Working Papers: Astronomy and Astrophysics Panel Reports

The papers of the panels appointed by the Astronomy and Astrophysics survey Committee are compiled. These papers were advisory to the survey committee and represent the opinions of the members of each panel in the context of their individual charges. The following subject areas are covered: radio astronomy, infrared astronomy, optical/IR from ground, UV-optical from space, interferometry, high energy from space, particle astrophysics, theory and laboratory astrophysics, solar astronomy, planetary astronomy, computing and data processing, policy opportunities, benefits to the nation from astronomy and astrophysics, status of the profession, and science opportunities

Applications of aerospace technology in the public sector

Current activities of the program to accelerate specific applications of space related technology in major public sector problem areas are summarized for the period 1 June 1971 through 30 November 1971. An overview of NASA technology, technology applications, and supporting activities are presented. Specific technology applications in biomedicine are reported including cancer detection, treatment and research; cardiovascular diseases, diagnosis, and treatment; medical instrumentation; kidney function disorders, treatment, and research; and rehabilitation medicine

Virtual Reality Games for Motor Rehabilitation

This paper presents a fuzzy logic based method to track user satisfaction without the need for devices to monitor users physiological conditions. User satisfaction is the key to any product’s acceptance; computer applications and video games provide a unique opportunity to provide a tailored environment for each user to better suit their needs. We have implemented a non-adaptive fuzzy logic model of emotion, based on the emotional component of the Fuzzy Logic Adaptive Model of Emotion (FLAME) proposed by El-Nasr, to estimate player emotion in UnrealTournament 2004. In this paper we describe the implementation of this system and present the results of one of several play tests. Our research contradicts the current literature that suggests physiological measurements are needed. We show that it is possible to use a software only method to estimate user emotion

Portable spectroscopy system for ultra-sensitive, real-time measurement of breath ethane

This thesis describes the development, characterisation and application of a portable spectroscopy system for ultra-sensitive, real-time detection of breath ethane. In healthcare, breath ethane is a widely accepted marker of free radical-induced cell damage and may be used to indicate changes in oxidative stress. The aim was to deliver a compact instrument capable of long-term, on-site use in a clinical environment, while also retaining the high performance previously achieved by lab-based systems at the University of Glasgow. The newly developed instrument has a sensitivity of 70 parts per trillion with a 1 Hz sampling rate. The system incorporates a cryogenicallycooled lead-salt laser and uses a second derivative wavelength modulation detection scheme. A thermally-managed closed-loop refrigeration system has eliminated the need for liquid coolants. The instrument has been field-tested to ensure target performance is sustained in a range of environments, both indoor and outdoor. It has since been used in a number of pilot clinical studies, both off-site and on-site, in which breath ethane was monitored as a marker of oxidative stress. The three main clinical areas investigated were dialysis, radiotherapy and intensive care. In the intensive care study, the instrument was modified to enable automatic breath sampling of inspired and expired gases of ventilated patients. This technique proved highly successful and the instrument then remained at the Southern General hospital, where it continued to be used as part of a wider study into breath ethane in intensive care patients. The use of the new spectroscopy system has enabled ultra-sensitive, rapid analysis of a large number of breath samples. The use of the new instrument, in particular for continual breath monitoring, has enabled the detection of short-lived fluctuations in breath ethane, yielding some interesting findings in a number of pilot clinical studies. Our results suggest that breath ethane may be used as an indicator of dynamic changes in oxidative stress. Further studies will be required to determine if such monitoring is of clinical benefit. Chapter 1 gives a general introduction to spectroscopy and some background to our project. A number of spectroscopic techniques and laser sources are discussed, along with a review of previous work in ethane detection. In chapter 2 some background theory of molecular spectroscopy is given, with a more detailed discussion of the wavelength modulation technique. Chapter 3 describes in detail the development of the portable spectroscopy system. The achieved performance and factors contributing to this performance are discussed in chapter 4. The field test of the instrument is reported on in chapter 5. In chapter 6 the application of the technology to breath analysis and the current challenges in this field are discussed. Example breath ethane measurements for healthy controls are provided. The clinical pilot studies conducted using the new system in areas of dialysis, intensive care and radiotherapy are discussed in chapters 7, 8, and 9 respectively. Chapter 10 contains the thesis summary and conclusions, with suggestions for future work

COBE's search for structure in the Big Bang

The launch of Cosmic Background Explorer (COBE) and the definition of Earth Observing System (EOS) are two of the major events at NASA-Goddard. The three experiments contained in COBE (Differential Microwave Radiometer (DMR), Far Infrared Absolute Spectrophotometer (FIRAS), and Diffuse Infrared Background Experiment (DIRBE)) are very important in measuring the big bang. DMR measures the isotropy of the cosmic background (direction of the radiation). FIRAS looks at the spectrum over the whole sky, searching for deviations, and DIRBE operates in the infrared part of the spectrum gathering evidence of the earliest galaxy formation. By special techniques, the radiation coming from the solar system will be distinguished from that of extragalactic origin. Unique graphics will be used to represent the temperature of the emitting material. A cosmic event will be modeled of such importance that it will affect cosmological theory for generations to come. EOS will monitor changes in the Earth's geophysics during a whole solar color cycle

Social and Affective Neuroscience of Everyday Human Interaction

This Open Access book presents the current state of the art knowledge on social and affective neuroscience based on empirical findings. This volume is divided into several sections first guiding the reader through important theoretical topics within affective neuroscience, social neuroscience and moral emotions, and clinical neuroscience. Each chapter addresses everyday social interactions and various aspects of social interactions from a different angle taking the reader on a diverse journey. The last section of the book is of methodological nature. Basic information is presented for the reader to learn about common methodologies used in neuroscience alongside advanced input to deepen the understanding and usability of these methods in social and affective neuroscience for more experienced readers

NASA thesaurus. Volume 3: Definitions

Publication of NASA Thesaurus definitions began with Supplement 1 to the 1985 NASA Thesaurus. The definitions given here represent the complete file of over 3,200 definitions, complimented by nearly 1,000 use references. Definitions of more common or general scientific terms are given a NASA slant if one exists. Certain terms are not defined as a matter of policy: common names, chemical elements, specific models of computers, and nontechnical terms. The NASA Thesaurus predates by a number of years the systematic effort to define terms, therefore not all Thesaurus terms have been defined. Nevertheless, definitions of older terms are continually being added. The following data are provided for each entry: term in uppercase/lowercase form, definition, source, and year the term (not the definition) was added to the NASA Thesaurus. The NASA History Office is the authority for capitalization in satellite and spacecraft names. Definitions with no source given were constructed by lexicographers at the NASA Scientific and Technical Information (STI) Facility who rely on the following sources for their information: experts in the field, literature searches from the NASA STI database, and specialized references