Search

CD4+ T cells play major roles in the adaptive immune system, which requires antigen recognition, costimulation, and cytokines for its elaborate orchestration. Recent studies have provided new insight into the importance of the supramolecular activation cluster (SMAC), which comprises concentric circles and is involved in the amplification of CD4+ T cell activation. However, the underlying mechanism of SMAC formation remains poorly understood. Here, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing of CD4+ T cells left unstimulated and stimulated with anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 antibodies to identify novel proteins involved in their regulation. We found that intraflagellar transport 20 (IFT20), previously known as cilia-forming protein, was upregulated in antibody-stimulated CD4+ T cells compared to unstimulated CD4+ T cells. We also found that IFT20 interacted with tumor susceptibility gene 101 (TSG101), a protein that endocytoses ubiquitinated T-cell receptors. The interaction between IFT20 and TSG101 promoted SMAC formation, which led to amplification of AKT-mTOR signaling. However, IFT20-deficient CD4+ T cells showed SMAC malformation, resulting in reduced CD4+ T cell proliferation, aerobic glycolysis, and cellular respiration. Finally, mice with T-cell-specific IFT20 deficiency exhibited reduced allergen-induced airway inflammation. Thus, our data suggest that the IFT20-TSG101 axis regulates AKT-mTOR signaling via SMAC formation.

Thyristor Controlled Reactor (TCR) has been used to improve power quality through firing angle control by parallel connection to the system in the form of ∆-connection. The inductances of three-phase TCR are assumed to be a same value, but a difference is generated in the inductance value of each phase in the manufacturing process. Due to the difference in three-phase inductance, a conventional TCR control algorithm causes the imbalance of phase voltage. So, this paper proposes a method to solve the phase imbalance problem of TCR using a modified firing angle control scheme, and the performance of the proposed method was verified through Matlab simulation.

Adoptive transfer of γδ T cells is a novel immunotherapeutic approach to glioblastoma. Few recent studies have shown the efficacy of γδ T cells against glioblastoma, but no previous studies have identified the ligand-receptor interactions between γδ T cells and glioblastoma cells. Here, we identify those ligand-receptor interactions and provide a basis for using γδ T cells to treat glioblastoma. Vγ9Vδ2 T cells were generated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of healthy donors using artificial antigen presenting cells. MICA, ULBP, PVR and Nectin-2 expression in 10 patient-derived glioblastoma (PDG) cells were analyzed. The in vitro cytokine secretion from the γδ T cells and their cytotoxicity toward the PDG cells were also analyzed. The in vivo anti-tumor effects were evaluated using a U87 orthotopic xenograft glioblastoma model. Expression of ligands and cytotoxicity of the γδ T cells varied among the PDG cells. IFN-γ and Granzyme B secretion levels were significantly higher when γδ Tcells were co-cultured with high-susceptible PDG cells than when they were co-cultured with low-susceptible PDG cells. Cytotoxicity correlated significantly with the expression levels of DNAM-1 ligands of the PDG cells. Blocking DNAM-1 resulted in a decrease in γδ T cell-mediated cytotoxicity and cytokine secretion. Intratumoral injection of γδ T cells showed anti-tumor effects in an orthotopic mouse model. Allogenic γδ T cells showed potent anti-tumor effects on glioblastoma in a DNAM-1 axis dependent manner. Our findings will facilitate the development of clinical strategies using γδ T cells for glioblastoma treatment.

Infiltrating tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) are known to impede immunotherapy against glioblastoma (GBM), however, TAMs are heterogeneous, and there are no clear markers to distinguish immunosuppressive and potentially immune-activating populations. Here we identify a subset of CD169+ macrophages promoting an anti-tumoral microenvironment in GBM. Using single-cell transcriptome analysis, we find that CD169+ macrophages in human and mouse gliomas produce pro-inflammatory chemokines, leading to the accumulation of T cells and NK cells. CD169 expression on macrophages facilitates phagocytosis of apoptotic glioma cells and hence tumor-specific T cell responses. Depletion of CD169+ macrophages leads to functionally impaired antitumor lymphocytes and poorer survival of glioma-bearing mice. We show that NK-cell-derived IFN-γ is critical for the accumulation of blood monocyte-derived CD169+ macrophages in gliomas. Our work thus identifies a well-distinguished TAM subset promoting antitumor immunity against GBM, and identifies key factors that might shift the balance from immunosuppressive to anti-tumor TAM.

Despite the recognized importance of antitumor immunity, our understanding of brain tumor immunity is poor. Orthotopic injection models have been widely used for immunological analyses. However, these models have limitations in analysis of antitumor immunity because the approach involves drilling skulls and injecting tumor cells, which can induce adverse effects. We describe a protocol for the induction of spontaneous brain tumor model, isolation of single cells from brain tumor microenvironment, and analysis of the immune responses using scRNA-seq and flow cytometry. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Park et al. (2021).

The anatomic location and immunologic characteristics of brain tumors result in strong lymphocyte suppression. Consequently, conventional immunotherapies targeting CD8 T cells are ineffective against brain tumors. Tumor cells escape immunosurveillance by various mechanisms and tumor cell metabolism can affect the metabolic states and functions of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Here, we discovered that brain tumor cells had a particularly high demand for oxygen, which affected γδ T cell-mediated antitumor immune responses but not those of conventional T cells. Specifically, tumor hypoxia activated the γδ T cell protein kinase A pathway at a transcriptional level, resulting in repression of the activatory receptor NKG2D. Alleviating tumor hypoxia reinvigorated NKG2D expression and the antitumor function of γδ T cells. These results reveal a hypoxia-mediated mechanism through which brain tumors and γδ T cells interact and emphasize the importance of γδ T cells for antitumor immunity against brain tumors. Glioblastoma is one of the most intractable tumors and presents a hypoxic and immunologically cold microenvironment. Lee and colleagues demonstrate that normalizing oxygen tension unleashes γδ T cell anti-glioblastoma function.

A novel approximation-free differentiator-based output-feedback controller for uncertain large-scale systems (LSSs) is proposed. The considered LSS has nonautonomous and nonaffine-in-the-control subsystems which is yet to be tackled for decentralized output-feedback controller in the previous researches. The controller adopts a higher-order switching differentiator that can track the time-derivatives of a time-varying signal asymptotically. Through the differentiators, time-derivatives of output tracking errors are estimated and unstructured uncertainties in the controlled subsystems are compensated. The proposed decentralized output-feedback control formulae and the stability analysis are relatively simple in comparison to the previously proposed decentralized controllers. In this case, approximators such as fuzzy systems or neural networks are not required. The proposed controller guarantees that the tracking errors of the subsystems are asymptotically convergent to zeros and all the signals involved in the closed-loop systems are bounded.

Obesity is detrimental to the immune system. It impairs lymphatics, T cell development, and lymphopoiesis; induces dysfunction of antitumor immunity; and also promotes tumor progression. However, direct evidence of the impact of obesity on viral infection is lacking. We report a protective role of obesity against herpes simplex virus 2 infection of the genital mucosa in mice. Although conventional antiviral immunity is comparable between obese mice and lean mice, obesity enhances the cytotoxic subset of γδ T cells. This effect is mediated by L-arginine produced by commensal microbiota in the genital mucosa, which induces "pseudonormoxia" of γδ T cells, resulting in increased natural killer (NK) group 2 D (NKG2D) expression of γδ T cells through the downregulation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF1A) by inducing nitric oxide (NO) production, thereby protecting mice from lethal genital herpes. Thus, our work illuminates one mechanism by which obesity-induced compositional changes in the vaginal microbiota can affect mucosal immune responses against viral infection.

The Korean Institute of Technology Satellite (KITSAT-1) is the first satellite developed by the Satellite Technology Research Center and the University of Surrey. KITSAT-1 is orbiting the Earth’s orbit as space debris with a 1,320 km altitude after the planned mission. Due to its relatively small size and altitude, tracking the KITSAT-1 was a difficult task. In this research, we analyzed the tracking results of KITSAT-1 for one year using the Midland Space Radar (MSR) in Texas and the Poker Flat Incoherent Scatter Radar (PFISR) in Alaska operated by LeoLabs, Inc. The tracking results were analyzed on a weekly basis for MSR and PFISR. The observation was conducted by using both stations at an average frequency of 10 times per week. The overall corrected range measurements for MSR and PFISR by LeoLabs were under 50 m and 25 m, respectively. The ionospheric delay, the dominant error source, was confirmed with the International Reference of Ionosphere-16 model and Global Navigation Satellite System data. The weekly basis orbit determination results were compared with two-line element data. The comparison results were used to confirm the orbital consistency of the estimated orbits.

A novel output-feedback controller for uncertain nonautonomous nonlinear systems with unknown relative-degree is proposed in this study. With the assumption that the upper bound of the relative degree is known, the proposed control scheme is designed based on the input filter and higher-order switching differentiator(HOSD) with over dimension. Using the overestimated time-derivatives of tracking error by HOSD, the proposed controller compensates for the effects of uncertainties including an unknown relative degree in the controlled system. Assuming that the internal zero dynamics, if they exist, are stable, the asymptotic stability of the closed-loop system is guaranteed.

This paper presents a 10 kW, 12-slot 10-pole surface-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor (SPMSM) design with fractional-slot concentrated winding for a podded propulsion system. Its load is a propeller that is proportional to the square of the rotational speed and the fifth power of the propeller diameter. Taking this into account, three SPMSMs with rated rotational speeds of 600, 1200, and 1800 rpm with the same rated output power of 10 kW were analyzed. These were designed under the same conditions (i.e., torque per rotor volume, air-gap length, current density, power factor, fill-factor, and supply voltage). Based on the SPMSMs designed by electromagnetic analysis, the housing of a podded propulsor for each SPMSM was modeled for mechanical analysis, including such parameters as forced vibration, radiated noise, and modal acoustics analysis in air and water. From the modal acoustics analysis, it is confirmed that the natural frequencies of a structure in water are lower than those in air because of the added mass effect of water.

The Optical Wide-field patroL-Network (OWL-Net) is a global optical network for Space Situational Awareness in Korea. The primary operational goal of the OWL-Net is to track Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites operated by Korea and to monitor the Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) region near the Korean peninsula. To obtain dense measurements on LEO tracking, the chopper system was adopted in the OWL-Net’s back-end system. Dozens of angle-only measurements can be obtained for a single shot with the observation mode for LEO tracking. In previous work, the reduction process of the LEO tracking data was presented, along with the mechanical specification of the back-end system of the OWL-Net. In this research, we describe an integrity assessment method of time-position matching and verification of results from real observations of LEO satellites. The change rate of the angle of each streak in the shot was checked to assess the results of the matching process. The time error due to the chopper rotation motion was corrected after re-matching of time and position. The corrected measurements were compared with the simulated observation data, which were taken from the Consolidated Prediction File from the International Laser Ranging Service. The comparison results are presented in the In-track and Cross-track frame.

A novel backstepping controller for uncertain single-input single-output pure-feedback nonaffine and nonautonomous nonlinear systems based on the time-derivative estimator (TDE) is proposed. Using TDEs, time-derivatives of error signals used in virtual control terms are directly estimated in every backstepping design steps. As a result, the control law has a relatively simple form. In addition, convergence of tracking error to a small neighborhood of origin is guaranteed regardless of unstructured uncertainties or unmatched disturbances in the controlled system. It does not require separate adaptive schemes or universal approximators such as neural networks or fuzzy logic systems adaptively tuned online to cope with system uncertainties. Simulation results demonstrated the simplicity and good performance of the proposed approximation-free controller.

Applying a concrete surface treatment method (epoxy or primer) can prevent water from penetrating concrete through surface pores. However, if the concrete surface is damaged, the subsequent reconstruction can be expensive and time-consuming. Concrete that is resistant to internal and external water has been extensively developed and used to supplement the surface treatment method. Herein, we prepared specimens by mixing cement mortar with fatty-acid-salt-based calcium stearate attached to two natural pozzolanic materials—diatomite and yellow clay. The physical tests measured (1) the air content, (2) flow test, (3) compressive strength, and (4) activity Factor. Durability experiments were performed on (1) the contact angle, (2) chloride ion diffusion coefficient, and (3) water absorption test. The results revealed that the compressive strength of concrete decreased as the calcium stearate content increased. Furthermore, it was confirmed that the contact angle of the test piece using the pozzolanic substance and calcium stearate was twice as high. It was confirmed that the sand test specimen had the highest water absorption rate, and the DT3% had the lowest. (Sand%: 11.8 > OPC: 6.5 > DT3%: 2.4), the chloride diffusion coefficient also showed similar results. (Sand%: 12.5 > OPC: 8.4 > DT1%: 8.8)Due to its unique insolubility, calcium stearate retards hydrate formation when mixed alone and negates compressive strength loss when combined with pozzolanic mixtures rich in SiO2 and Al2O3. Furthermore, the ideal method for producing water-resistant cement mortar is to evenly disperse calcium stearate in the porous powder of cement mortar.

Infiltrating tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) are known to impede immunotherapy against glioblastoma (GBM), however, TAMs are heterogeneous, and there are no clear markers to distinguish immunosuppressive and potentially immune-activating populations. Here we identify a subset of CD169

The novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, has resulted in a pandemic with millions of deaths. To eradicate SARS-CoV-2 and prevent further infections, many vaccine candidates have been developed. These vaccines include not only traditional subunit vaccines and attenuated or inactivated viral vaccines but also nucleic acid and viral vector vaccines. In contrast to the diversity in the platform technology, the delivery of vaccines is limited to intramuscular vaccination. Although intramuscular vaccination is safe and effective, mucosal vaccination could improve the local immune responses that block the spread of pathogens. However, a lack of understanding of mucosal immunity combined with the urgent need for a COVID-19 vaccine has resulted in only intramuscular vaccinations. In this review, we summarize the history of vaccines, current progress in COVID-19 vaccine technology, and the status of intranasal COVID-19 vaccines. Future research should determine the most effective route for vaccine delivery based on the platform and determine the mechanisms that underlie the efficacy of different delivery routes.

We aimed to analyze airborne microorganisms and assess air quality, temperature, and relative humidity at “J” Market, an arcade-type traditional market in Anseong (South Korea). Measurements were taken 16 times, twice per quarter (January, April, July, and October), at both the entrance and intersection of the market in 2020. The concentrations of airborne bacteria and fungi at the entrance and intersection were highest in October and lowest in April; however, they were below the recommended indoor levels (airborne bacteria

The detrimental role of obesity in various diseases, including metabolic, cardiovascular, autoimmune, infectious, and cancerous diseases, has been known for many years. Conversely, a phenomenon wherein obesity exerts a positive effect in certain conditions has recently been discovered, and this is known as the obesity paradox. However, the obesity paradox remains controversial, and the underlying mechanisms are still not clear. In particular, a possible role for obesity in response to viral infection has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated a case of the obesity paradox in vaginal herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) infection and uncovered the mechanisms whereby obesity protects from vaginal HSV-2 infection by inducing vaginal dysbiosis. Critically, these obesity-related vaginal microbiota produce L-arginine, which promotes γδ T cell immunity that enhances early protection against HSV-2 infection. This study reveals that obesity-induced translocation of gut microbiota to vagina potentiates anti-HSV-2 immunity via reprogramming of γδ T cell metabolism which provides novel insight for development of anti-HSV-2 drugs and understanding the role of microbiota, antiviral γδ T cell immunity, and mechanisms of obesity paradox. Supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea grant NRF-2019R1A2C208749013

Switched reluctance motor (SRM) is a low-cost, robust motor that is suitable for a wide range of applications. However, SRM has high torque ripple and acoustic noise, which is most apparent in the single-phase configurations. In this paper, the strategy and considerations in designing single-phase SRMs are presented. Permanent magnets (PMs) are included, making the structure hybrid. PMs help to secure the initial rotating position and act as another phase for continuous rotation. Finite element analysis (FEA) is performed to observe the characteristics of the models. Each proposed design is manufactured, and experiments were done to verify the effectiveness in practical application.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of respiratory tract infections in infants. Macroautophagy/autophagy is a catalytic metabolic process required for cellular homeostasis. Although intracellular metabolism is important for immune responses in dendritic cells, the link between autophagy and immunometabolism remains unknown. Here, we show that the autophagy-related protein ATG5 regulates immunometabolism. Atg5-deficient mouse dendritic cells showed increased CD8A+ T-cell response and increased secretion of proinflammatory cytokines upon RSV infection. Transcriptome analysis showed that Atg5 deficiency alters the expression of metabolism-related genes. Atg5-deficient dendritic cells also showed increased activation of glycolysis and the AKT-MTOR-RPS6KB1 pathway and decreased mitochondrial activity, all of which are cellular signatures for metabolic activation. These cells also showed elevated CD8A+ T-cell priming and surface major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I expression. Our results suggested that ATG5 regulated host immune responses by modulating dendritic cell metabolism. These findings may help develop potential antiviral therapies that alter host immunity by regulating autophagy and immunometabolism. Abbreviations : 2-DG: 2-deoxyglucose; AAK1: AP2 associated kinase 1; AKT: AKT serine/threonine kinase; AM: alveolar macrophage; ATG: autophagy; ATP: adenosine triphosphate; BAL: bronchoalveolar lavage; BMDC: bone marrow dendritic cell; CSF2/GM-CSF: colony-stimulating factor 2 (granulocyte-macrophage); CTL: cytotoxic T lymphocyte; ELISA: enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; GFP: green fluorescent protein; GSEA: gene-set enrichment analysis; H-2Db: H-2 class I histocompatibility antigen, D-B alpha chain; H-2Kb: MHC class I H2-K-b; HIF1A: hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha; IFNG: interferon-gamma; IL: interleukin; ITGAX: integrin alpha X; MAP1LC3/LC3: microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3; MAP1LC3B/LC3B: microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta; MHC: major histocompatibility complex; MTORC1: mammalian target of rapamycin kinase complex 1; PBS: phosphate-buffered saline; PFU: plaque-forming unit; RLR: retinoic acid-inducible-I-like receptor; ROS: reactive oxygen species; RPMI: Roswell Park Memorial Institute; RPS6KB1/S6K: ribosomal protein S6 kinase, polypeptide 1; RSV: respiratory syncytial virus; Th: T helper; TLR: toll-like receptor; Treg: regulatory T cells; UMAP: uniform manifold approximation and projection.

Recently, because of the increase in the number of connections to Distributed Generation (DG), the problem of lowering voltage stability in the distribution system has become an issue. Reactive power compensators, such as Static Synchronous Compensators (STATCOM), may be used to solve the problem of voltage stability degradation. However, because of the complexity of the distribution system, it is very difficult to select the installation location for STATCOM. Furthermore, when installed in the wrong location, economical efficiency and availability problems may occur. This paper proposes a Virtual STATCOM Configuration and Control method that would operate like a single STATCOM based on multiple DGs connected to the system. The proposed Virtual STATCOM has the merit of being economical by using existing facilities without adding new power facilities, and it solves the problem of the difficulty of selecting the installation location because of the complexity of the distribution system. In addition, while the conventional STATCOM uses an independent control method in consideration of the power quality of the access point, the Virtual STATCOM performs the Point of Common Coupling (PCC) power quality compensation using the integrated control of multiple DGs connected to the system. In the proposed method, the Virtual STATCOM integrated control algorithm is configured by adopting linear programming, and the compensation is performed while considering the distance between DG and PCC, the inverter’s rated capacity, and the power generation. The performance of the Virtual STATCOM power quality compensation was verified using MATLAB/SIMULINK and Real Time Simulator (OPAL-RT).

Hypoxia is a hallmark of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most aggressive cancer of the central nervous system, and is associated with multiple aspects of tumor pathogenesis. For example, hypoxia induces resistance to conventional cancer therapies and inhibits antitumor immune responses. Thus, targeting hypoxia is an attractive strategy for GBM therapy. However, traditional studies on hypoxia have largely excluded the immune system. Recently, the critical role of the immune system in the defense against multiple tumors has become apparent, leading to the development of effective immunotherapies targeting numerous cancer types. Critically, however, GBM is classified as a “cold tumor” due to poor immune responses. Thus, to improve GBM responsiveness against immunotherapies, an improved understanding of both immune function in GBM and the role of hypoxia in mediating immune responses within the GBM microenvironment is needed. In this review, we discuss the role of hypoxia in GBM from a clinical, pathological, and immunological perspective.

지속적인 우주개발은 인공위성의 지구 추락, 우주잔해물과 우주선 간의 충돌 등 우주위험의 발생 가능성을 크게 증가 시킨다. 국내에서는 이러한 우주위험을 감시하기 위한 광학감시체계 구축은 진행하였으나, 독자적인 상시 우주감시 정보 획득 능력을 갖는 우주감시 레이다기술에 대해서는 확보가 필요한 실정이다. 본 논...

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly malignant cancer with one of the highest mortality rates. The average survival is less than 2 years after diagnosis even with current therapies, which include chemotherapy and radiation. Furthermore, GBM has shown severe resistance to immunotherapies such as immune checkpoint blockade, which mainly target CD8 T cells. Recently, several studies showed that γδ T cells can be an alternative target of immunotherapy. Unlike conventional ab T cells, γδ T cells recognize stress-induced surface antigens such as NKG2D ligands and phosphoantigens. Because GBM cells highly express NKG2D ligands, γδ T cells could be good target for immunotherapy. However, a basic understanding of γδ T cell-mediated antitumor immunity is lacking. Using single-cell transcriptomic analysis, we analyzed the characteristics of GBM-infiltrating γδ T cells. Because γδ T cells were highly suppressed by the poorly oxygenated microenvironment of brain tumors, we inhibited tumor cell respiration using metformin, a drug used for type 2 diabetes, and found that this sufficiently reinvigorated γδ T cells. Reinvigorated γδ T cells had enhanced expression of NKG2D and multiple cytokines. In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of γδ T cells in GBM and the potential for new druggable pathways through reinvigoration of γδ T cells. Citation Format: Jang Hyun Park, Heung Kyu Lee. The mechanism of γδ T cell-mediated antitumor immunity in Glioblasotma multiforme [abstract]. In: Abstracts: AACR Virtual Special Conference: Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy; 2020 Oct 19-20. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2021;9(2 Suppl):Abstract nr PO013.

As described in the previous paper (Park et al. 2013), the detector subsystem of optical wide-field patrol (OWL) provides many observational data points of a single artificial satellite or space debris in the form of small streaks, using a chopper system and a time tagger. The position and the corresponding time data are matched assuming that the length of a streak on the CCD frame is proportional to the time duration of the exposure during which the chopper blades do not obscure the CCD window. In the previous study, however, the length was measured using the diagonal of the rectangle of the image area containing the streak; the results were quite ambiguous and inaccurate, allowing possible matching error of positions and time data. Furthermore, because only one (position, time) data point is created from one streak, the efficiency of the observation decreases. To define the length of a streak correctly, it is important to locate the endpoints of a streak. In this paper, a method using a differential convolution mask pattern is tested. This method can be used to obtain the positions where the pixel values are changed sharply. These endpoints can be regarded as directly detected positional data, and the number of data points is doubled by this result.

The correlation between meteorological data collected at the optical wide-field patrol network (OWL-Net) Station No. 1 and the seeing of satellite optical observation data was analyzed. Meteorological data and satellite optical observation data from June 2014 to November 2015 were analyzed. The analyzed meteorological data were the outdoor air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and cloud index data, and the analyzed satellite optical observation data were the seeing full-width at half-maximum (FWHM) data. The annual meteorological pattern for Mongolia was analyzed by collecting meteorological data over four seasons, with data collection beginning after the installation and initial set-up of the OWL-Net Station No. 1 in Mongolia. A comparison of the meteorological data and the seeing of the satellite optical observation data showed that the seeing degrades as the wind strength increases and as the cloud cover decreases. This finding is explained by the bias effect, which is caused by the fact that the number of images taken on the less cloudy days was relatively small. The seeing FWHM showed no clear correlation with either temperature or relative humidity.

Inactive space objects are usually rotating and tumbling as a result of internal or external forces. KOREASAT 1 has been inactive since 2005, and its drift trajectory has been monitored with the optical wide-field patrol network (OWL-Net). However, a quantitative analysis of KOREASAT 1 in regard to the attitude evolution has never been performed. Here, two optical tracking systems were used to acquire raw measurements to analyze the rotation period of two inactive satellites. During the optical campaign in 2013, KOREASAT 1 was observed by a 0.6 m class optical telescope operated by the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI). The rotation period of KOREASAT 1 was analyzed with the light curves from the photometry results. The rotation periods of the low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite ASTRO-H after break-up were detected by OWL-Net on April 7, 2016. We analyzed the magnitude variation of each satellite by differential photometry and made comparisons with the star catalog. The illumination effect caused by the phase angle between the Sun and the target satellite was corrected with the system tool kit (STK) and two line element (TLE) technique. Finally, we determined the rotation period of two inactive satellites on LEO and geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) with light curves from the photometry. The main rotation periods were determined to be 5.2 sec for ASTRO-H and 74 sec for KOREASAT 1.

Arc thermal metal spray coating is very efficient process to protect the steel from corrosion in industrial, humid and saline/coastal environments. This paper incorporates the experimental results for the performance of Aluminum coating deposited on mild steel substrate by arc thermal metal spray. Different electrochemical techniques, FE-SEM, Raman spectroscopy and XRD were used to assess the performance of deposited coating. Electrochemical studies revealed the enhanced corrosion resistance properties of coating in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution. The formation of α-Al(OH)3 on coating substrate during exposure periods block the pores of coating and impede the penetration of corrosive species to react with substrate.

As a governmentally approved domestic entity for Space Situational Awareness, Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI) is developing and operating an optical telescopes system, Optical Wide-field PatroL (OWL) Network. During the test phase of this system, it is necessary to determine the range of brightness of the observable satellites. We have defined standard magnitude for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites to calibrate their luminosity in terms of standard parameters such as distance, phase angle, and angular rate. In this work, we report the optical brightness range of five LEO Satellites using OWL-Net.

By using the Optical Wide-field Patrol (OWL) network developed by the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI) we generated the right ascension and declination angle data from optical observation of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. We performed an analysis to verify the optimum number of observations needed per arc for successful estimation of orbit. The currently functioning OWL observatories are located in Daejeon (South Korea), Songino (Mongolia), and Oukaïmeden (Morocco). The Daejeon Observatory is functioning as a test bed. In this study, the observed targets were Gravity Probe B, COSMOS 1455, COSMOS 1726, COSMOS 2428, SEASAT 1, ATV-5, and CryoSat-2 (all in LEO). These satellites were observed from the test bed and the Songino Observatory of the OWL network during 21 nights in 2014 and 2015. After we estimated the orbit from systematically selected sets of observation points (20, 50, 100, and 150) for each pass, we compared the difference between the orbit estimates for each case, and the Two Line Element set (TLE) from the Joint Space Operation Center (JSpOC). Then, we determined the average of the difference and selected the optimal observation points by comparing the average values.

Several optical monitoring strategies by a ground-based telescope to protect a Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) satellite from collisions with close approaching objects were investigated. Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO) objects, Inclined GeoSynchronous Orbit (IGSO) objects, and drifted GEO objects forced by natural perturbations are hazardous to operational GEO satellites regarding issues related to close approaches. The status of these objects was analyzed on the basis of their orbital characteristics in Two-Line Element (TLE) data from the Joint Space Operation Center (JSpOC). We confirmed the conjunction probability with all catalogued objects for the domestic operational GEO satellite, Communication, Ocean and Meteorological Satellite (COMS) using the Conjunction Analysis Tools by Analytical Graphics, Inc (AGI). The longitudinal drift rates of GeoSynchronous Orbit (GSO) objects were calculated, with an analytic method and they were confirmed using the Systems Tool Kit by AGI. The required monitoring area was determined from the expected drift duration and inclination of the simulated target. The optical monitoring strategy for the target area was analyzed through the orbit determination accuracy. For this purpose, the close approach of Russian satellite Raduga 1-7 to Korean COMS in 2011 was selected.

Genital herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and it is mainly caused by the neurotropic herpes simplex virus (HSV-2). Not only does this infection cause ulcers, but HSV-2 can also stay in a latent state in the nervous system of the host throughout their lifespan. As a result, many people do not know that they harbor this infection. Moreover, HSV-2 serves as a major risk factor for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and can be transmitted to the fetus. Despite the high risk of infection and adverse effects, attempts at development of an effective vaccine for HSV-2 have not yet been successful. In this study, we developed a DNA vaccine for HSV-2 (SL-V20). This multivalent DNA vaccine effectively reduced the pathological symptoms of infection and induced efficient elimination of the virus in a mouse model. Intramuscular injection of SL-V20 led to induction of an HSV-2-specific T-cell response in the vagina, the major infection site, and in draining lymph organs. Dendritic cells (DCs), especially basic leucine zipper ATF-like transcription factor 3 (Baft3)+ DCs and partially interferon regulatory factor 4 (Irf4)+ DCs, were involved in this T-cell-mediated protective response, while B cells were dispensable for these prophylactic effects. This study demonstrates that SL-V20 offers a novel and effective vaccine against vaginal HSV-2 infection and may be applicable to patients, pending validation in clinical studies.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the less survivable and most malignant brain tumors. The average survival period is less than 2 years despite multiple therapies including chemotherapy and radiation. Furthermore, GBM showed severe resistance against immunotherapies such as immune checkpoint blockade mainly targeting CD8 T cells (1). Recently, several studies showed that γδ T cells can be an alternative target of immunotherapy. Unlike conventional T cells, γδ T cells recognize stress-induced surface antigens such as NKG2D-ligands and phosphor-antigens (2). Because GBM cells highly express NKG2D-ligands, γδ T cells could be proper targets for immunotherapy. However, a basic understanding of γδ T cell-mediated antitumor immunity remains unclear. Using single-cell transcriptomic analysis, we analyzed the characteristics of GBM-infiltrating γδ T cells. γδ T cells are highly suppressed by oxygen tension of tumor microenvironment in the brain tumor. We inhibited respiration of tumor cells by metformin, which is the drug for type 2 diabetes. Inhibition of tumor cell respiration sufficiently reinvigorated γδ T cells. Reinvigorated γδ T cells highly expressed NKG2D and multiple cytokines. In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of γδ T cells and the druggable pathways through reinvigoration of γδ T cells. Citation Format: Jang Hyun Park, Heung Kyu Lee. A mechanism of γδ T cell-mediated antitumor immunity against brain cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on the Microbiome, Viruses, and Cancer; 2020 Feb 21-24; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(8 Suppl):Abstract nr A22.

A novel switching-differentiator (SD) that can asymptotically track the time derivative of time-varying signal was previously proposed. This paper extends the previous SD to estimation of higher-order time derivatives. This study shows that higher-order time-derivatives can be estimated by connecting multiple SDs in cascade form. By successive applying the generalized Barbalat&rsquo, s lemma, all higher-order tracking errors also approach zeros asymptotically. To illustrate the performance of the proposed higher-order switching differentiator, simulations were performed for estimating higher-order time-derivatives of a signal.

Increasing numbers of Geostationary Earth Orbit satellites have led to the requirement of accurate station keeping and precise orbit prediction to avoid collision between satellites. In the case of ground-based optical observation, angular resolution is better than other tracking systems, such as radar systems; however, the observation time of optical observation is limited by weather or lighting conditions. To develop an effective optical observation strategy, the optical observation campaign from January to February 2014 for Communication, Ocean and Meteorological Satellite (COMS) was conducted. Because COMS is a controlled satellite with station keeping manoeuvres performed twice a week, the observation results for 1- and 2-day observations were analysed. Sparse and sporadic cases for the sequential observation of multiple satellites and a dense case for the intensive observation of specific targets were assumed for the experiments. In the 1-day arc observation experiment, the estimated orbits for dense observation cases over 10% of the orbital period showed that the maximum difference was less than 40 km (station keeping area) for 7-day propagation compared to the estimation result using the whole 1-day measurement. For the 2-day arc observation, the orbit estimation difference could be maintained within 2 km using a more frequent observation than the 1-h interval for 13 h that was used in the sparse case. Additionally, the longitudinal and latitudinal positions via the estimation result using the optical observation were compared with the Two-Line Elements (TLEs) and operator’s data. Through this study, an adequate optical tracking strategy was studied, and the possibility of cooperation with other systems was also validated.

Engineers increasingly rely on computers and their computer programming skills for their works. As a result, most engineering curricula have introduced a computer programming courses. However, students consider the subject to be unrelated to their core interests and often feel uncomfortable when learning to program for the first time. To overcome these difficulties, several studies have proposed the use of physical computing paradigm. This paradigm takes the computational concepts out of the PC screen and into the real world so that the student can interact with them. This paper proposes Arduino platform as a tool for attracting interest of the programming and reports the results of questionnaire survey analysis.

【In this paper, maximum boost space vector pulse-width modulation(MBSVPWM) strategy of Z-Source Inverters(ZSIs) is proposed. Conventional space vector pulse-width modulation(SVPWM) method of Voltage Source Inverters(VSIs) is modified to produce unique PWM patterns that realize the maximum boost control of ZSIs. This proposed method minimizes the switching power losses of ZSIs by reducing the numbers of the shoot-through states. Moreover, some switches keep ON state and the switching transitions do not occur during the specific sectors. An experimental system has been built and tested to verify the effectiveness of the proposed strategy.】

This article proposes a novel pulse-width modulation strategy to minimize switching losses of the Z-source inverter. The Z-source inverter has different pulse-width modulation patterns unlike the conventional voltage source inverter. Shoot-through states have been inserted within the zero states of the traditional pulse-width modulation patterns of a voltage source inverter to boost DC input voltage. Thus, the Z-source inverter has six active states, two zero states, and additional shoot-through states differentiating the Z-source and conventional voltage source inverters. The currents flowing through the switches of the Z-source inverter are larger than those of the conventional voltage source inverter, because Z-network currents must flow through the switches during the shoot-through states. Therefore, shoot-through currents increase the total switching losses of the Z-source inverter. In this article, switching losses of the Z-source inverter with the existing pulse-width modulation strategy ar...

A novel differentiator-based approximation-free output-feedback controller for uncertain nonautonomous nonlinear pure-feedback systems is proposed. Using high-order sliding mode observer, which is a finite-time exact differentiator, the time-derivatives of the signal generated using tracking error and filtered input are directly estimated. As a result, the proposed non-backstepping control law and stability analysis are drastically simple. The tracking error vector is guaranteed to be exponentially stable in finite time regardless of the nonautonomous property in the considered system. It does not require neural networks or fuzzy logic systems, which are typically adopted to capture unstructured uncertainties intrinsic in the controlled system. As far as the authors know, there are no research results on the output-feedback controller for the uncertain nonautonomous pure-feedback nonlinear systems. The results of the simulation show clearly the performance and compactness of the control scheme proposed.

Since 2011, Oukaimeden Observatory (OUCA) has become one of the active NEO search facilities in the word. Its discovery statistics shows that the MOSS (Morocco Oukaimeden Sky Survey) project received credits for more than 2,145 new designations, including 3 NEOs and 4 comets. Its excellent astro-climactic characteristics are partly behind the success. The average number of observable nights is around 280 nights per year, while median seeing is 0.8-0.9 arcsec. We completed construction of a new telescope at the site in March 2015. It is Optical Wide-field Patrol (OWL) facility designed and built by Korea Space Science Institute (KASI). The primary objective of this facility is to monitor national space assets of Korea; either wide-field imaging- or fast data acquisition- capabilities enable the 0.5m telescope to conduct observation programs to catalog and follow-up various transient events in the night sky. We present the seeing condition, the OWL system and preliminary results obtained at OWL@Oukaimeden during the past several months.

The detector subsystem of the Optical Wide-field Patrol (OWL) network efficiently acquires the position and time information of moving objects such as artificial satellites through its chopper system, which consists of 4 blades in front of the CCD camera. Using this system, it is possible to get more position data with the same exposure time by changing the streaks of the moving objects into many pieces with the fast rotating blades during sidereal tracking. At the same time, the time data from the rotating chopper can be acquired by the time tagger connected to the photo diode. To analyze the orbits of the targets detected in the image data of such a system, a sequential procedure of determining the positions of separated streak lines was developed that involved calculating the World Coordinate System (WCS) solution to transform the positions into equatorial coordinate systems, and finally combining the time log records from the time tagger with the transformed position data. We introduce this procedure and the preliminary results of the application of this procedure to the test observation images.