Chebyshev Polynomial Approximation to Solutions of Ordinary Differential Equations

In this thesis, we develop a method for finding approximate particular solutions for second order ordinary differential equations. We use Chebyshev polynomials to approximate the source function and the particular solution of an ordinary differential equation. The derivatives of each Chebyshev polynomial will be represented by linear combinations of Chebyshev polynomials, and hence the derivatives will be reduced and differential equations will become algebraic equations. Another advantage of the method is that it does not need the expansion of Chebyshev polynomials. This method is also compared with an alternative approach for particular solutions. Examples including approximation, particular solution, a class of variable coefficient equation, and initial value problem are given to demonstrate the use and effectiveness of these methods

Approximation of the Scattering Amplitude using Nonsymmetric Saddle Point Matrices

In this thesis we look at iterative methods for solving the primal (Ax = b) and dual (AT y = g) systems of linear equations to approximate the scattering amplitude defined by gTx =yTb. We use a conjugate gradient-like iteration for a unsymmetric saddle point matrix that is contructed so as to have a real positive spectrum. We find that this method is more consistent than known methods for computing the scattering amplitude such as GLSQR or QMR. Then, we use techniques from matrices, moments, and quadrature to compute the scattering amplitude without solving the system directly

Article Integrating PCR Theory and Bioinformatics into a Research-oriented Primer Design Exercise

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a conceptually difficult technique that embodies many fundamental biological processes. Traditionally, students have struggled to analyze PCR results due to an incomplete understanding of the biological concepts (theory) of DNA replication and strand complementarity. Here we describe the design of a novel research-oriented exercise that prepares students to design DNA primers for PCR. Our exercise design includes broad and specific learning goals and assessments of student performance and perceptions. We developed this interactive Primer Design Exercise using the principles of scientific teaching to enhance student understanding of the theory behind PCR and provide practice in designing PCR primers to amplify DNA. In the end, the students were more poised to troubleshoot problems that arose in real experiments using PCR. In addition, students had the opportunity to utilize several bioinformatics tools to gain an increased understanding of primer quality, directionality, and specificity. In the course of this study many misconceptions about DNA replication during PCR and the need for primer specificity were identified and addressed. Students were receptive to the new materials and the majority achieved the learning goals

Self-care self-efficacy, religious participation and depression as predictors of poststroke self-care among underserved ethnic minorities

Underserved ethnic minorities have multiple chronic disease risk factors, including tobacco, alcohol and substance use, which contribute to increased incidence of stroke. Self-efficacy (self-care self-efficacy), religious participation and depression may directly and indirectly influence engagement in post stroke self-care behaviors. The primary aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of self-care self-efficacy, religious participation and depression, on tobacco, alcohol and substance use in a sample of largely ethnic minority, underserved stroke survivors (n=52). Participants previously recruited for a culturally tailored secondary stroke prevention self-care intervention were included. The treatment group received three stroke self-care sessions. The usual care group completed assessments only. Both groups were included in these analyses. Main outcome measures included tobacco, alcohol and substance use. Self-care self-efficacy, religious participation and depression were also assessed. Logistic regression analyses, using self-efficacy, religious practice and depression as the referents, were used to predict binary outcomes of tobacco, alcohol and substance use at 4-weeks post-stroke. Higher depression and self-care self-efficacy were associated with reduced odds of smoking and substance use. Greater participation in religious activities was associated with lower odds of alcohol use. We can conclude that incorporating depression treatment and techniques to increase self-care self-efficacy, and encouraging religious participation may help to improve stroke self-care behaviors for underserved and low socioeconomic status individuals. Results are discussed in the context of stroke self-management

Conformational Studies of Ortho- and Meto-Isomers and Methyl, Dimethyl, and Chloro Ortho-Substituted Analogues of Dantrolene Using Ab Initio SCF-MO Procedures

The conformation of the nitro group of nitroaromatic compounds relative to the aromatic ringsystem is suggested to affect their metabolic activation and mutagenicity. We have recently showed the nitrophenylfuran skeletal muscle relaxant, dantrolene, tobe a potent mutagen inSalmonella. Synthesis of or^o-substituted analogues of dantrolene was achieved in an effort to alter the conformation of the nitro group ina manner that willdecrease the mutagenicity. Using ab initio techniques we investigated the minimum energy conformation of the nitro group of dantrolene (/mitro) and its o-and mnitro isomers as well as the nitro group conformation of dantrolene\u27s ortho- mono- and di- substituted analogues. The most stable conformer for each isomer and analogue was found by optimizing the bond lengths and bond angles for each molecule and rotating about bonds ofinterest using the STO-3G basis set in the Gaussian-92 program at the Hartree-Fock level

Kate 2007 Spring

Each year, kate seeks to: explore ideas about normative gender, sex, and sexuality work against oppression and hierarchies of power in any and all forms serve as a voice for race and gender equity as well as queer positivity encourage the silent to speak and feel less afraid build a zine and community that we care about and trusthttps://digitalcommons.otterbein.edu/kate/1006/thumbnail.jp

Kate 2006 Winter

Each year, kate seeks to: explore ideas about normative gender, sex, and sexuality work against oppression and hierarchies of power in any and all forms serve as a voice for race and gender equity as well as queer positivity encourage the silent to speak and feel less afraid build a zine and community that we care about and trusthttps://digitalcommons.otterbein.edu/kate/1005/thumbnail.jp

Kate 2006 Fall

Each year, kate seeks to: explore ideas about normative gender, sex, and sexuality work against oppression and hierarchies of power in any and all forms serve as a voice for race and gender equity as well as queer positivity encourage the silent to speak and feel less afraid build a zine and community that we care about and trusthttps://digitalcommons.otterbein.edu/kate/1004/thumbnail.jp

Impending Regeneration Failure of the IUCN Vulnerable Borneo Ironwood (Eusideroxylon zwageri)

The regeneration of many climax species in tropical forest critically depends on adequate seed dispersal and seedling establishment. Here, we report the decreased abundance and increased spatial aggregation of younger trees of the Borneo ironwood (Eusideroxylon zwageri) in a protected forest in Sabah Malaysia. We observed a high level of seedling herbivory with strong density dependence, likely exacerbated by local aggregation and contributing to the progressively shrinking size distribution. We also note the largely undocumented selective herbivory by sambar deer on E. zwageri seedlings. This study highlights the combined impact of altered megafauna community on a tree population through interlinked ecological processes and the need for targeted conservation intervention for this iconic tropical tree species