Computational efficiency of fractional diffusion using adaptive time step memory and the potential application to neural glial networks
by Sprouse, Brian Patrick, M.S., UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO, 2010, 75 pages; 1480449

Abstract:

Numerical solutions to fractional differential equations can be extremely computationally intensive due to the effect of non-local derivatives in which all previous time points contribute to the current iteration. In finite difference methods this has been approximated using the "short memory effect" where it is assumed that previous events prior to some certain time point are insignificant and thus not calculated. Here, an "adaptive time" method is presented for smooth functions that is computationally efficient and results in smaller errors during numerical simulations. Sampled points along the system's history at progressively longer intervals are assumed to reflect the values of neighboring time points. By including progressively fewer points as a function of time, a temporally "weighted" history is computed that includes contributions from the entire past of the system. This results in increased accuracy, and with fewer points actually calculated, also ensures computational efficiency. The end goal is to eventually incorporate this time-saving fractional method into a neural glial network that better-describes the mechanism of extracellular ATP diffusion that results in calcium signaling between astrocytes.

 
AdviserGabriel Silva
SchoolUNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO
SourceMAI/ 49-01, p. , Sep 2010
Source TypeThesis
SubjectsNeurosciences; Mathematics; Biomedical engineering
Publication Number1480449
Adobe PDF Access the complete dissertation:
 

» Find an electronic copy at your library.
  Use the link below to access a full citation record of this graduate work:
  http://gateway.proquest.com/openurl%3furl_ver=Z39.88-2004%26res_dat=xri:pqdiss%26rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:dissertation%26rft_dat=xri:pqdiss:1480449
  If your library subscribes to the ProQuest Dissertations & Theses (PQDT) database, you may be entitled to a free electronic version of this graduate work. If not, you will have the option to purchase one, and access a 24 page preview for free (if available).

About ProQuest Dissertations & Theses
With over 2.3 million records, the ProQuest Dissertations & Theses (PQDT) database is the most comprehensive collection of dissertations and theses in the world. It is the database of record for graduate research.

The database includes citations of graduate works ranging from the first U.S. dissertation, accepted in 1861, to those accepted as recently as last semester. Of the 2.3 million graduate works included in the database, ProQuest offers more than 1.9 million in full text formats. Of those, over 860,000 are available in PDF format. More than 60,000 dissertations and theses are added to the database each year.

If you have questions, please feel free to visit the ProQuest Web site - http://www.proquest.com - or call ProQuest Hotline Customer Support at 1-800-521-3042.