Fall 2009 Times of Celebration at DSLS Shaowen Hu was the recipient of the prestigious Fowler Award at the 55th Annual Meeting of the Radiation Research Society in Savannah, Georgia. The Fowler Award recognizes an outstanding young investigator for exceptional work in radiation oncology, medical physics, and/or radiobiology. Congratulations, Shaowen! DSLS Newsletter UNIVERSITIES SPACE RESEARCH ASSOCIATION The following DSLS team members were honored during an afternoon reception for their years of service to the organization: Pictured at the Service Award Reception are (L-R): Megumi Hada, Janice Huff, Jancy McPhee & Terri Jones Terri Jones - 15 years Megumi Hada - 5 years Janice Huff - 5 years Jancy McPhee - 5 years Artem Ponomarev - 5 years Victor Schneider - 5 years Scott Wood - 5 years Dazhuang Zhou - 5 years Welcome to DSLS! Oleg Belyakov, PhD, is DSLS’ newest team member. Dr. Belyakov graduated from the Department of Biology at St. Petersburg State University and obtained a MSc in Radiobiology from St. Bartholomew's and the Royal London Hospital School of Medicine and Dentistry, QMW, University of London, UK. His PhD work entailed a collaborative project between the Gray Cancer Institute, Northwood, UK (today the Gray Institute for Radiation On- Oleg Belyakov, PhD cology and Biology at the University of Oxford) and the Radiation and Environmental Science Centre, Dublin Institute of Technology, Ireland. Oleg did his postdoctoral work at the Radiological Research Accelerator Facility of Columbia University. Oleg joined the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK), Helsinki, Finland as a Senior Scientist and a Marie Curie fellow and most recently was coordinating work for the Non-Targeted Ionizing Radiation Effects (NTIRE) Research Group within the Radiation Biology Laboratory at STUK. In 2006 Oleg became and Associated Professor (Docent) in Radiation Biology at the Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences, University of Kuopio, Finland. He has been involved in numerous European project including the Non-targeted effects of ionizing radiation (NOTE) EC Integrated Project. Oleg now serves as a Senior Scientist in the Space Radiation Health Project under the leadership of Dr. Francis A. Cucinotta. His office is located in Room 119 in Building 37, and Oleg can be reached at (281) 483-3912 or by email at oleg.v@belyakov.info. Please join us in welcoming him to Houston and to DSLS! Grant Proposals Submitted Berger T, Nagamatsu A, Zhou D, Yukihara E, Benton E, Vanhavere F, Reitz G, Palfalvi J, Casolino M, Hajek M, Yasuda N, Zapp N, Bilski P, Gaza R, Burmeister S, Petrov V, Shurshakov V, Uchihori Y, Hirn A, Szanto P, Roed Y, Heber B, O’Sullivan D, Spurny F: “Dose distribution inside the International Space Station – 3D” for funding by the European Science Foundation through the International Life Sciences Research Announcement: Research Opportunities for Flight Experiments in Space Life Sciences on the ISS (ILSRA-2009). Buras W, Chretien J, Wood SJ: “Eye-BAT: An advanced autonomous eye monitoring based behavioral assessment tool” for funding by the NASA Small Business Innovation Research Program. Small Business submitting the proposal is Tietronix, Inc. Clément G, Wood SJ: “Straight-ahead in microgravity” for funding by the European Science Foundation through the International Life Sciences Research Announcement: Research Opportunities for Flight Experiments in Space Life Sciences on the ISS (ILSRA-2009). Ploutz-Snyder L, Ploutz-Snyder R, Ryder J, Zwart S, Smith S: Step 1 proposal “Maintenance of cardiovascular, muscle and bone health with a combined exercise and nutrition program” for funding through NASA Research Announcement soliciting Research and Technology Development to Support Crew Health and Performance in Space Exploration Missions (NNJ09ZSA002N). Sibonga JD, Lin C, Roebuck JR: Step 1 proposal “ Feasibility of magnetic resonance (MR) technology to measure deterioration in trabecular microarchitecture and degradation in interveterbral disc (IVD) composition in an analog for spaceflight” for funding through NASA Research Announcement soliciting Research and Technology Development to Support Crew Health and Performance in Space Exploration Missions (NNJ09ZSA002N). Smith SM, Zwart SR: Step 1 proposal “Omega-3 fatty acids: a nutritional countermeasure for space flightinduced bone and muscle loss” for funding through NASA Research Announcement soliciting Research and Technology Development to Support Crew Health and Performance in Space Exploration Missions (NNJ09ZSA002N). Wood SJ, Reschke MF, Cohen HS, Gottshall KR, Harm DL, Hart SF, Hoffer ME, Kozlovskaya IB, Leigh RJ, Mulavara AP, Peters BT, Rupert AH, Welgampola MS: Step 1 proposal “Self-administered sensorimotor assessment and rehabilitation” for funding through NASA Research Announcement soliciting Research and Technology Development to Support Crew Health and Performance in Space Exploration Missions (NNJ09ZSA002N). Zwart SR: “Exploration of the interrelationships between diet, biochemical markers of nutrient status, and chromosomal damage from ISS missions” as a data mining proposal for funding through the NASA HRP. Research Grant Awarded! NASA recently announced that 12 proposals from nine states to investigate questions about the effects of space radiation on human explorers will be funded. The selected proposals from researchers in Alabama, California, Colorado, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, Texas, Virginia and Washington have a total value of approximately $13.7 million. The 12 awards include the following one by DSLS team members Janice Huff and Zarana Patel: Janice Huff, Zarana Patel, PhD PhD Huff JL, Rustgi AK, Patel ZS: "Impact of Radiation Quality on Cancer Processes in 2D and 3D Esophageal Cell Models," selected for funding in response to NNJ09ZSA001N "Ground-Based Studies in Space Radiobiology". Congratulations, ladies! FALL 2009 Page 2 SPOTLIGHT ON: Marguerite Sognier, PhD! Marguerite Sognier, PhD, was recently interviewed for this edition’s Spotlight Article. entertained. Whenever I have spare time, I enjoy gardening, photography, and visiting historical sites. * Tell us briefly about yourself and * What are you presently working on at JSC? your family. I’m one of the few people to actu- I have been at USRA for more ally have been born in the nation’s than 12 years. I currently work part capitol, Washington, DC. I largely time for USRA onsite at JSC and grew up in northern part time for UTMB. At JSC, I Florida (Ponte have dedicated my efforts to the Vedra Beach) not development of new biomedical far from where technology for space and earth apPonce De Leon plications as part of a unique interlanded. I live in directorate, interdisciplinary team Clear Lake with between Space Life Sciences (SK) my husband, Jim, and Engineering (EV). Our Bioan electrical engimedical Engineering for ExploraMarguerite Sognier, PhD neer who has tion Space Technology lab is the worked for Center Point (light only cell biology/biomedical scicompany) for 41+ years. We have ence lab in an engineering buildan 8 year old rescued dachshund, ing. This enables our team to utilSydney, who keeps us constantly ize tissue, cell-based, and bacterial models that I specifically design to test the efficacy of the new prototype equipment. Two of our current projects involve the development of the use of radiofrequencies (RF) to treat dental caries (cavitities) and pulpal disease (root canals) without drilling. This project has currently advanced to the animal testing phase. Another project involves the use of RF to rapidly seal wounds using a biocompatible protein as solder. These and other technology development projects support future manned exploration and will have wide applications on earth. Continued on page 8 DSLS Halloween Picnic Even inclement weather could not keep DSLS team members and their families from having a good time at the DSLS Halloween (indoor) picnic. Among those present were a beautiful ballerina, a sweet little pumpkin, an elegant Hermione from the Harry Potter books, a tough-looking pirate (aargghhh!!) and of course DSLS administrative staff and scientists…. one of whom seemed a bit ‘madder’ than the others …. Thank you all for attending, thanks to Kay for the great photos, and special thanks to Kellie for creating all the wonderful goodie bags, doing all the shopping, and for mastering the grill despite the rain! FALL 2009 Page 3 New Publications by DSLS Scientists Kim M-H Y, Hayat MJ, Feiveson AH, Cucinotta FA. 2009. Using high-energy proton fluence to improve risk prediction for consequences of Myung Kim, PhD solar particle events. Advances in Space Research [Epub ahead of print] http:// dx.doi.org/10.1016/ j.asr.2009.07.028 Serrador JM, Lipsitz LA, Gopalakrishnan Gs, Black FO, Wood SJ. 2009 Loss of otolith function with age is associated with increased postural sway measures. Neurosci Lett (Aug), in press. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/ j.neulet.2009.08.057 Izquierdo R, Morin P, Bratt K, Moreau Z, Meyer S, Ploutz-Snyder R, Wade R, Weinstock RS. 2009. School-centered telemedicine for children with Type 1 diabetes mellitus. Journal of Pediatrics 155(3) 374-9. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/ j.peds.2009.07.033 Zwart SR, Kloeris VL, Perchonok MH, Braby L, Smith SM. 2009. Assessment of nutrient stability in foods from the space Sara Zwart, PhD food system after long-duration spaceflight on the ISS. J Food Sci. 74(7): H209H217. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/ j.1750-3841.2009.01265.x Slack KJ, Shea C, Leveton LB, Whitmire AM, Schmidt LL. 2009. Chapter 1: Risk of Behavioral and Psychiatric Conditions. In Human Health and Performance Risks of Space Exploration Missions, ed. J McPhee and JB Charles, 3-44, FALL 2009 NASA SP-2009-3405. Schmidt LL, Keeton K, Slack KJ, Leveton LB, Shea C. 2009. Chapter 2: Risk of Performance Errors due to Poor Team Cohesion and Performance, Inadequate Selection/Team Composition, Inadequate Training, and Poor Psychosocial Adaptation. In Human Health and Performance Risks of Space Exploration Missions, ed. J McPhee and JB Charles, 45-84, NASA SP-2009-3405. Whitmire AM, Leveton LB, Barger L, Brainard G, Dinges DF, Klerman E, Shea C. 2009. Chapter 3: Camille Shea, PhD Risk of Performance Errors due to Sleep Loss, Circadian Desynchronization, Fatigue, and Work Overload. In Human Health and Performance Risks of Space Exploration Missions, ed. J McPhee and JB Charles, 85-116, NASA SP-20093405. Wu H, Huff JL, Casey R, Kim MH, Cucinotta FA. 2009. Chapter 5: Risk of Acute Radiation SynMyung-Hee Kim, PhD dromes Due to Solar Particle Events. In Human Health and Performance Risks of Space Exploration Missions, ed. J McPhee and JB Charles, 171190, NASA SP-2009-3405. Cucinotta FA, Wang H, Huff JL. 2009. Chapter 6: Risk of Acute or Late Central Nervous System Effects from Radiation Exposure. In Human Health and Performance Risks of Space Exploration Mis- sions, ed. J McPhee and JB Charles, 191-212, NASA SP-20093405. Huff JL, Cucinotta FA. 2009. Chapter 7: Risk of Degenerative Tissue or Other Health Effects from Radiation Exposure. In Human Health Janice Huff, PhD and Performance Risks of Space Exploration Missions, ed. J McPhee and JB Charles, 213236, NASA SP-2009-3405. McPhee JC, Charles JB. 2009. Chapter 15: Risk of Operational Impact of Prolonged Daily Required Exercise. In Human Health and Performance Risks of Jancy McPhee, PhD Space Exploration Missions, ed. J McPhee and JB Charles, 359-362, NASA SP-20093405. The entire HRP Evidence Book can be found at http://humanresearch.jsc.nasa.gov/ files/HRP_EvidenceBook_SSP2009-3405.pdf Open Enrollment! Coming soon to a computer near you: Open Enrollment! For the first time, USRA will utilize the new Employee Self-Service system (which can be found on your timesheet website) to process Open Enrollment. You will be able to choose your benefit levels online with just a few clicks. Stay tuned for more information about Open Enrollment over the next few days. Page 4 Recent Scientific Presentations Presentations at the Space Radiation Journal Club Lectures Cromwell R. Importance of Spaceflight Analog Models. University of Houston graduate course PEP 7397: Research Using Ground-Based Spaceflight Models. Hu S. Computational study on full-length human Ku70 with double stranded DNA: dynamics, interactions and functional implications. NASA JSC. Roni Cromwell, PhD Yarbough P. Biotech: Clinical Development. Lecture at University of Houston Central Campus. Ploutz-Snyder L. Exercise and Heat. Presentation at the Space Life Sciences All Hands Meeting, NASA JSC. Lori Ploutz-Snyder, PhD Seminars Kuznetz L. Smart Suits for the Moon and Mars. August DSLS Brown Bag Seminar, USRA Houston. Feiveson A, Ploutz-Snyder R. Statistical Methods and Applications Review (SMAR). Professional Development course at Rob Ploutz-Snyder, PhD USRA Houston. Nounu H. Review of NASASTD-7009. NASA JSC. Ponomarev A. A Monte-Carlo model for the formation of radiation-induced chromosomal aberrations. NASA JSC. Presentations at the 14th Workshop on Radiation Monitoring for the International Space Station (WRMISS), Dublin, Ireland Gaza R, Roed Y, Semones E, Zhou D, Zapp N. SRAG’s External Collaborations: MATROSH-KA 2B and DOSIS 1/ HIMAC Preliminary Ramona Gaza, PhD Results. Oral talk presented by Ramona Gaza. Gaza R, Zhou D, Roed Y, Semones E, Zapp N. Summary of 2008-2009 SRAG Radiation Measurements in Low-Earth Orbit Using Passive Radiation De- tectors. Oral talk presented by Ramona Gaza. O’Sullivan D, Zhou D, Vanhavere F, Genicot JL, Spurny F, Jadrnickova I, Yukihara EG, Sawakuchi GO. Radiation Measurements for DOBIES (Dosimetry of Biological Experiments in Space). Oral talk presented by O’Sullivan. Roed Y, Zhou D, Gaza R, Zapp N. Radiation Measurements with Passive Detectors during Recent Shuttle flights. Oral talk presented by Yvonne Roed. Yvonne Roed, MS Zhou D, Gaza R, Roed Y, Semones E, Zapp N. Radiation Measured in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) during STS-126 Space Mission. Oral talk presented by Yvonne Roed. Zhou D, Semones E, Gaza R, Roed Y, Johnson S, Zapp N, Lee K. Radiation Measured during ISS Expedition 16-17 with Different Dosimeters. Oral talk Dazhuang Zhou, PhD presented by Semones. Education and Public Outreach Roni Cromwell completed mentoring NSBRI Summer Intern Cheryl Goetz and UTMB graduate student Ashley Purgason and was interviewed by Frank Roylance of the Baltimore Sun for his story “Horizontal for science.” It can be found at http:// www.baltimoresun.com/news/ maryland/balmd.bedrest2.11sep11,0,537085.st ory Lori Ploutz-Snyder is working with Syracuse University graduate student Kyle Hackney to develop his dissertation proposal. Jean Sibonga mentored summer students Rachel Ellman and Jordan Spatz. Scott Wood mentored Krystin Ramos, USRA College Career Exploration Program, M. Cordova, USRP intern, and J. Kayanickupuram, NSBRI Summer Intern Program. Continued on Page 6 Page 5 Education & Public Outreach ... (cont.) Sara Zwart mentored intern Sharon Mathew, DeBakey High School and assisted UTMB grad student Ashley Purgason with planning a project to analyze bed rest diet and nutrient status data. Larry Kuznetz, PhD Sara also reviewed a manuscript for the European Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Disease. student Tom Miller on a progress report for the new human body thermal model and informed University of Houston professor Jane Yuan on the LEGACI model and its applicability to a wireless sysJeff Ryder, PhD tem. Dazhuang Zhou, PhD Jean Sibonga recorded a podcast version 1 on bone research and reviewed manuscripts for Bone and Acta Mechanica Sinica. Jeff Ryder reviewed an SBIR grant for the development of crew exercise systems. Ramona Gaza completed mentoring summer intern Camille Smith from Prairie View University Research Center and supported the university’s Technical Review Committee third quarter Megumi Hada, PhD meeting at NASA JSC. Megumi Hada reviewed a manuscript for the International Journal of Radiation Biology. Larry Kuznetz advised University of South Alabama graduate Chris Westby volunteered as a subject for the Compression Garment study for the Cardiovascular Lab and for the Isokinetic Study for the Exercise Physiology Lab. mittee to NSF), October 27-28, Arlington, Virginia. Lori Ploutz-Snyder reviewed and approved the dissertation proposal for Christopher Fry and continued to work with Syracuse University graduate student Kyle Hackney to develop his dissertation proposal. Rob Ploutz-Snyder advised UTMB graduate student Ashley Purgason about refining her experimental design and analytic strategy for her project to analyze bed rest diet and nutrient status data and reviewed a manuscript for Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. Regina BuccelloStout teaches a graduPatrice Yarbough prepared slides ate Psychology Reof the Flight Analog Unit at search Design course UTMB to present to 11th and 12th at the University of grade International Space School Houston Clear Lake Regina Buccellostudents and began teaching BTEC and mentors nine Stout, PhD 2320: Biotech Regulatory Environ- graduate student rement at the University of Houston search projects. Central Campus. Patrice was also Ajit Mulavara conducted a lab tour invited to present at the Committee for UTMB SLS students and reon Equal Opportunities in Science viewed a manuscript for Aviation and Engineering (an advisory comSpace and Environmental Medicine. Upcoming Meetings at USRA Houston Nov. 5 Nov. 5 Nov. 10 Nov. 10 Nov. 19 Nov. 20 Nov. 23 Nov. 24 Dec. 2 Dec. 3 SMAR Workshop #4 CRESSE External Advisory Committee Review UTMB Orthopedics Department Grand Rounds NASA HRPEO/Smithsonian Institute Virtual Conference Debut DSLS Brown Bag Seminar (Dr. Camille Shea, NASA BHP Element Scientist) NASA-Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) Collaborative Meeting DSLS Science Council Meeting Aerospace Medicine Grand Rounds IRB: PRIM&R: “At Your Door” - Protection of Human Subjects Program SMAR Workshop #5 Page 6 What’s Going On With … ? Larry Kuznetz continued his documentation of Building 37 as the Lunar Receiving Laboratory during Project Apollo. The text for five plaques has been approved by Neil Armstrong, and the plaques will be installed at a dedication ceremony later this year. Larry also completed 23 tests of the Gore-Tex-based pressure suit for Constellation entry and post-landing Larry Kuznetz, PhD missions indicating .5 to .7 lbs of evaporated sweat as an upper limit of mass transfer capacity, the equivalent of removing 700 BTUs per hour. This data will be used to determine baseline requirements for dense monolithic membranes, a new class of materials with promise to greatly improve the mass transfer and CO2 rejection mechanisms in the next generation of pressure suits. Frank Sulzman participated in a peer review of NRA proposals in Washington and in discussions of proposal selection Frank Sulzman, PhD priorities with the NASA Space Radiation Element Scientist and Manager. He further spoke with some proposers to clarify technical and budget questions. Dazhuang Zhou was invited to write a commentary on innovative ideas, developments, direction, misdirection and the future outlook of methods using CR-39 FALL 2009 plastic nuclear track detectors in radiation research by Nova Science Publishers for the book Nuclear Track Detectors: Design, Methods and Application. Roni Cromwell and the Flight Analogs Project (FAP) recently completed the Lunar Analog Feasibility study: subjects successfully completed 6 days of 9.5o head-up tilt bed rest. The ability of subjects to tolerate the lunar analog bed allows for further development of this model. FAP is planning a 30-day head-up tilt bed rest study to begin to characterize physiological responses in this model. Roni also collaborated with D. Paddon-Jones on his NSBRI-funded grant ‘A minimally-invasive nutritional countermeasure to combat muscle loss in inactive aging skeletal muscle’. She will assess the physical function of subjects during pre-bed rest, immediately post-bed rest, and after seven days of rehabilitation. Ajit Mulavara has complete data collection and began the analysis phase of his study ‘Development of a Gait Adaptability Training Program as a Countermeasure for Postflight Locomotor Dysfunction’. A galvanic vestibular stimulator for testing training protocols is being built in collaboration with the University of Sydney. In collaboration with Lori PloutzSnyder as the PI Ajit submitted a new protocol ‘Neuromuscular Performance Test’, which received approval from the CPHS. Ajit’s protocol ‘Development of vestibular stochastic resonance as a sensorimotor countermeasure’ was also approved by CPHS and is being readied for implementation. Lori Ploutz-Snyder resubmitted changes to the iRATS flight study to the CPHS, received approval, presented the study at the Sept science management meeting, and obtained a contingent “selected for flight” approval. Lori’s proposal to the American College of Sports Medicine for a symposium during its 2010 meeting in Baltimore was accepted. Entitled ‘Cutting Edge Training and Testing Technologies for Occupations with Unique Physical Demands’, speakers will include personnel from NASA, the military, firefighters, and elite athletes. Jancy McPhee completed her editorial tasks for the HRP Evidence Book. The entire book can be found online at http:// humanresearch.jsc.nasa.gov/files/ HRP_EvidenceBook_SSP-20093405.pdf. SMAR??? Have you heard about SMAR? SMAR is DSLS’ new series of professional development workshops on Statistical Methods and Applications Review! Even if you missed the initial meetings, you can still participate! The next sessions will take place November 5 and December 3 and will focus on Repeated Measures ANOVA. Join us in lively discussions about statistics and a wide variety of statistical approaches to gain knowledge from data. Lunch is provided. Contact Dagmar at Morgan@dsls.usra.edu if you plan to attend. Page 7 Happy Birthday!! The following DSLS team members are celebrating their birthdays: Nov. 3 Frank Sulzman Nov. 19 Claudio Carra Nov. 23 Chris Westby Nov. 25 Roni Cromwell Dec. 8 Camille Shea Dec. 12 Larry Kuznetz Dec. 12 Oleg Belyakov Dec. 16 Scott Wood Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to all, happy Birthday to you!!! Export Control Spotlight On: Marguerite Sognier (cont.) JSC recently published a memorandum concerning materials for export which contain imbedded pictures and graphics. It was recently discovered that when you “mouse over” photographs or pictures material information is revealed that may not be intended for public viewing. The export control approval system uses a web-based system, and the concern is that information subject to the Privacy Act and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) may be inadvertently made public. Please make sure that your images and graphics do not contain any data that would fall under the privacy act or HIPAA requirements. At UTMB, I am the Director of Educational Outreach and also the co-Director of the Southeast Regional T-STEM Center. This work enables me to help prepare the next generation of biomedical, health, and engineering workers through a pipeline of interconnected student programs as well as an extensive array of teacher professional development programs. * What is most important to you regarding your work at JSC? The most important aspect of my work at JSC is to insure that I do everything possible to advance the technology that we currently have under development. This translates into being exceptionally creative in developing new models and test beds to validate the prototypes and final equipment designs. * What are your goals for this year? My goals for this year include completing the animal studies for the no drill dentistry project to move it Marguerite Sognier, PhD closer to human clinical trials and, ultimately, everyday use in space and on earth. In addition, we are always searching for funding to further advance our next technology development project ideas! Thank you so much for being our Spotlight Scientist for this edition of the DSLS newsletter, Dr. Sognier! 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 DSLS Newsletter U N I V E R S I T I E S FALL 2009 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 8