Telemetry Analysis Research Articles

Abstract 241: Cardiac-Specific Overexpression of Runx2 Mediates Cardiac Hypertrophy and Dysfunction in Mice

Backgrounds: Recent studies demonstrated that the osteopontin (OPN), an acid phosphoprotein plays pivotal roles in cardiac hypertrophy and failure. An osteogenic transcription factor Runx2 regulates the expression of OPN in osteoblasts. In the present study, we examined the pathological role of Runx2 in cardiac hypertrophy and failure. Methods and Results: Runx2 expression was detected in neonatal cardiomyocytes and upregulated in heart 14 days after myocardial infarction (MI) as well as 7days after transverse aortic constriction (TAC) procedures. To determine the functional role of Runx2 in heart, we generated transgenic mice (TG) with inducible cardiac-specific overexpression of Runx2. Two TG lines (low and high) were obtained and high-expressing TG (HE-TG) showed premature death within 8 weeks of age specifically in male mice. At two months of age, the survived male and female HE-TG displayed significant increases in heart weight/body weight ratio (mg/g) compared to controls (control; 4.95±0.26, n=6 vs HE-TG; 6.63±0.12, n=5, p<.05). Consistent with those results, the expression of hypertrophic marker genes such as atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) and αskeletal actin significantly increased in HE-TG heart assessed by real-time RT-PCR analysis. In addition, HE-TG mice demonstrated decreased fractional shortening assessed by echocardiography (control; 44.1±1.89%, n=9 vs HE-TG; 23.9±3.48%, n=7, p<.05). HE-TG mice demonstrated significantly lower heart rate (control; 630±18 bpm, vs HE-TG; 350±74 bpm, n=3 each, p<.05) and complete atrioventricular block by telemetry analysis. In response to pressure overload, low expressing TG (LE-TG) demonstrated higher mortality and enhanced cardiac hypertrophic response after TAC (control; 6.20±0.23, n=6 vs LE-TG; 6.90±0.26, n=4, p<.05). Conclusions: Targeted expression of Runx2 in heart mediates cardiac dysfunction and hypertrophy in mice. Thus, Runx2 could be a novel therapeutic target for heart failure.

Telemetry Data Acquisition and Analysis in Integrated Baseband System Based on TCP/IP Protocol

This paper briefly introduced the integrated Command Ranging & Telemetry (CRT) baseband system of a satellite TT&C ground station, and a software was developed with C++ Builder 6.0 to acquire and store the important telemetry data. It effectively resolved the problems of data acquisition and storage for important parameters from baseband system, and it was applied to fault analysis and diagnosis of satellite signals.

Historical population structure of White Sturgeon in the Upper Columbia River detected with combined analysis of capture, telemetry and genetics

Summary A combined analysis of capture/recapture, sonic tracking, and genetics was carried out to examine population structure of White Sturgeon of the Kootenay and Upper Columbia rivers. Analysis of capture/recapture and sonic telemetry data identified spatial patterns in habitat use, with individuals showing a preference for one of four high-use zones. Mitochondrial DNA analysis of groups of fish defined by zonal preference and age suggests there is genetic population structure across this region, even between groups frequenting different zones in the contiguous river system. This population structure likely has its origin in patterns of habitat use established prior to the impacts of human development when White Sturgeon in the region existed as assemblage of semi-reproductively isolated populations. Identification of this historical population structure reveals unrecognized complexity regarding the spatial extent of historic habitat use and breeding structure of White Sturgeon in the region, which must be considered in further research and recovery efforts.

New techniques for the processing and analysis of telemetry and trajectory information on the basis of achievements in the realm of time-frequency analysis and wavelet theory

The present paper is concerned with the issues of processing telemetry and trajectory measurements obtained as a result of complex systems functioning. We illustrate the concept "complex systems" with the help of complex dynamic objects. The methods of processing which are introduced in the following are based on the most advanced and updated techniques in the areas of time-frequency analysis, wavelet theory, and other adaptive approaches. Special attention is drawn to the problem of signal preprocessing, which is always crucial in practice.

Abstract 9386: ASK2 is a Novel Factor Associated with Salt-Sensitive Hypertension

Background: Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase(ASK)1 and ASK2 are MAP3Ks activated by oxidative stress. We have shown that ASK1 has a pivotal role in cardiovascular diseases. ASK2 has been identified as a binding protein for ASK1, and both ASK1 and ASK2 control their respective activities. Cardiovascular phenotypes of ASK2 deficient mice (ASK2KO) have not been reported. Methods and Results: We confirmed ASK2 mRNA expression in hearts, aortas, and kidneys utilizing in situ hybridization . ASK2KO had different phenotypes from ASK1 deficient mice (ASK1KO); ASK2KO have hypertension with significant cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis. To further characterize the hypertension of ASK2KO, we implanted telemetry units in mice to monitor 24 h variability of blood pressure (BP) and heart rates. ASK2KO had a circadian rhythm in BP, and the differences in systolic BP between ASK2KO and WT was greater in dark periods than in light periods. There were no differences in locomotor activities or heart rates between ASK2KO and WT. There were no significant differences between ASK2KO and WT in sympathetic nerve activities or in parameters pertaining to the renin-angiotensin system. The ratio of ASK2KO urine Na/K in dark was lower than that in WT, and urine Ca excretion in ASK2KO was greater than in WT, suggesting that ASK2KO have renal tubular dysfunctions. We fed a high-salt diet to ASK2KO to examine salt sensitivity. Telemetry analysis revealed that blood pressure of ASK2KO was increased by high-salt diets; furthermore, high salt diets-induced BP differences between ASK2KO and WT were greater in dark than in light. High salt-induced urine Ca excretion levels were significantly greater in ASK2KO than in WT. Heart weights of ASK2KO were higher than those of WT at 8 days after a high-salt diet. ASK2KO therefore have salt sensitive hypertension with cardiac hypertrophy, and there are significant differences in renal excretion levels of electrolytes between ASK2KO and WT. Hypertension of ASK2KO does not depend upon the presence of ASK1 because ASK2 and ASK1 double deficient mice also have hypertension. Conclusion: ASK2 is a novel factor that is involved in the pathogenesis of salt-sensitive hypertension.

Cohesions, friction angles, and other physical properties of Martian regolith from Mars Exploration Rover wheel trenches and wheel scuffs

[1] The Mars Exploration Rovers Spirit and Opportunity investigated the physical properties of Martian regolith in 7 wheel trenches and 20 wheel scuffs distributed along traverses at Gusev crater and Meridiani Planum. Specialized wheel-trenching sequences allowed analysis of wheel motor and suspension telemetry to determine regolith friction angle ϕ and cohesion c at trench sites. Friction angles were 30°–37°, and cohesions were 0–2 kPa. Simpler wheel-scuff maneuvers were analyzed for cohesion by assuming the range of ϕ determined from trenches; cohesions in wheel-scuffed regoliths were from 0 to 11 kPa. Regolith ϕ and c can be related to regolith origins. Grain sorting, compaction, shape, size, and angularity influence ϕ. Impact cratering and aeolian processes have affected grain angularity and sorting of Martian regolith at both Mars Exploration Rover (MER) landing sites and contend in opposing ways to determine grain characteristics in the regolith. Friction angles are consistent with dry, rigid, nonplaty grains with particle size frequencies dominated by very fine sand (as seen by the Microscopic Imager or MI) with at least some grain rounding (unresolved by MI), reflecting physical weathering from aeolian saltation. Friction angle results from MER trenches therefore indicate that regolith states are between fully mature aeolian materials and impact debris. MI and color Pancam views show trench tailings and trench floors are redder, brighter, and have more intermixed extremely fine (unresolved) grains than regolith closer to the surface disturbed and exposed only by rolling tracks.

Inhibition of HCN Overexpressed in Failing Heart of Dilated Cardiomyopathy Mouse Model by Ivabradine Prevents Sudden Arrhythmic Death

Growing evidence demonstrates that the hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide gated channels (HCNs) is overexpressed in failing hearts and potentially involved in increased arrhythmogenicity. Inhibiting HCN channels could be a promising approach to preventing lethal arrhythmias associated with heart failure. Transgenic mice expressing a dominant-negative mutant of neuron-restrictive silencer factor specifically in the heart (dnNRSF-Tg) exhibit dilated cardiomyopathy and sudden arrhythmic death, accompanied with the increased ventricular HCNs expression. We examined the effects of ivabradine (Iva, 7 mg/kg/d), a specific HCN channel inhibitor on survival and arrhythmogenicity in dnNRSF-Tg and found that Iva significantly improved the survival among dnNRSF-Tg. Iva significantly reduced ventricular arrhythmias in dnNRSF-Tg in ECG telemetry analysis and isoproterenol-induced increase in spontaneous action potentials in ventricular myocytes from dnNRSF-Tg, suggesting that Iva improved the survival by preventing lethal arrhythmias. We also found that transgenic mice overexpressing HCN2 in the heart are highly susceptible to arrhythmias induced by chronic isoproterenol infusion. Our findings demonstrate the contribution of increased ventricular expression of HCNs to the increased arrhythmogenicity and define HCN inhibition by Iva as an useful therapeutic approach to preventing lethal arrhythmias.

Formal Analysis of Log Files

Runtime verification as a field faces several challenges. One key challenge is how to keep the overheads associated with its application low. This is especially important in real-time critical embedded applications, where memory and CPU resources are limited. Another challenge is that of devising expressive and yet user-friendly specification languages that can attract software engineers. In this paper, it is shown that for many systems, in-place logging provides a satisfactory basis for postmortem “runtime” verification of logs, where the overhead is already included in system design. Although this approach prevents an online reaction to detected errors, possible with traditional runtime verification, it provides a powerful tool for test automation and debugging—in this case, analysis of spacecraft telemetry by ground operations teams at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The second challenge is addressed in the presented work through a temporal specification language, designed in collaboration with Jet Propulsion Laboratory test engineers. The specification language allows for descriptions of relationships between data-rich events (records) common in logs, and is translated into a form of automata supporting data-parameterized states. The automaton language is inspired by the rule-based language of the RULER runtime verification system.A case study is presented illustrating the use of our LOGSCOPE tool by software test engineers for the 2011 Mars Science Laboratory mission.

Video-electroencephalography in conscious monkeys using telemetry and computer analysis: Refinement of a safety pharmacology model

Video-electroencephalography in conscious monkeys using telemetry and computer analysis: Refinement of a safety pharmacology model

Numerical modeling of DPSK pressure signals and their transmission characteristics in mud channels

A numerical model and transmission characteristic analysis of DPSK (differential phase shift keying) pressure signals in mud channels is introduced. With the control logic analysis of the rotary valve mud telemetry, a logical control signal is built from a Gate function sequence according to the binary symbols of transmitted data and a phase-shift function is obtained by integrating the logical control signal. A mathematical model of the DPSK pressure signal is built based on principles of communications by modulating carrier phase with the phase-shift function and a numerical simulation of the pressure wave is implemented with the mathematical model by MATLAB programming. Considering drillpipe pressure and drilling fluid temperature profile along drillpipes, the drillpipe of a vertical well is divided into a number of sections. With water-based drilling fluids, the impacts of travel distance, carrier frequency, drillpipe size, and drilling fluids on the signal transmission were studied by signal transmission characteristic analysis for all the sections. Numerical calculation results indicate that the influences of the viscosity of drilling fluids and volume fraction of gas in drilling fluids on the DPSK signal transmission are more notable than the others and the signal will distort in waveform with differential attenuations of the signal frequent component.

Endozoochorical plant seed dispersal by red deer (Cervus elaphus) in the Poľana Biosphere Reserve, Slovakia

Steyaert S.M.J.G., Bokdam J., Braakhekke W.G., Finďo S.: Endozoochorical plant seed dispersal by red deer (Cervus elaphus) in the Poľana Biosphere Reserve, Slovakia. Ekologia (Bratislava), Vol. 28, No. 2, p. 191–205, 2009. From an evolutionary point of view, endozoochory can be considered as a mutualistic process, in which both the plant seed- dispersing animal species and the dispersed plant species benefit. Disperser benefits may be direct, by using the dispersed plant species as a food source, and indirect, by promoting the distribution of these food plants. Despite biomass loss involved, plant species may benefit from endozoochory, because it promotes long-distance dispersal and linked advantages. We tested this mutualism hypothesis in the Poľana Biosphere Reserve, central Slovakia, with red deer (Cervus elaphus) as disperser. We collected data on distances covered by red deer between seed ingestion and excretion sites, and the corresponding vegetation by VHF telemetry and GIS analysis. We assessed the viable seed content of red deer dung by a germination test. Information on forage palatability, habitat and seed longevity of the dispersed species were taken from literature. From a total of 400 g dry red deer feces, 1766 seedlings emerged, belonging to 43 species. Most of the observed dispersal distances exceeded 100 m, which is commonly considered as a minimum for long-distance dispersal. Red deer transported mostly seeds from a variety of vegetation types to forests. Our results support the hypothesis that endozoochory is a mutualistic process. We conclude that, since landscapes are changing due to global warming and land use changes, it is important for the maintenance of plant species diversity to promote migration and free ranging of large grazers like red deer, by means of infrastructural measures.

Abstract 1066: Cardiac-restricted Disruption of Supressor of Cytokine Signaling-3 Leads to Dilated Cardiomyopathy in a gp130 Independent Manner

We recently reported that cardiac-restricted overexpression of suppressor of cytokine signaling-3 (SOCS3) markedly increases cardiac myocyte susceptibility to virus infection. This suggests that endogenous SOCS3 also has significant biological effect in the cardiac myocyte. To understand physiological role of SOCS3 in the cardiac myocyte, we generated cardiac-specific SOCS3 knockout mice. The mice were born at the expected Mendelian ratio, but developed cardiac dysfunction (%FS; wt: 45±2.6 vs. ko: 31±4.5, mean±SE, n=8, p=0.017, 5-month-old) estimated by echocardiogram from 5 months of age and died with signs of dyspnea by 7 months of age. Postmortem analysis revealed significant pleural effusions and ascites, consistent with the presence of heart failure. Histological analysis showed that the heart has a thin left and right ventricular walls with chamber dilatation; however, typical findings of a myopathic heart such as myocyte disarray, inflammation and fibrosis were only rarely observed. Ultrastructure analysis of the dilated heart samples showed intact myofibrils, mitochondria, intercalated discs and gap junctions, suggesting that the myocyte had non-structural abnormalities that led to functional impairment. Unexpectedly calcium transients in the isolated adult myocytes from the failing hearts were significantly increased as compared to those from age-matched normal hearts (Fura-2 intensity ratio 340/380 nm; wt: 0.44±0.01 vs. ko: 0.54±0.01, mean±SE, n=3, p<0.0002), suggesting the decreased calcium sensitivity of SOCS3 deficient myocytes. We also observed spontaneous ventricular tachycardia in the knockout mice by telemetry analysis. Since SOCS3 has been reported to be a crucial negative-feedback regulator of gp130 signaling in vivo, we sought to determine whether the phenotype is due to overactivation of cardiac gp130 signaling. While gp130 downstream signaling such as STAT3, ERK and AKT pathways were significantly activated in the knockout heart, cardiac-specific knockout of both gp130 and SOCS3 did not rescue the dilated cardiomyopathy phenotype. Conclusion: These results indicate that a gp130-independent mechanism is responsible for the dilated cardiomyopathy that occurs in SOCS3 deficient hearts.

An integrated assessment of Porcupine caribou seasonal distribution, movements, and habitat preferences for regional land use planning in northern Yukon Territory, Canada

This study was undertaken to improve understanding of Porcupine caribou herd distribution, movements, and habitat preferences to assist with developing a regional land use plan for the North Yukon Planning Region, Yukon Territory. Three different methods were used to identify current and historical patterns of caribou distribution and habitat preferences within the region to prioritize conservation areas. Two of the approaches focused on incorporating information on caribou distribution and migrations from scientific and local knowledge, while the third focused on identifying and mapping habitats suitable for supporting caribou. Local knowledge dating back to the 1930s and two decades of satellite telemetry data confirmed that most of the planning region is used by the Porcupine caribou herd and highlighted areas of concentrated use. Maps of suitable winter habitat derived from expert opinion ratings of habitat use did not agree with the other information sources. The local knowledge and satellite telemetry analyses were used to identify spatially explicit priority areas for caribou conservation and the results were applied to develop conservation recommendations for a draft regional land use plan. The plan will be submitted to government approval bodies for review in the spring of 2007. The success in implementing conservation strategies for the Porcupine caribou herd will be reviewed and evaluated following adoption of a final approved plan.

Delayed Defibrillation Testing in Patients Implanted with Biventricular ICD (CRT‐D): A Reliable and Safe Approach

Defibrillation testing (DT) at the end of the implantation of cardiac resynchronization pacemaker with a defibrillator (CRT-D) exposes heart failure (HF) patients to increased procedural risks. However, until now, delayed DT has not been assessed as a possible option in HF patients implanted with CRT-D. Aim of the present study is to assess safety and feasibility of delayed DT in HF patients treated with CRT-D. Two hundred and eleven consecutive patients (mean age: 65 years, mean NYHA class 3.0, mean EF: 29.3%) underwent CRT-D implantation from October 1999 to December 2004. In the first 17 patients, DT was performed at the end of CRT-D implantation. In the other 194 consecutive patients, DT was performed at 2 months after CRT-D implantation. Outcome of DT, as well as "acute" LV lead dislodgment rate were evaluated in the latter group of 194 patients undergoing a delayed DT. Also, ICD function was assessed through device telemetry analysis at 2 months. At delayed DT, first shock was effective in 187 of 194 patients (96%), ineffective VF interruption at maximum energy occurred only in one patient (0.5%), and acute LV lead dislodgment was 1%. No ICD therapy failure occurred in the 2-month untested period. DT performed 2 months after CRT-D implantation is safe and feasible; this is possibly related to the improvement of clinical conditions and hemodynamic status as well as greater lead stability 2 months after CRT-D.

The effect on model identifiability of allowing different relocation rates for live and dead animals in the combined analysis of telemetry and recapture data

Models are described for the joint analysis of live-trapping and radio telemetry data from a study on black bears (Ursus americanus) in which all animals received ear tags and a subset also received radio tags. Concerns about bias in survival estimates led to investigation of identifiability and estimator precision for a series of models that allowed differenttelemetry relocation rates for living and dead animals, in addition to emigration and seasonal variation in survival. Identifiability was determined by showing that the expected information matrix was nonsingular. Models with fidelity constant across time, and with the same degree of time specificity for survival rates and relocation rates for dead animals, were determined to be nonidentifiable. More general models, with a greater degree of time specificity for survival rates, were near-singular, and estimators under these near-singular models had poor precision. Analysis of data from the study on black bears illustrated that estimates of survival have poor precision when relocation rates are estimated separately for live and dead animals. It is recommended that the effort expended to relocate both living and dead animals be consistently high in each telemetry survey, so that relocation rates will be high and constant across time and mortality status.

Examining the Elbow during Functional Activities

Elbow range of motion during functional activities was investigated using electrogoniometry, telemetry, and computer analysis. Five subjects awaiting elbow arthroplasty on rheumatoid arthritic elbows were compared to a control group. Differences (p ≤ .05) were found between the two groups on standing and telephone tests. The minimum angle (extreme extension) and the total arc of motion were significantly less in the group with arthritis. During the standing test the median extension angle was 35° for the group with rheumatoid arthritis and 15° for the control group, and for the telephone test the angles were 95° and 75°, respectively. The experimental group did not consistently use their available range, but used movement patterns in a limited range. The information generated in the study has implications in the treatment of clients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Sharp: A multi-mission AI system for spacecraft telemetry monitoring and diagnosis

The Spacecraft Health Automated Reasoning Prototype (SHARP) is a system designed to demonstrate automated health and status analysis for multi-mission spacecraft and ground data systems operations. Telecommunications link analysis of the Voyager II spacecraft is the initial focus for the SHARP system demonstration which will occur during Voyager's encounter with the planet Neptune in August, 1989, in parallel with real-time Voyager operations. The SHARP system combines conventional computer science methodologies with artificial intelligence techniques to produce an effective method for detecting and analyzing potential spacecraft and ground systems problems. The system performs real-time analysis of spacecraft and other related telemetry, and is also capable of examining data in historical context. This paper gives a brief introduction to the spacecraft and ground systems monitoring process at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). It describes the current method of operation for monitoring the Voyager Telecommunications subsystem, and highlights the difficulties associated with the existing technology. The paper details the approach taken in the SHARP system to overcome the current limitations, and describes both the conventional and artificial intelligence solutions developed in SHARP.

The orbits of Ariel 4 and Prospero

Orbital parameters for Ariel 4 and Prospero have been determined at the Royal Aircraft Establishment and made available for use with the respective telemetry analysis programs. Ariel 4 orbit determinations were based on N.A.S.A. Minitrack observations, and Prospero orbit determinations on U.S. Navy observations and a small number of visual observations. Both orbits are near polar (inclination 83° for Ariel 4 and 82° for Prospero) but not otherwise similar. The initial perigee and apogee heights were, respectively, 500 and 600 km for Ariel 4, as against 550 and 1600 km for Prospero. Hence Ariel 4 has experienced much more drag than Prospero and orbital parameters had to be determined at much closer intervals for the former than for the latter, 3 days as against 7 days. The Ariel 4 orbit is being analysed to study the effects of 15th-order tesseral harmonics in the Earth’s gravitational field, and the Prospero orbit has been used in a recent determination of odd zonal harmonics.