ABSTRACT
Green microalgae are likely to play an important role in bioregenerative systems for producing food and converting CO2 to O2 in a controlled ecological life support system (CELSS). In the present study, a method for evaluating the effects of environmental variables on the multiplication rate of microalgal cells was developed to determine the optimum culture condition for a microalgal culture system that can function effectively in the CELSS. The microalga, Euglena gracilis, was cultured in water droplets (3 microliters in liquid volume each) in a vessel (25 ml in air volume) in which the CO2 and O2 concentrations were controlled. The number of Euglena cells cultured at CO2 concentrations ranging from 2% to 6%, O2 concentrations ranging from 5% to 20%, and PPF levels ranging from 50 to 100 micromoles m-2 s-1 was monitored by using a video camera and a microscope. The multiplication rate of cells was highest and the cell number increased by 8.3 times during 48 h under a condition of 4% CO2, 21% O2 and 100 micromoles m-2 s-1 PPF. The multiplication rate of the cells was highest at 4% CO2, followed by 6% and 2% CO2, and it decreased with decreasing O2 concentration and decreasing PPF.
Subject(s)
Carbon Dioxide/pharmacology , Ecological Systems, Closed , Euglena gracilis/growth & development , Light , Oxygen/pharmacology , Animals , Bioreactors , Cell Culture Techniques/methods , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation , Euglena gracilis/drug effects , Euglena gracilis/radiation effects , Time FactorsABSTRACT
A case of histologically and immunocytochemically confirmed pemphigus vulgaris of the nipple examined by scrape cytology is reported. The scrape cytology showed isolated and somewhat loosely clustered cells with basophilic cytoplasm and vesicular hyperchromatic nuclei dysplaying prominent nucleoli, suggesting Paget's disease of the nipple. However, histological examination of the resected tissue together with the direct immunofluorescence technique for demonstration of in vivo-bound immunoglobulin to epithelium confirmed the diagnosis of pemphigus vulgaris. The use of an immunoperoxidase stain for IgG on the Papaniolaou-destained smear also gave a positive reaction on the cell membranes and provided a precise cellular diagnosis of the lesions. Cytodiagnostic pitfalls of these rare breast lesions are discussed, as well as the diagnostic value of immunocytochemistry.
Subject(s)
Breast Neoplasms/pathology , Nipples/pathology , Paget's Disease, Mammary/pathology , Pemphigus/pathology , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Breast Diseases/pathology , Cytological Techniques , Diagnosis, Differential , Epithelial Cells , Epithelium/pathology , Female , Humans , ImmunohistochemistryABSTRACT
This article provides an overview of current CELSS-related activities in Japan. The status and future plan of the Closed Ecology Experiment Facilities (CEEF), the so-called, "Biosphere-J," are introduced. The Institute for Environment Sciences (ICE) has completed its first construction plan of the Closed Plant Experiment Facility (CPEF) and is now constructing the Closed Geo-Hydrosphere Experiment Facility (CGEF). Next, as one of the most prospective applications of CELSS technologies, introduced is the space-related CELSS research activity in the Space Environment Utilization Frontiers Joint Research Program, which was promoted by Science and Technology Agency (STA) and National Space Development Agency (NASDA) of the Japanese government to encourage the Space Station utilization activities.
Subject(s)
Ecological Systems, Closed , Facility Design and Construction , Life Support Systems , Space Flight/instrumentation , Agriculture , Aquaculture , International Agencies , Japan , Research , Space Flight/trends , Spacecraft/instrumentationABSTRACT
Recognizing the importance and fertility of the extra vehicular activity technologies in future space development and utilization, some related research activities have been conducted in Japan, though it has not committed itself to developing its own manned space flight capability. The purpose of this paper is to introduce and evaluate these EVA-related activities and to indicate the next step for Japan to get into the era of manned space activities including EVA in reality.
Subject(s)
Extravehicular Activity , Space Flight/trends , Space Simulation/methods , Carbon Dioxide , Equipment Design , Humans , International Agencies , Japan , Life Support Systems/instrumentation , Space Suits , WeightlessnessABSTRACT
In the next century, mankind will expand its activity to the moon and Mars. At that time, humans will be exposed to a low and micro-gravity environment in long term which causes physiological and psychological problems. The authors propose an artificial gravity space station for a research laboratory on human physiology and psychology at various gravity levels. The baseline specifications and the configuration of the space station are shown. Reviewing the history of manned space flight, the necessity of the research on an artificial gravity space station is discussed, including themes of research to be conducted on the station and the application of its results. Technical issues for realization of the space station such as environmental factors, system function and assembly scenario are also discussed.
