The Life Sciences Division of NASA has initiated a NASA Specialized Centers of Research and Training (NSCORT) program. Three Centers were designated in late 1990, as the culmination of an in-depth peer review analysis of proposals from universities across the nation and around the world. Kansas State University was selected as the NSCORT in Gravitational Biology. This Center is headquartered in the KSU Division of Biology and has a research, training, and outreach function that focuses on cellular and developmental biology.
The paucity of data on the role of gravity in cellular and developmental biology has been
examined, and a hypothesis has been generated that unifies potential gravity sensitivity in both plant and animal systems. This hypothesis considers the macromolecular order and functional importance of the extracellular matrix compartment, the intracellular cytoskeleton compartment, and the connecting plasma membrane-signal transduction compartment of plant and animal systems as potentially sensitive to alterations in the unit gravity environment in which they evolved.
Serum stimulation of quiescent human fibroblast cultures resulted in a hyperphosphorylation of the nuclear retinoblastoma gene susceptibility product (RB). However, serum stimulation in the presence of 9 x 10-8 M of a purified bovine sialoglycopeptide (SGP) cell surface inhibitor abrogated the hyperphosphorylation of the RB protein and the subsequent progression of cells through the mitoitic cycle. The experimental results suggest that the SGP mediated its cell cycle arrest at a site in the cell cycle that was at the time of RB phosphorylation or somewhat upstream of the modification of this regulatory protein of cell division . Both cells serum-deprived and serum stimulated in the presence of the SGP displayed only a hypophosphorylated RB protein, consistent with the SGP-mediated cell cycle arrest point being near the G1/S interface.
Transduction of a signal from an extracellular peptide hormone to produce an intracellular
response is often mediated by a cell surface receptor, which is usually a glycoprotein. The
secondary intracellular signal(s) generated after hormone binding to the receptor have been
intensively studied. The nature of the primary signal generated by ligand binding to the receptor is understood less well in most cases. The particular case of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor is analyzed, and evidence for or against two dissimilar models of primary signal transduction is reviewed. Evidence for the most widely accepted current model is found to be unconvincing. Evidence for the most widely accepted current model is found to be unconvincing. Evidence for the other model is substantial but indirect; a direct test of this model remains to be done.
Experiments were conducted to determine the effects of physiologically elevated corticosterone on the activation of macrophages and T cells. These studies find that the elevation of corticosterone does not affect the expression of membrane receptors on macrophages and does not affect the activation of macrophages to produce cytokines. In contrast, elevated corticosterone levels correlate with enhanced T cell proliferation to both mitogens and superantigens.
It is important to know whether microgravity will adversely affect developmental processes.
Collagens are macromolecular structural components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) which
may be altered by perturbations in gravity. Interstitial collagens have been shown to be necessary for normal growth and morphogenesis in some embryonic organs, and in the mouse salivary gland, the biosynthetic pattern of these molecules changes during development. Determination of the effects of microgravity on epithelial organ development must be preceded by crucial ground-based studies. These will define control of normal synthesis, secretion, and deposition of ECM macromolecules and the relationship of these processes to morphogenesis.
Embryonic development of the eye, including the cornea, depends on the appearance and steady
maintenance of intraocular pressure. The eye is a gravity-sensitive organ, as evidence by changes in pupil diameter during parabolic flight. The cornea is largely a paracrystal of extracellular matrix. The extent to which it will polymerize normally in microgravity has yet to be determined.
Long term exposure to a reduced gravitational environment has a deleterious effect on bone. The developmental events which occur prior to initial bone deposition will provide insight into the regulation of mature bone physiology. We have characterized a system in which the events preceding bone formation take place in an isolated in vitro organ culture environment. We show that cultured pre-metatarsal tissue parallels development of pre-metatarsal tissue in the embryo. Both undergo mesenchyme differentiation and morphogenesis to form a cartilage rod, which resembles the future bone, followed by terminal chondrocyte differentiation in a definite morphogenetic pattern. These sequential steps occur prior to osteoblast maturation and bone matrix deposition in the developing organism. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity is a distinctive enzymatic marker for mineralizing tissues. We have measured this activity throughout pre-metatarsal development and show (a) where in the tissue it is predominantly found, and (b) that this is indeed the mineralizing isoform of the enzyme.
Application of reference standard reagents to alternatively depolymerize or stabilize microtubules in a cell that undergoes very regular cytoskeleton-dependent shape changes provides a model system in which some expected components of the environments of spacecraft and space can be tested on Earth for their effects on the cytoskeleton. The fertilized eggs of Ilyanassa obsoleta undergo polar lobe formation by repeated, dramatic, constriction and relaxation of microfilamentous band localized in the cortical cytoplasm and activated by microtubules.
The gravitropic bending of maize roots, as a response to reorientation of the root within a
gravitational field, was examined for sensitivity to exogenous applications of the cytoskeletal inhibitor, cytochalasin D, Agar blocks were impregnated with this inhibitor, and were applied either to the root cap or to the zone of root cell elongation. Root growth was normal with either treatment, if the roots were not repositioned with respect to the gravitational vector. When untreated roots were placed in a horizontal position with respect to gravity, a 40 degree bending response was observed within one hour. This bending also occurred when cytochalasin D was applied at high concentrations to the zone of root cell elongation. However, when cytochalasin D above 40 µg/ml was applied to the root cap, roots lost the ability of directional reorientation within the gravitational field, causing a random bending.
Water soluble, cytoplasmic proteins may interact directly with the lipid bilayer of the cell
membrane, but there is little know concerning the exact molecular mechanisms of the process. As a model system to study this interaction, we have characterized the interaction of the water soluble and cytoplasmic protein alpha crystallin with the lens membrane. The specificity of interaction and a possible molecular mechanism of the recognition process are discussed in regards to the possible functional importance of this phenomenon.
Polyoma virions have different attachment proteins which are responsible for hemagglutination of erythrocytes and attachment to cultured mouse kindney cells (MKC). Virion binding studies demonstrated that MKC possess specific (productive infection) and nonspecific (nonproductive) receptors., Empty polyoma capsids have hemagglutination activity and bind to nonspecific MKC receptors, but they are not capable of competing for specific virion cell receptors or preventing productive infection. Isoelectric focusing of the virion major capsid protein, VP1 separated this protein into six species (A through F). These species had identical amino acid sequences, but different in degree of modification (phosphorylation, acetylation, sulfation and hydroxylation). Evidence based upon precipitation with specific antisera supports the view that VP1 species E is required for specific absorption and that D and F are required for hemagglutination. The virion attachment domain has been localized to an 18 kilodalton fragment of the C-terminal region of VP1. Monopinocytotic vesicles containting 125I-labeled polyoma virions were isolated from infected MKC. A crosslinker was used to bind the MKC cell receptor(s) covalently to VP1 attachment protein, and a new 120 kilodalton band was identified by SDS-PAGE. An anti-idiotype anti-body prepared agains a neutralizing polyoma monoclonal antibody was used to identify a putative 50 kilodalton receptor protein from a detergent extract of MKC, as well as from an MKC membrane preparation.
More is known about the regulation of early developmental events in Drosophila than any other animal. In addition, its size and short life cycle make it a facile experiment system. Since developmental perturbation have been demonstrated when both oogenesis and embryogenesis occur in the space environment, there is a strong rational for using this organism for the elucidation of specific gravity-sensitive developmental events.
The availability of orbital space flight opportunities to conduct life sciences research has been limited. It is possible to use parabolic flight and sounding rocket programs to conduct some kinds of experiments during short episodes (seconds to minutes) of reduced gravity, but there are constraints and limitations to these programs. Orbital flight opportunities are major undertakings, and the potential science achievable is often a function of the flight hardware available. A variety of generic types of flight hardware have been developed and tested, and show great promise for use during NSTS flights. One such payload configuration is described which has already flown.
The brine shrimp, Artemia salina, has been used as a model system to assess microgravity effects on developing organisms. Following fertilization and early development, the egg can arrest in early gastrula as a dehydrated cyst stage that is stable to harsh environments over long time periods. When salt water is added, the cysts can reactivate, with embryonic development and egg hatching occurring in about 24 h. A series of larval molts or instars, over about a 2 week period, results in the adult crustacean. We have assessed these developmental events in a closed syringe system, a bioprocessing module, in ground-based studies, and have conducted preliminary in-orbit experiments aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis during the flights of STS-37 and STS-43. Although the in-flight data are limited, spectacular degrees of development have been achieved.
Landsat thematic mapper satellite data were found to offer potential for regular monitoring of the Konza Prairie tallgrass prairie ecosystem. Data from two Landsat thematic mapper channels derived from an August 1989 scene were analyzed using a transformed vegetation index relative to above ground biomass samples on burned and unburned watersheds for Florence and Clime soils. In addition transformed vegetation index (TV1) values were analyzed relative to watersheds experiencing different burning frequency. Despite drought conditions during 1989, the combination of using Landsat thematic mapper in a transformed vegetation index provided a suitable measure of spatial variation in above ground biomass for diverse burning strategies and soil conditions.
Brush invasion is a problem on some grazing land in Kansas. A study was initiated on two sites in the northern Flint Hills to determine the effectiveness of tebuthiuron for controlling selected woody species and the associated effect on botanical composition and basal cover. Tebuthiuron pellets (20% a.i.) were aerially applied to 4 ha plots at each site at 2 kg/ha in December, 1979. Tebuthiuron reduced the canopy covers at Siberian elm (46%) and Osage orange (44%) 46 months after treatment at the Geary County site. Canopy covers of Siberian elm, smooth sumac, and eastern cottonwood were reduced >50% 45 months after treatment at the Pottawatomie County site. A decrease in basal cover on the treated sites was not significantly different from a corresponding change on adjacent untreated sites. Setaria spp. increased on the tebuthiuron-treated site in Geary County, whereas sedge, Scribner panicum, and Japanese brome decreased between the first and second growing seasons after application. The 2 kg/ha rate used in this study, in conjunction with low rainfall and high organic matter and clay content of soils, was not adequate for complete control of the target species.
High-terrace and hill-top chert gravel deposits are abundant in the Walnut drainage basin. These gravel deposits are designated here as the Leon Gravel, a formation that is equivalent to the Olpe-Norge soil. The Leon Gravel can be separated in some places into upper (hill-top) and lower (high-terrace) members on the basis of topographic position and soil development. Age of the Leon Gravel is not known with certainty; hill-top gravels are likely late Miocene or Pliocene; whereas, the high-terrace gravels are probably Pliocene or early Pleistocene. The Leon Gravel contains quartzite pebbles that presumably were reworked from Ogallala-type deposits. The quartzite pebbles were likely carried eastward by the ancestral Arkansas River, which may have flowed across the Flint Hills into southeastern Kansas. Bedrock features of the region have exerted a strong influence on the modern drainage pattern and sinkhole development; long-term southward crustal tilting has caused streams to shift to the south during valley entrenchment.
Electric fields may represent a more effective way of confining a magnetoplasma.
The Lawrence Formation is a typical thick shale sequence of the midcontinent Upper
Pennsylvanian cyclic depositional models, and contains a low diversity vertebrate assemblage
composed exclusively of fish. This fauna, recognized from mostly fragmentary microscopic
elements, includes both sharks (Cladodus and Orthacanthus) and bony fish (Palaeoniscoidea indet., cf. Rhabdoderma, and Sagenodus). These taxa do not occur within the same stratigraphic intervals, and suggest varied fresh water to nearshore marine environments of deposition. Although the small sample size, low diversity, and varied interpretations of environmental preferences for the vertebrate fauna limits its usefulness as an environmental indicator, the implications are consistent with other paleontologic and sedimentologic data.
As the carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration in the atmosphere increase, comparing how C3 and C4 plants will respond is important. The objective of this study was to determine the photosynthetic rate, intercellular CO2 concentration, transpiration rate, stomatal resistance, leaf temperature, water potential, and water requirement of a C3 grass (Kentucky bluegrass, Poa pratensis L.) and a C4 grass (big bluestem, Andropogon gerardii Vitman) growing in the fall in a tallgrass prairie in Kansas under two levels of CO2 (ambient and two-time ambient). Elevated CO2 increased the photosynthetic rate of Kentucky bluegrass by 141% but did not affect the photosynthetic rate of big bluestem. Intercellular CO2 concentrations of both grasses were increased by about the same amount, which was about half the increase in the atmospheric CO2 concentration. Doubled CO2 reduced the transpiration rates and increased stomatal resistances of both grasses, but big bluestem was affected more than Kentucky bluegrass. The twice-ambient level of CO2 increased (between 0.2 and 0.3 MPa) the water potential of both grasses. Doubled CO2 decreased the water requirements of big bluestem and Kentucky bluegrass by 41.6% an 158% respectively.
Interpretation of a magnetometer survey along the Kansas River floodplain in Riley County,
Kansas indicates two major isogam anomalies. The easternmost anomaly is tabular to subcircular, nearly east-west horizontally aligned, and caused by eleven 55-gallon steel drums buried 4 to 6 feet beneath the surface. The drums apparently were buried 20 to 40 years ago. On excavation it was determined that the drums were filled with the liquid-hydrocarbon insecticide dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT) and that none of the DDT had leaked from them. The westernmost, smaller, and more circular anomaly is caused by a small drainage culvert buried 3 to 5 feet down.
This study was carried out to investigate and record information on the life history and
contributions of Johan August Udden, John Eric Welin, and Emil Olaf Deere. Udden and Welin
were born in Sweden, whereas Deere was born in Illinois shortly after his parents arrived in this country from Sweden.
The information for this study was obtained by checking hundreds of references, files, letters, and other material which probably would have been lost if not retrieved at this time. Interviews were conducted with relatives of these men and others for information.
Each of these men began teaching when he was required to teach a large variety of subjects with a heavy teaching load. They were highly dedicated with keen intellectual curiosity and deep compassion for their students. Professor Udden was the first teacher in Bethany College. During his lifetime be became highly recognized for his research in geology. Four honorary doctorates were bestowed upon him. Professor Welin was a successful teacher for 45 years. Many of his students continued on into graduate work and became highly successful in the field of chemistry. Professor Deere, a teacher for 51 years, also was responsible for a fair number of students going into graduate school and the field of medicine. He contributed much through his many diverse activities to his community, state and nation.
Johan August Udden, born in the village of Udd, Sweden in 1859, immigrated with his family to the United States in 1861; they settled in a farming community in Carver County, Minnesota. J.A. Udden attended Augustana College and graduated in 1881, having completed a classical program with emphasis in the natural sciences; he did not, however, have a formal course in geology. He accepted a post in Lindsborg, Kansas, in the fall of 1881 at Bethany Academy, later Bethany College, and remained there until 1888, when he was invited to return to Augustana as the first occupant of the Oscar II Chair of Natural History. He made the decision during his stay at Bethany to make geology his career, and although he did not publish his first scientific paper until he returned to Augustana, his early papers were based on observations made and materials collected during his years in Kansas.
Born of immigrant Swedish parents in Moline, Illinois, on 27 April 1900, Fritiof M. Fryxell went on to become a legend with an extraordinary career in many fields and endeavors. He received the baccalaureate degree in English in 1922 from Augustana College, the Master of Arts degree from the University of Illinois in 1923, and the Doctorate of Philosophy (in Geology) in 1929 from the University of Chicago.
I first encountered Dr. Fryxell as I entered Augustana College as a freshman in the fall of 1934. Although I had planned to pursue a degree leading to preparation for medical college, I soon was introduced to the legend ot Fryxell by my fellow students who insisted that I absolutely had to have the opportunity of enrolling in a course with Professor Fryxell which I never regretted, following in his footsteps to obtain the bachelor, master, and doctorate degrees in Geology.
Numerous stories, biographies, and other accounts of his mountain climbing prowess, the establishment of Grand Teton National Park, compliments to him by Generals Eisenhower and MacArthur for his work with the military geology unit in WWII and work in the Philippines, all attest to the stellar performances of this legend.
Research and publications of Fryxell include glaciers of the Tetons, geomorphology and glacial geology of the San Joaquin basin, Sierra Nevadas, completion of Francois Matthes' work on Sequois National Park and Yosemite, Teritary structure, and volcanics in the Tetons, and Phillippine oil possibilities.
In 1926, when Hollis Hedberg went to Venezuela at the age of 23, he took with him the tools
upon which he would build his life. They were all compactly resting in his head. His family life on the farm, the spirit of the Swedish community where cleanliness and friendly cordiality went together with sturdy hard work and integrity of character, his formal education, and an exploratory mind. In Venezuela he rushed into a study of the country. His 22 papers together with the company reports he wrote, are today recognized as classic and basic to the geology of Venezuela. He proposed the use of determining the refractive index of oil to simplify determining its weight. He faced the question of the origin of oil and the migration of oil. In the 60's he became convinced of the importance of offshore resources and masterminded a multisensor ship, the Gulfrex, to survey sedimentary basins worldwide. He tackled the scientific and political questions of the Law of the Sea. But his greatest contribution to science was his long and arduous struggle to establish guidelines and language for stratigraphic nomenclature published in the International Stratigraphic Guide in 1976. He served on countless committees, advisory boards, and he befriended and was an inspiration to his colleagues, associates, students, and employees. He studied and translated the works of Swedish geologists. He received many awards in recognition of his use of the tools with which he launched his career.
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