bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EXPLORING THE PRINCIPAL TEACHINGS OF KHALWATIAH SYEKH YUSUF TARIQAH IN SOUTH SULAWESI
Authors: Latif Muhaemin
Published: July 2020

This article discusses the principal teachings of Khalwatiah Syekh Yusuf tariqah in South Sulawesi. This tariqah is one of the leading tariqahs in the region since its emergence in the seventeenth century. Khalwatiah Syekh Yusuf has influenced the Muslim's understanding concerning sufism issues. The researcher employs qualitative as a method of research.  The research suggests that Khalwatiah Syekh Yusuf is the integration of different tariqahs which were obtained by Syekh Yusuf during his intellectual journey. The principal teachings of Khalwatiah Syekh Yusuf can be drawn into three elements. They are the concept of inner purity, the understanding of God, and the meaning of insan kamil. These three principal teachings become the foundation of this tariqah as well as become it’s characteristic. Although Syekh Yusuf studied from different Sufis, especially from Ibnu Arabi’s thought, this tariqah is strongly associated with Asyariyah theology that led to this tariqah be a moderate tariqah.
DESCRIPTION OF STRUCTURAL OFFICERS STIFIn TEST RESULTS OF UIN ALAUDDIN MAKASSAR
Authors: Amri Muhammad , Rahman Ulfiani
Published: July 2020

Abstract:One's leadership is usually influenced by intelligence and personality types that can be obtained through tests. The STIFIn test can describe an individual's intelligence directly as well as someone's personality types. Therefore, this study aims to identify the personality types possessed by structural officers (bureaucracy) at UIN Alauddin Makassar, the characteristics of each STIFIn personality type and the ratio of the number of male and female leaders. The research instrument used was in the form of STIFIn intelligence test. Data were analyzed by quantitative descriptive analysis. The results showed that of the 20 respondents tested, 4 of the 5 STIFIn personialty types were identified namely Thinking, Intuiting, Feeling and Instinct, and none of them were Sensing type. They consisted of 17 men and 3 women. Moreover each type of intelligence and personality has different characteristics. Abstrak:Kepemimpinan seseorang biasanya dipengaruhi oleh kecerdasan dan tipe kepribadian yang dapat diperoleh melalui tes. Tes STIFIn dapat memetakan kecerdasan individu secara langsung sekaligus menjadi tipe kepribadian sesorang. Oleh karena itu, penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengidentifikasi tipe-tipe kepribadian yang dimiliki oleh pejabat struktural di UIN Alauddin Makassar, karakteristik dari masing-masing tipe kepribadian STIFIn, serta rasio jumlah pemimpin laki-laki dan perempuan. Instrumen penelitian yang digunakan, yakni dalam bentuk tes kecerdasan STIFIn. Data dianalisis dengan analisis deskriptif kuantitatif. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa dari 20 responden yang diuji, diidentifikasi menjadi 4 dari 5 jenis kepribadian STIFIn yaitu Thinking, Intuiting, Feeling dan Insting, dan tidak ada yang bertipe Sensing. Mereka terdiri dari 17 pria dan 3 wanita. Kemudian setiap jenis kecerdasan dan kepribadiaan memiliki karakteristik yang berbeda.
PROJECT CITIZEN: DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL SKILLS AND UNDERSTANDING OF CONTEMPORARY ISSUES (STUDY AT AHMAD DAHLAN UNIVERSITY)
Authors: Ulfah Nufikha , Hidayah Yayuk , Hardian Mirza , Trihastuti Meiwatizal
Published: July 2020

Abstract:In a cluster of social science, Citizenship Education has a role in developing social skills and become a media of preparing smart and thoughtful citizen towards citizenship issues, and it also gives alternative solution for a particular problem. This study aimed to describe the students’ social skills and contemporary issue understanding through Project Citizen-Based Learning in Citizenship Education as a part of General Compulsory Courses (MKWU). This research used descriptive qualitative method which took place at Ahmad Dahlan University. This research indicated that the steps of Project Citizen could develop the students’ social skills and contemporary issue understanding. The development of social learning through Citizen Project-based learning model in Citizenship Education as MKWU was carried out through cooperation, mutual assistance, communication, and responsibility. The understanding of contemporary issues was carried out through the principles of Project Citizen which included; (1) possession of soft-skill communication in doing task/project, (2) ability to manage time for completing task/project, and (3) interaction with technology in completing project.Abstrak:Dalam rumpun ilmu sosial, Pendidikan Kewarganegaraan memiliki peran dalam mengembangkan keterampilan sosial, dan menjadi wahana dalam mepersiapkan warga negara yang cerdas dan peka terhadap isu-isu Kewarganegaran serta mampu memberikan solusi alternatif terhadap suatu permasalahan.  Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk pengembangan keterampilan sosial dan pemahaman isu kekinian mahasiswa melalui model pembelajaran berbasis Project Citizen pada MKWU Pendidikan Kewarganegaraan. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif deskriptif yang berlokasi di Universitas Ahmad Dahlan Yogyakarta. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa langkah-langakah Project Citizen dapat mengembangkan keterampilan sosial dan pemahaman isu kekinian mahasiswa. Pengembangan keterampilan sosial melalui model pembelajaran berbasis Project Citizen pada MKWU Pendidikan Kewarganegaraan meliputi kerjasama, gotong royong, berkomunikasi dan bertanggung jawab.  Sementara itu, pemahaman terhadap isu kekinian dilakukan melalui prinsip Project Citizen yang meliputi (1) kepemilikan soft-skill berkomunikasi saat mengerjakan tugas, (2) kemamuan mengatur waktu dalam menyelesaikan tugas, dan (3) interaksi dengan teknologi dalam penyelesian tugas.
Far-Field, Radiation Resistance and temperature of Hertzian Dipole Antenna in Lossless Medium with Momentum and Energy Flow in the Far- Zone
Authors: Osama M. Abo-Seida  , N.T.M.Eldabe  , Ahmed Refaie Ali  , Gamil.Ali Shalaby
Published: July 2020

A Far-field with calculation of intrinsic impedance, ohmic heating and antenna temperature of radiated ideal (Hertzian) dipole antenna have been discussed in free space and lossless background. Actually, there is great important to analysis the radiation resistance mechanism of a Hertzian dipole antenna in an infinite isotropic lossless medium. We also discussed the momentum and energy flow in electromagnetic fields with investigation that wavefront/phase velocity is equals to light speed in far zone. The temperature of lossless Hertzian antenna is equal to brightness temperature To.
Magnetism: Entanglement, Konke and the Magnet as Discrete
Authors: Bhekuzulu Khumalo
Published: July 2020

Understanding that everything is in a relationship led us to ask what then is the relationship that caused particles to be. Our investigation led us to understand that all particles are made up of the same stuff we called konke, Something that has experimental backing. Understanding that this konke must get into relationships so that we get particles, we have a chance to look at particles from what they are made off understanding. It is how much of konke that gives a particle mass and its categorization. What is the nature of magnetism from the viewpoint that all things are made of the same stuff, konke. Two simple experiments are requiring a vacuum that will help solve the nature of magnetism, which should end up as a discrete phenomenon, like all other phenomena.  Rely on experimentation as much as possible.
Transformable Warning Clothing for Children with Active Light Sources
Authors: Studzińska Anna , Frydrych Iwona , Łężak Krzysztof
Published: July 2020

Warning clothing for children should meet several requirements in the field of safety and functionalities. Technical and technological development has brought many different benefits. One of them are active light sources that can be used to improve the visibility of the user of given clothing products in situations, where the risk of being invisible is high. Therefore, the transformable clothing with the use of side emitting polymer optical fiber increases the child visibility in the traffic compared to the situation, when the safety was guaranteed only by reflective materials. The scientific problem to be solved was the design of transformable clothing, followed by the integration of traffic light systems with transformable children's clothing, which should increase the child's safety on the road. Transformability, as a feature of the product, should not interfere with the child's visibility. At a later stage of work, visioility tests on the transformable children's clothing set prototype were carried out according to the proposed research methodology. The visibility of system has been assessed both from the point of view of the arrangement of traffic light elements as well as their optoelectronic parameters, such as illuminance, the color of the optical fiber cover, and so on.
The role of social media in the process of shaping the “body cult” among young women
Authors: Iwanicka Aleksandra , Soroka Ewelina
Published: July 2020

Introduction: The purpose of this article is to analyse the phenomenon of “body cult” as well as psychological and social factors conditioning its occurrence among young women. Particular attention was paid to the role of social media and an attempt was made to indicate possible preventive measures to promote health-popularising behaviour towards the body among high school students.

Materials and methods: On the basis of the review of the available literature, developmental conditions of the adolescence period and research results on the subject were presented.

Results: The paper presents the role of social media in the context of shaping behaviours related to “body cult”.

Conclusions: The content presented on blogs and social networks put pressure on young women to cultivate the physical characteristics of a person. In this perspective, excessive focus on striving for the perfect figure can lead to the development of anti-health behaviour. Further research is definitely needed.
Established and advanced approaches for recovery of microbial polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biopolyesters from surrounding microbial biomass
Authors: Koller Martin
Published: July 2020

Downstream processing for recovery of microbial polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biopolyesters from biomass constitutes an integral part of the entire PHA production chain; beside the feedstocks used for cultivation of PHA-production strains, this process is currently considered the major cost factor for PHA production.

Besides economic aspects, PHA recovery techniques need to be sustainable by avoiding excessive use of (often precarious!) solvents, other hazardous chemicals, non-recyclable compounds, and energy. Moreover, the applied PHA recovery method is decisive for the molecular mass and purity of the obtained product, and the achievable recovery yield. In addition to the applied method, also the PHA content in biomass is decisive for the feasibility of a selected technique. Further, not all investigated recovery techniques are applicable for all types of PHA (crystalline versus amorphous PHA) and all PHA-producing microorganisms (robust versus fragile cell structures).

The present review shines a light on benefits and shortcomings of established solvent-based, chemical, enzymatic, and mechanical methods for PHA recovery. Focus is dedicated on innovative, novel recovery strategies, encompassing the use of “green” solvents, application of classical “PHA anti-solvents” under pressurized conditions, ionic liquids, supercritical solvents, hypotonic cell disintegration for release of PHA granules, switchable anionic surfactants, and even digestion of non-PHA biomass by animals.

The different established and novel techniques are compared in terms of PHA recovery yield, product purity, impact on PHA molar mass, scalability to industrial plants, and demand for chemicals, energy, and time.
Evaluation of acrylamide levels in cereal products from the Romanian market during the 2017 and 2018 period
Authors: Sarion Cristina , Dabija Adriana , Oroian Mircea , Negoiță Mioara , Codină Georgiana Gabriela
Published: July 2020

Cereal products are the most consumed in Romania being the main contributors to daily acrylamide exposure. The paper aims to present for the first time a general situation regarding the evolution of the acrylamide levels content from cereal products, on the Romanian market, during 2017-2018 periods, as a result of legislative measures imposed by the European Union (EU). For this purpose, the levels of acrylamide in 55 selected cereal products samples were evaluated. The cereal products analyzed were grouped in biscuits, confectionery, expanded cereals, bakery products and specialties. The acrylamide content from the cereal products were detected using GC-MS/MS method. The highest level of acrylamide was found in biscuits, whereas the lowest level was determined in bakery products. The most of the cereal products samples analyzed (90.9%) was below the reference levels established by the EU Regulation for the acrylamide level from 2017 EC (2013/647/EU) and 2018 EC (2017/2158/ EU). From the 55 cereal products analyzed, only 5 biscuits samples exceeded the reference levels established by the European Commission, one in 2017 and four in 2018 period.
Overweight and erythrocyte polyunsaturated fatty acid changes in menopause
Authors: D’Alberti Giulia , Ferreri Carla , Larocca Anna Vita , Torquato Pierangelo , Boccuto Antonio , Gizzi Chiara , Albi Elisabetta
Published: July 2020

Lipid disorders have been implicated in overweight and menopause. However, evidence on lipidomic analysis of fatty acids in erythrocytes of menopausal women is scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the body mass index within or beyond 5 years of menopause and erythrocyte fatty acid profile. This case-control study was conducted on out of 37 menopausal women total patients, 22 with body mass index ≥ 25 and 12 matched controls (body mass index <25). Experimental procedures were performed on the blood through robotic equipment for isolation of erythrocyte and cell membrane fatty acids were analyzed by using gas-liquid chromatography. Results showed that erythrocyte membranes did not change significantly in lipid composition between case and control group. However, the percentage of women who had a physiological content of saturated fatty acids was lower in case than in control group, and the percentage of women who had a physiological content of monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids was lower in control than in case group. Woman with BMI>25 and non-physiological content of fatty acids, were richer in percentage of saturated fatty acids and poorer of monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids than women with BMI<25. The percentage of physiological n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated ratio was lower in women with BMI>25 than in women with BMI<25. Interestingly, the percentage of patients that had physiological values of lipids beyond 5 years of menopause increased in comparison patients within 5 years of menopause. Notably, n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids physiological ratio beyond 5 years of menopause increased in both case and control patients, indicating normalization over time. In conclusion erythrocytes fatty acids composition may be related to the body mass index and to the time from menopause.
Altered Functions of Human Blood-Derived Vascular Endothelial Cells by Simulated Microgravity
Authors: Ramaswamy Vidhya , Goins Allison , Allen Josephine B.
Published: July 2020

Recently, the increase in incidence of cardiovascular degeneration associated with weightlessness has drawn much attention to the detrimental effects of space travel on cardiovascular health. Particularly, the regulatory role of the endothelium in cardiovascular degeneration has been studied extensively. The goal of this study was to understand the effects of simulated microgravity on the proliferative, secretory, and anti-thrombogenic functions of endothelial cells differentiated from human blood-derived progenitor cells. Exposure to simulated microgravity enhanced proliferation, as well as the release of soluble nitric oxide while downregulating the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6). Interestingly, the cells also upregulated gene expression of heat shock protein 70 (hsp70), which may be a potential adaptation mechanism of the cells to altered gravity conditions. However, the secretory and proliferative functions had no effect on the anti-thrombogenic functions of these cells. Their anti-coagulative and anti-thrombogenic abilities, as assessed by both upregulation of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and their ability to delay plasma clotting, were impaired on exposure to simulated microgravity. These results collectively provide a useful insight into various mechanisms involved in regulating anti-thrombogenic ability of the endothelium, as well as cardiovascular health in altered gravity conditions.
Establishing a Low Redox Potential in Giant Yeast Colonies: Effects of Media and Rotation
Authors: Birdsall Holly H. , Allen Patricia L. , Hammond Jeffrey S. , Gunter Margaret A. , Hammond Timothy G.
Published: July 2020

Giant yeast colonies develop a low redox potential, which mimics the electrophilic milieu of both the mitochondrial drug metabolizing compartment and the hypoxic core of many tumors. The major metabolic mediators of low redox potential include: ATP, glutathione, NAD+/NADH, and NADP+/NADPH. Ammonia signaling is the critical mechanism that induces stratification of the giant yeast colonies to allow a low redox potential. A comparison of two powerful investigative models for drug pathways using Saccharomyces cerevisiae have been compounded by the use of different growth media and stimuli to the system. Chemogenetic profiling, which uses a pool of yeast deletion mutants to determine survival changes, is heavily slanted to the use of rich media. Giant yeast colonies studies are heavily slanted to the use of poor media. The current study answers the question “what is the difference over time in redox potential, and its major metabolic mediators, between giant yeast colonies grown on rich and poor media?” Using gene deletion tools, we show that cell death in giant yeast colonies is ammonia-dependent. In poor nutrient, ammonia-depleted (Sok2 deletion mutants) giant yeast cultures, rotation can allow manipulation of reactive oxygen species, providing a model to compare high and low redox states without chemical administration. Mechanistically, these changes are not due to detectable NAD/NAPH or NADP/NADPH changes, but are related in changes in glutathione and ATP concentration.
Effects of Microgravity and Clinorotation on the Virulence of Klebsiella, Streptococcus, Proteus, and Pseudomonas
Authors: Hammond Timothy G. , Stodieck Louis , Koenig Paul , Hammond Jeffrey S. , Gunter Margaret A. , Allen Patricia L. , Birdsall Holly H.
Published: July 2020

To evaluate effects of microgravity on virulence, we studied the ability of four common clinical pathogens—Klebsiella, Streptococcus, Proteus, and Pseudomonas—to kill wild type Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) nematodes at the larval and adult stages. Simultaneous studies were performed utilizing spaceflight, rotation in a 2D clinorotation device, and static ground controls. Nematodes, microbes, and growth media were separated until exposed to true or modeled microgravity, then mixed and grown for 48 hours. Experiments were terminated by paraformaldehyde fixation, and optical density measurements were used to assay residual microorganisms. Spaceflight was associated with reduced virulence for Klebsiella and Streptococcus, but had negligible effect on Enterococcus and Pseudomonas. Clinorotation generated very different results with all four organisms showing significantly reduced virulence. We conclude that clinorotation is not a consistent model of the changes that actually occur under microgravity conditions. Further, bacteria virulence is unchanged or reduced, not increased during spaceflight.
Physiological Effects of Spaceflight/Unloading and the Mitigating Effects of Flywheel-Based Resistive Exercise
Authors: Parmar Prashant , Perry Rachel , Cesarz Greta , Roberts Alex , Hardman Houston , Caruso John F.
Published: July 2020

The deleterious effects of spaceflight encompass numerous physiological effects that undermine long-term goals of manned round-trip missions to Mars. Among the greater losses are to the human musculoskeletal system due to limited mechanical/load-bearing activity. In-flight exercise and nutritional countermeasures seek to reduce physiological losses. Restoration of mechanical/load-bearing activity in microgravity is achieved with flywheel-based exercise hardware. Research with spaceflight analogs showed exercise done with flywheel-based devices abated muscle mass and strength losses with modest increases in net energy costs. This led to the installment of flywheel-based hardware on The International Space Station (ISS). To date, exercise with flywheel-based hardware has reduced musculoskeletal losses, with more success achieved for muscle-, versus bone-based, outcomes. In-flight exercise may better address bone losses with hardware that imparts high rates of impulse loading to the engaged musculoskeleton.
Development of Equipment that Uses Far-Red Light to Impose Seed Dormancy in Arabidopsis for Spaceflight
Authors: Fitzgerald Caleb P. , Barker Richard J. , Choi Won-Gyu , Swanson Sarah J. , Stephens Shawn D. , Huber Colleen , Nimunkar Amit J. , Gilroy Simon
Published: July 2020

In order to use plants as part of a bioregenerative life support system capable of sustaining long-term human habitation in space, it is critical to understand how plants adapt to the stresses associated with extended growth in spaceflight. Optimally, dormant seeds would be germinated on orbit to divorce the effects of spaceflight from the one-time stresses of launch. At an operational level, it is also important to develop experiment protocols that are flexible in timing so they can adapt to crew schedules and unexpected flight-related delays. Arabidopsis thaliana is widely used for investigating the molecular responses of plants to spaceflight. Here we describe the development of a far-red light seed treatment device that suppresses germination of Arabidopsis seeds for periods of ≥12 weeks. Germination can then be induced when the seeds encounter red light, such as transfer to the illumination from on orbit plant growth hardware. This device allows for up to twelve 10×10 cm square Petri dishes containing seeds on nutrient gel to be irradiated simultaneously. The far-red device is contained within a light-proof fabric tent allowing the user to wrap the Petri dishes in aluminum foil in the dark, preventing room lights from reversing the far-red treatment. Long-term storage of the wrapped plates is accomplished using foil storage bags. The throughput of this device facilitates robust, high-replicate biological experiment design, while providing the long-term pre-experiment storage required for maximum mission flexibility.
Enabling the Spaceflight Methylome: DNA Isolated from Plant Tissues Preserved in RNAlater® Is Suitable for Bisulfite PCR Assay of Genome Methylation
Authors: LeFrois Collin E. , Zhou Mingqi , Amador David Moraga , Sng Natasha , Paul Anna-Lisa , Ferl Robert J.
Published: July 2020

Spaceflight has a unique set of abiotic conditions to which plants respond by orchestrating genome-wide alterations to their transcriptome. The methods for preserving plants for RNA analysis are well-established and proven over multiple missions, but, methods for investigating the possible epigenetic mechanisms that may contribute to the transcriptome alteration are not well-developed for the confining limitations of the International Space Station (ISS). Currently, the methods used to isolate genomic DNA and to perform epigenetic analyses are ideal for frozen plants, as opposed to plants stored in RNAlater®—a high salt solution that chemically suspends all cellular activity and is typically used on the ISS. Therefore, we developed a method for extracting high-quality genomic DNA suitable for epigenetic analysis from Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis) plants that were preserved with the current preservation system aboard the ISS—fixation in RNAlater® using Kennedy Space Center Fixation Tubes (KFTs).
Beware of Fixation—It Might Affect Your Experiments
Authors: Park Myoung-Ryoul , Hasenstein Karl H.
Published: July 2020

Because of difficulties during the fixation in space and the often reported enhanced expression of stress-related genes in space experiments, we investigated the possible effect of fixation on gene expression. Comparing two fixatives (RNAlater® and 70% ethanol), two-day-old Brassica rapa seedlings were either fixed by gradual exposure or immediate and complete immersion in fixative for two days. Neither fixative yielded high amounts of rRNA; RNAlater® resulted in higher RNA yield in shoot tissue but qPCR data showed higher yield in ethanol-fixed material. qPCR analyses showed strongly enhanced transcripts of stress-related genes, especially in RNAlater®-fixed material. The data suggest that fixation artefacts may be partially responsible for effects commonly attributed to space syndromes.
Translating Basic Research to Astronaut Health in Space: NASA Ames Rodent Specimen Biobanking for the Human Research Program
Authors: Ronca April E. , French Alison J. , Smith Jeffrey D.
Published: July 2020

As an extension of NASA Ames’ long history and sustaining international collaboration for sharing tissues acquired from one-off spaceflight experiments, we have recently established a new mobile operation for acquiring small animal biospecimens from ongoing ground-based studies supported by the NASA Human Research Program (HRP) organized at Johnson Space Center (JSC). Goals of Ames’ Biospecimen Sharing Programs (BSPs) are to: (1) advance understanding of physiological responses and adaptations to the space environment utilizing animal models in support of fundamental space and gravitational biology research, and to promote human health in space and on Earth, (2) provide a repository of high-quality, well-preserved, and carefully archived and maintained biospecimens by applying modern approaches and established best practices in the biobanking field, and (3) establish a database for gathering broad and comprehensive scientific information corresponding to these samples, including cutting edge techniques for tracking and archiving of structural, descriptive, and administrative metadata. This program, modeled after contemporary human and animal biobanking initiatives, is yielding a rich archive of quality specimens that can be used to address a broad range of current and future scientific questions relevant to NASA Life Sciences, Exploration Medicine, and beyond.
Validation of Methods to Assess the Immunoglobulin Gene Repertoire in Tissues Obtained from Mice on the International Space Station
Authors: Rettig Trisha A. , Ward Claire , Pecaut Michael J. , Chapes Stephen K.
Published: July 2020

Spaceflight is known to affect immune cell populations. In particular, splenic B-cell numbers decrease during spaceflight and in ground-based physiological models. Although antibody isotype changes have been assessed during and after spaceflight, an extensive characterization of the impact of spaceflight on antibody composition has not been conducted in mice. Next Generation Sequencing and bioinformatic tools are now available to assess antibody repertoires. We can now identify immunoglobulin gene-segment usage, junctional regions, and modifications that contribute to specificity and diversity. Due to limitations on the International Space Station, alternate sample collection and storage methods must be employed. Our group compared Illumina MiSeq® sequencing data from multiple sample preparation methods in normal C57Bl/6J mice to validate that sample preparation and storage would not bias the outcome of antibody repertoire characterization. In this report, we also compared sequencing techniques and a bioinformatic workflow on the data output when we assessed the IgH and Igκ variable gene usage. Our bioinformatic workflow has been optimized for Illumina HiSeq® and MiSeq® datasets, and is designed specifically to reduce bias, capture the most information from Ig sequences, and produce a data set that provides other data mining options.
Plant Pillow Preparation for the Veggie Plant Growth System on the International Space Station
Authors: Massa Gioia D. , Newsham Gerard , Hummerick Mary E. , Morrow Robert C. , Wheeler Raymond M.
Published: July 2020

The first Veggie plant growth chamber was installed on the International Space Station in 2014. Crop plants can be grown in Veggie using plant pillows, small rooting packets that contain substrate, fertilizer, and germination wicks along with attached seeds. The pillows were designed to interface with the Veggie root mat reservoir watering system to provide a capillary water column to growing plants. In preparation for flight, methods of arcillite substrate washing, autoclaving, and drying were established to reduce dust and to provide a dry sterile substrate. A controlled released fertilizer mixed into arcillite substrate provides nutrition for plant growth. Methods of seed surface sterilization were tested for both germination and microbial contamination, and the optimum methods were determined for candidate flight crops. Plant pillows were prepared for flight by cutting and inserting germination wicks, filling with the substrate/fertilizer mix, and sewing closed. Following pillow filling, seeds were attached to the wicks, and the pillows were packaged for flight. Pillow preparation methods have been successfully tested in the VEG-01 hardware validation tests on the International Space Station with ‘Outredgeous’ lettuce and ‘Profusion’ zinnia, and in the VEG-03 test, using ‘Outredgeous’ lettuce and ‘Tokyo bekana’ Chinese cabbage.
Ballooning for Biologists: Mission Essentials for Flying Life Science Experiments to Near Space on NASA Large Scientific Balloons
Authors: Smith David J. , Sowa Marianne B.
Published: July 2020

Despite centuries of scientific balloon flights, only a handful of experiments have produced biologically relevant results. Yet unlike orbital spaceflight, it is much faster and cheaper to conduct biology research with balloons, sending specimens to the near space environment of Earth's stratosphere. Samples can be loaded the morning of a launch and sometimes returned to the laboratory within one day after flying. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) flies large unmanned scientific balloons from all over the globe, with missions ranging from hours to weeks in duration. A payload in the middle portion of the stratosphere (~35 km above sea level) will be exposed to an environment similar to the surface of Mars—temperatures generally around −36°C, atmospheric pressure at a thin 1 kPa, relative humidity levels <1%, and harsh illumination of ultraviolet (UV) and cosmic radiation levels (about 100 W/m2 and 0.1 mGy/d, respectively)—that can be obtained nowhere else on the surface of the Earth, including environmental chambers and particle accelerator facilities attempting to simulate space radiation effects. Considering the operational advantages of ballooning and the fidelity of space-like stressors in the stratosphere, researchers in aerobiology, astrobiology, and space biology can benefit from balloon flight experiments as an intermediary step on the extraterrestrial continuum (i.e., ground, low Earth orbit, and deep space studies). Our review targets biologists with no background or experience in scientific ballooning. We will provide an overview of large balloon operations, biology topics that can be uniquely addressed in the stratosphere, and a roadmap for developing payloads to fly with NASA.
Clinorotation Affects Induction of the Heat Shock Response in Arabidopsis thaliana Seedlings
Authors: Kozeko Liudmyla Y. , Buy Denis D. , Pirko Yaroslav V. , Blume Yaroslav B. , Kordyum Elizaveta L.
Published: July 2020

Clinorotation used to simulate microgravity effects in ground-based experiments is considered as a mild stress factor for plants. We have assumed that it might influence the plant tolerance to other stressful factors. To test this, Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings were grown on a horizontal clinostat (2 rpm) or under stationary conditions (control), and then were subjected to heat treatment. The kinetics of gene expression of cytosolic HSP70s and HSP90s during exposure to 37°C for 0.5-2 h was examined by RT-qPCR to estimate level of the heat shock reaction. It was shown that clinorotation caused the minor increase in transcript abundance of five AtHSP70s and AtHSP90-1 under normal temperature, as well as a faster onset and enhancement of their induction during heat shock. The heat tolerance was evaluated as a function of seedling survival after exposure to 45°C for 45 min. Seedlings grown under clinorotation were determined to withstand heat treatment better than seedlings grown under stationary conditions. The obtained data support the assumption that clinorotation may provide cross-protection of plants against fluctuations in environmental conditions.
Self-Assembly of Protein Fibrils in Microgravity
Authors: Bell Dylan , Durrance Samuel , Kirk Daniel , Gutierrez Hector , Woodard Daniel , Avendano Jose , Sargent Joseph , Leite Caroline , Saldana Beatriz , Melles Tucker , Jackson Samantha , Xu Shaohua
Published: July 2020

Deposits of insoluble protein fibrils in human tissue are associated with amyloidosis and neurodegenerative diseases. Different proteins are involved in each disease; all are soluble in their native conformation in vivo, but by molecular self-assembly, they all form insoluble protein fibril deposits with a similar cross β-sheet structure. This paper reports the results of an experiment in molecular self-assembly carried out in microgravity on the International Space Station (ISS). The Self-Assembly in Biology and the Origin of Life (SABOL) experiment was designed to study the growth of lysozyme fibrils in microgravity. Lysozyme is a model protein that has been shown to replicate the aggregation processes of other amyloid proteins. Here the design and performance of the experimental hardware is described in detail. The flight experiment was carried to the ISS in the Dragon capsule of the SpaceX CRS-5 mission and returned to Earth after 32 days. The lysozyme fibrils formed in microgravity aboard the ISS show a distinctly different morphology compared to fibrils formed in the ground-control (G-C) experiment. The fibrils formed in microgravity are shorter, straighter, and thicker than those formed in the laboratory G-C experiment. For two incubation periods, (2) about 8.5 days and (3) about 14.5 days, the average ISS and G-C fibril diameters are respectively:

Period
 
2

D

ISS

=
7.5
nm
±
31
%
,

and

D

G
‐
C

=
3.4
nm
±
31
%

Period
 
3

D

ISS

=
6.2
nm
±
33
%
,

and

D

G
‐
C

=
3.6
nm
±
33
%
.

\matrix{{Period\,2} \hfill & {} \hfill & {{D_{ISS}} = 7.5{\rm{nm}} \pm 31\% ,} \hfill \cr {} \hfill & {\rm and} \hfill & {{D_{G - C}} = 3.4{\rm{nm}} \pm 31\%} \hfill \cr {Period\,3} \hfill & {} \hfill & {{D_{ISS}} = 6.2{\rm{nm}} \pm 33\% ,} \hfill \cr {} \hfill & {\rm and} \hfill & {{D_{G - C}} = 3.6{\rm{nm}} \pm 33\% .}}
Assessment of Membrane-Aerated Biological Reactors (MABRs) for Integration into Space-Based Water Recycling System Architectures
Authors: Christenson Dylan , Sevanthi Ritesh , Morse Audra , Jackson Andrew
Published: July 2020

This work investigates the suitability of membrane aerated biological reactors (MABRs) for biological treatment of a space-based waste stream consisting of urine, hygiene/grey water, and humidity condensate within an overall water recycling system. Water represents a critical limiting factor for human habitation and travel within space; thus, water recycling systems are essential. Biological treatment of wastewater provides a more efficient sustainable means of stabilizing the waste stream within water recycling system architectures in comparison to current chemical stabilization processes that utilize harsh chemicals, which represent both a hazardous and an unsustainable approach. To assess the capabilities of MABRs for providing microgravity compatible biological treatment and verify long duration operation and integration with desalination processes, two full-scale MABR systems were challenged with various loading rates and operational scenarios during sustained operation for over 1 year. The MABRs were able to maintain 196 g-C/m3-d and 194 g-N/m3-d volumetric conversion rates. Additionally the systems were able to handle intermittent loading and recover rapidly from system hibernation periods of up to 27 days. Overall, the use of MABRs within a wastewater treatment system architecture provides several potential benefits including minimizing the use of toxic chemical pretreatment solutions and providing an effluent solution that is easier to desalinate and dewater.
Temporal RNA Integrity Analysis of Archived Spaceflight Biological Samples
Authors: Talburt Elizabeth Delgadillo , French Alison J. , Lopez Danielle K. , Polo San-Huei Lai , Boyko Valery , Dinh Marie T. , Rask Jon C. , Stewart Helen J. , Chakravarty Kaushik
Published: July 2020

In spaceflight experiments, model organisms are used to assess the effects of microgravity on specific biological systems. In many cases, only one biological system is of interest to the Principal Investigator. To maximize the scientific return of experiments, the remaining spaceflight tissue is categorized, documented, and stored in the biobank at NASA Ames Research Center, which is maintained by the Ames Life Science Data Archive (ALSDA). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the state of a sample set of tissues from the ALSDA biobank. Garnering information – such as downstream functional analysis for the generation of omics datasets – from tissues is, in part, dependent on the state of sample preservation. RNA integrity number (RIN) values have been calculated for rodent liver tissues that were part of scientific payloads returned from the International Space Station (ISS). Rat livers from Spacelab Life Sciences 1 (SLS-1) and mouse livers from Commercial Biomedical Test Module 3 (CBTM-3), Rodent Research 1 (RR1), and Rodent Research 3 (RR3) were tested. It was found that mean RIN values from CBTM-3, RR1, and RR3 were suitable for downstream functional analysis (RIN > 5) while the mean RIN value for SLS-1 was not (RIN = 2.5 ± 0.1). Information from this study lays the foundation for future efforts in determining the types of assays that are most appropriate for different tissues in the ALSDA biobank and similar preservation facilities, which would aid in shaping the design of experiments.
Worms in Space for Outreach on Earth: Space Life Science Activities for the Classroom
Authors: Gaffney Christopher J. , Pollard Amelia K. , Deane Colleen S. , Cooke Michael , Balsamo Michele , Hewitt Jennifer , Vanapalli Siva A. , Szewczyk Nathaniel J. , Etheridge Timothy , Phillips Bethan E.
Published: July 2020

Long term spaceflight is associated with the loss of skeletal muscle mass and function. The Molecular Muscle Experiment (MME) seeks to identify the causes of muscle decline in space and test potential therapies to attenuate this in the microscopic worm, Caenorhabditis elegans. This is the first UK-led experiment in the almost two-decade history of the International Space Station. We therefore intend to complete significant and widespread educational outreach activities to promote interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), and to increase engagement with our space life science experiment. This paper describes three education outreach activities relating to MME that are suitable for use in the classroom: (i) observing normal and mutant worms; (ii) observing the effect of unloading (simulation of microgravity); and (iii) handling spaceflight hardware. Activity packs are provided at a starter and advanced level to support these activities. This paper also provides three posters that may be used as learning resources for educators. These posters provide information on: (i) why worms are used for research; (ii) spaceflight human physiology; and (iii) the specifics of the MME. Details of further planned engagement activities are outlined to increase the awareness of the MME.
Cardiac Parasympathetic Reactivation Following Small‐Sided Games, Repeated Sprints and Circuit Training in Elite Handball Players
Authors: Ravier Gilles , Marcel-Millet Philemon
Published: July 2020

To compare acute parasympathetic reactivation following usual training exercises, the acute post-exercise heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) were analysed. Fourteen elite male handball players completed three separate sessions of 16-min small-sided games (SSGs), repeated sprints (RSs) consisting of two sets of six repetitions of a 25-m sprint with a 180° change of direction (12.5 m + 12.5 m) every 25 s and 40 min of handball-specific circuit training (CT, one brief action every 40 s). The HR was recorded during the exercises; HRV was assessed 10 min before and after exercise. The exercise HR was higher for SSGs than RSs and it was higher for RSs than CT. Comparison of the baseline and acute post-exercise HRV values showed that parasympathetic indices decreased following SSG (p < 0.01 – p < 0.0001; large effect size) and RS (p < 0.05 –p < 0.01; large effect size) interventions. For CT, recovery values remained similar to the baseline (small effect size). The comparison of the acute recovery period between exercise modalities showed that the root mean square of the successive differences (RMSSD) was lower for SSGs than RSs and CT. No difference in any HRV indices was observed between RSs and CT. Time-varying of RMSSD for successive 30 s segments during the 10 min recovery period showed lower values for SSGs than CT for all tested points; the progressive increase in the beat-to-beat interval was similar for all interventions. In conclusion, SSGs caused the greatest post-exercise vagal disruption and it is likely that CT is the exercise modality that least delays over-all recovery. These results might help coaches design better training sessions by understanding athletes’ recovery status after completing their conditioning exercises.
How do Elite Soccer Teams Perform to Ball Recovery? Effects of Tactical Modelling and Contextual Variables on the Defensive Patterns of Play
Authors: Fernandes Tiago , Camerino Oleguer , Garganta Júlio , Hileno Raúl , Barreira Daniel
Published: July 2020

Researchers in soccer match analysis have been using limited procedures to express the dynamics of the game and mainly focus on the attack. Therefore, the aims of this paper were to detect the successful teams’ ball recovery defensive patterns of play and study the influence of tactical modelling, halves, match status, opponent quality and stage competition on those patterns. The sample consisted of 1323 situations of defensive ball possession of the semi-finalist teams from the 2014 FIFA World Cup play-offs, which was collected by a valid and reliable observational instrument (Soccer-Defence). The Kruskal-Wallis H, Mann-Whitney U, Chi-square, Z-, multinomial logistic regression tests and sequential analysis (p < .05; z > 1.96) were used accordingly to test the differences and associations among and within teams of tactical modelling, tactical-technical behaviours and contextual variables to ball recovery. We found that among teams ball recovery differed in duration; H(3) = 14.958, p = .002. Germany were more likely to perform ball recovery by the goalkeeper than Argentina (p = .04; OR = 0.47) or the Netherlands (p < .05; OR = 0.50). Nevertheless, Brazil was the least likely to concede a shot off goal. Teams facing lower-ranked opponents were 0.63 times less likely to perform ball recovery by interception (p <.001). Additionally, sequential analysis illustrated that teams varied between central and lateral high-pressure zones before ball recovery in lower zones of the field. Finally, coaches could use such findings to design training exercises, create their own style of play, and set strategies.
Effects of Resisted vs. Conventional Sprint Training on Physical Fitness in Young Elite Tennis Players
Authors: Moya-Ramon Manuel , Nakamura Fabio Yuzo , Teixeira Anderson Santiago , Granacher Urs , Santos-Rosa Francisco Javier , Sanz-Rivas David , Fernandez-Fernandez Jaime
Published: July 2020

This study aimed to compare the effects of 6-week resisted sprint (RST) versus conventional (unresisted) sprint training (CG) on sprint time, change of direction (COD) speed, repeated sprint ability (RSA) and jump performance (countermovement jump (CMJ) and standing long jump (SLJ)) in male young tennis players. Twenty players (age: 16.5 ± 0.3 years; body mass: 72.2 ± 5.5 kg; body height: 180.6 ± 4.6 cm) were randomly assigned to one of the two groups: RST (n = 10) and CG (n = 10). The training program was similar for both groups consisting of acceleration and deceleration exercises at short distances (3-4 m), and speed and agility drills. The RST group used weighted vests or elastic cords during the exercises. After 6 weeks of intervention, both training regimes resulted in small-to-moderate improvements in acceleration and sprint ability (5, 10, 20 m), SLJ and CMJ performances, COD pivoting on both, the non-dominant (moderate effect) and the dominant (small effect) foot, and the percentage of decrement (small effects) during a RSA test. Between-group comparisons showed that the SLJ (Δ = 2.0%) and 5 m sprint time (Δ = 1.1%) improved more in the RST group compared with the CG group. This study showed that 6 weeks of RST or unresisted training are time-efficient training regimes for physical improvements in young male tennis players.
A Comparison of Incremental Running Field and Treadmill Tests in Young Soccer Players
Authors: Köklü Yusuf , Alemdaroğlu Utku , Demirhan Ramazan , Arslan Yunus
Published: July 2020

The purpose of this study was to compare the incremental running tests performed by young soccer players on a treadmill (Tr) and in the field (FTcod: 100 m change of direction and FTcir: 100 m circle). Nineteen players (average age 17.4 ± 1.1 years; body height 172.0 ± 5.7 cm; body mass 68.9 ± 6.7 kg) volunteered to perform incremental Tr , FTcod and FTcir running tests. In all three tests, players ran for 3 min at 8, 10, 12 and 14 km∙h-1 and were given a 1 min rest interval between subsequent stages. Blood lactate concentrations (La-) were measured at 1 min rest intervals and the heart rate (HR) responses of players were recorded during the tests. After a 5 min recovery period, the second part of the test started; players ran at 15 km∙h-1 with velocity increments of 1 km∙h-1 every 1 min until exhaustion. This part was performed to determine maximum HR, maximum La- and the players’ final velocities. The results showed that players had significantly lower La- (F = 6.93, p = 0.07, η2 = 0.46, 95%CI(TR-FTcir) = -1.91/-0.34, 95%CI(TR-FTcod) = -1.59/-0.05) and HR (F = 9.08, p = 0.02, η2 = 0.53, 95%CI(TR-FTcir) = -6.98/-1.68, 95%CI(TR-FTcod) = -7.19/1.08) responses in the Tr test than in the FTcir and FTcod tests at 14 km∙h-1. It was also found that players completed the Tr test (F = 58.22, p = 0.00, η2 = 0.87) at higher final running velocities than the FTcir (95%CI(TR-FTcir) = 1.67/2.78) and FTcod (95%CI(TR-FTcod) = 1.69/2.85) tests. In conclusion, when coaches or sports scientists plan to train at higher running velocities or according to the final velocity in the test, it is advisable to carry out testing in the circumstances under which training will be carried out (in the field or on a treadmill).