Dynamics of DNA knots and links

The goal of this work is to describe the dynamics of DNA knots and links in an ionized fluid. To do so, we employ three models: 1. The Generalized Immersed Boundary (GIB) method, which is a deterministic method that accounts for the fluid, structure interaction of an immersed DNA molecule in an ionized fluid; 2. The Stochastic Generalized Boundary (SGIB) Method, which is an extension of the GIB method that also takes into account the random thermal fluctuations within the fluid; 3. The Sequence Dependent SGIB method, which is a new extension of the SGIB method that accounts for the elastic properties of a specified DNA sequence. Using the GIB and SGIB methods, we explore the energy landscape of a closed DNA segment in a trefoil knot configuration. We first analyze the symmetry of stable knotted equilibrium configurations, approximate saddle configurations, and examine elastic energy throughout the deterministic process. We then use the SGIB method to model DNA knot dynamics as a continuous time Markov chain. We classify and find boundaries within the energy landscape using Procrustes distance. Finally, we obtain a steady state distribution for the Markov process given a fixed linking number and compare this to the Gibb's distribution from energy estimates obtained from the GIB method. Lastly, using the SD-SGIB method, we also explore the effects of sequence dependence in the formation of kinetoplast DNA (kDNA), which has a chainmail-like linked DNA structure. We do so by finding the distribution of centroid distances of two kDNA minicircles

Roe V. Wade and Beyond

Within our Zine Roe v. Wade and Beyond, our group has examined the implications of the overturning of Roe v. Wade and how this affects different groups. This zine explores the history of this landmark Supreme Court case, and helps readers understand what the effects of this decision are. In addition to looking at the politics that are associated with this debate and this decision, the Zine also investigates different problems associated with obtaining an abortion such as education and skin color. The Zine seeks to educate readers about how abortion affects a variety of women, as well as help others decide how they can get involved if they are passionate about reproductive justice. Through the creative design and useful information provided in our project, we hope that this will provide readers with useful information pertaining to abortion, Roe v. Wade, and more.https://digitalcommons.butler.edu/spring_2023/1008/thumbnail.jp

Conducting a Pilot Evaluation of a Civic-Engagement Program for Youth with Disabilities

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the federal law that ensures all students with disabilities have access to a free and appropriate public education. In the last IDEA reauthorization in 2004, only 1% of public comments were from individuals with disabilities—the population that IDEA serves. To ensure that the feedback of individuals with disabilities is reflected in the next IDEA reauthorization, it is important to support them to learn about IDEA and advocate. To this end, for this pilot study, 16 transition-aged youth with disabilities participated in a 6-hour civic-engagement program across four states to learn about IDEA and self-advocacy. The civic-engagement program was developed and conducted in collaboration with Parent Training and Information Centers (PTIs) and co-researchers with disabilities. After attending the program, participants demonstrated significant improvements in empowerment. Participants also suggested several ways to improve disability policy, including IDEA. Individuals with disabilities and PTIs reported that the civic-engagement program was feasible. Implications for research and practice are discussed

Keck Planet Finder: design updates

The Keck Planet Finder (KPF) is a fiber-fed, high-resolution, high-stability spectrometer in development at the UC Berkeley Space Sciences Laboratory for the W.M. Keck Observatory. KPF is designed to characterize exoplanets via Doppler spectroscopy with a goal of a single measurement precision of 0.3 m s-1 or better, however its resolution and stability will enable a wide variety of astrophysical pursuits. Here we provide post-preliminary design review design updates for several subsystems, including: the main spectrometer, the fabrication of the Zerodur optical bench; the data reduction pipeline; fiber agitator; fiber cable design; fiber scrambler; VPH testing results and the exposure meter

Keck Planet Finder: design updates

The Keck Planet Finder (KPF) is a fiber-fed, high-resolution, high-stability spectrometer in development at the UC Berkeley Space Sciences Laboratory for the W.M. Keck Observatory. KPF is designed to characterize exoplanets via Doppler spectroscopy with a goal of a single measurement precision of 0.3 m s-1 or better, however its resolution and stability will enable a wide variety of astrophysical pursuits. Here we provide post-preliminary design review design updates for several subsystems, including: the main spectrometer, the fabrication of the Zerodur optical bench; the data reduction pipeline; fiber agitator; fiber cable design; fiber scrambler; VPH testing results and the exposure meter