Welcome to DSLS! DSLS Newsletter UNIVERSITIES SPACE RESEARCH ASSOCIATION May 2010 On April 1, 2010, Christian Otto, MD joined the DSLS team. In addition, Christian completed two oneyear tours with the United States Antarctic Christian is an emergency physician, and an Program, most recently operational space medi- as the 2004-05 Amundsen-Scott South cine researcher. He Pole Station Physician. completed his underHe has spent two field graduate degree in seasons on Devon Island in exercise physiology and his medical degree 2007 and 2008 at the Mars Institute’s analogue at the University of research site conducting Ottawa, Canada. He completed his residency space medicine research. in Family and Emergency Christian is also a member Medicine at Queen’s of the International University in Kingston, Scientific Committee on Ontario, and graduate Antarctic Research, Expert studies in Medical Group on Human Biology Science (Remote Mediand Medicine, and an cine) at UTMB, Galves- advisory board member of ton. He is experienced in the National Center for remote, high altitude, and Human Performance at the polar medicine having Texas Medical Center. worked in the Canadian Christian is the recipient of High Arctic, and as a the American Institute of medical researcher on Aeronautics and Mount Everest, Mount Astronautics Presidential McKinley and Mount Citation, and the U.S. Logan. Congressional Polar Christian Otto, MD, on Mt. Everest Medal. On May 23, 2008, he summited Mt. Everest, the world’s highest mountain, via the South Col route. Christian joined JSC’s Behavioral Health and Performance Element (BHP). BHP supports and conducts research to characterize and mitigate the Behavioral Medicine risk for exploration missions. Christian has his office in the USRA Houston building. He can be reached at 281-486-2113 or at otto@dsls.usra.edu. Please join us in welcoming Christian to the team! Awards and Honors Rob PloutzSnyder was invited by publisher JosseyBass as Rob Ploutz-Snyder, PhD the lead author for the chapter Quantitative Analytical Methods in the Handbook for Institutional Research. Camille Shea received notification from the Texas State Camille Shea, PhD Examiners of Practicing Psychologists that she has passed the oral exam for licensure as a clinical psychologist in the State of Texas. Lori Ploutz-Snyder was invited to write a review article for the European Journal of Applied Physiology on twenty years (50 articles) of unilateral lower limb suspension studies. She was also invited to present a keynote address on muscle physiology, the “Gary Dudley Memorial Lecture,” (Continued on page 3) Research Grant Proposals Submitted Belyakov OV, Saganti P, Douglas HS, Garlick J, Ponomarev A, Kadhim M, invited to submit Step-2 proposal for “Space Radiation Induced Cancer Progression and Genomic Instability in Human Bioengineered 3-D Tissues and Humanized Mouse Models” in response to NASA Research Announcement NNJ10ZSA001N, Ground-Based Studies in Space Radiobiology. corporating Microwave Cure Augmentation: Materials / Microbial Impact", submitted to NIH. Arndt, Byerly D, Pickering, Sognier M, "Microwave-Based Water Decontamination System for a Space Potable Water System", submitted to NASA JSC. Arndt D, Byerly D, Sognier M, submitted “Tissue Soldering – A Cucinotta FA, Huff J, Novel CounterBelyakov OV submitmeasure for ted “3-D Human Tissue Wound Closure Facility for Radiation for ISS Misand Microgravity Stud- sions,” for fund- Marguerite Sognier, PhD Janice Huff, ies, JSC, Priority 1,” for ing by NASA. PhD funding through Arndt D, Byerly D, Sognier M, NASA. submitted “Innovative Treatments Ploutz-Snyder L submitted a for Dental Emergencies for ISS two-page pre-proposal, “Does Missions,” for funding by NASA. Milk Enhance The Effectiveness Arndt D, Byerly D, Sognier M, of Exercise for the Maintenance submitted “Radiofrequency Treatof Muscle Function During Extended Periods Of Unloading?” to ment for Bacterial and Fungal Infections for ISS Missions,” for the National Dairy Council for funding to supplement the NASA funding by NASA. limb suspension study. Arndt D, Byerly D, Sognier M, Batki SL, Ploutz- submitted “Noninvasive, Innovative Countermeasure for Skin disSnyder R, "Comparative Ef- orders on ISS and Exploration Missions,” for funding by NASA fectiveness: Oral vs XR-Naltrexone Innovative Partnership Program. for Alcohol DeArndt D, Byerly D, Sognier M, pendence/SPMI", submitted “Innovative Radiofresubmitted to Naquency (RF) Decontamination of Rob Ploutz-Snyder, PhD tional Institutes of Potable Water Systems on ISS Health in response and Exploration Missions,” for to Collaborative R01s for Clinical funding by NASA Innovative and Services Studies of Mental Partnership Program. Disorders, AIDS and Alcohol Use Arndt D, Byerly D, Sognier M, Disorders (R01). submitted “Water Processing Stangel, Arndt, Byerly D, SogTechnologies,” for funding nier M, "A Novel Composite In- through NASA. Westby C, Platts SH, Shi S-J, PloutzSnyder RJ, Wu H, subChris Westby, PhD mitted a Step I proposal, “The Effects of Low-DoseRate Ionizing Radiation on Measures of Vascular Endothelial Function, Oxidative Stress, and Systemic Inflammation,” in response to the Ground-Based Studies in Space Radiobiology NRA NNJ10ZSA001N. Grant Awarded! Byerly D, Arndt D, Sognier M, “Microwave-Based Water Decontamination System,” awarded JSC ICA grant, March 2010. New Technology Cucinotta FA, Plante I, Ponomarev AL, Kim M-HY, prepared and submitted NASA documentation (NF1679) for the disclosure of invention and new technology for “GCR Event-based Risk Model (GERM) code,” and for Cucinotta FA, Hu S, Nounu HN, Kim M-HY, “ARRBOD (Acute Radiation Risk and BRYNTRN Organ Dose Projection) GUI (Graphical User Interface).” Page 2 SPOTLIGHT ON: Roni Cromwell, PhD! Ronita Cromwell, PhD, Project Scientist for the Flight Analogs Project, was recently interviewed for the Spotlight Article. * Tell us briefly about yourself and your family. I was raised in a suburb of Chicago and received my Ph.D. education from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. My husband (Paul Meyers) is the Executive Director of Sponsored Programs at the UniverRoni Cromwell, PhD sity of Houston Clear Lake. We have a daughter (Nadda Meyers) and a son (Paul Meyers). My daughter is 30 years old and lives in New York City. My son is 18 and is currently attending San Jacinto Community College majoring in psychology. * What are you presently working on at JSC? Currently, the Flight Analogs Project (FAP) is working on integrating Dr. Bloomberg’s Functional Task Test (FTT) study and Dr. Lori Ploutz-Snyder’s Integrated Resistive and Aerobic Exercise study (iRATS) as our newest bed rest complement at the Flight Analogs Research Unit. These studies are scheduled to begin late this summer. * What is most important to you regarding your work at JSC? The ability to test studies, particularly countermeasure studies in ground-based analogs is critical for Participants in a Flight Analogs Project helping to determine their success in flight. Managing these studies on the Flight Analogs Research Unit at UTMB is the most exciting part of my job. * What are your goals for this year? In addition to starting the FTT/ iRATS complement, we have completed two other bed rest complements this year. FAP also manages NASA HRP science in other ground based analogs and will be completing the NEEMO14 mission this spring. We have also been doing some work with our international partners related to standardization of bed rest conditions and measures. We hope to have a draft of mutually agreeable standards by the end of this calendar year. Thank you very much for being our Spotlight Scientist for this edition of the newsletter, Dr. Cromwell! Awards and Honors (continued from Page 1) at the July 2010 Annual Meeting of the National Strength and Conditioning Association, Orlando, Florida. Lori Ploutz-Snyder, PhD Shaowen Hu was selected as a participant in the 2010 NASA Space Radiation Summer School. This intense course at the U.S. Department of Energy's Brookhaven National Laboratory is designed to provide a ‘pipeline’ of leading researchers to tackle the challenges related to space radiation inShaowen Hu, PhD duced health effects. Course sponsors are the NASA Space Radiation Project, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Lab, Loma Linda University, and USRA. Ianik Plante has been awarded his United States Permanent Resident Card (“green card”). The proposing team from the United States, which includes NASA, the Ianik Plante, MD PhD University of Houston, USRA, and the University of Texas Medical Branch, was named to host the 2011 AIAA Humans in Space Symposium. The symposium will be held in April 2011 in Houston, Texas. Page 3 New Publications by DSLS Scientists Baverstock K, Belyakov OV. 2010. Some important questions connected with non-targeted effects. Mutation Research / Fundamental and Molecular Mechanisms of Mutagenesis. [E-pub ahead of print]: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/ j.mrfmmm.2010.01.002 Salomaa S, Wright E, Hildebrandt G, Kadhim M, Little M, Prise K, Belyakov OV. 2010. Editorial NonTargeted DNA Effects. Mutat Res http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/ j.mrfmmm.2010.01.018 Carra C, Cucinotta FA. 2010. Binding sites of the E.coli dna recombinase protein to the ssDNA: a computational study. Journal of Biomolecular Structure & Dynamics, 27: 407-428. Conkin J. 2010. Diver and aviator decompression sickness and gender (Chap. 2). In: Fife CE, St. Leger Dowse M (Eds.), Women and pressure. Flagstaff: Best Publishing Co.: 27-40. Conkin J. 2010. Analysis of NASA decompression sickness and venous gas Johnny Conkin, PhD emboli data and gender (Chap. 3). In: Fife CE, St. Leger Dowse M (Eds.), Women and pressure. Flagstaff: Best Publishing Co.: 41 - 68. Newton RA, Cromwell RL, Rogers HL. 2010. The Relationship between physical performance and obesity in elderly African-American women. Physical & Occupational Therapy in Geriatrics, 27(6): 423440. Hada M, Gersey B, Saganti PB, Wilkins R, Cucinotta FA, Wu H. 2010. mBAND analysis of chromosome aberrations in human epithelial cells induced by g-rays and secondary neutrons of low dose rate. Mutation Research/ Genetic Toxicology and Environmental Mutagenesis. [Epub ahead of print] http:// dx.doi.org/10.1016/ j.mrgentox.2010.03.009 Kim M-HY, Qualls GD, Slaba TC, Cucinotta FA. 2010. Comparison of Organ Dose and Dose Equivalent for Human Phantoms of CAM vs. MAX. Advances in Space Research, 45(7): 850-857. Kim M-HY, Hu S, Nounu HN, Cucinotta FA. 2010. Development of Graphical Myung-Hee Kim, PhD User Interface for ARRBOD (Acute Radiation Risk and BRYNTRN Organ Dose Projection), NASA/TP-2010-216116. Mulavara AP, Feiveson AH, Fiedler J, Cohen H, Peters BT, Miller C, Brady R, Bloomberg JJ. 2010. Locomotor function after long-duration space flight: effects and motor learning during recovery. Experimental Brain Research. [E-pub ahead of print]: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00221010-2171-0 Plante I, Cucinotta FA. 2010. Energy deposition and relative frequency of hits of cylindrical nanovolumes in medium irradiated by ions: Monte Carlo simulation of tracks structure. Radiation and Environmental Biophysics 49: 5-13. Cowley PM, Ploutz-Snyder LL, Baynard T, Heffernan K, Jae SY, Hsu S, Lee M, Pitetti KH, Reiman MP, Fernhall B. 2010. Physical fitness predicts functional tasks in individuals with Down syndrome. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 42(2): 38893. Kelleher AR, Hackney KJ, Fairchild TJ, Keslacy S, Ploutz-Snyder LL. 2010. The metabolic costs of reciprocal supersets vs. traditional resistance exercise in young recreationally active adults. J Strength Cond Res, 24(4): 1043-1051. Izquierdo R, Lagua CT, Meyer S, Ploutz-Snyder RJ, Palmas W, Eimicke JP, Kong J, Teresi JA, Shea S, Weinstock RS. 2010. Telemedicine Intervention Effects on Waist Circumference and Body Mass Index in the IDEATel Project. Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics 12(3): 213-220. Mestek ML, Westby CM, Van Guilder GP, Greiner JJ, Stauffer BL, Desouza CA. 2010. Regular Aerobic Exercise, Without Weight Loss, Improves Endotheliumdependent Vasodilation in Overweight and Obese Adults. Obesity, Jan 7. Maceneaney OJ, Kushner EJ, Westby CM, Cech JN, Greiner JJ, Stauffer BL, Desouza CA. 2010. Endothelial Progenitor Cell Function, Apoptosis, and Telomere Length in Overweight / Obese Humans. Obesity, Jan 7. Zhou D, Semones E, O’Sullivan D, Zapp N, Weyland M, Reitz G, Berger T, Benton ER. 2010. Radiation measured for MATROSHKA-1 experiment with passive dosimeters. Acta Astronautica, 66:301308. Page 4 What’s Going On With …. Johnny Conkin is developing a research protocol to collect VGE data from astronauts exposed to 6.5 psia in the ISS airlock to compare with their exposure to 6.5 psia in the Bldg 32 altitude chamber to understand how acclimation to microgravity may increase resistance to VGE formation and DCS. Megumi Hada continued the chromosome analysis of the Japanese ISS sample in collaboration with Dr. Ohnishi at Nara University, Japan. GUI version for the 2010 NASA Space Radiation Summer School. She also prepared cover letters for the distribution of ARRBOD GUI and NASA technical paper, “Development of Graphical User Interface for ARRBOD (Acute Radiation Risk and BRYNTRN Organ Dose Projection), NASA/TP-2010216116” by Myung-Hee Y. Kim, Shaowen Hu, Hatem N. Nounu, and Francis A. Cucinotta, and mailed them to the radiation community. Hatem Nounu Larry Kuznetz pre- developed the pared for a test of the internal parts of the Destiny lab of automatic liquid cooled garment con- the ISS on upHatem N. Nounu, PhD trol system. The con- graded CAD software and raycept algorithm for Larry Kuznetz, PhD the control system is traced the station for shielding quantifications. being developed, and a proportional control valve Ianik Plante completed conversion has been purchased and delivered. of the RITRACKS and Checkout and validation exercises RETRACKS programs to use with for the valve and its integration the Borland C++ computer. The with Legacy began this month software includes a graphic user and will continue through June in interface and a visualization winpreparation for a EPSP test in the dow for tracks and dose and will be environmental physiology chamused to simulate TGFβ activation. ber later this year with human Frank Sulzman participated in two subjects. Scientific Advisory Committee for Jancy McPhee Radiobiology Reinitiated the developsearch (SACRR) rement and implemenviews of proposals tation of plans for the for the Summer and Youth Art CompetiFall runs at Brooktion associated with Jancy McPhee, PhD haven National Lab. the 2011 Humans in Frank also worked Space Symposium to be held in Frank Sulzman, PhD with the Science Houston. Mission Directorate Myung Kim worked on a GERM at NASA headquarters to plan for radiation instrumentation on future (GCR Event-based Risk Model) robotic Mars missions. Chris Westby established a collaboration between Dr. Chris Westby, PhD Honglu Wu (in NASA’s Space Radiation Element) and the Cardiovascular Laboratory with a focus on understanding the potential radioprotective effects of low-dose radiation in tissues that form the cardiovascular system. Chris also began collaborations with NASA, Oceaneering Space Systems and USRA personnel to develop a new orthostatic intolerance garment for astronauts. Scott Wood submitted and received CPHS approval for a new ISS pre- and post-flight study titled “Assessment of Scott Wood, PhD Operator Proficiency Following Long Duration Spaceflight” to be conducted with Steven Moore of Mt. Sinai, New York. Scott also completed test readiness review documentation and approval for a new groundbased study entitled “Sensorimotor displays and controls to enhance the safety of human/machine cooperation during lunar landing”, which will involve data collection using five different test systems in the JSC neurosciences lab. Susi Zanello identified an NIH funding announcement and established a collaboration with Chris Westby to develop a model of retinal aging suitable for ground studies and that simulate aging in space. Page 5 Education Outreach Regina BuccelloStout judged middle school students in the Behavioral Health category at the 51st Science Regina Buccelloand Engineering Stout, PhD Fair of Houston. She also became a mentor for a student in the University of Houston-Clear Lake Human Factors/Ergonomics Student Chapter. Regina led a tour of the Flight Analogs Research Unit at the University of Texas Medical Branch for Dr. Peter Cavanaugh and the Daily Bone Loading Stimulus Study team. Claudio Carra reviewed a manuscript for J Com Chem. Johnny Conkin reviewed a manuscript for Aviat Space Environ Med. Roni Cromwell presented a seminar, “Ground-Based Analogs for Human Spaceflight Research,” University of Houston Clear Lake Physics and Space Science Seminar Series. She also provided tours of the Flight Analogs Research Unit for Rosemarie Filart of the Division of Clinical Research Resources, National Center for Research Resources, National Institutes of Health, and for HRP Program Manager Dennis Grounds and Assistant to the Director for Exploration Flight Crew Operations Directorate Linda Godwin. In addition, Roni judged the 51st Science and Engineering Fair of Houston and reviewed a manuscript for Journal of Aging and Physical Activity. Ramona Gaza submitted a re- search project for summer intern students through CONNECT. Megumi Hada reviewed a manuscript for Radiation Research. Myung Kim provided technical consult to Dr. Marcelo Vazquez, NSBRI Senior Scientist, for the probability calculation of having proton fluence above the double intensity of August 1972 event for a given mission period. Larry Kuznetz reviewed the progress of graduate student Tom Miller, University of Southwest Alabama, who is working to improve a two-dimensional thermal model of the human body. Lealem Mulugeta is discussing with space tourist Richard Garriott the possiLealem Mulugeta, MSc bility of screening his film “Man on a Mission” in Houston as an outreach tool for young students. Ajit Mulavara reviewed a manuscript for the journal Aviation Space and Environmental Medicine. Ajit organized three laboratory tours for Dr. Leah Bent, University of Guelph and others from the Canadian Space Agency; for Dr. Michael Hoffer, CAPT US Navy; and for Lynne Logan, SUNY Upstate Medical University physical therapist. “Apparatus Development for 3D Cell Culture in Microgravity” to fly an experiment in the Microgravity aircraft. She also judged senior projects, Medicine/Health Division, at the 51st Science and Engineering Fair of Houston and 7th grade Microbiology / Biochemistry projects at the Clear Creek ISD District Science Fair. Ianik Plante reviewed a manuscript for the European Physical Journal and for Radiation Environmental Biophysics. Lori Ploutz-Snyder worked with University of Houston Department of Health and Human Performance Ph.D. student Meghan Everett on her dissertation proposal for “Cardiovascular responses to traditional or low load blood flow restricted exercise during human limb suspension.” She continued to work with Kyle Hackney on the development of his dissertation proposal. Rob Ploutz-Snyder judged 5th grade science fair projects for Sandra Mossman Elementary School, Clear Creek ISD. Rob also served on the dissertation committee for Lynne Logan, Rocky Mountain State University, for “Effects of sensory level electrical stimulation on muscle cross-sectional area, strength, and metabolite production in children with cerebral palsy,“ who successfully defended her dissertation. Jessica Scott is a member of the Board of Directors for Space without Borders, an organization that is looking to utilize space technology to benefit developing countries. Zarana Patel continued to mentor the Reduced Gravity Education Flight Program / Systems Engineering Educational DiscovZarana Patel, PhD ery (SEED) project Jessica Scott, PhD Continued on page 7 Page 6 Education and Outreach Marguerite Sognier hosted an Honoring the Teachers event at Moody Gardens to honor teachers who are committed to being lifelong learners and provided the introductory comments with slide shows for the program. Marguerite presented “Podcasting – Not Just for Kids Anymore!,” at the National Science Teachers Association Annual Meeting in Philadelphia, PA. She also recruited speakers and workshop presenters for the Expanding Your Horizons Career Explorations Conference for 6th to 8th grade girls. College & Career Night at Clifton Middle School DSLS had been invited to participate in the March 11 College & Career Night at Clifton Middle School, a Houston Independent School District Math, Science, and Technology Magnet Program with about 1,000 students. The magnet program gives students the opportunity for in-depth, process-oriented study in science- and math-related fields in conjunction with a strong academic program. Students are encouraged to develop laboratory skills through active, hands-on experimentation in a variety of science courses. Clifton offers courses in robotics, aerospace, marine science and engineering, and Girls Exploring Engineering. Chris Westby reviewed a manuscript for the Journal of Applied Physiology. Virginia Wotring reviewed a manuscript for Neuropharmacology. She was also a Science Fair Judge at Space Center Intermediate School and Ginger Wotring, PhD presented a short safety talk, "Safety in the Medicine Cabinet”, to the Weekly Management Tag. Patrice Yarbrough judged the 51st Science and Engineering Fair of Houston. Sara Zwart reviewed a manuscript for European Journal of Dentistry, for Medicine & Sara Zwart, PhD Science in Sports and Exercise, and for the Journal of Nutrition. Sara also judged the science fair at Ferguson Elementary School. So on March 11, five DSLS scientists (Lealem Mulugeta. Rob PloutzSnyder, Jessica Scott, Chris Westby and Patrice Yarbough) and one administrator set out on a long drive to Northwest Houston to staff several booths and to present talks on careers in math, science, and engineering to students and their parents. The event was well organized and supported by numerous universities and representatives of a wide variety of career fields to spark the students’ interests. Victor (photo bottom right) was the special guide for the DSLS team - he took good care of us! Victor wants to be an Air Force pilot and later on an astronaut. Page 7 Recent Scientific Presentations Invited talk, Belyakov O, "Studies of non-targeted biological effects of ionising radiation", University of Louisiana at Lafayette Accelerator Center. Belyakov O, "Applications of paradigm breaking non-targeted effects for radiation protection and risk estimates,” DSLS Brown Bag Seminar, USRA Houston. Belyakov O, "3D tissue systems: the roadmap to the future," Space Radiation Journal Club, NASA JSC. Abstract, Carra C, “Selectivity and Binding Mechanism of E. Coli Recombinase Protein, A Computational ApClaudio Carra, PhD proach,” Gordon Conference, DNA Damage, Mutation, and Cancer, Ventura, California. Chappell L, "Modeling the Dose Response for Heavy Ion Tumor Induction," Space Radiation Journal Club, NASA JSC. Invited talk, Cromwell RL, “International Standardization of Bed Rest Standard Measures,” 1st Meeting of the IAA Study Group on Bed Rest Standardization, Paris, France. Invited talk, Cromwell RL, “NASA Bed Rest Studies,” International Countermeasures Working Group Meeting, Paris, France. Invited talk, Hu S, "A cell kinetic model of granulocytopoesis under radiation exposure: extension from rodents to large animals,” Space Radiation Journal Club, NASA JSC. Invited talk, Huff J, presented journal article “Interaction with surrounding normal epithelial cells influences signalling pathways and behaviour of Src-transformed cells”, Mihoko Kajita, et al. Journal of Cell Science 123, 171-180 (2010), Space Radiation Journal Club, NASA JSC. Abstract, Kim M-H Y, Hu S, Cucinotta FA, “Statistical Prediction of Solar Particle Event Frequency based on the Measurements of Recent Solar Cycles for Acute Radiation Risk Analysis,” 2009 AGU Fall Meeting, San Francisco, CA. Poster. Abstract, Batson C, Brady R, Peters B, Mulavara A, Bloomberg J, “Gait training improves performance in healthy adults exposed to novel discordant conditions,” 3rd International Congress on Gait and Mental Function: The Interplay between Walking Behavior and Cognition,” Washington, D.C. Abstract, Brady R, Batson C, Peters B, Mulavara A, Bloomberg J, “Sensory bias Ajitkumar Mulavara, PhD predicts postural stability, anxiety, and cognitive performance In healthy adults walking in novel discordant conditions,” 3rd International Congress on Gait and Mental Function: The Interplay between Walking Behavior and Cognition,” Washington, D.C. Patel Z, "Tissue Engineering 101 – Methods and Strategies," Space Radiation Journal Club, NASA JSC. Plante I, "RITRACKS: A Software for Simulation of HZE Radiation and Calculation of Dose in Nanovolumes," Space Radiation Journal Club, NASA JSC. Invited talk, Ploutz-Snyder R, “Correlation and Introduction to Ordinary Least Squares Regression,” (SMAR Series), USRA Houston. Invited talk, Ploutz-Snyder R, “Ordinary Least Squares Regression”, (SMAR Series), USRA Houston. Abstract, PloutzSnyder R, Feiveson AH, Nguyen D, Kuznetz L, “Combining disparate measures of metabolic rate dur- Rob Ploutz-Snyder, PhD ing simulated spacewalks,” 2010 Spring Meeting of the International Biometric Society, Eastern North America Region, New Orleans, LA. Scott J, “Speckle tracking echocardiography in the assessment of mouse models of cardiac dysfunction, Cardiovascular Laboratory Journal Club, NASA JSC. Invited talk, Wood SJ, “Sensorimotor recovery following space flight: Implications for crew return to duty,” War Related Illness and Injury Study Center, New Jersey Department of Veterans’ Affairs, East Orange, NJ. Abstract, Wood SJ, Clément GR, “Translational vestibulo-ocular reflexes during off-vertical axis rotation, 33rd Association for Research in Otolaryngology MidWinter Meeting, Anaheim, CA. Page 8 Recent Scientific Presentations (cont. from Page 8) Seminar, Zanello S, “Review of Cellular Structure and Function,” Aerospace Medicine Grand Rounds, NASA JSC. Susi Zanello, PhD Invited talk, Zanello S, "RealTime PCR for Gene Expression studies", Technical Review Series, NASA JSC. Invited talk, Zwart S, "Vitamin D: Findings from Antarctic, Bed Rest, Houston, and ISS", Brown Bag Luncheon Seminar, USRA Houston. DSLS Scientific Presentations at the HRP Workshop Abstract, Bloomberg JJ, Arzeno N, Buxton RE, Feiveson AH, Kofman I,. Lawrence EL, Lee SMC, Mulavara AP, Peters BT, Platts SH, Ploutz-Snyder LL, Reschke MF, Ryder J, Spiering BA, Stenger MB, Wood SJ. “Defining the Physiological Factors That Contribute to Postflight Changes in Functional Performance,” Oral talk presented by Bloomberg. Lori Chappell Abstract, Cucinotta FA, Chappell LJ, Kim M-HY. “Space Radiation Heart Disease Risk Estimates for Lu- nar and Mars Missions,” Oral talk presented by Cucinotta. confined environments (ICE)”. Poster presented by Shea. Abstract, Ellman R, Sibonga JD, Bouxsein ML. “Data mining activity for bone discipline: Calculating a factor of risk for hip fracture in long-duration astronauts,” Poster presented by Ellman. Abstract, PloutzSnyder LL, “Integrated Resistance and Aerobic Training Study (iRATS),” Oral talk, Human Lori Ploutz-Snyder, PhD Health and Countermeasures Integrated Plenary. Abstract, Hada M, Cucinotta FA, Wu H. “Distribution of chromosome breakpoints in human epithelial cells exposed to lowand high-LET radiations,” Poster. Megumi Hada, PhD Abstract, Lang TF, Streeper TS, Cavanagh PR, Saeed IH, Carpenter RD, Frassetto LA, Lee SMC, Spiering BA, Grodsinsky CM, Funk J, Hanson AM, Bloomberg JJ, Mulavara AP, Sibonga JD. “An Integrated Musculoskeletal Countermeasure Battery for Long-Duration Lunar Missions,” Oral talk presented by Lang. Abstract, Mulavara AP, Fiedler M, Kofman I, Fisher E, Wood SJ, Serrador J, Peters B, Cohen H, Reschke MF, Bloomberg JJ. “Development of Countermeasures to Aid Functional Egress from the Crew Exploration Vehicle Following Long Duration Spaceflight,” Oral talk presented twice by Mulavara in Muscle and Sensorimotor Sessions. Abstract, Palinkas LA, Keeton KE, Shea C, Leveton LB. “Psychosocial characteristics of optimum performance in isolated and Abstract, Westby CM, Phillips TR, Stenger MB, Platts SH. “60 days of head-down bed rest differentially alters venous function between men and women in the lower but not upper body,” Oral talk, New Talent Showcase. Abstract, Wood SJ, A. Clarke AH, Rupert AH, Harm DL, Clément GR, “ZAG-Otolith: Modification of otolith-ocular reflexes, motion perception and manual control during variable radius centrifugation following spaceflight, Oral talk, Sensorimotor Session. Invited talk, Wotring VE, “Pharmacological Issues for Astronauts,” Oral talk, NonMicrogravity Provocations to Crew during Spaceflight Plenary Session. Abstract, Zwart SR, Locke J, Pierson D, Mehta S, Bourbeau Y, Parsons H, Smith SM, “Vitamin D: Findings from Antarctic, Bed Rest, Houston, and ISS,” Oral talk, Nutrition Session. Camille Shea, PhD Page 9 Upcoming Meetings / Seminars / Workshops at USRA Houston May 6: Seminar: “Open Signaling Cascade with Forward Activation” - Yongfeng Li, PhD, University of Minnesota, Institute for Mathematics and Its Application (10:30 am, Berkner Room) May 13: SMAR #12 (Statistical Methods and Application Review) (11:45 am, Berkner Room) May 17 - 20: Multilateral Medical Operations Panel (MMOP) May 20: Brown Bag Luncheon Seminar: “Personal Perspectives from the NASTAR Training Course” - Ramona Gaza, PhD, and Scott Wood, PhD (11:30 am, Berkner Room) May 25: Aerospace Medicine Grand Rounds: Ronald Glaser, PhD, Ohio State University, on Immunology (8:00 am, Lecture Hall) June 7 - 8: Astronaut Bone Health Panel June 22: Aerospace Medicine Grand Rounds: Steve Nissen, MD, Medical Director, Cleveland Clinic Cardiovascular Coordinating Center (8:00 am, Lecture Hall) July 27: Aerospace Medicine Grand Rounds: “Providing Urgent Care in a General Purpose Helicopter with a Portable Medical Pack” - Shean Phelps, US Army (8:00 am, Lecture Hall) Happy Birthday!! May 29 Jeff Ryder June 4 Maureen McCarthy June 8 Yvonne Roed June 11 Lealem Mulugeta June 19 James Fiedler June 20 Megumi Hada (Sorry - no image available of Reen McCarthy!) Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to all, happy Birthday to you!!! The DSLS Newsletter is published on a bi-monthly basis. Dagmar Morgan—Editor Division of Space Life Sciences Universities Space Research Association 3600 Bay Area Boulevard, Houston, TX 77058 May 2010 DSLS Newsletter U N I V E R S I T I E S S P A C E R E S E A R C H A S S O C I A T I O N Page 10