Gravity-induced Changes Research Articles

A Prebiotic Diet Increases Cardiovascular Adaptability Under Hypergravity-Induced Stress

Life in space presents significant challenges to mammalian physiology and the longer one is in space, the greater the impact. Three major stressors are present in space: 1) changes in gravitational environment, 2) psychological/physiological stress, and 3) constant low dose radiation. It is critical, therefore, to discover interventions that promote stress resilience. Dietary prebiotics selectively increase the relative abundances of probiotic bacterial species in the gut. We have previously reported that a diet enriched in galactooligosaccharide (GOS) and polydextrose (PDX) compared to control diet robustly elevates parabacteroides distasonis, clostridium leptum, and reduces the negative impact of acute and chronic stress. Interoceptors (e.g., baroreceptors) sense gravity-induced changes in blood pressure and cardiac function/structure. There is evidence that hypergravity disrupts autonomic and cardiovascular homeostasis and function. Cardiovascular homeostasis depends on a sympathetic and parasympathetic balance reflected in heart rate variability (HRV), a measure of cardiovascular stress. The following study was designed to test the hypothesis that GOS+PDX reduces the cardiovascular impacts of living in an altered gravitational environment. Adult female mice were housed in 1G or 3G and were fed GOS+PDX or a matched control diet for 4 weeks on the NASA Ames 1.22-meter radius centrifuge. We recorded electrocardiograms (ECG) in animals from all four groups immediately before, halfway through, and immediately after centrifugation. We analyzed HRV data using a Python-based Jupyter notebook and R. R was used to perform a 1F-LD-1F ANOVA with pair-wise comparisons to quantify changes in HRV longitudinally. Classic time domain based HRV metrics, standard deviation of the successive differences between adjacent R-R intervals and standard deviation of NN intervals, showed little change over time. Instead, frequency domain measures showed results were housing in 3G compared to 1G reliably changed Shannon entropy, Sample entropy, and low to high frequency ratio at each time-point. The changes across time reflected adaptation to hypergravity and a consequent reduction in HRV. Poincare plot analysis and low to high frequency ratio metrics showed divergent compensatory reactions between diets at 3G. Overall, 3G impacted HRV less in mice that were fed the prebiotic diet compared to the control diet. Further longitudinal studies with greater temporal resolution are needed to assess changes in HRV caused by gravitational changes. However, our data suggests the prebiotic diet significantly reduces 3G activation of sympathetic drive and increases parasympathetic drive, potentially reducing cardiovascular stress in animals exposed to high gravity. NASA grant 80NSSC19K1038 funded this project. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Acute and short-term fluctuations in gravity are associated with changes in circulatory plasma protein levels

Gravitational changes between micro- and hypergravity cause several adaptations and alterations in the human body. Besides muscular atrophy and immune system impairment, effects on the circulatory system have been described, which can be associated with a wide range of blood biomarker changes. This study examined nine individuals (seven males, two females) during a parabolic flight campaign (PFC). Thirty-one parabolas were performed in one flight day, resulting in ~22 s of microgravity during each parabola. Each participant was subjected to a single flight day with a total of 31 parabolas, totaling 11 min of microgravity during one parabolic flight. Before and after (1 hour (h) and 24 h), the flights blood was sampled to examine potential gravity-induced changes of circulating plasma proteins. Proximity Extension Assay (PEA) offers a proteomic solution, enabling the simultaneous analysis of a wide variety of plasma proteins. From 2925 unique proteins analyzed, 251 (8.58%) proteins demonstrated a differential regulation between baseline, 1 h and 24 h post flight. Pathway analysis indicated that parabolic flights led to altered levels of proteins associated with vesicle organization and apoptosis up to 24 h post microgravity exposure. Varying gravity conditions are associated with poorly understood physiological changes, including stress responses and fluid shifts. We provide a publicly available library of gravity-modulated circulating protein levels illustrating numerous changes in cellular pathways relevant for inter-organ function and communication.

Mechanisms of Gravitational Influence on Weld Pool Behavior and Weld Bead Performance in Variable Polarity Plasma Arc Welding across Different Welding Position.

This article comprehensively explores the cross-scale effects of gravity on macroscopic flow formation and weld bead formation in variable polarity plasma arc welding. Gravity-induced changes in welding direction were achieved through welding at different spatial positions. The properties of the weld bead were investigated at various spatial locations. Additionally, an elemental tracing technique was employed to study the internal flow behavior of molten metal. In the flat welding position, there is an observable trend of increasing grain size in the welded bead, accompanied by a significant expansion of the coarse grain zone. Consequently, the properties of the weld bead in the flat position are inferior to those achieved in the vertical welding position. This phenomenon can be attributed to the accumulation of molten metal at the exit side of the keyhole, resulting in temperature accumulation. Research indicates that the internal flow within the weld pool plays a critical role in causing this phenomenon. The study's findings reveal the presence of two distinct vortex flow patterns within the weld pool: one aligned with the welding direction and the other directed towards the interior of the weld pool. Particularly noteworthy is the substantial expansion of the flow channel area in the flat welding position, which significantly amplifies the impact of internal flow. This enhanced flow intensity inevitably leads to the increased buildup of molten metal at the keyhole exit side. These studies lay the groundwork for achieving high-quality and controllable spatial-position welding.

Impact of reduced weight on motor and cognitive function in astronaut analogs: A simulated lunar gravity workload study

The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in gait patterns, motor dexterity, cognition, neuromuscular performance, neural activation of the prefrontal cortex, and perception of effort and exertion during a 60-min walking trial at a reduced body weight using a positive pressure treadmill (PPT). Eleven screened astronaut analog participants performed 60-min PPT sessions at either 100% (PPT100) or 20% body weight (PPT20) which were separated into six 10-min segments. During each segment, a 1-min gait analysis, Pegboard Task, Assembly Task, and Memory Recall Task were performed. Step frequency, rating of perceived physical and cognitive exertion, electromyographic amplitude and frequency from the vastus lateralis, metabolic markers, and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) of the prefrontal cortex were obtained for all segments during each condition. The primary findings of the study indicated that PPT20 was able to induce differences in step frequency relative to PPT100 and that PPT100 resulted in greater metabolic expenditures and electromyographic amplitude compared to PPT20. The PPT20, however, exhibited increased fNIRS prefrontal cortex activity during the Assembly Task and Memory Recall compared to the PPT100. In addition, the PPT20 resulted in an increase in Memory Recall errors compared to PPT100. In conclusion, the findings of the present study indicated that altered gait patterns associated with reduced weight does not impact basic motor dexterity tasks, such as gait and Pegboard Tasks, but does increase the difficulty of Assembly Tasks and Memory Recall in astronaut analogs. Thus, novel gait patterns can impact the cognitive loads that astronaut analogs can perform. Special considerations should be given to the impact that gravity-induced changes in gait patterns have on motor and cognitive tasks in future planetary exploration missions.

P.45 Characterization of the Microcirculatory Response to Gravity-Induced Changes using Thermal Imaging

ObjectiveThe goal of this study was to characterize the changes in the palm’s blood distribution in response to a decrease in blood pressure due to gravity-induced changes, using thermal imaging.MethodsThermal hands images were taken from ten healthy volunteers, without any known vascular pathologies, in three different stages: baseline, gravitation and recovery. In the baseline stage the hand was set on a table, at heart height. During the gravitation stage one hand was placed 40 cm above the table for 10 minutes, while the second hand was stayed on the table. The recovery stage, in which both hands were placed back on the table, was recorded for 10 minutes. Thermal images of both hands were taken every ten seconds throughout the experiment.ResultsMean skin temperatures were increased during hand elevating in both the palm center and the distal phalanx of the middle finger by 2.57°C and 3.33°C, respectively. This increase was significant and remained high during the recovery period (p < 0.01). A similar effect was also observed with the other hand, which remained on the table.ConclusionsThe temperature increase of the palm during gravity conditions reflects blood perfusion compensation due to high local oxygen consumption during decrease in local blood pressure. The bilateral effect indicates the central nervous system involvement. Thermal imaging allows characterization of the palm’s blood distribution under gravitational conditions. Since this technique is noncontact and safe, it could be useful for assessment of blood supply during physical effort.

Gravitational effects on intracranial pressure and blood flow regulation in young men: a potential shunting role for the external carotid artery.

We sought to determine whether gravity-induced changes in intracranial pressure influence cerebral blood flow regulation. Accordingly, nine young healthy men were studied while supine (0°) and during mild changes in hydrostatic pressure induced by head-up tilt at +20° and +10° (HUT+20 and HUT+10) and head-down tilt at -20° and -10° (HDT-20, HDT-10). Blood flows were measured in the internal and external carotid and vertebral arteries (ICA, ECA, and VA). Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured as an indicator of hydrostatic changes in intracranial pressure. A posture change from HUT+20 to HDT-20 increased IOP by +5.1 ± 1.9 mmHg (P < 0.001) and ECA blood flow (from 61.7 ± 26.1 to 87.6 ± 46.4 mL/min, P = 0.004) but did not affect ICA (P = 0.528) or VA (P = 0.101) blood flow. The increase in ECA flow correlated with the tilt angle and resultant changes in intracranial pressures (by IOP), thus indicating a passive hydrostatic gravitational dependence (r = 0.371, P = 0.012). On the contrary, ICA flow remained constant and thus well protected against moderate orthostatic stress. When ICA flow was corrected for the gravitational changes in intracranial pressures (by IOP), it demonstrated the same magnitude of gravitational dependence as ECA. These findings suggest that passive hydrostatic increases in intracranial pressure outbalance the concurrent increase in arterial feeding pressure to the brain and thus prevent cerebral hyperperfusion during HDT. The mechanism for maintaining constant cerebral flow was by increased ECA flow, thus supporting the role of these vascular beds as a shunting pathway.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We investigated whether gravity-induced changes in intracranial pressure influence cerebral blood flow regulation in young men. We recorded extra- and intracerebral blood flow during changes in posture, and data indicate that the external carotid artery may serve as an overflow pathway to prevent cerebral hyperperfusion during increases in cerebral arterial blood pressure.

Patterns in Drying Drops Dictated by Curvature-Driven Particle Transport.

Patterns generated by controlled evaporation of droplets containing colloids are dictated by internally generated flows. This advective particle transport is crucial to the efficacy of printing and coating processes and is also an elegant route to the self-assembly of particles. We propose a novel particle transport route, which involves adsorption of particles to the interface and subsequent curvature-driven migration of the particles along the interface. This interface-mediated transport can be exploited to control the distribution of particles in the dried patterns, which we experimentally elucidate by achieving gravity-induced drop shape changes. Our experiments demonstrate that the interplay between the bulk and the interfacial transport leads to strikingly different patterns: while dried aqueous sessile drops of colloidal dispersions produce well known "coffee-rings", dried pendant drops lead to "coffee-eyes". We support our experimental findings using scaling arguments. In previous studies, the effect of gravity-induced change in drop shape on the patterns formed in drying drops has been neglected. However, we show that the structure of the patterns formed by the colloidal particles after solvent evaporation is markedly different when the drops are deformed by gravity.

The response of peripheral microcirculation to gravity-induced changes

BackgroundThe peripheral microcirculation supplies fresh blood to the small blood vessels, providing oxygen and nutrients to the tissues, removing waste, and maintaining normal homeostatic conditions. The goal of this study was to characterize the response of the peripheral microcirculation, in terms of blood flow and tissue oxygenation variables, to gravity-induced changes. MethodsThe study included 20 healthy volunteers and the experiment involved monitoring central and peripheral variables with the right hand positioned at different heights. These positions correspond to various gravitational levels. Peripheral perfusion and oxygenation were monitored using a laser Doppler flowmeter, photoplethysmograph, and transcutaneous oxygen tension monitor. Local blood pressure and respiration rate were also measured. FindingsAt the heart level, tissue oxygenation displayed a nadir, while capillary flow displayed a peak. Similar but weaker changes were observed at the control hand. In contrast, the photoplethysmograph's amplitude strongly decreased upon reducing the arm position below heart level. Both systolic and diastolic pressures decreased linearly between the highest to lowest arm position. InterpretationThe results may reflect peripheral compensation mechanisms, as well as an interaction between the central and peripheral cardiovascular systems, in response to local changes in blood pressure. The observed dependence of the oxygenation pattern on height could lead to important new insights for the diagnosis and treatment of problems in the regulation of tissue perfusion.

Hyper Gravity-Induced Transients in &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Phycomyces&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; as Measured by Single Beam Spectrophotometer on the Sounding Rocket TEXUS 50

In the first paper of two referring to the TEXUS 50 campaign using micro dual wavelength spectrometers (MDWS) we kinetically determined the threshold1 for GIACs (gravity-induced absorption changes) in Phycomyces to be lower than 25 × 10−3 g (http://file.scirp.org/pdf/JMP_2015082810060783.pdf). In this second paper, we attended measurement of GIAC-spectra. Unexpectedly, during the upwards movement, i.e. the hypergravity phase up to top acceleration values reaching 11.6 g at 35.4 s after liftoff we observed transient GIAC-spectra ranging from 380 to 750 nm. In addition, during the whole acceleration phase of 68.2 s, another component near 700 nm develops which remains stable during the whole “free fall trajectory parabola” for 381.3 s. The subsequent reentry of the rocket leads to extraordinary deceleration values up 37.8 g, completely destroying Phycomyces sporangiophores excluding their spectral measurement. During the microgravity phase and by centrifuge operation we were unable to detect any GIAC-spectra (in contrast to kinetic MDWS-measurements, first paper).

Gravity influence on solidification and segregation of CoCrFeNiCu/Y high entropy alloy

The CoCrFeNiCu/Y high entropy alloys (HEAs) are melt and solidified at a temperature gradient of 15 K/mm with growth velocities between 0.1 and 1 mm/sunder the solidification direction of along and opposite to the gravity field. The two typical solidification conditions can cause the chemical-composition difference in the light element, Y, at the solidification interface. The calculation results of segregation of alloy elements show that Co, Cr, and Fe are negative segregation element while Ni, and Y are positive segregation element in the CoCrFeNiY HEA. The results are analyzed from the view-point of the gravity-induced changes of element-partition coefficients during the directional solidification of the CoCrFeNiCu/Y HEA.

The relationship between widespread changes in gravity and cerebral blood flow.

We investigated the dose-effect relationship between wide changes in gravity from 0 to 2.0Gz (Δ0.5Gz) and cerebral blood flow (CBF), to test our hypothesis that CBF has a linear relationship with levels of gravity. Ten healthy seated men were exposed to 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0Gz for 21min, by using a tilt chair and a short-arm human centrifuge. Steady-state CBF velocity (CBFV) in the middle cerebral artery by transcranial Doppler ultrasonography, mean arterial pressure (MAP) at the heart level (MAPHeart), heart rate, stroke volume, cardiac output and respiratory conditions were obtained for the last 6min at each gravity level. Then, MAP in the middle cerebral artery (MAPMCA), reflecting cerebral perfusion pressure, was estimated. Steady-state CBFV decreased stepwise from 0.5 to 2.0Gz. Steady-state heart rate, stroke volume, estimated MAPMCA and end-tidal carbon dioxide pressure (ETCO2) also changed stepwise from hypogravity to hypergravity. On the other hand, steady-state MAPHeart and cardiac output did not change significantly. Steady-state CBFV positively and linearly correlated with estimated MAPMCA and ETCO2 in most subjects. The present study demonstrated stepwise gravity-induced changes in steady-state CBFV from 0.5 to 2.0Gz despite unchanged steady-state MAPHeart. The combined effects of reduced MAPMCA and ETCO2 likely led to stepwise decreases in CBFV. We caution that a mild increase in gravity from 0 to 2.0Gz reduces CBF, even if arterial blood pressure at the heart level is maintained.

Gravireception in &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Phycomyces&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;: Threshold Determination on the Sounding Rocket TEXUS 50

Under parabolic flight conditions microgravity is not lower than 3 to 5 times 10-2 g. In contrast to parabolic flights, sounding rocket flights are virtually vibrational-free allowing microgravity as low as 10-5 g. Thus, a rotating platform serving as centrifuge allows the precise generation of gravitational forces ranging from 5 to 100 mg (not possible during parabolic flights). On this basis we determined the threshold1 for optical reflection/absorption changes in Phycomyces to be lower than 25 × 10-3 g. This compares well with the threshold determination of gravitropism in Phycomyces on a clinostat centrifuge. Kinetics of gravity-induced absorption changes and gravity as generated by the on-board centrifuge do not coincide but show a distinctive hysteresis with a latency of 4 s (75 mg-ramp, pull-up).

Real-time 3D electrical impedance imaging for ventilation and perfusion of the lung in lateral decubitus position.

We report a prototype Electrical Impedance Imaging System. It is able to detect the gravity-induced changes in the distributions of perfusion and ventilation in the lung between supine and lateral decubitus positions. Impedance data were collected on healthy volunteer subjects and 3D reconstructed images were produced in real-time, 20 frames per second on site, without using averaging or a contrast agent. Imaging data also can be reconstructed offline for further analysis.

Structure and function of CrACA1, the major PM‐type Ca2+‐ATPase, expressed at the peak of the gravity‐directed trans‐cell calcium current in spores of the fern Ceratopteris richardii

Spores of the fern Ceratopteris richardii have proven to be a valuable single-cell system for studying gravity responses. The earliest cellular change directed by gravity in these cells is a trans-cell calcium current, which peaks near 10h after the spores are induced to germinate. This current is needed for gravity-directed axis alignment, and its peak is coincident with the time period when gravity polarises the direction of subsequent nuclear migration and rhizoid growth. Transcriptomic analysis of genes expressed at the 10-h time point revealed several that encode proteins likely to be key components that either drive the current or regulate it. Notable among these is a plasma membrane (PM)-type Ca(2+) ATPase, CrACA1, whose activity pumping Ca(2+) out of cells is regulated by gravity. This report provides an initial characterisation of the structure and expression of this protein, and demonstrates its heterologous function complementing the K616 mutant of yeast, which is deficient in PM-type Ca(2+) pump activity. Gravity-induced changes in the trans-cell Ca(2+) current occur within seconds, a result consistent with the hypothesis that the force of gravity can rapidly alter the post-translational state of the channels and pumps that drive this current across spore cells. This report identifies a transporter likely to be a key driver of the current, CrACA1, and characterises the role of this protein in early germination and gravity-driven polarity fixation through analysis of expression levels, functional complementation and pharmacological treatments. These data, along with newly available transcriptomic data obtained at the 10-h time point, indicate that CrACA1 is present, functional and likely a major contributing component of the trans-cell Ca(2+) efflux. CrACA1 is not necessary for polar axis alignment, but pharmacological perturbations of it disrupt rhizoid development. These data support and help refine the post-translational modification model for gravity responses.

Effects of Simulated Microgravity on Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cell Angiogenesis and Role of the PI3K-Akt-eNOS Signal Pathway

Endothelial cells are very sensitive to microgravity and the morphological and functional changes in endothelial cells are believed to be at the basis of weightlessness-induced cardiovascular deconditioning. It has been shown that the proliferation, migration, and morphological differentiation of endothelial cells play critical roles in angiogenesis. However, the influence of microgravity on the ability of endothelial cells to foster angiogenesis remains to be explored in detail. In the present study, we used a clinostat to simulate microgravity, and we observed tube formation, migration, and expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC-C). Specific inhibitors of eNOS and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) were added to the culture medium and gravity-induced changes in the pathways that mediate angiogenesis were investigated. After 24 h of exposure to simulated microgravity, HUVEC-C tube formation and migration were significantly promoted.This was reversed by co-incubation with the specific inhibitor of N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (eNOS). Immunofluorescence assay, RT-PCR, and Western blot analysis demonstrated that eNOS expression in the HUVEC-C was significantly elevated after simulated microgravity exhibition. Ultrastructure observation via transmission electron microscope showed the number of caveolae organelles in the membrane of HUVEC-C to be significantly reduced. This was correlated with enhanced eNOS activity. Western blot analysis then showed that phosphorylation of eNOS and serine/threonine kinase (Akt) were both up-regulated after exposure to simulated microgravity. However, the specific inhibitor of PI3K not only significantly downregulated the expression of phosphorylated Akt, but also downregulated the phosphorylation of eNOS. This suggested that the PI3K-Akt signal pathway might participate in modulating the activity of eNOS. In conclusion, the present study indicates that 24 h of exposure to simulated microgravity promote angiogenesis among HUVEC-C and that this process is mediated through the PI3K-Akt-eNOS signal pathway.

Gravireception in Phycomyces Blakesleeanus and Arabidopsis Thaliana: Hysteretic Behavior of Primary Reactions

The gravireception of the fungus Phycomyces blakesleeanus and seedlings of Arabidopsis thaliana is accompanied by gravity-induced absorption changes (GIACs) that occur very fast and most likely represent primary responses of gravireception. GIACs that were analyzed during parabolic flights in micro- and hypergravity invariably display hysteretic behavior. Even though the identity of the pigments generating the GIACs remain presently unknown, it is nevertheless clear that they are specific for gravireception. This is strongly suggested by the fact that hystereses loops of wild-type specimen are significant larger than of gravitropic mutants. Hystereses are largely kinetically determined, are specific for the different organisms and stimulus programs, and thus aid in characterizing the requisite transduction chains of gravireception. The fact that monocot as well as dicot plants display GIACs just in the area of highest gravitropic sensitivity at the tip supports the conclusion that gravireception is generally associated with primary reactions.

Microgravity decreases and hypergravity increases exhaled nitric oxide

Inhalation of toxic dust during planetary space missions may cause airway inflammation, which can be monitored with exhaled nitric oxide (NO). Gravity will differ from earth, and we hypothesized that gravity changes would influence exhaled NO by altering lung diffusing capacity and alveolar uptake of NO. Five subjects were studied during microgravity aboard the International Space Station, and 10 subjects were studied during hypergravity in a human centrifuge. Exhaled NO concentrations were measured during flows of 50 (all gravity conditions), 100, 200, and 500 ml/s (hypergravity). During microgravity, exhaled NO fell from a ground control value of 12.3 +/- 4.7 parts/billion (mean +/- SD) to 6.6 +/- 4.4 parts/billion (P = 0.016). In the centrifuge experiments and at the same flow, exhaled NO values were 16.0 +/- 4.3, 19.5 +/- 5.1, and 18.6 +/- 4.7 parts/billion at one, two, and three times normal gravity, where exhaled NO in hypergravity was significantly elevated compared with normal gravity (P <or= 0.011 for all flows). Estimated alveolar NO was 2.3 +/- 1.1 parts/billion in normal gravity and increased significantly to 3.9 +/- 1.4 and 3.8 +/- 0.8 parts/billion at two and three times normal gravity (P < 0.002). The findings of decreased exhaled NO in microgravity and increased exhaled and estimated alveolar NO values in hypergravity suggest that gravity-induced changes in alveolar-to-lung capillary gas transfer modify exhaled NO.

Array-spectrophotometers for measuring gravity-induced absorption changes (GIACs) during parabolic flights on the AIRBUS-300-ZERO-G

Gravity-induced absorption changes (GIACs) were originally measured kinetically by dual wavelength spectroscopy during a series of parabolas on the AIRBUS-300-ZERO-G. In analogy to the more thoroughly understood so-called LIACs (light-induced absorption changes) we assume that GIACs reflect redox-changes of electron transport components such as flavins and cytochromes localized within the plasma membrane. Single beam spectrophotometers for measuring continuous spectra from the UV up to the near infrared range (NIR) are per se significantly less sensitive than dual wavelength spectrophotometers. Nevertheless, we were able to measure the first GIAC-spectra with a patented rapid scan spectrophotometer (RSS) with photomultiplier as light detector. Unfortunately, the RSS is mechanically sensitive to varying g-forces. However, array spectrometers without any motile parts turned out to be mechanically insensitive to strong gravitational changes during parabolas experienced on the AIRBUS-300-ZERO-G [InGaAs diode array in the NIR, CCD in the ultra violet and visible range (UV-VIS), Ocean Optics]. They are also capable of detecting GIACs throughout the complete wavelength range from ultraviolet, through the visible to the near infra red spectral region, if supported by appropriate mathematical routines like Fast Fourier Transform (FFT).

Gravity-induced absorption changes in Phycomyces blakesleeanus during parabolic flights: first spectral approach in the visible

Gravity-induced absorption changes as experienced during a series of parabolas on the Airbus 300 Zero-G have been measured previously pointwise on the basis of dual-wavelength spectroscopy. Only the two wavelengths of 460 and 665 nm as generated by light-emitting diodes have been utilised during our first two parabolic-flight campaigns. In order to gain complete spectral information throughout the wavelength range from 400 to 900 nm, a miniaturized rapid scan spectrophotometer was designed. The difference of spectra taken at 0 g and 1.8 g presents the first gravity-induced absorption change spectrum measured on wild-type Phycomyces blakesleeanus sporangiophores, exhibiting a broad positive hump in the visible range and negative values in the near infrared with an isosbestic point near 735 nm. The control experiment performed with the stiff mutant A909 of Phycomyces blakesleeanus does not show this structure. These results are in agreement with those obtained with an array spectrophotometer. In analogy to the more thoroughly understood so-called light-induced absorption changes, we assume that gravity-induced absorption changes reflect redox changes of electron transport components such as flavins and cytochromes localised within the plasma membrane.

Head tilt–translation combinations distinguished at the level of neurons

Angular and linear accelerations of the head occur throughout everyday life, whether from external forces such as in a vehicle or from volitional head movements. The relative timing of the angular and linear components of motion differs depending on the movement. The inner ear detects the angular and linear components with its semicircular canals and otolith organs, respectively, and secondary neurons in the vestibular nuclei receive input from these vestibular organs. Many secondary neurons receive both angular and linear input. Linear information alone does not distinguish between translational linear acceleration and angular tilt, with its gravity-induced change in the linear acceleration vector. Instead, motions are thought to be distinguished by use of both angular and linear information. However, for combined motions, composed of angular tilt and linear translation, the infinite range of possible relative timing of the angular and linear components gives an infinite set of motions among which to distinguish the various types of movement. The present research focuses on motions consisting of angular tilt and horizontal translation, both sinusoidal, where the relative timing, i.e. phase, of the tilt and translation can take any value in the range -180 degrees to 180 degrees . The results show how hypothetical neurons receiving convergent input can distinguish tilt from translation, and that each of these neurons has a preferred combined motion, to which the neuron responds maximally. Also shown are the values of angular and linear response amplitudes and phases that can cause a neuron to be tilt-only or translation-only. Such neurons turn out to be sufficient for distinguishing between combined motions, with all of the possible relative angular-linear phases. Combinations of other neurons, as well, are shown to distinguish motions. Relative response phases and in-phase firing-rate modulation are the key to identifying specific motions from within this infinite set of combined motions.