Natural preconditioning and iterative methods for saddle point systems

The solution of quadratic or locally quadratic extremum problems subject to linear(ized) constraints gives rise to linear systems in saddle point form. This is true whether in the continuous or the discrete setting, so saddle point systems arising from the discretization of partial differential equation problems, such as those describing electromagnetic problems or incompressible flow, lead to equations with this structure, as do, for example, interior point methods and the sequential quadratic programming approach to nonlinear optimization. This survey concerns iterative solution methods for these problems and, in particular, shows how the problem formulation leads to natural preconditioners which guarantee a fast rate of convergence of the relevant iterative methods. These preconditioners are related to the original extremum problem and their effectiveness---in terms of rapidity of convergence---is established here via a proof of general bounds on the eigenvalues of the preconditioned saddle point matrix on which iteration convergence depends

Isolation of Monoclonal Antibodies with Predetermined Conformational Epitope Specificity

Existing technologies allow isolating antigen-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) from B cells. We devised a direct approach to isolate mAbs with predetermined conformational epitope specificity, using epitope mimetics (mimotopes) that reflect the three-dimensional structure of given antigen subdomains. We performed differential biopanning using bacteriophages encoding random peptide libraries and polyclonal antibodies (Abs) that had been affinity-purified with either native or denatured antigen. This strategy yielded conformational mimotopes. We then generated mimotope-fluorescent protein fusions, which were used as baits to isolate single memory B cells from rhesus monkeys (RMs). To amplify RM immunoglobulin variable regions, we developed RM-specific PCR primers and generated chimeric simian-human mAbs with predicted epitope specificity. We established proof-of-concept of our strategy by isolating mAbs targeting the conformational V3 loop crown of HIV Env; the new mAbs cross-neutralized viruses of different clades. The novel technology allows isolating mAbs from RMs or other hosts given experimental immunogens or infectious agents

Short report: Migration among persons living with HIV

Data from the first national probability sample of persons with HIV, the HIV Cost of Services and Utilization Survey (HCSUS), are used to examine migration patterns among persons with HIV/AIDS in the USA. Persons with serious illness may choose to relocate to receive better care or support. This migration has implications for the distribution of resources. This study describes the frequency and reasons that persons with HIV move to different communities. An analytic file of 3014 respondents was obtained from the first national probability sample of persons with HIV/AIDS, the HCSUS. A migration section of the baseline questionnaire questioned respondents on their residential history. Persons were defined as movers if they moved across state lines or to a non-contiguous county after knowing they were HIV positive but before the HCSUS baseline interview. Forty percent of movers said that their HIV status was a very important factor in their decision to move. Although earlier studies of limited generalizability found movement among the HIV population from urban to rural counties, this study found only eight percent of HIV migration was from urban to rural counties, just slightly more than the migration from rural to urban counties. In addition, the vast majority of people who were moving were not moving to return home. Major factors in the decision to move included being near caregivers and being in a community with shared needs and interests. Significant numbers of persons also moved to obtain care from a physician knowledgeable in HIV treatment or to get away from discrimination. Financial assistance and the availability of Medicaid also played a prominent role in many decisions to move. Persons with HIV/AIDS are more likely to move than non-infected persons in the general population. Moreover, they are almost twice as likely to be moving out-of-state. Persons with HIV who move are similar to persons with HIV who do not move on most demographic characteristics including age, region of the country, and income.HIV AIDS Migration Access USA

Technique [Volume 88, Issue 23]

50 Years of Women at TechBeyond the White and GoldBill not treated properlyBreaking the BubbleBypass mainstream music with these albumsDisabled face increased construction roadblocksGraduates table majority of billsHave a (man) crush? Here's some adviceHouse suspends immigration billHousing fees to rise eight percentIntramural Notebook with Jack. B. NimbleJackets ink 20 recruits, top 40 spotJackets top Terps, fall to PackLegislative internships offer unique opportunitiesNewspapers not best advice sourceObituary Dr. John UyemuraOUR VIEWS Consensus OpinionOUR VIEWS Hot or NotPrivacy or proximity dominate dorms?Softball looks for continued successSpaghetti Factory features cheap eats, pleasant atmosphereSports ShortsStudent Health Center set to open in MarchTechnology Square nears completionThe Limousine Ride offers an original, amusing tripTrack takes records...Two BitsUJC nullifies UHR decisionWriting skills essential to success; Tech must do moreYouth smashes experience 11-1 in alumni baseball gam

Technique [Volume 88, Issue 21]

Affirmative action doesn't help right peopleAsk Dr. CloughBeyond the White and GoldBreaking the BubbleBuried in bills? So are most college studentsCampus Research ReviewDivers lead team to sweep Duke, fall to N.C. StateExtracurricular transcript rewards committmentFirst Miss Asian Atlanta pageant takes over Ferst CenterFreshman students mingle at formalGraduates debate showing of cricketGT responds to safety concernsHorizon Theatre's Wonder of the World a zany journeyHot or NotInfomercials hawk useless productsIntramural Notebook with Jack. B. NimbleJackets 9-0 in ThrillerdomeJackets drop the ball in DurhamLetter makes mistakesMallory leads Lady Jackets to ACC winMeow for new Cat Cove litter boxNew GT ID number, BuzzCard design available March 1NEWS BRIEFSOpinions vary on CS changesOUR VIEWS Consensus OpinionSPORTS BRIEFSStudents could see increased fees next semesterSummer SAC II fees, closure unfairTech grads start record company with community focus...Two BitsUndergrads debate budget amendment

Technique [Volume 88, Issue 19]

A forgotten film revisited: The StingA Guy Thing provides laughs, but lacks romanceAsk Dr. CloughBeyond the White and GoldBreaking the BubbleCafe Central focuses on women's issues in a new wayClassroom ControversiesClough leads team teaching class on natural gas policyCourt opinon on citizenship flawedDelayed rush system would bring benefitsDiversity more than skin pigmentElder, Bosh silence Wolfpack's barkFinishing football for 2002Former student returns, will finish degree after 40 year delayGSS debates anti- war resolutionGUEST EDITORIAL by President CloughHot or NotLady Jackets suffer tight loss to No. 1 Duke Blue DevilsLewis's career high chops 'NolesNew parking policy answers student concernsNEWS BRIEFSOUR VIEWS Consensus OpinionSAC to close for summer '03Silicon Valley "Mud Bowl" disappointsStudents craft robot, take on Virginia Tech in new battle of 'botsSwimmers fall to Clemson, 'BamaTech, Chi Phi reach long awaited agreementThai food served up with atmosphere...Two BitsUndergrads discuss immigration issueXactika: Probability gone wil

Technique [Volume 87, Issue 27]

Academy rolls out red carpet Sunday nightAn Untitled PerspectiveAsk President CloughBeyond the White and GoldCeltic band Carbon Leaf blends different music stylesCouncil Clippings: HouseCouncil Clippings: SenateDeVinny and Tech head to NCAA'sESPN brings awards show to ColiseumHackers strike OIT, compromise staff infoINS incident prompts questions for student visa holdersIntramural NotebookIslamic students work for awarenessLetters to the EditorLetters to the EditorsMetivier runs way into track record bookNews BriefsOUR VIEWS: Consensus OpinionPatterson has sports in genesPipe burst evacuates HarrisonContributing WriterPolitical NotebookPosing for Playboy, Budweiser calendars may, may not mean trouble for Baylor U. womenSallinger dominating in first season on moundSorority Boys need to go back to schoolSouth African Roger Anderson gives Wimbledon experience to GTSports BriefsStaff EditorialTech lands million dollar leadership grantTechs and the CityThe Live ListThe Sliver Box...Two BitsWAM events draw small, excited crowdsWomen's Clinic offers options other schools may not for female healt

Technique [Volume 88, Issue 6]

Alumnus reminisces about Tech of old, offers advice to freshmenBattle-tested Suggs comes back home to Georgia TechBeck performs an unlikely acoustic concert at the FerstBreaking the BubbleCS tutoring could find home in FEDean's office releases new alcohol sanctionsDrive Atlanta examines the need for speedEnergy woes worry Tech's utilities groupEthics education essential to becoming a leaderFaces at Georgia TechGreen Day's Shenanigans does not meet expectationsHouse approves financial slate formatIAC facts out of dateJennifer Daniels brings new life to folk-rock music on second albumMcEver-funded LCC class explores engineeringOUR VIEWS Consensus OpinionPrinceton Review confused about Tech's naturePrinceton Review ranks Tech unhappyRamblin' Nights to kick off tonightResponsible college drinking starts while still at homeSenior swimmer takes Tech and his sport to an international levelSports BriefsTech builds on success with solid freshman signeesTech helps with heart researchTech sororities enjoy successful fall rushTech students express their creative sides through musicTech to unveil new web presenceTennis Center policy harmful to students...Two BitsVandy kicks off Gailey er

Technique [Volume 88, Issue 11]

Beyond the White and GoldBuzz vies for nation's No. 1 mascotClough reflects on past year, outlines futureColumnist covers issue well, provides solutionsDoes sex really sell? College columnists say yesFunds unavailable for bookstore spaceJFC policy debate attracts crowdKnockaround Guys directors create Western mob movieMadame d' Amour Advice on Love and LifeNetherworld Haunted House ranks among the best in the nationNEWS BRIEFSOUR VIEWS Consensus OpinionParking regulations fair, unbiasedPeachtree Playhouse scores big with Atlanta-based hit comedyProfessor invents air sample collector, measures air pollutantsResponse Center at forefront of first responders' technologySenators revisit TEAM Buzz billSolar Jackets plan for cross country raceSports BriefsState of the Institute from one student's perspectiveTech's pep band out of penalty box...Two BitsU.S. poet laureate to speak on campusWeekend Forecas