Long line knots

We study continuous embeddings of the long line L into L^n (n>1) up to ambient isotopy of L^n. We define the direction of an embedding and show that it is (almost) a complete invariant in the case n=2 for continuous embeddings, and in the case n>3 for differentiable ones. Finally, we prove that the classification of smooth embeddings L \to L^3 is equivalent to the classification of classical oriented knots.Comment: 11 pages, 4 figures, to appear in Arch. Math. 82 (2004

Field Identification in Non-Unitary Diagonal Cosets

We study the nonunitary diagonal cosets constructed from admissible representations of Kac-Moody algebras at fractional level, with an emphasis on the question of field identification. Generic classes of field identifications are obtained from the analysis of the modular S matrix. These include the usual class related to outer automorphisms, as well as some intrinsically nonunitary field identifications. They allow for a simple choice of coset field representatives where all field components of the coset are associated with integrable finite weights.Comment: 34 page

Utilizing osteocyte derived factors to enhance cell viability and osteogenic matrix deposition within IPN hydrogels

Many bone defects arising due to traumatic injury, disease, or surgery are unable to regenerate, requiring intervention. More than four million graft procedures are performed each year to treat these defects making bone the second most commonly transplanted tissue worldwide. However, these types of graft suffer from a limited supply, a second surgical site, donor site morbidity, and pain. Due to the unmet clinical need for new materials to promote skeletal repair, this study aimed to produce novel biomimetic materials to enhance stem/stromal cell osteogenesis and bone repair by recapitulating aspects of the biophysical and biochemical cues found within the bone microenvironment. Utilizing a collagen type I-alginate interpenetrating polymer network we fabricated a material which mirrors the mechanical and structural properties of unmineralized bone, consisting of a porous fibrous matrix with a young's modulus of 64 kPa, both of which have been shown to enhance mesenchymal stromal/stem cell (MSC) osteogenesis. Moreover, by combining this material with biochemical paracrine factors released by statically cultured and mechanically stimulated osteocytes, we further mirrored the biochemical environment of the bone niche, enhancing stromal/stem cell viability, differentiation, and matrix deposition. Therefore, this biomimetic material represents a novel approach to promote skeletal repair

Structured analysis and modeling of complex systems

The Aircrew Evaluation Sustained Operations Performance (AESOP) facility at Brooks AFB, Texas, combines the realism of an operational environment with the control of a research laboratory. In recent studies we collected extensive data from the Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) Weapons Directors subjected to high and low workload Defensive Counter Air Scenarios. A critical and complex task in this environment involves committing a friendly fighter against a hostile fighter. Structured Analysis and Design techniques and computer modeling systems were applied to this task as tools for analyzing subject performance and workload. This technology is being transferred to the Man-Systems Division of NASA Johnson Space Center for application to complex mission related tasks, such as manipulating the Shuttle grappler arm