Usefulness of daily +2Gz load as a countermeasure against physiological problems during weightlessness.

Adaptation to head-down-tilt bed rest as a simulated microgravity leads to an abnormality of reflex control of circulation, hypovolemia and reduction of exercise capacity. We hypothesized that this cardiovascular deconditioning and reduction of exercise capacity could be prevented by a daily 1 hr centrifugation at +2Gz. To test this hypothesis, twenty healthy male subjects underwent 4 day of 6 degrees head-down-tilt bed rest. Ten of them were exposed to a +2Gz load for up to 30 min twice per day (the Gz group). The remaining 10 were not exposed to a Gz load (the no-Gz group). We estimated autonomic cardiovascular control by power spectral analysis of blood pressure and R-R interval variability, and baroreflex regulation by the transfer function analysis and the sequence method, before and after bed rest. Further, we measured hematocrit as an index of changes in plasma volume and maximal oxygen consumption as an index of exercise capacity, before and after bed rest. Result: In the no-Gz group, heart rate increased after bed rest. The high frequency power of R-R interval variability as an index of cardiac parasympathetic nervous activity, baroreflex gains estimated by transfer function analysis and the sequence method as index of the integrated arterial-cardiac baroreflex function decreased significantly. Associated with these changes, the ratio of low to high frequency power of R-R as an indicator of cardiac sympathovagal balance tended to increase after bed rest in the no-Gz group. However, those showed no significant changes after bed rest in the Gz group. Hematocrit increased after bed rest in the no-Gz group. It also tended to increase in the Gz group, however it did not achieve statistical significance. Maximal oxygen consumption decreased significantly to similar extent in both the groups. Conclusion: This result suggested that 1) a daily 1hr +2Gz load produced by a centrifuge might eliminate the changes in autonomic cardiovascular control during simulated weightlessness; 2) furthermore, it might partly reverse hypovolemia induced by bed rest; 3) however, it could not prevent the decreases in exercise capacity.     

A mathematical and experimental simulation of the hematological response to weightlessness

Two ground-based methods of weightlessness simulation--a computer model of erythropoiesis feedback regulation and bedrest--were used to investigate the mechanisms which lead to loss of red cell mass during spaceflight. Both methods were used to simulate the first Skylab mission of 28 days. Human bedrest subjects lose red cell mass linearly with time and in this study the loss was 6.7% at the end of four weeks (compared to 14% in Skylab). Postbedrest recovery of red cell mass was delayed for two weeks during which time a further decline in this quantity was noted. This is consistent with the first Skylab mission but not with the two longer flights of two and three months. Hemoconcentration, observed early in the study, was essentially maintained despite red cell loss because of continued loss of plasma volume. The computer model, using the time-varying hematocrit data to estimate red cell production rates, predicted dynamic behavior of plasma volume and red cell mass that was in close agreement with the measured values. The results support the hypothesis that red cell loss during supine bedrest is a normal physiological feedback process in response to hemoconcentration enhanced tissue oxygenation and suppression of red cell production. In contrast, the delayed postbedrest recovery of red cell mass was more difficult to explain, especially in the light of enhanced reticulocyte indices observed at the onset on ambulation. Model simulation suggested the possibilities, still to be experimentally demonstrated, that this period was marked by some combination of increased oxygen-hemoglobin affinity, small reductions in mean red cell life span, ineffective erythropoiesis, or abnormal reticulocytosis. The question of whether hemoconcentration is the sole contributor to spaceflight red cell losses also remains to be resolved.     

Exploring a structured decision approach as a means of fostering participatory space policy making at NASA

In 1996, the National Research Council's Committee on Risk Characterization argued convincingly for the implementation of more participatory approaches to improve policy making by incorporating a wide range of stakeholder values and concerns in policy decisions. Guidance about how to best carry out such an approach in an agency like NASA is less clear. To address this gap, this paper discusses how the use of a structured approach to involve expert and non-expert stakeholders in policy making can improve the quality of stakeholder involvement and resulting decisions for space policy making at NASA. Supporting this discussion are results from two recent experiments. One compared the quality and type of participants’ input in a conventional stakeholder workshop with that of a more structured participatory process. The results from this experiment showed that a structured decision approach leads to more thoughtful and better-informed decisions. A second experiment showed that structured, participatory decision processes can help to legitimize space policy decisions after they have been implemented, leading to future benefits for the space agency.     

Human adaptation to simulated gravitational fields

We present the resuIts of manned studies in which test subjects were exposed to simulated zero g (water immersion or head-down tilt at -6 degrees) and head-to-feet acceleration. The findings give evidence that humans have different individual tolerances to an acceleration of +3 Gz after exposure to zero g, whether simulated by immersion or by head-down tilt. The paper discusses the role of functional relationship between water balance and cardiac output in the establishment of adaptive reactions to simulated zero g.     

Possible adaptation to strong magnetic fields

Animal adaptation to a strong magnetic field was investigated. Mice were exposed to 30-day total-body continuous effects of a constant magnetic field (CMF) of 1.6T, and their physiological responses were assessed. Analysis of the data obtained showed that different parameters varied in a dissimilar manner. Red blood changes returned to normal in the course of the experiment. Leucocytosis and increased content of catecholamines and corticosterone of blood and adrenals persisted throughout the exposure. Changes in the spermatogenic epithelium were most distinct after the exposure. The recovery of certain parameters during the CMF exposure is indicative of adaptation of some physiological systems. The adaptation is, however, incomplete as suggested by the long persisting stress manifestation. Reticulocytopenia and spermatogenetic abnormalities found after exposure are of particular importance.     

Simple technique to evaluate on the ground the energetic expenditure of physical exercise carried out in weightlessness

A simple method is described to evaluate the energetic expenditure of graded muscular exercises carried out on the ground in such a way as to approximate the state of space microgravity. Consumption of O₂ measured at different rates of execution is shown as well as a tentative computation of the mechanical work on the basis of the accelerations impressed alternately on the mass of the trunk and upper limbs. The practicability of the method proposed under space conditions is pointed out; it does not require any ergometer, in fact, but only the fixing of the subject's feet to the floor of the vehicle.     

Response and adaptation of bone cells to simulated microgravity

Bone loss induced by microgravity during space flight is one of the most deleterious factors on astronaut’s health and is mainly attributed to an unbalance in the process of bone remodeling. Studies from the space microgravity have demonstrated that the disruption of bone remodeling is associated with the changes of four main functional bone cells, including osteoblast, osteoclast, osteocyte, and mesenchymal stem cells. For the limited availability, expensive costs and confined experiment conditions for conducting space microgravity studies, the mechanism of bone cells response and adaptation to microgravity is still unclear. Therefore, some ground-based simulated microgravity methods have been developed to investigate the bioeffects of microgravity and the mechanisms. Here, based on our studies and others, we review how bone cells (osteoblasts, osteoclasts, osteocytes and mesenchymal stem cells) respond and adapt to simulated microgravity.     

空管改革适应期的系统可靠性分析

2008年十、十一月份,民航空管系统连续发生了几起不安全事件,严重地威胁空中安全,在空管系统内部引起很大的触动。探究事件的发生,从事件的个体看是偶然的,但是对于不安全事件的集中性出现,如果还是孤立地分析为管制员“错、忘、漏”、现场运行管理、监控席位、应急处置等方面的技术原因,应该是不够的,我们还需要从整个系统的角度来全面地分析事件发生的背景,反思空管系统在安全保障方面的可靠性,乃至于客观地评估空管系统的安全性等相关问题。笔者想从这些方面入手来探寻空管系统在系统可靠性方面的问题。     

Structural and functional changes in man accompanying the weightlessness in "Skylab" flights: a mathematical approach

The present paper reports a kinetic analysis of changes of some physiological parameters, obtained from international literature, after changes in gravitational environment. The overall phenomenology of the adaptation to weightlessness is characterized by a rapid process followed by a slow one. The two processes show half time values differing by about five times. Also in the case of readaptation to gravity, after recovery on the Earth, two well resolved processes, showing different half time values, are observed. It is of interest to notice that the rate of response to weightlessness is lower than that to gravity. Of course, the half time values observed depend on the different physiological parameters considered. In any case, the experimental data suggest a general trend of many adaptive changes, that may all be described by a simple mathematical model.     

Early cardiovascular adaptation to zero gravity simulated by head-down tilt

The early cardiovascular adaptation to zero gravity, simulated by head-down tilt at 5 degrees, was studied in a series of 10 normal young men. The validity of the model was confirmed by comparing the results with data from Apollo and Skylab flights. Tilt produced a significant central fluid shift with a transient increase in central venous pressure, later followed by an increase in left ventricular size without changes in cardiac output, arterial pressure, or contractile state. The hemodynamic changes were transient with a nearly complete return to the control state within 6 hr. The adaptation included a diuresis and a decrease in blood volume, associated with ADH, renin and aldosterone inhibition.     

Some psychophysiological and behavioral aspects of adaptation to simulated autonomous Mission to Mars

“Mars-105” experiment was executed in March–July 2009 in Moscow, at the Institute for Bio-Medical Problems (IBMP) with participation of European Space Agency (ESA) to simulate some specific conditions of future piloted Mars mission. In the last 35 days of isolation, in order to simulate autonomous flight conditions, some serious restrictions were established for the crew resupply and communication with Mission Control (MC). The objective of the study was to investigate psychophysiological and behavioral aspects (communication) of adaptation during this period of “high autonomy”. We used computerized analysis of the crew written daily reports to calculate the frequencies of utilization of certain semantic units, expressing different psychological functions. To estimate the level of psycho-physiological stress, we measured the concentration of urinal cortisol once in two weeks. To investigate psycho-emotional state, we used the questionnaire SAN, estimating Mood, Activity and Health once in two weeks.During the simulation of autonomous flight, we found out the different tendencies of communicative behavior. One group of subjects demonstrated the tendency to “activation and self-government” under “high autonomy” conditions. The other subjects continued to use communicative strategy that we called “closing the communication channel”. “Active” communication strategy was accompanied by increasing in subjective scores of mood and activity. The subjects, whose communication strategy was attributed as “closing”, demonstrated the considerably lower subjective scores of mood and activity. Period of high autonomy causes specific changes in communication strategies of the isolated crew.     

夯实持续安全基础 推进一体化建设 实现民航空管系统又好又快发展——民航局空管局苏兰根局长作空管系统工作报告

同志们： 2009年是民航空管系统完善一体化管理机制、实现新发展的重要一年。民航空管系统的主要任务是：以胡锦涛总书记对空管工作的重要指示为指导,全面落实全国民航工作会议和李家祥局长、王昌顺副局长在空管系统研讨会上的重要讲话精神,确保运行持续安全,提高管制服务质量,建设和谐空管系统。下面我向大会作空管系统工作报告。     

Immobilization induces a very rapid increase in osteoclast activity

We studied in a randomized, strictly controlled cross-over design, the effects of 6 days 6 degrees head-down tilt bed rest (HDT) in eight male healthy subjects in our metabolic ward. The study consisted of two periods (phases) of 11 days each in order to allow for the test subjects being their own controls. Both study phases were identical with respect to environmental conditions, study protocol and diet. Two days before arriving in the metabolic ward the subjects started with a diet. The diet was continued in the metabolic ward. The metabolic ward period (1l days) was divided into three parts: 4 ambulatory days, 6 days either HDT or control and 1 recovery day. Continuous urine collection started on the first day in the metabolic ward to analyze calcium excretion and bone resorption markers. On the 2nd ambulatory day in the metabolic ward and on the 5th day in HDT or control blood was drawn to analyze serum calcium, parathyroid hormone, and bone formation markers. Urinary calcium excretion was, as early as the first day in immobilization, increased (p<0.01). CTX- and NTX-excretion stayed unchanged in the first 24 h in HDT compared to the control. But already on the 2nd day of immobilization, both bone resorption markers significantly increased. We conclude from these results--pronounced rise of bone resorption markers--that already 24 h of immobilization induce a significant rise in osteoclast activity in healthy subjects. Thus, it appears possible to use short-term bed rest studies as a first step for the development of countermeasures to immobilization.     

装备复杂电磁环境适应性试验问题探讨

从环境适应性概念入手,提出装备复杂电磁环境适应能力总体需求及适应性试验的基本构成,指出装备复杂电磁环境适应性试验应该具体涵盖雷电类、静电类、电磁兼容类、电子对抗类、强电磁脉冲类等五类试验内容。同时阐述了国内外在适应性试验研究方面的发展现状和遇到的挑战,为后续研究提供重要参考。     

Investigation of solid propellant combustion instability by means of a T-burner

Experimental investigation of solid propellant combustion instability using variable area T-burner is presented. The test facility is described and theoretical background and formulation related to the specific geometry are given. A number of solid propellants were tested over pressure oscillation frequency range of 350–1000 Hz. Results show complex behavior of the propellant response, and can characterize the different propellants according to their combustion instability level.     

Psychological adaptation and salutogenesis in space: Lessons from a series of studies

Individuals who adapt positively to an inhospitable or extreme environment can derive benefit from their experiences. This positive effect may include an initial improvement in mental health as someone adjusts to the environment (adaptation) as well as more sustained personal growth during the mission (salutogenesis). We review relevant findings from our prior work, including two post-mission surveys of astronauts and cosmonauts, and three studies of crewmembers during missions in a space station simulator, the Mir space station, and the International Space Station (ISS). We also present new analyses showing evidence for adaptation to ISS missions. This finding replicates our previous results from the simulation study, but this effect was not found on the Mir. A better understanding of psychological adaptation and salutogenesis during space flight should help us develop strategies to enhance crewmembers’ in-flight stress tolerance and post-flight adjustment.     

固体火箭发动机模态分析的缩聚方法

对于一些复杂结构的模态分析，要得到能够指导工程设计的结果，几何模型和力学模型划分单元必须足够多，这必然耗费大量的空间和时间资源，并导致计算困难。文中以某上面级固体火箭发动机模态分析为例，利用有限元法、固定界面法和Guyan缩聚法进行自由度缩聚后再进行模态分析，分析结果令人满意。     

Gravitational maneuvers as a way to direct small asteroids to trajectory of a rendezvous with dangerous near-Earth objects

A possibility to prevent collisions with the Earth of dangerous celestial bodies by directing at them small asteroids is considered. It is proposed to solve this problem using a gravitational maneuver near the Earth.     

Study of the psychological adaptation of the crew during a 135 days space simulation

The purpose of this study is to examine human adaptation of a three members' crew during a 135 days MIR flight simulation and to compare and validate psychological methods for monitoring and support in flight. The main findings showed that isolation was not a key factor for the subjects who were more concerned by recreational activities, family, and work. The individual reactions to stress of the crew members were to project their problems on the others. These reactions had some consequences upon the group: Although the three subjects developed a weak tendency to "group think", one of the crew members was considered as less integrated to the group by the other two subjects, who, however, acted to protect (successfully) the general cohesion and mood of the crew. From a methodological point of view, baseline data predicted the difficulties that occurred for one of the crew member. Both quantitative and qualitative tools were adequate, although qualitative tests gave a closer approach to the actual situation that developed during the simulation.