A Novel Multi-Dimensional Spectrum Estimation Technique using Antenna Array Displacement

Conventionally, in multi-dimensional spectral estimation techniques, each data snapshot in space is captured simultaneously. All antenna elements or sensors being used to collect data are sampled at the same time. By doing so, the size of the antenna array is proportional to the area of interest in space. The antenna array is prohibitively huge if the area that we want to cover is large. In this paper, in order to reduce the number of antenna elements in use, we propose a novel multi-dimensional spectrum estimation technique based on displacing small antenna arrays along predefined paths. It includes a data measurement technique which sequentially collects data samples within each snapshot in space according to a predefined order, and a spectral estimation technique which is based on the Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) of the collected data. The key idea is to create a large synthetic antenna aperture by displacing a small antenna array along a predefined trajectory. Impinging waves are assumed uniform plane waves. The performance of the proposed technique is evaluated by simulation. The applications of the proposed technique include synthetic aperture radar, radar image processing and sonar systems

Team One Carbon Catcher Design Report

Overview The burning of fossil fuels largely contributes to the increase of CO2 in the atmosphere. The US Department of Transportation alone contributed almost 6 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions in 2018 (EIA). Due to this, this report proposes recycling captured CO2 into a base for cleaner burning fuel in order to reduce emissions from the transportation industry and many others, which has the potential to impact many areas. Extraction of atmospheric CO2 is possible through a membrane filtration system based on traditional nitrogen generation. The passive filtration system autonomously separates the CO2 from other air components, thereby reducing energy consumption. The system's working sensors and actuators utilize similar energy saving strategies, such as distributing cloud-computing services over multiple servers and mainframes to reduce computing power. The movement of air is directed by a scalable fan device, which is presented as a modular design to allow customization of fan parts to specific size and installation requirements. As an integrated device, Team 1’s Carbon Catcher operates with a high efficiency in order to maximize the commercial opportunity of converting captured CO2 into cleaner fuel while also reducing CO2 emissions and the greenhouse effect. Goal The goal of Team 1’s Carbon Catcher project proposal is to design a cost-effective, scalable, and modular atmospheric carbon dioxide removal system that is capable of being utilized in a range of urban environments and may fit a variety of different customer requirements or requests

Antigen-specific peripheral shaping of the natural regulatory T cell population

Although regulatory T (T reg) cells are thought to develop primarily in the thymus, the peripheral events that shape the protective T reg cell population are unclear. We analyzed the peripheral CD4+ T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire by cellular phenotype and location in mice with a fixed TCRβ chain. We found that T reg (Foxp3+) cells showed a marked skewing of TCR usage by anatomical location in a manner similar to antigen-experienced (CD44hiFoxp3−) but not naive (CD44loFoxp3−) cells, even though CD44hi and T reg cells used mostly dissimilar TCRs. This was likely unrelated to peripheral conversion, which we estimate generates only a small percentage of peripheral T reg cells in adults. Conversion was readily observed, however, during the immune response induced by Foxp3− cells in lymphopenic hosts. Interestingly, the converted Foxp3+ and expanded Foxp3− TCR repertoires were different, suggesting that generation of Foxp3+ cells is not an automatic process upon antigen activation of Foxp3− T cells. Retroviral expression of these TCRs in primary monoclonal T cells confirmed that conversion did not require prior cellular conditioning. Thus, these data demonstrate that TCR specificity plays a crucial role in the process of peripheral conversion and in shaping the peripheral T reg cell population to the local antigenic landscape

Developing a model of live cattle and beef trade in South East Asia and China

This paper presents the specifications of a model to assess ex-ante how particular scenarios – for example changes in cattle slaughter and export policy in Myanmar, the Indonesian live cattle import quota, the ESCAS system; economic integration under the ASEAN Economic Community, or increased quarantine controls resulting from disease outbreaks – might affect cattle and beef prices and trade in the broader region. Incorporation of new information relating to the factors that drive complex flows of cattle and beef would assist policy-makers throughout the region to improve strategies for beef industry development

Hydrogel encapsulation of genome-engineered stem cells for long-term self-regulating anti-cytokine therapy

Biologic therapies have revolutionized treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) but their continuous administration at high doses may lead to adverse events. Thus, the development of improved drug delivery systems that can sense and respond commensurately to disease flares represents an unmet medical need. Toward this end, we generated induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) that express interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra, an inhibitor of IL-1) in a feedback-controlled manner driven by the macrophage chemoattractant protein-1 (Ccl2) promoter. Cells were seeded in agarose hydrogel constructs made from 3D printed molds that can be injected subcutaneously via a blunt needle, thus simplifying implantation of the constructs, and the translational potential. We demonstrated that the subcutaneously injected agarose hydrogels containing genome-edited Ccl2-IL1Ra iPSCs showed significant therapeutic efficacy in the K/BxN model of inflammatory arthritis, with nearly complete abolishment of disease severity in the front paws. These implants also exhibited improved implant longevity as compared to the previous studies using 3D woven scaffolds, which require surgical implantation. This minimally invasive cell-based drug delivery strategy may be adapted for the treatment of other autoimmune or chronic diseases, potentially accelerating translation to the clinic

Model binding experiments with cucurbit[7]uril and p-sulfonatocalix[4]arene support use of explicit solvation term in governing equation for binding equilibria

The thermodynamics of model host–guest-binding reactions is examined in depth using isothermal titration calorimetry. In conflict with classical thermodynamics, the results indicate that the equilibrium-binding quotient, K, is not a constant for all pairings. This outcome is predicted by an equation for binding equilibria that includes an explicit term for the change in solvation free energy that accompanies the formation of a binary complex. Application of this framework to the experimentally observed concentration dependence of K allows one to obtain the energetic contribution of the solvent, a linked equilibrium denoted here as ΔGH2O. The estimated values of ΔGH2O are large and unfavourable for the binding of selected guest molecules to two hosts, cucurbit[7]uril and p-sulfonatocalix[4]arene. Intriguingly, the estimated values of ΔGH2O are near zero for the binding of two hydrophobic guest molecules to β-cyclodextrin, leading to a thought-provoking discussion on the driving force behind the hydrophobic effect

Traumatic Brain Injury Service, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center 4. National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center 5. National Institute of Nursing Research , National Institutes of Health 6. RTI Internati

Abstract Traumatic brain injury, depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are neurocognitive syndromes often associated with impairment of physical and mental health, as well as functional status. These syndromes are also frequent in military service members (SMs) after combat, although their presentation is often delayed until months after their return. The objective of this prospective cohort study was the identification of independent predictors of neurocognitive syndromes upon return from deployment could facilitate early intervention to prevent disability. We completed a comprehensive baseline assessment, followed by serial evaluations at three, six, and 12 months, to assess for new-onset PTSD, depression, or postconcussive syndrome (PCS) in order to identify baseline factors most strongly associated with subsequent neurocognitive syndromes. On serial follow-up, seven participants developed at least one neurocognitive syndrome: five with PTSD, one with depression and PTSD, and one with PCS. On univariate analysis, 60 items were associated with syndrome development at p < 0.15. Decision trees and ensemble tree multivariate models yielded four common independent predictors of PTSD: right superior longitudinal fasciculus tract volume on MRI; resting state connectivity between the right amygdala and left superior temporal gyrus (BA41/42) on functional MRI; and single nucleotide polymorphisms in the genes coding for myelin basic protein as well as brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Our findings require follow-up studies with greater sample size and suggest that neuroimaging and molecular biomarkers may help distinguish those at high risk for post-deployment neurocognitive syndromes

Traumatic Brain Injury Service, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center 4. National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center 5. National Institute of Nursing Research , National Institutes of Health 6. RTI Internati

Abstract Traumatic brain injury, depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are neurocognitive syndromes often associated with impairment of physical and mental health, as well as functional status. These syndromes are also frequent in military service members (SMs) after combat, although their presentation is often delayed until months after their return. The objective of this prospective cohort study was the identification of independent predictors of neurocognitive syndromes upon return from deployment could facilitate early intervention to prevent disability. We completed a comprehensive baseline assessment, followed by serial evaluations at three, six, and 12 months, to assess for new-onset PTSD, depression, or postconcussive syndrome (PCS) in order to identify baseline factors most strongly associated with subsequent neurocognitive syndromes. On serial follow-up, seven participants developed at least one neurocognitive syndrome: five with PTSD, one with depression and PTSD, and one with PCS. On univariate analysis, 60 items were associated with syndrome development at p < 0.15. Decision trees and ensemble tree multivariate models yielded four common independent predictors of PTSD: right superior longitudinal fasciculus tract volume on MRI; resting state connectivity between the right amygdala and left superior temporal gyrus (BA41/42) on functional MRI; and single nucleotide polymorphisms in the genes coding for myelin basic protein as well as brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Our findings require follow-up studies with greater sample size and suggest that neuroimaging and molecular biomarkers may help distinguish those at high risk for post-deployment neurocognitive syndromes