program to provide students with “hands-on” experience in space systems and research. This name was chosen for two reasons. The first reason was to emphasize the idealistic goals of spaceflight providing students with the opportunity to “reach for the stars”. The second and most important one was that the program offers engineering students a practical chance to experience the scope of aerospace and should motivate them to become a new star in this field. Currently eight German universities are participating in the STERN-program. STERN was initiated in April 2012, by the DLR Space Administration in Bonn and is supported by funds from the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology (BMWi). During the project runtime of three years the students should develop and launch their own rocket. There are no limits regarding trajectory, altitude or the propulsion system used (solid fuel, liquid fuel, steam or hybrid). The reason for the “no limits” strategy is to create a new perspective of a problem and encourage new technological ideas. The students shall not be limited in their creativity. Nevertheless the spacecraft should have a telemetry system to transmit key trajectory and housekeeping data back to earth during flight and provide information to the students including the rocket altitude. Moreover the rocket shall reach a velocity of at least Mach 1 . The project requirements are set to show the real world of work to the students. To reach the project goal, the students have to work project-oriented and in teams. In order to teach students engineering and science, as well as to put their technical knowledge to the test as early as possible in their studies, they are integrated into courses at their universities, which already deal with various aspects of rocket technology and space research. As in any development program, the students have to pass several reviews in which they have to present and defend their rocket design in front of experts. This practically oriented study should prepare the students for life in industry. The DLR Mobile Rocket Base (MORABA) and the DLR Institute of Space Propulsion as well as the DLR Space Administration, accompany the students during the reviews and until launch. MORABA has five decades of experience in launching sounding rockets and the Space Propulsion Institute in testing of and research in rocket engines. The reviews as well as special workshops (organized by DLR MORABA and the DLR Institute of Space Propulsion), offer a platform for exchange of technical information. The STERN project provides an opportunity to train the next generation of aerospace engineers.

Planetary Sample Analysis Laboratory at DLR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Helbert, J.; Maturilli, A.; de Vera, J. P.

2018-04-01

Building on the available infrastructure and the long heritage, DLR is planning to create a Planetary Sample Analysis laboratory (PSA), which can be later extended to a full sample curation facility in collaboration with the Robert-Koch Institute.

Calibration procedures for imaging spectrometers: improving data quality from satellite missions to UAV campaigns

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brachmann, Johannes F. S.; Baumgartner, Andreas; Lenhard, Karim

2016-10-01

The Calibration Home Base (CHB) at the Remote Sensing Technology Institute of the German Aerospace Center (DLR-IMF) is an optical laboratory designed for the calibration of imaging spectrometers for the VNIR/SWIR wavelength range. Radiometric, spectral and geometric characterization is realized in the CHB in a precise and highly automated fashion. This allows performing a wide range of time consuming measurements in an efficient way. The implementation of ISO 9001 standards ensures a traceable quality of results. DLR-IMF will support the calibration and characterization campaign of the future German spaceborne hyperspectral imager EnMAP. In the context of this activity, a procedure for the correction of imaging artifacts, such as due to stray light, is currently being developed by DLR-IMF. Goal is the correction of in-band stray light as well as ghost images down to a level of a few digital numbers in the whole wavelength range 420-2450 nm. DLR-IMF owns a Norsk Elektro Optikks HySpex airborne imaging spectrometer system that has been thoroughly characterized. This system will be used to test stray light calibration procedures for EnMAP. Hyperspectral snapshot sensors offer the possibility to simultaneously acquire hyperspectral data in two dimensions. Recently, these rather new spectrometers have arisen much interest in the remote sensing community. Different designs are currently used for local area observation such as by use of small unmanned aerial vehicles (sUAV). In this context the CHB's measurement capabilities are currently extended such that a standard measurement procedure for these new sensors will be implemented.

BTDI detector technology for reconnaissance application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hilbert, Stefan; Eckardt, Andreas; Krutz, David

2017-11-01

The Institute of Optical Sensor Systems (OS) at the Robotics and Mechatronics Center of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) has more than 30 years of experience with high-resolution imaging technology. This paper shows the institute's scientific results of the leading-edge detector design in a BTDI (Bidirectional Time Delay and Integration) architecture. This project demonstrates an approved technological design for high or multi-spectral resolution spaceborne instruments. DLR OS and BAE Systems were driving the technology of new detectors and the FPA design for future projects, new manufacturing accuracy in order to keep pace with ambitious scientific and user requirements. Resulting from customer requirements and available technologies the current generation of space borne sensor systems is focusing on VIS/NIR high spectral resolution to meet the requirements on earth and planetary observation systems. The combination of large swath and high-spectral resolution with intelligent control applications and new focal plane concepts opens the door to new remote sensing and smart deep space instruments. The paper gives an overview of the detector development and verification program at DLR on detector module level and key parameters like SNR, linearity, spectral response, quantum efficiency, PRNU, DSNU and MTF.

Safety and Environment- Masterplan 2020 of DLR's Rocket Test Center Lampoldhausen

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haberzettl, Andreas; Dommers, Michael

2013-09-01

The German Aerospace Center DLR is the German research institute with approximately 7000 employees in 16 domestic locations. Among the research priorities of the German Aerospace Center DLR includes aerospace, energy and transport. DLR is institutionally supported by federal and state governments.Next funding sources arise in the context of third-party funds business (contract research and public contracts and subsidiaries). Main activities of the test center Lampoldshausen are testing of ARIANE's main and upper stage engines in the frame of ESA contracts.In the last years the test center of the DLR in Lampoldshausen has grown strongly, so that the number of employees is actually of about 230. The testing department is mainly responsible for rocket combustion testing according to customer requirements.Two kinds of test facilities are operated, sea level test benches and the altitude simulation test facilities.In addition to the DLR's growth also the activities of the industrial partner ASTRIUM has been elevated so that actually nearly 600 employees are present on site Lampoldshausen.The management of the site in relation to safety and security requires special measures with special respect to the presence of more people inside the testing area in order to guarantee trouble-free and safe experimental operation onsite the DLR's test plants. In order to meet with the future needs of continuing growth, the security and safety requirements have to be adopted.This report gives comprehensive outlook information about future possible scenarios of our coming tasks.Main driving force for future requests is the evolution of the rocket ARIANE. The testing of the new upper stage test facility for ARIANE 5 midlife evolution has been started. A new test position P5.2 is foreseen to perform the qualification of the new upper stage with the VINCI engine. This project will be very complex, in parallel running operation processes will require special procedures related to the overall safety of the test center.The site of Lampoldshausen with its test and supply facilities is subject to the restrictions of the German law BundesImissionsSchutzGesetz (derived from the European SEVESO-II directive) and its relevant ordinances, especially the Hazardous Incident Ordinance. Because of the complex framework effort which guarantees safety and security, Lampoldshausen has invested in people and processes in order to respect the restrictions of all relevant laws and ordinances as well as to guarantee the protection of people and the environment.Therefor a very special Master plan has been developed, with the goal to rearrange the complete testing area in order to be able to divide the area in certain sectors (testing range, technology and bureau) so that future testing enterprises will not affect almost free testing activities inside the site as it is in the present status.The paper provides comprehensive information related to the planned innovations including detailed background facts related to the foreseen safety and security standard applications.

CMOS-TDI detector technology for reconnaissance application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eckardt, Andreas; Reulke, Ralf; Jung, Melanie; Sengebusch, Karsten

2014-10-01

The Institute of Optical Sensor Systems (OS) at the Robotics and Mechatronics Center of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) has more than 30 years of experience with high-resolution imaging technology. This paper shows the institute's scientific results of the leading-edge detector design CMOS in a TDI (Time Delay and Integration) architecture. This project includes the technological design of future high or multi-spectral resolution spaceborne instruments and the possibility of higher integration. DLR OS and the Fraunhofer Institute for Microelectronic Circuits and Systems (IMS) in Duisburg were driving the technology of new detectors and the FPA design for future projects, new manufacturing accuracy and on-chip processing capability in order to keep pace with the ambitious scientific and user requirements. In combination with the engineering research, the current generation of space borne sensor systems is focusing on VIS/NIR high spectral resolution to meet the requirements on earth and planetary observation systems. The combination of large-swath and high-spectral resolution with intelligent synchronization control, fast-readout ADC (analog digital converter) chains and new focal-plane concepts opens the door to new remote-sensing and smart deep-space instruments. The paper gives an overview of the detector development status and verification program at DLR, as well as of new control possibilities for CMOS-TDI detectors in synchronization control mode.

Reformulating General Engineering and Biological Systems Engineering Programs at Virginia Tech

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lohani, Vinod K.; Wolfe, Mary Leigh; Wildman, Terry; Mallikarjunan, Kumar; Connor, Jeffrey

2011-01-01

In 2004, a group of engineering and education faculty at Virginia Tech received a major curriculum reform and engineering education research grant under the department-level reform (DLR) program of the NSF. This DLR project laid the foundation of sponsored research in engineering education in the Department of Engineering Education. The DLR…

Merlin: an integrated path differential absorption (IPDA) lidar for global methane remote sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bode, M.; Alpers, M.; Millet, B.; Ehret, G.; Flamant, P.

2017-11-01

The Methane Remote Sensing LIDAR Mission (MERLIN) is a joint French-German cooperation on the development, launch and operation of a climate monitoring satellite, executed by the French Space Agency CNES and the German Space Administration DLR.

Merlin: an integrated path differential absorption (IPDA) lidar for global methane remote sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bode, M.; Wührer, C.; Alpers, M.; Millet, B.; Ehret, G.; Bousquet, P.

2017-09-01

The Methane Remote Sensing LIDAR Mission (MERLIN) is a joint French-German cooperation on the development, launch and operation of a climate monitoring satellite, executed by the French Space Agency CNES and the German Space Administration DLR.

Operational and Strategic Implementation of Dynamic Line Rating for Optimized Wind Energy Generation Integration

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

Gentle, Jake Paul

2016-12-01

One primary goal of rendering today’s transmission grid “smarter” is to optimize and better manage its power transfer capacity in real time. Power transfer capacity is affected by three main elements: stability, voltage limits, and thermal ratings. All three are critical, but thermal ratings represent the greatest opportunity to quickly, reliably and economically utilize the grid’s true capacity. With the “Smarter Grid”, new solutions have been sought to give operators a better grasp on real time conditions, allowing them to manage and extend the usefulness of existing transmission infrastructure in a safe and reliable manner. The objective of the INLmore » Wind Program is to provide industry a Dynamic Line Rating (DLR) solution that is state of the art as measured by cost, accuracy and dependability, to enable human operators to make informed decisions and take appropriate actions without human or system overloading and impacting the reliability of the grid. In addition to mitigating transmission line congestion to better integrate wind, DLR also offers the opportunity to improve the grid with optimized utilization of transmission lines to relieve congestion in general. As wind-generated energy has become a bigger part of the nation’s energy portfolio, researchers have learned that wind not only turns turbine blades to generate electricity, but can cool transmission lines and increase transfer capabilities significantly, sometimes up to 60 percent. INL’s DLR development supports EERE and The Wind Energy Technology Office’s goals by informing system planners and grid operators of available transmission capacity, beyond typical Static Line Ratings (SLR). SLRs are based on a fixed set of conservative environmental conditions to establish a limit on the amount of current lines can safely carry without overheating. Using commercially available weather monitors mounted on industry informed custom brackets developed by INL in combination with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) enhanced weather analysis and DLR software, INL’s project offers the potential of safely providing line ampacities up to 40 percent or more above existing SLRs, by using real time information rather than overly conservative SLR.« less

The NATO STO Task Group AVT-201 on Extended Assessment of Stability and Control Prediction Methods for NATO Air Vehicles

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-06-20

concentrated on SACCON. The planform and section profiles were defined in cooperation between DLR and EADS -MAS during the early stages of AVT-161. DLR...however most predictions were made as first-order temporal predictions. Given the highly unsteady flow fields observed by the experiments, unsteady

Some Interesting Applications of Probabilistic Techiques in Structural Dynamic Analysis of Rocket Engines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, Andrew M.

2014-01-01

Numerical and Analytical methods developed to determine damage accumulation in specific engine components when speed variation included. Dither Life Ratio shown to be well over factor of 2 for specific example. Steady-State assumption shown to be accurate for most turbopump cases, allowing rapid calculation of DLR. If hot-fire speed data unknown, Monte Carlo method developed that uses speed statistics for similar engines. Application of techniques allow analyst to reduce both uncertainty and excess conservatism. High values of DLR could allow previously unacceptable part to pass HCF criteria without redesign. Given benefit and ease of implementation, recommend that any finite life turbomachine component analysis adopt these techniques. Probability Values calculated, compared, and evaluated for several industry-proposed methods for combining random and harmonic loads. Two new excel macros written to calculate combined load for any specific probability level. Closed form Curve fits generated for widely used 3(sigma) and 2(sigma) probability levels. For design of lightweight aerospace components, obtaining accurate, reproducible, statistically meaningful answer critical.

Model-based prediction of nephropathia epidemica outbreaks based on climatological and vegetation data and bank vole population dynamics.

PubMed

Haredasht, S Amirpour; Taylor, C J; Maes, P; Verstraeten, W W; Clement, J; Barrios, M; Lagrou, K; Van Ranst, M; Coppin, P; Berckmans, D; Aerts, J-M

2013-11-01

Wildlife-originated zoonotic diseases in general are a major contributor to emerging infectious diseases. Hantaviruses more specifically cause thousands of human disease cases annually worldwide, while understanding and predicting human hantavirus epidemics pose numerous unsolved challenges. Nephropathia epidemica (NE) is a human infection caused by Puumala virus, which is naturally carried and shed by bank voles (Myodes glareolus). The objective of this study was to develop a method that allows model-based predicting 3 months ahead of the occurrence of NE epidemics. Two data sets were utilized to develop and test the models. These data sets were concerned with NE cases in Finland and Belgium. In this study, we selected the most relevant inputs from all the available data for use in a dynamic linear regression (DLR) model. The number of NE cases in Finland were modelled using data from 1996 to 2008. The NE cases were predicted based on the time series data of average monthly air temperature (°C) and bank voles' trapping index using a DLR model. The bank voles' trapping index data were interpolated using a related dynamic harmonic regression model (DHR). Here, the DLR and DHR models used time-varying parameters. Both the DHR and DLR models were based on a unified state-space estimation framework. For the Belgium case, no time series of the bank voles' population dynamics were available. Several studies, however, have suggested that the population of bank voles is related to the variation in seed production of beech and oak trees in Northern Europe. Therefore, the NE occurrence pattern in Belgium was predicted based on a DLR model by using remotely sensed phenology parameters of broad-leaved forests, together with the oak and beech seed categories and average monthly air temperature (°C) using data from 2001 to 2009. Our results suggest that even without any knowledge about hantavirus dynamics in the host population, the time variation in NE outbreaks in Finland could be predicted 3 months ahead with a 34% mean relative prediction error (MRPE). This took into account solely the population dynamics of the carrier species (bank voles). The time series analysis also revealed that climate change, as represented by the vegetation index, changes in forest phenology derived from satellite images and directly measured air temperature, may affect the mechanics of NE transmission. NE outbreaks in Belgium were predicted 3 months ahead with a 40% MRPE, based only on the climatological and vegetation data, in this case, without any knowledge of the bank vole's population dynamics. In this research, we demonstrated that NE outbreaks can be predicted using climate and vegetation data or the bank vole's population dynamics, by using dynamic data-based models with time-varying parameters. Such a predictive modelling approach might be used as a step towards the development of new tools for the prevention of future NE outbreaks. © 2012 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Transmission Line Ampacity Improvements of AltaLink Wind Plant Overhead Tie-Lines Using Weather-Based Dynamic Line Rating

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

Bhattarai, Bishnu P.; Gentle, Jake P.; Hill, Porter

Abstract—Overhead transmission lines (TLs) are conventionally given seasonal ratings based on conservative environmental assumptions. Such an approach often results in underutilization of the line ampacity as the worst conditions prevail only for a short period over a year/season. We presents dynamic line rating (DLR) as an enabling smart grid technology that adaptively computes ratings of TLs based on local weather conditions to utilize additional headroom of existing lines. In particular, general line ampacity state solver utilizes measured weather data for computing the real-time thermal rating of the TLs. The performance of the presented method is demonstrated from a field studymore » of DLR technology implementation on four TL segments at AltaLink, Canada. The performance is evaluated and quantified by comparing the existing static and proposed dynamic line ratings, and the potential benefits of DLR for enhanced transmission assets utilization. For the given line segments, the proposed DLR results in real-time ratings above the seasonal static ratings for most of the time; up to 95.1% of the time, with a mean increase of 72% over static rating.« less

Multi-Mission Laser Altimeter Data Processing and Co-Registration of Image and Laser Data at DLR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stark, A.; Matz, K.-D.; Roatsch, T.

2018-04-01

We designed a system for the processing and storage of large laser altimeter data sets for various past and operating laser altimeter instruments. Furthermore, we developed a technique to accurately co-register multi-mission laser and image data.

Trickling filter for urea and bio-waste processing - dynamic modelling of nitrogen cycle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhukov, Anton; Hauslage, Jens; Tertilt, Gerin; Bornemann, Gerhild

Mankind’s exploration of the solar system requires reliable Life Support Systems (LSS) enabling long duration manned space missions. In the absence of frequent resupply missions, closure of the LSS will play a very important role and its maximisation will to a large extent drive the selection of appropriate LSS architectures. One of the significant issues on the way to full closure is to effectively utilise biological wastes such as urine, inedible biomass etc. A very promising concept of biological waste reprocessing is the use of trickling filters which are currently being developed and investigated by DLR, Cologne, Germany. The concept is called Combined Regenerative Organic-Food Production (C.R.O.P.) and is based on the microbiological treatment of biological wastes and reprocessing them into aqueous fertilizer which can directly be used in a greenhouse for food production. Numerous experiments have been and are being conducted by DLR in order to fully understand and characterize the process. The human space exploration group of the Technical University of Munich (TUM) in cooperation with DLR has started to establish a dynamic model of the trickling filter system to be able to assess its performance on the LSS level. In the first development stage the model covers the nitrogen cycle enabling to simulate urine processing. This paper describes briefly the C.R.O.P. concept and the status of the trickling filter model development. The model is based on enzyme-catalyzed reaction kinetics for the fundamental microbiological reaction chain and is created in MATLAB. Verification and correlation of the developed model with experiment results has been performed. Several predictive studies for batch sequencing behavior have been performed, demonstrating a good capability of C.R.O.P. concept to be used in closed LSS. Achieved results are critically discussed and way forward is presented.

Geostationary satellite positioning by DLR/GSOC operations and management methods

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brittinger, Peter

1994-01-01

Starting with a short description of the GSOC (German Space Operations Center) and its role within the wider framework of the research institute DLR, this paper provides a review of the geostationary telecommunications satellites positioned by the GSOC. The paper then proceeds to describe the evolution of the operations and management structures and methods which have been effectively used to accomplish these missions.

MAC Europe 1991: Evaluation of AVIRIS, GER imaging spectrometry data for the land application testsite Oberpfaffenhofen

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lehmann, F.; Richter, R.; Rothfuss, H.; Werner, K.; Hausknecht, P.; Mueller, A.; Strobl, P.

1992-01-01

During the MAC Europe 91 Campaign, the area of Oberpfaffenhofen including the land application testsite Oberpfaffenhofen was flown by the AVIRIS imaging spectrometer, the GER 2 imaging spectrometer (63 band scanner), and two SAR systems (NASA/JPL AIRSAR and DLR E-SAR). In parallel to the overflights ground spectrometry (ASD, IRIS M IV) and atmospheric measurements were carried out in order to provide data for optical sensor calibration. Ground spectrometry measurements were carried out in the runway area of the DLR research center Oberpfaffenhofen. This area was used as well during the GER 2 European flight campaign EISAC 89 as a calibration target. The land application testsite Oberpfaffenhofen is located 3 km north of the DLR research center. During the MAC Europe 91 Campaign a ground survey was carried out for documentation in the ground information data base (vegetation type, vegetation geometry, soil type, and soil mixture). Crop stands analyzed were corn, barley and rape. The DLR runway area and the land application testsite Oberpfaffenhofen were flown with the AVIRIS on 29 July and with the GER 2 on 12 and 23 July and 3 Sep. AVIRIS and GER 2 scenes were processed and atmospherically corrected for optical data analysis of optical and radar data. For the AVIRIS and the GER 2 scenes, signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) estimates were calculated. An example of the reflectance of 6 calibration targets inside a GER 2 scene of Oberpfaffenhofen is given. SNR values for the GER 2 for a medium albedo target are given. The integrated analysis for the optical and radar data was carried out in cooperation with the DLR Institute for Microwave Technologies.

HART-II: Prediction of Blade-Vortex Interaction Loading

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lim, Joon W.; Tung, Chee; Yu, Yung H.; Burley, Casey L.; Brooks, Thomas; Boyd, Doug; vanderWall, Berend; Schneider, Oliver; Richard, Hugues; Raffel, Markus

2003-01-01

During the HART-I data analysis, the need for comprehensive wake data was found including vortex creation and aging, and its re-development after blade-vortex interaction. In October 2001, US Army AFDD, NASA Langley, German DLR, French ONERA and Dutch DNW performed the HART-II test as an international joint effort. The main objective was to focus on rotor wake measurement using a PIV technique along with the comprehensive data of blade deflections, airloads, and acoustics. Three prediction teams made preliminary correlation efforts with HART-II data: a joint US team of US Army AFDD and NASA Langley, German DLR, and French ONERA. The predicted results showed significant improvements over the HART-I predicted results, computed about several years ago, which indicated that there has been better understanding of complicated wake modeling in the comprehensive rotorcraft analysis. All three teams demonstrated satisfactory prediction capabilities, in general, though there were slight deviations of prediction accuracies for various disciplines.

Numerical Flight Mechanics Analysis Of The SHEFEX I Ascent And Re-Entry Phases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bartolome Calvo, Javier; Eggers, Thino

2011-08-01

The SHarp Edge Flight EXperiment (SHEFEX) I provides a huge amount of scientific data to validate numerical tools in hypersonic flows. These data allow the direct comparison of flight measurements with the current numerical tools available at DLR. Therefore, this paper is devoted to apply a recently developed direct coupling between aerodynamics and flight dynamics to the SHEFEX I flight. In a first step, mission analyses are carried out using the trajectory optimization program REENT 6D coupled to missile DATCOM. In a second step, the direct coupling between the trajectory program and the DLR TAU code, in which the unsteady Euler equations including rigid body motion are solved, is applied to analyze some interesting parts of ascent and re-entry phases of the flight experiment. The agreement of the numerical predictions with the obtained flight data is satisfactory assuming a variable fin deflection angle.

Assessment of the Unstructured Grid Software TetrUSS for Drag Prediction of the DLR-F4 Configuration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pirzadeh, Shahyar Z.; Frink, Neal T.

2002-01-01

An application of the NASA unstructured grid software system TetrUSS is presented for the prediction of aerodynamic drag on a transport configuration. The paper briefly describes the underlying methodology and summarizes the results obtained on the DLR-F4 transport configuration recently presented in the first AIAA computational fluid dynamics (CFD) Drag Prediction Workshop. TetrUSS is a suite of loosely coupled unstructured grid CFD codes developed at the NASA Langley Research Center. The meshing approach is based on the advancing-front and the advancing-layers procedures. The flow solver employs a cell-centered, finite volume scheme for solving the Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes equations on tetrahedral grids. For the present computations, flow in the viscous sublayer has been modeled with an analytical wall function. The emphasis of the paper is placed on the practicality of the methodology for accurately predicting aerodynamic drag data.

Comparative Study of Impedance Eduction Methods. Part 1; DLR Tests and Methodology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Busse-Gerstengarbe, Stefan; Bake, Friedrich; Enghardt, Lars; Jones, Michael G.

2013-01-01

The absorption efficiency of acoustic liners used in aircraft engines is characterized by the acoustic impedance. World wide, many grazing ow test rigs and eduction methods are available that provide values for that impedance. However, a direct comparison and assessment of the data of the di erent rigs and methods is often not possible because test objects and test conditions are quite di erent. Only a few papers provide a direct comparison. Therefore, this paper together with a companion paper, present data measured with a reference test object under similar conditions in the DLR and NASA grazing ow test rigs. Additionally, by applying the in-house methods Liner Impedance Non-Uniform ow Solving algorithm (LINUS, DLR) and Convected Helmhholtz Equation approach (CHE, NASA) on the data sets, similarities and differences due to underlying theory are identi ed and discussed.

Resumes of the Bird mission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lorenz, E.; Borwald, W.; Briess, K.; Kayal, H.; Schneller, M.; Wuensten, Herbert

2004-11-01

The DLR micro satellite BIRD (Bi-spectral Infra Red Detection) was piggy- back launched with the Indian Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle PSLV-C3 into a 570 km circular sun-synchronous orbit on 22 October 2001. The BIRD mission, fully funded by the DLR, answers topical technological and scientific questions related to the operation of a compact infra- red push-broom sensor system on board of a micro satellite and demonstrates new spacecraft bus technologies. BIRD mission control is conducted by DLR / GSOC in Oberpfaffenhofen. Commanding, data reception and data processing is performed via ground stations in Weilheim and Neustrelitz (Germany). The BIRD mission is a demonstrator for small satellite projects dedicated to the hazard detection and monitoring. In the year 2003 BIRD has been used in the ESA project FUEGOSAT to demonstrate the utilisation of innovative space technologies for fire risk management.

Proposed Scientific Support to the Land Vehicle Crew Training System (LVCTS) Project Requirements Definition

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-01-01

proposed acquisition of a variety of armoured vehicle simulators for training within the Canadian Forces. The Directorate of Land Requirements (DLR... armoured vehicle operations under the Land Vehicle Crew Training System (LVCTS) project. DLR has published a Letter of Interest (LOI) to solicit input...LVCTS project staff to discuss the intent of the project. Qualification Standards and Training Plans for several military armoured vehicle

DNS of Supersonic Turbulent Flows in a DLR Scramjet Intake

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Xinliang; Yu, Changping

2014-11-01

Direct numerical simulation (DNS) of supersonic/hypersonic flow through a DLR scramjet intake GK01 is performed. The free stream Mach numbers are 3, 5 and 7, and the angle of attack is zero degree. The DNS cases are performed by using an optimized MP scheme with adaptive dissipation (OMP-AD) developed by the authors, and the blow-and-suction perturbations near the leading edge are used to trigger the transition. To stabilize the simulation, locally non-linear flittering is used in high-Mach-number case. The transition, separation, and shock-turbulent boundary layer interaction are studied by using both flow visualization and statistical analysis. A new method, OMP-AD, is also addressed in this paper. The OMP-AD scheme is developed by using joint MP method and optimized technique, and the coefficients in the scheme are flexible to show low dissipation in the smoothing region, and to show high robust (but high dissipation) in the large gradient region. Numerical tests show that the OMP-AD is more robust than the original MP schemes, and the numerical dissipation of OMP-AD is very low.

Characterization of local complex structures in a recurrence plot to improve nonlinear dynamic discriminant analysis.

PubMed

Ding, Hang

2014-01-01

Structures in recurrence plots (RPs), preserving the rich information of nonlinear invariants and trajectory characteristics, have been increasingly analyzed in dynamic discrimination studies. The conventional analysis of RPs is mainly focused on quantifying the overall diagonal and vertical line structures through a method, called recurrence quantification analysis (RQA). This study extensively explores the information in RPs by quantifying local complex RP structures. To do this, an approach was developed to analyze the combination of three major RQA variables: determinism, laminarity, and recurrence rate (DLR) in a metawindow moving over a RP. It was then evaluated in two experiments discriminating (1) ideal nonlinear dynamic series emulated from the Lorenz system with different control parameters and (2) data sets of human heart rate regulations with normal sinus rhythms (n = 18) and congestive heart failure (n = 29). Finally, the DLR was compared with seven major RQA variables in terms of discriminatory power, measured by standardized mean difference (DSMD). In the two experiments, DLR resulted in the highest discriminatory power with DSMD = 2.53 and 0.98, respectively, which were 7.41 and 2.09 times the best performance from RQA. The study also revealed that the optimal RP structures for the discriminations were neither typical diagonal structures nor vertical structures. These findings indicate that local complex RP structures contain some rich information unexploited by RQA. Therefore, future research to extensively analyze complex RP structures would potentially improve the effectiveness of the RP analysis in dynamic discrimination studies.

Loglines. May - June 2010

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-06-01

able to get construction materials, food and spare parts into a land-locked country . More than 80 percent of the containers shipped through this...procurement management at DLA Oklahoma City, has developed a strategic roadmap for DLR decision-makers. “Trying to get our arms around all the contracts...currently in place and develop - ing a comprehensive approach to future support has been challenging,” Yort said. Transferring procurement of DLRs to

Airborne Dial Remote Sensing of the Arctic Ozone Layer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wirth, Martin; Renger, Wolfgang; Ehret, Gerhard

1992-01-01

A combined ozone and aerosol LIDAR was developed at the Institute of Physics of the Atmosphere at the DLR in Oberpfaffenhofen. It is an airborne version, that, based on the DIAL-principle, permits the recording of two-dimensional ozone profiles. This presentation will focus on the ozone-part; the aerosol subsection will be treated later.

Mechatronic track guidance on disturbed track: the trade-off between actuator performance and wheel wear

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kurzeck, Bernhard; Heckmann, Andreas; Wesseler, Christoph; Rapp, Matthias

2014-05-01

Future high-speed trains are the main focus of the DLR research project Next Generation Train. One central point of the research activities is the development of mechatronic track guidance for the two-axle intermediate wagons with steerable, individually powered, independently rotating wheels. The traction motors hereby fulfil two functions; they concurrently are traction drives and steering actuators. In this paper, the influence of the track properties - line layout and track irregularities - on the performance requirements for the guidance actuator is investigated using multi-body models in SIMPACK®. In order to compromise on the design conflict between low wheel wear and low steering torque, the control parameters of the mechatronic track guidance are optimised using the DLR in-house software MOPS. Besides the track irregularities especially the increasing inclination at transition curves defines high actuator requirements due to gyroscopic effects at high speed. After introducing a limiter for the actuating variables into the control system, a good performance is achieved.

Applying Terrain and Hydrological Editing to Tandem-X Data to Create a Consumer-Ready Worlddem Product

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Collins, J.; Riegler, G.; Schrader, H.; Tinz, M.

2015-04-01

The Geo-intelligence division of Airbus Defence and Space and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) have partnered to produce the first fully global, high-accuracy Digital Surface Model (DSM) using SAR data from the twin satellite constellation: TerraSAR-X and TanDEM-X. The DLR is responsible for the processing and distribution of the TanDEM-X elevation model for the world's scientific community, while Airbus DS is responsible for the commercial production and distribution of the data, under the brand name WorldDEM. For the provision of a consumer-ready product, Airbus DS undertakes several steps to reduce the effect of radar-specific artifacts in the WorldDEM data. These artifacts can be divided into two categories: terrain and hydrological. Airbus DS has developed proprietary software and processes to detect and correct these artifacts in the most efficient manner. Some processes are fullyautomatic, while others require manual or semi-automatic control by operators.

The CEOS International Directory Network: Progress and Plans, Spring, 1999

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Olsen, Lola M.

1999-01-01

The Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) serves as the software development hub for the Committee on Earth observation Satellites' (CEOS) International Directory Network (IDN). The GCMD has upgraded the software for the IDN nodes as Version 7 of the GCMD: MD7-Oracle and MD7-Isite, as well as three other MD7 experimental interfaces. The contribution by DLR representatives (Germany) of the DLR Thesaurus will be demonstrated as an educational tool for use with MD7-Isite. The software will be installed at twelve nodes around the world: Brazil, Argentina, the Netherlands, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, and several sites in the United States. Representing NASA for the International Directory Network and the CEOS Data Access Subgroup, NASA's contribution to this international interoperability effort will be updated. Discussion will include interoperability with the CEOS Interoperability Protocol (CIP), features of the latest version of the software, including upgraded capabilities for distributed input by the IDN nodes, installation logistics, "mirroring", population objectives, and future plans.

The CEOS International Directory Network Progress and Plans: Spring, 1999

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Olsen, Lola M.

1999-01-01

The Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) serves as the software development hub for the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites' (CEOS) International Directory Network (IDN). The GCMD has upgraded the software for the IDN nodes as Version 7 of the GCMD: MD7-Oracle and MD7-Isite, as well as three other MD7 experimental interfaces. The contribution by DLR representatives (Germany) of the DLR Thesaurus will be demonstrated as an educational tool for use with MD7-Isite. The software will be installed at twelve nodes around the world: Brazil, Argentina, the Netherlands, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, and several sites in the United States. Representing NASA for the International Directory Network and the CEOS Data Access Subgroup, NASA's contribution to this international interoperability effort will be updated. Discussion will include interoperability with the CEOS Interoperability Protocol (CIP), features of the latest version of the software, including upgraded capabilities for distributed input by the IDN nodes, installation logistics, "mirroring', population objectives, and future plans.

Uncertainty in Arctic climate projections traced to variability of downwelling longwave radiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krikken, Folmer; Bintanja, Richard; Hazeleger, WIlco; van Heerwaarden, Chiel

2017-04-01

The Arctic region has warmed rapidly over the last decades, and this warming is projected to increase. The uncertainty in these projections, i.e. intermodel spread, is however very large and a clear understanding of the sources behind the spread is so far still lacking. Here we use 31 state-of-the-art global climate models to show that variability of May downwelling radiation (DLR) in the models' control climate, primarily located at the land surrounding the Arctic ocean, explains 2/3 of the intermodel spread in projected Arctic warming under the RPC85 scenario. This variability is related to the combined radiative effect of the cloud radiative forcing (CRF) and the albedo response due to snowfall, which varies strongly between the models in these regions. This mechanism dampens or enhances yearly variability of DLR in the control climate but also dampens or enhances the climate response of DLR, sea ice cover and near surface temperature.

Planetary and Space Simulation Facilities PSI at DLR for Astrobiology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rabbow, E.; Rettberg, P.; Panitz, C.; Reitz, G.

2008-09-01

Ground based experiments, conducted in the controlled planetary and space environment simulation facilities PSI at DLR, are used to investigate astrobiological questions and to complement the corresponding experiments in LEO, for example on free flying satellites or on space exposure platforms on the ISS. In-orbit exposure facilities can only accommodate a limited number of experiments for exposure to space parameters like high vacuum, intense radiation of galactic and solar origin and microgravity, sometimes also technically adapted to simulate extraterrestrial planetary conditions like those on Mars. Ground based experiments in carefully equipped and monitored simulation facilities allow the investigation of the effects of simulated single environmental parameters and selected combinations on a much wider variety of samples. In PSI at DLR, international science consortia performed astrobiological investigations and space experiment preparations, exposing organic compounds and a wide range of microorganisms, reaching from bacterial spores to complex microbial communities, lichens and even animals like tardigrades to simulated planetary or space environment parameters in pursuit of exobiological questions on the resistance to extreme environments and the origin and distribution of life. The Planetary and Space Simulation Facilities PSI of the Institute of Aerospace Medicine at DLR in Köln, Germany, providing high vacuum of controlled residual composition, ionizing radiation of a X-ray tube, polychromatic UV radiation in the range of 170-400 nm, VIS and IR or individual monochromatic UV wavelengths, and temperature regulation from -20°C to +80°C at the sample size individually or in selected combinations in 9 modular facilities of varying sizes are presented with selected experiments performed within.

Knowledge Management tools integration within DLR's concurrent engineering facility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lopez, R. P.; Soragavi, G.; Deshmukh, M.; Ludtke, D.

The complexity of space endeavors has increased the need for Knowledge Management (KM) tools. The concept of KM involves not only the electronic storage of knowledge, but also the process of making this knowledge available, reusable and traceable. Establishing a KM concept within the Concurrent Engineering Facility (CEF) has been a research topic of the German Aerospace Centre (DLR). This paper presents the current KM tools of the CEF: the Software Platform for Organizing and Capturing Knowledge (S.P.O.C.K.), the data model Virtual Satellite (VirSat), and the Simulation Model Library (SimMoLib), and how their usage improved the Concurrent Engineering (CE) process. This paper also exposes the lessons learned from the introduction of KM practices into the CEF and elaborates a roadmap for the further development of KM in CE activities at DLR. The results of the application of the Knowledge Management tools have shown the potential of merging the three software platforms with their functionalities, as the next step towards the fully integration of KM practices into the CE process. VirSat will stay as the main software platform used within a CE study, and S.P.O.C.K. and SimMoLib will be integrated into VirSat. These tools will support the data model as a reference and documentation source, and as an access to simulation and calculation models. The use of KM tools in the CEF aims to become a basic practice during the CE process. The settlement of this practice will result in a much more extended knowledge and experience exchange within the Concurrent Engineering environment and, consequently, the outcome of the studies will comprise higher quality in the design of space systems.

sCMOS detector for imaging VNIR spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eckardt, Andreas; Reulke, Ralf; Schwarzer, Horst; Venus, Holger; Neumann, Christian

2013-09-01

The facility Optical Information Systems (OS) at the Robotics and Mechatronics Center of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) has more than 30 years of experience with high-resolution imaging technology. This paper shows the scientific results of the institute of leading edge instruments and focal plane designs for EnMAP VIS/NIR spectrograph. EnMAP (Environmental Mapping and Analysis Program) is one of the selected proposals for the national German Space Program. The EnMAP project includes the technological design of the hyper spectral space borne instrument and the algorithms development of the classification. The EnMAP project is a joint response of German Earth observation research institutions, value-added resellers and the German space industry like Kayser-Threde GmbH (KT) and others to the increasing demand on information about the status of our environment. The Geo Forschungs Zentrum (GFZ) Potsdam is the Principal Investigator of EnMAP. DLR OS and KT were driving the technology of new detectors and the FPA design for this project, new manufacturing accuracy and on-chip processing capability in order to keep pace with the ambitious scientific and user requirements. In combination with the engineering research, the current generations of space borne sensor systems are focusing on VIS/NIR high spectral resolution to meet the requirements on earth and planetary observation systems. The combination of large swath and high spectral resolution with intelligent synchronization control, fast-readout ADC chains and new focal-plane concepts open the door to new remote-sensing and smart deep space instruments. The paper gives an overview over the detector verification program at DLR on FPA level, new control possibilities for sCMOS detectors in global shutter mode and key parameters like PRNU, DSNU, MTF, SNR, Linearity, Spectral Response, Quantum Efficiency, Flatness and Radiation Tolerance will be discussed in detail.

Six years of total ozone column measurements from SCIAMACHY nadir observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lerot, C.; van Roozendael, M.; van Geffen, J.; van Gent, J.; Fayt, C.; Spurr, R.; Lichtenberg, G.; von Bargen, A.

2009-04-01

Total O3 columns have been retrieved from six years of SCIAMACHY nadir UV radiance measurements using SDOAS, an adaptation of the GDOAS algorithm previously developed at BIRA-IASB for the GOME instrument. GDOAS and SDOAS have been implemented by the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in the version 4 of the GOME Data Processor (GDP) and in version 3 of the SCIAMACHY Ground Processor (SGP), respectively. The processors are being run at the DLR processing centre on behalf of the European Space Agency (ESA). We first focus on the description of the SDOAS algorithm with particular attention to the impact of uncertainties on the reference O3 absorption cross-sections. Second, the resulting SCIAMACHY total ozone data set is globally evaluated through large-scale comparisons with results from GOME and OMI as well as with ground-based correlative measurements. The various total ozone data sets are found to agree within 2% on average. However, a negative trend of 0.2-0.4%/year has been identified in the SCIAMACHY O3 columns; this probably originates from instrumental degradation effects that have not yet been fully characterized.

Six years of total ozone column measurements from SCIAMACHY nadir observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lerot, C.; van Roozendael, M.; van Geffen, J.; van Gent, J.; Fayt, C.; Spurr, R.; Lichtenberg, G.; von Bargen, A.

2008-11-01

Total O3 columns have been retrieved from six years of SCIAMACHY nadir UV radiance measurements using SDOAS, an adaptation of the GDOAS algorithm previously developed at BIRA-IASB for the GOME instrument. GDOAS and SDOAS have been implemented by the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in the version 4 of the GOME Data Processor (GDP) and in version 3 of the SCIAMACHY Ground Processor (SGP), respectively. The processors are being run at the DLR processing centre on behalf of the European Space Agency (ESA). We first focus on the description of the SDOAS algorithm with particular attention to the impact of uncertainties on the reference O3 absorption cross-sections. Second, the resulting SCIAMACHY total ozone data set is globally evaluated through large-scale comparisons with results from GOME and OMI as well as with ground-based correlative measurements. The various total ozone data sets are found to agree within 2% on average. However, a negative trend of 0.2-0.4%/year has been identified in the SCIAMACHY O3 columns; this probably originates from instrumental degradation effects that have not yet been fully characterized.

Seeding for laser velocimetry in confined supersonic flows with shocks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lepicovsky, J.; Bruckner, R. J.

1996-01-01

There is a lack of firm conclusions or recommendations in the open literature to guide laser velocimeter (LV) users in minimizing the uncertainty of LV data acquired in confined supersonic flows with steep velocity gradients. This fact led the NASA Lewis Research Center (LeRC) in Cleveland (Ohio, USA), and the Institute of Propulsion Technology of DLR in Cologne (Germany) to a joint research effort to improve reliability of LV measurements in supersonic flows. Over the years, NASA and DLR have developed different expertise in laser velocimetry, using different LV systems: Doppler and two-spot (L2F). The goal of the joint program is to improve the reliability of LV measurements by comparing results from experiments in confined supersonic flows performed under identical test conditions but using two different LV systems and several seed particle generators. Initial experiments conducted at the NASA LERC are reported in this paper. The experiments were performed in a narrow channel with Mach number 2.5 flow containing an oblique shock wave generated by an immersed 25-dg wedge.

Using Airborne Remote Sensing to Increase Situational Awareness in Civil Protection and Humanitarian Relief - the Importance of User Involvement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Römer, H.; Kiefl, R.; Henkel, F.; Wenxi, C.; Nippold, R.; Kurz, F.; Kippnich, U.

2016-06-01

Enhancing situational awareness in real-time (RT) civil protection and emergency response scenarios requires the development of comprehensive monitoring concepts combining classical remote sensing disciplines with geospatial information science. In the VABENE++ project of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) monitoring tools are being developed by which innovative data acquisition approaches are combined with information extraction as well as the generation and dissemination of information products to a specific user. DLR's 3K and 4k camera system which allow for a RT acquisition and pre-processing of high resolution aerial imagery are applied in two application examples conducted with end users: a civil protection exercise with humanitarian relief organisations and a large open-air music festival in cooperation with a festival organising company. This study discusses how airborne remote sensing can significantly contribute to both, situational assessment and awareness, focussing on the downstream processes required for extracting information from imagery and for visualising and disseminating imagery in combination with other geospatial information. Valuable user feedback and impetus for further developments has been obtained from both applications, referring to innovations in thematic image analysis (supporting festival site management) and product dissemination (editable web services). Thus, this study emphasises the important role of user involvement in application-related research, i.e. by aligning it closer to user's requirements.

Airborne Camera System for Real-Time Applications - Support of a National Civil Protection Exercise

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gstaiger, V.; Romer, H.; Rosenbaum, D.; Henkel, F.

2015-04-01

In the VABENE++ project of the German Aerospace Center (DLR), powerful tools are being developed to aid public authorities and organizations with security responsibilities as well as traffic authorities when dealing with disasters and large public events. One focus lies on the acquisition of high resolution aerial imagery, its fully automatic processing, analysis and near real-time provision to decision makers in emergency situations. For this purpose a camera system was developed to be operated from a helicopter with light-weight processing units and microwave link for fast data transfer. In order to meet end-users' requirements DLR works close together with the German Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK) within this project. One task of BBK is to establish, maintain and train the German Medical Task Force (MTF), which gets deployed nationwide in case of large-scale disasters. In October 2014, several units of the MTF were deployed for the first time in the framework of a national civil protection exercise in Brandenburg. The VABENE++ team joined the exercise and provided near real-time aerial imagery, videos and derived traffic information to support the direction of the MTF and to identify needs for further improvements and developments. In this contribution the authors introduce the new airborne camera system together with its near real-time processing components and share experiences gained during the national civil protection exercise.

STS-55 German Payload Specialist Schlegel works at SL-D2 Biolabor microscope

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1993-01-01

STS-55 German Payload Specialist 2 Hans Schlegel loads sample into a microscope at the Spacelab Deutsche 2 (SL-D2) Rack 7 Biolabor (BB) workstation. The BB facility is a life sciences and biotechnology research device developed by Germany (MBB/ERNO) for use aboard Spacelab. Schlegel represents the German Aerospace Research Establishment (DLR) during this 10-day mission aboard Columbia, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 102.

STS-55 Payload Specialist Schlegel collects fungi sample at SL-D2 Rack 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1993-01-01

STS-55 German Payload Specialist 2 Hans Schlegel, wearing lightweight headset, collects fungi sample while working at Spacelab Deutsche 2 (SL-D2) science module Rack 1 Work Bench. Schlegel is conducting these procedures in conjunction with the 'Fruiting Body Development of Fungi' experiment. Schlegel was one of two payload specialists representing the German Aerospace Research Establishment (DLR) on the 10-day spacelab mission.

REXUS/BEXUS: launching student experiments -a step towards a stronger space science community

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fittock, Mark; Stamminger, Andreas; Maria, Roth; Dannenberg, Kristine; Page, Helen

The REXUS/BEXUS (Rocket/Balloon Experiments for University Students) programme pro-vides opportunities to teams of European student scientists and engineers to fly experiments on sounding rockets and high altitude balloons. This is an opportunity for students and the scientific community to benefit from encouragement and support for experiments. An important feature of the programme is that the students experience a full project life-cycle which is typically not a part of their university education and which helps to prepare them for further scientific work. They have to plan, organize, and control their project in order to develop and build up an experiment but must also work on the scientic aspects. Many of the students continue to work in the field on which they focused in the programme and can often build upon both the experience and the results from flight. Within the REXUS/BEXUS project cycle, they are encouraged to write and present papers about their experiments and results; increasing amounts of scientific output are seen from the students who participate. Not only do the students learn and develop from REXUS/BEXUS but the scientific community also reaps significant benefits. Another major benefit of the programme is the promotion that the students are able to bring to the whole space community. Not only are the public made more aware of advanced science and technical concepts but an advantage is present in the contact that the students who participate have to other university level students. Students are less restricted in their publicity and attract large public followings online as well as presenting themselves in more traditional media outlets. Many teams' creative approach to outreach is astonishing. The benefits are not only for the space science community as a whole; institutes, universities and departments can see increased interest following the support of participating students in the programme. The programme is realized under a bilateral Agency Agreement between the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and the Swedish National Space Board (SNSB). The Swedish share of the payload has been made available to students from other European countries through collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA). EuroLaunch, a cooperation between the Esrange Space Center of the Swedish Space Corporation (SSC) and the Mobile Rocket Base (MORABA) of DLR, is responsible for the campaign management and operations of the launch vehicles. Project coordination is carried out at DLR's Institute of Space Systems and SSC's Esrange. Experts from DLR, SSC and ESA provide technical support to the student teams throughout their project cycles. The REXUS/BEXUS programme has been carried out in its current format since 2007. In that time, it has developed significantly, building upon strengths to provide a richer experience and increasing the educational, scientific, and promotional outputs. The programme is now showing the potential for students to reach out to a truly broad audience and promote the space science community with youthful enthusiasm and an accessible image.

Milestones Towards Hot CMC Structures for Operational Space Rentry Vehicles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hald, H.; Weihs, H.; Reimer, T.

2002-01-01

Hot structures made of ceramic matrix composites (CMC) for space reentry vehicles play a key role regarding feasibility of advanced and reusable future space transportation systems. Thus realization of applicable flight hardware concerning hot primary structures like a nose cap or body flaps and thermal protection systems (TPS) requires system competence w.r.t. sophisticated know how in material processing, manufacturing and qualification of structural components and in all aspects from process control, use of NDI techniques, arc jet testing, hot structure testing to flight concept validation. This goal has been achieved so far by DLR while following a dedicated development road map since more than a decade culminating at present in the supply of the nose cap system for NASA's X-38; the flight hardware has been installed successfully in October 2001. A number of unique hardware development milestones had to be achieved in the past to finally reach this level of system competence. It is the intention of this paper to highlight the most important technical issues and achievements from the essential projects and developments to finally provide a comprehensive insight into DLR's past and future development road map w.r.t. CMC hot structures for space reentry vehicles. Based on DLR's C/C-SiC material which is produced with the inhouse developed liquid silicon infiltration process (LSI) the development strategy first concentrated on basic material properties evaluation in various arc jet testing facilities. As soon as a basic understanding of oxidation and erosion mechanisms had been achieved further efforts concentrated on inflight verification of both materials and design concepts for hot structures. Consequently coated and uncoated C/C-SiC specimens were integrated into the ablative heat shield of Russian FOTON capsules and they were tested during two missions in 1992 and 1994. Following on, a hot structure experiment called CETEX which principally was a kind of a little nose cap had been developed and tested during the EXPRESS mission in 1995. These three flight tests were the first ones in Europe carried out with such a kind of material and hot structural concept and manifold lessons learned w.r.t. material behaviour and structural design performance under the severe environment conditions of ballistic capsule reentry could be achieved. Within an ESA program called FESTIP we developed a new design concept for a rigid surface TPS based on CMC's which should be adaptable to the outer side of a cryogenic tank structure of a future SSTO vehicle. Special TPS concept features are (flat) integral stiffened CMC panels, hot CMC fasteners for outside attachment capability, thermal displacement compensation, sealing and insulation, provision of a purge gap etc. Two test samples have been constructed and manufactured in close cooperation with industrial companies and finally they were tested very successfully under realistic thermal and mechanical loading conditions. A further key technology is high temperature fastening of shell like CMC components; here two new CMC based fastener concepts featuring a combination of screwing and riveting methods could be developed and qualified even under high temperature fatigue loads within ESA and national German programs. In addition high temperature testing technology has been matured over years and some extraordinary tests of components like the EMA bearing for the X-38 body flaps designed and manufactured by MAN-T could be tested very successfully. Finally these developments put DLR in the position to develop and provide the nose cap system for X-38 from NASA and some of the most demanding basic features will be highlighted briefly (details in a separate paper). Reflecting the described developments and considering near future programs like CRV and other ongoing experimental developments it is obvious that we now entered a state of transition from basic technology development towards operational use of such kind of materials and structures.

Swimming Behaviour of the upside-down swimming Catfish (Synodontis nigriventris) at high-quality Microgravity - a Drop-Tower Experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Knie, M.; Hilbig, R.; Anken, R.

The catfish Synodontis nigriventris often shows a unique swimming behaviour in being oriented upside down In the course of a parabolic aircraft flight PF experiment conducted by Ohnishi et al Abstract COSPAR04-A-00961 2004 www cosis net specimens of this species were subjected to diminished gravity and the dorsal light response DLR was tested Usually the DLR is more clearly exhibited by fish in a low-gravity environment since they then need to use visual input as the major or even the sole cue for postural control It was shown by Ohnishi et al 2004 however that S nigriventris did not reveal a DLR during the PF-phases of diminished gravity and it was concluded that the species has a novel balance sensation which does not induce a DLR In the course of an earlier drop-tower ZARM Bremen experiment we had analysed the swimming behaviour of cichlid fish Oreochromis mossambicus at various levels of diminished gravity ranging from 0 009g until 0 3g the animals were housed within a centrifuge during the drop-tower flights with the finding that the residual level of gravity which is usually gained aboard PFs i e 0 03-0 05g is sufficient for most fish of a given batch to maintain a normal postural control Anken Medicine and Mobility 7 18 2005 The vestibular organ of S nigriventris moreover is assumed to be more sensitive than that of O mossambicus due to hanging utricular otoliths in the upside-down posture Thus we hypothesized that the residual gravity aboard PFs might well be sufficient for the catfish to be perceived and

Comparison of the Sensitivity of Surface Downward Longwave Radiation to Changes in Water Vapor at Two High Elevation Sites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chen, Yonghua; Naud, Catherine M.; Rangwala, Imtiaz; Landry, Christopher C.; Miller, James R.

2014-01-01

Among the potential reasons for enhanced warming rates in many high elevation regions is the nonlinear relationship between surface downward longwave radiation (DLR) and specific humidity (q). In this study we use ground-based observations at two neighboring high elevation sites in Southwestern Colorado that have different local topography and are 1.3 kilometers apart horizontally and 348 meters vertically. We examine the spatial consistency of the sensitivities (partial derivatives) of DLR with respect to changes in q, and the sensitivities are obtained from the Jacobian matrix of a neural network analysis. Although the relationship between DLR and q is the same at both sites, the sensitivities are higher when q is smaller, which occurs more frequently at the higher elevation site. There is a distinct hourly distribution in the sensitivities at both sites especially for high sensitivity cases, although the range is greater at the lower elevation site. The hourly distribution of the sensitivities relates to that of q. Under clear skies during daytime, q is similar between the two sites, however under cloudy skies or at night, it is not. This means that the DLR-q sensitivities are similar at the two sites during daytime but not at night, and care must be exercised when using data from one site to infer the impact of water vapor feedbacks at another site, particularly at night. Our analysis suggests that care should be exercised when using the lapse rate adjustment to infill high frequency data in a complex topographical region, particularly when one of the stations is subject to cold air pooling as found here.

The Planetary and Space Simulation Facilities at DLR Cologne

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rabbow, Elke; Parpart, André; Reitz, Günther

2016-06-01

Astrobiology strives to increase our knowledge on the origin, evolution and distribution of life, on Earth and beyond. In the past centuries, life has been found on Earth in environments with extreme conditions that were expected to be uninhabitable. Scientific investigations of the underlying metabolic mechanisms and strategies that lead to the high adaptability of these extremophile organisms increase our understanding of evolution and distribution of life on Earth. Life as we know it depends on the availability of liquid water. Exposure of organisms to defined and complex extreme environmental conditions, in particular those that limit the water availability, allows the investigation of the survival mechanisms as well as an estimation of the possibility of the distribution to and survivability on other celestial bodies of selected organisms. Space missions in low Earth orbit (LEO) provide access for experiments to complex environmental conditions not available on Earth, but studies on the molecular and cellular mechanisms of adaption to these hostile conditions and on the limits of life cannot be performed exclusively in space experiments. Experimental space is limited and allows only the investigation of selected endpoints. An additional intensive ground based program is required, with easy to access facilities capable to simulate space and planetary environments, in particular with focus on temperature, pressure, atmospheric composition and short wavelength solar ultraviolet radiation (UV). DLR Cologne operates a number of Planetary and Space Simulation facilities (PSI) where microorganisms from extreme terrestrial environments or known for their high adaptability are exposed for mechanistic studies. Space or planetary parameters are simulated individually or in combination in temperature controlled vacuum facilities equipped with a variety of defined and calibrated irradiation sources. The PSI support basic research and were recurrently used for pre-flight test programs for several astrobiological space missions. Parallel experiments on ground provided essential complementary data supporting the scientific interpretation of the data received from the space missions.

Genotoxicity testing on the international space station: Preparatory work on the SOS-LUX test as part of the space experiment TRIPLE-LUX

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stojicic, Nevena; Walrafen, David; Baumstark-Khan, Christa; Rabbow, Elke; Rettberg, Petra; Weisshaar, Maria-Paz; Horneck, Gerda

Harmful environmental factors - namely ionizing radiation - will continue to influence future manned space missions. The Radiation Biology Unit at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) develops cellular monitoring systems, which include bacterial and mammalian cell systems capable of recognizing DNA damage as a consequence of the presence of genotoxic conditions. Such a bioassay is the SOS-LUX test, which represents the radiobiological part of the German space experiment "Gene, immune and cellular responses to single and combined space flight conditions (TRIPLE-LUX)" which has been selected by the IDI/USRA Peer Review Panel for NASA/ESA to be performed on the International Space Station (ISS). It will supply basic information on the genotoxic response to radiation applied in microgravity. The biological end-point under investigation will depend on the bacterial SOS response brought about by genetically modified bacteria that are transformed with the pSWITCH plasmid (constructed from the plasmids pPLS-1 and pGFPuv). The luminescent/fluorescent bioassay SWITCH (SWITCH: Salmonella Weighting of Induced Toxicity Cyto/GenoTox for Human Health) as successor of the SOS-LUX test for rapid toxicity (genotoxicity and cytotoxicity) testing, makes use of two sensing and reporting systems for the two biological endpoints under investigation: the SOS-LUX test and the LAC- Fluoro test. The SWITCH plasmid carries the promoterless lux operon of Photobacterium leiognathi as reporter element under the control of the DNA-damage-dependent SOS promoter of ColD as sensor element (for genotoxicity testing) and the sequences for a hybrid protein consisting of β-galactosidase and GFPuv of Aequorea victoria as reporter element under the control of the (in Salmonella constitutively active) LAC promoter of Escherichia coli as sensor element (for cytotoxicity testing). The system has worked properly for terrestrial applications during the first experiments. Experiments using X-rays and UV radiation of various qualities (from UVC to UVA) have given insights into cellular mechanisms relevant for estimation of health risks, resulting from exposure of astronauts to the extraordinary radiation environment of space.

Comparison of JPL-AIRSAR and DLR E-SAR images from the MAC Europe 1991 campaign over testsite Oberpfaffenhofen: Frequency and polarization dependent backscatter variations from agricultural fields

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schmullius, C.; Nithack, J.

1992-01-01

On July 12, the MAC Europe '91 (Multi-Sensor Airborne Campaign) took place over test site Oberpfaffenhofen. The DLR Institute of Radio-Frequency Technology participated with its C-VV, X-VV, and X-HH Experimental Synthetic Aperture Radar (E-SAR). The high resolution E-SAR images with a pixel size between 1 and 2 m and the polarimetric AIRSAR images were analyzed. Using both sensors in combination is a unique opportunity to evaluate SAR images in a frequency range from P- to X-band and to investigate polarimetric information.

Problems associated with digital luminescence radiography in the neonate and young infant. Problems with digital radiography.

PubMed

Arthur, R J; Pease, J N

1992-01-01

An evaluation of the Siemens Digiscan has been undertaken to determine whether digital luminescence radiography (DLR) could replace conventional radiography in the examination of the neonate and young infant. Whilst the overall image quality of the digital radiograph was consistently higher than for conventional radiography the difference was less marked than we had expected. Furthermore, the potential for reduction in radiation dose by reducing the repeat rate due to incorrect exposure was limited. The potential advantages of DLR have been critically examined in relationship to neonatal radiography and a number of problems encountered during the evaluation have been highlighted.

Support System Effects on the DLR-F6 Transport Configuration in the National Transonic Facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rivers, Melissa B.; Hunter, Craig A.; Gatlin, Gregory M.

2009-01-01

An experimental investigation of the DLR-F6 generic transport configuration was conducted in the NASA NTF for use in the Drag Prediction Workshop. As data from this experimental investigation was collected, a large difference in drag values was seen between the NTF test and an ONERA test that was conducted several years ago. After much investigation, it was determined that this difference was likely due to a sting effect correction applied to the ONERA data which NTF does not use. This insight led to the present work. In this study, a computational assessment has been undertaken to investigate model support system interference effects on the DLR-F6 transport configuration. The configurations computed during this investigation were the isolated wing-body, the wing-body with the full support system (blade and sting), the wing-body with just the blade, and the wing-body with just the sting. The results from this investigation show the same trends that ONERA saw when they conducted a similar experimental investigation in the S2MA tunnel. Computational results suggest that the blade contributed an interference type of effect, the sting contributed a general blockage effect, and the full support system combined these effects.

Technologies for Propelled Hypersonic Flight Volume 2 - Subgroup 2: Scram Propulsion

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-01-01

effort is focused on the MSD code, initially developed by ONERA to simulate internal aerodynamic flows, which has been upgraded in cooperation...inlets were studied: a mixed, external/ internal , compression inlet studied at DLR with testing in the H2K and TMK wind-tunnels, and an internal ...movable panels during operation along the trajectory, modification of the internal geometry by a control-command computer connected with sensors on the

STS-55 Payload Specialist Schlegel collects fungi sample at SL-D2 Rack 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1993-01-01

STS-55 German Payload Specialist 2 Hans Schlegel, wearing lightweight headset, collects fungi sample while working at Spacelab Deutsche 2 (SL-D2) science module Rack 1 Work Bench. Schlegel is conducting these procedures in conjunction with the 'Fruiting Body Development of Fungi' experiment. Pieces of the experiment casing freefloat in the workstation.Schlegel represents the German Aerospace Research Establishment (DLR) on the 10-day spacelab mission.

CCSDS Spacecraft Monitor and Control Mission Operations Interoperability Prototype

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lucord, Steve; Martinez, Lindolfo

2009-01-01

We are entering a new era in space exploration. Reduced operating budgets require innovative solutions to leverage existing systems to implement the capabilities of future missions. Custom solutions to fulfill mission objectives are no longer viable. Can NASA adopt international standards to reduce costs and increase interoperability with other space agencies? Can legacy systems be leveraged in a service oriented architecture (SOA) to further reduce operations costs? The Operations Technology Facility (OTF) at the Johnson Space Center (JSC) is collaborating with Deutsches Zentrum fur Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR) to answer these very questions. The Mission Operations and Information Management Services Area (MOIMS) Spacecraft Monitor and Control (SM&C) Working Group within the Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS) is developing the Mission Operations standards to address this problem space. The set of proposed standards presents a service oriented architecture to increase the level of interoperability among space agencies. The OTF and DLR are developing independent implementations of the standards as part of an interoperability prototype. This prototype will address three key components: validation of the SM&C Mission Operations protocol, exploration of the Object Management Group (OMG) Data Distribution Service (DDS), and the incorporation of legacy systems in a SOA. The OTF will implement the service providers described in the SM&C Mission Operation standards to create a portal for interaction with a spacecraft simulator. DLR will implement the service consumers to perform the monitor and control of the spacecraft. The specifications insulate the applications from the underlying transport layer. We will gain experience with a DDS transport layer as we delegate responsibility to the middleware and explore transport bridges to connect disparate middleware products. A SOA facilitates the reuse of software components. The prototype will leverage the capabilities of existing legacy systems. Various custom applications and middleware solutions will be combined into one system providing the illusion of a set of homogenous services. This paper will document our journey as we implement the interoperability prototype. The team consists of software engineers with experience on the current command, telemetry and messaging systems that support the International Space Station (ISS) and Space Shuttle programs. Emphasis will be on the objectives, results and potential cost saving benefits.

Observations of the Perseids 2012 using SPOSH cameras

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Margonis, A.; Flohrer, J.; Christou, A.; Elgner, S.; Oberst, J.

2012-09-01

The Perseids are one of the most prominent annual meteor showers occurring every summer when the stream of dust particles, originating from Halley-type comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle, intersects the orbital path of the Earth. The dense core of this stream passes Earth's orbit on the 12th of August producing the maximum number of meteors. The Technical University of Berlin (TUB) and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) organize observing campaigns every summer monitoring the Perseids activity. The observations are carried out using the Smart Panoramic Optical Sensor Head (SPOSH) camera system [0]. The SPOSH camera has been developed by DLR and Jena-Optronik GmbH under an ESA/ESTEC contract and it is designed to image faint, short-lived phenomena on dark planetary hemispheres. The camera features a highly sensitive backilluminated 1024x1024 CCD chip and a high dynamic range of 14 bits. The custom-made fish-eye lens offers a 120°x120° field-of-view (168° over the diagonal). Figure 1: A meteor captured by the SPOSH cameras simultaneously during the last 2011 observing campaign in Greece. The horizon including surrounding mountains can be seen in the image corners as a result of the large FOV of the camera. The observations will be made on the Greek Peloponnese peninsula monitoring the post-peak activity of the Perseids during a one-week period around the August New Moon (14th to 21st). Two SPOSH cameras will be deployed in two remote sites in high altitudes for the triangulation of meteor trajectories captured at both stations simultaneously. The observations during this time interval will give us the possibility to study the poorly-observed postmaximum branch of the Perseid stream and compare the results with datasets from previous campaigns which covered different periods of this long-lived meteor shower. The acquired data will be processed using dedicated software for meteor data reduction developed at TUB and DLR. Assuming a successful campaign, statistics, trajectories and photometric properties of the processed double-station meteors will be presented at the conference. Furthermore, a first order statistical analysis of the meteors processed during the 2011 and the new 2012 campaigns will be presented [0].

Analysis and Evaluation of Deployment Mechanism of a Tiny Rover in a Microgravity by Drop Tower Experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nagaoka, Kenji; Yano, Hajime; Yoshimitsu, Tetsuo; Yoshida, Kazuya; Kubota, Takashi; Adachi, Tadashi; Kurisu, Masamitsu; Yatsunami, Hiroyuki; Kuroda, Yoji

This presentation introduces the analysis and evaluation of a deployment mechanism of a tiny rover by ZARM drop tower experiments. The mechanism is installed on the MINERVA-II2 system in the Hayabusa-2 project performed by JAXA. The MINERVA-II2 system includes a small exploration rover, and the rover will be released from the Hayabusa-2 spacecraft to the asteroid surface. After the rover lands on the surface, it will move over the surface and conduct scientific measurements. To achieve such a challenging mission, the deployment mechanism of the rover is one of the significant components. In particular, controlling the rover's landing velocity against the asteroid surface is required with high-reliability mechanism. In the MINERVA-II2 system, a reliable deployment mechanism using a metal spring is installed. By the simple mechanism, the rover's releasing velocity will be controlled within a required value. Although the performance evaluation and analysis are necessary before launch, it is difficult to experiment the deployment performance three-dimensionally on ground. In the MINERVA-II2 project, with the cooperation of ZARM, DLR and JAXA, we conducted microgravity experiments using a ZARM drop tower to examine the deployment performance in a three-dimensional microgravity. During the experiments, motion of the deployment mechanism and the rover were captured by an external camera mounted on the dropping chamber. After the drop, we analyzed the rover's releasing velocity based on image processing of the camera data. The experimental results confirmed that the deployment mechanism is feasible and reliable for controlling the rover's releasing velocity. In addition to the experiments, we analyzed a mechanical friction resistance of the mechanism from a theoretical viewpoint. These results contribute to design of spring stiffness and feedback to the development of the MINERVA-II2 flight model. Finally, the drop tower experiments were accomplished based on the agreement on the Hayabusa-2 project by DLR-JAXA. The chamber for the experiments was used, which was developed by the Hayabusa-2 project. In the experiments, we received technical and operations supports from ZARM. We sincerely express our acknowledgement to ZARM, DLR and JAXA.

Experimental and numerical research on the aerodynamics of unsteady moving aircraft

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bergmann, Andreas; Huebner, Andreas; Loeser, Thomas

2008-02-01

For the experimental determination of the dynamic wind tunnel data, a new combined motion test capability was developed at the German-Dutch Wind Tunnels DNW for their 3 m Low Speed Wind Tunnel NWB in Braunschweig, Germany, using a unique six degree-of-freedom test rig called ‘Model Positioning Mechanism’ (MPM) as an improved successor to the older systems. With that cutting-edge device, several transport aircraft configurations including a blended wing body configuration were tested in different modes of oscillatory motions roll, pitch and yaw as well as delta-wing geometries like X-31 equipped with remote controlled rudders and flaps to be able to simulate realistic flight maneuvers, e.g., a Dutch Roll. This paper describes the motivation behind these tests and the test setup and in addition gives a short introduction into time accurate maneuver-testing capabilities incorporating models with remote controlled control surfaces. Furthermore, the adaptation of numerical methods for the prediction of dynamic derivatives is described and some examples with the DLR-F12 configuration will be given. The calculations are based on RANS-solution using the finite volume parallel solution algorithm with an unstructured discretization concept (DLR TAU-code).

DLR HABLEG- High Altitude Balloon Launched Experimental Glider

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wlach, S.; Schwarzbauch, M.; Laiacker, M.

2015-09-01

The group Flying Robots at the DLR Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics in Oberpfaffenhofen conducts research on solar powered high altitude aircrafts. Due to the high altitude and the almost infinite mission duration, these platforms are also denoted as High Altitude Pseudo-Satellites (HAPS). This paper highlights some aspects of the design, building, integration and testing of a flying experimental platform for high altitudes. This unmanned aircraft, with a wingspan of 3 m and a mass of less than 10 kg, is meant to be launched as a glider from a high altitude balloon in 20 km altitude and shall investigate technologies for future large HAPS platforms. The aerodynamic requirements for high altitude flight included the development of a launch method allowing for a safe transition to horizontal flight from free-fall with low control authority. Due to the harsh environmental conditions in the stratosphere, the integration of electronic components in the airframe is a major effort. For regulatory reasons a reliable and situation dependent flight termination system had to be implemented. In May 2015 a flight campaign was conducted. The mission was a full success demonstrating that stratospheric research flights are feasible with rather small aircrafts.

MS Anderson checks on the CEBAS

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-01-22

STS089-357-003 (22-31 Jan. 1998) --- Astronaut Michael P. Anderson, STS-89 mission specialist, works on Endeavour's middeck with the Closed Equilibrated Biological Aquatic System (CEBAS), an experiment developed by the German Space Agency (DLR). The CEBAS mini-module, a middeck habitat for aquatic organisms, enables scientists to conduct various gravity-related experiments in the areas of zoology, botany and developmental biology, as well as in interdisciplinary areas such as scientific research on artificial ecosystems. Photo credit: NASA

Experimenting with concentrated sunlight using the DLR solar furnace

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

Neumann, A.; Groer, U.

1996-10-01

The high flux solar furnace that is operated by the Deutsche Forschungsanstalt fuer Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR) at Cologne was inaugurated in June 1994 and we are now able to look back onto one year of successful operation. The solar furnace project was founded by the government of the State Northrhine Westfalia within the Study Group AG Solar. The optical design is a two-stage off-axis configuration which uses a flat 52 m{sup 2} heliostat and a concentrator composed of 147 spherical mirror facets. The heliostat redirects the solar light onto the concentrator which focuses the beam out of the opticalmore » axis of the system into the laboratory building. At high insolation levels (>800W/m{sup 2}) it is possible to collect a total power of 20 kW with peak flux densities of 4 MW/m{sup 2}. Sixteen different experiment campaigns were carried out during this first year of operation. The main research fields for these experiments were material science, component development and solar chemistry. The furnace also has its own research program leading to develop sophisticated measurement techniques like remote infrared temperature sensing and flux mapping. Another future goal to be realized within the next five years is the improvement of the performance of the furnace itself. 6 refs., 9 figs., 1 tab.« less

New optical sensor systems for high-resolution satellite, airborne and terrestrial imaging systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eckardt, Andreas; Börner, Anko; Lehmann, Frank

2007-10-01

The department of Optical Information Systems (OS) at the Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) has more than 25 years experience with high-resolution imaging technology. The technology changes in the development of detectors, as well as the significant change of the manufacturing accuracy in combination with the engineering research define the next generation of spaceborne sensor systems focusing on Earth observation and remote sensing. The combination of large TDI lines, intelligent synchronization control, fast-readable sensors and new focal-plane concepts open the door to new remote-sensing instruments. This class of instruments is feasible for high-resolution sensor systems regarding geometry and radiometry and their data products like 3D virtual reality. Systemic approaches are essential for such designs of complex sensor systems for dedicated tasks. The system theory of the instrument inside a simulated environment is the beginning of the optimization process for the optical, mechanical and electrical designs. Single modules and the entire system have to be calibrated and verified. Suitable procedures must be defined on component, module and system level for the assembly test and verification process. This kind of development strategy allows the hardware-in-the-loop design. The paper gives an overview about the current activities at DLR in the field of innovative sensor systems for photogrammetric and remote sensing purposes.

X-38 NASA/DLR/ESA-Dassault Aviation Integrated Aerodynamic and Aerothermodynamic Activities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Labbe, Steve G.; Perez, Leo F.; Fitzgerald, Steve; Longo, Jose; Rapuc, Marc; Molina, Rafael; Nicholson, Leonard S. (Technical Monitor)

1999-01-01

The characterization of the aeroshape selected for the X-38 [Crew Return Vehicle (CRV) demonstrator] is presently being performed as a cooperative endeavour between NASA, DLR (through its TETRA Program), and European Space Agency (ESA) with Dassault Aviation integrating the aerodynamic and aerothermodynamic activities. The methodologies selected for characterizing the aerodynamic and aerothermodynamic environment of the X-38 are presented. Also, the implications for related disciplines such as Guidance Navigation and Control (GN&C) with its corresponding Flight Control System (FCS), Structural, and Thermal Protection System (TPS) design are discussed. An attempt is made at defining the additional activities required to support the design of a derived operational CRV.

Windtunnel Rebuilding And Extrapolation To Flight At Transsonic Speed For ExoMars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fertig, Markus; Neeb, Dominik; Gulhan, Ali

2011-05-01

The static as well as the dynamic behaviour of the EXOMARS vehicle in the transonic velocity regime has been investigated experimentally by the Supersonic and Hypersonic Technology Department of DLR in order to investigate the behaviour prior to parachute opening. Since the experimental work was performed in air, a numerical extrapolation to flight by means of CFD is necessary. At low supersonic speed this extrapolation to flight was performed by the Spacecraft Department of the Institute of Flow Technology of DLR employing the CFD code TAU. Numerical as well as experimental results for the wind tunnel test at Mach 1.2 will be compared and discussed for three different angles of attack.

Adherence to the 2006 American Heart Association Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations for cardiovascular disease risk reduction is associated with bone health in older Puerto Ricans123

PubMed Central

Bhupathiraju, Shilpa N; Lichtenstein, Alice H; Dawson-Hughes, Bess; Hannan, Marian T

2013-01-01

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and osteoporosis are 2 major public health problems that share common pathophysiological mechanisms. It is possible that strategies to reduce CVD risk may also benefit bone health. Objective: We tested the hypothesis that adherence to the 2006 American Heart Association Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations (AHA-DLR) is associated with bone health. Design: We previously developed a unique diet and lifestyle score (American Heart Association Diet and Lifestyle Score; AHA-DLS) to assess adherence to the AHA-DLR. In a cross-sectional study of 933 Puerto Ricans aged 47–79 y, we modified the AHA-DLS to test associations with bone health. Bone mineral density (BMD) at the femoral neck, trochanter, total hip, and lumbar spine (L2–L4) was measured by using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results: For every 5-unit increase in the modified AHA-DLS, BMD at the femoral neck, trochanter, total hip, and lumbar spine (L2–L4) was associated with a 0.005–0.008-g/cm2 (P < 0.05) higher value. No component of the AHA-DLR alone was responsible for the observed positive associations. For every 5-unit increase in the modified AHA-DLS, the odds for osteoporosis or osteopenia at the trochanter, total hip, and lumbar spine (L2–L4) were lower by 14% (OR: 0.86; 95% CI: 0.79, 0.92), 17% (OR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.76, 0.92), and 9% (OR: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.84, 0.99), respectively. Conclusions: Dietary guidelines for CVD risk reduction may also benefit bone health in this Hispanic cohort. Synchronizing dietary guidelines for these 2 common diseases may provide a simplified public health message. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01231958. PMID:24047918

Germany's Option for a Moon Satellite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Quantius, Dominik

The German non-profit amateur satellite organisation AMSAT-Deutschland successfully de-signed, built and launched four HEO satellites in the last three decades. Now they are going to build a satellite to leave the Earth orbit based on their flight-proven P3-D satellite design. Due to energetic constraints the most suitable launch date for the planned P5-A satellite to Mars will be in 2018. To efficiently use the relatively long time gap until launch a possible prior Moon mission came into mind. In co-operation with the DLR-Institute of Space Systems in Bremen, Germany, two studies on systems level for a first P5 satellite towards Moon and a following one towards Mars have been performed. By using the DLR's Concurrent Engineering Facility (CEF) two consistent satellite concepts were designed including mission analysis, configuration, propulsion, subsystem dimensioning, payload selection, budgeting and cost. The present paper gives an insight in the accomplished design process and the results of the performed study towards Moon. The developed Moon orbiter is designed to carry the following four main instruments besides flexible communication abilities: • slewable HDTV camera combined with a high gain antenna that allows receiving lunar television using a commercially available satellite TV dish on Earth • sensor imaging infrared spectrometer for mineralogy of lunar silicates and lunar surface temperature measurements • camera for detection and monitoring of impact flashes in visible light (VIS) on lunar night side caused by meteoroid impact events • camera technology test for interplanetary navigation and planetary approach navigation. This study presents a non-industrial satellite concept that could be launched as piggyback load on Ariane 5 into GTO. Due to the fact, that the satellite would be built by the private sector, the mission costs would remain low. Otherwise the scientific and public output would be high using that satellite bus for the instruments contributed by DLR.

FireBird - a small satellite fire monitoring mission: Status and first results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lorenz, Eckehard; Rücker, Gernot; Terzibaschian, Thomas; Klein, Doris; Tiemann, Joachim

2014-05-01

The scientific mission FireBird is operated by the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and consists of two small satellites. The first satellite - TET-1 - was successfully launched from Baikonur, Russia in July 2012. Its first year in orbit was dedicated to a number of experiments within the framework of the DLR On Orbit Verification (OOV) program which is dedicated to technology testing in space. After successful completion of its OOV phase, TET-1 was handed over to the DLR FireBird mission and is now a dedicated Earth Observation mission. Its primary goal is sensing of hot phenomena such as wildfires, volcanoes, gas flares and industrial hotspots. The second satellite, BiROS is scheduled for launch in the second or third quarter of 2015. The satellite builds on the heritage of the DLR BIRD (BIspectral Infrared Detection) mission and delivers quantitative information (such as Fire Radiative Power, FRP) at a spatial resolution of 350 m, superior to any current fire enabled satellite system such as NPP VIIRS, MODIS or Meteosat SEVIRI. The satellite is undergoing a four month validation phase during which satellite operations are adapted to the new mission goals of FireBIRD and processing capacities are established to guarantee swift processing and delivery of high quality data. The validation phase started with an informal Operational Readiness Review and will be completed with a formal review, covering all aspects of the space and ground segments. The satellite is equipped with a camera with a 42 m ground pixel size in the red, green and near infrared spectral range, and a 370 m ground pixel size camera in the mid and thermal infrared with a swath of 185 km. The satellite can be pointed towards a target in order to enhance observation frequency. First results of the FireBird mission include a ground validation experiment and acquisitions over fires across the world. Once the validation phase is finished the data will be made available to a wide scientific community.

How sensitive are estimates of carbon fixation in agricultural models to input data?

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Process based vegetation models are central to understand the hydrological and carbon cycle. To achieve useful results at regional to global scales, such models require various input data from a wide range of earth observations. Since the geographical extent of these datasets varies from local to global scale, data quality and validity is of major interest when they are chosen for use. It is important to assess the effect of different input datasets in terms of quality to model outputs. In this article, we reflect on both: the uncertainty in input data and the reliability of model results. For our case study analysis we selected the Marchfeld region in Austria. We used independent meteorological datasets from the Central Institute for Meteorology and Geodynamics and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). Land cover / land use information was taken from the GLC2000 and the CORINE 2000 products. Results For our case study analysis we selected two different process based models: the Environmental Policy Integrated Climate (EPIC) and the Biosphere Energy Transfer Hydrology (BETHY/DLR) model. Both process models show a congruent pattern to changes in input data. The annual variability of NPP reaches 36% for BETHY/DLR and 39% for EPIC when changing major input datasets. However, EPIC is less sensitive to meteorological input data than BETHY/DLR. The ECMWF maximum temperatures show a systematic pattern. Temperatures above 20°C are overestimated, whereas temperatures below 20°C are underestimated, resulting in an overall underestimation of NPP in both models. Besides, BETHY/DLR is sensitive to the choice and accuracy of the land cover product. Discussion This study shows that the impact of input data uncertainty on modelling results need to be assessed: whenever the models are applied under new conditions, local data should be used for both input and result comparison. PMID:22296931

The Prefrontal Model Revisited: Double Dissociations Between Young Sleep Deprived and Elderly Subjects on Cognitive Components of Performance

PubMed Central

Tucker, Adrienne M.; Stern, Yaakov; Basner, Robert C.; Rakitin, Brian C.

2011-01-01

Study Objectives: The prefrontal model suggests that total sleep deprivation (TSD) and healthy aging produce parallel cognitive deficits. Here we decompose global performance on two common tasks into component measures of specific cognitive processes to pinpoint the source of impairments in elderly and young TSD participants relative to young controls and to each other. Setting: The delayed letter recognition task (DLR) was performed in 3 studies. The psychomotor vigilance task (PVT) was performed in 1 of the DLR studies and 2 additional studies. Subjects: For DLR, young TSD (n = 20, age = 24.60 ± 0.62 years) and young control (n = 17, age = 24.00 ± 2.42); elderly (n = 26, age = 69.92 ± 1.06). For the PVT, young TSD (n = 18, age = 26.65 ± 4.57) and young control (n = 16, age = 25.19 ± 2.90); elderly (n = 21, age = 71.1 ± 4.92). Measurements and Results: Both elderly and young TSD subjects displayed impaired reaction time (RT), our measure of global performance, on both tasks relative to young controls. After decomposing global performance on the DLR, however, a double dissociation was observed as working memory scanning speed was impaired only in elderly subjects while other components of performance were impaired only by TSD. Similarly, for the PVT a second double dissociation was observed as vigilance impairments were present only in TSD while short-term response preparation effects were altered only in the elderly. Conclusions: The similarity between TSD and the elderly in impaired performance was evident only when examining global RT. In contrast, when specific cognitive components were examined double dissociations were observed between TSD and elderly subjects. This demonstrates the heterogeneity in those cognitive processes impaired in TSD versus the elderly. Citation: Tucker AM; Stern Y; Basner RC; Rakitin BC. The prefrontal model revisited: double dissociations between young sleep deprived and elderly subjects on cognitive components of performance. SLEEP 2011;34(8):1039-1050. PMID:21804666

Model-based software engineering for an optical navigation system for spacecraft

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Franz, T.; Lüdtke, D.; Maibaum, O.; Gerndt, A.

2017-09-01

The project Autonomous Terrain-based Optical Navigation (ATON) at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) is developing an optical navigation system for future landing missions on celestial bodies such as the moon or asteroids. Image data obtained by optical sensors can be used for autonomous determination of the spacecraft's position and attitude. Camera-in-the-loop experiments in the Testbed for Robotic Optical Navigation (TRON) laboratory and flight campaigns with unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) are performed to gather flight data for further development and to test the system in a closed-loop scenario. The software modules are executed in the C++ Tasking Framework that provides the means to concurrently run the modules in separated tasks, send messages between tasks, and schedule task execution based on events. Since the project is developed in collaboration with several institutes in different domains at DLR, clearly defined and well-documented interfaces are necessary. Preventing misconceptions caused by differences between various development philosophies and standards turned out to be challenging. After the first development cycles with manual Interface Control Documents (ICD) and manual implementation of the complex interactions between modules, we switched to a model-based approach. The ATON model covers a graphical description of the modules, their parameters and communication patterns. Type and consistency checks on this formal level help to reduce errors in the system. The model enables the generation of interfaces and unified data types as well as their documentation. Furthermore, the C++ code for the exchange of data between the modules and the scheduling of the software tasks is created automatically. With this approach, changing the data flow in the system or adding additional components (e.g., a second camera) have become trivial.

Model-based software engineering for an optical navigation system for spacecraft

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Franz, T.; Lüdtke, D.; Maibaum, O.; Gerndt, A.

2018-06-01

The project Autonomous Terrain-based Optical Navigation (ATON) at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) is developing an optical navigation system for future landing missions on celestial bodies such as the moon or asteroids. Image data obtained by optical sensors can be used for autonomous determination of the spacecraft's position and attitude. Camera-in-the-loop experiments in the Testbed for Robotic Optical Navigation (TRON) laboratory and flight campaigns with unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) are performed to gather flight data for further development and to test the system in a closed-loop scenario. The software modules are executed in the C++ Tasking Framework that provides the means to concurrently run the modules in separated tasks, send messages between tasks, and schedule task execution based on events. Since the project is developed in collaboration with several institutes in different domains at DLR, clearly defined and well-documented interfaces are necessary. Preventing misconceptions caused by differences between various development philosophies and standards turned out to be challenging. After the first development cycles with manual Interface Control Documents (ICD) and manual implementation of the complex interactions between modules, we switched to a model-based approach. The ATON model covers a graphical description of the modules, their parameters and communication patterns. Type and consistency checks on this formal level help to reduce errors in the system. The model enables the generation of interfaces and unified data types as well as their documentation. Furthermore, the C++ code for the exchange of data between the modules and the scheduling of the software tasks is created automatically. With this approach, changing the data flow in the system or adding additional components (e.g., a second camera) have become trivial.

Development of silicon carbide mirrors: the example of the Sofia secondary mirror

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fruit, Michel; Antoine, Pascal

2017-11-01

The 352 mm tip-tilt SOFIA Secondary Mirror has been developed by the ASTRIUM / BOOSTEC joint venture SiCSPACE, taking full benefit of the intrinsic properties of the BOOSTEC S-SiC sintered material, associated to qualified processes specifically developed for space borne mirrors by ASTRIUM SAS. Achieved performances include a low mass of 1.7 kg, a very high stiffness with a first resonant frequency higher than 2000 Hz and an optical surface accuracy corresponding to a maximum WFE of 50 nm rms. This mirror is part of the joint NASA-DLR project for a 2.5 m airborne Stratospheric Observatory For Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA).

Resistance of Antarctic black fungi and cryptoendolithic communities to simulated space and Martian conditions

PubMed Central

Onofri, S.; Barreca, D.; Selbmann, L.; Isola, D.; Rabbow, E.; Horneck, G.; de Vera, J.P.P.; Hatton, J.; Zucconi, L.

2008-01-01

Dried colonies of the Antarctic rock-inhabiting meristematic fungi Cryomyces antarcticus CCFEE 515, CCFEE 534 and C. minteri CCFEE 5187, as well as fragments of rocks colonized by the Antarctic cryptoendolithic community, were exposed to a set of ground-based experiment verification tests (EVTs) at the German Aerospace Center (DLR, Köln, Germany). These were carried out to test the tolerance of these organisms in view of their possible exposure to space conditions outside of the International Space Station (ISS). Tests included single or combined simulated space and Martian conditions. Responses were analysed both by cultural and microscopic methods. Thereby, colony formation capacities were measured and the cellular viability was assessed using live/dead dyes FUN 1 and SYTOX Green. The results clearly suggest a general good resistance of all the samples investigated. C. minteri CCFEE 5187, C. antarcticus CCFEE 515 and colonized rocks were selected as suitable candidates to withstand space flight and long-term permanence in space on the ISS in the framework of the LIchens and Fungi Experiments (LIFE programme, European Space Agency). PMID:19287532

Dual Probe Digital Sampling (DPDS) Technique for Rotor Flows--Review of the Development and an Assessment Based on Early Results.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-04-01

in stark fluktuierender Str ~ mung , insbesondere in Turbo- maschinen." DLR-FB 74-34, 1974. 35. Weyer, H. B., and Schodl, R., "Unsteady Flow Measurements...Untersuchungen Uber den Einfluss der KonizitAt auf die Str ~ mung durch Turbinengitter im transsonischen Geschwindigkeitsbereich (2. Arbeits- fortschrittsbericht...Konizitit auf die Str ~5mung durch Turbinengitter im transsonischen Geschwindigkeitsbereich," DFVLR-Report lB 222 82 A 01 (1982). 91. -. ~~ ~ ;l, ;;J10

Free-Piston Shock Tunnel Test Technique Development: An AEDC/DLR Cooperative Program

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-02-01

Calibration Data." AIAA-95-6039, April 1995. 15. Molvik, G. A., and Merkle , C. L. "A Set of Strongly Coupled, Upwind Algorithms for Com- puting Flows in...April 1997. h. Date of Termination: 28 April 2002. i. All Signing Officials, Title/Offices Represented, and Countries: (1) Herr Rolf Schreiber, Chief...agreement by the RTP MOU Executive Agents. The US RTP/EA Signature Signature Clinton V. Hom, Maj Gen. USAF Rolf Schreiber Name Name Principal Assistant

Fast steering mirror for laser communication

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Langenbach, Harald; Schmid, Manfred

2005-07-01

Future multimedia satellites require communication at large bandwidth which can be achieved by means of optical communication links. TESAT Spacecom is currently developing a Laser Communication Terminal (LCT) for such applications under DLR contract. EADS Astrium is developing and building the mechanisms for Pointing, Acquisition and Tracking (PAT) of the laser beam between two Laser Communication Terminals. Based on this development work the development of mechanism H/W to be flown on TerraSar X is currently under way. After a short description of the general arrangement of the Mechanisms inside the LCT, the paper describes the design of the fast steering mirrors (FSM) reflecting the critical requirements and the solutions how to achieve them.

An adaptive spoiler to control the transonic shock

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bein, Th; Hanselka, H.; Breitbach, E.

2000-04-01

Market research predicts, for the aircraft industry, a large growth in the number of passengers as well as the airfreight rate with the result of this leading to increased competition for the European aircraft industry, the efficiency of new aircraft has to be improved drastically. One approach, among others, is the aerodynamic optimization of the wing. The fixed wing is designed optimally only for one flight condition. This flight condition is described by the parameters altitude, mach number and aircraft weight, all of which permanently vary during the mission of the aircraft. Therefore, the aircraft is just periodically near to the chosen design point. To compensate for this major disadvantage, an `adaptive wing' for optimal adaptation and variation of the profile geometry to the actual flight conditions will be developed. Daimler-Benz Aerospace Airbus, Daimler-Benz Research and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) are working as project partners on concepts for a variable camber and a local spoiler bump. In this paper a structural concept developed by the DLR for the adaptive spoiler will be presented. The concept is designed under the aspect of adaptive structural systems and requires a high integration of actuators, sensor and controllers in the structure. Special aspects of the design will be discussed and the first results, analytical, numerical as well as experimental, will be presented. Part of the concept design is also the development of new actuators optimized for the specific problem. A new actuator concept for the adaptive spoiler based on a cylindrical tube and activated either by pressure or multifunctional materials (e.g. shape memory alloys) will additionally be shown.

Airborne camera and spectrometer experiments and data evaluation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lehmann, F. F.; Bucher, T.; Pless, S.; Wohlfeil, J.; Hirschmüller, H.

2009-09-01

New stereo push broom camera systems have been developed at German Aerospace Centre (DLR). The new small multispectral systems (Multi Functional Camerahead - MFC, Advanced Multispectral Scanner - AMS) are light weight, compact and display three or five RGB stereo lines of 8000, 10 000 or 14 000 pixels, which are used for stereo processing and the generation of Digital Surface Models (DSM) and near True Orthoimage Mosaics (TOM). Simultaneous acquisition of different types of MFC-cameras for infrared and RGB data has been successfully tested. All spectral channels record the image data in full resolution, pan-sharpening is not necessary. Analogue to the line scanner data an automatic processing chain for UltraCamD and UltraCamX exists. The different systems have been flown for different types of applications; main fields of interest among others are environmental applications (flooding simulations, monitoring tasks, classification) and 3D-modelling (e.g. city mapping). From the DSM and TOM data Digital Terrain Models (DTM) and 3D city models are derived. Textures for the facades are taken from oblique orthoimages, which are created from the same input data as the TOM and the DOM. The resulting models are characterised by high geometric accuracy and the perfect fit of image data and DSM. The DLR is permanently developing and testing a wide range of sensor types and imaging platforms for terrestrial and space applications. The MFC-sensors have been flown in combination with laser systems and imaging spectrometers and special data fusion products have been developed. These products include hyperspectral orthoimages and 3D hyperspectral data.

An Innovative Short Arm Centrifuge for Future Studies on the Effects of Artificial Gravity on the Human Body

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frett, Timo; Mayrhofer, Michael; Schwandtner, Johann; Anken, Ralf; Petrat, Guido

2014-11-01

In July 2013, the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Cologne, Germany, commissioned its new medical research facility :envihab. One central element of the facility is a new type of short radius centrifuge called DLR-SAHC 1 (formerly known as :enviFuge), which has been developed in collaboration with AMST Systemtechnik GmbH, Ranshofen, Austria. The shift of subjects above heart-level on a short arm centrifuge allows unique studies on, e.g., the cardiovascular regulation in surroundings with a high gradient of artificial gravity. Equipped with the capacity to move the four nacelles along the acceleration axis simultaneously and independently from each other, the centrifuge allows the possibility to perform up to four complex trials in parallel. The maximal acceleration is 6 g at the foot level and each nacelle can accomodate an up to 150kg payload. Additional equipment can be mounted on two payload bays with a capacity of 100kg each. Standard features of the centrifuge include a motion capturing system with six cameras and two triaxial force plates to study the kinematics of physical exercise (e.g., squatting, jumping or vibration training) under increased gravity. Future projects involving SAHC 1 will allow the development and testing of potential countermeasures and training methods against the negative effects of weightlessness in space on human physiology. Due to the centrifuge's capability to hold heavy equipment, carrying out a variety of non-human life science experiments requiring complex and heavy hardware is also fully feasible.

X-SAR: The X-band synthetic aperture radar on board the Space Shuttle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Werner, Marian U.

1993-01-01

The X-band synthetic aperture radar (X-SAR) is the German/Italian contribution to the NASA/JPL Shuttle Radar Lab missions as part of the preparation for the Earth Observation System (EOS) program. The Shuttle Radar Lab is a combination of several radars: an L-band (1.2 GHz) and a C-band (5.3 GHz) multipolarization SAR known as SIR-C (Shuttle Imaging Radar); and an X-band (9.6 GHz) vertically polarized SAR which will be operated synchronously over the same target areas to deliver calibrated multifrequency and multipolarization SAR data at multiple incidence angles from space. A joint German/Italian project office at DARA (German Space Agency) is responsible for the management of the X-SAR project. The space hardware has been developed and manufactured under industrial contract by Dornier and Alenia Spazio. Besides supporting all the technical and scientific tasks, DLR, in cooperation with ASI (Agencia Spaziale Italiano) is responsible for mission operation, calibration, and high precision SAR processing. In addition, DLR developed an airborne X-band SAR to support the experimenters with campaigns to prepare for the missions. The main advantage of adding a shorter wavelength (3 cm) radar to the SIR-C radars is the X-band radar's weaker penetration into vegetation and soil and its high sensitivity to surface roughness and associated phenomena. The performance of each of the three radars is comparable with respect to radiometric and geometric resolution.

Application of a Full Reynolds Stress Model to High Lift Flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee-Rausch, E. M.; Rumsey, C. L.; Eisfeld, B.

2016-01-01

A recently developed second-moment Reynolds stress model was applied to two challenging high-lift flows: (1) transonic flow over the ONERA M6 wing, and (2) subsonic flow over the DLR-F11 wing-body configuration from the second AIAA High Lift Prediction Workshop. In this study, the Reynolds stress model results were contrasted with those obtained from one- and two{equation turbulence models, and were found to be competitive in terms of the prediction of shock location and separation. For an ONERA M6 case, results from multiple codes, grids, and models were compared, with the Reynolds stress model tending to yield a slightly smaller shock-induced separation bubble near the wing tip than the simpler models, but all models were fairly close to the limited experimental surface pressure data. For a series of high-lift DLR{F11 cases, the range of results was more limited, but there was indication that the Reynolds stress model yielded less-separated results than the one-equation model near maximum lift. These less-separated results were similar to results from the one-equation model with a quadratic constitutive relation. Additional computations need to be performed before a more definitive assessment of the Reynolds stress model can be made.

International Microgravity Plasma Facility IMPF: A Multi-User Modular Research Facility for Complex Plasma Research on ISS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seurig, R.; Burfeindt, J.; Castegini, R.; Griethe, W.; Hofmann, P.

2002-01-01

On March 03, 2001, the PKE-Nefedov plasma experiment was successfully put into operation on board ISS. This complex plasma experiment is the predecessor for the semi-autonomous multi-user facility IMPF (International Microgravity Plasma Facility) to be flown in 2006 with an expected operational lifetime of 10 years. IMPF is envisioned to be an international research facility for investigators in the field of multi-component plasmas containing ions, electrons, and charged microparticles. This research filed is often referred to as "complex plasmas". The actual location of IMPF on ISS is not decided yet; potential infrastructure under consideration are EXPRESS Rack, Standard Interface Rack SIR, European Drawer Rack EDR, or a to be designed custom rack infrastructure on the Russian Segment. The actual development status of the DLR funded Pre-phase B Study for IMPF will be presented. For this phase, IMPF was assumed to be integrated in an EXPRESS Rack requiring four middeck lockers with two 4-PU ISIS drawers for accommodation. Technical and operational challenges, like a 240 Mbytes/sec continuous experimental data stream for 60 minutes, will be addressed. The project was funded by the German Space Agency (DLR) and was performed in close cooperation with scientists from the Max-Planck-Institute for Extraterrestical Physics in Munich, Germany.

Atom-chip-based interferometry with Bose-Einstein condensates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gebbe, Martina; Abend, Sven; Gersemann, Matthias; Ahlers, Holger; Muentinga, Hauke; Herrmann, Sven; Laemmerzahl, Claus; Ertmer, Wolfgang; Rasel, Ernst M.; Quantus Collaboration

2017-04-01

Due to their small spatial and momentum width ultracold Bose-Einstein condensates (BEC) or even delta-kick collimated (DKC) atomic ensembles are very well suited for high precision atom interferometry and measure, for example, inertial forces with high accuracy. We generate such an ensemble in a miniaturized atom-chip setup, where BEC generation and DKC can be performed in a fast and reliable way. Using the chip as a retroreflector we have realized the first atom-chip-based gravimeter. All atom-optical operations including detection take place inside a volume of a one centimeter cube. In order to investigate new geometries we studied symmetric double Bragg diffraction as well as the coherent acceleration of atoms with Bloch oscillations. By combining both techniques we developed a novel relaunch mechanism, which we use to span a fountain geometry within our gravimeter. The relaunch increases the free fall time and, thus, enhances the device's sensitivity. Additionally, we employ these techniques to implement symmetric scalable large momentum beam splitters. This work is supported by the CRC 1128 geo-Q and the DLR with funds provided by the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) due to an enactment of the German Bundestag under Grant No. DLR 50WM1552-1557 (QUANTUS-IV-Fallturm).

A single secreted luciferase-based gene reporter assay.

PubMed

Barriscale, Kathy A; O'Sullivan, Sharon A; McCarthy, Tommie V

2014-05-15

Promoter analysis typically employs a reporter gene fused to a test promoter combined with a second reporter fused to a control promoter that is used for normalization purposes. However, this approach is not valid when experimental conditions affect the control promoter. We have developed and validated a single secreted luciferase reporter (SSLR) assay for promoter analysis that avoids the use of a control reporter. The approach uses an early level of expression of a secreted luciferase linked to a test promoter as an internal normalization control for subsequent analysis of the same promoter. Comparison of the SSLR assay with the dual luciferase reporter (DLR) assay using HMGCR (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase) and LDLR (low-density lipoprotein receptor) promoter constructs, which are down-regulated by 25-hydroxycholesterol, show that both assays yield similar results. Comparison of the response of the HMGCR promoter in SSLR transient assays compared very favorably with the response of the same promoter in the stable cell line. Overall, the SSLR assay proved to be a valid alternative to the DLR assay for certain applications and had significant advantages in that measurement of only one luciferase is required and monitoring can be continuous because cell lysis is not necessary. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Revising shortwave and longwave radiation archives in view of possible revisions of the WSG and WISG reference scales: methods and implications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nyeki, Stephan; Wacker, Stefan; Gröbner, Julian; Finsterle, Wolfgang; Wild, Martin

2017-08-01

A large number of radiometers are traceable to the World Standard Group (WSG) for shortwave radiation and the interim World Infrared Standard Group (WISG) for longwave radiation, hosted by the Physikalisch-Meteorologisches Observatorium Davos/World Radiation Centre (PMOD/WRC, Davos, Switzerland). The WSG and WISG have recently been found to over- and underestimate radiation values, respectively (Fehlmann et al., 2012; Gröbner et al., 2014), although research is still ongoing. In view of a possible revision of the reference scales of both standard groups, this study discusses the methods involved and the implications on existing archives of radiation time series, such as the Baseline Surface Radiation Network (BSRN). Based on PMOD/WRC calibration archives and BSRN data archives, the downward longwave radiation (DLR) time series over the 2006-2015 period were analysed at four stations (polar and mid-latitude locations). DLR was found to increase by up to 3.5 and 5.4 W m-2 for all-sky and clear-sky conditions, respectively, after applying a WISG reference scale correction and a minor correction for the dependence of pyrgeometer sensitivity on atmospheric integrated water vapour content. Similar increases in DLR may be expected at other BSRN stations. Based on our analysis, a number of recommendations are made for future studies.

Testing of DLR C/C-SiC for HIFiRE 8 Scramjet Combustor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Glass, David E.; Capriotti, Diego P.; Reimer, Thomas; Kutemeyer, Marius; Smart, Michael

2013-01-01

Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs) have been proposed for hot structures in scramjet combustors. Previous studies have calculated significant weight savings by utilizing CMCs (active and passive) versus actively cooled metallic scramjet structures. Both a C/C and a C/C-SiC material system fabricated by DLR (Stuttgart, Germany) are being considered for use in a passively cooled combustor design for HIFiRE 8, a joint Australia / AFRL hypersonic flight program, expected to fly at Mach 7 for approximately 30 sec, at a dynamic pressure of 55 kPa. Flat panels of the DLR C/C and the C/C-SiC were tested in the NASA Langley Direct Connect Rig (DCR) at Mach 5 and Mach 6 enthalpy for several minutes. Gaseous hydrogen fuel was used to fuel the scramjet combustor. The test panels were instrumented with embedded Type K and Type S thermocouples. Zirconia felt insulation was used in some of the tests to increase the surface temperature of the C/C-SiC panel for approximately 350degF. The final C/C-SiC panel was tested for 3 cycles totaling over 135 sec at Mach 6 enthalpy. Slightly more erosion was observed on the C/C panel than the C/C-SiC panels, but both material systems demonstrated acceptable recession performance for the HIFiRE 8 flight.

A cascaded model of spectral distortions due to spectral response effects and pulse pileup effects in a photon-counting x-ray detector for CT

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

Cammin, Jochen, E-mail: jcammin1@jhmi.edu, E-mail: ktaguchi@jhmi.edu; Taguchi, Katsuyuki, E-mail: jcammin1@jhmi.edu, E-mail: ktaguchi@jhmi.edu; Xu, Jennifer

Purpose: Energy discriminating, photon-counting detectors (PCDs) are an emerging technology for computed tomography (CT) with various potential benefits for clinical CT. The photon energies measured by PCDs can be distorted due to the interactions of a photon with the detector and the interaction of multiple coincident photons. These effects result in distorted recorded x-ray spectra which may lead to artifacts in reconstructed CT images and inaccuracies in tissue identification. Model-based compensation techniques have the potential to account for the distortion effects. This approach requires only a small number of parameters and is applicable to a wide range of spectra andmore » count rates, but it needs an accurate model of the spectral distortions occurring in PCDs. The purpose of this study was to develop a model of those spectral distortions and to evaluate the model using a PCD (model DXMCT-1; DxRay, Inc., Northridge, CA) and various x-ray spectra in a wide range of count rates. Methods: The authors hypothesize that the complex phenomena of spectral distortions can be modeled by: (1) separating them into count-rate independent factors that we call the spectral response effects (SRE), and count-rate dependent factors that we call the pulse pileup effects (PPE), (2) developing separate models for SRE and PPE, and (3) cascading the SRE and PPE models into a combined SRE+PPE model that describes PCD distortions at both low and high count rates. The SRE model describes the probability distribution of the recorded spectrum, with a photo peak and a continuum tail, given the incident photon energy. Model parameters were obtained from calibration measurements with three radioisotopes and then interpolated linearly for other energies. The PPE model used was developed in the authors’ previous work [K. Taguchi et al., “Modeling the performance of a photon counting x-ray detector for CT: Energy response and pulse pileup effects,” Med. Phys. 38(2), 1089–1102 (2011)]. The agreement between the x-ray spectra calculated by the cascaded SRE+PPE model and the measured spectra was evaluated for various levels of deadtime loss ratios (DLR) and incident spectral shapes, realized using different attenuators, in terms of the weighted coefficient of variation (COV{sub W}), i.e., the root mean square difference weighted by the statistical errors of the data and divided by the mean. Results: At low count rates, when DLR < 10%, the distorted spectra measured by the DXMCT-1 were in agreement with those calculated by SRE only, with COV{sub W}'s less than 4%. At higher count rates, the measured spectra were also in agreement with the ones calculated by the cascaded SRE+PPE model; with PMMA as attenuator, COV{sub W} was 5.6% at a DLR of 22% and as small as 6.7% for a DLR as high as 55%. Conclusions: The x-ray spectra calculated by the proposed model agreed with the measured spectra over a wide range of count rates and spectral shapes. The SRE model predicted the distorted, recorded spectra with low count rates over various types and thicknesses of attenuators. The study also validated the hypothesis that the complex spectral distortions in a PCD can be adequately modeled by cascading the count-rate independent SRE and the count-rate dependent PPE.« less

A cascaded model of spectral distortions due to spectral response effects and pulse pileup effects in a photon-counting x-ray detector for CT

PubMed Central

Cammin, Jochen; Xu, Jennifer; Barber, William C.; Iwanczyk, Jan S.; Hartsough, Neal E.; Taguchi, Katsuyuki

2014-01-01

Purpose: Energy discriminating, photon-counting detectors (PCDs) are an emerging technology for computed tomography (CT) with various potential benefits for clinical CT. The photon energies measured by PCDs can be distorted due to the interactions of a photon with the detector and the interaction of multiple coincident photons. These effects result in distorted recorded x-ray spectra which may lead to artifacts in reconstructed CT images and inaccuracies in tissue identification. Model-based compensation techniques have the potential to account for the distortion effects. This approach requires only a small number of parameters and is applicable to a wide range of spectra and count rates, but it needs an accurate model of the spectral distortions occurring in PCDs. The purpose of this study was to develop a model of those spectral distortions and to evaluate the model using a PCD (model DXMCT-1; DxRay, Inc., Northridge, CA) and various x-ray spectra in a wide range of count rates. Methods: The authors hypothesize that the complex phenomena of spectral distortions can be modeled by: (1) separating them into count-rate independent factors that we call the spectral response effects (SRE), and count-rate dependent factors that we call the pulse pileup effects (PPE), (2) developing separate models for SRE and PPE, and (3) cascading the SRE and PPE models into a combined SRE+PPE model that describes PCD distortions at both low and high count rates. The SRE model describes the probability distribution of the recorded spectrum, with a photo peak and a continuum tail, given the incident photon energy. Model parameters were obtained from calibration measurements with three radioisotopes and then interpolated linearly for other energies. The PPE model used was developed in the authors’ previous work [K. Taguchi , “Modeling the performance of a photon counting x-ray detector for CT: Energy response and pulse pileup effects,” Med. Phys. 38(2), 1089–1102 (2011)]. The agreement between the x-ray spectra calculated by the cascaded SRE+PPE model and the measured spectra was evaluated for various levels of deadtime loss ratios (DLR) and incident spectral shapes, realized using different attenuators, in terms of the weighted coefficient of variation (COVW), i.e., the root mean square difference weighted by the statistical errors of the data and divided by the mean. Results: At low count rates, when DLR < 10%, the distorted spectra measured by the DXMCT-1 were in agreement with those calculated by SRE only, with COVW's less than 4%. At higher count rates, the measured spectra were also in agreement with the ones calculated by the cascaded SRE+PPE model; with PMMA as attenuator, COVW was 5.6% at a DLR of 22% and as small as 6.7% for a DLR as high as 55%. Conclusions: The x-ray spectra calculated by the proposed model agreed with the measured spectra over a wide range of count rates and spectral shapes. The SRE model predicted the distorted, recorded spectra with low count rates over various types and thicknesses of attenuators. The study also validated the hypothesis that the complex spectral distortions in a PCD can be adequately modeled by cascading the count-rate independent SRE and the count-rate dependent PPE. PMID:24694136

Process optimization for the preparation of oligomycin-loaded folate-conjugated chitosan nanoparticles as a tumor-targeted drug delivery system using a two-level factorial design method.

PubMed

Zu, Yuangang; Zhao, Qi; Zhao, Xiuhua; Zu, Shuchong; Meng, Li

2011-01-01

Oligomycin-A (Oli-A), an anticancer drug, was loaded to the folate (FA)-conjugated chitosan as a tumor-targeted drug delivery system for the purpose of overcoming the nonspecific targeting characteristics and the hydrophobicity of the compound. The two-level factorial design (2-LFD) was applied to modeling the preparation process, which was composed of five independent variables, namely FA-conjugated chitosan (FA-CS) concentration, Oli-A concentration, sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) concentration, the mass ratio of FA-CS to TPP, and crosslinking time. The mean particle size (MPS) and the drug loading rate (DLR) of the resulting Oli-loaded FA-CS nanoparticles (FA-Oli-CSNPs) were used as response variables. The interactive effects of the five independent variables on the response variables were studied. The characteristics of the nanoparticles, such as amount of FA conjugation, drug entrapment rate (DER), DLR, surface morphology, and release kinetics properties in vitro were investigated. The FA-Oli-CSNPs with MPS of 182.6 nm, DER of 17.3%, DLR of 58.5%, and zeta potential (ZP) of 24.6 mV were obtained under optimum conditions. The amount of FA conjugation was 45.9 mg/g chitosan. The FA-Oli-CSNPs showed sustained-release characteristics for 576 hours in vitro. The results indicated that FA-Oli-CSNPs obtained as a targeted drug delivery system could be effective in the therapy of leukemia in the future.

Anthropogenic plumes from metropolitan areas and biomass burning emissions in West Africa during DACCIWA - airborne measurements on board the DLR Falcon 20

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stratmann, Greta; Schlager, Hans; Sauer, Daniel; Brocchi, Vanessa; Catoire, Valery; Baumann, Robert

2017-04-01

The DACCIWA (Dynamics-Aerosol-Chemistry-Cloud Interactions over West Africa) airborne field campaign was conducted in Southern West Africa in June/July 2016. Three European research aircraft (DLR - Falcon 20, SAFIRE - ATR 42 and BAS - Twin Otter) were deployed from Lomé/Togo and conducted research flights across Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo and Benin. On board the DLR Falcon O3, SO2, CO, NO2 and aerosol fine mode particle number concentration and size distribution were measured during a total of 12 scientific flights. Until now only few airborne trace gas measurements were conducted in Southern West Africa. Therefore, this field experiment contributes to the knowledge of the chemical composition of the lower troposphere between 0 - 4 km. During several flights pollution plumes from major population centers - Lomé/Togo, Accra/Ghana, Kumasi/Ghana, and Abidjan/Ivory Coast - were probed below, inside and above clouds. Here, enhanced trace gas and particle concentrations were observed. In addition, plumes from biomass burning emissions were detected which were transported to West Africa. The composition of the pollution plumes are presented as well as transport pathways using HYSPLIT (Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectories) trajectory calculations. Ozone enhancements in the biomass burning pollution plumes of up to 70 ppb were observed compared to background concentrations of 30-40 ppb. Furthermore, HYSPLIT atmospheric dispersion simulations are used to estimate anthropogenic SO2 city emissions.

MAIUS-1- Vehicle, Subsystems Design and Mission Operations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stamminger, A.; Ettl, J.; Grosse, J.; Horschgen-Eggers, M.; Jung, W.; Kallenbach, A.; Raith, G.; Saedtler, W.; Seidel, S. T.; Turner, J.; Wittkamp, M.

2015-09-01

In November 2015, the DLR Mobile Rocket Base will launch the MAIUS-1 rocket vehicle at Esrange, Northern Sweden. The MAIUS-A experiment is a pathfinder atom optics experiment. The scientific objective of the mission is the first creation of a BoseEinstein Condensate in space and performing atom interferometry on a sounding rocket [3]. MAIUS-1 comprises a two-stage unguided solid propellant VSB-30 rocket motor system. The vehicle consists of a Brazilian 53 1 motor as 1 st stage, a 530 motor as 2nd stage, a conical motor adapter, a despin module, a payload adapter, the MAIUS-A experiment consisting of five experiment modules, an attitude control system module, a newly developed conical service system, and a two-staged recovery system including a nosecone. In contrast to usual payloads on VSB-30 rockets, the payload has a diameter of 500 mm due to constraints of the scientific experiment. Because of this change in design, a blunted nosecone is necessary to guarantee the required static stability during the ascent phase of the flight. This paper will give an overview on the subsystems which have been built at DLR MORABA, especially the newly developed service system. Further, it will contain a description of the MAIUS-1 vehicle, the mission and the unique requirements on operations and attitude control, which is additionally required to achieve a required attitude with respect to the nadir vector. Additionally to a usual microgravity environment, the MAIUS-l payload requires attitude control to achieve a required attitude with respect to the nadir vector.

Dual Luciferase Assay System for Rapid Assessment of Gene Expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

PubMed Central

McNabb, David S.; Reed, Robin; Marciniak, Robert A.

2005-01-01

A new reporter system has been developed for quantifying gene expression in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The system relies on two different reporter genes, Renilla and firefly luciferase, to evaluate regulated gene expression. The gene encoding Renilla luciferase is fused to a constitutive promoter (PGK1 or SPT15) and integrated into the yeast genome at the CAN1 locus as a control for normalizing the assay. The firefly luciferase gene is fused to the test promoter and integrated into the yeast genome at the ura3 or leu2 locus. The dual luciferase assay is performed by sequentially measuring the firefly and Renilla luciferase activities of the same sample, with the results expressed as the ratio of firefly to Renilla luciferase activity (Fluc/Rluc). The yeast dual luciferase reporter (DLR) was characterized and shown to be very efficient, requiring approximately 1 minute to complete each assay, and has proven to yield data that accurately and reproducibly reflect promoter activity. A series of integrating plasmids were generated that contain either the firefly or Renilla luciferase gene preceded by a multicloning region in two different orientations and the three reading frames to make possible the generation of translational fusions. Additionally, each set of plasmids contains either the URA3 or LEU2 marker for genetic selection in yeast. A series of S288C-based yeast strains, including a two-hybrid strain, were developed to facilitate the use of the yeast DLR assay. This assay can be readily adapted to a high-throughput platform for studies requiring numerous measurements. PMID:16151247

SUMIRAD: a near real-time MMW radiometer imaging system for threat detection in an urban environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dill, Stephan; Peichl, Markus; Rudolf, Daniel

2012-10-01

The armed forces are nowadays confronted with a wide variety of types of operations. During peace keeping missions in an urban environment, where small units patrol the streets with armored vehicles, the team leader is confronted with a very complex threat situation. The asymmetric imminence arises in most cases from so called IEDs (Improvised explosive devices) which are found in a multitude of versions. In order to avoid risky situations the early detection of possible threats due to advanced reconnaissance and surveillance sensors will provide an important advantage. A European consortium consisting of GMV S.A. (Spain, "Grupo Tecnològico e Industrial"), RMA (Belgium, "Royal Military Academy"), TUM ("Technische Universität München") and DLR (Germany, "Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt") developed in the SUM project (Surveillance in an urban environment using mobile sensors) a low-cost multi-sensor vehicle based surveillance system in order to enhance situational awareness for moving security and military patrols as well as for static checkpoints. The project was funded by the European Defense Agency (EDA) in the Joint Investment Program on Force Protection (JIP-FP). The SUMIRAD (SUM imaging radiometer) system, developed by DLR, is a fast radiometric imager and part of the SUM sensor suite. This paper will present the principle of the SUMIRAD system and its key components. Furthermore the image processing will be described. Imaging results from several measurement campaigns will be presented. The overall SUM system and the individual subsystems are presented in more detail in separate papers during this conference.

Design of an imaging spectrometer for earth observation using freeform mirrors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peschel, T.; Damm, C.; Beier, M.; Gebhardt, A.; Risse, S.; Walter, I.; Sebastian, I.; Krutz, D.

2017-09-01

In 2017 the new hyperspectral DLR Earth Sensing Imaging Spectrometer (DESIS) will be integrated in the Multi-User-System for Earth Sensing (MUSES) platform [1] installed on the International Space Station (ISS).

Symmetric large momentum transfer for atom interferometry with BECs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abend, Sven; Gebbe, Martina; Gersemann, Matthias; Rasel, Ernst M.; Quantus Collaboration

2017-04-01

We develop and demonstrate a novel scheme for a symmetric large momentum transfer beam splitter for interferometry with Bose-Einstein condensates. Large momentum transfer beam splitters are a key technique to enhance the scaling factor and sensitivity of an atom interferometer and to create largely delocalized superposition states. To realize the beam splitter, double Bragg diffraction is used to create a superposition of two symmetric momentum states. Afterwards both momentum states are loaded into a retro-reflected optical lattice and accelerated by Bloch oscillations on opposite directions, keeping the initial symmetry. The favorable scaling behavior of this symmetric acceleration, allows to transfer more than 1000 ℏk of total differential splitting in a single acceleration sequence of 6 ms duration while we still maintain a fraction of approx. 25% of the initial atom number. As a proof of the coherence of this beam splitter, contrast in a closed Mach-Zehnder atom interferometer has been observed with up to 208 ℏk of momentum separation, which equals a differential wave-packet velocity of approx. 1.1 m/s for 87Rb. The presented work is supported by the CRC 1128 geo-Q and the DLR with funds provided by the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) due to an enactment of the German Bundestag under Grant No. DLR 50WM1552-1557 (QUANTUS-IV-Fallturm).

Performance Evaluation of the Approaches and Algorithms Using Hamburg Airport Operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zhu, Zhifan; Okuniek, Nikolai; Gerdes, Ingrid; Schier, Sebastian; Lee, Hanbong; Jung, Yoon

2016-01-01

The German Aerospace Center (DLR) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) have been independently developing and testing their own concepts and tools for airport surface traffic management. Although these concepts and tools have been tested individually for European and US airports, they have never been compared or analyzed side-by-side. This paper presents the collaborative research devoted to the evaluation and analysis of two different surface management concepts. Hamburg Airport was used as a common test bed airport for the study. First, two independent simulations using the same traffic scenario were conducted; one by the DLR team using the Controller Assistance for Departure Optimization (CADEO) and the Taxi Routing for Aircraft: Creation and Controlling (TRACC) in a real-time simulation environment, and one by the NASA team based on the Spot and Runway Departure Advisor (SARDA) in a fast-time simulation environment. A set of common performance metrics was defined. The simulation results showed that both approaches produced operational benefits in efficiency, such as reducing taxi times, while maintaining runway throughput. Both approaches generated the gate pushback schedule to meet the runway schedule, such that the runway utilization was maximized. The conflict-free taxi guidance by TRACC helped avoid taxi conflicts and reduced taxiing stops, but the taxi benefit needed be assessed together with runway throughput to analyze the overall performance objective.

Performance Evaluation of the Approaches and Algorithms for Hamburg Airport Operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zhu, Zhifan; Okuniek, Nikolai; Gerdes, Ingrid; Schier, Sebastian; Lee, Hanbong; Jung, Yoon

2016-01-01

The German Aerospace Center (DLR) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) have been independently developing and testing their own concepts and tools for airport surface traffic management. Although these concepts and tools have been tested individually for European and US airports, they have never been compared or analyzed side-by-side. This paper presents the collaborative research devoted to the evaluation and analysis of two different surface management concepts. Hamburg Airport was used as a common test bed airport for the study. First, two independent simulations using the same traffic scenario were conducted: one by the DLR team using the Controller Assistance for Departure Optimization (CADEO) and the Taxi Routing for Aircraft: Creation and Controlling (TRACC) in a real-time simulation environment, and one by the NASA team based on the Spot and Runway Departure Advisor (SARDA) in a fast-time simulation environment. A set of common performance metrics was defined. The simulation results showed that both approaches produced operational benefits in efficiency, such as reducing taxi times, while maintaining runway throughput. Both approaches generated the gate pushback schedule to meet the runway schedule, such that the runway utilization was maximized. The conflict-free taxi guidance by TRACC helped avoid taxi conflicts and reduced taxiing stops, but the taxi benefit needed be assessed together with runway throughput to analyze the overall performance objective.

Performance Evaluation of the Approaches and Algorithms using Hamburg Airport Operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zhu, Zhifan; Lee, Hanbong; Jung, Yoon; Okuniek, Nikolai; Gerdes, Ingrid; Schier, Sebastian

2016-01-01

The German Aerospace Center (DLR) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) have been independently developing and testing their own concepts and tools for airport surface traffic management. Although these concepts and tools have been tested individually for European and US airports, they have never been compared or analyzed side-by-side. This paper presents the collaborative research devoted to the evaluation and analysis of two different surface management concepts. Hamburg Airport was used as a common test bed airport for the study. First, two independent simulations using the same traffic scenario were conducted: one by the DLR team using the Controller Assistance for Departure Optimization (CADEO) and the Taxi Routing for Aircraft58; Creation and Controlling (TRACC) in a real-time simulation environment, and one by the NASA team based on the Spot and Runway Departure Advisor (SARDA) in a fast-time simulation environment. A set of common performance metrics was defined. The simulation results showed that both approaches produced operational benefits in efficiency, such as reducing taxi times, while maintaining runway throughput. Both approaches generated the gate pushback schedule to meet the runway schedule, such that the runway utilization was maximized. The conflict-free taxi guidance by TRACC helped avoid taxi conflicts and reduced taxiing stops, but the taxi benefit needed be assessed together with runway throughput to analyze the overall performance objective.

Common Methodology for Efficient Airspace Operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sridhar, Banavar

2012-01-01

Topics include: a) Developing a common methodology to model and avoid disturbances affecting airspace. b) Integrated contrails and emission models to a national level airspace simulation. c) Developed capability to visualize, evaluate technology and alternate operational concepts and provide inputs for policy-analysis tools to reduce the impact of aviation on the environment. d) Collaborating with Volpe Research Center, NOAA and DLR to leverage expertise and tools in aircraft emissions and weather/climate modeling. Airspace operations is a trade-off balancing safety, capacity, efficiency and environmental considerations. Ideal flight: Unimpeded wind optimal route with optimal climb and descent. Operations degraded due to reduction in airport and airspace capacity caused by inefficient procedures and disturbances.

The Space Optical Clock project: status and perspectives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schiller, Stephan; Tino, Guglielmo M.; Sterr, Uwe; Lemonde, Pierre; Görlitz, Axel; Salomon, Christophe

The Space Optical Clocks project aims at operating lattice clocks on the ISS for tests of funda-mental physics and for providing high-accuracy comparisons of future terrestrial optical clocks. A pre-phase-A study (2007-10), funded partially by ESA and DLR, includes the implementa-tion of several optical lattice clock systems using Strontium and Ytterbium as atomic systems and their characterization. Subcomponents of clock demonstrators with the added specification of transportability and using techniques that are suitable for later space use, such as all-solid-state lasers, low power consumption, and compact dimensions, have been developed and are being validated. The talk will give a brief overview over the achieved results and outline future developments.

GLCF: Shuttle Radar Topography Mission

Science.gov Websites

Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), NASA, the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and the German Aerospace Center * Gallery Quick Links *SRTM at NASA *SRTM at USGS *SRTM at NGA *SRTM at DLR *SRTM at ASI *UTM Projection e

CCSDS SM and C Mission Operations Interoperability Prototype

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lucord, Steven A.

2010-01-01

This slide presentation reviews the prototype of the Spacecraft Monitor and Control (SM&C) Operations for interoperability among other space agencies. This particular prototype uses the German Space Agency (DLR) to test the ideas for interagency coordination.

An investigation of the effects of pitch-roll (de)-coupling on helicopter handling qualities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ockier, C. J.; Pausder, H. J.; Blanken, C. L.

1995-01-01

An investigation of the effects of pitch-roll coupling on helicopter handling qualities was performed by the US Army and DLR, using a NASA ground-based and a DLR inflight simulator. Over 90 different coupling configurations were evaluated using a roll-axis tracking task. The results show that although the current ADS-33C coupling criterion discriminates against those types of coupling typical of conventionally controlled helicopters, it not always suited for the prediction of handling qualities of helicopters with modern control systems. Based on the observation that high frequency inputs during tracking are used to alleviate coupling, a frequency domain pitch-roll coupling criterion that uses the average coupling ratio between the bandwidth and neutral stability frequency is formulated. This criterion provides a more comprehensive coverage with respect to the different types of coupling and shows excellent consistency.

Investigation of different modeling approaches for computational fluid dynamics simulation of high-pressure rocket combustors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ivancic, B.; Riedmann, H.; Frey, M.; Knab, O.; Karl, S.; Hannemann, K.

2016-07-01

The paper summarizes technical results and first highlights of the cooperation between DLR and Airbus Defence and Space (DS) within the work package "CFD Modeling of Combustion Chamber Processes" conducted in the frame of the Propulsion 2020 Project. Within the addressed work package, DLR Göttingen and Airbus DS Ottobrunn have identified several test cases where adequate test data are available and which can be used for proper validation of the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools. In this paper, the first test case, the Penn State chamber (RCM1), is discussed. Presenting the simulation results from three different tools, it is shown that the test case can be computed properly with steady-state Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) approaches. The achieved simulation results reproduce the measured wall heat flux as an important validation parameter very well but also reveal some inconsistencies in the test data which are addressed in this paper.

Aerodynamic and Aerothermodynamic Layout of the Hypersonic Flight Experiment Shefex

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eggers, Th.

2005-02-01

The purpose of the SHarp Edge Flight EXperiment SHEFEX is the investigation of possible new shapes for future launcher or reentry vehicles [1]. The main focus is the improvement of common space vehicle shapes by application of facetted surfaces and sharp edges. The experiment will enable the time accurate investigation of the flow effects and their structural answer during the hypersonic flight from 90 km down to an altitude of 20 km. The project, being performed under responsibility of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) is scheduled to fly on top of a two-stage solid propellant sounding rocket for the first half of 2005. The paper contains a survey of the aerodynamic and aerothermodynamic layout of the experimental vehicle. The results are inputs for the definition of the structural layout, the TPS and the flight instrumentation as well as for the preparation of the flight test performed by the Mobile Rocket Base of DLR.

Observations of the Perseids 2013 using SPOSH cameras

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Margonis, A.; Elgner, S.; Christou, A.; Oberst, J.; Flohrer, J.

2013-09-01

Earth is constantly bombard by debris, most of which disintegrates in the upper atmosphere. The collision of a dust particle, having a mass of approximately 1g or larger, with the Earth's atmosphere results into a visible streak of light in the night sky, called meteor. Comets produce new meteoroids each time they come close to the Sun due to sublimation processes. These fresh particles are moving around the Sun in orbits similar to their parent comet forming meteoroid streams. For this reason, the intersection of Earth's orbital path with different comets, gives rise to anumber of meteor showers throughout the year. The Perseids are one of the most prominent annual meteor showers occurring every summer, having its origin in Halley-type comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle. The dense core of this stream passes Earth's orbit on the 12th of August when more than 100 meteors per hour can been seen by a single observer under ideal conditions. The Technical University of Berlin (TUB) and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) together with the Armagh observatory organize meteor campaigns every summer observing the activity of the Perseids meteor shower. The observations are carried out using the Smart Panoramic Optical Sensor Head (SPOSH) camera system [2] which has been developed by DLR and Jena-Optronik GmbH under an ESA/ESTEC contract. The camera was designed to image faint, short-lived phenomena on dark planetary hemispheres. The camera is equipped with a highly sensitive back-illuminated CCD chip having a pixel resolution of 1024x1024. The custom-made fish-eye lens offers a 120°x120° field-of-view (168° over the diagonal) making the monitoring of nearly the whole night sky possible (Fig. 1). This year the observations will take place between 3rd and 10th of August to cover the meteor activity of the Perseids just before their maximum. The SPOSH cameras will be deployed at two remote sites located in high altitudes in the Greek Peloponnese peninsula. The baseline of ∼50km between the two observing stations ensures a large overlapping area of the cameras' field of views allowing the triangulation of approximately every meteor captured by the two observing systems. The acquired data will be reduced using dedicated software developed at TUB and DLR. Assuming a successful campaign, statistics, trajectories and photometric properties of the processed double-station meteors will be presented at the conference. Furthermore, a first order statistical analysis of the meteors processed during the 2012 and the new 2013 campaigns will be presented [1].

First test results of the airborne dispersive pushbroom imaging spectrometer APEX

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meuleman, K.; Itten, K.; Schaepman, M.

2009-04-01

APEX, ESA-Prodex "Airborne Prism Experiment" comprises the development of an airborne dispersive pushbroom imaging spectrometer and has originally been designed as flexible hyperspectral mission simulator and calibrator for existing and upcoming or planned future space missions. The APEX project is co-funded by Switzerland and Belgium and built by a Belgian-Swiss industrial team under the prime RUAG Aerospace (CH), responsible for the total system and the mechanical components, OIP (Oudenaarde, BE) contributing the spectrometer, and Netcetera (Zurich, CH) being responsible for the electronics. RSL (University of Zurich, CH) acts as scientific PI together with the Co-PI VITO (Mol, BE). The APEX sensor is operating between 380 nm and 2500 nm in more than 300 freely configurable bands (up to 512 bands in full spectral mode), by means of two dispersive spectrometer channels. 1000 pixels across track and a total field of view of 28° define the ground pixel size (e.g. 2,5 m from 5000 m AGL). A stabilized platform (Leica PAV-30) reduces major geometric distortions due to aircraft instabilities while a GPS/IMU system (Applanix PosAV 410) measures continuously the sensors' position and orientation allowing direct georeferencing of the acquired data . The system is currently is phase D, the calibration and test phase, and first testflights have been performed on a Do-228 in cooperation of DLR while the acquired data is currently under evaluation. Discussions are ongoing to fly APEX on the new DLR High Altitude Research Aircraft (HALO) as well. The system is currently in phase D, the calibration and test phase, and will deliver first scientific data to users by mid 2009. The APEX processing and archiving facility (PAF) is hosted by VITO in the APEX Operations Center (AOC) at Mol, Belgium . A specific level 0-1 processing software module producing uniform, radiometrically calibrated data has been developed by RSL and is integrated into the PAF by VITO. An APEX Calibration Home Base has been developed at DLR and serves as generic institution for the calibration of imaging spectrometers. Since special emphasis is on delivering reliable, well calibrated data, an in-flight calibration tool in form of a diffuser disk and specific absorption filters are used to monitor the stability of the APEX system. We anticipate major application innovations in limnology and coastal oceans research, atmospheric studies, in agriculture as well as land use and ecosystems mapping and monitoring, in geology and security questions.. The paper describes the APEX system, overall specifications as well as system validation procedures and preliminary performance results. A 5-year's exploitation phase is planned form mid 2009 onwards. The programme and flight opportunities will be addressed, and researchers invited to propose experiments.

Testing of DLR C/C-SiC and C/C for HIFiRE 8 Scramjet Combustor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Glass, David E.; Capriotti, Diego P.; Reimer, Thomas; Kutemeyer, Marius; Smart, Michael K.

2014-01-01

Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs) have been proposed for use as lightweight hot structures in scramjet combustors. Previous studies have calculated significant weight savings by utilizing CMCs (active and passive) versus actively cooled metallic scramjet structures. Both a carbon/carbon (C/C) and a carbon/carbon-silicon carbide (C/C-SiC) material fabricated by DLR (Stuttgart, Germany) are being considered for use in a passively cooled combustor design for Hypersonic International Flight Research Experimentation (HIFiRE) 8, a joint Australia / Air Force Research Laboratory hypersonic flight program, expected to fly at Mach 7 for approximately 30 sec, at a dynamic pressure of 55 kilopascals. Flat panels of the DLR C/C and C/C-SiC materials were installed downstream of a hydrogen-fueled, dual-mode scramjet combustor and tested for several minutes at conditions simulating flight at Mach 5 and Mach 6. Gaseous hydrogen fuel was used to fuel the scramjet combustor. The test panels were instrumented with embedded Type K and Type S thermocouples. Zirconia felt insulation was used during some of the tests to reduce heat loss from the back surface and thus increase the heated surface temperature of the C/C-SiC panel approximately 177 C (350 F). The final C/C-SiC panel was tested for three cycles totaling over 135 sec at Mach 6 enthalpy. Slightly more erosion was observed on the C/C panel than the C/C-SiC panels, but both material systems demonstrated acceptable recession performance for the HIFiRE 8 flight.

Modelling and Validating Agricultural Biomass Potentials in Germany and Austria using BETHY/DLR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tum, Markus; Niklaus, Markus; Günther, Kurt P.

2010-05-01

Using process models to describe the carbon uptake by vegetation (Net Primary Production, NPP), has become an important tool to study the mechanisms of carbon exchange and to quantify the magnitude of terrestrial carbon sinks and sources. The German Remote Sensing Data Center (DFD) is operating the modified model BETHY/DLR (Biosphere Energy Transfer Hydrology Model) to simulate the carbon cycle in vegetated areas to estimate the NPP for different regions on regional to national scales. BETHY/DLR belongs to the family of dynamic vegetation models, which primarily compute the photosynthetic rate of vegetation types, taking into account the water balance and the radiative energy transfer between atmosphere, soil and vegetation. To determine NPP the amount of the cumulative plant maintenance respiration has to be subtracted from the Gross Primary Productivity (GPP), which is the output value of BETHY/DLR and is calculated daily. The model is driven by remote sensing data and meteorological data. As remotely sensed datasets time series about the Leaf Area Index (LAI), which describes the condition of the vegetation, and a land cover classification (GLC2000), which provides information about the type of land use, are needed. In addition meteorological datasets are used, i.e. precipitation, cloud cover, temperature and dew point temperature in 2m height, soil water content and wind speed, which are derived from the European Centre for Medium range Weather Forecast (ECMWF). They have a spatial resolution of about 0.5° x 0.5° and a temporal resolution of up to four times a day. The information about the soil water content of the four upper layers is used to initialize the soil water balance. It could be proven that in general a spin up phase of about one year is needed to reach equilibrium. Thenceforward the soil water content is computed dynamically. Photosynthetic active radiation is estimated considering the low, medium and high cloud coverage in conjunction with the solar zenith angle. Information about the vegetation condition are delivered by time series of LAI, which are currently derived from SPOT-VEGETATION data available in a spatial resolution of 1km x 1km as so called 10-day composites. Land cover information is also derived from VEGETATION data (Global Land Cover 2000, GLC2000). The GLC2000 is representative for the year 2000 and provides 24 vegetation classes, which have to be translated into the currently 33 inherent vegetation types of BETHY/DLR, differing in plant-physiologic parameters, i.e. the maximum electron transport rate and the maximum carboxylation rate, as well as the plant height and rooting depth. In order to validate the modelled NPP, data of crop yield estimates derived from national statistics of Germany and Austria are used to calculate above and below ground biomass by using conversion factors of corn to straw and leaf to beet relations. Furthermore conversion factors of above to below ground biomass are used. Finally the carbon content of dry matter is estimated. To correlate the modelled data with statistical results, they are aggregated to NPP per administrative district (NUTS-3 level). With this method a coefficient of determination (r²) of about 0.67 combined with a slope of 0.83 is found for Germany. For Austrian NUTS-3 units an even slightly higher coefficient of determination is found (0.74) combined with a slope of 1.08. The results show that modelling NPP using the process model BETHY/DLR and remote sensing data and meteorological data as input delivers reliable estimates of above ground biomass when common agricultural conversion factors are taking into account.

Ionosphere monitoring and forecast activities within the IAG working group "Ionosphere Prediction"

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoque, Mainul; Garcia-Rigo, Alberto; Erdogan, Eren; Cueto Santamaría, Marta; Jakowski, Norbert; Berdermann, Jens; Hernandez-Pajares, Manuel; Schmidt, Michael; Wilken, Volker

2017-04-01

Ionospheric disturbances can affect technologies in space and on Earth disrupting satellite and airline operations, communications networks, navigation systems. As the world becomes ever more dependent on these technologies, ionospheric disturbances as part of space weather pose an increasing risk to the economic vitality and national security. Therefore, having the knowledge of ionospheric state in advance during space weather events is becoming more and more important. To promote scientific cooperation we recently formed a Working Group (WG) called "Ionosphere Predictions" within the International Association of Geodesy (IAG) under Sub-Commission 4.3 "Atmosphere Remote Sensing" of the Commission 4 "Positioning and Applications". The general objective of the WG is to promote the development of ionosphere prediction algorithm/models based on the dependence of ionospheric characteristics on solar and magnetic conditions combining data from different sensors to improve the spatial and temporal resolution and sensitivity taking advantage of different sounding geometries and latency. Our presented work enables the possibility to compare total electron content (TEC) prediction approaches/results from different centers contributing to this WG such as German Aerospace Center (DLR), Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), Technische Universität München (TUM) and GMV. DLR developed a model-assisted TEC forecast algorithm taking benefit from actual trends of the TEC behavior at each grid point. Since during perturbations, characterized by large TEC fluctuations or ionization fronts, this approach may fail, the trend information is merged with the current background model which provides a stable climatological TEC behavior. The presented solution is a first step to regularly provide forecasted TEC services via SWACI/IMPC by DLR. UPC forecast model is based on applying linear regression to a temporal window of TEC maps in the Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) domain. Performance tests are being conducted at the moment in order to improve UPC predicted products for 1-, 2-days ahead. In addition, UPC is working to enable short-term predictions based on UPC real-time GIMs (labelled URTG) and implementing an improved prediction approach. TUM developed a forecast method based on a time series analysis of TEC products which are either B-spline coefficients estimated by a Kalman filter or TEC grid maps derived from the B-spline coefficients. The forecast method uses a Fourier series expansion to extract the trend functions from the estimated TEC product. Then the trend functions are carried out to provide predicted TEC products. The forecast algorithm developed by GMV is based on the ionospheric delay estimation from previous epochs using GNSS data and the main dependence of ionospheric delays on solar and magnetic conditions. Since the ionospheric behavior is highly dependent on the region of the Earth, different region-based algorithmic modifications have been implemented in GMV's magicSBAS ionospheric algorithms to be able to estimate and forecast ionospheric delays worldwide. Different TEC prediction approaches outlined here will certainly help to learn about forecasting ionospheric ionization.

Bioregenerative Life Support System Research as part of the DLR EDEN Initiative

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bamsey, Matthew; Schubert, Daniel; Zabel, Paul; Poulet, Lucie; Zeidler, Conrad

In 2011, the DLR Institute of Space Systems launched a research initiative called EDEN - Evolution and Design of Environmentally-closed Nutrition-Sources. The research initiative focuses on bioregenerative life support systems, especially greenhouse modules, and technologies for future crewed vehicles. The EDEN initiative comprises several projects with respect to space research, ground testing and spin-offs. In 2014, EDEN’s new laboratory officially opened. This new biological cleanroom laboratory comprises several plant growth chambers incorporating a number of novel controlled environment agriculture technologies. This laboratory will be the nucleus for a variety of plant cultivation experiments within closed environments. The utilized technologies are being advanced using the pull of space technology and include such items as stacked growth systems, PAR-specific LEDs, intracanopy lighting, aeroponic nutrient delivery systems and ion-selective nutrient sensors. The driver of maximizing biomass output per unit volume and energy has much application in future bioregenerative life support systems but can also provide benefit terrestrially. The EDEN laboratory also includes several specially constructed chambers for advancing models addressing the interaction between bioregenerative and physical-chemical life support systems. The EDEN team is presently developing designs for containerized greenhouse modules. One module is planned for deployment to the German Antarctic Station, Neumayer III. The shipping container based system will provide supplementation to the overwintering crew’s diet, provide psychological benefit while at the same time advancing the technology and operational readiness of harsh environment plant production systems. In addition to hardware development, the EDEN team has participated in several early phase designs such as for the ESA Greenhouse Module for Space System and for large-scale vertical farming. These studies often utilize the Institute of Space Systems Concurrent Engineering Facility.

Advanced user support programme—TEMPUS IML-2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Diefenbach, A.; Kratz, M.; Uffelmann, D.; Willnecker, R.

1995-05-01

The DLR Microgravity User Support Centre (MUSC) in Cologne has supported microgravity experiments in the field of materials and life sciences since 1979. In the beginning of user support activities, MUSC tasks comprised the basic ground and mission support, whereas present programmes are expanded on, for example, powerful telescience and advanced real time data acquisition capabilities for efficient experiment operation and monitoring. In view of the Space Station era, user support functions will increase further. Additional tasks and growing responsibilities must be covered, e.g. extended science support as well as experiment and facility operations. The user support for TEMPUS IML-2, under contract of the German Space Agency DARA, represents a further step towards the required new-generation of future ground programme. TEMPUS is a new highly sophisticated Spacelab multi-user facility for containerless processing of metallic samples. Electromagnetic levitation technique is applied and various experiment diagnosis tools are offered. Experiments from eight U.S. and German investigator groups have been selected for flight on the second International Microgravity Laboratory Mission IML-2 in 1994. Based on the experience gained in the research programme of the DLR Institute for Space Simulation since 1984, MUSC is performing a comprehensive experiment preparation programme in close collaboration with the investigator teams. Complex laboratory equipment has been built up for technology and experiment preparation development. New experiment techniques have been developed for experiment verification tests. The MUSC programme includes thorough analysis and testing of scientific requirements of every proposed experiment with respect to the facility hard- and software capabilities. In addition, studies on the experiment-specific operation requirements have been performed and suitable telescience scenarios were analysed. The present paper will give a survey of the TEMPUS user support tasks emphasizing the advanced science support activities, which are considered significant for future ground programmes.

Design of the optical communication system for the asteroid impact mission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heese, C.; Sodnik, Z.; Carnelli, I.

2017-09-01

The Asteroid Impact Mission (AIM) is part of the joint Asteroid Impact and Deflection Assessment (AIDA) project of ESA, DLR, Observatoire de la Côte d'Ázur, NASA, and Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL).

The Core Avionics System for the DLR Compact-Satellite Series

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Montenegro, S.; Dittrich, L.

2008-08-01

The Standard Satellite Bus's core avionics system is a further step in the development line of the software and hardware architecture which was first used in the bispectral infrared detector mission (BIRD). The next step improves dependability, flexibility and simplicity of the whole core avionics system. Important aspects of this concept were already implemented, simulated and tested in other ESA and industrial projects. Therefore we can say the basic concept is proven. This paper deals with different aspects of core avionics development and proposes an extension to the existing core avionics system of BIRD to meet current and future requirements regarding flexibility, availability, reliability of small satellite and the continuous increasing demand of mass memory and computational power.

Ground-facilities at the DLR Institute of Aerospace Medicine for preparation of flight experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hemmersbach, Ruth; Hendrik Anken, Ralf; Hauslage, Jens; von der Wiesche, Melanie; Baerwalde, Sven; Schuber, Marianne

In order to investigate the influence of altered gravity on biological systems and to identify gravisensitive processes, various experimental platforms have been developed, which are useful to simulate weightlessness or are able to produce hypergravity. At the Institute of Aerospace Medicine, DLR Cologne, a broad spectrum of applications is offered to scientists: clinostats with one rotation axis and variable rotation speeds for cultivation of small objects (including aquatic organisms) in simulated weightlessness conditions, for online microscopic observations and for online kinetic measurements. Own research concentrates on comparative studies with other kinds of methods to simulate weightlessness, also available at the institute: Rotating Wall Vessel (RWV) for aquatic studies, Random Positioning Machine (RPM; manufactured by Dutch Space, Leiden, The Netherlands). Correspondingly, various centrifuge devices are available to study different test objects under hypergravity conditions -such as NIZEMI, a slow rotating centrifuge microscope, and MUSIC, a multi-sample centrifuge. Mainly for experiments with human test subjects (artificial gravity), but also for biological systems or for testing various kinds of (flight-) hardware, the SAHC, a short arm human centrifuge -loaned by ESA -was installed in Cologne and completes our experimental scenario. Furthermore, due to our specific tasks such as providing laboratories during the German Parabolic Flight Experiments starting from Cologne and being the Facility Responsible Center for BIOLAB, a science rack in the Columbus module aboard the ISS, scientists have the possibility for an optimal preparation of their flight experiments.

A new AS-display as part of the MIRO lightweight robot for surgical applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grossmann, Christoph M.

2010-02-01

The DLR MIRO is the second generation of versatile robot arms for surgical applications, developed at the Institute for Robotics and Mechatronics at Deutsche Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR) in Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany. With its low weight of 10 kg and dimensions similar to those of the human arm, the MIRO robot can assist the surgeon directly at the operating table where space is scarce. The planned scope of applications of this robot arm ranges from guiding a laser unit for the precise separation of bone tissue in orthopedics to positioning holes for bone screws, robot assisted endoscope guidance and on to the multi-robot concept for endoscopic minimally invasive surgery. A stereo-endoscope delivers two full HD video streams that can even be augmented with information, e.g vectors indicating the forces that act on the surgical tool at any given moment. SeeFront's new autostereoscopic 3D display SF 2223, being a part of the MIRO assembly, will let the surgeon view the stereo video stream in excellent quality, in real time and without the need for any viewing aids. The presentation is meant to provide an insight into the principles at the basis of the SeeFront 3D technology and how they allow the creation of autostereoscopic display solutions ranging from smallest "stamp-sized" displays to 30" desktop versions, which all provide comfortable freedom of movement for the viewer along with excellent 3D image quality.

BEGIRA: Basque Educational Gate for Interactive and Remote Astronomy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gorosabel, J.; Sánchez-Lavega, A.; Pérez Hoyos, S.; Hueso, R.

2015-05-01

The BEGIRA project consists in making available the 1.23 m Calar Alto (CAHA) telescope to students of the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU). The project is designed in such a way that undergraduate and graduate students of the Máster oficial en ciencia y tecnología espacial of the UPV/EHU can control remotely the 1.23 m CAHA telescope. The instrument used is the DLR camera, which based on its large field of view and high sensitivity, allows observations ranging from nearby solar system bodies to remote gamma-ray bursts. The students are also responsible of reducing and analyzing the resultant DLR data. The observations are conducted from the Aula Espazio Gela located at the Faculty of Engineering at Bilbao. The students can control remotely i) the 1.23 m telescope, ii) the DLR camera and iii) the autoguider. They have also continuous access to the observatory weather station, webcams, astrometric tools and the CAHA archive, so they can actually see in real-time what they are doing. The operations can be visualized by two light cannons which display the telescope and camera controls for the audience. In case of any emergency the students are backed up by the CAHA staff. The BEGIRA project shows the potential that remote control of professional telescopes has for educational purposes. As proven by the several discoveries carried out under BEGIRA, the educational activities can be complemented with cutting-edge research activities carried out by Master Students. In the coming years we plan to continue with the BEGIRA project. More information can be found at http://www.ehu.es/aula-espazio/begira/.

Activities on space debris in Europe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Flury, W.

2001-10-01

Activities on space debris in Europe are carried out by ESA, by national space agencies such as ASI (Italy), BNSC (United Kingdom), CNES (France) and DLR (Germany) and by various research groups. The objectives of ESA's activities in the field of space debris have been defined by the Council of ESA in 1989, and were updated in 2000 with the adoption of the Resolution for a European policy on the protection of the space environment from debris. ESA's debris-related activities comprise research, application of debris mitigation measures and international cooperation. The research activities address the knowledge of the terrestrial particulate environment, risk assessment, hypervelocity impacts and protection, and preventative measures. In all these areas substantial progress has been achieved. Examples are the MASTER 99 model, the DISCOS database, beam-park experiments with the FGAN radar, the discovery of a small-size debris population in GEO with the Space Debris telescope at the Teide observatory, and the GORID dust detector in the geostationary orbit. The ESA Space Debris Mitigation Handbook was issued, and in a joint effort of ESA and the national agencies ASI, BNSC, CNES and DLR the European Space Debris Safety and Mitigation Standard (draft) was established. This standard will be harmonized with standards of other agencies through the deliberations in the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC). In order to strengthen the European cooperation, the pilot network of centers - Working Group on Space Debris was created in 2000. The members are ESA, ASI, BNSC, CNES and DLR. An integrated work plan has been established for the period 2001-2003. Global cooperation among the space-faring nations is achieved through the IADC. ESA and its Member States strongly support the deliberations on space debris within the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS).

Criterion validity and accuracy of global positioning satellite and data logging devices for wheelchair tennis court movement

PubMed Central

Sindall, Paul; Lenton, John P.; Whytock, Katie; Tolfrey, Keith; Oyster, Michelle L.; Cooper, Rory A.; Goosey-Tolfrey, Victoria L.

2013-01-01

Purpose To compare the criterion validity and accuracy of a 1 Hz non-differential global positioning system (GPS) and data logger device (DL) for the measurement of wheelchair tennis court movement variables. Methods Initial validation of the DL device was performed. GPS and DL were fitted to the wheelchair and used to record distance (m) and speed (m/second) during (a) tennis field (b) linear track, and (c) match-play test scenarios. Fifteen participants were monitored at the Wheelchair British Tennis Open. Results Data logging validation showed underestimations for distance in right (DLR) and left (DLL) logging devices at speeds >2.5 m/second. In tennis-field tests, GPS underestimated distance in five drills. DLL was lower than both (a) criterion and (b) DLR in drills moving forward. Reversing drill direction showed that DLR was lower than (a) criterion and (b) DLL. GPS values for distance and average speed for match play were significantly lower than equivalent values obtained by DL (distance: 2816 (844) vs. 3952 (1109) m, P = 0.0001; average speed: 0.7 (0.2) vs. 1.0 (0.2) m/second, P = 0.0001). Higher peak speeds were observed in DL (3.4 (0.4) vs. 3.1 (0.5) m/second, P = 0.004) during tennis match play. Conclusions Sampling frequencies of 1 Hz are too low to accurately measure distance and speed during wheelchair tennis. GPS units with a higher sampling rate should be advocated in further studies. Modifications to existing DL devices may be required to increase measurement precision. Further research into the validity of movement devices during match play will further inform the demands and movement patterns associated with wheelchair tennis. PMID:23820154

Optical satellite communications in Europe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sodnik, Zoran; Lutz, Hanspeter; Furch, Bernhard; Meyer, Rolf

2010-02-01

This paper describes optical satellite communication activities based on technology developments, which started in Europe more than 30 years ago and led in 2001 to the world-first optical inter-satellite communication link experiment (SILEX). SILEX proved that optical communication technologies can be reliably mastered in space and in 2006 the Japanese Space Agency (JAXA) joined the optical inter-satellite experiment from their own satellite. Since 2008 the German Space Agency (DLR) is operating an inter-satellite link between the NFIRE and TerraSAR-X satellites based on a second generation of laser communication technology, which will be used for the new European Data Relay Satellite (EDRS) system to be deployed in 2013.

Advanced Deployable Structural Systems for Small Satellites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Belvin, W. Keith; Straubel, Marco; Wilkie, W. Keats; Zander, Martin E.; Fernandez, Juan M.; Hillebrandt, Martin F.

2016-01-01

One of the key challenges for small satellites is packaging and reliable deployment of structural booms and arrays used for power, communication, and scientific instruments. The lack of reliable and efficient boom and membrane deployment concepts for small satellites is addressed in this work through a collaborative project between NASA and DLR. The paper provides a state of the art overview on existing spacecraft deployable appendages, the special requirements for small satellites, and initial concepts for deployable booms and arrays needed for various small satellite applications. The goal is to enhance deployable boom predictability and ground testability, develop designs that are tolerant of manufacturing imperfections, and incorporate simple and reliable deployment systems.

The German ISS-experiment Cellular Responses to Radiation in Space (CERASP): The effects of single and combined space flight conditions on mammalian cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hellweg, C. E.; Thelen, M.; Arenz, A.; Baumstark-Khan, C.

The combined action of ionizing radiation and microgravity will continue to influence future manned space missions, with special risks for astronauts on the Moon surface or for long duration missions to Mars. There is increasing evidence that basic cellular functions are sensitive not only to radiation but also to microgravity. Previous space flight experiments gave contradictory results: from inhibition of DNA repair by microgravity to enhancement, whereas others did not detect any influence of microgravity on repair. At the Radiation Biology Department of the German Aerospace Center (DLR), recombinant bacterial and mammalian cell systems were developed as reporters for cellular signal transduction modulation by genotoxic environmental conditions. The space experiment “Cellular Responses to Radiation in Space” (CERASP) to be performed at the International Space Station (ISS) will make use of such reporter cell lines thereby supplying basic information on the cellular response to radiation applied in microgravity. One of the biological endpoints will be survival reflected by radiation-dependent reduction of constitutive expression of the enhanced variant of green fluorescent protein (EGFP). A second end-point will be gene activation by space flight conditions in mammalian cells, based on fluorescent promoter reporter systems using the destabilized d2EGFP variant. The promoter element to be investigated reflects the activity of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway. The NF-κB family of proteins plays a major role in the inflammatory and immune response, cell proliferation and differentiation, apoptosis and tumor genesis. Results obtained with X-rays and accelerated heavy ions produced at the French heavy ion accelerator GANIL imply that densely ionizing radiation has a stronger potential to activate NF-κB dependent gene expression than sparsely ionizing radiation. The correlation of NF-κB activation to negative regulation of apoptosis could favor survival of cells with damaged DNA. A third endpoint to be examined will be DNA damage induced by combined exposure to radiation and microgravity and its repair. In the current work, preparatory experiments for the space experiment CERASP were performed. For radiation exposure on the ISS, an artificial radiation source is necessary since long-term exposure to cosmic radiation of frozen cells for damage accumulation will not be feasible. The biological activity of the designated space radiation source, the β-emitter promethium-147, was evaluated. Different shielding scenarios according to the experiment and safety requirements were evaluated. As growth surface for the human embryonic kidney cells, polytetrafluoroethylene and polyolefin foils were tested. For protection issues, the shielding effect of titanium foils was evaluated. With the prototype Pm-147 radiation source, the requirements of CERASP can be fulfilled with cells growing on the polytetrafluoroethylene foil and titanium foils for safety issues. In this setting, β-rays activated NF-κB-dependent reporter gene expression in human embryonic kidney cells. Regarding cell survival and NF-κB activation, the Pm-147 radiation source meets the requirements of the space experiment CERASP.

Long-Term Pavement Performance Ohio SPS-1 and SPS-2 Dynamic Load Response Data Processing

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2015-03-01

The dynamic load response (DLR) Study Team reinterpreted 4,290 Ohio Specific Pavement Studies (SPS)-1 (asphalt concrete pavements) raw traces and 9,240 Ohio SPS-2 (portland cement concrete pavements) raw traces, correcting the data issues identified ...

On the Mathematical Consequences of Binning Spike Trains.

PubMed

Cessac, Bruno; Le Ny, Arnaud; Löcherbach, Eva

2017-01-01

We initiate a mathematical analysis of hidden effects induced by binning spike trains of neurons. Assuming that the original spike train has been generated by a discrete Markov process, we show that binning generates a stochastic process that is no longer Markov but is instead a variable-length Markov chain (VLMC) with unbounded memory. We also show that the law of the binned raster is a Gibbs measure in the DLR (Dobrushin-Lanford-Ruelle) sense coined in mathematical statistical mechanics. This allows the derivation of several important consequences on statistical properties of binned spike trains. In particular, we introduce the DLR framework as a natural setting to mathematically formalize anticipation, that is, to tell "how good" our nervous system is at making predictions. In a probabilistic sense, this corresponds to condition a process by its future, and we discuss how binning may affect our conclusions on this ability. We finally comment on the possible consequences of binning in the detection of spurious phase transitions or in the detection of incorrect evidence of criticality.

Comparative Study on the Prediction of Aerodynamic Characteristics of Aircraft with Turbulence Models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jang, Yujin; Huh, Jinbum; Lee, Namhun; Lee, Seungsoo; Park, Youngmin

2018-04-01

The RANS equations are widely used to analyze complex flows over aircraft. The equations require a turbulence model for turbulent flow analyses. A suitable turbulence must be selected for accurate predictions of aircraft aerodynamic characteristics. In this study, numerical analyses of three-dimensional aircraft are performed to compare the results of various turbulence models for the prediction of aircraft aerodynamic characteristics. A 3-D RANS solver, MSAPv, is used for the aerodynamic analysis. The four turbulence models compared are the Sparlart-Allmaras (SA) model, Coakley's q-ω model, Huang and Coakley's k-ɛ model, and Menter's k-ω SST model. Four aircrafts are considered: an ARA-M100, DLR-F6 wing-body, DLR-F6 wing-body-nacelle-pylon from the second drag prediction workshop, and a high wing aircraft with nacelles. The CFD results are compared with experimental data and other published computational results. The details of separation patterns, shock positions, and Cp distributions are discussed to find the characteristics of the turbulence models.

Post Flight Analysis Of SHEFEX I: Shock Tunnel Testing And Related CFD Analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schramm, Jan Martinez; Barth, Tarik; Wagner, Alexander; Hannemann, Klaus

2011-05-01

The SHarp Edge Flight EXperiment (SHEFEX) program of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) is primarily focused on the investigation of the potential to utilise improved shapes for space vehicles by considering sharp edges and facetted surfaces. One goal is to set up a sky based test facility to gain knowledge of the physics of hypersonic flow, complemented by numerical analysis and ground based testing. Further, the series of SHEFEX flight experiments is an excellent test bed for new technological concepts and flight instrumentation, and it is a source of motivation for young scientist and engineers providing an excellent school for future space-program engineers and managers. After the successful first SHEFEX flight in October 2005, a second flight is scheduled for September 2011 and additional flights are planned for 2015 ff. With the SHEFEX-I flight and the subsequent numerical and experimental post flight analysis, DLR could for the first time close the loop between the three major disciplines of aerothermodynamic research namely CFD, ground based testing and flight.

Sensing our Environment: Remote sensing in a physics classroom

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Isaacson, Sivan; Schüttler, Tobias; Cohen-Zada, Aviv L.; Blumberg, Dan G.; Girwidz, Raimund; Maman, Shimrit

2017-04-01

Remote sensing is defined as data acquisition of an object, deprived physical contact. Fundamentally, most remote sensing applications are referred to as the use of satellite- or aircraft-based sensor technologies to detect and classify objects mainly on Earth or other planets. In the last years there have been efforts to bring the important subject of remote sensing into schools, however, most of these attempts focused on geography disciplines - restricting to the applications of remote sensing and to a less extent the technique itself and the physics behind it. Optical remote sensing is based on physical principles and technical devices, which are very meaningful from a theoretical point of view as well as for "hands-on" teaching. Some main subjects are radiation, atom and molecular physics, spectroscopy, as well as optics and the semiconductor technology used in modern digital cameras. Thus two objectives were outlined for this project: 1) to investigate the possibilities of using remote sensing techniques in physics teaching, and 2) to identify its impact on pupil's interest in the field of natural sciences. This joint project of the DLR_School_Lab, Oberpfaffenhofen of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and the Earth and Planetary Image Facility (EPIF) at BGU, was conducted in 2016. Thirty teenagers (ages 16-18) participated in the project and were exposed to the cutting edge methods of earth observation. The pupils on both sides participated in the project voluntarily, knowing that at least some of the project's work had to be done in their leisure time. The pupil's project started with a day at EPIF and DLR respectively, where the project task was explained to the participants and an introduction to remote sensing of vegetation was given. This was realized in lectures and in experimental workshops. During the following two months both groups took several measurements with modern optical remote sensing systems in their home region with a special focus on flora. The teams then processed their data and presented it to their foreign partners for evaluation in a video conference call. Alongside exciting insights about their respective environments and living conditions, the young scientists had daily access to live satellite sensors and remote sensing through the DLR_School_Lab in Germany and the Earth and Planetary Image Facility in Israel. This paper provides an overview regarding the project, the techniques used and the evaluation results following a pre-past-questionnaire design, and above all demonstrates the use of remote sensing as an application for physics teaching in a significant learning environment.

The US - European Cooperation in the X-38 and CRV Programs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sygulla, D.; Sabath, D.; Püttmann, N.; Schmid, V.; Caporicci, M.; Anderson, B.

2002-01-01

The European participation in the US X-38 program was initiated in 1997 and is realized by contributions from two European programs, by ESA's "Applied Reentry Technology Program", (ARTP) and the German/DLR "Technologies for Future Space Transportation Systems" (TETRA) program. The space agencies of USA, Europe and Germany have established two Memoranda of Understanding - NASA-ESA and NASA-DLR - for the European participation in the X-38 Program to deliver flight hard- and software in exchange to a re-entry flight opportunity with Vehicle 201 (V201). By October 2002 all European contributions to V201 of the X-38 program will be delivered to NASA JSC. Vehicle 201 represents the orbital test vehicle of the experimental vehicle family, developed and built from 1996 onwards by NASA at Johnson Space Center, JSC in Houston. The X-38 Program was initiated by NASA to prepare and develop the Crew Return Vehicle (CRV) with Vehicle 201 as prototype. NASA conducts the overall X-38 vehicle system engineering and integration, intended to provide the launch of the vehicle 201 with the Space Shuttle and will deliver flight data for post-flight analysis and assessment to DLR and ESA. The German national project TETRA (Technologies for future Space Transportation Systems) and the European ARTP (Applied Re-entry Technology Programme) are providing engineering support for design, analysis, system engineering and layout as well as delivering essential flight hard- and software: CMC Body flaps and CMC nose assembly from TETRA; rudders, CMC leading edges, landing gears and major elements of the V201 primary structure from ARTP. Since both programmes contribute in cooperation the major part of the aerodynamic database is generated, the flexible external insulation is developed and manufactured, and advanced sensors and data acquisition systems are built. The parts for V201 have been developed, fulfill the requirements, are qualified for flight and they are in the process of being integrated on the vehicle X- 38 V201. There will be no exchange of funds since the delivery of contributions and the flight opportunity are parts of a barter agreement. Presently NASA is assembling the vehicle's structure in preparation of the structural vehicle test in 2002. In the following period all major subsystems will be included and checked out before the envisaged orbital test flight of V201. The Shuttle Columbia will set it free in orbit and after an autonomous reentry flight it is proposed to glide towards Australia, hanging on the largest parafoil ever been built (7.500 square feet). Parallel to the final installation of all flight systems in V201, it was foreseen to develop the CRV using most of the systems of V201, provided the critical cost situation on the International Space Station can be solved. In this case the CRV would be used from about 2008/2009 as `ambulance - lifeboat' and/or as `return vehicle' for the crew of the International Space Station. Manifold contributions from European companies could be provided for the CRV: All in all this paper will give an overview about the programs X-38, CRV, TETRA and ARTP, as well as an overview about the status of the development of flight hard- and software for the reusable vehicle X-38 V201. *)CMC Ceramic Matrix Composites

Advanced Control and Autonomy Research

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nguyen, Nhan; Ippolito, Corey; Lombaerts, Thomas; Swei, Sean

2017-01-01

This presentation is given at a NASA DLR (German Aerospace Center) meeting at NASA ARC on March 14, 2017. The presentation provides an overview of the Advanced Control and Evolvable Systems (ACES) group at NASA ARC and the research areas in UAS autonomy, stall recovery guidance, and flexible aircraft flight control.

TRACC_PB SOSS Integrated Traffic Simulation for CLT Ramp Operation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Okuniek, Nikolai; Zhu, Zhifan

2017-01-01

This presentation provides the current task under the NASA-DLR research collaboration for airport surface. It presents the effort done to adapt TRACC and SOSS software components to simulate airport (CLT) ramp area traffic management using TRACC's conflict free taxi trajectory optimization and SOSS's fast time simulation platform.

Regional measurements of infrasound signals from ARIANE-5 engine tests in Southern Germany

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koch, K.

2012-04-01

A well-controlled source of repetitive infrasound emissions was previously identified and has been related to development and acceptance tests of the European Space Agencies ARIANE-5 main engine. The propulsion testing facility of the German Aerospace Agency (DLR) near Heilbronn, Southern Germany, is a distance of about 320 km away from the International Monitoring System (IMS) station IS26 in east-southeasterly direction. In the past, signals associated with these propulsion tests could normally be detected at IS26 during winter months, but not during summer months, reflecting the changes in atmospheric conditions between winter and summer. Over the last year, DLR has prepared to conduct a series of seven propulsion tests which started in November 2011; with interim times between tests of 3-4 weeks it will last until late March or early April 2012. With mobile infrasound recording equipment available at BGR we planned to record the infrasonic wavefield along the path to IS26 at regular distances starting as close as 20 km from the source. Our aim is to study sound propagation from direct paths mainly involving the tropospheric layer through the "zone of silence" to distances close to IS26, where paths through stratospheric layers are followed. Preliminary results show that during the relevant winter season direct path propagation can be observed to some 40 km from the propulsion test source, even at seismographic stations where the acoustic wave couples into the ground. The tests are also observed at IS26, and waveform duration and f-k-analysis confirm the signals to be associated with the GT-type propulsion tests.

Multispectral Light Curves of Vesta

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jaumann, R.; Nathues, A.; Mottola, S.; Hoffmann, H.

1996-01-01

In order to characterize its compositional heterogeneity we have carried out time-resolved CCD spectrophotometry of 4 Vesta during its last apparition in 1996. The observations have been performed from the European Southern Observatory (La Silla, Chile), with the DLR CCD camera attached at the Bochum 24" telescope using a set of five interference filters covering the spectral range 0.45-0.95 pm. In order to obtain the high photometric accuracy necessary to reveal subtle color variations, we have performed on-chip differential photometry against a field star, which allows effective correction for short-term atmospheric extinction fluctuations. The observations were therefore carefully planned and scheduled for one night when 4 Vesta was passing close to a bright star (SAO 140637). Measurements in each filter were automatically cycled over about 5 hr, in order to fully cover an asteroid's rotational period. Only the small portion of the CCD actually containing 4 Vesta and the comparison star was read out, which allowed us to have a very fast duty cycle of about 90 s. A GO-type star (BS 5779) located less than 2 degrees from the Vesta field was acquired during its passage at meridian, in order to provide reflectance calibration. The resulting dataset of approximately 1000 frames was preprocessed using bias frames and twilight sky flat fields, while photometry was computed by using ASTPHOT, a synthetic aperture program developed at DLR. Extinction correction was derived directly by dividing the flux of the asteroid by the on-field comparison star, while higher-order, differential extinction coefficients were neglected due to the comparatively narrow bandwidth of the filters used.

Significance of Serum Pepsinogens as a Biomarker for Gastric Cancer and Atrophic Gastritis Screening: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

PubMed Central

Huang, Ya-kai; Yu, Jian-chun; Kang, Wei-ming; Ma, Zhi-qiang; Ye, Xin; Tian, Shu-bo; Yan, Chao

2015-01-01

Background Human pepsinogens are considered promising serological biomarkers for the screening of atrophic gastritis (AG) and gastric cancer (GC). However, there has been controversy in the literature with respect to the validity of serum pepsinogen (SPG) for the detection of GC and AG. Consequently, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the diagnostic accuracy of SPG in GC and AG detection. Methods We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) for correlative original studies published up to September 30, 2014. The summary sensitivity, specificity, positive diagnostic likelihood ratio (DLR+), negative diagnostic likelihood ratio (DLR-), area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) were used to evaluate SPG in GC and AG screening based on bivariate random effects models. The inter-study heterogeneity was evaluated by the I2 statistics and publication bias was assessed using Begg and Mazumdar’s test. Meta-regression and subgroup analyses were performed to explore study heterogeneity. Results In total, 31 studies involving 1,520 GC patients and 2,265 AG patients were included in the meta-analysis. The summary sensitivity, specificity, DLR+, DLR-, AUC and DOR for GC screening using SPG were 0.69 (95% CI: 0.60–0.76), 0.73 (95% CI: 0.62–0.82), 2.57 (95% CI: 1.82–3.62), and 0.43 (95% CI: 0.34–0.54), 0.76 (95% CI: 0.72–0.80) and 6.01 (95% CI: 3.69–9.79), respectively. For AG screening, the summary sensitivity, specificity, DLR+, DLR-, AUC and DOR were 0.69 (95% CI: 0.55–0.80), 0.88 (95% CI: 0.77–0.94), 5.80 (95% CI: 3.06–10.99), and 0.35 (95% CI: 0.24–0.51), 0.85 (95% CI: 0.82–0.88) and 16.50 (95% CI: 8.18–33.28), respectively. In subgroup analysis, the use of combination of concentration of PGI and the ratio of PGI:PGII as measurement of SPG for GC screening yielded sensitivity of 0.70 (95% CI: 0.66–0.75), specificity of 0.79 (95% CI: 0.79–0.80), DOR of 6.92 (95% CI: 4.36–11.00), and AUC of 0.78 (95% CI: 0.72–0.81), while the use of concentration of PGI yielded sensitivity of 0.55 (95% CI: 0.51–0.60), specificity of 0.79 (95% CI: 0.76–0.82), DOR of 6.88 (95% CI: 2.30–20.60), and AUC of 0.77 (95% CI: 0.73–0.92). For AG screening, the use of ratio of PGI:PGII as measurement of SPG yielded sensitivity of 0.69 (95% CI: 0.52–0.83), specificity of 0.84 (95% CI: 0.68–0.93), DOR of 11.51 (95% CI: 6.14–21.56), and AUC of 0.83 (95% CI: 0.80–0.86), the use of combination of concentration of PGI and the ratio of PGI:PGII yield sensitivity of 0.79 (95% CI: 0.72–0.85), specificity of 0.89 (95% CI: 0.85–0.93), DOR of 24.64 (95% CI: 6.95–87.37), and AUC of 0.87 (95% CI: 0.81–0.92), concurrently, the use of concentration of PGI yield sensitivity of 0.46 (95% CI: 0.38–0.54), specificity of 0.93 (95% CI: 0.91–0.95), DOR of 19.86 (95% CI: 0.86–456.91), and AUC of 0.86 (95% CI: 0.52–1.00). Conclusion SPG has great potential as a noninvasive, population-based screening tool in GC and AG screening. In addition, given the potential publication bias and high heterogeneity of the included studies, further high quality studies are required in the future. PMID:26556485

Ka-Band Digital Beamforming and SweepSAR Demonstration for Ice and Solid Earth Topography

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sadowy, Gregory; Ghaemi, Hirad; Heavy, Brandon; Perkovic, Dragana; Quddus, Momin; Zawadzki, Mark; Moller, Delwyn

2010-01-01

GLISTIN is an instrument concept for a single-pass interferometric SAR operating at 35.6 GHz. To achieve large swath widths using practical levels of transmitter power, a digitally-beamformed planar waveguide array is used. This paper describes results from a ground-based demonstration of a 16-receiver prototype. Furthermore, SweepSAR is emerging as promising technique for achieving very wide swaths for surface change detection. NASA and DLR are studying this approach for the DESDynI and Tandem-L missions. SweepSAR employs a reflector with a digitally-beamformed array feed. We will describe development of an airborne demonstration of SweepSAR using the GLISTIN receiver array and a reflector.

Mapping GRACE Accelerometer Error

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sakumura, C.; Harvey, N.; McCullough, C. M.; Bandikova, T.; Kruizinga, G. L. H.

2017-12-01

After more than fifteen years in orbit, instrument noise, and accelerometer noise in particular, remains one of the limiting error sources for the NASA/DLR Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment mission. The recent V03 Level-1 reprocessing campaign used a Kalman filter approach to produce a high fidelity, smooth attitude solution fusing star camera and angular acceleration data. This process provided an unprecedented method for analysis and error estimation of each instrument. The accelerometer exhibited signal aliasing, differential scale factors between electrode plates, and magnetic effects. By applying the noise model developed for the angular acceleration data to the linear measurements, we explore the magnitude and geophysical pattern of gravity field error due to the electrostatic accelerometer.

Electrostatic Levitation: A Tool to Support Materials Research in Microgravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rogers, Jan; SanSoucie, Mike

2012-01-01

Containerless processing represents an important topic for materials research in microgravity. Levitated specimens are free from contact with a container, which permits studies of deeply undercooled melts, and high-temperature, highly reactive materials. Containerless processing provides data for studies of thermophysical properties, phase equilibria, metastable state formation, microstructure formation, undercooling, and nucleation. The European Space Agency (ESA) and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) jointly developed an electromagnetic levitator facility (MSL-EML) for containerless materials processing in space. The electrostatic levitator (ESL) facility at the Marshall Space Flight Center provides support for the development of containerless processing studies for the ISS. Apparatus and techniques have been developed to use the ESL to provide data for phase diagram determination, creep resistance, emissivity, specific heat, density/thermal expansion, viscosity, surface tension and triggered nucleation of melts. The capabilities and results from selected ESL-based characterization studies performed at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center will be presented.

Mars Radiation Surface Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alzate, N.; Grande, M.; Matthiae, D.

2017-09-01

Planetary Space Weather Services (PSWS) within the Europlanet H2020 Research Infrastructure have been developed following protocols and standards available in Astrophysical, Solar Physics and Planetary Science Virtual Observatories. Several VO-compliant functionalities have been implemented in various tools. The PSWS extends the concepts of space weather and space situational awareness to other planets in our Solar System and in particular to spacecraft that voyage through it. One of the five toolkits developed as part of these services is a model dedicated to the Mars environment. This model has been developed at Aberystwyth University and the Institut fur Luft- und Raumfahrtmedizin (DLR Cologne) using modeled average conditions available from Planetocosmics. It is available for tracing propagation of solar events through the Solar System and modeling the response of the Mars environment. The results have been synthesized into look-up tables parameterized to variable solar wind conditions at Mars.

Prototyping the HPDP Chip on STM 65 NM Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Papadas, C.; Dramitinos, G.; Syed, M.; Helfers, T.; Dedes, G.; Schoellkopf, J.-P.; Dugoujon, L.

2011-08-01

Currently Astrium GmbH is involved in the of the High Performance Data Processor (HPDP) development programme for telecommunication applications under a DLR contract. The HPDP project targets the implementation of the commercially available reconfigurable array processor IP (XPP from the company PACT XPP Technologies) in a radiation hardened technology.In the current complementary development phase funded under the Greek Industry Incentive scheme, it is planned to prototype the HPDP chip in commercial STM 65 nm technology. In addition it is also planned to utilise the preliminary radiation hardened components of this library wherever possible.This abstract gives an overview of the HPDP chip architecture, the basic details of the STM 65 nm process and the design flow foreseen for the prototyping. The paper will discuss the development and integration issues involved in using the STM 65 nm process (also including the available preliminary radiation hardened components) for designs targeted to be used in space applications.

The DLR AsteroidFinder for NEOs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mottola, Stefano; Kuehrt, Ekkehard; Michaelis, Harald; Hoffmann, Harald; Spietz, Peter; Jansen, Frank; Thimo Grundmann, Jan; Hahn, Gerhard; Montenegro, Sergio; Findlay, Ross; Boerner, Anko; Messina, Gabriele; Behnke, Thomas; Tschentscher, Matthias; Scheibe, Karsten; Mertens, Volker; Heidecke, Ansgar

Potential Earth-impacting asteroids that spend most of their time interior to Earth's orbit are extremely difficult to be observed from the ground and remain largely undetected. Firstly, they are mostly located at small solar elongations, where the sky brightness and their faintness due to the large phase angle prevents their discovery. Secondly, these objects tend to have very long synodic orbital periods, which makes observation opportunities rare and impact warning times short. Because of these limitations, even the advent of next generation ground-based asteroid surveys is not likely to radically improve the situation (Veres et al. Icarus 203, p472, 2009). On the other hand, a small satellite with a suitable design can observe close to the Sun and detect these objects efficiently against a dark sky background. For this reason, DLR, the German Aerospace Center, has selected AsteroidFinder as the first experiment to be launched under its new compact satellite national program. The primary goal of the mission is to detect and characterize Near Earth Objects (NEOs), with a particular focus on the population of objects completely contained within Earth's orbit (IEOs or Inner Earth Objects). Current dynamical models predict the existence of more than 1000 such objects down to a size of 100m, of which, due to the abovementioned observation difficulties, only 10 have been discovered to date. Benefitting from the vantage point of a Low Earth Orbit (LEO), AsteroidFinder makes use of a small optical telescope to scan those regions of the sky that are close to the Sun, and therefore beyond the reach of ground based observatories. By estimating the population, the size and the orbital distribution of IEOs, AsteroidFinder will contribute to our knowledge of the inner Solar System, and to the assessment of the impact hazard for the Earth. A secondary goal of the mission is to demonstrate techniques that enable the space-based detection of space debris in the cm size range. With these mission goals, AsteroidFinder also addresses the programmatic goals of the ESA SSA initiative, both for the NEO and space debris domain. The AsteroidFinder mission is based on the DLR SSB standard platform, it employs a 400-cm2 clear-aperture, off-axis design telescope and an array of new technology CCDs. AsteroidFinder, which is presently in its Phase-B development stage, is planned to launch in 2013 with a one-year nominal mission duration and the possibility of an extension.

SOFIA's Airborne Astronomy Ambassadors: An External Evaluation of Cycle 1

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Phillips, Michelle

2015-01-01

The Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) represents a partnership between NASA and the German Aerospace Center (DLR). The observatory itself is a Boeing 747 SP that has been modified to serve as the world's largest airborne research observatory. The SOFIA Airborne Astronomy Ambassadors (AAA) program is a component of SOFIA's…

Efferent feedback can explain many hearing phenomena

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holmes, W. Harvey; Flax, Matthew R.

2015-12-01

The mixed mode cochlear amplifier (MMCA) model was presented at the last Mechanics of Hearing workshop [4]. The MMCA consists principally of a nonlinear feedback loop formed when an efferent-controlled outer hair cell (OHC) is combined with the cochlear mechanics and the rest of the relevant neurobiology. Essential elements of this model are efferent control of the OHC motility and a delay in the feedback to the OHC. The input to the MMCA is the passive travelling wave. In the MMCA amplification is localized where both the neural and tuned mechanical systems meet in the Organ of Corti (OoC). The simplest model based on this idea is a nonlinear delay line resonator (DLR), which is mathematically described by a nonlinear delay-differential equation (DDE). This model predicts possible Hopf bifurcations and exhibits its most interesting behaviour when operating near a bifurcation. This contribution presents some simulation results using the DLR model. These show that various observed hearing phenomena can be accounted for by this model, at least qualitatively, including compression effects, two-tone suppression and some forms of otoacoustic emissions (OAEs).

System Analyses Driving Improved Aerothermodynamic Lay-Out Of The SpaceLiner Configuration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sippel, Martin; van Foreest, Arnold; Dietlein, Ingrid; Schwanekamp, Tobias; Kopp, Alexander; Neeb, Dominik

2011-05-01

The revolutionary ultrafast passenger transport SpaceLiner is under investigation at DLR since 2005. The two-stage, fully reusable vehicle is powered by rocket engines. The maximum achieved velocity, depending on the configuration or mission type, is beyond 6.5 km/s putting some challenging aerothermal requirements on the vehicle. At the lower end of the speed-range, the SpaceLiner should have the smallest possible flight velocity for landing with an acceptable angle of attack. The focus of the paper is on all system aspects including the SpaceLiner’s flight performance which have an impact on the aerodynamic configuration. A preliminary sizing of both stages’s passive TPS is done. At the vehicle’s leading edges heat fluxes and hence equilibrium temperatures temporarily reach excessive values requiring advanced active transpiration cooling. An experimental campaign is run at the DLR arc-heated facility to increase the TRL of this promising cooling technology. An aerodynamic shape optimization taking into account trim drag aspects and latest status of the vehicle design and flight profile is described.

A high-resolution optical measurement system for rapid acquisition of radiation flux density maps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thelen, Martin; Raeder, Christian; Willsch, Christian; Dibowski, Gerd

2017-06-01

To identify the power and flux density of concentrated solar radiation the Institute of Solar Research at the German Aerospace Center (DLR - Deutsches Zentrum für Luft-und Raumfahrt e. V.) has used the camera-based measurement system FATMES (Flux and Temperature Measurement System) since 1995. The disadvantages of low resolution, difficult handling and poor computing power required a revision of the existing measurement system. The measurement system FMAS (Flux Mapping Acquisition system) is equipped with state-of-the-art-hardware, is compatible with computers off-the-shelf and is programmed in LabView. The expenditure of time for an image evaluation is reduced by the factor 60 compared to FATMES. The new measurement system is no longer associated with the facilities Solar Furnace and High Flux Solar Simulator at the DLR in Cologne but is also applicable as a mobile system. The data and the algorithms are transparent throughout the complete process. The measurement accuracy of FMAS is determined to at most ±3 % until now. The error of measurement of FATMES is at least 2 % higher according to the conducted comparison tests.

An investigation of the effects of pitch-roll (de)coupling on helicopter handling qualities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Blanken, C. L.; Pausder, H. J.; Ockier, C. J.

1995-01-01

An extensive investigation of the effects of pitch-roll coupling on helicopter handling qualities was performed by the U.S. Army and Deutsche Forschungsanstalt fur Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR), using a NASA ground-based and a DLR in-flight simulator. Over 90 different coupling configurations were evaluated using a high gain roll-axis tracking task. The results show that although the current ADS-33C coupling criterion discriminates against those types of coupling typical of conventionally controlled helicopters, it is not always suited for the prediction of handling qualities of helicopters with modern control systems. Based on the observation that high frequency inputs during tracking are used to alleviate coupling, a frequency domain pitch-roll coupling criterion that uses the average coupling ratio between the bandwidth and neutral stability frequency is formulated. This criterion provides a more comprehensive coverage with respect to the different types of coupling, shows excellent consistency, and has the additional benefit that compliance testing data are obtained from the bandwidth/phase delay tests, so that no additional flight testing is needed.

Variability of the Brunt-Väisälä frequency at the OH* layer height

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wüst, Sabine; Bittner, Michael; Yee, Jeng-Hwa; Mlynczak, Martin G.; Russell, James M., III

2017-12-01

In and near the Alpine region, the most dense subnetwork of identical NDMC (Network for the Detection of Mesospheric Change, https://www.wdc.dlr.de/ndmc/) instruments can be found: five stations are equipped with OH* spectrometers which deliver a time series of mesopause temperature for each cloudless or only partially cloudy night. These measurements are suitable for the derivation of the density of gravity wave potential energy, provided that the Brunt-Väisälä frequency is known. However, OH* spectrometers do not deliver vertically resolved temperature information, which is necessary for the calculation of the Brunt-Väisälä frequency. Co-located measurements or climatological values are needed. We use 14 years of satellite-based temperature data (TIMED-SABER, 2002-2015) to investigate the inter- and intra-annual variability of the Brunt-Väisälä frequency at the OH* layer height between 43.93-48.09° N and 5.71-12.95° E and provide a climatology.

Prototype Interoperability Document between NASA-JSC and DLR-GSOC Describing the CCSDS SM and C Mission Operations Prototype

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lucord, Steve A.; Gully, Sylvain

2009-01-01

The purpose of the PROTOTYPE INTEROPERABILITY DOCUMENT is to document the design and interfaces for the service providers and consumers of a Mission Operations prototype between JSC-OTF and DLR-GSOC. The primary goal is to test the interoperability sections of the CCSDS Spacecraft Monitor & Control (SM&C) Mission Operations (MO) specifications between both control centers. An additional goal is to provide feedback to the Spacecraft Monitor and Control (SM&C) working group through the Review Item Disposition (RID) process. This Prototype is considered a proof of concept and should increase the knowledge base of the CCSDS SM&C Mission Operations standards. No operational capabilities will be provided. The CCSDS Mission Operations (MO) initiative was previously called Spacecraft Monitor and Control (SM&C). The specifications have been renamed to better reflect the scope and overall objectives. The working group retains the name Spacecraft Monitor and Control working group and is under the Mission Operations and Information Services Area (MOIMS) of CCSDS. This document will refer to the specifications as SM&C Mission Operations, Mission Operations or just MO.

Rigid body mode identification of the PAH-2 helicopter using the eigensystem realization algorithm

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schenk, Axel; Pappa, Richard S.

1992-01-01

The rigid body modes of the PAH-2 'Tiger' helicopter were identified using the Eigensystem Realization Algorithm (ERA). This work complements ground vibration tests performed using DLR's traditional phase resonance technique and the ISSPA (Identification of Structural System Parameters) method. Rigid body modal parameters are important for ground resonance prediction. Time-domain data for ERA were obtained by inverse Fourier transformation of frequency response functions measured with stepped-sine excitation. Mode purity (based on the Phase Resonance Criterion) was generally equal to or greater than corresponding results obtained in the ground vibration tests. All identified natural frequencies and mode shapes correlate well with corresponding ground vibration test results. The modal identification approach discussed in this report has become increasingly attractive in recent years due to the steadily declining cost and increased performance of scientific computers. As illustrated in this application, modern time-domain methods can be successfully applied to data acquired using DLR's existing test equipment. Some suggestions are made for future applications of time domain modal identification in this manner.

Dual Dynamically Orthogonal approximation of incompressible Navier Stokes equations with random boundary conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Musharbash, Eleonora; Nobile, Fabio

2018-02-01

In this paper we propose a method for the strong imposition of random Dirichlet boundary conditions in the Dynamical Low Rank (DLR) approximation of parabolic PDEs and, in particular, incompressible Navier Stokes equations. We show that the DLR variational principle can be set in the constrained manifold of all S rank random fields with a prescribed value on the boundary, expressed in low rank format, with rank smaller then S. We characterize the tangent space to the constrained manifold by means of a Dual Dynamically Orthogonal (Dual DO) formulation, in which the stochastic modes are kept orthonormal and the deterministic modes satisfy suitable boundary conditions, consistent with the original problem. The Dual DO formulation is also convenient to include the incompressibility constraint, when dealing with incompressible Navier Stokes equations. We show the performance of the proposed Dual DO approximation on two numerical test cases: the classical benchmark of a laminar flow around a cylinder with random inflow velocity, and a biomedical application for simulating blood flow in realistic carotid artery reconstructed from MRI data with random inflow conditions coming from Doppler measurements.

Experimental Investigation of the DLR-F6 Transport Configuration in the National Transonic Facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gatlin, Gregory M.; Rivers, Melissa B.; Goodliff, Scott L.; Rudnik, Ralf; Sitzmann, Martin

2008-01-01

An experimental aerodynamic investigation of the DLR (German Aerospace Center) F6 generic transport configuration has been conducted in the NASA NTF (National Transonic Facility) for CFD validation within the framework of the AIAA Drag Prediction Workshop. Force and moment, surface pressure, model deformation, and surface flow visualization data have been obtained at Reynolds numbers of both 3 million and 5 million. Flow-through nacelles and a side-of-body fairing were also investigated on this wing-body configuration. Reynolds number effects on trailing edge separation have been assessed, and the effectiveness of the side-of-body fairing in eliminating a known region of separated flow has been determined. Data obtained at a Reynolds number of 3 million are presented together for comparison with data from a previous wind tunnel investigation in the ONERA S2MA facility. New surface flow visualization capabilities have also been successfully explored and demonstrated in the NTF for the high pressure and moderately low temperature conditions required in this investigation. Images detailing wing surface flow characteristics are presented.

Mapping the Urban Side of the Earth- the new GUF+ Layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gorelick, N.; Marconcini, M.; Üreyen, S.; Zeidler, J.; Svaton, V.; Esch, T.

2017-12-01

From the beginning of the years 2000, it is estimated that more than half of the global population is living in cities and the dynamic trend of urbanization is growing at an unprecedented speed. In such framework, how does expanding population affect the surrounding landscape? Are urban areas making good use of limited space or is rapid urbanization threatening the planet's sustainability? What is the impact of urbanization on vulnerability to natural disasters? To try answering these and other challenging questions, a key information is to reliably know the location and characteristics (e.g. shape, extent, greenness) of human settlements worldwide. In this context, yet from the last decade different global maps outlining urban areas have started being produced. Here, DLR's Global Urban Footprint (GUF) layer, generated on the basis of very high resolution radar imagery, represents one of the most accurate and largely employed datasets. However, in order to overcome still existing limitations of the GUF layer, often originating from specifics of the underlying radar imagery, DLR developed a novel methodology that for the first time exploits mass multitemporal collections of optical and radar satellite imagery. The new approach has been employed for generating the GUF+ 2015 layer, a global map of settlement areas derived at 10m spatial resolution based overall on a joint analysis of hundreds of thousands of Landsat and Sentinel-1 scenes (processed with the support of Google Earth Engine) collected in the years 2014-2015. The GUF+2015 outperforms all other existing global human settlements maps and allows - among others - to considerably improve the detection of very small settlements in rural regions and better outline scattered peri-urban areas. Nevertheless, this is not an arrival but rather a starting point for generating a suite of additional products (GUF+ suite) supposed to support a 360° analysis of global urbanization - e.g. with data on the imperviousness/greenness and the spatiotemporal development of the built-up area over the last decades.

An airborne perfluorocarbon tracer system and its first application for a Lagrangian experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ren, Y.; Baumann, R.; Schlager, H.

2015-01-01

A perfluorocarbon tracer system (PERTRAS), specifically designed for Lagrangian aircraft experiments, has been developed by the Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (German Aerospace Center, DLR). It consists of three main parts: a tracer release unit (RU), an adsorption tube sampler (ATS), and a tracer analytical system. The RU was designed for airborne tracer release experiments; meanwhile, it can be used on various platforms for different experimental purposes (here research vessel). PERTRAS was for the first time applied in the field campaign Stratospheric ozone: Halogen Impacts in a Varying Atmosphere (SHIVA) in November 2011. An amount of 8.8 kg perfluoromethylcyclopentane (PMCP) was released aboard the research vessel Sonne (RV Sonne) near the operational site of this campaign, Miri, Malaysia, on 21 November. The tracer samples collected using the ATS onboard the DLR research aircraft Falcon were analyzed in the laboratory using a thermal desorber-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (TD-GC-MS) system. Guided by forecasts calculated with the Lagrangian model Hybrid Single Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT), 64 tracer samples were collected onboard the Falcon approximately 5 and 25 h after the release, mostly with a time resolution of 1 min. Enhanced PMCP concentrations relative to ambient PMCP background values (mean: 6.62 fmol mol-1) were detected during three intersects of the fresh tracer plume (age 5 h), with a maximum value of 301.33 fmol mol-1. This indicates that the fresh tracer plume was successfully intercepted at the forecast position. During the second flight, 25 h after the release, the center of tracer plume was not detected by the sampling system due to a faster advection of the plume than forecast. The newly developed PERTRAS system has been successfully deployed for the first time. The instrumental setup and comparisons between the measurements and HYSPLIT simulations are presented in this study.

An airborne perfluorocarbon tracer system and its first application for a Lagrangian experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ren, Y.; Baumann, R.; Schlager, H.

2014-07-01

A perfluorocarbon tracer system (PERTRAS), specifically designed for Lagrangian aircraft experiments, has been developed by the Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (German Aerospace Center, DLR). It consists of three main parts: a tracer release unit (RU), an adsorption tube sampler (ATS) and a tracer analytical system. The RU was designed for airborne tracer release experiments; meanwhile, it can be used on various platforms for different experimental purpose (here research vessel). PERTRAS was for the first time applied in the field campaign Stratospheric ozone: halogen Impacts in a Varying Atmosphere (SHIVA) in November 2011. An amount of 8.8 kg perfluoromethylcyclopentane (PMCP) was released aboard the research vessel Sonne (RV Sonne) near the operational site of this campaign, Miri, Malaysia, on 21 November. The tracer samples collected using the ATS on board the DLR research aircraft Falcon were analyzed in the laboratory using a thermal desorber/gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (TD/GC/MS) system. Guided by forecasts calculated with the Lagrangian model, Hybrid Single Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT), 64 tracer samples were collected onboard the Falcon approximately 5 and 25 h after the release, respectively, mostly with a time resolution of 1 min. Enhanced PMCP concentrations relative to ambient PMCP background values (mean: 6.62 fmol mol-1) were detected during three intersects of the fresh tracer plume (age 5 h), with a maximum value of 301.33 fmol mol-1. This indicates that the fresh tracer plume was successfully intercepted at the forecasted position. During the second flight, 25 h after the release, the center of tracer plume was not detected by the sampling system due to a faster advection of the plume than forecasted. The newly developed PERTRAS system has been successfully deployed for the first time. The instrumental set-up and comparisons between the measurements and HYSPLIT simulations are presented in this study.

Aerospace laser communications technology as enabler for worldwide quantum key distribution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moll, Florian; Weinfurter, Harald; Rau, Markus; Schmidt, Christopher; Melén, Gwen; Vogl, Tobias; Nauerth, Sebastian; Fuchs, Christian

2016-04-01

A worldwide growing interest in fast and secure data communications pushes technology development along two lines. While fast communications can be realized using laser communications in fiber and free-space, inherently secure communications can be achieved using quantum key distribution (QKD). By combining both technologies in a single device, many synergies can be exploited, therefore reducing size, weight and power of future systems. In recent experiments we demonstrated quantum communications over large distances as well as between an aircraft and a ground station which proved the feasibility of QKD between moving partners. Satellites thus may be used as trusted nodes in combination with QKD receiver stations on ground, thereby enabling fast and secure communications on a global scale. We discuss the previous experiment with emphasis on necessary developments to be done and corresponding ongoing research work of German Aerospace Center (DLR) and Ludwig Maximilians University Munich (LMU). DLR is performing research on satellite and ground terminals for the high-rate laser communication component, which are enabling technologies for the QKD link. We describe the concept and hardware of three generations of OSIRIS (Optical High Speed Infrared Link System) laser communication terminals for low Earth orbiting satellites. The first type applies laser beam pointing solely based on classical satellite control, the second uses an optical feedback to the satellite bus and the third, currently being in design phase, comprises of a special coarse pointing assembly to control beam direction independent of satellite orientation. Ongoing work also targets optical terminals for CubeSats. A further increase of beam pointing accuracy can be achieved with a fine pointing assembly. Two ground stations will be available for future testing, an advanced stationary ground station and a transportable ground station. In parallel the LMU QKD source size will be reduced by more than an order of magnitude thereby simplifying its integration into future free-space optical communication links with CubeSats.

[The reduction of the radiation dosage by means of storage phosphor-film radiography compared to a conventional film-screen system with a grid cassette on a skull phantom].

PubMed

Heyne, J P; Merbold, H; Sehner, J; Neumann, R; Freesmeyer, M; Jonetz-Mentzel, L; Kaiser, W A

1999-07-01

How much can the radiation dose be reduced for skull radiography by using digital luminescence radiography (DLR) compared to a conventional screen film system with a grid cassette? A skull phantom (3M) was x-rayed in anterior-posterior orientation using both a conventional screen film system with grid cassette and DLR (ADC-70, Agfa). The tube current time product (mAs) was diminished gradually while keeping the voltage constant. The surface entrance dose was measured by a sensor of Dosimax (Wellhöfer). Five investigators evaluated the images by characteristic and critical features, spatial resolution and contrast. The surface entrance dose at 73 kV/22 mAs was 0.432 mGy in conventional screen film system and 0.435 mGy in DLR. The images could be evaluated very well down to an average dose of 71% (0.308 mGy; SD 0.050); sufficient images were obtained down to an average dose of 31% (0.136 mGy; SD 0.065). The resolution of the line pairs were reduced down to 2 levels depending on the investigator. Contrast was assessed as being very good to sufficient. The acceptance of the postprocessed images (MUSICA-software) was individually different and resulted in an improvement of the assessment of bone structures and contrast in higher dose ranges only. For the sufficient assessment of a possible fracture/of paranasal sinuses/of measurement of the skull the dose can be reduced to at least 56% (phi 31%; SD 14.9%)/40% (phi 27%; SD 9.3%)/18% (phi 14%; SD 4.4%). Digital radiography allows question-referred exposure parameters with clearly reduced dose, so e.g. for fracture exclusion 73 kV/12.5 mAs and to skull measurement 73 kV/4 mAs.

Differential Regulation of cGMP Signaling in Human Melanoma Cells at Altered Gravity: Simulated Microgravity Down-Regulates Cancer-Related Gene Expression and Motility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ivanova, Krassimira; Eiermann, Peter; Tsiockas, Wasiliki; Hemmersbach, Ruth; Gerzer, Rupert

2018-03-01

Altered gravity is known to affect cellular function by changes in gene expression and cellular signaling. The intracellular signaling molecule cyclic guanosine-3',5'-monophosphate (cGMP), a product of guanylyl cyclases (GC), e.g., the nitric oxide (NO)-sensitive soluble GC (sGC) or natriuretic peptide-activated GC (GC-A/GC-B), is involved in melanocyte response to environmental stress. NO-sGC-cGMP signaling is operational in human melanocytes and non-metastatic melanoma cells, whereas up-regulated expression of GC-A/GC-B and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) are found in metastatic melanoma cells, the deadliest skin cancer. Here, we investigated the effects of altered gravity on the mRNA expression of NOS isoforms, sGC, GC-A/GC-B and multidrug resistance-associated proteins 4/5 (MRP4/MRP5) as selective cGMP exporters in human melanoma cells with different metastatic potential and pigmentation. A specific centrifuge (DLR, Cologne Germany) was used to generate hypergravity (5 g for 24 h) and a fast-rotating 2-D clinostat (60 rpm) to simulate microgravity values ≤ 0.012 g for 24 h. The results demonstrate that hypergravity up-regulates the endothelial NOS-sGC-MRP4/MRP5 pathway in non-metastatic melanoma cells, but down-regulates it in simulated microgravity when compared to 1 g. Additionally, the suppression of sGC expression and activity has been suggested to correlate inversely to tumor aggressiveness. Finally, hypergravity is ineffective in highly metastatic melanoma cells, whereas simulated microgravity down-regulates predominantly the expression of the cancer-related genes iNOS and GC-A/GC-B (shown additionally on protein levels) as well as motility in comparison to 1 g. The results suggest that future studies in real microgravity can benefit from considering GC-cGMP signaling as possible factor for melanocyte transformation.

The oxidative burst reaction in mammalian cells depends on gravity

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Gravity has been a constant force throughout the Earth’s evolutionary history. Thus, one of the fundamental biological questions is if and how complex cellular and molecular functions of life on Earth require gravity. In this study, we investigated the influence of gravity on the oxidative burst reaction in macrophages, one of the key elements in innate immune response and cellular signaling. An important step is the production of superoxide by the NADPH oxidase, which is rapidly converted to H2O2 by spontaneous and enzymatic dismutation. The phagozytosis-mediated oxidative burst under altered gravity conditions was studied in NR8383 rat alveolar macrophages by means of a luminol assay. Ground-based experiments in “functional weightlessness” were performed using a 2 D clinostat combined with a photomultiplier (PMT clinostat). The same technical set-up was used during the 13th DLR and 51st ESA parabolic flight campaign. Furthermore, hypergravity conditions were provided by using the Multi-Sample Incubation Centrifuge (MuSIC) and the Short Arm Human Centrifuge (SAHC). The results demonstrate that release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during the oxidative burst reaction depends greatly on gravity conditions. ROS release is 1.) reduced in microgravity, 2.) enhanced in hypergravity and 3.) responds rapidly and reversible to altered gravity within seconds. We substantiated the effect of altered gravity on oxidative burst reaction in two independent experimental systems, parabolic flights and 2D clinostat / centrifuge experiments. Furthermore, the results obtained in simulated microgravity (2D clinorotation experiments) were proven by experiments in real microgravity as in both cases a pronounced reduction in ROS was observed. Our experiments indicate that gravity-sensitive steps are located both in the initial activation pathways and in the final oxidative burst reaction itself, which could be explained by the role of cytoskeletal dynamics in the assembly and function of the NADPH oxidase complex. PMID:24359439

The oxidative burst reaction in mammalian cells depends on gravity.

PubMed

Adrian, Astrid; Schoppmann, Kathrin; Sromicki, Juri; Brungs, Sonja; von der Wiesche, Melanie; Hock, Bertold; Kolanus, Waldemar; Hemmersbach, Ruth; Ullrich, Oliver

2013-12-20

Gravity has been a constant force throughout the Earth's evolutionary history. Thus, one of the fundamental biological questions is if and how complex cellular and molecular functions of life on Earth require gravity. In this study, we investigated the influence of gravity on the oxidative burst reaction in macrophages, one of the key elements in innate immune response and cellular signaling. An important step is the production of superoxide by the NADPH oxidase, which is rapidly converted to H2O2 by spontaneous and enzymatic dismutation. The phagozytosis-mediated oxidative burst under altered gravity conditions was studied in NR8383 rat alveolar macrophages by means of a luminol assay. Ground-based experiments in "functional weightlessness" were performed using a 2 D clinostat combined with a photomultiplier (PMT clinostat). The same technical set-up was used during the 13th DLR and 51st ESA parabolic flight campaign. Furthermore, hypergravity conditions were provided by using the Multi-Sample Incubation Centrifuge (MuSIC) and the Short Arm Human Centrifuge (SAHC). The results demonstrate that release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during the oxidative burst reaction depends greatly on gravity conditions. ROS release is 1.) reduced in microgravity, 2.) enhanced in hypergravity and 3.) responds rapidly and reversible to altered gravity within seconds. We substantiated the effect of altered gravity on oxidative burst reaction in two independent experimental systems, parabolic flights and 2D clinostat / centrifuge experiments. Furthermore, the results obtained in simulated microgravity (2D clinorotation experiments) were proven by experiments in real microgravity as in both cases a pronounced reduction in ROS was observed. Our experiments indicate that gravity-sensitive steps are located both in the initial activation pathways and in the final oxidative burst reaction itself, which could be explained by the role of cytoskeletal dynamics in the assembly and function of the NADPH oxidase complex.

Design and Implementation of a Mechatronics Learning Module in a Large First-Semester Engineering Course

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Castles, R. T.; Zephirin, T.; Lohani, V. K.; Kachroo, P.

2010-01-01

Since 2005, the first-year engineering program at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, has been significantly restructured to include more hands-on learning. A major grant (2004-2009) under the department level reform (DLR) program of the National Science Foundation (NSF) facilitated this restructuring. A number of hands-on learning modules were developed…

Analysis of the US Navy’s Aviation DLR Workload Forecasting

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-12-01

11100735" 9ś 110 .87yy", 105, 14, 1 , 2, 0, 0, 122 ൨PA",Ŕ 11100735",𔄁", " 8aQ 1", 52, 3, 0, 1, 0, 0, 56 ൨PA", Ŕ 11100735",ś",’චQ2’, 49, 4, 0, 0, 0

STS-55 Payload Specialist Schlegel collects fungi sample at SL-D2 Rack 1

NASA Image and Video Library

1993-05-06

STS055-106-037 (26 April-6 May 1993) --- Hans Schlegel works with a fungi experiment in the Spacelab D-2 Science Module onboard the Earth-orbiting Space Shuttle Columbia. Schlegel was one of two payload specialists representing the German Aerospace Research Establishment (DLR) on the 10-day Spacelab D-2 mission.

LOWLY CHLORINATED DIBENZODIOXINS AS TEQ INDICATORS. A COMBINED APPROACH USING SPECTROSCOPIC MEASUREMENTS WITH DLR JET-REMPI AND STATISTICAL CORRELATIONS WITH WASTE COMBUSTOR EMISSIONS

EPA Science Inventory

Continuous monitoring of trace gas species in incineration processes can serve two purposes: (i) monitoring precursors of polychlorinated dibenzodioxin and polychlorinated dibenzofuran (PCDD/F) or other indicator species in the raw gas will enable use of their on-line signals for...

Observation-based estimation of aerosol-induced reduction of planetary boundary layer height

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zou, Jun; Sun, Jianning; Ding, Aijun; Wang, Minghuai; Guo, Weidong; Fu, Congbin

2017-09-01

Radiative aerosols are known to influence the surface energy budget and hence the evolution of the planetary boundary layer. In this study, we develop a method to estimate the aerosol-induced reduction in the planetary boundary layer height (PBLH) based on two years of ground-based measurements at a site, the Station for Observing Regional Processes of the Earth System (SORPES), at Nanjing University, China, and radiosonde data from the meteorological station of Nanjing. The observations show that increased aerosol loads lead to a mean decrease of 67.1 W m-2 for downward shortwave radiation (DSR) and a mean increase of 19.2 W m-2 for downward longwave radiation (DLR), as well as a mean decrease of 9.6 Wm-2 for the surface sensible heat flux (SHF) in the daytime. The relative variations of DSR, DLR and SHF are shown as a function of the increment of column mass concentration of particulate matter (PM2.5). High aerosol loading can significantly increase the atmospheric stability in the planetary boundary layer during both daytime and nighttime. Based on the statistical relationship between SHF and PM2.5 column mass concentrations, the SHF under clean atmospheric conditions (same as the background days) is derived. In this case, the derived SHF, together with observed SHF, are then used to estimate changes in the PBLH related to aerosols. Our results suggest that the PBLH decreases more rapidly with increasing aerosol loading at high aerosol loading. When the daytime mean column mass concentration of PM2.5 reaches 200 mg m-2, the decrease in the PBLH at 1600 LST (local standard time) is about 450 m.

A new method for assessing surface solar irradiance: Heliosat-4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qu, Z.; Oumbe, A.; Blanc, P.; Lefèvre, M.; Wald, L.; Schroedter-Homscheidt, M.; Gesell, G.

2012-04-01

Downwelling shortwave irradiance at surface (SSI) is more and more often assessed by means of satellite-derived estimates of optical properties of the atmosphere. Performances are judged satisfactory for the time being but there is an increasing need for the assessment of the direct and diffuse components of the SSI. MINES ParisTech and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) are currently developing the Heliosat-4 method to assess the SSI and its components in a more accurate way than current practices. This method is composed by two parts: a clear sky module based on the radiative transfer model libRadtran, and a cloud-ground module using two-stream and delta-Eddington approximations for clouds and a database of ground albedo. Advanced products derived from geostationary satellites and recent Earth Observation missions are the inputs of the Heliosat-4 method. Such products are: cloud optical depth, cloud phase, cloud type and cloud coverage from APOLLO of DLR, aerosol optical depth, aerosol type, water vapor in clear-sky, ozone from MACC products (FP7), and ground albedo from MODIS of NASA. In this communication, we briefly present Heliosat-4 and focus on its performances. The results of Heliosat-4 for the period 2004-2010 will be compared to the measurements made in five stations within the Baseline Surface Radiation Network. Extensive statistic analysis as well as case studies are performed in order to better understand Heliosat-4 and have an in-depth view of the performance of Heliosat-4, to understand its advantages comparing to existing methods and to identify its defaults for future improvements. The research leading to these results has received funding from the European Union's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013) under Grant Agreement no. 218793 (MACC project) and no. 283576 (MACC-II project).

Low Cost Mission to Deimos

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Quantius, Dominik; Püsler, H.; Braukhane, A.; Gülzow, P.; Bauer, W.; Vollhardt, A.; Romberg, O.; Scheibe, K.; Hoffmann, H.; Bürner, A.

The German non-profit amateur satellite organisation AMSAT-Deutschland successfully de-signed, built and launched four HEO satellites in the last three decades. Now they are going to build a satellite to leave the Earth orbit based on their flight-proven P3-D satellite design. Due to energetic constraints the most suitable launch date for the planned P5-A satellite to Mars will be in 2018. To efficiently use the relatively long time gap until launch a possible prior Moon mission came into mind. In co-operation with the DLR-Institute of Space Systems in Bremen, Germany, two studies on systems level for a first P5 satellite towards Moon and a following one towards Mars have been performed. By using the DLR's Concurrent Engineering Facility (CEF) two consistent satellite concepts were designed including mission analysis, configuration, propulsion, subsystem dimensioning, payload selection, budgeting and cost. The present paper gives an insight in the accomplished design process and the results of the performed study towards Mars. The developed Mars orbiter is designed to carry the following four main instruments besides flexible communication abilities: • multispectral line scanner for Martian cloud investigations and Deimos (and Phobos) stereo pictures during close flybys • Deimos framing camera for high resolution pictures of Deimos (and Phobos) including video mode • sensor imaging infrared spectrometer for mineralogy of Martian (also Deimos and Phobos) silicates and surface temperature measurements • radio science for research of Deimos ( Phobos) gravity, profiling of Mars ionosphere, occurrence of third meteoritic ionosphere layer; sounding of neutral atmosphere; solar corona activity This study presents a non-industrial satellite concept that could be launched as piggyback load on Ariane 5 into GTO. It promises a low cost mission into a Mars orbit that allows close approaches to Deimos and Phobos.

In Pursuit of Improving Airburst and Ground Damage Predictions: Recent Advances in Multi-Body Aerodynamic Testing and Computational Tools Validation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Venkatapathy, Ethiraj; Gulhan, Ali; Aftosmis, Michael; Brock, Joseph; Mathias, Donovan; Need, Dominic; Rodriguez, David; Seltner, Patrick; Stern, Eric; Wiles, Sebastian

2017-01-01

An airburst from a large asteroid during entry can cause significant ground damage. The damage depends on the energy and the altitude of airburst. Breakup of asteroids into fragments and their lateral spread have been observed. Modeling the underlying physics of fragmented bodies interacting at hypersonic speeds and the spread of fragments is needed for a true predictive capability. Current models use heuristic arguments and assumptions such as pancaking or point source explosive energy release at pre-determined altitude or an assumed fragmentation spread rate to predict airburst damage. A multi-year collaboration between German Aerospace Center (DLR) and NASA has been established to develop validated computational tools to address the above challenge.

Status and Assessments of CSR GRACE Level-2 Data Products

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bettadpur, Srinivas; Kang, Zhigui; Nagel, Peter; Pastor, Rick; Poole, Steve; Ries, John; Save, Himanshu

2015-04-01

The joint NASA/DLR GRACE mission has successfully operated for more than 13 years, and has provided a remarkable record of global mass flux due to a large variety of geophysical and climate processes at various spatio-temporal scales. The University of Texas Center for Space Research (CSR) hosts the mission PI, and is responsible for delivery of operational (presently denoted as Release-05 or RL05) gravity field data products. In addition, CSR generates and distributes a variety of other gravity field data products, including products generated from the use of satellite laser ranging data. This poster will provide an overview of all these data products, their relative quality, potential applications, and future plans for their development and delivery.

OVoG Inversion for the Retrieval of Agricultural Crop Structure by Means of Multi-Baseline Polarimetric SAR Interferometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pichierri, Manuele; Hajnsek, Irena

2015-04-01

In this work, the potential of multi-baseline Pol-InSAR for crop parameter estimation (e.g. crop height and extinction coefficients) is explored. For this reason, a novel Oriented Volume over Ground (OVoG) inversion scheme is developed, which makes use of multi-baseline observables to estimate the whole stack of model parameters. The proposed algorithm has been initially validated on a set of randomly-generated OVoG scenarios, to assess its stability over crop structure changes and its robustness against volume decorrelation and other decorrelation sources. Then, it has been applied to a collection of multi-baseline repeat-pass SAR data, acquired over a rural area in Germany by DLR's F-SAR.

Public-Private Collaborations with Earth-Space Benefits

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davis, Jeffrey R.; Richard, Elizabeth E.

2014-01-01

The NASA Human Health and Performance Center (NHHPC) was established in October 2010 to promote collaborative problem solving and project development to advance human health and performance innovations benefiting life in space and on Earth. The NHHPC, which now boasts over 135 corporate, government, academic and non-profit members, has convened four successful workshops and engaged in multiple collaborative projects. The center is currently developing a streamlined partner engagement process to capture technical needs and opportunities of NHHPC members, facilitate partnership development, and establish and manage collaborative projects for NASA. The virtual center facilitates member engagement through a variety of vehicles, including annual inperson workshops, webcasts, quarterly electronic newsletters, web postings, and the new system for partner engagement. The most recent NHHPC workshop was conducted in November 2013 on the topic of "Accelerating Innovation: New Organizational Business Models," and focused on various collaborative approaches successfully used by organizations to achieve their goals. The powerful notion of collaboration across sectors to solve intractable problems was recently highlighted in Williams Eggers' book "The Solution Revolution,"i which provides numerous examples of how business, government and social enterprises partner to solve tough problems. Mr. Eggers was a keynote speaker at the workshop, along with Harvard Business School, Jump Associates, and the Conrad Foundation. The robust program also included an expert panel addressing collaboration across sectors, four interactive breakout sessions, and a concluding keynote on innovative ways to increase science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education by NASA Associate Administrator for Education, Leland Melvin. The NHHPC forum also provides a platform for international partners to interact on many topics. Members from around the world include ISS International Partner JAXA; the World Biomimetic Foundation in Spain who is interested in advancing the use of biomimicry to provide technical solutions in many industries; Satellite Application Catapult in London, England who interested in pursuing U.S. collaborations with the Space and Life Sciences Innovation Centre under development in Scotland; and DLR in Cologne, Germany who developed :envihab, a collaborative facility for partners to pursue research and technology projects of mutual interest. The NHHPC has sponsored two global networking forums on innovation by partners Wyle, NASA, and DLR, was featured in the 2013 Humans in Space Symposium Panel on "NHHPC and :envihab - reach out to Future Markets," and is working on an international meeting for Spring 2014 in Cologne with :envihab.

Development of the VS-50 as an Intermediate Step Towards LM-1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ettl, J.; Kirchhartz, R.; Hrbud, I.; Basken, R.; Raith, G.; Hecht, M.; de Almeide, F. A.; Roda, E. D.

2015-09-01

The VS-50 launch vehicle is the designated intermediate development step of the VLM-1. The VLM-1 launch system is a joint venture between the research center for space DCTAIIAE in Brazil and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Germany. Development highlights are application of carbon fiber technologies for the S50 motor case and interstage adaptor, use of fiberglass for the fairing, newly developed thrust vector assembly (TVA) consisting of commercial components, unique navigation system encompassing two IMUs, a GPS receiver, and adaptive control algorithms guiding the vehicle. The VS-50 is a two-stage vehicle using S50 and S44 motors. The development of the VS-50 serves two major purposes: First, VS-SO represents a technological development stage in the VLM-1 development roadmap, and second, it serves as a carrier for scientific payloads. Potential payloads are aerodynamic probes for yielding scientific aero-dynamic and thermo-dynamic data sets at regimes up to 18 Mach. Further, the VS-50 could be used for re-entry research and investigation of re-usable flight objectives.

Containerless Processing Studies in the MSFC Electrostatic Levitator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rogers, J. R.; SanSoucie, M. P.

2012-01-01

Levitation or containerless processing represents an important tool in materials research. Levitated specimens are free from contact with a container, which permits studies of deeply undercooled melts, and high-temperature, highly reactive materials. Containerless processing provides data for studies of thermophysical properties, phase equilibria, metastable state formation, microstructure formation, undercooling, and nucleation. Levitation techniques include: acoustic, aero-acoustic, electromagnetic, and electrostatic. In microgravity, levitation can be achieved with greatly reduced positioning forces. Microgravity also reduces the effects of buoyancy and sedimentation in melts. The European Space Agency (ESA) and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) jointly developed an electromagnetic levitator facility (MSL-EML) for containerless materials processing in space. The MSL-EML will be accommodated in the European Columbus Facility on the International Space Station (ISS). The electrostatic levitator (ESL) facility at the Marshall Space Flight Center provides support for the development of containerless processing studies for the ISS. The capabilities of the facility and recent results will be discussed.

STS-55 German Payload Specialist Walter freefloats inside the SL-D2 module

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1993-01-01

STS-55 German Payload Specialist 1 Ulrich Walter demonstrates the microgravity aboard the Spacelab Deutsche 2 (SL-D2) science module in Columbia's, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 102's, payload bay (PLB). The module served as his space laboratory and that of his six crewmates for 10 days. Walter represents the German Aerospace Research Establishment (DLR).

Incorporating a Systems Approach into Civil and Environmental Engineering Curricula: Effect on Course Redesign, and Student and Faculty Attitudes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hayden, Nancy J.; Rizzo, Donna M.; Dewoolkar, Mandar M.; Neumann, Maureen D.; Lathem, Sandra; Sadek, Adel

2011-01-01

This paper presents a brief overview of the changes made during our department level reform (DLR) process (Grant Title: "A Systems Approach for Civil and Environmental Engineering Education: Integrating Systems Thinking, Inquiry-Based Learning and Catamount Community Service-Learning Projects") and some of the effects of these changes on…

InSight Prelaunch Briefing

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-05-03

Tilman Spohn, HP3 investigation lead, Institute of Planetary Research (DLR), discusses NASA's InSight mission during a prelaunch media briefing, Thursday, May 3, 2018, at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. InSight, short for Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport, is a Mars lander designed to study the "inner space" of Mars: its crust, mantle, and core. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

The Engineering Design of Engine/Airframe Integration for the SAENGER Fully Reusable Space Transportation System

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-09-01

1995 Dasa-DA Hot Metallic Structure Dasa-LM Raufoss A/S (N) NBL Partner Plansee (A) *) HTP, initiated 1988 and sponsored by the German Federal Ministry...Dornier NBL Partner TsAGI (Gus) VOLVO (S) CIAM (GUS) NBL Partner VOLVO (S) AEDC (US) VOLVO (S) Dasa-RI Dasa-LM TU Stuttgart RWTH Aachen DLR TsAGI (GUS

Present and Future Airborne and Space-borne Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-02-01

Present and Future Airborne and Space-borne Systems Wolfgang Keydel Microwaves and Radar Institute German Aerospace Research Centre (DLR...airborne and space-borne SAR systems with polarimetric interferometry capability, their technological, system technical and application related...interferometry accuracies in the cm range have been obtained. In order to reach these values an exact system calibration is indispensable. The calibration of

Ground-based observations of 951 Gaspra: CCD lightcurves and spectrophotometry with the Galileo filters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mottola, Stefano; Dimartino, M.; Gonano-Beurer, M.; Hoffmann, H.; Neukum, G.

1992-01-01

This paper reports the observations of 951 Gaspra carried out at the European Southern Observatory (La Silla, Chile) during the 1991 apparition, using the DLR CCD Camera equipped with a spare set of the Galileo SSI filters. Time-resolved spectrophotometric measurements are presented. The occurrence of spectral variations with rotation suggests the presence of surface variegation.

Ulinastatin Suppresses Burn-Induced Lipid Peroxidation and Reduces Fluid Requirements in a Swine Model

PubMed Central

Luo, Hong-Min; Du, Ming-Hua; Lin, Zhi-Long; Hu, Quan; Zhang, Lin; Ma, Li; Wang, Huan; Wen, Yu; Lv, Yi; Lin, Hong-Yuan; Pi, Yu-Li; Hu, Sen; Sheng, Zhi-Yong

2013-01-01

Objective. Lipid peroxidation plays a critical role in burn-induced plasma leakage, and ulinastatin has been reported to reduce lipid peroxidation in various models. This study aims to examine whether ulinastatin reduces fluid requirements through inhibition of lipid peroxidation in a swine burn model. Methods. Forty miniature swine were subjected to 40% TBSA burns and were randomly allocated to the following four groups: immediate lactated Ringer's resuscitation (ILR), immediate LR containing ulinastatin (ILR/ULI), delayed LR resuscitation (DLR), and delayed LR containing ulinastatin (DLR/ULI). Hemodynamic variables, net fluid accumulation, and plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) concentrations were measured. Heart, liver, lung, skeletal muscle, and ileum were harvested at 48 hours after burn for evaluation of TBARS concentrations, activities of antioxidant enzymes, and tissue water content. Results. Ulinastatin significantly reduced pulmonary vascular permeability index (PVPI) and extravascular lung water index (ELWI), net fluid accumulation, and water content of heart, lung, and ileum in both immediate or delayed resuscitation groups. Furthermore, ulinastatin infusion significantly reduced plasma and tissue concentrations of TBARS in both immediate or delayed resuscitation groups. Conclusions. These results indicate that ulinastatin can reduce fluid requirements through inhibition of lipid peroxidation. PMID:23738046

Comparison of NTF Experimental Data with CFD Predictions from the Third AIAA CFD Drag Prediction Workshop

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vassberg, John C.; Tinoco, Edward N.; Mani, Mori; Levy, David; Zickuhr, Tom; Mavriplis, Dimitri J.; Wahls, Richard A.; Morrison, Joseph H.; Brodersen, Olaf P.; Eisfeld, Bernhard;

Tailoring Laser Propulsion for Future Applications in Space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eckel, Hans-Albert; Scharring, Stefan

2010-10-01

Pulsed laser propulsion may turn out as a low cost alternative for the transportation of small payloads in future. In recent years DLR investigated this technology with the goal of cheaply launching small satellites into low earth orbit (LEO) with payload masses on the order of 5 to 10 kg. Since the required high power pulsed laser sources are yet not at the horizon, DLR focused on new applications based on available laser technology. Space-borne, i.e. in weightlessness, there exist a wide range of missions requiring small thrusters that can be propelled by laser power. This covers space logistic and sample return missions as well as position keeping and attitude control of satellites. First, a report on the proof of concept of a remote controlled laser rocket with a thrust vector steering device integrated in a parabolic nozzle will be given. Second, the road from the previous ground-based flight experiments in earth's gravity using a 100-J class laser to flight experiments with a parabolic thruster in an artificial 2D-zero gravity on an air cushion table employing a 1-J class laser and, with even less energy, new investigations in the field of laser micro propulsion will be reviewed.

Observational Evidence for Desert Amplification Using Multiple Satellite Datasets.

PubMed

Wei, Nan; Zhou, Liming; Dai, Yongjiu; Xia, Geng; Hua, Wenjian

2017-05-17

Desert amplification identified in recent studies has large uncertainties due to data paucity over remote deserts. Here we present observational evidence using multiple satellite-derived datasets that desert amplification is a real large-scale pattern of warming mode in near surface and low-tropospheric temperatures. Trend analyses of three long-term temperature products consistently confirm that near-surface warming is generally strongest over the driest climate regions and this spatial pattern of warming maximizes near the surface, gradually decays with height, and disappears in the upper troposphere. Short-term anomaly analyses show a strong spatial and temporal coupling of changes in temperatures, water vapor and downward longwave radiation (DLR), indicating that the large increase in DLR drives primarily near surface warming and is tightly associated with increasing water vapor over deserts. Atmospheric soundings of temperature and water vapor anomalies support the results of the long-term temperature trend analysis and suggest that desert amplification is due to comparable warming and moistening effects of the troposphere. Likely, desert amplification results from the strongest water vapor feedbacks near the surface over the driest deserts, where the air is very sensitive to changes in water vapor and thus efficient in enhancing the longwave greenhouse effect in a warming climate.

Dorsal light response and changes of its responses under varying acceleration conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Watanabe, S.; Takabayashi, A.; Takagi, S.; von Baumgarten, R.; Wetzig, J.

In order to improve our understanding about functions of the gravity sensors, we have conducted four experiments in goldfish: 1) To define the effect of visual information influx on the static labyrinthine response, the dorsal light response (DLR) which had been proposed by von Holst as a model for postural adjustment in fish was reexamined with a newly designed, rotatory illumination device. The fish responded to illumination from the upper half of the visual field and a narrow range around 180 degrees of the lower half visual field. The maximal tilting angle of normal fish was about 40 degrees under horizontal illumination. 2) Under the changes of the gravito-inertial force level produced by a linear sled, the threshold of the gravity sensors was determined from postural adjustment responses. 3) Under hypogravic conditions during the parabolic flight of an airplane, the light-dependent behavior was investigated in intact and labyrinthectomized goldfish. 4) As one of the most likely candidates of the neural centers for the DLR, the valvula cerebelli, which receives its visual information not through the optic tectum but through the pretectal areas, is confirmed by the brain lesion experiments.

Performance Evaluation of the Approaches and Algorithms for Hamburg Airport Operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zhu, Zhifan; Jung, Yoon; Lee, Hanbong; Schier, Sebastian; Okuniek, Nikolai; Gerdes, Ingrid

2016-01-01

In this work, fast-time simulations have been conducted using SARDA tools at Hamburg airport by NASA and real-time simulations using CADEO and TRACC with the NLR ATM Research Simulator (NARSIM) by DLR. The outputs are analyzed using a set of common metrics collaborated between DLR and NASA. The proposed metrics are derived from International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)s Key Performance Areas (KPAs) in capability, efficiency, predictability and environment, and adapted to simulation studies. The results are examined to explore and compare the merits and shortcomings of the two approaches using the common performance metrics. Particular attention is paid to the concept of the close-loop, trajectory-based taxi as well as the application of US concept to the European airport. Both teams consider the trajectory-based surface operation concept a critical technology advance in not only addressing the current surface traffic management problems, but also having potential application in unmanned vehicle maneuver on airport surface, such as autonomous towing or TaxiBot [6][7] and even Remote Piloted Aircraft (RPA). Based on this work, a future integration of TRACC and SOSS is described aiming at bringing conflict-free trajectory-based operation concept to US airport.

Ground-water quality data in the north San Francisco Bay hydrologic provinces, California, 2004: Results from the California Ground-water Ambient Monitoring and Assessment (GAMA) program

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kulongoski, Justin T.; Belitz, Kenneth; Dawson, Barbara J.

2006-01-01

Ground-water samples were analyzed for major and minor ions, trace elements, nutrients, volatile organic compounds, pesticides and pesticide degradates, waste-water indicators, dissolved methane, nitrogen, carbon dioxide and noble gases (in collaboration with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory). Naturally occurring isotopes (tritium, carbon-14, oxygen-18, deuterium and helium-4) also were measured in the samples to help identify the source and age of the ground water. Results show that no anthropogenic constituents were detected at concentrations higher than those levels set for regulatory purposes, and relatively few naturally-occurring constituents were detected at concentrations greater than regulatory levels. In this study, 21 of the 88 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and gasoline additives and (or) oxygenates investigated were detected in ground-water samples, however, detected concentrations were one-half to one-forty-thousandth the maximum contaminant levels (MCL). Thirty-two percent of the randomized wells sampled had at least a single detection of a VOC or gasoline additive and (or) oxygenate. The most frequently detected compounds were chloroform, found in 12 of the 84 randomized wells; carbon disulfide, found in 8 of the 84 randomized wells; and toluene, found in 4 of the 84 randomized wells. Trihalomethanes were the most frequently detected class of VOCs. Nine of the 122 pesticides and (or) pesticide degradates investigated were detected in ground-water samples, however, concentrations were one-seventieth to one-eight-hundredth the MCLs. Seventeen percent of the randomized wells sampled had at least a single detection of pesticide and pesticide degradate. Herbicides were the most frequently detected class of pesticides. The most frequently detected compound was simazine, found in 8 of the 84 of the randomized wells. Chlordiamino-s-triazine and deisopropyl atrazine were both found in 2 of the 84 randomized wells sampled. Thirteen out of 63 compounds that may be indicative of the prescence of waste-water were detected in ground-water samples. Twenty-six percent of the randomized wells sampled for waste-water indicators had at least one detection. Isophorone was the most frequently detected in 6 of the 84 randomized wells. Bisphenol-A, caffeine, and indole each were detected in 3 of the 84 randomized wells. Major and minor ions and dissolved solids (DS) samples were collected at 33 public-supply wells; 3 samples had DS concentrations above the secondary maximum contaminant level (SMCL) of 500 mg/L. Ground-water samples from 32 public-supply wells were analyzed for trace elements. Arsenic concentrations above the MCL of 10 μg/L were measured at 4 public-supply wells, boron concentrations above the detection level for the purpose of reporting (DLR) of 100 μg/L were measured at 19 wells. Iron concentrations above the SMCL of 300 μg/L were measured at 7 wells, a lead concentration above the California notification level (NL) of 15 μg/L at one well, and manganese concentrations above the SMCL of 50 μg/L were measured at 17 wells. Vanadium concentrations above the DLR of 3 μg/L were measured at 9 public-supply wells; and chromium(VI) concentrations above the DLR of 1 μg/L were measured at 48 public-supply wells. Major and minor ions and dissolved solids (DS) samples were collected at 33 public-supply wells; 3 samples had DS concentrations above the secondary maximum contaminant level (SMCL) of 500 mg/L. Ground-water samples from 32 public-supply wells were analyzed for trace elements. Arsenic concentrations above the MCL of 10 μg/L were measured at 4 public-supply wells, boron concentrations above the detection level for the purpose of reporting (DLR) of 100 μg/L were measured at 19 wells. Iron concentrations above the SMCL of 300 μg/L were measured at 7 wells, a lead concentration above the California notification level (NL) of 15 μg/L at one well, and manganese concentrations above the SMCL of 50 μg/L were measured at 17 wells. Vanadium concentrations above the DLR of 3 μg/L were measured at 9 public-supply wells; and chromium(VI) concentrations above the DLR of 1 μg/L were measured at 48 public-supply wells. Microbial constituents were analyzed in 22 ground-water samples. Total coliform was detected in three wells. Counts ranged from 2 colonies per 100 mL to 20 colonies per 100 mL. MCLs for microbial constituents are based on reoccurring detection, and will be monitored during future sampling.

Next Generation Car — Example of Function Integration at the Light Urban Vehicle (LUV) Vehicle Concept

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kopp, G.; Brückmann, S.; Kriescher, M.; Friedrich, H. E.

In times of climate change vehicle emissions have to be reduced clearly. One possibility is to reduce the mass of the body in white using lightweight sandwich structures. The department `Lightweight and Hybrid Design Methods' of the Institute of Vehicle Concepts develops a vehicle body structure by using sandwiches with aluminum top layers and polyurethane foam as core material. For that the foam and the sandwiches were investigated under different load cases, e.g. pressure loading and in-plane tests. In tests with components the high potential of the sandwich materials were shown. On the dynamic component test facility of the institute, vehicle front structures were tested successfully. The results of all investigations regarding sandwich materials, integration of functions (e.g. crash, thermal) in vehicle structures and the concept LUV are developed under the research program of Next Generation Car of the DLR. We will show the development and results of the LUV.

A prototype of an automated high resolution InSAR volcano-monitoring system in the MED-SUV project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chowdhury, Tanvir A.; Minet, Christian; Fritz, Thomas

2016-04-01

Volcanic processes which produce a variety of geological and hydrological hazards are difficult to predict and capable of triggering natural disasters on regional to global scales. Therefore it is important to monitor volcano continuously and with a high spatial and temporal sampling rate. The monitoring of active volcanoes requires the reliable measurement of surface deformation before, during and after volcanic activities and it helps for the better understanding and modelling of the involved geophysical processes. Space-borne synthetic aperture radar (SAR) interferometry (InSAR), persistent scatterer interferometry (PSI) and small baseline subset algorithm (SBAS) provide a powerful tool for observing the eruptive activities and measuring the surface changes of millimetre accuracy. All the mentioned techniques with deformation time series extraction address the challenges by exploiting medium to large SAR image stacks. The process of selecting, ordering, downloading, storing, logging, extracting and preparing the data for processing is very time consuming has to be done manually for every single data-stack. In many cases it is even an iterative process which has to be done regularly and continuously. Therefore, data processing becomes slow which causes significant delays in data delivery. The SAR Satellite based High Resolution Data Acquisition System, which will be developed at DLR, will automate this entire time consuming tasks and allows an operational volcano monitoring system. Every 24 hours the system runs for searching new acquired scene over the volcanoes and keeps track of the data orders, log the status and download the provided data via ftp-transfer including E-Mail alert. Furthermore, the system will deliver specified reports and maps to a database for review and use by specialists. The user interaction will be minimized and iterative processes will be totally avoided. In this presentation, a prototype of SAR Satellite based High Resolution Data Acquisition System, which is developed and operated by DLR, will be described in detail. The workflow of the developed system is described which allow a meaningful contribution of SAR for monitoring volcanic eruptive activities. A more robust and efficient InSAR data processing in IWAP processor will be introduced in the framework of a remote sensing task of MED-SUV project. An application of the developed prototype system to a historic eruption of Mount Etna and Piton de la Fournaise will be depicted in the last part of the presentation.

HVI-Test Setup for Debris Detector Verification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bauer, Waldemar; Romberg, Oliver; Wiedemann, Carsten; Putzar, Robin; Drolshagen, Gerhard; Vorsmann, Peter

2013-08-01

Risk assessment concerning impacting space debris or micrometeoroids with spacecraft or payloads can be performed by using environmental models such as MASTER (ESA) or ORDEM (NASA). The validation of such models is performed by comparison of simulated results with measured data. Such data can be obtained from ground-based or space-based radars or telescopes, or by analysis of space hardware (e.g. Hubble Space Telescope, Space Shuttle Windows), which are retrieved from orbit. An additional data source is in-situ impact detectors, which are purposed for the collection of space debris and micrometeoroids impact data. In comparison to the impact data gained by analysis of the retrieved surfaces, the detected data contains additional information regarding impact time and orbit. In the past, many such in-situ detectors have been developed, with different measurement methods for the identification and classification of impacting objects. However, existing detectors have a drawback in terms of data acquisition. Generally the detection area is small, limiting the collected data as the number of recorded impacts has a linear dependence to the exposed area. An innovative impact detector concept is currently under development at the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) in Bremen, in order to increase the surface area while preserving the advantages offered by dedicated in-situ impact detectors. The Solar Generator based Impact Detector (SOLID) is not an add-on component on the spacecraft, making it different to all previous impact detectors. SOLID utilises existing subsystems of the spacecraft and adapts them for impact detection purposes. Solar generators require large panel surfaces in order to provide the spacecraft with sufficient energy. Therefore, the spacecraft solar panels provide a perfect opportunity for application as impact detectors. Employment of the SOLID method in several spacecraft in various orbits would serve to significantly increase the spatial coverage concerning space debris and micrometeoroids. In this way, the SOLID method will allow the generation of a large amount of impact data for environmental model validation. The ground verification of the SOLID method was performed at Fraunhofer EMI. For this purpose, a test model was developed. This paper focuses on the test methodology and development of the Hypervelocity Impact (HVI) test setup, including pretesting at the German Aerospace Centre (DLR), Bremen. Foreseen hardware and software for the automatic damage assessment of the detector after the impact are also presented.

SAR-EDU - An education initiative for applied Synthetic Aperture Radar remote sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eckardt, Robert; Richter, Nicole; Auer, Stefan; Eineder, Michael; Roth, Achim; Hajnsek, Irena; Walter, Diana; Braun, Matthias; Motagh, Mahdi; Pathe, Carsten; Pleskachevsky, Andrey; Thiel, Christian; Schmullius, Christiane

2013-04-01

Since the 1970s, radar remote sensing techniques have evolved rapidly and are increasingly employed in all fields of earth sciences. Applications are manifold and still expanding due to the continuous development of new instruments and missions as well as the availability of very high-quality data. The trend worldwide is towards operational employment of the various algorithms and methods that have been developed. However, the utilization of operational services does not keep up yet with the rate of technical developments and the improvements in sensor technology. With the enhancing availability and variety of space borne Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data and a growing number of analysis algorithms the need for a vital user community is increasing. Therefore the German Aerospace Center (DLR) together with the Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena (FSU) and the Technical University Munich (TUM) launched the education initiative SAR-EDU. The aim of the project is to facilitate access to expert knowledge in the scientific field of radar remote sensing. Within this effort a web portal will be created to provide seminar material on SAR basics, methods and applications to support both, lecturers and students. The overall intension of the project SAR-EDU is to provide seminar material for higher education in radar remote sensing covering the topic holistically from the very basics to the most advanced methods and applications that are available. The principles of processing and interpreting SAR data are going to be taught using test data sets and open-source as well as commercial software packages. The material that is provided by SAR-EDU will be accessible at no charge from a DLR web portal. The educational tool will have a modular structure, consisting of separate modules that broach the issue of a particular topic. The aim of the implementation of SAR-EDU as application-oriented radar remote sensing educational tool is to advocate the development and wider use of operational services on the base of pre-existing algorithms and sensors on the one hand, and to aid the extension of radar remote sensing techniques to a broader field of application on the other. SAR-EDU therefore combines the knowledge, expertise and experience of an excellent German consortium.

Flying the Infrared Skies: An Authentic SOFIA Educator Experience

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manning, J. G.

2015-11-01

The NASA/DLR Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) flagship education effort is its Airborne Astronomy Ambassadors (AAA) program. The program flies teams of teachers on SOFIA research flights as part of an educator professional development effort enabling these teachers to experience first-hand the workings of the airborne observatory, to interact with scientists and technologists, to observe research in progress and how scientists use technology—all in support of national STEM goals. The presenter will share his own experience as an EPO escort on a recent SOFIA flight including two educator teams, providing a first-hand account of how an “authentic” science experience can exploit unique NASA assets to improve science teaching, inspire students, inform local communities, and contribute to the elevation of public science literacy.

Statistical Analysis of CFD Solutions from the Drag Prediction Workshop

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hemsch, Michael J.

2002-01-01

A simple, graphical framework is presented for robust statistical evaluation of results obtained from N-Version testing of a series of RANS CFD codes. The solutions were obtained by a variety of code developers and users for the June 2001 Drag Prediction Workshop sponsored by the AIAA Applied Aerodynamics Technical Committee. The aerodynamic configuration used for the computational tests is the DLR-F4 wing-body combination previously tested in several European wind tunnels and for which a previous N-Version test had been conducted. The statistical framework is used to evaluate code results for (1) a single cruise design point, (2) drag polars and (3) drag rise. The paper concludes with a discussion of the meaning of the results, especially with respect to predictability, Validation, and reporting of solutions.

Swept-Wing Receptivity Studies Using Distributed Roughness

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Saric, William S.

1998-01-01

This paper reviews the important recent progress in three-dimensional boundary-layer transition research. The review focuses on the crossflow instability that leads to transition on swept wings with a favorable pressure gradient. Following a brief overview of swept-wing instability mechanisms and the crossflow problem, a summary of the important findings of the 1990s is given. The discussion is presented from the experimental viewpoint, highlighting the ITAM work of Kachanov and co-workers, the DLR experiments of Bippes and co-workers, and the Arizona State University (ASU) investigations of Saric and co-workers. Where appropriate, relevant comparisons with CFD are drawn. The recent (last 18 months) research conducted by the ASU team is described in more detail in order to underscore the latest developments concerning nonlinear effects and transition control.

STS-55 German payload specialist Schlegel and MS3 Harris work in SL-D2 module

NASA Image and Video Library

1993-05-06

STS055-106-090 (26 April- 6 May 1993) --- Hans Schlegel, one of two STS-55 payload specialists representing the German Aerospace Research Establishment (DLR) onboard the Space Shuttle Columbia, finds plenty of room to "spread out" while participating in a Tissue experiment. Astronaut Bernard A. Harris, Jr., mission specialist, monitors an experiment in the background.

Alterations of Cellular Immune Reactions in Crew Members Overwintering in the Antarctic Research Station Concordia

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Crucian, Brian; Feuerecker, Matthias; Moreels, Marjan; Crucian, Brian; Kaufmann, Ines; Salam, Alex Paddy; Rybka, Alex; Ulrike, Thieme; Quintens, Roel; Sams, Clarence F.;

Origin and Variability of Upper Tropospheric Nitrogen Oxides and Ozone at Northern Mid-Latitudes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grewe, V.; Brunner, D.; Dameris, M.; Grenfell, J. L.; Hein, R.; Shindell, D.; Staehelin, J.

1999-01-01

Measurements of NO(x) and ozone performed during the NOXAR project are compared with results from the coupled chemistry-climate models ECHAM4.L39(DLR)/CHEM and GISS-model. The measurements are based on flights between Europe and the East coast of America and between Europe and the Far East in the latitude range 40 deg N to 65 deg N. The comparison concentrates on tropopause altitudes and reveals strong longitudinal variations of seasonal mean NO,, of 200 pptv. Either model reproduced strong variations 3 km below but not at the tropopause, indicating a strong missing NO(x) or NO(y) sink over remote areas, e.g. NO(x) to HNO3 conversion by OH from additional OH sources or HNO3 wash-out. Vertical profiles show maximum NO(x) values 2-3 km below the tropopause with a strong seasonal cycle. ECHAM4.L39(DLR)/CHEM reproduces a maximum, although located at the tropopause with a less pronounced seasonal cycle, whereas the GISS model reproduces the seasonal cycle but not the profile's shape due to its coarser vertical resolution. A comparison of NO(x) frequency distributions reveals that both models are capable of reproducing the observed variability, except that ECHAM4.L39(DLR)/CHEM shows no very high NO(x) mixing ratios. Ozone mean values, vertical profiles and frequency distributions are much better reproduced in either model, indicating that the NO(x) frequency distribution, namely the most frequent NO(x) mixing ratio, is more important for the tropospheric photochemical ozone production than its mean value. Both models show that among all sources, NO(x) from lightning contributes most to the seasonal cycle of NO(x) at tropopause altitudes. The impact of lightning in the upper troposphere on NO(x) does not vary strongly with altitude, whereas the impact of surface emissions decreases with altitude. However, the models show significant differences in lightning induced NO(x) concentrations, especially in winter, which may be related to the different treatment of the lower stratospheric coupling between dynamics and chemistry.

Differential gene expression of human chondrocytes cultured under short-term altered gravity conditions during parabolic flight maneuvers.

PubMed

Wehland, Markus; Aleshcheva, Ganna; Schulz, Herbert; Saar, Katrin; Hübner, Norbert; Hemmersbach, Ruth; Braun, Markus; Ma, Xiao; Frett, Timo; Warnke, Elisabeth; Riwaldt, Stefan; Pietsch, Jessica; Corydon, Thomas Juhl; Infanger, Manfred; Grimm, Daniela

2015-03-20

Chondrocytes are the main cellular component of articular cartilage. In healthy tissue, they are embedded in a strong but elastic extracelluar matrix providing resistance against mechanical forces and friction for the joints. Osteoarthritic cartilage, however, disrupted by heavy strain, has only very limited potential to heal. One future possibility to replace damaged cartilage might be the scaffold-free growth of chondrocytes in microgravity to form 3D aggregates. To prepare for this, we have conducted experiments during the 20th DLR parabolic flight campaign, where we fixed the cells after the first (1P) and the 31st parabola (31P). Furthermore, we subjected chondrocytes to isolated vibration and hypergravity conditions. Microarray and quantitative real time PCR analyses revealed that hypergravity regulated genes connected to cartilage integrity (BMP4, MMP3, MMP10, EDN1, WNT5A, BIRC3). Vibration was clearly detrimental to cartilage (upregulated inflammatory IL6 and IL8, downregulated growth factors EGF, VEGF, FGF17). The viability of the cells was not affected by the parabolic flight, but showed a significantly increased expression of anti-apoptotic genes after 31 parabolas. The IL-6 release of chondrocytes cultured under conditions of vibration was not changed, but hypergravity (1.8 g) induced a clear elevation of IL-6 protein in the supernatant compared with corresponding control samples. Taken together, this study provided new insights into the growth behavior of chondrocytes under short-term microgravity.

Preliminary Design of the Low Speed Propulsion Air Intake of the LAPCAT-MR2 Aircraft

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meerts, C.; Steelant, J.; Hendrick, P.

2011-08-01

A supersonic air intake has been designed for the low speed propulsion system of the LAPCAT-MR2 aircraft. Development has been based on the XB-70 aircraft air intake which achieves extremely high performances over a wide operation range through the combined use of variable geometry and porous wall suction for boundary layer control. Design of the LAPCAT-MR2 intake has been operated through CFD simulations using DLR TAU-Code (perfect gas model - Menter SST turbulence model). First, a new boundary condition has been validated into the DLR TAU-Code (perfect gas model) for porous wall suction modelling. Standard test cases have shown surprisingly good agreement with both theoretical predictions and experimental results. Based upon this validation, XB-70 air intake performances have been assessed through CFD simulations over the subsonic, transonic and supersonic operation regions and compared to available flight data. A new simulation strategy was deployed avoiding numerical instabilities when initiating the flow in both transonic and supersonic operation modes. First, the flow must be initiated with a far field Mach number higher than the target flight Mach number. Additionally, the inlet backpressure may only be increased to its target value once the oblique shock pattern downstream the intake compression ramps is converged. Simulations using that strategy have shown excellent agreement with in-flight measurements for both total pressure recovery ratio and variable geometry schedule prediction. The demarcation between stable and unstable operation could be well reproduced. Finally, a modified version of the XB-70 air intake has been integrated in the elliptical intake on the LAPCAT vehicle. Operation of this intake in the LAPCAT-MR2 environment is under evaluation using the same simulation strategy as the one developed for the XB-70. Performances are assessed at several key operation points to assess viability of this design. This information will allow in a next phase to better quantify the operation of the aerojet engines from take-off till the switch-over flight Mach number for the dual mode ramjet.

Degradation of metallic surfaces under space conditions, with particular emphasis on Hydrogen recombination processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sznajder, Maciej; Geppert, Ulrich; Dudek, Mirosław

2015-07-01

The widespread use of metallic structures in space technology brings risk of degradation which occurs under space conditions. New types of materials dedicated for space applications, that have been developed in the last decade, are in majority not well tested for different space mission scenarios. Very little is known how material degradation may affect the stability and functionality of space vehicles and devices during long term space missions. Our aim is to predict how the solar wind and electromagnetic radiation degrade metallic structures. Therefore both experimental and theoretical studies of material degradation under space conditions have been performed. The studies are accomplished at German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Bremen (Germany) and University of Zielona Góra (Poland). The paper presents the results of the theoretical part of those studies. It is proposed that metal bubbles filled with Hydrogen molecular gas, resulting from recombination of the metal free electrons and the solar protons, are formed on the irradiated surfaces. A thermodynamic model of bubble formation has been developed. We study the creation process of H2 -bubbles as function of, inter alia, the metal temperature, proton dose and energy. Our model has been verified by irradiation experiments completed at the DLR facility in Bremen. Consequences of the bubble formation are changes of the physical and thermo-optical properties of such degraded metals. We show that a high surface density of bubbles (up to 108cm-2) with a typical bubble diameter of ∼ 0.4 μm will cause a significant increase of the metallic surface roughness. This may have serious consequences to any space mission. Changes in the thermo-optical properties of metallic foils are especially important for the solar sail propulsion technology because its efficiency depends on the effective momentum transfer from the solar photons onto the sail structure. This transfer is proportional to the reflectivity of a sail. Therefore, the propulsion abilities of sail material will be affected by the growing population of the molecular Hydrogen bubbles on metallic foil surfaces.

Processing of A New Digital Orthoimage Map of The Martian Western Hemisphere Using Data Obtained From The Mars Orbiter Camera At A Resolution of 256 Pixel/deg

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wählisch, M.; Niedermaier, G.; van Gasselt, S.; Scholten, F.; Wewel, F.; Roatsch, T.; Matz, K.-D.; Jaumann, R.

We present a new digital orthoimage map of Mars using data obtained from the CCD line scanner Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) of the Mars Global Surveyor Mis- sion (MGS) [1,2]. The map covers the Mars surface from 0 to 180 West and from 60 South to 60 North with the MDIM2 resolution of 256 pixel/degree and size. Image data processing has been performed using multiple programs, developed by DLR, Technical University of Berlin [3], JPL, and the USGS. 4,339 Context and 183 Geodesy images [2] were included. After radiometric corrections, the images were Mars referenced [4], geometrically corrected [5] and orthoprojected using a global Martian Digital Terrain Model (DTM) with a resolution of 64 pixel/degree, developed at DLR and based on MGS Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA) data [6]. To elim- inate major differences in brightness between the individual images of the mosaics, high- and low-pass filter processing techniques were applied for each image. After filtering, the images were mosaicked without registering or using block adjustment techniques in order to improve the geometric quality. It turns out that the accuracy of the navigation data has such a good quality that the orthoimages fit very well to each other. When merging the MOC mosaic with the MOLA data using IHS- trans- formation, we recognized very good correspondence between these two datasets. We create a topographic image map of the Coprates region (MC­18) adding contour lines derived from the global DTM to the mosaic. These maps are used for geological and morphological interpretations in order to review and improve our current Viking-based knowledge about the Martian surface. References: [1] www.mssss.com, [2] Caplinger, M. and M. Malin, "The Mars Or- biter Camera Geodesy Campaign, JGR, in press, [3] Scholten, F., Vol XXXI, Part B2, Wien 1996, p.351-356, [4] naïf.jpl.nasa.gov, [5] R.L.Kirk. et al. (2001), "Geometric Calibration of the Mars Orbiter Cameras and Coalignment with Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter", LPSC XXXII, [6] wufs.wustl.edu

Erik Lindbergh, grandson of famed aviator Charles Lindbergh, yanks the bunting to reveal the Clipper Lindbergh name on NASA's SOFIA 747SP on June 27, 2007

NASA Image and Video Library

2007-06-27

Erik Lindbergh, grandson of famed aviator Charles Lindbergh, yanks the bunting to reveal the Clipper Lindbergh name on NASA's SOFIA Boeing 747SP on June 27, 2007. More than 250 VIPs, news media and guests joined NASA, DLR, USRA and other SOFIA staff for the debut of the airborne observatory at NASA Dryden.

STS-55 MS3 Harris & Payload Specialist Schlegel conduct Anthrorack experiment

NASA Image and Video Library

1993-05-06

STS055-45-017 (26 April-6 May 1993) --- Hans Schlegel (foreground) participates in the ongoing investigation of human physiology under microgravity conditions as he works out on the ergometer at the Anthrorack. Monitoring the "run" is astronaut Bernard A. Harris, Jr., STS-55 mission specialist. Schlegel is one of two payload specialists representing the German Aerospace Research Establishment (DLR) on the Spacelab D-2 mission.

Molecular Targeting of Prostate Cancer During Androgen Ablation: Inhibition of CHES1/FOXN3

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-05-01

activity (Firefly luciferase) was normalized to Renilla luciferase activity. Results are presented as fold-change in PSA reporter activity...reporter (DLR) assays performed. In each sample, the CHES1-RR1/3.5 reporter activity (Firefly luciferase) was normalized to Renilla luciferase...4.0) reporter activity (Firefly luciferase) was normalized to Renilla luciferase activity. Results are presented as fold-change in BNIP3 reporter

Modulation of Beta-catenin Activity With PKD1 Prostate Cancer

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-04-01

mutated site as a negative control (FOPFlash) with pRL-TK ( Renilla luciferase) in C4-2- PKD1-GFP cells activated with Bryostatin 1 or DMSO. The...firefly and Renilla luciferase activities were measured with the Dual-Luciferase Reporter (DLR) Assay System. After normalizing the firefly luciferase...activity to that of Renilla luciferase, the FOPFlash reporter plasmid luciferase values were subtracted from the normalized values obtained with the

SOFIA Science Imagery

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-09-14

SCI2016_0001: SOFIA/GREAT [O I] spectrum at 4.7 THz (63 μm) superimposed on a picture of Mars. Absorption line depth is approximately 10% of the continuum. The abundance of atomic oxygen computed from the data is less than expected from the Forget et al. 1999 global circulation & photochemical model. Credit: SOFIA/GREAT spectrum: NASA/DLR/USRA/DSI/MPIfR/GREAT Consortium/MPIfS/Rezac et al. 2015; Mars image: NASA

Aerothermodynamic Design, Review on Ground Testing and CFD (Conception aerothermodynamique, revue sur les essais au sol et dynamique des fluides informatisee)

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-04-01

Aerothermodynamic Design, Review on Ground Testing and CFD (RTO-EN-AVT-186) Executive Summary The Lecture Series focus on the presentation of...impulsions ITAM et les tubes à choc DLR HEG. Les sondes à réponse rapide et les techniques de mesures instables ont été présentées ainsi que les outils de

Tailoring Laser Propulsion for Future Applications in Space

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

Eckel, Hans-Albert; Scharring, Stefan

Pulsed laser propulsion may turn out as a low cost alternative for the transportation of small payloads in future. In recent years DLR investigated this technology with the goal of cheaply launching small satellites into low earth orbit (LEO) with payload masses on the order of 5 to 10 kg. Since the required high power pulsed laser sources are yet not at the horizon, DLR focused on new applications based on available laser technology. Space-borne, i.e. in weightlessness, there exist a wide range of missions requiring small thrusters that can be propelled by laser power. This covers space logistic andmore » sample return missions as well as position keeping and attitude control of satellites.First, a report on the proof of concept of a remote controlled laser rocket with a thrust vector steering device integrated in a parabolic nozzle will be given. Second, the road from the previous ground-based flight experiments in earth's gravity using a 100-J class laser to flight experiments with a parabolic thruster in an artificial 2D-zero gravity on an air cushion table employing a 1-J class laser and, with even less energy, new investigations in the field of laser micro propulsion will be reviewed.« less

SESAME/CASSE listening to the insertion of the MUPUS PEN at Abydos site, 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Knapmeyer, M.; Fischer, H.-H.; Knollenberg, J.; Seidensticker, K. J.; Thiel, K.; Arnold, W.; Faber, C.; Möhlmann, D.

2015-10-01

SESAME is a suite of three instruments (the Comet Acoustic Surface Sounding Experiment CASSE, the Dust Impact Monitor DIM, and the electrical Permittivity Probe PP) that have sensors and transmitters distributed all over the Philae lander, but share common electronics for commanding and processing. SESAME is conducted by a consortium of DLR, the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research (Göttingen), and the Finnish Meteorological Institute (Helsinki, [1]). The Multi-Purpose Sensor MUPUS, run also by DLR, combines a thermal conductivity and heat flow experiment with a mechanical properties experiment associated with the anchoring harpoons of the lander ([2]). It was recognized early in the preparation of both the SESAME and MUPUS experiments that the hammering mechanism of the latter, which drives the thermal probe into the ground, might as well serve as source of elastic waves for the CASSE experiment. To support the CASSE experiment, the MUPUS flight software provides information on its hammering process in a shared memory of the lander data management system. CASSE listening to the MUPUS PEN hammer mechanism proved to be the first active seismic experiment conducted on a celestial body other than Earth since the Lunar Seismic Profiling Experiment, which was carried out on the Moon by the Apollo 17 astronauts in 1972 (e.g. [3]).

Cb-LIKE - Thunderstorm forecasts up to six hours with fuzzy logic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Köhler, Martin; Tafferner, Arnold

2016-04-01

Thunderstorms with their accompanying effects like heavy rain, hail, or downdrafts cause delays and flight cancellations and therefore high additional cost for airlines and airport operators. A reliable thunderstorm forecast up to several hours could provide more time for decision makers in air traffic for an appropriate reaction on possible storm cells and initiation of adequate counteractions. To provide the required forecasts Cb-LIKE (Cumulonimbus-LIKElihood) has been developed at the DLR (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt) Institute of Atmospheric Physics. The new algorithm is an automated system which designates areas with possible thunderstorm development by using model data of the COSMO-DE weather model, which is driven by the German Meteorological Service (DWD). A newly developed "Best-Member- Selection" method allows the automatic selection of that particular model run of a time-lagged COSMO- DE model ensemble, which matches best the current thunderstorm situation. Thereby the application of the best available data basis for the calculation of the thunderstorm forecasts by Cb-LIKE is ensured. Altogether there are four different modes for the selection of the best member. Four atmospheric parameters (CAPE, vertical wind velocity, radar reflectivity and cloud top temperature) of the model output are used within the algorithm. A newly developed fuzzy logic system enables the subsequent combination of the model parameters and the calculation of a thunderstorm indicator within a value range of 12 up to 88 for each grid point of the model domain for the following six hours in one hour intervals. The higher the indicator value the more the model parameters imply the development of thunderstorms. The quality of the Cb-LIKE thunderstorm forecasts was evaluated by a substantial verification using a neighborhood verification approach and multi-event contingency tables. The verification was performed for the whole summer period of 2012. On the basis of a deterministic object comparison with heavy precipitation cells observed by the radar-based thunderstorm tracking algorithm Rad-TRAM, several verification scores like BIAS, POD, FAR and CSI were calculated to identify possible advantages of the new algorithm. The presentation illustrates in detail the concept of the Cb-LIKE algorithm with regard to the fuzzy logic system and the Best-Member-Selection. Additionally some case studies and the most important results of the verification will be shown. The implementation of the forecasts into the DLR WxFUSION system, an user oriented forecasting system for air traffic, will also be included.

Development of the SOFIA silicon carbide secondary mirror

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fruit, Michel; Antoine, Pascal; Varin, Jean-Luc; Bittner, Hermann; Erdmann, Matthias

2003-02-01

The SOFIA telescope is ajoint NASA-DLR project for a 2.5 m airborne Stratospheric Observatory for IR Astronomy to be flown in a specially adapted Boeing 747 SP plane, Kayser-Threde being resopinsible for the development of the Telescope Optics. The φ 352 mm Secondary Mirror is mounted ona chopping mechanism to allow avoidance of background noise during IR observations. Stiffness associated to lightness is a major demand for such a mirror to achieve high frequency chopping. This leads to select SIlicon Carbide for the mirror blank. Its development has been run by the ASTRIUM/BOOSTEC joint venture SiCSPACE, taking full benefit of the instrinsic properties of the BOOSTEC SiC-100 sintered material, associated to qualified processes specifically developed for space borne mirrors by ASTRIUM. Achieved performances include a low mass of 1.97 kg, a very high stiffness with a first resonant frequency of 1865 Hz and a measured optical surface accuracy of 39 nm rms, using Ion Beam Figuring. It is proposed here to present the major design features of the SOFIA Secondary Mirror, highlighting the main advantages of using Silicon Carbide, the main steps of its development and the achieved optomechanical performances of the developed mirror.

NASA's Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy 747SP shows off its new blue-and-white livery at L-3 Communications' Integrated Systems in Waco, Texas

NASA Image and Video Library

2006-09-25

NASA's freshly painted Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) 747SP is shown at L-3 Communications Integrated Systems' facility in Waco, Texas, where major modifications and installation was performed. The observatory, which features a German-built 100-inch (2.5 meter) diameter infrared telescope weighing 20 tons, is approaching the flight test phase as part of a joint program by NASA and DLR Deutsches Zentrum fuer Luft- und Raumfahrt (German Aerospace Center). SOFIA's science and mission operations are being planned jointly by Universities Space Research Association (USRA) and the Deutsches SOFIA Institut (DSI). Once operational, SOFIA will be the world's primary infrared observatory during a mission lasting up to 20 years, as well as an outstanding laboratory for developing and testing instrumentation and detector technology.

NASA's newly painted Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy 747SP is pushed back from L-3 Communications' Integrated Systems hangar in Waco, Texas

NASA Image and Video Library

2006-09-25

NASA's freshly painted Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) 747SP aircraft sits outside a hangar at L-3 Communications Integrated Systems' facility in Waco, Texas. The observatory, which features a German-built 100-inch (2.5 meter) diameter infrared telescope weighing 20 tons, is approaching the flight test phase as part of a joint program by NASA and DLR Deutsches Zentrum fuer Luft- und Raumfahrt (German Aerospace Center). SOFIA's science and mission operations are being planned jointly by Universities Space Research Association (USRA) and the Deutsches SOFIA Institut (DSI). Once operational, SOFIA will be the world's primary infrared observatory during a mission lasting up to 20 years, as well as an outstanding laboratory for developing and testing instrumentation and detector technology.

EML - an electromagnetic levitator for the International Space Station

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seidel, A.; Soellner, W.; Stenzel, C.

2011-12-01

Based on a long and successful evolution of electromagnetic levitators for microgravity applications, including facilities for parabolic flights, sounding rocket missions and Spacelab missions, the Electromagnetic Levitator EML provides unique experiment opportunities onboard ISS. With the application of the electromagnetic levitation principle under microgravity conditions the undercooled regime of electrically conductive materials becomes accessible for an extended time which allows the performance of unique studies of nucleation phenomena or phase formation as well as the measurement of a range of thermophysical properties both above the melting temperature and in the undercooled regime. The EML payload is presently being developed by Astrium Space Transportation under contracts to ESA and DLR. The design of the payload allows flexible experiment scenarios individually targeted towards specific experimental needs and samples including live video control of the running experiments and automatic or interactive process control.

SHEFEX - the vehicle and sub-systems for a hypersonic re-entry flight experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Turner, John; Hörschgen, Marcus; Turner, Peter; Ettl, Josef; Jung, Wolfgang; Stamminger, Andreas

2005-08-01

The purpose of the Sharp Edge Flight Experiment (SHEFEX) is to investigate the aerodynamic behaviour and thermal problems of an unconventional shape for re-entry vehicles, comprising multi-facetted surfaces with sharp edges. The main object of this experiment is the correlation of numerical analysis with real flight data in terms of the aerodynamic effects and structural concept for the thermal protection system (TPS). The Mobile Rocket Base of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) is responsible for the test flight of SHEFEX on a two stage unguided solid propellant sounding rocket which is required to provide a velocity of the order of March 7 for more than 30 seconds during atmospheric re-entry. This paper discusses the problems associated with the mission requirements and the solutions developed for the vehicle and sub-systems.

Thermal infrared spectrometer MERTIS for the BepiColumbo Mission to Mercury

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zeh, T.; Kaiser, S.; Lenfert, K.; Peter, G.; Walter, I.; Hirsch, H.; Knollenberg, J.; Helbert, J.; Multhaup, K.; Hiesinger, H.; Gebhardt, A.; Risse, S.; Damm, C.; Eberhardt, R.; Baier, V.; Kessler, E.

2017-11-01

The MERTIS instrument is a thermal infrared imaging spectrometer onboard of ESA's cornerstone mission BepiColombo to Mercury. MERTIS will provide detailed information about the mineralogical composition of Mercury's surface layer by measuring the spectral emittance in the spectral range from 7-14 μm with a high spatial and spectral resolution. Furthermore MERTIS will obtain radiometric measurements in the spectral range from 7-40 μm to study the thermo-physical properties of the surface material. Under the lead of the German Aerospace Center DLR (Dep. Optical Information Systems, Berlin) a development model (DM) is in development which integrates all MERTIS sub-units of later flight models. With the DM the general design and performance goals of the system shall be investigated and verified. Besides a general overview about the instrument principles the following topics are addressed: Optics setup with a Three Mirror Anastigmatic (TMA) telescope and Offner Spectrometer, Manufacturing techniques for the robust and high precision optics and Radiometer Concept and Design

Eigensystem realization algorithm modal identification experiences with mini-mast

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pappa, Richard S.; Schenk, Axel; Noll, Christopher

1992-01-01

This paper summarizes work performed under a collaborative research effort between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the German Aerospace Research Establishment (DLR, Deutsche Forschungsanstalt fur Luft- und Raumfahrt). The objective is to develop and demonstrate system identification technology for future large space structures. Recent experiences using the Eigensystem Realization Algorithm (ERA), for modal identification of Mini-Mast, are reported. Mini-Mast is a 20 m long deployable space truss used for structural dynamics and active vibration-control research at the Langley Research Center. A comprehensive analysis of 306 frequency response functions (3 excitation forces and 102 displacement responses) was performed. Emphasis is placed on two topics of current research: (1) gaining an improved understanding of ERA performance characteristics (theory vs. practice); and (2) developing reliable techniques to improve identification results for complex experimental data. Because of nonlinearities and numerous local modes, modal identification of Mini-Mast proved to be surprisingly difficult. Methods were available, ERA, for obtaining detailed, high-confidence results.

Reactivity of Acetylcholine Esterase in inner Ear Maculae of Fish after Development at Hypergravity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feucht, I.; Hilbig, R.; Anken, R.

It has been shown earlier that the growth of inner ear otoliths of larval fish is (among other environmental factors) guided by the gravity vector. This guidance most probably is effected by the efferent vestibular system in the brainstem, because a transection of the nervus vestibularis has been shown to effect a cessation of the supply of calcium to the otoliths. The efferent innervation of fish inner ear maculae uses the synaptic transmitter acetylcholine (ACh). Therefore, we were - in order to further assess the role of the efferent system for otolith growth - prompted to determine ACh esterase-reactivity in the sensory epithelium of the utricle and the saccule (as well as in a non-gravity relevant brain region for control) in larval cichlid fish (Oreochromis mossambicus), which had been maintained at hypergravity during their development. The respective data will be communicated at the meeting. Acknowledgement: This work was financially supported by the German Aerospace Center (DLR) (FKZ: 50 WB 9997).

Spacelab

NASA Image and Video Library

1992-01-22

This is the Space Shuttle Orbiter Discovery, STS-42 mission, with the First International Microgravity Laboratory (IML-1) module shown in the cargo bay. IML-1, the first in a series of Shuttle flights, was dedicated to study the fundamental materials and life sciences in the microgravity environment inside Spacelab, a laboratory carried aloft by the Shuttle. The mission explored how life forms adapt to weightlessness and investigated how materials behave when processed in space. The IML program gave a team of scientists from around the world access to a unique environment, one that is free from most of Earth's gravity. The 14-nation European Space Agency (ESA), the Canadian Space Agency (SCA), the French National Center for Space Studies (CNES), the German Space Agency and the German Aerospace Research Establishment (DARA/DLR), and the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA) participated in developing hardware and experiments for the IML missions. The missions were managed by NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center. The Orbiter Discovery was launched on January 22, 1992 for the IML-1 mission.

Spacelab

NASA Image and Video Library

1994-07-08

Astronaut Carl E. Walz, mission specialist, flies through the second International Microgravity Laboratory (IML-2) science module, STS-65 mission. IML was dedicated to study fundamental materials and life sciences in a microgravity environment inside Spacelab, a laboratory carried aloft by the Shuttle. The mission explored how life forms adapt to weightlessness and investigated how materials behave when processed in space. The IML program gave a team of scientists from around the world access to a unique environment, one that is free from most of Earth's gravity. Managed by the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, the 14-nation European Space Agency (ESA), the Canadian Space Agency (SCA), the French National Center for Space Studies (CNES), the German Space Agency and the German Aerospace Research Establishment (DARA/DLR), and the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA) participated in developing hardware and experiments for the IML missions. The missions were managed by NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center. The Orbiter Columbia was launched on July 8, 1994 for the IML-2 mission.

Target selection and comparison of mission design for space debris removal by DLR's advanced study group

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van der Pas, Niels; Lousada, Joao; Terhes, Claudia; Bernabeu, Marc; Bauer, Waldemar

2014-09-01

Space debris is a growing problem. Models show that the Kessler syndrome, the exponential growth of debris due to collisions, has become unavoidable unless an active debris removal program is initiated. The debris population in LEO with inclination between 60° and 95° is considered as the most critical zone. In order to stabilize the debris population in orbit, especially in LEO, 5 to 10 objects will need to be removed every year. The unique circumstances of such a mission could require that several objects are removed with a single launch. This will require a mission to rendezvous with a multitude of objects orbiting on different altitudes, inclinations and planes. Removal models have assumed that the top priority targets will be removed first. However this will lead to a suboptimal mission design and increase the ΔV-budget. Since there is a multitude of targets to choose from, the targets can be selected for an optimal mission design. In order to select a group of targets for a removal mission the orbital parameters and political constraints should also be taken into account. Within this paper a number of the target selection criteria are presented. The possible mission targets and their order of retrieval is dependent on the mission architecture. A comparison between several global mission architectures is given. Under consideration are 3 global missions of which a number of parameters are varied. The first mission launches multiple separate deorbit kits. The second launches a mother craft with deorbit kits. The third launches an orbital tug which pulls the debris in a lower orbit, after which a deorbit kit performs the final deorbit burn. A RoM mass and cost comparison is presented. The research described in this paper has been conducted as part of an active debris removal study by the Advanced Study Group (ASG). The ASG is an interdisciplinary student group working at the DLR, analyzing existing technologies and developing new ideas into preliminary concepts.

Special Aspects of Flight Dynamics of a Reusable Cryogenic Booster Stage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klevanski, J.; Sippel, M.

2005-02-01

The semi-reusable Space Transportation System (STS) investigated in the German ASTRA research program consists of two reusable winged liquid fly-back booster stages called LFBB attached to the expendable Ariane 5 core at an upgraded technology level. The focus of the presented study is the in-depth research of the special aspects of flight dynamics of a LFBB in all flight phases and especially the investigation of the trimmablity, stability and controllability. The LFBB-layout is developed under consideration of tight structural and geometrical constraints of using European cryogenic rocket engine technology [1]. These design conditions result in the special LFBB layout features, such as its large diameter fuselage and a forward position of the air-breathing engines. The great variation in the location of the center of pressure for different Mach numbers caused by large diameter fuselage and a wide range of center of gravity position demand canards for trim and control purposes. The aerodynamic investigation loop performed by the DLR Institute of Aerodynamics and Flow Technology in Braunschweig [2],[3] and in the DLR Wind Tunnel in Cologne [6] allowed optimizing the key features of the aerodynamical layout, such as the canards shape and the wing profile. The main task of this study is the investigation of the longitudinal flight dynamics of the LFBB using the obtained aerodynamic data within a closed loop simulation taking into account rigid body equations of motion, control law and actuators by realistic assumption. This paper discusses the controllability of the whole STS during the ascent phase until separation including wind gust influence, guaranteeing of the structural constraints during re-entry phase and the trimmablity and controllability of the LFBB during the cruise return flight. The flight dynamics behavior of the LFBB is investigated for different center of gravity positions with reasonable margins.

Measurements of Nucleation-Mode Particle Size Distributions in Aircraft Plumes during SULFUR 6

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brock, Charles A.; Bradford, Deborah G.

1999-01-01

This report summarizes the participation of the University of Denver in an airborne measurement program, SULFUR 6, which was undertaken in late September and early October of 1998 by the Deutsches Zentrum fur Luft und Raumfahrt (DLR). Scientific findings from two papers that have been published or accepted and from one manuscript that is in preparation are presented. The SULFUR 6 experiment was designed to investigate the emissions from subsonic aircraft to constrain calculations of possible atmospheric chemical and climatic effects. The University of Denver effort contributed toward the following SULFUR 6 goals: (1) To investigate the relationship between fuel sulfur content (FSC--mass of sulfur per mass of fuel) and particle number and mass emission index (El--quantity emitted per kg of fuel burned); (2) To provide upper and lower limits for the mass conversion efficiency (nu) of fuel sulfur to gaseous and particulate sulfuric acid; (3) To constrain models of volatile particle nucleation and growth by measuring the particle size distribution between 3 and 100 nm at aircraft plume ages ranging from 10(exp -1) to 10(exp 3) s; (4) To determine microphysical and optical properties and bulk chemical composition of soot particles in aircraft exhaust; and (5) To investigate the differences in particle properties between aircraft plumes in contrail and non-contrail situations. The experiment focused on emissions from the ATTAS research aircraft (a well characterized, but older technology turbojet) and from an in-service Boeing 737-300 aircraft provided by Lufthansa, with modem, high-bypass turbofan engines. Measurements were made from the DLR Dassault Falcon 900 aircraft, a modified business jet. The Atmospheric Effects of Aviation Program (AEAP) provided funding to operate an instrument, the nucleation-mode aerosol size spectrometer (N-MASS), during the SULFUR 6 campaign and to analyze the data. The N-MASS was developed at the University of Denver with the support of NOAA's Office of Global Programs and NASA's AEAP and measures particle size distributions in the 4-100 nm range.

JPRS Report Science & Technology, Europe.

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-04-09

laser measuring tech- nique had been acquired anywhere in the world, the DLR scientists were able to obtain satisfactory answers to a number of ...Infectious Diseases, Atlanta) place the number of hepatitis A cases in 1990 at 12.6 per 100,000 inhabitants. In that country the most important foci...CAD environment is comprised of components having Inmos iq-System transputer module (TRAM) architecture and can contain any number of T4xx and/or

JPRS Report, Science and Technology: Europe, German Aerospace Industry Competitiveness.

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-05-31

construction , in which the German aerospace industry is involved (Alpha Jet, Tornado, Jaeger 90), are not directly transferable, since they deal with...INTA 1,500 100 Japan NASDA 938 749 U.S. NASA 23,0003 7,653 1. Planned after completion of construction phase (cun mately 100) 2. Annual average...for five-year construction phase 3. Excluding contractors rently approxi- Source: DLR, DASA III.5 Fiscal Aspects, Subsidies Taxes and duties affect

High Speed Optical Diagnostics in a High Pressure, GOx/RP 2 Combustor

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-07-10

Similarly, the German Aerospace Center (DLR) at Lampoldshausen conducted research on LOX/LH2 propellants in the Combustion Chamber C experimental ...facility. This single element, optically accessible liquid rocket engine test article was designed to operate up to 1,450 psi, however most research was...significant result of this work was the acquisition of data at pressures up to 2400 psi. T 3 II. Experimental Facility This testing was

Polarimetric Interferometry and Differential Interferometry

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-02-01

example of the entropy or phase stability of a mixed scene, being the Oberpfaffenhofen area as collected by the DLR L-Band ESAR system. We note that...robust ratios of scattering elements as shown for example in table I. [10,11,12,13,14,15] The urban areas (upper right corner) in figure 2 show...height and biomass estimation, but there are many other application areas where this technology is being considered. Table I provides a selective

STS-55 German Payload Specialist Walter at the SL-D2 Fluid Physics Module

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1993-01-01

STS-55 German Payload Specialist 1 Ulrich Walter conducts an experiment using the advanced fluid physics module located in Spacelab Deutsche 2 (SL-D2) Rack 8 Werkstofflabor (WL) (Material Sciences Laboratory) aboard Earth-orbiting Columbia, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 102. Walter uses intravehicular activity (IVA) foot restraints to position himself in front of the rack. Walter represents the German Aerospace Research Establishment (DLR) on the 10-day mission.

Malaria diagnosis and treatment under the strategy of the integrated management of childhood illness (IMCI): relevance of laboratory support from the rapid immunochromatographic tests of ICT Malaria P.f/P.v and OptiMal.

PubMed

Tarimo, D S; Minjas, J N; Bygbjerg, I C

2001-07-01

The algorithm developed for the integrated management of childhood illness (IMCI) provides guidelines for the treatment of paediatric malaria. In areas where malaria is endemic, for example, the IMCI strategy may indicate that children who present with fever, a recent history of fever and/or pallor should receive antimalarial chemotherapy. In many holo-endemic areas, it is unclear whether laboratory tests to confirm that such signs are the result of malaria would be very relevant or useful. Children from a holo-endemic region of Tanzania were therefore checked for malarial parasites by microscopy and by using two rapid immunochromatographic tests (RIT) for the diagnosis of malaria (ICT Malaria P.f/P.v and OptiMal. At the time they were tested, each of these children had been targeted for antimalarial treatment (following the IMCI strategy) because of fever and/or pallor. Only 70% of the 395 children classified to receive antimalarial drugs by the IMCI algorithm had malarial parasitaemias (68.4% had Plasmodium falciparum trophozoites, 1.3% only P. falciparum gametocytes, 0.3% P. ovale and 0.3% P. malariae). As indicators of P. falciparum trophozoites in the peripheral blood, fever had a sensitivity of 93.0% and a specificity of 15.5% whereas pallor had a sensitivity of 72.2% and a specificity of 50.8%. The RIT both had very high corresponding sensitivities (of 100.0% for the ICT and 94.0% for OptiMal) but the specificity of the ICT (74.0%) was significantly lower than that for OptiMal (100.0%). Fever and pallor were significantly associated with the P. falciparum asexual parasitaemias that equalled or exceeded the threshold intensity (2000/microl) that has the optimum sensitivity and specificity for the definition of a malarial episode. Diagnostic likelihood ratios (DLR) showed that a positive result in the OptiMal test (DLR = infinity) was a better indication of malaria than a positive result in the ICT (DLR = 3.85). In fact, OptiMal had diagnostic reliability (0.93) which approached that of an ideal test and, since it only detects live parasites, OptiMal is superior to the ICT in monitoring therapeutic responses. Although the RIT may seem attractive for use in primary health facilities because relatively inexperienced staff can perform them, the high cost of these tests is prohibitive. In holo-endemic areas, use of RIT or microscopical examination of bloodsmears may only be relevant when malaria needs to be excluded as a cause of illness (e.g. prior to treatment with toxic or expensive drugs, or during malaria epidemics). Wherever the effective drugs for the first-line treatment of malaria are cheap (e.g. chloroquine and Fansidar), treatment based on clinical diagnosis alone should prove cost-saving in health facilities without microscopy.

TET-1- A German Microsatellite for Technology On -Orbit Verification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Föckersperger, S.; Lattner, K.; Kaiser, C.; Eckert, S.; Bärwald, W.; Ritzmann, S.; Mühlbauer, P.; Turk, M.; Willemsen, P.

2008-08-01

Due to the high safety standards in the space industry every new product must go through a verification process before qualifying for operation in a space system. Within the verification process the payload undergoes a series of tests which prove that it is in accordance with mission requirements in terms of function, reliability and safety. Important verification components are the qualification for use on the ground as well as the On-Orbit Verification (OOV), i.e. proof that the product is suitable for use under virtual space conditions (on-orbit). Here it is demonstrated that the product functions under conditions which cannot or can only be partially simulated on the ground. The OOV-Program of the DLR serves to bridge the gap between the product tested and qualified on the ground and the utilization of the product in space. Due to regular and short-term availability of flight opportunities industry and research facilities can verify their latest products under space conditions and demonstrate their reliability and marketability. The Technologie-Erprobungs-Tr&äger TET (Technology Experiments Carrier) comprises the core elements of the OOV Program. A programmatic requirement of the OOV Program is that a satellite bus already verified in orbit be used in the first segment of the program. An analysis of suitable satellite buses showed that a realization of the TET satellite bus based on the BIRD satellite bus fulfilled the programmatic requirements best. Kayser-Threde was selected by DLR as Prime Contractor to perform the project together with its major subcontractors Astro- und Feinwerktechnik, Berlin for the platform development and DLR-GSOC for the ground segment development. TET is now designed to be a modular and flexible micro-satellite for any orbit between 450 and 850 km altitude and inclination between 53° and SSO. With an overall mass of 120 kg TET is able to accommodate experiments of up to 50 kg. A multipurpose payload supply systemThere is significant confusion in the space industry today over the terms used to describe satellite bus architectures. Terms such as "standard bus" (or "common bus"), "modular bus" and "plug-and-play bus" are often used with little understanding of what the terms actually mean, and even less understanding of what the differences in these space architectures mean. It may seem that these terms are subtle differentiators, but in reality these terms describe radically different ways to design, build, test, and operate satellites. Furthermore, these terms imply very different business models for the acquisition, operation, and sustainment of space systems. This paper will define and describe the difference between "standard buses", "modular buses" and "plug-and-play buses"; giving examples of each kind with a cost/benefit discussion of each type. under Kayser-Threde responsibility provides the necessary interfaces to the experiments. The first TET mission is scheduled for mid of 2010. TET will be launched as piggy-back payload on any available launcher worldwide to reduce launch cost and provide maximum flexibility. Finally, TET will provide all services required by the experimenters for a one year mission operation to perform a successful OOV-mission with its technology experiments leading to an efficient access to space for German industry and institutions.

Accelerated Innovation Pilot

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davis, Jeffrey

2012-01-01

Opportunities: I. Engage NASA team (examples) a) Research and technology calls . provide suggestions to AES, HRP, OCT. b) Use NASA@Work to solicit other ideas; (possibly before R+D calls). II. Stimulate collaboration (examples) a) NHHPC. b) Wharton Mack Center for Technological Innovation (Feb 2013). c) International ] DLR ] :envihab (July 2013). d) Accelerated research models . NSF, Myelin Repair Foundation. III. Engage public Prizes (open platform: InnoCentive, yet2.com, NTL; Rice Business Plan, etc.) IV. Use same methods to engage STEM.

Cache Coherence Protocols for Large-Scale Multiprocessors

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-09-01

and is compared with the other protocols for large-scale machines. In later analysis, this coherence method is designated by the acronym OCPD , which...private read misses 2 6 6 ( OCPD ) private write misses 2 6 6 Table 4.2: Transaction Types and Costs. the performance of the memory system. These...methodologies. Figure 4-2 shows the processor utiliza- tions of the Weather program, with special code in the dyn-nic post-mortem sched- 94 OCPD DlrINB

Sounding Rockets as a Real Flight Platform for Aerothermodynamic Cfd Validation of Hypersonic Flight Experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stamminger, A.; Turner, J.; Hörschgen, M.; Jung, W.

2005-02-01

This paper describes the possibilities of sounding rockets to provide a platform for flight experiments in hypersonic conditions as a supplement to wind tunnel tests. Real flight data from measurement durations longer than 30 seconds can be compared with predictions from CFD calculations. This paper will regard projects flown on sounding rockets, but mainly describe the current efforts at Mobile Rocket Base, DLR on the SHarp Edge Flight EXperiment SHEFEX.

ALLFlight: detection of moving objects in IR and ladar images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Doehler, H.-U.; Peinecke, Niklas; Lueken, Thomas; Schmerwitz, Sven

2013-05-01

Supporting a helicopter pilot during landing and takeoff in degraded visual environment (DVE) is one of the challenges within DLR's project ALLFlight (Assisted Low Level Flight and Landing on Unprepared Landing Sites). Different types of sensors (TV, Infrared, mmW radar and laser radar) are mounted onto DLR's research helicopter FHS (flying helicopter simulator) for gathering different sensor data of the surrounding world. A high performance computer cluster architecture acquires and fuses all the information to get one single comprehensive description of the outside situation. While both TV and IR cameras deliver images with frame rates of 25 Hz or 30 Hz, Ladar and mmW radar provide georeferenced sensor data with only 2 Hz or even less. Therefore, it takes several seconds to detect or even track potential moving obstacle candidates in mmW or Ladar sequences. Especially if the helicopter is flying with higher speed, it is very important to minimize the detection time of obstacles in order to initiate a re-planning of the helicopter's mission timely. Applying feature extraction algorithms on IR images in combination with data fusion algorithms of extracted features and Ladar data can decrease the detection time appreciably. Based on real data from flight tests, the paper describes applied feature extraction methods for moving object detection, as well as data fusion techniques for combining features from TV/IR and Ladar data.

The First European Parabolic Flight Campaign with the Airbus A310 ZERO-G

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pletser, Vladimir; Rouquette, Sebastien; Friedrich, Ulrike; Clervoy, Jean-Francois; Gharib, Thierry; Gai, Frederic; Mora, Christophe

2016-12-01

Aircraft parabolic flights repetitively provide up to 23 seconds of reduced gravity during ballistic flight manoeuvres. Parabolic flights are used to conduct short microgravity investigations in Physical and Life Sciences and in Technology, to test instrumentation prior to space flights and to train astronauts before a space mission. The use of parabolic flights is complementary to other microgravity carriers (drop towers, sounding rockets), and preparatory to manned space missions on board the International Space Station and other manned spacecraft, such as Shenzhou and the future Chinese Space Station. After 17 years of using the Airbus A300 ZERO-G, the French company Novespace, a subsidiary of the ' Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales' (CNES, French Space Agency), based in Bordeaux, France, purchased a new aircraft, an Airbus A310, to perform parabolic flights for microgravity research in Europe. Since April 2015, the European Space Agency (ESA), CNES and the ` Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V.' (DLR, the German Aerospace Center) use this new aircraft, the Airbus A310 ZERO-G, for research experiments in microgravity. The first campaign was a Cooperative campaign shared by the three agencies, followed by respectively a CNES, an ESA and a DLR campaign. This paper presents the new Airbus A310 ZERO-G and its main characteristics and interfaces for scientific experiments. The experiments conducted during the first European campaign are presented.

SHEFEX II Flight Instrumentation And Preparation Of Post Flight Analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thiele, Thomas; Siebe, Frank; Gulhan, Ali

2011-05-01

A main disadvantage of modern TPS systems for re- entry vehicles is the expensive manufacturing and maintenance process due to the complex geometry of these blunt nose configurations. To reduce the costs and to improve the aerodynamic performance the German Aerospace Center (DLR) is following a different approach using TPS structures consisting of flat ceramic tiles. To test these new sharp edged TPS structures the SHEFEX I flight experiment was designed and successfully performed by DLR in 2005. To further improve the reliability of the sharp edged TPS design at even higher Mach numbers, a second flight experiment SHEFEX II will be performed in September 2011. In comparison to SHEFEX I the second flight experiment has a fully symmetrical shape and will reach a maximum Mach number of about 11. Furthermore the vehicle has an active steering system using four canards to control the flight attitude during re-entry, e.g. roll angle, angle of attack and sideslip. After a successful flight the evaluation of the flight data will be performed using a combination of numerical and experimental tools. The data will be used for the improvement of the present numerical analysis tools and to get a better understanding of the aerothermal behaviour of sharp TPS structures. This paper presents the flight instrumentation of the SHEFEX II TPS. In addition the concept of the post flight analysis is presented.

Statistical Analysis of CFD Solutions from 2nd Drag Prediction Workshop

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hemsch, M. J.; Morrison, J. H.

2004-01-01

In June 2001, the first AIAA Drag Prediction Workshop was held to evaluate results obtained from extensive N-Version testing of a series of RANS CFD codes. The geometry used for the computations was the DLR-F4 wing-body combination which resembles a medium-range subsonic transport. The cases reported include the design cruise point, drag polars at eight Mach numbers, and drag rise at three values of lift. Although comparisons of the code-to-code medians with available experimental data were similar to those obtained in previous studies, the code-to-code scatter was more than an order-of-magnitude larger than expected and far larger than desired for design and for experimental validation. The second Drag Prediction Workshop was held in June 2003 with emphasis on the determination of installed pylon-nacelle drag increments and on grid refinement studies. The geometry used was the DLR-F6 wing-body-pylon-nacelle combination for which the design cruise point and the cases run were similar to the first workshop except for additional runs on coarse and fine grids to complement the runs on medium grids. The code-to-code scatter was significantly reduced for the wing-body configuration compared to the first workshop, although still much larger than desired. However, the grid refinement studies showed no sign$cant improvement in code-to-code scatter with increasing grid refinement.

Near Real Time Ship Detection Experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brusch, S.; Lehner, S.; Schwarz, E.; Fritz, T.

2010-04-01

A new Near Real Time (NRT) ship detection processor SAINT (SAR AIS Integrated Toolbox) was developed in the framework of the ESA project MARISS. Data are received at DLRs ground segment DLR-BN (Neustrelitz, Germany). Results of the ship detection are available on ftp server within 30 min after the acquisition started. The detectability of ships on Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) ERS-2, ENVISAT ASAR and TerraSAR-X (TS-X) images is validated by coastal (live) AIS and space AIS. The monitoring areas chosen for surveillance are the North-, Baltic Sea, and Cape Town. The detectability in respect to environmental parameters like wind field, sea state, currents and changing coastlines due to tidal effects is investigated. In the South Atlantic a tracking experiment of the German research vessel Polarstern has been performed. Issues of piracy in particular in respect to ships hijacked at the Somali coast are discussed. Some examples using high resolution images from TerraSAR-X are given.

ATHENA: Remote Sensing Science Center for Cultural Heritage in Cyprus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hadjimitsis, Diofantos G.; Agapiou, Athos; Lysandrou, Vasiliki; Themistocleous, Kyriakos; Cuca, Branka; Lasaponara, Rosa; Masini, Nicola; Krauss, Thomas; Cerra, Daniele; Gessner, Ursula; Schreier, Gunter

2016-04-01

The Cultural Heritage (CH) sector, especially those of monuments and sites has always been facing a number of challenges from environmental pressure, pollution, human intervention from tourism to destruction by terrorism.Within this context, CH professionals are seeking to improve currently used methodologies, in order to better understand, protect and valorise the common European past and common identity. "ATHENA" H2020-TWINN-2015 project will seek to improve and expand the capabilities of the Cyprus University of Technology, involving professionals dealing with remote sensing technologies for supporting CH sector from the National Research Center of Italy (CNR) and German Aerospace Centre (DLR). The ATHENA centre will be devoted to the development, introduction and systematic use of advanced remote sensing science and technologies in the field of archaeology, built cultural heritage, their multi-temporal analysis and interpretation and the distant monitoring of their natural and anthropogenic environment in the area of Eastern Mediterranean.

Design, Qualification and Lessons Learned of the Shutter Calibration Mechanism for EnMAP Mission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmidt, Tilo; Muller, Silvio; Bergander, Arvid; Zajac, Kai; Seifart, Klaus

2015-09-01

The Shutter Calibration Mechanism (SCM) Assembly is one of three mechanisms which are developed by HTS for the EnMAP instrument in subcontract to OHB System AG Munich. EnMAP is the Environmental Mapping and Analysis Program of the German Space Agency DLR.The binary rotary encoder of the SCM using hall-effect sensors was already presented during ESMATS 2011. This paper summarizes the main functions and design features of the Hardware and focuses on qualification testing which has finished successfully in 2014. Of particular interest is the functional testing of the main drive including the precise hall-effect position sensing system and the test of the fail safe mechanism. In addition to standard test campaign required for QM also a shock emission measurement of the fail safe mechanism activation was conducted.Test conduction and results will be presented with focus on deviations from the expected behaviour, mitigation measures and on lessons learned.

DLR MiroSurge: a versatile system for research in endoscopic telesurgery.

PubMed

Hagn, Ulrich; Konietschke, R; Tobergte, A; Nickl, M; Jörg, S; Kübler, B; Passig, G; Gröger, M; Fröhlich, F; Seibold, U; Le-Tien, L; Albu-Schäffer, A; Nothhelfer, A; Hacker, F; Grebenstein, M; Hirzinger, G

2010-03-01

Research on surgical robotics demands systems for evaluating scientific approaches. Such systems can be divided into dedicated and versatile systems. Dedicated systems are designed for a single surgical task or technique, whereas versatile systems are designed to be expandable and useful in multiple surgical applications. Versatile systems are often based on industrial robots, though, and because of this, are hardly suitable for close contact with humans. To achieve a high degree of versatility the Miro robotic surgery platform (MRSP) consists of versatile components, dedicated front-ends towards surgery and configurable interfaces for the surgeon. This paper presents MiroSurge, a configuration of the MRSP that allows for bimanual endoscopic telesurgery with force feedback. While the components of the MiroSurge system are shown to fulfil the rigid design requirements for robotic telesurgery with force feedback, the system remains versatile, which is supposed to be a key issue for the further development and optimisation.

Numerical Investigation of a Model Scramjet Combustor Using DDES

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shin, Junsu; Sung, Hong-Gye

2017-04-01

Non-reactive flows moving through a model scramjet were investigated using a delayed detached eddy simulation (DDES), which is a hybrid scheme combining Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes scheme and a large eddy simulation. The three dimensional Navier-Stokes equations were solved numerically on a structural grid using finite volume methods. An in-house was developed. This code used a monotonic upstream-centered scheme for conservation laws (MUSCL) with an advection upstream splitting method by pressure weight function (AUSMPW+) for space. In addition, a 4th order Runge-Kutta scheme was used with preconditioning for time integration. The geometries and boundary conditions of a scramjet combustor operated by DLR, a German aerospace center, were considered. The profiles of the lower wall pressure and axial velocity obtained from a time-averaged solution were compared with experimental results. Also, the mixing efficiency and total pressure recovery factor were provided in order to inspect the performance of the combustor.

SOFIA general investigator science program

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Young, Erick T.; Andersson, B.-G.; Becklin, Eric E.; Reach, William T.; Sankrit, Ravi; Zinnecker, Hans; Krabbe, Alfred

2014-07-01

SOFIA is a joint project between NASA and DLR, the German Aerospace Center, to provide the worldwide astronomical community with an observatory that offers unique capabilities from visible to far-infrared wavelengths. SOFIA consists of a 2.7-m telescope mounted in a highly modified Boeing 747-SP aircraft, a suite of instruments, and the scientific and operational infrastructure to support the observing program. This paper describes the current status of the observatory and details the General Investigator program. The observatory has recently completed major development activities, and it has transitioned into full operational status. Under the General Investigator program, astronomers submit proposals that are peer reviewed for observation on the facility. We describe the results from the first two cycles of the General Investigator program. We also describe some of the new observational capabilities that will be available for Cycle 3, which will begin in 2015.

Temperature-dependence laws of absorption line shape parameters of the CO2 ν3 band

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilzewski, J. S.; Birk, M.; Loos, J.; Wagner, G.

2018-02-01

To improve the understanding of temperature-dependence laws of spectral line shape parameters, spectra of the ν3 rovibrational band of CO2 perturbed by 10, 30, 100, 300 and 1000 mbar of N2 were recorded at nine temperatures between 190 K and 330 K using a 22 cm long single-pass absorption cell in a Bruker IFS125 HR Fourier Transform spectrometer. The spectra were fitted employing a quadratic speed-dependent hard collision model in the Hartmann-Tran implementation extended to account for line mixing in the Rosenkranz approximation by means of a multispectrum fitting approach developed at DLR. This enables high accuracy parameter retrievals to reproduce the spectra down to noise level and we present the behavior of line widths, shifts, speed-dependence-, collisional narrowing- and line mixing-parameters over this 140 K temperature range.

Automated payload and instruments for astrobiology research developed and studied by German medium-sized space industry in cooperation with European academia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schulte, Wolfgang; Hofer, Stefan; Hofmann, Peter; Thiele, Hans; von Heise-Rotenburg, Ralf; Toporski, Jan; Rettberg, Petra

2007-06-01

For more than a decade Kayser-Threde, a medium-sized enterprise of the German space industry, has been involved in astrobiology research in partnership with a variety of scientific institutes from all over Europe. Previous projects include exobiology research platforms in low Earth orbit on retrievable carriers and onboard the Space Station. More recently, exobiology payloads for in situ experimentation on Mars have been studied by Kayser-Threde under ESA contracts, specifically the ExoMars Pasteur Payload. These studies included work on a sample preparation and distribution systems for Martian rock/regolith samples, instrument concepts such as Raman spectroscopy and a Life Marker Chip, advanced microscope systems as well as robotic tools for astrobiology missions. The status of the funded technical studies and major results are presented. The reported industrial work was funded by ESA and the German Aerospace Center (DLR).

System Engineering Infrastructure Evolution Galileo IOV and the Steps Beyond

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eickhoff, J.; Herpel, H.-J.; Steinle, T.; Birn, R.; Steiner, W.-D.; Eisenmann, H.; Ludwig, T.

2009-05-01

The trends to more and more constrained financial budgets in satellite engineering require a permanent optimization of the S/C system engineering processes and infrastructure. Astrium in the recent years already has built up a system simulation infrastructure - the "Model-based Development & Verification Environment" - which meanwhile is well known all over Europe and is established as Astrium's standard approach for ESA, DLR projects and now even the EU/ESA-Project Galileo IOV. The key feature of the MDVE / FVE approach is to provide entire S/C simulation (with full featured OBC simulation) already in early phases to start OBSW code tests on a simulated S/C and to later add hardware in the loop step by step up to an entire "Engineering Functional Model (EFM)" or "FlatSat". The subsequent enhancements to this simulator infrastructure w.r.t. spacecraft design data handling are reported in the following sections.

Neuro- and sensoriphysiological Adaptations to Microgravity using Fish as Model System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anken, R.

The phylogenetic development of all organisms took place under constant gravity conditions, against which they achieved specific countermeasures for compensation and adaptation. On this background, it is still an open question to which extent altered gravity such as hyper- or microgravity (centrifuge/spaceflight) affects the normal individual development, either on the systemic level of the whole organism or on the level of individual organs or even single cells. The present review provides information on this topic, focusing on the effects of altered gravity on developing fish as model systems even for higher vertebrates including humans, with special emphasis on the effect of altered gravity on behaviour and particularly on the developing brain and vestibular system. Overall, the results speak in favour of the following concept: Short-term altered gravity (˜ 1 day) can induce transient sensorimotor disorders (kinetoses) due to malfunctions of the inner ear, originating from asymmetric otoliths. The regain of normal postural control is likely due to a reweighing of sensory inputs. During long-term altered gravity (several days and more), complex adptations on the level of the central and peripheral vestibular system occur. This work was financially supported by the German Aerospace Center (DLR) e.V. (FKZ: 50 WB 9997).

International Project Management Committee: Overview and Activities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hoffman, Edward

2010-01-01

This slide presentation discusses the purpose and composition of the International Project Management Committee (IMPC). The IMPC was established by members of 15 space agencies, companies and professional organizations. The goal of the committee is to establish a means to share experiences and best practices with space project/program management practitioners at the global level. The space agencies that are involved are: AEB, DLR, ESA, ISRO, JAXA, KARI, and NASA. The industrial and professional organizational members are Comau, COSPAR, PMI, and Thales Alenia Space.

STS-55 German payload specialists Walter and Schlegel work in SL-D2 module

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1993-01-01

STS-55 German Payload Specialist 1 Ulrich Walter, wearing special head gear, conducts Tissue Thickness and Compliance Along Body Axis salt-water balance experiment in the Spacelab Deutsche 2 (SL-D2) science module aboard the Earth-orbiting Columbia, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 102. Walter's activities in front of Rack 9 Anthrorack (AR) are monitored by German Payload Specialist 2 Hans Schlegel. Walter uses intravehicular activity (IVA) foot restraints. Walter and Schlegel represent the German Aerospace Research Establishment (DLR).

Averaging Bias Correction for Future IPDA Lidar Mission MERLIN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tellier, Yoann; Pierangelo, Clémence; Wirth, Martin; Gibert, Fabien

2018-04-01

The CNES/DLR MERLIN satellite mission aims at measuring methane dry-air mixing ratio column (XCH4) and thus improving surface flux estimates. In order to get a 1% precision on XCH4 measurements, MERLIN signal processing assumes an averaging of data over 50 km. The induced biases due to the non-linear IPDA lidar equation are not compliant with accuracy requirements. This paper analyzes averaging biases issues and suggests correction algorithms tested on realistic simulated scenes.

The Mechanism of Jet Disintegration

DTIC Science & Technology

1949-08-29

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A Topographic Image Map of The Mc-18 Quadrangle "coprates" At 1: 2,000,000 Using Data Obtained From The Mars Orbiter Camera and The Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter of Mars Global Surveyor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niedermaier, G.; Wählisch, M.; van Gasselt, S.; Scholten, F.; Wewel, F.; Roatsch, T.; Matz, K.-D.; Jaumann, R.

We present a new topographic image map of Mars using 8 bit data obtained from the Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) of the Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) [1]. The new map covers the Mars surface from 270 E (90 W) to 315 E (45 W) and from 0 North to 30 South with a resolution of 231.529 m/pixel (256 pixel/degree). For map creation, digital image processing methods have been applied. Furthermore, we managed to de- velop a general processing method for creating image mosaics based on MOC data. From a total amount of 66,081 images, 4,835 images (4,339 Context and 496 Geodesy images [3]) were finally used for the creation of the mosaic. After radiometric and brightness corrections, the images were Mars referenced [5], geometrically [6] cor- rected and sinusoidal map projected [4] using a global Martian Digital Terrain Model (DTM), developed by the DLR and based on MGS Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA) topographic datasets [2]. Three layers of MOC mosaics were created, which were stacked afterwards. The upper layer contains the context images with a resolution < 250 m/pixel. The middle layer contains the images of the Geodesy Campaign with a resolution < 250 m/pixel. The bottom layer consists of the Geodesy Campaign im- ages with a resolution > 250 m/pixel and < 435 m/pixel. The contour lines have been extracted from the global Martian DTM, developed at DLR. The contour data were imported as vector data into Macromedia Freehand as separate layer and corrected interactively. The map format of 1,15 m × 1,39 m represents the western part of the MDIM2 j quadrangle. The map is used for geological and morphological interpreta- tions in order to review and improve our current Viking-based knowledge about the Martian surface. References: [1] www.msss.com [2] wufs.wustl.edu [3] Caplinger, M. and M. Malin, The Mars Orbiter Camera Geodesy Campaign, JGR, in press. [4] Scholten, F., Vol XXXI, Part B2, Wien, 1996, p.351-356 [5] naif.jpl.nasa.gov [6] Kirk, R.L. et al., Geometric Calibration of the Mars Orbiter Cameras and Coalignment with Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter, (abstract #1863), LPSC XXXII, 2001

Emergency Response Damage Assessment using Satellite Remote Sensing Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clandillon, Stephen; Yésou, Hervé; Schneiderhan, Tobias; de Boissezon, Hélène; de Fraipont, Paul

2013-04-01

During disasters rescue and relief organisations need quick access to reliable and accurate information to be better equipped to do their job. It is increasingly felt that satellites offer a unique near real time (NRT) tool to aid disaster management. A short introduction to the International Charter 'Space and Major Disasters', in operation since 2000 promoting worldwide cooperation among member space agencies, will be given as it is the foundation on which satellite-based, emergency response, damage assessment has been built. Other complementary mechanisms will also be discussed. The user access, triggering mechanism, an essential component for this user-driven service, will be highlighted with its 24/7 single access point. Then, a clear distinction will be made between data provision and geo-information delivery mechanisms to underline the user need for geo-information that is easily integrated into their working environments. Briefly, the path to assured emergency response product quality will be presented beginning with user requirements, expressed early-on, for emergency response value-adding services. Initiatives were then established, supported by national and European institutions, to develop the sector, with SERTIT and DLR being key players, providing support to decision makers in headquarters and relief teams in the field. To consistently meet the high quality levels demanded by users, rapid mapping has been transformed via workflow and quality control standardisation to improve both speed and quality. As such, SERTIT located in Alsace, France, and DLR/ZKI from Bavaria, Germany, join their knowledge in this presentation to report about recent standards as both have ISO certified their rapid mapping services based on experienced, well-trained, 24/7 on-call teams and established systems providing the first crisis analysis product in 6 hours after satellite data reception. The three main product types provided are then outlined: up-to-date pre-event reference maps, disaster extent maps and damage assessment or intensity/grading maps. With Google and open-sourced information the need for the reference maps has diminished, but not altogether, as damage extent and assessment products also require coherent reference geo-information which often has to be produced internally. Increasingly users need up-to-date, highly detailed, customised products; it is in damage assessment that an operator's working environment, geomatic skills and experience can often provide the highest levels of value-adding while adapting to user requests. Accordingly, DLR and SERTIT are involved in R&D work integrating data, e.g. TerraSAR-X and Pléiades sources plus Sentinel simulated data, which have interesting emergency mapping capacities. Their close interaction with the research sector is essential to be at the cutting-edge of the field, implementing effective and efficient analysis methods. Future R&D challenges to further improve the quality of the damage mapping service will be highlighted. Finally, this presentation will show some practical examples and thus how at present, space-based rapid mapping, which has more than 10 years of experience, has come to being able to provide, if rapidly programmed and acquired, geo-information linked to disaster extent and damage assessment from overview scales down to the street level and this with an ever increasing array of satellite data sources.

A New Active Space Radiation Instruments for the International Space Station, A-DREAMS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uchihori, Yukio; Kodaira, Satoshi; Kitamura, Hisashi; Kobayashi, Shingo

For future space experiments in the International Space Station (ISS) or other satellites, radiation detectors, A-DREAMS (Active Dosimeter for Radiation Environment and Astronautic Monitoring in Space), using single or multiple silicon semi-conductor detectors have been developed. The first version of the detectors were produced and calibrated with particle accelerators. National Institute of Radiological Sciences has a medical heavy ion accelerator (HIMAC) for cancer therapy and a cyclotron accelerator. The detector was irradiated with high energy heavy ions and protons in HIMAC and the cyclotron and calibrated the energy resolution and linearity for deposited energies of these particles. We are planned to be going to use the new instrument in an international project, the new MATROSHKA experiment which is directed by members in the Institute of Bio-Medical Problem (IBMP) in Russia and German Space Center (DLR) in Germany. In the project, the dose distribution in human torso phantom will be investigated for several months in the ISS. For the project, a new type of the instruments is under development in NIRS and the current situation will be reported in this paper.

New Developments in the SCIAMACHY L2 Ground Processor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gretschany, S.; Lichtenberg, G.; Meringer, M.; Theys, N.; Lerot, C.; Eichmann, K.-U.; Liebing, P.; Noel, S.; Dehn, A.; Fehr, T.

2016-08-01

SCIAMACHY (SCanning Imaging Absorption spectroMeter for Atmospheric ChartographY) aboard ESA's environmental satellite ENVISAT observed the Earth's atmosphere in limb, nadir, and solar/lunar occultation geometries covering the UV-Visible to NIR spectral range. It is a joint project of Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium and was launched in February 2002. SCIAMACHY doubled its originally planned in-orbit lifetime of five years before the communication to ENVISAT was severed in April 2012, and the mission entered its post- operational phase F.The SCIAMACHY Quality Working Group (SQWG) was established in 2007. The group coordinates evolution of algorithms and processors, aiming at improving the quality of the operational data products. University of Bremen (IUP), BIRA, DLR-IMF, SRON (Netherlands Institute for Space Research) and KNMI (The Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute) are the members providing expertise in this group.In order to preserve the best quality of the outstanding data obtained by SCIAMACHY, data processors are still being updated. This presentation will highlight new developments that are currently being incorporated into the forthcoming Version 7 of ESA's operational Level 2 processor.

Development of Models for High Precision Simulation of the Space Mission Microscope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bremer, Stefanie; List, Meike; Selig, Hanns; Lämmerzahl, Claus

MICROSCOPE is a French space mission for testing the Weak Equivalence Principle (WEP). The mission goal is the determination of the Eötvös parameter with an accuracy of 10-15. This will be achieved by means of two high-precision capacitive differential accelerometers, that are built by the French institute ONERA. At the German institute ZARM drop tower tests are carried out to verify the payload performance. Additionally, the mission data evaluation is prepared in close cooperation with the French partners CNES, ONERA and OCA. Therefore a comprehensive simulation of the real system including the science signal and all error sources is built for the development and testing of data reduction and data analysis algorithms to extract the WEP violation signal. Currently, the High Performance Satellite Dynamics Simulator (HPS), a cooperation project of ZARM and the DLR Institute of Space Systems, is adapted to the MICROSCOPE mission for the simulation of test mass and satellite dynamics. Models of environmental disturbances like solar radiation pressure are considered, too. Furthermore detailed modeling of the on-board capacitive sensors is done.

IPS - a vision aided navigation system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Börner, Anko; Baumbach, Dirk; Buder, Maximilian; Choinowski, Andre; Ernst, Ines; Funk, Eugen; Grießbach, Denis; Schischmanow, Adrian; Wohlfeil, Jürgen; Zuev, Sergey

2017-04-01

Ego localization is an important prerequisite for several scientific, commercial, and statutory tasks. Only by knowing one's own position, can guidance be provided, inspections be executed, and autonomous vehicles be operated. Localization becomes challenging if satellite-based navigation systems are not available, or data quality is not sufficient. To overcome this problem, a team of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) developed a multi-sensor system based on the human head and its navigation sensors - the eyes and the vestibular system. This system is called integrated positioning system (IPS) and contains a stereo camera and an inertial measurement unit for determining an ego pose in six degrees of freedom in a local coordinate system. IPS is able to operate in real time and can be applied for indoor and outdoor scenarios without any external reference or prior knowledge. In this paper, the system and its key hardware and software components are introduced. The main issues during the development of such complex multi-sensor measurement systems are identified and discussed, and the performance of this technology is demonstrated. The developer team started from scratch and transfers this technology into a commercial product right now. The paper finishes with an outlook.

Searching for Cool Dust. II. Infrared Imaging of The OH/IR Supergiants, NML Cyg, VX Sgr, S Per, and the Normal Red Supergiants RS Per and T Per

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gordon, Michael S.; Humphreys, Roberta M.; Jones, Terry J.; Shenoy, Dinesh; Gehrz, Robert D.; Helton, L. Andrew; Marengo, Massimo; Hinz, Philip M.; Hoffmann, William F.

2018-05-01

New MMT/MIRAC (9–11 μm), SOFIA/FORCAST (11–37 μm), and Herschel/PACS (70 and 160 μm) infrared (IR) imaging and photometry is presented for three famous OH/IR red supergiants (NML Cyg, VX Sgr, and S Per) and two normal red supergiants (RS Per and T Per). We model the observed spectral energy distributions (SEDs) using radiative-transfer code DUSTY. Azimuthal average profiles from the SOFIA/FORCAST imaging, in addition to dust mass distribution profiles from DUSTY, constrain the mass-loss histories of these supergiants. For all of our observed supergiants, the DUSTY models suggest that constant mass-loss rates do not produce enough dust to explain the observed infrared emission in the stars’ SEDs. Combining our results with Shenoy et al. (Paper I), we find mixed results with some red supergiants showing evidence for variable and high mass-loss events while others have constant mass loss over the past few thousand years. Based on observations obtained with: (1) the NASA/DLR Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA). SOFIA is jointly operated by the Universities Space Research Association, Inc. (USRA), under NASA contract NAS2-97001, and the Deutsches SOFIA Institut (DSI) under DLR contract 50 OK 0901 to the University of Stuttgart; and (2) the MMT Observatory on Mt. Hopkins, AZ, a joint facility of the Smithsonian Institution and the University of Arizona.

Measurement of the Flow Over Two Parallel Mountain Ridges in the Nighttime Stable Boundary Layer With Scanning Lidar Systems at the Perdigão 2017 Experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wildmann, N.; Kigle, S.; Gerz, T.; Bell, T.; Klein, P. M.

2017-12-01

For onshore wind energy production, the highest wind potential is often found on exposed spots like hilltops, mountain ridges or escarpments with heterogeneous land cover. The understanding of the flow field in such complex terrain in the relevant heights where wind power is generated is an ongoing field of research. The German Aerospace Center (DLR) contributed to the NEWA (New European Wind Atlas) experiment in the province of Perdigão (Portugal) with three long-range Doppler wind lidar of type Leosphere Windcube-200S from May to June 2017. In the experiment, a single wind energy converter (WEC) of type Enercon E82 is situated on a forested mountain ridge. In main wind direction, which is from South-West and almost perpendicular to the ridge, a valley and then a second mountain ridge in a distance of approximately 1.4 km follow. Two of the DLR lidar instruments are placed downstream and in line with the main wind direction and the WEC. One of these instruments is placed in the valley, and the other one on the distant mountain ridge. This line-up allows coplanar scanning of the flow in the valley and over the ridge tops and thus the determination of horizontal and vertical wind components. The third DLR system, placed on the WEC ridge, and an additional scanning lidar from the University of Oklahoma, placed in the valley, are used to determine the cross-wind component of the flow. Regular flow features that were observed with this lidar setup in the six weeks of the intensive operation period are jet-like layers of high wind speeds that occur during the night from a North-Easterly direction. These jets are found to have wind speeds up to 13 m s-1 and are very variable with regards to their maximum speed, height and broadness. Depending on the Froude number of the flow, waves are forming over the two mountain ridges with either a stable wavelength that equals the mountain ridge distance, or more dynamic higher frequency oscillations. All of these flow features are highly relevant for the efficiency and lifetime of the WEC on site, because strong shear, dynamically changing winds and significant vertical wind components can be found in the rotor plane depending on the height and intensity of the jet flow. This presentation will demonstrate how these effects can be quantified by the described lidar measurement setup.

Design And Construction Of A Miniaturized Motor Controller For Interplanetary Rover

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lofgren, Henrik; Lijemark, Tomas; Lamoureux, Enrique; Bruhn, Fredrik; Hagstrom, Maria; Hall, Karin; Ljunggren, Anders; Habinc, Sandi; Gruener, Gabriel; Rusconi, Andrea; Boyes, Ben; Wagenbach, Susanne; Poulakis, Pantelis; Kohler, Johan

2011-10-01

ÅAC Microtec AB is leading an international consortium developing a Motion Control Chip (MCC) for the European Space Agency (ESA) under a TRP contract. The team consists of the prime ÅAC (Sweden), Aeroflex Gaisler (Sweden), Centre Suisse d'Electroniqueet de Microtechnique (CSEM, Switzerland), Selex Galileo Italy), Astrium (UK) and DLR Institute of Space Systems (Germany). In order to improve performance of rovers and robotic arms, one solution is to place the controller physically as close as possible to the motors. This reduces the harness and hence saves weight, decreases thermal leakage from the main system body and simplifies the final assembly. Nevertheless, with this approach the constraints on the electronics become more stringent: the assembly has to survive a very wide temperature range as well as vibrations and possibly dust, and at the same time it should be as small and light as possible. To cope with these design constraints, the Motion Control Chip (MCC) is based on stacked ceramic substrate technology in a Multi Chip Module (MCM), on which active components are assembled as bare dies. This approach was chosen in favor of special large ASIC development to reduce cost and make the design more flexible. By choosing a MCM solution, the design will allow both FPGA and ASICs to be used. FPGAs are used initially to lower the prototyping cost and later be replaced with ASICs as the packaging technology is qualified for the extreme environments of ISS, Mars and Moon. The manufacturing of the first iteration of miniaturized MCC modules is ongoing and initial functional tests have been executed. The results are currently being evaluated and when this is finalized the full test campaign including environmental tests will planned in detail. The tests are assumed to be finalized during the spring of 2011. Aeroflex Gaisler is the official ESA maintainer of the RTEMS port for the LEON3 processor and has been providing support to several developments. CSEM is providing the software for the MCC, which includes PID position, velocity, and torque control for brushed and brushless DC motors, as well as telecommand, telemetry and housekeeping through SpaceWire and CAN bus. Astrium UK is in charge of the definition of requirements for rover locomotion applications of the MCC. Astrium UK has experience from the Beagle project and is responsible for the Exomars rover development. Selex Galileo is in charge of the definition of requirements for three major applications of the MCC: robotic arms, complex motorized payloads (as drills and sample distribution systems) and exoskeletons. DLR Institute of Space Systems contributes to the definition of requirements related to rover locomotion drives and is furthermore in charge of environmental testing of the MCC prototype.

A new chapter in doctoral candidate training: The Helmholtz Space Life Sciences Research School (SpaceLife)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hellweg, C. E.; Gerzer, R.; Reitz, G.

2011-05-01

In the field of space life sciences, the demand of an interdisciplinary and specific training of young researchers is high due to the complex interaction of medical, biological, physical, technical and other questions. The Helmholtz Space Life Sciences Research School (SpaceLife) offers an excellent interdisciplinary training for doctoral students from different fields (biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, physics, psychology, nutrition or sports sciences and related fields) and any country. SpaceLife is coordinated by the Institute of Aerospace Medicine at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Cologne. The German Universities in Kiel, Bonn, Aachen, Regensburg, Magdeburg and Berlin, and the German Sports University (DSHS) in Cologne are members of SpaceLife. The Universities of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Frankfurt, Hohenheim, and the Beihang University in Beijing are associated partners. In each generation, up to 25 students can participate in the three-year program. Students learn to develop integrated concepts to solve health issues in human spaceflight and in related disease patterns on Earth, and to further explore the requirements for life in extreme environments, enabling a better understanding of the ecosystem Earth and the search for life on other planets in unmanned and manned missions. The doctoral candidates are coached by two specialist supervisors from DLR and the partner university, and a mentor. All students attend lectures in different subfields of space life sciences to attain an overview of the field: radiation and gravitational biology, astrobiology and space physiology, including psychological aspects of short and long term space missions. Seminars, advanced lectures, laboratory courses and stays at labs at the partner institutions or abroad are offered as elective course and will provide in-depth knowledge of the chosen subfield or allow to appropriate innovative methods. In Journal Clubs of the participating working groups, doctoral students learn critical reading of scientific literature, first steps in peer review, scientific writing during preparation of their own publication, and writing of the thesis. The training of soft skills is offered as block course in cooperation with other Helmholtz Research Schools. The whole program encompasses 303 h and is organized in semester terms. The first doctoral candidates started the program in spring 2009.

Debris mitigation measures by satellite design and operational methods - Findings from the DLR space debris End-to-End Service

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sdunnus, H.; Beltrami, P.; Janovsky, R.; Koppenwallner, G.; Krag, H.; Reimerdes, H.; Schäfer, F.

Debris Mitigation has been recognised as an issue to be addressed by the space faring nations around the world. Currently, there are various activities going on, aiming at the establishment of debris mitigation guidelines on various levels, reaching from the UN down to national space agencies. Though guidelines established on the national level already provide concrete information how things should be done (rather that specifying what should be done or providing fundamental principles) potential users of the guidelines will still have the need to explore the technical, management, and financial implications of the guidelines for their projects. Those questions are addressed by the so called "Space Debris End-to-End Service" project, which has been initiated as a national initiative of the German Aerospace Centre (DLR). Based on a review of already existing mitigation guidelines or guidelines under development and following an identification of needs from a circle of industrial users the "End-to-End Service Gu idelines" have been established for designer and operators of spacecraft. The End-to-End Service Guidelines are based on requirements addressed by the mitigation guidelines and provide recommendations how and when the technical consideration of the mitigation guidelines should take place. By referencing requirements from the mitigation guidelines, the End-to-End Service Guidelines address the consideration of debris mitigation measures by spacecraft design and operational measures. This paper will give an introduction to the End-to-End Service Guidelines. It will focus on the proposals made for mitigation measures by the S/C system design, i.e. on protective design measures inside the spacecraft and on design measures, e.g. innovative protective (shielding) systems. Furthermore, approaches on the analytical optimisation of protective systems will be presented, aiming at the minimisation of shield mass under conservation of the protective effects. On the operational side, the possibility to support mitgation measures supported through radar observation will be addressed as well as measures to minimise the risk during the satellite reentry phase by the choice of proper reentry parameters and spacecraft materials and design options.

Experimental verification of hopping mechanism using permanent magnets for an asteroid rover at drop tower

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kurisu, Masamitsu; Yano, Hajime; Yoshimitsu, Tetsuo; Kubota, Takashi; Adachi, Tadashi; Kuroda, Yoji

Verification of the hopping mechanism using permanent magnets by microgravity experiments at ZARM drop tower will be presented in this report. The mechanism, which is called HMPM (Hopping Mechanism with Permanent Magnets) was developed for a small asteroid exploration rover to replace with conventional locomotion mechanism such as wheels and crawlers. The main part of HMPM consists of three permanent magnets which are two stationary magnets and one movable magnet aligned between them. HMPM itself hops by utilizing the impact force generated when the movable magnet sticks to one of the stationary magnets. The features of HMPM are that the large impact force can be generated in spite of low-power consumption, and that it can be easily miniaturized and modularized. On the other hand, the weak point of HMPM is that the performance of the mechanism cannot be controlled directly, since the performance is decided by its design. Therefore, it is significant to evaluate the performance of HMPM before it is mounted on a flight model of rover. On the microgravity experiments at the drop tower, an imitation rover with 0.8kg weight is tested to hop with the operation of a prototype HMPM mounted on the rover. The prototype module weighs only 0.03kg with dimension 0.033 m in width, 0.046 m in height, and 0.012 m in depth, except the drive circuit and power source. Experimental results show the availability of HMPM. Also, the hopping performance of HMPM which is evaluated from the motion of rover recorded by cameras equipped inside the dropping capsule is compared with the estimated performance derived from the theoretical model. From the investigation, validity of the evaluation method based on the theoretical model is discussed. In order that the potential ability of HMPM is fully derived, optimal design of HMPM will require the evaluation method. The experiments at ZARM drop tower were accomplished based on the agreement on the Hayabusa-2 project by DLR-JAXA. And we received technical and operation supports from ZARM. We express our gratitude to ZARM, DLR and JAXA.

Unravelling thermal emissivity spectra of the main minerals on Mercury's surface by comparison with ab initio calculated IR-HT vibrational frequencies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stangarone, C.; Helbert, J.; Tribaudino, M.; Maturilli, A.; D'Amore, M.; Ferrari, S.; Prencipe, M.

2015-12-01

Spectral signatures of minerals are intimately related to the crystal structure; therefore they may represent a remote sensing model to determine surface composition of planetary bodies, by analysing their spectral reflectance and emission. However, one of the most critical point is data interpretation considering planetary surfaces, as Mercury, where the changes in spectral characteristics are induced by the high temperatures conditions (Helbert et al., 2013). The aim of this work is to interpret the experimental thermal emissivity spectra with an innovative approach: simulating IR spectra of the main mineral families that compose the surface of Mercury, focusing on pyroxenes (Sprague et al., 2002), both at room and high temperature, exploiting the accuracy of ab initio quantum mechanical calculations, by means of CRYSTAL14 code (Dovesi et al., 2014). The simulations will be compared with experimental emissivity measurements of planetary analogue samples at temperature up to 1000K, performed at Planetary Emissivity Laboratory (PEL) by Institute of Planetary Research (DLR, Berlin). Results will be useful to create a theoretical background to interpret HT-IR emissivity spectra that will be collected by the Mercury Radiometer and Thermal Infrared Spectrometer (MERTIS), a spectrometer developed by DLR that will be on board of the ESA BepiColombo Mercury Planetary Orbiter (MPO) scheduled for 2017. The goal is to point out the most interesting spectral features for a geological mapping of Mercury and other rocky bodies, simulating the environmental conditions of the inner planets of Solar System. Dovesi R., Saunders V. R., Roetti C., Orlando R., Zicovich-Wilson C. M., Pascale F., Civalleri B., Doll K., Harrison N. M., Bush I. J., D'Arco P., Llunell M., Causà M. & Noël Y. 2014. CRYSTAL14 User's Manual, University of Torino. Sprague, A. L., Emery, J. P., Donaldson, K. L., Russell, R. W., Lynch, D. K., & Mazuk, A. L. (2002). Mercury: Mid-infrared (3-13.5 μm) observations show heterogeneous composition, presence of intermediate and basic soil types, and pyroxene. Meteoritics & Planetary Science, 37(9), 1255-1268.

Hypersonic Laminar-Turbulent Transition on Slender Cones at Zero Angle of Attack: Measurements in Support of Mechanism-Based Models for Scaling Ground-Test Data to Flight

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-03-04

reported in Refs. [12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22]. Related work continues at JAXA, DLR, NASA Langley, CUBRC , AEDC Tunnel 9, VKI, Purdue and... CUBRC (private communication, fall 2007), as these sensors were designed to measure the passage of shock waves in guns. Estorf et al. continued this... CUBRC 11 in Buffalo, New York, and so on. It seems that an informal international cooperation along the lines of the Fisher-Dougherty work is being

KSC-99pp1405

NASA Image and Video Library

1999-12-13

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The doors of the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) are open for the transfer of Space Shuttle Endeavour, on its mobile launcher platform, to Launch Pad 39A for mission STS-99. Named the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), it involves an international project spearheaded by the National Imagery and Mapping Agency and NASA, with participation of the German Aerospace Center DLR. The SRTM consists of a specially modified radar system that will gather data for the most accurate and complete topographic map of the Earth's surface that has ever been assembled

Airborne direct-detection and coherent wind lidar measurements over the North Atlantic in 2015 supporting ESA's aeolus mission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marksteiner, Uwe; Reitebuch, Oliver; Lemmerz, Christian; Lux, Oliver; Rahm, Stephan; Witschas, Benjamin; Schäfler, Andreas; Emmitt, Dave; Greco, Steve; Kavaya, Michael J.; Gentry, Bruce; Neely, Ryan R.; Kendall, Emma; Schüttemeyer, Dirk

2018-04-01

The launch of the Aeolus mission by the European Space Agency (ESA) is planned for 2018. The satellite will carry the first wind lidar in space, ALADIN (Atmospheric Laser Doppler INstrument). Its prototype instrument, the ALADIN Airborne Demonstrator (A2D), was deployed during several airborne campaigns aiming at the validation of the measurement principle and optimization of algorithms. In 2015, flights of two aircraft from DLR & NASA provided the chance to compare parallel wind measurements from four airborne wind lidars for the first time.

Characterization of weakly ionized argon flows for radio blackout mitigation experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Steffens, L.; Koch, U.; Esser, B.; Gülhan, A.

2017-06-01

For reproducing the so-called E × B communication blackout mitigation scheme inside the L2K arc heated facility of the DLR in weakly ionized argon §ows, a §at plate model has been equipped with a superconducting magnet, electrodes, and a setup comprising microwave plasma transmission spectroscopy (MPTS). A thorough characterization of the weakly ionized argon §ow has been performed including the use of microwave interferometry (MWI), Langmuir probe measurements, Pitot probe pro¦les, and spectroscopic methods like diode laser absorption spectroscopy (DLAS) and emission spectroscopy.

STS-55 Payload Specialist Schlegel with technicians during JSC WETF bailout

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1992-01-01

STS-55 Columbia, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 102, Payload Specialist 2 Hans Schlegel, wearing launch and entry suit (LES), launch and entry helmet (LEH), and parachute, discusses procedures with technicians Karen Porter and Todd Bailey prior to launch emergency egress (bailout) exercises. The session, held in JSC's Weightless Environment Training Facility (WETF) Bldg 29, used the facility's 25-foot deep pool to simulate the ocean as Schlegel and other crewmembers practiced water bailout procedures. Schlegel represents the DLR for the upcoming Spacelab Deutsche 2 (SL-D2) mission.

STS-55 backup Payload Specialist Thiele with technician in JSC's WETF

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1992-01-01

STS-55 Columbia, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 102, backup German Payload Specialist Dr. P. Gerhard Thiele, wearing launch and entry suit (LES), launch and entry helmet (LEH), and parachute, seated on the poolside waits his turn to participate in launch emergency egress (bailout) exercises. The session, held in JSC's Weightless Environment Training Facility (WETF) Bldg 29, used the facility's 25-foot deep pool to simulate the ocean as Thiele and other crewmembers practiced water bailout procedures. Thiele represents the DLR for the upcoming Spacelab Deutsche 2 (SL-D2) mission.

Dobson space telescope: development of an optical payload of the next generation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Segert, Tom; Danziger, Björn; Gork, Daniel; Lieder, Matthias

2017-11-01

The Dobson Space Telescope (DST) is a research project of the Department of Astronautics at the TUBerlin. For Development and commercialisation there is a close cooperation with the network of the Berlin Space Industry (RIBB). Major Partner is the Astro- und Feinwerktechnik Adlershof GmbH a specialist for space structures and head of the industry consortia which built the DLR BIRD micro satellite. The aim of the project is to develop a new type of deployable telescope that can overcome the mass and volume limitations of small satellites. With the DST payload micro satellites of the 100kg class will be able to carry 50cm main mirror diameter optics (→ 1m GSD). Basis of this technology is the fact that a telescope is mainly empty space between the optical elements. To fold down the telescope during launch and to undfold it after the satellite reached its orbit can save 70% of payload volume and 50% of payload mass. Since these advantages continue along the value added chain DST is of highest priority for the next generation of commercial EO micro satellites. Since 2002 the key technologies for DST have been developed in test benches in Labs of TU-Berlin and were tested on board a ESA parabolic flight campaign in 2005. The development team at TU-Berlin currently prepares the foundation of a start-up company for further development and commercialisation of DST.

Standardization of Solar Mirror Reflectance Measurements - Round Robin Test: Preprint

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

Meyen, S.; Lupfert, E.; Fernandez-Garcia, A.

2010-10-01

Within the SolarPaces Task III standardization activities, DLR, CIEMAT, and NREL have concentrated on optimizing the procedure to measure the reflectance of solar mirrors. From this work, the laboratories have developed a clear definition of the method and requirements needed of commercial instruments for reliable reflectance results. A round robin test was performed between the three laboratories with samples that represent all of the commercial solar mirrors currently available for concentrating solar power (CSP) applications. The results show surprisingly large differences in hemispherical reflectance (sh) of 0.007 and specular reflectance (ss) of 0.004 between the laboratories. These differences indicate themore » importance of minimum instrument requirements and standardized procedures. Based on these results, the optimal procedure will be formulated and validated with a new round robin test in which a better accuracy is expected. Improved instruments and reference standards are needed to reach the necessary accuracy for cost and efficiency calculations.« less

Induction technique in manufacturing preforms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frauenhofer, M.; Ströhlein, T.; Fabig, S.; Böhm, S.; Herbeck, L.; Dilger, K.

2008-09-01

The prepreg technology is a state-of-the-art method to produce high-performance CFRP parts. Due to the high material prices, the restricted process rate, and limitations to the component complexity, in future, more and more parts will be assembled by using liquid composite moulding. Especially in the case of series larger than 100 parts per year, the LCM technology offers the best cost-effectiveness. This technology is based on resin injection into dry multilayer fibre textiles (preforms). The Institute of Joining and Welding (TU, Braunschweig), together with the Institute of Composite Structures and Adaptive Systems (DLR), has elaborated a new technology to speed up the preform process, which is the most labour-intensive step within the LCM process chain. A novel concept to consolidate binder-coated fabrics is under development. By applying the high energy transfer rate of induction technology, it is possible to heat up a preform with rates up to 50 K/s to melt the binder and consolidate the preform.

Submillimeter Spectroscopy with SOFIA

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Erickson, E.; Gisten, R.; Moseley, H.; Poglitsch, A.; Zmuidzinas, J.

2005-01-01

Four submillimeter spectrometers are being developed for use on SOFIA, the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy. They will be nearly diffraction limited by SOFIA'S 2.5 m telescope, giving for example images of 8.5 arc seconds FWHM at 100 microns. The instruments are FlFI LS, an integral-field imaging grating spectrometer (MPE) covering 40-210 microns with 150 km/s resolution; SAFIRE an imaging Fabry-Perot spectrometer covering 100-'650 microns with resolution 200 km/s, and two heterodyne receivers with resolving powers up to 0.03 km/s: GREAT covering bands from 158-187 um, 110-125, and 62-65 microns, and CASIMIR, operating from 150-264 and 508-588 microns. These instruments will enable a variety of studies including topics relating to the origins of stars, planets, and biogenic materials in the interstallar medium of our own and other galaxies. Opportunities for observing with these and the other SOFIA instruments will be available to general investigators. SOFIA is a joint project of NASA in the U.S. and DLR in Germany.

The high resolution stereo camera (HRSC): acquisition of multi-spectral 3D-data and photogrammetric processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neukum, Gerhard; Jaumann, Ralf; Scholten, Frank; Gwinner, Klaus

2017-11-01

At the Institute of Space Sensor Technology and Planetary Exploration of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) the High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) has been designed for international missions to planet Mars. For more than three years an airborne version of this camera, the HRSC-A, has been successfully applied in many flight campaigns and in a variety of different applications. It combines 3D-capabilities and high resolution with multispectral data acquisition. Variable resolutions depending on the camera control settings can be generated. A high-end GPS/INS system in combination with the multi-angle image information yields precise and high-frequent orientation data for the acquired image lines. In order to handle these data a completely automated photogrammetric processing system has been developed, and allows to generate multispectral 3D-image products for large areas and with accuracies for planimetry and height in the decimeter range. This accuracy has been confirmed by detailed investigations.

MOSES: a modular sensor electronics system for space science and commercial applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Michaelis, Harald; Behnke, Thomas; Tschentscher, Matthias; Mottola, Stefano; Neukum, Gerhard

1999-10-01

The camera group of the DLR--Institute of Space Sensor Technology and Planetary Exploration is developing imaging instruments for scientific and space applications. One example is the ROLIS imaging system of the ESA scientific space mission `Rosetta', which consists of a descent/downlooking and a close-up imager. Both are parts of the Rosetta-Lander payload and will operate in the extreme environment of a cometary nucleus. The Rosetta Lander Imaging System (ROLIS) will introduce a new concept for the sensor electronics, which is referred to as MOSES (Modula Sensor Electronics System). MOSES is a 3D miniaturized CCD- sensor-electronics which is based on single modules. Each of the modules has some flexibility and enables a simple adaptation to specific application requirements. MOSES is mainly designed for space applications where high performance and high reliability are required. This concept, however, can also be used in other science or commercial applications. This paper describes the concept of MOSES, its characteristics, performance and applications.

Aerothermodynamics of expert ballistic vehicle at hypersonic speeds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kharitonov, A. M.; Adamov, N. P.; Chirkashenko, V. F.; Mazhul, I. I.; Shpak, S. I.; Shiplyuk, A. N.; Vasenyov, L. G.; Zvegintsev, V. I.; Muylaert, J. M.

2012-01-01

The European EXPErimental Re-entry Test bed (EXPERT) vehicle is intended for studying various basic phenomena, such as the boundary-layer transition on blunted bodies, real gas effects during shock wave/boundary layer interaction, and effect of surface catalycity. Another task is to develop methods for recalculating the results of windtunnel experiments to flight conditions. The EXPERT program implies large-scale preflight research, in particular, various calculations with the use of advanced numerical methods, experimental studies of the models in various wind tunnels, and comparative analysis of data obtained for possible extrapolation of data to in-flight conditions. The experimental studies are performed in various aerodynamic centers of Europe and Russia under contracts with ESA-ESTEC. In particular, extensive experiments are performed at the Von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics (VKI, Belgium) and also at the DLR aerospace center in Germany. At ITAM SB RAS, the experimental studies of the EXPERT model characteristic were performed under ISTC Projects 2109, 3151, and 3550, in the T-313 supersonic wind tunnel and AT-303 hypersonic wind tunnel.

Kinetic model for dependence of thin film stress on growth rate, temperature, and microstructure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chason, E.; Shin, J. W.; Hearne, S. J.; Freund, L. B.

2012-04-01

During deposition, many thin films go through a range of stress states, changing from compressive to tensile and back again. In addition, the stress depends strongly on the processing and material parameters. We have developed a simple analytical model to describe the stress evolution in terms of a kinetic competition between different mechanisms of stress generation and relaxation at the triple junction where the surface and grain boundary intersect. The model describes how the steady state stress scales with the dimensionless parameter D/LR where D is the diffusivity, R is the growth rate, and L is the grain size. It also explains the transition from tensile to compressive stress as the microstructure evolves from isolated islands to a continuous film. We compare calculations from the model with measurements of the stress dependence on grain size and growth rate in the steady state regime and of the evolution of stress with thickness for different temperatures.

The space optical clocks project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schiller, S.; Tino, G. M.; Lemonde, P.; Sterr, U.; Lisdat, Ch.; Görlitz, A.; Poli, N.; Nevsky, A.; Salomon, C.

2017-11-01

The Space Optical Clocks project aims at operating lattice clocks on the ISS for tests of fundamental physics and for providing high-accuracy comparisons of future terrestrial optical clocks. A pre-phase-A study (2007- 10), funded partially by ESA and DLR, included the implementation of several optical lattice clock systems using Strontium and Ytterbium as atomic species and their characterization. Subcomponents of clock demonstrators with the added specification of transportability and using techniques suitable for later space use, such as all-solid-state lasers, low power consumption, and compact dimensions, have been developed and have been validated. This included demonstration of laser-cooling and magneto-optical trapping of Sr atoms in a compact breadboard apparatus and demonstration of a transportable clock laser with 1 Hz linewidth. With two laboratory Sr lattice clock systems a number of fundamental results were obtained, such as observing atomic resonances with linewidths as low as 3 Hz, non-destructive detection of atom excitation, determination of decoherence effects and reaching a frequency instability of 1×10-16.

In-flight measurements of propeller blade deformation on a VUT100 cobra aeroplane using a co-rotating camera system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boden, F.; Stasicki, B.; Szypuła, M.; Ružička, P.; Tvrdik, Z.; Ludwikowski, K.

2016-07-01

Knowledge of propeller or rotor blade behaviour under real operating conditions is crucial for optimizing the performance of a propeller or rotor system. A team of researchers, technicians and engineers from Avia Propeller, DLR, EVEKTOR and HARDsoft developed a rotating stereo camera system dedicated to in-flight blade deformation measurements. The whole system, co-rotating with the propeller at its full speed and hence exposed to high centrifugal forces and strong vibration, had been successfully tested on an EVEKTOR VUT 100 COBRA aeroplane in Kunovice (CZ) within the project AIM2—advanced in-flight measurement techniques funded by the European Commission (contract no. 266107). This paper will describe the work, starting from drawing the first sketch of the system up to performing the successful flight test. Apart from a description of the measurement hardware and the applied IPCT method, the paper will give some impressions of the flight test activities and discuss the results obtained from the measurements.

Liquid interfacial water and brines in the upper surface of Mars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moehlmann, Diedrich

2013-04-01

Liquid interfacial water and brines in the upper surface of Mars Diedrich T.F. Möhlmann DLR Institut für Planetenforschung, Rutherfordstr. 2, D - 12489 Berlin, Germany dirk.moehlmann@dlr.de Interfacial water films and numerous brines are known to remain liquid at temperatures far below 0° C. The physical processes behind are described in some detail. Deliquescence, i.e. the liquefaction of hygroscopic salts at the threshold of a specific "Deliquescence Relative Humidity", is shown to be that process, which on present Mars supports the formation of stable interfacial water and bulk liquids in form of temporary brines on and in a salty upper surface of present Mars in a diurnally temporary and repetitive process. Temperature and relative humidity are the governing conditions for deliquescence (and the counterpart "efflorescence") to evolve. The current thermo-dynamical conditions on Mars support these processes to evolve on present Mars. The deliquescence-driven presence of liquid brines in the soil of the upper surface of Mars can expected to be followed by physical and chemical processes like "surface cementation", down-slope flows, and physical and chemical weathering processes. A remarkable and possibly also biologically relevant evolution towards internally interfacial water bearing structures of dendritic capillaries is related to their freezing - thawing driven formation. The internal walls of these network-pores or -tubes can be covered by films of interfacial water, providing that way possibly habitable crack-systems in soil and rock. These evolutionary processes of networks, driven by their tip-growth, can expected to be ongoing also at present.

Laser guide stars for optical free-space communications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mata-Calvo, Ramon; Bonaccini Calia, Domenico; Barrios, Ricardo; Centrone, Mauro; Giggenbach, Dirk; Lombardi, Gianluca; Becker, Peter; Zayer, Igor

2017-02-01

The German Aerospace Center (DLR) and the European Southern Observatory (ESO) performed a measurement campaign together in April and July 2016 at Teide-Observatory (Tenerife), with the support of the European Space Agency (ESA), to investigate the use of laser guide stars (LGS) in ground to space optical communications. Atmospheric turbulence causes strong signal fluctuations in the uplink, due to scintillation and beam wander. In space communications, the use of the downlink channel as reference for pointing and for pre-distortion adaptive optics is limited by the size of the isokinetic and isoplanatic angle in relation to the required point-ahead angle. Pointing and phase errors due to the decorrelation between downward and upward beam due to the point-ahead angle may have a severe impact on the required transmit power and the stability of the communications link. LGSs provide a self-tailored reference to any optical ground-to-space link, independently of turbulence conditions and required point-ahead angle. In photon-starved links, typically in deep-space scenarios, LGSs allow dedicating all downlink received signal to communications purposes, increasing the available link margin. The scope of the joint DLR-ESO measurement campaign was, first, to measure the absolute value of the beam wander (uplink-tilt) using a LGS, taking a natural star as a reference, and, second, to characterize the decrease of correlation between uplink-tilt and downlink-tilt with respect to the angular separation between both sources. This paper describes the experiments performed during the measurement campaigns, providing an overview of the measured data and the first outcomes of the data post-processing.

Mesospheric Temperature Measurements over Scandinavia During the Gravity Wave Life Cycle Campaign (GW-LCYCLE)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pautet, P. D.; Taylor, M.; Kaifler, B.

2016-12-01

The Gravity Wave Life Cycle (GW-LCYCLE) project took place in Northern Scandinavia during the winter 2015-16. This international program focused on investigating the generation and deep propagation of atmospheric gravity waves, especially the orographic waves generated over the Scandinavian mountain range. A series of instruments was operated at several ground-based locations and on-board the DLR HALO Gulfstream V and Falcon aircrafts. As part of this project, Utah State University (USU) deployed 3 Advanced Mesospheric Temperature Mappers (AMTM) at the ALOMAR facility, Norway (operational since December 2010), at the IRF institute in Kiruna, Sweden, and at the FMI institute in Sodankylä, Finland. Each of these instruments measures the OH (3,1) rotational temperature over a large region (200x160km) at 87km altitude. During the campaign, their total coverage extended across the Scandinavian Mountain Range, from the wind side in the west to 500 km to the east in the lee of the mountains, allowing the investigation of the occurrence and evolution of gravity waves (GWs) over this part of Scandinavia. Furthermore, the AMTM in Sodankylä operated in the container housing a DLR Rayleigh lidar. Both instruments ran simultaneously and autonomously from November 2015 to April 2016, providing an unprecedented complementary high-quality data set. This presentation will introduce preliminary results obtained during this campaign, in particular the evolution of the mesospheric temperature through the winter, the analysis of mountain waves occurrence and dynamics at mesospheric altitude, as well as the investigation of interesting individual GW cases.

Drag Prediction for the DLR-F4 Wing/Body using OVERFLOW and CFL3D on an Overset Mesh

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vassberg, John C.; Buning, Pieter G.; Rumsey, Christopher L.

2002-01-01

This paper reviews the importance of numerical drag prediction in an aircraft design environment. A chronicle of collaborations between the authors and colleagues is discussed. This retrospective provides a road-map which illustrates some of the actions taken in the past seven years in pursuit of accurate drag prediction. The advances made possible through these collaborations have changed the manner in which business is conducted during the design of all-new aircraft. The subject of this study is the DLR-F4 wing/body transonic model. Specifically, the work conducted herein was in support of the 1st CFD Drag Prediction Workshop, which was held in conjunction with the 19th Applied Aerodynamics Conference in Anaheim, CA during June, 2001. Comprehensive sets of OVERFLOW simulations were independently performed by several users on a variety of computational platforms. CFL3D was used on a limited basis for additional comparison on the same overset mesh. Drag polars based on this database were constructed with a CFD-to-Test correction applied and compared with test data from three facilities. These comparisons show that the predicted drag polars fall inside the scatter band of the test data, at least for pre-buffet conditions. This places the corrected drag levels within 1% of the averaged experimental values. At the design point, the OVERFLOW and CFL3D drag predictions are within 1-2% of each other. In addition, drag-rise characteristics and a boundary of drag-divergence Mach number are presented.

Engineering cellular fibers for musculoskeletal soft tissues using directed self-assembly.

PubMed

Schiele, Nathan R; Koppes, Ryan A; Chrisey, Douglas B; Corr, David T

2013-05-01

Engineering strategies guided by developmental biology may enhance and accelerate in vitro tissue formation for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications. In this study, we looked toward embryonic tendon development as a model system to guide our soft tissue engineering approach. To direct cellular self-assembly, we utilized laser micromachined, differentially adherent growth channels lined with fibronectin. The micromachined growth channels directed human dermal fibroblast cells to form single cellular fibers, without the need for a provisional three-dimensional extracellular matrix or scaffold to establish a fiber structure. Therefore, the resulting tissue structure and mechanical characteristics were determined solely by the cells. Due to the self-assembly nature of this approach, the growing fibers exhibit some key aspects of embryonic tendon development, such as high cellularity, the rapid formation (within 24 h) of a highly organized and aligned cellular structure, and the expression of cadherin-11 (indicating direct cell-to-cell adhesions). To provide a dynamic mechanical environment, we have also developed and characterized a method to apply precise cyclic tensile strain to the cellular fibers as they develop. After an initial period of cellular fiber formation (24 h postseeding), cyclic strain was applied for 48 h, in 8-h intervals, with tensile strain increasing from 0.7% to 1.0%, and at a frequency of 0.5 Hz. Dynamic loading dramatically increased cellular fiber mechanical properties with a nearly twofold increase in both the linear region stiffness and maximum load at failure, thereby demonstrating a mechanism for enhancing cellular fiber formation and mechanical properties. Tissue engineering strategies, designed to capture key aspects of embryonic development, may provide unique insight into accelerated maturation of engineered replacement tissue, and offer significant advances for regenerative medicine applications in tendon, ligament, and other fibrous soft tissues.

COMET: a planned airborne mission to simultaneously measure CO2 and CH4 columns using airborne remote sensing and in-situ techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fix, A.; Amediek, A.; Büdenbender, C.; Ehret, G.; Wirth, M.; Quatrevalet, M.; Rapp, M.; Gerilowski, K.; Bovensmann, H.; Gerbig, C.; Pfeilsticker, K.; Zöger, M.; Giez, A.

2013-12-01

To better predict future trends in the cycles of the most important anthropogenic greenhouse gases, CO2 and CH4, there is a need to measure and understand their distribution and variation on various scales. To address these requirements it is envisaged to deploy a suite of state-of-the-art airborne instruments that will be capable to simultaneously measure the column averaged dry-air mixing ratios (XGHG) of both greenhouse gases along the flight path. As the measurement platform serves the research aircraft HALO, a modified Gulfstream G550, operated by DLR. This activity is dubbed CoMet (CO2 and Methane Mission). The instrument package of CoMet will consist of active and passive remote sensors as well as in-situ instruments to complement the column measurements by highly-resolved profile information. As an active remote sensing instrument CHARM-F, the integrated-path differential absorption lidar currently under development at DLR, will provide both, XCO2 and XCH4, below flight altitude. The lidar instrument will be complemented by MAMAP which is a NIR/SWIR absorption spectrometer developed by University of Bremen and which is also capable to derive XCH4 and XCO2. As an additional passive instrument, mini-DOAS operated by University of Heidelberg will contribute with additional context information about the investigated air masses. In order to compare the remote sensing instruments with integrated profile information, in-situ instrumentation is indispensable. The in-situ package will therefore comprise wavelength-scanned Cavity-Ring-Down Spectroscopy (CRDS) for the detection of CO2, CH4, CO and H2O and a flask sampler for collection of atmospheric samples and subsequent laboratory analysis. Furthermore, the BAsic HALO Measurement And Sensor System (BAHAMAS) will provide an accurate set of meteorological and aircraft state parameters for each scientific flight. Within the frame of the first CoMet mission scheduled for the 2015 timeframe it is planned to concentrate on small to sub-continental scale variations of the greenhouse gases. This does not only allow to identify local emission sources of GHGs, but also opens up the opportunity to use important remote sensing and in-situ data information for the inverse modeling approach for regional budgeting. CoMet is also targeting at providing a validation platform of future spaceborne GHG missions in particular the upcoming French-German methane mission MERLIN. CHARM-F was devised as an airborne demonstrator for MERLIN, and, as such will be a key instrument for MERLIN validation.

High stability laser for next generation gravity missions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nicklaus, K.; Herding, M.; Wang, X.; Beller, N.; Fitzau, O.; Giesberts, M.; Herper, M.; Barwood, G. P.; Williams, R. A.; Gill, P.; Koegel, H.; Webster, S. A.; Gohlke, M.

2017-11-01

With GRACE (launched 2002) and GOCE (launched 2009) two very successful missions to measure earth's gravity field have been in orbit, both leading to a large number of publications. For a potential Next Generation Gravity Mission (NGGM) from ESA a satellite-to-satellite tracking (SST) scheme, similar to GRACE is under discussion, with a laser ranging interferometer instead of a Ka-Band link to enable much lower measurement noise. Of key importance for such a laser interferometer is a single frequency laser source with a linewidth <10 kHz and extremely low frequency noise down to 40 Hz / √Hz in the measurement frequency band of 0.1 mHz to 1 Hz, which is about one order of magnitude more demanding than LISA. On GRACE FO a laser ranging interferometer (LRI) will fly as a demonstrator. The LRI is a joint development between USA (JPL,NASA) and Germany(GFZ,DLR). In this collaboration the JPL contributions are the instrument electronics, the reference cavity and the single frequency laser, while STI as the German industry prime is responsible for the optical bench and the retroreflector. In preparation of NGGM an all European instrument development is the goal.

The Development and Implementation of Noise Control Measures on AN Urban Railway

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fitzgerald, B. M.

1996-05-01

This paper describes the development and implementation of noise control measures by Docklands Light Railway (DLR), London, to meet obligations set out in its Noise and Vibration Policy, adherence to which is set by an Act of the U. K. Parliament. Noise levels from the operational railway exceeded targets given in the policy at two noise-sensitive urban residential sites. Following diagnosis by noise survey of the problems specific to each site and by noise reduction predictions, acoustic absorbent screens were installed which, it was subsequently demonstrated, succeeded in providing the required level of noise reduction. These schemes needed to accommodate the requirements of the railway for maintenance (leading to the barriers having to be fully demountable), safe trackside walking routes and easy passenger evacuation from trains. During construction, liaison was developed with the local authority for the control of environmental pollution (primarily noise) and hours of working (which had to suit railway possessions) and good relations were fostered with local residents through regular contact. Fulfilment of project objectives was demonstrated by a programme of post-installation noise measurements. The paper concludes with an evaluation of noise mitigation performance achieved together with a suggested alternative strategy for addressing the noise problem from a system-wide perspective.

Effect of higher harmonic control on helicopter rotor blade-vortex interaction noise: Prediction and initial validation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beaumier, P.; Prieur, J.; Rahier, G.; Spiegel, P.; Demargne, A.; Tung, C.; Gallman, J. M.; Yu, Y. H.; Kube, R.; Vanderwall, B. G.

1995-01-01

The paper presents a status of theoretical tools of AFDD, DLR, NASA and ONERA for prediction of the effect of HHC on helicopter main rotor BVI noise. Aeroacoustic predictions from the four research centers, concerning a wind tunnel simulation of a typical descent flight case without and with HHC are presented and compared. The results include blade deformation, geometry of interacting vortices, sectional loads and noise. Acoustic predictions are compared to experimental data. An analysis of the results provides a first insight of the mechanisms by which HHC may affect BVI noise.

STS-55 German payload specialist Schlegel and MS3 Harris work in SL-D2 module

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1993-01-01

STS-55 German Payload Specialist 2 Ulrich Walter, wearing special head gear, finds plenty of room to 'spread out' (head to the floor, feet at the ceiling) while conducting Tissue Thickness and Compliance Along Body Axis salt-water balance experiment in the Spacelab Deutsche 2 (SL-D2) science module aboard the Earth-orbiting Columbia, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 102. Schlegel represents the German Aerospace Research Establishment (DLR). In the background, Mission Specialist 3 (MS3) Bernard A. Harris, Jr monitors an experiment in Rack 11, an experiment rack.

A Closely Coupled Experimental and Numerical Approach for Hypersonic and High Enthalpy Flow Investigations Utilising the HEG Shock Tunnel and the DLR TAU Code

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-04-01

factorization scheme (Lower-Upper Symmetric Gauss- Seidel ) can be used for time integration. Additional convergence acceleration is achieved by the...of the full Stefan -Maxwell equations. The diffusive mass flux of species S is computed according to: for 1 for jS S S Sm j jm S j eS jd S S S j j j...approximate factorization scheme (Lower-Upper Symmetric Gauss- Seidel ). For steady state problems, equation (69) reduces to R=0 because ddU t

AFSC Standardization Conference, 1553, 1589, 1750, 1760, Ada, November 18-20, 1980, Dayton Convention Center, Dayton, Ohio, Volume II. Proceedings Standards,

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-11-01

4006 DMAE Direct Memory Access Enable: ’Ibis command enables direct memory access (DMA). 4007 I)MAi) Direct Memory Access Disable: This command...72 DLI 72 DLR 72 DM 111 DMAD 30 DMAE 30 DMR 111 ONEG 103 DR 117 DS 104 OSAR 53 141 373 ’., M1L-STD-1750A (USAF) 2 July 1980 OSBI 29 OSCR 54 OSIC 48...in 4.7.7, the connectors shall show no defects detrimental to the operation of the connectors and shall A-7 461 -meet the subsequent test requirements

An overview of HyFIE Technical Research Project: cross-testing in main European hypersonic wind tunnels on EXPERT body

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brazier, Jean-Philippe; Martinez Schramm, Jan; Paris, Sébastien; Gawehn, Thomas; Reimann, Bodo

2016-09-01

HyFIE project aimed at improving the measurement techniques in hypersonic wind tunnels and comparing the experimental data provided by four major European facilities: DLR HEG and H2K, ONERA F4 and VKI Longshot. A common geometry of EXPERT body was chosen and four different models were used. A large amount of experimental data was collected and compared with the results of numerical simulations. Collapsing all the measured values showed a good agreement between the different facilities, as well as between experimental and computed data.

World Data Center for Remote Sensing of the Atmosphere (WDC-RSAT)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bittner, Michael; Höppner, Kathrin; Hildenbrand, Beate

Since 2003 the Applied Remote Sensing Cluster of DLR has hosted and operated the World Data Center for Remote Sensing of the Atmosphere (WDC-RSAT, http://wdc.dlr.de) under the non-governmental auspices of the International Council of Science (ICSU). WDC-RSAT offers scientists and the general public free access to a continuously growing collection of satellite-based atmosphere-related data sets and services. These data holdings range from raw data collected by remote sensors, to information products derived from the raw data ("value adding"). The current WDC-RSAT data holding contains data and information products addressing atmospheric trace gases, clouds, surface parameters, solar radiation, and special services as near-real time (NRT) information related to e.g. European air quality, UV radiation forecasts, global ozone level maps. In addition to archiving data sets, WDC-RSAT cooperates with other data centers and strives to provide additional services, which include data analysis and value adding, data summaries, campaign planning support, and data set validation and publication. In Germany, three current ICSU World Data Centers, namely WDC-Climate (hosted by the German Climate Computer Center, DKRZ), WDC-MARE (co-hosted by AWI and the University of Bremen), WDC-RSAT (hosted by DLR), and the pending WDC-Terra (to be hosted by GFZ) founded in 2004 the German WDC cluster for "Earth System Research", in order to promote Earth System Science and Research in Germany and abroad. This Cluster is actively pursuing a strategy, using information technology, to make data related to Earth Systems available to an as wide and as interdisciplinary possible audience. In early 2006 a scientific advisory committee for WDC-RSAT was established. External experts representing space agencies, weather services, atmospheric remote sensing technologies, and atmospheric science help to guide WDC-RSAT in setting and reaching its goals. In cooperation with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), WDC-RSAT is aiming to become part of a data integration center to be created within the Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW)-program of the WMO. This center would concern itself with linking different GAW- relevant data sets both with each other and with models. In this context WDC-RSAT will also handle non-satellite based data which is relevant within the context of validation. WDC-RSAT is envisaged to play a major role within the recently established international and global Network for the Detection of Mesopause Change (NDMC) with the mission to promote international cooperation among research groups active in the mesopause region ( 80-100 km height) to enhance the suitability of airglow observations for the detection of long-term trends. WDC-RSAT will serve as a communication and data management platform for this worldwide network of ground-based measurements.

Design of a high-speed high-resolution teleradiology system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stewart, Brent K.; Dwyer, Samuel J., III; Huang, H. K.; Kangarloo, Hooshang

1992-07-01

A teleradiology system acquires radiographic images from one location and transmits them to one or more distant sites where they are displayed and/or converted to hardcopy film recordings. The long term goal of this research is to demonstrate that teleradiology systems can provide diagnostically equivalent results when compared to conventional radiographic film interpretation. If this hypothesis is proven, the following radiology tasks will be improved: (1) providing for primary interpretation of radiological images for patients in under served areas as well as other medical facilities; (2) integration of radiological services for multi- hospital/clinic health care provides consortiums (HMOs); (3) improving emergency service and intensive care unit coverage; (4) offering consulting-at-a-distance with sub-speciality radiologists; and (5) providing radiologists in the community or in rural areas immediate access to large academic centers for help in the interpretation of difficult and problematic cases. We are designing a high-speed, high-resolution teleradiology system between our level I medical center and several outlying medical centers within the metropolitan area. CT, MR and screen-film examinations will be digitized to 2 K or 4 K at the remote sites, transmitted to the central referral facility and sent to a laser film printer, reproducing the original film. The film can then be used for primary diagnosis, overreading/consultative purposes or for emergency room preparation. Inherently digital modality data (e.g. MR and CT) can be sent without digitization of the multi-format film is desired. A teleradiology system using a Wide Area Network (WAN) is to be connected to the following sites: (1) Olive View Medical Center; (2) Harbor General Medical Center; (3) UCLA Department of Radiological Sciences; and (4) two radiologist''s private residences. The wide area network (WAN) consists of a local carrier (GTE California Incorporated) and an inter-exchange carrier (US Sprint). Each affiliated hospital site is equipped with: (1) a radiographic film digitizer; (2) an interactive grayscale display workstation; (3) a computer system with teleradiology application software; (4) a local area network (LAN); (5) a LAN-WAN router; and (6) and dial-up (multiple switched N X 56 kbps lines) DS-1 WAN interfaces. The UCLA site is equipped with a local area image management network (PACS) for archiving, displaying, laser printed film hardcopy recordings, and WAN interfaces. The radiologists private residence is equipped with a grayscale station and a DS-0 56 kbps modem. We estimate the hardware costs at each remote site to be DLR160,000, DLR200,000 for the central referring facility, and under $DLR20,000 for the radiologist private residence.

Evaluation of cellular glasses for solar mirror panel applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Giovan, M.; Adams, M.

1979-01-01

An analytic technique was developed to compare the structural and environmental performance of various materials considered for backing of second surface glass solar mirrors. Cellular glass was determined to be a prime candidate due to its low cost, high stiffness-to-weight ratio, thermal expansion match to mirror glass, evident minimal environmental impact and chemical and dimensional stability under conditions of use. The current state of the art and anticipated developments in cellular glass technology are discussed; material properties are correlated to design requirements. A mathematical model is presented which suggests a design approach which allows minimization of life cost; and, a mechanical and environmental testing program is outlined, designed to provide a material property basis for development of cellular glass hardware, together with methodology for collecting lifetime predictive data. Preliminary material property data from measurements are given. Microstructure of several cellular materials is shown, and sensitivity of cellular glass to freeze-thaw degradation and to slow crack growth is discussed. The effect of surface coating is addressed.

Cellular Immune Response to Cytomegalovirus Infection After Renal Transplantation

PubMed Central

Linnemann, Calvin C.; Kauffman, Carol A.; First, M. Roy; Schiff, Gilbert M.; Phair, John P.

1978-01-01

A prospective study of 15 patients who received renal transplants defined the effect of renal transplantation on the cellular immune response to cytomegalovirus infection. Of 15 patients, 14 developed cytomegalovirus infection, usually in the first 2 months after transplantation, and all infections were accompanied by a normal humoral immune response. After the initiation of immunosuppressive therapy and transplantation, there was a general depression of lymphocyte transformation, as reflected in the response to phytohemagglutinin, accompanied by a specific defect in cellular immunity, as indicated by lymphocyte transformation to cytomegalovirus antigen. Eleven patients had cellular immunity to cytomegalovirus before transplantation, and all of these became negative in the first month after transplantation. In subsequent months, only 6 of the 14 study patients with cytomegalovirus infection developed specific cellular immune responses to cytomegalovirus. This occurred most often in patients who had severe febrile illnesses in association with infection. The specific cellular immune response which developed in the posttransplant period did not persist in three of the patients. This study demonstrates the dissociation of the humoral and cellular immune response to cytomegalovirus infection in renal transplant patients and indicates the importance of the loss of cellular immunity in the appearance of infection. Previously infected patients lost their cell-mediated immunity and had reactivation infections despite the presence of serum antibody. PMID:215541

The FEI-TPS on the Upper Surface of the X-38

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Antonenko, Johann; Kowal, John

2002-01-01

The X-38 is being developed by NASA-JSC as a technology demonstrator of a future Crew Rescue Vehicle. The size of the vehicle is limited to fit into the cargo bay of the shuttle. Due to its small size and shuttle-like trajectory all surfaces will receive comparably high heat rates leading to high surface temperatures. Temperatures on the nose are calculated to reach 1750°C, which is significantly higher than on the shuttle. Due to the lifting body shape, large areas of the central fuselage will be exposed to flow of hot gases around the vehicle. Here temperatures of the upper surface are calculated to reach up to 1000°C and the application of a high temperature blanket thermal protection system (TPS) becomes mandatory. Consecutively, the temperature level of the upper surface and the base area will be significantly high. Unlike on the shuttle, where large areas of the surface are covered by flexible reusable surface insulation (FRSI), locations with temperatures below 400°C will be scarce on the X-38. During development of the European shuttle HERMES the Flexible External Insulation (FEI) was developed for the upper surface TPS. This development was continued by ESA and DLR funded programs and currently a product family is available for temperatures ranging from 450°C to 1100°C for re-usable application. For a single re- entry under ultimate conditions temperatures may reach up to 1400°C. Under funding of DLR and ESA, the FEI assembly is one of the European contributions to the X-38. Three subassemblies have been chosen: the FEI-450, FEI-650 and FEI- 1000, capable of limit temperatures of 450°C, 650°C and 1000°C, respectively. The FEI-650 and FEI-1000 were already developed in the HERMES program. The FEI- 450 was developed in the German TETRA program. The qualification for X-38 application was performed for temperatures up to 510°C for the FEI-450 and up to 1130°C for the FEI-1000. Acoustic noise loads of up to 160dB have been endured, far beyond what X-38 will ever experience. The paper presents the design of the flexible blanket TPS in a joint effort by NASA-JSC and Astrium. The design process at NASA had to consider aerothermal loads and constraints of the structure and parachute subsystems. It provided the configuration of the FEI assembly and the requirements design of the FEI blankets. Astrium first designed the concept and lay-out of the FEI-assembly. Proceeding from NASA furnished model files, the design to manufacturing of the FEI-blankets was established. In addition, Astrium qualified the FEI for X-38 application. The FEI design is constrained by the aeroshell concept that distinguishes acreage panels, carrier panels and close-out areas, with dedicated blankets for each. Close out areas cover the locations of the parafoil system and create an uneven surface requiring vaulted blankets. The total of these requirements leads to an assembly of a large number of blankets, several of which have a complex shape.

Maize early endosperm growth and development: from fertilization through cell type differentiation.

PubMed

Leroux, Brian M; Goodyke, Austin J; Schumacher, Katelyn I; Abbott, Chelsi P; Clore, Amy M; Yadegari, Ramin; Larkins, Brian A; Dannenhoffer, Joanne M

2014-08-01

• Given the worldwide economic importance of maize endosperm, it is surprising that its development is not the most comprehensively studied of the cereals. We present detailed morphometric and cytological descriptions of endosperm development in the maize inbred line B73, for which the genome has been sequenced, and compare its growth with four diverse Nested Association Mapping (NAM) founder lines.• The first 12 d of B73 endosperm development were described using semithin sections of plastic-embedded kernels and confocal microscopy. Longitudinal sections were used to compare endosperm length, thickness, and area.• Morphometric comparison between Arizona- and Michigan-grown B73 showed a common pattern. Early endosperm development was divided into four stages: coenocytic, cellularization through alveolation, cellularization through partitioning, and differentiation. We observed tightly synchronous nuclear divisions in the coenocyte, elucidated that the onset of cellularization was coincident with endosperm size, and identified a previously undefined cell type (basal intermediate zone, BIZ). NAM founders with small mature kernels had larger endosperms (0-6 d after pollination) than lines with large mature kernels.• Our B73-specific model of early endosperm growth links developmental events to relative endosperm size, while accounting for diverse growing conditions. Maize endosperm cellularizes through alveolation, then random partitioning of the central vacuole. This unique cellularization feature of maize contrasts with the smaller endosperms of Arabidopsis, barley, and rice that strictly cellularize through repeated alveolation. NAM analysis revealed differences in endosperm size during early development, which potentially relates to differences in timing of cellularization across diverse lines of maize. © 2014 Botanical Society of America, Inc.

Unique spatial and cellular expression patterns of Hoxa5, Hoxb4 and Hoxb6 proteins in normal developing murine lung are modified in pulmonary hypoplasia

PubMed Central

Volpe, MaryAnn Vitoria; Wang, Karen Ting Wai; Nielsen, Heber Carl; Chinoy, Mala Romeshchandra

2009-01-01

Background Hox transcription factors modulate signaling pathways controlling organ morphogenesis and maintain cell fate and differentiation in adults. Retinoid signaling, key in regulating Hox expression, is altered in pulmonary hypoplasia. Information on pattern-specific expression of Hox proteins in normal lung development and in pulmonary hypoplasia is minimal. Our objective was to determine how pulmonary hypoplasia alters temporal, spatial and cellular expression of Hoxa5, Hoxb4 and Hoxb6 proteins compared to normal lung development. Methods Temporal, spatial and cellular Hoxa5, Hoxb4 and Hoxb6 expression was studied in normal (untreated) and nitrofen-induced hypoplastic (NT-PH) lungs from gestational day 13.5, 16, 19 fetuses and neonates using western blot and immunohistochemistry. Results Modification of protein levels and spatial and cellular Hox expression patterns in NT-PH lungs was consistent with delayed lung development. Distinct protein isoforms were detected for each Hox protein. Expression levels of the Hoxa5 and Hoxb6 isoforms changed with development and further in NT-PH lungs. Compared to normal lungs, Gd19 and neonatal NT-PH lungs had decreased Hoxb6 and increased Hoxa5 and Hoxb4. Hoxa5 cellular localization changed from mesenchyme to epithelia earlier in normal lungs. Hoxb4 was expressed in mesenchyme and epithelial cells throughout development. Hoxb6 remained mainly in mesenchymal cells around distal airways. Conclusions Unique spatial and cellular expression of Hoxa5, Hoxb4 and Hoxb6 participates in branching morphogenesis and terminal sac formation. Altered Hox protein temporal and cellular balance of expression either contributes to pulmonary hypoplasia or functions as a compensatory mechanism attempting to correct abnormal lung development and maturation in this condition. PMID:18553509

Cellular interface morphologies in directional solidification. II - The effect of grain boundaries

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ungar, Lyle H.; Brown, Robert A.

1984-01-01

A singular perturbation analysis valid for small grain-boundary slopes is used with the one-sided model for solidification to show that grain boundaries introduce imperfections into the symmetry of the developing cellular interfaces which rupture the junction between the family of planar shapes and the bifurcating cellular families. Undulating interfaces are shown to develop first near grain boundaries, and to evolve with decreasing temperature gradient either by a smooth transition from the almost planar family or by a sudden jump to moderate-amplitude cellular forms, depending on the growth rate.

Generic framework for mining cellular automata models on protein-folding simulations.

PubMed

Diaz, N; Tischer, I

2016-05-13

Cellular automata model identification is an important way of building simplified simulation models. In this study, we describe a generic architectural framework to ease the development process of new metaheuristic-based algorithms for cellular automata model identification in protein-folding trajectories. Our framework was developed by a methodology based on design patterns that allow an improved experience for new algorithms development. The usefulness of the proposed framework is demonstrated by the implementation of four algorithms, able to obtain extremely precise cellular automata models of the protein-folding process with a protein contact map representation. Dynamic rules obtained by the proposed approach are discussed, and future use for the new tool is outlined.

Planetary and Space Simulation Facilities (PSI) at DLR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Panitz, Corinna; Rabbow, E.; Rettberg, P.; Kloss, M.; Reitz, G.; Horneck, G.

2010-05-01

The Planetary and Space Simulation facilities at DLR offer the possibility to expose biological and physical samples individually or integrated into space hardware to defined and controlled space conditions like ultra high vacuum, low temperature and extraterrestrial UV radiation. An x-ray facility stands for the simulation of the ionizing component at the disposal. All of the simulation facilities are required for the preparation of space experiments: - for testing of the newly developed space hardware - for investigating the effect of different space parameters on biological systems as a preparation for the flight experiment - for performing the 'Experiment Verification Tests' (EVT) for the specification of the test parameters - and 'Experiment Sequence Tests' (EST) by simulating sample assemblies, exposure to selected space parameters, and sample disassembly. To test the compatibility of the different biological and chemical systems and their adaptation to the opportunities and constraints of space conditions a profound ground support program has been developed among many others for the ESA facilities of the ongoing missions EXPOSE-R and EXPOSE-E on board of the International Space Station ISS . Several experiment verification tests EVTs and an experiment sequence test EST have been conducted in the carefully equipped and monitored planetary and space simulation facilities PSI of the Institute of Aerospace Medicine at DLR in Cologne, Germany. These ground based pre-flight studies allowed the investigation of a much wider variety of samples and the selection of the most promising organisms for the flight experiment. EXPOSE-E had been attached to the outer balcony of the European Columbus module of the ISS in February 2008 and stayed for 1,5 years in space; EXPOSE-R has been attached to the Russian Svezda module of the ISS in spring 2009 and mission duration will be approx. 1,5 years. The missions will give new insights into the survivability of terrestrial organisms in space and will contribute to the understanding of the organic chemistry processes in space, the biological adaptation strategies to extreme conditions, e.g. on early Earth and Mars, and the distribution of life beyond its planet of origin The results gained during the simulation experiments demonstrated mission preparation as a basic requirement for successful and significant results of every space flight experiment. Hence, the Mission preparation program that was performed in the context of the space missions EXPOSE-E and EXPOSE-R proofed the outstanding importance and accentuated need for ground based experiments before and during a space mission. The facilities are also necessary for the performance of the ground control experiment during the mission, the so-called Mission Simulation Test (MST) under simulated space conditions, by parallel exposure of samples to simulated space parameters according to flight data received by telemetry. Finally the facilities also provide the possibility to simulate the surface and climate conditions of the planet Mars. In this way they offer the possibility to investigate under simulated Mars conditions the chances for development of life on Mars and to gain previous knowledge for the search for life on today's Mars and in this context especially the parameters for a manned mission to Mars. References [1] Rabbow E, Rettberg P, Panitz C, Drescher J, Horneck G, Reitz G (2005) SSIOUX - Space Simulation for Investigating Organics, Evolution and Exobiology, Adv. Space Res. 36 (2) 297-302, doi:10.1016/j.asr.2005.08.040Aman, A. and Bman, B. (1997) JGR, 90,1151-1154. [2] Fekete A, Modos K, Hegedüs M, Kovacs G, Ronto Gy, Peter A, Lammer H, Panitz C (2005) DNA Damage under simulated extraterrestrial conditions in bacteriophage T7 Adv. Space Res. 305-310Aman, A. et al. (1997) Meteoritics & Planet. Sci., 32,A74. [3] Cockell Ch, Schuerger AC, Billi D., Friedmann EI, Panitz C (2005) Effects of a Simulated Martian UV Flux on the Cyanobacterium, Chroococcidiopsis sp. 029, Astrobiology, 5/2 127-140Aman, A. (1996) LPS XXVII, 1344-1 [4] de la Torre Noetzel, R.; Sancho, L.G.; Pintado,A.; Rettberg, Petra; Rabbow, Elke; Panitz,Corinna; Deutschmann, U.; Reina, M.; Horneck, Gerda (2007): BIOPAN experiment LICHENS on the Foton M2 mission Pre-flight verification tests of the Rhizocarpon geographicum-granite ecosystem. COSPAR [Hrsg.]: Advances in Space Research, 40, Elsevier, S. 1665 - 1671, DOI 10.1016/j.asr.2007.02.022

The IAGOS information system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boulanger, Damien; Gautron, Benoit; Schultz, Martin; Brötz, Björn; Rauthe-Schöch, Armin; Thouret, Valérie

2015-04-01

IAGOS (In-service Aircraft for a Global Observing System) aims at the provision of long-term, frequent, regular, accurate, and spatially resolved in situ observations of the atmospheric composition. IAGOS observation systems are deployed on a fleet of commercial aircraft. The IAGOS database is an essential part of the global atmospheric monitoring network. Data access is handled by open access policy based on the submission of research requests which are reviewed by the PIs. The IAGOS database (http://www.iagos.fr, damien.boulanger@obs-mip.fr) is part of the French atmospheric chemistry data centre Ether (CNES and CNRS). In the framework of the IGAS project (IAGOS for Copernicus Atmospheric Service) interoperability with international portals or other databases is implemented in order to improve IAGOS data discovery. The IGAS data network is composed of three data centres: the IAGOS database in Toulouse including IAGOS-core data and IAGOS-CARIBIC (Civil Aircraft for the Regular Investigation of the Atmosphere Based on an Instrument Container) data since January 2015; the HALO research aircraft database at DLR (https://halo-db.pa.op.dlr.de); and the MACC data centre in Jülich (http://join.iek.fz-juelich.de). The MACC (Monitoring Atmospheric Composition and Climate) project is a prominent user of the IGAS data network. In June 2015 a new version of the IAGOS database will be released providing improved services such as download in NetCDF or NASA Ames formats; graphical tools (maps, scatter plots, etc.); standardized metadata (ISO 19115) and a better users management. The link with the MACC data centre, through JOIN (Jülich OWS Interface), will allow to combine model outputs with IAGOS data for intercomparison. The interoperability within the IGAS data network, implemented thanks to many web services, will improve the functionalities of the web interfaces of each data centre.

Application and theoretical analysis of the flamelet model for supersonic turbulent combustion flows in the scramjet engine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Zhenxun; Wang, Jingying; Jiang, Chongwen; Lee, Chunhian

2014-11-01

In the framework of Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes simulation, supersonic turbulent combustion flows at the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) combustor and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) integrated scramjet engine are numerically simulated using the flamelet model. Based on the DLR combustor case, theoretical analysis and numerical experiments conclude that: the finite rate model only implicitly considers the large-scale turbulent effect and, due to the lack of the small-scale non-equilibrium effect, it would overshoot the peak temperature compared to the flamelet model in general. Furthermore, high-Mach-number compressibility affects the flamelet model mainly through two ways: the spatial pressure variation and the static enthalpy variation due to the kinetic energy. In the flamelet library, the mass fractions of the intermediate species, e.g. OH, are more sensible to the above two effects than the main species such as H2O. Additionally, in the combustion flowfield where the pressure is larger than the value adopted in the generation of the flamelet library or the conversion from the static enthalpy to the kinetic energy occurs, the temperature obtained by the flamelet model without taking compressibility effects into account would be undershot, and vice versa. The static enthalpy variation effect has only little influence on the temperature simulation of the flamelet model, while the effect of the spatial pressure variation may cause relatively large errors. From the JAXA case, it is found that the flamelet model cannot in general be used for an integrated scramjet engine. The existence of the inlet together with the transverse injection scheme could cause large spatial variations of pressure, so the pressure value adopted for the generation of a flamelet library should be fine-tuned according to a pre-simulation of pure mixing.

Short-term annoyance from nocturnal aircraft noise exposure: results of the NORAH and STRAIN sleep studies.

PubMed

Quehl, Julia; Müller, Uwe; Mendolia, Franco

2017-11-01

The German Aerospace Center (DLR) investigated in the NORAH sleep study the association between a distinct change in nocturnal aircraft noise exposure due to the introduction of a night curfew (11:00 p.m.-5:00 a.m.) at Frankfurt Airport and short-term annoyance reactions of residents in the surrounding community. Exposure-response curves were calculated by random effects logistic regression to evaluate the aircraft noise-related parameters (1) number of overflights and (2) energy equivalent noise level L ASeq for the prediction of short-term annoyance. Data of the NORAH sleep study were compared with the STRAIN sleep study which was conducted by DLR near Cologne-Bonn Airport in 2001/2002 (N = 64), representing a steady-state/low-rate change. The NORAH sleep study was based on questionnaire surveys with 187 residents living in the vicinity of Frankfurt Airport. Noise-induced short-term annoyance and related non-acoustical variables were assessed. Nocturnal aircraft noise exposure was measured inside the residents' home. A statistically significant rise in the portion of annoyed residents with increasing number of overflights was found. Similarly, the portion of annoyed subjects increased with rising L ASeq . Importance of the frequency of fly-overs for the prediction of annoyance reactions was emphasized. The annoyance probability was significantly higher in the NORAH than in the STRAIN sleep study. Results confirm the importance of both acoustical parameters for the prediction of short-term annoyance due to nocturnal aircraft noise. Quantitative annoyance models that were derived at steady-state/low-rate change airports cannot be directly applied to airports that underwent a distinct change in operational and noise exposure patterns.

The Saharan Aerosol Long-range Transport and Aerosol-Cloud Interaction Experiment (SALTRACE 2013) - An overview

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weinzierl, Bernadett; Ansmann, Albert; Reitebuch, Oliver; Freudenthaler, Volker; Müller, Thomas; Kandler, Konrad; Althausen, Dietrich; Chouza, Fernando; Dollner, Maximilian; Farrell, David; Groß, Silke; Heinold, Bernd; Kristensen, Thomas B.; Mayol-Bracero, Olga L.; Omar, Ali; Prospero, Joseph; Sauer, Daniel; Schäfler, Andreas; Toledano, Carlos; Tegen, Ina

2015-04-01

Saharan mineral dust is regularly transported over long distances impacting air quality, health, weather and climate thousands of kilometers downwind of the Sahara. During transport, the properties of mineral dust may be modified thereby changing the associated impact on the radiation budget. Although mineral dust is of key importance for the climate system many questions such as the change of the dust size distribution during long-range transport, the role of wet and dry removal mechanisms, and the complex interaction between mineral dust and clouds remain open. To investigate the aging and modification of Saharan mineral dust during long-range transport across the Atlantic Ocean, the Saharan Aerosol Long-range Transport and Aerosol-Cloud-Interaction Experiment (SALTRACE: http://www.pa.op.dlr.de/saltrace) was conducted in June/July 2013. SALTRACE was designed as a closure experiment combining ground-based lidar, in-situ and sun photometer instruments deployed on Cape Verde, Barbados and Puerto Rico, with airborne measurements of the DLR research aircraft Falcon, satellite observations and model simulations. During SALTRACE, mineral dust from five dust outbreaks was studied under different atmospheric conditions and a unique data set on the chemical, microphysical and optical properties of aged mineral dust was gathered. For the first time, Lagrangian sampling of a dust plume in the Cape Verde area on 17 June 2013 which was again measured with the same instrumentation on 21 and 22 June 2013 near Barbados was realized. Further highlights of SALTRACE include the formation and evolution of tropical storm Chantal in a dusty environment and the interaction of dust with mixed-phase clouds. In our presentation, we give an overview of the SALTRACE study, discuss the meteorological situation and the dust transport during SALTRACE and highlight selected results from SALTRACE.

Capabilities of SWACI as an essential component of EURIPOS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Borries, C.; Jakowski, N.; Mayer, C.; Wilken, V.; Missling, K. D.; Barkmann, H.; Mielich, J.

2009-04-01

EURIPOS as a European research network of an ionospheric and plamaspheric observation system relies on the well established European vertical sounding network and an equivalent network of numerous receivers of signals from Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) such as GPS and Galileo. According to this base line EURIPOS is assisted by current ionospheric services such as DIAS (Digital Upper Atmosphere Server) and SWACI (Space Weather Application Center Ionosphere) operated by NOA and DLR, respectively. This paper shall demonstrate the capabilities of SWACI providing an essential basis for supporting the enhanced service by EURIPOS. The current SWACI service operates a powerful data processing system working both in real-time and post-processing modes in order to provide actual information to the customers (http://w3swaci.dlr.de). Typical data products include ground based GNSS derived European maps of the Total Electron Content (TEC) and corresponding derivatives such as latitudinal and longitudinal gradients and rate of change, updated every 5 minutes. Space based retrievals include radio occultation data as well as a 3D reconstruction of the topside ionosphere between CHAMP orbit and GPS satellite orbit height. The different types of products are described and discussed in relation to EURIPOS requirements and objectives. Emphasis is given to new products which may be created by combining vertical sounding and TEC data. The resulting equivalent slab thickness is discussed by combining ionosonde data from Juliusruh with corresponding TEC data extracted from the TEC maps. EURIPOS shall provide this valuable shape parameter in near real time at several vertical sounding stations. The dynamics of the profile shape is important for studying ionospheric storms. The capabilities of SWACI for monitoring and studying ionospheric storms observed since 2000 will be demonstrated.

Next generation of space based sensor for application in the SSA space weather domain.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jansen, Frank; Kudela, Karel; Behrens, Joerg

Next generation of space based sensor for application in the SSA space weather domain. F. Jansen1, K. Kudela2, J. Behrens1 and NESTEC consortium3 1DLR, Bremen, Germany 2IEP SAS Kosice, Slovakia 3NESTEC consortium members (DLR Bremen, DESY Hamburg, MPS Katlenburg-Lindau, CTU Prague, University of Twente, IEP-SAS Kosice, UCL/MSSL, University of Manchester, University of Surrey, Hermanus Magnetic Observatory, North-West University Potchefsroom, University of Montreal) High energy solar and galactic cosmic rays have twofold importance for the SSA space weather domain. Cosmic rays have dangerous effects for space, air and ground based assets, but on the other side cosmic rays are direct measure tools for real time space weather warning. A review of space weather related SSA results from operating global cosmic ray networks (especially those by neutron monitors and by muon directional telescopes), its limitations and main questions to be solved, is presented. Especially those recent results, received in real time and with high temporal resolution, are reviewed and discussed. In addition the relevance of these monitors and telescopes in forecasting geomagnetic disturbances are checked. Based on this study result, a next generation of highly miniaturized hybrid silicon pixel device (Medipix sensor) will be described for the following, beyond state-of-the-art application: a SSA satellite for high energy solar and galactic cosmic ray spectrum measurement, with a space plasma environment data package and CME real time imaging by means of cosmic rays. All data management and processing will be carried out on the satellite in real time. Insofar a high reduction of data and transmission to ground station of finalized space weather relevant data and images are foreseen.

The new IAGOS Database Portal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boulanger, Damien; Gautron, Benoit; Thouret, Valérie; Fontaine, Alain

2016-04-01

IAGOS (In-service Aircraft for a Global Observing System) is a European Research Infrastructure which aims at the provision of long-term, regular and spatially resolved in situ observations of the atmospheric composition. IAGOS observation systems are deployed on a fleet of commercial aircraft. The IAGOS database is an essential part of the global atmospheric monitoring network. It contains IAGOS-core data and IAGOS-CARIBIC (Civil Aircraft for the Regular Investigation of the Atmosphere Based on an Instrument Container) data. The IAGOS Database Portal (http://www.iagos.fr, damien.boulanger@obs-mip.fr) is part of the French atmospheric chemistry data center AERIS (http://www.aeris-data.fr). The new IAGOS Database Portal has been released in December 2015. The main improvement is the interoperability implementation with international portals or other databases in order to improve IAGOS data discovery. In the frame of the IGAS project (IAGOS for the Copernicus Atmospheric Service), a data network has been setup. It is composed of three data centers: the IAGOS database in Toulouse; the HALO research aircraft database at DLR (https://halo-db.pa.op.dlr.de); and the CAMS data center in Jülich (http://join.iek.fz-juelich.de). The CAMS (Copernicus Atmospheric Monitoring Service) project is a prominent user of the IGAS data network. The new portal provides improved and new services such as the download in NetCDF or NASA Ames formats, plotting tools (maps, time series, vertical profiles, etc.) and user management. Added value products are available on the portal: back trajectories, origin of air masses, co-location with satellite data, etc. The link with the CAMS data center, through JOIN (Jülich OWS Interface), allows to combine model outputs with IAGOS data for inter-comparison. Finally IAGOS metadata has been standardized (ISO 19115) and now provides complete information about data traceability and quality.

Advanced fire observation by the Intelligent Infrared Sensor prototype FOCUS on the International Space Station

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oertel, D.; Haschberger, P.; Tank, V.; Lanzl, F.; Zhukov, B.; Jahn, H.; Briess, K.; Lorenz, E.; Roeser, H.-P.; Ginati, A.; Tobehn, C.; Schulte in den Bäumen, J.; Christmann, U.

1999-01-01

Current and planned operational space-borne Earth observation systems provide spatially, radiometrically or temporally crude data for the detection and monitoring of high temperature phenomena on the surface of our planet. High Temperature Events (HTE) very often cause environmental disasters. Such HTE are forest and savannah fires, fires of open coal mines, volcanic activities and others (e.g. fires of oil wells, pipelines etc.). A simultaneous co-registration of a combination of infrared (IR) and visible (VIS) channels is the key for a reliable autonomous on-board detection of High Temperature Events (HTE) on Earth surface, such as vegetation fires and volcano eruptions. This is the main feature of the FOCUS experiment. Furthermore there are ecology-oriented objectives of the FOCUS experiment mainly related to spectrometric/imaging remote inspection and parameter extraction of selected HTEs, and to the assessment of some ecological consequences of HTEs, such as aerosol and gas emission. Based on own experimental work and supported by Co-Investigators from Italy, Greece, France, Spain, Russia and Germany, DLR proposed in 1997 to use the International Space Station (ISS) in its early utilization phase as a platform and test-bed for an Intelligent Infrared Sensor prototype FOCUS of a future Environmental Disaster Recognition Satellite System. FOCUS is considered by ESA as an important mission combining a number of proven technologies and observation techniques to provide the scientific and operational user community with key data for the classification and monitoring of forest fires. FOCUS was selected as one of five European ``Groupings'' to be flown as an externally mounted payload during the early utilisation phase of the ISS. The FOCUS Phase A Study will be performed by OHB-System, DLR and Zeiss from September 1998 until May 1999.

Aircraft-borne aerosol chemical composition measurements in the lower to middle troposphere over southern West Africa: Biomass burning, urban outflow plumes, and long-range transport.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Batenburg, Anneke; Schulz, Christiane; Schneider, Johannes; Sauer, Daniel; Schlager, Hans; Borrmann, Stephan

2017-04-01

During the DACCIWA field campaign in June and July 2016, aircraft-borne in-situ aerosol chemical composition measurements were performed over southern West Africa (SWA). This presentation will focus on the submicron particle measurements done with a Compact Time-of-Flight Aerosol Mass Spectrometer (C-ToF-AMS) on board of the DLR Falcon aircraft during twelve research flights from Lomé, Togo, covering the altitude range from the boundary layer (BL) to the middle troposphere (12 km). A preliminary analysis of the results shows typical baseline total non-refractory aerosol mass loadings of 1.5 to 2.8 μg m-3 in the BL, and 0.4 to 1.1 μg m-3above. Up to half of the baseline aerosol mass in the BL appears to consist of sulphate, compared to only 10 to 35 % above the BL; organic matter dominates in the middle troposphere. During several flights, the DLR Falcon crossed a pronounced and seemingly widespread aerosol layer at 2—4.5 km altitude, partly in or slightly above the BL. The AMS data indicate that about half of the non-refractory aerosol mass in the middle of this layer consisted of organic matter. We consider it likely that these aerosol particles were produced by biomass burning in Central Africa. Emissions from cities and industrial areas were also intercepted, as well as enhancements in some species at higher altitudes. Trajectory analysis suggests that an increase of the organics to more than 2.5 μg m-3 observed at 8 km during one flight came from the Arabian Peninsula. Several ammonium peaks during the same flight at higher altitudes were traced back to the Asian Summer Monsoon Anticyclone (ASMA).

Correlated changes in body shape after five generations of selection to improve growth rate in a breeding program for Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus in Brazil.

PubMed

de Oliveira, Carlos Antonio Lopes; Ribeiro, Ricardo Pereira; Yoshida, Grazyella Massako; Kunita, Natali Miwa; Rizzato, Gabriel Soriani; de Oliveira, Sheila Nogueira; Dos Santos, Alexandra Inês; Nguyen, Nguyen Hong

2016-11-01

Body shape is a commercial trait of great interest as it impacts profit and productivity of aquaculture enterprises. In the present study, we examined correlated changes in two measures of body shape (depth to length ratio, DL-R and ellipticity of mid sagittal plane, EL-H) from a selection program for high daily weight gain in a Nile tilapia population reared in freshwater cages in Brazil. Genetic parameters for body shape and its genetic association with growth traits (body weight and daily gain) were also estimated from 8,725 individuals with growth performance recorded over five generations from 2008 to 2013. Mixed model analysis showed that the selection program resulted in substantial improvement in growth performance (about 4 % genetic gain per generation or per year) and also brought about trivial changes in body shape. The heritabilities ranged from 0.470 to 0.564 for growth traits and 0.180 to 0.289 for body shape. The common family effects were low for all traits studied, accounting for only 3-11 % of total phenotypic variance. The genetic correlations between body shape and growth traits were weak, i.e., -0.385 between EL-H and growth traits and 0.28 between DL-R and body weight or daily gain. Strong and negative genetic association was found between the two body shape traits (rg = --0.955). Harvest body weight and daily gain are essentially the same traits, as indicated by the close to one genetic correlations between the two characters. Our results demonstrated that the selection process to increase growth rate had small, but slowly constant effect in body shape traits; and in the long term, the fish would have become rotund.

Comparison of USGS and DLR topographic models of Comet Borrelly and photometric applications

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kirk, R.L.; Howington-Kraus, E.; Soderblom, L.A.; Giese, B.; Oberst, J.

2004-01-01

Stereo analysis of images obtained during the 2001 flyby of Comet Borrelly by NASA's Deep Space 1 (DS1) probe allows us to quantify the shape and photometric behavior of the nucleus. The shape is complex, with planar facets corresponding to the dark, mottled regions of the surface whereas the bright, smooth regions are convexly curved. The photometric as well as textural differences between these regions can be explained in terms of topography (roughness) at and below the image resolution, without invoking significant variations in single-particle properties; the material on Borrelly's surface could be quite uniform. A statistical comparison of the digital elevation models (DEMs) produced from the three highest-resolution images independently at the USGS and DLR shows that their difference standard deviation is 120 m, consistent with a matching error of 0.20 pixel (similar to reported matching accuracies for many other stereo datasets). The DEMs also show some systematic differences attributable to manual versus automatic matching. Disk-resolved photometric modeling of the nucleus using the DEM shows that bright, smooth terrains on Borrelly are similar in roughness (Hapke roughness ?? = 20??) to C-type asteroid Mathilde but slightly brighter and more backscattering (single-scattering albedo w = 0.056, Henyey-Greenstein phase parameter g = -0.32). The dark, mottled terrain is photometrically consistent with the same particles but with roughnesses as large as 60??. Intrinsically darker material is inconsistent with the phase behavior of these regions. Many local radiance variations are clearly related to topography, and others are consistent with a topographic explanation; one need not invoke albedo variations greater than a few tens of percent to explain the appearance of Borrelly. Published by Elsevier Inc.

High-Lift OVERFLOW Analysis of the DLR-F11 Wind Tunnel Model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pulliam, Thomas H.; Sclafani, Anthony J.

2014-01-01

In response to the 2nd AIAA CFD High Lift Prediction Workshop, the DLR-F11 wind tunnel model is analyzed using the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes flow solver OVERFLOW. A series of overset grids for a bracket-off landing configuration is constructed and analyzed as part of a general grid refinement study. This high Reynolds number (15.1 million) analysis is done at multiple angles-of-attack to evaluate grid resolution effects at operational lift levels as well as near stall. A quadratic constitutive relation recently added to OVERFLOW for improved solution accuracy is utilized for side-of-body separation issues at low angles-of-attack and outboard wing separation at stall angles. The outboard wing separation occurs when the slat brackets are added to the landing configuration and is a source of discrepancy between the predictions and experimental data. A detailed flow field analysis is performed at low Reynolds number (1.35 million) after pressure tube bundles are added to the bracket-on medium grid system with the intent of better understanding bracket/bundle wake interaction with the wing's boundary layer. Localized grid refinement behind each slat bracket and pressure tube bundle coupled with a time accurate analysis are exercised in an attempt to improve stall prediction capability. The results are inconclusive and suggest the simulation is missing a key element such as boundary layer transition. The computed lift curve is under-predicted through the linear range and over-predicted near stall, and the solution from the most complete configuration analyzed shows outboard wing separation occurring behind slat bracket 6 where the experiment shows it behind bracket 5. These results are consistent with most other participants of this workshop.

Molecular and cellular neurocardiology: development, and cellular and molecular adaptations to heart disease

PubMed Central

Anderson, Mark E.; Birren, Susan J.; Fukuda, Keiichi; Herring, Neil; Hoover, Donald B.; Kanazawa, Hideaki; Paterson, David J.; Ripplinger, Crystal M.

2016-01-01

Abstract The nervous system and cardiovascular system develop in concert and are functionally interconnected in both health and disease. This white paper focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie neural–cardiac interactions during development, during normal physiological function in the mature system, and during pathological remodelling in cardiovascular disease. The content on each subject was contributed by experts, and we hope that this will provide a useful resource for newcomers to neurocardiology as well as aficionados. PMID:27060296

MACS-Himalaya: A photogrammetric aerial oblique camera system designed for highly accurate 3D-reconstruction and monitoring in steep terrain and under extreme illumination conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brauchle, Joerg; Berger, Ralf; Hein, Daniel; Bucher, Tilman

2017-04-01

The DLR Institute of Optical Sensor Systems has developed the MACS-Himalaya, a custom built Modular Aerial Camera System specifically designed for the extreme geometric (steep slopes) and radiometric (high contrast) conditions of high mountain areas. It has an overall field of view of 116° across-track consisting of a nadir and two oblique looking RGB camera heads and a fourth nadir looking near-infrared camera. This design provides the capability to fly along narrow valleys and simultaneously cover ground and steep valley flank topography with similar ground resolution. To compensate for extreme contrasts between fresh snow and dark shadows in high altitudes a High Dynamic Range (HDR) mode was implemented, which typically takes a sequence of 3 images with graded integration times, each covering 12 bit radiometric depth, resulting in a total dynamic range of 15-16 bit. This enables dense image matching and interpretation for sunlit snow and glaciers as well as for dark shaded rock faces in the same scene. Small and lightweight industrial grade camera heads are used and operated at a rate of 3.3 frames per second with 3-step HDR, which is sufficient to achieve a longitudinal overlap of approximately 90% per exposure time at 1,000 m above ground at a velocity of 180 km/h. Direct georeferencing and multitemporal monitoring without the need of ground control points is possible due to the use of a high end GPS/INS system, a stable calibrated inner geometry of the camera heads and a fully photogrammetric workflow at DLR. In 2014 a survey was performed on the Nepalese side of the Himalayas. The remote sensing system was carried in a wingpod by a Stemme S10 motor glider. Amongst other targets, the Seti Valley, Kali-Gandaki Valley and the Mt. Everest/Khumbu Region were imaged at altitudes up to 9,200 m. Products such as dense point clouds, DSMs and true orthomosaics with a ground pixel resolution of up to 15 cm were produced in regions and outcrops normally inaccessible to aerial imagery. These data are used in the fields of natural hazards, geomorphology and glaciology (see Thompson et al., CR4.3). In the presentation the camera system is introduced and examples and applications from the Nepal campaign are given.

Precision measurements with atom interferometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schubert, Christian; Abend, Sven; Schlippert, Dennis; Ertmer, Wolfgang; Rasel, Ernst M.

2017-04-01

Interferometry with matter waves enables precise measurements of rotations, accelerations, and differential accelerations [1-5]. This is exploited for determining fundamental constants [2], in fundamental science as e.g. testing the universality of free fall [3], and is applied for gravimetry [4], and gravity gradiometry [2,5]. At the Institut für Quantenoptik in Hannover, different approaches are pursued. A large scale device is designed and currently being set up to investigate the gain in precision for gravimetry, gradiometry, and fundamental tests on large baselines [6]. For field applications, a compact and transportable device is being developed. Its key feature is an atom chip source providing a collimated high flux of atoms which is expected to mitigate systematic uncertainties [7,8]. The atom chip technology and miniaturization benefits from microgravity experiments in the drop tower in Bremen and sounding rocket experiments [8,9] which act as pathfinders for space borne operation [10]. This contribution will report about our recent results. The presented work is supported by the CRC 1227 DQ-mat, the CRC 1128 geo-Q, the RTG 1729, the QUEST-LFS, and by the German Space Agency (DLR) with funds provided by the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) due to an enactment of the German Bundestag under Grant No. DLR 50WM1552-1557. [1] P. Berg et al., Phys. Rev. Lett., 114, 063002, 2015; I. Dutta et al., Phys. Rev. Lett., 116, 183003, 2016. [2] J. B. Fixler et al., Science 315, 74 (2007); G. Rosi et al., Nature 510, 518, 2014. [3] D. Schlippert et al., Phys. Rev. Lett., 112, 203002, 2014. [4] A. Peters et al., Nature 400, 849, 1999; A. Louchet-Chauvet et al., New J. Phys. 13, 065026, 2011; C. Freier et al., J. of Phys.: Conf. Series 723, 012050, 2016. [5] J. M. McGuirk et al., Phys. Rev. A 65, 033608, 2002; P. Asenbaum et al., arXiv:1610.03832. [6] J. Hartwig et al., New J. Phys. 17, 035011, 2015. [7] H. Ahlers et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 116, 173601, 2016; S. Abend et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 117, 203003, 2016. [8] J. Rudolph et al., New J. Phys. 17, 065001, 2015. [9] H. Müntinga et al., Phys. Rev. Lett., 110, 093602, 2013. [10] O. Carraz et al., Microgravity Sci. Technol. 26, 139, 2014; D. Aguilera et al., Class. Quantum Grav. 31, 115010, 2014.

Evaluation of an international doctoral educational program in space life sciences: The Helmholtz Space Life Sciences Research School (SpaceLife) in Germany

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hellweg, C. E.; Spitta, L. F.; Kopp, K.; Schmitz, C.; Reitz, G.; Gerzer, R.

2016-01-01

Training young researchers in the field of space life sciences is essential to vitalize the future of spaceflight. In 2009, the DLR Institute of Aerospace Medicine established the Helmholtz Space Life Sciences Research School (SpaceLife) in cooperation with several universities, starting with 22 doctoral candidates. SpaceLife offered an intensive three-year training program for early-stage researchers from different fields (biology, biomedicine, biomedical engineering, physics, sports, nutrition, plant and space sciences). The candidates passed a multistep selection procedure with a written application, a self-presentation to a selection committee, and an interview with the prospective supervisors. The selected candidates from Germany as well as from abroad attended a curriculum taught in English. An overview of space life sciences was given in a workshop with introductory lectures on space radiation biology and dosimetry, space physiology, gravitational biology and astrobiology. The yearly Doctoral Students' Workshops were also interdisciplinary. During the first Doctoral Students' Workshop, every candidate presented his/her research topic including hypothesis and methods to be applied. The progress report was due after ∼1.5 years and a final report after ∼3 years. The candidates specialized in their subfield in advanced lectures, Journal Clubs, practical trainings, lab exchanges and elective courses. The students attended at least one transferable skills course per year, starting with a Research Skills Development course in the first year, a presentation and writing skills course in the second year, and a career and leadership course in the third year. The whole program encompassed 303 h and was complemented by active conference participation. In this paper, the six years' experience with this program is summarized in order to guide other institutions in establishment of structured Ph.D. programs in this field. The curriculum including elective courses is documented. The applicants' statistics revealed that personal contacts and the DLR website were most important the recruitment of doctoral candidates. The evaluation of the application and selection procedure revealed that prediction of thesis success based on master thesis mark or evaluation by the selection committee is difficult. SpaceLife Doctoral Students greatly contributed to the scientific output in terms of peer-reviewed publications of the Institute of Aerospace Medicine with a peak in the fourth year after start of the thesis and they continuously received awards for their scientific work.

Methods of validating the Advanced Diagnosis and Warning system for aircraft ICing Environments (ADWICE)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rosczyk, S.; Hauf, T.; Leifeld, C.

2003-04-01

In-flight icing is one of the most hazardous problems in aviation. It was determined as contributing factor in more than 800 incidents worldwide. And though the meteorological factors of airframe icing become more and more transparent, they have to be integrated into the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) certification rules first. Therefore best way to enhance aviational safety is to know the areas of dangerous icing conditions in order to prevent flying in them. For this reason the German Weather Service (DWD), the Institute for Atmospheric Physics at the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) and the Institute of Meteorology and Climatology (ImuK) of the University of Hanover started developingADWICE - theAdvanced Diagnosis and Warning system for aircraft ICing Environments - in 1998. This algorithm is based on the DWDLocal Model (LM) forecast of temperature and humidity, in fusion with radar and synop and, coming soon, satellite data. It gives an every-hour nowcast of icing severity and type - divided into four categories: freezing rain, convective, stratiform and general - for the middle European area. A first validation of ADWICE took place in 1999 with observational data from an in-flight icing campaign during EURICE in 1997. The momentary validation deals with a broader database. As first step the output from ADWICE is compared to observations from pilots (PIREPs) to get a statistic of the probability of detecting icing and either no-icing conditions within the last icing-seasons. There were good results of this method with the AmericanIntegrated Icing Diagnostic Algorithm (IIDA). A problem though is the small number of PIREPs from Europe in comparison to the US. So a temporary campaign of pilots (including Lufthansa and Aerolloyd) collecting cloud and icing information every few miles is intended to solve this unpleasant situation. Another source of data are the measurements of theFalcon - a DLR research aircraft carrying an icing sensor. In addition to that both in-situ measurements and observations onboard some passages around Europe and data from military test flights could help to get a period of more complete data sample. Results of these campaigns and the statistical analysis of the PIREPs are hoped to give another quality assessment of ADWICE and therefore help implementing it operationally.

Cellular phone use and brain tumor: a meta-analysis.

PubMed

Kan, Peter; Simonsen, Sara E; Lyon, Joseph L; Kestle, John R W

2008-01-01

The dramatic increase in the use of cellular phones has generated concerns about potential adverse effects, especially the development of brain tumors. We conducted a meta-analysis to examine the effect of cellular phone use on the risk of brain tumor development. We searched the literature using MEDLINE to locate case-control studies on cellular phone use and brain tumors. Odds ratios (ORs) for overall effect and stratified ORs associated with specific brain tumors, long-term use, and analog/digital phones were calculated for each study using its original data. A pooled estimator of each OR was then calculated using a random-effects model. Nine case-control studies containing 5,259 cases of primary brain tumors and 12,074 controls were included. All studies reported ORs according to brain tumor subtypes, and five provided ORs on patients with > or =10 years of follow up. Pooled analysis showed an overall OR of 0.90 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.81-0.99) for cellular phone use and brain tumor development. The pooled OR for long-term users of > or =10 years (5 studies) was 1.25 (95% CI 1.01-1.54). No increased risk was observed in analog or digital cellular phone users. We found no overall increased risk of brain tumors among cellular phone users. The potential elevated risk of brain tumors after long-term cellular phone use awaits confirmation by future studies.

A nanotube based electron microbeam cellular irradiator for radiobiology research

PubMed Central

Bordelon, David E.; Zhang, Jian; Graboski, Sarah; Cox, Adrienne; Schreiber, Eric; Zhou, Otto Z.; Chang, Sha

2008-01-01

A prototype cellular irradiator utilizing a carbon nanotube (CNT) based field emission electron source has been developed for microscopic image-guided cellular region irradiation. The CNT cellular irradiation system has shown great potential to be a high temporal and spatial resolution research tool to enable researchers to gain a better understanding of the intricate cellular and intercellular microprocesses occurring following radiation deposition, which is essential to improving radiotherapy cancer treatment outcomes. In this paper, initial results of the system development are reported. The relationship between field emission current, the dose rate, and the dose distribution has been investigated. A beam size of 23 μm has been achieved with variable dose rates of 1–100 Gy∕s, and the system dosimetry has been measured using a radiochromic film. Cell irradiation has been demonstrated by the visualization of H2AX phosphorylation at DNA double-strand break sites following irradiation in a rat fibroblast cell monolayer. The prototype single beam cellular irradiator is a preliminary step to a multipixel cell irradiator that is under development. PMID:19123587

Transparent metal model study of the use of a cellular growth front to form aligned monotectic composite materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kaukler, William F.

1988-01-01

The purpose of this work was to resolve a scientific controversy in the understanding of how second phase particles become aligned during unidirectional growth of a monotectic alloy. A second aspect was to make the first systematic observations of the solidification behavior of a monotectic alloy during cellular growth in-situ. This research provides the first systematic transparent model study of cellular solidification. An interface stability diagram was developed for the planar to cellular transition of the succinonitrile glycerol (SNG) system. A method was developed utilizing Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy which allows quantitative compositional analysis of directionally solidified SNG along the growth axis. To determine the influence of cellular growth front on alignment for directionally solidified monotectic alloys, the planar and cellular growth morphology was observed in-situ for SNG between 8 and 17 percent glycerol and for a range of over two orders of magnitude G/R.

Extracellular cystatin SN and cathepsin B prevent cellular senescence by inhibiting abnormal glycogen accumulation.

PubMed

Oh, Sang-Seok; Park, Soojong; Lee, Ki-Won; Madhi, Hamadi; Park, Sae Gwang; Lee, Hee Gu; Cho, Yong-Yeon; Yoo, Jiyun; Dong Kim, Kwang

2017-04-06

Cystatin SN (CST1), a known inhibitor of cathepsin B (CatB), has important roles in tumor development. Paradoxically, CatB is a member of the cysteine cathepsin family that acts in cellular processes, such as tumor development and invasion. However, the relationship between CST1 and CatB, and their roles in tumor development are poorly understood. In this study, we observed that the knockdown of CST1 induced the activity of senescence-associated β-galactosidase, a marker of cellular senescence, and expression of senescence-associated secretory phenotype genes, including interleukin-6 and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 20, in MDA-MB-231 and SW480 cancer cells. Furthermore, CST1 knockdown decreased extracellular CatB activity, and direct CatB inhibition, using specific inhibitors or shCatB, induced cellular senescence. Reconstitution of CST1 restored CatB activity and inhibited cellular senescence in CST1 knockdown cells. CST1 knockdown or CatB inhibition increased glycogen synthase (GS) kinase 3β phosphorylation at serine 9, resulting in the activation of GS and the induction of glycogen accumulation associated with cellular senescence. Importantly, CST1 knockdown suppressed cancer cell proliferation, soft agar colony growth and tumor growth in a xenograft model. These results indicate that CST1-mediated extracellular CatB activity enhances tumor development by preventing cellular senescence. Our findings suggest that antagonists of CST1 or inhibitors of CatB are potential anticancer agents.

Euro-Maps 3D- A Transnational, High-Resolution Digital Surface Model For Europe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uttenthaler, A.; Barner, F.; Hass, T.; Makiola, J.; d'Angelo, P.; Reinartz, P.; Carl, S.; Steiner, K.

2013-12-01

Euro-Maps 3D is a homogeneous 5 m spaced digital surface model (DSM) semi-automatically derived by Euromap from 2.5 m in-flight stereo data provided by the Indian IRS-P5 Cartosat-1 satellite. This new and innovative product has been developed in close co- operation with the Remote Sensing Technology Institute (IMF) of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and is being jointly exploited. The very detailed and accurate representation of the surface is achieved by using a sophisticated and well adapted algorithm implemented on the basis of the Semi-Global Matching approach. In addition, the final product includes detailed flanking information consisting of several pixel-based quality and traceability layers also including an ortho layer. The product is believed to provide maximum accuracy and transparency. The DSM product meets and exceeds HRE80 qualification standards. The DSM product will be made available transnational in a homogeneous quality for most parts of Europe, North Africa and Turkey by Euromap step-by-step. Other areas around the world are processed on demand.

Hazard Control Extensions in a COTS Based Data Handling System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vogel, Torsten; Rakers, Sven; Gronowski, Matthias; Schneegans, Joachim

2011-08-01

EML is an electromagnetic levitator for containerless processing of conductive samples on the International Space Station. This material sciences experiment is running in the European Drawer Rack (EDR) facility. The objective of this experiment is to gain insight into the parameters of liquid metal samples and their crystallisation processes without the influence of container walls. To this end the samples are electromagnetically positioned in a coil system and then heated up beyond their melting point in an ultraclean environment.The EML programme is currently under development by Astrium Space Transportation in Friedrichshafen and Bremen; jointly funded by ESA and DLR (on behalf of BMWi, contract 50WP0808). EML consists of four main modules listed in Table 1. The paper focuses mainly on the architecture and design of the ECM module and its contribution to a safe operation of the experiment. The ECM is a computer system that integrates the power supply to the EML experiment, control functions and video handling and compression features. Experiment control is performed by either telecommand or the execution of predefined experiment scripts.

Estimation of total electron content (TEC) using spaceborne GPS measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, Key-Rok; Lightsey, E. Glenn

2008-09-01

TerraSAR-X (TSX), a high-resolution interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) mission from DLR (German Aerospace Center, Deutsches Zentrum für Luft-und Raumfahrt), was successfully launched into orbit on June 15, 2007. It includes a dual-frequency GPS receiver called IGOR (Integrated GPS Occultation Receiver), which is a heritage NASA/JPL BlackJack receiver. The software for the TSX IGOR receiver was specially-modified software developed at UT/CSR. This software was upgraded to provide enhanced occultation capabilities. This paper describes total electron content (TEC) estimation using simulation data and onboard GPS data of TerraSAR-X. The simulated GPS data were collected using the IGOR Engineering Model (EM) in the laboratory and the onboard GPS data were collected from the IGOR Flight Model (FM) on TSX. To estimate vertical total electron content (vTEC) for the simulation data, inter-frequency biases (IFB) were estimated using the "carrier to code leveling process." For the onboard GPS data, IFBs of GPS satellites were retrieved from the navigation message and applied to the measurements.

Experimental Study of Temperature-Dependence Laws of Non-Voigt Absorption Line Shape Parameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilzewski, Jonas; Birk, Manfred; Loos, Joep; Wagner, Georg

2017-06-01

To improve the understanding of temperature-dependence laws of spectral line shape parameters, spectra of the ν_3 rovibrational band of CO_2 perturbed by 10, 30, 100, 300 and 1000 mbar of N_2 were measured at nine temperatures between 190 K and 330 K using a 22 cm long single-pass absorption cell in a Bruker IFS125 HR Fourier Transform spectrometer. The spectra were fitted employing a quadratic speed-dependent hard collision model in the Hartmann-Tran implementation extended to account for line mixing in the Rosenkranz approximation by means of a multispectrum fitting approach developed at DLR This enables high accuracy parameter retrievals to reproduce the spectra down to noise level and we will present the behavior of line widths, shifts, speed-dependence-, collisional narrowing- and line mixing-parameters over this 140 K temperature range. Tran et al. JQSRT 129, 199-203 (2013); JQSRT 134, 104 (2014). Loos et al., 2014; http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.11156. Ngo et al. JQSRT 29, 89-100 (2013); JQSRT 134, 105 (2014).

Brain segmentation and the generation of cortical surfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Joshi, M.; Cui, J.; Doolittle, K.; Joshi, S.; Van Essen, D.; Wang, L.; Miller, M. I.

1999-01-01

This paper describes methods for white matter segmentation in brain images and the generation of cortical surfaces from the segmentations. We have developed a system that allows a user to start with a brain volume, obtained by modalities such as MRI or cryosection, and constructs a complete digital representation of the cortical surface. The methodology consists of three basic components: local parametric modeling and Bayesian segmentation; surface generation and local quadratic coordinate fitting; and surface editing. Segmentations are computed by parametrically fitting known density functions to the histogram of the image using the expectation maximization algorithm [DLR77]. The parametric fits are obtained locally rather than globally over the whole volume to overcome local variations in gray levels. To represent the boundary of the gray and white matter we use triangulated meshes generated using isosurface generation algorithms [GH95]. A complete system of local parametric quadratic charts [JWM+95] is superimposed on the triangulated graph to facilitate smoothing and geodesic curve tracking. Algorithms for surface editing include extraction of the largest closed surface. Results for several macaque brains are presented comparing automated and hand surface generation. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.

Full-Physics Inverse Learning Machine for Satellite Remote Sensing of Ozone Profile Shapes and Tropospheric Columns

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, J.; Heue, K.-P.; Coldewey-Egbers, M.; Romahn, F.; Doicu, A.; Loyola, D.

2018-04-01

Characterizing vertical distributions of ozone from nadir-viewing satellite measurements is known to be challenging, particularly the ozone information in the troposphere. A novel retrieval algorithm called Full-Physics Inverse Learning Machine (FP-ILM), has been developed at DLR in order to estimate ozone profile shapes based on machine learning techniques. In contrast to traditional inversion methods, the FP-ILM algorithm formulates the profile shape retrieval as a classification problem. Its implementation comprises a training phase to derive an inverse function from synthetic measurements, and an operational phase in which the inverse function is applied to real measurements. This paper extends the ability of the FP-ILM retrieval to derive tropospheric ozone columns from GOME- 2 measurements. Results of total and tropical tropospheric ozone columns are compared with the ones using the official GOME Data Processing (GDP) product and the convective-cloud-differential (CCD) method, respectively. Furthermore, the FP-ILM framework will be used for the near-real-time processing of the new European Sentinel sensors with their unprecedented spectral and spatial resolution and corresponding large increases in the amount of data.

System Analysis and Evaluation of Greenhouse Modules within Moon/Mars Habitats

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prasad Nagendra, Narayan; Schubert, Daniel; Zabel, Paul

2012-07-01

Long term settlement on different planets of the solar system is a fascination for mankind. Some researchers contemplate that planetary settlement is a necessity for the survival of the human race over millions of years. The generation of food for self sufficiency in space or on planetary bases is a vital part of this vision of space habitation. The amount of mass that can be transported in deep space missions is constrained by the launcher capability and its costs. The space community has proposed and designed various greenhouse modules to cater to human culinary requirements and act as part of life support systems. A survey of the different greenhouse space concepts and terrestrial test facilities is presented, drawing a list of measurable factors (e.g. growth area, power consumption, human activity index, etc.) for the evaluation of greenhouse modules. These factors include tangible and intangible parameters that have been used in the development of an evaluation method on greenhouse concepts as a subsystem of planetary habitats at the DLR Institute of Space Systems, Bremen.

Collapse of Capillary Flows in Wedge-Shaped Channels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klatte, Jörg; Dreyer, Michael E.

The low gravity environment of the Bremen Drop Tower has been used to study free surface channel flows for different flow rates. In general the flow is dominated by inertia and surface-tension effects. The analysis of inertia-dominated free surface flows is of major interest because flow rate is limited due to a collapse of the free surface, which is one major design limit e.g. for propellant management devices in space. High-Resolution Experiments with convective dominated systems have been performed where the flow rate was increased up to the maximum value. In comparison to this we present unique three-dimensional computations to determine important characteristics of the flow, such as the free surface shape, the limiting flow rate and the developing flow profiles. The excellent agreement validates the capabilities of the numerical solver. Finally, the results of an para-metric study with a unique scaling which captures both inertia and viscous-dominated collapse behavior will be presented. The support for this research by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) through the German Aerospace Center (DLR) under grant number 50WM0535/845 is gratefully acknowledged.

SOFIA First Generation Science Instruments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Erickson, Edwin F.; Meyer, Allan W.

2003-01-01

SOFIA will provide 0.3- 1600 pm wavelength coverage, excellent FIR/submm angular resolution, a variety of focal plane instruments, and access to them throughout a 20-year lifetime. These attributes assure SOFIA a vital role in future observations of the interstellar medium, and in numerous other studies. SOFIA is a joint program of NASA in the U.S. and DLR in Germany. Observing time will be arranged by annual peer review of proposals, with roughly 80 percent of the time granted by the U.S. and 20 percent of the time granted by Germany. International proposals may be submitted to either time allocation committee. SOFIA is expected to begin science flights in 2005.

User’s Manual for Strategic Satellite System Terminal Segment Life Cycle Cost Model. Volume 1

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-03-01

the depot pipeline, given by: NFD(I) = EFAIL (I,NS)*TNB(NS) NS *1 [LRU(I) + RTS(NHI(1))]*NRTS(I)*DRCT(LO(NS)) + NRTS(NHI(i))*(l - COND(I))*DADI where... EFAIL (I,NS)*TNB(NS)* [(LRU(I) + RTS(NHI(I)))*NRTS(I) NS + NRTS(NHI(I))*(l-COND(I))] *DMH(I)*DMF where DMH(I) = averaRP marnours to perform depot...XJC - RSCA(I) + 12*PIUP* EFAIL (I,NS)*TNB(NS)* NS {(LRUCI)+RTS(NHI(I)))* (CR(I)*BIIH(I)*BMF*BLR + CN(I)*(DMH(I)*DMF*DLR + 2*CPPD(LOCNS))*WT(I)) + CC

KSC-99pp0331

NASA Image and Video Library

1999-03-22

The Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) sits uncovered inside the Multi-Payload Processing Facility. The primary payload on mission STS-99, the SRTM consists of a specially modified radar system that will fly onboard the Space Shuttle during the 11-day mission scheduled for September 1999. This radar system will gather data that will result in the most accurate and complete topographic map of the Earth's surface that has ever been assembled. SRTM is an international project spearheaded by the National Imagery and Mapping Agency and NASA, with participation of the German Aerospace Center DLR. Its objective is to obtain the most complete high-resolution digital topographic database of the Earth

KSC-99pp0326

NASA Image and Video Library

1999-03-24

The vehicle carrying the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) arrives at the Multi-Payload Processing Facility. The primary payload on mission STS-99, the SRTM consists of a specially modified radar system that will fly onboard the Space Shuttle during the 11-day mission scheduled for September 1999. This radar system will gather data that will result in the most accurate and complete topographic map of the Earth's surface that has ever been assembled. SRTM is an international project spearheaded by the National Imagery and Mapping Agency and NASA, with participation of the German Aerospace Center DLR. Its objective is to obtain the most complete high-resolution digital topographic database of the Earth

KSC-99pp0327

NASA Image and Video Library

1999-03-24

Inside the Multi-Payload Processing Facility, the lid covering the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) is lifted. The primary payload on mission STS-99, the SRTM consists of a specially modified radar system that will fly onboard the Space Shuttle during the 11-day mission scheduled for September 1999. This radar system will gather data that will result in the most accurate and complete topographic map of the Earth's surface that has ever been assembled. SRTM is an international project spearheaded by the National Imagery and Mapping Agency and NASA, with participation of the German Aerospace Center DLR. Its objective is to obtain the most complete high-resolution digital topographic database of the Earth

Modelling and operation strategies of DLR's large scale thermocline test facility (TESIS)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Odenthal, Christian; Breidenbach, Nils; Bauer, Thomas

2017-06-01

In this work an overview of the TESIS:store thermocline test facility and its current construction status will be given. Based on this, the TESIS:store facility using sensible solid filler material is modelled with a fully transient model, implemented in MATLAB®. Results in terms of the impact of filler site and operation strategies will be presented. While low porosity and small particle diameters for the filler material are beneficial, operation strategy is one key element with potential for optimization. It is shown that plant operators have to ponder between utilization and exergetic efficiency. Different durations of the charging and discharging period enable further potential for optimizations.

Ion-driven deuterium permeation through tungsten at high temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gasparyan, Yu. M.; Golubeva, A. V.; Mayer, M.; Pisarev, A. A.; Roth, J.

2009-06-01

The ion-driven permeation (IDP) through 50 μm thick pure tungsten foils was measured in the temperature range of 823-923 K during irradiation by 200 eV/D + ion beam with a flux of 10 17-10 18 D/m 2s. Gas driven permeation (GDP) from the deuterium background gas was observed as well. Calculations using both the analytical formula for the diffusion limited regime (DLR) and the TMAP 7 code gave good agreement with the experimental data. Defects with a detrapping energy of (2.05 ± 0.15) eV were found to limit the permeation lag time in our experimental conditions.

HAWC+/SOFIA Instrumental Polarization Calibration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Michail, Joseph M.; Chuss, David; Dowell, Charles D.; Santos, Fabio; Siah, Javad; Vaillancourt, John; HAWC+ Instrument Team

2018-01-01

HAWC+ is a new far-infrared polarimeter for the NASA/DLR SOFIA (Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy) telescope. HAWC+ has the capability to measure the polarization of astronomical sources with unprecedented sensitivity and angular resolution in four bands from 50-250 microns. Using data obtained during commissioning flights, we implemented a calibration strategy that separates the astronomical polarization signal from the induced instrumental polarization. The result of this analysis is a map of the instrumental polarization as a function of position in the instrument's focal plane in each band. The results show consistency between bands, as well as with other methods used to determine preliminary instrumental polarization values.

Engineering and erection of a 300kW high-flux solar simulator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wieghardt, Kai; Laaber, Dmitrij; Hilger, Patrick; Dohmen, Volkmar; Funken, Karl-Heinz; Hoffschmidt, Bernhard

2017-06-01

German Aerospace Center (DLR) is currently constructing a new high-flux solar simulator synlight which shall be commissioned in late 2016. The new facility will provide three separately operated experimental spaces with expected radiant powers of about 300kW / 240kW / 240kW respectively. synlight was presented to the public for the first time at SolarPACES 2015 [1]. Its engineering and erection is running according to plan. The current presentation reports about the engineering and the ongoing erection of the novel facility, and gives an outlook on its new level of possibilities for solar testing and qualification.

Cellular Therapies Clinical Research Roadmap: lessons learned on how to move a cellular therapy into a clinical trial.

PubMed

Ouseph, Stacy; Tappitake, Darah; Armant, Myriam; Wesselschmidt, Robin; Derecho, Ivy; Draxler, Rebecca; Wood, Deborah; Centanni, John M

2015-04-01

A clinical research roadmap has been developed as a resource for researchers to identify critical areas and potential pitfalls when transitioning a cellular therapy product from the research laboratory, by means of an Investigational New Drug (IND) application, into early-phase clinical trials. The roadmap describes four key areas: basic and preclinical research, resource development, translational research and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and IND assembly and submission. Basic and preclinical research identifies a new therapeutic concept and demonstrates its potential value with the use of a model of the relevant disease. During resource development, the appropriate specialists and the required expertise to bring this product into the clinic are identified (eg, researchers, regulatory specialists, GMP manufacturing staff, clinicians and clinical trials staff, etc). Additionally, the funds required to achieve this goal (or a plan to procure them) are identified. In the next phase, the plan to translate the research product into a clinical-grade therapeutic is developed. Finally regulatory approval to start the trial must be obtained. In the United States, this is done by filing an IND application with the Food and Drug Administration. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute-funded Production Assistance for Cellular Therapies program has facilitated the transition of a variety of cellular therapy products from the laboratory into Phase1/2 trials. The five Production Assistance for Cellular Therapies facilities have assisted investigators by performing translational studies and GMP manufacturing to ensure that cellular products met release specifications and were manufactured safely, reproducibly and at the appropriate scale. The roadmap resulting from this experience is the focus of this article. Copyright © 2015 International Society for Cellular Therapy. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

FishFace: interactive atlas of zebrafish craniofacial development at cellular resolution

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background The vertebrate craniofacial skeleton may exhibit anatomical complexity and diversity, but its genesis and evolution can be understood through careful dissection of developmental programs at cellular resolution. Resources are lacking that include introductory overviews of skeletal anatomy coupled with descriptions of craniofacial development at cellular resolution. In addition to providing analytical guidelines for other studies, such an atlas would suggest cellular mechanisms underlying development. Description We present the Fish Face Atlas, an online, 3D-interactive atlas of craniofacial development in the zebrafish Danio rerio. Alizarin red-stained skulls scanned by fluorescent optical projection tomography and segmented into individual elements provide a resource for understanding the 3D structure of the zebrafish craniofacial skeleton. These data provide the user an anatomical entry point to confocal images of Alizarin red-stained zebrafish with transgenically-labelled pharyngeal arch ectomesenchyme, chondrocytes, and osteoblasts, which illustrate the appearance, morphogenesis, and growth of the mandibular and hyoid cartilages and bones, as viewed in live, anesthetized zebrafish during embryonic and larval development. Confocal image stacks at high magnification during the same stages provide cellular detail and suggest developmental and evolutionary hypotheses. Conclusion The FishFace Atlas is a novel learning tool for understanding craniofacial skeletal development, and can serve as a reference for a variety of studies, including comparative and mutational analyses. PMID:23714426

Terminal addition in a cellular world.

PubMed

Torday, J S; Miller, William B

2018-07-01

Recent advances in our understanding of evolutionary development permit a reframed appraisal of Terminal Addition as a continuous historical process of cellular-environmental complementarity. Within this frame of reference, evolutionary terminal additions can be identified as environmental induction of episodic adjustments to cell-cell signaling patterns that yield the cellular-molecular pathways that lead to differing developmental forms. Phenotypes derive, thereby, through cellular mutualistic/competitive niche constructions in reciprocating responsiveness to environmental stresses and epigenetic impacts. In such terms, Terminal Addition flows according to a logic of cellular needs confronting environmental challenges over space-time. A reconciliation of evolutionary development and Terminal Addition can be achieved through a combined focus on cell-cell signaling, molecular phylogenies and a broader understanding of epigenetic phenomena among eukaryotic organisms. When understood in this manner, Terminal Addition has an important role in evolutionary development, and chronic disease might be considered as a form of 'reverse evolution' of the self-same processes. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Driving mechanisms of passive and active transport across cellular membranes as the mechanisms of cell metabolism and development as well as the mechanisms of cellular distance reactions on hormonal expression and the immune response.

PubMed

Ponisovskiy, M R

2011-01-01

The article presents mechanisms of cell metabolism, cell development, cell activity, and maintenance of cellular stability. The literature is reviewed from the point of view of these concepts. The balance between anabolic and catabolic processes induces chemical potentials in the extracellular and intracellular media. The chemical potentials of these media are defined as the driving forces of both passive and active transport of substances across cellular membranes. The driving forces of substance transport across cellular membranes as in cellular metabolism and in immune responses and hormonal expressions are considered in the biochemical and biophysical models, reflecting the mechanisms for maintenance of stability of the internal medium and internal energy of an organism. The interactions of passive transport and active transport of substances across cellular walls promote cell proliferation, as well as the mechanism of cellular capacitors, promoting remote reactions across distance for hormonal expression and immune responses. The offered concept of cellular capacitors has given the possibility to explain the mechanism of remote responses of cells to new situations, resulting in the appearance of additional agents. The biophysical model develops an explanation of some cellular functions: cellular membrane action have been identified with capacitor action, based on the similarity of the structures and as well as on similarity of biophysical properties of electric data that confirm the action of the compound-specific interactions of cells within an organism, promoting hormonal expressions and immune responses to stabilize the thermodynamic system of an organism. Comparison of a cellular membrane action to a capacitor has given the possibility for the explanations of exocytosis and endocytosis mechanisms, internalization of the receptor-ligand complex, selection as a receptor reaction to a ligand by immune responses or hormonal effects, reflecting cellular distance reactions on the hormonal expressions, immune responses, and specificity of the mechanisms of immune reactions. Reviewing current research of cell activity, explanations are presented of mechanisms of apoptosis, autophagy, hormonal expression, and immune responses from the point of view of described cellular mechanisms. Thermodynamic laws are used to confirm the importance of the actions of these mechanisms for maintenance of stability of the internal medium and internal energy of an organism.

Spacelab

NASA Image and Video Library

1994-07-08

This is a Space Shuttle Columbia (STS-65) onboard photo of the second International Microgravity Laboratory (IML-2) in the cargo bay with Earth in the background. Mission objectives of IML-2 were to conduct science and technology investigations that required the low-gravity environment of space, with emphasis on experiments that studied the effects of microgravity on materials processes and living organisms. Materials science and life sciences are two of the most exciting areas of microgravity research because discoveries in these fields could greatly enhance the quality of life on Earth. If the structure of certain proteins can be determined by examining high-quality protein crystals grown in microgravity, advances can be made to improve the treatment of many human diseases. Electronic materials research in space may help us refine processes and make better products, such as computers, lasers, and other high-tech devices. The 14-nation European Space Agency (ESA), the Canadian Space Agency (SCA), the French National Center for Space Studies (CNES), the German Space Agency and the German Aerospace Research Establishment (DARA/DLR), and the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA) participated in developing hardware and experiments for the IML missions. The missions were managed by NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center. The Orbiter Columbia was launched from the Kennedy Space Center on July 8, 1994 for the IML-2 mission.

A Technical Overview and Description of SOFIA (Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kunz, Nans

2003-01-01

This paper provides a technical overview of SOFIA, a unique airborne observatory, from an engineering perspective. It will do this by describing several of the systems of this observatory that are common with mountain top ground based observatories but mostly emphasize those more unique features and systems that are required to facilitate world class astronomy from a highly modified Boeing 747-SP flying at Mach 0.84 in the Stratosphere. This paper provides a technical overview of SOFIA by reviewing each of the performance specifications (the level one requirements for development) and describing some of the technical advancements for the telescope as well as the platform required to achieve these performance specifications. The technical advancements involved include mirror technologies, control system features, the telescope suspension system, and the aircraft open port cavity with associated cavity door that opens in flight and tracks the telescope elevation angle. For background this paper will provide a brief programmatic overview of the SOFIA project including the joint project arrangement between the US and Germany (NASA and DLR). Additionally, this paper will describe the up to date status of the development of SOFIA as the Observatory nears the date of the first test flight in the summer of 2004.

MERLIN (Methane Remote Sensing Lidar Mission): an Overview

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pierangelo, C.; Millet, B.; Esteve, F.; Alpers, M.; Ehret, G.; Flamant, P.; Berthier, S.; Gibert, F.; Chomette, O.; Edouart, D.; Deniel, C.; Bousquet, P.; Chevallier, F.

2016-06-01

The Methane Remote Sensing Lidar Mission (MERLIN), currently in phase B, is a joint cooperation between France and Germany on the development, launch and operation of a methane (CH4) monitoring satellite. MERLIN is focused on global measurements of the spatial and temporal gradients of atmospheric CH4, the second most anthropogenic gas, with a precision and accuracy sufficient to constrain Methane fluxes significantly better than with the current observation network. For the first time, measurements of atmospheric composition will be performed from space thanks to an IPDA (Integrated Path Differential Absorption) LIDAR (Light Detecting And Ranging). This payload is under the responsibility of the German space agency (DLR), while the platform (MYRIADE Evolutions product line) is developed by the French space agency (CNES). The IPDA technique relies on DIAL (Differential Absorption LIDAR) measurements using a pulsed laser emitting at two wavelengths, one wavelength accurately locked on a spectral feature of the methane absorption line, and the other wavelength free from absorption to be used as reference. This technique enables measurements in all seasons, at all latitudes. It also guarantees almost no contamination by aerosols or water vapour cross-sensitivity, and thus has the advantage of an extremely low level of systematic error on the dry-air column mixing ratio of CH4.

The SOFIA aircraft and its modification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kunz, Nans

2003-02-01

The primary focus of this paper is to describe the development of a highly modified aircraft that carries a twenty ton telescope to the stratosphere and then loiters at this desired altitude to act as the observatory platform and dome. When the aircraft has reached its nominal cruise condition of Mach 0.84 in the stratosphere, a large cavity door opens (the dome opens), exposing a large portion of the interior of the fuselage that contains the telescope optics directly to the Universe. The topics covered in this paper include: the relevant criteria and the evaluation process that resulted in the selection of a Boeing 747-SP, the evolution of the design concept, the description of the structural modification including the analysis methods and tools, the aerodynamic issues associated with an open port cavity and how they were addressed, and the aeroloads/ disturbances imparted to the telescope and how they were measured in the wind tunnel and extrapolated to full size. This paper is complementary to a previous paper presented at the 2000 Airborne Telescope Systems conference which describes the challenges associated with the development of the SOFIA Telescope. For completeness, this paper also provides a brief overview of the SOFIA project including the joint project arrangement between NASA and DLR, a top level overview of the requirements, and finally the current project status.

A Summary of Proposed Changes to the Current ICARTT Format Standards and their Implications to Future Airborne Studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Northup, E. A.; Kusterer, J.; Quam, B.; Chen, G.; Early, A. B.; Beach, A. L., III

2015-12-01

The current ICARTT file format standards were developed for the purpose of fulfilling the data management needs for the International Consortium for Atmospheric Research on Transport and Transformation (ICARTT) campaign in 2004. The goal of the ICARTT file format was to establish a common and simple to use data file format to promote data exchange and collaboration among science teams with similar science objectives. ICARTT has been the NASA standard since 2010, and is widely used by NOAA, NSF, and international partners (DLR, FAAM). Despite its level of acceptance, there are a number of issues with the current ICARTT format, especially concerning the machine readability. To enhance usability, the ICARTT Refresh Earth Science Data Systems Working Group (ESDSWG) was established to enable a platform for atmospheric science data producers, users (e.g. modelers) and data managers to collaborate on developing criteria for this file format. Ultimately, this is a cross agency effort to improve and aggregate the metadata records being produced. After conducting a survey to identify deficiencies in the current format, we determined which are considered most important to the various communities. Numerous recommendations were made to improve upon the file format while maintaining backward compatibility. The recommendations made to date and their advantages and limitations will be discussed.

Exploitation of Digital Surface Models Generated from WORLDVIEW-2 Data for SAR Simulation Techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ilehag, R.; Auer, S.; d'Angelo, P.

2017-05-01

GeoRaySAR, an automated SAR simulator developed at DLR, identifies buildings in high resolution SAR data by utilizing geometric knowledge extracted from digital surface models (DSMs). Hitherto, the simulator has utilized DSMs generated from LiDAR data from airborne sensors with pre-filtered vegetation. Discarding the need for pre-optimized model input, DSMs generated from high resolution optical data (acquired with WorldView-2) are used for the extraction of building-related SAR image parts in this work. An automatic preprocessing of the DSMs has been developed for separating buildings from elevated vegetation (trees, bushes) and reducing the noise level. Based on that, automated simulations are triggered considering the properties of real SAR images. Locations in three cities, Munich, London and Istanbul, were chosen as study areas to determine advantages and limitations related to WorldView-2 DSMs as input for GeoRaySAR. Beyond, the impact of the quality of the DSM in terms of building extraction is evaluated as well as evaluation of building DSM, a DSM only containing buildings. The results indicate that building extents can be detected with DSMs from optical satellite data with various success, dependent on the quality of the DSM as well as on the SAR imaging perspective.

Some Experience Using SEN2COR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pflug, Bringfried; Bieniarz, Jakub; Debaecker, Vincent; Louis, Jérôme; Müller-Wilms, Uwe

2016-04-01

ESA has developed and launched the Sentinel-2A optical imaging mission that delivers optical data products designed to feed downstream services mainly related to land monitoring, emergency management and security. Many of these applications require accurate correction of satellite images for atmospheric effects to ensure the highest quality of scientific exploitation of Sentinel-2 data. Therefore the atmospheric correction processor Sen2Cor was developed by TPZ V on behalf of ESA. TPZ F and DLR have teamed up in order to provide the calibration and validation of the Level-2A processor Sen2Cor. Level-2A processing is applied to Top-Of-Atmosphere (TOA) Level-1C ortho-image reflectance products. Level-2A main output is the Bottom-Of-Atmosphere (BOA) corrected reflectance product. Additional outputs are an Aerosol Optical Thickness (AOT) map, a Water Vapour (WV) map and a Scene Classification (SC) map with Quality Indicators for cloud and snow probabilities. The poster will present some processing examples of Sen2Cor applied to Sentinel-2A data together with first performance investigations. Different situations will be covered like processing with and without DEM (Digital Elevation Model). Sen2Cor processing is controlled by several configuration parameters. Some examples will be presented demonstrating the influence of different settings of some parameters.

High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) on Mars Express - a decade of PR/EO activities at Freie Universität Berlin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balthasar, Heike; Dumke, Alexander; van Gasselt, Stephan; Gross, Christoph; Michael, Gregory; Musiol, Stefanie; Neu, Dominik; Platz, Thomas; Rosenberg, Heike; Schreiner, Björn; Walter, Sebastian

2014-05-01

Since 2003 the High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) experiment on the Mars Express mission is in orbit around Mars. First images were sent to Earth on January 14th, 2004. The goal-oriented HRSC data dissemination and the transparent representation of the associated work and results are the main aspects that contributed to the success in the public perception of the experiment. The Planetary Sciences and Remote Sensing Group at Freie Universität Berlin (FUB) offers both, an interactive web based data access, and browse/download options for HRSC press products [www.fu-berlin.de/planets]. Close collaborations with exhibitors as well as print and digital media representatives allows for regular and directed dissemination of, e.g., conventional imagery, orbital/synthetic surface epipolar images, video footage, and high-resolution displays. On a monthly basis we prepare press releases in close collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA) and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) [http://www.geo.fu-berlin.de/en/geol/fachrichtungen/planet/press/index.html]. A release comprises panchromatic, colour, anaglyph, and perspective views of a scene taken from an HRSC image of the Martian surface. In addition, a context map and descriptive texts in English and German are provided. More sophisticated press releases include elaborate animations and simulated flights over the Martian surface, perspective views of stereo data combined with colour and high resolution, mosaics, and perspective views of data mosaics. Altogether 970 high quality PR products and 15 movies were created at FUB during the last decade and published via FUB/DLR/ESA platforms. We support educational outreach events, as well as permanent and special exhibitions. Examples for that are the yearly "Science Fair", where special programs for kids are offered, and the exhibition "Mars Mission and Vision" which is on tour until 2015 through 20 German towns, showing 3-D movies, surface models, and images of the HRSC camera experiment. Press and media appearances of group members, and talks to school classes and interested communities also contribute to the public outreach. For HRSC data dissemination we use digital platforms. Since 2007 HRSC image data can be viewed and accessed via the online interface HRSCview [http://hrscview.fu-berlin.de] which was built in cooperation with the DLR Institute for Planetary Research. Additionally HRSC ortho images (level 4) are presented in a modern MapServer setup in GIS-read format since 2013 [http://www.geo.fu-berlin.de/en/geol/fachrichtungen/planet/projects/marsexpress/level4downloads/index.html]. All of these offers ensured the accessibility of HRSC data and products to the science community as well as to the general public for the last ten years and will do so also in the future, taking advantage of modern and user-optimized applications and networks.

HRSCview: a web-based data exploration system for the Mars Express HRSC instrument

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Michael, G.; Walter, S.; Neukum, G.

2007-08-01

The High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) on the ESA Mars Express spacecraft has been orbiting Mars since January 2004. By spring 2007 it had returned around 2 terabytes of image data, covering around 35% of the Martian surface in stereo and colour at a resolu-tion of 10-20 m/pixel. HRSCview provides a rapid means to explore these images up to their full resolu-tion with the data-subsetting, sub-sampling, stretching and compositing being carried out on-the-fly by the image server. It is a joint website of the Free University of Berlin and the German Aerospace Center (DLR). The system operates by on-the-fly processing of the six HRSC level-4 image products: the map-projected ortho-rectified nadir pan-chromatic and four colour channels, and the stereo-derived DTM (digital terrain model). The user generates a request via the web-page for an image with several parameters: the centre of the view in surface coordinates, the image resolution in metres/pixel, the image dimensions, and one of several colour modes. If there is HRSC coverage at the given location, the necessary segments are extracted from the full orbit images, resampled to the required resolution, and composited according to the user's choice. In all modes the nadir channel, which has the highest resolu-tion, is included in the composite so that the maximum detail is always retained. The images are stretched ac-cording to the current view: this applies to the eleva-tion colour scale, as well as the nadir brightness and the colour channels. There are modes for raw colour, stretched colour, enhanced colour (exaggerated colour differences), and a synthetic 'Mars-like' colour stretch. A colour ratio mode is given as an alternative way to examine colour differences (R=IR/R, G=R/G and B=G/B). The final image is packaged as a JPEG file and returned to the user over the web. Each request requires approximately 1 second to process. A link is provided from each view to a data product page, where header items describing the full map-projected science data product are displayed, and a direct link to the archived data products on the ESA Planetary Science Archive (PSA) is provided. At pre-sent the majority of the elevation composites are de-rived from the HRSC Preliminary 200m DTMs gener-ated at the German Aerospace Center (DLR), which will not be available as separately downloadable data products. These DTMs are being progressively super-seded by systematically generated higher resolution archival DTMs, also from DLR, which will become available for download through the PSA, and be simi-larly accessible via HRSCview. At the time of writing this abstract (May 2007), four such high resolution DTMs are available for download via the HRSCview data product pages (for images from orbits 0572, 0905, 1004, and 2039).

Rice Fertilization-Independent Endosperm1 Regulates Seed Size under Heat Stress by Controlling Early Endosperm Development1[W

PubMed Central

Folsom, Jing J.; Begcy, Kevin; Hao, Xiaojuan; Wang, Dong; Walia, Harkamal

2014-01-01

Although heat stress reduces seed size in rice (Oryza sativa), little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying the observed reduction in seed size and yield. To elucidate the mechanistic basis of heat sensitivity and reduced seed size, we imposed a moderate (34°C) and a high (42°C) heat stress treatment on developing rice seeds during the postfertilization stage. Both stress treatments reduced the final seed size. At a cellular level, the moderate heat stress resulted in precocious endosperm cellularization, whereas severe heat-stressed seeds failed to cellularize. Initiation of endosperm cellularization is a critical developmental transition required for normal seed development, and it is controlled by Polycomb Repressive Complex2 (PRC2) in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). We observed that a member of PRC2 called Fertilization-Independent Endosperm1 (OsFIE1) was sensitive to temperature changes, and its expression was negatively correlated with the duration of the syncytial stage during heat stress. Seeds from plants overexpressing OsFIE1 had reduced seed size and exhibited precocious cellularization. The DNA methylation status and a repressive histone modification of OsFIE1 were observed to be temperature sensitive. Our data suggested that the thermal sensitivity of seed enlargement could partly be caused by altered epigenetic regulation of endosperm development during the transition from the syncytial to the cellularized state. PMID:24590858

Domain 4 (D4) of Perfringolysin O to Visualize Cholesterol in Cellular Membranes-The Update.

PubMed

Maekawa, Masashi

2017-03-03

The cellular membrane of eukaryotes consists of phospholipids, sphingolipids, cholesterol and membrane proteins. Among them, cholesterol is crucial for various cellular events (e.g., signaling, viral/bacterial infection, and membrane trafficking) in addition to its essential role as an ingredient of steroid hormones, vitamin D, and bile acids. From a micro-perspective, at the plasma membrane, recent emerging evidence strongly suggests the existence of lipid nanodomains formed with cholesterol and phospholipids (e.g., sphingomyelin, phosphatidylserine). Thus, it is important to elucidate how cholesterol behaves in membranes and how the behavior of cholesterol is regulated at the molecular level. To elucidate the complexed characteristics of cholesterol in cellular membranes, a couple of useful biosensors that enable us to visualize cholesterol in cellular membranes have been recently developed by utilizing domain 4 (D4) of Perfringolysin O (PFO, theta toxin), a cholesterol-binding toxin. This review highlights the current progress on development of novel cholesterol biosensors that uncover new insights of cholesterol in cellular membranes.

Mammalian synthetic biology for studying the cell

PubMed Central

Mathur, Melina; Xiang, Joy S.

2017-01-01

Synthetic biology is advancing the design of genetic devices that enable the study of cellular and molecular biology in mammalian cells. These genetic devices use diverse regulatory mechanisms to both examine cellular processes and achieve precise and dynamic control of cellular phenotype. Synthetic biology tools provide novel functionality to complement the examination of natural cell systems, including engineered molecules with specific activities and model systems that mimic complex regulatory processes. Continued development of quantitative standards and computational tools will expand capacities to probe cellular mechanisms with genetic devices to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of the cell. In this study, we review synthetic biology tools that are being applied to effectively investigate diverse cellular processes, regulatory networks, and multicellular interactions. We also discuss current challenges and future developments in the field that may transform the types of investigation possible in cell biology. PMID:27932576

Navigating novel mechanisms of cellular plasticity with the NAD+ precursor and nutrient nicotinamide.

PubMed

Li, Faqi; Chong, Zhao Zhong; Maiese, Kenneth

2004-09-01

Interest in neuroprotectants for the central nervous system continues to garner significant attention. Nicotinamide, the amide form of niacin (vitamin B3), is the precursor for the coenzyme beta-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) and is considered to be necessary for cellular function and metabolism. However, recent work has focused on the development of nicotinamide as a novel agent that is critical for modulating cellular plasticity, longevity, and inflammatory microglial function. The ability of nicotinamide to preserve both neuronal and vascular cell populations in the brain during injury is intriguing, but further knowledge of the specific cellular mechanisms that determine protection by this agent is required. The capacity of nicotinamide to govern not only intrinsic cellular integrity, but also extrinsic cellular inflammation rests with the modulation of a host of cellular targets that involve protein kinase B, glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3 beta), Forkhead transcription factors, mitochondrial dysfunction, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, cysteine proteases, and microglial activation. Intimately tied to the cytoprotection of nicotinamide is the modulation of an early and late phase of apoptotic injury that is triggered by the loss of membrane asymmetry. Identifying robust cytoprotective agents as nicotinamide in conjunction with the elucidation of the cellular mechanisms responsible for cell survival will continue to solidify the development of therapeutic strategies against neurodegenerative diseases

Toxicity of pyrolysis gases from some cellular polymers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hilado, C. J.; Machado, A. M.

1978-01-01

Various samples of cellular polymers were evaluated for toxicity of pyrolysis gases, using the screening test method developed at the University of San Francisco. The cellular polymer samples included polyimide, polymethacrylimide, polybismaleimide, polyurethane, polyisocyanurate, polyethylene, polychloroprene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polysiloxane, and polyphosphazene. The cellular polymers exhibited varying levels of toxicity under these test conditions. Among the rigid cellular polymers, times to death were shortest with the imide type foams and longest with polyvinyl chloride and polystyrene. Among the flexible cellular polymers, times to death were shortest with polyimide and polyester, and longest with polychloroprene and polysiloxane. Increased char yield was not necessarily associated with reduced toxicity.

Development of 3D woven cellular structures for adaptive composites based on thermoplastic hybrid yarns

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sennewald, C.; Vorhof, M.; Schegner, P.; Hoffmann, G.; Cherif, C.; Boblenz, J.; Sinapius, M.; Hühne, C.

2018-05-01

Flexible cellular 3D structures with structure-inherent compliance made of fiber-reinforced composites have repeatedly aroused the interest of international research groups. Such structures offer the possibility to meet the increasing demand for flexible and adaptive structures. The aim of this paper is the development of cellular 3D structures based on weaving technology. Considering the desired geometry of the 3D structure, algorithms are developed for the formation of geometry through tissue sub-areas. Subsequently, these sub-areas are unwound into the weaving level and appropriate weave patterns are developed. A particular challenge is the realization of compliant mechanisms in the woven fabric. This can be achieved either by combining different materials or, in particular, by implementing large stiffness gradients by means of varying the woven fabrics thickness, whereas differences in wall thickness have to be realized with a factor of 1:10. A manufacturing technology based on the weaving process is developed for the realization of the developed 3D cellular structures. To this end, solutions for the processing of hybrid thermoplastic materials (e.g. tapes), solutions for the integration of inlays in the weaving process (thickening of partial areas), and solutions for tissue retraction, as well as for the fabric pull-off (linear pull-off system) are being developed. In this way, woven cellular 3D structures with woven outer layers and woven joint areas (compliance) can be realized in a single process step and are subsequently characterized.

77 FR 2738 - Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-01-19

..., Review Group; Clinical Molecular Imaging and Probe Development. Date: February 2-3, 2012. Time: 7 p.m. to..., Bethesda, MD 20892, (301) 435-1777, [email protected] . Name of Committee: Molecular, Cellular and...: Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Neuroscience Integrated Review Group; Cellular and Molecular Biology...

Tissue Engineering and Cellular Regeneration at NASA Report to Regenetech SAB

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goodwin, Thomas J.

2004-01-01

A project overview describing three dimensional tissue models is shown. The topics include: 1) cellular regeneration; 2) haemopoietic replacement; 3) novel vaccine development; 4) pharmacology and toxicology interventions; 5) development of synthetic viruses; and 6) molecular genetics and proteomics of recapitulated models.

Mammalian synthetic biology for studying the cell.

PubMed

Mathur, Melina; Xiang, Joy S; Smolke, Christina D

2017-01-02

Synthetic biology is advancing the design of genetic devices that enable the study of cellular and molecular biology in mammalian cells. These genetic devices use diverse regulatory mechanisms to both examine cellular processes and achieve precise and dynamic control of cellular phenotype. Synthetic biology tools provide novel functionality to complement the examination of natural cell systems, including engineered molecules with specific activities and model systems that mimic complex regulatory processes. Continued development of quantitative standards and computational tools will expand capacities to probe cellular mechanisms with genetic devices to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of the cell. In this study, we review synthetic biology tools that are being applied to effectively investigate diverse cellular processes, regulatory networks, and multicellular interactions. We also discuss current challenges and future developments in the field that may transform the types of investigation possible in cell biology. © 2017 Mathur et al.

Inter-Cellular Forces Orchestrate Contact Inhibition of Locomotion

PubMed Central

Davis, John R.; Luchici, Andrei; Mosis, Fuad; Thackery, James; Salazar, Jesus A.; Mao, Yanlan; Dunn, Graham A.; Betz, Timo; Miodownik, Mark; Stramer, Brian M.

2015-01-01

Summary Contact inhibition of locomotion (CIL) is a multifaceted process that causes many cell types to repel each other upon collision. During development, this seemingly uncoordinated reaction is a critical driver of cellular dispersion within embryonic tissues. Here, we show that Drosophila hemocytes require a precisely orchestrated CIL response for their developmental dispersal. Hemocyte collision and subsequent repulsion involves a stereotyped sequence of kinematic stages that are modulated by global changes in cytoskeletal dynamics. Tracking actin retrograde flow within hemocytes in vivo reveals synchronous reorganization of colliding actin networks through engagement of an inter-cellular adhesion. This inter-cellular actin-clutch leads to a subsequent build-up in lamellar tension, triggering the development of a transient stress fiber, which orchestrates cellular repulsion. Our findings reveal that the physical coupling of the flowing actin networks during CIL acts as a mechanotransducer, allowing cells to haptically sense each other and coordinate their behaviors. PMID:25799385

The Development of a Novel High Throughput Computational Tool for Studying Individual and Collective Cellular Migration

PubMed Central

Chapnick, Douglas A.; Jacobsen, Jeremy; Liu, Xuedong

2013-01-01

Understanding how cells migrate individually and collectively during development and cancer metastasis can be significantly aided by a computation tool to accurately measure not only cellular migration speed, but also migration direction and changes in migration direction in a temporal and spatial manner. We have developed such a tool for cell migration researchers, named Pathfinder, which is capable of simultaneously measuring the migration speed, migration direction, and changes in migration directions of thousands of cells both instantaneously and over long periods of time from fluorescence microscopy data. Additionally, we demonstrate how the Pathfinder software can be used to quantify collective cell migration. The novel capability of the Pathfinder software to measure the changes in migration direction of large populations of cells in a spatiotemporal manner will aid cellular migration research by providing a robust method for determining the mechanisms of cellular guidance during individual and collective cell migration. PMID:24386097

Can mechanics control pattern formation in plants?

PubMed

Dumais, Jacques

2007-02-01

Development of the plant body entails many pattern forming events at scales ranging from the cellular level to the whole plant. Recent evidence suggests that mechanical forces play a role in establishing some of these patterns. The development of cellular configurations in glandular trichomes and the rippling of leaf surfaces are discussed in depth to illustrate how intricate patterns can emerge from simple and well-established molecular and cellular processes. The ability of plants to sense and transduce mechanical signals suggests that complex interactions between mechanics and chemistry are possible during plant development. The inclusion of mechanics alongside traditional molecular controls offers a more comprehensive view of developmental processes.

Flight Deck Surface Trajectory-Based Operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Foyle, David C.; Hooey, Becky L.; Bakowski, Deborah L.

2017-01-01

Surface Trajectory-Based Operations (STBO) is a future concept for surface operations where time requirements are incorporated into taxi operations to support surface planning and coordination. Pilot-in-the-loop flight deck simulations have been conducted to study flight deck displays algorithms to aid pilots in complying with the time requirements of time-based taxi operations (i.e., at discrete locations in 3 12 D operations or at all points along the route in 4DT operations). The results of these studies (conformance, time-of-arrival error, eye-tracking data, and safety ratings) are presented. Flight deck simulation work done in collaboration with DLR is described. Flight deck research issues in future auto-taxi operations are also introduced.

Super Cooled Large Droplet Analysis of Several Geometries Using LEWICE3D Version 3

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bidwell, Colin S.

2011-01-01

Super Cooled Large Droplet (SLD) collection efficiency calculations were performed for several geometries using the LEWICE3D Version 3 software. The computations were performed using the NASA Glenn Research Center SLD splashing model which has been incorporated into the LEWICE3D Version 3 software. Comparisons to experiment were made where available. The geometries included two straight wings, a swept 64A008 wing tip, two high lift geometries, and the generic commercial transport DLR-F4 wing body configuration. In general the LEWICE3D Version 3 computations compared well with the 2D LEWICE 3.2.2 results and with experimental data where available.

Second-Moment RANS Model Verification and Validation Using the Turbulence Modeling Resource Website (Invited)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eisfeld, Bernhard; Rumsey, Chris; Togiti, Vamshi

2015-01-01

The implementation of the SSG/LRR-omega differential Reynolds stress model into the NASA flow solvers CFL3D and FUN3D and the DLR flow solver TAU is verified by studying the grid convergence of the solution of three different test cases from the Turbulence Modeling Resource Website. The model's predictive capabilities are assessed based on four basic and four extended validation cases also provided on this website, involving attached and separated boundary layer flows, effects of streamline curvature and secondary flow. Simulation results are compared against experimental data and predictions by the eddy-viscosity models of Spalart-Allmaras (SA) and Menter's Shear Stress Transport (SST).

GOME/ERS-2: New Homogeneous Level 1B Data from an Old Instrument

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Slijkhuis, S.; Aberle, B.; Coldewey-Egbers, M.; Loyola, D.; Dehn, A.; Fehr, T.

2015-11-01

In the framework of ESA's "GOME Evolution Project", a reprocessing will be made of the entire 16 year GOME Level 1 dataset. The GOME Evolution Project further includes the generation of a new GOME water vapour product, and a public outreach programme.In this paper we will describe the reprocessing of the Level 1 data, carried out with the latest version of the GOME Data Processor at DLR. The change most visible to the user will be the new product format in NetCDF, plus supporting documentation (ATBD and PUM). Full-mission reprocessed L1b data are expected to be released in the 4th quarter of 2015.

KSC-99pp0313

NASA Image and Video Library

1999-03-23

In the Multi-Payload Processing Facility, Mary Reaves (left) and Richard Rainen, with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, check out the carrier and horizontal antenna mast for the STS-99 Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM). The SRTM consists of a specially modified radar system that will fly onboard the Space Shuttle during an 11-day mission in September 1999. This radar system will gather data that will result in the most accurate and complete topographic map of the Earth's surface that has ever been assembled. SRTM is an international project spearheaded by the National Imagery and Mapping Agency and NASA, with participation of the German Aerospace Center DLR. Its objective is to obtain the most complete high-resolution digital topographic database of the Earth

KSC-99pp0503

NASA Image and Video Library

1999-05-07

Inside the Space Station Processing Facility, the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) is maneuvered into place to prepare it for launch targeted for September 1999. The primary payload on mission STS-99, the SRTM consists of a specially modified radar system that will fly onboard the Space Shuttle during the 11-day mission. This radar system will gather data that will result in the most accurate and complete topographic map of the Earth's surface that has ever been assembled. SRTM is an international project spearheaded by the National Imagery and Mapping Agency and NASA, with participation of the German Aerospace Center DLR. Its objective is to obtain the most complete high-resolution digital topographic database of the Earth

KSC-99pp0312

NASA Image and Video Library

1999-03-23

In the Multi-Payload Processing Facility, Beverly St. Ange, with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, wires a biopod, a component of the STS-99 Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM). The SRTM consists of a specially modified radar system that will fly onboard the Space Shuttle during an 11-day mission in September 1999. This radar system will gather data that will result in the most accurate and complete topographic map of the Earth's surface that has ever been assembled. SRTM is an international project spearheaded by the National Imagery and Mapping Agency and NASA, with participation of the German Aerospace Center DLR. Its objective is to obtain the most complete high-resolution digital topographic database of the Earth

KSC-99pp0330

NASA Image and Video Library

1999-03-24

The Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) sits inside the Multi-Payload Processing Facility after the SRTM's cover was removed. The primary payload on mission STS-99, the SRTM consists of a specially modified radar system that will fly onboard the Space Shuttle during the 11-day mission scheduled for September 1999. This radar system will gather data that will result in the most accurate and complete topographic map of the Earth's surface that has ever been assembled. SRTM is an international project spearheaded by the National Imagery and Mapping Agency and NASA, with participation of the German Aerospace Center DLR. Its objective is to obtain the most complete high-resolution digital topographic database of the Earth

KSC-99pp0329

NASA Image and Video Library

1999-03-24

Inside the Multi-Payload Processing Facility, the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) is revealed after the lid of its container was removed. The primary payload on mission STS-99, the SRTM consists of a specially modified radar system that will fly onboard the Space Shuttle during the 11-day mission scheduled for September 1999. This radar system will gather data that will result in the most accurate and complete topographic map of the Earth's surface that has ever been assembled. SRTM is an international project spearheaded by the National Imagery and Mapping Agency and NASA, with participation of the German Aerospace Center DLR. Its objective is to obtain the most complete high-resolution digital topographic database of the Earth

KSC-99pp0328

NASA Image and Video Library

1999-03-24

Inside the Multi-Payload Processing Facility, the lid covering the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) is lifted from the crate. The primary payload on mission STS-99, the SRTM consists of a specially modified radar system that will fly onboard the Space Shuttle during the 11-day mission scheduled for September 1999. This radar system will gather data that will result in the most accurate and complete topographic map of the Earth's surface that has ever been assembled. SRTM is an international project spearheaded by the National Imagery and Mapping Agency and NASA, with participation of the German Aerospace Center DLR. Its objective is to obtain the most complete high-resolution digital topographic database of the Earth

KSC-99pp0502

NASA Image and Video Library

1999-05-07

The Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) is moved into the Space Station Processing Facility to prepare it for launch targeted for September 1999. The primary payload on mission STS-99, the SRTM consists of a specially modified radar system that will fly onboard the Space Shuttle during the 11-day mission. This radar system will gather data that will result in the most accurate and complete topographic map of the Earth's surface that has ever been assembled. SRTM is an international project spearheaded by the National Imagery and Mapping Agency and NASA, with participation of the German Aerospace Center DLR. Its objective is to obtain the most complete high-resolution digital topographic database of the Earth

The Miniaturized Moessbauer Spectrometer MIMOS II for the Asteroid Redirect Mission(ARM): Quantative Iron Mineralogy And Oxidation States

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schroeder, C.; Klingelhoefer, G; Morris, R. V.; Yen, A. S.; Renz, F.; Graff, T. G.

2016-01-01

The miniaturized Moessbauer spectrometer MIMOS II is an off-the-shelf instrument with proven flight heritage. It has been successfully deployed during NASA’s Mars Exploration Rover (MER) mission and was on-board the UK-led Beagle 2 Mars lander and the Russian Phobos-Grunt sample return mission. A Moessbauer spectrometer has been suggested for ASTEX, a DLR Near-Earth Asteroid (NEA) mission study, and the potential payload to be hosted by the Asteroid Redirect Mission (ARM). Here we make the case for in situ asteroid characterization with Moessbauer spectroscopy on the ARM employing one of three available fully-qualified flight-spare Moessbauer instruments.

STS-55 Columbia, OV-102, crew poses for onboard portrait in SL-D2 module

NASA Image and Video Library

1993-05-06

STS055-203-009 (26 April-6 May 1993) --- The seven crew members who spent 10 days aboard the space shuttle Columbia pose for the traditional in-flight portrait in the Spacelab D-2 Science Module. Front, left to right, are Terence T. (Tom) Henricks, Steven R. Nagel, Ulrich Walter and Charles J. Precourt. In the rear are (left to right) Bernard A. Harris Jr., Hans Schlegel and Jerry L. Ross. Nagel served as mission commander; Henricks was the pilot and Ross, the payload commander. Harris and Precourt were mission specialists and Schlegel and Walter were payload specialists representing the German Aerospace Research Establishment (DLR). Photo credit: NASA

Exoplanet Observations in SOFIA's Cycle 1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Angerhausen, Daniel

2013-06-01

The NASA/DLR Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA), a 2.5-meter infrared telescope on board a Boeing 747-SP, will conduct 0.3 - 1,600 micron photometric, spectroscopic, and imaging observations from altitudes as high as 45,000 ft. The airborne-based platform has unique advantages in comparison to ground- and space-based observatories in the field of characterization of the physical properties of exoplanets: parallel optical and near-infrared photometric and spectrophotometric follow-up observations during planetary transits and eclipses will be feasible with SOFIA's instrumentation, in particular the HIPO-FLITECAM optical/NIR instruments and possible future dedicated instrumentation. Here we present spectrophotometric exoplanet observations that were or will be conducted in SOFIA's cycle 1.

Prototype of a coherent tracking and detection receiver with wideband vibration compensation for free-space laser communications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giggenbach, Dirk; Schex, Anton; Wandernoth, Bernhard

1996-04-01

The Optical Communications Group of the German Aerospace Research Establishment (DLR) has investigated the feasibility of a fiberless receiver telescope for high sensitive coherent optical space communication, resulting in an elegant pointing, acquisition and tracking (PAT) concept. To demonstrate the feasibility of this new concept, an optical receiver terminal that coherently obtains both the spatial error signal for tracking and the data signal with only one set of detectors has been built. The result is a very simple and compact setup with few optical surfaces. It does not require fibers for superpositioning and is capable to compensate for microaccelerations up to about one kilohertz.

Enhanced development of a catalyst chamber for the decomposition of up to 1.0 kg/s hydrogen peroxide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Božić, Ognjan; Porrmann, Dennis; Lancelle, Daniel; May, Stefan

2016-06-01

A new innovative hybrid rocket engine concept is developed within the AHRES program of the German Aerospace Center (DLR). This rocket engine based on hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) with metallic additives as solid fuel and high test peroxide (HTP) as liquid oxidizer. Instead of a conventional ignition system, a catalyst chamber with a silver mesh catalyst is designed to decompose the HTP. The newly modified catalyst chamber is able to decompose up to 1.0 kg/s of 87.5 wt% HTP. Used as a monopropellant thruster, this equals an average thrust of 1600 N. The catalyst chamber is designed using the self-developed software tool SHAKIRA. The applied kinetic law, which determines catalytic decomposition of HTP within the catalyst chamber, is given and commented. Several calculations are carried out to determine the appropriate geometry for complete decomposition with a minimum of catalyst material. A number of tests under steady state conditions are carried out, using 87.5 wt% HTP with different flow rates and a constant amount of catalyst material. To verify the decomposition, the temperature is measured and compared with the theoretical prediction. The experimental results show good agreement with the results generated by the design tool. The developed catalyst chamber provides a simple, reliable ignition system for hybrid rocket propulsion systems based on hydrogen peroxide as oxidizer. This system is capable for multiple reignition. The developed hardware and software can be used to design full scale monopropellant thrusters based on HTP and catalyst chambers for hybrid rocket engines.

Supporting performance and configuration management of GTE cellular networks

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

Tan, Ming; Lafond, C.; Jakobson, G.

GTE Laboratories, in cooperation with GTE Mobilnet, has developed and deployed PERFFEX (PERFormance Expert), an intelligent system for performance and configuration management of cellular networks. PERFEX assists cellular network performance and radio engineers in the analysis of large volumes of cellular network performance and configuration data. It helps them locate and determine the probable causes of performance problems, and provides intelligent suggestions about how to correct them. The system combines an expert cellular network performance tuning capability with a map-based graphical user interface, data visualization programs, and a set of special cellular engineering tools. PERFEX is in daily use atmore » more than 25 GTE Mobile Switching Centers. Since the first deployment of the system in late 1993, PERFEX has become a major GTE cellular network performance optimization tool.« less

Fracture mechanics of cellular glass

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zwissler, J. G.; Adams, M. A.

1981-01-01

The fracture mechanics of cellular glasses (for the structural substrate of mirrored glass for solr concentrator reflecting panels) are discussed. Commercial and developmental cellular glasses were tested and analyzed using standard testing techniques and models developed from linear fracture mechanics. Two models describing the fracture behavior of these materials were developed. Slow crack growth behavior in cellular glass was found to be more complex than that encountered in dense glasses or ceramics. The crack velocity was found to be strongly dependent upon water vapor transport to the tip of the moving crack. The existence of a static fatigue limit was not conclusively established, however, it is speculated that slow crack growth behavior in Region 1 may be slower, by orders of magnitude, than that found in dense glasses.

Shape selection criterion for cellular array during constrained growth of binary alloys - Need for low gravity experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tewari, Surendra N.; Trivedi, Rohit

1991-01-01

Development of steady-state periodic cellular array is one of the critical problems in the study of nonlinear pattern formation during directional solidification of binary alloys. The criterion which establishes the values of cell tip radius and spacing under given growth condition is not known. Theoretical models, such as marginal stability and microscopic solvability, have been developed for purely diffusive regime. However, the experimental conditions where cellular structures are stable are precisely the ones where the convection effects are predominant. Thus, the critical data for meaningful evaluation of cellular array growth models can only be obtained by partial directional solidification and quenching experiments carried out in the low gravity environment of space.

Automated and Adaptable Quantification of Cellular Alignment from Microscopic Images for Tissue Engineering Applications

PubMed Central

Xu, Feng; Beyazoglu, Turker; Hefner, Evan; Gurkan, Umut Atakan

2011-01-01

Cellular alignment plays a critical role in functional, physical, and biological characteristics of many tissue types, such as muscle, tendon, nerve, and cornea. Current efforts toward regeneration of these tissues include replicating the cellular microenvironment by developing biomaterials that facilitate cellular alignment. To assess the functional effectiveness of the engineered microenvironments, one essential criterion is quantification of cellular alignment. Therefore, there is a need for rapid, accurate, and adaptable methodologies to quantify cellular alignment for tissue engineering applications. To address this need, we developed an automated method, binarization-based extraction of alignment score (BEAS), to determine cell orientation distribution in a wide variety of microscopic images. This method combines a sequenced application of median and band-pass filters, locally adaptive thresholding approaches and image processing techniques. Cellular alignment score is obtained by applying a robust scoring algorithm to the orientation distribution. We validated the BEAS method by comparing the results with the existing approaches reported in literature (i.e., manual, radial fast Fourier transform-radial sum, and gradient based approaches). Validation results indicated that the BEAS method resulted in statistically comparable alignment scores with the manual method (coefficient of determination R2=0.92). Therefore, the BEAS method introduced in this study could enable accurate, convenient, and adaptable evaluation of engineered tissue constructs and biomaterials in terms of cellular alignment and organization. PMID:21370940

Evaluation of crop development stages with TerraSAR-X backscatter signatures (2010-12) by using Growing Degree Days

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ishaq, Atif; Pasternak, René; Wessollek, Christine

2017-10-01

TerraSAR-X images have been tested for agricultural fields of corn and wheat. The main purpose was to evaluate the impact of daily temperatures in crop development to optimize climate induced factors on the plant growth anomalies. The results are completed by utilizing Geographic Information Science, e.g. tools of ArcMap 10.3.1 and databases of ground truth and meteorological information. Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images from German Aerospace Center (DLR) are acquired and the field survey datasets are sampled, each per month for three years (2010-2012) but only for the crop seasons (April-October). Correlation between SAR images and farmland anomalies is investigated in accordance with daily heat accumulations and a comparison of the three years' SAR backscatter signatures is explained for corn and wheat. Finding the influence of daily temperatures on crops and hence on the TerraSAR-X backscatter is developed by Growing Degree Days (GDD) which appears to be the most suitable parameter for this purpose. Observation of GDD permits that the coolest year was 2010, either rest of the years were warmer and GDD accumulated in 2011 was higher as compared to that of 2012 in the first half of the year, however 2012 had rather more heat accumulation in the second half of the year. SAR backscatter from farmland depicts the crop development stages which depend upon the time when satellite captures data during the crop season. It varies with different development stages of crop plants. Backscatter of each development stage changes as the roughness and the moisture content (dielectric property) of the plants changes and local temperature directly impacts crop growth and hence the development stages.

Confronting the surface temperature cold bias in AGCMs over the Tibetan Plateau and improving climate simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, G. X.; Liu, Y.; Bao, Q.; Chen, X.; Li, J.

2017-12-01

One of the mid-term progresses of the NSFC- Key Research Program "Land-air Coupling over the Tibetan Plateau and Its Climate Impact " is presented. The elevated heating in summer and cooling in winter of the Tibetan Plateau significantly regulate the seasonal change of the atmospheric circulation and exert remarkable impacts on world climate. Recent studies have demonstrated that the majority of the Phase-5 Coupled Model Inter-comparison Project (CMIP5) models underestimate annual and seasonal mean surface air temperatures (Ta) over the Tibetan Plateau (TP). In addition, more than half of the models underestimate annual and seasonal mean surface temperatures (Ts) over the TP. These cold biases are larger over the western TP. By decomposing the Ts bias using the surface energy budget equation, it was demonstrated that this TP's cold bias can be attributed to various factors, in which the stronger bias in surface albedo (a-) and the weaker bias in clear-sky downward Longwave radiation (DLR) play the most significant roles. Since a- and DLR are respectively affected by snow coverage fraction at the ground surface and water vapor content in the atmosphere, these results then imply that the cold bias over the TP is caused by too large snow coverage fraction and too less water vapor content over the TP in the models. The FAMIL AGCM model developed at LASG also suffers from the similar cold bias over the TP. By introducing the 3D- Radiative Transfer Parameterization Over Mountains/Snow (Liou, 2013) into the model, the total solar radiation reaching the ground surface is increased during the daytime, resulting in more snowmelt and less snow coverage. Accordingly, surface albedo is decreased on the sunny side of the mountains, and the surface cold bias over mountain areas is decreased. It is shown that the improvement is sensitive to the model resolution: increased the horizontal resolution of Community Land Model version 4.0 (CLM 4.0) from nearly 200km (1.9o×2.5o) to about 25km (0.23o×0.31o) can significantly improve the parameterization effect and accuracy, with more notably improvement appearing in Spring. It is demonstrated that, by stimulating a Rossby wave and strengthen the precipitation in subtropical frontal zone of East Asia, the decrement of clod bias over the TP can greatly improve the climate simulations of the model.

Assessment of HRSC Digital Terrain Models Produced for the South Polar Residual Cap

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Putri, Alfiah Rizky Diana; Sidiropoulos, Panagiotis; Muller, Jan-Peter

2017-04-01

The current Digital Terrain Models available for Mars consist of NASA MOLA (Mars Orbital Laser Altimeter) Digital Terrain Models with an average resolution of 112 m/ pixel (512 pixels/degree) for the polar region. The ESA/DLR High Resolution Stereo Camera is currently orbiting Mars and mapping its surface, 98% with resolution of ≤100 m/pixel and better and 100% at lower resolution [1]. It is possible to produce Digital Terrain Models from HRSC images using various methods. In this study, the method developed on Kim and Muller [2] which uses the VICAR open source program together with photogrammetry sofrware from DLR (Deutschen Zentrums für Luft- und Raumfahrt) with image matching based on the GOTCHA (Gruen-Otto-Chau) algorithm [3]. Digital Terrain Models have been processed over the South Pole with emphasis on areas around South Polar Residual Cap from High Resolution Stereo Camera images [4]. Digital Terrain Models have been produced for 31 orbits out of 149 polar orbits available. This study analyses the quality of the DTMs including an assessment of accuracy of elevations using the MOLA MEGDR (Mission Experiment Gridded Data Records) which has roughly 42 million MOLA PEDR (Precision Experiment Data Records) points between latitudes of 78 o -90 o S. The issues encountered in the production of Digital Terrain Models will be described and the statistical results and assessment method will be presented. The resultant DTMs will be accessible via http://i-Mars.eu/web-GIS References: [1] Neukum, G. et. al, 2004. Mars Express: The Scientific Payload pp. 17-35. [2] Kim, J.-R. and J.-P. Muller. 2009. PSS vol. 57, pp. 2095-2112. [3] Shin, D. and J.-P. Muller. 2012. Pattern Recognition, 45(10), 3795 -3809. [4] Putri, A.R. D., et al., Int. Arch. Photogramm. Remote Sens. Spatial Inf. Sci., XLI-B4, 463-469 Acknowledgements: The research leading to these results has received partial funding from the STFC "MSSL Consolidated Grant" ST/K000977/1 and partial support from the European Union's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013) under iMars grant agreement n ˚ 607379. The first author would like to acknowledge support for her studies from Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP), Ministry of Finance, Republic of Indonesia. The authors would also like to thank Alexander Dumke (Freie Universitaet Berlin) for providing the EXTORI exterior orientation elements which were critical in the production of accuracy geolocations.

Analysis of Students' Aptitude to Provide Meaning to Images that Represent Cellular Components at the Molecular Level

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dahmani, Hassen-Reda; Schneeberger, Patricia; Kramer, IJsbrand M.

2009-01-01

The number of experimentally derived structures of cellular components is rapidly expanding, and this phenomenon is accompanied by the development of a new semiotic system for teaching. The infographic approach is shifting from a schematic toward a more realistic representation of cellular components. By realistic we mean artist-prepared or…

The Contribution of Conceptual Change Texts Accompanied by Concept Mapping to Eleventh-Grade Students Understanding of Cellular Respiration Concepts

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Al khawaldeh, Salem A.; Al Olaimat, Ali M.

2010-01-01

The present study conducted to investigate the contribution of conceptual change texts, accompanied by concept mapping instruction to eleventh-grade students' understanding of cellular respiration concepts, and their retention of this understanding. Cellular respiration concepts test was developed as a result of examination of related literature…

Triangles bridge the scales: Quantifying cellular contributions to tissue deformation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Merkel, Matthias; Etournay, Raphaël; Popović, Marko; Salbreux, Guillaume; Eaton, Suzanne; Jülicher, Frank

2017-03-01

In this article, we propose a general framework to study the dynamics and topology of cellular networks that capture the geometry of cell packings in two-dimensional tissues. Such epithelia undergo large-scale deformation during morphogenesis of a multicellular organism. Large-scale deformations emerge from many individual cellular events such as cell shape changes, cell rearrangements, cell divisions, and cell extrusions. Using a triangle-based representation of cellular network geometry, we obtain an exact decomposition of large-scale material deformation. Interestingly, our approach reveals contributions of correlations between cellular rotations and elongation as well as cellular growth and elongation to tissue deformation. Using this triangle method, we discuss tissue remodeling in the developing pupal wing of the fly Drosophila melanogaster.

MSAT and cellular hybrid networking

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baranowsky, Patrick W., II

Westinghouse Electric Corporation is developing both the Communications Ground Segment and the Series 1000 Mobile Phone for American Mobile Satellite Corporation's (AMSC's) Mobile Satellite (MSAT) system. The success of the voice services portion of this system depends, to some extent, upon the interoperability of the cellular network and the satellite communication circuit switched communication channels. This paper will describe the set of user-selectable cellular interoperable modes (cellular first/satellite second, etc.) provided by the Mobile Phone and described how they are implemented with the ground segment. Topics including roaming registration and cellular-to-satellite 'seamless' call handoff will be discussed, along with the relevant Interim Standard IS-41 Revision B Cellular Radiotelecommunications Intersystem Operations and IOS-553 Mobile Station - Land Station Compatibility Specification.

Flight Performance Evaluation of Three GPS Receivers for Sounding Rocket Tracking

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bull, Barton; Diehl, James; Montenbruck, Oliver; Markgraf, Markus; Bauer, Frank (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

In preparation for the European Space Agency Maxus-4 mission, a sounding rocket test flight was carried out at Esrange,, near Kiruna, Sweden on February 19, 2001 to validate existing ground facilities and range safety installations. Due to the absence of a dedicated scientific payload, the flight offered the opportunity to test multiple GPS receivers and assess their performance for the tracking of sounding rockets. The receivers included an Ashtech G12 HDMA receiver, a BAE (Canadian Marconi) Allstar receiver and a Mitel Orion receiver. All of them provide CIA code tracking on the L1 frequency to determine the user position and make use of Doppler measurements to derive the instantaneous velocity. Among the receivers, the G12 has been optimized for use under highly dynamic conditions and has earlier been flown successfully on NASA sounding rockets [Bull, ION-GPS-2000]. The Allstar is representative of common single frequency receivers for terrestrial applications and received no particular modification, except for the disabling of the common altitude and velocity constraints that would otherwise inhibit its use for space application. The Orion receiver, finally, employs the same Mitel chipset as the Allstar, but has received various firmware modifications by DLR to safeguard it against signal losses and improve its tracking performance [Montenbruck et al., ION-GPS-2000]. While the two NASA receivers were driven by a common wrap-around antenna, the DLR experiment made use of a switchable antenna system comprising a helical antenna in the tip of the rocket and two blade antennas attached to the body of the vehicle. During the boost a peak acceleration of roughly 17g's was achieved which resulted in a velocity of about 1100 m/s at the end of the burn. At apogee, the rocket reached a maximum altitude of over 80 km. A detailed analysis of the attained flight data will be given in the paper together with a evaluation of different receiver designs and antenna concepts.

Flight Performance Evaluation of Three GPS Receivers for Sounding Rocket Tracking

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bull, Barton; Diehl, James; Montenbruck, Oliver; Markgraf, Markus; Bauer, Frank (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

In preparation for the European Space Agency Maxus-4 mission, a sounding rocket test flight was carried out at Esrange, near Kiruna, Sweden on February 19, 2001 to validate existing ground facilities and range safety installations. Due to the absence of a dedicated scientific payload, the flight offered the opportunity to test multiple GPS receivers and assess their performance for the tracking of sounding rockets. The receivers included an Ashtech G12 HDMA receiver, a BAE (Canadian Marconi) Allstar receiver and a Mitel Orion receiver. All of them provide C/A code tracking on the L1 frequency to determine the user position and make use of Doppler measurements to derive the instantaneous velocity. Among the receivers, the G12 has been optimized for use under highly dynamic conditions and has earlier been flown successfully on NASA sounding rockets. The Allstar is representative of common single frequency receivers for terrestrial applications and received no particular modification, except for the disabling of the common altitude and velocity constraints that would otherwise inhibit its use for space application. The Orion receiver, finally, employs the same Mitel chipset as the Allstar, but has received various firmware modifications by DLR to safeguard it against signal losses and improve its tracking performance. While the two NASA receivers were driven by a common wrap-around antenna, the DLR experiment made use of a switchable antenna system comprising a helical antenna in the tip of the rocket and two blade antennas attached to the body of the vehicle. During the boost a peak acceleration of roughly l7g's was achieved which resulted in a velocity of about 1100 m/s at the end of the burn. At apogee, the rocket reached an altitude of over 80 km. A detailed analysis of the attained flight data is given together with a evaluation of different receiver designs and antenna concepts.

The Life-Cycle of a Polar Low Observed with Research Aircraft Dropsondes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saetra, O.; Linders, T.

2008-12-01

The structure and life cycle of a polar low that formed over the ocean south of the Fram Strait on 3 and 4 March 2008 is described using GPS dropsondes from the DLR Falcon research aircraft and by AVHRR satellite images. Data from three successive flights during the life cycle of the polar low will be presented. The Norwegian IPY-THORPEX project carried out a field experiment between February and May 2008, aiming at investigating adverse weather in the Arctic. During the campaign period, the DLR Falcon aircraft was stationed at Andoya Airport in Northern Norway. On the evening 2 March the synoptic scale flow triggered a cold-air outbreak in the Fram Strait and the western Barents Sea. The weather analysis from the Norwegian weather service (met.no)indicated strong reversed shear flow (warm air to the left) and favorable conditions for the formations of polar lows. A flight for the next morning was planned. At the time of departure AVHRR satellite images of deep-convective clouds revealed the presence of an Arctic front in the northerly winds between Greenland and the Svalbard islands. During this flight 18 dropsondes were successfully released. A second flight was carried out later the same day, 3 March. At this time a meso-scale cyclone had formed at the southern tip of the Arctic Front. The cyclone was measured in three cross-sections with 14 successful sondes released. The night between 3 and 4 March the cyclone intensified and by the third flight a mature polar low was located outside the coast of Trondelag in Norway. The last flight was carried out, staring on the morning 4 March, making 4 cross-sections with 20 dropsondes. On the evening 4 March, shortly after the third flight, the polar low made landfall and faded rapidly.

Drag Prediction for the DLR-F6 Wing/Body and DPW Wing using CFL3D and OVERFLOW Overset Mesh

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sclanfani, Anthony J.; Vassberg, John C.; Harrison, Neal A.; DeHaan, Mark A.; Rumsey, Christopher L.; Rivers, S. Melissa; Morrison, Joseph H.

2007-01-01

A series of overset grids was generated in response to the 3rd AIAA CFD Drag Prediction Workshop (DPW-III) which preceded the 25th Applied Aerodynamics Conference in June 2006. DPW-III focused on accurate drag prediction for wing/body and wing-alone configurations. The grid series built for each configuration consists of a coarse, medium, fine, and extra-fine mesh. The medium mesh is first constructed using the current state of best practices for overset grid generation. The medium mesh is then coarsened and enhanced by applying a factor of 1.5 to each (I,J,K) dimension. The resulting set of parametrically equivalent grids increase in size by a factor of roughly 3.5 from one level to the next denser level. CFD simulations were performed on the overset grids using two different RANS flow solvers: CFL3D and OVERFLOW. The results were post-processed using Richardson extrapolation to approximate grid converged values of lift, drag, pitching moment, and angle-of-attack at the design condition. This technique appears to work well if the solution does not contain large regions of separated flow (similar to that seen n the DLR-F6 results) and appropriate grid densities are selected. The extra-fine grid data helped to establish asymptotic grid convergence for both the OVERFLOW FX2B wing/body results and the OVERFLOW DPW-W1/W2 wing-alone results. More CFL3D data is needed to establish grid convergence trends. The medium grid was utilized beyond the grid convergence study by running each configuration at several angles-of-attack so drag polars and lift/pitching moment curves could be evaluated. The alpha sweep results are used to compare data across configurations as well as across flow solvers. With the exception of the wing/body drag polar, the two codes compare well qualitatively showing consistent incremental trends and similar wing pressure comparisons.

Industrial approach to piezoelectric damping of large fighter aircraft components

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simpson, John; Schweiger, Johannes

1998-06-01

Different concepts to damp structural vibrations of the vertical tail of fighter aircraft are reported. The various requirements for a vertical tail bias an integrated approach for the design. Several active vibrations suppression concepts had been investigated during the preparatory phase of a research program shared by Daimler-Benz Aerospace Military Aircraft (Dasa), Daimler-Benz Forschung (DBF) and Deutsche Forschungsandstalt fuer Luftund Raumfahrt (DLR). Now in the main phase of the programme, four concepts were finally chosen: two concepts with aerodynamic control surfaces and two concepts with piezoelectric components. One piezo concept approach will be described rigorously, the other concepts are briefly addressed. In the Dasa concept, thin surface piezo actuators are set out carefully to flatten the dynamic portion of the combined static and dynamic maximum bending moment loading case directly in the shell structure. The second piezo concept by DLR involves pre-loaded lead zirconate titanate (PZT)-block actuators at host structure fixtures. To this end a research apparatus was designed and built as a full scale simplified fin box with carbon fiber reinformed plastic skins and an aluminium stringer-rib substructure restrained by relevant aircraft fixtures. It constitutes a benchmark 3D-structural impedance. The engineering design incorporates 7kg of PZT surface actuators. The structural system then should be excited to more than 15mm tip displacement amplitude. This prepares the final step to total A/C integration. Typical analysis methods using cyclic thermal analogies adapted to induced load levels are compared. Commercial approaches leading onto basic state space model interpretation wrt. actuator sizing and positioning, structural integrity constraints, FE-validation and testing are described. Both piezoelectric strategies are aimed at straight open-loop performance related to concept weight penalty and input electric power. The required actuators, power and integration are then enhanced to specification standards. An adapted qualification program plan is used to improve analytical read across, specifications, manufacturing decisions, handling requirements. The next research goals are outlined.

Applications of atom interferometry - from ground to space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schubert, Christian; Rasel, Ernst Maria; Gaaloul, Naceur; Ertmer, Wolfgang

2016-07-01

Atom interferometry is utilized for the measurement of rotations [1], accelerations [2] and for tests of fundamental physics [3]. In these devices, three laser light pulses separated by a free evolution time coherently manipulate the matter waves which resembles the Mach-Zehnder geometry in optics. Atom gravimeters demonstrated an accuracy of few microgal [2,4], and atom gradiometers showed a noise floor of 30 E Hz^{-1/2} [5]. Further enhancements of atom interferometers are anticipated by the integration of novel source concepts providing ultracold atoms, extending the free fall time of the atoms, and enhanced techniques for coherent manipulation. Sources providing Bose-Einstein condensates recently demontrated a flux compatible with precision experiments [6]. All of these aspects are studied in the transportable quantum gravimeter QG-1 and the very long baseline atom interferometry teststand in Hannover [7] with the goal of surpassing the microgal regime. Going beyond ground based setups, the QUANTUS collaboration exploits the unique features of a microgravity environment in drop tower experiments [8] and in a sounding rocket mission. The payloads are compact and robust atom optics experiments based on atom chips [6], enabling technology for transportable sensors on ground as a byproduct. More prominently, they are pathfinders for proposed satellite missions as tests of the universality of free fall [9] and gradiometry based on atom interferometers [10]. This work is supported by the German Space Agency (DLR) with funds provided by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) due to an enactment of the German Bundestag under grant numbers DLR 50WM1552-1557 (QUANTUS-IV-Fallturm) and by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft in the framework of the SFB 1128 geo-Q. [1] PRL 114 063002 2015 [2] Nature 400 849 1999 [3] PRL 112 203002 2014 [4] NJP 13 065026 2011 [5] PRA 65 033608 2002 [6] NJP 17 065001 2015 [7] NJP 17 035011 2015 [8] PRL 110 093602 2013 [9] CQG 31 115010 2014 [10] MST 26 139 2014.

Aero-thermo-dynamic analysis of the Spaceliner-7.1 vehicle in high altitude flight

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zuppardi, Gennaro; Morsa, Luigi; Sippel, Martin; Schwanekamp, Tobias

2014-12-01

SpaceLiner, designed by DLR, is a visionary, extremely fast passenger transportation concept. It consists of two stages: a winged booster, a vehicle. After separation of the two stages, the booster makes a controlled re-entry and returns to the launch site. According to the current project, version 7-1 of SpaceLiner (SpaceLiner-7.1), the vehicle should be brought at an altitude of 75 km and then released, undertaking the descent path. In the perspective that the vehicle of SpaceLiner-7.1 could be brought to altitudes higher than 75 km, e.g. 100 km or above and also for a speculative purpose, in this paper the aerodynamic parameters of the SpaceLiner-7.1 vehicle are calculated in the whole transition regime, from continuum low density to free molecular flows. Computer simulations have been carried out by three codes: two DSMC codes, DS3V in the altitude interval 100-250 km for the evaluation of the global aerodynamic coefficients and DS2V at the altitude of 60 km for the evaluation of the heat flux and pressure distributions along the vehicle nose, and the DLR HOTSOSE code for the evaluation of the global aerodynamic coefficients in continuum, hypersonic flow at the altitude of 44.6 km. The effectiveness of the flaps with deflection angle of -35 deg. was evaluated in the above mentioned altitude interval. The vehicle showed longitudinal stability in the whole altitude interval even with no flap. The global bridging formulae verified to be proper for the evaluation of the aerodynamic coefficients in the altitude interval 80-100 km where the computations cannot be fulfilled either by CFD, because of the failure of the classical equations computing the transport coefficients, or by DSMC because of the requirement of very high computer resources both in terms of the core storage (a high number of simulated molecules is needed) and to the very long processing time.

Verification of the Microgravity Active Vibration Isolation System based on Parabolic Flight

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yong-kang; Dong, Wen-bo; Liu, Wei; Li, Zong-feng; Lv, Shi-meng; Sang, Xiao-ru; Yang, Yang

2017-12-01

The Microgravity active vibration isolation system (MAIS) is a device to reduce on-orbit vibration and to provide a lower gravity level for certain scientific experiments. MAIS system is made up of a stator and a floater, the stator is fixed on the spacecraft, and the floater is suspended by electromagnetic force so as to reduce the vibration from the stator. The system has 3 position sensors, 3 accelerometers, 8 Lorentz actuators, signal processing circuits and a central controller embedded in the operating software and control algorithms. For the experiments on parabolic flights, a laptop is added to MAIS for monitoring and operation, and a power module is for electric power converting. The principle of MAIS is as follows: the system samples the vibration acceleration of the floater from accelerometers, measures the displacement between stator and floater from position sensitive detectors, and computes Lorentz force current for each actuator so as to eliminate the vibration of the scientific payload, and meanwhile to avoid crashing between the stator and the floater. This is a motion control technic in 6 degrees of freedom (6-DOF) and its function could only be verified in a microgravity environment. Thanks for DLR and Novespace, we get a chance to take the DLR 27th parabolic flight campaign to make experiments to verify the 6-DOF control technic. The experiment results validate that the 6-DOF motion control technique is effective, and vibration isolation performance perfectly matches what we expected based on theoretical analysis and simulation. The MAIS has been planned on Chinese manned spacecraft for many microgravity scientific experiments, and the verification on parabolic flights is very important for its following mission. Additionally, we also test some additional function by microgravity electromagnetic suspension, such as automatic catching and locking and working in fault mode. The parabolic flight produces much useful data for these experiments.

Characterisation methods for the hyperspectral sensor HySpex at DLR's calibration home base

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baumgartner, Andreas; Gege, Peter; Köhler, Claas; Lenhard, Karim; Schwarzmaier, Thomas

2012-09-01

The German Aerospace Center's (DLR) Remote Sensing Technology Institute (IMF) operates a laboratory for the characterisation of imaging spectrometers. Originally designed as Calibration Home Base (CHB) for the imaging spectrometer APEX, the laboratory can be used to characterise nearly every airborne hyperspectral system. Characterisation methods will be demonstrated exemplarily with HySpex, an airborne imaging spectrometer system from Norsk Elektro Optikks A/S (NEO). Consisting of two separate devices (VNIR-1600 and SWIR-320me) the setup covers the spectral range from 400 nm to 2500 nm. Both airborne sensors have been characterised at NEO. This includes measurement of spectral and spatial resolution and misregistration, polarisation sensitivity, signal to noise ratios and the radiometric response. The same parameters have been examined at the CHB and were used to validate the NEO measurements. Additionally, the line spread functions (LSF) in across and along track direction and the spectral response functions (SRF) for certain detector pixels were measured. The high degree of lab automation allows the determination of the SRFs and LSFs for a large amount of sampling points. Despite this, the measurement of these functions for every detector element would be too time-consuming as typical detectors have 105 elements. But with enough sampling points it is possible to interpolate the attributes of the remaining pixels. The knowledge of these properties for every detector element allows the quantification of spectral and spatial misregistration (smile and keystone) and a better calibration of airborne data. Further laboratory measurements are used to validate the models for the spectral and spatial properties of the imaging spectrometers. Compared to the future German spaceborne hyperspectral Imager EnMAP, the HySpex sensors have the same or higher spectral and spatial resolution. Therefore, airborne data will be used to prepare for and validate the spaceborne system's data.

Current trends in satellite based emergency mapping - the need for harmonisation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Voigt, Stefan

2013-04-01

During the past years, the availability and use of satellite image data to support disaster management and humanitarian relief organisations has largely increased. The automation and data processing techniques are greatly improving as well as the capacity in accessing and processing satellite imagery in getting better globally. More and more global activities via the internet and through global organisations like the United Nations or the International Charter Space and Major Disaster engage in the topic, while at the same time, more and more national or local centres engage rapid mapping operations and activities. In order to make even more effective use of this very positive increase of capacity, for the sake of operational provision of analysis results, for fast validation of satellite derived damage assessments, for better cooperation in the joint inter agency generation of rapid mapping products and for general scientific use, rapid mapping results in general need to be better harmonized, if not even standardized. In this presentation, experiences from various years of rapid mapping gained by the DLR Center for satellite based Crisis Information (ZKI) within the context of the national activities, the International Charter Space and Major Disasters, GMES/Copernicus etc. are reported. Furthermore, an overview on how automation, quality assurance and optimization can be achieved through standard operation procedures within a rapid mapping workflow is given. Building on this long term rapid mapping experience, and building on the DLR initiative to set in pace an "International Working Group on Satellite Based Emergency Mapping" current trends in rapid mapping are discussed and thoughts on how the sharing of rapid mapping information can be optimized by harmonizing analysis results and data structures are presented. Such an harmonization of analysis procedures, nomenclatures and representations of data as well as meta data are the basis to better cooperate within the global rapid mapping community throughout local/national, regional/supranational and global scales

Cellular Therapies Clinical Research Roadmap: Lessons learned on how to move a cellular therapy into a clinical trial

PubMed Central

Ouseph, Stacy; Tappitake, Darah; Armant, Myriam; Wesselschmidt, Robin; Derecho, Ivy; Draxler, Rebecca; Wood, Deborah; Centanni, John M.

2014-01-01

A clinical research roadmap has been developed as a resource for researchers to identify critical areas and potential pitfalls when transitioning a cellular therapy product from the research laboratory, via and Investigational New Drug (IND) application, into early phase clinical trials. The roadmap describes four key areas; basic and preclinical research, resource development, translational research and good manufacturing practice (GMP), and IND assembly and submission. Basic and preclinical research identifies a new therapeutic concept and demonstrates its potential value using a model of the relevant disease. During resource development the appropriate specialists and the required expertise to bring this product into the clinic are identified (e.g., researchers, regulatory specialists, GMP manufacturing staff, clinicians, and clinical trials staff, etc.). Additionally, the funds required to achieve this goal (or a plan to procure them) are identified. In the next phase the plan to translate the research product into a clinical grade therapeutic is developed. Finally regulatory approval to start the trial must be obtained. In the United States this is done by filing an IND application with the Food and Drug Administration. The NHLBI-funded Production Assistance for Cellular Therapies (PACT) program has facilitated the transition of a variety of cellular therapy products from the laboratory into Phase1/2 trials. The five PACT facilities have assisted investigators by performing translational studies and GMP manufacturing to ensure that cellular products met release specifications and were manufactured safely, reproducibly, and at the appropriate scale. The roadmap resulting from this experience is the focus of this article. PMID:25484311

Molecular and Cellular Quantitative Microscopy: theoretical investigations, technological developments and applications to neurobiology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Esposito, Alessandro

2006-05-01

This PhD project aims at the development and evaluation of microscopy techniques for the quantitative detection of molecular interactions and cellular features. The primarily investigated techniques are Fαrster Resonance Energy Transfer imaging and Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy. These techniques have the capability to quantitatively probe the biochemical environment of fluorophores. An automated microscope capable of unsupervised operation has been developed that enables the investigation of molecular and cellular properties at high throughput levels and the analysis of cellular heterogeneity. State-of-the-art Förster Resonance Energy Transfer imaging, Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy, Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy and the newly developed tools have been combined with cellular and molecular biology techniques for the investigation of protein-protein interactions, oligomerization and post-translational modifications of α-Synuclein and Tau, two proteins involved in Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, respectively. The high inter-disciplinarity of this project required the merging of the expertise of both the Molecular Biophysics Group at the Debye Institute - Utrecht University and the Cell Biophysics Group at the European Neuroscience Institute - Gαttingen University. This project was conducted also with the support and the collaboration of the Center for the Molecular Physiology of the Brain (Göttingen), particularly with the groups associated with the Molecular Quantitative Microscopy and Parkinson’s Disease and Aggregopathies areas. This work demonstrates that molecular and cellular quantitative microscopy can be used in combination with high-throughput screening as a powerful tool for the investigation of the molecular mechanisms of complex biological phenomena like those occurring in neurodegenerative diseases.

EnEx-RANGE - Robust autonomous Acoustic Navigation in Glacial icE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heinen, Dirk; Eliseev, Dmitry; Henke, Christoph; Jeschke, Sabina; Linder, Peter; Reuter, Sebastian; Schönitz, Sebastian; Scholz, Franziska; Weinstock, Lars Steffen; Wickmann, Stefan; Wiebusch, Christopher; Zierke, Simon

2017-03-01

Within the Enceladus Explorer Initiative of the DLR Space Administration navigation technologies for a future space mission are in development. Those technologies are the basis for the search for extraterrestrial life on the Saturn moon Enceladus. An autonomous melting probe, the EnEx probe, aims to extract a liquid sample from a water reservoir below the icy crust. A first EnEx probe was developed and demonstrated in a terrestrial scenario at the Bloodfalls, Taylor Glacier, Antarctica in November 2014. To enable navigation in glacier ice two acoustic systems were integrated into the probe in addition to conventional navigation technologies. The first acoustic system determines the position of the probe during the run based on propagation times of acoustic signals from emitters at reference positions at the glacier surface to receivers in the probe. The second system provides information about the forefield of the probe. It is based on sonographic principles with phased array technology integrated in the probe's melting head. Information about obstacles or sampling regions in the probe's forefield can be acquired. The development of both systems is now continued in the project EnEx-RANGE. The emitters of the localization system are replaced by a network of intelligent acoustic enabled melting probes. These localize each other by means of acoustic signals and create the reference system for the EnEx probe. This presentation includes the discussion of the intelligent acoustic network, the acoustic navigation systems of the EnEx probe and results of terrestrial tests.

Around the macrolide - Impact of 3D structure of macrocycles on lipophilicity and cellular accumulation.

PubMed

Koštrun, Sanja; Munic Kos, Vesna; Matanović Škugor, Maja; Palej Jakopović, Ivana; Malnar, Ivica; Dragojević, Snježana; Ralić, Jovica; Alihodžić, Sulejman

2017-06-16

The aim of this study was to investigate lipophilicity and cellular accumulation of rationally designed azithromycin and clarithromycin derivatives at the molecular level. The effect of substitution site and substituent properties on a global physico-chemical profile and cellular accumulation of investigated compounds was studied using calculated structural parameters as well as experimentally determined lipophilicity. In silico models based on the 3D structure of molecules were generated to investigate conformational effect on studied properties and to enable prediction of lipophilicity and cellular accumulation for this class of molecules based on non-empirical parameters. The applicability of developed models was explored on a validation and test sets and compared with previously developed empirical models. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

78 FR 43889 - Synergizing Efforts in Standards Development for Cellular Therapies and Regenerative Medicine...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-07-22

... DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Food and Drug Administration [Docket No. FDA-2013-N-0001] Synergizing Efforts in Standards Development for Cellular Therapies and Regenerative Medicine Products; Public Workshop AGENCY: Food and Drug Administration, HHS. ACTION: Notice of public workshop. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Center for...

Understanding Cellular Respiration in Terms of Matter & Energy within Ecosystems

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

White, Joshua S.; Maskiewicz, April C.

2014-01-01

Using a design-based research approach, we developed a data-rich problem (DRP) set to improve student understanding of cellular respiration at the ecosystem level. The problem tasks engage students in data analysis to develop biological explanations. Several of the tasks and their implementation are described. Quantitative results suggest that…

In vivo cell biology in zebrafish - providing insights into vertebrate development and disease.

PubMed

Vacaru, Ana M; Unlu, Gokhan; Spitzner, Marie; Mione, Marina; Knapik, Ela W; Sadler, Kirsten C

2014-02-01

Over the past decades, studies using zebrafish have significantly advanced our understanding of the cellular basis for development and human diseases. Zebrafish have rapidly developing transparent embryos that allow comprehensive imaging of embryogenesis combined with powerful genetic approaches. However, forward genetic screens in zebrafish have generated unanticipated findings that are mirrored by human genetic studies: disruption of genes implicated in basic cellular processes, such as protein secretion or cytoskeletal dynamics, causes discrete developmental or disease phenotypes. This is surprising because many processes that were assumed to be fundamental to the function and survival of all cell types appear instead to be regulated by cell-specific mechanisms. Such discoveries are facilitated by experiments in whole animals, where zebrafish provides an ideal model for visualization and manipulation of organelles and cellular processes in a live vertebrate. Here, we review well-characterized mutants and newly developed tools that underscore this notion. We focus on the secretory pathway and microtubule-based trafficking as illustrative examples of how studying cell biology in vivo using zebrafish has broadened our understanding of the role fundamental cellular processes play in embryogenesis and disease.

Institutional profile. The International Society for Cellular Therapy: evolving to meet the demands of the regenerative medicine industry.

PubMed

Maziarz, Richard T; Arthurs, Jane; Horwitz, Edwin

2011-03-01

The International Society for Cellular Therapy is a global association driving the translation of scientific research to deliver innovative cellular therapies to patients. Established in 1992, its membership and leadership comprises world-class scientists, clinicians, technologists, biotech/pharma and regulatory professionals from 40 countries focused on preclinical and translational aspects of developing cell therapy products. The International Society for Cellular Therapy has evolved in alignment with the maturation of the field of cell therapy and regenerative medicine to create forums for discussion of shared concerns for commercialization of cell therapies and of development of consensus standards, recognizing that true commercialization depends upon the translational scientific community, the regional regulatory and policy institutions, and the technology support and capital investment from industry. It exists to facilitate the international work of many, to spawn new initiatives, and to synergize with other stakeholders to create the best outcome for the many patients across the world depending on the answers and improved health that cellular therapeutics will provide them.

Heterogeneity of Metazoan Cells and Beyond: To Integrative Analysis of Cellular Populations at Single-Cell Level.

PubMed

Barteneva, Natasha S; Vorobjev, Ivan A

2018-01-01

In this paper, we review some of the recent advances in cellular heterogeneity and single-cell analysis methods. In modern research of cellular heterogeneity, there are four major approaches: analysis of pooled samples, single-cell analysis, high-throughput single-cell analysis, and lately integrated analysis of cellular population at a single-cell level. Recently developed high-throughput single-cell genetic analysis methods such as RNA-Seq require purification step and destruction of an analyzed cell often are providing a snapshot of the investigated cell without spatiotemporal context. Correlative analysis of multiparameter morphological, functional, and molecular information is important for differentiation of more uniform groups in the spectrum of different cell types. Simplified distributions (histograms and 2D plots) can underrepresent biologically significant subpopulations. Future directions may include the development of nondestructive methods for dissecting molecular events in intact cells, simultaneous correlative cellular analysis of phenotypic and molecular features by hybrid technologies such as imaging flow cytometry, and further progress in supervised and non-supervised statistical analysis algorithms.

Inter-cellular forces orchestrate contact inhibition of locomotion.

PubMed

Davis, John R; Luchici, Andrei; Mosis, Fuad; Thackery, James; Salazar, Jesus A; Mao, Yanlan; Dunn, Graham A; Betz, Timo; Miodownik, Mark; Stramer, Brian M

2015-04-09

Contact inhibition of locomotion (CIL) is a multifaceted process that causes many cell types to repel each other upon collision. During development, this seemingly uncoordinated reaction is a critical driver of cellular dispersion within embryonic tissues. Here, we show that Drosophila hemocytes require a precisely orchestrated CIL response for their developmental dispersal. Hemocyte collision and subsequent repulsion involves a stereotyped sequence of kinematic stages that are modulated by global changes in cytoskeletal dynamics. Tracking actin retrograde flow within hemocytes in vivo reveals synchronous reorganization of colliding actin networks through engagement of an inter-cellular adhesion. This inter-cellular actin-clutch leads to a subsequent build-up in lamellar tension, triggering the development of a transient stress fiber, which orchestrates cellular repulsion. Our findings reveal that the physical coupling of the flowing actin networks during CIL acts as a mechanotransducer, allowing cells to haptically sense each other and coordinate their behaviors. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Experimental approaches to identify cellular G-quadruplex structures and functions.

PubMed

Di Antonio, Marco; Rodriguez, Raphaël; Balasubramanian, Shankar

2012-05-01

Guanine-rich nucleic acids can fold into non-canonical DNA secondary structures called G-quadruplexes. The formation of these structures can interfere with the biology that is crucial to sustain cellular homeostases and metabolism via mechanisms that include transcription, translation, splicing, telomere maintenance and DNA recombination. Thus, due to their implication in several biological processes and possible role promoting genomic instability, G-quadruplex forming sequences have emerged as potential therapeutic targets. There has been a growing interest in the development of synthetic molecules and biomolecules for sensing G-quadruplex structures in cellular DNA. In this review, we summarise and discuss recent methods developed for cellular imaging of G-quadruplexes, and the application of experimental genomic approaches to detect G-quadruplexes throughout genomic DNA. In particular, we will discuss the use of engineered small molecules and natural proteins to enable pull-down, ChIP-Seq, ChIP-chip and fluorescence imaging of G-quadruplex structures in cellular DNA. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Single-cell topological RNA-Seq analysis reveals insights into cellular differentiation and development

PubMed Central

Rizvi, Abbas H.; Camara, Pablo G.; Kandror, Elena K.; Roberts, Thomas J.; Schieren, Ira; Maniatis, Tom; Rabadan, Raul

2017-01-01

Transcriptional programs control cellular lineage commitment and differentiation during development. Understanding cell fate has been advanced by studying single-cell RNA-seq, but is limited by the assumptions of current analytic methods regarding the structure of data. We present single-cell topological data analysis (scTDA), an algorithm for topology-based computational analyses to study temporal, unbiased transcriptional regulation. Compared to other methods, scTDA is a non-linear, model-independent, unsupervised statistical framework that can characterize transient cellular states. We applied scTDA to the analysis of murine embryonic stem cell (mESC) differentiation in vitro in response to inducers of motor neuron differentiation. scTDA resolved asynchrony and continuity in cellular identity over time, and identified four transient states (pluripotent, precursor, progenitor, and fully differentiated cells) based on changes in stage-dependent combinations of transcription factors, RNA-binding proteins and long non-coding RNAs. scTDA can be applied to study asynchronous cellular responses to either developmental cues or environmental perturbations. PMID:28459448

Integration of mobile satellite and cellular systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Drucker, Elliott H.; Estabrook, Polly; Pinck, Deborah; Ekroot, Laura

1993-01-01

By integrating the ground based infrastructure component of a mobile satellite system with the infrastructure systems of terrestrial 800 MHz cellular service providers, a seamless network of universal coverage can be established. Users equipped for both cellular and satellite service can take advantage of a number of features made possible by such integration, including seamless handoff and universal roaming. To provide maximum benefit at lowest posible cost, the means by which these systems are integrated must be carefully considered. Mobile satellite hub stations must be configured to efficiently interface with cellular Mobile Telephone Switching Offices (MTSO's), and cost effective mobile units that provide both cellular and satellite capability must be developed.

Integration of mobile satellite and cellular systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Drucker, Elliott H.; Estabrook, Polly; Pinck, Deborah; Ekroot, Laura

By integrating the ground based infrastructure component of a mobile satellite system with the infrastructure systems of terrestrial 800 MHz cellular service providers, a seamless network of universal coverage can be established. Users equipped for both cellular and satellite service can take advantage of a number of features made possible by such integration, including seamless handoff and universal roaming. To provide maximum benefit at lowest posible cost, the means by which these systems are integrated must be carefully considered. Mobile satellite hub stations must be configured to efficiently interface with cellular Mobile Telephone Switching Offices (MTSO's), and cost effective mobile units that provide both cellular and satellite capability must be developed.

Monitoring Cellular Events in Living Mast Cells Stimulated with an Extremely Small Amount of Fluid on a Microchip

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Munaka, Tatsuya; Abe, Hirohisa; Kanai, Masaki; Sakamoto, Takashi; Nakanishi, Hiroaki; Yamaoka, Tetsuji; Shoji, Shuichi; Murakami, Akira

2006-07-01

We successfully developed a measurement system for real-time analysis of cellular function using a newly designed microchip. This microchip was equipped with a micro cell incubation chamber (240 nl) and was stimulated by a very small amount of stimuli (as small as 24 nl). Using the microchip system, cultivation of mast cells was successfully carried out. Monitoring of the cellular events after stimulation with an extremely small amount of fluid on a microchip was performed. This system could be applicable for various types of cellular analysis including real-time monitoring of cellular response by stimulation.

Flight demonstration of formation flying capabilities for future missions (NEAT pathfinder)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Delpech, M.; Malbet, F.; Karlsson, T.; Larsson, R.; Léger, A.; Jorgensen, J.

2014-12-01

PRISMA is a demonstration mission for formation-flying and on-orbit-servicing critical technologies that involves two spacecraft launched in low Earth orbit in June 2010 and still in operation. Funded by the Swedish National Space Board, PRISMA mission has been developed by OHB-Sweden (formerly Swedish Space Corporation) with important contributions from the German Aerospace Centre (DLR/GSOC), the French Space Agency (CNES), and the Technical University of Denmark (DTU). The paper focuses on the last CNES experiment achieved in September 2012 that was devoted to the preparation of future astrometry missions illustrated by the NEAT and μ-NEAT mission concepts. The experiment consisted of performing the type of formation maneuvers required to point the two-satellite axis to a celestial target and maintain it fixed during the observation period. Achieving inertial pointing for a LEO formation represented a new challenge given the numerous constraints from propellant usage to star tracker blinding. The paper presents the experiment objectives in relation with the NEAT/μ-NEAT mission concept, describes its main design features along with the guidance and control algorithms evolutions and discusses the results in terms of performances achieved during the two rehearsals.

First Prismatic Building Model Reconstruction from Tomosar Point Clouds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Y.; Shahzad, M.; Zhu, X.

2016-06-01

This paper demonstrates for the first time the potential of explicitly modelling the individual roof surfaces to reconstruct 3-D prismatic building models using spaceborne tomographic synthetic aperture radar (TomoSAR) point clouds. The proposed approach is modular and works as follows: it first extracts the buildings via DSM generation and cutting-off the ground terrain. The DSM is smoothed using BM3D denoising method proposed in (Dabov et al., 2007) and a gradient map of the smoothed DSM is generated based on height jumps. Watershed segmentation is then adopted to oversegment the DSM into different regions. Subsequently, height and polygon complexity constrained merging is employed to refine (i.e., to reduce) the retrieved number of roof segments. Coarse outline of each roof segment is then reconstructed and later refined using quadtree based regularization plus zig-zag line simplification scheme. Finally, height is associated to each refined roof segment to obtain the 3-D prismatic model of the building. The proposed approach is illustrated and validated over a large building (convention center) in the city of Las Vegas using TomoSAR point clouds generated from a stack of 25 images using Tomo-GENESIS software developed at DLR.

Effect of long-term microgravity on the mineralisation of inner ear otoliths of fish - a spaceflight study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anken, Ralf

The "heavy bodies" (i.e., statoliths or otoliths, mainly made up of calcium carbonate and protein) in the inner ears of vertebrates transform the physical parameter "gravity" to biological signals needed for postural control. It has been shown earlier that hypergravity slows down inner ear otolith growth in developing fish (via a down-regulation of carbonic anhydrase reactivity) as an adaptation towards altered environmental gravity. We were thus prompted to elucidate whether long-term microgravity would possibly yield opposite effects. Therefore, larval siblings of cichlid fish (Oreochromis mossambicus) were housed in a bioregenerative life support system (OMEGAHAB) using green algae (Euglena gracilis) for oxygen supply. The experiment was successfully flown on the FOTON M-3 mission. Prior to launch, otoliths were stained with a fluorescent calcium tracer (Alizarin Complexone). This treatment both allowed an assessment of otolith growth (size) after recovery as well as an analysis of relocations of calcium deposits. Calcium and strontium contents were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The results will be communicated at the meeting. Acknowledgement: This work was financially supported by the German Aerospace Center (DLR) (FKZ: 50 WB 0527).

The Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) - Current Status, Recent Results, Future Plans, and Synergies with the AKARI Archive

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roellig, Thomas L.

2017-01-01

The Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy comprises a 2.7m diameter telescope mounted in a heavily modified B747SP aircraft. The SOFIA program is a joint US NASA and German DLR program, with the development and operations costs split roughly 80%:20%, respectively. Although the observatory is funded by these two nations, its observing time is open to proposals from astronomers of any nationality. The observatory has been flying and taking scientific data since 2010 and currently observes astronomical targets from the stratosphere for approximately 800 research flight hours per year. Seven science instruments (with an eighth coming online in 2020) cover the visible to sub-millimeter wavelengths with a variety of spectral resolutions ranging up to 1e8. The AKARI Archive with its 1.7 to 180 micron wavelength coverage is a natural complementary source for follow-up observations with SOFIA. This presentation will cover the current SOFIA technical capabilities and will present a few recent science highlights that demonstrate the SOFIA/AKARI complementarity. The presentation will also cover the SOFIA proposal process and will summarize other partnership opportunities for additional observing time on SOFIA.

Alterations of the cytoskeleton in human cells in space proved by life-cell imaging.

PubMed

Corydon, Thomas J; Kopp, Sascha; Wehland, Markus; Braun, Markus; Schütte, Andreas; Mayer, Tobias; Hülsing, Thomas; Oltmann, Hergen; Schmitz, Burkhard; Hemmersbach, Ruth; Grimm, Daniela

2016-01-28

Microgravity induces changes in the cytoskeleton. This might have an impact on cells and organs of humans in space. Unfortunately, studies of cytoskeletal changes in microgravity reported so far are obligatorily based on the analysis of fixed cells exposed to microgravity during a parabolic flight campaign (PFC). This study focuses on the development of a compact fluorescence microscope (FLUMIAS) for fast live-cell imaging under real microgravity. It demonstrates the application of the instrument for on-board analysis of cytoskeletal changes in FTC-133 cancer cells expressing the Lifeact-GFP marker protein for the visualization of F-actin during the 24(th) DLR PFC and TEXUS 52 rocket mission. Although vibration is an inevitable part of parabolic flight maneuvers, we successfully for the first time report life-cell cytoskeleton imaging during microgravity, and gene expression analysis after the 31(st) parabola showing a clear up-regulation of cytoskeletal genes. Notably, during the rocket flight the FLUMIAS microscope reveals significant alterations of the cytoskeleton related to microgravity. Our findings clearly demonstrate the applicability of the FLUMIAS microscope for life-cell imaging during microgravity, rendering it an important technological advance in live-cell imaging when dissecting protein localization.

Photon Sail History, Engineering, and Mission Analysis. Appendix

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Matloff, Gregory L.; Taylor, Travis; Powell, Conley

2004-01-01

This Appendix summarizes the results of a Teledyne Brown Engineering, Inc. report to the In-Space propulsion research group of the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) that was authored by Taylor et al. in 2003. The subject of this report is the technological maturity, readiness, and capability of the photon solar sail to support space-exploration missions. Technological maturity for solar photon sail concepts is extremely high high for rectangular (or square) solar sail configurations due to the historical development of the rectangular design by the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). L'Garde Inc., ILC Dover Inc., DLR, and many other corporations and agencies. However, future missions and mission analysis may prove that the rectangular sail design is not the best architecture for achieving mission goals. Due to the historical focus on rectangular solar sail spacecraft designs, the maturity of other architectures such as hoop-supported disks, multiple small disk arrays, parachute sails, heliogyro sails, perforated sails, multiple vane sails (such as the Planetary Society's Cosmos 1), inflated pillow sails, etc., have not reached a high level of technological readiness. (Some sail architectures are shown in Fig. A.1.) The possibilities of different sail architectures and some possible mission concepts are discussed in this Appendix.

Alterations of the cytoskeleton in human cells in space proved by life-cell imaging

PubMed Central

Corydon, Thomas J.; Kopp, Sascha; Wehland, Markus; Braun, Markus; Schütte, Andreas; Mayer, Tobias; Hülsing, Thomas; Oltmann, Hergen; Schmitz, Burkhard; Hemmersbach, Ruth; Grimm, Daniela

2016-01-01

Microgravity induces changes in the cytoskeleton. This might have an impact on cells and organs of humans in space. Unfortunately, studies of cytoskeletal changes in microgravity reported so far are obligatorily based on the analysis of fixed cells exposed to microgravity during a parabolic flight campaign (PFC). This study focuses on the development of a compact fluorescence microscope (FLUMIAS) for fast live-cell imaging under real microgravity. It demonstrates the application of the instrument for on-board analysis of cytoskeletal changes in FTC-133 cancer cells expressing the Lifeact-GFP marker protein for the visualization of F-actin during the 24th DLR PFC and TEXUS 52 rocket mission. Although vibration is an inevitable part of parabolic flight maneuvers, we successfully for the first time report life-cell cytoskeleton imaging during microgravity, and gene expression analysis after the 31st parabola showing a clear up-regulation of cytoskeletal genes. Notably, during the rocket flight the FLUMIAS microscope reveals significant alterations of the cytoskeleton related to microgravity. Our findings clearly demonstrate the applicability of the FLUMIAS microscope for life-cell imaging during microgravity, rendering it an important technological advance in live-cell imaging when dissecting protein localization. PMID:26818711

Long-term/strategic scenario for reusable booster stages

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sippel, Martin; Manfletti, Chiara; Burkhardt, Holger

2006-02-01

This paper describes the final design status of a partially reusable space transportation system which has been under study for five years within the German future launcher technology research program ASTRA. It consists of dual booster stages, which are attached to an advanced expendable core. The design of the reference liquid fly-back boosters (LFBB) is focused on LOX/LH2 propellant and a future advanced gas-generator cycle rocket motor. The preliminary design study was performed in close cooperation between DLR and the German space industry. The paper's first part describes recent progress in the design of this reusable booster stage. The second part of the paper assesses a long-term, strategic scenario of the reusable stage's operation. The general idea is the gradual evolution of the above mentioned basic fly-back booster vehicle into three space transportation systems performing different tasks: Reusable First Stage for a small launcher application, successive development to a fully reusable TSTO, and booster for a super-heavy-lift rocket to support an ambitious space flight program like manned Mars missions. The assessment addresses questions of technical sanity, preliminary sizing and performance issues and, where applicable, examines alternative options.

Telemetry distribution and processing for the second German Spacelab Mission D-2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rabenau, E.; Kruse, W.

1994-01-01

For the second German Spacelab Mission D-2 all activities related to operating, monitoring and controlling the experiments on board the Spacelab were conducted from the German Space Operations Control Center (GSOC) operated by the Deutsche Forschungsanstalt fur Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR) in Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany. The operational requirements imposed new concepts on the transfer of data between Germany and the NASA centers and the processing of data at the GSOC itself. Highlights were the upgrade of the Spacelab Data Processing Facility (SLDPF) to real time data processing, the introduction of packet telemetry and the development of the high-rate data handling front end, data processing and display systems at GSOC. For the first time, a robot on board the Spacelab was to be controlled from the ground in a closed loop environment. A dedicated forward channel was implemented to transfer the robot manipulation commands originating from the robotics experiment ground station to the Spacelab via the Orbiter's text and graphics system interface. The capability to perform telescience from an external user center was implemented. All interfaces proved successful during the course of the D-2 mission and are described in detail in this paper.

KSC-99pp0776

NASA Image and Video Library

1999-06-19

In the Space Station Processing Facility, the STS-99 crew pose in front of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, the payload for their mission. From left are Mission Specialists Mamoru Mohri of Japan, Janet Lynn Kavandi (Ph.D.), and Janice Voss (Ph.D.); Commander Kevin R. Kregel; Mission Specialist Gerhard Thiele of Germany; and Pilot Dominic L. Pudwill Gorie. Mohri represents the National Space Development Agency of Japan and Thiele represents the European Space Agency. An international project spearheaded by the National Imagery and Mapping Agency and NASA, with participation of the German Aerospace Center DLR, the SRTM consists of a specially modified radar system that will gather data for the most accurate and complete topographic map of the Earth's surface that has ever been assembled. SRTM will make use of radar interferometry, wherein two radar images are taken from slightly different locations. Differences between these images allow for the calculation of surface elevation, or change. The SRTM hardware will consist of one radar antenna in the shuttle payload bay and a second radar antenna attached to the end of a mast extended 60 meters (195 feet) out from the shuttle. STS-99 is scheduled to launch Sept. 16 at 8:47 a.m. from Launch Pad 39A

Susceptibility to kinetotic Behaviour during Parabolic Aircraft Flights and otolithic Calcium Incorporation in Fish

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Forster, A.; Anken, R.; Hilbig, R.

According to an earlier concept, otolith (or statolith) asymmetry is the cause for susceptibility to kinetoses (e.g., human static space sickness). Indeed, we could recently show that fish showing a kinetotic behaviour after development at hypergravity had incorporated significantly more otolithic calcium (and had an higher otolith asymmetry concerning calcium incorporation) as had normally swimming hyper-g specimens. In order to determine whether a (predispositioned) high asymmetry of otolithic calcium incorporation may also be the cause for kinetosis susceptibility in the microgravity environment (to be achived during parabolic aircraft flights, PFs), larval cichlid fish (Oreochromis mossambicus) were (prior to the PFs) maintained in aquarium water containing alizarin-complexone (AC), a fluorescent calcium tracer. Subsequently, the behaviour of the animals during the microgravity phases of the PF experiment was qualitatively assessed and the specimens were seperated into normally and kinetotically swimming individuals (the latter performed spinning movements). Finally, otolithic AC (and thus calzium) incorporation was densitometrically determined in the otoliths and correlated with the animals' behavior. The respective data will be communicated at the meeting. Acknowledgement: This work was financially supported by the German Aerospace Center (DLR) (FKZ: 50 WB 9997).

PREFACE: International Symposium on Physical Sciences in Space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meyer, Andreas; Egry, Ivan

2011-12-01

ISPS is the major international scientific forum for researchers in physics utilizing the space environment, in particular microgravity. It is intended to inspire and encourage cross-cutting discussions between different scientific communities working in the same environment. Contributions discussing results of experiments carried out on drop towers, parabolic aircraft flights, sounding rockets, unmanned recoverable capsules and, last but not least, the International Space Station ISS, are the backbone of this conference series, complemented by preparatory ground-based work, both experimentally and theoretically. The first International Symposium on Physical Sciences in Space (ISPS) sponsored by the International Microgravity Strategic Planning Group (IMSPG) took place in 2000 in Sorrento, Italy. IMSPG seeks to coordinate the planning of space for research in physical sciences by space agencies worldwide. AEB (Brazil), ASI (Italy), CNES (France), CSA (Canada), DLR (Germany), ESA (Europe), JAXA (Japan), NASA (USA), NSAU (Ukraine) and RSA (Russia) are members, and CNSA (China) and ISRO (India) are also invited to join IMSPG meetings. ISPS-4 was the fourth symposium in that series, following ISPS-2 organized by CSA in 2004 in Toronto, Canada, and ISPS-3 organized in 2007 by JAXA in Nara, Japan. ISPS-4 was jointly organized by ESA and DLR on behalf of the IMSPG and was held in Bonn from 11-15 July 2011. 230 participants from 17 different countries attended ISPS-4. Recent microgravity experiments were presented, analysed, and set in context to results from Earth bound experiments in 16 plenary and 68 topical talks. Lively discussions continued during two dedicated poster sessions and at the exhibition booths of space industry and research centers with new flight hardware on display. The oral presentations at ISPS4 were selected exclusively on the basis of scientific merit, as evidenced through the submitted abstracts. The selection was performed by the International Scientific Program Committee. It is our pleasure to thank the members of this committee for their excellent support in setting up a high-quality, well-balanced program. We also thank our sponsors, the German Aerospace Center and the European Space Agency, the Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Technologie (German Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology), the ZARM Center of Applied Space Technology and Microgravity as well as our industrial sponsors EADS-Astrium and Kayser-Threde, for their generous contributions. Our special thanks go to the authors and reviewers of the papers in these proceedings. Together we were able to realize up-to-date, peer reviewed conference proceedings, containing new and original data. Thanks to their efforts and that of the IOP Publishing staff, we succeeded in publishing the proceedings within six months of the conference. We are confident that this collection of papers will provide a useful reference for all workers in the field. Andreas Meyer and Ivan Egry Chairmen ISPS-4 Institute of Materials Physics in Space German Aerospace Center, Cologne Conference photograph Opening ceremony Professor Dr Andreas Meyer, Chairman ISPS 4, Professor Dr Johann-Dietrich Wörner, CEO DLR, and Dr Martin Zell, Head of ESA ISS Utilisation (left to right), at the opening ceremony of ISPS-4.

SOFIA Science Working Group

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zmuldzinas, J.

1997-01-01

The SOFIA Science Working Group was established to help develop the plans and specifications for the next-generation airborne observatory ("SOFIA"), which is now under development. The P.I. has developed several astronomical instruments for the Kuiper Airborne Observatory, NASA's previous airborne astronomy platform (which was decommisioned in 1995 in preparation for SOFIA). SOFIA, which will be a 747 SP aircraft carrying a 2.7 meter diameter telescope, is a joint project sponsored by NASA and DLR (the German space agency), and is now under development by a consortium including Universities Space Research Association (USRA), Raytheon, Sterling Software, and United Airlines. Rather than develop the SOFIA observatory in-house, NASA decided to privatize the project by issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP). The respondents to this RFP were consortia of private organizations which together had the required facilities and expertise to be able to carry out the project; the winner was the group led by USRA. One of the main roles of the SSWG was to help develop the technical specifications for the SOFIA observatory. In particular, the SSWG provided advice to NASA on the specifications that were written into the RFP, particularly those which had an important impact on the scientific productivity of the observatory. These specifications were discussed at the meetings of the SSWG, which were held primarily at NASA/Ames (in California) and at NASA Headquarters (in Washington DC). Apart from these meetings, members of the SSWG were expected to perform more detailed analyses of the impact of certain parameters and specifications on the performance of astronomical instruments. The SSWG ended its activities with the selection of the USRA team in January 1997.

Counter rotating fans — An aircraft propulsion for the future?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schimming, Peter

2003-05-01

In the mid seventies a new propulsor for aircraft was designed and investigated - the so-called PROPFAN. With regard to the total pressure increase, it ranges between a conventional propeller and a turbofan with very high bypass ratio. This new propulsion system promised a reduction in fuel consumption of 15 to 25% compared to engines at that time. A lot of propfans (Hamilton Standard, USA) with different numbers of blades and blade shapes have been designed and tested in wind tunnels in order to find an optimum in efficiency, Fig.1. Parallel to this development GE, USA, made a design of a counter rotating unducted propfan, the so-called UDF, Fig.2. A prototype engine was manufactured and investigated on an in-flight test bed mounted at the MD82 and the B727. Since that time there has not been any further development of propfans (except AN 70 with NK 90-engine, Ukraine, which is more or less a propeller design) due to relatively low fuel prices and technical obstacles. Only technical programs in different countries are still going on in order to prepare a data base for designing counter rotating fans in terms of aeroacoustics, aerodynamics and aeroelasticities. In DLR, Germany, a lot of experimental and numerical work has been undertaken to understand the physical behaviour of the unsteady flow in a counter rotating fan.

PlasmaLab/Eco-Plasma - The future of complex plasma research in space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Knapek, Christina; Thomas, Hubertus; Huber, Peter; Mohr, Daniel; Hagl, Tanja; Konopka, Uwe; Lipaev, Andrey; Morfill, Gregor; Molotkov, Vladimir

The next Russian-German cooperation for the investigation of complex plasmas under microgravity conditions on the International Space Station (ISS) is the PlasmaLab/Eco-Plasma project. Here, a new plasma chamber -- the ``Zyflex'' chamber -- is being developed. The chamber is a cylindrical plasma chamber with parallel electrodes and a flexible system geometry. It is designed to extend the accessible plasma parameter range, i.e. neutral gas pressure, plasma density and electron temperature, and also to allow an independent control of the plasma parameters, therefore increasing the experimental quality and expected knowledge gain significantly. With this system it will be possible to reach low neutral gas pressures (which means weak damping of the particle motion) and to generate large, homogeneous 3D particle systems for studies of fundamental phenomena such as phase transitions, dynamics of liquids or phase separation. The Zyflex chamber has already been operated in several parabolic flight campaigns with different configurations during the last years, yielding a promising outlook for its future development. Here, we will present the current status of the project, the technological advancements the Zyflex chamber will offer compared to its predecessors, and the latest scientific results from experiments on ground and in microgravity conditions during parabolic flights. This work and some of the authors are funded by DLR/BMWi (FKZ 50 WP 0700).

Cellular-dendritic transition in directionally solidified binary alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tewari, S. N.; Laxmanan, V.

1987-01-01

The microstructural development of binary alloys during directional solidification is studied. Cellular growth data for the Al-Cu and Pb-Sn binary alloy systems are analyzed in order evaluate the criteria of Kurz and Fisher (1981) and Trivedi (1984) for cellular-dendritic transition. It is observed that the experimental growth values do not correlate with the Kurz and Fisher or Trivedi data.

Predictive Modeling and Computational Toxicology

EPA Science Inventory

Embryonic development is orchestrated via a complex series of cellular interactions controlling behaviors such as mitosis, migration, differentiation, adhesion, contractility, apoptosis, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Any chemical exposure that perturbs these cellular proce...

Emergence of tissue mechanics from cellular processes: shaping a fly wing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Merkel, Matthias; Etournay, Raphael; Popovic, Marko; Nandi, Amitabha; Brandl, Holger; Salbreux, Guillaume; Eaton, Suzanne; Jülicher, Frank

Nowadays, biologistsare able to image biological tissueswith up to 10,000 cells in vivowhere the behavior of each individual cell can be followed in detail.However, how precisely large-scale tissue deformation and stresses emerge from cellular behavior remains elusive. Here, we study this question in the developing wing of the fruit fly. To this end, we first establish a geometrical framework that exactly decomposes tissue deformation into contributions by different kinds of cellular processes. These processes comprise cell shape changes, cell neighbor exchanges, cell divisions, and cell extrusions. As the key idea, we introduce a tiling of the cellular network into triangles. This approach also reveals that tissue deformation can also be created by correlated cellular motion. Based on quantifications using these concepts, we developed a novel continuum mechanical model for the fly wing. In particular, our model includes active anisotropic stresses and a delay in the response of cell rearrangements to material stresses. A different approach to study the emergence of tissue mechanics from cellular behavior are cell-based models. We characterize the properties of a cell-based model for 3D tissues that is a hybrid between single particle models and the so-called vertex models.

Alternative Ways to Think about Cellular Internal Ribosome Entry*

PubMed Central

Gilbert, Wendy V.

2010-01-01

Internal ribosome entry sites (IRESs) are specialized mRNA elements that allow recruitment of eukaryotic ribosomes to naturally uncapped mRNAs or to capped mRNAs under conditions in which cap-dependent translation is inhibited. Putative cellular IRESs have been proposed to play crucial roles in stress responses, development, apoptosis, cell cycle control, and neuronal function. However, most of the evidence for cellular IRES activity rests on bicistronic reporter assays, the reliability of which has been questioned. Here, the mechanisms underlying cap-independent translation of cellular mRNAs and the contributions of such translation to cellular protein synthesis are discussed. I suggest that the division of cellular mRNAs into mutually exclusive categories of “cap-dependent” and “IRES-dependent” should be reconsidered and that the implications of cellular IRES activity need to be incorporated into our models of cap-dependent initiation. PMID:20576611

Early-life stress impacts the developing hippocampus and primes seizure occurrence: cellular, molecular, and epigenetic mechanisms

PubMed Central

Huang, Li-Tung

2014-01-01

Early-life stress includes prenatal, postnatal, and adolescence stress. Early-life stress can affect the development of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and cause cellular and molecular changes in the developing hippocampus that can result in neurobehavioral changes later in life. Epidemiological data implicate stress as a cause of seizures in both children and adults. Emerging evidence indicates that both prenatal and postnatal stress can prime the developing brain for seizures and an increase in epileptogenesis. This article reviews the cellular and molecular changes encountered during prenatal and postnatal stress, and assesses the possible link between these changes and increases in seizure occurrence and epileptogenesis in the developing hippocampus. In addititon, the priming effect of prenatal and postnatal stress for seizures and epileptogenesis is discussed. Finally, the roles of epigenetic modifications in hippocampus and HPA axis programming, early-life stress, and epilepsy are discussed. PMID:24574961

The mammary cellular hierarchy and breast cancer.

PubMed

Oakes, Samantha R; Gallego-Ortega, David; Ormandy, Christopher J

2014-11-01

Advances in the study of hematopoietic cell maturation have paved the way to a deeper understanding the stem and progenitor cellular hierarchy in the mammary gland. The mammary epithelium, unlike the hematopoietic cellular hierarchy, sits in a complex niche where communication between epithelial cells and signals from the systemic hormonal milieu, as well as from extra-cellular matrix, influence cell fate decisions and contribute to tissue homeostasis. We review the discovery, definition and regulation of the mammary cellular hierarchy and we describe the development of the concepts that have guided our investigations. We outline recent advances in in vivo lineage tracing that is now challenging many of our assumptions regarding the behavior of mammary stem cells, and we show how understanding these cellular lineages has altered our view of breast cancer.

Laser Ground System for Communication Experiments with ARTEMIS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuzkov, Volodymyr; Volovyk, Dmytro; Kuzkov, Sergii; Sodnik, Zoran; Pukha, Sergii; Caramia, Vincenzo

2012-10-01

The ARTEMIS satellite with the OPALE laser communication terminal on-board was launched on 12 July, 2001. 1789 laser communications sessions were performed between ARTEMIS and SPOT-4 (PASTEL) from 01 April 2003 to 09 January 2008 with total duration of 378 hours. Regular laser communication experiments between ESA's Optical Ground Station (OGS - altitude 2400 m above see level) and ARTEMIS in various atmosphere conditions were also performed. The Japanese Space Agency (JAXA) launched the KIRARI (OICETS) satellite with laser communication terminal called LUCE. Laser communication links between KIRARI and ARTEMIS were successfully realized and international laser communications experiments from the KIRARI satellite were also successfully performed with optical ground stations located in the USA (JPL), Spain (ESA OGS), Germany (DLR), and Japan (NICT). The German Space Agency (DLR) performed laser communication links between two LEO satellites (TerraSAR-X and NFIRE), demonstrating data transfer rates of 5.6Gbit/s and performed laser communication experiments between the satellites and the ESA optical ground station. To reduce the influence of weather conditions on laser communication between satellites and ground stations, a network of optical stations situated in different atmosphere regions needs to be created. In 2002, the Main Astronomical Observatory (MAO) started the development of its own laser communication system to be placed into the Cassegrain focus of its 0.7m AZT-2 telescope (Fe = 10.5m), located in Kyiv 190 meters above sea level. The work was supported by the National Space Agency of Ukraine and by ESA ARTEMIS has an orbital position of 21.4° E and an orbital inclination of more than 9.75°. As a result we developed a precise tracking system for AZT-2 telescope (weighing more than 2 tons) using micro-step motors. Software was developed for computer control of the telescope to track the satellite's orbit and a tracking accuracy of 0.6 arcsec was achieved. A compact terminal for Laser Atmosphere and Communication Experiments with Satellite (LACES) has been produced. The LACES terminal includes: A CMOS camera of the pointing subsystem, a CCD camera of the tracking subsystem, an avalanche photodiode receiver module with thermoelectric cooling, a laser transmitter module with thermoelectric temperature control, a tip/tilt atmospheric turbulence compensation subsystem with movable mirrors, a four-quadrant photo-detector, a bit error rate tester module and other optical and electronic components. The principal subsystems and optical elements are mounted on a platform (weight < 20kg), which is located in the Cassegrain focus of the telescope. All systems were tested with ARTEMIS. The telemetry and dump buffer information from OPALE received by the control center in Redu (Belgium) was analyzed. During the beacon scan, the acquisition phase of laser link between OPALE laser terminal of ARTEMIS and LACES laser terminal started and laser signals from AZT-2 were detected by acquisition and tracking CCD sensors of OPALE. Some of the tests were performed in cloudy conditions. A description of our laser ground system and the experimental results will be presented in the report.

METERON end-to-end Network for Robotic Experiments: Objectives and first operations at B.USOC.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

This, N.; Michel, A.; Litefti, K.; Muller, C.; Moreau, D.

2012-09-01

METERON an international collaboration between ESA, NASA (University of Colorado), Roskosmos and DLR. It intends to use the ISS as a test bed to simulate an orbiter around another heavenly body (for example Mars), under directives from Mission Control on Earth. Astronauts on the orbiter will project their human initiative and instinct, in realtime, onto the surface of the heavenly body (simulated by an analog site on the Earth) through robotic device(s) to perform science or engineering tasks. This type of real-time control is not possible directly from Earth due to the One Way Light Time delay in communications. METERON operations are managed by B.USOC since December 2011 as Facility Reference Centre.

Comparison of reversible methods for data compression

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heer, Volker K.; Reinfelder, Hans-Erich

1990-07-01

Widely differing methods for data compression described in the ACR-NEMA draft are used in medical imaging. In our contribution we will review various methods briefly and discuss the relevant advantages and disadvantages. In detail we evaluate 1st order DPCM pyramid transformation and S transformation. We compare as coding algorithms both fixed and adaptive Huffman coding and Lempel-Ziv coding. Our comparison is performed on typical medical images from CT MR DSA and DLR (Digital Luminescence Radiography). Apart from the achieved compression factors we take into account CPU time required and main memory requirement both for compression and for decompression. For a realistic comparison we have implemented the mentioned algorithms in the C program language on a MicroVAX II and a SPARC station 1. 2.

The European space debris safety and mitigation standard

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alby, F.; Alwes, D.; Anselmo, L.; Baccini, H.; Bonnal, C.; Crowther, R.; Flury, W.; Jehn, R.; Klinkrad, H.; Portelli, C.; Tremayne-Smith, R.

2001-10-01

A standard has been proposed as one of the series of ECSS Standards intended to be applied together for the management, engineering and product assurance in space projects and applications. The requirements in the Standard are defined in terms of what must be accomplished, rather than in terms of how to organise and perform the necessary work. This allows existing organisational structures and methods within agencies and industry to be applied where they are effective, and for such structures and methods to evolve as necessary, without the need for rewriting the standards. The Standard comprises management requirements, design requirements and operational requirements. The standard was prepared by the European Debris Mitigation Standard Working Group (EDMSWG) involving members from ASI, BNSC, CNES, DLR and ESA.

STS-55 German Payload Specialist Schlegel manipulates ROTEX controls in SL-D2

NASA Image and Video Library

1993-05-06

STS055-106-100 (26 April-6 May 1993) --- Hans Schlegel, wearing special glasses, works at the Robotics Experiment (ROTEX) workstation in the science module aboard the Earth-orbiting Space Shuttle Columbia. Schlegel was one of two payload specialists representing the German Aerospace Research Establishment (DLR) on the 10-day Spacelab D-2 mission. ROTEX is a robotic arm that operates within an enclosed workcell in rack 6 of the Spacelab module and uses teleoperation from both an onboard station located nearby in rack 4 and from a station on the ground. The device uses teleprogramming and artificial intelligence to look at the design, verification and operation of advanced autonomous systems for use in future applications.

STS-99 Crew Interviews: Janet L. Kavandi

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1999-01-01

This NASA JSC video release is one in a series of space shuttle astronaut interviews and was recorded Aug. 9, 1999. Mission Specialist, Janet L. Kavandi, Ph.D. provides answers to questions regarding her role in the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), mission objectives, which center on the three-dimensional mapping of the entire Earth's surface, shuttle imaging radar, payload mast deploy and retraction, data recording vs. downlinking, the fly cast maneuver, applications of recorded data, international participation (DLR), the National Imaging and Mapping Agency (NIMA), and EarthCam (educational middle school project). The interview is summed up by Dr. Kavandi explaining that the mission's objective, if successful, will result in the the most complete high-resolution digital topographic database of the Earth.

Ways and possibilities of controlling turbulent shear flows - A selection of problems pursued at HFI and DLR in Berlin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fiedler, Heinrich E.

1991-01-01

Recent works on flow stability and turbulence are reviewed with emphasis on the flow control of free and wall-bounded flows. Axisymmetric jets in counterflow are considered for two characteristic cases: a stable case at low velocity ratios and an unstable case at higher velocity ratios. Among mixing layers, excited layers are covered as well as density-inhomogeneous flows, where countergradient, homogeneous, and cogradient cases are reviewed. The influences of boundary conditions are analyzed, and focus is placed on feedback condition, flow distortion, accelerated flow, and two- and three-dimensional studies. Attention is given to stability investigations and riblets as a means for reducing surface friction in a turbulent flow.

KSC-99pp0311

NASA Image and Video Library

1999-03-23

In the Multi-Payload Processing Facility, Mary Reaves and Richard Rainen, with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, work on the carrier and horizontal antenna mast for the STS-99 Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) while Larry Broms watches. The SRTM consists of a specially modified radar system that will fly onboard the Space Shuttle during an 11-day mission in September 1999. This radar system will gather data that will result in the most accurate and complete topographic map of the Earth's surface that has ever been assembled. SRTM is an international project spearheaded by the National Imagery and Mapping Agency and NASA, with participation of the German Aerospace Center DLR. Its objective is to obtain the most complete high-resolution digital topographic database of the Earth

KSC-99pp0505

NASA Image and Video Library

1999-05-07

In the Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF), workers (lower right) disconnect the transport vehicle from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) after moving it into the building for pre-launch preparations. The primary payload on mission STS-99, the SRTM consists of a specially modified radar system that will fly onboard the Space Shuttle during the 11-day mission targeted for launch in September 1999. This radar system will gather data that will result in the most accurate and complete topographic map of the Earth's surface that has ever been assembled. SRTM is an international project spearheaded by the National Imagery and Mapping Agency and NASA, with participation of the German Aerospace Center DLR. Its objective is to obtain the most complete high-resolution digital topographic database of the Earth

The Virtual Cell Animation Collection: Tools for Teaching Molecular and Cellular Biology

PubMed Central

Reindl, Katie M.; White, Alan R.; Johnson, Christina; Vender, Bradley; Slator, Brian M.; McClean, Phillip

2015-01-01

A cell is a minifactory in which structures and molecules are assembled, rearranged, disassembled, packaged, sorted, and transported. Because cellular structures and molecules are invisible to the human eye, students often have difficulty conceptualizing the dynamic nature of cells that function at multiple scales across time and space. To represent these dynamic cellular processes, the Virtual Cell Productions team at North Dakota State University develops freely available multimedia materials to support molecular and cellular biology learning inside and outside the high school and university classroom. PMID:25856580

Cellular solidification in a monotectic system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kaukler, W. F.; Curreri, P. A.

1987-01-01

Succinonitrile-glycerol, SN-G, transparent organic monotectic alloy is studied with particular attention to cellular growth. The phase diagram is determined, near the monotectic composition, with greater accuracy than previous studies. A solidification interface stability diagram is determined for planar growth. The planar-to-cellular transition is compared to predictions from the Burton, Primm, Schlichter theory. A new technique to determine the solute segregation by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy is developed. Proposed models that involve the cellular interface for alignment of monotectic second-phase spheres or rods are compared with observations.

Elastomeric Cellular Structure Enhanced by Compressible Liquid Filler

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Yueting; Xu, Xiaoqing; Xu, Chengliang; Qiao, Yu; Li, Yibing

2016-05-01

Elastomeric cellular structures provide a promising solution for energy absorption. Their flexible and resilient nature is particularly relevant to protection of human bodies. Herein we develop an elastomeric cellular structure filled with nanoporous material functionalized (NMF) liquid. Due to the nanoscale infiltration in NMF liquid and its interaction with cell walls, the cellular structure has a much enhanced mechanical performance, in terms of loading capacity and energy absorption density. Moreover, it is validated that the structure is highly compressible and self-restoring. Its hyper-viscoelastic characteristics are elucidated.

Cellular Responses to Mechanical Stress Selected Contribution: A Three-Dimensional Model for Assessment of in Vitro Toxicity in Balaena Mysticetus Renal Tissue

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goodwin, T. J.; Coate-Li, L.; Linnehan, R. M.; Hammond, T. G.

2000-01-01

This study established two- and three-dimensional renal proximal tubular cell cultures of the endangered species bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus), developed SV40-transfected cultures, and cloned the 61-amino acid open reading frame for the metallothionein protein, the primary binding site for heavy metal contamination in mammals. Microgravity research, modulations in mechanical culture conditions (modeled microgravity), and shear stress have spawned innovative approaches to understanding the dynamics of cellular interactions, gene expression, and differentiation in several cellular systems. These investigations have led to the creation of ex vivo tissue models capable of serving as physiological research analogs for three-dimensional cellular interactions. These models are enabling studies in immune function, tissue modeling for basic research, and neoplasia. Three-dimensional cellular models emulate aspects of in vivo cellular architecture and physiology and may facilitate environmental toxicological studies aimed at elucidating biological functions and responses at the cellular level. Marine mammals occupy a significant ecological niche (72% of the Earth's surface is water) in terms of the potential for information on bioaccumulation and transport of terrestrial and marine environmental toxins in high-order vertebrates. Few ex vivo models of marine mammal physiology exist in vitro to accomplish the aforementioned studies. Techniques developed in this investigation, based on previous tissue modeling successes, may serve to facilitate similar research in other marine mammals.

Creating the Chemistry in Cellular Respiration Concept Inventory (CCRCI)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Forshee, Jay Lance, II

Students at our institution report cellular respiration to be the most difficult concept they encounter in undergraduate biology, but why students find this difficult is unknown. Students may find cellular respiration difficult because there is a large amount of steps, or because there are persistent, long-lasting misconceptions and misunderstandings surrounding their knowledge of chemistry, which affect their performance on cellular respiration assessments. Most studies of cellular respiration focus on student macro understanding of the process related to breathing, and matter and energy. To date, no studies identify which chemistry concepts are most relevant to students' development of an understanding of the process of cellular respiration or have developed an assessment to measure student understanding of them. Following the Delphi method, the researchers conducted expert interviews with faculty members from four-year, masters-, and PhD-granting institutions who teach undergraduate general biology, and are experts in their respective fields of biology. From these interviews, researchers identified twelve chemistry concepts important to understanding cellular respiration and using surveys, these twelve concepts were refined into five (electron transfer, energy transfer, thermodynamics (law/conservation), chemical reactions, and gradients). The researchers then interviewed undergraduate introductory biology students at a large Midwestern university to identify their knowledge and misconceptions of the chemistry concepts that the faculty had identified previously as important. The CCRCI was developed using the five important chemistry concepts underlying cellular respiration. The final version of the CCRCI was administered to n=160 introductory biology students during the spring 2017 semester. Reliability of the CCRCI was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha (=.7) and split-half reliability (=.769), and validity of the instrument was assessed through content validity via expert agreement, response process validity through student think-aloud interviews, and via the Delphi survey methodology. Included is a discussion of item function (difficulty, discrimination, and point-biserial correlation), persistent misconceptions and the interpretation, uses, and future directions of the CCRCI.

In vivo cell biology in zebrafish – providing insights into vertebrate development and disease

PubMed Central

Vacaru, Ana M.; Unlu, Gokhan; Spitzner, Marie; Mione, Marina; Knapik, Ela W.; Sadler, Kirsten C.

2014-01-01

ABSTRACT Over the past decades, studies using zebrafish have significantly advanced our understanding of the cellular basis for development and human diseases. Zebrafish have rapidly developing transparent embryos that allow comprehensive imaging of embryogenesis combined with powerful genetic approaches. However, forward genetic screens in zebrafish have generated unanticipated findings that are mirrored by human genetic studies: disruption of genes implicated in basic cellular processes, such as protein secretion or cytoskeletal dynamics, causes discrete developmental or disease phenotypes. This is surprising because many processes that were assumed to be fundamental to the function and survival of all cell types appear instead to be regulated by cell-specific mechanisms. Such discoveries are facilitated by experiments in whole animals, where zebrafish provides an ideal model for visualization and manipulation of organelles and cellular processes in a live vertebrate. Here, we review well-characterized mutants and newly developed tools that underscore this notion. We focus on the secretory pathway and microtubule-based trafficking as illustrative examples of how studying cell biology in vivo using zebrafish has broadened our understanding of the role fundamental cellular processes play in embryogenesis and disease. PMID:24481493

Living-Cell Microarrays

PubMed Central

Yarmush, Martin L.; King, Kevin R.

2011-01-01

Living cells are remarkably complex. To unravel this complexity, living-cell assays have been developed that allow delivery of experimental stimuli and measurement of the resulting cellular responses. High-throughput adaptations of these assays, known as living-cell microarrays, which are based on microtiter plates, high-density spotting, microfabrication, and microfluidics technologies, are being developed for two general applications: (a) to screen large-scale chemical and genomic libraries and (b) to systematically investigate the local cellular microenvironment. These emerging experimental platforms offer exciting opportunities to rapidly identify genetic determinants of disease, to discover modulators of cellular function, and to probe the complex and dynamic relationships between cells and their local environment. PMID:19413510

Multifunctional Cellular Materials Based on 2D Nanomaterials: Prospects and Challenges.

PubMed

Qiu, Ling; He, Zijun; Li, Dan

2018-01-01

Recent advances in emerging 2D nanomaterial-based cellular materials (2D-CMs) open up new opportunities for the development of next generation cellular solids with exceptional properties. Herein, an overview of the current research status of 2D-CMs is provided and their future opportunities are highlighted. First, the unique features of 2D nanomaterials are introduced to illustrate why these nanoscale building blocks are promising for the development of novel cellular materials and what the new features of 2D nanoscale building blocks can offer when compared to their 0D and 1D counterparts. An in-depth discussion on the structure-property relationships of 2D-CMs is then provided, and the remarkable functions that can be achieved by engineering their cellular architecture are highlighted. Additionally, the use of 2D-CMs to tackle key challenges in different practical applications is demonstrated. In conclusion, a personal perspective on the challenges and future research directions of 2D-CMs is given. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Phase imaging of mechanical properties of live cells (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wax, Adam

2017-02-01

The mechanisms by which cells respond to mechanical stimuli are essential for cell function yet not well understood. Many rheological tools have been developed to characterize cellular viscoelastic properties but these typically require direct mechanical contact, limiting their throughput. We have developed a new approach for characterizing the organization of subcellular structures using a label free, noncontact, single-shot phase imaging method that correlates to measured cellular mechanical stiffness. The new analysis approach measures refractive index variance and relates it to disorder strength. These measurements are compared to cellular stiffness, measured using the same imaging tool to visualize nanoscale responses to flow shear stimulus. The utility of the technique is shown by comparing shear stiffness and phase disorder strength across five cellular populations with varying mechanical properties. An inverse relationship between disorder strength and shear stiffness is shown, suggesting that cell mechanical properties can be assessed in a format amenable to high throughput studies using this novel, non-contact technique. Further studies will be presented which include examination of mechanical stiffness in early carcinogenic events and investigation of the role of specific cellular structural proteins in mechanotransduction.

Cellular self-assembly and biomaterials-based organoid models of development and diseases.

PubMed

Shah, Shivem B; Singh, Ankur

2017-04-15

Organogenesis and morphogenesis have informed our understanding of physiology, pathophysiology, and avenues to create new curative and regenerative therapies. Thus far, this understanding has been hindered by the lack of a physiologically relevant yet accessible model that affords biological control. Recently, three-dimensional ex vivo cellular cultures created through cellular self-assembly under natural extracellular matrix cues or through biomaterial-based directed assembly have been shown to physically resemble and recapture some functionality of target organs. These "organoids" have garnered momentum for their applications in modeling human development and disease, drug screening, and future therapy design or even organ replacement. This review first discusses the self-organizing organoids as materials with emergent properties and their advantages and limitations. We subsequently describe biomaterials-based strategies used to afford more control of the organoid's microenvironment and ensuing cellular composition and organization. In this review, we also offer our perspective on how multifunctional biomaterials with precise spatial and temporal control could ultimately bridge the gap between in vitro organoid platforms and their in vivo counterparts. Several notable reviews have highlighted PSC-derived organoids and 3D aggregates, including embryoid bodies, from a development and cellular assembly perspective. The focus of this review is to highlight the materials-based approaches that cells, including PSCs and others, adopt for self-assembly and the controlled development of complex tissues, such as that of the brain, gut, and immune system. Copyright © 2017 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Immunological tools for the assessment of both humoral and cellular immune responses in Foxes (Vulpes vulpes) using ovalbumin and cholera toxin B as an antigenic model.

PubMed

Rolland-Turner, Magali; Farre, Guillaume; Muller, Delphine; Rouet, Nelly; Boue, Franck

2004-10-22

The immune response in the fox (Vulpes vulpes), despite the success of the oral rabies vaccine is not well characterized, and specific immunological tools are needed. To investigate both the humoral and cellular immune response, we used ovalbumin (OVA) and cholera toxin B (CTB) as an antigenic model to set-up ELISA and ELISPOT antibodies secreting cells (ASC) assays in the fox model. Identification of antibodies that cross-react with fox immunoglobulin was performed by Western blot, and their use was adapted for both the ELISA and ELISPOT ASC assay. The humoral and cellular specific immune responses were assessed after intra-muscular or intra-nasal immunization. Intra-muscular immunization resulted in the development of both cellular and humoral anti-OVA and anti-CTB responses in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Immunization via the intra-nasal route resulted in the development of a cellular and humoral response against CTB in PBMCs. This immune response was confirmed using splenocytes from immunized animals by ELISPOT assay at euthanasia. Females immunized via the intra-nasal route developed specific anti-CTB IgM, IgA and IgG in vaginal fluids after the initial boost (day 26) showing that mucosal immunization produces a vaginal immune response in foxes. These immunological tools developed here are now available to be adapted to other antigenic models to facilitate further immune studies in foxes.

Integrated Circuit-Based Biofabrication with Common Biomaterials for Probing Cellular Biomechanics.

PubMed

Sung, Chun-Yen; Yang, Chung-Yao; Yeh, J Andrew; Cheng, Chao-Min

2016-02-01

Recent advances in bioengineering have enabled the development of biomedical tools with modifiable surface features (small-scale architecture) to mimic extracellular matrices and aid in the development of well-controlled platforms that allow for the application of mechanical stimulation for studying cellular biomechanics. An overview of recent developments in common biomaterials that can be manufactured using integrated circuit-based biofabrication is presented. Integrated circuit-based biofabrication possesses advantages including mass and diverse production capacities for fabricating in vitro biomedical devices. This review highlights the use of common biomaterials that have been most frequently used to study cellular biomechanics. In addition, the influence of various small-scale characteristics on common biomaterial surfaces for a range of different cell types is discussed. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Perspectives for the treatment of sensorineural hearing loss by cellular regeneration of the inner ear.

PubMed

Almeida-Branco, Mario S; Cabrera, Sonia; Lopez-Escamez, Jose A

2015-01-01

Sensorineural hearing loss is a caused by the loss of the cochlear hair cells with the consequent deafferentation of spiral ganglion neurons. Humans do not show endogenous cellular regeneration in the inner ear and there is no exogenous therapy that allows the replacement of the damaged hair cells. Currently, treatment is based on the use of hearing aids and cochlear implants that present different outcomes, some difficulties in auditory discrimination and a limited useful life. More advanced technology is hindered by the functional capacity of the remaining spiral ganglion neurons. The latest advances with stem cell therapy and cellular reprogramming have developed several possibilities to induce endogenous regeneration or stem cell transplantation to replace damaged inner ear hair cells and restore hearing function. With further knowledge of the cellular and molecular biology of the inner ear and its embryonic development, it will be possible to use induced stem cells as in vitro models of disease and as replacement cellular therapy. Investigation in this area is focused on generating cellular therapy with clinical use for the treatment of profound sensorineural hearing loss. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier España, S.L.U. and Sociedad Española de Otorrinolaringología y Patología Cérvico-Facial. All rights reserved.

Control of fluxes in metabolic networks

PubMed Central

Basler, Georg; Nikoloski, Zoran; Larhlimi, Abdelhalim; Barabási, Albert-László; Liu, Yang-Yu

2016-01-01

Understanding the control of large-scale metabolic networks is central to biology and medicine. However, existing approaches either require specifying a cellular objective or can only be used for small networks. We introduce new coupling types describing the relations between reaction activities, and develop an efficient computational framework, which does not require any cellular objective for systematic studies of large-scale metabolism. We identify the driver reactions facilitating control of 23 metabolic networks from all kingdoms of life. We find that unicellular organisms require a smaller degree of control than multicellular organisms. Driver reactions are under complex cellular regulation in Escherichia coli, indicating their preeminent role in facilitating cellular control. In human cancer cells, driver reactions play pivotal roles in malignancy and represent potential therapeutic targets. The developed framework helps us gain insights into regulatory principles of diseases and facilitates design of engineering strategies at the interface of gene regulation, signaling, and metabolism. PMID:27197218

Theoretical aspects of cellular decision-making and information-processing.

PubMed

Kobayashi, Tetsuya J; Kamimura, Atsushi

2012-01-01

Microscopic biological processes have extraordinary complexity and variety at the sub-cellular, intra-cellular, and multi-cellular levels. In dealing with such complex phenomena, conceptual and theoretical frameworks are crucial, which enable us to understand seemingly different intra- and inter-cellular phenomena from unified viewpoints. Decision-making is one such concept that has attracted much attention recently. Since a number of cellular behavior can be regarded as processes to make specific actions in response to external stimuli, decision-making can cover and has been used to explain a broad range of different cellular phenomena [Balázsi et al. (Cell 144(6):910, 2011), Zeng et al. (Cell 141(4):682, 2010)]. Decision-making is also closely related to cellular information-processing because appropriate decisions cannot be made without exploiting the information that the external stimuli contain. Efficiency of information transduction and processing by intra-cellular networks determines the amount of information obtained, which in turn limits the efficiency of subsequent decision-making. Furthermore, information-processing itself can serve as another concept that is crucial for understanding of other biological processes than decision-making. In this work, we review recent theoretical developments on cellular decision-making and information-processing by focusing on the relation between these two concepts.

Considerations for Clinical Review of Cellular Therapy Products: Perspectives of the China Food and Drug Administration Center for Drug Evaluation.

PubMed

Liu, Yantong; Zhao, Chenyang; Gao, Liucun; Yang, Huan; He, Ruyi; Gao, Chenyan

2018-02-01

With increasing numbers of technical developments and clinical studies, pioneering cellular/gene therapies are now available that could cure life-threatening disease. Cellular/gene therapy products are broad-ranging and complicated, and thereby bring challenges for clinical review by regulatory agencies. This review discusses principles for the clinical review of cellular therapy products, including protection of clinical trial populations, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, dose evaluation, clinical efficacy, clinical safety, and risk-management plans. Based on these principles, key points in the clinical review of chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy are also discussed.

Small molecule-induced cellular fate reprogramming: promising road leading to Rome.

PubMed

Li, Xiang; Xu, Jun; Deng, Hongkui

2018-05-29

Cellular fate reprogramming holds great promise to generate functional cell types for replenishing new cells and restoring functional loss. Inspired by transcription factor-induced reprogramming, the field of cellular reprogramming has greatly advanced and developed into divergent streams of reprogramming approaches. Remarkably, increasing studies have shown the power and advantages of small molecule-based approaches for cellular fate reprogramming, which could overcome the limitations of conventional transgenic-based reprogramming. In this concise review, we discuss these findings and highlight the future potentiality with particular focus on this new trend of chemical reprogramming. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Targeting Virus-host Interactions of HIV Replication.

PubMed

Weydert, Caroline; De Rijck, Jan; Christ, Frauke; Debyser, Zeger

2016-01-01

Cellular proteins that are hijacked by HIV in order to complete its replication cycle, form attractive new targets for antiretroviral therapy. In particular, the protein-protein interactions between these cellular proteins (cofactors) and viral proteins are of great interest to develop new therapies. Research efforts have led to the validation of different cofactors and some successes in therapeutic applications. Maraviroc, the first cofactor inhibitor approved for human medicinal use, provided a proof of concept. Furthermore, compounds developed as Integrase-LEDGF/p75 interaction inhibitors (LEDGINs) have advanced to early clinical trials. Other compounds targeting cofactors and cofactor-viral protein interactions are currently under development. Likewise, interactions between cellular restriction factors and their counteracting HIV protein might serve as interesting targets in order to impair HIV replication. In this respect, compounds targeting the Vif-APOBEC3G interaction have been described. In this review, we focus on compounds targeting the Integrase- LEDGF/p75 interaction, the Tat-P-TEFb interaction and the Vif-APOBEC3G interaction. Additionally we give an overview of currently discovered compounds presumably targeting cellular cofactor-HIV protein interactions.

Hypothesis: solid tumours behave as systemic metabolic dictators.

PubMed

Lee, Yang-Ming; Chang, Wei-Chun; Ma, Wen-Lung

2016-06-01

Current knowledge regarding mechanisms of carcinogenesis in human beings centres around the accumulation of genetic instability, amplified cellular signalling, disturbed cellular energy metabolism and microenvironmental regulation governed by complicated cell-cell interactions. In this article, we provide an alternative view of cancer biology. We propose that cancer behaves as a systemic dictator that interacts with tissues throughout the body to control their metabolism and eventually homeostasis. The mechanism of development of this endocrine organ-like tumour (EOLT) tissue might be the driving force for cancer progression. Here, we review the literature that led to the development of this hypothesis. The EOLT phenotype can be defined as a tumour that alters systemic homeostasis. The literature indicates that the EOLT phenotype is present throughout cancer progression. The feedback mechanism that governs the interaction between tumours and various organs is unknown. We believe that investigating the mechanism of EOLT development may advance the current knowledge of regulation within the tumour macroenvironment and consequently lead to new diagnostic methods and therapy. © 2016 The Authors. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd and Foundation for Cellular and Molecular Medicine.

Cell-Specific Establishment of Poliovirus Resistance to an Inhibitor Targeting a Cellular Protein

PubMed Central

Viktorova, Ekaterina G.; Nchoutmboube, Jules; Ford-Siltz, Lauren A.

2015-01-01

ABSTRACT It is hypothesized that targeting stable cellular factors involved in viral replication instead of virus-specific proteins may raise the barrier for development of resistant mutants, which is especially important for highly adaptable small (+)RNA viruses. However, contrary to this assumption, the accumulated evidence shows that these viruses easily generate mutants resistant to the inhibitors of cellular proteins at least in some systems. We investigated here the development of poliovirus resistance to brefeldin A (BFA), an inhibitor of the cellular protein GBF1, a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for the small cellular GTPase Arf1. We found that while resistant viruses can be easily selected in HeLa cells, they do not emerge in Vero cells, in spite that in the absence of the drug both cultures support robust virus replication. Our data show that the viral replication is much more resilient to BFA than functioning of the cellular secretory pathway, suggesting that the role of GBF1 in the viral replication is independent of its Arf activating function. We demonstrate that the level of recruitment of GBF1 to the replication complexes limits the establishment and expression of a BFA resistance phenotype in both HeLa and Vero cells. Moreover, the BFA resistance phenotype of poliovirus mutants is also cell type dependent in different cells of human origin and results in a fitness loss in the form of reduced efficiency of RNA replication in the absence of the drug. Thus, a rational approach to the development of host-targeting antivirals may overcome the superior adaptability of (+)RNA viruses. IMPORTANCE Compared to the number of viral diseases, the number of available vaccines is miniscule. For some viruses vaccine development has not been successful after multiple attempts, and for many others vaccination is not a viable option. Antiviral drugs are needed for clinical practice and public health emergencies. However, viruses are highly adaptable and can easily generate mutants resistant to practically any compounds targeting viral proteins. An alternative approach is to target stable cellular factors recruited for the virus-specific functions. In the present study, we analyzed the factors permitting and restricting the establishment of the resistance of poliovirus, a small (+)RNA virus, to brefeldin A (BFA), a drug targeting a cellular component of the viral replication complex. We found that the emergence and replication potential of resistant mutants is cell type dependent and that BFA resistance reduces virus fitness. Our data provide a rational approach to the development of antiviral therapeutics targeting host factors. PMID:25653442

Hyperglycemia Induces Cellular Hypoxia through Production of Mitochondrial ROS Followed by Suppression of Aquaporin-1.

PubMed

Sada, Kiminori; Nishikawa, Takeshi; Kukidome, Daisuke; Yoshinaga, Tomoaki; Kajihara, Nobuhiro; Sonoda, Kazuhiro; Senokuchi, Takafumi; Motoshima, Hiroyuki; Matsumura, Takeshi; Araki, Eiichi

2016-01-01

We previously proposed that hyperglycemia-induced mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) generation is a key event in the development of diabetic complications. Interestingly, some common aspects exist between hyperglycemia and hypoxia-induced phenomena. Thus, hyperglycemia may induce cellular hypoxia, and this phenomenon may also be involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications. In endothelial cells (ECs), cellular hypoxia increased after incubation with high glucose (HG). A similar phenomenon was observed in glomeruli of diabetic mice. HG-induced cellular hypoxia was suppressed by mitochondria blockades or manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) overexpression, which is a specific SOD for mtROS. Overexpression of MnSOD also increased the expression of aquaporin-1 (AQP1), a water and oxygen channel. AQP1 overexpression in ECs suppressed hyperglycemia-induced cellular hypoxia, endothelin-1 and fibronectin overproduction, and apoptosis. Therefore, hyperglycemia-induced cellular hypoxia and mtROS generation may promote hyperglycemic damage in a coordinated manner.

Simulation Based Optimization of Complex Monolithic Composite Structures Using Cellular Core Technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hickmott, Curtis W.

Cellular core tooling is a new technology which has the capability to manufacture complex integrated monolithic composite structures. This novel tooling method utilizes thermoplastic cellular cores as inner tooling. The semi-rigid nature of the cellular cores makes them convenient for lay-up, and under autoclave temperature and pressure they soften and expand providing uniform compaction on all surfaces including internal features such as ribs and spar tubes. This process has the capability of developing fully optimized aerospace structures by reducing or eliminating assembly using fasteners or bonded joints. The technology is studied in the context of evaluating its capabilities, advantages, and limitations in developing high quality structures. The complex nature of these parts has led to development of a model using the Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software Abaqus and the plug-in COMPRO Common Component Architecture (CCA) provided by Convergent Manufacturing Technologies. This model utilizes a "virtual autoclave" technique to simulate temperature profiles, resin flow paths, and ultimately deformation from residual stress. A model has been developed simulating the temperature profile during curing of composite parts made with the cellular core technology. While modeling of composites has been performed in the past, this project will look to take this existing knowledge and apply it to this new manufacturing method capable of building more complex parts and develop a model designed specifically for building large, complex components with a high degree of accuracy. The model development has been carried out in conjunction with experimental validation. A double box beam structure was chosen for analysis to determine the effects of the technology on internal ribs and joints. Double box beams were manufactured and sectioned into T-joints for characterization. Mechanical behavior of T-joints was performed using the T-joint pull-off test and compared to traditional tooling methods. Components made with the cellular core tooling method showed an improved strength at the joints. It is expected that this knowledge will help optimize the processing of complex, integrated structures and benefit applications in aerospace where lighter, structurally efficient components would be advantageous.

Cellular and molecular mechanisms of tooth root development

PubMed Central

Li, Jingyuan; Parada, Carolina

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT The tooth root is an integral, functionally important part of our dentition. The formation of a functional root depends on epithelial-mesenchymal interactions and integration of the root with the jaw bone, blood supply and nerve innervations. The root development process therefore offers an attractive model for investigating organogenesis. Understanding how roots develop and how they can be bioengineered is also of great interest in the field of regenerative medicine. Here, we discuss recent advances in understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying tooth root formation. We review the function of cellular structure and components such as Hertwig's epithelial root sheath, cranial neural crest cells and stem cells residing in developing and adult teeth. We also highlight how complex signaling networks together with multiple transcription factors mediate tissue-tissue interactions that guide root development. Finally, we discuss the possible role of stem cells in establishing the crown-to-root transition, and provide an overview of root malformations and diseases in humans. PMID:28143844

Development of Cellular Absorptive Tracers (CATs) for a Quantitative Characterization of Microbial Mass in Flow Systems

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

Saripalli, Prasad; Brown, Christopher F.; Lindberg, Michael J.

We report on a new Cellular Absorptive Tracers (CATs) method, for a simple, non-destructive characterization of bacterial mass in flow systems. Results show that adsorption of a CAT molecule into the cellular mass results in its retardation during flow, which is a good, quantitative measure of the biomass quantity and distribution. No such methods are currently available for a quantitative characterization of cell mass.

Force-activatable coating enables high-resolution cellular force imaging directly on regular cell culture surfaces.

PubMed

Sarkar, Anwesha; Zhao, Yuanchang; Wang, Yongliang; Wang, Xuefeng

2018-06-25

Integrin-transmitted cellular forces are crucial mechanical signals regulating a vast range of cell functions. Although various methods have been developed to visualize and quantify cellular forces at the cell-matrix interface, a method with high performance and low technical barrier is still in demand. Here we developed a force-activatable coating (FAC), which can be simply coated on regular cell culture apparatus' surfaces by physical adsorption, and turn these surfaces to force reporting platforms that enable cellular force mapping directly by fluorescence imaging. The FAC molecule consists of an adhesive domain for surface coating and a force-reporting domain which can be activated to fluoresce by integrin molecular tension. The tension threshold required for FAC activation is tunable in 10-60 piconewton (pN), allowing the selective imaging of cellular force contributed by integrin tension at different force levels. We tested the performance of two FACs with tension thresholds of 12 and 54 pN (nominal values), respectively, on both glass and polystyrene surfaces. Cellular forces were successfully mapped by fluorescence imaging on all the surfaces. FAC-coated surfaces also enable co-imaging of cellular forces and cell structures in both live cells and immunostained cells, therefore opening a new avenue for the study of the interplay of force and structure. We demonstrated the co-imaging of integrin tension and talin clustering in live cells, and concluded that talin clustering always occurs before the generation of integrin tension above 54 pN, reinforcing the notion that talin is an important adaptor protein for integrin tension transmission. Overall, FAC provides a highly convenient approach that is accessible to general biological laboratories for the study of cellular forces with high sensitivity and resolution, thus holding the potential to greatly boost the research of cell mechanobiology.

Excellent approach to modeling urban expansion by fuzzy cellular automata: agent base model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khajavigodellou, Yousef; Alesheikh, Ali A.; Mohammed, Abdulrazak A. S.; Chapi, Kamran

2014-09-01

Recently, the interaction between humans and their environment is the one of important challenges in the world. Landuse/ cover change (LUCC) is a complex process that includes actors and factors at different social and spatial levels. The complexity and dynamics of urban systems make the applicable practice of urban modeling very difficult. With the increased computational power and the greater availability of spatial data, micro-simulation such as the agent based and cellular automata simulation methods, has been developed by geographers, planners, and scholars, and it has shown great potential for representing and simulating the complexity of the dynamic processes involved in urban growth and land use change. This paper presents Fuzzy Cellular Automata in Geospatial Information System and remote Sensing to simulated and predicted urban expansion pattern. These FCA-based dynamic spatial urban models provide an improved ability to forecast and assess future urban growth and to create planning scenarios, allowing us to explore the potential impacts of simulations that correspond to urban planning and management policies. A fuzzy inference guided cellular automata approach. Semantic or linguistic knowledge on Land use change is expressed as fuzzy rules, based on which fuzzy inference is applied to determine the urban development potential for each pixel. The model integrates an ABM (agent-based model) and FCA (Fuzzy Cellular Automata) to investigate a complex decision-making process and future urban dynamic processes. Based on this model rapid development and green land protection under the influences of the behaviors and decision modes of regional authority agents, real estate developer agents, resident agents and non- resident agents and their interactions have been applied to predict the future development patterns of the Erbil metropolitan region.

A grid matrix-based Raman spectroscopic method to characterize different cell milieu in biopsied axillary sentinel lymph nodes of breast cancer patients.

PubMed

Som, Dipasree; Tak, Megha; Setia, Mohit; Patil, Asawari; Sengupta, Amit; Chilakapati, C Murali Krishna; Srivastava, Anurag; Parmar, Vani; Nair, Nita; Sarin, Rajiv; Badwe, R

2016-01-01

Raman spectroscopy which is based upon inelastic scattering of photons has a potential to emerge as a noninvasive bedside in vivo or ex vivo molecular diagnostic tool. There is a need to improve the sensitivity and predictability of Raman spectroscopy. We developed a grid matrix-based tissue mapping protocol to acquire cellular-specific spectra that also involved digital microscopy for localizing malignant and lymphocytic cells in sentinel lymph node biopsy sample. Biosignals acquired from specific cellular milieu were subjected to an advanced supervised analytical method, i.e., cross-correlation and peak-to-peak ratio in addition to PCA and PC-LDA. We observed decreased spectral intensity as well as shift in the spectral peaks of amides and lipid bands in the completely metastatic (cancer cells) lymph nodes with high cellular density. Spectral library of normal lymphocytes and metastatic cancer cells created using the cellular specific mapping technique can be utilized to create an automated smart diagnostic tool for bench side screening of sampled lymph nodes. Spectral library of normal lymphocytes and metastatic cancer cells created using the cellular specific mapping technique can be utilized to develop an automated smart diagnostic tool for bench side screening of sampled lymph nodes supported by ongoing global research in developing better technology and signal and big data processing algorithms.

Behavioral and cellular consequences of increasing serotonergic activity during brain development: a role in autism?

PubMed

Whitaker-Azmitia, Patricia M

2005-02-01

The hypothesis explored in this review is that the high levels of serotonin in the blood seen in some autistic children (the so-called hyperserotonemia of autism) may lead to some of the behavioral and cellular changes also observed in the disorder. At early stages of development, when the blood-brain Barrier is not yet fully formed, the high levels of serotonin in the blood can enter the brain of a developing fetus and cause loss of serotonin terminals through a known negative feedback function of serotonin during development. The loss of serotonin innervation persists throughout subsequent development and the symptoms of autism appear. A review of the basic scientific literature on prenatal treatments affecting serotonin is given, in support of this hypothesis, with an emphasis on studies using the serotonin agonist, 5-methoxytryptamine (5-MT). In work using 5-MT to mimic hyperserotonemia, Sprague-Dawley rats are treated from gestational day 12 until postnatal 20. In published reports, these animals have been found to have a significant loss of serotonin terminals, decreased metabolic activity in cortex, changes in columnar development in cortex, changes in serotonin receptors, and "autistic-like" behaviors. In preliminary cellular findings given in this review, the animals have also been found to have cellular changes in two relevant brain regions: 1. Central nucleus of the amygdala, a brain region involved in fear-responding, where an increase in calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) was found 2. Paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, a brain region involved in social memory and bonding, where a decrease in oxytocin was found. Both of these cellular changes could result from loss of serotonin innervation, possibly due to loss of terminal outgrowth from the same cells of the raphe nuclei. Thus, increased serotonergic activity during development could damage neurocircuitry involved in emotional responding to social stressors and may have relevance to the symptoms of autism.

CELLULAR, BIOCHEMICAL, AND MOLECULAR TECHNIQUES IN DEVELOPMENTAL TOXICOLOGY

EPA Science Inventory

Cellular, molecular and biochemical approaches vastly expand the possibilities for revealing the underlying mechanisms of developmental toxicity. The increasing interest in embryonic development as a model system for the study of gene expression has resulted in a cornucopia of i...

Landing System Development- Design and Test Prediction of a Lander Leg Using Nonlinear Analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Destefanis, Stefano; Buchwald, Robert; Pellegrino, Pasquale; Schroder, Silvio

2014-06-01

Several mission studies have been performed focusing on a soft and precision landing using landing legs. Examples for such missions are Mars Sample Return scenarios (MSR), Lunar landing scenarios (MoonNEXT, Lunar Lander) and small body sample return studies (Marco Polo, MMSR, Phootprint). Such missions foresee a soft landing on the planet surface for delivering payload in a controlled manner and limiting the landing loads.To ensure a successful final landing phase, a landing system is needed, capable of absorbing the residual velocities (vertical, horizontal and angular) at touch- down, and insuring a controlled attitude after landing. Such requirements can be fulfilled by using landing legs with adequate damping.The Landing System Development (LSD) study, currently in its phase 2, foresees the design, analysis, verification, manufacturing and testing of a representative landing leg breadboard based on the Phase B design of the ESA Lunar Lander. Drop tests of a single leg will be performed both on rigid and soft ground, at several impact angles. The activity is covered under ESA contract with TAS-I as Prime Contractor, responsible for analysis and verification, Astrium GmbH for design and test and QinetiQ Space for manufacturing. Drop tests will be performed at the Institute of Space Systems of the German Aerospace Center (DLR-RY) in Bremen.This paper presents an overview of the analytical simulations (test predictions and design verification) performed, comparing the results produced by Astrium made multi body model (rigid bodies, nonlinearities accounted for in mechanical joints and force definitions, based on development tests) and TAS-I made nonlinear explicit model (fully deformable bodies).

Creation of a High-Resolution Product CLC2006_BACKDATING by a Backward Look from the Digital Land Cover Model DLM-DE2009 to 2006 - a Contribution to the German Corine Land Cover 2012 Project Within a Bottom-Up Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Keil, M.; Esch, T.; Feigenspan, S.; Marconcini, M.; Metz, A.; Ottinger, M.; Zeidler, J.

2015-04-01

For the update 2012 of CORINE Land Cover, in Germany a new approach has been developed in order to profit from the higher accuracies of the national topographic database. In agreement between the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) and the Federal Agency for Cartography and Geodesy (BKG), CLC2012 has been derived from an updated digital landscape model DLM-DE, which is based on the Official Topographical Cartographic Information System ATKIS of the land survey authorities. The DLM-DE 2009 created by the BKG served as the base for the update 2012 in the national and EU context, both under the responsibility of the BKG. In addition to the updated CLC2012, a second product, the layer "CLC_Change" (2006-2012) was also requested by the European Environment Agency. The objective of the project part of DLR-DFD was to contribute the primary change areas from 2006 to 2009 in the phase of method change using the refined 2009 geometry of the DLM-DE 2009 for a retrospective view back to 2006. A semiautomatic approach was developed for this task, with an important role of AWiFS time series data of 2005 / 2006 in the context of separation between grassland - arable land. Other valuable datasets for the project were already available GMES land monitoring products of 2006 like the soil sealing layer 2006. The paper describes the developed method and discusses exemplary results of the CORINE backdating project part.

Effect of Hypergravity on Carbonanhydrase Reactivity in inner Ear Ioncytes of developing Cichlid Fish

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beier, M.; Anken, R.; Rahmann, H.

It has been shown earlier that hypergravity slows down inner ear otolith growth in developing fish. Otolith growth in terms of mineralisation mainly depends on the enzyme carboanhydrase (CAH), which is responsible for the provision of the pH- value necessary for calcium carbonate deposition and thus also is presumed to play a prominent role in Ménière's disease (a sensory - motor disorder inducing vertigo and kinetosis). Larval siblings of cichlid fish (Oreochromis mossambicus) were subjected to hypergravity (3g; 6 hours) during development and separated into normally and kinetotically swimming individuals following the transfer to 1g (i.e., stopping the centrifuge; kinetotically behaving fish performed spinning movements). Subsequently, CAH was histochemically demonstrated in inner ear ionocytes (cells involved in the endolymphatic ion exchange) and enzyme reactivity was determined densitometrically. The results showed that CAH-reactivity was significantly increased in normally behaving hyper-g specimens as compared to controls kept at 1g, whereas no difference in enzyme reactivity was evident between the controls and kinetotically behaving fish. On the background of earlier studies, according to which (1) hypergravity induces a decrease of otolith growth and (2) the otolithic calcium incorporation (visualized using the calcium -tracer alizarin complexone) of kinetotically swimming hyper - g fish was lower as compared to normally behaving hyper - g animals, the present study strongly supports the concept that an increase in CAH-reactivity may result in a decrease of otolithic calcium deposition. The mechanism regulating CAH-activity hitherto remains to be determined. Acknowledgement: This work was financially supported by the German Aerospace Center (DLR) (FKZ: 50 WB 9997).

Large-Eddy Simulation of the Base Flow of a Cylindrical Space Vehicle Configuration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meiß, J.-H.; Schröder, W.

2009-01-01

A Large-Eddy Simulation (LES) is performed out to in- vestigate high Reynolds number base flow of an axisymmetric rocket-like configuration having an underex- panded nozzle flow. The subsonic base region of low pressure levels is characterized and bounded by the interaction of the freestream of Mach 5.3 and the wide plume of the hot exhaust jet of Mach 3.8. An analysis of the base flow shows that the system of base area vortices determines the highly time-dependent pressure distribution and causes an upstream convection of hot exhaust gas. A comparison of the results with experiments conducted at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) Cologne shows good agreement. The investigation is part of the German RESPACE Pro- gram, which focuses on Key Technologies for Reusable Space Systems.

STS-55 German Payload Specialist Schlegel manipulates ROTEX controls in SL-D2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1993-01-01

STS-55 German Payload Specialist 2 Hans Schlegel, wearing goggles (eye glasses) and positioned in front of Spacelab Deutsche 2 (SL-D2) Rack 4 System Rack controls, operates Robotics Technology Experiment (ROTEX) arm. ROTEX is a robotic arm that operates within an enclosed workcell in Rack 6 (partially visible in the foreground) and uses teleoperation from both an onboard station located nearby in Rack 4 and from a station on the ground. The device uses teleprogramming and artificial intelligence to look at the design, verification and operation of advanced autonomous systems for use in future applications. Schlegel represents the German Aerospace Research Establishment (DLR). SL-D2, a German-managed payload, is aboard Columbia, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 102, for this science research mission.

The International Planetary Data Alliance (IPDA): Overview of the Activities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sarkissian, A.; Gopala Krishna, B.; Crichton, D. J.; Beebe, R.; Yamamoto, Y.; Arviset, C.; Di Capria, M. T.; Mickaelian, A. M.; IPDA

2016-06-01

An overview of activities of the IPDA is presented in the frame of the recently growing number of successful space experiments dedicated to planetary observation, with a significantly growing number of people involved in such activity and with significantly growing numbers of web services willing to share data and services in our research domain, but also, in close by domains such as astronomy, heliophysics and atmospheric sciences for the Earth. An overview of a number of space agencies and organizations is given. In total, IPDA consists of 13 national organizations: NASA (USA), CNES (France), ESA (Europe), STFC (UK), JAXA (Japan), ASI (Italy), ISRO (India), DLR (Germany), RKA (Russia), RCSA (China), FMI (Finland), ArSA (Armenia) and United Arab Emirates. Some projects of 2015 in frame of the IPDA activities are described.

Crisis DSM Generation To Support Refugee Camp Management

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gstaiger, Veronika; d'Angelo, Pablo; Schneiderhan, Tobais; Krauss, Thomas

2013-12-01

The extraction of high resolution surface information from satellite data has become an important area of research. One of the numerous fields of application is disaster management. Detailed information about the affected terrain is not only needed for analyses during the emergency relief phase, but also for reconstruction and prevention activities. In this paper the authors present the generation of a Digital Surface Model (DSM) based on three very high resolution optical satellite images. The DSM was produced to supplement a flood mapping activity in Jordan and serves as example for the implementation of scientific results during an emergency request. The flood affected the Zaatari refugee camp in Jordan and was mapped by the Center for Satellite Based Crisis Information (ZKI) at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in January 2013 under emergency mapping conditions.