Grand Challenges For Engineering Research Articles

Independent components of reconstructed current sources reflect activity of individual cell populations

Event Abstract Back to Event Independent components of reconstructed current sources reflect activity of individual cell populations Helena T. Głąbska1*, Jan Potworowski1, Daniel K. Wójcik1 and Szymon Łęcki1 1 Nencki Institute, Neurophysiology, Poland Local field potential (LFP) – the low-frequency part of the potential recorded extracellularly in the brain – reflects neural activity at the population level. The interpretation of LFP is complicated because it can mix activity from remote cells, on the order of millimeters from the electrode. To understand better the connection between the recordings and the local cell activity we expanded the thalamocortical model of Traub et al. (2005)[1] to compute simultaneous LFP [2], transmembrane currents and spiking activity. We used this model to study the information contained in independent components obtained from the reconstructed Current Source Density (CSD) [3], which smooths transmembrane currents, decomposed with Independent Component Analysis (ICA) [4]. We found out that three components obtained reliably matched well the activity of two dominating cell populations: superior pyramidal cells in layer 2/3 (rhythmic spiking) and tufted pyramids from layer 5 (intrinsically bursting). Interestingly, the pyramidal population from layer 2/3 could not be well described as a product of spatial profile and temporal activation, but was matched well by a sum of two such products which we recovered in two of the ICA components in our analysis, which seem to reflect different inputs on dendritic trees within the population. Figure 1 Acknowledgements This research was carried out with the support of the "HPC Infrastructure for Grand Challenges of Science and Engineering" Project, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund under the Innovative Economy Operational Programme and grants 5428/B/P01/2010/39, POIG.02.03.00-00-003/09, POIG.02.03.00-00-018/08 and

Fusion materials modeling: Challenges and opportunities

Abstract

Biological approaches for addressing the grand challenge of providing access to clean drinking water.

The U.S. National Academy of Engineering (NAE) recently published a document presenting "Grand Challenges for Engineering". This list was proposed by leading engineers and scientists from around the world at the request of the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). Fourteen topics were selected for these grand challenges, and at least seven can be addressed using the tools and methods of biological engineering. Here we describe how biological engineers can address the challenge of providing access to clean drinking water. This issue must be addressed in part by removing or inactivating microbial and chemical contaminants in order to properly deliver water safe for human consumption. Despite many advances in technologies this challenge is expanding due to increased pressure on fresh water supplies and to new opportunities for growth of potentially pathogenic organisms.

Structural Behavior of Waffle Bridge Deck Panels and Connections of Precast Ultra-High-Performance Concrete

The AASHTO strategic plan in 2005 identified extending the service life of bridges and accelerating bridge construction as two of the grand challenges in bridge engineering. Previous studies have shown that using a prefabricated full-depth precast concrete deck system not only accelerated the bridge deck rehabilitation process but also extended its service life with reduced user delays and lower life-cycle costs. The recent use of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) in the United States for bridge applications has proved efficient and economical because of its superior structural and durability characteristics. On the basis of the advantages of UHPC and precast systems, a design for a full-depth UHPC waffle deck panel system was developed. A full-scale, single-span, 60-ft long by 33-ft wide prototype bridge with full-depth prefabricated UHPC waffle deck panels has been planned as a replacement bridge in Wapello County, Iowa. In support of this project, structural performance and constructability of the UHPC waffle deck system and its critical connections were studied through an experimental program at Iowa State University. Two prefabricated, full-depth, UHPC waffle deck panels were connected to two 24-ft long precast prestressed girders, and the system was tested under service, fatigue, and ultimate loads. On the basis of the test observations and results and the experience gained from fabrication of deck panels and casting of UHPC infill joints (transverse and longitudinal), the prefabricated UHPC waffle deck system concept was found to be a viable option to achieve the goals of the AASHTO strategic plan.

Addressing the Grand Challenge of atmospheric carbon dioxide: geologic sequestration vs. biological recycling.

On February 15, 2008, the National Academy of Engineering unveiled their list of 14 Grand Challenges for Engineering. Building off of tremendous advancements in the past century, these challenges were selected for their role in assuring a sustainable existence for the rapidly increasing global community. It is no accident that the first five Challenges on the list involve the development of sustainable energy sources and management of environmental resources. While the focus of this review is to address the single Grand Challenge of "develop carbon sequestration methods", is will soon be clear that several other Challenges are intrinsically tied to it through the principles of sustainability. How does the realm of biological engineering play a role in addressing these Grand Challenges?

Immersive Visual Communication

The National Academy of Engineering recently identified 14 grand challenges for engineering in the 21st century (www.engineeringchallenges. org). We believe that the continuing advances in ubiquitous sensing, processing, and computing provide the potential to tackle two of these 14 grand challenges: specifically, enhancing virtual reality and advancing personalized learning.

2010 Panel on the Biomaterials Grand Challenges

In 2009, the National Academy for Engineering issued the Grand Challenges for Engineering in the 21st Century comprised of 14 technical challenges that must be addressed to build a healthy, profitable, sustainable, and secure global community (http://www.engineeringchallenges.org). Although crucial, none of the NEA Grand Challenges adequately addressed the challenges that face the biomaterials community. In response to the NAE Grand Challenges, Monty Reichert of Duke University organized a panel entitled Grand Challenges in Biomaterials at the at the 2010 Society for Biomaterials Annual Meeting in Seattle. Six members of the National Academies-Buddy Ratner, James Anderson, Allan Hoffman, Art Coury, Cato Laurencin, and David Tirrell-were asked to propose a grand challenge to the audience that, if met, would significantly impact the future of biomaterials and medical devices. Successfully meeting these challenges will speed the 60-plus year transition from commodity, off-the-shelf biomaterials to bioengineered chemistries, and biomaterial devices that will significantly advance our ability to address patient needs and also to create new market opportunities.

Unconventional Computing — Reversible Signed Digit Adders for Future Nanocomputing Devices

Abstract Unconventional Computing (UC) denotes new and alternative methods and technologies for computer technologies, e. g., nanocomputing or DNA computing. This paper investigates the importance of UC for the Grand Challenges of Computer Engineering. At the moment nanocomputing appears to be the most promising UC discipline. As example for an UC method the use of redundant arithmetic and reversible logic for nanocomputing is presented.

The Grand Challenges in Computer Engineering — Facing the Future

The Grand Challenges in Computer Engineering — Facing the Future

A Gas Dynamic Trap Neutron Source for Fusion Material and Subcomponent Testing

The successful operation (with β ≤ 60%, classical ions and electrons with Te = 250 eV) of the gas dynamic trap device at the Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics in Novosibirsk, Russia, extrapolates to a 2 MW/m2 dynamic trap neutron source (DTNS), which burns only ~100 g of tritium per full-power year. The DTNS has no physics, engineering, or technology showstoppers; the extension of neutral beam lines to steady state can use demonstrated engineering; and it supports near-term tokamaks and volume neutron sources. The DTNS provides a neutron spectrum similar to that of ITER and satisfies the missions specified by the materials community to test fusion materials (listed as one of the top grand challenges for engineering in the 21st century by the U.S. National Academy of Engineering) and subcomponents (including tritium-breeding blankets) needed to construct DEMO. The DTNS could serve as the first fusion nuclear science facility (FNSF), called for by ReNeW (the Research Needs Workshop), and could provide the data necessary for licensing subsequent FSNFs.

Grand challenges in biomedical engineering [President's Message

Starting in 2010, the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBS) is launching a new series of forums addressing the grand challenges in biomedical engineering. The forum series will review the significant progress we have made in the past decade and identify the grand challenges facing the scientific community in a specific discipline within the biomedical engineering field in the next ten years.

CICLoPE—a response to the need for high Reynolds number experiments

Although the equations governing turbulent flow of fluids are well known, understanding the overwhelming richness of flow phenomena, especially in high Reynolds number turbulent flows, remains one of the grand challenges in physics and engineering. High Reynolds number turbulence is ubiquitous in aerospace engineering, ground transportation systems, flow machinery, energy production (from gas turbines to wind and water turbines), as well as in nature, e.g. various processes occurring in the planetary boundary layer. High Reynolds number turbulence is not easily obtained in the laboratory, since in order to have good spatial resolution for measurements, the size of the facility itself has to be large. In this paper, we discuss limitations of various existing facilities and propose a new facility that will allow good spatial resolution even at high Reynolds number. The work is carried out in the framework of the Center for International Cooperation in Long Pipe Experiments (CICLoPE), an international collaboration that many in the turbulence community have shown an interest to participate in.

The Central Role of Neuroinformatics in the National Academy of Engineering’s Grandest Challenge: Reverse Engineer the Brain

By boldly stating a list of fourteen specific Grand Challenges for Engineering, the influential National Academy of Engineering (NAE) has, in effect, set the stage for shaping the next round of major scientific and technological initiatives. In an open electronic publication (Perry et al. 2008), and on a special web site (http://www.engineeringchallenges.org), the authors eloquently describe their rationale for selecting the Grand Challenges. Importantly, these challenges were formulated based entirely on human needs, without being influenced by lesser considerations. These fourteen challenges will undoubtedly influence science and technology policy around the world for the next decade, and set the tone for public scientific discourse. They will likely shape funding priorities of government and non-government agencies. They will help guide strategic planning at universities and research-driven corporations alike. Most significantly, when these challenges are overcome, they will have a far-reaching, transformational effect on the future of humanity. The NAE's 14 Grand Challenges for Engineering Make solar energy economical Provide energy from fusion Develop carbon sequestration methods Manage the nitrogen cycle Provide access to clean water Restore and improve urban infrastructure Advance health informatics Engineer better medicines Reverse-engineer the brain Prevent nuclear terror Secure cyberspace Enhance virtual reality Advance personalized learning Engineer the tools of scientific discovery

Grand challenges for engineering

Grand challenges for engineering

Grand challenges for biological engineering

Biological engineering will play a significant role in solving many of the world's problems in medicine, agriculture, and the environment. Recently the U.S. National Academy of Engineering (NAE) released a document "Grand Challenges in Engineering," covering broad realms of human concern from sustainability, health, vulnerability and the joy of living. Biological engineers, having tools and techniques at the interface between living and non-living entities, will play a prominent role in forging a better future. The 2010 Institute of Biological Engineering (IBE) conference in Cambridge, MA, USA will address, in part, the roles of biological engineering in solving the challenges presented by the NAE. This letter presents a brief outline of how biological engineers are working to solve these large scale and integrated problems of our society.

A grand challenge for the twenty‐first century

PurposeReviews the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoints practical implications from cutting‐edge research and case studies.Design/methodology/approachThis briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.FindingsTop of the list of the 14 “Grand challenges for engineering in the 21st century” that have been identified and published by the US National Academy of Engineering (NAE) is the need to harness the power of the sun by commercializing affordable solar energy. As the NAE observes, “we only need to capture one part in 10,000 of the sunlight that falls on the Earth to meet 100 percent of our energy needs.” At present solar's share of the total energy market remains rather small, well below 1 percent of total energy consumption. However, the committee has chosen challenges that they feel can, through creativity and commitment, be realistically met, and a range technologies that start go some of the way to meeting the solar energy generation problems – from PV cells to utility scale thermal power plants – are now not only well in hand, but are seeing major growth in terms of adoption.Practical implicationsProvides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations.Originality/valueThe briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy‐to‐digest format.

Emerging cyberinfrastructure: Challenges for the chemical process control community

This paper considers a broad, high-level overview of two key trends in “emerging cyberinfrastructure”: how it is nearing a tipping point of “information flow reversal” of data flowing from the periphery of the internet to the core (instead of the historic “download” model of data flow from the core to the periphery) and the coupling of all traditional infrastructures such as roads and power grids to cyberhubs with the incorporation of smart features such as sensors and actuators. In the language of the CPC community, the cyberinfrastructure for data flow is evolving from an isolated and simple open-loop system to a closed-loop system of complex inter-dependencies with all other infrastructures. This pathway will undoubtedly lead to one of the grand challenges of modern systems engineering, namely a system with a rich set of dynamics that presents a formidable challenge amenable only to those most skilled in the art and science of process control. The dramatic ramp up in societal investments in radio frequency identification (RFID), the emergence of a community investigating dynamic data-drive application systems (DDDAS) and mitigation of security risks engendered by cyberhubs linking critical infrastructures can all be reconsidered in this framework as part of a greater pattern.