The effect of head-down tilt on brain potentials related to visual attention

To study the possible effect of simulated weightlessness on brain function state, the brain event-related potentials (ERPs) in a simple visual selective response task were compared between HDT and HUT in 9 normal subjects. The results were: The Target(T) and non-Target(NT) flash signals both induced significant slow positive potentials which were supposed to related to the attention state; the amplitude of the positive potentials in frontal regions decreased significantly especially for NT-ERPs during HDT comprared with that during HUT. The data reported provide new evidence indicating that more attention should be paid on the brain function study during space flight.     

空间运输系统对空军卫星控制网的影响

二十多年来,空军卫星控制网(AFSCN)为许多军用航天器和发射运载器提供了实时跟踪、遥测和遥控支持。随着国防部航天任务测控要求的变化,空军卫星控制网的测控、通信和数据处理能力的扩展和现代化都已稳步增长。空间运输系统的发展促进了空军卫星控制网的发展。本文介绍了为满足空间运输系统的要求对空军卫星控制网目前已进行的和预期进行的一系列改造。     

基于RBF神经网络的非线性观察器设计

提出了一种新的非线性观察器设计方法。与一般方法采用神经网络逼近整个非线性系统不同，该方法用RBF神经网络逼近系统的非线性项，故提高了状态估计的精度。基于李亚普诺夫方法，证明了状态估计误差渐近稳定且渐近收敛到零。仿真结果表明，所提出的非线性观察器设计方法具有良好的性能。在故障检测、状态估计等领域具有广泛的应用前景。     

声表面波气体检测器

本文介绍一种利用声表面波的新型气体检测器的试验结果。声表面波(SAW)压电气体检测器由制作在一块压电衬底上的SAW双延迟线组成,每一延迟线都接有一振荡器。在一根延迟线振荡器的传播路径上涂以选择性吸收薄膜,而在另一传播路径上则不涂复而用作稳定参考。由吸附在涂有薄膜的延迟线上的气体所引起的质量负载或应力效应造成的相位延迟变化,导致相对于参考振荡器的频率偏移。这种频率偏移是与气体浓度成比例的。由于SAW能集中在薄膜附近,故检测器的灵敏度很高。另外,只要给SAW压电气体检测器涂以相应的选择性薄膜,就可以检测任何气体。为了证明这一点,现已制成一个利用三乙醇胺薄膜测量空气中二氧化硫(SO_2)的检测器,并且已经证明能够检测出浓度为10×10~(-9)的二氧化硫。对灵敏度、线性、再现性、选择性和可靠性的研究,发现在大多数情况下比其它类型的气体检测器优越。本文讨论器件性能(例如选择性和随时间的稳定性)的主要缺点,以及改善的可能方法和进一步研究的方向。     

Cardiovascular effects of simulated zero-gravity in humans

Head-down and head-up [correction of heat-up] tilted bedrest (5 degrees) and head out water immersion (HOWI) for 6 hr were compared. Parameters: Cardiac output (rebreathing method), blood pressure (arm cuff), forearm blood flow (venous occlusion plethysmography), total peripheral (TPR), and forearm vascular (FVR) resistances, Hct, Hb, relative plasma volume (PV) changes, and plasma catecholamines (single-isotope assay). During HOWI there was as expected a decrement in TPR, FVR, Mean arterial pressure (MAP, from 100 to 80 mmHg), Hct, and PV, and--as a new finding--catecholamines, which were 30-50% lower compared with both +5 and -5 degrees bedrest. During head down tilt, MAP was elevated (to 100-110 mmHg) and catecholamines did not fall, while TPR and EVR slowly decreased over 6 hr. HOWI is a stronger stimulus than -5 degrees bedrest, probably because HOWI elevates central venous pressure more markedly emptying the peripheral veins, while bedrest permits a distension of veins, which induces an increase in sympathetic nervous activity.     

Italy's contribution, from a medical standpoint, to the space safety of payload scientists, and perspectives for the future

In Italy, the selection of the Italian payload scientists has been performed according to the Spacelab Program of ESA. Twenty-four subjects underwent a screening performed by the Health Service of Italian Air Force. They were requested to pass an exercise test on treadmill and another ten-minute test on centrifuge, subject to the effect of +3 Gz. The authors briefly describe the results of the test. Noteworthy is the determination of Central Flicker Fusion Frequency. This parameter makes it possible to assess the endurance level of the subject, much earlier than other techniques (e.g. EKG). The importance of an accurate preliminary screening is emphasized as well as of successive training periods. Future studies will be undertaken to compare evoked cortical potentials with behaviour parameters of space safety, with a view to setting up a subtle tool of evaluation for both future candidates and payload scientists.     

Conversations with Frederic d'Allest. Interview by Theo Pirard

The interview with Frederic d'Allest reviews his involvement with the development of the Ariane launch vehicle program.     

Measurements of radiation exposure in civil aircraft

The radiation exposures on 12 flights of German airlines were measured with an active dosemeter based on two silicon semiconductors. The dependence on the date, altitude and route of the flights was studied. Measured dose rates and preliminary dose equivalent rates of the individual flights are given and compared with model calculations.     

The Kinelite Project: a new powerful motion analyser for Spacelab and space station

The goal of the Kinelite Project is to develop a space qualified motion analysis system to be used in space by the scientific community, mainly to support neuroscience protocols. The measurement principle of the Kinelite is to determine, by triangulation mean, the 3D position of small, lightweight, reflective markers positioned at the different points of interest. The scene is illuminated by Infra Red flashes and the reflected light is acquired by up to 8 precalibrated and synchronized CCD cameras. The main characteristics of the system are: Camera field of view: 45 degrees; Number of cameras: 2 to 8; Acquisition frequency: 25, 50, 100, or 200 Hz; CCD format: 256 x 256; Number of markers: up to 64; 3D accuracy: 2mm; Main dimensions: 45 cm x 45 cm x 30 cm; Mass: 23 kg; Power consumption: less than 200 W. The Kinelite will first fly aboard the NASA Spacelab; it will be used, during the NEUROLAB mission (4/98), to support the "Frames of References and Internal Models" (Principal Investigator: Pr. A. Berthoz, Co Investigators: J. McIntyre, F. Lacquaniti).