RESUMO
The advent of extended-duration human spaceflight demands a better comprehension of the physiological impacts of microgravity. One primary concern is the adverse impact on the musculoskeletal system, including muscle atrophy and bone density reduction. Ground-based microgravity simulations have provided insights, with vibrational bioreactors emerging as potential mitigators of these negative effects. Despite the potential they have, the adaptation of vibrational bioreactors for space remains unfulfilled, resulting in a significant gap in microgravity research. This paper introduces the first automated low-intensity vibrational (LIV) bioreactor designed specifically for the International Space Station (ISS) environment. Our research covers the bioreactor's design and characterization, the selection of an optimal linear guide for consistent 1-axis acceleration, a thorough analysis of its thermal and diffusion dynamics, and the pioneering use of BioMed Clear resin for enhanced scaffold design. This advancement sets the stage for more authentic space-based biological studies, vital for ensuring the safety of future space explorations.
RESUMO
The cold neutron imaging and diffraction instrument IMAT, at the second target station of the pulsed neutron and muon source ISIS, is used to investigate bulk mosaicity within as-cast single crystal CMSX-4 and CMSX-10 Ni-base superalloys. Within this study, neutron transmission spectrum is recorded by each pixel within the microchannel plate image detector. The movement of the lowest transmission wavelength within a specified Bragg-dip for each pixel is tracked. The resultant Bragg-dip shifting has enabled crystallographic orientation mapping of bulk single crystal specimens with good spatial resolution. The total acquisition time required to collect sufficient statistics for each test is ~ 3 h. In this work, the influence of a change in bulk solidification conditions on the variation in single crystal mosaicity was investigated. Misorientation of the (001) crystallographic plane has been visualised and a new spiral twisting solidification phenomena observed. This proof of concept work establishes time-of-flight energy-resolved neutron imaging as a fundamental characterisation tool for understanding and visualising mosaicity within metallic single crystals and provides the foundation for post-mortem deduction of the shape of the solid/liquid isotherm.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: There has been a resurgence of skateboarding, rollerblading and BMX riding in recent years and in response dedicated skateparks have opened in many cities across the UK. It is acknowledged that these sports are associated with risk of injury and it is recommended that participants wear protective clothing. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine if the opening of a skatepark near our hospital had any effect on the number of skatepark related injuries attending the emergency department and to describe the types of injuries sustained. METHODS: All patients attending the emergency department with sports injuries were identified over 24 consecutive weeks. At the end of the 12th week a skatepark opened nearby. Data recorded prospectively included age and sex of subjects, the delay from injury to presenting to hospital, whether or not protective equipment was worn and if first aid was administered before attending hospital. The investigations performed in the emergency department, the diagnosis, treatment received and disposal from the hospital were also recorded. RESULTS: After the skatepark opened there was a significant increase in the number of skatepark related attendances from 7 to 32. Protective clothing was only worn by 9 out of 39 of those with injuries. The commonest injuries were musculoskeletal and the limbs were injured more frequently than the head and trunk. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated a significant increase in the number of skatepark related injuries attending the emergency department following the opening of a nearby skatepark.
