Raytheon

About: Raytheon is a company organization based out in Waltham, Massachusetts, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Signal & Antenna (radio). The organization has 15290 authors who have published 18973 publications receiving 300052 citations.

Multiangle Imaging SpectroRadiometer global aerosol product assessment by comparison with the Aerosol Robotic Network

Abstract: [1] A statistical approach is used to assess the quality of the Multiangle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) version 22 (V22) aerosol products. Aerosol optical depth (AOD) retrieval results are improved relative to the early postlaunch values reported by [Kahn et al. (2005)], which varied with particle type category. Overall, about 70% to 75% of MISR AOD retrievals fall within 0.05 or 20% × AOD of the paired validation data from the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET), and about 50% to 55% are within 0.03 or 10% x AERONET AOD, except at sites where dust or mixed dust and smoke are commonly found. Retrieved particle microphysical properties amount to categorical values, such as three size groupings: "small," "medium," and "large." For particle size, ground-based AERONET sun photometer Angstrom exponents are used to assess statistically the corresponding MISR values, which are interpreted in terms of retrieved size categories. Coincident single-scattering albedo (SSA) and fraction AOD spherical data are too limited for statistical validation. V22 distinguishes two or three size bins, depending on aerosol type, and about two bins in SSA (absorbing vs. nonabsorbing), as well as spherical vs. nonspherical particles, under good retrieval conditions. Particle type sensitivity varies considerably with conditions and is diminished for midvisible AODs below about 0.15 or 0.2. On the basis of these results, specific algorithm upgrades are proposed and are being investigated by the MISR team for possible implementation in future versions of the product.

A Steepest-Ascent Method for Solving Optimum Programming Problems

Abstract: SYSTEMATIC and rapid steepest-ascent numerical procedure is described for determining optimum programs for nonlinear systems with terminal constraints. The procedure uses the concept of local linearization around a nominal (nonoptimum) path. The effect on the terminal conditions of a small change in the control variable program is determined by numerical integration of the adjoint differential equations for small perturbations about the nominal path. Having these adjoint (or influence) functions, it is then possible to determine the change in the control variable program that gives maximum increase in the pay-off function for a given mean-square perturbation of the control variable program while simultaneously changing the terminal quantities by desired amounts. By repeating this process in small steps, a control variable program that minimizes one quantity and yields specified values of other terminal quantities can be approached as closely as desired. Three numerical examples are presented: (a) The angle-of-attack program for a typical supersonic interceptor to climb to altitude in minimum time is determined with and without specified terminal velocity and heading. (6) The angle-of-attack program for the same interceptor to climb to maximum altitude is determined, (c) The angle-of-attack program is determined for a hypersonic orbital glider to obtain maximum surface range starting from satellite speed at 300,000 ft altitude.

Lipotoxicity of beta-cells in obesity and in other causes of fatty acid spillover.

Abstract: A recently identified function of leptin is to protect nonadipose tissues from the nonoxidative metabolic products of long-chain fatty acids (FAs) during periods of overnutrition by increasing the beta-oxidative metabolism of surplus FAs and reducing lipogenesis. When this protective system fails, harmful products of nonoxidative metabolism such as ceramide increase in nonadipose tissues, including the pancreatic islets and heart, and cause nitric oxide-mediated lipotoxicity and lipoapoptosis. The triacylglycerol content in nonadipocytes provides a useful index of overall nonoxidative metabolism. In normal animal tissue, triacylglycerol is maintained within a narrow range; even when the caloric intake is excessive, compensatory FA-induced upregulation of oxidation prevents overaccumulation. However, if leptin is deficient or if leptin receptors (Ob-R) are nonfunctional, this autoregulatory system does not operate, and triacylglycerol content rises in nonadipose tissues. This provides a source of excess FAs that enter potentially toxic pathways of nonoxidative metabolism leading to apoptosis of certain tissues. FA overload in skeletal muscle causes insulin resistance; in myocardium, it impairs cardiac function; and in pancreatic islets, it causes beta-cell dysfunction, apoptosis, and diabetes. All abnormalities in these tissues can be blocked by troglitazone, an inhibitor of FA accumulation.

Regulation of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 2α Signaling by the Stress-Responsive Deacetylase Sirtuin 1

Abstract: To survive in hostile environments, organisms activate stress-responsive transcriptional regulators that coordinately increase production of protective factors. Hypoxia changes cellular metabolism and thus activates redox-sensitive as well as oxygen-dependent signal transducers. We demonstrate that Sirtuin 1 (Sirt1), a redox-sensing deacetylase, selectively stimulates activity of the transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor 2 alpha (HIF-2α) during hypoxia. The effect of Sirt1 on HIF-2α required direct interaction of the proteins and intact deacetylase activity of Sirt1. Select lysine residues in HIF-2α that are acetylated during hypoxia confer repression of Sirt1 augmentation by small-molecule inhibitors. In cultured cells and mice, decreasing or increasing Sirt1 activity or levels affected expression of the HIF-2α target gene erythropoietin accordingly. Thus, Sirt1 promotes HIF-2 signaling during hypoxia and likely other environmental stresses.

Next-generation in vivo optical imaging with short-wave infrared quantum dots

Abstract: Functionalized InAs quantum dots emitting in the short-wavelength infrared spectral region enable functional biomedical imaging at unprecedentedly high spatial resolution, deep penetration and fast acquisition speeds.