Variational Theory and Domain Decomposition for Nonlocal Problems

In this article we present the first results on domain decomposition methods for nonlocal operators. We present a nonlocal variational formulation for these operators and establish the well-posedness of associated boundary value problems, proving a nonlocal Poincar\'{e} inequality. To determine the conditioning of the discretized operator, we prove a spectral equivalence which leads to a mesh size independent upper bound for the condition number of the stiffness matrix. We then introduce a nonlocal two-domain variational formulation utilizing nonlocal transmission conditions, and prove equivalence with the single-domain formulation. A nonlocal Schur complement is introduced. We establish condition number bounds for the nonlocal stiffness and Schur complement matrices. Supporting numerical experiments demonstrating the conditioning of the nonlocal one- and two-domain problems are presented.Comment: Updated the technical part. In press in Applied Mathematics and Computatio

The telomerase essential N-terminal domain promotes DNA synthesis by stabilizing short RNA-DNA hybrids.

Telomerase is an enzyme that adds repetitive DNA sequences to the ends of chromosomes and consists of two main subunits: the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) protein and an associated telomerase RNA (TER). The telomerase essential N-terminal (TEN) domain is a conserved region of TERT proposed to mediate DNA substrate interactions. Here, we have employed single molecule telomerase binding assays to investigate the function of the TEN domain. Our results reveal telomeric DNA substrates bound to telomerase exhibit a dynamic equilibrium between two states: a docked conformation and an alternative conformation. The relative stabilities of the docked and alternative states correlate with the number of basepairs that can be formed between the DNA substrate and the RNA template, with more basepairing favoring the docked state. The docked state is further buttressed by the TEN domain and mutations within the TEN domain substantially alter the DNA substrate structural equilibrium. We propose a model in which the TEN domain stabilizes short RNA-DNA duplexes in the active site of the enzyme, promoting the docked state to augment telomerase processivity

Building Perceptions

Throughout the histories of modern architecture and modern landscape design, two distinct yet broad schools of thought have existed: the intellectual, or rational, and the experiential, or empirical. Intellectual works require a previously acquired knowledge of the analogy, symbol or representation which was used to rationalize each design move. By contrast, in experiential works, human emotions and senses are realized and are given hierarchical precedence in the thought processes of design. The current growth of both techniques of presentation and representation via digital technology as a generative means of creating architecture has taken the inhabitants out of the design process in order for the architect to achieve his or her own personal agendas. Such works represent the pursuit of an “architecture of autonomy” whose target audience is the architectural elite. These intellectually and technologically driven processes produce architecture for architecture’s sake resulting in the creation of inhabitable sculpture alien to everyday human activity. Yet architecture has always possessed the capacity to engage the senses of its users, visitors and inhabitants in order to promote a heightened sense of awareness of the immediate architectural milieu. One’s built surroundings can bring forth the realization that the work of architecture itself is conceived and built according to how a person might perceive, interact with and circulate through the spaces

Explaining the Allocation of Bilateral and Multilateral Environmental Aid to Developing Countries

In this paper we examine how international development assistance for environmental purposes is allocated to developing countries. In particular, we investigate whether there are patterned differences between environmental aid for international public goods projects versus environmental projects having more localized impacts. We empirically investigate these questions using project project level development assistance data.International Development,

Miniature modular microwave end-to-end receiver

An end-to-end microwave receiver system contained in a single miniature hybrid package mounted on a single heatsink is presented. It includes an input end connected to a microwave receiver antenna and an output end which produces a digital count proportional to the amplitude of a signal of a selected microwave frequency band received at the antenna and corresponding to one of the water vapor absorption lines near frequencies of 20 GHz or 30 GHz. The hybrid package is on the order of several centimeters in length and a few centimeters in height and width. The package includes an L-shaped carrier having a base surface, a vertical wall extending up from the base surface and forming a corner therewith, and connection pins extending through the vertical wall. Modular blocks rest on the base surface against the vertical wall and support microwave monolithic integrated circuits on top surfaces thereof connected to the external connection pins. The modular blocks lie end-to-end on the base surface so as to be modularly removable by sliding along the base surface beneath the external connection pins away from the vertical wall

Final Design Report: Allergen Mixing Assistant (AMA) Micro-Refrigeration Redesigning

Abstract Allergen Mixing Assistant (AMA) by Xtract Solutions is a device designed to more “effectively refrigerate, organize, and mix allergenic extracts”. Although Xtract Solutions intended the product to be fully automated, the company has decided against its automation and declared its current design as a minimum viable product whose components are too expensive, difficult to source and complex. Therefore, Cal Poly AMA design team - Mitchell Parks and Minwoo Suh - has decided to replace these expensive components with much more economical alternatives as shown below: Stirling cooler → Thermoelectric (Peltier) cooler Custom Arduino Controller Card → TEC Thermostat *** Original Housing with Wasted Space * → New Housing ** The cost analysis of the new design quotes the Allergen Mixing Assistant at $730, albeit minus the labor cost and manufacturing time, much more economical than the previous design where the Stirling Cooler alone was quoted at$830. Beyond its cost-effectiveness, the new Allergen Mixing Assistant has been improved from its previous design in following categories: 1, more effective cooling; and 2, better packaging - its overall physical dimensions have been reduced. Testing proved that a larger focus on heat rejection is needed to maintain the desired set temperature. Due to insufficient heat dissipation our new unit is unable to run for extended periods of time, but will be a viable option if a larger heat sink can be obtained

The Electronic Commerce Course: An Early Vision of Learning in a Networked World

This session combines a tutorial on electronic commerce with another on the use of the Internet and world wide web to support teaching and learning. The session provides an opportunity to introduce participants to the use of ISWorld Net for purposes of teaching. In particular, it will rely on one of the deeper knowledge structures within ISWorld Net, the electronic commerce course page (url = http\u27.//www.cox.smu.edu/isworld/ecourse/isw34111.html), and the ECOMMCOURSE discussion list to provide a learning resource center for faculty throughout the world. Together these tools provide an evolving repository of knowledge and a shared community of faculty and advisors. Thus, the tutorial, although focused on the electronic commerce course, should be of interest to any faculty concernedwithensuringthattheyefficientlydesignanddeliverahighqualityeducationalexperiencefortheirstudents. Itwillalso provide an opportunity to reflect on the overarching changes to education that these technologies will engender, in particular, the movement of control to the student and the new openness of all aspects of the education process. The tutorial will consist of the following major sections

Ten Years of The Philosophical Foundations Mini-Track at AMCIS - Some Patterns

The Origins The first decade of the Philosophical Foundations mini-track at AMCIS has come to an end. Ten years of a lively discourse on a variety of topics hinging on philosophy, systems theory and ethics have left the core supporters of the track emotionally attached to the community of participants and the international effort that first grew out of the frustration of four individuals (Bunker et al., 2004, 2005) who felt strongly about promoting a more philosophical, systems-theoretical and ethical agenda for the information systems research field. At the time, it was difficult to find conference forums or publishing outlets for articles that built upon philosophy, systems theory or ethics. The general feeling amongst the founding members of the track was that the IS field considered ideas of many world-class philosophers too detached from IS research practice to be interesting or important. Similarly, systems theory had fallen out of fashion despite the fact that the very ideas of a computer and an information system originated from the concepts of that theory. Globa

CHARACTERISTICS OF MANGROVE DIAMONDBACK TERRAPINS (MALACLEMYS TERRAPIN RHIZOPHORARUM) INHABITING ALTERED AND NATURAL MANGROVE ISLANDS

The Mangrove Diamondback Terrapin, (Malaclemys terrapin rhizophorarum) is dependent on a very broad array of the services provided by the mangrove ecosystem. We sought to evaluate both the turtles and their habitat by an integrated assessment of physical, chemical, and physiological parameters. Extreme site fidelity of the turtles to mangrove habitat was evident along with a strong female biased sex ratio. We provide blood serum values and microbial cultures as baselines from these turtles in the wild. Salmonella sp., a potentially zoonotic pathogen, was isolated from one female. Ultimately, the health of these turtle populations may be reflective of the integrity of the mangrove system on which they depend