DELTA-HEART: Physiological parameters that predict orthostatic intolerance after spaceflight. PI: J.M. Karemaker (NL), Co-I’s: J. Gisolf (NL), W.J. Stok (NL), J.J. van Lieshout (NL), C. Gharib (Fra), Ph. Arbeille (Fra), J.Ph. Saul (USA). The objective of the HEART
experiment was to predict orthostatic intolerance, i.e. the inability
to stand upright, of astronauts who have stayed for some time in a
weightless environment. The hypothesis of this experiment was that
such predictions could be made from a series of physiological measurements,
which are done in a preflight tilt protocol. The Dutch cosmonaut on the Delta flight was the last test person to be included in the HEART-protocol. Earlier, 7 astronauts of the Columbia flight, 3 cosmonauts of the Odissea mission and 1 of the Cervantes mission had been included, making a grand total of 12 test subjects. Due to the Columbia disaster, only 5 have made it to the crucial post flight stand tests. Of these 5 test subjects none fainted during our observations, or was unable to finish the stand tests. On average 40% of returning astronauts are reported to suffer orthostatic intolerance in varying degrees of severity. Statistically 0 out of 5 in the present protocol does not contradict the general trend (p=0.078), but it made us look more carefully at the blood pressure and heart rate recordings during the stand tests, to look for early signs of orthostatic intolerance, rather than full blown syncope. Figure 1 shows representative portions of the continuous recording of blood pressure (ABP) and heart rate (HR) at the landing site, supine and upright. It is obvious from the supine recording that the subject is doing fine, but for obvious reasons he is not in a very relaxed state (high and variable HR, variable ABP). However, on standing up HR goes to a very high value and blood pressure shows signs of low cardiac output, presumably due to insufficient cardiac filling, and a very large variability, considered signs of impending syncope (which did not occur).
Preliminary conclusions: |
DELTA-CIRCA: 24-Hour pattern of blood pressure and heart rate in weightlessness PI’s: J.M. Karemaker (NL), C. Gharib (Fra); Co-I’s: J. Gisolf (NL), W.J. Stok (NL), G.A. van Montfrans (NL), M.A. Custaud (Fra), A. Aubert (B). The CIRCA experiment aimed to measure the pattern of blood pressure and heart rate in an astronaut during a 24-hr period using the combined data from measurements of blood pressure at the upper arm (discontinuous recording, once every 15 minutes, but continuing for 24 hrs) and at the finger (continuous recording, but only at selected periods of the day/night period). On the Delta flight this experiment would elaborate on data obtained in 1 earlier cosmonaut on the Cervantes mission (upper arm measurements only) and on 7 test subjects undergoing a 42 days Space flight simulation (Head Down Tilt-1994, Toulouse, weekly continuous finger pressure recordings for 24 hrs). The experiments aimed to
settle a number of questions related to the condition of the cardiovascular
system under microgravity conditions: The first two questions should follow from the analysis of the upper arm cuff measurements, combined with the continuous finger blood pressure, the third one by a series of function tests that the subject was to perform on two moments of the day. Poor functioning of the upper arm blood pressure device has hampered the experiments. Not only was the cuff inflation more painful than normal for this type of device, moreover was the device difficult to handle and very sensitive to technical failure. This has caused an undue amount of data loss in the two Soyuz missions where it has been used. Pain during cuff inflation, moreover, has probably caused more disturbances of the sleep period than usual, and has probably made the absolute differences between day and night less than during a normal, healthy sleep. The change in autonomic condition from Earth to Space, as measured in the Delta mission, adds to a series of subjects on earlier flights. The French and Belgian group members will deliver these data. The day/night difference
in blood pressure virtually disappeared in Space, while the drop in
heart rate remained, confirming our earlier observations in HDT-94.
More detailed analysis of the finger blood pressure signal elucidating
the physiological mechanisms behind these changes will be presented
at the December 2004 Delta meeting. |
Delta-MOP: Investigation of vestibular adaptation to changing gravity levels on earth. Suzanne Nooij (email: nooij@ tm.tno.nl), Jelte E. Bos (PI), Eric Groen, Willem Bles. TNO Human Factors, Soesterberg, The Netherlands Background:
During the first days in space 50-80 % of the astro- and cosmonauts
suffer from the Space Adaptation Syndrome (SAS). The symptoms of SAS,
like nausea and dizziness, are especially provoked by head movements.
Although it is generally agreed that the vestibular system is involved
in causing SAS, no distinct clue has been found to its aetiology ,
the individual’s susceptibility, and its predictability. Susceptibility
to SAS does not correlate with susceptibility for motion sickness
on earth. However, astronauts have mentioned close similarities between
the symptoms of SAS and the symptoms they experienced after a 3G centrifuge
run on earth (Sickness Induced by Centrifugation, SIC). This suggests
that a gravity transition from 3 to 1 G provokes the same effects
as a transition from 1 to 0 G, implicating a general vestibular adaptation
mechanism to changing G-levels. |
DELTA-OLP :The collinearity of Listing’s plane and the vestibulo-oculomotor response in microgravity. A.H. Clarke1, T. Haslwanter2, J.E. Bos3 1: Vestibular Research Lab, Charité Medical School, Berlin, 2: Dept. of Neurology, Univ. Zurich, CH, 3: TNO-Human Factorsd, Soesterberg, NL. Spatial orientation and
movement requires that our sensory and motor systems, and their representation
in the central nervous system, are correctly matched. Throughout evolution
on Earth, the gravity vector has provided an important reference for
the alignment of these various systems. |
DELTA-SAMPLE: Molecular and physiological analysis of bacterial samples isolated from manned space craft. Hermie J. M. Harmsen1, Erwin C. Raangs1, Gjalt W. Welling1, Paolo Landini2, Luc van den Bergh3, Janneke Krooneman4. 1University of Groningen, 3Dutch Space, 4Bioclear, The Netherlands; 2University of Milan, Italy. The SAMPLE experiment that
was performed during the Delta mission was succesful.
Culturing showed that
some of the sites were colonized with bacteria, yeasts and fungi.
However, the actual numbers of microbes present could be higher than
was found, because storage and transport may have influenced the quality
of the samples that may have caused death of part of the microbes.
The DNA methods are far less hampered by cell death and enabled a
very accurate analysis of the samples. One of these methods, quantitative
real-time PCR, showed that surfaces were colonized with human bacteria,
such as staphylococci, in some samples in relatively high numbers.
This was in concordance with the culture results although the culturing
numbers were a few orders of magnitude lower. Another method, fluorescence
in situ hybridisation, showed a similar picture of high numbers of
bacteria, human bacteria, yeasts and fungi. Our results show that
with these methods the microbial contamination of the ISS can be monitors
and that in this way hygiene and health status of the ISS can be optimised.
Both DNA methods are robust and can be automated, and have a potential
to be used in space. |
DELTA-MUSCLE: Study
of lower back pain in cosmonauts during spaceflight. Experiment objective
and expectations: Aim of this study was to obtain data about
the development of complaints during flight on a day-to-day basis.
Based on the biomechanical model it was expected that a) low back
pain could develop at the site of the iliolumbar ligaments (the iliac
crest) and b) a situation of combined low back pain and constipation
could develop.
|
DELTA-ARGES: A tomic densities measured Radially in metal halide lamps under micro Gravity conditions with Emission Spectroscopy. Gerrit Kroesen a.o.1 , Marco Haverlag a.o.2 , 1TU Eindhoven, NL, 2Philips CDL, Eindhoven, NL The experiments in the
ARGES project were a 100 % success. All foreseen measurements have
been taken and all data was transported back to the experimenters.
Already during the experiment operations, the results proved to be
very surprising. Whereas the instabilities in the lamp were expected
to be shaped as a rotating helix, they appeared to be a singly bent
curve which is not rotating. Analysis afterwards has indicated that
the rotation is caused by convection solely and that the curving is
caused by self-generated magnetic fields. For one condition, residual
gravity caused a very slow rotation.
Helical instability |
DELTA-SUIT: A Vibrotactile Orientation Support Tool. Jan B.F. van Erp. TNO Human Factors, Soesterberg, NL & Dutch Space, Leiden, NL. In everyday life, we gather information about the world around us via different sensory systems, including our sense of touch. In a micro?gravity environment, astronauts lack specific sensory information. Especially the vestibular and cutaneous senses are affected. For example, there is no pressure on the sole of the feet when standing, there are no G?forces to overcome when positioning limbs or that pulls clothing to the skin, and no gravitational acceleration to which the otoliths respond (in microgravity, the otoliths are effectively unloaded and cannot provide information about static head orientation). This sensory deprivation has several consequences for astronauts. Amongst other things, it affects the way astronauts perceive their subjective vertical. In the SUIT project, we developed a orientation support tool based on providing an artificial gravity vector by a localised vibration on the torso (see Figure 1, 2). Such a support tool is intended to be used in challenging situations, such as Extra Vehicular Activity, in which the astronaut’s degraded orientation awareness may be critical with respect to safety, performance or comfort. To investigate the potential of the support tool, we designed an experiment in which the astronaut performed a set of tasks under different conditions. These tasks were done under normal, non-challenging conditions and were intended as a proof-of-concept.
The results show that the support tool results in: (a) a faster completion of the tasks, (b) better task performance, and (c) tasks being subjectively rated as easier than the control conditions in which the support tool was off. An example is given in Figure 3 in which the Reaction Time to indicate where down is after being brought into an unknown orientation is significantly reduced in the conditions with SUIT support. We concluded that the support tool is able to enlarge the astronaut’s orientation awareness and that the experiment was both a successful proof-of-concept as well as a successful technology demonstration. A further identification of the challenging and critical situation in which the tool may have a surplus value is required. |
DELTA-LSO: Lightning and Sprite Observations. Elisabeth Blanc1,
Peter Van Velthoven2. 1CEA-France, 2KNMI
– Netherlands.
|
DELTA-MOT: DSM Mouse Telemetry System. Gerard van Essen, Mans Jansen, Telemetronics, Heteren, NL. Goal of the experiment:
The right graph shows the
experiment’s results performed on earth, the left graph the
results performed in the ISS under micro gravity. Sequentially, the
MOT is moved as indicated in three orthogonal positions (to test the
three orthogonal accelerometers). From the graphs it becomes clear
that the accelerometers act the same way on earth as under micro gravity.
Unfortunately, the X-axis accelerometer did not respond during the
space experiment. The only logical conclusion is that a malfunction
occurred in the X-axis accelerometer or in the subsequent electronics.
Further, the vertical lines at the left side of the space graph do
not occur on the terrestrial graph. They may be caused by repeatedly
on and off switching before the tests. |
DELTA-HEAT: Zero G characterisation of Aluminium grooved Heat Pipe. L. Barremaeker1, G. Grommers2, LC Legros3. 1Euro Heat Pipes SA, 2Dutch Space, 3ULB-MRC
The “HEAT experiment”
was part of the European Space Agency - DELTA mission (“Dutch
Soyuz Mission”) to the International Space Station. The experiment
has been developed in the frame of the pre-development activities
for the @Bus new high power telecommunication platform. Main scientific
objectives: · Full characterization of the heat transport
performances of a standard EHP aluminium re-entrant grooved heat pipe
type AG110 (filled with NH3) under microgravity conditions, by deriving
the maximum sustainable heat flux (heat pipe burn out limit) and heat
transfer coefficient for six specific operational modes. ·
Validation of the existing mathematical hydraulic model that is used
to evaluate the performances of a new generation of high performance
heat pipes.
Results summary
: · For the heat transport capability, it can be noticed that
the performances of the AG110 in 0G are equivalent or higher than
the 1G horizontal conditions. · For the heat transfer coefficient,
a very significant improvement is observed in microgravity. For equivalent
test configurations, the improvement factor is from 2 to 2.3 times
better in microgravity. · The preliminary software correlation
shows that the EHP 0G predictions are in line with the measurements
(about 14%).
|
DELTA-ICE-1st : International Ceonorhabditis elegans Experiment First flight Science Goals and Objectives The first International
C. elegans Experiment (ICE-first), investigates several scientific
domains. This unique opportunity provided to the science community
gathered by the French space agency (CNES) and kindly offered by the
European Space Agency and the Space research organisation of the Netherlands
(SRON) is welcoming groups of scientists from France, Canada, Japan
and United States of America. 1. Studies on genome stability
(Ann Rose, Canada). 2. Studies on muscle
growth and survival (Catharine Conley USA; and Laurent Ségalat,
France). 3. Whole-genome
microarray analysis of responses to spaceflight in C. elegans
(Catharine Conley, Stuart Kim USA) 4. Morphometry of larval C. elegans development during spaceflight. (Catherine Conley, Beverly Girten, USA) In liquid CeMM, the media used in the ICE flight, larvae shed cuticles as they molt and progress to the next developmental stage are measured to study the range of lengths exhibited by shed cuticles in media from cultures that have been returned alive. The distribution of length data will indicate the number and progression of larval moults during development in space. 5. Effect of space flight on cell migration and muscle cell in C. elegans development. (Hiroaki Kagawa, Noriaki Ishioka, Japan) C. elegans has two muscle tissues; pharynx for feeding and body wall muscle for locomotion. The both correspond to heart and skeletal muscle of vertebrates. Recently we found that muscle filament gene defect affect not only muscle function but also muscle development. Additionally these mutant animals have abnormal distal tip cell migration during the worm development. Abnormal cell migration can easily be seen under microscope. For this experiment, we use wild-type and thick filament abnormal mutant (unc-15), which produce muscle filament but decreased function and have abnormal morphology of distal tip cells. Thesamples are currently under study in japan 6. Studies on germ line development including meiotic chromosomal dynamics and germ cell apoptosis under microgravity condition (Atsushi Higashitani, Noriaki Ishioka, Japan) In C. elegans, the sequence of changes in chromosomal morphology during meiotic prophase 1, the oocyte maturation and the germ cell apoptosis can be observed, and the molecular mechanisms underlying these phenomena can be investigated with genetic approaches. We will analyze the effects of microgravity on these phenomena using the N2 wild-type and ced (cell death) mutant (ced-1) strain. This experiment will require 100 to 1000 animals in each strain at mixed developmental stages, in addition to 1G control of each sample in space) fixed in flight for microscopic observations staining with DAPI and several antibodies (histone H3 phosphorylation and methylation, activated MAPK etc…). 7. Analysis of the aging related protein aggregation and sarcomere integrity (Shuji & Yuko Honda, Noriaki Ishioka Japan) To examine the effects of space on protein-folding homeostasis in muscle cells, we will analyze the aggregation of polyglutamine (polyQ) in body wall muscle cells, using transgenic C. elegans (N2; Punc-54)expressing polyQ-YFP (yellow fluorescent protein) and also daf-2(e1370) lifespan-extension mutant. We will also analyze sarcomere orientation in the muscle of transgenic C. elegans (N2; Punc-54) expressing GFP (green fluorescent protein) in body wall muscle cells. 8. Description
of the Experiment
|
DELTA-ACTIN : Role of microgravity on actin metabolism in mammalian cells. M.J.A. Moes, J.J.M. Bijvelt and J. Boonstra. Utrecht University Previous experiments have indicated that microgravity conditions influence cells most likely on the level of the actin microfilament system. It is the aim of this project to identify the gravity sensitive component that underlies the actin filament metabolism. The possible target of gravity will be determined by studies using the random positioning machine (RPM), centrifuge and sounding rocket conditions. A first series of experiments was performed on the Delta mission. In preparation for the Delta mission, investigations were performed to select a model that can stand the conditions during the actual microgravity experiments. First of all a suitable container was selected. Based on criteria like reliability, biocompatibility, reproducibility, etc. a decision was made in favor of the Plunger Boxes of CCM. Mouse fibroblasts, named C3H10T1/2, were selected as cells to be used for their actin morphology and strong survival rates. These cells can be growth factor-starved and subsequently stimulated with platelet derived growth factor (PDGF). This results in spectacular changes in actin morphology. Five minutes after stimulation ruffles are induced on top of the cells. These ruffles are the result of local induced actin polymerization causing dynamic surface extensions of the membrane. Moreover, the number of stress fibers is decreasing after PDGF stimulation. Stress fibers are components of the cytoskeleton and extent from special junctions in the cell membrane, called focal contacts, to the cell nucleus or to other focal contacts. These stress fibers form in response to tension generated across a cell. The whole process is transient and can be followed in time. During the Delta mission the cells were stimulated for 0,5,10 and 30 minutes. The cells were growth factor-starved for up to 6 days, survived in the containers and were stimulated in the containers. A similar set of experiments was performed at 1G as a control. Also simulated microgravity is used in our studies, by using a random position machine. For these experiments a device, named COBRA, was developed by Dutch Space and supported by DESC to be able to perform experiments while rotating the RPM. Cells were stained
with Phalloidin, labeling polymerized actin (F-actin). Unfortunately, there were no results obtained in microgravity due to a combination of technical problems and unfulfilled temperature requirements. |
DELTA-FLOW: Microgravity and osteocyte mechanosensitivity. Bacabac RG1, van Loon JJWA1,2, de Blieck-Hogervorst JMA1, Semeins CM1, Tan D1, Vatsa A1, van Duin MA1, Klein-Nulend J1. 1Department of Oral Cell Biology, ACTA-Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, NL, 2Dutch Experiment Support Center (DESC), Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, NL. The main scientific objective
of the FLOW experiment is to test whether the production of early
signaling molecules that are involved in the mechanical loading-induced
osteogenic response (nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2) by bone cells
is changed under microgravity conditions compared to 1xg conditions.
Acknowledgements |
DELTA-KAPPA : Influence of Microgravity on the Activation of NFk B. Peppelenbosch M. University of Amsterdam, AMC, Amsterdam The major challenge in contemporary healthcare concerns so-called auto- immune disease. Important examples of this type of disease include rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, allergies and food allergies and inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn and Colitis Ulcerosa) and all these diseases share the characteristic that the immune system overreacts to a harmless stimulus and in the process inflicts serious damage to the body. The incidence of these diseases has been rising for many decades and this increase in incidence has now reached almost epidemical proportions. Importantly, current clinical practice has only two major strategies of dealing with such disease: steroids and NSAIDs (apirin-like compounds). Unfortunately, both types of therapy have significant drawbacks and an increasing cohort of our patients does not react to these drugs. It is therefore important to devise novel strategies for interfering with the activity of the immune system. Interestingly, space flight inhibits the activity of the immune system, demonstrating that alternative roads to immunosuppression must exist. In the present project the molecular details of space-flight dependent immunosuppression are determined and these results will provide important clues to devise novel anti-inflammatory therapy for sufferers from auto-immune disease. |
DELTA-TUBUL: Tobacco Bright Yellow-2 cells grown on Earth and in space. AM Emons, B Sieberer, M Cusell. Wageningen University, Lab. of Plant Cell Biology. Wageningen, NL. Aim of the TUBUL experiment
was to study the effects of microgravity on microtubule cytoskeleton
configurations in the microgravity environment on board of the International
Space Station. The microtubule cytoskeleton is crucial for plant cell
growth and division, and thus for plant development.
A certain number of these cells showed deviations from regular growth pattern and cell size when compared with cells from ground experiments. Unfortunately, our flight samples suffered from severe post-fixative freeze-damage that occurred during sample retrieval. The insufficient quantity of well-preserved cells does not allow a detailed and reliable cell biological analysis of cells exposed to microgravity. Despite these setbacks the TUBUL experiment has a positive outcome: We established a culture system for immobilization of plant cells, which is self-sustaining for up to two weeks and which allows three different treatments per cell culture. This culture system for microgravity conditions provides openings for more extensive cell biological research in space than would be possible with whole plants. |
DELTA-ARISS: Amateur Radio on the ISS PI: G. Bertels (ARISS, Brussels, Belgium, gaston.bertels@skynet.be); ESA Contact: B. Ten Berge (ISS Education Office) Experiment objectives
and method:
As a result of the successful collaboration between ESA and the Amateur Radio Club during the Soyuz Missions it has been agreed that ESA will support at least two ARISS contacts per year, involving the participation of (ESA) astronauts on board the ISS.
DELTA-VIDEO-3: Educational demonstration of human physiology. PI: S. Ijsselstein (ESA, ISS Education Office); Scientific Consultants: JJWA van Loon (DESC – Amsterdam, The Netherlands); M. Paiva (ULB – Brussels, Belgium) Experiment objectives
and methods: The main scientific objectives of this experiment
were to demonstrate some of the effects of weightlessness on the human
body (e.g. blood pressure and circulation, fluid shift, orientation
awareness, etc.) by means of filming (with voice-over) four basic
physiology demonstrations under weightless conditions on board the
ISS.
Results:
All the experiments were performed and filmed successfully during
the mission with the expected results, and the footage taken of both
the ‘on-ground’ and ‘in space’ demonstrations
has been used to develop a DVD entitled “Body Space” fitting
the basic European science curriculum of the target 12-18 year old
age group. Over 10,000 copies will be distributed to secondary schools
across ESA Member States around February 2005 to provide teachers
with a useful tool for explaining basic physiological phenomena. |
DELTA-Bug-NRG: The effects of microgravity on the output of bacterial fuel cells. Sebastiaan John de Vet1& Renske Rutgers2. 1 University of Amsterdam, Human- and Natural Sciences (formerly Delft University of Technology, faculty of Aerospace Engineering), 2University of Utrecht, Utrecht School of Economics.
BugNRG utilizes the Rhodoferax Ferrireducens strain inside a two-compartment closed bacterial fuel cell. The strain converts glucose anaerobic by transferring electrons to an electron-acceptor. The anode- and cathodechamber both have a volume of 10,3 millilitres and are separated by a cation-exchange membrane. Inside the cathodechamber a solution of Potassium Hexacyanoferrate was used as electron-acceptor. In the anodechamber, a solution of glucose and growth medium was used. Using the BugNRG experiment facility of the space-based version of the experiment, two BFCs were flown in space. The experiment qualified for a late-access requirement to reduce influences of gravity and bacterial activity as much as possible. Filling of the fuel cells was completed some seventeen hours before launch and the experiment was activated some twelve hours before launch. The facility logged the output (voltage and current) of the fuel cells and the temperature by means of an internal temperature sensor. A datalogger containing the measurements was downloaded on the Soyuz and the remaining hardware was disposed inside the Progress. The first series of the reference experiments were carried out under similar temperature conditions as experienced onboard ISS inside a computer controlled incubator. Four fuel cells were subjected stationary to the ISS-conditions and three additional fuel cells were subjected to simulated microgravity on a Random Positioning Machine (RPM) for a duration of five days. Two back-up fuel cells prepared for flight to ISS were subjected to ambient room temperature and transportation. These fuel cells have been included into the data to partially asses the dynamic loading of the fuel cells (motion and acceleration). An early preliminary data analyses shows the ISS as the RPM experiments to have a different behaviour with regard to the output. This behaviour differs from the normal discharge of fuel cells under the earth’s gravity as observed in the reference experiments. However, a more conclusive and extensive data-analysis is needed to fully asses the influence of microgravity on the output of bacterial fuel cells. A second series of the reference experiments is currently being planned. The possibilities to run an experiment with BFCs subjected to hypergravity to further study the influence of gravity on bacterial fuel cells is currently being assessed. |
DELTA-SEEDS :
The Seeds-in-Space experiment During the Dutch Soyuz Mission, DELTA.
The stars, the universe,
space flight, and astronauts have always been exciting and inspiring
to mankind, especially to children. Although exiting the number of
pupils and students who have an interest and plan a career in the
field of science and technology has been declining in many countries
including the Netherlands over the years.
In preparation of the
flight we verified the growth using the Random Positioning Machine
(RPM) so the actual flight results were not completely surprising.
We also performed ground based tests in the Zvezda mock-up in Star
City. For the larger part, the results were ‘as expected, although
there were some unexpected outcomes, most likely due to increased
ethylene levels on board ISS. |
DELTA-GPB : No abstract available. |