Of 114 asthmatic children, 21% had abnormally steep phase III slopes from a modified single-breath oxygen (SBO2) procedure. We hypothesized that the steep slopes reflect inequality of time constants caused by obstruction of peripheral airways and tested this by using a bronchodilator to reduce overall time constants in subgroups of 10 children with steep slopes (SS) and 20 children with normal ...

Controlling slip is crucial to reliable descent of steep unconsolidated slopes such as those found in lunar craters. The ability to enter these craters provides opportunities to explore potential in-situ resources, such as water ice. We present a rover prototype with a novel, actuated, omni-directional plowing device and control method for maneuvering on steep slopes. Data from field experiment...

Planetary rovers are increasingly challenged to negotiate extreme terrain. Early destinations have been benign to preclude risk, but canyons, funnels, and newly discovered holes present steep slopes that defy tractive descent. Steep craters and holes with unconsolidated material pose a particularly treacherous danger to modern rovers. This research explores robotic braking by plowing, a novel m...