Oscillations of axial plant organs.

The tips of roots and shoots commonly show lateral movements as they grow forwards. These occur as both circumnutations (with long periods and large amplitudes) and micronutations (with short periods and small amplitudes). Their properties are reviewed, with emphasis on roots, and possible ways in which they could be regulated are discussed. The mechanisms could include long-range controls (for circumnutations) that depend on transmissible signals using steps common to gravitropism, and short-range controls (for micronutations) that operate within the elongation zone. The former are a property of the apex as a whole, while the latter may be confined to localized groups of cells. Simulation of nutations is presented with a view to isolating key physiological processes. However, this approach is limited by the current inadequate understanding of the growth mechanisms involved.     

A program to measure new energetic particle nuclear interaction cross sections.

The Transport Collaboration, consisting of researchers from institutions in France, Germany, Italy and the USA, has established a program to make new measurements of nuclear interaction cross sections for heavy projectiles (Z > or = 2) in targets of liquid H2, He and heavier materials. Such cross sections directly affect calculations of galactic and solar cosmic ray transport through matter and are needed for accurate radiation hazard assessment. To date, the collaboration has obtained data using the LBL Bevalac HISS facility with 20 projectiles from 4He to 58Ni in the energy range 393-910 MeV/nucleon. Preliminary results from the analysis of these data are presented here and compared to other measurements and to cross section prediction formulae.     

Models of CNS radiation damage during space flight.

The primary structural and functional arrangement of the different cell types within the CNS are reviewed. This was undertaken with a view to providing a better understanding of the complex interrelationships that may contribute to the pathogenesis of lesions in this tissue after exposure to ionizing radiation. The spectrum of possible CNS radiation-induced syndromes are discussed although not all have an immediate relevance to exposure during space flight. The specific characteristics of the lesions observed would appear to be dose related. Very high doses may produce an acute CNS syndrome that can cause death. Of the delayed lesions, selective coagulation necrosis of white matter and a later appearing vascular microangiopathy, have been reported in patients after cancer therapy doses. Lower doses, perhaps very low doses, may produce a delayed generalised CNS atrophy; this effect and the probability of the induction of CNS tumors could potentially have the greatest significance for space flight.     

Design study for a three-meter balloon-borne telescope for far infrared and submillimeter astronomy

A NASA supported design study is being carried out for a three-meter balloon-borne far infrared and submillimeter telescope. The goal of this project is to provide a facility for frequent flights for photometry, spectroscopy, and imaging in the spectral region 30 micrometers to 1 millimeter. It is intended to provide a scientific and technical step on the way to a large submillimeter telescope in space in the future. The study is concentrating on areas where technical advances are required: materials and fabrication techniques for lightweight primary mirrors, telescope and gondola structure, and pointing and stabilization. We are carrying out a design optimization and environmental test program of state-of-the-art carbon fiber reinforced plastic sandwich panels in collaboration with Dornier Systems. Similar efforts are being pursued for very lightweight molded glass mirrors. Innovative approaches to the telescope support and stabilization are being explored for achieving the required 1 arcsecond pointing stability.     

Turbulence in the region 80–120 km

Measurements of turbulent energy dissipation rates and eddy diffusion coefficients have been collated, and mean height profiles of fundamental turbulence parameters in the region 80–120 km are presented.     

Trapped antiprotons produced by cosmic rays in the Earth's magnetosphere.

The existence of significant fluxes of antiparticles in the Earth magnetosphere has been predicted on theoretical considerations in this article. These antiparticles (positrons or antiprotons) at several hundred kilometers of altitudes, we believe are not of direct extraterrestrial origin, but are the natural products of nuclear reactions of the high energy primary cosmic rays (CR) and trapped protons (TP) confined in the terrestrial radiation belt, with the constituents of terrestrial atmosphere. Extraterrestrial positrons and antiprotons born in nuclear reactions of the same CR particles passing through only 5-7 g/cm2 of interstellar matter, exhibit lower fluxes compared to the antiprotons born at hundreds of g/cm2 in the atmosphere, which when confined in the magnetic field of the Earth (in any other planet), get accumulated. We present the results of the computations of the antiproton fluxes at 10 MeV to several GeV energies due to CR particle interactions with the matter in the interstellar space, and also with the residual atmosphere at altitudes of approximately 1000 km over the Earth's surface. The estimates show that the magnetospheric antiproton fluxes are greater by two orders of magnitude compared to the extraterrestrial fluxes measured at energies <1-2 GeV.     

A Twin-CME Scenario for Ground Level Enhancement Events

Ground Level Enhancement (GLEs) events are extreme Solar Energetic Particle (SEP) events. Protons in these events often reach ～GeV/nucleon. Understanding the underlying particle acceleration mechanism in these events is a major goal for Space Weather studies. In Solar Cycle 23, a total of 16 GLEs have been identified. Most of them have preceding CMEs and in-situ energetic particle observations show some of them are enhanced in ICME or flare-like material. Motivated by this observation, we discuss here a scenario in which two CMEs erupt in sequence during a short period of time from the same Active Region (AR) with a pseudo-streamer-like pre-eruption magnetic field configuration. The first CME is narrower and slower and the second CME is wider and faster. We show that the magnetic field configuration in our proposed scenario can lead to magnetic reconnection between the open and closed field lines that drape and enclose the first CME and its driven shock. The combined effect of the presence of the first shock and the existence of the open close reconnection is that when the second CME erupts and drives a second shock, one finds both an excess of seed population and an enhanced turbulence level at the front of the second shock than the case of a single CME-driven shock. Therefore, a more efficient particle acceleration will occur. The implications of our proposed scenario are discussed.     

Gravitational response of the slime mold Physarum.

The acellular slime mold Physarum polycephalum is used as a model system to investigate the graviresponse of single cells which possess no receptors specialized for the perception of gravity. To obtain insights into the gravity-signal transduction mechanism the light response of the cell is used: Macroplasmodia of the slime mold show clear geo- and phototaxes. Gravity increases and white light decreases transiently the contraction frequency of plasmodial strands whereby both responses follow the same time pattern. Since mitochondria play a major role in changing the contraction rhythm in response to light and gravity stimuli, the simultaneous and subsequent inductions of the opposing light and gravity responses and their mutual influences on one another were investigated. The experiments were performed in weightlessness (0 g)--simulated on the fast-rotating clinostat as well as in actual weightlessness during the IML-1 Space Shuttle mission. The results indicate that mitochondria (chondriome) are part of the acceleration-stimulus reaction chain in Physarum. Two models for a direct gravireceptor mechanism are discussed.