ALBERT

Description: Dieser Band enthält 72 Beiträge zu Themengebieten der Physik der festen Erde, des magnetischen und elektrischen Felds der Erde, der Physik der Atmosphäre sowie der Angewandten Geophysik, veröffentlicht durch die Deutsche Geophysikalische Gesellschaft in den Jahren 1928.

Description: 〈html〉 〈body〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0004.pdf"〉Titelseite〈/a〉〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0005.pdf"〉Gezeitenerscheinungen in der Atmosphäre〈/a〉〈br〉(Bartels, J.)〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0006.pdf"〉Erdmagnetische Säkularvariation und die Orientation alter Kultbauwerke〈/a〉〈br〉(Wehner, H.)〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0007.pdf"〉Über die Tiefenwirkung bei geoelektrischen Potentiallinienmethoden〈/a〉〈br〉(Hummel, J. N.)〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0008.pdf"〉Überblick über den Gang der magnetischen Vermessung der Ostsee〈/a〉〈br〉(v. Gernet, A.)〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0009.pdf"〉Die Wirkung der Kontinente und Ozeane auf die Differenz 〈i〉B – A〈/i〉 der Hauptträgheitsmomente der Erde im Äquator〈/a〉〈br〉(Gutenberg, B.)〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0011.pdf"〉Bemerkungen zu H. v. Iherings Kritik der Theorien der Kontinentverschiebungen und der Polwanderungen〈/a〉〈br〉(Wegener, A.)〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0012.pdf"〉Berichtigung〈/a〉〈br〉(Jung, K.)〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0013.pdf"〉Illustration〈/a〉〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0014.pdf"〉Über die Polhöhenschwankungen infolge der Lorentz-Kontraktion der Erde〈/a〉〈br〉(Courvoisier, L.)〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0015.pdf"〉Zum Uhrvergleich auf drahtlosem Wege nach der Koinzidenzhörmethode〈/a〉〈br〉(Martin, H.)〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0016.pdf"〉Physikalische Grundlagen einer neuen geoelektrischen Aufschlußmethode〈/a〉〈br〉(Hummel, J. N.)〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0017.pdf"〉Untersuchung der Potentialverteilung für einen speziellen Fall im Hinblick auf geoelektrische Potentiallinienverfahren〈/a〉〈br〉(Hummel, J. N.)〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0018.pdf"〉Mächtigkeitsbestimmung von Deckschichten über Spalten durch Radioaktivitätsmessungen〈/a〉〈br〉(Koenigsberger, J.)〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0019.pdf"〉Zur Frage der regionalen, magnetischen Anomalien Deutschlands, insbesondere derjenigen Norddeutschlands〈/a〉〈br〉(Reich, H.)〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0021.pdf"〉Untersuchungen über die seismische Bodenunruhe kurzer Periode〈/a〉〈br〉(Schneider, W.)〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0022.pdf"〉Zur Theorie elektrischer Bodenforschung〈/a〉〈br〉(Heine, W.)〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0023.pdf"〉Emil Wiechert †〈/a〉〈br〉(Angenheister, G.)〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0024.pdf"〉Die topographische Reduktion bei Drehwagenbeobachtungen〈/a〉〈br〉(Numerov, B.)〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0025.pdf"〉Angewandte Seismik (Zusammenfassender Bericht über Arbeiten von 1921 bis 1928)〈/a〉〈br〉(v. Schmidt, O.)〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0027.pdf"〉Le problème des microséismes à groupes〈/a〉〈br〉(Gherzi, E.)〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0028.pdf"〉Zur Empfindlichkeitsbestimmung von magnetischen Variometern und zur Eichung der magnetischen Felder von Spulen〈/a〉〈br〉(Koenigsberger, J.)〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0029.pdf"〉Die Schrumpfungsgeschwindigkeit des Erdradius aus astronomischen Beobachtungen〈/a〉〈br〉(Meyermann, B.)〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0030.pdf"〉Über eine Verbindung zwischen den mondentägigen und den sonnentägigen Variationen der magnetischen Deklination〈/a〉〈br〉(Egedal, J.)〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0031.pdf"〉Die Zone der anormalen Hörbarkeit im kleinen〈/a〉〈br〉(Hiller, W.)〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0032.pdf"〉Mitteilungen〈/a〉〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0033.pdf"〉Ein graphisches Verfahren für Drehwagenmessungen zur Berechnung der Geländewirkung und der Wirkung beliebig gestalteter Massenkörper〈/a〉〈br〉(Haalck, H.)〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0035.pdf"〉Beiträge zur geoelektrischen Methode〈/a〉〈br〉(Hummel, J. N.)〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0036.pdf"〉Zum Uhrvergleich auf drahtlosem Wege nach der Koinzidenzhörmethode〈/a〉〈br〉(Mahnkopf, H.)〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0037.pdf"〉Berichtigung〈/a〉〈br〉(Meyermann, B.)〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0038.pdf"〉Zur Frage nach der Ursache von lokalen gravimetrischen und erdmagnetischen Störungen und ihre wechselseitigen Beziehungen〈/a〉〈br〉(Haalck, H.)〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0040.pdf"〉Gemeinschaftliche Arbeit zwischen Seismologen und Baufachmann zur Verringerung von Erdbebenschäden〈/a〉〈br〉(Briske, R.)〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0042.pdf"〉Feldapparatur zur Registrierung von Zeitzeichen〈/a〉〈br〉(Köhler, R.)〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0043.pdf"〉Über die Schmidtsche Methode der Bestimmung der Parameter von Stabmagneten〈/a〉〈br〉(Bock, R.)〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0046.pdf"〉Referate der Vorträge auf der Tagung der Deutschen Geophysikalischen Gesellschaft in Hamburg vom 19. bis 21. September 1928〈/a〉〈br〉(Koenigsberger, J.)〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0048.pdf"〉Die Seismizität der Ozeane und Kontinente〈/a〉〈br〉(Tams, E.)〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0049.pdf"〉Bodenunruhe durch Brandung und durch Frost〈/a〉〈br〉(Gutenberg, B.)〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0050.pdf"〉Beitrag zur Schallausbreitung in der Atmospähre〈/a〉〈br〉(Kölzer, J.)〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0051.pdf"〉Das Magnetfeld einer elektrischen Strömung im anisotropen leitenden Halbraum〈/a〉〈br〉(Müller, M.)〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0052.pdf"〉Die geführten elastischen Zweimittel-Wellen〈/a〉〈br〉(Uller, K.)〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0053.pdf"〉Vom Jahre 1922 an im südlichen Norwegen aufgenommene Nordlichtphotogramme〈/a〉〈br〉(Störmer, C.)〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0055.pdf"〉Zur Frage nach der Ursache von lokalen gravimetrischen und erdmagnetischen Störungen und ihre wechselseitigen Beziehungen〈/a〉〈br〉(Haalck, H.)〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0057.pdf"〉Vorträge, gehalten auf der Tagung der Deutschen Geophysikalischen Gesellschaft vom 19. bis 21. September 1928〈/a〉〈br〉(Seilkopf, H.)〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0060.pdf"〉Statistische Mechanik der Atmosphäre〈/a〉〈br〉(Baur, F.)〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0061.pdf"〉Das Schwadorfer Beben vom 8. Oktober 1927〈/a〉〈br〉(Conrad, V.)〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0062.pdf"〉Das Periodogramm der internationalen erdmagnetischen Charakterzahlen〈/a〉〈br〉(Wenzel Pollak, L.)〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0064.pdf"〉Der Stand der erdmagnetischen Forschung〈/a〉〈br〉(Schmidt, A.)〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0065.pdf"〉Magnetische Anomalien im westlichen Mecklenburg〈/a〉〈br〉(Schuh, F.)〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0066.pdf"〉Bemerkungen zur numerischen und graphischen Behandlung der Krümmungsgröße〈/a〉〈br〉(Jung, K.)〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0067.pdf"〉Der Wasserhaushalt der Antarktis in der Eiszeit〈/a〉〈br〉(Meinardus, W.)〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0068.pdf"〉Übersicht über Neuerscheinungen〈/a〉〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0069.pdf"〉Vortrage, gehalten auf der Tagung der Deutschen Geophysikalischen Gesellschaft vom 19. bis 21. September 1928〈/a〉〈br〉(Tams, E.)〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0071.pdf"〉Über kartographische Darstellung der Seismizität〈/a〉〈br〉(Renquist, H.)〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0072.pdf"〉Ergebnisse von Pilotaufstiegen im Gebiete von Island〈/a〉〈br〉(Georgi, J.)〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0073.pdf"〉Referat über die Polarfront- und Äquatorialfronttheorien〈/a〉〈br〉(Stüve, G.)〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0074.pdf"〉Die Messung der Horizontal- und der Vertikalintensität mit dem Magnetron〈/a〉〈br〉(Rössiger, M.)〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0075.pdf"〉Untersuchungen über die lokalen Schwankungen des Erdpotentials〈/a〉〈br〉(Stoppel, R.)〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0076.pdf"〉Klima und Klimatafel von Hamburg〈/a〉〈br〉(Perlewitz, P.)〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0077.pdf"〉Neue Ergebnisse über die Struktur des Windes (Vorläufige Mitteilung)〈/a〉〈br〉(Schmidt, W.)〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0079.pdf"〉Lokale und regionale magnetische Anomalien in Schleswig-Holstein〈/a〉〈br〉(Reich, H.)〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0080.pdf"〉Die optische Station in Simferopol〈/a〉〈br〉(Tichanowsky, J.)〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0081.pdf"〉Das Strömungssystem der Luft über dem tropischen Atlantischen Ozean nach den Höhenwindmessungen der Meteor-Expedition〈/a〉〈br〉(Kuhlbrodt, E.)〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0082.pdf"〉Ergebnisse und Aufgaben der meteorologischen Strahlungsmessungen〈/a〉〈br〉(Süring, R.)〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0083.pdf"〉Ergebnisse von Drehwaagemessungen in Schlewig-Holstein〈/a〉〈br〉(Jung, K.)〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0085.pdf"〉Aufsätze〈/a〉〈br〉(Lotze, F., Brockamp, B., Haalck, H., Myrbach, O., Whipple, Cabannes, J., Dufay, J., Gherzi, E., Pochettino, A., Rostagni, A.)〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0096.pdf"〉Mitteilungen〈/a〉〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0097.pdf"〉Autorenverzeichnis〈/a〉〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0098.pdf"〉Sachverzeichnis〈/a〉〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0099.pdf"〉Literaturverzeichnis〈/a〉〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0100.pdf"〉Geophysikalische Berichte〈/a〉〈/li〉 〈li〉〈a href="https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/download/pdf/PPN101433392X_0004/LOG_0101.pdf"〉Register der Goephysikalische Berichte〈/a〉〈/li〉 〈/body〉 〈/html〉

Description: research

Description: DGG, DFG, SUB Göttingen

Description: Erfassung aller tatsächlichen oder vermuteten vektorassoziierten Krankheiten und Vektoren KATASTER-BESCHREIBUNG: viele Pathogene in Deutschland bereits vorhanden bzw. geeignete Vektoren stehen zur Verfügung, bei Einschleppung durch Reservoirwirte oder erkrankte Reisende sind autochthone Fälle zu erwarten KATASTER-DETAIL:

Description: Beispiele Ambrosia, Eichenprozessionsspinner KATASTER-BESCHREIBUNG: KATASTER-DETAIL:

Description: ausgedehnte Ambrosiaareale auch in der Lausitz und dem Berliner Raum KATASTER-BESCHREIBUNG: Neben Sensibilisierung gegen Ambrosia auch Kreuzreationen bei Sensibilisierung gegen Beifuß möglich KATASTER-DETAIL:

Description: Allgemeine Beobachtungen zum Rostbefall von Weizen im Jahr 1925 trotz langer Trockenperioden KATASTER-BESCHREIBUNG: Einfluss des Niederschlags auf die Infektion; auch kurze starke Niederschläge zwischen langen Trockenperioden sind ausreichend um einen großflächigen Befall zu bewirken. KATASTER-DETAIL: Delta Nied +, dann Infektion +;

Description: Autochthone Malaria in Deutschland, Historischer Abriss, Nachkriegsmalaria, Aktuelle malariaepidemiologische Situation KATASTER-BESCHREIBUNG: klimatische Bedingungen ermöglichen Ausreifung von Sporozoiten in heimischen Anophelesmücken, historisch erwiesen KATASTER-DETAIL:

Description: Herleitung einer Formel zur Berechnung der Plasmodium-Sporozoitenreifungszeit KATASTER-BESCHREIBUNG: Ausreifung von Pl. vivax- und Pl. falciparum-Sporozoiten im deutschen Raum möglich, Zustandekommen endemischer Malariaerregerübertragung bzw. Entstehung epidemiologisch wirksamer malariogener Potentiale dabei gebunden an das Vorhandensein von Gametozytenträgern und Überträgermücken KATASTER-DETAIL:

Description: Einfluss der Temperatur auf die Flora und ihre Verteilung in Deutschland KATASTER-BESCHREIBUNG: KATASTER-DETAIL:

Description: Zusammenhang Klima, Witterung und Ertrag von Gräsern und Klee KATASTER-BESCHREIBUNG: KATASTER-DETAIL:

Description: Einfluss von Temperatur und Niederschlag auf die Vegetation KATASTER-BESCHREIBUNG: KATASTER-DETAIL:

Description: Übersicht über die Literatur zum Einfluss des Wetters auf die Kulturpflanzen KATASTER-BESCHREIBUNG: Milder und trockener Winter wirkt positiv auf die Weizenerträge, kalter und niederschlagsreicher Winter eher negativ, Betrachung für Norddeutschland KATASTER-DETAIL:

Description: Einfluss der Witterungsfaktoren auf verschiedene Kulturen und die Betriebssysteme KATASTER-BESCHREIBUNG: KATASTER-DETAIL:

Description: Detaillierte Auflistung des Maikäferauftretens verschiedener Jahre aus dem Zeitraum 1900-1920 aus ganz Deutschland in Bezirks- teilw. sogar Gemeindeauflösung wird gegeben. Der Einfluß der Temperatur in Form von 9°C Mitteltemperatur als Grenze für die Generationenanzahl der beiden Maikäferarten Melolontha melolontha L. und Melolontha hippocastani F. wird diskutiert. Eine Karte über die Generationsdauer der beiden Maikäferarten im deutschen Reich, teilweise auf Bezirksebene, ist enthalten. KATASTER-BESCHREIBUNG: KATASTER-DETAIL:

Description: Beziehung der Witterungseinflüsse auf die Knollenerträge, Auswertungen von Kartoffelkulturstationsergebnissen KATASTER-BESCHREIBUNG: KATASTER-DETAIL:

Description: deutliche Verschiebungen der phänologischen Jahreszeiten, besonders der Frühjahrsphasen; für jede phänologische Phase negative und auch positive Trends entdeckt, z.T. auf engen Raum; Verschiebung auf Variation der Lufttemperatur zurückzuführen; Verlängerung der Vegetationsperiode, hauptsächlich durch Veränderungen im Frühjahr KATASTER-BESCHREIBUNG: KATASTER-DETAIL:

Description: einheimische und importierte  vektorassoziierte  Infektionen, Gastrointestinale  Infektionskrankheiten KATASTER-BESCHREIBUNG: KATASTER-DETAIL:

Description: Studie zu einer prognostizierten Anzahl von Tagen mit Wärme- und mit Kältestress, basierend auf Klimaszenarien für den Zeitraum 2071 bis 2100 KATASTER-BESCHREIBUNG: Prognose: größere Zahl an Todesfällen durch Hitze im Süden gegenüber dem Norden Deutschlands und zugleich größerer Rückgang der Todesfälle durch Kälte im Norden, Anstieg der Todesopferzahl durch zunehmende Hitze insgesamt größer als Rückgang der Opferzahl durch weniger Kälte KATASTER-DETAIL:

Description: Klärung der Studienlage zum potentiellen Einfluss des Klimawandels auf die Prävalenz von Haut- und Allergieerkrankungen in Deutschland KATASTER-BESCHREIBUNG: klimabedingte Veränderungen vor allem bei allergischen Erkrankungen, Hautkrebs und einzelnen erregerbedingten Dermatosen KATASTER-DETAIL:

Description: Fallbeispiel Sommer 2003 KATASTER-BESCHREIBUNG: Zunahme von Ozon in der Troposphäre bei stationären sommerlichen Hochdruckwetterlagen mit hohen Lufttemperaturen und intensiver Sonneneinstrahlung, indirekt Zunahme von Feinstaub bei Hitze (〉30°C) und Ozonbelastung (〉200 Mikrogramm pro Kubikmeter) KATASTER-DETAIL:

Description: UV-Strahlungsbeeinflussende Faktoren Azimutwinkel, Bewölkung, Aerosole, stratosphärisches Ozon, biologische Wirkung in Abhängigkeit vom Hauttyp und Sensibilisierung (Jahreszeit) KATASTER-BESCHREIBUNG: Einfluss klimatischer Veränderungen auf die Häufigkeit von Hautkrebserkrankungen sehr wahrscheinlich, bei vermutlich hoher Bedeutung des (thermisch motivierten) Expositionsverhaltens KATASTER-DETAIL:

Description: zeitliche Trends und geografische Ursprünge der Vektor-übertragenen Krankheiten in Deutschland im Hinblick auf Stärken der bestehenden Krankheitsüberwachung für Hantavirus Infektion (endemisch in Deutschland), Chikungunya-Fieber (vor kurzem Schwellenländer in Europa) und Dengue-Fieber (importiert aus tropischen Regionen) KATASTER-BESCHREIBUNG: KATASTER-DETAIL:

Description: weltweite Verbreitung der Asiatischen Tigermücke Aedes albopictus innerhalb der letzten zwei Jahrzehnte im Zusammenhang mit Chikungunya-Ausbruch im Sommer 2007 in Italien KATASTER-BESCHREIBUNG: Transportwege der Globalisierung als wesentlicher Faktor neben Klimaänderungen KATASTER-DETAIL:

Description: Gesundheitliche Bewertung ultravioletter Strahlung KATASTER-BESCHREIBUNG: KATASTER-DETAIL:

Description: Studie zu einer prognostizierten Anzahl von Tagen mit Wärme- und mit Kältestress, basierend auf Klimaszenarien für den Zeitraum 2071 bis 2100 KATASTER-BESCHREIBUNG: schätzungsweise durchschnittlicher Anstieg der Zahl der wärmeinduzierten Krankheitsfälle um einen Faktor von mehr als 3 und für hitzebedingte Krankenhausaufenthalte 6, Verlust von 0,1% bis 0.5% des BIP durch krankheitbedingten Arbeitsausfall KATASTER-DETAIL:

Description: Pollensaison, -auftreten und -arten, sowie Veränderungen der Allergenität von Pollen unter Klimawandel KATASTER-BESCHREIBUNG: zunehmende Polysensibilisierungen gegenüber Inhalationsallergien durch zunehmend invasives Traubenkraut Ambrosia artemisiifolia KATASTER-DETAIL:

Description: Lage der Hochs nördlich und südlich des 50. Breitengrades und ihre Bedeutung für die Witterung und Ernteerträge in Mitteldeutschland KATASTER-BESCHREIBUNG: KATASTER-DETAIL: Tmit+ (Janurar, Februar, März, Mai und Dezember) durch Abnahem der barometrischen Nordlagen Tmit- (August, September) durch Zunahme der barometrischen Nordlagen Nied+ (Janurar, Apri,, Mai, August, September, Dezember) durch Abnahmen der barometrischen Nordlagen (entspricht Zunahmen der Südlagen!) Nied- (Februar, März, Oktober und November) durch Abnahmen der barometrischen Nordlagen (entspricht Zunahmen der Südlagen!)

Description: Biologie und Bekämpfung von Fritfliege, Getreideblumenfliege, scheckige oder gelbe Halmfliege, Weizenfliege, Hessenfliege KATASTER-BESCHREIBUNG: Einfluss der Witterung (Temperatur, Niederschlag und Wind) auf die Schädlinge KATASTER-DETAIL: Delta T (Winter) +, Anzahl Maden der Halmfliege +; Delta Nied (September) + und Delta Wind (September) +, dann Hessenfliege -

Description: Beobachtungen zum Gelbrostbefall von Weizen, Roggen und Gerste KATASTER-BESCHREIBUNG: - KATASTER-DETAIL: -

Description: Artificial biochemical circuits are likely to play as large a role in biological engineering as electrical circuits have played in the engineering of electromechanical devices. Toward that end, nucleic acids provide a designable substrate for the regulation of biochemical reactions. However, it has been difficult to incorporate signal amplification components. We introduce a design strategy that allows a specified input oligonucleotide to catalyze the release of a specified output oligonucleotide, which in turn can serve as a catalyst for other reactions. This reaction, which is driven forward by the configurational entropy of the released molecule, provides an amplifying circuit element that is simple, fast, modular, composable, and robust. We have constructed and characterized several circuits that amplify nucleic acid signals, including a feedforward cascade with quadratic kinetics and a positive feedback circuit with exponential growth kinetics.〈br /〉〈span class="detail_caption"〉Notes: 〈/span〉Zhang, David Yu -- Turberfield, Andrew J -- Yurke, Bernard -- Winfree, Erik -- New York, N.Y. -- Science. 2007 Nov 16;318(5853):1121-5.〈br /〉〈span class="detail_caption"〉Author address: 〈/span〉Computation and Neural Systems, California Institute of Technology, MC 136-93, 1200 East California Boulevard, Pasadena, CA91125, USA. dzhang@dna.caltech.edu〈br /〉〈span class="detail_caption"〉Record origin:〈/span〉 〈a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18006742" target="_blank"〉PubMed〈/a〉

Description: Two commercial plant investigations will be conducted during the STS-107 mission: living flower essential oil production and gene transfer. The research will be done using the ASTROCULTURE (trademark) hardware, which builds on similar experiments flown in the past on the space shuttle. This research will investigate how microgravity might affect the formation of the volatile chemical compounds - the essential oils - produced by two different types of living flowers. The flowers will be cultured in the ASTROCULTURE (trademark) plant chamber, which provides an enclosed and controlled environment. As the flowers bloom in space, they will produce essential oils, and these volatile compounds will be collected using International Flavors and Fragrance's proprietary Solid Phase Micro Extraction (SPME) technology. The gene transfer experiment examines a newly developed transformation system to see if it operates efficiently in the microgravity environment. This research is important for the development of genetically engineered crops, also known as transgenic crops.

Description: A multimedia, CD ROM to teach 2nd graders about remote sensing was created and developed into a web site. Distribution was expanded for Grades K-4 or 5-8. The idea was to have a story introduction, interactive story and a teacher's website. Interactive Multimedia Adventures in Grade School Education using Remote Sensing (I.M.A.G.E.R.S.) was created. The lessons are easy to use, readily available and aligned with national standards. This resource combines hands-on activities with an interactive web site

Description: Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) used as a probe for scanning probe microscopy has become one of the many potential usages of CNTs that is finding real applications in scientific research and industrial communities. It has been proposed that the unique mechanical buckling properties of the CNT would lessen the imaging force exerted on the sample and, thus, make CNT scanning probes ideal for imaging soft materials, including biological samples in liquid environments. The hydrophobic nature of the CNT graphitic sidewall is clearly chemically incompatible with the aqueous solution requirements in some biological imaging applications. In this paper, we present electron micrograph results demonstrating the instability of CNT scanning probes when submerged in aqueous solution. Moreover, we also introduce a novel approach to resolve this chemical incompatibility problem. By coating the CNT probe with ethylenediamine, thus rendering the CNT probe less hydrophobic, we demonstrate the liquid imaging capability of treated CNT probes. Experimental data for imaging in aqueous solutions are presented, which include an ultrathin Ir film and DNA molecules on a mica surface.

Description: This paper describes the development of a guantitative method for direct and simultaneous determination of three frequently encountered surfactants, amphoteric (cocoamphoacetate, CAA), anionic (sodium laureth sulfate, SLES), and nonionic (alcohol ethoxylate, AE) using a reversed-phase C18 HPLC coupled with an ESI ion-trap mass spectrometer (MS). Chemical composition, ionization characteristics and fragmentation pathways of the surfactants are presented. Positive ESI was effective for all three surfactants in agueous methanol buffered with ammonium acetate. The method enables rapid determinations in small sample volumes containing inorganic salts (up to 3.5 g L(-1)) and multiple classes of surfactants with high specificity by applying surfactant specific tandem mass spectrometric strategies. It has dynamic linear ranges of 2-60, 1.5-40, 0.8-56 mg L(-1) with R2 egual or greater than 0.999, 0.98 and 0.999 (10 microL injection) for CAA, SLES, and AE, respectively.

Description: This chapter reviews the recent development in biological sensing using nanotechnologies based on carbon nanotubes and various nanowires. These 1D materials have shown unique properties that are efficient in interacting with biomolecules of similar dimensions, i.e., on a nanometer scale. Various aspects including synthesis, materials properties, device fabrication, biofunctionalization, and biological sensing applications of such materials are reviewed. The potential of such integrated nanobiosensors in providing ultrahigh sensitivity, fast response, and high-degree multiplex detection, yet with minimum sample requirements is demonstrated. This chapter is intended to provide comprehensive updated information for people from a variety of backgrounds but with common interests in the fast-moving interdisciplinary field of nanobiotechnology.

Description: The important role that cilia and flagella play in human disease creates an urgent need to identify genes involved in ciliary assembly and function. The strong and specific induction of flagellar-coding genes during flagellar regeneration in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii suggests that transcriptional profiling of such cells would reveal new flagella-related genes. We have conducted a genome-wide analysis of RNA transcript levels during flagellar regeneration in Chlamydomonas by using maskless photolithography method-produced DNA oligonucleotide microarrays with unique probe sequences for all exons of the 19,803 predicted genes. This analysis represents previously uncharacterized whole-genome transcriptional activity profiling study in this important model organism. Analysis of strongly induced genes reveals a large set of known flagellar components and also identifies a number of important disease-related proteins as being involved with cilia and flagella, including the zebrafish polycystic kidney genes Qilin, Reptin, and Pontin, as well as the testis-expressed tubby-like protein TULP2.

Description: No abstract available

Description: A "Multimode" or "switched" system is one that switches between various modes of operation. When a switch occurs from one mode to another, a discontinuity may result followed by a smooth evolution under the new regime. Characterizing the switching behavior of these systems is not well understood and, therefore, identification of multimode systems typically requires a preprocessing step to classify the observed data according to a mode of operation. A further consequence of the switched nature of these systems is that data available for parameter estimation of any subsystem may be inadequate. As such, identification and parameter estimation of multimode systems remains an unresolved problem. In this paper, we 1) show that the NARMAX model structure can be used to describe the impulsive-smooth behavior of switched systems, 2) propose a modified extended least squares (MELS) algorithm to estimate the coefficients of such models, and 3) demonstrate its applicability to simulated and real data from the Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex (VOR). The approach will also allow the identification of other nonlinear bio-systems, suspected of containing "hard" nonlinearities.

Description: Ethylene production by 10 or 20 m2 stands of wheat, soybean, lettuce, potato, and tomato was monitored throughout growth and development in an atmospherically closed plant chamber. Chamber ethylene levels varied among species and rose during periods of canopy expansion and rapid growth for all species. Following this, ethylene levels either declined during seed fill and maturation for wheat and soybean, or remained relatively constant for potato and tomato (during flowering and early fruit development). Lettuce plants were harvested during rapid growth and peak ethylene production. Chamber ethylene levels increased rapidly during tomato ripening, reaching concentrations about 10 times that measured during vegetative growth. The highest ethylene production rates during vegetative growth ranged from 1.6 to 2.5 nmol m-2 d-1 during rapid growth of lettuce and wheat stands, or about 0.3 to 0.5 nmol g-1 fresh weight per hour. Estimates of stand ethylene production during tomato ripening showed that rates reached 43 nmol m-2 d-1 in one study and 93 nmol m-2 d-1 in a second study with higher lighting, or about 50x that of the rate during vegetative growth of tomato. In a related test with potato, the photoperiod was extended from 12 to 24 hours (continuous light) at 58 days after planting (to increase tuber yield), but this change in the environment caused a sharp increase in ethylene production from the basal rate of 0.4 to 6.2 nmol m-2 d-1. Following this, the photoperiod was changed back to 12 h at 61 days and ethylene levels decreased. The results suggest three separate categories of ethylene production were observed with whole stands of plants: 1) production during rapid vegetative growth, 2) production during climacteric fruit ripening, and 3) production from environmental stress.

Description: The productivity of lettuce in a combination of high light, high temperature, and elevated CO2 has not been commonly studied because rapid growth usually causes a calcium deficiency in meristems called tipburn, which greatly reduces quality and marketability. We eliminated tipburn by blowing air directly onto the meristem, which allowed us to increase the photosynthetic photon flux (PPF) to 1000 micromoles m-2 s-1 (57.6 mol m-2 d-1); two to three times higher than normally used for lettuce. Eliminating tipburn doubled edible yield at the highest PPF level. In addition to high PPF, CO2 was elevated to 1200 micromoles m-2 mol-1, which increased the temperature optimum from 25 to 30 degrees C. The higher temperature increased leaf expansion rate, which improved radiation capture and more than doubled yield. Photosynthetic efficiency, measured as canopy quantum yield in a whole-plant gas exchange system, steadily increased up to the highest temperature of 32 degrees C in high CO2. The highest productivity was 19 g m-2 d-1 of dry biomass (380 g d-1 fresh mass) averaged over the 23 days the plants received light. Without the limitation of tipburn, the combination of high PPF, high temperature, and elevated CO2 resulted in a 4-fold increase in growth rate over productivity in conventional environments.

Description: It is generally held that space travelers experience muscle dysfunction and atrophy during exposure to microgravity. However, observations are scarce and reports somewhat inconsistent with regard to the time course, specificity and magnitude of such changes. Hence, we examined four male astronauts (group mean approximately 43 years, 86 kg and 183 cm) before and after a 17-day spaceflight (Space Transport System-78). Knee extensor muscle function was measured during maximal bilateral voluntary isometric and iso-inertial concentric, and eccentric actions. Cross-sectional area (CSA) of the knee extensor and flexor, and gluteal muscle groups was assessed by means of magnetic resonance imaging. The decrease in strength (P〈0.05) across different muscle actions after spaceflight amounted to 10%. Eight ambulatory men, examined on two occasions 20 days apart, showed unchanged (P〉0.05) muscle strength. CSA of the knee extensor and gluteal muscles, each decreased (P〈0.05) by 8%. Knee flexor muscle CSA showed no significant (P〉0.05) change. The magnitude of these changes concord with earlier results from ground-based studies of similar duration. The results of this study, however, do contrast with the findings of no decrease in maximal voluntary ankle plantar flexor force previously reported in the same crew.

Description: Nanomaterials are part of an industrial revolution to develop lightweight but strong materials for a variety of purposes. Single-wall carbon nanotubes are an important member of this class of materials. They structurally resemble rolled-up graphite sheets, usually with one end capped; individually they are about 1 nm in diameter and several microns long, but they often pack tightly together to form rods or ropes of microscopic sizes. Carbon nanotubes possess unique electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties and have many potential applications in the electronics, computer, and aerospace industries. Unprocessed nanotubes are very light and could become airborne and potentially reach the lungs. Because the toxicity of nanotubes in the lung is not known, their pulmonary toxicity was investigated. The three products studied were made by different methods and contained different types and amounts of residual catalytic metals. Mice were intratracheally instilled with 0, 0.1, or 0.5 mg of carbon nanotubes, a carbon black negative control, or a quartz positive control and euthanized 7 d or 90 d after the single treatment for histopathological study of the lungs. All nanotube products induced dose-dependent epithelioid granulomas and, in some cases, interstitial inflammation in the animals of the 7-d groups. These lesions persisted and were more pronounced in the 90-d groups; the lungs of some animals also revealed peribronchial inflammation and necrosis that had extended into the alveolar septa. The lungs of mice treated with carbon black were normal, whereas those treated with high-dose quartz revealed mild to moderate inflammation. These results show that, for the test conditions described here and on an equal-weight basis, if carbon nanotubes reach the lungs, they are much more toxic than carbon black and can be more toxic than quartz, which is considered a serious occupational health hazard in chronic inhalation exposures.

Description: Rapid microbial monitoring technologies are invaluable in assessing contamination of spacecraft and associated environments. Universal and widespread elements of microbial structure and chemistry are logical targets for assessing microbial burden. Several biomarkers such as ATP, LPS, and DNA (ribosomal or spore-specific), were targeted to quantify either total bioburden or specific types of microbial contamination. The findings of these assays were compared with conventional, culture-dependent methods. This review evaluates the applicability and efficacy of some of these methods in monitoring the microbial burden of spacecraft and associated environments. Samples were collected from the surfaces of spacecraft, from surfaces of assembly facilities, and from drinking water reservoirs aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Culture-dependent techniques found species of Bacillus to be dominant on these surfaces. In contrast, rapid, culture-independent techniques revealed the presence of many Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms, as well as actinomycetes and fungi. These included both cultivable and noncultivable microbes, findings further confirmed by DNA-based microbial detection techniques. Although the ISS drinking water was devoid of cultivable microbes, molecular-based techniques retrieved DNA sequences of numerous opportunistic pathogens. Each of the methods tested in this study has its advantages, and by coupling two or more of these techniques even more reliable information as to microbial burden is rapidly obtained. Copyright 2004 Springer-Verlag.

Description: The study of Earth's radiation belts is one of the oldest subjects in space physics. Despite the tremendous progress made in the last four decades, we still lack a complete understanding of the radiation belts in terms of their configurations, dynamics, and detailed physical accounts of their sources and sinks. The static nature of early empirical trapped radiation models, for examples, the NASA AP-8 and AE-8 models, renders those models inappropriate for predicting short-term radiation belt behaviors associated with geomagnetic storms and substorms. Due to incomplete data coverage, these models are also inaccurate at low altitudes (e.g., 〈1000 km) where many robotic and human space flights occur. The availability of radiation data from modern space missions and advancement in physical modeling and data management techniques have now allowed the development of new empirical and physical radiation belt models. In this paper, we will review the status of modern radiation belt modeling. Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of COSPAR.

Description: On demand, rapid Ca(2+)-triggered homotypic and exocytic membrane-fusion events are required to repair a torn plasma membrane, and we propose that this emergency-based fusion differs fundamentally from other rapid, triggered fusion reactions. Emergency fusion might use a specialized protein and organelle emergency response team that can simultaneously promote impromptu homotypic fusion events between organelles and exocytic fusion events along the vertices between these fusion products and the plasma membrane.

Description: The latest process for producing large quantities of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) to emerge from the Rice University, dubbed HiPco, is living up to its promise. The current production rates approach 450 mg/h (or 10 g/day), and nanotubes typically have no more than 7 mol % of iron impurities. Second-generation HiPco apparatus can run continuously for 7-10 days at a time. In the HiPco process nanotubes grow in high-pressure, high-temperature flowing CO on catalytic clusters of iron. Catalyst is formed in situ by thermal decomposition of iron pentacarbonyl, which is delivered intact within a cold CO flow and then rapidly mixed with hot CO in the reaction zone. Upon heating, the Fe(CO)5 decomposes into atoms that condense into larger clusters. SWNTs nucleate and grow on these particles in the gas phase via CO disproportionation: CO + CO --〉 CO2 + C (SWNT), catalyzed by the Fe surface. The concentration of CO2 produced in this reaction is equal to that of carbon and can therefore serve as a useful real-time feedback parameter. It was used to study and optimize SWNT production as a function of temperature, pressure, and Fe(CO)5 concentration. The results of the parametric study are in agreement with current understanding of the nanotube formation mechanism.

Description: Chemical kinetic models for the nucleation and growth of clusters and single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) growth are developed for numerical simulations of the production of SWNTs. Two models that involve evaporation and condensation of carbon and metal catalysts, a full model involving all carbon clusters up to C80, and a reduced model are discussed. The full model is based on a fullerene model, but nickel and carbon/nickel cluster reactions are added to form SWNTs from soot and fullerenes. The full model has a large number of species--so large that to incorporate them into a flow field computation for simulating laser ablation and arc processes requires that they be simplified. The model is reduced by defining large clusters that represent many various sized clusters. Comparisons are given between these models for cases that may be applicable to arc and laser ablation production. Solutions to the system of chemical rate equations of these models for a ramped temperature profile show that production of various species, including SWNTs, agree to within about 50% for a fast ramp, and within 10% for a slower temperature decay time.

Description: The cWINNOWER algorithm detects fuzzy motifs in DNA sequences rich in protein-binding signals. A signal is defined as any short nucleotide pattern having up to d mutations differing from a motif of length l. The algorithm finds such motifs if a clique consisting of a sufficiently large number of mutated copies of the motif (i.e., the signals) is present in the DNA sequence. The cWINNOWER algorithm substantially improves the sensitivity of the winnower method of Pevzner and Sze by imposing a consensus constraint, enabling it to detect much weaker signals. We studied the minimum detectable clique size qc as a function of sequence length N for random sequences. We found that qc increases linearly with N for a fast version of the algorithm based on counting three-member sub-cliques. Imposing consensus constraints reduces qc by a factor of three in this case, which makes the algorithm dramatically more sensitive. Our most sensitive algorithm, which counts four-member sub-cliques, needs a minimum of only 13 signals to detect motifs in a sequence of length N = 12,000 for (l, d) = (15, 4). Copyright Imperial College Press.

Description: Different types of lasers are now routinely used to prepare single-walled carbon nanotubes. The original method developed by researchers at Rice University used a "double-pulse laser oven" process. Several researchers have used variations of the lasers to include one-laser pulse (green or infrared), different pulse widths (ns to micros as well as continuous wave), and different laser wavelengths (e.g., CO2, or free electron lasers in the near to far infrared). Some of these variations are tried with different combinations and concentrations of metal catalysts, buffer gases (e.g., helium), oven temperatures, flow conditions, and even different porosities of the graphite targets. This article is an attempt to cover all these variations and their relative merits. Possible growth mechanisms under these different conditions will also be discussed.

Description: BACKGROUND: Reducing cost and time is the major concern in clinical diagnostics, particularly in molecular diagnostics. Miniaturization technologies have been recognized as promising solutions to provide low-cost microchips for diagnostics. With the recent advancement in nanotechnologies, it is possible to further improve detection sensitivity and simplify sample preparation by incorporating nanoscale elements in diagnostics devices. A fusion of micro- and nanotechnologies with biology has great potential for the development of low-cost disposable chips for rapid molecular analysis that can be carried out with simple handheld devices. APPROACH: Vertically aligned multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) are fabricated on predeposited microelectrode pads and encapsulated in SiO2 dielectrics with only the very end exposed at the surface to form an inlaid nanoelectrode array (NEA). The NEA is used to collect the electrochemical signal associated with the target molecules binding to the probe molecules, which are covalently attached to the end of the MWNTs. CONTENT: A 3 x 3 microelectrode array is presented to demonstrate the miniaturization and multiplexing capability. A randomly distributed MWNT NEA is fabricated on each microelectrode pad. Selective functionalization of the MWNT end with a specific oligonucleotide probe and passivation of the SiO2 surface with ethylene glycol moieties are discussed. Ru(bpy)2+ -mediator-amplified guanine oxidation is used to directly measure the electrochemical signal associated with target molecules. SUMMARY: The discussed MWNT NEAs have ultrahigh sensitivity in direct electrochemical detection of guanine bases in the nucleic acid target. Fewer than approximately 1000 target nucleic acid molecules can be measured with a single microelectrode pad of approximately 20 x 20 microm2, which approaches the detection limit of laser scanners in fluorescence-based DNA microarray techniques. MWNT NEAs can be easily integrated with microelectronic circuitry and microfluidics for development of a fully automated system for rapid molecular analysis with minimum cost.

Description: A detailed study was made of the biological cleaning effectiveness, defined in terms of the ability to remove bacterial spores, of a number of methods used to clean hardware surfaces. Aluminum (Al 6061) and titanium (Ti 6Al-4V) were chosen for the study as they were deemed the two materials most likely to be used in spacecraft extraterrestrial sampler construction. Metal coupons (1 cm x 2.5 cm) were precleaned and inoculated with 5.8 x 10(3) cultivable Bacillus subtilis spores, which are commonly found on spacecraft surfaces and in the assembly environments. The inoculated coupons were subsequently cleaned using: (1) 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe; (2) water wipe; (3) multiple-solvent flight-hardware cleaning procedures used at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL); (4) Johnson Space Center-developed ultrapure water rinse; and (5) a commercial, semi-aqueous, multiple-solvent (SAMS) cleaning process. The biological cleaning effectiveness was measured by agar plate assay, sterility test (growing in liquid media), and epifluorescent microscopy. None of the cleaning protocols tested completely removed viable spores from the surface of the aluminum. In contrast, titanium was capable of being cleaned to sterility by two methods, the JPL standard and the commercial SAMS cleaning process. Further investigation showed that the passivation step employed in the JPL standard method is an effective surface sterilant on both metals but not compatible with aluminum. It is recommended that titanium (Ti 6Al-4V) be considered superior to aluminum (Al 6061) for use in spacecraft sampling hardware, both for its potential to be cleaned to sterilization and for its ability to withstand the most effective cleaning protocols.

Description: Zoological data and a growing mythology contributed to ancient Western knowledge about large serpents. Yet little modern attention has been paid to the sources, transmission, and receipt in the early Middle Ages of the ancients' information concerning "dragons" and "sea serpents." Real animals--primarily pythons and whales--lie behind the ancient stories. Other animals, conflations of different animals, simple misunderstandings, and willful exaggerations are found to account for the fanciful embellishments, but primitive myths played no significant role in this process during classical times. The expedition of Alexander the Great into India (327-325 B.C.) and the Bagradas River incident in North Africa (256 B.C.) had enormous repercussions on the development of serpent lore. Credible evidence is found for the presence of ancient populations of pythons living along the North African coast west of Egypt and along the coast of the Arabian Sea between the Indus River and the Strait of Hormuz--places where they no longer exist today. The maximum sizes of ancient pythons may have been greater than those of today's specimens.

Description: Investigative procedures were approved by Henry Ford Human Investigation Committee and NASA Johnson Space Center Committee for Protection of Human Subjects. Informed consent was obtained. Authors evaluated ability of nonphysician crewmember to obtain diagnostic-quality musculoskeletal ultrasonographic (US) data of the shoulder by following a just-in-time training algorithm and using real-time remote guidance aboard the International Space Station (ISS). ISS Expedition-9 crewmembers attended a 2.5-hour didactic and hands-on US training session 4 months before launch. Aboard the ISS, they completed a 1-hour computer-based Onboard Proficiency Enhancement program 7 days before examination. Crewmembers did not receive specific training in shoulder anatomy or shoulder US techniques. Evaluation of astronaut shoulder integrity was done by using a Human Research Facility US system. Crew used special positioning techniques for subject and operator to facilitate US in microgravity environment. Common anatomic reference points aided initial probe placement. Real-time US video of shoulder was transmitted to remote experienced sonologists in Telescience Center at Johnson Space Center. Probe manipulation and equipment adjustments were guided with verbal commands from remote sonologists to astronaut operators to complete rotator cuff evaluation. Comprehensive US of crewmember's shoulder included transverse and longitudinal images of biceps and supraspinatus tendons and articular cartilage surface. Total examination time required to guide astronaut operator to acquire necessary images was approximately 15 minutes. Multiple arm and probe positions were used to acquire dynamic video images that were of excellent quality to allow evaluation of shoulder integrity. Postsession download and analysis of high-fidelity US images collected onboard demonstrated additional anatomic detail that could be used to exclude subtle injury. Musculoskeletal US can be performed in space by minimally trained operators by using remote guidance. This technique can be used to evaluate shoulder integrity in symptomatic crewmembers after strenuous extravehicular activities or to monitor microgravity-associated changes in musculoskeletal anatomy. Just-in-time training, combined with remote experienced physician guidance, may provide a useful approach to complex medical tasks performed by nonexperienced personnel in a variety of remote settings, including current and future space programs. (c) RSNA, 2004.

Description: The use of magnetic fluids and magnetic particles in combinatorial hyperthermia therapy for cancer treatment is reviewed. The investigation approach adopted for producing thermoregulating particles and tissue model studies for studying particle retention and heating characteristics is discussed.

Description: Robert Barany won the 1914 Nobel Prize in medicine for his convection hypothesis for caloric stimulation. Microgravity caloric tests aboard the 1983 SpaceLab 1 mission produced nystagmus results that contradicted the basic premise of Barany's convection theory. In this paper, we present a fluid structural analysis of the caloric stimulation of the lateral semicircular canal. Direct numerical simulations indicate that on earth, natural convection is the dominant mechanism for endolymphatic flow. However, in the microgravity environment of orbiting spacecraft, where buoyancy effects are mitigated, an expansive convection becomes the sole mechanism for producing endolymph motion and cupular displacement. Transient 1 g and microgravity case studies are presented to delineate the different dynamic behaviors of the 1 g and microgravity endolymphatic flows. The associated fluid-structural interactions are also analyzed based on the time evolution of cupular displacements.

Description: The administration of morphine to hypophysectomized rats potentiated the steroidogenic response of the adrenal cortex to exogenous adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) in a dose-dependent fashion. Conversely, the opiate antagonist naloxone inhibited the adrenal response to ACTH. Naloxone pretreatment also antagonized the potentiating effect of morphine on ACTH-induced steroidogenesis in a dose-dependent manner. Neither morphine nor naloxone, administered to hypophysectomized rats, had any direct effect on adrenal steroidogenesis. These adrenal actions were stereospecific since neither the (+)-stereoisomer of morphine, nor that or naloxone, had any effect on the adrenal response to ACTH. The administration of human beta-endorphin to hypophysectomized rats had no effect on the adrenal corticosterone concentration nor did it alter the response of the adrenal gland to ACTH. These results indicate that morphine can potentiate the action of ACTH on the adrenal by a direct, stereospecific, dose-dependent mechanism that is prevented by naloxone pretreatment and which may involve competition for ACTH receptors on the corticosterone-secreting cells of the adrenal cortex.

Description: In phenotype the mycoplasmas are very different from ordinary bacteria. However, genotypically (i.e., phylogenetically) they are not. On the basis of ribosomal RNA homologies the mycoplasmas belong with the clostridia, and indeed have specific clostridial relatives. Mycoplasmas are, however, unlike almost all other bacteria in the evolutionary characteristics of their ribosomal RNAs. These RNAs contain relatively few of the highly conserved oligonucleotide sequences characteristic of normal eubacterial ribosomal RNAs. This is interpreted to be a reflection of an elevated mutation rate in mycoplasma lines of descent. A general consequence of this would be that the variation associated with a mycoplasma population is augmented both in number and kind, which in turn would lead to an unusual evolutionary course, one unique in all respects. Mycoplasmas, then, are actually tachytelic bacteria. The unusual evolutionary characteristics of their ribosomal RNAs are the imprints of their rapid evolution.

Description: No abstract available

Description: The magnitude and duration of a cytosolic Ca(2+) release can potentially be altered by changing the rate of Ca(2+) efflux. In plant cells, Ca(2+) efflux from the cytoplasm is mediated by H(+)/Ca(2+)-antiporters and two types of Ca(2+)-ATPases. ACA2 was recently identified as a calmodulin-regulated Ca(2+)-pump located in the endoplasmic reticulum. Here, we show that phosphorylation of its N-terminal regulatory domain by a Ca(2+)-dependent protein kinase (CDPK isoform CPK1), inhibits both basal activity ( approximately 10%) and calmodulin stimulation ( approximately 75%), as shown by Ca(2+)-transport assays with recombinant enzyme expressed in yeast. A CDPK phosphorylation site was mapped to Ser(45) near a calmodulin binding site, using a fusion protein containing the N-terminal domain as an in vitro substrate for a recombinant CPK1. In a full-length enzyme, an Ala substitution for Ser(45) (S45/A) completely blocked the observed CDPK inhibition of both basal and calmodulin-stimulated activities. An Asp substitution (S45/D) mimicked phosphoinhibition, indicating that a negative charge at this position is sufficient to account for phosphoinhibition. Interestingly, prior binding of calmodulin blocked phosphorylation. This suggests that, once ACA2 binds calmodulin, its activation state becomes resistant to phosphoinhibition. These results support the hypothesis that ACA2 activity is regulated as the balance between the initial kinetics of calmodulin stimulation and CDPK inhibition, providing an example in plants for a potential point of crosstalk between two different Ca(2+)-signaling pathways.

Description: No abstract available

Description: Human lymphocytes flown on the Space Shuttle respond poorly to mitogen stimulation and populations of the lymphoblastoid T cell line, Jurkat, manifest growth arrest, increase in apoptosis and time- and microgravity-dependent increases in the soluble form of the cell death factor, Fas/APO-1 (sFas). The potential role of apoptosis in population dynamics of space-flown lymphocytes has not been investigated previously. We flew Jurkat cells on Space Transportation System (STS)-80 and STS-95 to determine whether apoptosis and the apparent microgravity-related release of sFas are characteristic of lymphocytes in microgravity. The effects of spaceflight and ground-based tests simulating spaceflight experimental conditions, including high cell density and low serum concentration, were assessed. Immunofluorescence microscopy showed increased cell associated Fas in flown cells. Results of STS-80 and STS-95 confirmed increase in apoptosis during spaceflight and the release of sFas as a repeatable, time-dependent and microgravity-related response. Ground-based tests showed that holding cells at 1.5 million/ml in medium containing 2% serum before launch did not increase sFas. Reports of increased Fas in cells of the elderly and the increases in spaceflown cells suggest possible similarities between aging and spaceflight effects on lymphocytes.

Description: Myocardial perfusion imaging has long been a goal for the non-invasive echocardiographic assessment of the heart. However, many factors at play in perfusion imaging have made this goal elusive. Harmonic imaging and triggered imaging with newer contrast agents have made myocardial perfusion imaging potentially practical in the very near future. The application of indicator dilution theory to the coronary circulation and bubble contrast agents is fraught with complexities and sources of error. Therefore, quantification of myocardial perfusion by non-invasive echocardiographic imaging requires further investigation in order to make this technique clinically viable.

Description: Strain Rate Imaging (SRI) is a new echocardiographic technique that allows for the real-time determination of myocardial SR, which may be used for the early and accurate detection of coronary artery disease. We sought to study whether SR is affected by scan line alignment in a computer simulation and an in vivo experiment. Through the computer simulation and the in vivo experiment we generated and validated safe scanning sectors within the ultrasound scan sector and showed that while SRI will be an extremely valuable tool in detecting coronary artery disease there are potential pitfalls for the unwary clinician. Only after accounting for these affects due to angle dependency, can clinicians utilize SRI's potential as a valuable tool in detecting coronary artery disease.

Description: Chimeric Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CCaMK) is characterized by a serine-threonine kinase domain, an autoinhibitory domain, a calmodulin-binding domain and a neural visinin-like domain with three EF-hands. The neural visinin-like Ca(2+)-binding domain at the C-terminal end of the CaM-binding domain makes CCaMK unique among all the known calmodulin-dependent kinases. Biological functions of the plant visinin-like proteins or visinin-like domains in plant proteins are not well known. Using EF-hand deletions in the visinin-like domain, we found that the visinin-like domain regulated Ca(2+)-stimulated autophosphorylation of CCaMK. To investigate the effects of Ca(2+)-stimulated autophosphorylation on the interaction with calmodulin, the equilibrium binding constants of CCaMK were measured by fluorescence emission anisotropy using dansylated calmodulin. Binding was 8-fold tighter after Ca(2+)-stimulated autophosphorylation. This shift in affinity did not occur in CCaMK deletion mutants lacking Ca(2+)-stimulated autophosphorylation. A variable calmodulin affinity regulated by Ca(2+)-stimulated autophosphorylation mediated through the visinin-like domain is a new regulatory mechanism for CCaMK activation and calmodulin-dependent protein kinases. Our experiments demonstrate the existence of two functional molecular switches in a protein kinase regulating the kinase activity, namely a visinin-like domain acting as a Ca(2+)-triggered switch and a CaM-binding domain acting as an autophosphorylation-triggered molecular switch.

Description: Subjects who are in an enclosed chamber rotating at constant velocity feel physically stationary but make errors when pointing to targets. Reaching paths and endpoints are deviated in the direction of the transient inertial Coriolis forces generated by their arm movements. By contrast, reaching movements made during natural, voluntary torso rotation seem to be accurate, and subjects are unaware of the Coriolis forces generated by their movements. This pattern suggests that the motor plan for reaching movements uses a representation of body motion to prepare compensations for impending self-generated accelerative loads on the arm. If so, stationary subjects who are experiencing illusory self-rotation should make reaching errors when pointing to a target. These errors should be in the direction opposite the Coriolis accelerations their arm movements would generate if they were actually rotating. To determine whether such compensations exist, we had subjects in four experiments make visually open-loop reaches to targets while they were experiencing compelling illusory self-rotation and displacement induced by rotation of a complex, natural visual scene. The paths and endpoints of their initial reaching movements were significantly displaced leftward during counterclockwise illusory rotary displacement and rightward during clockwise illusory self-displacement. Subjects reached in a curvilinear path to the wrong place. These reaching errors were opposite in direction to the Coriolis forces that would have been generated by their arm movements during actual torso rotation. The magnitude of path curvature and endpoint errors increased as the speed of illusory self-rotation increased. In successive reaches, movement paths became straighter and endpoints more accurate despite the absence of visual error feedback or tactile feedback about target location. When subjects were again presented a stationary scene, their initial reaches were indistinguishable from pre-exposure baseline, indicating a total absence of aftereffects. These experiments demonstrate that the nervous system automatically compensates in a context-specific fashion for the Coriolis forces associated with reaching movements.

Description: Directional cell locomotion is critical in many physiological processes, including morphogenesis, the immune response, and wound healing. It is well known that in these processes cell movements can be guided by gradients of various chemical signals. In this study, we demonstrate that cell movement can also be guided by purely physical interactions at the cell-substrate interface. We cultured National Institutes of Health 3T3 fibroblasts on flexible polyacrylamide sheets coated with type I collagen. A transition in rigidity was introduced in the central region of the sheet by a discontinuity in the concentration of the bis-acrylamide cross-linker. Cells approaching the transition region from the soft side could easily migrate across the boundary, with a concurrent increase in spreading area and traction forces. In contrast, cells migrating from the stiff side turned around or retracted as they reached the boundary. We call this apparent preference for a stiff substrate "durotaxis." In addition to substrate rigidity, we discovered that cell movement could also be guided by manipulating the flexible substrate to produce mechanical strains in the front or rear of a polarized cell. We conclude that changes in tissue rigidity and strain could play an important controlling role in a number of normal and pathological processes involving cell locomotion.

Description: Myotonic dystrophy protein kinase (DMPK) is a serine-threonine protein kinase encoded by the myotonic dystrophy (DM) locus on human chromosome 19q13.3. It is a close relative of other kinases that interact with members of the Rho family of small GTPases. We show here that the actin cytoskeleton-linked GTPase Rac-1 binds to DMPK, and coexpression of Rac-1 and DMPK activates its transphosphorylation activity in a GTP-sensitive manner. DMPK can also bind Raf-1 kinase, the Ras-activated molecule of the MAP kinase pathway. Purified Raf-1 kinase phosphorylates and activates DMPK. The interaction of DMPK with these distinct signals suggests that it may play a role as a nexus for cross-talk between their respective pathways and may partially explain the remarkable pleiotropy of DM.

Description: In two experiments, visually perceived eye level (VPEL) was measured while subjects viewed two-dimensional displays that were either upright or pitched 20 degrees top-toward or 20 degrees top-away from them. In Experiment 1, it was demonstrated that binocular exposure to a pair of pitched vertical lines or to a pitched random dot pattern caused a substantial upward VPEL shift for the top-toward pitched array and a similarly large downward shift for the top-away array. On the other hand, the same pitches of a pair of horizontal lines (viewed binocularly or monocularly) produced much smaller VPEL shifts. Because the perceived pitch of the pitched horizontal line display was nearly the same as the perceived pitch of the pitched vertical line and dot array, the relatively small influence of pitched horizontal lines on VPEL cannot be attributed simply to an underestimation of their pitch. In Experiment 2, the effects of pitched vertical lines, dots, and horizontal lines on VPEL were again measured, together with their effects on resting gaze direction (in the vertical dimension). As in Experiment 1, vertical lines and dots caused much larger VPEL shifts than did horizontal lines. The effects of the displays on resting gaze direction were highly similar to their effects on VPEL. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that VPEL shifts caused by pitched visual arrays are due to the direct influence of these arrays on the oculomotor system and are not mediated by perceived pitch.

Description: Future activities in space will require greater periods of time in extreme environments in which the body periphery will be vulnerable to chilling. Maintaining the hands and fingers in comfortable conditions enhances finger flexibility and dexterity, and thus effects better work performance. We have evaluated the efficacy of promoting heat transfer and release by the extremities by increasing the blood flow to the periphery from more distant parts of the body. The experimental garment paradigm developed by the investigators was used to manipulate the temperature of different body areas. Six subjects, two females and four males, were evaluated in a stage-1 baseline condition, with the inlet temperature of the circulating water in the liquid cooling/warming garment (LCWG) at 33 degrees C. At stage 2 the total LCWG water inlet temperature was cooled to 8 degrees C, and at stage 3 the inlet water temperature in specific segments of the LCWG was warmed (according to protocol) to 45 degrees C, while the inlet temperature in the rest of the LCWG was maintained at 8 degrees C. The following four body-area-warming conditions were studied in separate sessions: (1) head, (2) upper torso/arm, (3) upper torso/arm/head, and (4) legs/feet. Skin temperature, heat flux and blood perfusion of the fingers, and subjective perception of thermal sensations and overall physical comfort were assessed. Finger temperature (T(fing)) analyses showed a statistically significant condition x stage interaction. Post-hoc comparisons (T(fing)) indicated that at stage 3, the upper torso/arm/head warming condition was significantly different from the head, upper torso/arm and legs/feet conditions, showing an increase in T(fing). There was a significant increase in blood perfusion in the fingers at stage 3 in all conditions. Subjective perception of hand warmth, and overall physical comfort level significantly increased in the stage 3 upper torso/arm/head condition. The findings indicate that physiological methods to enhance heat transfer by the blood to the periphery within protective clothing provide an additional tool for increasing total and local human comfort in extreme environments.

Description: No abstract available

Description: Poly (Propylene Fumarate) (PPF), a novel, bulk erosion, biodegradable polymer, has been shown to have osteoconductive effects in vivo when used as a bone regeneration scaffold (Peter, S. J., Suggs, L. J., Yaszemski, M. J., Engel, P. S., and Mikos, A. J., 1999, J. Biomater. Sci. Polym. Ed., 10, pp. 363-373). The material properties of the polymer allow it to be injected into irregularly shaped voids in vivo and provide mechanical stability as well as function as a bone regeneration scaffold. We fabricated a series of biomaterial composites, comprised of varying quantities of PPF, NaCl and beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP), into the shape of right circular cylinders and tested the mechanical properties in four-point bending and compression. The mean modulus of elasticity in compression (Ec) was 1204.2 MPa (SD 32.2) and the mean modulus of elasticity in bending (Eb) was 1274.7 MPa (SD 125.7). All of the moduli were on the order of magnitude of trabecular bone. Changing the level of NaCl from 20 to 40 percent, by mass, did not decrease Ec and Eb significantly, but did decrease bending and compressive strength significantly. Increasing the beta-TCP from 0.25 g/g PPF to 0.5 g/g PPF increased all of the measured mechanical properties of PPF/NVP composites. These results indicate that this biodegradable polymer composite is an attractive candidate for use as a replacement scaffold for trabecular bone.

Description: Metabolic activity was measured in the laboratory at temperatures between 5 and -20 degrees C on the basis of incorporation of (14)C-labeled acetate into lipids by samples of a natural population of bacteria from Siberian permafrost (permanently frozen soil). Incorporation followed a sigmoidal pattern similar to growth curves. At all temperatures, the log phase was followed, within 200 to 350 days, by a stationary phase, which was monitored until the 550th day of activity. The minimum doubling times ranged from 1 day (5 degrees C) to 20 days (-10 degrees C) to ca. 160 days (-20 degrees C). The curves reached the stationary phase at different levels, depending on the incubation temperature. We suggest that the stationary phase, which is generally considered to be reached when the availability of nutrients becomes limiting, was brought on under our conditions by the formation of diffusion barriers in the thin layers of unfrozen water known to be present in permafrost soils, the thickness of which depends on temperature.

Description: No abstract available

Description: A 15N-glycine tracer technique was used to study protein turnover in four Russian cosmonauts and two U.S. astronauts who had spent long time aboard the Russian orbital station MIR. As was shown, in space flight protein synthesis falls by 46% on the average, which substantially exceeds estimations made on the basis of data about bed-rested human subjects. Reduction in protein synthesis during space flight is connected with the negative energy balance; therefore, it appears imperative to keep balance between energy intake (foodstuffs) and expenditure by cosmonauts on long-term mission.

Description: Growth of Streptomyces hygroscopicus under conditions of simulated microgravity in a rotating-wall bioreactor resulted in a pellet form of growth, lowered dry cell weight, and inhibition of rapamycin production. With the addition of Teflon beads to the bioreactor, growth became much less pelleted, dry cell weight increased but rapamycin production was still markedly inhibited. Growth under simulated microgravity favored extracellular production of rapamycin, in contrast to a greater percentage of cell-bound rapamycin observed under normal gravity conditions.

Description: The use of (35)S-labeled calmodulin (CaM) to screen a corn root cDNA expression library has led to the isolation of a CaM-binding protein, encoded by a cDNA with sequence similarity to small auxin up RNAs (SAURs), a class of early auxin-responsive genes. The cDNA designated as ZmSAUR1 (Zea mays SAURs) was expressed in Escherichia coli, and the recombinant protein was purified by CaM affinity chromatography. The CaM binding assay revealed that the recombinant protein binds to CaM in a calcium-dependent manner. Deletion analysis revealed that the CaM binding site was located at the NH(2)-terminal domain. A synthetic peptide of amino acids 20-45, corresponding to the potential CaM binding region, was used for calcium-dependent mobility shift assays. The synthetic peptide formed a stable complex with CaM only in the presence of calcium. The CaM affinity assay indicated that ZmSAUR1 binds to CaM with high affinity (K(d) approximately 15 nM) in a calcium-dependent manner. Comparison of the NH(2)-terminal portions of all of the characterized SAURs revealed that they all contain a stretch of the basic alpha-amphiphilic helix similar to the CaM binding region of ZmSAUR1. CaM binds to the two synthetic peptides from the NH(2)-terminal regions of Arabidopsis SAUR-AC1 and soybean 10A5, suggesting that this is a general phenomenon for all SAURs. Northern analysis was carried out using the total RNA isolated from auxin-treated corn coleoptile segments. ZmSAUR1 gene expression began within 10 min, increased rapidly between 10 and 60 min, and peaked around 60 min after 10 microM alpha-naphthaleneacetic acid treatment. These results indicate that ZmSAUR1 is an early auxin-responsive gene. The CaM antagonist N-(6-aminohexyl)5-chloro-1-naphthalenesulfonamide hydrochloride inhibited the auxin-induced cell elongation but not the auxin-induced expression of ZmSAUR1. This suggests that calcium/CaM do not regulate ZmSAUR1 at the transcriptional level. CaM binding to ZmSAUR1 in a calcium-dependent manner suggests that calcium/CaM regulate ZmSAUR1 at the post-translational level. Our data provide the first direct evidence for the involvement of calcium/CaM-mediated signaling in auxin-mediated signal transduction.

Description: Arachidonic acid (AA) is the precursor for prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) synthesis and increases growth of prostate cancer cells. To further elucidate the mechanisms involved in AA-induced prostate cell growth, induction of c-fos expression by AA was investigated in a human prostate cancer cell line, PC-3. c-fos mRNA was induced shortly after addition of AA, along with a remarkable increase in PGE2 production. c-fos expression and PGE2 production induced by AA was blocked by a cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor, flurbiprofen, suggesting that PGE2 mediated c-fos induction. Protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor H-89 abolished induction of c-fos expression by AA, and partially inhibited PGE2 production. Protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor GF109203X had no significant effect on c-fos expression or PGE2 production. Expression of prostaglandin (EP) receptors, which mediate signal transduction from PGE2 to the cells, was examined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in several human prostate cell lines. EP4 and EP2, which are coupled to the PKA signalling pathway, were expressed in all cells tested. Expression of EP1, which activates the PKC pathway, was not detected. The current study showed that induction of the immediate early gene c-fos by AA is mediated by PGE2, which activates the PKA pathway via the EP2/4 receptor in the PC-3 cells.

Description: In this report, we describe an experiment conducted at Kennedy Space Center in the biomass production chamber (BPC) using soybean plants for purification and processing of human hygiene water. Specifically, we tested whether it was possible to detect changes in the root-associated bacterial assemblage of the plants and ultimately to identify the specific microorganism(s) which differed when plants were exposed to hygiene water and other hydroponic media. Plants were grown in hydroponics media corresponding to four different treatments: control (Hoagland's solution), artificial gray water (Hoagland's+surfactant), filtered gray water collected from human subjects on site, and unfiltered gray water. Differences in rhizosphere microbial populations in all experimental treatments were observed when compared to the control treatment using both community level physiological profiles (BIOLOG) and molecular fingerprinting of 16S rRNA genes by terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis (TRFLP). Furthermore, screening of a clonal library of 16S rRNA genes by TRFLP yielded nearly full length SSU genes associated with the various treatments. Most 16S rRNA genes were affiliated with the Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, Variovorax, Burkholderia, Bordetella and Isosphaera groups. This molecular approach demonstrated the ability to rapidly detect and identify microorganisms unique to experimental treatments and provides a means to fingerprint microbial communities in the biosystems being developed at NASA for optimizing advanced life support operations.

Description: BACKGROUND: We tested the hypothesis that a common oscillatory pattern might characterize the rhythmic discharge of muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) and the spontaneous variability of heart rate and systolic arterial pressure (SAP) during a physiological increase of sympathetic activity induced by the head-up tilt maneuver. METHODS AND RESULTS: Ten healthy subjects underwent continuous recordings of ECG, intra-arterial pressure, respiratory activity, central venous pressure, and MSNA, both in the recumbent position and during 75 degrees head-up tilt. Venous samplings for catecholamine assessment were obtained at rest and during the fifth minute of tilt. Spectrum and cross-spectrum analyses of R-R interval, SAP, and MSNA variabilities and of respiratory activity provided the low (LF, 0.1 Hz) and high frequency (HF, 0.27 Hz) rhythmic components of each signal and assessed their linear relationships. Compared with the recumbent position, tilt reduced central venous pressure, but blood pressure was unchanged. Heart rate, MSNA, and plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine levels increased, suggesting a marked enhancement of overall sympathetic activity. During tilt, LF(MSNA) increased compared with the level in the supine position; this mirrored similar changes observed in the LF components of R-R interval and SAP variabilities. The increase of LF(MSNA) was proportional to the amount of the sympathetic discharge. The coupling between LF components of MSNA and R-R interval and SAP variabilities was enhanced during tilt compared with rest. CONCLUSIONS: During the sympathetic activation induced by tilt, a similar oscillatory pattern based on an increased LF rhythmicity characterized the spontaneous variability of neural sympathetic discharge, R-R interval, and arterial pressure.

Description: Root gravitropism in wild-type Arabidopsis and in two starchless mutants, pgm1-1 and adg1-1, was evaluated as a function of light position to determine the relative strengths of negative phototropism and of gravitropism and how much phototropism affects gravitropic measurements. Gravitropism was stronger than phototropism in some but not all light positions in wild-type roots grown for an extended period, indicating that the relationship between the two tropisms is more complex than previously reported. Root phototropism significantly influenced the time course of gravitropic curvature and the two measures of sensitivity. Light from above during horizontal exposure overestimated all three parameters for all three genotypes except the wild-type perception time. At the irradiance used (80 micromol m(-2) s(-1)), the shortest periods of illumination found to exaggerate gravitropism were 45 min of continuous illumination and 2-min doses of intermittent illumination. By growing roots in circumlateral light or by gravistimulating in the dark, corrected values were obtained for each gravitropic parameter. Roots of both starchless mutants were determined to be about three times less sensitive than prior estimates. This study demonstrates the importance of accounting for phototropism in the design of root gravitropism experiments in Arabidopsis.

Description: Auxin transport has been reported to occur in two distinct polarities, acropetally and basipetally, in two different root tissues. The goals of this study were to determine whether both polarities of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) transport occur in roots of Arabidopsis and to determine which polarity controls the gravity response. Global application of the auxin transport inhibitor naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA) to roots blocked the gravity response, root waving, and root elongation. Immediately after the application of NPA, the root gravity response was completely blocked, as measured by an automated video digitizer. Basipetal [(3)H]IAA transport in Arabidopsis roots was inhibited by NPA, whereas the movement of [(14)C]benzoic acid was not affected. Inhibition of basipetal IAA transport by local application of NPA blocked the gravity response. Inhibition of acropetal IAA transport by application of NPA at the root-shoot junction only partially reduced the gravity response at high NPA concentrations. Excised root tips, which do not receive auxin from the shoot, exhibited a normal response to gravity. The Arabidopsis mutant eir1, which has agravitropic roots, exhibited reduced basipetal IAA transport but wild-type levels of acropetal IAA transport. These results support the hypothesis that basipetally transported IAA controls root gravitropism in Arabidopsis.

Description: PURPOSE: This study of the foot uses experimentally measured kinematic and kinetic data with a numerical model to evaluate in vivo calcaneal stresses during walking and running. METHODS: External ground reaction forces (GRF) and kinematic data were measured during walking and running using cineradiography and force plate measurements. A contact-coupled finite element model of the foot was developed to assess the forces acting on the calcaneus during gait. RESULTS: We found that the calculated force-time profiles of the joint contact, ligament, and Achilles tendon forces varied with the time-history curve of the moment about the ankle joint. The model predicted peak talocalcaneal and calcaneocuboid joint loads of 5.4 and 4.2 body weights (BW) during walking and 11.1 and 7.9 BW during running. The maximum predicted Achilles tendon forces were 3.9 and 7.7 BW for walking and running. CONCLUSIONS: Large magnitude forces and calcaneal stresses are generated late in the stance phase, with maximum loads occurring at approximately 70% of the stance phase during walking and at approximately 60% of the stance phase during running, for the gait velocities analyzed. The trajectories of the principal stresses, during both walking and running, corresponded to each other and qualitatively to the calcaneal trabecular architecture.

Description: Presented are results of studying 24-hr variability of the cardiac rhythm which characterizes individual difference in reactions of two crew members to the same set of stresses during a 115-day MIR mission. Spacelab (USA) cardiorecorders were used. Data of monitoring revealed significantly different baseline health statuses of the cosmonauts. These functional differences were also observed in the mission. In one of the cosmonauts, the cardiac regulation changed over to a more economic functioning with the autonomous balance shifted towards enhanced sympathetic activity. After 2-3 months on mission he had almost recovered pre-launch level of regulation. In the other, the regulatory system was appreciably strained at the beginning of the mission as compared with preflight baseline. Later on, on flight months 2-3, this strain kept growing till a drastic depletion of the functional reserve. On return to Earth, this was manifested by a strong stress reaction with a sharp decline in power of high-frequency and grow in power of very low frequency components of the heart rhythm. The data suggest that adaptation to space flight and reactions in the readaptation period are dependent on initial health status of crew members, and functional reserve.

Description: The International Space Station will provide an extremely high-quality, long-duration microgravity environment for the conduct of research. In addition, the ISS offers a platform for performing observations of Earth and Space from a high-inclination orbit, outside of the Earth's atmosphere. This unique environment and observational capability offers the opportunity for advancement in a diverse set of research fields. Many of these disciplines do not relate to one another, and present widely differing approaches to study, as well as different resource and operational requirements. Significant challenges exist to ensure the highest quality research return for each investigation. Requirements from different investigations must be identified, clarified, integrated and communicated to ISS personnel in a consistent manner. Resources such as power, crew time, etc. must be apportioned to allow the conduct of each investigation. Decisions affecting research must be made at the strategic level as well as at a very detailed execution level. The timing of the decisions can range from years before an investigation to real-time operations. The international nature of the Space Station program adds to the complexity. Each participating country must be assured that their interests are represented during the entire planning and operations process. A process for making decisions regarding research planning, operations, and real-time replanning is discussed. This process ensures adequate representation of all research investigators. It provides a means for timely decisions, and it includes a means to ensure that all ISS International Partners have their programmatic interests represented. c 2000 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Description: NASA-Johnson Space Center is designing and building a habitat (Bioregenerative Planetary Life Support Systems Test Complex, BIO-Plex) intended for evaluating advanced life support systems developed for long-duration missions to the Moon or Mars where all consumables will be recycled and reused. A food system based on raw products obtained from higher plants (such as soybeans, rice, and wheat) may be a central feature of a biologically based Advanced Life Support System. To convert raw crops to edible ingredients or food items, multipurpose processing equipment such as an extruder is ideal. Volatile compounds evolved during the manufacturing of these food products may accumulate and reach toxic levels. Additionally, off-odors often dissipated in open-air environments without consequence may cause significant discomfort in the BIO-Plex. Rice and defatted soy flours were adjusted to 16% moisture, and triplicate samples were extruded using a tabletop single-screw extruder. The extrudate was collected in specially designed Tedlar bags from which air samples could be extracted. The samples were analyzed by GC-MS with special emphasis on compounds with Spacecraft Maximum Allowable Concentrations (SMACs). Results showed a combination of alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, and carbonyl compounds in the different flours. Each compound and its SMAC value, as well as its impact on the air revitalization system, was discussed.

Description: The shape and dynamics of the mitral annulus of 10 patients without heart disease (controls), 3 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy, and 5 patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy and normal systolic function were analyzed by transesophageal echocardiography and 3-dimensional reconstruction. Mitral annular orifice area, apico-basal motion of the annulus, and nonplanarity were calculated over time. Annular area was largest in end diastole and smallest in end systole. Mean areas were 11.8 +/- 2.5 cm(2) (controls), 15.2 +/- 4.2 cm(2) (dilated cardiomyopathy), and 10.2 +/- 2.4 cm(2) (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) (P = not significant). After correction for body surface, annuli from patients with normal left ventricular function were smaller than annuli from patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (5.9 +/- 1.2 cm(2)/m(2) vs 7.7 +/- 1.0 cm(2)/m(2); P 〈.02). The change in area during the cardiac cycle showed significant differences: 23.8% +/- 5.1% (controls), 13.2% +/- 2.3% (dilated cardiomyopathy), and 32.4% +/- 7.6% (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) (P 〈.001). Apico-basal motion was highest in controls, followed by those with hypertrophic obstructive and dilated cardiomyopathy (1.0 +/- 0.3 cm, 0.8 +/- 0.2 cm, 0.3 +/- 0.2 cm, respectively; P 〈.01). Visual inspection and Fourier analysis showed a consistent pattern of anteroseptal and posterolateral elevations of the annulus toward the left atrium. In conclusion, although area changes and apico-basal motion of the mitral annulus strongly depend on left ventricular systolic function, nonplanarity is a structural feature preserved throughout the cardiac cycle in all three groups.

Description: Amphioxus, as the closest living invertebrate relative of the vertebrates, can give insights into the evolutionary origin of the vertebrate body plan. Therefore, to investigate the evolution of genetic mechanisms for establishing and patterning the neuroectoderm, we cloned and determined the embryonic expression of two amphioxus transcription factors, AmphiSox1/2/3 and AmphiNeurogenin. These genes are the earliest known markers for presumptive neuroectoderm in amphioxus. By the early neurula stage, AmphiNeurogenin expression becomes restricted to two bilateral columns of segmentally arranged neural plate cells, which probably include precursors of motor neurons. This is the earliest indication of segmentation in the amphioxus nerve cord. Later, expression extends to dorsal cells in the nerve cord, which may include precursors of sensory neurons. By the midneurula, AmphiSox1/2/3 expression becomes limited to the dorsal part of the forming neural tube. These patterns resemble those of their vertebrate and Drosophila homologs. Taken together with the evolutionarily conserved expression of the dorsoventral patterning genes, BMP2/4 and chordin, in nonneural and neural ectoderm, respectively, of chordates and Drosophila, our results are consistent with the evolution of the chordate dorsal nerve cord and the insect ventral nerve cord from a longitudinal nerve cord in a common bilaterian ancestor. However, AmphiSox1/2/3 differs from its vertebrate homologs in not being expressed outside the CNS, suggesting that additional roles for this gene have evolved in connection with gene duplication in the vertebrate lineage. In contrast, expression in the midgut of AmphiNeurogenin together with the gene encoding the insulin-like peptide suggests that amphioxus may have homologs of vertebrate pancreatic islet cells, which express neurogenin3. In addition, AmphiNeurogenin, like its vertebrate and Drosophila homologs, is expressed in apparent precursors of epidermal chemosensory and possibly mechanosensory cells, suggesting a common origin for protostome and deuterostome epidermal sensory cells in the ancestral bilaterian. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.

Description: A dissociation between plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone (T) appears to exist during exposure to altered gravity. The pulsatile nature of LH release and the diurnal variability of T secretion may mask or bias the effects of altered gravity on the pituitary-gonadal axis when analyzing plasma concentrations. Therefore, we examined the relationship between the excretion of urinary LH and T in male Sprague-Dawley rats during exposure to increased gravity upon return to Earth following a 14-day spaceflight (n = 6) and by 12 days of centrifugation at 2g (n = 8). Excreted LH and T were elevated on the first 3 days postflight. Excreted T was elevated between Days 1 and 8 of centrifugation; however, excreted LH was reduced on Days 2 and 3 compared with control animals. Excreted LH and T were significantly correlated (R = 0.731 and 0.706, respectively) in postspaceflight and centrifuged animals. Correlation curves had similar slopes (0.0213 and 0.023, respectively), but different y-intercepts (-1.43 and 3.32, respectively). The sustained increase in excreted T during centrifugation suggests that the pituitary-gonadal axis in postspaceflight animals may adapt quicker to increased gravity. The upward shift in the correlation curve exhibited by the centrifuged animals suggests that the sensitivity of LH-induced T release is increased in these animals. The previous dissociation between plasma LH and T during altered gravity was not observed in the present study in which excreted LH and T were measured.

Description: No abstract available

Description: BACKGROUND: The amount of oxalate ingested may be an important risk factor in the development of idiopathic calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis. Reliable food tables listing the oxalate content of foods are currently not available. The aim of this research was to develop an accurate and reliable method to measure the food content of oxalate. METHODS: Capillary electrophoresis (CE) and ion chromatography (IC) were compared as direct techniques for the estimation of the oxalate content of foods. Foods were thoroughly homogenized in acid, heat extracted, and clarified by centrifugation and filtration before dilution in water for analysis. Five individuals consuming self-selected diets maintained food records for three days to determine their mean daily oxalate intakes. RESULTS: Both techniques were capable of adequately measuring the oxalate in foods with a significant oxalate content. With foods of very low oxalate content (〈1.8 mg/100 g), IC was more reliable than CE. The mean daily intake of oxalate by the five individuals tested was 152 +/- 83 mg, ranging from 44 to 352 mg/day. CONCLUSIONS: CE appears to be the method of choice over IC for estimating the oxalate content of foods with a medium (〉10 mg/100 g) to high oxalate content due to a faster analysis time and lower running costs, whereas IC may be better suited for the analysis of foods with a low oxalate content. Accurate estimates of the oxalate content of foods should permit the role of dietary oxalate in urinary oxalate excretion and stone formation to be clarified. Other factors, apart from the amount of oxalate ingested, appear to exert a major influence over the amount of oxalate excreted in the urine.

Description: This paper develops a deterministic model of frequency distributions for energy imparted (total energy deposition) in small volumes similar to DNA molecules from high-energy ions of interest for space radiation protection and cancer therapy. Frequency distributions for energy imparted are useful for considering radiation quality and for modeling biological damage produced by ionizing radiation. For high-energy ions, secondary electron (delta-ray) tracks originating from a primary ion track make dominant contributions to energy deposition events in small volumes. Our method uses the distribution of electrons produced about an ion's path and incorporates results from Monte Carlo simulation of electron tracks to predict frequency distributions for ions, including their dependence on radial distance. The contribution from primary ion events is treated using an impact parameter formalism of spatially restricted linear energy transfer (LET) and energy-transfer straggling. We validate our model by comparing it directly to results from Monte Carlo simulations for proton and alpha-particle tracks. We show for the first time frequency distributions of energy imparted in DNA structures by several high-energy ions such as cosmic-ray iron ions. Our comparison with results from Monte Carlo simulations at low energies indicates the accuracy of the method.

Description: The alpha1- and beta1-subunits of human soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) were coexpressed in the Sf9 cells/baculovirus system. In addition to the native enzyme, constructs with hexahistidine tag at the amino and carboxyl termini of each subunit were coexpressed. This permitted the rapid and efficient purification of active recombinant enzyme on a nickel-affinity column. The enzyme has one heme per heterodimer and was readily activated with the NO donor sodium nitroprusside or 3-(5'-hydroxymethyl-2'furyl)-1-benzyl-indazole (YC-1). Sodium nitroprusside and YC-1 treatment potentiated each other in combination and demonstrated a remarkable 2,200-fold stimulation of the human recombinant sGC. The effects were inhibited with 1H-(1,2, 4)oxadiazole(4,3-a)quinoxalin-1one (ODQ). The kinetics of the recombinant enzyme with respect to GTP was examined. The products of the reaction, cGMP and pyrophosphate, inhibited the enzyme. The extent of inhibition by cGMP depended on the activation state of the enzyme, whereas inhibition by pyrophosphate was not affected by the enzyme state. Both reaction products displayed independent binding and cooperativity with respect to enzyme inhibition. The expression of large quantities of active enzyme will facilitate structural characterization of the protein.

Description: Water flux rates and osmotic responses of Kemp's Ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys kempi) acutely exposed to fresh water were quantified. Salt-water adapted turtles were exposed to fresh water for 4 d before being returned to salt water. During the initial salt water phase, absolute and relative water flux rates were 1.2+/-0.1 l d(-1) and 123.0+/-6.8 ml kg(-1) d(-1), respectively. When turtles were exposed to fresh water, rates increased by approximately 30%. Upon return to salt water, rates decreased to original levels. Plasma osmolality, Na(+), K(+), and Cl(-) decreased during exposure to fresh water, and subsequently increased during the return to salt water. The Na(+):K(+) ratio was elevated during the fresh water phase and subsequently decreased upon return to salt water. Aldosterone and corticosterone were not altered during exposure to fresh water. Elevated water flux rates during fresh water exposure reflected an increase in water consumption, resulting in a decrease in ionic and osmotic concentrations. The lack of a change in adrenocorticoids to acute fresh water exposure suggests that adrenal responsiveness to an hypo-osmotic environment may be delayed in marine turtles when compared to marine mammals.

Description: To evaluate the relationship between osteoblast differentiation and bioenergetics, cultured primary osteoblasts from fetal rat calvaria were grown in medium supplemented with ascorbate to induce differentiation. Before ascorbate treatment, the rate of glucose consumption was 320 nmol. h(-1). 10(6) cells(-1), respiration was 40 nmol. h(-1). 10(6) cells(-1), and the ratio of lactate production to glucose consumption was approximately 2, indicating that glycolysis was the main energy source for immature osteoblasts. Ascorbate treatment for 14 days led to a fourfold increase in respiration, a threefold increase in ATP production, and a fivefold increase in ATP content compared with that shown in immature cells. Confocal imaging of mitochondria stained with a transmembrane potential-sensitive vital dye showed that mature cells possessed abundant amounts of high-transmembrane-potential mitochondria, which were concentrated near the culture medium-facing surface. Acute treatment of mature osteoblasts with metabolic inhibitors showed that the rate of glycolysis rose to maintain the cellular energy supply constant. Thus progressive differentiation coincided with changes in cellular metabolism and mitochondrial activity, which are likely to play key roles in osteoblast function.

Description: No abstract available